COOLMAX® EcoMade fibers and fabrics are made from recycled resources such as plastic bottles, meeting consumers' demand for clothing that can use resources more effectively. This INVISTA innovative technology is designed and crafted to reduce its impact on the environment.
In addition to the classic COOLMAX® fabric moisture absorption, sweat wicking, durability, abrasion resistance and other properties, COOLMAX® EcoMade fibers and fabrics have superior whiteness test results.
Fiber giant Invista Inc. (Invista) has launched Coolmax EcoMade technology, which helps jeans become environmentally friendly, cool and comfortable, and helps consumers change their perception of jeans.
Invista said that jeans made with Coolmax EcoMade technology are very breathable, which can keep sweat away from the skin and keep it cool, comfortable and dry. Like other Coolmax products, these products are characterized by no need for cleaning.
Another advantage of fibers made with Coolmax EcoMade technology is that 97% of the materials are recyclable materials. By reusing the glass bottles in the garbage disposal site, environmental pollution can be reduced. In 6 steps, these glasses are transformed into fibers suitable for clothing.
Jean Hegedus, Director of Invista's Global Denim Division, said: "Research shows that more and more consumers want their jeans to be cool and comfortable. Coolmax EcoMade technology jeans provide excellent performance while reducing environmental pollution. For consumers , This is a win-win choice."
Invista surveyed 1,500 men and girls from 3 countries. 75% of the participants wanted a pair of jeans that could keep cool in hot weather. Among all the brands that produce this type of jeans, consumers are most interested in Coolmax.
#??#
Invista displayed this innovative jeans at the Knitting fair.
The Lycra Company, an innovator in the apparel industry and wool spinner Südwolle Group, have partnered to bring the ‘next level of sustainability’ and unique performance into the wool market with a ground-breaking new technology. As the first of its kind, the new GRS certified cationic dyeable Coolmax EcoMade long staple yarns can be perfectly processed with wool without compromising its unique properties, according to The Lycra Company.
Among the existing types of recycled polyester that can be blended with wool, Coolmax EcoMade technology distinguishes itself by its cationic dyeability. “This property considerably facilitates the dyeing process in piece or cone dyeing and enables a gentler dyeing process at lower temperatures using less energy. This not only helps to ensure that the touch and handle of the wool are not impacted but is also a positive development for sustainability within this market. Furthermore, generally, a cationic dye process tends to deliver better colour and colour fastness,” the company explains.
“This new Coolmax EcoMade fibre is the perfect partner to wool, combining the performance of uniquely engineered cross-sections of Coolmax fibres, offering better breathability and moisture management, with the natural attributes of wool,” explains Jim Sweeney, Business Development Director for The Lycra Company specialty polyester.
In order to highlight the new innovation’s unique qualities, as well as challenge the presumption that sustainable fibres compromise on performance, Südwolle blended the Coolmax EcoMade fibre with its Merino yarns to develop a range of sports and outdoor samples. They then invited several of their key customers on a winter sports weekend to launch the products.
#??#
“Never judge a book by its cover, nor judge a yarn without physically testing it! The participants’ feedback was very positive. They in particular highlighted that the blend performed outstandingly well in terms of moisture management and comfort,”, comments Michel Mastio, Director for Circular Knitting and Hosiery Yarns, Südwolle Group.
Today, The Lycra Company’s advanced technologies deliver comfort and lasting performance benefits to clothing in virtually every apparel category, including ready-to-wear and denim, activewear and athleisure, lingerie and underwear, hosiery and socks, as well as swimwear.
The Lycra Company and Südwolle Group are both continuously looking at ways to improve their offerings both to address customers’ needs and for a more sustainable future and this new development highlights this commitment.The Lycra Company innovate and produce exceptional fiber and technology solutions for the global apparel and hygiene industries, as well as specialty chemicals used to create quality spandex (elastane). Our customers appreciate the value that our globally recognized brands, innovative products, technical expertise, sustainable solutions and marketing support adds to their products.
Source: Knitting Industry
#??#
Lenzing Group (Lenzing), a leader in sustainably produced wood-based specialty fibres, has announced the findings from its Global Consumer Perception Survey on Sustainable Raw Materials in Fashion and Home Textiles. The survey, which was conducted in early 2020, assessed the perceptions and behaviour of conscious consumers* towards sustainable clothing and home textile products**, as well as their views towards sustainable raw materials and product features.
To understand consumer interest in sustainable materials and their current knowledge, a total of 9000 respondents across nine countries aged between 18 and 64 were surveyed using online questionnaires. The key findings of the survey provided a glimpse into consumer habits towards pursuing a sustainable lifestyle, their knowledge of the raw materials used in clothing and home textile products, their perception towards brands, and preferred product descriptions.
Lenzing says the findings also reflected the imminent need for closer collaboration within the clothing and home textile industries to provide consumers with more transparent information about the products they purchase, in order to enhance consumer trust and maximize business potential.
#??#
Three key findings of the survey are outlined below:
Conscious Consumers actively engage in pursuing a sustainable lifestyle and are constantly educating themselves about raw materials
Almost all (86%) of respondents believe purchasing clothes made from sustainable raw materials is a key component of living a more sustainable lifestyle, and they frequently purchase products from brands that are committed to using sustainable raw materials (80%) or recycled materials (77%) in their products. The survey also revealed that the majority of respondents actively learn about sustainability through researching the production process of products before purchasing (76% in clothing and 74% in bedding and home textiles). They also tend to read label hangtags (88% in clothing and 86% in bedding and home textiles), and most respondents are willing to pay an average of 40% more for clothing or home textile products with descriptions that reflect sustainability.
When shopping for clothing and home textile products, respondents consider the material type to be their most important consideration (ranked in the top three factors for consideration by 44% of respondents), which is above price, design, brand reputation and function.
Products described as ‘Eco-friendly’ or ‘Natural’ with a ‘Biodegradable’ or ‘Recyclable’ afterlife appeal to consumers
When asked about definition of sustainable clothing, respondents considered products being processed or manufactured using humane, eco-responsible production processes and products made from natural, organic or botanic materials as top considerations. Over 80% of respondents expressed that they are “extremely interested” or “very interested” in sustainable fashion and purchasing clothing made from sustainable raw materials.
#??#
When asked about their preference for clothing and home textile products, half of the respondents said they would be more likely to purchase a product described as “eco-friendly” or “natural”, whereas over 60% of respondents are more likely to purchase products with a “recyclable” or “biodegradable” afterlife. Given the popularity of such terms, there are opportunities for brands to provide more descriptions and greater clarity to the materials, production processes and product afterlife information to their products as consumer education.
Brands with greater transparency on raw materials and ingredients can gain consumer trust
Most respondents considered brands that are transparent with their ingredients (83%) and the origin of their raw materials (82%) as trustworthy. At the same time, respondents also consider brands that are transparent about their production processes (82%), sustainable practices (81%) and where their raw materials come from (82%) as trusted brands. While respondents believed that knowing what raw materials were used in their clothing and home textile products is important to build confidence in a brand (87%), they also believed that knowing the brand’s environmental impact when deciding to purchase (87%) is very important.
“The findings of this survey prove the value of Lenzing’s ongoing efforts in driving the sustainability dialogue across the textile supply chain, from yarn makers to consumer brands. Based on the survey, we gained a more comprehensive understanding of consumer perceptions globally. The rating of material type being the top consideration factor when shopping for clothing and home textile products has also echoed our belief that consumers value and actively look out for sustainable products. This survey provided us, our partners and brands with insights to curate more targeted strategies and programs to drive sustainability, not only on raw materials, but also product afterlife. In the long run, we hope to bring optimal value for the clothing and home textiles industry supply chain and help brands achieve new heights, drive sustainability and safeguard our planet.” said Florian Heubrandner, Vice President of Global Business Management Textiles at Lenzing.
#??#
Collaboration in the fashion and textiles industry is essential for driving greater transparency
Though sustainability has been a hot topic among brands, to enhance transparency, there is still room for the supply chain to evolve communications on raw materials, production process and product afterlife, Lenzing says. Given consumers are already actively searching for sustainable products, it is important for the industry and brands to revolutionize how technical knowledge is translated into consumer language on websites, product tags and labels, the company adds.
To drive change,Knitting fair also agree with this view that it has been taking the lead with a three-pillar approach to increase industry collaboration and shift towards sustainability by ensuring a higher degree of transparency and enabling verification of raw material origin from production process to final garment. The three-pillar approach covers special fibre identification technology, a blockchain-based tracking system, and proactive supply chain collaboration and planning. Such approach is also complemented by Lenzing’s bespoke e-branding platform for manufacturers and brands, providing one-stop support for fabric certification, including fabric testing, identification numbers and hangtags to offer reassurance that sustainability is in every step of the supply chain.
Source: lenzing.com
#??#
