Teijin Frontier Co., the Teijin Group’s fibers and products converting company, has developed a cotton-like high-performance polyester material for athleisure and outdoor apparel.
Teijin said the new material combines the look and texture of cotton with properties for moisture absorption, quick drying and UV protection. The cotton-like features are achieved with polyester filament yarn, while Teijin Frontier’s new material is made with recycled raw materials.
The company noted that the yarn processing technology randomly mixes thick and thin parts in filaments, and structure optimization production adjusts knitting texture and density, all meant to replicate a natural-fiber-like look. Moisture diffusion is realized through a capillary effect on the yarn, while reduced discomfort from sweating is made possible by spinning filaments with uneven thicknesses.
UV protection, thermal insulation and anti-transparency are achieved with a high-density knitting structure of anti-transparent filament fiber, Teijin noted, and anti-snagging and wear resistance come from high-density knitting.
Teijin Frontier will launch the new cotton-like high-performance polyester fabric for fall 2020, with a target market of sports and outdoor collections and apparel markets including fashion and uniforms. The company is targeting sales of 200,000 meters in fiscal 2020 and 1 million meters by 2022.
Teijin said the demand for highly functional textured fabrics is growing with the increasing popularity of athleisure fashion and sports and outdoor lifestyles.
Teijin is a technology-driven global group offering advanced solutions in the areas of high-performance fibers such as aramid, carbon fibers and composites, healthcare, films, resin and plastic processing and polyester fibers. The group has more than 170 companies and around 20,000 employees spread out over 20 countries. It posted consolidated sales of $8.1 billion in the fiscal year ended March 31.