PFOA-free Water/Oil Repellent enhances textiles, nonwovens.
Press Release Summary:
AsahiGuard AG-E550D, free of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) at or above detection limits, offers safe and effective alternative to C8-based products. When formulated into nonwoven textiles and textile finishes for outdoor and work clothing, fluorinated finishing agent provides water and oil repellency and stain resistance – even after multiple wash cycles. Nonflammable, C6 fluorinated polymer-based solution is also compatible with residual materials from preceding production processes.
Original Press Release:
AGC Launches New Durable Grade PFOA-free* Water/Oil Repellent for Advanced Textile Products and Nonwovens
AsahiGuard AG-E550D offers safe, effective alternative to C8-based products
EXTON, Pa. – AGC Chemicals Americas Inc., today introduced AsahiGuard AG-E550D, a water- and oil-repelling product for advanced textiles and nonwovens that is free of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) at or above detection limits. When formulated into nonwoven textiles and textile finishes for high-performance outdoor and work clothing, AsahiGuard AG-E550D provides excellent water and oil repellency and stain resistance even after multiple wash cycles.
AsahiGuard AG-E550D fluorinated finishing agent is based on a proven, patented short-chain C6 fluorinated polymer technology that supports an industry transition to alternative chemistries with reduced environmental impact. A sustainable alternative to long-chain C8 technology, C6 fluorinated polymers do not break down into PFOA, yet deliver comparable performance with improved environmental and toxicological profiles.
“AGC is the first company to convert its entire product line to the short-chain C6 technology, and we’ve done it three years ahead of the U.S. EPA goal in 2015,” said Bill Fiedler, AGC Chemicals Americas business manager.
AG-E550D is nonflammable and has excellent compatibility with residual materials such as dye and auxiliary agents from preceding production processes. Non-ionic charge offers good compatibility with other finishing chemicals used in processing. It is also durable enough to maintain its performance through repeated garment washings.
In addition to outerwear and work clothing, AsahiGuard AG-E550D is ideal for advanced textiles used to produce such products as shoes, uniforms, patio umbrellas, furniture, camping tents, sleeping bags, tablecloths and napkins, awnings and vehicle covers. It is also ideal for high-performance nonwoven products for medical, industrial and consumer use.
AGC is a member of the FluoroCouncil, a global organization committed to helping textile and garment manufacturers reduce the environmental footprint of their products. According to the FluoroCouncil, “Garments treated with fluoro-technology have a longer useful life, reducing energy and water use for replacements and requiring less frequent laundering, lower wash temperature and shorter drying time, which all further help to reduce water and energy consumption. Outdoor performance apparel and equipment enhanced with fluoro-technology help people stay warm, dry and safe in extreme conditions.”
AGC is Japan’s first fluorochemical corporate sponsor of the bluesign® standard. AGC is working with bluesign technologies to accelerate the supply of sustainable textiles and is committed to creating effective products that meet environmental standards.
* This product is free of PFOA at and above detection limits.
About the FluoroCouncil
The FluoroCouncil is a global organization representing the world’s leading fluoro-technology companies, with a primary focus on fluoropolymers and fluorotelomer-based performance products. The FluoroCouncil and its members are committed to being responsible stewards of fluoro-technology, a field of science that uses fluorine chemistry to create products with unique properties that are essential to modern life and industry. See www.fluorocouncil.com for more information.
About bluesign® technologies ag
Swiss-based bluesign technologies ag was founded in 2000. Since then, the bluesign® system has been adopted by worldwide leading textile manufacturers. Various significant key players of the chemical and machine industry apply the bluesign® system. Well-known brands of the sportswear and fashion industry rely on the extensive knowledge of bluesign technologies. International standards company, SGS holds a stake of 80% in bluesign technologies ag. For more information, visit www.bluesign.com.
About AGC Chemicals Americas Inc.
AGC Chemicals Americas Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Asahi Glass Company Ltd., a $15 billion multinational corporation and one of the world’s largest manufacturers of glass, electronic displays and chemical products. The company was formed in 2004 through the merging of sister companies Asahi Glass Fluoropolymers USA and AGA Chemicals. Headquartered in Exton, Pa., AGC Chemicals Americas maintains manufacturing operations in nearby Thorndale, Pa. and warehouses located throughout North America. www.agcchem.com
