MOOO dyeable PP fiber makes dyeing a reality

20 Oct '08

3 min read

Garments made of MOOO (pronounced "move") dyeable polypropylene can now be dyed efficiently in the latest brilliant hues, thanks to BASF's fiber technology.

BASF launched the fiber, with its award-winning technology process, today at Intertextile Shanghai 2008, in order to help cloth designers and textile manufacturers create innovations that spark international trends.

"China and other countries in Asia are now the global sourcing hub for textiles, and this means that cloth designers and textile manufacturers are facing increasing demands for style, sophistication and above all, performance.

They are delivering everything from the simplest everyday garments to the most glamorous fashions, and they have an ambition to create more value-added products through innovation and stronger branding.

The challenge now is to go beyond the basics and respond quickly to market needs," said Dr. Gerald Lauterbach, Director of New Business Development of BASF's Performance Chemicals division.

The MOOO fiber incorporates innovative BASF technology that allows fabric from colorless MOOO fiber to be color-dyed, which previously was not possible for polypropylene. Polypropylene fabrics can now easily be dyed with disperse dyes in aqueous media in a standard industry process.

The invention also provides brilliant color shades to meet fast-moving market trends. The unique feature of MOOO fiber is its super light weight, as light as 0.9g/cm3. MOOO fiber is the lightest among all other fibers, including cotton, nylon and polyester.

MOOO fiber offers immense production possibilities where manufacturers benefit from increasing their operational effectiveness, reducing the inventory of colored yarns and streamlining the production process. The MOOO>™ brand, “Being Light”, symbolizes BASF's commitment to fulfill the desires of consumers and the market needs of manufacturers.

Dr. Lauterbach continued: “We are offering new products and technologies that offer more than just style and fashion, but with intelligent solutions that can increase their operational effectiveness and reduce inventory and streamline production processes.”

BASF also announced today at Intertextile an exciting collaborative partnership with Tri Ocean Textile Co., Ltd (Tri). The extensive customer network in both Europe and the United States of Tri can help BASF in promoting the MOOO fiber to the textile and apparel market.

Based on Tri Ocean's strong technical know-how in spinning polypropylene, the knowledge exchange with BASF will ensure additional value for the customers of Tri Ocean.

“BASF is famous for its market R&D and for its innovations. Tri's in-depth understanding of markets and trends helps BASF's customers to be more successful,” said Mr. Jammy Huang, Tri Ocean General Manager.

“The partnership between BASF and Tri Ocean is a strategic cooperation aiming to meet increasing industry demand for a one-stop shop for innovative performance fabrics relevant for all applications from high performance apparel to daily casual wear,” said Ms. Betty Yam, Global Business Manager, New Business Development, BASF's Performance Chemicals division.

More Textiles News - Germany...