Fabric technologies

High tech

Croda has developed a range of performance additives that provide textiles with high tech functional effects including thermal regulation, permanent anti-static and UV protection.

Anti-static to reduce cling

As synthetic fibres tend to be poor conductors of electricity, friction during use can cause build-up of static charge within the garment. This static charge will then cause the garment to become clingy in feeling and can often lead to further discomfort. The generation of static can be eliminated through use of anti-static agents within the garment.

Moisture management

Synthetic fibres can often be hydrophobic upon manufacturing, meaning it is difficult for water to pass through the fibre. Croda's durable finishes can improve hydrophilic tendences of synthetic fibres and increase the strike-through. This greatly improves the capabilities of sportswear to draw moisture from the skin and pass through the garment where it then evaporates.

Thermal regulation textiles

Consumers expect textiles to keep up with both their active lifestyle and the everyday. By incorporating CrodaTherm microencapsulated PCMs into textiles and fibres, a more comfortable and stable temperature profile is achieved.

Thermal regulation bedding and foam

Foam and bedding textiles can quickly become uncomfortable, especially in hot and humid environments. Mattress and bedding materials containing CrodaTherm microencapsulated PCMs can improve thermal control and quality of sleep.

Odour control

The main causes of odour in textiles are organic carboxylic acids, which embed in fabrics causing persistent or permanent odour. Frequent use of your favourite clothes, shoes and bags makes them more susceptible to developing foul odours. This can ultimately lead to them becoming unwearable or unusable. Washing these items does not effectively neutralise these odours due to a permanent build-up in the synthetic fibres. Croda's bio-based odour neutralisers can be incorporated to help neutralise the odour build-up and keep your fabrics smelling fresher, for longer.

Health and wellbeing

At Croda, our commitment to becoming People Positive means that we will promote healthy lives and wellbeing through the ingredients we make, the way we work and the impact we have on our local communities. Croda has a range of speciality additives that can improve the look and feel of your favourite fabrics, provide sensory skin effects or offer solar protection. Consumer health and wellbeing trends are constantly evolving and as manufacturers it is important to have the right products to deliver the desired effects.

Crodarom botanical extracts

Crodarom, part of the Croda group, has many years of experience in botany and phytochemistry innovation. Crodarom offers the product formulator a unique source of plant extracts and marketing information in order to assist with the creation of new products that have natural appeal. The feelings that they deliver to consumers during the purchasing process and end-use make them successful. Botanical extracts can provide a unique opportunity to provide emotive concepts and claims and really boost the value of the formulator products.

Enhanced fabric protection

Our Coltide range of protein additives have been specifically designed to deliver a range of fabric protection properties to a variety of textiles including wool, cotton, linen, and silk.

• Coltide Radiance improves protection against colour fade, greying of whites and damage to fibres;
• Cotlide HSi delivers 'easy iron' properties, wrinkle reduction, fibre protection and adds conditioning benefit; and
• Coltide HQS improves the lubricity of fibres and adds texture, body and softness.

Future trends and concepts

Croda's expertise in the Personal Care industry can help meet and deliver the latest consumer demands through application in textiles.

• 'Leave on' products that provide creases prevention, freshness, antibacterial, skin conditioning, anti-static and softness;
• Solar protection for skin and clothes to prevent harmful effects of the sun;
• Vegan and bio-based products;
• Prevention products that can be applied to textiles and fibres to protect them from getting dirty;
• Microencapsulated slow release treatments; and
• Microbiome - spray on product that protects your skin's microbiome.