System based on a new vegan textile softener with one-third plant-based active content
Pratteln, Switzerland – Archroma’s recently launched Earth Soft is a softening system for textile and fashion applications based on Archroma’s new vegan silicone softener.
Siligen EH1 presents an alternative to manufacturers and brands looking to reduce the use of fossil fuel-based ingredients without compromising performance. It is the latest addition in recent years in the plant-based innovations developed by Archroma. Others include EarthColors dyes and Appretan NTR binders.
“The new Earth Soft system based on Siligen EH1 softener adds to our growing portfolio of innovations based on natural and renewable plant-based resources,” noted Paul Cowell, Archorma’s head of Competence Centers for Brand & Performance Textile Specialties. “This new breakthrough innovation by Archroma helps us and our partners in the textile and fashion industry to minimize our dependence on petroleum fossil fuel products.”
As Cowell explained, the new product was developed in line with the principles of “The Archroma Way to a sustainable world: safe, efficient, enhanced, it’s our nature.” Siligen EH1 softener’s active content is based on plant-based, renewable raw materials. In addition, the product features ultralow cyclic siloxanes (D4, D5, D6) which are classified by the European Chemicals Agency as “Substances of Very High Concern” due to their very persistent and bioaccumulative properties.
Siligen EH1 is ideally suited for shirts, underwear, sportswear as well as home textiles like towels, bed sheets and more, as it provides an excellent wearing comfort by supporting a good moisture transportation and delivering a smooth and soft touch.
The new softener and the Earth Soft system also include a Hydroperm wicking agent to boost hydrophilic properties on synthetic and blended fibers that can be applied on all natural and synthetic textile fibers.
Siligen EH1 is suitable for both woven and knitted articles. It can be applied by padding process as well as by exhaust process, as it shows a very good shear stability and a low foaming profile. It can be used on white articles and those treated with optical brighteners.