Archroma marks three years of innovative sustainability

November 3, 2016  |  EcoNote

Swiss color and specialty-chemicals developer Archroma has marked its third anniversary with an array of innovations that point to sustainability. Based in Basel, Switzerland, Archroma began with the acquisition of Clariant’s textile, paper and emulsions businesses. In 2014, Archroma acquired 49 p…
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Bio-inspired swimsuits under research

October 21, 2016  |  EcoNote

A team of researchers from Cambridge-based Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and visiting scientists from France took inspiration from beavers, a semi-aquatic rodent, to derive a mathematical model that could be used to develop swimsuits and functional coating processes. Beavers keep thems…
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Microban receives bluesign approval for Scentry BC100

October 7, 2016  |  EcoNote

Microban® International Ltd., Huntersville, N.C.-based producer of textile odor-control and odor-prevention products, has received bluesign® system blue product rating for its Scentry® BC100 textile odor-capture treatment. Microban identifies Scentry BC100 as a non-antimicrobial solution that abs…
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TENCEL offers cotton-waste fabric

September 29, 2016  |  EcoNote

Austrian textiles and nonwovens innovator Lenzing AG is launching a new TENCEL® fiber made from cotton waste fabrics. According to a report in the online industry newsletter Textiles Updates, the initiative will drive “circular economy” solutions in the textile industry. The new generation of l…
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New bacteria can spin highly conductive wires

September 23, 2016  |  EcoNote

Thin and tough “biowires” offer an inexpensive and eco-friendly conductive material. Scientists at the University of Massachusetts–Amherst have reported that they have genetically designed a new strain of bacteria that spins out extremely thin and highly conductive wires made up solely of non-…
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AsahiGuard repellents offer improved environmental profile

September 16, 2016  |  EcoNote

Exton, Pa.-based AGC Chemicals Americas has released a series of AsahiGuard E-Series PFOA-free repellents with improved environmental and biological profiles. Liquid-repelling agents have had a history of sustainability issues, the company notes in a press release, because of their potential to brea…
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Sympatex plans 100 percent recycled membrane

September 9, 2016  |  EcoNote

German high-tech materials developer Sympatex Technologies will introduce plans for a 100 percent recycled Sympatex membrane at the international leather expo, Lineapelle, at the Milan Exhibition Centre in September. The firm will also show high-performance technologies as well as new laminate devel…
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Tiny solar cells turn power generation sideways

August 31, 2016  |  EcoNote

University of Wisconsin–Madison engineers have created high-performance, micro-scale solar cells that outshine comparable devices in key performance measures. The miniature solar panels could power a myriad of personal devices, such as wearable medical sensors, smart watches and even auto-focusing…
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ENO, Unifi launch eco-friendly lounger

August 18, 2016  |  EcoNote

Eagles Nest Outfitters, Asheville, N.C.-based creators of portable camping hammocks and other outdoor accessories, has teamed up with Unifi Inc.’s REPREVE® recycled-fiber brand to launch the ENO Billow™ Air Lounge, the only inflatable lounger made with recycled plastic water bottles. Each Billo…
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LMW unveils solar-powered mini ring frame for yarn

August 12, 2016  |  EcoNote

Lakshmi Machine Works Limited (LMW), based in Coimbatore, India, has unveiled a solar-powered “mini ring frame” to produce yarn. As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility initiative, LMW partnered with the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises to design and develop a mini ring fra…
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