The first non-fluorinated oil/water repellant for nonwoven fabrics and technical textiles in the market has been developed and put into production by AGC Chemicals Americas, Inc. (AGCCA) and Dryfiber, LLC. AGCCA will produce the repellant and collaborate with Dryfiber to sell it to the technical textiles and nonwoven fabric industries. Commercialisation is anticipated in 2026, with production scaling up in 2025.
AGCCA and Dryfiber have collaborated to create this innovative coating technology based on polymer chemistry developed at Cornell University. When this thin polymeric coating is applied to textiles, it forms a microscopically rough texture that acts as a chemical barrier. Treated textiles repel oil-based stains and fluids, causing them to bead up so they can be easily cleaned.
Filtration items, upholstery, automobile and medical textiles, and industrial textiles are all perfect for these new coatings. They offer a high-performing, environmentally friendly substitute for fluorinated repellent technology and can be applied by dipping or industrial spray painting.
As we continue to provide sustainable technologies for the nonwovens and technical textiles sector, our collaboration with Dryfiber represents an important turning point for AGC Chemicals Americas. By eliminating the need for fluorinated chemicals, this innovation offers our clients the performance they demand and marks a milestone in stain-resistant technology. Tim Johnson, AGCCA’s FibraLAST business manager, adds, “We are pleased to provide this solution in response to the increasing demand for non-fluorinated alternatives.
Establishing a collaborative partnership with AGCCA has been crucial to the introduction of this ground-breaking, patent-protected technology. It fills a vital gap in the market for repellents that aren’t fluorinated and have outstanding performance. We’re leading the industry in the shift to a more ecologically friendly future and raising the bar for stain resistance together’, says Jack Roe, managing director of Dryfiber.
We have been able to design a genuinely unique technology thanks to our partnership with Dryfiber. Jay Sacci, head chemist for FibraLAST at AGC Chemicals Americas, says, “This accomplishment demonstrates what can be achieved when state-of-the-art science is in line with a common vision.”
“Dryfiber is pleased to work with AGCCA to introduce innovative technologies to the market for technical textiles and nonwoven fabrics. Furthermore, Dryfiber caters to a number of markets, expanding the influence of this cutting-edge technology throughout sectors like design and clothing that require high-performance, environmentally friendly solutions, according to Greg Lucci, Dryfiber’s founding partner.