What is coldblack®?
coldblack® is a new finish for textiles that are exposed to direct sunlight over a long period of time. coldblack® prevents textiles from heating up as much and offers reliable protection against UV rays. To achieve this double sun protection coldblack® uses a unique combination: absorption and reflection.

How does coldblack® work?
coldblack® is both SUN REFLECTOR + UV PROTECTOR.

Sun Reflector
Light colored textiles reflect both visible and invisible rays of sunlight. Meaning that both light and heat are radiated back. In contrast, dark fabrics absorb both types of radiation and therefore absorb heat. coldblack® reduces absorption of heat rays, particularly in darker colors, and in all textiles. The result is tangibly better heat management.

UV Protector
Many textiles worn in the summertime or exposed to the sun offer poor protection from damaging UV rays. The coldblack® technology guarantees a minimum UPF of 30 when applied to any textile** in any color without affecting the look or feel of the product. As a result, textiles with coldblack® can make an effective contribution to protecting against harmful UV rays.
_{** The UPF value can vary depending on structure, thickness and material. It relates to closed textile surfaces. For this reason, the UPF factor needs to be determined on the different textiles. For  a minimum of UPF 30, coldblack® conformity is guaranteed.}


How high is the UPF?
coldblack® textiles conform to a minimum 30 UPF but the UPF factor is often far higher – as high as 50 or more. Without any UPF skin type 1 has self protection for approximately 10 minutes. Dermatologists consider a UPF 30 sufficient for adults as it provides self protection for skin type 1 for five hours

How can I be sure that my clothing really does have a UPF of 30?
In order to guarantee UPF30 we have developed a stringent test and control process. The UPF is tested and recorded from the initial textile treatment onwards. As soon as a batch production starts, ongoing new UPF samples are taken and then tested and given a serial number. This serial number makes it possible to track the fabric through the ensuing production process.

How much heat is reflected?
Normally black textiles without coldblack® absorb up to 90% of the heat rays – and heat up accordingly. Textiles with coldblack®, on the other hand, reflect up to 80% of the heat rays and therefore stay noticeably cooler.

How much colder is coldblack® compared to dark colors without this finish?
In the EMPA test laboratories in St. Gallen (www.empa.ch) the “cold effect” was measured using a specially designed sweating torso. The temperature of the torso – dressed in a black coldblack® shirt – following simulated exposure to sunlight (infrared lamps) was approx. 5°C cooler than the same torso tested using a conventional black shirt. Testing the performance of tents and awnings requied a further comparative test in which just the exterior of suitable materials with and without coldblack® finish were exposed to the infrared lamps.  After just 5 minutes significant temperature differences of 30°C could be measured on the textiles concerned. Even on the side turned away from the heat, the coldblack® textiles remained significantly cooler. The heat was not able to penetrate.

Does coldblack® protect from heat sources other than the sun?
The basic physical principle suggests that coldblack® technology also offers protection from other heat sources. However, in order to be able to give a definitive statement both the heat source and its temperature need to be measured and the reaction of the finish tested.

Can coldblack® be applied to all textiles?
Yes, coldblack® can be applied to all textiles and substrates. The ultimate effect (degree of heat reduction and UV protection) will, however, depend on the structure of the textile and is individually measured in the Clariant laboratory.

How kind is coldblack® to the skin?
Very kind. coldblack® components comply both with the demands of the Ecotex Standard 100 and the even stricter bluesign® standard. The bluesign® standard excludes the use of components or processes that are potentially hazardous to humans or the environment.

Is coldblack® suitable for the Ecotex Standard?
Yes, all coldblack® components conform to Ecotex 100 Class I-IV and even comply with the bluesign® standard. (See also “What is the bluesign® standard?”).

How often can a textile with coldblack® be dry cleaned?
Very often. Before the coldblack® effect can be damaged the color must be affected by the dry cleaning process. And how often, in your experience, does an item of clothing change color following dry cleaning?

Can the effect be “washed out”?
No, the effect is fully wash resistant. It does not wash out in regular household laundry or in prolonged use.

How much is the material aging process delayed through the use of coldblack®?
This factor is also dependent on the material and should be analyzed precisely. We have, depending  on the fiber types used , achieved a delay in the aging process of up to 20%; i.e. the durability of the material can be extended by 20% with a coldblack® finish.

Does coldblack® conform to bluesign®?
Yes, all components of coldblack® comply with the bluesign® standard. (See also “What is the bluesign® standard?”)

What does bluesign® or the bluesign® standard refer to?
The bluesign® standard is the strictest international EHS (Environment, Health and Safety) production standard. The bluesign® standard guarantees the greatest possible degree of exclusion of substances that are potentially hazardous to humans or the environment and it demands ecological and economical use of resources during the manufacturing process. For more information visit www.bluesign-tech.com.

How is quality of the various textiles with coldblack® finish guaranteed?
Precise test procedures were developed for coldblack® that are able to record the heat reflection and heat absorption as well as ascertaining the UV protection of each textile. Only those textiles that comply with the established absorption and reflection parameters are “coldblack” and then approved as coldblack® technology.  

Where can I order a coldblack® sample?
Simply send an enquiry by e-mail to info@coldblack.ch and you will be sent all relevant informational material with a small textile test sample.
If you would like a demonstration of coldblack® to be carried out on your own textile material please contact Clariant.

Which areas /markets are suitable for coldblack®?
coldblack® is ideal for all applications related to the outdoors. It’s perfect in clothing for all outdoor activities,including tennis, running, golf, baseball, hiking, and mountaineering.  Motorcycling and  cycling are ideal for coldblack®; as are headwear, swimwear, sailing gear, kids wear, mens wear, ladies wear, casual wear, street wear, work wear, and uniforms.  coldblack® has many applications for outdoor textiles used in awnings, marquees, tents, garden cushions, etc.
Who has coldblack® products?
The new technology was initially launched by selected development partners including Mammut, Tatonka, Hugo Boss and others. Up to date and detailed information can be requested from marketing(at)coldblack.ch.

Who can currently supply coldblack®?
As part of the coldblack® launch the first production sites have already been outfitted and trained  A current list can be requested from sales.mills(at)coldblack.ch. New textile manufacturers and finishers who are interested in the coldblack® finish should contact tech(at)clariant.com. Clothing and non-garment manufacturers interested in coldblack® can find up to date information at sales(at)coldblack.ch.

How can I order coldblack® labels?
Contact Schoeller Technologies AG in Switzerland. Send an e-mail to: Labeling(at)coldblack.ch.

How can coldblack® products be recognized in general trade?
The end products can be identified through hang tags, woven labels or other marketing tools at POS.

Where can I order promotional material for coldblack®?
As a brand manufacturer holding a Trademark Agreement with Schoeller Technologies AG, you can view and order all current promotional material by visiting www.coldblack.ch and clicking on “promotional material”. Please e-mail any further requests to: marketing(at)coldblack.ch.

What do I need to do if I want to apply the coldblack® finish?
Contact Clariant International AG or Schoeller Technologies AG or send an e-mail to ipr(at)coldblack.ch.

What do I need to do if I want to have a brand license?
Contact Schoeller Technologies AG or send an e-mail to ipr(at)coldblack.ch.

What does Clariant do?
Clariant International AG is responsible for the sale of chemicals, technical support and quality control for the coldblack® finish.

What does Schoeller do?
Schoeller Technologies AG is responsible for the sales, marketing, branding and patenting of coldblack®.

What is Clariant International Ltd?
Clariant is a global leader in the field of specialty chemicals. Strong business relationships, commitment to outstanding service and wide ranging application know how make Clariant a preferred partner for its clients. Clariant is represented in five continents with more than 100 Group Companies. It employs over 21,000 people and in 2007 it generated sales of more than 8.5 billion Swiss Francs. Its headquarers are in Muttenz, near Basel. Clariant is organized into four divisions: Textile, Leather & Paper Chemicals, Pigments & Additives, Functional Chemicals and Masterbatches. Clariant is committed to sustainable growth, based on its own powers of innovation. Clariant’s innovative products play a key role in its customers’ manufacturing and treatment processes and/or bring added value to the end products. The company’s success is built on the expertise of its people; their ability to identify new customer needs at an early stage; and an enthusiasm to work together with customers to develop creative, efficient solutions.

What is Schoeller Technologies AG?
Schoeller Technologies AG is a Swiss based, globally active licensing company for innovative textile technologies. It furthers the development of new, pioneering textile technologies through the deployment of international and interdisciplinary R&D teams and holds the corresponding intellectual property rights (patents and trademarks). Besides its allocation of technology and trademark licenses, the company organizes the world wide availability of technologies together with selected distribution partners. In addition, Schoeller Technologies AG distributes technology products and supports licensees in technical matters, as well as in marketing and sales.