Venator, headquartered in Stockton-on-Tees, UK, has become the first manufacturer and supplier of fibre anatase titanium dioxide (TiO2) to the textile industry to secure an Eco Passport by Oeko-Tex.

The accreditation relates to Venator’s Hombitan LW-S 100 pigment, a premium TiO2 grade for delustering synthetic fibres such as polyester, viscose and acrylic.

Eco Passport by Oeko-Tex is an independent, multi-stage testing and certification system for chemicals, colorants and auxiliaries used to manufacture textiles and leather. Its rigorous evaluation process provides independent proof that raw materials are produced in an environmentally friendly way and under socially responsible conditions.

Hombitan LW-S 100 is an important TiO2 grade in the textile industry, widely used to reduce gloss and create an aesthetically pleasing matt appearance. The pigment also makes yarns easier to spin and improves lightfastness and weather resistance compared to standard pigments.

It is now certified suitable for use in specialist textile applications where there is direct skin contact and where the highest quality standards are required. This includes personal hygiene products such as wet wipes, diapers and feminine hygiene products. The certification of Hombitan LW-S 100 will also interest sports apparel manufacturers producing sweat wicking garments.

“Textile producers are increasingly looking to source raw materials with an Eco Passport in place,” said Xandra Bläser, global business director for TiO2 at Venator. “Purchasing ingredients with this quality mark makes it easier for them to achieve the Standard 100 by Oeko-Texlabel. If a garment carries the Standard 100 label, consumers expect that every component – every thread, button, and zip – has been tested for harmful substances and will not have a detrimental effect on their health. With this accreditation our customers have confidence that they are specifying a product from a reliable, responsible partner that adheres to the strictest safety and product stewardship standards.”

To secure Eco Passport by Oeko-Tex status for Hombitan LW-S 100, Venator worked with the testing provider Hohenstein. As part of the accreditation process, Venator’s TiO2 experts had to pass three screening steps.

The product was first cross-checked against lists of harmful chemicals including the REACH substances of very high concern (SVHC) candidate list

It was then tested in an independent laboratory to ensure its suitability for use in the sustainable production of textiles

The final step was a site visit to check that Venator had all the correct systems in place for environmental management, health and safety, quality management and social responsibility.

“We’re delighted to congratulate Venator on its successful Eco Passport certification,” said John Murphy, technical director of Hohenstein Europe. “The systematic testing promotes confidence, compliance and efficiency in the textile industry and means Hombitan LW-S 100 meets the very highest standards for safer textiles.”

Venator has an extensive portfolio of pigments and additive products for the fibres and textiles.

www.venatorcorp.com