Germany-based BASF AG reports its optical brightener Ultraphor® AUX-NY prevents the yellowing of light-colored clothing caused by storage in film packaging material containing a colorless butylated hydroxy toluene (BHT) additive that is transferred to garments and reacts with nitrogen oxides from vehicle exhausts.

The new product, which can be used on all white and pastel-colored textiles, stops yellowing by preventing nitrogen oxides from reacting with the BHT molecule. Because it does not foam in the production process, fabric treatment requires no additional silicone antifoams.

Additionally, Ultraphor-treated fabrics meet Standard 100 (Product Class I) requirements of Switzerland-based Oeko-Tex, an international association that tests the safety of chemicals used in textile processing. The brightener also is safe for use on baby and children’s clothing, according to BASF.

March/April 2006