#Textile chemistry

2026-02-03

RUDOLF gets the exclusive global distribution rights for Sanitized® textile technologies

With effect from today, RUDOLF officially assumes exclusive global distribution rights for Sanitized® textile technologies from SANITIZED AG. This is the next milestone in the strategic collaboration announced in 2025, with the partnership between the two companies now fully implemented and expanded worldwide.

A transition phase began on September 1, 2025. During this phase, continuous customer supply and technical support were ensured jointly. This phase has now been successfully completed, paving the way for long-term global cooperation. It strengthens the international supply chain by ensuring a consistent and dependable global supply of products and services.

Textile technologies from SANITIZED: Innovation, hygiene & functionality

With textile technologies from SANITIZED, RUDOLF is expanding its already comprehensive portfolio along the entire textile value chain – from pretreatment and finishing to solutions that make the functional added value tangible for end consumers. Sanitized® technologies ideally complement this offering, as they cover key functions such as odor control, hygiene, freshness, and material protection. The portfolio focuses on three technological platforms.

Sanitized® Odorex™ comprises biocide-free technologies for odor neutralization, especially for easily washable textiles. These solutions offer effective odor management without biocidal substances and are ideal for brands that focus on conscious material selection, sustainable freshness, and high comfort.

Sanitized® Puretec™ offers high-performance odor control solutions. The technologies are based on antimicrobial mechanisms and provide clothing and home textiles with an integrated hygiene function. These solutions ensure long-lasting freshness, reduce unpleasant odors, and enhance comfort.

Sanitized® Silvertec™ is characterized by its high resistance to washing, dry cleaning, and high temperatures. By inhibiting bacterial growth, it prevents odors from forming, making it a valuable technology, especially for textiles that are worn for long periods of time or are difficult to wash.

In addition to its core portfolio, SANITIZED offers additional technologies for special applications in particularly demanding areas of use where a strong fungicidal or insecticidal effect is required. These technologies provide targeted and reliable material protection under difficult conditions.

Non-biocidal odor management for lasting freshness

OX20 is an innovative, non-biocidal technology that complements the joint portfolio: it neutralizes odors not through chemical-biological mechanisms, but through physical adsorption. OX20 is bluesign certified and a GOTS- approved additive. OX20 offers particularly reliable, long-lasting performance – even after many wash cycles. The technology can be flexibly integrated into existing finishing processes, is compatible with numerous fibers, and is ideal for demanding textile applications such as activewear, underwear, or workwear. Thanks to RUDOLF's excellent technical service for its customers, it is also ensured that different functional technologies – for example, non-biocidal odor control combined with high-quality hydrophilic finishes for activewear – are optimally coordinated and work together perfectly in application.

On February 1, 2026, RUDOLF will officially take over the complete exclusive distribution rights for Sanitized® textile technologies. By bundling all products and services with a single global partner, customers benefit from a clear, uniform point of contact for advice, product orders, and technical support:

SANITIZED and RUDOLF combine their international presence with strong local proximity, giving customers more direct access to contact persons, faster response times, and reliable technical support. The combination of the two companies' expertise ensures that brands and manufacturers worldwide have access to first-class technologies and a globally available supply chain that provides them with sustainable support in the development of innovative and durable textiles.

RUDOLF appoints Marcos Furrer as CEO, Dr Gunther Duschek as CTOO and Dr Oliver Kusterle as CSO – Dr Wolfgang A. Schumann becomes Chairman of the Board of Directors

RUDOLF, a leading global medium-sized specialty chemical company, is adopting a new management structure at the beginning of 2025 to accelerate the implementation of its strategic goals. The aim remains to further strengthen RUDOLF‘s international market position and to sustainably, expand the company‘s innovative strength in an increasingly dynamic competitive environment.

RUDOLF introduces innovative digital pigment printing toolbox

RUDOLF, a world leader in speciality chemicals, announces a development in digital textile printing with the introduction of its new Digital Pigment Printing Toolbox. Continuous research and development enables RUDOLF to offer products with maximum performance and minimum environmental impact. Interest in digital pigment printing is growing because it has the advantage over other printing technologies of eliminating one process step. With pigment printing, there is no need for posttreatment, which means that the water required for post-treatment can be saved.

Covestro to exhibit solutions for a more sustainable and productive textile industry at Techtextil 2026

Covestro will present a broad portfolio of material innovations for textile coatings, adhesive films and thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPUs) at Techtextil 2026 (Hall 11.0, Booth C79). The exhibits will demonstrate how advanced solutions can enhance durability, recyclability and manufacturing efficiency across applications such as automotive, infrastructure, protective apparel and sportswear. A particular focus will be on more sustainable coating technologies, including antimicrobial systems based on INSQIN® in combination with AGXX from Heraeus Precious Metals, as well as the integration of Pontacol® thermoplastic adhesive films into Covestro’s offering.

Archroma expands denim possibilities at Kingpins Amsterdam

Archroma, a global leader in specialty chemicals, will present a portfolio of six sustainable denim innovations at Kingpins Amsterdam from April 15-16, 2026. Under the theme “Creating Possibilities in Denim”, the showcase reflects Archroma’s commitment to giving brands and mills solutions that are as commercially compelling as they are environmentally responsible.

New study shows low environmental impact by Cotton made in Africa Organic Cotton from Tanzania

Today, the Aid by Trade Foundation (AbTF) is announcing the results of a comprehensive life-cycle analysis (LCA) for cotton produced in Tanzania under the Cotton made in Africa Organic (CmiA Organic) standard. The study emphasises the small ecological footprint of CmiA Organic verified cotton. This can largely be traced back to the absence of synthetic pesticides, artificial fertilisers, and artificial irrigation. Consequently, CmiA Organic cotton can help the textile industry meet regulatory requirements as well as science-based targets. The results also show that the consequences of climate change threaten the livelihoods of these cotton farmers, even though the type of agriculture they practise barely contributes to climate change.

PERFORMANCE DAYS proves its relevance as the industry’s key meeting point

Held on March 18–19, 2026, PERFORMANCE DAYS once again confirmed its position as a leading international platform for functional textiles. A total of 3.366 trade visitors and around 560 exhibitors gathered in Munich, with the event already kicking off successfully on DAY 0, which received highly positive feedback for its interactive format. Despite challenging conditions caused by the public transport strike in Munich, the event saw strong attendance and a consistently high level of activity across both exhibition days.