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Whats New 3D printing for textiles Dow launches ECOFAST Whats New

Pure sustainable

textile treatment

Fashion designer Frances Murphy, an ambassador are developing recycled materials such as nylon,
for CREATE Education and technology partner, TPU, PLA for 3D printers, Frances aims to get
Ultimaker, has used 3D print technology to interpret consumers thinking about what they are purchasing,
traditional textile structures and experiment with and how much goes into the making process. The Dow Chemical Company will launch ECOFAST™ natural textiles while simultaneously reducing water,
materials, such as silk, to develop different and new Pure Sustainable Textile Treatment at the American dye and energy use.”
aesthetic print techniques. Frances is able to connect to the online desktop 3D Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists
printing community, providing a platform for her to (AATCC) International Conference beginning today. At the core of ECOFAST Pure is Dow’s commitment
Within the wider context of 3D printing, Frances is educate consumers on her processes, and allowing This breakthrough technology enables unique, brighter to deliver breakthrough sustainable chemistry
examining the use of bioplastic and cellulose based her to analyse how the community is engaging with colors on natural textiles and significantly improves innovations, a key pillar of the Company’s 2025
materials and how these can be used to develop 3D her 3D printed textile ideas. With the ability to resource efficiency during the dyeing process. Sustainability Goals. Materials treated with ECOFAST
printed textiles. Collaborating with practitioners who contribute to the evolution of additive manufacturing. Pure require less rinses and lower water
Dow’s patented technology allows for the uptake of temperatures during dyeing to ultimately decrease
reactive, direct and acid dyes on natural fibers and water use by more than 50 percent as well as overall
fabrics, used in products from apparel to home energy use. Manufacturers can also decrease dye
Kelheim Fibres gets USDA biobased certification goods. Most notably, acid dyes are used to achieve use by 75 percent through increased dye uptake and
reduced cycle time. This enhanced resource
colors such as fluorescents, which, until now, were
unavailable on cotton, the most preferred clothing efficiency can even be achieved without the addition
The Bavarian Viscose speciality fibre manufacturer Kelheim Fibres has earned material by consumers. ECOFAST Pure also of salts to the dye bath.
the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Certified Biobased Product label. improves color fastness to provide brand owners
The company’s Danufil, Galaxy and Viloft products are now able to carry the peace of mind that the quality of a product will stand “Better manufacturing processes are key to more
unique USDA label that highlights their biobased origin. up against wear over time. responsible textile production,” said Talu. “Through
products like ECOFAST Pure, Dow is able to drive a
These products have played an increasingly important role in reducing “Dow has leveraged over a century of material more sustainable supply chain that requires less
greenhouse gas emissions that exacerbate global climate change, Kelheim science knowledge to help address the performance resources to create essential textiles for our society.”
underlines, saying that biobased products are cost-comparative, readily and sustainability gaps in the textile industry,” said
available, and perform as well as or better than their conventional counterparts. Esma Talu, market manager for Dow. “By pretreating Natural textiles commonly treated with ECOFAST
textiles with ECOFAST Pure, manufacturers can Pure include tubular knit fabric, yarn, denim,
One of the goals of the BioPreferred Program is to increase the development, deliver longer lasting, new generation colors on garments and toweling.
purchase and use of biobased products. Utilizing renewable, biobased
materials displaces the need for non-renewable petroleum based chemicals.
Third-party verification is administered through the USDA BioPreferred
Program, an initiative created by the 2002 Farm Bill (expanded by the 2014
Farm Bill). One of the goals of the BioPreferred Program is to increase the
development, purchase and use of biobased products. Utilizing renewable,
biobased materials displaces the need for non-renewable petroleum based
chemicals.

February/March 2018 February/March 2018