MagnaColours®, the UK's leading manufacturer of textile screen printing inks, has introduced Itoguard Aquashield+, a new PFC-free durable water repellent solution. Aquashield+ outperforms paraffin wax or acrylate-based treatments in terms of water repellency and can be used on cellulosic, synthetic, and blended fabric compositions.

The latest innovation in the MagnaColours ITO range has been specially developed to provide an enhanced mix of high performance and environmental sensitivity, the company said in a press release, in response to the continued drive to eliminate PFCs or perfluorinated chemicals (commonly found in water-repellent treatments) from the garment and textile supply chain.

When applied to textiles, the product provides high levels of water repellency, even at low concentrations, allowing for lower manufacturing costs. Unlike prior PFC-free water-repellent treatments, Aquashield+'s durability to dry cleaning treatment is a key feature, considerably expanding fabric end-use prospects for both producers and retailers.

Aquashield+ has been put to the test in the MagnaLab to verify that it meets the technical criteria of the world's major clothing merchants. Furthermore, the product has been certified as an acceptable input for the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), demonstrating that it meets world-class standards for textile processing across a wide range of ecological parameters. According to MagnaColours, GOTS accreditation means Aquashield+ qualifies for ZDHC (Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals) Level 1 certification, adding to a comprehensive spectrum of Magna products offered to textile processors across the industry.

Andy Lee, business manager for dyes and chemicals at MagnaColours, said that Aquashield+ is an important addition to the ITO textile dyes and chemicals offering of functional finishes. As the industry works to eliminate PFCs from the supply chain, this solution provides exceptional performance while also being environmentally friendly. They're happy that MagnaColours is at the forefront of sustainability throughout the textiles sector, be it screen printing, dying, or finishing.