Top 10 Companies in the Fluorine-free Water Repellent Industry (2025): Market Leaders Revolutionizing Eco-Friendly Textile Chemistry

In Business Insights
June 01, 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 6.2% during the forecast period (2024–2032). This expansion is driven by stringent environmental regulations against PFAS chemicals, growing consumer preference for sustainable textiles, and innovations in high-performance fabric treatments for outdoor applications.

As the textile industry undergoes its most significant material revolution since synthetic fibers, manufacturers are adopting fluorine-free alternatives that meet both ecological standards and technical requirements. Here we examine the Top 10 Companies in the Fluorine-free Water Repellent Industry—pioneers developing next-generation solutions for water-resistant textiles without environmental compromise.


🔟 1. Archroma

Headquarters: Pratteln, Switzerland
Key Offering: Smartrepel® Hydro

Archroma leads with bio-based water repellent technologies that mimic natural hydrophobic surfaces. Their Smartrepel® series demonstrates superior performance in outdoor apparel while meeting strict environmental certifications.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • 100% plant-derived formulations

  • Carbon-neutral production processes

  • Bluesign® approved solutions

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


9️⃣ 2. Rudolf Group

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

Rudolf’s biomimetic technology replicates lotus leaf effects through mineral-based chemistry, achieving durable water repellency without fluorocarbons. Their solutions power premium European outdoor brands.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Patent-protected silicate technology

  • ZDHC Gateway certified


8️⃣ 3. DAIKIN Chemical

Headquarters: Osaka, Japan
Key Offering: UNIDYNE ECO series

Building on fluorochemical expertise, DAIKIN developed high-performance C0 alternatives that maintain fabric breathability and durability while eliminating environmental concerns.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Full PFC phase-out by 2030

  • Recyclable packaging initiatives


7️⃣ 4. NICCA Chemical

Headquarters: Fukui, Japan
Key Offering: NICCA ECO Series

NICCA’s fluorine-free portfolio delivers oil and water repellency through novel polymer chemistry, serving global sportswear manufacturers transitioning to sustainable alternatives.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • 92% bio-content formulas

  • Low-temperature curing technology

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


6️⃣ 5. Tanatex Chemicals

Headquarters: Ede, Netherlands
Key Offering: ecostep® Bio-DWR

Tanatex’s fully biodegradable water repellent combines renewable raw materials with advanced polymer technology, achieving performance parity with traditional fluorochemicals.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Cradle-to-Cradle certified

  • 83% lower carbon footprint


5️⃣ 6. Sciessent

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

Sciessent integrates antimicrobial properties with water repellency in their silver-ion based technology, particularly valuable for medical textiles and performance wear.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • EPA Safer Choice certified

  • Zero wastewater discharge


4️⃣ 7. Huntsman Textile Effects

Headquarters: Singapore
Key Offering: PHOBOL® XAN

Huntsman’s hydrocarbon-based technology provides durable repellency across fabric types while maintaining vapor permeability—a key requirement for activewear.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • 25% energy reduction in application

  • OEKO-TEX® certified


3️⃣ 8. Polysistec

Headquarters: Barcelona, Spain
Key Offering: NANOHYBRID® SFR

This nanotechnology pioneer creates superhydrophobic textile surfaces through plasma-enhanced processes, achieving unprecedented durability in fluorine-free treatments.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • 60% less water usage

  • Compatible with recycled fabrics


2️⃣ 9. Bolger & O’Hearn

Headquarters: Fall River, Massachusetts, USA
Key Offering: Repellan-F3

Specializing in performance textiles, B&O delivers water-based repellents meeting strict North American environmental standards for military and workwear applications.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Zero VOC formulations

  • Closed-loop manufacturing


1️⃣ 10. Sarex Chemicals

Headquarters: Mumbai, India
Key Offering: SARWAT-FFR

Sarex provides cost-effective solutions tailored for Asian textile manufacturers, combining silicon and wax technologies optimized for humid climates.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Localized production

  • Energy-efficient application processes

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


🌍 Market Outlook: The New Era of Sustainable Fabric Treatments

The fluorine-free water repellent sector represents one of textile chemistry’s most dynamic growth areas, with innovation accelerating across material science and application technologies.

📈 Key Industry Trends:

  • Global phase-out of C8 fluorochemicals by regulatory mandate

  • Advancements in biomimetic and nanotechnology solutions

  • Growing adoption by major apparel brands committing to PFAS elimination

  • Development of multifunctional repellents combining water, oil and stain resistance

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

These established innovators and emerging players are collectively redefining textile performance chemistry—proving sustainability and functionality need not be mutually exclusive.

About 24chemicalresearch: 24chemicalresearch offers comprehensive market intelligence and consulting services in the chemical and materials sector. Our reports combine industry expertise with in-depth market analysis to help businesses navigate complex industry landscapes.