Material World is a weekly roundup of innovations and ideas within the materials sector, covering news from emerging biomaterials and alternative leathers to sustainable substitutes and future-proof fibers.
Chargeurs
French interlining company Chargeurs is presenting a new tech product for the outdoor market at ISPO Munich. Dubbed H2, the high-tech textile product is the lightest three-layer textile on the market, Chargeurs alleged.
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“A key moment in the growth path of our company,” Gianluca Tanzi, chairman and CEO of Chargeurs PCC Fashion Technologies, said. “Through our unparalleled know-how in textiles and interlinings, we have developed and are launching a revolutionary fabric, completely made between France and Italy.”
Manufactured using the warp-knit/weft-insert technology Chargeurs’ R&D team developed at its production site in Péronne, France, this tech provides “unparalleled warp stability” as well as quality and breathability; ideal for high-end technical needs. Furthermore, Chargeurs said, H2 represents a “groundbreaking technological advancement,” designed for the high-end athleisure market. The three-layer fabric weighs 45 grams and is named after hydrogen, considering its lightness.
“The launch of H2 is an important milestone in the growth path of our company,” Tanzi said. “Leveraging out most renowned expertise and our strong R&D capabilities in all textiles including inner components, we have developed an outer fabric that represents a major technological advancement within the textile industry. By applying our skills in designing interlinings and providing technical support to our clients, we were able to transfer the same focus on quality, performance and innovation to create a new, revolutionary product, jointly made in France and Italy, able to meet the needs of demanding markets.”
Dahsheng Chemical (DSC)
Performance foam manufacturer Dahsheng Chemical (DSC) will launch its latest innovation, to be unveiled at the ISPO Munich Show being held in Germany this week. Dubbed the Durapontex Grip, the insole was designed with grip and slip-resistant insole technology, ideal for agility and performance.
“Durapontex Grip was inspired by an athlete’s need for agile lateral movement and control on the field, court and track,” said Fennie Wei, COO of DSC. “For soccer, basketball, football and dynamic sports that require control, the Durapontex Grip allows an athlete to confidently change direction quickly, perform lateral shuttle runs and stop with precision for peak performance.”
The Durapontex Grip is made with advanced closed-cell foam with strong grip and slip-resistant technology, tested in both wet and dry environments. The resulting insole has better cushioning and bounce-back than traditional closed-cell foam, DSC said, with resiliency scores up to 50 percent, using ASTM D2632. The insole is available in two hardness options—25 Asker C and 35 Asker C—for “customized support and feel.”
Allied Feather + Down
Allied Feather + Down (AF+D), Active Apparel Group and luxury outdoor performance brand Templa announced their new, 99 percent biodegradable down puffy jacket collaboration is a 2024 ISPO Award winner.
“The Biodegradable Project” is made with biodegradable 800 fill power down insulation, combined with biodegradable synthetic fabrics and trims sourced by AAG as well as “fashion-forward performance silhouettes” from Templa. The resulting jacket is “designed to disappear” when placed in an anaerobic environment—aka, anywhere without oxygen, like underground caverns or, in this case, a controlled environment—for about five years.
“As a renewable, biodegradable by-product of the food supply chain, down is supremely suited for use in any sustainability-minded apparel program,” said Matthew Betcher, creative director with Allied. “Not only is it biodegradable, but it is recyclable and boasts an exceedingly low carbon footprint as a raw material.”
The B Corp-certified Active Apparel Group draws from an extensive network of materials sourcing experts and leveraged “superior craftsmanship” in manufacturing the one-of-a-kind jacket. All fill, trims and fabrics are 99 percent biodegradable, as tested by Amni Soul Eco by Solvay and Ciclo.
“As the lines between performance outdoor apparel and fashion continue to blur, and an ever-increasing need for more sustainable products drives innovation, we decided it was time to bring these elements together in our ‘Future Now: Designing to Disappear jacket,’” said Lori Oscher, Active Apparel Group’s group chief design officer. “With AAG’s recent B Corp certification, Allied’s dedication to sustainable, ethically sourced down, and Templa’s unparalleled ability to design fashion-forward performance wear, we knew we were onto something truly unique and we couldn’t be happier that the ISPO judges agreed.”
Modern Meadow
Sustainable materials company Modern Meadow announced its collaboration with Graphene-X, a Hong Kong-based, tech-driven clothing and gear brand. Modern Meadow’s Bio-Tex will be used with Graphene-X’s GraphThermal to create sleek, lightweight and warm gloves.
“At Modern Meadow, our practical and scalable bio-design technologies empower our partners, like Graphene-X, to create high-quality products that prioritize the wellbeing of people and the environment,” said David Williamson, Modern Meadow’s CEO. “As a result, Graphene-X is able to meet the growing demand of its consumers for sustainable clothing and gear while pursuing ambitious environmental goals and complying with industry regulations.”
Bio-Tex is powered by Modern Meadow’s Bio-Alloy technology—a “proprietary plant-based protein plus bio-polymer miscible blend” that leads to new biomaterials that perform better and emit less. The graphene-integrated fabric, GraphThermal, creates an advanced thermal system intended to “retain and radiate” heat toward the body. Its heat retention traps and redistributes body heat, Modern Meadow said, to ensure “optimal warmth.”
“These two different materials that come from two different sources complement one another, allowing us to create a unique, high-performance product that is also lightweight, flexible and soft to the touch,” said Jorge Barros, founder and CEO of Graphene-X. “Our partnership with Modern Meadow reinforces our shared commitment to using science and technology to maximize sustainability in the apparel industry.”
Nexgen Packaging
Sustainable packaging products producer Nexgen Packaging and Seaman Paper, a sustainable packaging solutions manufacturer, have partnered to expand the reach of their collective offerings.
Seaman’s offerings—including its Vela paper packaging solutions designed as alternatives to single-use plastic poly bags—will be available on Nexgen’s global order management platform, used by over 12,000 clients worldwide.
“We are thrilled to partner with Seaman Paper to bring their innovative offerings—including the Vela product line—to more brands and manufacturers globally,” said Kevin DeSpain, Nexgen’s senior vice president of global sales. “This collaboration aligns perfectly with our commitment to sustainability in our industry and providing our customers with transparency and scale in their supply chain.”
The partnership will include joint sales collaboration, global product support, factory engagement and transparent supply chain reporting as customers will be able to leverage both teams globally.
“We’re excited to partner with Nexgen,” said Dave Deger, Seaman’s chief strategy and commercial officer. “By combining Nexgen’s extensive supply chain capabilities and diverse product range with our innovative Vela solutions and robust global manufacturing network, we’re uniquely positioned to help brands accelerate their sustainability goals and elevate their packaging strategies worldwide.”
