Page 46 - TEXtalks International July/August 2022

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solution that has the ability to continuously capture, helping mills cut costs and contribute to a smaller
TEXtalks: How much Huntsman trap and neutralize odors that can build up on energy footprint for Pakistan.
is investing in R&D and what garments. This new technology is economical and
industry with products that reduce water and energy steps are taken to improve the environment friendly. It also regenerates when it is We also have a recent addition to the third-generation
consumption by 50% while reducing carbon footprint environmental friendliness? washed, so it is very long-lasting and ideal for AVITERA® SE dyes. AVITERA® ROSE SE delivers
by more than half. To know more about its solutions Lutfu Okman: Innovation is a key casualwear, sportswear, and school uniforms. the same environmental benefits but also
and how they benefit the textile wet processing differentiator at Huntsman Textile dramatically reduces recipe costs for medium-dark
sector, especially in Pakistan, TEXtalks International Effects. We hold around 750 TEXtalks: What are the benefits for the Pakistan shades and increases mill output by 25% or more.
interviewed Lutfu Okman, Vice President of Global patents and have launched more textile industry when they collaborate with With exceptional overall fastness and minimal chance
Huntsman?
Revenue, Huntsman Textile Effects. than 150 new products in the of cross-staining, it is ideal for the red-white striped
past five years. We focus our Lutfu Okman: As a key partner in the textile value cotton knit, as well as polyester-cotton fabric that is
TEXtalks: Tell us about your role in the company and efforts on two fronts: chain in Pakistan, we pride ourselves on helping mills so popular in the casual wear market.
what are your key responsibilities? technologies that help mills save and brands be more competitive and sustainable as
Lutfu Okman: I am the Vice President of Global water and energy and promote they create high-value products that differentiate The AVITERA® SE dyes are also used by many top
Revenue and I oversee both the Commercial and sustainability and waste them in the global market. overseas mills in the home textiles and casual wear
Marketing functions of Huntsman Textile Effects. My management; and technologies sectors, where they can be combined with the
role is to help our teams around the world connect that help them adhere to current It is really heartening to see the textile sector in INVAZYME® SOFT pretreatment process.
with stakeholders, recognize and keep ahead of standards and relevant Pakistan stepping up as leaders in the global drive INVAZYME® SOFT is a biological catalyst that rapidly
trends, and delight our customers with tailored Restricted Substances Lists and towards net zero emissions. Almost all of the scours natural cellulosic fibers and blends at a low
solutions and support stay ahead of future rule signatories to Net Zero Pakistan are textile temperature and pH, preserving the natural hand feel
changes and trends. companies, and I think this reflects a real confidence and bulkiness of the fabric and significantly reducing
TEXtalks: Where do you see Huntsman Textile in the solutions that are available and in the weight loss during processing. This also leads to
Effects in the next couple of years? For example, mills in Pakistan economic benefits for companies and nations that savings in waste water treatment.
Lutfu Okman: Huntsman Textile Effects has been will be aware of legislation in the commit to saving resources. high level of competence and know-how as well as joins major ongoing trends like sustainability and
bringing sustainability and innovative solutions to the EU, US, and China targeting the TEXtalks: What opportunities do you see for the right mix of products and the right processes. digital technology and a worsening talent shortage.
textile industry for the last few decades. We are proud technologies, products, and sustainability solutions as patrons return to hotels, spas and gyms around use of perfluorinated chemicals As one of the top cotton producers in the world, Pakistani companies in the Technical Textiles Protective clothing for high-risk professions can be
to be an agent of change in our industry working and on helping mills and brands deploy them to meet the world. We are seeing strong demand for premium (PFCs), which are commonly Pakistan is in a good position for textile exports such sector? treated with PYROVATEX® flame retardants to We can expect to see brands shifting towards
closely with textile mills, and the brands that are their their business objectives. towels as well as for bed sheeting—and this is used in durable water repellents as in the casual wear and home textiles segment. 100% Lutfu Okman: The technical textiles sector develops prevent fire damage while retaining the original circularity and closed-loop recycling and embracing
customers, to serve different end-use markets and another area where Pakistan can leverage its long that protect garments against textile fibres offer absorbency, comfort and good heat high-value protective clothing for firefighters, medical fabric’s softness to help keep workers more transparency with digital ‘product passports’,
find solutions to tough challenges. TEXtalks: Which are the major and potential markets experience in home textiles to create more value. We rain, snow, and everyday stains conduction for winter warmth and summer cooling. professionals, and the like. Recent years have seen a comfortable in high-risk environments. Specialist for example.
for Huntsman Textile Effects geographically? work with manufacturers to help them use new dyes, like our MAXILON® range are safe to use with Sourcing is only going to become more challenging
Huntsman Textile Effects is a global leader in driving Lutfu Okman: Despite the impact of the pandemic on technologies like odor-control solutions for towels like ketchup and mud. As the We are very keen to share our groundbreaking massive spike in demand for safer and more a flame-retardant finish, offering a wide range of as supply chain pressure continues, raw materials
sustainable textile manufacturing with its advanced Right now, mills and brands are looking for ways to the wider textile sector, we are continuing to see and sheets that smell fresh for longer; softening chemistry has shifted over the AVITERA® SE dyes with more mills in Pakistan. eco-friendly options in this field. In particular, the shades from brilliant to dull and delivering shortages escalate, and shipping costs rise.
reduce their environmental impact, improve their
technological solutions. Huntsman’s textile solutions bottom line, and capture market share. These strong and growing demand for our environmentally agents for towels that are soft and absorbent, with years from long-chain C8 PFCs These poly-reactive dyes dramatically reduce the pandemic has taken personal protective exceptional wet-fastness properties. Everyone is going to have to build a lot more
provide sustainable coloration and enhance the imperatives are only going to ramp up in the next sustainable textile dyes and chemicals. This demand natural bounce and bulk; and fluorescent whitening to short-chain C6 PFCs, and dyeing and washing-off cycle and use up to 50% less flexibility into their strategies. Brands are also
aesthetic, durability, and performance of finished couple of years as markets become more is global, dominated by China and the South Asia technologies for very high and brilliant whites. most recently to fluorine-free water and energy, as well as lower temperatures in TEXtalks: In the world’s textile dyes and specialty increasingly interested in diversifying their sourcing
textiles with innovative chemistry. competitive, more regulated, and more demanding. region, with Pakistan as a real bright spot. We are Choosing the right dye to achieve intense “C0” technologies, Huntsman the wash-off process. In addition, it also improves chemicals business where Huntsman is standing? base and in nearshoring and reshoring to secure
For Huntsman Textile Effects, this means we need to excited to see Pakistan becoming more long-lasting color, even when towels and sheets are has steered the industry with productivity of the mill. Lutfu Okman: Huntsman Textile Effects is a world their supply lines and allow for shorter lead-times.
Huntsman Textile Effects is revolutionizing the textile maintain our focus on creating innovative internationally competitive and opening up new bleached for hygiene purposes, is also important. products like Zelan™ R3 and our leader and a trusted partner in the textile value chain.
markets for exports. We believe there is great PHOBOTEX® range. The global demand for polyester fibres has been We stand out as an innovator and we believe At the same time, the industry is going to face more
stringent chemical and wastewater management
potential for further growth as mills in Pakistan Casual Wear is also another growing segment We believe strongly in optimizing growing steadily due to its versatility and ability to be strongly in collaboration. Our collaboration extends regulations and perhaps calls for greater social
differentiate themselves through a strong worldwide as people prioritize looking smart, yet the entire ecosystem to create used in many applications. As a result, demand for beyond the technical facets; our in-house teams also protection of workers, too.
sustainability proposition and by developing new being comfortable in the ‘new normal’. This is shared value. This is about polyester-cellulosic (PES-CO) fiber is growing work closely with local and world-renown brands to
high-value products. creating opportunities for brands that can meet textiles that are not just free from worldwide. create long-term win. We are proud that our products Mills are on the front line of all of these changes.
customer need for eco-friendly garments that are as harmful chemicals and produced and advice help brands and mills navigate broad
TEXtalks: As the world is slowly moving back to and long lasting and easy-care as they are elegant We believe that we have created the best solution shifts in the industry—like the move towards Whether facing up to heightened regional
pre-pandemic environments, which markets do you and comfortable. Pakistan already has a good in ways that are better for the available today for dyeing polyester-cellulosic blends. competition and tough sustainability targets, or
think would benefit and how can Huntsman help planet, but that also resist sustainability and cleaner and more transparent seeing brands take production offshore or in-house,
brands and especially mills in Pakistan deliver on reputation among the major casual wear brands, and fading, staining, and odors, so By combining AVITERA® SE reactive dyes and equipment—or PPE—beyond the medical supply chains.
these demands? this stands local mills in good stead. To capture new they need less frequent washing TERASIL® W/WW disperse dyes, AVITERA® SE Fast community and boosted interest in technical fabrics mills can be sure that Huntsman Textile Effects will
Lutfu Okman: Dyes and chemicals make it possible business, they will need to be able to deliver on-trend and look good for longer. process delivers the lowest environmental impact for TEXtalks: What are the key challenges the industry be supporting with them. We help mills differentiate
for brands and mills to differentiate and capture 100% cotton and blended polyester-cotton fabrics dyeing PES-CO blends. It combines alkali-clearable treated with antimicrobial and oil- and water-repellent has experienced during/post-pandemic? through innovation to capture new market
growth opportunities arising from key global trends with sought-after effects like wrinkle-resistance, rain- An exciting new product that we TERASIL® W/WW disperse dyes and AVITERA® SE finishes and anti-static agents to improve the Lutfu Okman: The global textile and apparel industry opportunities, and we support them to adopt
like heightened awareness of environmental and stain-protection, UV-protection and quick-drying. are bringing to customers in reactive dyes to cut processing time from around wearer’s safety and comfort. is being reshaped by several key forces: supply sustainable business practices that make sense both
sustainability and changing consumer preferences. The right partner can help mills do all of this in a way partnership with Sciessent is nine hours to just six. These dyes lead to savings of We work with mills in the flame-retardant clothing chain disruption and an increased emphasis on
The Home and Hospitality sector is trending upwards that is both cost-competitive and sustainable. NOBO™—a new odor-control up to 50% of water, energy and CO2 emissions – field. This is a very specialized area that demands a domestic markets brought by the pandemic now environmentally and economically.

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