Following the recent publication of its second sustainability report, Venator has become the first manufacturer and supplier of fiber anatase titanium dioxide (TiO2) to the textile industry to secure an Eco Passport by Oeko-Tex certification.
The accreditation relates to Venator’s Hombitan LW-S 100 pigment, a premium TiO2 grade for delustering synthetic fibers such as polyester, viscose and acrylic. Eco Passport by Oeko-Tex is an independent, multi-stage testing and certification system for chemicals, colorants and auxiliaries used to manufacture textiles and leather. The evaluation process provides independent proof that raw materials are produced in an environmentally friendly way and under socially responsible conditions.
Hombitan LW-S 100 is an important TiO2 grade in the textile industry to reduce gloss and create an aesthetically pleasing matte appearance. The special pigment also makes yarns easier to spin and improves lightfastness and weather resistance compared to standard pigments.
With an Eco Passport in place, Hombitan LW-S 100 is now certified suitable for use in specialist textile applications where there is direct skin contact and where the highest quality standards are required. This includes personal hygiene products such as wet wipes, diapers and feminine hygiene products. The certification will also interest sports apparel manufacturers producing sweat wicking garments.
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“Textile producers are increasingly looking to source raw materials with an Eco Passport in place,” Xandra Bläser, global business director for specialty pigmentary TiO2 at Venator, said. “Purchasing ingredients with this quality mark makes it easier for them to achieve the Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex label. If a garment carries the Standad 100 label, consumers expect that every component, such as every thread, button and zip, has been tested for harmful substances and will not have a detrimental effect to their health. With this accreditation for Hombitan LW-S 100, our customers have confidence that they are specifying a product from a reliable, responsible partner that adheres to the strictest safety and product stewardship standards.”
To secure Eco Passport by Oeko-Tex status for Hombitan LW-S 100, Venator worked with the testing provider Hohenstein. As part of the accreditation process, Venator’s TiO2 experts had to pass three screening steps.
First, Hombitan LW-S 100 was cross checked against lists of harmful chemicals, including REACH’s substances of very high concern (SVHC) candidate list. The product was tested in an independent laboratory to ensure its suitability for use in the sustainable production of textiles.
The final step was a site visit to check that Venator had all the correct systems in place for environmental management, health and safety, quality management and social responsibility.
“We’re delighted to congratulate Venator on their successful Eco Passport certification,” John Murphy, technical director of Hohenstein Europe, said. “The systematic testing promotes confidence, compliance and efficiency in the textile industry and means Venator’s Hombitan LW-S 100 meets the very highest standards for safer textiles.”
Venator has an extensive portfolio of pigments and additive products for the fibers and textiles market. The company is a global manufacturer and marketer of chemical products that comprise a broad range of pigments and additives that bring color and vibrancy to buildings, protect and extend product life, and reduce energy consumption. Based in Wynyard, U.K., Venator employs approximately 3,500 associates and sells its products in more than 110 countries.