Germany: As concern about the risk of exposure to the sun's UV rays grows, interest in building suitable protection into textiles has increased.
Büfa, the specialist in chemicals for the drycleaning industry, has developed a method of adding this UV protection during the drycleaning process.
Büfa Sun-block detergent is available in three versions - Secapur Sun-block for perc, Benzapon Sun-block for hydrocarbon, and Oldopal Sun-block for wetcleaning.
All three contain a UV filter which can reduce the transmission of UV rays. While the treatment is not completely permanent and would need repeating it does have a degree of resistance to clothes becoming wet, for example after swimming or in the rain.
The system has been tested by the Hohenstein Research Institute and certified to the Ultraviolet Protection standard.
The treatment does not affect the wearing comfort or breathability of fabrics, according to the company.
Büfa believes that offering the Sun-block treatment would greatly improve a drycleaner's image and service. It allows them to offer a treatment that has some health safeguards as well as caring for clothes, a spokesman said.
