Smart Chemistry for Next-Gen Biodegradable Polyester

With their cooperation, CHT and OceanSafe would like to promote more sustainability in the textile industry. Thus, companies are assisted in meeting their sustainability objectives and positive change is driven by providing innovative solutions for dyeing and finishing of textiles made from biodegradable polyester.

COOLDYE by CHT is designed for lower temperature dyeing of all types of PES fibers (virgin, recycled, and biodegradable). The application of CHT’s COOLDYE dyeing process to the next-gen biodegradable polyester, naNea by OceanSafe, can efficiently help reduce the dyeing temperature, leading to savings in energy and time. The dyeing process of naNea is carried out at 110 °C, which is comparatively 20 °C lower than that of standard PES.

The COOLDYE system combines the soy-based leveling agent SARABID TS 300 and the sugar-based reducing agent REDULIT GIN to ensure a sustainable dyeing process. Both dyeing auxiliaries are biodegradable and meet the highest level of ecological requirements. The COOLDYE system is complemented by CHT’s BEMACRON HP-LTD disperse dyes that specifically enable the low-temperature dyeing process, which saves energy and time.

ECOPERL 4 is applied on naNea for achieving a hydrophobic finish effect. ECOPERL 4 is a fluorine-free finishing agent that provides excellent water repellency and very good wash durability. It is a biobased and biodegradable product based on special functionalized polymers and waxes.

naNea by OceanSafe is the next-gen biodegradable polyester and serves as a replacement for conventional PES. Unlike conventional polyester, naNea is biodegradable in the marine environment by over 93 % after 99 days. naNea does not contain toxicants and is proven to be not eco-toxic.

naNea fibers and yarns match the performance of conventional polyester, making them an ideal choice for products where resilience and durability are paramount. Transitioning to this novel material in manufacturing processes is easy. naNea is market-ready and scalable today. naNea is the world’s first and only synthetic textile material with Cradle to Cradle® Certified at Gold level.

By utilizing CHT’s biobased auxiliaries for dyeing and finishing of biodegradable PES such as the naNea fiber, a compatible and responsible approach is ensured. In addition, the final product made from naNea materials and CHT chemistry can be compliant with the Cradle to Cradle® Certification. 

Enhance your products with the best solutions and help make textiles more sustainable and ecological, together with CHT and OceanSafe.
 

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About the CHT Group

The CHT Group is a globally active foundation-owned specialty chemicals manufacturer headquartered in Tübingen, Germany. We offer sustainable chemical solutions for numerous industries and have an international presence with around 2,500 employees and 26 production sites. In the financial year 2025, the CHT Group generated a group turnover of approx. 570 million Euro.

Our portfolio includes Textile Solutions (dyes and auxiliaries for the entire textile value chain), Industrial Solutions (specialty silicones, paper and pulp technologies, washing solutions, care ingredients), and Functional Chemicals (chemical additives for paints, coatings, construction, adhesives, leather, chemical producers, agrochemicals, mining, and release agents).

The CHT Group is certified according to international standards and is committed to sustainability and social responsibility. In 2028, we will celebrate our 75th anniversary.

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