Eco-Friendly Solutions: Sustainable Textile Finishing Chemicals

Textile finishing chemicals are substances applied to textiles at the end of the manufacturing process to impart specific properties or enhance their performance. These chemicals serve various purposes, including improving durability, enhancing softness, adding water repellency, providing flame retardancy, and ensuring color fastness. They play a crucial role in determining the final quality and functionality of textile products.

At a predicted CAGR of 5.5% from 2019 to 2024, the size of the global Textile Finishing Chemicals Market is expected to increase from USD 6.2 billion in 2019 to USD 8.2 billion by 2024.

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Common types of textile finishing chemicals include:

• Softeners: Used to impart softness and smoothness to fabrics, making them more comfortable to wear.
• Stiffeners: Provide stiffness and shape retention to fabrics, commonly used in applications such as collars and cuffs.
• Water repellents: Applied to textiles to make them resistant to water, preventing moisture absorption and enhancing durability.
• Flame retardants: Chemicals added to textiles to reduce their flammability and slow down the spread of fire, thus improving safety.
• Antimicrobial agents: Help inhibit the growth of microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi, reducing odor and prolonging the life of textile products.
• UV absorbers: Protect fabrics from the damaging effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation, thereby increasing their lifespan and preserving color.
• Colorants: Dyes and pigments used to add or enhance color in textiles, ensuring vibrant and long-lasting hues.
• Wrinkle resistance agents: Prevent textiles from wrinkling and creasing during use and laundering, maintaining a neat appearance.
• Antistatic agents: Reduce static electricity buildup on fabrics, preventing discomfort and clinging.

While textile finishing chemicals offer numerous benefits, their use raises concerns about environmental and health impacts. Some chemicals may be harmful to human health or contribute to pollution during manufacturing, application, or disposal. Efforts are underway to develop eco-friendly alternatives and promote sustainable practices in the textile industry to mitigate these risks and ensure the long-term sustainability of textile production.

Recent Developments:

• In November 2019, Huntsman textile joined the ZDHC roadmap to zero programmer as a contributor; this promotes sustainable chemistry and best practice in the textile and footwear industries and helps shift the sector to a more transparent global supply chain.
• In June 2019, Wacker Chemie AG expanded its silicone elastomer production in China with an annual capacity of 7,000 metric tons. This expansion will support Wacker’s future growth path in China and improve the availability of high consistency silicone rubber (HCR) in the APAC region.
• In May 2019, Archroma launched Appretan NTR, a break-through water-based textile coating binder based on renewable natural ingredients.
• In March 2018, The Dow Chemical Company launched ECOFAST Pure Sustainable Textile Treatment. This product imparts unique and brighter colors on natural textiles. It also significantly improves resource efficiency during the dyeing process.
• In May 2017, Archroma collaborated with the American clothing company, Patagonia (US). Patagonia created Clean Color Collection, a capsule collection using Archroma’s range of dyes manufactured from agricultural waste, EarthColors.

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Textile Finishing Chemicals Market Players

Huntsman Corporation (US), Wacker Chemie AG (Germany), The Dow Chemical Company (US), Archroma (Switzerland), Evonik Industries (Germany), Dupont (US), Solvay SA (Belgium), Tanatex Chemicals B.V. (Netherlands), and Dystar Singapore PTE Ltd. (Singapore) are the leading textile finishing chemicals manufacturers, globally. These companies adopted expansion, new product development, joint venture, and merger & acquisition as their key growth strategies between 2015 and 2019 to earn a competitive advantage in market.

Huntsman Corporation (US) is one of the leading players in the textile finishing chemicals market. The company has been focusing on organic strategies, such as expansion and new product development, to maintain its leading position in the market. For example, in October 2019, the company introduced ERIOPON E3-SAVE dying auxiliary, which significantly reduces the cost of polyester dyeing. It’s an eco-friendly dyeing auxiliary that saves time, water, and energy by enabling pre-scouring, dyeing, and reduction clearing in a single bath. Also, in April 2015, Huntsman textile effects extended its HIGH IQ performance assurance program. This helps mills, brands, and retailers meet customer demands.

Wacker Chemie AG (Germany) is another major player in the textile finishing chemicals market. In November 2019, the company started up a new silicone metal production site, at Holla site in Norway, increasing the total capacity of the site by 40%. In October 2019, the company presented new polymer- and -silicone based products for the manufacture of coatings, adhesives, and sealants at ABRAFATI 2019. Moreover, in April 2017, the company concluded an agreement with STC Silicones (Brazil) on the co-branding of the ready-to-use silicone products to strengthen its position in the region.

Conclusion

Textile finishing chemicals play a vital role in enhancing the aesthetic appeal, performance, and functionality of textiles. They are crucial for achieving desired properties such as softness, durability, water repellences, flame retardancy, and color fastness. However, their usage raises concerns regarding environmental and health impacts due to the presence of harmful substances and potential pollution during manufacturing processes.

Efforts are being made to develop eco-friendly alternatives and sustainable practices in the textile industry to minimize the adverse effects of these chemicals. Research and innovation in green chemistry aim to substitute hazardous chemicals with safer alternatives without compromising on performance. Additionally, regulations and standards regarding the use and disposal of textile finishing chemicals continue to evolve, emphasizing the importance of compliance and responsible practices.

In conclusion, while textile finishing chemicals offer significant benefits to the industry, their responsible use and sustainable alternatives are imperative for minimizing environmental and health risks, ensuring the long-term viability of the textile sector.