#Textile chemistry

2025-11-03

TEXTILCOLOR AG launches strategic collaboration with Alpex, Majocchi, and Trans-Textil in the field of Pyroshell™ flame protection

TEXTILCOLOR AG, a leading provider of innovative solutions in textile chemistry, today announces the start of a strategic collaboration with Alpex Protection, Majocchi, and Trans-Textil. Starting November 1, 2025, the partners will jointly advance the flame-retardant finishing of textiles using the patented Pyroshell™ technology at production sites in Germany, France, and Italy.

Pyroshell™ technology is a patented, permanent flame protection for polyamide and polyester fabrics and represents a milestone in the field of protective equipment for synthetic textiles. Pyroshell™ is revolutionising flame protection by significantly reducing the risk of burns. When a fabric equipped with Pyroshell™ is exposed to a flame, its textile structure expands substantially in volume. This effect keeps heat and fire-promoting gases largely away from the fabric. Therefore the time between the first sensation of pain from heat exposure and the onset of second-degree burns doubles. As a result, wearers gain valuable additional reaction time compared to conventional flame protection solutions.

The partnership with Alpex, Majocchi, and Trans-Textil enables the Pyroshell™ technology to be implemented even more efficiently within production processes and made accessible to a broader customer base. Alpex Protection (France) specializes in technical textiles and functional fabrics, Majocchi (Italy) manufactures high-quality textiles for the military, PPE, and luxury/fashion sectors, and Trans-Textil (Germany) produces innovative materials for safety and operational applications. The goal is to provide high-quality, safe, and comfortable functional and protective textiles throughout Europe.

“We are very excited about collaborating with our experienced partners in Germany, France, and Italy,” says Detlef Fischer, CEO of TEXTILCOLOR AG. “Together, we can leverage Pyroshell™ optimally within the production processes. The technology provides not only maximum protection but also exceptional comfort for users in demanding operational environments.”

Swiss company showcases new technologies for lowering water and energy consumption

The textile industry is one of the biggest consumers of water globally, requiring approximately 93 billion cubic meters annually. This is equivalent to around 4% of the total freshwater consumed worldwide. The industry is facing increasing criticism as a result and is coming under pressure. Sustainability is therefore no longer just about image, but is a key competitive factor for textile manufacturers. Companies across the entire textile chain with a sole focus on conventional processes will have to address sales issues over the medium term and will be faced with ever greater regulatory pressure.

TEXTILCOLOR AG acquires SCHOELLER TECHNOLOGIES AG

TEXTILCOLOR AG, a leading provider of innovative textile chemicals, today announces the acquisition of Sevelen-based Schoeller Technologies AG from Schoeller Textil AG. With this strategically important step, TEXTILCOLOR strengthens its position in the international market, expands its technology portfolio and creates new development capacities for future-oriented textile and chemical solutions.

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.

Zschimmer & Schwarz at ITMA Asia in Singapore

At ITMA Asia in October 2025, Zschimmer & Schwarz will present 100 % bio-based spin finishes from the LERTISAN range designed for hygiene nonwovens, and HYDROSET ECO-DRY, a bio-based wicking agent that delivers excellent moisture management for synthetic fabrics. For dye fixation on polyamide, the company has developed a sustainable, plant-based product completely free from phenol, bisphenol, and formaldehyde. The patented aftertreatment agent ZETESAL ECO-FIX PA ensures durable and reliable fixation, particularly on dark shades.

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.

Toray develops recycling technology that retains carbon fiber strength and surface quality

Toray Industries, Inc., announced today that it has developed a recycling technology that can decompose diverse carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) made from thermosetting resins while retaining the strength and surface quality of those fibers. The company drew on this technology to create a nonwoven fabric employing recycled carbon fibers.

Panty liners prevent bacterial vaginosis

Worldwide, almost one third of women of childbearing age suffer from bacterial vaginosis. This is when the sensitive microbiome of the vagina becomes unbalanced. Such a disorder of the vaginal flora can cause urogenital infections, abscesses on the ovaries or fallopian tubes or premature births. This significantly increases the risk of infertility in women and of contracting a sexually transmitted disease or HIV.

PERFORMANCE DAYS sets benchmarks with record attendance & strong industry presence

With around 4,500 professional visitors and 515 exhibitors, PERFORMANCE DAYS closed its doors on October 30, 2025, after two highly successful days in Munich. Expanded show areas, an international audience, a top-class Expert Talks program, and an inspiring DAY 0 Conference with an innovative concept underlined one thing clearly: PERFORMANCE DAYS has become the leading business platform for the functional textile industry.