Freudenberg To Introduce Sustainable Innovations For Shoe And Leather Goods At Inspiramais Trade Fair In Brazil

WEINHEIM, Germany — December 5, 2024 — Freudenberg Performance Materials (Freudenberg) will present its full range of high- performance materials for footwear at Inspiramais January 21-22, 2025, in Porto Alegre, Brazil.

Freudenberg’s high performance counterliners Source — ©Freudenberg Performance Materials

The global manufacturer of performance materials will highlight its latest technical and sustainable innovations tailored for the shoe industry, including microfibers, counterliners, liners, interlinings, reinforcements, insoles, and membranes. At Inspiramais, designers and footwear professionals can meet with Brazil-based Freudenberg experts to support them design and develop products in line with the industry’s evolving demands for performance and environmental responsibility.

Freudenberg’s presentation at the event underscores its commitment to innovation and sustainability within the industry. In line with its sustainability goals, Freudenberg has increased the proportion of products in its portfolio that incorporate recycled content and employ solvent-free and binder-free manufacturing processes. The company’s efforts are exemplified by its range of vamp liners, reinforcements, and strobel insoles, which contain between 35% to 100% recycled material. The new insoles and reinforcements for sports shoes have recycled fiber content and provide high tensile and tear resistance at the same time.

Vegan suede

Freudenberg’s vegan suede made from microfiber nonwoven Source — ©Freudenberg Performance Materials

Additionally, Freudenberg is introducing a solvent-free vegan suede material, crafted from microfiber nonwovens, which offers both breathability and versatility in dyeing — a suitable choice for upper and facing in casual and athletic shoes.

Innovations for safety shoes and others

Freudenberg’s advancements also extend to the realm of safety footwear, with the introduction of specialized insoles that are resistant to perforation and suitable for PU injection, as well as electrically conductive.

Freudenberg’s special insoles for safety shoes Source — ©Freudenberg Performance Materials

Moreover, the company has developed breathable waterproof membranes that can be integrated into liners and interliners, enhancing both comfort and protection for safety shoes, boots, and waterproof footwear.

The company’s new range of high performance counterliners is another highlight, designed to cater to a diverse array of footwear categories, including women’s, men’s, children’s, safety shoes, boots, and athletic shoes. These counterliners are distinguished by their breathability, color variety, and superior abrasion resistance.

Posted: December 5, 2024

Source: Freudenberg Performance Materials

Mark Ushpol Appointed EVP, Americas Business Area At Suominen

HELSINKI — December 5, 2024 — Mark Ushpol has been appointed executive vice president, Americas business area at Suominen. He will be a member of Suominen’s Executive Management Team and report to President and CEO Tommi Björnman. Ushpol will start in his new position on January 6, 2025.

Mark Ushpol

Ushpol joins Suominen from Ahlstrom, where he worked as executive vice president of the Food & Consumer Packaging division and as a member of the Executive Management Team.

“Mark has a strong experience in leading industrial business and operations. He also has industry knowledge and proven record in successfully executing company goals. I am sure he will be a valued member in our Executive Management Team and support us in our journey towards profitable growth,” Björnman said.

Posted: December 5, 2024

Source: Suominen Corporation

Tapes Made From Recycled Carbon Fibers For Lightweight Construction

DENKENDORF, Germany — December 5, 2024 — Due to their excellent mechanical properties and low weight, carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) are increasingly being used in lightweight construction applications where high strength and rigidity combined with minimal weight are crucial. However, the growing use of CFRP is also accompanied by large quantities of carbon fiber waste. So far, only processing routes that significantly reduce the properties of CFRP and thus limit the fields of application have been established. The German Institutes of Textile and Fiber Research Denkendorf (DITF) have developed highly oriented tapes made from recycled carbon fibers (rCF) suitable for reuse in high-performance applications such as structural components in the automotive sector.

Developed “infinity”rCF tape variant with trimming of the tape edges. Photo — DITF

Carbon fibers are usually produced from petroleum-based raw materials in an energy-intensive process that emits large amounts of CO2. The material has a global warming potential of around 20 to 65 kilograms of CO2 equivalents per kilogram. Nevertheless, the production of CFRP continues to increase and with it the amount of CFRP waste. This is because, depending on the processing method, up to 50 percent offcuts are generated during production. In addition, there are large quantities of CFRP waste in the form of components that have reached the end of their service life. In Europe alone, around 8,000 passenger aircraft with cosiderable CFRP content are expected to be taken out of service by 2030.

Currently, only 15 percent of CFRP waste is recycled. The remaining 85 percent of these CFRP components end up in waste incineration plants or landfills at the end of their service life. Incineration can generate energy in the form of heat or electricity. However, recycling carbon fibers would contribute far more to climate and resource protection.

In recent years, various recycling processes for CFRP, such as pyrolysis or solvolysis, have therefore been further developed in order to recover high-quality carbon fibers.

Compared to virgin fibers, the possible uses of recycled carbon fibers are significantly limited. In a virgin fiber product, carbon fibers are usually present in filament strands of technically unlimited length and oriented in the direction of the load. In this way, the carbon fiber unfolds its full potential, as it has its maximum strength in the fiber direction. Recycling inevitably results in a shortening of the carbon fibers to lengths in the micrometer to centimeter range. In addition, the orientation of the carbon fibers is lost and the fibers are initially in a tangled position.

The DITF have been successfully working for around 15 years on adapting classic spinning processes to the new fiber material rCF. The aim is to develop a new category of rCF semi-finished products and improve their mechanical properties so that they can actually replace virgin fiber material in structural applications. Only then will carbon fiber-based composite materials be truly recyclable.

In order to produce an oriented semi-finished product similar to a carbon product from virgin fibers, it is crucial to eliminate the tangled position of the rCF and to align the fibers parallel to each other. One promising way of achieving this is the production of highly oriented tapes.

In a first step, the carbon fibers are opened and mixed with thermoplastic matrix fibers (polyamide 6). The fiber mixture is then further separated and oriented in a carding process modified for the processing of carbon fibers. At the outlet of the carding machine, the fiber card web produced in the carding process is combined into a fiber sliver and deposited in a can. This rCF/PA6 fiber sliver is the starting material for the subsequent tape forming process and already has a pre-orientation of the carbon fibers. The orientation of the fibers can be increased in the subsequent drawing process. By drawing the fiber tape, the fibers are moved in the direction of draft and aligned longitudinally. The final process step is tape formation, in which the fiber tape is under tension formed into the desired shape and then fixed into a continuous tape structure. During fixation, the thermoplastic fibers melt partially or completely and then solidify.

This technology developed at the DITF for the production of highly oriented rCF tapes was used as part of the “Infinity” research project (03LB3006) to demonstrate a sustainable and fiber-friendly recycling cycle for CFRP. Based on the “Infinity” tapes, a composite material was developed that achieved 88 percent of the tensile strength and tensile modulus of a comparable virgin fiber product. In addition, a life cycle analysis showed that the global warming potential is reduced by approx. 49 percent when using pyrolysis fibers and by approx. 66 percent for rCF from production waste.

The findings thus illustrate a way towards true substitution of virgin fiber CFRP with recycled CFRP instead of downcycling to low-orientation materials and the associated loss of mechanical properties.

Posted: December 5, 2024

Source: Deutsche Institute für Textil- und Faserforschung (DITF)

Heritage Meets Iconic Style With Clarks Originals New Woollen Wallabee For AW24

WEST YORKSHIRE, England — December 5, 2024 — Made with woolen fabric from Hainsworth Signature Fabrics, a renowned British fabric manufacturer and woolen mill, Clarks Originals’ new Wallabee Shoes highlight British craftsmanship.

Hainsworth Signature Fabrics manufactures the fabric from its vertical woolen mill, which processes the fabric from raw fiber to finished cloth entirely from its site in West Yorkshire. The soft pilot cloth wool material is supplied to Clarks in two colors; camel and navy. The shoes will be available to purchase in Clarks Originals retail stores, online stores, and a range of third-party stockists.

Amanda McLaren, AW Hainsworth’s managing director, commented: “It’s always an honor when brands and designers choose our fabrics, but it’s extra special to collaborate with other heritage brands that hold a special place in history. Like Hainsworth Speciality Fabrics, Clarks Originals Wallabees represent the look of iconic England.

In addition to working with Clarks, we have many other exciting partnerships in the pipeline, which include our fabrics being featured on national television and in several West End theater productions.”

The shoes have a history which dates back to 1967 and have become a timeless footwear style with a global following spanning multiple generations and cultures.

A Clarks representative explained: “Our Wallabee returns in soft camel and navy Pilot Cloth, wool courtesy of 240-year-old British textile mill, Hainsworth. A tactile, cozy addition to our new-season line-up, this pair honors Wallabee DNA with its classic crepe soles and waxy laces. We’ve topped it with three leather logo fobs, calling attention to Originals and Hainsworth in a celebration of design heritage.”

The Woolmark and Royal Warrant Holder previously partnered with Clarks in 2012 to supply eye-catching red fabric for a Clarks classic desert boot special edition of the model inspired by the Beatles’ 1967 album, Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. Hainsworth Speciality Fabrics has also worked with Community Clothing, Dries Van Noten, Luke Derrick and Matty Bovan to craft fabrics for their fashion collections.

Designers, tailors and garment manufacturers choose Hainsworth Signature Fabric’s premium woolen textiles for interiors and apparel from diverse industries, united in their desire for the best craftsmanship and true British provenance.

Posted: December 5, 2024

Source: Hainsworth Signature Fabrics

Teijin Frontier Develops A Next-Generation Comfort Material For Active And Functional Apparel

TOKYO — November 28, 2024 — Teijin Frontier Co., Ltd., announced today that it has developed a next-generation comfort material that uniquely combines contact cooling functionality with sweat stickiness prevention. The new material features a dual-layer, knit structure. The inner layer alternates Teijin Frontier’s newly developed hydrophobic WAVERON™ yarn and conventional hydrophilic WAVERON yarn. The hydrophilic yarn absorbs perspiration, while the hydrophobic yarn prevents it from adhering to the skin to keep the skin dry. The outer layer disperses absorbed perspiration to the outside.

Teijin Frontier plans to promote and sell this next-generation comfort material as a desirable fabric for the 2026 spring/summer sports and outdoor apparel season, in both domestic and international markets. In advance of that season, the company aims to sell 100,000 meters of the material. Subsequently, it will expand into functional apparel such as fashion clothing. By fiscal 2028, Teijin Frontier expects to sell 1 million meters of this next-generation comfort material per year.

Cooling Comfort for a Warming Planet

In recent years, due to global warming, sports and outdoor apparel retailers are demanding clothing with multiple functions, such as contact cooling and perspiration management, to enhance consumers’ comfort in elevated temperatures. However, until now it has been challenging to deliver textiles that provide both contact cooling and sweat stickiness prevention. This is because contact cooling requires enlarging the material’s contact area with the skin to improve heat conduction from the skin, while sweat stickiness prevention requires reducing contact with the skin.

To resolve this dilemma, Teijin Frontier leveraged the structure and function of two products. One is TRIPLEDRY™ CARAT™, a specially structured polyester fabric that combines perspiration absorption functionality and sweat adhesion prevention through optimal placement of hydrophobic and hydrophilic yarns. The other product is WAVERON, a full dull, non-crimped yarn with contact cooling functionality. WAVERON yarn contains titanium oxide, which promotes a cooling sensation as heat is transferred from the skin to the fiber, and has a flat, cross-sectional shape that increases the skin contact area. Additionally, this non-crimped yarn maximizes the air gaps between fibers, offering high breathability. By combining these two technologies, the company was able to deliver both contact cooling and sweat stickiness prevention functions in one material.

Contributing to Sustainability

The new material uses 100 percent recycled polyester and features water-repellent technology made without per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

Posted: December 5, 2024

Source: The Teijin Group

Haelixa Enhances Organic Cotton Traceability with C&A Partnership

ZÜRICH — December 5, 2024 — Haelixa has partnered with Europe-based fashion retailers C&A to advance the traceability of its organic cotton. The partnership stems from C&A’s commitment to working with others in the apparel industry to pilot and scale innovation. C&A’s targets include supporting the growth of organic cotton without synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, resulting in cleaner waterways, healthier ecosystems, and lower farmer costs.

The partnership between Haelixa and C&A began in 2022 with a pilot project, and since then, they have continuously worked together to trace raw materials. The result is this agreement with Haelixa to mark their organic cotton for the next three years. Using Haelixa’s DNA markers, C&A can trace the journey of its organic cotton from farm to finished garment. According to the C&A Sustainability Report, they are working with other organisations to foster organic cotton farming.

Alexandre Saus-Salas, head of Sourcing at C&A, commented: “Transparency and ethical sourcing are crucial in our supply chain. As part of our commitment to traceability, we have begun implementing Haelixa DNA within our organic supply chain. This gradual roll-out will continue over multiple seasons in 2025, with an impact foreseen over the next three years.”

Haelixa’s solution utilises DNA markers to create a tamper-proof, verifiable traceability that tracks organic cotton throughout the supply chain. The cotton, sourced through CottonConnect, is marked with unique DNA, which acts as a specific identifier. Once applied, the cotton is tested throughout the supply chain to verify the material using forensic PCR tests. Traceability with the fiber-forward approach ensures the final garment materials are authentic.

The marking ensures the authenticity of organic cotton and mitigates the risk of sourcing from regions associated with forced labor. Using the Haelixa markers enables C&A to make reliable statements about the presence of organic cotton in its products marked at the field level (in the ginning process).

Patrick Strumpf, CEO of Haelixa, noted, “Trust is the foundation of transparent storytelling. By tracing organic cotton from farm to finished garment, we empower brands like C&A to tell an authentic story, fostering greater consumer confidence in their sustainability efforts.”

This project is one of the initiatives that C&A has undertaken to enhance accountability through its supply chain. One of the goals listed in their Sustainability Report is enabling customers to make informed choices by increasing transparency around products and the company. The traceability of organic cotton demonstrates that innovation can support business success through customer trust.

This partnership illustrates for Haelixa that successful collaboration demands a long-term commitment to growth. The work on previous pilots has earned the trust of C&A, enabling Haelixa to execute the project at scale with speed and efficiency.

Posted: December 5, 2024

Source: Haelixa

 

 

Apex Mills Appoints Chris Rojas Assistant Plant Manager For Apex Aridyne In Graham, N.C.

INWOOD, N.Y. — December 5, 2024 — Apex Mills Corporation Inc., a U.S. manufacturer of innovative technical textiles, has named Chris Rojas as assistant plant manager for the Apex Mills, Aridyne facility in Graham, N.C. Rojas brings over a decade of production, process, and quality improvement experience in warp and circular knitting, dyeing, and finishing from multiple manufacturing facilities.

Chris Rojas

Rojas most recently served as director of global textile operations for Shawmut Inc. Before that, he was the vice president of manufacturing at Fairystone Fabrics Inc., responsible for daily plant operations, customer response initiatives, capital investments, and financial performance. Previously, Rojas served with advancing plant management responsibilities for Elastic Fabrics of America, and Milliken & Company’s facilities.

“We are thrilled to welcome Chris to our outstanding operations team at the Apex Aridyne production facilities,” said Jonathan Kurz, president and CEO of Apex Mills. “His commitment to operational excellence, safety, and quality will be invaluable in ensuring our leadership in creating innovative textile solutions that address our customers’ needs”.

“I am excited to join the Apex Mills family of companies that are recognized for their textile manufacturing leadership. It’s an opportunity to be part of a successful and diverse culture,” Rojas said. He begins his role on December 2.

Rojas earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Textile Management from North Carolina State University. Rojas succeeds Apex Mills’ Aridyne Plant Manager William Frei who is retiring at the end of 2025.

Posted: December 5, 2024

Source: Apex Mills Corporation

2024 Polartec Apex Awards Winners Announced

SPARTANBURG, S.C. — December 4, 2024 — Polartec® — a Milliken™ & Company brand and creator of innovative textile solutions for future thinking, sustainably-driven brands — is delighted to announce the winners of the 2024 Polartec Apex Awards, the annual design contest that celebrates the brands and designers who embody the ethos, Made to Go Beyond.

By awarding cleverly authentic sport, performance and lifestyle concepts, Polartec brings its commitment to People, Products and the Planet to a full circle. Guided by a shared desire to push the envelope, the winning designs reflect an “inside out” approach — where thoughtfully crafted gear supports people’s well-being, fueling growth and resilience. By enhancing lives from within, these garments empower everyone to thrive outdoors, driving a cycle of impact that connects personal performance with planetary care.

The 2024 winners have been selected from hundreds of entries based on their creative approach, the ability to address and overcome challenges, and the degree to which they successfully blend high-performance, aesthetics and functionality across sports, lifestyle, and performance categories. The 2024 winners are:

  • Direct Alpine – Alpha T-Shirt — Anyone facing winter head-on will quickly see that Direct Alpine’s Alpha T-Shirt for men is an absolute game changer. Crafted with Polartec® Alpha™ active insulation, it effortlessly adapts to the body’s needs, balancing warmth and breathability with next-to-skin comfort. From the moment you put it on to the end of your mountaineering adventure, this anatomically fitted t-shirt is ready to stand up to nature’s most challenging tests. With reinforced shoulders to prevent wear and tear and fitted thumbholes to keep the sleeves in place (and your hands warm), Direct Alpine proves that versatility and high performance can go hand-in-hand. “The Alpha T-Shirt was created in response to our customers’ demand for products belonging to the so-called fast and hike collection,” reported the Development Department. “For potential customers, every extra gram matters, and the product’s maximum functionality is crucial. We wanted to create a product that weighs next to nothing, takes up minimal space in a backpack, and at the same time provides excellent thermal comfort. Polartec Alpha™ material is outstanding for this purpose, offering warmth at a low weight. We then reinforced high-stress areas with stronger material, and the product was complete.”
  • ThruDark – Wraith Bomber Jacket — Blending urban style with tactical prowess, the Wraith Bomber Jacket brings a sense of purpose to heading out. Featuring Polartec® Alpha™ active insulation, which was originally created for the US Special Forces, it effortlessly keeps you fresh and comfortable when you’re moving fast and delivers warmth when you’re not. Built for the outdoors yet perfect for city life, the Wraith seamlessly transitions both — making it as dependable on bustling streets as it is on rugged trails. “The use of Polartec Alpha™ gives a technical, performance edge to what is a classic, everyday style,” said Louis Tinsley, ThruDark co-founder. “This considered blend of form and function creates our Wraith Bomber Jacket. A garment that can take the role of a soft shell in dynamic outdoor pursuits but can also double up as urban wear for day-to-day life. Not only pushing but blurring the boundaries between performance and lifestyle wear.”
  • SANTINI – MAGIC PACKABLE WATERPROOF UNISEX JACKET — Welcome to a whole new paradigm in breathable waterproof fabrics. Designed to keep pace with your every move, this lightweight, fully non-PFAS stowable jacket is made of 100-percent recycled & recyclable  Polartec Power Shield™ RPM shell fabric to provide all-day protection without the risk of overheating, making it a true high-performance shield. Fully thermo-sealed and exceptionally resilient, it’s built to withstand the elements while folding neatly into its own back pocket for ultimate portability. Thoughtfully designed for cycling, it ensures discreet functionality without compromising on style. For those who live to be outdoors, rain or shine, the Magic Jacket redefines freedom and functionality. “The core idea behind our Magic jacket was to develop a lightweight, multi-season, multi-purpose membrane garment that brought a clear message to the market regarding the importance of sustainability,” said Fergus Niland, Creative director Santini SMS. “The key technical aspects of Polartec Power Shield™ RPM, enabled us to create a product that has class leading breathability — a critical aspect in relation to the high output activity of cycling, while utilizing post-consumer recycled material that offered full water-proof protection.”
  • GOBIK – SUBZERO BLACK Bib Tights — The Subzero Bib Tight by Gobik is designed to excel outdoors, delivering endurance and comfort for winter’s toughest rides. Featuring Polartec Power Shield Pro made with Biolon™ nylon and a non-PFAS DWR & membrane construction, the pants provide advanced weather protection while the premium padding and antibacterial graphene threads ensure comfort over long distances. The fabric’s 48 percent plant-based content also lowers carbon footprint by up to 50 percent. With reflective details for visibility and an adjustable fit around the ankle, they’re made to embrace the coldest days, pushing the boundaries of where and when you can ride. “Designing cycling gear isn’t just about protection, it’s about enhancing every ride regardless of the weather,” noted the Gobik Design Team. “Our garments need to handle the demands of performance riding while keeping you comfortable and dry, which is where our partnership with Polartec comes in. With Polartec by our side, we create gear that empowers every rider to go beyond their limits and fully embrace the journey, rain or shine.”
  • OBERMEYER – Women’s Explorer Tech Henley — Obermeyer’s Explorer Tech Henley from the Off Grid Collection lets you beat the cold with style, making it an ideal midlayer for just about anything. Infused with the warmth of Polartec Power Air, an innovative technology that encapsulates air within a smooth shell to deliver reliable insulation while reducing shedding and microfiber pollution, the Explorer Tech Henley merges multi-season functionality with a sleek urban aesthetic. Wear it alone or layered, this versatile Tech Crew is the essential companion for anyone who wants to explore without limits. “The Women’s Explorer Tech Henley was designed as part of the layering system in the Off-Grid collection,” noted Siobhan Phillips, Obermeyer director of Merchandising. “We wanted layering pieces that had a strong sustainability and durability story; so, Polartec Power Air was a great material choice for its low-shed properties, while encapsulating air and providing sustainable warmth when out in nature. This overall concept pairs back to our new material story within the Off-Grid outerwear collection, made of our very own BlueThread™.”
  • FORLOH – Women’s Raider Polartec® 200 Fleece Vest — FORLOH’s Raider Vest for women is designed for multifaceted versatility in any outdoor setting. A perfectly adaptable layering piece, it combines rugged functionality with incredibly soft Polartec 200 fleece with proprietary Shed Less™ technology to drastically reduce microfiber shedding without compromising the performance, comfort or durability of the fleece fabric.  Engineered for everything from high-altitude hikes to wandering the city streets, its durable ripstop overlays deliver added resilience and its ample, secure pockets let you easily store all your essentials, making the Raider Vest an everyday staple. If tackling diverse environments in comfort sounds too good to be true, think again. This is a vest you can count on to adapt to whatever the day may hold. “FORLOH wanted to create a mid-layer that would work well on its own and that could be worn under a jacket as a functional thermal regulating layering piece,” said Augie Vergara, director of Product at FORLOH. “Utilizing a mixture of low-profile construction finishes and comfort-enhancing paneling, we were able to create this unique fan favorite. We chose Polartec 200 Series fleece with Shed Less technology to give our customers an amazing and timeless piece that resists fiber fragment shedding during home laundering. In this way, the Raider Polartec® 200 Fleece Vest keeps our customers  warm, dry and comfortable with less impact on our oceans and waterways.”
  • INDYEVA – Lampaat Vest — This lightweight, multi-season sleeveless jacket is made of retro-looking Polartec Thermal Pro™ shearling fleece and pairs heat retention and freedom of movement with an oh-so-comfy vibe. Taffeta pocket inserts add a distinctive look, while the indulgently soft fleece provides warmth without the bulk. Versatile enough for outdoor adventures and everyday wear, this jacket seamlessly blends modern style with practical performance, making it a go-to layer for life on the move. “We are thrilled that our latest design has won an award for innovation in outdoor fashion!” said Stéphanie Noël, co-founder, vice president of Design. “At Indyeva, we pride ourselves on pushing the boundaries with classic outdoor materials, transforming them into something unexpected and unique. This achievement highlights the strength of our brand in combining tradition with bold, forward-thinking design.”
  • SATISFY RUNNING – GhostFleece™ AD Light Half-Zip — SATISFY Running’s GhostFleece™ AD Half-Zip harnesses the advanced thermoregulation of Polartec Alpha™ active insulation to keep runners warm, dry, and fully in sync during dynamic movement. Engineered with thumb loops, gusseted underarms, and a seamless design, it offers a truly friction-free running experience. And by ensuring that nothing stands in the way when you chase the elements, it helps empower your quest to push the boundaries. The GhostFleece doesn’t just keep up, it fuels your run with inside-out performance to inspire every step of the journey. “The GhostFleece AD series redefines performance wear with Polartec’s Alpha Direct fabric — an advanced insulation technology originally engineered for tactical applications where warmth, weight, and mobility are critical,” reported the SATISFY Design Team. “By adapting this military-grade fabric, SATISFY brings elite-level functionality to the world of running and endurance sports.”
  • MILLET – Women’s Softshell jacket RUTOR XCS AIR — Engineered for high-intensity ski touring, Millet’s Rutor XCS Air jacket combines stretch and durability in a lightweight shell. Its strategic use of the new Polartec Power Dry™ mesh fabric technology wicks away moisture, delivering optimal comfort during the most intense alpine challenges. Designed for adventurers who live for high-altitude action, its hybrid construction seamlessly adapts to the body’s needs on rugged mountain slopes, delivering warmth to rapid alpine ascents without weighing you down. “The perfect windproof, water-repellent jacket for high-intensity ski touring. Innovatively placed Polartec Power Dry active insulation inside the product provides warmth without compromising breathability,” said Evan Charbouillot – MILLET Apparel product manager.
  • SUN DAY RED – 3L Wind/Rain Half Zip Jacket — Look no further than the 3L Wind/Rain Half Zip Jacket by Sun Day Red when rain or wind  threaten your game. Designed to facilitate a full range of motion and an unrestricted swing, it’s built for performance – from its use of Polartec Power Shield Pro breathable weather protection to its streamlined shape that won’t billow or bend out at the wrong moments, like when you’re lining up a putt. Perfectly suited for golf, it also offers the versatility to perform in other outdoor settings, making it a reliable choice both on and off the green. The high-performance shell fabric technology is designed for the future thinking and sustainably committed. It also provides plenty of stretch, making it easy to slip on over a polo without taking your focus off the green. “Sun Day Red has raised the bar with a collection that truly meets the demands of the game,” said the Polartec Product Team. “Crafted from three soft and lightweight layers of Polartec Power Shield Pro, their award-winning half-zip jacket delivers soft, stretchy three-Layer comfort that is also waterproof, windproof, highly breathable and quieter than other noisy, motion-restricting shells. All of which helps ensure that golfers can perform at their best rain or shine.”
  • VUORI – Aspen Shirt Jacket — The versatile indoor-outdoor vibe of Vuori’s Aspen Jacket delivers more than meets the eye. Sure, it’s the perfect blend of shirt and jacket. But with its use of Polartec Wind Pro fabric technology, this jacket feels as comfortable in rugged conditions as it does when you’re cruising the beach.  With a durable and water repellent exterior, Wind Pro makes the Aspen shirt a dependable wind resistant fleece with versatility for all weather conditions. And because it’s tailored for every environment, it lets you venture from city streets to backcountry trails in one outing.
  • ARITZIA – Polartec® 200 Aurora Zip-Up — Aritzia’s Aurora Zip-Up blends cozy warmth with a modern design that’s hard to beat. Featuring Polartec 200 Series Fleece made from 100-percent recycled polyester and featuring Polartec Shed Less technology to reduce microfiber shedding up to 85 percent during home laundering, it delivers weightless warmth and softness with a planet-friendly peace-of-mind. With a cinchable shock cord hem and sleek zippered pockets, this zip-up hoodie just may be the perfect addition to any outfit, indoors or outdoors. “Leveraging the longstanding relationship between our brands, the award-winning Polartec 200 Series Aurora Zip by Aritzia benefits from our commitment to lightweight warmth and sustainability,” said the Polartec R&D Team. “Crafted from our sumptuously soft 100-percent recycled polyester fleece, it is designed to feel effortless yet perform flawlessly, keeping you cozy without holding you back.”

The 2024 Polartec Apex Awards winners are forward-thinking product partners who recognize and embody Polartec’s commitment to innovation while inspiring others to go beyond.

Breaking barriers isn’t just about athletic performance — it’s about resilience in everyday challenges. These awards honor those who embody this spirit, celebrating the human drive to overcome and inspire.

This vision is at the heart of the “Inside Out” campaign concept, curated by Italian creative agency Wanderlust Vision, which explores how true progress begins within. With the Apex Awards, we don’t just recognize industry leaders — we honor the best in all of us.

Each winner has received a trophy in celebration of their winning designs, along with dedicated joint marketing support. In addition to receiving the Polartec award, the Apex Awards program also feature a “People’s Choice” contender — which will be selected by a public vote via Polartec’s website and announced in the coming weeks.

Posted: December 4, 2024

Source: Polartec®, a Milliken & Company brand

The LYCRA Company Previews Bio-Derived LYCRA® EcoMade Fiber At ISPO

WILMINGTON, Del. — December 2, 2024 — The LYCRA Company, developer of innovative and sustainable fiber and technology solutions for the apparel industry, announced today that it is promoting its bio-derived LYCRA® EcoMade fiber at ISPO, December 3 to 5. The company is showcasing samples featuring the renewable elastane in Hall A3, Stand 101, and offering visitors a fully immersive VR experience to learn about the product. It will also be featured in the Sustainability Hub (Hall A2) and is the subject of a presentation.

UpFit Capsule Collection from LIVE! includes leggings, top, and jumpsuit that are made with bio-derived LYCRA® EcoMade fiber, providing exceptional comfort, fit, and flexibility with the added benefit of being a more sustainable fiber. Photo — Business Wire

Bio-derived LYCRA EcoMade fiber won two ISPO Textrends Awards for Fall/Winter 2026/27. In the fibers and insulation category, this renewable elastane won a “Top 5 Award,” and a garment made with the same fabric was recognized as a “Selection” in the pants & tights category. The Brazilian activewear and swimwear brand LIVE! produced the fabric and leggings using preview samples of this highly anticipated fiber.

Launching in 2025, bio-derived LYCRA EcoMade fiber will be the world’s first large-scale commercially available renewable elastane. The award-winning product previewed at ISPO contains 70 percent renewable content and is certified under the USDA Bio-Preferred Program. The fiber delivers equivalent performance to the original LYCRA fiber, and no re-engineering of fabrics, processes, or garment patterns is required.

“We believe bio-derived LYCRA EcoMade fiber represents an exciting future where we can make real, transformative change in the industry without sacrificing performance,” said Steve Stewart, The LYCRA Company’s chief brand and innovation officer. “We are thrilled to receive this recognition from ISPO and applaud our customer LIVE! for creating the award-winning fabric and garment.”

The LIVE! brand is renowned for its high-quality, sustainable apparel, and its UpFit Capsule Collection includes the ISPO award-winning leggings, Bermuda-length leggings, a top, and a jumpsuit. These garments made with bio-derived LYCRA EcoMade fiber provide exceptional comfort, fit, and flexibility with the added benefit of being a more sustainable fiber.

“At LIVE!, we believe the future of fashion must balance innovation with environmental responsibility,” said Joice Sens, founder and creative director at LIVE!. “This collection embodies the spirit of LIVE! FUTURE, our sustainable innovation lab, and highlights the importance of partnerships like this one with the LYCRA brand, enabling us to develop products that combine cutting-edge technology with reduced impact.”

Steve Stewart is presenting “All In: The Power of Partnership” on ISPO’s Green Stage on December 4 at 16:00 CET. His presentation details how collaboration has been critical to commercializing bio-derived LYCRA EcoMade fiber and bringing it to market.

Visit The LYCRA Company’s ISPO Event Page for show information and to discover the range of sustainable solutions fueling its exhibit: COOLMAX® and THERMOLITE® EcoMade fibers made from textile waste, and LYCRA FiT400™ fiber designed for circularity, are made with the planet in mind. To learn more about bio-derived LYCRA EcoMade fiber, visit this webpage for product information.

Posted: December 4, 2024

Source: The LYCRA Company

Tosca Partners With Avery Dennison To Boost Supply Chain Efficiency And Reduce CO2 Emissions

BELGIUM — December 4, 2024 — Tosca has partnered with Avery Dennison, a global materials science company, to support its transition to reusable plastic pallets and reduce CO2 emissions across its European supply chain. By adopting Tosca’s innovative pooling model, the collaboration has delivered significant operational efficiencies while cutting nearly 500 tons of CO2 in just one year. This partnership highlights Tosca’s sustainable packaging solutions which drive supply chain efficiency while reducing environmental impact.

The Challenge: Scalable, Sustainable Solutions

Tosca were pleased to support Avery Dennison in their pursuit of a scalable, efficient solution to meet the growing demand for plastic pallets, while aligning with their strong commitment to sustainability. This includes their goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

Avery Dennison recognized the need to optimize operations due to increasing demand for wooden pallets, especially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. By partnering with Tosca, a leader in sustainable packaging and supply chain solutions, they found the solution.

Tosca’s Solution: Reusable Plastic Pallets

Tosca has provided the solution to Avery Dennison’s challenge with its durable, reusable L1 plastic pallets, designed to enhance efficiency, reduce waste, and minimise environmental impact. Initially, Avery Dennison aimed to replace its own pallets with a more efficient solution to meet growing demand. This quickly expanded to switching much of its supply chain to Tosca’s plastic pallets.

A key challenge has been convincing Avery Dennison’s customers to accept goods on plastic pallets, as more participation would optimize logistics and enhance sustainability. Both sales teams worked together to demonstrate the operational and environmental benefits of this choice.

The official partnership began in 2022, and Tosca’s plastic pallets are now used in 13 Avery Dennison factories and distribution centers, shipping to over 400 customer locations across Europe.

Operational Benefits and Sustainability Gains

The partnership between Tosca and Avery Dennison enhanced efficiency and scalability by supporting the growing demand for plastic pallets, addressing availability issues and providing a more cost effective, reliable alternative to wooden pallets post Covid-19.  In addition, Tosca’s reusable plastic pallets offer cleaner, more hygienic solutions for their warehouses. These improvements align with the company’s goal of enhancing operational efficiency while reducing its carbon footprint.

In 2023, 40% of Avery Dennison’s Euro-sized pallets had been converted to plastic, and the company already achieved nearly 500 tonnes of CO2 emissions saved annually — exceeding initial estimates.

Due to the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), Avery Dennison is rethinking their transport and sales packaging, which increasingly focuses on reuse and circularity.

“Our focus is on the recyclability and circularity of our packaging. By partnering with Tosca, we are moving in the right direction,” said Violeta Gómez Valdivieso, Central Packaging Leader at Avery Dennison. “For example, the PPWR requires that at least 40% of transport or sales packaging be reusable by 2030, and Tosca’s plastic pallets meet these requirements.”

A Strong Sustainability Partnership 

Looking ahead, Avery Dennison plans to continue to transition to plastic pallets, with Tosca’s pooling system playing a critical role in achieving both greater efficiency and sustainability in their supply chain. The possibility to use the already integrated RFID tags on Tosca’s plastic pallets for tracking opens improved traceability capabilities and streamlined order management, bringing even greater potential operational benefits in the future.

“At Tosca, we work side by side with our customers in long-term partnerships, and our successful collaboration with Avery Dennison is the perfect example of this. Both companies strongly believe in the concept of continuing the loop,” said Felix Van Ouytsel, Sales Director UK/Ireland at Tosca.

The partnership between Tosca and Avery Dennison shows how collaboration can drive significant sustainability advancements, setting a benchmark for the industry.

Posted: December 4, 2024

Source: TOSCA Ltd.

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