Haartz partners with GTT to scale waterless textile finishing

Green Theme Technologies Inc. (GTT), a pioneer in waterless and PFAS-free textile finishing, and The Haartz Corporation, a global leader in highly engineered and distinctively designed textile materials, have announced a collaboration to transform the way textiles are finished in the US. GTT’s PFAS-free and waterless EMPEL™ textile finishing platform, the first of its type in the North American market, provides best-in-class performance while removing dangerous chemicals from all layers of textile finishing without the use of water.

The EMPEL platform, created by GTT, can apply a wide range of finishes to an almost infinite number of fabrics, including Durable Water Repellent, Anti-Wicking, Durable Stain Release, and more. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) pollution is eliminated by EMPEL using sustainable “clean chemistry” during the textile manufacturing process through a waterless process.

Martin Flora, VP of Business Development for GTT, said that Haartz is the ideal partner for GTT. Through its top-notch production and testing facilities, they are the global leader in growing completed fabric technology. Their partnership introduces textile innovation to North America and helps produce a good and significant environmental effect through their many product categories, which include clothing, furniture, and automobiles.

EMPEL employs a nontoxic, water-free hydrocarbon monomer solution that polymerizes when applied to textiles, coating each individual yarn with a high-performance finish, according to independent research by Bureau Veritas and Okeotex. According to testing, EMPEL provides a longer-lasting protective finish than the C0 and C6 fluorocarbon water repellent alternatives.

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.

Currently, performance clothing companies like Black Diamond, TREW Gear, Stoney Creek, and Artilect sell clothing items that incorporate EMPEL. The EMPEL technique has only one US license, and Haartz intends to increase manufacturing with a number of well-known companies.

Matt Williams, Vice President Vice President, Global Automotive Exteriors & New Markets at Haartz, said that with uses in everything from apparel to furniture and beyond, EPEL offers limitless potential for the future of textile production. They continuously push the limits of their production to deliver the most efficient, high-performing goods to the market. They’re tackling this unique challenge with a uniquely sustainable solution, just as they have done throughout their long experience servicing the automotive industry, and they look forward to introducing this new upgraded technology with a smaller carbon footprint to US manufacturers.