Safety Requirements And Development Trend Of Functional Finishing Agents

Functional finishing agents are chemical compounds that are added to textiles to enhance their performance, such as durability, water repellency, and antimicrobial properties. They are used to provide added value to the textiles and are commonly used in industries such as clothing, home textiles, and medical textiles.

However, as with any chemical product, safety requirements are essential to ensure that functional finishing agents do not pose a risk to human health or the environment.

The development trend of functional finishing agents is shifting towards the use of more sustainable and eco-friendly materials. This is driven by increasing consumer demand for sustainable and environmentally-friendly products.

The trend is also being driven by regulatory bodies and industry associations that are pushing for stricter environmental regulations and sustainability standards.

The use of eco-friendly materials in functional finishing agents is becoming more widespread.

Eco-friendly materials are those that are renewable, biodegradable, or recyclable. Some examples of eco-friendly materials that are being used in functional finishing agents include soybean protein, chitosan, and bamboo fiber. These materials are biodegradable, renewable, and have a low environmental impact.

One of the major benefits of using eco-friendly materials in functional finishing agents is that they are less harmful to human health and the environment. For example, soybean protein has been found to be non-toxic and biodegradable, making it a safe and sustainable alternative to conventional finishing agents. Similarly, chitosan has been found to have antimicrobial properties, making it an effective alternative to conventional antimicrobial agents.

In addition to the use of eco-friendly materials, the development trend of functional finishing agents is also focused on reducing the use of harmful chemicals. For example, perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs) are commonly used in water-repellent finishing agents, but they have been found to have harmful effects on human health and the environment.

As a result, many manufacturers are moving towards using alternative chemicals that are less harmful, such as silicone-based water repellent agents.

In terms of safety requirements, functional finishing agents must comply with relevant regulations and standards in the countries where they are sold.

These may include regulations such as REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) in the EU, or the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) in the US. These regulations require manufacturers to register chemicals and provide information on their potential risks and hazards.

Functional finishing agents must also be tested for their safety and efficacy before they can be sold. This includes testing for potential health effects, such as skin irritation, as well as testing for environmental impacts, such as toxicity to aquatic life.

To ensure that functional finishing agents are safe and sustainable, industry associations and regulatory bodies are working together to develop standards and guidelines for their use.

In conclusion, the development trend of functional finishing agents is towards more sustainable and eco-friendly materials, while safety requirements include compliance with relevant regulations and standards, as well as testing for safety and efficacy. With the ongoing efforts of regulatory bodies and industry associations, functional finishing agents are becoming safer and more sustainable, helping to create a more environmentally-friendly and socially responsible textile industry.