Michelman is expanding its Unyte portfolio of water-based, PFAS-free surface modifiers for technical textiles. Unyte enhances the form and function of both woven and nonwoven materials used in technical textiles and pre-preg fabrics. The Unyte portfolio includes solutions that offer water repellency, adhesion, lubricity, thermal stability, and oil repellency across multiple fibre substrates.

Unyte products are used in textile market applications such as ballistics, healthcare, appliances, roof underlayment, geotextiles, and unbonded glass insulation. Each application has unique performance and functional requirements including Durable Water Repellency (DWR), chemical and oil repellency, adhesion resistance, binding, processability, lubricity, and thermal stability, the company said in a press release.

“Historically, some PFAS-containing products may have been over-engineered. The number of synthetic chemicals that fall within the PFAS category is vast – in fact, nearly 15,000 chemicals have a PFAS designation. Recently the EPA has placed a renewed emphasis on limiting any potential impacts from PFAS, requiring manufacturers to select PFAS-free alternatives. Identifying which performance benefits are critical for a given application, and comparing the performance benefits of available alternatives, are important steps in selecting PFAS-free solutions. The Unyte portfolio does not contain any substances of concern (SoCs), helping brand owners mitigate environmental risk,” Lauren Hickey, Michelman’s senior global marketing manager, Fibers & Composites, said.

“There are several global regulations that differ between countries and states. Likewise, enforcement dates vary. There are high financial penalties for noncompliance, and several fluoropolymer manufacturers have committed to exiting the market,” Hickey continued.

“Michelman’s purpose is innovating a sustainable future. We’re an EcoVadis Gold rated manufacturer and are proud of that standing. EcoVadis is the world’s largest provider of business sustainability ratings. None of our brands, including Unyte, are formulated with PFAS or PFAS-containing raw materials. That commitment has put us in a position to help manufacturers of technical textiles meet the new EPA regulations while maintaining performance standards,” Steve Bassetti, Michelman’s global marketing director, Fibers & Composites, said.