Red Bank, N.J.-based Concept III Textiles -- a developer, producer and sourcer of fabric-based finished products for outdoor and activewear markets -- is collaborating with Frederick, Md.-based Next Fiber Technology LLC -- a fiber, yarn and technology development company -- to develop a range of polyester, nylon and polyester/nylon knits featuring NanoGlide™ technology. NanoGlide involves the incorporation of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) into polyester or nylon fibers during the fiber manufacturing process. All of the reported benefits from the PTFE additive -- a high ultraviolet rating; as well as moisture, friction, heat, and abrasion management to improve wearer comfort -- are permanently embedded in the fiber and will not wear or wash out when laundered by conventional means.

NanoGlide already has been utilized by sock brands; the collaboration with Concept III marks its introduction to the apparel market. Concept III will target next-to-skin, outerwear and lining applications.

"Introducing NanoGlide first to the sock market was a slam-dunk," said Rick Rudinger, Next Fiber Technologies. "But using it in apparel is the obvious next move."

"It's a given that the consumer now expects all active lifestyle products to move sweat away from the body via one technology or another," said Chris Parkes, national sales manager, Concept III. "At Concept III, we are raising the bar by taking moisture management, skin protection, abrasion and comfort a quantum leap forward with NanoGlide."

January 19, 2010