100 percent vegan: seal of approval for breathable synthetic AQUAIR®
PFI confirms: water-based technology from Trans-Textil and Covestro is free of animal components
- Breathable, water-based AQUAIR® synthetics from Trans-Textil now bear the "100% Vegan" certification mark from German PFI Institute
- No animal components or animal products are used in the product as a whole, as well as in all components and manufacturing steps
- Highly flexible product structure in terms of design, textile components and membrane systems
- The water-vapor-permeable, microporous structure of AQUAIR® is based on waterborne formulation components from Covestro
High technical, ecological and ethical standards in an extremely individual product design are the basic idea of AQUAIR®, which is now supplemented by the "100% Vegan" seal. The standard of the Pirmasens Testing and Research Institute (PFI) is awarded if the product, its ingredients and the manufacturing process are verifiably vegan and not of animal origin. Compliance with the criteria is checked by the institute, confirmed by laboratory tests if necessary and monitored regularly.
"The vegan idea fits perfectly into the overall concept of AQUAIR® and is a logical further development for us," says Matthias Krings, Managing Director of Trans-Textil GmbH. Performance and responsible product design in all steps form the basis of the highly breathable overall system. The starting point is the synthetic layer, which can be individually designed in terms of color and grain.
"The microporous PU system is based on our aqueous and more sustainable INSQIN® technology, with which the production of coated textiles also requires up to 95 percent less water and 50 percent less energy compared to conventional production processes," explains Dr. Torsten Pohl, Head of Global Textile Coatings at Covestro. In combination with the technologies from Trans-Textil, this results in unique properties with a wearing comfort and functionalities that raise the standard of synthetics to a new level and are now also verifiably vegan according to the PFI standard.
In addition to textile substrates, the test seal also included waterproof, breathable Topaz membrane systems based on polyurethane (PU) and polyester (PES), so that there is a great deal of creative freedom in product design with regard to structure, coloring and technical properties. The PU hotmelt systems used to manufacture the multi-layer composite products, which are applied at Trans-Textil using the high-quality and durable Point-in-Point® lamination technology, have also been vegan tested. Water-repellent properties are already integrated in AQUAIR® and no additives need to be added which are currently often viewed critically. All components and process steps are also tested according to Standard 100 by OEKO-TEX® for processing without harmful ingredients.
In a regional and responsibly designed supply chain, breathable synthetic products "Made in Germany" are created with AQUAIR® for the design of shoe components, leisure, sports and outdoor clothing, bags and accessories as well as for use in functional upholstery and furniture – even for small series or samples. The production as roll goods is the basis for an optimal use of material in the manufacture. If required, compatible Topaz tapes are available for seam sealing, which are also based on water-based formulation components.
About Trans Textile:
Trans-Textil GmbH from Freilassing, Germany, is one of the technologically leading companies in the development and manufacture of functional textiles through lamination, membrane technologies, coating, finishing and printing processes. Trans-Textil GmbH documents its commitment beyond the legal requirements, among other things, through the certification of its products "Made in Germany" according to the criteria of the Öko-Tex 100 standard, the certification according to EN ISO 9001, EN ISO 14001 and OHRIS in the area of occupational safety and plant safety. The functional textiles are used in personal protective equipment, shoe components, medical and technical applications as well as in highly developed solutions for the outdoor, sports and leisure clothing sectors.
About Covestro:
Covestro is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of high-quality polymer materials and their components. With its innovative products, processes and methods, the company helps enhance sustainability and the quality of life in many areas. Covestro supplies customers around the world in key industries such as mobility, building and living, as well as the electrical and electronics sector. In addition, polymers from Covestro are also used in sectors such as sports and leisure, cosmetics and health, as well as in the chemical industry itself.
The company is committed to becoming fully circular and is striving to become climate neutral by 2035 (scope 1 and 2). Covestro generated sales of EUR 18 billion in fiscal 2022. At the end of 2022, the company had 50 production sites worldwide and employed approximately 18,000 people (calculated as full-time equivalents).
Forward-looking statements
This news release may contain forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by Covestro AG. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between the actual future results, financial situation, development or performance of the company and the estimates given here. These factors include those discussed in Covestro’s public reports which are available at www.covestro.com. The company assumes no liability whatsoever to update these forward-looking statements or to conform them to future events or developments.