US' Huntsman to showcase innovative solutions at Performance Days

Driven by growing consumer interest in active and healthy lifestyles, coupled with the growing number of national sports participation programmes that promote healthy living, the global sportswear market shows no signs of slowing. Brands that aim to satisfy this high-growth market need to be able to produce performance apparel that not only delivers sought-after functional capabilities and desirable aesthetics, but also comes with low environmental impact, Huntsman said in a press release.

“Sportswear consumers increasingly demand both sustainability and performance. While achieving this balance has traditionally been a challenge, new technologies are changing the game,” said Dhirendra Singh, senior director, Global Market Strategy and Innovation, Huntsman Textile Effects. “With a partner like Huntsman, brands today can offer garments that perform well for every wear—garments that are breathable and dry quickly, resist stains and odours, and retain their good looks and great performance through hard workouts and frequent washing. Even better, they can do so in ways that are both economically and environmentally sustainable.”

Huntsman will also introduce the latest addition to the third generation of its revolutionary Avitera SE polyreactive dye range at Performance Days. Avitera Rose SE delivers brilliant bluish-red shades while reducing the water and energy required for production by up to 50 per cent and increasing mill output by up to 25 per cent or more. It also significantly outperforms the best available dyeing technologies for cellulosic fibres and blends in terms of value, reducing recipe costs, minimizing processing costs and eliminating reprocessing.

Also in the spotlight are eco-friendly solutions for the challenges of achieving full whites and consistent shades on recycled polyester (rPET) with right-first-time quality. Huntsman’s rPET processing solutions include pre-treatment chemicals, fluorescent whitening agents, state-of-the-art washfast dyes, and finishing solutions for high-performance protection and comfort, the release added.

In partnership with Sciessent, Huntsman is also bringing revolutionary antimicrobial and odour-control solutions to Performance Days. These include Sciessent’s Agion Active X2, a next-generation odour-control solution that combines advanced technologies to both capture and fight odour-causing bacteria for garments that smell fresh for longer and need less frequent washing. The partners are also previewing a new solution: Sciessent’s NOBO, a cost-effective odour absorber that provides odour control on virtually any fabric.

Other featured innovations include Teflon Eco Dry with Zelan R2 Plus technology. A breakthrough in sustainable water repellency, it contains 30 per cent renewably sourced plant-based raw materials and meets or exceeds performance levels possible with traditional fluorinated technologies. Another exciting Huntsman solution is the new Phobol Extender UXN – a product that optimizes water-repellent finishes for long-lasting fabric protection. It is free from butanone oxime, which has recently been re-classified in Europe and restricted above certain limits in products by bluesign.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (RR)