UK university finds natural solution for fabric fire safety problem

The finish reduces water, energy and chemical usage for more efficient and sustainable manufacturing, according to a press release from the university.

Finishing offers fabrics many of their most important characteristics. Camira Fabrics supplies high-end interior fabrics for everything from homeware to public transport, meaning flame-retardant finishes are a top priority.

To investigate natural flame-retardant finishes, Camira collaborated with Parik Goswami at the university. “We’re focused on using chemistry from the natural environment to support the region’s businesses to become more sustainable,” says Goswami. “It’s exciting to harness natural resources to give Yorkshire companies the cutting edge when facing tomorrow’s challenges.”

Goswami and his team in the Technical Textiles Research Centre undertook lab testing of new natural chemical alternatives.

The result was a promising set of findings which shed light on the potential performance of a natural flame-retardant finish. Even more exciting, the new solution could be added to the fabric in the dye bath as part of a one-step dyeing and finishing process.

Camira’s wool/bast fibre fabrics have a natural inherent flame retardancy offering a sustainable solution for some sectors, but for other wool fabrics, which require chemical flame retardant treatments, the industry is in need of a more sustainable solution.

Camira is currently investigating commercial sources of natural chemicals that will enable them to scale up and commercialise the new technique. The novel approach could be applicable in markets that are still closed to the company, creating new opportunities worldwide. Bringing an innovative solution to market could even give Camira a new revenue stream.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)