“The world’s leading car manufacturers are driven to constantly improve the comfort, durability and aesthetic appeal of vehicle interiors – all without compromising safety, compliance or the transition to more sustainable manufacturing,” Martin Weber, Market Segment Director – Synthetics, Performance Apparel & Automotive at Archroma Textile Effects, says. “As the industry pioneer, Archroma is uniquely positioned to collaborate with automotive brands and suppliers and foster their creativity with technical textiles that not only enhance functionality and profitability but that also have a positive environmental impact.”

With a broad product portfolio and a global footprint that spans 41 countries, Archroma specializes in developing innovative products and processes that help automotive brands ensure fabric colour and consistency, combat wear and stains, mitigate fire risk and preserve freshness. Its solutions comply with the industry’s most stringent environmental standards and regulations and the restricted substances lists of the world’s top automotive brands. “Our breakthroughs are a testament to our Planet Conscious commitment to innovation and partnership to meet the specific challenges of automotive sector customers,” Martin adds.

Archroma’s extensive portfolio

• Lasting color: For colors that stay deep and vibrant through the lifespan of the vehicle, Archroma has developed a new range of high-lightfast disperse dyes: “Dorospers K-HF”. Designed for automotive interiors, these halogen-free dyes provide optimum build-up on polyester microfiber, including artificial suede.

• Lasting color consistency: Archroma’s FADEX and UV-FAST UV absorbers are highly resistant to heat, preventing color change during processing and assembly and ensuring color consistency and fabric stability even after prolonged exposure to sunlight.

• Protection against water-based stains: Archroma’s new durable water repellent, “Phobotex NTR-50”, is partially bio-based and free of PFAS chemicals and formaldehyde. It combines polyurethane and acrylic elements to provide a more cost-effective platform with enhanced compatibility with other finishing chemicals. It also offers a softer drape than conventional acrylic-based stain repellents.

• Fire safety: Archroma’s fire retardant solutions are cost-effective and can be used with repellent platforms, antistatic agents and selected coating polymers. They are generally halogen-free. The salt-based “Flovan CGN” allows easy and efficient padding or spaying of seating and trim fabrics, while the “Pekoflam” additives are used for coating leather seating fabrics.

• Odor control: An innovation born out of Archroma’s four-decade partnership with Swiss-based Sanitized AG, “Sanitized T20-19” is a metal- and particle-free antibacterial treatment that inhibits the growth of odor-causing bacteria on polyamide and polyester fabrics. On the other hand, the new mineral-based “Perapret Air liq” is a light-activated air purification technology that eliminates airborne pollutants and smells.