Wilmington, Del.-based Optimer Brands has introduced Dri-release® Environmentally Correct Origins™
(E.C.O.) 2nd Nature, a 100-percent recycled version of its Dri-release fabric with FreshGuard®
patented moisture-management and odor-eliminating technology.
Dri-release with FreshGuard fabric comprises a blend of man-made and natural fibers that
transports moisture and wards off odor. Dri-release E.C.O. 2nd Nature is the newest adaptation of
that technology, joining the original version of Dri-release E.C.O. using recycled polyester and
organic cotton that Optimer launched last year. E.C.O. 2nd Nature comprises post-consumer recycled
polyester and post-industrial recycled cotton made from apparel manufacturing clip waste. According
to Optimer, the E.C.O. technology reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills and uses less
water, pesticides, dyes and electricity to produce and process the cotton. 2nd Nature also is
Oeko-Tex-certified to be free of harmful chemicals.
Optimer has teamed with Hickory, N.C.-based Ferre-Hickory LLC – a joint venture between
Spain-based Hilaturas Ferre S.A. and North Carolina Hickory Throwing Co. – to manufacture
Dri-release E.C.O. 2nd Nature yarn, which is available in both solid and heathered colors.
The company also is completing the testing and approval process for a soon-to-be-released
100-percent recycled technical performance yarn. “For many of our customers, ‘green’ is not only
becoming a bigger issue, it is becoming the issue,” said Karen Deniz, director of marketing,
Dri-release. “At Optimer, environmental concerns take priority. We’re excited to be able to offer
them not just one but two new ‘green’ products, to expand their choices.”
May/June 2009
