waterborne polyurethane coatings make textile production safer and more eco-friendly
combating climate change with cool looks
functional clothing, fancy upholstery, robust car seats: there are many good reasons that speak for polyurethane (pu)-based textile coatings. until now, however, one important reason also spoke against them: the processing of standard pu coatings requires chemical solvents. these solvents often have a poor carbon footprint and pose a potential risk to both workers and the environment during the production process. one example is the widely used dimethylform amide (dmf), which is considered by many countries’ chemical associations as a substance of very high concern due to its status as a reprotoxin.
waterborne pu innovations by covestro help overcome the perceived contradiction of performance and eco-friendliness in the textile industry. a variety of technologies, assembled under the name insqin®, enables producers and brand owners along the value chain to offer high-quality soft goods with a global warming potential that is far lower than those made with solvents. synthetic materials using waterborne pu technology also require drastically less water – up to 95 percent is possible – than traditional wet-processed materials, as there is no need to wash out any solvent after applying the coating.
insqin® pu coatings are sought after in diverse industries, such as the automotive and furniture sector, and for technical textile applications, such as work gloves with special performance requirements. one of the most exciting examples, however, is its contribution to functional sports- and footwear.
high-performance materials for high-performance apparel
pu coatings are perfectly suited for the creation of quality sports and outdoor apparel, as products in this particular field have to meet the highest requirements in terms of durability, functionality, comfort, and style. on top of that, many sports and nature lovers lead a very eco-friendly lifestyle. all these things considered, it’s hardly surprising that waterborne coating solutions by covestro are changing the game when it comes to the manufacturing of high-performance, sustainable sports shoes and clothing. find here the technology's benefits at a glance!
how covestro pu coatings push boundaries of functional sportswear