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Textile finishing for botanical odor control

Plant-based textile technology that captures and neutralizes odors to keep fabrics fresh for longer

HeiQ Mint™ is a plant‑based (>70%) deodorizing technology designed to help textiles stay fresh for longer by attracting, capturing and absorbing volatile odor particles. Using plant‑derived odor control components, the technology works directly on the textile during everyday wear and use, without changing the look, feel, or performance of the material. 

 

Effective odor control helps keep fabrics fresh for longer, allowing for less frequent washing, thereby saving energy, reducing water and detergent consumption and increasing product durability, depending on how the product is used and cared for. 

 

Key benefits

  • Bio-based deodorizing performance for textiles
  • Extensive wash durability thanks to the continuously renewable unique capture and release technology
  • No biocidal declaration required on product labels as it is a non-antimicrobial, so it can be applied and marketed worldwide
  • Compatible with all major fiber types, including natural fibers, synthetics, and blends, without altering hand feel or breathability
  • Suitable for responsible production, with bluepass, ZDHC compliant, GOTS certification, USDA bio-preferred certification (>70% bio-based carbon content (ASTM D6866)), and alignment with most brand RSL requirements
Nature Odor Control Freshness Visual
Our certifications & standards:
  • GOTS certification
  • Bluepass
  • USDA certified
  • zdhc
  • OEKO-Tex Eco Passport

Applications

HeiQ Mint™ had a wide range of applications. 

  • Casual wear

  • Sportswear & activewear

  • Base layers

  • Home textiles

  • The science behind HeiQ Mint™

    The technology was developed based on the knowledge that the real cause of human sweat odor is volatile fatty acids (VFA's), such as isov...

    The technology was developed based on the knowledge that the real cause of human sweat odor is volatile fatty acids (VFA's), such as isovaleric acid. With this in mind, HeiQ Mint™ addresses these odor‑causing compounds using a unique combination of essential mint oils, naturally derived deodorizing ingredients, and HeiQ’s proprietary encapsulation technology. 

     

    During wear or use, when the fabric comes into contact with sweat, many of the VOCs are attracted to and absorbed by the technology on the textile surface. When the textile is washed in the alkaline environment of water and soap, the odor particles are removed from the container and into the wash water, thereby fully restoring the absorption capacity of the technology. 

     

    This process restores the technology's ability to absorb odors allowing HeiQ Mint™ to perform again during the new wear cycle.

    AMX HeiQ Mint graphic
  • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

    • Does HeiQ Mint™ add fragrance to textiles?
    • Is HeiQ Mint™ antimicrobial or antibacterial treatment?
    • What are the test methods available for HeiQ Mint™?
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    HeiQ Mint™ is designed to manage odors rather than mask them with fragrance. The technology doesn't add any smell to the textile treated, and any sensory perception comes from the deodorizing function of the ingredients, not from added perfume. 

    No, HeiQ Mint™ does not make antimicrobial or antibacterial claims. Its odor-control effect is based on deodorizing and odor-absorbing mechanisms, not on killing or inhibiting microorganisms. 

    Objective measurement for HeiQ Mint™ is achieved by the Deodorant Property Test (ISO 17299-3A) which measures the Odor Reduction Rate of a textile product before and after 20 home launderings. This test uses isovaleric acid (the main odor compound in human sweat) on a gas chromatograph. For quality control in the textile mills, we provide an easy-to-use Marker Technology Coloration Test. Additionally, a real-life wearer or user trials are very convincing. 

    HeiQ’s biotechnology platform uses nature derived polymers, prebiotic, probiotic, and postbiotic ingredients and translates natural and biological processes into scalable product technologies across textiles, home care, personal care, water, and animal care. By combining biology, chemistry, and materials science, HeiQ applies nature‑inspired mechanisms, including microbiome‑based systems, bio‑based encapsulation, and functional finishes, to deliver reliable performance across multiple industries.

    Yes. Different textile finishes can be combined on the same fabric to deliver multiple effects at once. The key is formulation and process control. Finishes must be compatible and engineered to work side‑by‑side during application and remain stable during use and washing. Well‑designed combinations extend fabric functionality without changing how the textile feels or behaves in daily wear. For example, a garment can manage moisture while also reducing odour build‑up.

  • Product line-up

    • HeiQ Fresh MNT-01
    • HeiQ Fresh MNT-01

      • Bio-based odor control agent that absorbs VOCs
      • Deodorizing plant-based agent
      • Chemical basis: combination of mint oil with HeiQ proprietary bio-based microcontainer technology
  • BOSS has launched a beautiful line of garments, powered by HeiQ Mint™ for best-in-class odor control. The plant-based deodorizer HeiQ Mint™ controls malodor development on textiles, providing fabrics with a long-lasting odor control capability that keeps textiles smelling fresh all day long. The new pieces – a light sweatshirt, jogging trousers, functional polo shirts and trainers – are part of the BOSS Green Collection.

    BOSS has launched a beautiful line of garments, powered by HeiQ Mint™ for best-in-class odor control. The plant-based deodorizer HeiQ Mint™ controls malodor development on textiles, providing fabrics with a long-lasting odor control capability that keeps textiles smelling fresh all day long. The new pieces – a light sweatshirt, jogging trousers, functional polo shirts and trainers – are part of the BOSS Green Collection.

    View success story
    HeiQ and Boss Collab Visual
    View success story
  • Webinar: Botanical odor control for textiles with HeiQ Mint™.

    Watch this webinar to tackle odors in textiles in a different way! We explore the HeiQ Mint mode of action and how the performance is tested. The fact that this textile technology is about 70%...

    HeiQ Mint provides effective and lasting freshness for clothing and home textiles.
     

    Watch this webinar to tackle odors in textiles in a different way! We explore the HeiQ Mint™ mode of action and how the performance is tested. The fact that this textile technology is about 70% biobased is addressed, underlining why this feature makes all the difference when compared to other odor control solutions.  
     

    Discover the power of HeiQ Mint technology with industry experts.

    View webinar details
  • Webinar: Go green! HeiQ's bio-based textile technologies.

    Learn about HeiQ’s growing range of bio-based technologies ready to make textiles functional while meeting the growing demand for sustainability.

    Learn about HeiQ’s growing range of bio-based technologies ready to make textiles functional while meeting the growing demand for sustainability. In recent years, the interest in environmentally friendly products has surged across various industries, and the textile sector is no exception. Consumers have become increasingly aware of the environmental impact associated with conventional textiles and are actively seeking alternatives that are derived from renewable resources.
     

    We are showcasing the innovative bio-based technologies HeiQ Mint™, HeiQ Cool™, HeiQ Soft Sense™, and HeiQ Allergen Tech™, which bring an array of benefits to both apparel and home textiles.
     

    (*Inanimate allergens such as house dust mite matter & pet allergens)

    View webinar details
  • News: HeiQ and Archroma win ITMF International Collaboration Award 2026

    Swiss innovators recognized for accelerating the global adoption of sustainable textile technologies through an industry-leading partnership.

    Swiss innovators recognized for accelerating the global adoption of sustainable textile technologies through an industry-leading partnership

     

    HeiQ and Archroma are proud to announce that their strategic partnership has been awarded the ITMF International Collaboration Award 2026, recognizing outstanding cooperation that advances innovation, sustainability, and competitiveness across the global textile industry. 

     

    The award acknowledges the success of the HeiQ-Archroma collaboration in bringing next-generation antimicrobial and odor-control technologies to textile manufacturers, brands, and retailers worldwide through a unique combination of innovation, technical expertise, and global market reach. 

     

    The partnership combines Archroma's worldwide commercial and technical platform with HeiQ's expertise in creating high-performance and sustainable material technologies. Together, the companies have established a model for scaling innovation globally, enabling textile mills and brands to access advanced functional technologies more efficiently and effectively than ever before. 

     

    "Our collaboration demonstrates what can be achieved when two organizations with complementary strengths unite around a shared purpose," said Raquel Vaz Vieira, Executive Vice President, HeiQ Advanced Materials. "This award is not only a recognition of what has been achieved so far, but also an encouragement to continue pushing the boundaries of sustainable textile innovation. We thank ITMF for this honor and our customers, partners, and teams across both organizations whose commitment made this collaboration a success." 

     

    Dhirendra Gautam, Vice President, Marketing at Archroma, said: "This recognition from ITMF validates our belief that innovation has greater impact when it is made accessible at scale. Together with HeiQ, we are advancing meaningful transformation for brands and mills worldwide as they adopt more sustainable, high-performance textile technologies." 

     

    Since forming their co-marketing and global distribution partnership, HeiQ and Archroma have focused on making planet-conscious odor-control and antimicrobial solutions broadly available across the textile value chain. The collaboration provides mills with simplified implementation, global technical support, compliance-ready solutions, and access to technologies that support durability, freshness, and responsible manufacturing. 

     

    Among the technologies benefiting from the collaboration is HeiQ Mint, a bio-based, non-biocidal odor-control technology that captures odor molecules and releases them during laundering, helping garments remain fresher for longer while reducing washing frequency. The technology contributes to lower water, energy, and detergent consumption while enhancing wearer comfort and garment longevity. 

     

    The International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF) is an international forum for the world's textile industries, founded in 1904 and dedicated to keeping the world-wide membership informed through surveys, studies and publications.

     

     

    © 2026 Archroma

     

    Media Relations

     

    • Marilyn Chua

    Archroma

    media@archroma.com

     

    • Philip Ghekiere

    HeiQ Advanced Materials

    philip.ghekiere@heiq.com

     

    • Kim Lommaert

    EMG

    +31 164 317 021

    klommaert@emg-marcom.com

     

    About Archroma

    Archroma is a global, diversified provider of specialty chemicals serving the textiles, paper, packaging and construction markets. Headquartered in Pratteln, Switzerland, Archroma operates with over 4,000 employees located in 42 countries and with over 30 production sites. Archroma is passionate about delivering leading and innovative solutions, enhancing people’s lives and respecting the planet. The company is committed to the principles of "The Archroma Way to a Sustainable World"; an approach reflected in its innovations, world-class quality standards, high service levels and cost-efficiency. 

     

    www.archroma.com

     

    About HeiQ

    HeiQ is a Swiss deeptech materials innovator founded in 2005 as a spin-off from ETH Zurich, translating breakthrough science into scalable technologies across biotechnology, specialty chemicals, and advanced materials. HeiQ combines scientific expertise, Swiss-quality manufacturing, and commercialization capabilities to serve more than 300 brands in over 60 countries.

     

    www.heiq.com

    Read more
    HeiQ X Archroma ITMF Award
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