#Textile chemistry

2021-07-29

Huntsman develops new IROGRAN® TPU grade for laminating technical textiles

Technical textile producers manufacturing high performance fabrics for outdoor clothing and other consumer and industrial applications now have a brand-new thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) at their disposal – thanks to global chemical company Huntsman. IROGRAN® A 85 P 4394 HR TPU is a highly versatile elastomer, which can be easily extruded and added to nylon and polyester materials to give them a protective, durable, waterproof layer.

IROGRAN® A 85 P 4394 HR TPU is designed for use in the manufacture of performance garments that need to shield wearers against the elements while they experience outdoor adventures. Added to fabrics, as an extruded film, IROGRAN® A 85 P 4394 HR TPU can give items of clothing, such as raincoats, a highly durable finish, combined with a soft touch.

With a high tensile strength, extruded films made from IROGRAN® A 85 P 4394 HR TPU can aid the stretch and recovery of the materials they are used on – increasing their longevity. This special TPU grade also offers good levels of abrasion and tear resistance, making it ideal for use in bladder applications, in the manufacture of tension fabrics and in industrial textile applications.

As well as delivering significant performance benefits, IROGRAN® A 85 P 4394 HR TPU offers considerable processing advantages over traditional textile laminating TPUs. With a high melt strength, IROGRAN® A 85 P 4394 HR TPU is very stable during production. Tolerant to high forces in its melted, blown state, extruded films made from IROGRAN® A 85 P 4394 HR TPU are far less likely to break during processing. This enables manufacturers to improve production throughput and lower scrap rates, which in turn reduces waste and keeps costs down.

Trent Shidaker, Global Marketing Director, Elastomers at Huntsman, explains more: “Our team has extensive experience in the development of TPUs for textile lamination. IROGRAN® A 85 P 4394 HR TPU takes our work in this sector to the next level. Developed in close cooperation with several of our textile customers, this new TPU grade offers significant improvements over previous generation technologies when it comes to durability, production efficiency and reducing manufacturing waste. The customers we’ve approached to discuss this TPU get really excited when we tell them that we’ve managed to enhance the properties of the grade in its melted state, without compromising any of the key final performance attributes expected of our IROGRAN® materials. We see extensive opportunities for this grade across a range of textile laminating applications and are already getting lots of enquiries from potential customers worldwide.”

Depending on the end-application, films made from IROGRAN® A 85 P 4394 HR TPU can be engineered to have different surface finishes, including gloss, smooth and matte effects.

IROGRAN® A 85 P 4394 HR TPU is the latest addition to a well-established family of elastomer products from Huntsman, which are renowned for their performance in textile applications.

IROGRAN® A 85 P 4394 HR TPU is made at Huntsman Polyurethanes elastomers manufacturing facility in Ringwood Illinois.

Huntsman and Steitz Secura deliver breakthrough in sustainable safety footwear

Huntsman, in collaboration with Steitz Secura, has developed a breakthrough polyurethane (PU) solution that can help improve the circularity of safety footwear. Together, the two companies have created a DALTOPED® polyurethane midsole system that can incorporate recycled content without compromising performance – setting a new benchmark in protective footwear production.

Huntsman secures bluesign® APPROVED status for IROGRAN® TPU products

Global chemical company Huntsman has secured bluesign® approval for ten of its IROGRAN® thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) products, which are used extensively across the textile and apparel industry. The materials in question are part of Huntsman’s IROGRAN® film and sheet portfolio, and can be used to enhance the production, performance, and comfort of stitchless, seamless garments including underwear, sportswear, and outdoor and waterproof clothing.

Speed and connectivity: Techtextil and Texprocess provided market-ready solutions for industries under pressure

With more than 36,000 visitors and 1,700 exhibitors from a total of 112 countries, Techtextil and Texprocess 2026 demonstrated how innovation comes into industrial use. The convergence of research, industry and application proved to be a breeding ground for new material solutions, manufacturing and processing technologies. Natural fibres, performance apparel, connected systems and AI-driven processing technologies emerged as key growth and future markets.

RUDOLF is pioneering the future of technical textiles by developing innovative, functional solutions

At Techtextil 2026, RUDOLF presents its latest innovations for textile auxiliaries, textile care and construction chemicals. Based in Geretsried, Bavaria, the company draws on more than 100 years of experience and continues to position itself as a global technology partner focused on quality, innovation and sustainability.

Kornit Digital launches Konnections 365

Kornit Digital (NASDAQ: KRNT) (“Kornit” or the “Company”), a global pioneer in sustainable, on-demand digital fashion and textile production today announced the launch of Konnections 365 - a year-round movement designed for the people moving the apparel, print, and retail industries forward. The strategy is built on the overwhelming success of Konnections 2026 held in Hollywood, Florida, featuring more than 500 customers, partners, and collaborators who together are driving the future of apparel and textiles.

Techtextil 2026: KARL MAYER impresses as an innovative sector partner

KARL MAYER looks back with satisfaction on its participation in Techtextil 2026. From April 21 to 24, the international industry leader used the trade show in Frankfurt to meet with numerous key customers at its booth and, at the same time, establish many new contacts. Most visitors came from Germany, followed by major markets such as Poland, the United Kingdom, Turkey, France, and Portugal.

BTMA backs global growth while investing in future UK leaders

As one of a number of new initiatives launched this year, the British Textile Machinery Association (BTMA) is launching the UK-India Textile Machinery Coalition. The UK-India Free Trade Agreement, signed in July 2025, has implications that extend across sourcing, competitiveness and long-term trade dynamics, believes BTMA CEO Jason Kent.

China projected to increase cotton production, yields, and imports in 2026/27

World cotton production in the 2026/27 season is projected at 25.9 million tonnes, exceeding global consumption of 25.2 million tonnes, according to the May 2026 issue of Cotton This Month. That means both production and consumption are expected to remain close to current season levels, while global cotton trade is projected to decline by 2.7% to approximately 9.6-9.7 million tonnes.