Sustainability Challenge:
Sportswear companies seeking durable, water-repellent, renewably sourced materials for outdoor gear.
Chemistry Solution:
Chemistry innovation reduces water and energy use while enhancing product performance.
Sustainability Benefit:
Teflon EcoEliteTM water-repellent textile finish from Chemours enhances clothing quality and durability, while helping consumers save water and energy.
Outdoor enthusiasts need durable clothing and gear that can withstand challenging conditions, from exposure to rain, sleet and frigid temperatures to wet, muddy off-road treks. And sportswear companies want to manufacture clothing products made from eco-friendly materials that meet the demands of extreme athletes and weekend hikers alike.
To address this need, chemical company Chemours dug into its portfolio of renewably based raw materials innovations to develop Teflon EcoElite™, a durable, non-fluorinated water-repellent finish for fabrics and textiles sourced from renewable, plant-based material. Teflon EcoElite™ compliments existing fluorinated Teflon™ fabric protectors that can repel oil as well as water stains.
Teflon EcoElite™ is compatible with a variety of fabrics, providing water repellency on natural and synthetic fibers and blends to protect garments from rain and other water-based stains. Rather than being absorbed into the fabric, liquids bead up and roll off of fabrics, helping to keep users warm and dry in adverse weather conditions.
Because Teflon EcoElite™ finish repels stains, treated clothing may need fewer washes, and stains can be removed from fabric at lower water temperatures. Additionally, the highly durable finish can stand up to repeated home launderings, providing protection for treated clothing after multiple washes and helping extend the clothing’s lifespan. And using less energy and water to wash their clothes can help people reduce their environmental footprint.
Zelan™ R3, the chemistry behind the Teflon EcoElite™ brand, is bluesign® approved for meeting garment industry sustainability standards and also recognized as a 60 percent USDA-Certified Biobased Product.
