With the growth in hybrid performance fabrics for the activewear and outdoor markets, WoolVisions by CoolVisions has been getting strong attention from mills in early product testing and usage.
WoolVisions fabrics blend merino wool with polypropylene, a lightweight fiber known for its dry insulating qualities.
Polypropylene is also durable and stain resistant, while merino wool has long been a favorite for warmth, a soft hand and water resistance.
The blend of CoolVisions dyeable polypropylene staple with merino wool is being trialed by a number of spinners, fabric manufacturers and brands worldwide.
“WoolVisions is a really interesting blend with merino wool,” said Jose Fernandez, president of knitted fabric supplier Global Merino. “CoolVisions polypropylene fiber is thermally a better match for merino than other synthetics, resulting in fabrics with better hydrophobic performance.”
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On the woven side, dyeable WoolVisions brings its thermal and moisture-management qualities to the flannel shirt, a perennial favorite of outdoor enthusiasts and as a casual wardrobe item.
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Chia Her Industrial Group, a vertically integrated Taiwanese spinner, weaver and dyer, describes its WoolVisions woven plaids as lightweight and soft, with breathable and thermal features.
“The moment you wear it, you will feel instant warmth against the skin. It is itch-free and can naturally regulate moisture while maintaining warmth,” said Stella Lee of Chia Her’s marketing group.
Chia Her’s WoolVisions yarns are custom spun for knitting or weaving in blends using at least 30 percent CoolVisions polypropylene staple.
Further development of WoolVisions yarns is ongoing internationally at Peignage DuMortier in France, the Schoeller Spinning Group in Austria, Südwolle in Germany and Patrick Yarns in the U.S., noted Susan Lynn, global sales and marketing manager for CoolVisions.
Craig Behringer, director of sales at Patrick Yarns, said, “The product has promise. We are working with domestic knitters, dyers, and finishers, and can custom develop product for U.S. manufacturing.”
The fiber is being manufactured in Duluth, Ga., and Lynn said, “As CoolVisions polypropylene staple fiber is made in the U.S., we are particularly pleased that Patrick Yarns is offering a domestic product. With more top makers and spinners seeing the merits of WoolVisions, we are well on our way to introducing this unique product to a global audience.”
CoolVisions is a product of FiberVisions, owned by Indorama Ventures Public Co. Ltd., a global chemical company based in Thailand.