Archroma Named Exclusive Global Textile Distributor for Nicca’s ZELAN™ DWR Products

The agreement extends a decade-long partnership with the ZELAN™ brand, covering global distribution, marketing and technical support for non-fluorinated durable water repellents.

Archroma and Nicca Chemical have entered into an agreement to support the continued growth of ZELAN™ non-fluorinated durable water repellents (DWRs) across the global textile industry. Under the agreement, Archroma will remain the exclusive distributor of ZELAN™ DWR products and the related Teflon EcoElite™ technology for the textile industry worldwide.

The announcement follows Nicca’s acquisition of the ZELAN™ business from The Chemours Company in March 2026 and continues Archroma’s decade-long association with the brand.

Archroma to Continue Distribution and Technical Support

Archroma’s role as ZELAN™’s global distribution, marketing and technical support partner dates 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, Archroma will lead marketing initiatives for the solutions and provide technical support to textile mills and brands worldwide, continuing its existing responsibilities.

Textiles finished with ZELAN™ products will also qualify for Archroma’s upcoming HIGH IQ® lastingrepelPRO assurance programme. The programme is intended to provide brands with a recognised consumer-facing mark for durable water-repellent performance and sustainability.

ZELAN™ R3 Uses Plant-Based Materials

ZELAN™ R3 is described as the industry’s first renewably sourced durable water repellent and remains one of the significant perfluorochemical (PFAS)-free DWRs available.

The product contains 63% plant-based materials sourced from non-GMO and non-food-source feedstock. It is designed to provide water repellency and durability while maintaining breathability across all fibre types.

A spokesperson from Nicca said, “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. Keeping Archroma as our exclusive distribution partner for the textile industry means that trust doesn't have to be rebuilt. Customers get the same product, the same Teflon EcoElite™ support and the same partner they already know."

Roland Borufka, Product Manager, Finishing and Technical Textiles, Archroma, said, "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. As Nicca's exclusive distribution partner for the textile industry, we're supporting customers through this transition with uninterrupted supply and technical support everywhere they do business."

Product Performance and Industry Compliance

ZELAN™ technology is designed to provide rain and stain protection, alongside processing performance that supports uninterrupted manufacturing.

ZELAN™ R3 is bluepass certified and published on the ZDHC Gateway with Conformance Level 3.1.

The release defines PFAS-free as below the limits of detection according to industry-standard test methods. The plant-based material content is measured using ASTM method 6866.