Nagase ChemteX develops resin that extends clothing lifespan

Nagase ChemteX Corporation has developed a textile processing technology designed to extend the lifespan of clothing. The proprietary Rubber-Like Resin aims to reduce the replacement frequency of garments within the linen supply, uniform rental and fashion rental industries by preventing fabric degradation during industrial washing.

The global textile industry currently generates approximately 92 million tonnes of waste annually. In sectors such as hotel linen supply and medical uniform rental, repeated washing causes fabric deterioration and colour transfer, dictating the usable life of the garments. High replacement rates drive up operational costs and exacerbate clothing waste.

Nagase ChemteX shifts the focus from repairing damaged textiles to preventing the degradation entirely. Historically, treatments that increase fabric durability have compromised softness. The new water-based emulsion forms a protective film over the fibres, maintaining a flexible texture while preventing shrinkage and wear. Facilities can integrate the solution without additional capital investment, as the resin is added during the final rinse cycle of existing commercial washing machines.

Furthermore, internal testing demonstrated that the treatment reduces fibre shedding by approximately 93 percent compared to untreated fabrics, limiting the release of clothing-derived microplastics into water systems. The coating also features an easy dismantling property, allowing it to be stripped away during recycling processes so it does not hinder material recovery.

Nagase ChemteX is currently conducting practical evaluations with industry partners to verify the operational effectiveness of the technology. The company also joined the Sustainable Fashion Partner initiative promoted by the Japanese Ministry of the Environment.