Based on a new technology from Chemours, this product is the industry’s first renewably sourced water repellent treatment available, according to the manufacturer.

Sustainable finish

Mills and brands that use ZELAN R3 finish will now be able to provide consumers with durable water-repellent fabrics utilizing an environmental sustainability finish which contains 63% renewably sourced content.

This content is derived from a variety of plant-based sources, selected to be from non-genetically-modified (non-GMO) and non-food-source feedstock. It also fully complies with Oeko-Tex Standard 100 requirements, and with the Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals (ZDHC) Joint Roadmap Manufacturers Restricted Substance List (MRSL).

Chemours is in the process of becoming a bluesign system partner so that the organization, and the ZELAN R3 finish product can be evaluated, achieve bluesign approved status and be listed in the bluesign bluefinder—the only verified positive list for the textile industry.

Superior water protection

ZELAN R3 finish is said to effectively repel water and common water-based liquids such as fruit juice, hot coffee and red wine. It is designed to perform well on a variety of fabrics, including cotton, synthetics and blends, and is ideal for high-performance outdoor and outerwear fabrics.

The product is up to three times more durable than existing non-fluorinated repellents, delivering high-performance repellency for at least 30 washes, which is comparable to leading repellent products, according to Huntsman.

“Brands are increasingly demanding products that are sustainable and renewably sourced without sacrificing high performance durability. ZELAN R3 finish was developed to satisfy this demand, delivering superior water protection while also reducing the environmental footprint of treated fabrics,” said Lee Howarth, Global Marketing Manager from Huntsman Textile Effects.

“ZELAN R3 finish continues the 25-year alliance of Chemours and Huntsman and reinforces our joint commitment to innovation that accelerates the textile industry’s drive for greater sustainability.”

Technical support

Huntsman Textile Effects will provide technical support, recipe recommendations and application guidance to help mills and finishers use ZELAN R3 finish to achieve the desired performance requirements.

The treatment is applied by padding at loading levels comparable or lower than other typical repellent finishes and can be combined with PHOBOL XAN Extender, a water and oil repellent, to further boost wash durability.

Brands and retailers that have ZELAN R3 finished fabrics which meet durable water repellency (DWR) performance levels may obtain a Trademark Licensing Agreement from Chemours allowing them to use the Teflon EcoElite brand in promotion of their products.

www.huntsman.com