Dow has launched a new textile finishing technology designed to deliver durable water and oil repellency without relying on conventional fluorinated chemistry.

 

Thus, addressing growing industry demand for alternatives amid tightening regulatory and environmental expectations.

 

The new product, DOWSIL IE-5619 DWOR Emulsion, uses innovative silicone-organic hybrid chemistry to provide dual-repellency performance while maintaining the softness, breathability and appearance of treated fabrics.

 

Developed for the global textile industry, the solution targets textile chemical formulators, mills and brands seeking to meet changing regulatory requirements and consumer expectations without compromising fabric performance.

 

“For years, achieving meaningful oil repellency in textiles typically required fluorinated chemistries, which are now facing increasing restrictions,” said Juan Carlos Medina, Global Strategic Marketing Director at Dow. 

 

“DOWSIL IE-5619 helps close that gap with a silicone-based, fluoro-alternative solution that delivers durable water and oil repellency while preserving the softness, breathability and aesthetics consumers expect. It is designed to integrate into existing finishing processes, enabling customers to adopt a fluoro-alternative solution with confidence.”

 

The launch addresses a longstanding challenge for textile manufacturers: achieving effective oil repellency while moving away from fluorinated chemical technologies.

 

DOWSIL IE-5619 is a 30% solids concentrate developed for conventional textile finishing. It is designed for use across synthetic, natural and blended fibres, although performance must be validated for each fabric type and source.

 

Its key performance features include:

 

Dual repellency: Helps repel oil-based contaminants, including olive oil, cooking oils, motor oil and sebum, while providing protection against water-based stains such as wine, coffee and milk.

 

Fluoro-alternative chemistry: Uses silicone-organic hybrid polymer technology to deliver durable water and oil repellency in textile applications.

 

Long-lasting performance: Designed to maintain water and oil repellency after more than 20 home laundering cycles, depending on the fabric and formulation.

 

Fabric comfort and aesthetics: Delivers a soft hand feel, helps preserve breathability and supports tape and logo adhesion without requiring additional surface treatments.

 

Manufacturing compatibility: Designed to integrate into existing production processes, with typical application levels of 1–3% based on fabric weight and curing for 1–3 minutes at a minimum temperature of 150°C. Processing conditions can be optimised to meet customer-specific requirements and performance targets.

 

The company will work directly with customers to assess application requirements and support product validation across specific fabric types and textile finishing lines.

 

With the launch, Dow is positioning its silicone-based hybrid technology as an alternative for manufacturers seeking durable water and oil repellency while adapting to the industry's evolving chemical, environmental and performance demands.