#Textile chemistry

2022-09-15

Microban launches Refresh™: a patent-pending odor capture technology that is completely metal free

Microban International is pleased to introduce Refresh™ – its newest, patent-pending, sustainable odor capture technology that is completely metal free. This innovative technology is proven to reduce odors by up to 93% on polyester and polyester-rich blends, even after 30 home launderings.

Microban is the global leader in antimicrobial and odor control technology, and has developed Refresh as part of its ongoing dedication to sustainable textiles manufacturing. This patent-pending formula is designed to address the needs of both manufacturers and consumers, by providing an effective solution to tackle permastink without relying on traditional heavy metal chemistries. Refresh is proven to effectively reduce odors on polyester and polyester-rich blends, including activewear, hunting gear and other apparel. By keeping garments fresher for longer, this technology will allow end-users to enjoy the benefits of washing items less frequently and therefore reduce water consumption and fiber pollution, preventing premature disposal and decreasing landfill loading. It also allows manufacturers to reduce their use of pesticidal chemistries.

Michael Ruby, President at Microban International, explained the importance of this innovation: “Microban is focused on sustainable solutions, and is proud to have developed Refresh, a more environmentally-friendly technology designed to combat the issue of persistent odors on clothing without using any metal-based chemistries. With Refresh, apparel brands and manufacturers across the world can deliver smart textiles that stay fresher for longer, extending their usable lifetime and reducing the mountains of textile waste that end up in landfill each year. Refresh complementsMicroban’s Scentry® and Scentry Revive® technologies perfectly, now providing three world-class bluesign®-listed technologies for apparel brands to specify at the mill level for odor control applications.”

Refresh can be incorporated during the manufacturing processes for polyester and polyester-rich blends products as an easy-to-use and particle-free one-part liquid solution, avoiding any concerns about settlement during storage and mixing. It is fully water soluble and will not negatively impact fabric properties. Dr. Yihong Li, Senior Technical Manager for Textiles at Microban International, elaborated: “Refresh has been meticulously designed to provide effective odor protection that not only contributes to sustainable initiatives, but also seamlessly integrates into polyester textile manufacturing processes. Microban has applied its expertise and extensive technical knowledge to develop this technology to meet industry demands for smarter textile products.”

Refresh is available to apparel brands and manufacturers globally, along with Microban’s support and expertise.

Find out more at:

https://www.microban.com/odor-control/technologies/refresh

“Production is a product”

From technical textiles and AI-driven robotics to the limitations of textile circularity: Professor Dr Thomas Gries looks back on more than two decades of development at ITA Aachen. In the interview, he explains why production technology remains a decisive success factor, discusses international collaborations and innovation ecosystems, and shares his views on the transformation of production landscapes and the challenges facing an increasingly regulated industry.

“We need to move away from the price trap and return to a value-driven mindset.”

With its new Textile Innovation Center, KARL MAYER is sending a strong signal for innovation, collaboration, and the future of textile applications. In this interview, Karl Josef Mayer discusses new opportunities in warp knitting, the processing of staple fibres, recycling, the changing role of machinery manufacturers, and why the textile industry must once again focus more strongly on the value of textiles. by Oliver Schmidt

“Innovation, resilience and international experience remain the great strengths of the Swiss textile machinery industry”

Geopolitical uncertainty, growing competitive pressure from China, new free trade agreements and the shift towards a circular economy are currently reshaping the global textile industry. In this interview, Cornelia Buchwalder discusses the current mood within the Swiss textile machinery sector, the industry’s distinctive innovative strength, new market opportunities in India and Asia, and the technological trends that could shape the upcoming trade fair cycle leading up to ITMA 2027.

Fashion for Good launches DW(O)R-X to navigate the emerging landscape of PFAS-free finishes

Fashion for Good announced the launch of Project DW(O)R-X, a collaborative initiative designed to benchmark PFAS alternative durable water- and oil-repellent (DW(O)R) chemistries. Responding to growing market demand for alternatives to PFAS‑based finishes, the project aims to generate reliable, comparable data that can support informed sourcing decisions and the assessment of emerging chemistries.

Indovinya advances sustainable solutions with agreement for the supply of renewable Oxygen from Air Liquide

Indovinya, the specialty chemicals and surfactants division of Indorama Ventures, has entered into an agreement with Air Liquide — a world leader in gases, technologies, and services for industry and healthcare — for the supply of renewable oxygen. The agreement represents a strategic advancement in Indovinya’s commitment to sustainability, as it increases the share of renewable raw materials in the production of ethylene oxide, one of its key products.

DyStar releases FY2025 sustainability report, marking a new milestone towards its 2030 targets

DyStar, a leading specialty chemicals company with more than a century of expertise in product development and innovation, today announced the release of its FY2025 Sustainability Report, marking a significant milestone in its sustainability journey and reinforcing its commitment to long-term value creation.

Première Vision Paris expands innovation focus across fashion and beauty

From September 1–3, 2026, Première Vision Paris will bring together more than 900 exhibitors from across the global fashion value chain. This year's edition places a strong emphasis on Innovation-Tech, highlighting technologies and materials that are reshaping product development, manufacturing and sustainability.

SHIMA SEIKI to exhibit at Première Vision Paris

Leading digital textile solutions provider SHIMA SEIKI MFG., LTD. of Wakayama, Japan will exhibit at Première Vision Paris in Paris, France next month. The company will exhibit in the "Smart Creation" area, dedicated to showcasing cutting-edge technologies that integrate sustainability and innovation. The knitting expert will be demonstrating solutions that optimize product development workflows and enhance sustainability through proposals in Digital Product Creation (DPC).