Archroma, the global speciality chemicals business, says halogen-free flame retardant powder coating additive, Pekoflam HFC, has been certified by the Oeko-Text Association to Oeko-Tex Standard 100. The company also claims that Pekoflam HFC is an organic phosphorous/nitrogen compound that provides excellent performance on synthetic materials, including polyamide fibres and blends with possible applications including military and protective wear, transportation interiors, and high-quality upholstery.

The Oeko-Tex Standard 100 is an independent test and certification system for textile raw, intermediate and end products at all stages of processing. Examples of articles that can be certified include yarns, fabrics, treated fabrics, and manufactured articles including clothing of all kinds, domestic and household textiles, bedding, towels and soft toys.

The chemistry in Pekoflam demonstrates higher efficiency compared to commonly used nitrogen and phosphorous based chemicals, with the product also applicable in water-based systems as well as in the Oeko-Tex Standard 100 compliant ‘green’ solvent based coating systems, Archroma suggests.

According to Archroma’s global segment manager flame retardants, textile specialties business, Michael Schuhmann, the primary advantage of Pekoflam HFC is its ability to combine the effects and properties of selected halogenated and non-halogenated technologies in a fire protection solution for various coating polymers. Pekoflam HFC thus offers a sustainable long-term alternative for synthetic textile applications, meeting the criteria of the Oeko-Tex Standard 100 and responding to the general trend towards more environmentally-compatible materials and end-products that pose significantly lower risks to health, he claims.