Purista, the commercial name for the range of textile freshness-enhancing treatments from Arch Chemicals, Inc. a manufacturer of antimicrobials, has been launched in the US apparel and home textiles market.

Based on polyhexamethylenebiguanide hydrochloride (PHMB), Purista treatments protect clothing and other textiles from odour-causing bacteria, providing a "fresh finish." Following product safety and chemistry data, the US EPA has recently accepted a registration amendment to include the use of Purista treatments on apparel and other textiles.

Since first launching its finish in the UK, Purista is now used by more than 30 retailers on items such as socks, suit linings, towels and linen.

Headquartered in Norwalk, Connecticut, Arch Chemicals, Inc. is a global specialty chemicals company with approximately $1.3 billion in annual sales.