Innovations continue to dominate the textile sector, from new sustainable manufacturing methods to advances in smart clothing and new temperature-regulating materials.
DyStar
Denim producers now have a new way to significantly reduce their environmental impact thanks to an indigo spray dyeing procedure for production developed by DyStar and RotaSpray.
The solution was first introduced in 2015. Since then, DyStar and RotaSpray have been working together to develop it further and make it available for bulk production in important denim markets like Turkey, India and Pakistan.
With the recent breakthrough, they are now introducing a salt-less dyeing solution for the denim industry that offers high flexibility for dyeing small lot sizes, reduced water usage and effluent discharge in yarn dyeing.
The new spray dyeing technology combines DyStar Indigo Vat 40% Solution, Sera Con C-RDA organic reducing agent and the effective optimization of spraying parameters of the patented RotoDyer and RotoCoater spraying technology.
DyStar noted that although rotary atomizers have been established for several decades in the textile industry, they were mainly used for rewetting textiles with moisture. But recent cost pressure and a global demand for more sustainable solutions were motivators for the research and development that led to the recent technology leap and product creation.
DuPont Advanced Materials
DuPont Advanced Materials has introduced DuPont Intexar–a powered smart clothing technology for on-body heating.
Intexar Heat is a thin lightweight and durable heating solution for outdoor clothing that is designed to be easily integrated into garments.
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DuPont highlighted Intexar Heat in partnership with the Formosa Taffeta Company at the recent ISPO Munich trade show.
“Intexar Heat is a revolutionary stretchable ink and film that when powered, creates a comfortable warmth,” said Michael Burrows, global business manager at DuPont Advanced Materials. “From outdoor enthusiasts to industrial workers, Intexar Heat can help conquer the elements in comfort, increasing focus and improving performance.”
[Read more about textile innovation: Top Textile Innovations of 2017, From Tencel to Polyester and Beyond]
Formosa Taffeta is the first textile manufacturer to take advantage of Intexar Heat technology as part of its Permawarm line.
“With Permawarm, clothing brands can focus on garment design and brand engagement,” said James Lee, president of Formosa Taffeta. “We are taking the guesswork out of bringing their customers safe and comfortable heated garments.”
Intexar materials also can enable biometric monitoring in smart clothing, including pulse rate, respiratory rate, muscle activity and form awareness using sensors and conductive pathways built from Intexar.
Osmotex
One year after the Swiss-Norwegian company Osmotex introduced the innovative Hydro_Bot technology, it is showcasing a jacket with embedded electronic moisture management that allows people to sweat without feeling wet.
After a period of rigid testing with positive results, Osmotex said it is ready to make Hydro_Bot commercially available in sportswear this year.
“I have tested prototype jackets under demanding conditions in the Norwegian mountains and the effect was much greater than I dared to dream of. I did sweat without feeling wet,” said managing director and executive chairman Joacim Holter.
Osmotex launched the technology with a group of partners last year. KJUS has been the primary product development partner and will be the first brand to take Hydro_Bot to market in selected skiwear products planned for the 2018/19 season.
Since the technology launch, Schoeller has signed a production agreement with Osmotex. The Swiss textile manufacturer will market Hydro_Bot to its own clients.
“We are very pleased with the progress towards commercialization and this revolutionary technology will play a crucial role in our vision to stay at the forefront of the global textile industry,” said Schoeller chief executive officer Siegfried Winkelbeiner.