#Textile chemistry

2020-07-09

Breathable water-based synthetics

Highly active AQUAIR® coated textiles are breathable, waterproof and highly individual in many areas of application. (c) 2020 Covestro

Under the name AQUAIR® Trans-Textil GmbH is providing highly breathable coated textiles based on purely aqueous and solvent-free formula components from Covestro. In a joint and exclusive development, both partners have laid the foundation for this functional product line, which also focuses on ecological aspects.

Great design freedom in various applications

Covestro and Trans-Textil cooperate in textile coating

"The microporous structure of the synthetics is permeable to water vapor and provides the greatest possible comfort in combination with individually selected textiles", explains Matthias Krings, managing director of Trans-Textil. "In combination with other functional layers, products created on this basis are also characterized by their considerable freedom of design in terms of structure, coloring and technical properties."

Advantage polyurethane

"The polyurethane coating is particularly abrasion-resistant and breathable, but in combination with membrane systems from Trans-Textil it can also be made both waterproof and windproof," adds Thomas Michaelis, expert for coated textiles at Covestro. "It is built on our water-based and sustainable INSQIN® technology, which also means that the production of coated textiles requires up to 95 percent less water and 50 percent less energy than previous processes based on solvents." As a result, this technology was awarded the Solar Impulse Efficient Solutions label as an economically viable and environmentally friendly solution.

This combination of properties combined with Trans-Textil's extensive portfolio of membrane systems, textile substrates and technologies provides its customers with a very wide range of sophisticated and individual products. Options include embossed designs in classic or exotic leather looks, textile structures or technical patterns, flexible coloring and a wide selection of textile substrates and spacer systems based on woven, knitted or non-woven fabrics, with which AQUAIR® can be combined in functional multi-layer composites.

In combination with Trans-Textil's technologies, the entirely water-based and solvent-free polyurethane dispersions of the Impranil® and Impraperm® ranges developed by Covestro enable unprecedented breathable properties with a level of comfort and functionality that far exceeds the standard of coated textiles. Water-repellent properties are already integrated into the materials meaning that no additional finishing with harmful substances such as perfluorinated and polyfluorinated compounds (PFCs) is required.

Versatile use in shoes, outdoor, leisure, sports and furniture segments

AQUAIR® can thus be used to design shoe components, leisure, sports and outdoor clothing, bags and accessories, as well as upholstery and furniture. The flexible combination with other functional layers focuses on the requirements of the application as well as the technical and design demands of the customers even for small series or samples. The production as roll material is the basis for an optimal use of material in ready-made clothing.

Functional membrane systems from Trans-Textil ensure that multi-layer composites with AQUAIR® are waterproof while maintaining comfort thanks to its high degree of breathability. (c) 2020 Covestro

As a shoe component designed to enhance comfort, the high water vapor permeability of AQUAIR® contributes to the active regulation of the microclimate inside the shoe. Its breathability is preserved even in combination with a waterproof functional membrane system, which Trans-Textil also offers as an option for purely water-based products. The washable technology ensures the greatest possible freedom of movement in clothing due to its high degree of elasticity. As covers for furniture, the products not only score highly for their abrasion resistance, but also in terms of reduced perspiration in the seat and backrest areas, stain resistance and easy care. AQUAIR® can also be laminated with upholstery foams if required. This results in textile-based multi-layer systems boasting high standards in terms of performance as well as ecology.

Reliable seam sealing

In addition, both partners have also developed solvent-free seam sealing tapes for all common laminate types. Topaz tapes provide reliable impermeability and enable long-lasting use of high-quality functional textile, for example in shoe laminates, work wear, outdoor, leisure and sportswear as well as in technical garments. The tapes can be customized in terms of technical properties, dimensions and design. They are designed for industrial washing at up to 60 degrees Celsius.

Covestro to exhibit solutions for a more sustainable and productive textile industry at Techtextil 2026

Covestro will present a broad portfolio of material innovations for textile coatings, adhesive films and thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPUs) at Techtextil 2026 (Hall 11.0, Booth C79). The exhibits will demonstrate how advanced solutions can enhance durability, recyclability and manufacturing efficiency across applications such as automotive, infrastructure, protective apparel and sportswear. A particular focus will be on more sustainable coating technologies, including antimicrobial systems based on INSQIN® in combination with AGXX from Heraeus Precious Metals, as well as the integration of Pontacol® thermoplastic adhesive films into Covestro’s offering.

Covestro showcases monomaterial concept in autonomous SUE People Mover

UE | STUDIOS has unveiled the fully autonomous electric minibus “Self-driving Urban E-Shuttle” (SUE), placing strong emphasis on sustainable material design. Developed within a project funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE) and the European Union, the vehicle will begin public road testing this year. At the core of the concept is the consistent use of recyclable monomaterials to improve circularity at end of life.

Covestro and Heraeus Precious Metals collaborate to enable safer, more sustainable antimicrobial textile coatings

Laboratory tests reveal that AGXX antimicrobial surface technology from Heraeus Precious Metals is fully compatible with Impranil® PU dispersions which are part of the waterborne INSQIN® textile coating technology from Covestro, paving the way for more sustainable antimicrobial textile coatings. This discovery comes at a key moment for the textile coatings industry. As the sharing economy continues to grow, more people are coming into regular contact with high-use surfaces, creating ideal conditions for bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms to thrive.

Covestro celebrates decade of innovation and sustainable growth

Covestro celebrates its 10-year anniversary today. Since its carve-out from Bayer in 2015, the company has developed into a global leader in high-performance polymer materials and a pioneer in circular economy solutions. With a strong focus on innovation and sustainability, Covestro’s materials are now embedded in countless applications worldwide – from mobility and construction to electronics, healthcare, and consumer goods.

Archroma expands denim possibilities at Kingpins Amsterdam

Archroma, a global leader in specialty chemicals, will present a portfolio of six sustainable denim innovations at Kingpins Amsterdam from April 15-16, 2026. Under the theme “Creating Possibilities in Denim”, the showcase reflects Archroma’s commitment to giving brands and mills solutions that are as commercially compelling as they are environmentally responsible.

A flagship for chemical production: BASF inaugurates world-scale Verbund site in China

BASF today (March 26, 2026) celebrated the official inauguration of its newly built, world-scale Verbund site in Zhanjiang, Guangdong Province in southern China. Covering an area of around four square kilometers, it is more than a major BASF project in the chemical growth market of China. “Zhanjiang shows what the future of chemistry looks like: efficient, digital and sustainable by design. The site showcases a smart integrated Verbund structure on an industrial scale,” said Dr. Markus Kamieth, CEO of BASF, at the ceremony attended by representatives from government, customers, business partners and employees.

New study shows low environmental impact by Cotton made in Africa Organic Cotton from Tanzania

Today, the Aid by Trade Foundation (AbTF) is announcing the results of a comprehensive life-cycle analysis (LCA) for cotton produced in Tanzania under the Cotton made in Africa Organic (CmiA Organic) standard. The study emphasises the small ecological footprint of CmiA Organic verified cotton. This can largely be traced back to the absence of synthetic pesticides, artificial fertilisers, and artificial irrigation. Consequently, CmiA Organic cotton can help the textile industry meet regulatory requirements as well as science-based targets. The results also show that the consequences of climate change threaten the livelihoods of these cotton farmers, even though the type of agriculture they practise barely contributes to climate change.

PERFORMANCE DAYS proves its relevance as the industry’s key meeting point

Held on March 18–19, 2026, PERFORMANCE DAYS once again confirmed its position as a leading international platform for functional textiles. A total of 3.366 trade visitors and around 560 exhibitors gathered in Munich, with the event already kicking off successfully on DAY 0, which received highly positive feedback for its interactive format. Despite challenging conditions caused by the public transport strike in Munich, the event saw strong attendance and a consistently high level of activity across both exhibition days.