MOOO>™ Fiber - The Fiber Evolution by BASF for Dyeable Polypropylene

BASF innovation

BASF has developed a new technology for polypropylene fibers, which allows polypropylene fibers to be dyed with conventional disperse dyes. The new dyeable polypropylene is commercially branded by BASF with the name of MOOO>™ fiber. This completely new technology opens a new era for polypropylene in the textile industry, thus making it possible to dye polypropylene efficiently and flexibly.

This novel and distinct technology allows fabrics from colorless MOOO>™ fibers to be dyed with disperse dyes in aqueous media in a standard industry process. This was previously not possible for polypropylene. The invention provides brilliant color shades to meet fast-moving market trends.

Inherent property of MOOO>™ fiber

The outstanding feature of MOOO>™ fiber is its super lightweight, as light as 0.9g/cm3. MOOO>™ fiber also has the following features:

• Best insulation property


• Moisture transportation


• Durability


• Color brilliance


• Low moisture regain


• Bacterial growth control


• Anti-odor effect


• Breathability

Traditional polypropylene

In traditional polypropylene, dyestuffs cannot stay permanently inside the polypropylene fibers as no dyesites are available from the fiber. Polypropylene is therefore dyed in a spun-dyed process by adding pigments in the spinning process. This makes the dyeing ineffective especially for small lot yarn orders. The color has to be chosen in an early stage in the textile value chain. The traditional polypropylene is not able to meet fast fashion driven apparel market where small lot orders and quick in-season response for certain colors are required.

MOOO>™ fiber

BASF technology provides an anchor point in the polypropylene fiber to hold dyestuffs. The anchor point allows dyes to stay inside the fiber and makes permanent dyeing possible. The fiber can be dyed in fabric form with disperse dyes.

Process route of MOOO>™ fiber

The MOOO>™ fiber can be dyed as easy and fast as any other apparel materials - like cotton, polyester and polyamide. MOOO>™ fiber can be dyed in a standard exhaustion process with conventional disperse dyes using typical polyester dyeing process, i.e. high temperature dyeing at 1300C. Grey fabric can be dyed in any shade with high flexibility. The selected series of dyes suit for the brilliant shades with good fastness levels.

Overall fastness performance of disperse dyes on MOOO>™ fiber

The MOOO>™ fiber can be dyed with good results in a broad shade gamut. Standard disperse dyes which are marketed for polyester dyeing can be used, Selected and suitable dyestuffs provide deep and brilliant shades with good fastness level which is recommended by BASF to dye houses. The selection of suitable dyestuffs is a key for dyeing success.

Benefits to the production chain

MOOO>™ fiber offers immense production possibilities. The advantages are:

• Provides flexibility to the apparel industry to serve short fashion cycles and production lead times


• Allows even small lot orders to be colored economically.


• Reduces inventory of colored yarns, thus streamlines the production processes.


• Increases operational effectiveness from small to bulk production.