BASF offers formaldehyde-free boost for eco-labels
05/09/2007
Textile producers, apparel manufacturers and clothing brands that are coming under pressure to comply with eco-label requirements will be interested in a new development from BASF.
The company's performance chemicals division has launched a new formaldehyde-free version of its Helizarin textile pigment printing system.
BASF says that, as a result, textile producers will be able to meet all regulatory standards, as well as the requirements of leading retailers and brands, relating to formaldehyde without any additional measures.
It claims the system will continue to guarantee "high-quality textile printing, with optimum running properties of the print paste on the printing machine".
It claims the system will continue to guarantee "high-quality textile printing, with optimum running properties of the print paste on the printing machine".
Formaldehyde-releasing compounds have been used extensively as crosslinkers in the textile industry for applications such as resin finishing, pigment printing, pigment dyeing and coating. However, standards bodies, retailers and brands are becoming increasingly strict concerning the use of the substance.
In pigment printing, the binder and thickener are often sources of formaldehyde too. These components, with other auxiliaries, make up the medium that fixes the pigments on the textile.
BASF has now developed a new crosslinker with reactive centres that are free of formaldehyde. The new version of Helizarin also has a formaldehyde-free binder. Dr Karl Siemensmeyer, who was responsible for the development of the products, says that extensive tests have shown that formaldehyde levels on the textile before and after the printing process are unchanged.
BASF has now developed a new crosslinker with reactive centres that are free of formaldehyde. The new version of Helizarin also has a formaldehyde-free binder. Dr Karl Siemensmeyer, who was responsible for the development of the products, says that extensive tests have shown that formaldehyde levels on the textile before and after the printing process are unchanged.
"Product safety and environmental protection are our top priority when developing new products," he adds.
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