Top 10 Companies in the Fluorine-free Water Repellent Industry (2025): Textile Innovators Driving Sustainable Solutions

In Business Insights
May 30, 2025


The Global Fluorine-free Water Repellent Market was valued at USD 353 million in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 606.59 million by 2032, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 6.20% during the forecast period (2023-2032). This growth is fueled by increasing environmental regulations against fluorocarbons, rising demand for eco-friendly textiles, and rapid adoption in outdoor apparel sectors.

As the textile industry embraces sustainable chemistry solutions, innovative manufacturers are developing high-performance fluorine-free alternatives that meet stringent performance requirements. Here we analyze the Top 10 Companies in the Fluorine-free Water Repellent Industry – from specialty chemical leaders to sustainable textile innovators transforming fabric protection technologies.


🔟 1. DAIKIN Chemical

Headquarters: Osaka, Japan
Key Offering: EF-5000 Series fluorine-free textile treatments

DAIKIN leverages its fluorochemical expertise to develop high-performance fluorine-free alternatives that maintain durability while eliminating environmental concerns. Their solutions are widely adopted in technical textiles and outdoor gear.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • 100% fluorochemical phase-out roadmap by 2025

  • Closed-loop production systems minimizing waste

  • Bio-based raw material integration programs

Download FREE Sample Report:
Fluorine-free Water Repellent Market – View in Detailed Research Report


9️⃣ 2. NICCA U.S.A.

Headquarters: Fountain Inn, South Carolina, USA
Key Offering: NICCA FFW series for apparel and home textiles

This Japanese-origin company provides eco-friendly water repellents that deliver comparable performance to C8 fluorochemicals while meeting strict environmental standards.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Water-based formulations reducing VOC emissions

  • REACH and bluesign® approved product lines


8️⃣ 3. Rudolf Group

Headquarters: Geretsried, Germany
Key Offering: Bionic-Finish®ECO fluorine-free repellents

Rudolf’s biomimetic technology replicates natural water-repellent structures without fluorochemicals, offering exceptional performance across fabric types.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Climate-neutral production by 2025 commitment

  • 100% renewable energy in European facilities


7️⃣ 4. Archroma

Headquarters: Pratteln, Switzerland
Key Offering: Smartrepel® Hydro ECO technology

Archroma’s fluorine-free solutions provide durable water repellency while significantly reducing environmental impact compared to traditional treatments.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • 50% CO2 reduction targets by 2030

  • Widest range of bluesign® approved chemistries

Download FREE Sample Report:
Fluorine-free Water Repellent Market – View in Detailed Research Report


6️⃣ 5. Sciessent

Headquarters: Wakefield, Massachusetts, USA
Key Offering: Agion® Active and Agion® X2

Sciessent combines water repellency with antimicrobial properties in its fluorochemical-free solutions, particularly for performance apparel.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Zero wastewater discharge production

  • 90% bio-based raw material formulations


5️⃣ 6. Tanatex Chemicals

Headquarters: Ede, Netherlands
Key Offering: ECO range of fluorine-free repellents

Tanatex provides high-performance water and oil repellents for technical textiles with reduced environmental footprint.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Carbon-neutral manufacturing initiatives

  • Closed-batch production optimization


4️⃣ 7. Huntsman Textile Effects

Headquarters: Singapore
Key Offering: PHOBOTEX® range

Huntsman’s fluorine-free solutions deliver comparable performance to traditional treatments with superior environmental profiles.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • 73% sustainable product portfolio

  • 25% waste reduction targets


3️⃣ 8. Sarex Chemicals

Headquarters: Mumbai, India
Key Offering: Sarcon range for synthetic fabrics

Sarex provides cost-effective fluorine-free alternatives tailored for Asian textile markets and regulatory environments.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Solar-powered manufacturing plants

  • Water recycling programs


2️⃣ 9. Bolger & O’Hearn

Headquarters: Fall River, Massachusetts, USA
Key Offering: HYDRO-PEL® sustainable repellents

This US-based company specializes in environmentally preferred textile chemicals with high-performance characteristics.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • EPA Green Chemistry Challenge award winner

  • Closed-loop application systems


1️⃣ 10. Taiwan Fluoro Technology

Headquarters: Taipei, Taiwan
Key Offering: FF-3 series for technical textiles

As a leading Asian developer, TFT provides competitive fluorine-free solutions tailored for regional manufacturing requirements.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Green factory certification

  • Energy-efficient production technologies

Read Full Report:
Fluorine-free Water Repellent Market – View in Detailed Research Report


🌍 Outlook: The Future of Textile Water Repellents Is Fluorine-free

The fluorine-free water repellent market is undergoing rapid transformation. While traditional fluorochemicals still dominate certain high-performance applications, environmental regulations and consumer demand are accelerating the adoption of sustainable alternatives.

📈 Key Trends Shaping the Market:

  • Stricter global regulations on PFAS chemicals

  • Advancements in biomimetic and nanotechnology solutions

  • Growing adoption in outdoor and performance apparel sectors

  • Increasing technical parity with traditional fluorochemical repellents

Read Full Report:
Fluorine-free Water Repellent Market – View in Detailed Research Report

The companies profiled are at the forefront of developing high-performance, sustainable water repellents that meet both technical requirements and environmental expectations.