News, Announcements, and Awards
GTT in the News
See what the press is saying about GTT’s breakthrough technology.
Golden Long John and Green Theme Technologies
Green Theme Technologies closes $6 million Series C funding round
A cure for the PFAS problem
Nike Footwear Fabric Supplier Moves to Replace PFAS with Empel’s Green Solution
Substituting dry curing for traditional water-based techniques, these new textile production solutions greatly reduce water-borne pollution
Albuquerque, New Mexico (For Immediate Release): Green Theme Technologies (GTT), creators of the waterless and PFAS-free EMPEL® textile finishing platform, has teamed up with Golden Long John to promote the next generation of cleaner and more efficient fabric dye and finishing processes.
The textile manufacturing industry generates trillions of gallons of wastewater each year. Traditional textile dyeing and finishing rinses chemical dyes and water repellency onto fabrics. Post-production toxic water is then dumped into rivers and oceans.
Last year, Golden Long John, a major textile supplier of the global footwear industry, introduced GTT’s EMPEL® finishing platform in their Vietnam factories. Their partnership has led to the combination of their two industry leading technologies, the EMPEL® high performance water repellent finish and Golden Long John’s direct dye process.
“We believe, Cleaner IS Better and this is a big step forward for the fashion and textile industries,” said Martin Flora, President of GTT Business Development. “Similar to GTT’s EMPEL® application, Golden Long John applies dye chemistry directly onto fabrics. Better performance with much less pollution is our vision for the future.”
GTT and Golden Long John will showcase their innovations at the Functional Fabric Fair in Portland Or., on November 20th and 21st. Both companies are now enjoying steady growth from brands like Nike that need consistent and better performance while achieving their environmental goals.
About Green Theme Technologies
Green Theme Technologies, Inc. (GTT) is a US-based textile innovation company with a global vision to increase performance and eliminate pollution. Their water-free and PFAS-free EMPEL® textile finishing platform provides mills and brands with clean solutions that outperform all current water repellent, stain-release, and anti-wick technologies. EMPEL® is supremely durable, bringing true longevity to any textile or product using it. Contact: [email protected] or [email protected].
Rio Rancho, New Mexico (For Immediate Release): Green Theme Technologies, Inc. (GTT), a leader in sustainable textile and materials science, is pleased to announce the successful closing of a $6 million Series C funding round. This funding will accelerate GTT’s mission to transform the textile industry with its EMPEL® high-performance, sustainable technology. Leading the round were Pangaea Ventures and Cottonwood Technology Ventures, two venture firms known for supporting breakthrough innovations in advanced materials and sustainability.
GTT’s cutting-edge PFAS-free and water-free technologies provide sustainable alternatives to traditional textile treatments, eliminating harmful chemicals and drastically reducing water use. The Series C investment will enable GTT to expand its development capabilities, scale its technology, and meet the growing demand for sustainable solutions within the footwear, apparel, and military markets. The new funding will also drive continued RCD efforts to refine GTT’s product offerings and bolster the company’s global impact.
“We are delighted to partner with investors who share our commitment to environmental stewardship and innovation,” said Tom Lopez, CEO of Green Theme Technologies. “With this investment, we are well-positioned to accelerate our growth, advance our technologies, and drive meaningful change in the textile industry. Our solutions offer an effective way for manufacturers to produce high-performance products without sacrificing sustainability, and we are excited to expand this impact.”
Lead investor Pangaea Ventures specializes in hard tech investments with a focus on Planetary Health. With a track record of identifying and nurturing high-impact startups, Pangaea Ventures is committed to advancing innovation for a sustainable future. Established in 2000, Pangaea Ventures operates globally with offices in Phoenix, AZ, Vancouver, BC, and Tokyo, Japan. “Green Theme Technologies has developed a remarkable solution that meets an urgent need within the industry,” said Chris Erickson, General Partner at Pangaea Ventures. “As lead investors, we’re proud to support a company pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in sustainable manufacturing.”
Cottonwood Technology Funds, known for investing in high-potential companies focused on science and engineering innovation, expressed similar enthusiasm for GTT’s growth trajectory. “GTT’s EMPEL® technology aligns perfectly with our mission to invest in companies creating impactful solutions,” said Dave Blivin, Managing Partner at Cottonwood Technology Ventures. “Their approach to eliminating toxic PFAS from the textile production process is groundbreaking, and we are excited to support their expansion and success.”
This funding round signals a strong endorsement of GTT’s technologies and its vision of a more sustainable future for the textile industry. The support from Pangaea Ventures, Cottonwood Technology Ventures, and other investors will enable GTT to meet the urgent needs of manufacturers and consumers for sustainability without sacrificing performance.
Green Theme Technologies is committed to furthering its role as a global leader in sustainable innovation, with solutions that protect the planet and drive a more responsible future for textiles and beyond.
About Green Theme Technologies
Green Theme Technologies, Inc. (GTT) is a US-based textile innovation company with a global vision to increase performance and eliminate pollution. Their water-free and PFAS-free EMPEL® textile finishing platform provides mills and brands with clean solutions that outperform all current water repellent, stain-release, and anti-wick technologies. EMPEL® is supremely durable, bringing true longevity to any textile or product using it. Contact: [email protected] or [email protected].
The waterless and PFAS-free EMPEL® Nø-Wick™ tech provides world’s leading footwear fabric supplier with the highest performance sustainable solution
Albuquerque, New Mexico (For Immediate Release): In a big win for global sustainability and footwear performance initiatives, Gold Long John, the world’s leading innovative supplier of fabric to global footwear brands is applying EMPEL® Nø-Wick™ waterless and PFAS-free finishing platform in their Vietnam mill supply chain.
The EMPEL® Nø-Wick™ product stands apart by preventing wicking more effectively than any competing chemistry while remaining 100% water-free and PFAS-free. The adoption by top footwear fabric supplier Gold Long John is instrumental in creating sustainable, high performing footwear for many leading footwear brands around the world.
“Our Oeko Tex-certified EMPEL® platform is a solution for the future,” said Martin Flora, President of Global Business Development with GTT. “It creates the highest performing finishes available, all without the use of water or PFAS chemicals. Gold Long John was our first major footwear mill adopter in Asia and has been instrumental in providing the commercial readiness needed for major footwear brands to easily adopt EMPEL® Nø-Wick™. Because of their contribution and input, we’re now able to scale our clean chemistry throughout SE Asia and make a real difference in the fight against water, carbon and chemical pollution, all while providing the world’s best performance.”
Gold Long John is known as a market leader and innovator in the production of performance footwear fabrics and was the first major footwear mill that helped GTT commercialize EMPEL®. In 2023, Gold Long John installed the EMPEL® proprietary production machinery in their Vietnam factory and is now moving forward with plans to install machinery in their Taiwan facility. The proprietary machinery changes the way in which anti-wicking chemistries are molecularly bonded to footwear, protecting them from inclement weather.
“Green Theme and their EMPEL® products will help us stay at the forefront of global sustainability solutions, allowing us to supply our footwear brands with highly innovative, cleaner, better performing materials for their products,” said Kevin Wen, President of Gold Long John. “We see this as a win for us, for our partner brands, and for global environmental sustainability efforts.”
EMPEL® Nø-WickTM challenges the market perception that cleaner manufacturing processes mean loss of performance. The opposite is true, as efficient manufacturing performs better, reduces waste, and lasts longer. The benefits are obvious.
About Green Theme Technologies
Green Theme Technologies, Inc. (GTT) is a US-based textile innovation company with a global vision to increase performance and eliminate pollution. Their water-free and PFAS-free EMPEL® textile finishing platform provides mills and brands with clean solutions that outperform all current water repellent, stain-release, and anti-wick technologies. EMPEL® is supremely durable, bringing true longevity to any textile or product using it. Contact: [email protected] or [email protected].
Known for industry-leading textiles and technologies, Hwasung International leverages EMPEL® to increase sustainability and performance
Albuquerque, New Mexico (For Immediate Release): Green Theme Technologies, suppliers of the EMPEL® water-free and PFAS-free textile finishing platform, continues a trajectory of exponential growth by partnering with Korean-based global textile innovator Hwasung International. Hwasung is the first Korean mill to offer the EMPEL® high performance technology to global footwear brands and regional Korean mill customers.
Known globally for providing high performance textiles that incorporate functional yarns such as Dyneema, Kevlar and Cordura, Hwasung will now broaden their high performance and sustainable offerings by scaling EMPEL into their global supply chain.
“Traditionally, the use of sustainable textile finishes such as water repellency, anti-wick, and stain release meant a loss of performance. Not anymore,” said Martin Flora, President of Global Business Development with GTT. “Forward thinking textile suppliers such as Hwasung have now realized that EMPEL® not only increases sustainability, but also increases performance, creating a win-win for producers, their partner brands, and the environment.”
Green Theme’s EMPEL® platform can be applied successfully to a wide range of synthetic knit, woven, non-woven and novel fabrics that are traditionally hard to treat. The diverse list of EMPEL® markets include: Outdoor, High Fashion, Footwear, Automotive, Furniture, Workwear, Athleisure Wear and Military. Because no water is used during the treatment application, EMPEL® can remove pollution and waste from any textile manufacturing process.
DK LEE, the President of Hwasung International says, “EMPEL® finishes complement their remarkable textiles which combine sustainability and innovation into unique commercial textile solutions.”
With partners like Hwasung helping to scale the EMPEL® platform, Green Theme is well positioned at the forefront of the fight against water pollution from textiles and the elimination of PFAS chemicals from global supply chains.
About Green Theme TechnologiesGreen Theme Technologies, Inc. (GTT) is a US-based textile innovation company with a global vision to increase performance and eliminate pollution. Their water-free and PFAS-free EMPEL® textile finishing platform provides mills and brands with clean solutions that outperform all current water repellent, stain-release, and anti-wick technologies. EMPEL® is supremely durable, bringing true longevity to any textile or product using it. Contact: [email protected] or [email protected].
Albuquerque, New Mexico (For Immediate Release): Green Theme Technologies (GTT), creators of the PFAS-free and water-free EMPEL® textile finishing platform, now delivers advanced performance and a long term sustainability solution to the Japanese market.
EMPEL® is an unmatched solution for textile mills looking to provide clean, high-performance finishes, and GTT actively promotes this innovative technology to all relevant Japanese companies, including mills, manufacturers, and brands. YKK, the Japanese global leader in zipper manufacturing, has already adopted the EMPEL® technology into their manufacturing process and promotes the technology globally in their new DynaPel™ collection.
GTT’s activities in Japan are supported by the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), a government-related organization that works to promote mutual trade and investment between Japan and the rest of the world. GTT has been approved for JETRO’s Invest Japan Support Program, which allows GTT to leverage its resources to set up an office in Japan in the future and for J-Bridge Program to forge relationships with prospective Japanese partners.
“Japan’s textile market is a place of innovation and quality. Japanese mills understand that innovation is the path to keep their companies growing and competitive in the future,” said Martin Flora, President of Business Development for GTT. “EMPEL® is a natural choice for any textile manufacturer looking to provide clean, high performance textile solutions for water repellency, stain resistance, and anti-wicking properties. We appreciate the support from JETRO in connecting us to the Japanese textile and fashion industries.”
Internationally acclaimed Japanese brand YKK Fastening Products employs EMPEL® technology on their new DynaPel™ water-repellent zipper to eliminate the use of a PU film, making these new zippers easier to use, and more compatible with garment recycling systems. This innovative system won YKK a highly sought after ISPO Textrends Best Product Award.
Green Theme representatives will be visiting Japan from February 26th to March 1st to meet with new and prospective mill partners. Innovative Japanese brands and mills interested in planning a meeting can contact Martin Flora at [email protected].
About Green Theme Technologies Green Theme Technologies, Inc. (GTT) is a US-based textile innovation company with a global vision to increase performance and eliminate pollution. Their water-free and PFAS-free EMPEL® textile finishing platform provides mills and brands with clean solutions that outperform all current water repellent, stain-release, and anti-wick technologies. EMPEL® is supremely durable, bringing true longevity to any textile or product using it. Contact: [email protected] or [email protected].
The new DynaPel™ zipper uses GTT EMPEL® technology to eliminate the need for a PU film
Atlanta, GA (Nov 16, 2023) – YKK announces the release of its new DynaPel™ water-repellant zipper featuring GTT EMPEL® technology. Designed to be compatible with garment recycling systems, DynaPel™ uses EMPEL® technology instead of the standard PU film to achieve its water repellency. The lack of a PU film helps remove one of the barriers of textile-to-textile recycling of performance apparel by eliminating the urethane material, which presents challenges to garment recycling processes.
“DynaPel™ is a valuable addition to our growing collection of fasteners designed for circular systems,” said Terry Tsukumo, Vice President, Product Strategy Division, Global Sales Headquarters, YKK Corporation. “By employing EMPEL® technology, we can achieve the robust water protection expected from YKK® products while eliminating the challenges that PU poses to recycling systems.”
Conventional chemical and mechanical garment recycling systems cannot process the polyurethane film commonly used on water-repellent zippers, necessitating the removal of zippers from garments before recycling. This additional processing step often deters recyclers from accepting garments with PU zippers, resulting in unnecessary waste.
EMPEL® technology uses advanced green chemistry devoid of PFAS and a specialized manufacturing process that allows the chemistry to penetrate the yarn and encapsulate it with a water-repellent layer through molecular cross-linking. The molecular cross-linking creates an extremely durable layer that is highly resistant to abrasion and invisible to the eye.
“DynaPel™ represents a new generation of sustainable, high-performance water-repellant zippers,” stated Tsukumo. “It is the future of water protection for zippers.”
DynaPel™ zippers will be showcased at the upcoming Outdoor Retailer trade show in Salt Lake City and the ISPO trade fair in Munich, Germany. Notably, DynaPel™ has been nominated for the Best New Product Award in the ISPO Textrends competition held at ISPO.
About YKK
Since the company’s founding in Tokyo in 1934, YKK has continuously set industry standards for quality, service, value, and innovation in the production of zippers, plastic hardware, hook and loop fasteners, webbing tapes, and snap and buttons. With integrated production and supply systems in 72 countries and regions around the world, YKK is positioned to meet the needs of the many industries we serve as they increasingly diversify and require shorter product cycles. Guided by the CYCLE OF GOODNESS® philosophy – no one prospers without rendering benefit to others – YKK aims to contribute to a sustainable society through its products and manufacturing operations and constantly seeks new ways to serve the changing needs of its customers while at the same time investing in its employees and giving back to its communities. Discover more about YKK: https://www.ykkfastening.com/
For media inquiries, please contact:
Jessica Cork, Vice President of Community Engagement and Corporate Communications
[email protected], +1 770-261-6123
About GTT (Green Theme Technologies)
Green Theme Technologies, Inc. is a textile innovation company with the mission to create products that out-perform existing technologies while eliminating water usage and pollution. Visit https://greenthemetech.com/ for more information.
For more information, interviews and images, contact:
Scott Kaier, Public Relations Director
[email protected], 802-238-7577
“YKK”,”YKK Little Parts. Big Difference.”, “CYCLE OF GOODNESS “and “DynaPel” are registered trademarks or trademarks of YKK CORPORATION in Japan and other countries/regions.
“EMPEL” is a registered trademark of Green Theme Technologies, Inc.
Green Theme Technologies (GTT), creators of the PFAS-free and waterless EMPEL textile finishing platform, is rendering current PFAS-containing C6 and water based Cø water repellent finishes obsolete. Cleaner, more durable, and better performing, EMPEL is the best option for the environment and consumer brands.
Recent competitive product testing by The Haartz Corporation showed how textiles treated with the EMPEL water repellent technology absorbed about ⅓ the amount of water compared to the best Cø and C6 water repellent market solutions. Equally impressive, EMPEL kept water from passing through the fabrics WITHOUT the use of a membrane. Using the same woven textiles for testing in a ten-minute rain test, only 2mL of water passed through the EMPEL treated fabrics compared to 325mL from the Cø and C6 competition.
“We have a product that will revolutionize what consumers can expect from their clothing. Brands and Mills can now make fabrics that protect people from the elements without using hot and stiff rain jackets with membranes,” said Martin Flora, VP of Business Development for GTT. “EMPEL keeps the fabric dry on the surface and keeps the water on the outside of your clothing and shoes. Add in our 50+ wash durability, and you have a product that will allow people to keep their gear much longer without buying new replacements. The most sustainable products use safe chemistry (PFAS -Free) and work for many years in the future.”
Haartz is a global leader in highly engineered and uniquely designed textile materials in a variety of markets, including home furnishings, automotive textiles, military materials and footwear fabrics. Their expertise in R&D and commercialization of new products gave them the ability to prove the efficacy of EMPEL with excellent internal testing capabilities.
“EMPEL delivers the best performance without the use of forever chemicals or water. We have installed the machinery and commercialized the process as we continue to explore applications for EMPEL,” Matt Williams the VP at Haartz confirmed.
About Green Theme Technologies
Green Theme Technologies, Inc. is a textile innovation company with the mission to create products that out-perform existing technologies while eliminating toxic chemicals, water usage, and pollution. For more info, contact: [email protected] or [email protected].
About The Haartz Corporation The Haartz Corporation is a world leader in highly engineered and uniquely designed convertible toppings and interior surface materials. The company’s world headquarters and North American manufacturing operations are located in Acton, Massachusetts, with additional manufacturing in Mannheim, Germany. Beyond these manufacturing locations, Haartz maintains offices in Detroit, Munich, Tokyo, Irapuato, Mexico, Shanghai and Chongqing, China. Employing over 400 people worldwide, Haartz has been a trusted automotive supplier since 1907, and continues to be privately owned and operated by the Haartz family. For more information, visit www.haartz.com. Join the conversation on Twitter, @Haartz. For Haartz info contact [email protected] or [email protected] for more information.
Collaboration reduces environmental impacts and improves product performance across apparel, furniture and automotive markets
Acton, Massachusetts, September 9, 2022 – The Haartz Corporation, the global leader in highly engineered and uniquely designed textile materials and Green Theme Technologies Inc. (GTT), a leader in waterless and PFAS-free textile finishing, today announced a partnership to revolutionize
how textiles are finished in the United States. The first of its kind in the North American market, GTT’s PFAS-free and waterless EMPEL™ textile finishing platform eliminates harmful chemicals from all levels of textile finishing without the use of water, all while providing best-in-class performance.
Developed by GTT, the EMPEL platform can apply a wide variety of finishes, including Durable Water Repellent, Anti-Wicking, Durable Stain Release and more to an almost limitless number of textiles. EMPEL uses sustainable “clean chemistry” to eliminate contamination by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) during the textile manufacturing process through a waterless process.
“Haartz is the perfect partner for GTT,” said Martin Flora, VP of Business Development for GTT. “They are world leaders in scaling finished fabric technologies through world-class manufacturing and testing facilities. With their various product categories, including apparel, furniture and automotive, our partnership brings textile innovation to North America and helps drive a positive and sizable environmental impact.”
Independent tests conducted by Bureau Veritas and Okeotex confirm EMPEL uses a nontoxic and water-free hydrocarbon monomer solution that is polymerized when applied to fabrics, wrapping each individual yarn with a high-performance finish. Testing reveals EMPEL outperforms existing C0 and C6 fluorocarbon water repellent options, producing a protective finish that lasts.
As PFAS bans accelerate across the country and around the world, forward thinking brands like Haartz are taking the lead to adopt high performance and sustainable solutions.
Performance apparel brands such as Black Diamond, TREW Gear, Stoney Creek, and Artilect are currently selling apparel products that use EMPEL. Haartz holds the only US license for the EMPEL process and plans to scale production with several household brands.
“EMPEL presents endless possibilities for the future of textile manufacturing, with applications ranging from clothing to furniture and beyond,” said Matt Williams, Vice President Vice President, Global Automotive Exteriors & New Markets at Haartz. “We continually push our manufacturing boundaries to bring the cleanest, highest performance products to market. Just as we have done throughout our long history serving automotive markets, we’re approaching this unique problem with a unique sustainable solution and we’re looking forward to bringing this new enhanced technology with a lower carbon footprint to US manufacturing.” To see GTT’s durable water repellent performance in action, please click HERE.
Green Theme’s water free technology removes PFAS and other harmful chemicals from textile manufacturing to provide better performance with less pollution
Albuquerque, New Mexico (For Immediate Release): Green Theme Technologies Inc (GTT), the global leader in water-free and PFAS-free textile finishing, is proud to announce $5.4 million dollars raised in its series B2 financing.
This influx of capital will be used to grow GTT’s revolutionary water-free EMPEL™ performance technologies, which now include the best durable water repellent (DWR) finish in the market, stain protection, a new technology to keep footwear dry, and the ongoing joint development of water-free dye (WFD) with market leading mill and brand partners. The unique technology uniformly fuses PFAS-free chemistries to each fiber in a fabric. EMPEL™ treated fabrics far exceed the performance of other competitive C0 and C6 products in the market.
“We are very pleased with the engaged support from a knowledgeable investment team like Cottonwood Technology Fund that understands GTT technology and wants to create solutions for the growing environmental pollution created by textile manufacturing,” said Martin Flora, VP of Business Development with GTT. “Legislation like the recent California Bill (AB 1817) signed into law last month banning PFAS chemistries in textiles by 2025 are driving mills and brands to adopt the GTT EMPEL™ solution more rapidly. In addition to legislative pressure, textile manufacturers and apparel brands are starting to realize that inefficient traditional water-based textile dyeing and finishing methods are extremely wasteful in energy, create huge amounts of water pollution, remediation costs and deliver inferior performance compared to GTT’s EMPEL ™ water-free processes.”
The lead investor in the series B2 round; Cottonwood Technology Fund focuses on disruptive science-based inventions. “Cottonwood invests in hard science and deep tech start-ups that are poised to disrupt large markets,” said David Blivin, Managing Partner with Cottonwood. “We see real opportunity with Green Theme to become the new global industry standard for high performance, low impact textile finishing, which is why we are proud to invest in them.”
GTT also has the support from other expert investment groups like Phoenix Venture Partners that targets advanced material science technologies and Safer Made focused on cleaner chemistry technologies to bring safer products to the market.
The fast-growing textile and fashion industries are currently the second largest water polluters on Earth and Green Theme’s business model intends to change that. By replacing traditional water-based wet textile finishing processes with efficient and water-free and PFAS -free EMPEL technology, GTT and their licensing partners are directly reducing the amount of water pollution in the world. The result is cleaner, better performing, and more sustainable textile products.
Better for the environment and for product performance, Green Theme’s EMPEL™ platform is redefining the standard in PFAS-free anti-wicking technologies
Albuquerque (For Immediate Release): Green Theme Technologies Inc (GTT), the global leader in waterless and PFAS-free textile finishes, provides high performance, best in class solutions to keep footwear dry. As PFAS bans accelerate across dozens of states and in several European countries, GTT is the only brand able to exceed current performance standards while eliminating PFAS from footwear production.
“Green Theme Technology is at the forefront of apparel, footwear, and textile innovation, not just because they are utilizing better chemistry, but because of how they are applying it,” said John Frazier, Senior Technical Director with the Hohenstein Institute. GTT’s EMPEL is applied using a waterless and PFAS-free technology that drives the chemistry into the fabric increasing the performance and durability. GTT’s EMPEL has also worked with Hohenstein to attain OEKO-TEX® ECO PASSPORT certification.”
Recently tested and certified as PFAS-free by Bureau Veritas, EMPEL uses no “forever chemicals” in their chemistry, yet still achieves the best water repellent and anti-wicking fabric protection available.
Shoes protect the wearer from the wet, dirty ground and therefore demand exceptional performance and durability. Independent testing reveals that GTT’s new anti-wicking tech for shoes outperforms current industry standards for dryness, durability and stain protection, beating all current C6 and C0 treatments.
GTT is currently working with several global footwear brands in the sport and outdoor markets who are seeking superior anti-wicking, stain protection and sustainable performance. Internal evaluation by these brands is delivering outstanding results and footwear featuring the EMPEL anti-wicking tech will be available to the public in 2023.
For more information and detailed test results, contact: Martin Flora at [email protected] or Dave Bywater at [email protected]
March 10, 2022
Two of ARTILECT’s new for FW22 shells, both featuring GTT’s PFAS free and water-free EMPEL water repellent finish, win recognition in Europe and the US
Green Theme Technologies Inc. (GTT), a leader in water-free and PFOA/PFOS-free water-repellent textile finishing, is proud to share the news that their dry textile finishing EMPEL® platform has helped to propel partner brand ARTILECT to award-winning status.
ARTILECT’s new for FW22 Silverton Shell was recently awarded the Slide x OTS 2022 Winter Trade Show Award for Best Softshell, and the Formation 3L Shell being recognized by Outside Business Journal as one of the Top 50 hottest new products for Fall/Winter 2022.
“Artilect understands how consumers now demand high performance AND sustainability. Their jackets combine gifted aesthetic functional design with superior EMPEL rain protection to make exceptional products,” said Martin Flora, VP of Business Development with GTT. “The problem with many PFAS-free water repellent finishes in the market, they don’t hold up in the rain. Our EMPEL platform is unique: it outperforms all existing water-repellent technologies, lasts longer and removes toxic PFAS from textile finishing.”
EMPEL currently delivers the highest performance water repellent DWR, anti-wicking and stain release treatment in the global market, and ARTILECT is using the EMPEL DWR on several of their newest pieces.
“The FW22 ARTILECT Systems collection demonstrates our obsession with the future of performance and sustainability, and we’re introducing an array of groundbreaking, world-first technologies from many of the biggest and most innovative suppliers,” said ARTILECT founder and co-CEO, Trent Bush. “We are also very proud to be one of the first performance apparel brands to be completely PFA/PFC free in our fabrics.”
To see GTT’s EMPEL DWR in action, please see this EMPEL video.
GTT’s EMPEL helps ARTILECT win recognition. Read the full feature here.
GTT Certified 100% PFAS free. Read the full feature here.
GTT Certified 100% PFAS free. Read the full feature here.
Interview with GTT’s Martin Flora. Read the full feature here.
Read the full feature here.
Read the full feature here.
Read the full feature here.
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Read the full feature here.
US-based Green Theme Technologies (GTT), a maker of a ‘clean’ water-repellent textile finishing processes, has raised $3.5 million in a Series B fundraising.
Series B rounds help businesses to scale up their technologies; GTT will use the money to grow its platforms, hire employees and support licensing partners.
Its Empel process uses thermal curing to create a molecular covalent bond between monomers and the fibres in fabrics treated with its “Clean Chemistry”. When exposed to heat, a molecular bonding and polymerisation occurs.
Jordan Clancy, chief financial officer at GTT, said: “We are pleased with our fundraising performance and will use the Series B funding to develop and commercialise our platform technologies, including a DWR finish and our water-free dye product.
“Within the next six months we will double our headcount in New Mexico, expanding our team to support commercialisation, licensees and accelerate revenue growth.”
May 20, 2020
A Clean PFC-Free Solution for a Dirty Outdoor Problem
Black Diamond’s “HighLine” rain jacket just won the coveted 2020 Outside Magazine Gear of the Year Award. The award marks a pivotal scientific breakthrough because the best performing rain jacket also uses the most sustainable fluorocarbon (PFC) free technology.
NEW TECHNOLOGY;
Green Theme Technologies (GTT) and their key global brand partners now deliver a radical technology solution. EMPEL™Molecular Water Protection created by GTT now bonds the highest water repellent performance to fabrics without using fluorocarbons (PFCs) or palm oils. The breakthrough technology is independently certified as safe by Okeotex and pollutes no water in the production process.
BACKGROUND;
Toxic fluorocarbons (PFCs) are commonly found around the world in our clothing, drinking water and our bodies. The first major lawsuits against PFOA and PFOS contamination began in 2001. Since that time, more than $1B US dollars have been awarded to individuals and States in PFC class action lawsuits. In 2009, the Stockholm Convention listed PFA’s as “persistent organic pollutants” because they don’t break down over time (Persistent), build up in our bodies (Bioaccumulate), and cause cancer and fatal illnesses (Toxic pollutants). WHY then do some Outdoor Clothing and Equipment companies keep using toxic PFC chemistries to waterproof their clothing and equipment?
CONCLUSION;
Until now, PFC free waterproofing technologies didn’t work in the rain to keep people dry. The problematic choice between performance or the environment is now solved for water repellent chemicals. The winning solution: the best performance products for consumers must also eliminate pollution for the planet.
GTT has a simple expression to describe this business model, “Performance for the Planet”.
GREEN THEME TECHNOLOGIES is a fabric innovation company converting the water-polluting textile industry to a sustainable water-free performance solution.
References:
Outside Magazine
MN Pollution Control Agency
Reuters.com
Greensciencepolicy.com
Epthinktank.eu
Jan 20, 2020
The Dawn Patrol Hybrid Shell took the 2020 Snowsports Touring Apparel category at the 2020 ISPO tradeshow. The Black Diamond design is powered by EMPEL™Molecular Water Protection and was recognized for its dynamic elemental protection and breathability.
The Dawn Patrol Hybrid Shell is built for skiers who travel uphill and downhill, requiring the highest levels of performance in terms of both water protection and breathability. Black Diamond and EMPEL™combined to create this revolutionary product; available Fall 2020.
From the ISPO announcement:
“Green Theme Technologies’ impregnation is completely free of water, palm oil or PFC pollutants. The result is impressive – and a Gold Winner in the Snowsports segment in the Touring Apparel category.”
Congratulations to the BD team for their product execution and ISPO award!
WIRED Magazine highlights Marmot’s Eclipse Jacket as the best PFC-free option on the market in a recent article.
Marmots EVODry technology is powered by EMPEL™, and delivers high-performance, PFC-free water repellency across their product categories.
From the WIRED article:
“But the best rain jacket is one that you won’t have to treat or replace, and so far the Marmot Eclipse with EVODry has held up.”
In their “Best of What’s New 2018” article, Popular Science featured Green Theme Technology as a disruptor in the textile industry.
From the article:
“[With Green Theme Technology,] Garment makers apply a PFC-free, hydrocarbon-based liquid to the fabric and then add pressure to permanently bond it to fibers, making them waterproof. This process is also better for the environment in another way: Unlike DWR application, it requires no water.”
Jan 9, 2018
Green Theme International (GTI), the creators of sustainable and water-free textile technologies, has just received the ECO PASSPORT certification by OEKO-TEX from the Hohenstein Institute (Germany) for GTI’s new Aquavent™ water-repellency chemistry, which is poised to transform finished fabrics in the technical apparel and fashion industries worldwide.
The Hohenstein Institute’s rigorous testing process evaluates chemistries and processes of companies worldwide. Their ECO PASSPORT certification—a mechanism by which manufacturers and suppliers demonstrate that their products can be used in sustainable textile production—gives GTI’s Aquavent global recognition for its clean chemistry.
Read the full announcement here.
Note: Green Theme International and Aquavent have since been rebranded to Green Theme Technologies and EMPEL™
GTT is featured in an Snews story which highlights the origin of the technology, the early days of GTT, and the ambitions of Dr. Selwyn and the team.
You can read the full feature here
Note: Green Theme International and Aquavent have since been rebranded to Green Theme Technologies and EMPEL™
EMPEL™in the Marketplace
EMPEL™is powering new levels of performance and sustainability for brands in the sport, outdoor, and fashion industries.
Our backcountry shell engineered to provide protection from the storm while remaining breathable on the uphill skin, the Dawn Patrol Hybrid Shell features a breathable softshell fabric in key placements for thermal regulation, while the chest, shoulders and hood remain impenetrable thanks to our propriety BD.dry™ waterproof/breathable solution. All fabric is treated with GTT’s Empel PFC-Free finish, an environmentally friendly DWR that’s superior in durability and performance.
Learn More about the Dawn Patrol Hybrid Shell here
With the Distance Wind Shell, Black Diamond is leveraging the unique properties of EMPEL™to push the possibilities of rain gear. Designed for ultra-marathoners, the Distance Shell offers water protection in a super light and breathable layer for athletes in extreme conditions.
Learn More about the Distance Wind Shell here
As one of the first brands to eliminate toxic PFCs from their complete catalog, Jack Wolfskin is leading the outdoor industry to a PFC-free future. By leveraging EMPEL™in their Super DWR Technology, Jack Wolfskin is backing up a bold brand voice with premium product performance.
Learn more about Jack Wolfskin’s PFC-free initiative here, and Super DWR here
Marmot is using EMPEL™to drive a complete product line engine dubbed EVODry. This branded technology platform brings award-winning water-repellency across Marmot’s categories and designs.
Learn More about EVODry here
Trew Gear refreshed a classic design with new technology by enhancing the durable and stylish Snap Jack with EMPEL™water repellency:
“[EMPEL™] opened the door for us to create a fully breathable, water-resistant, and versatile jacket that looks and feels like your favorite, everyday shirt”
Learn more about the Snap Jack here
Awards
EMPEL™treated products make a splash! Designs featuring GTT’s technology win awards from industry trade shows, consumer testing groups, and expert users every season.
GTT partner brand Artilect won an award from the Slide & OTS Winter, a UK-based trade show aimed at all snowsport, outdoor and actionsport retailers for their Silverton Shell. Featuring GTT’s water- and PFOA/PFOS-free EMPEL DWR, the Silverton shell represents a big leap in performance and environmental protection. The Silverton shell will be available FW2022. From the Slide & OTS Winer announcement: “Introducing the Silverton Shell from Artilect Systems. World First Technologies: Trizar Space Certified Heat Management – YKK Touchlink zip puller + Concealed Aquaguard pit zips + Revive replaceable zip. Also featuring: PFA/PFC Free Empel Permanent DWR + 30k/30k PU Membrane – 4 Way Stretch – 70D Fabric – Removable Powderskirt”
The Dawn Patrol Hybrid Shell took the 2020 Snowsports Touring Apparel category at the 2020 ISPO tradeshow. The Black Diamond design is powered by EMPEL™Molecular Water Protection and was recognized for its dynamic elemental protection and breathability.
The Dawn Patrol Hybrid Shell is built for skiers who travel uphill and downhill, requiring the highest levels of performance in terms of both water protection and breathability. Black Diamond and EMPEL™combined to create this revolutionary product; available Fall 2020.
From the ISPO announcement:
“Green Theme Technologies’ impregnation is completely free of water, palm oil or PFC pollutants. The result is impressive – and a Gold Winner in the Snowsports segment in the Touring Apparel category.”
Congratulations to the BD team for their product execution and ISPO award!
The Performance Days Functional Fabric Fair awarded our partner Mill, JSRTEX (formerly Jou Jou Fish,) with the Eco Performance Award for their recycled nylon based fabric infused with EMPEL™water repellency.
From the PD announcement:
“The jury is highly enthusiastic about the nomination of the ECO PERFORMANCE AWARD winner and described the award-winning fabric as the best ecological solution currently available on the market.”
Congratulations to the JSR team for their textile engineering and PD award!
Black Diamond won the renowned Outside Magazine 2020 GotY award for the 2020 Highline Stretch Shell. The impressive BD design is the highest-ranked rain jacket of its category and is free of PFCs thanks to EMPEL™.
Outside’s testers describe the remarkable shell as waterproof and durable, yet light and breathable:
“In one particular field test, we bushwhacked uphill in the rain for three hours, followed by a mandatory hose-down. Black Diamond’s HighLine Stretch Shell came through without a scratch or a leak.”
This award marks a turning point in the outdoor industry’s fight to eliminate PFCs from rain gear, and demonstrates that pinnacle performance is no longer predicated on toxic chemicals.
The Dawn Patrol Hybrid Shell took the 2020 Snowsports Touring Apparel category at the 2020 ISPO tradeshow. The Black Diamond design is powered by EMPEL™Molecular Water Protection and was recognized for its dynamic elemental protection and breathability.
The Dawn Patrol Hybrid Shell is built for skiers who travel uphill and downhill, requiring the highest levels of performance in terms of both water protection and breathability. Black Diamond and EMPEL™combined to create this revolutionary product; available Fall 2020.
From the ISPO announcement:
“Green Theme Technologies’ impregnation is completely free of water, palm oil or PFC pollutants. The result is impressive – and a Gold Winner in the Snowsports segment in the Touring Apparel category.”
Congratulations to the BD team for their product execution and ISPO award!
The Performance Days Functional Fabric Fair awarded our partner Mill, JSRTEX (formerly Jou Jou Fish,) with the Eco Performance Award for their recycled nylon based fabric infused with EMPEL™water repellency.
From the PD announcement:
“The jury is highly enthusiastic about the nomination of the ECO PERFORMANCE AWARD winner and described the award-winning fabric as the best ecological solution currently available on the market.”
Congratulations to the JSR team for their textile engineering and PD award!
Contact the GTT PR Team
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