Modern textiles need to deliver both performance and comfort. Innovative finishing technologies are helping fabrics become more resistant to water while keeping their original look, feel, and breathability.
Combining bio-based content with textile performance
Dow has developed a silicone-organic hybrid technology for durable water-repellent (DWR) textile finishes. The solution contains 81% certified bio-based content, sourced from plants and animal by-products, according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
The bio-based feedstock is derived from palm oil certified by the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), and the bio-based carbon content is verified using Carbon-14 (¹⁴C) analysis, which determines the amount of carbon derived from renewable sources. The analysis is performed by a laboratory accredited to ISO/IEC 17025:2017.
Designed for fashion and technical textiles, the technology can be applied to a wide range of fabrics, including synthetic, natural, and blended fibres such as polyester, nylon, and cotton. It helps textiles repel water while maintaining colour vibrancy, breathability, and wearer comfort.
The water-repellent finish is designed to provide long-lasting performance, maintaining water repellency even after multiple home laundering washing cycles. It can also be integrated into existing textile manufacturing processes and combined with other ingredients to adapt performance to different applications.
By combining bio-based content with durable textile performance, this innovation supports the development of fabrics that meet both functional and design requirements.
