Why Milliken ‘worked around the clock’ to solve a thorny textile issue

February 28, 2023

Category: DYES AND CHEMICALS

Country: United States

Jean Marie Layton
Senior Editor for Upholstery
February 24, 2023

Spartanburg, S.C. – Milliken & Co., a global manufacturer focused on materials science for use in a host of applications, has eliminated all per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from its textile fibers and finishes portfolio, saying that it has become the first U.S.-based multi-market textile manufacturer to remove PFAS.

“This is a tremendous accomplishment and tribute to our team who worked around the clock to develop solutions that meet our customers’ performance requirements and reflects our purpose to positively impact the world for future generations,” said David Smith, executive vice president of Milliken & Co. and president of Milliken’s Textile Business.

PFAS are a group of chemicals used to make coatings and products that resist heat, oil, stains, grease and water and are used in a variety of applications including textiles for furniture. They do not degrade easily in the environment, can move through soils and contaminate drinking water sources and may be linked to harmful health effects in humans and animals, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control.

Milliken announced in February 2022 a plan to eliminate PFAS as an ingredient in its textile portfolio by the end of the year. As of Dec. 31, 2022, the Textile Business at Milliken had removed PFAS-based finishes and fibers, which span multiple industries including flame-resistant, military, uniform and décor fabrics.

Milliken’s Textile Business began evaluating its portfolio in 2020 and segmented its evaluation efforts between three areas of focus: durable water repellency (DWR), soil release and oil repellency. Alternative DWR solutions were readily available through accredited organizations such as bluesign. The Milliken research team assessed and implemented appropriate alternatives to maintain the performance and quality standards customers expect from DWR.

Milliken’s internal research team developed a new soil release technology and integrated into suitable textile applications without PFAS as an ingredient. The new technology, proprietary to Milliken, has shown equivalent and, in some cases, superior performance to previous PFAS-containing finishes.

Currently, Milliken’s new technology is not an alternative to every soil-repellant finish application. After an extensive search and vetting process for alternative oil repellency, no alternative was found, and the company exited those lines of business as a result.

“Our work was intricate, and our team, including research and development, sourcing, compliance, sales and many other functions, approached this initiative thoughtfully and with great care for our customers,” said Jeff Strahan, director of sustainability, compliance and research for the Textile Business. “We’re thrilled to be leading the industry in taking meaningful action that will have an immediate impact.”

Milliken & Co. has created industry-leading molecules and sustainable innovations through patented work with applications across the textile, flooring, specialty chemical and healthcare businesses, according to the company.

Courtesy: https://hfd.bridgetowermedia.com/acton/ct/41765/s-2788-2302/Bct/q-005e/l-0019:91ab0/ct9_2/1/lu?sid=TV2%3Alii73IkBw