• Investigate stain resistant finishes that do not involve the use of PFOA, such as finishes from DuPont.<br/>
===Antimicrobials===
Antimicrobials are used in application such as socks, shoes and activewear to prevent odour caused by the breakdown of sweat. The use of organotins is often employed for antimicrobials on textiles. The organotins compound tributyltin (TBT) persists in the environment and builds up in the body. TBT is listed as a “priority hazardous substance” under European Union regulations and requires measures to be taken to eliminate its use.6 Organotins are highly toxic to aquatic species, are persistent, moderately bioaccumulative. A recent report conducted by Greenpeace revealed organotins detected in several activewear products.6
====Innovation opportunities====
• Investigate non-toxic biodegradable alternatives to organotins.<br/>
• UV curing of chitosan as an antimicrobial finishing for textiles is a still in development, and could provide a bio-derived, non-toxic, biodegradable alternative to organotins.7<br/>
• Experiment with natural fibres that intrinsically repel odours, such as wool.
===Antistatic Treatment===
Synthetic and blended fabrics are antistatic treated to reduce the problem of static charge in the manufacturing and use. Usually added substances are quaternary ammonium or acid amides and ethoxylates which increase the conductivity of the fiber surfaces. The treatment is done either by its own final impregnation or in addition to the normal end of the treatment. Wash resistance of antistatic treated products varies.