Textile finishing

After Flanders introduced a new method for measuring DMF, the only region in Europe to do so, PU coating firms could no longer meet the emission standard of 2 mg/m³ set by the Industrial Emissions Directive. In consultation with the Enforcement Department (Flanders), the companies involved implemented the RESCO (Reduction of Emissions and Sustainable PU Coating) project, whereby both the technical and economic feasibility of additional gas emissions treatment techniques were investigated on the basis of a range of pilot installations, in order to once again meet the standard in force.

To imbue textiles with colour and specific properties, chemicals are indispensable. However, the use of chemicals is increasingly restricted in the context of the European REACH. As a result, the textile sector is subject to various restrictions. Substances of concern must indeed be replaced as much as possible. But in practice, it is not always straightforward to find full-fledged environmentally friendly alternatives, and in some cases it is even impossible at the present time (for example, for safety clothing). Fedustria therefore calls for temporarily allowing essential chemicals until full-fledged alternatives are available.