Archroma has announced that its halogen-free flame retardant powder coating additive, Pekoflam HFC, is since November 2014 officially recognized as a manufacturer certified product by the Oeko-Tex Association. Being the first powder additive to be listed for coating applications, Pekoflam HFC will support textile producers and protective clothing manufacturers’ efforts to achieve both Oeko-Tex 100 compliance and effective fire protection for their finished goods.

Pekoflam HFC p is an organic phosphorous/nitrogen compound with excellent performance on synthetic materials, including polyamide fibers and blends. The unique chemistry displays higher efficiency compared to commonly used nitrogen and/or phosphorous based chemicals. It is also applicable in water-based systems as well as in Oeko-Tex Standard 100 compliant ‘green’ solvent based coating systems, hence offers a higher flexibility to fabric coaters serving different end-use segments. The ecological profile enables use in both indirect and direct skin contact applications.

“The primary advantage of Pekoflam HFC is its ability to combine the effects and properties of selected halogenated and non-halogenated technologies in a fire protection solution for various coating polymers. Pekoflam HFC thus offers a sustainable long-term alternative for synthetic textile applications, meeting the criteria of the Oeko-Tex Standard 100 and responding to the general trend towards more environmentally-compatible materials and end-products that pose significantly lower risks to health,” said Michael Schuhmann, Global Segment Manager Flame Retardants, Textile Specialties Business, Archroma.

Oeko-Tex criteria provide manufacturers in the textile and clothing industry with a uniform benchmark on a scientific basis for the evaluation of potentially harmful substances in textiles. The Oeko-Tex label indicates the additional benefits of tested safety for skin-friendly clothing and other textiles to interested end users. The test label therefore provides an important decision-making tool for purchasing textiles.