Cotton Incorporated and the specialty chemicals company Archroma have created fluorine-free apparel using technology called Storm Cotton. The technology can be used as a water repellent in cotton outerwear. The fluorine-free material offers almost the same benefits as the fluorine material, including water repellency, but with sustainable qualities.

Fluorine-free apparel has been a goal for many apparel brands and manufacturers to help boost sustainability. A fluorine chemistry provides water repellency and oil release—or stain protection from oil-based sources-and is recharged with heat from a dryer or iron. The fluorine-free chemistry does not provide oil release but also does not require recharging from the heat of an iron or dryer.

Customers do not notice any difference in the feel, performance or care of garments made with the new fluorine-free chemistry. This technology option is now available in the full range of cotton-based fabrics like denim, fleece and twill. An outdoor apparel retailer has plans to introduce the fluorine-free version of Storm Cotton in select products during 2015.

Cotton is also working to create fluorine-free options for other finishes like its TransDRY, moisture-wicking material for athletic apparel. Archroma product packages enhance the properties of apparel and other textiles in applications as diverse as high fashion, home textiles and special technical textiles. From crease resistance to moisture management as well as repellency, its functional effects provide added-value features to textile manufacturers.

archroma.com/