This new dye is compliant with all Restricted Substance Lists (RSL) and with Oeko-Tex Standard 100. It is also free of heavy metals, the company reports.

Novel chemistry

Levafix ECO Black is a neutral black shade with a superior level of colour constancy between daylight and artificial light sources, according to the manufacturer. Due to its novel chemistry higher wet and light fastness properties can be achieved compared to conventional reactive black dyes.

For example, it is said to provide very good fastness to simulated multiple wash (ISO 105 C09, AATCC190, M&S C10A), leading to reduced wash-down and shade change problems for end-users. Levafix ECO Black is also designed to offer excellent results in the demanding adidas wash fastness test at 40°C. Other properties include:

• The ISO 105 C06 C2S (60°C with perborate) wash fastness is superior to conventional reactive Black types.
• Light (ISO 105 B02 Xenon) and perspiration-light fastness (ISO 105-B07 [former Nike PLF test]) are superior.
• The fastness profile is completed by good results in the chlorinated water fastness test (ISO 105 E03 - 20 ppm active chlorine).

There is also said to be low or on-tone staining of adjacent fibres in the dye-bath (no brown staining of polyamide, unlike many reactive Black dyes).

Sustainable and innovative

The company believes that these superior oxidative wash and light fastness properties lead to a more sustainable textile end-product due to better retention of the original shade.

With this novelty DyStar provides another innovation to the textile industry in attempt to achieve best quality with minimal environmental impact. DyStar will continue to develop further Levafix dyes with similar outstanding ECO and performance properties in coming months to offer a complete range to its customers.

www.dystar.com