The Haartz Corporation, a leader in the supply of automotive interior fabrics headquartered in Acton, Massachusetts, recently announced a collaboration with Green Theme Technologies.

Now, Haartz will employ GTT's PFAS-free and Empel procedure to treat fabrics, which removes dangerous chemicals from all stages of textile finishing without the use of water. It can apply a wide range of treatments to an almost infinite number of textiles, including long-lasting stain removal, anti-wicking, and water repellent finishes.

Martin Flora, VP of business development for GTT, said that Haartz is a global leader in expanding completed fabric technology through world-class manufacturing and testing facilities. Their relationship is driving a positive and significant environmental impact while introducing new textile innovation to North America.

Empel employs a non-toxic, water-free hydrocarbon monomer solution that polymerizes when applied to fabrics, coating each individual yarn with a high-performance finish, according to independent research by Bureau Veritas and Okeotex. It performs better than the C0 and C6 fluorocarbon alternatives currently available, according to testing.

The adoption of high-performance and sustainable solutions is being led by forward-thinking companies like Haartz as PFAS prohibitions spread across the nation and the globe. Black Diamond, Stoney Creek, Trew Gear, and Artilect are a few apparel companies that now sell items that employ Empel. The only US license holder for the method is Haartz, who intends to scale manufacturing with a number of well-known companies.

Matt Williams, vice president of global automotive exteriors and new markets at Haartz, said that with uses in everything from apparel to furniture and beyond, Empel offers limitless potential for the future of textile production. They continuously push the limits of their manufacturing to deliver the most efficient, high-performing products to the market. They're approaching a unique challenge with a unique sustainable solution, just as they have done throughout their long experience serving the automotive industry, and they're excited to introduce this new improved technology with a lower carbon footprint to US production.