Tricky stains, such as mustard, red wine, coffee, salad dressing, suntan oil, and motor oil, were applied on polyester and acrylic fabrics commonly used in upholstery and outdoor furniture. Researchers let the stains sit for 24 hours. The soiled samples were then washed in a home washing machine for one cycle in cold water with liquid detergent. The post laundry scores show excellent results following the AATCC 130 stain standards. GTT found that their Empel DSR continued to release new stains even after 20 previous wash cycles, the company said in a press release.

Different from other stain repellent platforms that rely on PFAS or other harmful chemicals, the Empel DSR product encapsulates each fibre inside a yarn with an ultra-fine protective polymer. This polymer barrier prevents stains from contacting the fibres and from adhering to fabrics. The stains are then more easily released in a normal cold-water laundry cycle. 

Certified by Oeko-Tex for general environmental safety and by Bureau Veritas as PFAS-free, GTT’s Empel DSR has numerous applications across industries and around the globe. The high-performance sustainable approach provides cleaner solutions from children’s clothing to outdoor furniture.   

“The goal was to safely protect fabrics from stains for easier cleaning at lower temperatures. Empel DSR also helps brands create lasting sustainable products by protecting the fabric from common deep penetrating stains that typically ruin the appearance of upholstered furniture and apparel,” GTT VP, Martin Flora, said in a statement.