Dow Corning eco-friendly water-repellent finish

US: Dow Corning launches eco-friendly water-repellent finish

By Leonie Barrie | 14 March 2012

A new eco-friendly water repellency treatment for sportswear and activewear that contains no fluorine, solvents or APEOs (alkylphenol ethoxylate) has been launched by Dow Corning.

The silicon-based technology emulsion, called DWR-7000 Soft Hydro Guard, not only provides water repellency but also imparts softness to most textiles, the company says.

It also claims the water repellency is durable after 30 home laundry wash times - which is at least equal to that imparted by standard fluorocarbon water repellent finishing systems.

"Leading brand apparel companies are looking for innovative water repellency technologies that can provide eco-friendly solutions for their garments without sacrificing comfort," says Joanna Giovanoli, marketing manager, Dow Corning Textiles.

She adds that "silicones exhibit no adverse toxicological effects or evidence of bioaccumulation and have no effects on soil-living species or on crop growth."

Sectors: Apparel, Fibres & fabrics, Manufacturing, Retail, Social & environmental responsibility