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Procter and Gamble introduces Sulfur Dye Protection technology

Sulfur Dye Protection Technology, a P&G innovation has shown potential to significantly improve color fastness and reduce damage to fabrics used by millions of people around the world.

“With its widely respected reputation for textile manufacturing research, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Department of Textiles, Clothing and design has the skills, staff and resources necessary to continue the development of Sulfur Dye Protection Technology”, said Nodie Washington, P&G associate director, fabric and home care global textiles and laundry product development. “With a little more research this discovery may one day play an important role in better fabrics and clothing for millions of consumers”.

Sulfur dyes are typically used to inexpensively produce black, brown, navy and olive colored fabrics. A primary problem with sulfur dyes, and a significant factor in their recent decline in usage, is the relatively poor color fastness of the fabric when laundered. Another problem with sulfur dyes is their tendency to form acid in storage. The acid weakens the cotton making the fabric or garment unusable.

Research by P&G shows that treatment of sulfur dyed fabric with Sulfur Dye Protection Technology improves the fastness of sulfur dyes to laundered fabrics. This research also indicates that the use of Sulfur Dye Protection Technology decreases the tendency of sulfur dyed fabrics to degrade in storage.