Archroma, a global leader in specialty chemicals for sustainable solutions, has introduced SILIGEN® D2W LIQ C, the industry’s first truly durable silicone softener for cotton, cellulosic fabrics, and cotton-lycra blends.
Developed to maintain long-lasting softness, elasticity, and absorbency, the innovation ensures that garments stay silky smooth and breathable through multiple washes—extending their active life. It is ideal for undergarments, sleepwear, baby and children’s clothing, dresses, trousers, activewear, T-shirts, and towels.
Traditionally, textile producers had to compromise: choose a durable softener that reduced absorbency or one that preserved absorbency but washed off quickly. SILIGEN® D2W LIQ C overcomes this trade-off with its patent-pending micro-x technology, a cross-linkable microemulsion forming a stable silicone network within fibers. This ensures uniform distribution, wash resistance, and softness durability—without yellowing or compatibility issues with other functional finishes.
Dhirendra Gautam, VP Global Marketing and Strategy at Archroma, stated:
“As our brand partners increasingly design for longevity, they want garments that remain luxurious and comfortable for longer. SILIGEN® D2W LIQ C reduces the need for frequent replacement of garments, conserving resources and minimizing waste.”
To support mills and brands, Archroma also developed a new method to objectively measure softness durability through tracking elastic recovery in fabrics over repeated washes.
Michael Schuhmann, Global Marketing Manager Finishing, Archroma Textile Effects, explained:
“For the first time, mills and brands can quantify the durability of handfeel scientifically, rather than relying solely on human perception.”
This breakthrough marks a significant step forward for sustainable, performance-driven fabric finishing.