Unleash Mineral Power: Applying Magnesium to Textiles with TextiMagTM

In recent years, innovative technology has made people rethink the relationship between their clothing and bad odors. As a result, the clothing industry has seen a growing demand from consumers across all segments for apparel that effectively combats body odor.  

According to a 2016 activewear study conducted by Cotton Incorporated, 69% of consumers are likely to search for odor resistant technology when purchasing activewear. This behavior corresponds with another trend, which sees more and more eco-minded consumers attempt to do less laundry in an effort to minimize water use and increase their sustainable impact. 

Unleashing magnesium power

Odor control technologies for textiles have been around for a while. These technologies, which use diverse methods from silver and other chemicals to plant-based ingredients, attempt to walk a fine line between optimal performance and sustainability cultivation. 

ICL is a trusted producer of high purity magnesium solutions for cosmetics and personal care companies worldwide. Surveying the landscape, ICL's R&D experts decided to harness magnesium – a compound used in natural deodorants that is renowned for its health and wellbeing benefits – to provide the textile industry with a truly groundbreaking odor adsorption solution.

Introducing TextiMag^TM

TextiMag^TM is the first-ever use of magnesium for an odor-reduction textile finishing. This innovative solution provides brands and manufacturers with a safe, effective, and eco-friendly alternative to synthetic chemical finishes, helping the textile industry move towards a more sustainable future:

• TextiMag^TM can be easily applied to any woven, knit or non-woven fabric to effectively adsorb odor causing micro-organisms and enhance skin wellness, naturally. Easy to formulate, TextiMag^TM can be used as a natural-based finish for sportswear, socks, intimate wear and more. 

• TextiMag™ effectively neutralizes odor-causing agents without the use of harsh chemicals. Not only does TextiMag^TM counteract bad smell formation during sports, but it also creates a feeling of comfort for textile wearers.

• TextiMag's high purity magnesium is sourced directly from the mineral-abundant Dead Sea. This magnesium is food and pharma-grade, which essentially means it its pure enough for human consumption. 

• TextiMag^TM is sourced and produced via a simple process. TextiMag^TM is currently undergoing a bluesign® certification audit as part of a commitment to the highest environmental standards.

Sustainability from production to application

TextiMag^TM has been meticulously produced to limit its impact on the environment. For starters, all of TextiMag's magnesium is sourced from the Dead Sea – a fully traceable natural mineral source. Furthermore, ICL's experts have designed the simplest production process possible to extract magnesium chloride from the Dead Sea and transform it into the purest magnesium compounds available in commercial quantities anywhere in the world. 

Using the Aman thermal decomposition process, which exploits concentrated magnesium chloride brines, specifically generated by selective solar evaporation stages from the waters of the Dead Sea, the brines are subjected to high temperatures at which the magnesium chloride is converted to magnesium oxide. No external raw materials, other than brine, are employed in the process.

Enhanced sustainability doesn’t end with the technology's production process. TextiMag's ability to keep garments fresher for longer reduces the need for washing after every use. This contributes to garment longevity, keeping fabrics in use for longer periods of time, while potentially reducing the water and energy consumption associated with garment care.

Measuring TextiMag^TM efficacy

Claiming efficiency requires scientific proof. Therefore, optimal methods were used in collaboration with cutting-edge labs to examine just how effective TextiMag^TM really is.

CompLife, a renowned testing laboratory from Italy, conducted a clinical TextiMag^TM efficacy study. The laboratory gathered 30 subjects who were asked to conduct running sessions on a treadmill with unwashed and washed treated shirts made from both cotton and polyester. The study's goal was to determine whether fabrics treated with TextiMag^TM pass a subjective 'sniff test'.

After performing the required sports activity, the subjects were asked to fill out a questionnaire. 93% of respondents said that TextiMag^TM counteracted bad smell formulation during sporting activities and 90% perceived a comfort feeling while wearing. 

In addition to the clinical study, Bureau Veritas (Taiwan) and internal laboratories used a gas chromatography method (ISO 17299-3) to determine TextiMag's deodorant property on nylon, polyester and cotton textiles. The results can be seen in the table below:

*Internal ICL testing
Note: External 30 washes ongoing

Advantageous for consumers, manufacturers, and the planet

At ICL, we are leveraging over a century of innovation and our deep commitment to sustainability to introduce the power of magnesium to the textile industry. TextiMag™ offers manufacturers a versatile, easy-to-use solution that seamlessly integrates into existing production processes, whether for sportswear, workwear, or everyday apparel. Its non-toxic, mineral-based formula not only ensures safer manufacturing but also provides consumers with natural, long-lasting freshness.

TextiMag™ gives people the freedom to stay active throughout their day, whether pushing their limits in sports or staying focused at work, without worrying about odor. Powered by pure, naturally sourced magnesium, it offers lasting textile freshness—a revolutionary solution for today’s lifestyle.