The secrets of our water-repellent finish
Have you ever wondered what we do to make our fabrics water-repellent?
To answer that question, we need to talk about how a water-repellent finish works. A common technique is to add a PFC (perfluorocarbon) chain. This is a chain of carbon with fluor on each carbon. Water and oil can’t get past the fluor, thus making the fabric water and oil repellent. Sounds great right? Not quite. One of the carbon molecules, C8, was added to the list of Substances of very high concern of the European legislation on chemicals (REACH). Its siblings, C6 and C4, are likely going the same way. Symphony Mills saw this and started looking for less harmful alternatives.
Durable Water Repellent, or DWR
We found it in Durable Water Repellent, or DWR. DWR is also called C0. This name is not entirely correct since, despite being much better for the environment, the substance still contains carbon. The carbon does not have fluor on it, however, but rather water-repellent end-groups that are waxy and therefore automatically repel any water. The finish is PFC-free, earning it the OEKO-TEX® certification, but does not repel oil like the C-series did. A small sacrifice considering the substantial benefits of DWR for the environment and our health.
Now you know that your upholstery and curtains are safe for you, your loved ones and the planet.
Curious about what else Symphony Mills is doing for the environment? Read our post about the #ACT program .
