HeiQ, a leading provider of innovative technologies to textile consumer goods, launches a performance enhanced version of its fluorine-free durable water repellent technology BARRIER ECO.

In line with its sustainability approach, the Swiss textile innovator focuses entirely on DWR technologies without fluorocarbons and thus, provides environmentally-friendly alternative solutions to textile brands with diverse applications, the company reports.

The manufacturer will present its latest solutions, including BARRIER ECO DRY, Barrier ECO CEL, and Barrier ECO PES at the upcoming ITMA 2015 exhibition that is due to take place in Milan this month.

Sustainable alternative

Textile brands, specifically outdoor brands, have lately been put under pressure from a number of environmental NGOs, criticizing the use of fluorocarbon (PFC) based chemicals to achieve durable water-repellence (DWR) performance of ski jackets, pants and further outdoor gear.

This criticism is based on the findings that PFCs are bioaccumulative and persistent in the environment. HeiQ’s BARRIER ECO was one of the first water repellent finishes without the use of fluorocarbons. The technology has since been adopted by well-known brands like The North Face, Völkl, Jack Wolfskin, Vaude, Mark’s and Outerknown.

Enhanced product version

The company now presents the enhanced product version BARRIER ECO DRY. With it, HeiQ says it has developed an all-round product applicable to all fibre types with improved performance results.

HeiQ has optimized its fluorine free product formulation with Barrier ECO CEL to maximize performance on cotton and Barrier ECO PES on pure polyester fibers. These three sustainable product novelties will be presented at ITMA Milan from the 12^th to 19^th November.

3D structure

Inspired by ducks’ natural ability to stay warm and dry in the wettest and harshest of conditions, BARRIER ECO’s innovative hyper-branched 3D structure imitates a duck’s feathery coat and is said to repel water and snow effectively and ecologically without any harmful fluorocarbons so there are no PFOSs or PFOAs.

This bluesign-approved and Oeko-Tex-conform technology also provides a soft handle and retains breathability, and is therefore ideally suited for outdoor wear like jackets, hiking pants, fleece and also footwear, according to the manufacturer.

Support and advice

HeiQ provides full support and advice to its customers during the transition to non-fluorocarbon based DWR technologies. Diverse in-house ISO repellency test methods are provided to determine the technology’s performance on different fabrics and garments, including spray and roll-off angle test, as well as the Bundesmann and water column testing.

During the ITMA exhibition, HeiQ’s CTO Prof Dr Murray Height will give a deep knowledge presentation about Water repellency without fluorine – Learning from Nature at the Textile Colourant and Chemical Leaders Forum that is scheduled to take place on 14 November 2015.

www.heiq.com