This innovation extends the lifespan of garments and supports sustainability by reducing the need for frequent replacement.
Archroma, a leader in specialty chemicals, has introduced a new silicone softener called SILIGEN® D2W LIQ C, which is a significant advancement in the textile industry. This new product is the first of its kind, designed to provide a truly durable softness for cotton and cotton-lycra blended fabrics. It directly addresses a long-standing challenge faced by manufacturers: the trade-off between a softener that lasts and one that doesn't negatively impact the natural absorbency of cotton. The company’s innovation promises to keep garments feeling silky soft and elastic for a longer period, which in turn extends their use-life. This is particularly beneficial for clothing that needs to be comfortable and breathable, such as undergarments, activewear, baby clothes, and towels.
The key to this breakthrough is a new, patent-pending chemistry from Archroma called micro-x. This technology utilizes a cross-linkable microemulsion that creates a stable silicone network within the cellulosic fibers. Unlike previous softeners that would wash off after several launderings, this new formulation locks the softener in place, ensuring a more uniform distribution and wash-resistance. This not only maintains the fabric's soft handfeel over time but also preserves the natural absorbency of the cotton fiber. In addition, SILIGEN® D2W LIQ C has minimal side effects, such as no yellowing, and is compatible with other functional finishes like easy-care resins, which allows for a wider range of applications.
In a move towards greater transparency and to support the textile industry's sustainability goals, Archroma's researchers also developed a new way to objectively measure the durability of fabric handfeel. Historically, this was a subjective evaluation based on human perception. However, by measuring the elastic recovery added to the fabric by the silicone finish and tracking it through multiple wash cycles, Archroma can now provide a quantifiable measure of the softener's longevity. This scientific approach provides mills and brands with the ability to more accurately quantify the durability of softness for the first time.
According to Dhirendra Gautam, VP Global Marketing and Strategy at Archroma, this innovation aligns with the company's "planet conscious vision." He stated that as brands focus more on designing for longevity, they require solutions that keep garments luxurious and comfortable over a longer period. By enhancing both durability and the handfeel of cotton, SILIGEN® D2W LIQ C reduces the need for frequent garment replacement. This, in turn, helps to conserve resources, minimize waste, and lessen the overall environmental impact of the textile industry.
