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G 3 Technology Innovations LLC (G3i), Pittsford, N.Y., has developed GreenShield, a family
of multifunctional textile finishes produced according to principles of green nanotechnology,
which strives to utilize the most benign chemistries available while minimizing the amount of
chemistry required to deliver the desired performance, and uses eco-friendly processes that
eliminate waste and reduce energy use.
The company was established in July 2006 by Chief Technology Officer Dr. Joseph F. Bringley,
President Dr. Tiecheng "Alex" Qiao, and COO Dr. Suresh Sunderrajan - three scientists who
had worked together at Rochester, N.Y.-based Eastman Kodak Co., where Bringley and Qiao
had used nanotechnology in the development of solutions for photographic applications, and
Sunderrajan had directed the Corporate Venture Capital group. The three decided to form their
own company to develop cost-effective nanotechnologies based on environmentally sustainable
principles, singling out textile applications as a focus.
cell, and one to track the particle in the body and report its position," Bringley explained.
"Drawing from our experience in biotechnology, we realized we could develop a technology for
textiles using similar concepts, having one set of molecules to bind the particle to the fabric and
others to provide water and stain repellency, antimicrobial properties, ultraviolet (UV) resistance,
and flame resistance."
In the GreenShield finishes, the basic nanoparticle is amorphous silica, an inert material that
has a well-established use in applications involving direct human consumption, and is generally
recognized as safe and approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and
Environmental Protection Agency for such applications. The GreenShield technology involving
surface functionalization of inorganic nanoparticles is uniquely different from polymer
technologies used traditionally to add performance benefits to textiles, according to Paul
Bennotti, G3i's vice president, marketing and business development.
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fitness for use and now offers GreenShield as part of its Eco Intelligence Initiatives. Eco
Intelligent Polyester fabrics - described by Victor as the first true technical nutrient textile in
accordance with Cradle to Cradle criteria for closed-loop manufacturing systems - are the first
fabrics made from 100-percent recycled polyester processed without using antimony and dyed
using fully optimized eco-friendly dyes and chemicals, contain no chlorine or persistent,
bioaccumulative and/or toxic substances, and are themselves fully recyclable. Eco Intelligent
Polyester fabrics finished with GreenShield carry MBDC's Cradle to Cradle Silver certification,
the second level in a four-tier classification system.
TSG Inc., a North Wales, Pa.-based commission finisher, offers Greenshield on woven contract
and residential furnishings fabrics as part of its new Balance program that provides
environmentally responsible finishing options. TSG also plans to offer the finishes for industrial,
nonwovens and wallcovering applications.