Technology

Invented by NASA, developped by DECONTEX

Industrial CO₂ decontamination technologies for PPE

DECONTEX Technology delivers the world’s most advanced CO₂-based PPE and textile decontamination solution, engineered for mission-critical environments including firefighting, defense, police, and heavy industry.

 

Using patented pressurized CO₂ technology, DECONTEX effectively removes chemical, biological, and particulate contaminants from all layers of PPE and textiles while fully preserving the integrity and functionality of the materials. Extensively verified and validated in collaboration with leading industry partners, DECONTEX is trusted worldwide for delivering consistent, safe, sustainable, and superior decontamination results.

DEEP DECONTAMINATION

ZERO DAMAGE

GREEN TECHNOLOGY

FULL GEAR RESET

Supercritical CO₂

What is our technology

The DECONTEX Supercritical CO₂ Technology delivers superior PPE cleaning, decontamination, and disinfection performance compared to conventional CO₂-based systems. Its effectiveness is based on a unique integration of the DECONTEX machine, specially formulated DECONTEX detergents, and intelligent DECONTEX control software, creating a fully optimized decontamination platform.

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Specifications

CO₂ decontamination excellence

Operating within a controlled supercritical CO₂ process window of 75–150 bar and 32–40°C, DECONTEX Technology leverages the unique physicochemical properties of supercritical carbon dioxide, including low viscosity, high diffusivity, and tunable solvent strength. Combined with optimized detergent chemistry, this enables efficient penetration throughout the PPE assembly and effective extraction of chemical, biological, and particulate contaminants from all material layers.

 

The process is specifically designed to achieve high decontamination efficiency while preserving the mechanical, thermal, and protective properties of the treated materials. Process performance and contaminant removal efficiency are continuously assessed through standardized testing programs and independently verified by multiple internationally recognized notified bodies, ensuring scientifically validated, reproducible, and measurable decontamination outcomes.

Why our technology is different

Comparison: Decontex scCO₂ vs LCO₂ vs water-based washing

DECONTEX supercritical CO₂ decontamination technology is the only solution in the world that combines deep cleaning and full decontamination of textiles and PPE without compromising material integrity.
Feature / effect Water-based wash LCO₂ treatment DECONTEX scCO₂
Phase transitions Multiple, wet–dry cycles Liquid–gas (VLE) Single homogeneous supercritical phase
Penetration into all PPE layers Limited
moisture barrier ineffective
Limited Excellentouter shell · moisture barrier · thermal liner
Extraction efficiencyPAHs & smoke contaminants Limited Moderate Very high
Mechanical stressfibers & seams High Moderate Minimal
EN469 / NFPA compliance Risk of damage over cycles Moderate risk Preserved ≥100 cycles
Solvent tunability None Limited Fully tunableadjustable with P & T
Sustainability / water usage High Moderate 100% green, water-free

Key Takeaway: DCX scCO₂ delivers superior penetration, extraction, and minimal wear, outperforming both LCO₂ and water-based processes in terms of efficiency, garment longevity, and environmental impact.

Want to use our technology?

Decontex makes its technology available worldwide through an operational rental model, enabling partners to offer advanced decontamination as a fully managed service to end users across multiple sectors.
scCo2 GUARANTEES

Decontex Technology Performance

DECONTEX systems are engineered and manufactured in compliance with internationally recognized codes, directives, and regulatory frameworks, including the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (BPVC), the European Pressure Equipment Directive (PED 2014/68/EU), CE marking requirements, and other applicable national and regional standards. System design, pressure-containing components, safety systems, electrical installations, and control architectures can be adapted to meet specific local regulatory and certification requirements without compromising process performance.

Deep Decon, every layer, every time.

DECONTEX scCO₂ process enables contaminant extraction throughout the entire PPE assembly, achieving deep-layer decontamination beyond the limitations of surface cleaning processes.

Zero gear degradation

The DECONTEX scCO₂ process minimizes material ageing and degradation by combining low operating temperatures, limited mechanical agitation (≤25 rpm), short treatment durations, and low concentrations of formulated surfactants. Together with the non-abrasive nature of supercritical CO₂, these process conditions enable efficient contaminant extraction while preserving the structural, mechanical, and protective performance characteristics of PPE materials.

Full gear reset – reactivation – PFAS FREE

DECONTEX scCO₂ process restores all critical PPE functionalities; including visibility, flame resistance, and chemical repellency. This through a controlled process that fully reactivates performance.

Green technology

Technology combines low-energy, waterless CO₂ processing with minimal chemical use, 99% reusable CO₂, zero contaminated wastewater, and a fully PFAS-free treatment approach.

Bring DECONTEX supercritical CO₂ technology to your country

Become a partner

DECONTEX is actively looking for strategic (exclusive) partners worldwide to jointly bring the next generation of advanced CO₂-based PPE decontamination technology to end users through service-driven business models.

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Trusted by the front line

What they say

Decontex delivers next-generation decontamination solutions. Protecting people, environments and operations worldwide.

Frequently Asked Questions

DECONTEX Supercritical CO₂ Technology, Partnerships & Global Availability

DECONTEX Supercritical CO₂ Technology is an advanced decontamination process that uses pressurized CO₂, controlled low temperatures, limited mechanical action, and optimized surfactant chemistry to remove chemical, biological, and particulate contaminants from all PPE layers while preserving material integrity and performance.

The process operates under mild conditions – low temperatures (32–40°C), minimal mechanical stress (≤25 rpm), short cycle times, and low surfactant concentrations – combined with non-abrasive CO₂. This ensures effective contaminant removal without degrading the mechanical, thermal, or protective properties of PPE.

Yes. DECONTEX Technology is extensively tested and validated in collaboration with industrial partners and independent testing organizations, ensuring reproducible performance and compliance with relevant technical and safety standards.

DECONTEX operates through a global partnership model, working with certified service partners, industrial operators, and institutional stakeholders. This ensures local availability, standardized process quality, and consistent global performance.

DECONTEX Technology is globally deployable and available through an expanding network of licensed partners and service hubs. The system can be installed and certified according to regional standards, including CE and ASME frameworks, ensuring worldwide accessibility and compliance.

Unlike natwashing, DECONTEX is a validated decontamination process that removes embedded chemical, biological, and toxic residues across all PPE layers.

It is a high-performance process operating between 50–150 bar that enables deep penetration and high solubility of cleaning agents at controlled low temperatures, ensuring efficient decontamination.

DECONTEX Technology is an advanced supercritical CO₂ (scCO₂) platform for cleaning, decontamination, and disinfection of PPE and technical textiles.

Unlike traditional water-based washing methods, DECONTEX Technology uses supercritical CO₂ to penetrate all layers of multi-layer PPE and remove contaminants that are difficult to eliminate with conventional processes. The low-temperature process minimizes mechanical stress and helps preserve the functionality and service life of the equipment.

DECONTEX Technology is available through licensed service providers and can also be accessed by end users as a fully integrated PPE service. This service includes logistics, inspection, cleaning, decontamination, repair, traceability, and lifecycle management within a single centralized platform.

The process uses pressurized CO₂ under controlled conditions to penetrate all PPE layers and remove chemical, biological, and particulate contamination.

No. DECONTEX Technology is designed to preserve the protective performance, functionality, and lifespan of the equipment.

Yes. The process is water-free, energy-efficient, PFAS-free, and uses up to 99% reusable CO₂.

Yes. DECONTEX offers its technology worldwide through partnership and operational rental models.