SALT LAKE CITY — August 3, 2016 — The next generation of polyester fibers was introduced to the performance apparel market today when Eastman Chemical Co. announced the launch of Avra™ Performance Fibers. Avra is a family of performance fibers enabled by a proprietary spinning technology. The first product enables a revolutionary ribbon-shaped synthetic fiber with a combination of shape and size never before seen, backed by a company with a 96-year history of manufacturing excellence.
“The apparel industry has known for decades that finer fibers create fabrics with softer hand and enhanced performance,” said Tim Dell, Eastman Vice President. “There is a limit, however, to how fine you can go and still knit or weave on conventional equipment.” Avra’s ultra-thin polyester fibers are extruded and held together by a proprietary removable polymer, enabling easy knitting or weaving. Once the fabric is made, the removable polymer completely washes away in hot water, resulting in ribbon-like fibers that are smaller than existing polyester fibers. “The result is a distinctly silky fabric that keeps wearers drier and more comfortable than ever before,” he said.
The performance benefits imparted by this first Avra product include exceptional moisture management and a chemical-free “cool to the touch” sensation. Fabrics made with Avra dry quickly – up to 50% faster than conventional polyester fabrics, helping wearers stay cooler and more comfortable during demanding physical activities. In addition, the highly flexible fibers enabled by Avra further enhance wearer comfort through the superior drape and remarkable softness they provide. That’s performance you can feel.
Avra fibers are made in the USA in collaboration with Unifi Inc. in Yadkinville, N.C.. This joint effort has enabled a physical plant expansion at Unifi and provided additional jobs to the region. “Innovation in the Americas is more important today than ever before,” said Mark McNeill, vice president of technology and business development at Unifi. “Combining the technology and quality-driven expertise of Eastman and Unifi will help provide the industry with the next level of performance-enhancing fibers.”
Posted August 3, 2016
Source: Eastman Chemical Company
