Freudenberg Performance Materials Apparel (Freudenberg) has achieved a significant milestone in the development of sustainable textile solutions by launching the apparel industry’s first biodegradable fusible cotton shirt interlining range, known as the 46xx series. This range of interlinings, which is marketed as the 42xx series in Asia, has been designed to reduce the impact on the environment while supporting customers in achieving their own sustainability objectives.
The new interlinings for shirts and blouses have been developed in such a way that they are harmless to people and the environment at the end of their life cycle. To ensure this, Germany’s independent Hohenstein Laboratories performed biodegradation tests on the 46xx series, based on the Hohenstein method which draws on DIN EN ISO 11721-2:2003 and EN ISO 846. The tests showed no negative effects on either the germination of garden cress or on earthworms in the acute toxicity test, making them biodegradable and Eco toxicologically harmless.
Apart from being environmentally friendly, the new interlinings also have the potential for energy saving, as they can be fused at a low temperature. During fusing, the resulting temperature between the upper fabric and the shirt interlining is only 127°C, which is significantly lower than the commonly used temperature of 143°C.
The interlinings have been certified to OEKO-TEX Standard 100 Class II for successfully testing for no harmful substances, making them safe for use. They can be washed at up to 40°C and are resistant to dry cleaning. In addition, Freudenberg has also proved in washing and degradability tests that the interlining is superior to conventional products in terms of quality, making it a perfect end-of-life cycle solution.
The products in range 46xx are available in Europe in the colour white and weight classes: 4605 (90g/m2), 4616 (150g/m2) and 4618 (55g/m2). The adhesive of the interlinings consists of a 100 per cent degradable bio-polymer. The shirt interlinings are ideal for reinforcing shirt and blouse collars, cuffs and plackets used in fashion, leisure and business clothing. They are particularly important for labels with an ecologically sustainable claim.
Freudenberg’s achievement in developing the apparel industry’s first biodegradable fusible cotton shirt interlining range is significant, as it marks a step forward in the quest for environmentally sustainable textile solutions. By reducing their impact on the environment while supporting customers in achieving their own sustainability objectives, Freudenberg has set a new standard for the industry. The biodegradable, non-toxic interlinings are a welcome addition to the market, and their potential for energy saving makes them a valuable investment for companies looking to reduce their carbon footprint.