Fall River, Mass.-based specialty chemicals producer Bolger & O'Hearn Inc. has created Altopel F3, an eco-friendly fluorine-free water-repellent finish suitable for performance textiles. The product is based on hydrophobe-fortified polymers and may be applied to a variety of fiber types using conventional manufacturing processes. According to the company, the finish offers a high degree of water repellency as well as durability to laundering along with its remarkable environmental profile.
"Consumers are the ultimate driver in the market and they are demanding more environmentally sound products," said Shaun O'Hearn, president. "When a brand replaces their fluorinated water repellent with Altopel F3, they are making a statement they are listening to their customers."
