Test criteria of Oeko-Tex Standard 100 changed
The Oeko-Tex Association revised and expanded the applicable test criteria, limits and by-laws of the product certification process as per Oeko-Tex Standard 100, effective 1 January 2010.
The new provisions are now in effect:
• Synthetic fibres, yarns, plastic parts and more are tested for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon substances (PAH) in all four Oeko-Tex product classes. An overall limit of 10 mg/kg applies to the 16 defined substances, and 1 mg/kg to benzo[a]pyrene.
• Considering that diisobutylphtalate (DIBP) is likely added to the list of REACh substances of very high concern, this softener is excluded from use as part of the Oeko-Tex certification process (in additional to already tested phthalates).
• Based on the EU Directive 2009/425/EC in connection with products such as printed textiles, gloves and textile floor coverings etc., the Oeko-Tex Association also added dioctyltin (DOT) to the list of prohibited tin-organic substances. A limit of 1.0 mg/kg applies to baby articles (product class I), as well as 2.0 mg/kg for articles of the other Oeko-Tex product classes.
• The transition provision for total lead content in metallic materials is extended.
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French firm promotes greener textile technology in Bangladesh
French firm Callebaut de Blicquy (CDB) announced in February that it would implement the test-project with two member mills of Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA) by installing environment friendly and cost efficient machinery and helping operate them for a year.
CDB, with two other French companies Dewailly Conseils and L’Eau Pure, planned to provide technical and training support to Purbani Fabrics Ltd and Comfit Composite Knit Ltd.
An Optilab system to identify chemicals responsible for pollution and a submerged bio-reactor would be installed to allow efficient reduction of the final effluent pollution. This pilot project cost was estimated at around 200,000 euros, the company says.
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Warm viscose fiber marketed by Lenzing
Lenzing partners with Kelheim Fibres to market a specialty viscose fiber, Viloft, internationally. Being a natural cellulose fiber, Viloft viscose fiber allows designers to create warm and skin-friendly textiles, according to Lenzing.
Viloft’s modified cross-section creates air pockets in the textile, which act as a buffer against the cold. Textiles made of this fiber provide good insulation values, making them particularly warm, Lenzing says. Conventional viscose fibers, on the other hand, tend to be smooth and cooling and thus are not suitable for warm clothing.
The thermal performance of Viloft was tested. Comparing Viloft knit fabrics with cotton knit fabrics shows that Viloft fabrics have 30% higher thermal insulation. A small percentage of Viloft fiber is enough to make textiles warmer, the company explains.
In blends with synthetic fibers and wool, Viloft’s properties are shown to be effective since moisture absorption and softness are desired benefits. Lenzing adds that the fiber properties of Viloft make it suitable for use in the lingerie sector. This fiber is also machine-washable and easy to care.
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 | | Flat fiber cross-section of Viloft creates air chambers in textiles |
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Bulgarian textile factory applies nano-coatings to save energy
Industrial Nanotech, a US supplier of nanoscience solutions, agreed to provide the Nansulate patented thermal insulation coatings to Coats Bulgaria for energy efficiency at the Bulgarian factory.
Coats Bulgaria uses Nansulate Translucent High Heat and Nansulate EPX on all their dyeing machinery, steam collectors, steam valves, heat exchangers and hot water pipes. The project began in December 2009.
Answering why the firm chose Nansulate, Emil Dinev, Maintenance Supervisor for Coats Bulgaria replied: “We would like to decrease energy costs by using Nansulate to save money in the future. We know Nansulate to be ecologically clean, or green technology, and it can be applied easily to prevent corrosion without occupying additional space. We are simply replacing our current insulation materials, some of which are dangerous to human health. Energy saving is important to Coats Bulgaria because it affects the environment and reduces harmful emissions into the atmosphere and protects the global climate from global warming, provides comfort at the workplace and saves a lot of money.”
Coats Bulgaria is one of the largest providers of sewing thread and needlecraft supplies in the world.
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