Martin Flora – VP of Business Development at Green Theme Technologies

Founded in 2012, Green Theme Technologies (GTT) is the developer of sustainable solutions for the textile and fashion industries based in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

The company's objective is to develop textile processes and solutions that outperform existing technologies while reducing water consumption and pollution, which led to the creation of the EMPEL platform. The EMPEL platform, which combines clean chemistry, polymer science, and a unique process, is assisting in the development of products such as PFC-free water repellents and waterless dyes.

Our recent interaction with Martin Flora, VP of Business Development with Green Theme Technologies, shares insight into their various sustainable textile finishes, their achievements, and future plans.

YnFx: What led to the creation of a range of Empel-branded 'sustainable' solutions?

Flora: The idea of a PFC-free DWR was the target 6 years ago when GTT first started. Very quickly, we recognized that water-free production would be the real key to making a long-term sustainable change for the planet. The textile and fashion industry uses trillions of gallons each year and creates a disastrous amount of pollution in the process. Our long-term goal is to provide water-free superior textile processes and technologies to replace the existing archaic water-based systems currently used globally.

YnFx: What are the various sustainable textile finishes that you offer?

Flora: Our commercially ready products are long-lasting DWR, anti-wicking for footwear companies, and safe stain-release for the children’s products, PPE, and furniture markets. 

YnFx: In what sustainable aspects would you describe your finishing technology as better than the ones present in the market?

Flora: We have two key attributes: 1 - Water-free production and 2 - Our sustainable technology works better and lasts longer than the current PFC C6 options being used by many companies today.

YnFx: What is the environmental footprint of Empel™ finishing technology?

Flora: GTT just did a full analysis with Bureau Veritas. We have NO PFAS in any of our technology. In addition, our water-free dye solution and other groundbreaking technologies greatly reduce the water needed and energy used in processing textiles. GTT plans to measure the EMPEL  water and energy savings this year to support our claims with hard data.  

YnFx: What are some of the company’s achievements you’d like to highlight?

Flora: GTT is engaged with our brand and mill partners to provide a long-term vision to reduce the impact of textiles and fashion on the planet. We have a simple and clear message, water-free production is the key to delivering better-performing products. We don’t sell sustainability - it's the byproduct of efficient and modern technology.

YnFx: What are the future plans of the company?

Flora: GTT is currently licensing our technology in Asia, Europe, and the US. We hope to expand our partnerships to more leading mills to accelerate change in the global market.  We are also working with other non-profit organizations to highlight the benefits of the EMPEL water-free and PFC-free platform of products.