Nicca Chemical has appointed Archroma as the exclusive global distributor of ZELAN™ durable water repellent (DWR) products for the textile industry, extending a partnership spanning more than a decade.
The announcement, dated October 12, 2026, follows Nicca’s acquisition of the ZELAN™ business from The Chemours Company in March 2026. Under the agreement, Archroma will continue to distribute ZELAN™ DWR products and the related Teflon EcoElite™ technology worldwide, while leading marketing initiatives and providing technical support to textile mills and brands.
Archroma’s involvement with the ZELAN™ brand dates back to the 2015 launch of Teflon EcoElite™ with ZELAN™ R3 by Chemours and Huntsman Textile Effects. Archroma acquired Huntsman Textile Effects in 2023.
Under the new agreement, ZELAN™-finished textiles will also qualify for Archroma’s upcoming HIGH IQ® lastingrepelᴾᴿᴼ assurance programme, which is intended to provide brands with a consumer-facing mark for durable water-repellent performance and sustainability.
“When we acquired the ZELAN™ business, we inherited more than top-tier technology — we inherited the trust that mills and brands have placed in this platform for over a decade,” a Nicca spokesperson said. The spokesperson added that retaining Archroma as the exclusive textile distribution partner would maintain continuity for customers.
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ZELAN™ R3 is described by the companies as a renewably sourced durable water repellent that is free from perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The product contains 63% plant-based materials sourced from non-genetically modified, non-food feedstocks.
According to the announcement, the technology provides water repellency and durability while maintaining fabric breathability across different fibre types. It is designed to support rain and stain protection, efficient textile processing and compliance with relevant industry standards.
“PFAS-free durable water repellents have moved from a niche alternative to a baseline expectation for major outdoor and outerwear brands, and ZELAN™ has been central to that shift,” said Roland Borufka, Product Manager, Finishing and Technical Textiles at Archroma.
He said Archroma would support customers through the transition with continued product supply and technical assistance across their operating markets.
ZELAN™ R3 is bluesign® certified and listed on the ZDHC Gateway with Conformance Level 3.1, according to the announcement.
The agreement comes as textile manufacturers and international brands increasingly consider chemical management, product performance and sustainability in their material and finishing decisions. Continued distribution and technical support for PFAS-free water-repellent technologies could help mills and brands maintain access to established finishing solutions as market requirements evolve.