Durable silicone softener extends cotton comfort

Archroma has introduced SILIGEN® D2W LIQ C, a new silicone softener designed to keep cotton and cotton-lycra blends soft and absorbent through repeated use and washing. This product targets garments that demand lasting comfort—think sleepwear, baby clothes, activewear, and everyday essentials like T-shirts and towels.

Traditionally, textile manufacturers faced a trade-off: use a durable softener that compromised absorbency, or choose one that preserved moisture but washed off quickly. SILIGEN® D2W LIQ C addresses both issues. It maintains the natural absorbency of cotton while delivering a silky handfeel that holds up over time.

The softener uses Archroma’s patent-pending micro-x chemistry—a cross-linkable microemulsion that embeds a stable silicone network into the fibers. This helps distribute the softener evenly and lock it in place, making the softness more resistant to laundering.

Dhirendra Gautam, VP Global Marketing and Strategy, Archroma, said,

Archroma is committed to innovation that furthers our planet conscious vision of the future of the apparel and textile industry. As our brand partners increasingly design for longevity, they want to offer garments that remain luxurious and comfortable to wear over a longer life. SILIGEN® D2W LIQ C is a breakthrough innovation that enables a new approach to softening. By enhancing both durability and cotton hand feel, it reduces the need for frequent replacement of garments to conserve resources, minimize waste and lessen the environmental impact of the industry.

Dhirendra Gautam, VP Global Marketing and Strategy, Archroma

To back up its claims, Archroma developed a method to measure handfeel durability. By tracking elastic recovery in treated fabrics across multiple washes, mills and brands can now quantify softness in a more objective way.

The product also avoids common side effects like yellowing and works well with other finishing agents, including crease-resistant treatments. It’s compatible with anionic components and easy-care resins, giving manufacturers flexibility in how they finish their textiles.

Archroma’s team sees this development as part of a broader push toward longer-lasting garments. By reducing the need for frequent replacements, SILIGEN® D2W LIQ C supports efforts to cut waste and conserve resources in the fashion industry

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