The Dow Chemical Company has announced a new technology that dramatically improves its source efficiency during dyeing.

EcoFast Pure, introduced last week at the International Association of Textile Chemists and Dyers (AATCC) International Conference, has made natural textiles look brighter.

The patented technology allows direct and acid-based reactive dyes to be absorbed on natural fibers and natural fibers, from apparel to household textiles. Acid dyes are used to obtain color as fluorescents previously unrealized on cotton. EcoFast Pure also improves color fastness.

"Dow has leveraged its century of knowledge in materials science to help address the potential and sustainability gaps in the textile industry," said Dow Esma Talu. By pre-processing EcoFast Pure textiles, manufacturers can bring forth new-generation colors for longer on natural fibers while simultaneously reducing water, dye and energy consumption. "

Materials treated with EcoFast Pure require less rinsing and lower water temperatures during dyeing to reduce over 50% of water use and cut overall energy use. Manufacturers can also increase the amount of dye by 75% by increasing the amount of dye absorbed and reducing the dye cycle time. It is even possible to achieve increased power efficiency without adding salt to the dye bath.

EcoFast Pure is in line with Dow's commitment to breakthrough sustainable chemicals, a key pillar of the Company's 2025 Sustainability Goals.