Sustainability
The House of Sustainability: Milestone Innovation — Freudenberg Launches First Biodegradable Shirt Interlining
By Yvonne Heinen-Foudeh, Senior International Correspondent
With the House of Sustainability, Freudenberg Performance Materials Apparel has lastly created a conceptual home within the corporate strategy for its activities relating to environmentally responsible business and product development, which have traditionally been distinct at the global technology and textile group altogether: Now the Freudenberg headquarters at Weinheim/Germany announces the launch of the apparel industry’s first biodegradable fusible cotton shirt interlinings – the range 46xx, for the Asian market running under the designation 42xx series.
Sustainability/house-sustainabilityThe new Freudenberg fusible interlinings for shirts and blouses have been developed in such a way that they are harmless to people and the environment at the end of their life cycle. With this innovation, the world’s leading specialist in woven, knitted, weft, and nonwoven interlinings further reduces the impact on the environment.
Approved by Hohenstein LaboratoriesGermany’s independent Hohenstein Laboratories performed biodegradation tests on the 46xx series, based on the Hohenstein method which draws on DIN EN ISO 11721-2:2003 and EN ISO 846, and approved it as biodegradable and eco-toxicologically harmless. The tests by Hohenstein showed no negative effects on either the germination of garden cress or on earthworms in the acute toxicity test.
The new biodegradable shirt interlinings also show significant potential for energy savings, as the fusing can be performed at a low temperature. Concretely, this means that the resulting temperature between the upper fabric and the shirt interlining during fusing is only 127°C which is significantly lower than the commonly used temperature of 143°C.
Certified to OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 Class II for successfully testing for no harmful substances, the shirt interlinings are washable at up to 40°C and resistant to dry cleaning. Freudenberg further proved in washing and degradability tests that the interlining is superior to conventional products in terms of quality. In addition, it has also passed all ecological-toxicological tests and is a perfect end-of-life cycle solution.
Pioneering product: With the biodegradable, non-toxic range of shirt interlining Freudenberg Performance Materials Apparel further extends its contribution to a more sustainable world, reducing its impact on the environment and supporting customers in achieving their own sustainability objectives.
Freudenberg’s House of Sustainability to date already offers more than 500 sustainable solutions for a wide range of applications in the apparel industry. A commitment to full transparency, the highest standards - with a clear vision for the future.
In 2022, the Freudenberg Group employed more than 51,000 people in around 60 countries worldwide and generated sales of more thanUS$12.9 billion. www.freudenberg.com.
Product details & availabilityThe products in range 46xx are available in Europe in the color white and in the following weight classes: 4605 (90g/m2), 4616 (150g/m2), and 4618 (55g/m2). The adhesive of the interlinings consists of a 100% degradable bio-polymer. The shirt interlinings are ideal for reinforcing shirt and blouse collars, cuffs, and plackets used in fashion, leisure, and business clothing. The biodegradable, non-toxic interlinings are particularly important for labels with an ecologically sustainable claim.