Softness is a defining quality for textiles, shaping how fabrics feel and move in everyday use. Modern softeners go beyond improving the hand, they influence surface smoothness, drape, static cling, and wearer comfort across apparel and home textiles. At AGS, our plant-based softening agents are engineered to deliver a superior tactile experience while meeting the industry’s increasing expectations for sustainability and long-term performance.

The Differentiation Factor

Textile softeners are chemical agents applied to improve the hand, smoothness, and overall sensory qualities of a fabric. They modify the friction and mechanical behavior of fibers, reducing harshness and stiffness that arise during textile manufacturing processes such as dyeing and heat-setting. A superior quality softener can enhance both surface feel and internal fiber lubrication, resulting in a fabric that feels softer, smoother, and more comfortable against the skin.

Softness heavily influences consumer perception and product preference. Even high-performance textiles can feel rigid or coarse after finishing, reducing comfort and limiting versatility. A reliable softener helps retain drape, minimize stiffness, and elevate the tactile impression of the final product. In performance and everyday textiles, softness contributes to wearability by reducing friction, preventing chafing, and supporting better movement. Softeners also help maintain the intended aesthetic and sensory qualities of fabrics through repeated wear and care, contributing to longer product life and consistent customer satisfaction.

The Added Value

Softeners provide a fundamental value to textiles. Mills benefit from easy-to-apply softeners that improve hand without compromising process efficiency or color fastness. Brands gain textiles that feel premium, perform reliably, and align with consumer expectations for comfort-driven design. Consumers experience penetrating softness, silk-like smoothness, improved drape, and long-lasting comfort. Softeners are a mandatory feature across all textile categories, from basics and performance apparel to home textiles and intimate wear. When formulated from plant-based materials, softeners contribute to more responsible product development, reducing reliance on silicones and petroleum-derived ingredients while supporting the shift toward renewable, traceable chemistry.

Available Technologies