Covestro, a distinguished polymer manufacturer based in Germany, and KRONOS, a key player in titanium dioxide pigment supply from the United States, have forged a strategic alliance to showcase the transformative potential of cutting-edge materials in advancing the realm of digital inkjet printing on fabrics. This collaboration emerges as a catalyst for propelling sustainability initiatives within the textile industry, pushing the boundaries of what is achievable in terms of eco-friendly and efficient printing processes.
Through rigorous testing and validation processes, Covestro’s waterborne INSQIN® portfolio has not only demonstrated its technical prowess but has also established a seamless compatibility with KRONOS 9900 Digital White, a pigment dispersion renowned for its quality and versatility. This compatibility underscores the commitment of both companies to foster innovation and create synergies that contribute to the sustainability narrative in textile manufacturing.
A notable breakthrough in this partnership is Covestro’s introduction of Impranil® DL 1606, a polyurethane dispersion meticulously engineered to address the persistent challenge of sagging in direct-to-foil (DTF) printing. Sagging, a common issue associated with high ink loads, poses a quality concern in the printing process. Impranil® DL 1606 stands out as an innovative binder with exceptional anti-sagging properties, empowering the incorporation of high white ink loads and ensuring superior results in inkjet printing applications.
Torsten Pohl, Head of Global Textile Coatings at Covestro, emphasizes the collaborative effort, stating, “By teaming up with another raw materials supplier, we are strategically addressing two pivotal challenges faced by the expanding digital inkjet printing market: formulation and sagging. Working hand in hand with KRONOS propels us further toward a more sustainable and technologically advanced textile industry.”
Jürgen Bender, Global Market Development Manager at KRONOS, adds valuable insights, noting, “This collaboration ensures that our groundbreaking KRONOS 9900 Digital White aqueous pigment concentrate aligns seamlessly with Covestro’s INSQIN® polyurethane binders, making it an ideal solution for direct-to-foil textile printing. Furthermore, our joint efforts have addressed the critical need for stability in various facets of inkjet applications, thereby dismantling barriers to the widespread adoption of more sustainable digital printing technologies.”
In essence, this collaboration stands as a testament to the dedication of Covestro and KRONOS in pushing the boundaries of technological innovation, fostering sustainability, and overcoming challenges that pave the way for a more environmentally conscious and efficient future in textile printing. The collective impact of their efforts extends beyond business collaboration, contributing to the broader narrative of sustainable practices in the evolving landscape of digital printing.
