TEXTILES.ORG
A recent life-cycle assessment (LCA) suggests that Covestro’s INSQIN, which uses waterborne polyurethane (PU) for the manufacture of PU synthetic, is a more sustainable way to produce coated textiles than solvent-based technologies, according to information provided by the company. An independent third party conducted a review of the LCA study and results in accordance with International Organization for Standardization standards.
The study reports that across the supply chain the Global Warming Potential for 1,000 square meters of waterborne PU synthetic is 45 percent less than that of solvent-based PU synthetic. The study also revealed that 85 percent of the reduction in Global Warming Potential is due to the lower energy consumption of the dry textile coating process enabled by the waterborne PU, which replaces wet processing.
The company also says that using INSQIN has the potential to reduce acidification in waters and soil by 20 percent compared to conventional technology. Covestro says the INSQIN technology also offers occupational health and safety benefits.
Global supplier Covestro AG is a producer of high-tech polymer materials and is engaged in the development of innovative solutions for products used in many areas of daily life.