#Textile chemistry

2025-11-03

TEXTILCOLOR AG launches strategic collaboration with Alpex, Majocchi, and Trans-Textil in the field of Pyroshell™ flame protection

TEXTILCOLOR AG, a leading provider of innovative solutions in textile chemistry, today announces the start of a strategic collaboration with Alpex Protection, Majocchi, and Trans-Textil. Starting November 1, 2025, the partners will jointly advance the flame-retardant finishing of textiles using the patented Pyroshell™ technology at production sites in Germany, France, and Italy.

Pyroshell™ technology is a patented, permanent flame protection for polyamide and polyester fabrics and represents a milestone in the field of protective equipment for synthetic textiles. Pyroshell™ is revolutionising flame protection by significantly reducing the risk of burns. When a fabric equipped with Pyroshell™ is exposed to a flame, its textile structure expands substantially in volume. This effect keeps heat and fire-promoting gases largely away from the fabric. Therefore the time between the first sensation of pain from heat exposure and the onset of second-degree burns doubles. As a result, wearers gain valuable additional reaction time compared to conventional flame protection solutions.

The partnership with Alpex, Majocchi, and Trans-Textil enables the Pyroshell™ technology to be implemented even more efficiently within production processes and made accessible to a broader customer base. Alpex Protection (France) specializes in technical textiles and functional fabrics, Majocchi (Italy) manufactures high-quality textiles for the military, PPE, and luxury/fashion sectors, and Trans-Textil (Germany) produces innovative materials for safety and operational applications. The goal is to provide high-quality, safe, and comfortable functional and protective textiles throughout Europe.

“We are very excited about collaborating with our experienced partners in Germany, France, and Italy,” says Detlef Fischer, CEO of TEXTILCOLOR AG. “Together, we can leverage Pyroshell™ optimally within the production processes. The technology provides not only maximum protection but also exceptional comfort for users in demanding operational environments.”

Enhanced protection without added weight: Innovative technology for flame-retardant textiles doubles reaction time and ensures high wearing comfort

Flame-retardant textiles have long faced the same dilemma: the higher the level of protection, the greater the compromise in comfort, weight and breathability. This is especially important for workwear and protective clothing worn for long hours, where comfort is crucial to wearer acceptance and satisfaction. At Techtextil 2026 in Frankfurt, Swiss company Textilcolor AG will unveil pyroshell™, an innovative flame-retardant technology designed to tackle this challenge. Protection is provided by a graphite-based functional layer integrated into the textile structure, which doubles the reaction time before burns occur while significantly enhancing comfort. The material does not release any toxic fumes and offers textile manufacturers entirely new opportunities to design and produce protective and functional garments. It is also durable enough to withstand up to 50 industrial washes.

Swiss company showcases new technologies for lowering water and energy consumption

The textile industry is one of the biggest consumers of water globally, requiring approximately 93 billion cubic meters annually. This is equivalent to around 4% of the total freshwater consumed worldwide. The industry is facing increasing criticism as a result and is coming under pressure. Sustainability is therefore no longer just about image, but is a key competitive factor for textile manufacturers. Companies across the entire textile chain with a sole focus on conventional processes will have to address sales issues over the medium term and will be faced with ever greater regulatory pressure.

Covestro to exhibit solutions for a more sustainable and productive textile industry at Techtextil 2026

Covestro will present a broad portfolio of material innovations for textile coatings, adhesive films and thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPUs) at Techtextil 2026 (Hall 11.0, Booth C79). The exhibits will demonstrate how advanced solutions can enhance durability, recyclability and manufacturing efficiency across applications such as automotive, infrastructure, protective apparel and sportswear. A particular focus will be on more sustainable coating technologies, including antimicrobial systems based on INSQIN® in combination with AGXX from Heraeus Precious Metals, as well as the integration of Pontacol® thermoplastic adhesive films into Covestro’s offering.

Archroma expands denim possibilities at Kingpins Amsterdam

Archroma, a global leader in specialty chemicals, will present a portfolio of six sustainable denim innovations at Kingpins Amsterdam from April 15-16, 2026. Under the theme “Creating Possibilities in Denim”, the showcase reflects Archroma’s commitment to giving brands and mills solutions that are as commercially compelling as they are environmentally responsible.

New study shows low environmental impact by Cotton made in Africa Organic Cotton from Tanzania

Today, the Aid by Trade Foundation (AbTF) is announcing the results of a comprehensive life-cycle analysis (LCA) for cotton produced in Tanzania under the Cotton made in Africa Organic (CmiA Organic) standard. The study emphasises the small ecological footprint of CmiA Organic verified cotton. This can largely be traced back to the absence of synthetic pesticides, artificial fertilisers, and artificial irrigation. Consequently, CmiA Organic cotton can help the textile industry meet regulatory requirements as well as science-based targets. The results also show that the consequences of climate change threaten the livelihoods of these cotton farmers, even though the type of agriculture they practise barely contributes to climate change.

PERFORMANCE DAYS proves its relevance as the industry’s key meeting point

Held on March 18–19, 2026, PERFORMANCE DAYS once again confirmed its position as a leading international platform for functional textiles. A total of 3.366 trade visitors and around 560 exhibitors gathered in Munich, with the event already kicking off successfully on DAY 0, which received highly positive feedback for its interactive format. Despite challenging conditions caused by the public transport strike in Munich, the event saw strong attendance and a consistently high level of activity across both exhibition days.