Archroma launches new grade in Appretan® NTR range of water-based polymeric binders based on renewable natural ingredients

Archroma, a global leader in speciality chemicals towards sustainable solutions, has announced the launch of Appretan® NTR6304, a water-based polymeric binder based on renewable natural ingredients. The new product in the Appretan® NTR range offers a soft hand-feel option and displays an even higher content based on natural, renewable raw materials.

As governments encourage the manufacturing of eco-friendly alternatives for polymers made with fossil resources, such as petroleum and natural gas, the market for bio-based polymer dispersions is growing especially for coating applications in the US and Europe. Furthermore, with growing environmental regulations on emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and rising prices of crude oil, manufacturers have commenced research on the development of emulsion polymers from biological resources.

The first product in the Appretan NTR range, Appretan® NTR6553 was launched in 2019, offering a binder option to manufacturers and brands looking to reduce the use of fossil fuel based resources without compromising performance. More than 30% of Appretan NTR6553’s active content is based on a polysaccharide from renewable raw materials, and Appretan NTR6304 brings this level higher at 40% of its active content.

The new grade allows an option for textile and paper-based articles that require a soft hand-feel, such as nonwoven cleaning rags, whereas Appretan NTR6553 was designed for food filtration articles where a hard element is needed with good boiling water resistance, such as for coffee filters or tea bags. Of course, the two grades can be blended together to provide customised hand-feel effects.

Initially developed for the chemical bonding of non-wovens and coating of textiles, the Appretan NTR range displays excellent film forming properties and very hydrophobic behaviour. In addition, the unique chemistry of these binders makes them resistant to water, as well as mild solvents and also provides an increase in dry and wet tensile strength.

The products can be applied by impregnation or different coating techniques, whether paste or foam. they can also be applied in combination with other crosslinkers as its bio-polymer content provides exceptional high crosslinking functionality.

The range has been developed in line with the principles of "The Archroma Way: safe, efficient, enhanced, it’s our nature”:

• Appretan NTR products have, therefore, been designed so that optimum properties can be achieved without additional curing step at high temperature compared to the industry standard process, thus helping to save significant energy for producers and the planet.
• The range does not contain biocides or alkylphenolethoxylates (APEO) and does not release formaldehyde.
• They have a biodegradability of more than 80% and are truly compostable, unlike most competition products available on the market.
• Using Archroma’s best-in-class knowledge of food contact regulations, Appretan NTR grades have been tailored for customers who operate in the highly regulated, growing market of hot liquid filtration. Appretan NTR complies with global food contact standards, such as FDA 176 -170, BfR XXXVI and BfR XXXVI/1, which certifies the suitability of the end-product even in conditions such as immersion in boiling water.
• The Appretan NTR grades are Bluesign® registered and compliant to the GOTS 6.0 requirements and to Oekotex Standard 100.

In order to ensure that customers and brands can reap the full performance and sustainable potential of the AppretanNTR grades, Archroma has created two new compostable binder systems especially designed for nonwoven cleaning rags and food filters.

The two systems, named NATURE BOUND and RAG N’ ROLL can be found in the online Archroma System Selector: www.archroma.com/systems.

Paul Cowell, Head of Competence Centers for Brand & Performance Textile Specialties at Archroma, commented: "Just like our EarthColors® dyes and Appretan NTR6553 , the new Appretan NTR6304 grade adds to our growing portfolio of innovations based on natural and renewable plant-based resources, helping us -and our partners in the textile, fashion and paper market- to minimise our dependence on petroleum, fossil fuel products. Because it’s our nature.”