US yarn manufacturer Unifi is launching three new sustainable products – including Repreve recycled nylon staple fibre that can be used to improve the hand feel and strength of fabrics, add a natural heather effect, or a cooling effect.
Also being introduced is TruFlexx engineered stretch fibre, a 100% polyester, sustainable stretch option that eliminates the need for spandex. According to Unifi, when spandex is knit into a fabric, it greatly limits recyclability of the fabric after its useful life. TruFlexx engineered stretch can replace spandex in the 5-10% content range for comfort-stretch knits, creating the possibility of a 100% closed-loop recyclable polyester fabric. It is engineered for stretch and recovery, providing shape retention with less compression while also improving moisture management.
The third product it will showcase at the upcoming Outdoor Retailer Snow Show is TruClean anti-static fibre – a chemical-free option that is said to permanently inhibit static and cling, repelling pet hair, lint and other small particles to keep fabrics looking newer.
“Our customers continue to ask for fibres and technologies that will not only help them meet their sustainability goals, but also provide superior performance,” says Jay Hertwig, group vice president of global branded sales for Unifi.
Richard Gerstein, Unifi’s executive vice president of global branded premium value-added products and chief marketing and innovation officer, adds: “We believe that true innovation starts in the fibre, and our goal is to provide even more options to inspire our customers to innovate at the fibre level to achieve sustainable, high-performing products.”
The products will debut at the Outdoor Retailer Snow Show in Denver, Colorado on 30 January.
