The Dow Chemical Company, which combines science and technology to make premier materials science solutions that are essential to human progress, has launched its ECOFAST pure sustainable textile treatment technology at the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC) International Conference, which was held from March 6 to 8, 2018. The breakthrough technology enables unique, brighter colours on natural textiles and significantly improves resource efficiency during the dyeing process.
Dow’s patented technology allows for the uptake of reactive, direct and acid dyes on natural fibres and fabrics, used in products from apparel to home goods. Most notably, acid dyes are used to achieve colours such as fluorescents, which, until now, were unavailable on cotton, the most preferred clothing material by consumers. ECOFAST Pure also improves colour fastness to provide brand owners peace of mind that the quality of a product will stand up against wear over time. At the core of ECOFAST Pure is Dow’s commitment to deliver breakthrough sustainable chemistry innovations, a key pillar of the Company’s 2025 Sustainability Goals. Materials treated with ECOFAST Pure require less rinses and lower water temperatures during dyeing to ultimately decrease water use by more than 50 per cent as well as overall energy use. Manufacturers can also decrease dye use by 75 per cent through increased dye uptake and reduced cycle time. This enhanced resource efficiency can even be achieved without the addition of salts to the dye bath.
Natural textiles commonly treated with ECOFAST Pure include tubular knit fabric, yarn, denim, garments, and toweling. Esma Talu, Market Manager for Dow said, “Dow has leveraged over a century of material science knowledge to help address the performance and sustainability gaps in the textile industry. By pre-treating textiles with ECOFAST Pure, manufacturers can deliver longer lasting, new generation colours on natural textiles while simultaneously reducing water, dye, and energy use”.
