Unifi Inc. is introducing three product offerings focused on what it has seen as increased consumer demand for recycled products.
Set to bow at the Outdoor Retailer Snow Show 2019 on Wednesday in Denver, will be TruFlexx sustainable, engineered stretch fiber made with Repreve, TruClean chemical-free anti-static fiber and Repreve nylon staple fiber.
“Our customers continue to ask for fibers and technologies that will not only help them meet their sustainability goals, but also provide superior performance,” said Jay Hertwig, group vice president of global branded sales for Unifi. “At Unifi, we continue to develop solutions that help our customers make a difference.”
TruFlexx engineered stretch fiber is a 100 percent polyester, sustainable stretch material that eliminates the need for spandex, which when knit into a fabric limits its recyclability after its useful life, Unifi noted. TruFlexx engineered stretch can replace spandex in the 5 percent to 10 percent content range for comfort-stretch knits, creating the possibility of a fully closed-loop recyclable polyester fabric. It is engineered for stretch and recovery, providing shape retention with less compression while improving moisture management.
TruClean anti-static fiber addresses the disruptive issue of static for apparel and home textiles. Static can make black and white jeans look dirty and faded by attracting dust and dirt, making it more difficult to clean pet hair. TruClean is a chemical-free fiber that inhibits static and cling, repelling pet hair, lint and other small particles to keep fabrics looking newer. TruClean is also a sustainable option since it is available with Repreve recycled fiber for use in apparel, pet bedding, upholstery, curtains and automotive.
The Repreve nylon staple fiber is a new, more eco-friendly alternative for spun yarns. Repreve recycled nylon staple fiber can improve the feel and strength of fabrics, add a natural heather effect or a cooling effect, Unifi said. Nylon is also inherently lightweight, durable, moisture wicking, pilling and abrasion resistant.
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“We believe that true innovation starts in the fiber and our goal is to provide even more options to inspire our customers to innovate at the fiber level to achieve sustainable, high-performing products,” said Richard Gerstein, Unifi’s executive vice president of global branded premium value-added products and chief marketing and innovation officer. “True innovation happens when we collaborate with our brand and textile partners to create unique performance technologies that are embedded in the fiber.”
In manufacturing Repreve recycled polyester fibers, Unifi has transformed more than 13 billion plastic bottles into fabrics for apparel, footwear and home goods brands.