#Textile chemistry

2022-11-24

HeiQ launches HeiQ Mint for botanical odor control

Textile innovation leader, HeiQ takes advantage of its presence at ISPO Munich 2022, 28th-30th of November, to launch HeiQ Mint, the new proprietary odor control technology based on a blend of essential mint oils. The plant-based technology is designed to make textiles smell fresh even after repeated usage, avoiding the need for frequent washes, thus enabling consumers to save water and energy.

HeiQ announces the launch of HeiQ Mint, a brand for biobased odor control textile technology that provides effective and lasting freshness for clothing and home textiles. The new technology is jointly developed with Patagonia to keep textiles fresh for longer and reduce the need for washing.

HeiQ Fresh MNT-01, under the HeiQ Mint product family, was jointly developed with Patagonia. The technology was developed and refined since more than a year ago. It has been tested in laboratory and validated by wearer trials. HeiQ Mint addresses body odors on textiles and this function regenerates at every wash, with superior efficiency and durability that meets most end-use performance requirements. All other fabric properties such as breathability, hand feel, and wicking will remain unchanged. This textile technology is OEKO-TEX® suited, bluesign approved, and ZDHC compliant, with a USDA bio-preferred certification in progress.

The wearer trial during product development was highly demanding, with HeiQ Mint standing out in comparison to the other two tested solutions. According to Laura Hoch, Patagonia’s Materials Innovation Engineer, “out of all the anti-odor technologies we tested, HeiQ Mint provided the highest odor control performance, with the added benefit of being plant-based. This innovation enables Patagonia to deliver our customers high-performing products made with the best available chemistry.”

Another advantage of HeiQ Mint is the possibility for the chemistry and treated articles to be marketed worldwide, without the need for biocidal declaration on product labels, since it is based on a blend of essential mint oils and naturally derived deodorizing ingredients.

HeiQ Mint is ideal not only for next-to-skin products such as sports apparel, underwear, linings, and casual and business wear but also for home textiles such as bed linen, pillow fabrics, and mattress textiles, both on cellulosic and synthetic fibers.

No more smelly socks or shirts

Human sweat is inherently natural to all of us and odorless, but the volatile organic compounds (smelly molecules) resulting from sweat and other components on the textiles charge a heavy toll on our noses. Sometimes a shirt or a pair of socks is tossed into the washing machine after just one use because they are too smelly to be used again.

Consumers increasingly demand for products made of natural ingredients, and better use of finite and expensive resources such as water and energy. HeiQ Mint is the latest sustainable technology that enables everyone in the value chain to be in tune with such a welcome trend. Fewer washes also mean more durable textile products and fewer laundry products and fibers discharged into the environment.

This textile innovation will be displayed by HeiQ at Hall C2 – Booth 502, at ISPO Munich 2022, in Germany, from 28th to the 30th of November.

HEIQ expands in ASIA with BIG SUNSHINE as key partner

HeiQ, a global leader in materials and textile innovation, is strengthening its presence in Asia by onboarding BIG SUNSHINE CO., LTD. as a key full-service partner in the region. This collaboration aims to further improve HeiQ’s overall service capabilities in Taiwan and across the wider Asian region, furthering its vision of global expansion and footprint in Asia.

HeiQ announces return to private company structure

HeiQ, a leading innovator in materials technology, announced its decision to return to private company structure from the London Stock Exchange as part of a strategic move to focus resources, streamline operations, and accelerate growth, effective November 19, 2024 (LSE:HEIQ). HeiQ shares will continue trading on the JP Jenkins securities or a similar matching platform from November 20, 2024.

HeiQ and GQ Apparel bring biobased cooling to denim in Thailand

HeiQ, a global leader in textile and materials innovation, proudly announces a strategic cooperation with GQ Apparel, a premier Thailand-based tech apparel brand. GQ Apparel enhances it denim offering with HeiQ’s advanced cooling solution, marking a significant milestone in the Southeast Asian market.

HeiQ expands application of HeiQ Allergen tech to upholstery fabric through collaboration with CULP

HeiQ partners with Culp to apply HeiQ Allergen Tech, a 100% biobased* solution that reduces allergens on textiles, onto interior upholstery fabric. HeiQ announces the extended application of HeiQ Allergen Tech to bring the benefits of this biobased textile technology to the interior upholstered furniture market, marking a unique launch into this segment.

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.

Hof University develops sustainable textile coating for the fashion of tomorrow from mushrooms

Clothing is often treated as disposable: T-shirts for events, general merchandise, or short-term campaigns frequently end up in the trash after only a few uses. This is particularly problematic given that their production still largely relies on fossil-based materials. This is precisely where a new research project at Hof University of Applied Sciences comes in.

Jeanologia urges industry to accelerate PP Spray phase-out following ZDHC Watchlist update

Potassium permanganate has officially entered the Chemical Watchlist of the ZDHC Foundation, signaling increased scrutiny and potential phase-out of one of the most hazardous chemicals still used in denim finishing. The inclusion confirms an industry shift that Jeanologia anticipated more than a decade ago.

ABB and Syre partner to explore technologies for industrial-scale textile recycling

ABB has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Swedish textile impact company Syre to jointly explore technologies to support the development of Syre’s first textile-to-textile recycling plant in Vietnam. The agreement establishes a framework for collaboration to investigate how ABB’s automation, electrification and digital technologies could contribute to safe, efficient and scalable operations. It will also explore how these capabilities could further optimize process and quality control performance as Syre advances its ambition to produce circular polyester at industrial scale.

From Nature Performance to Circular Economy: Techtextil 2026 focuses on the future market for technical textiles

Alternative materials and recycling technologies are one of the most important future segments and drivers of innovation in technical textiles. Sustainability goals and regulatory requirements increase their relevance, while advances in performance and economic viability enhance their market competitiveness. Taking place from 21 to 24 April 2026, Techtextil reflects this key industry trend with a growing number of specialised exhibitors. With the new “Nature Performance” label, the leading global trade fair bundles relevant market offerings and facilitates access to new solutions – from natural fibres and yarns to bio-based materials and circular approaches.