In a groundbreaking revelation, Haartz Corporation, a global leader in convertible tops and interior surface materials, has conducted comprehensive tests that herald a new era in water repellent textiles. Albuquerque-based Green Theme Technologies (GTT) has unveiled its PFAS-free Empel fabric finishing platform, which has left its competitors trailing far behind in efficiency and sustainability.
Haartz Corporation’s exhaustive product testing has demonstrated that textiles treated with Empel technology absorb only a third of the water compared to the leading Cø and C6 water repellency solutions. Perhaps even more astonishing is Empel’s ability to ward off water without the need for a membrane, a feature that sets it apart in the textile industry.
In a head-to-head comparison using the same woven textiles during a ten-minute rain test, Empel-treated fabrics allowed a mere 2 milliliters of water to pass through, while competing fabrics treated with Cø and C6 solutions let through a whopping 325 milliliters. This astounding performance has the potential to redefine our expectations of clothing and outdoor gear.
Martin Flora, VP of business development at GTT, expressed his excitement, stating, “We have a product that will revolutionize what consumers can expect from their clothing. Brands and mills can now create fabrics that protect people from the elements without the need for hot and stiff rain jackets with membranes. Empel keeps the fabric dry on the surface and repels water effectively. Moreover, it offers exceptional durability, withstanding more than 50 wash cycles. This means people can keep their gear much longer, reducing the need for frequent replacements. The most sustainable products use safe chemistry and are built to last for years.”
Empel’s PFAS-free approach is a significant stride towards sustainability, addressing concerns about harmful chemicals commonly used in the textile industry. With Empel-treated textiles, consumers can enjoy both water-repellent performance and peace of mind knowing that they are using a product that aligns with eco-conscious values.
This innovation isn’t just a game-changer for clothing; it has far-reaching implications across various industries, including home furnishings, military materials, and footwear fabrics. Haartz Corporation’s findings not only underscore the immense potential of Empel but also reaffirm the importance of pushing boundaries to create products that are both highly efficient and environmentally responsible.
As Empel technology continues to gain recognition and adoption, it promises to revolutionize the textile industry, setting a new standard for water repellency that is sustainable, efficient, and safe for consumers and the planet. The future of textiles is looking drier, more comfortable, and eco-friendly, thanks to the pioneering efforts of Green Theme Technologies and the game-changing Empel fabric finishing platform.