Textiles and Leather Solutions

MIDLAND, MICHIGAN, USA: Xtep, a top-brand Chinese athletic apparel company, and Dow Corning Corporation have collaborated to launch a new screen printed sportswear line this summer. Xtep selected Dow Corning® Silicone Textile Printing Inks based on their environmental and performance benefits. The inks include no solvents, can be washed and ironed, and offer superior color fastness.

To counter previous performance problems with PVC, PU, and PA inks, Dow Corning developed a breakthrough technology for screen printing inks that allows manufacturers to print on a wide range of garments. These new silicone-based inks offer durability, a non-tacky finish, superior color fastness, and high elongation on elastic fabrics. Suitable for most natural and synthetic fabrics, including polyester and spandex, Dow Corning’s screen printing ink was a perfect match for Xtep.

Working directly with Xtep’s top management and marketing team, Dow Corning shared how its silicone textile printing ink could enhance Xtep’s brand with positive environmental aspects and the latest screen printing technology. In late 2007, Xtep decided to use the new technology for its X-Nature series of athletic t-shirts to be launched this summer, capitalizing on the excitement in China that accompanies the Olympic Games.

“We had not used silicone screen printing inks before and decided it would give us an advantage over our competition,” said Mr. Jiaye Wang, Vice President of Xtep’s Garment Center. “Dow Corning’s technical service team worked closely with us to test and qualify the silicone ink technology.”

By the beginning of 2008, Xtep had instructed its network of qualified screen printers to use Dow Corning’s inks for its X-Nature series of t-shirts. Dow Corning representatives provided on-the-job training and technical expertise to the screen printers.

“Xtep and Dow Corning simplified the start-up process of using a new type of ink by teaching us about the product and how to use it,” said Mr. Jianchuan Lu, General Manager of Tianyun, one of Xtep’s network of screen printers.

Every t-shirt that incorporates Dow Corning’s silicone screen printing ink technology includes a special hangtag designed by Xtep that describes the benefits of using Dow Corning Silicone Textile Printing Ink. The list includes high elongation, no color migration, soft and comfortable feel, non-tacky finish, semi-gloss/three-dimensional finish, high-resolution printing, easy handle, and good washing durability.

“We feel that we have a winner with Dow Corning’s screen printing ink technology,” said Mr. Zhangli Lin, Vice President of Xtep’s Finery Center. “We are proud to include Dow Corning on the product hangtag. With this technology, our products have an innovative advantage.”

“From the testing phase to specifying to implementation, working with Xtep has gone smoothly,” said Jenny Geng, Dow Corning Textile Industry Global Marketing Manager. “We look forward to working with Xtep to extend its product lines that are using Dow Corning’s screen printing technology.”

Dow Corning offers a comprehensive selection of proven silicon-based performance enhancers and process aids for textiles and is breaking new ground in the realm of eco innovation. In addition to materials, the company provides supportive services and solutions tailored to the specific business and sustainability needs of the global textiles industry. For more information about Dow Corning’s textile screen printing inks, visit www.dowcorning.com/screenprinting.

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For editorial assistance, contact Hilary Maxfield, AGP & Associates,
+ (989) 839-5800, hilary@agp-inc.com.

About Dow Corning
Dow Corning provides performance-enhancing solutions to serve the diverse needs of more than 25,000 customers worldwide. A global leader in silicon-based technology and innovation, offering more than 7,000 products and services, Dow Corning is equally owned by The Dow Chemical Company and Corning, Incorporated. More than half of Dow Corning’s annual sales are outside the United States.

Dow Corning is a registered trademark of Dow Corning Corporation.