In looking at the latest in textile technology news, Coolcore’s Fibr-X is increasing the reach of its thermo-regulating fibers, Hohenstein has verified Green Theme’s Aquavent waterless treatment and Costco is integrating Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex into its Smart Screening Program.
Coolcore
Coolcore, a specialist in chemical-free thermo-regulating fabrics, has introduced Fibr-X, an extruded single yarn that possesses the same performance characteristic as Coolcore’s original multi-fiber technology.
“The evolution of Coolcore’s single yarn innovation gives our manufacturing partners more flexibility than ever before to create innovative garments, accessories and fabrics with all the Coolcore technology benefits,” said David Ludd, Coolcore’s vice president of global marketing.
Fibr-X features proprietary cross section designs that wick and transport moisture while promoting a superior evaporative process without chemical additives or treatments. Fibr-X yarn can be woven with other natural and synthetic fibers to create fabrics with additional performance characteristics or used alone to create high performance thermo-regulating garments and accessories.
Fibr-X yarns are available now, and the first products featuring the yarn will be available in the Fall.
Coolcore has also introduced Fuze silver and gold alloy technology to its range of fabrics, giving them the added benefit of odor control. Fuze, a water based topical fabric treatment, permanently binds to fabrics, providing odor control while enhancing UVA and UVB protection, hyper-evaporation and cooling.
“Fuze works at a nano level, attacking bacteria as soon as it comes in contact with the fabric, killing odors,” said Andrew Peterson, president of Fuze BioTech.
Related Stories
In a 24-hour period, tests showed that fabrics with Fuze reduced odors by 95 percent.
In 2013, Coolcore became the first U.S. company to receive the “Innovative Technology” award from the Hohenstein Institute, and remains the only company globally to receive it for “Cooling Power.”
Hohenstein Group
The Hohenstein Group recently verified an innovative durable water repellent (DWR) finish from Green Theme International that’s in line with requirements of the Eco Passport by Oeko-Tex certification system.
Outdoor brand Marmot was the first to implement Green Theme’s Aquavent waterless treatment for breathable water protection in its new flagship rain jacket, EVODry.
“We feel that Hohenstein’s rigorous standards and efficacy makes them the gold standard in textile testing worldwide,” said Green Theme’s marketing director, Brian LaPlante. “That’s why we chose Hohenstein Group to vet our chemistry for our Eco Passport certification.”
[Read more about Hohenstien: Hohenstein is on a Mission to Reduce Microplastics Pollution in Wastewater]
Aquavent launched after five years of research and testing designed to eliminate harmful PFCs.
The Eco Passport by Oeko-Tex program can be used to assess chemical products across the textile and leather supply chain in a confidential process that confirms the formulations and individual ingredients meet specific criteria for sustainability, safety and regulatory compliance. The Eco Passport certification is part of a portfolio of Oeko-Tex certifications and consumer labels used by more than 10,000 companies.
With global headquarters in Boennigheim, Germany and U.S. office in Ligonier, Indiana, the Hohenstein Group offers accredited and independent textile testing and product development services, as well as comparative and competitive product testing, research and development, and training.
Hohenstein’s research expertise includes apparel, home textiles, upholstery, protective apparel and equipment, and medical applications.
Oeko-Tex
Costco Corp. has announced a partnership with the Hohenstein Group to integrate Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex certification into its Smart Screening Program to ensure safe, traceable and sustainable products.
The program is designed to protect consumer and environmental health by removing chemicals of concern from the products offered in Costco stores worldwide. Suppliers with Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex certification are now eligible for exemption from the additional product testing portion of the Costco Smart Screening protocol.
By engaging Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex, Costco is encouraging material manufacturers and suppliers to take control of chemical management as far back in the supply chain as possible. This ensures that better and greener chemistry begins at the factory and flows to the consumer.
Hohenstein is a founding member of Oeko-Tex, which offers a range of independent certifications and services for companies along the textile value chain aimed at creating greater and verified sustainability in the sector.