Archroma launched Perapret AIR, a new light-activated air purification technology for fabrics at the recent Techtextil exhibition in Frankfurt.

Mineral-based Perapret AIR eliminates air pollutants and airborne smells by imitating the natural process of photocatalysis under normal day and artificial light sources.

The chemistry usually used in such applications is nano-sized TiO2 (dioxide titanium), which attacks all organic matter, including the textile fibre, and not only pollutants.

Perapret AIR is produced using a unique and patented core/shell technology that partially surrounds the TiO2 molecules, solving the issue of fibre damage and at the same time still allowing the photocatalytic process to work efficiently. This makes it possible to use the capabilities of nano-sized TiO2 on organic-based substances such as cotton, polyester, polyamide, viscose and any additional fibre and  blends.

In addition, the treatment is highly durable, doesn’t self-consume and retains its performance over time.

Perapret AIR is ideally suited for indoor applications such as curtains and textile wall coverings, as well as in automotive interiors, allowing air pollutants and airborne smells to be reduced and improving overall air quality.

The technology is at the core of Clean Air, a new system that combines Perapret AIR with other recent developments such as Smartrepel Hydro TS for PFC-free durable water repellence and Sanitized T27-22 antimicrobial agent.

Smartrepel Hydro SR is the latest addition to the company’s range of micro-encapsulated, highly biodegradable, non-PFC based technologies, providing durable water repellency to all cotton and synthetic fibres and their blends.

It has been specifically developed for soil repellent finishes to offer industry-leading protection against water-based stains such as coffee, red wine and ketchup in applications such as home textiles, table clothes upholstery, car seats and interior textiles.

The Smartrepel product range supports the increasing adoption of eco-advanced materials and production processes by textile producers and brand owners, adhering to standards such as ZDHC, bluesign and Oeko-tex.

www.archroma.com