HALO REPEL™ The Future of Responsible Textile Finishing

116 Years of Environmental Stewardship

Since 1910, W.T. Johnson has pioneered responsible textile finishing. From digging a 1,500-foot borehole in the 1930s to secure independent water supply, to installing heat exchange systems that capture energy before it escapes, to fitting 390 solar panels on our roof – environmental responsibility has always been fundamental to who we are.

HALO REPEL™ is the next chapter.

It’s our commitment to developing finishing solutions that protect fabrics without compromising the environment.

Why HALO REPEL™ Matters Now

On 25th October 2026, the EU will ban perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) – often called “forever chemicals” – in textile finishing. These substances persist in waterways, soil, and living organisms indefinitely. The science is clear. The regulation is right.

But we’re not waiting until October.

As of 1st July 2026, W.T. Johnson has transitioned away from fluorinated chemistry. Not because regulation demands it, but because:

– Leadership matters – Companies that anticipate change maintain their competitive position

– Customers are asking – Brands and retailers are setting standards; consumer awareness is growing

– It’s the right thing to do – Environmental stewardship isn’t a marketing strategy; it’s who we are

HALO REPEL™: PFC-Free Water Repellent Finishing

HALO REPEL™ has been developed in close collaboration with a leading chemical supplier specialising in sustainable textile chemistry. It is built on advanced polyurethane polymer technology that delivers effective water repellency without environmental persistence.

What HALO REPEL™ Delivers:

• PFC-free, fluorine-free, halogen-free chemistry – no intentionally added PFAS

• Excellent water repellency across all fibre types – natural, synthetic, and blends

• Outstanding wash durability – long-lasting performance through repeated laundering

• Unaffected fabric handle – drape and texture remains soft and natural

• Full breath-ability – maintained

• Certified responsible chemistry – Bluesign® approved, GOTS certified, OEKO-TEX® standards

Best Performance Applications:

– Cotton and linen apparel

– Polyester and synthetic outdoor wear

– Upholstery fabrics (contract, hospitality, residential)

– Technical textiles requiring water repellency + durability

– Washable wool garments

Being Honest About the Transition

We could tell you that HALO REPEL™ matches every aspect of fluorinated chemistry’s performance. But that wouldn’t be true, and you deserve better than marketing spin.

The reality:

– Water repellency is slightly reduced compared to C6 chemistry (~85-90% of fluorinated performance)

– Dry cleaning durability is lower (fabric tested still performs after 5x dry cleaning cycles)

These are real trade-offs – But HaloRepel™ is the best PFC-free water repellent technology available today. And it’s a platform we’ll continue to improve – through ongoing development, customer feedback, and collaboration with leading chemical innovators.

This is how progress happens: Through committed evolution, not overnight revolution.

Customers reward honesty about sustainability transitions, not perfection. When companies acknowledge trade-offs openly and commit to continuous improvement, trust deepens.

How We Work With You

A Collaborative Approach

W.T. Johnson has always worked closely with customers to find and personalise finishing solutions for specific applications. As we develop and refine the HALO REPEL™, this collaborative partnership becomes even more important.

We welcome conversations about:

– How HALO REPEL™ might perform on your specific fabrics

– Which performance characteristics are critical vs nice-to-have

– How to navigate the PFC-free transition with your customers

– Where gaps exist between current performance and your requirements

Shaping Future Development:

Your feedback and real-world experience with HaloRepel™ will be invaluable. Understanding which applications work brilliantly and which face challenges helps us prioritise development efforts and identify where next-generation solutions are needed most.

Partnership, Not Just Supply:

This is a transition we’re navigating together. You understand your end markets; we understand textile finishing chemistry. Between us, we can find solutions that work.

Our Environmental Commitment

HALO REPEL™ is the latest expression of environmental stewardship that’s defined W.T. Johnson since 1910:

–  1930s: 1,500-foot borehole for independent water supply

–  1980s: Open-width scouring technology (90% less water than conventional systems)

–  1990s: Heat exchange system capturing energy before chimney exhaust

–  2000s: ISO 14001 certification, state-of-the-art dye-house with REACH-approved dyes only

• 2016: 390 solar panels generating renewable energy
• 2026: HALO REPEL™ PFC-free water repellent

This isn’t a new direction. It’s a continuation of 116 years of responsible manufacturing.

Get in touch

For Technical Information:

Contact us for the HALO REPEL™ Technical Overview 

Performance specifications, environmental credentials, and application suitability guidance.

Contact our technical team to discuss how HaloRepel™ might work for your specific fabrics and requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will HALO REPEL™ work on my fabrics?  

A: HALO REPEL™ is suitable for all fibre types – cotton, wool, synthetics, blends, upholstery. Performance varies by substrate and application requirements. We welcome discussions about your specific needs.

Q: What about dry cleaning? 

A: Dry cleaning durability is reduced compared to fluorinated chemistry, on fabric we have tested it retains its performance after 5x dry cleaning cycles. For premium wool requiring frequent dry cleaning, we recommend discussing your specific application with our technical team.

Q: Is HALO REPEL™ more expensive?* 

A: PFC-free chemistry involves a modest cost increase. However, this is offset by brand value, regulatory compliance, and consumer willingness to pay for sustainable products.

Q: When should I switch?

A: The October 2026 deadline is approaching. WTJ committed to making the transition to PFC Free technology on 1st July 2026. Contact us to understand how HALO REPEL™ fits your applications.

Q: Will HALO REPEL™ improve over time?  

A: Yes. HALO REPEL™ will continue to be developed. As better PFC-free technologies emerge, we’ll integrate them. As customer feedback identifies priorities, we’ll adapt. This is an evolving commitment, not a finished solution.

Join Us on This Journey

The transition to PFC-free finishing is challenging. Trade-offs are real. But so is our commitment to doing what’s right for the environment, for our customers, and for the generations who will inherit the textile industry we’re building today.

We invite you to work with us. Share your application requirements. Provide real-world feedback. Help shape HALO REPEL™. Together, we’ll navigate this transition and emerge as leaders in responsible textile finishing.