Page 167 - CW E-Magazine (24-10-2023)

News from Abroad

first time to both the judging event and beginning of a new biennial format finalists will be notified on August 28,
awards ceremony. that provides a longer submission 2024, with the awards ceremony set
period to give participants more time to to take place in Tokyo, Japan in
PIA shines a spotlight on designs collaborate with relevant partners on October 2024. Winners will be selected
that demonstrate what packaging can building out a submission. The goal is by an independent jury composed of
be when industry talent harnesses to provide an accessible platform for professionals from the global packag-
creativity and technology to solve a greater pool of packaging profes- ing industry and sustainability experts.
contemporary challenges across the sionals to have their most innovative Entry in the competition is free, and
complete packaging value chain. designs judged on the world’s stage, applicants are not required to use Dow
The 2022 edition drew more than further accelerating innovation in materials in their products. All entries
180 packaging submissions from 30 packaging. must be commercial products that have
countries, and 28 packaging solutions been on the market for more than six
were recognised for their demonstra- The submission period has opened months by the last day entries are open
ble excellence. This edition marks the and will close on March 8, 2024. Award to submission.
IMPACT OF REGULATION

Performance apparel brands optimistic on develop-

ment of viable PFAS alternatives

The latest developments in alter- face pressure to develop alternative fere with the comfort of apparel to which
natives to PFASs (per- and polyfluo- substances which offer the same levels it is applied, and is inherently stretchy,
roalkyl substances) or “forever chemi- of performance as PFASs – and to do so facilitating freedom of movement.
cals” are showing promise for use in quickly. So far, many of the alternative
the manufacture of performance apparel, substances already commercialised for Similarly, the chemicals company
according toa report from the UK- the performance apparel market have Archroma is achieving success with a
based business information company, proved to be incapable of providing durable water-repellent system called
Textiles Intelligence. Performance the levels of alcohol- and oil-repellence Rain Away, which is said to provide
apparel brands are facing a major chal- required to compete with PFASs. Also, a level of performance comparable
lenge as lawmakers worldwide are only a few of these alternative substan- with finishes made using PFASs.The
strengthening regulations or proposing ces have been found to provide effective system is suitable for outdoor apparel
new regulations in order to eliminate protection against abrasion and stains. and equipment, and is produced using
PFASs, a family of more than 10,000 a PFAS-free durable water repellent
synthetic fluorinated compounds prized However, breakthroughs are begin- (DWR) finish in combination with a
for their unique characteristics. ning to be achieved in this field, the cross-linker. The system forms a film –
report stated. Some of the latest innova- much like a fatty or waxy film – on the
PFASs are commonly used in the tions in PFAS-free finishes, membranes surface of a fabric to which it is applied,
manufacture of durable water repel- and treatments boast advanced proper- and imparts water repellence, abrasion
lent (DWR) finishes, treatments and ties that are comparable with, if not bet- resistance, ultraviolet (UV) resistance
membranes, and their development has ter than, those of finishes, membranes and a soft handle. At the same time, it
enabled performance apparel manufac- and treatments made using PFASs – does not interfere with breathability.
turers to produce high performance much to the relief of the performance However, while such innovations are
waterproof clothing at scale and relatively apparel industry. For example, dimpora showing promise as viable alternatives
low cost. However, there is increasing eco pur membrane by dimpora is a to water-proof breathable membranes
scientific evidence which demonstrates water-proof breathable membrane free and DWR finishes made using PFASs,
that PFASs can have adverse effects on from PFASs. It is suitable for outdoor further investment in the research and
the environment and human health. This apparel, and is produced using a liq- development of innovative alternatives
has spurred a flurry of legislative activi- uid composition based on polyurethane to PFASs is required – and brands must
ties aimed at eliminating PFASs. As a (PU) polymer. The membrane prevents accelerate their efforts or risk facing
result of the threat of forthcoming regu- penetration by moisture in the form of legal challenges and reputational
lations, performance apparel brands water vapour molecules, does not inter- damage, the report stated.

Chemical Weekly October 24, 2023 167

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