Reinach, Switzerland, 1 June 2021 - Archroma, a global leader in specialty chemicals towards sustainable solutions, today announced the launch of Appretan® NTR6304, a water-based polymeric binder based on renewable natural ingredients. The new product in the Appretan® NTR range offers a soft handfeel option and displays an even higher content based on natural, renewable raw materials.
As governments encourage the manufacturing of eco-friendly alternatives for polymers made with fossil resources such as petroleum and natural gas, the market for bio-based polymer dispersions is growing especially for coating applications in the US and Europe. Furthermore, with growing environmental regulations on emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and rising prices of crude oil, manufacturers have commenced research on the development of emulsion polymers from biological resources.
The first product in the Appretan® NTR range, Appretan® NTR6553 was launched in 2019, offering a binder option to manufacturers and brands looking to reduce the use of fossil fuel based resources without compromising performance. More than 30% of Appretan® NTR6553’s active content is based on a polysaccharide from renewable raw materials, and Appretan® NTR6304 brings this level higher at 40% of its active content.
The new grade allows an option for textile and paper -based articles that require a soft handfeel, such as nonwoven cleaning rags, whereas Appretan® NTR6553 was designed for food filtration articles where a hard element is needed with good boiling water resistance such as for coffee filters or tea bags. Of course, the two grades can be blended together to provide customized handfeel effects.
Initially developed for the chemical bonding of non-wovens and coating of textiles, the Appretan® NTR range displays excellent film forming properties and very hydrophobic behavior. In addition, the unique chemistry of these binders makes them resistant to water as well as mild solvents and also provides an increase in dry and wet tensile strength.
The products can be applied by impregnation or different coating techniques, whether paste or foam. they can also be applied in combination with other crosslinkers as its biopolymer content provides exceptional high crosslinking functionality.
The range has been developed in line with the principles of “The Archroma Way: safe, efficient, enhanced, it’s our nature”:
In order to ensure that customers and brands can reap the full performance and sustainable potential of the Appretan® NTR grades, Archroma has created two new compostable binder systems especially designed for nonwoven cleaning rags and food filters.
The two systems, named NATURE BOUND and RAG N’ ROLL can be found in the online Archroma System Selector: www.archroma.com/systems.
Paul Cowell, Head of Competence Centers for Brand & Performance Textile Specialties at Archroma, comments: “Just like our EarthColors® dyes and Appretan® NTR6553 , the new Appretan® NTR6304 grade adds to our growing portfolio of innovations based on natural and renewable plant-based resources, helping us -and our partners in the textile, fashion and paper market- to minimize our dependence on petroleum, fossil fuel products. Because it’s our nature.”
About Archroma
Archroma is a global, diversified provider of specialty chemicals serving the branded and performance textiles, packaging and paper, and coatings, adhesives and sealants markets.
Headquartered in Reinach, Switzerland, Archroma operates in over 100 countries, with 3,000 employees located in 35 countries and 26 production sites.
Archroma is passionate about delivering leading and innovative solutions, enhancing people’s lives and respecting the planet. The company is committed to the principles of "The Archroma Way to a Sustainable World: Safe, Efficient, Enhanced. It's our nature!"; an approach reflected in its innovations, world-class quality standards, high service levels and cost-efficiency.
www.archroma.com.
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