“Biomimicry and the study of lotus leaves and birds' feathers were instrumental in developing the very first fluorine-free DWRs,” said Gunther Duschek, managing director at the German group. “The two new, distinctive product propositions are entirely manufactured from natural sources that do not compete with human or animal nutrition.”

RUCO-DRY BIO CGR is made of natural waste that accumulates as by-product during the processing of cereal grains in the food industry. The leftover material that would otherwise be disposed of is refined to create a water and stain repellent textile finish. 

Dr Dirk Sielemann, R&D director at Rudolf, said: “Although most of the product is composed by recycled biomass, RUCO-DRY BIO CGR meets the performance and durability of conventional water repellent textile finishes.”

RUCO-DRY BIO NPE is based on a mixture of plant extracts and combines water and stain repellency with breathability and a natural hand feel, said the company. The materials are not chemically or genetically modified and are not used as food, feed or fuel. 

The plant extracts are subject to a strict conservation and sustainability framework. “That’s why the supply of RUCO-DRY BIO NPE is likely to remain limited to performance outdoor and sports apparel programmes embedding state-of-the-art sustainable technology,” said Dr Duschek.