Cone Denim is launching the newest in denim innovation–the Self-Clean Jean–in partnership with Noble Biomaterials, a specialist in antimicrobial and conductivity solutions for soft-surface applications.
Cone Denim developed the new denim fabric using Noble’s Ionic+ technology, which harnesses the power of positive ions embedded in yarn fibers to inhibit the growth of bacteria and microbes on the surface of fabric. Through this advanced technology, Cone has created sustainable protection for jeans that it says remain clean and odor-free, reducing the need for frequent washing and thereby helping to lessen water consumption.
“Cone remains committed to being a leader in the development of sustainable denims and working with likeminded partners to identify and lead initiatives to create more sustainable, responsibly produced denims,” Steve Maggard, president of Cone Denim, said. “We are very excited to be the first to bring together the advanced science of Ionic+ with Cone’s authentic denim, creating another industry first in sustainable denim innovation.”
Joel Furey, chief commercial officer of Noble Biomaterials, said consumers today are looking for apparel that not only provides comfort, but also has hygiene benefits. The newest Cone denim with Noble’s Ionic+ silver technology was designed with sustainability and protection at its core. Ionic+ uses positively charged ions found in nature to disrupt the growth of microbes on Cone’s fabric, promoting self-cleaning to eliminate odors.
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Silver ions are permanently incorporated within the fibers and the fabric requires no additional chemistry or finishing process that could be washed or worn out. The performance lasts the lifetime of the garment, resulting in fewer needed washings and reduced water consumption and energy use.
The denim is also dyed using one of Cone Denim’s Distilled Indigo pre-reduced shades, which offers additional water, energy and chemical savings. Noble Biomaterials is a Bluesign System partner and Ionic+ fibers and filaments have received Oeko-Tex Standard 100 accreditation that certifies they support human ecology through biocompatibility and the absence of harmful substances in the manufacturing process.
“The Self-Cleaning Jean is a game changer,” Pierette Scavuzzo, director of product design for Cone Denim, added. “The fabric is versatile in a 10.5-ounce weight with 44 percent stretch, incorporating well-balanced yarn character and a very soft hand. Combine this superior comfort with silver, odor-free technology and its many sustainable benefits that promote resource savings and you have your favorite go-to jean.”
Cone Denim is launching the Self Clean Jean in its Spring/Summer 2022 collection that debuts next week in conjunction with the Kingpins Amsterdam virtual trade show.
Cone promotes sustainable practices through its Sustainblue denim fabrics that represent high standards in responsible manufacturing and Cone’s commitment to making a positive impact in its communities. From performance denims and superior S Gene technology to vintage re-creations of Cone Deeptone Denim, Cone offers collections of performance, stretch, selvage and distilled indigo denims crafted out of the Cone 3D R&D incubator.
Cone Denim operates as part of Elevate Textiles, Inc., with manufacturing capabilities in Mexico and China and a global network of sales, product and merchandising professionals based out of Greensboro, N.C., New York, San Francisco and Hong Kong.
Noble Biomaterials produces advanced material technologies designed for mission-critical applications in the performance apparel, healthcare, industrial and emerging wearable technology markets. Its flagship brands, X-Static, Ionic+ and Circuitex, are used by hundreds of licensees to provide odor elimination, infection prevention/management, biometric monitoring and conductive protection benefits. Its headquarters and manufacturing facilities are located in Scranton, Pa., and the company has offices in Europe, Asia and South America.