An example of conscious leadership is the invention and introduction, by the Rudolf Group, of fluorine-free Durable Water Repellency (DWR) for textiles and apparel. Since 2003, the RUCO-DRY product line has gradually convinced the industry that water-resistance can be achieved through the study and replica of natural models, the company reports.

“Biomimicry and the study of lotus leaves and bird’s feathers were instrumental in developing the very first fluorine-free DWR’s,” says Dr. Gunther Duschek, Managing Director at Rudolf Group.

Fifteen years later, Rudolf Group does it again and takes a significant leapfrog, the Bavarian company says. It pushes the boundaries of R&D well beyond fluorine-free, embraces nature and introduces water repellent performance entirely based on natural components, it explains. “We are launching two brand new, distinctive product propositions entirely manufactured from natural sources that do not compete with human and/or animal nutrition,” continues Dr. Duschek.

RUCO-DRY BIO CGR is an absolute breakthrough and the first Durable Water Repellent (DWR) agent based on plant-derived processing wastes, according to Rudolf. In fact, RUCO-DRY BIO CGR is made of natural waste that accumulates as by-product during the processing of cereal grains in the food industry, the company adds. The leftover material that would otherwise be disposed of is refined to create a powerful water and stain repellent textile finish.

“By turning natural waste into DWR we have optimized the biologic character of RUCO-DRY BIO CGR where the active component is made of more than 90% bio carbon,” states Dr. Dirk Sielemann, R&D Director at Rudolf Group. He continues: “Although most of the product is composed by recycled biomass, RUCO-DRY BIO CGR meets the performance and durability of conventional water-repellent textile finishes.”

RUCO-DRY BIO NPE is an equally outstanding product innovation where DWR is entirely based on a carefully selected mix of natural plant extracts, Rudolf says. The well-balanced mix of plant-based ingredients combines excellent water and stain repellent effects with breathability and a natural hand feel. 

Unlike other 100% renewable raw materials, those used in the making of RUCO-DRY BIO NPE are chemically and genetically non-modified and are not used as food, feed or fuel, adds Rudolf. Furthermore, all of the plant extracts that compose RUCO-DRY BIO NPE are subject to a strict conservation and sustainability framework, it says. “That’s why the supply of RUCO-DRY BIO NPE is likely to remain limited to the creation and marketing of performance outdoor and sports apparel programs embedding state-of-the-art sustainable technology,” concludes Dr. Duschek.

Both RUCO-DRY BIO CGR and RUCO-DRY BIO NPE are marketed through the BIO-LOGIC trademark, registered by Rudolf Group.

Rudolf GmbH, based in Geretsried, Bavaria, was founded by Reinhold Rudolf in Northern Bohemia in 1922. It is specialized in innovative and high-quality chemical products, predominantly textile auxiliaries, products for textile care as well as construction chemicals. 1745 employees in 45 countries around the world guarantee logistical as well as technical service.

The combination of backwards integration, development know-how, exact knowledge of market requirements and thorough technical application expertise make RUDOLF GmbH an experienced and competent partner for the customers of the textile finishing industry, co-producers and many other industries. Quality Management and certification according to DIN ISO 9001:14001 go without saying. RUDOLF offers products that comply with the OEKO-TEX Standard and GOTS, is committed to ZDHC and is a bluesign system partner. In addition, adds Rudolf, as a member of the chemical industry, it lives the philosophy of the voluntary Responsible Care initiative, which stands for responsible action in the fields of environment, safety and health.

Rudolf Group Website