Thermo-regulating fabrics for optimum comfort

For many people, daily life entails a constant change between indoors and outdoors, from warm to cool environments. These fluctuating temperatures and conditions can be a source of discomfort.

Now, Melchior Textil has come up with a range of new, heat-regulating fabrics, suitable for the textile rental market, that are designed to adapt to changing temperatures.

The fabric is available in a number of different weights and owes its unique functionality to smartcel clima fibre. This textile absorbs excess heat and releases it as the situation demands, providing temperature regulation in every situation. In our daily work and leisure activities we are often subjected to rapidly changing climatic environments. Travelling by car to visit clients, we are constantly alternating between indoors and outdoors, from warm to cold conditions.

These sudden, often extreme transitions can have a negative impact on our personal well-being. Melchior’s new collection of innovative, thermo-regulating smartcel fabrics is the perfect solution to this problem, balancing out the effect of temperature changes caused by fluctuations in ambient temperature or physical exertion.

The new product range is based on the smartcel clima fibre with heat-absorbing and distribution properties. Natural paraffin wax, incorporated directly into the fibre, absorbs body or ambient heat. On moving from a warm to a cooler environment, the stored thermal energy is released from the heat reservoir in the fibres. The temperature at which the changeover takes place can be calibrated precisely. If the surrounding temperature rises above the fixed level, the fabric stores the excess heat. As soon as the temperature falls, the energy is released again. In a homogeneous blend of cotton and polyester, the fabrics provide constant temperature conditions – all day, all year round.

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Hangtags from INVISTA in demand

INVISTA, one of the world’s largest integrated producers of fibres and polymers and owner of the LYCRA fibre brand, announces that millions of hangtags have been ordered for the recently launched LYCRA SPORT fabric.

The innovative fabric was launched to the industry in July 2009 and INVISTA reports that hangtags have been ordered to appear on garments in retail stores throughout the world this autumn, including from several leading brands. acSmaller scale retail launches took place earlier this year where garments with LYCRA SPORT fabric achieved much higher sell-through, confirming positive data from consumer panels.

The promotional centerpiece of the effort is a strong sport-inspired brand visual identity presented on a hangtag that communicates the performance story and informs retail consumers about the main value proposition. LYCRA SPORT fabric is engineered for athletes and active enthusiasts, delivering a range of stretch and recovery power designed to help them move and perform their best, while feeling comfortable.

LYCRA SPORT fabric is a family of fabrics engineered to meet the specific performance demands of athletes and merchandised through an innovative collaboration between the fibre manufacturer and fabric mills around the world.

New testing standards for sport performance

Realising that “our brand already symbolised what consumers want in this category,” Julien Born, INVISTA’s Global Segment Director for Activewear and Outdoor Apparel, stated that the company proceeded to create a set of demanding technical standards that mills could use in creating fabrics with a new level of performance for athletic use. Garments manufactured with fabrics from participating mills are approved to display the distinctive LYCRA SPORT fabric brand hangtag once the fabrics are shown to meet the standards through testing at INVISTA laboratories.

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drirelease offers fabrics from recycled polyester fibers

drirelease, known for providing fabrics that offer superior performance to the athletic and fashion apparel markets, is introducing its new drirelease environmentally correct origins (e.c.o.) using Repreve recycled polyester fibers in Europe and the United States.

The new drirelease e.c.o. fabrics combine the superior wicking and fast-drying properties of drirelease while incorporating Unifi’s Repreve fibers, which are made of 100% post-consumer recycled polyethylene terephthalate, or PET, the material commonly used to make plastic bottles and other synthetic containers. The new drirelease e.c.o. fabrics will also incorporate FreshGuard odor control, delivering the full line of benefits from drirelease in a fabric that ensures environmental consciousness to customers.

“We’ve seen a lot of companies make claims about environmentally-friendly fibers and fabrics in the last few years, but were weary of the level of candor behind these claims,” said Chris Moore, General Manager of Optimer Labs. “Using Unifi’s Repreve fibers, which are certified to ensure recycled content, we can feel confident that our customers can trust drirelease e.c.o. fabrics to deliver the same excellent performance they know and expect from drirelease in a fabric that is verified to be environmentally friendly.”

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Reliance posts 33.42% hike in Q2 net profits

Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) reported its financial performance for the quarter ended 30th June, 2010.

Corporate Highlights

The Hon'ble Supreme Court of India delivered its judgment in the RNRL - RIL legal dispute. The judgment recognized the dominant role of the provisions of the Production Sharing Contract and upheld the policies formulated by the Government under which it has the authority to regulate the production and distribution of natural gas.

The judgment defined the extent of marketing freedom that RIL enjoys in the area of sale of natural gas produced. In view of the findings of the judgment, RIL can sell gas only at the price approved by the Government and only to the entities that have been allocated gas under the Gas Utilization Policy. RIL has no ability to deviate from price, quantity and tenure as determined under Government’s policies, or to discriminate amongst various consumers.

RIL and Reliance ADA Group companies approved and signed an Agreement canceling all existing non-compete arrangements entered into between the two groups in January 2006 pursuant to the scheme of reorganization of the Reliance Group and entered into a new simpler, Non Compete Agreement with respect to only Gas Based Power Generation.

RIL and RNRL signed a Gas Supply Master Agreement in compliance with the Gas Utilization Policy and EGOM decisions.

RIL holds 95% of the equity in Infotel Broadband Services Private Limited, which has emerged as a successful bidder in all the 22 circles of the auction for Broadband Wireless Access (BWA) Spectrum conducted by the DoT.

RIL through its subsidiary, Reliance Marcellus LLC, has entered into a joint venture with United States based Atlas Energy, Inc., of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania under which Reliance acquired 40% interest in Atlas's core Marcellus Shale acreage position.

RIL through its subsidiary, Reliance Eagleford Upstream Holding LP, has entered into a joint venture with United States based Pioneer Natural Resources Company, of Irving, Texas under which Reliance acquired 45% interest in Pioneer's core Eagle Ford Shale acreage position.

RIL and SIBUR, Russia’s leading petrochemical company, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to set up a joint venture (JV) in India. This new joint venture will produce butyl rubber at Reliance’s integrated petrochemical site in Jamnagar, India. According to the MoU, SIBUR will provide proprietary technology for butyl rubber polymerization and its finishing, while RIL will supply monomers and provide the JV with world class infrastructure and utilities.

Reliance through its subsidiary, has invested in Deccan 360, India’s new delivery and distribution network, an initiative which will provide a remarkable boost in transforming the logistics spectrum in India. The investment will help Deccan 360 to increase air and surface network coverage across the country.

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70E Store changes its name to Slate Rock Safety LLC

The 70E Store, LLC, an industrial safety clothing distributor and federal defense contractor based in Medina, Ohio, is now Slate Rock Safety, LLC. Slate Rock Safety, LLC retails and wholesales arc flash clothing and electrical safety apparel via multiple divisions.

Slate Rock Safety's arc flash apparel and flame resistant safety clothing spans many industries. Facility maintenance departments, utilities, private manufacturing enterprises, government entities and more utilize electrical safety clothing to ensure the safety of their employees while on the job. Persons who work on or near machines or sources of electrical arc may be required to wear flame resistant, arc-rated garments.

The friendly staff at Slate Rock Safety provide knowledgeable assistance to customers in their selection of garments. Our field sales representatives manage and assist wholesale and large accounts, and government contracts.

"We've built our customer base on our knowledge of flame resistant clothing and related standards, and outstanding customer service. Slate Rock Safety will continue this tradition, while expanding our apparel product line and knowledge base to include traditional work wear and other specialized sites. The addition of traditional work wear will enable us to provide a one-stop safety apparel purchase to all customers, while continuing to provide them with the highest quality service and knowledge," states Heidi Sweeney, President.

Slate Rock Safety, LLC is a women-owned small business, located in Medina, Ohio. Servicing a diverse clientele spanning multiple channels and many industries, Slate Rock Safety distributes well-known manufacturers of work wear and safety clothing including Carhartt, Dickies and more. Highly responsive and knowledgeable staff and easy-to-use online retail stores provide customers with an outstanding interactive experience.

Original Source: Fibre2fashion

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Organic Exchange Sustainable Textiles Seminar from Oct 27

Over 300 international representatives will meet in New York City, New York USA October 27-28, 2010, to attend the 2010 Organic Exchange Sustainable Textiles Conference. Participants will include those involved in making key decisions on sustainable textiles including; brands and retailers, manufacturers, farmers and producers, academics, NGO’s, and certifiers.

Attendees will learn about and discuss best practices, emerging issues, and strategies to improve sustainability of textiles, and organic cotton. An exhibit area will demonstrate and profile the best of sustainable fibers and technologies. Organic Exchange will host a separate one-day seminar focused on organic cotton on Friday, October 29.

Also, at our 2010 annual conference, we will introduce the new OE (complete with a new name and logo), poised to help you navigate through the unending shifts in the textile marketplace with the right array of services and products.

Yvon Chouinard, Chairman and Founder of Patagonia, will provide insight on transparency during his keynote address. Other plenary speakers include: Eileen Fisher, designer and owner of fashion leader Eileen Fisher, Inc., and Tensie Whelan, President of Rainforest Alliance.

Workshop speakers include leading experts in environmental footprinting of textiles, water conservation and management in the textile chain, eco indexing, environmental issues in dyeing and finishing, natural textiles, recycled textiles, bio-based textiles, ensuring product integrity claims, understanding the regulatory landscape, and more.

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Whisper Knits launches tactical apparel for fire fighters

Fire departments, EMS, law enforcement and other first responders have a new choice in custom tactical apparel. North Carolina-based Whisper Knits, Inc. has introduced the “III Alarm Series,” a new line of “Tactical Apparel” specifically designed for fire departments, EMS and law enforcement departments.

The III Alarm Series is a unique custom apparel line that features high-quality construction, sturdy design, and maximum comfort for emergency responders in the field. Tactical gear products include custom polos, a “Job Shirt” and other custom clothing.

The Tactical Polo -- available in navy, black, heather grey and white – is manufactured from 100% combed ring-spun cotton pique. It features a no-curl collar; a 3-button placket with loop at the bottom for mic or sunglasses; mic clip pockets on each shoulder; and a reinforced dual pen pocket on the left sleeve. The Tactical Polo is available in men’s and ladies’ standard sizes.

The navy “Job Shirt” is made with a cotton-poly fleece. It features a no-curl denim collar, mic clips, a dual pen pocket, hand warmer pockets, a Velcro breast pocket and sturdy locker loop.

Best of all, the III Alarm Series is an affordable apparel line for law enforcement, EMS and fire departments concerned about tight budgets.

Emergency responder apparel can be customized with a department logo. Embroidered apparel is perfect for station wear, tactical gear and other first responder gear. The message to emergency services departments is: “Bring us your logo and we’ll make you look good.”

Whisper Knits is a premier manufacturer of high quality knit garments. The company has operated since 1976, with headquarters in Moore County, N.C. The III Alarm Series of tactical polo and other tactical apparel is a top choice of emergency responders.

Original Source: Fibre2fashion

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Naturana launches eco-friendly swimwear line

The swimwear collection „ Irma La Douce“ from Gomaringen based German company NATURANA will feature BIOPHYL, a sustainable ecotextile product from ADVANSA.

“Irma La Douce“ is a collection for the fashion-conscious woman, who sets a high value on extravagance and high quality materials. The integration of BIOPHYL follows the increasing demand for eco-friendly textiles. The offer comprises a Triangle Bikini with removable inserts as well as a Bandeaux-Neckholder Bikini with removable cups. Both models are characterized by distinctive beads applications.

The fabrics for the new products are supplied by Italian Piave Maitex, a manufacturer of circular and warp knits based in Feltre, who develops and produces in Italy since 1908 extremely successful quality fabrics for underwear and swimwear.

BIOPHYL fabrics are made of ECO-Polyester yarns, that are based on an innovative Polyester-Polymer. These yarns do not only guarantee a high colour brilliance and softness in touch but also provide the fabrics with an excellent stretch and recovery, ensuring a very pleasant wearing comfort.

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Poole distributes EcoSure containing fabric samples at Outdoor

Poole Company – a leading manufacturer and distributor of recycled and virgin fiber products – unveils Scientific Certification Systems’ (SCS) first third-party certified North American staple fiber made from 100% PCR PET. EcoSure containing fabric samples will be distributed at Outdoor Retailer Summer Market in Salt Lake City August 3-6, 2010.

EcoSure quality fibers are certified as manufactured from 100% post-consumer recycled (PCR) PET polymer. For more than 25 years, SCS has recognized organizations – such as Poole Company – who meet the highest levels of environmental performance in recycled content. Michael Wolfe, Director of Business Development, Environmental Certification Services at SCS commented, “Poole Company is currently the only staple fiber supplier in North America to earn the prestigious 100% recycled PET polymer certificate.” 

He continued, “SCS has specific, multi-step procedures to verify a product’s environmental origin. We take our audit process very seriously and are proud to recognize companies such as Poole that have proactively and enthusiastically obtained certification by our organization.”

Made for the environmentally-conscious consumer, EcoSure quality fibers meet the highest environmental standards and reduce the amount of waste that burdens landfills and diminishes earth’s natural resources. Studies from NAPCOR determined that 1.451 billion pounds of PET (such as plastic soft drink bottles) were collected and sold for recycling in 2008, and the use of PCR polyester versus virgin polyester reduces energy consumption by 84% and greenhouse gas emissions by 71%.

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Brad to don Gill outfits for solo sailing round the globe

Sailing 30,000 miles around the globe alone brings with it many challenges. Racing those same miles alone brings even more. As the sole U.S. entry in the upcoming VELUX 5 OCEANS 2010-11 race, Brad Van Liew takes his preparations very seriously, including the clothes that will protect him from the elements and offer a bit of comfort in the often rough, wet and demanding environment of solo ocean racing. 

As Van Liew’s Technical Clothing Sponsor, Gill’s broad line of wicking shirts, pants, fleeces, hats, jackets and foul weather gear will be an important factor in Van Liew’s safety, comfort and competitive goals.

“Gill makes products that work,” said Van Liew. “They are constantly doing the research and development necessary to offer superior options for inshore and offshore sailing. I trust them to provide products that are durable, light, and breathable for the extreme environment I will face offshore.”

During offshore training sessions this summer and the Transatlantic sail from the U.S. to the start of the race in France this fall, Van Liew and his crew will sport Gill’s OS1 Atlantic foul weather gear constructed using a 5 Dot, 3-layer highly breathable waterproof fabric. Van Liew calls it tough and functional. Gill’s Race Collection, which offers a UV protection factor of 50+, will be used for some of the lighter conditions offshore and during inshore sails devoted to final boat preparations and sponsors.

In warmer conditions Gill’s technical t-shirts will wick moisture away from the skin and dry quickly. The fact that they are made from100% recycled material pleases Van Liew as he has some clear objectives for sustainable living during the race. He will attempt to sail the entire 9 months without using any fossil fuels whatsoever, assisted by hydrogenerators and solar panels. The ECO 60 boat he will be racing is in fact recycled as well, built in 1998 and raced in dozens of events since then.

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Thermo°Cool with Merino for advanced base layers

The growing demand for garments with wool have made Merino a favourite for Outdoor apparel. In response, Stöhr AG and Wykes International Ltd. have developed exceptional Thermo Cool - Merino composite yarns perfectly suitable for garment knitting.

The first seamless base layer products made by knitwear manufacturer Skinwear Ltd. from United Kingdom have been launched at the European Outdoor fair in Friedrichshafen / Germany by Sub Zero Technologies. A technically advanced performance base layer designed for a launch in 2011 by a world’s leading motorcycle brand is presented at the Spinexpo in New York, on booth no F- 05 of company Richter/ Stöhr AG.

Thermo Cool with Merino wool has a remarkable range of attributes due to the combination of the best properties of both fibres: the natural touch of wool with the outstanding moisture management and thermo buffering properties of Thermo Cool; hence it is an ideal choice for functional garments with the natural and luxuriously gentle touch of wool; combined with a specially modified copolymer fiber for softness and low temperature dyeing. In whatever condition Thermo Cool transforms high quality wool garments into incomparable functional clothing and gives the user a lightweight and well tempered wearing experience.

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P2i acquires Surface Innovations

P2i Limited, the world leader in liquid repellent nano-coating technology, has acquired 100 per cent of the share capital of Surface Innovations Ltd, a UK-based technology company with a wide range of functional nano-coating patents. The terms of the deal were not disclosed.

The acquisition expands P2i’s product portfolio beyond its market-leading technologies for liquid repellency, adding “functional” coating technologies with applications including anti-bacterial resistance, liquid attracting (super wettable), and many others.

Surface Innovations is a research and development company with 17 patent families that focus on functional nano-coatings obtained using plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition. It was founded in 2001 by Professor Jas Pal Badyal as a spin-out of Durham University. Professor Badyal will sit on a new Technical Advisory Panel to provide ongoing scientific advice to P2i, as well as developing new patents and applications for the company.

The acquisition of Surface Innovations comes as P2i gains commercial traction in all five of its core markets: Electronics, Lifestyle, Energy and Filtration, Life Sciences and Military/Institutional. In the past year, P2i has tripled its employees to 75 and scaled up its operations, which are now located across Europe, North America and Asia (China, Singapore, Thailand and Indonesia).

Carl Francis, Chief Executive of P2i, said:
“P2i has excelled in commercializing its liquid repellent nano-coating technology, proving beyond doubt that plasma processing is a viable, cost effective industrial process. As our customer base expands and their requirements broaden, the technology we have acquired will enable us to commercialize new functional coatings that further enhance the performance of products ranging from consumer electronics to military clothing.

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Ultra lightweight Level A suit provides major benefits

Trelleborg Protective Products announces the launch of Trellchem NEO, the lightest Level A protective ensemble ever certified to NFPA 1991-2005.

The garment utilizes a unique laminate material to create an ultra lightweight Level A suit with outstanding strength, integrity and chemical resistance. In addition, its chemical barrier is imbedded on the inside of the suit material giving added protection from both abrasion and scratches. 

“Our innovative technology in protective garment design has allowed us to produce a Level A garment certified to NFPA 1991-2005 that weighs around 4 kg/ 9lbs.” says David Mack, General Manager of Trelleborg-Viking in Mansfield, MA, “This is lighter than any other NFPA 1991-2005 certified garment, which typically weigh anywhere from 4.5 and 9 kg/ 10 to 20 lbs. Being lighter weight provides major benefits to the wearer in terms of comfort, ease of use and reduction of heat stress.”

Additionally, Trellchem NEO is priced competitively and yet still has many of the features that user’s have come to expect in a Trelleborg suit. Blue in color, the new garment provides:

• Impact resistant hard visor
• Large and clear viewing area
• Easy don/doff Trellchem bayonet glove ring system 
• No overcover required for full certification
• Upgradable ventilation system
• Available with integrated anti-fog Lens that eliminates all condensation

The Trellchem NEO is co-certified with EN 943:2-2002/ET, and easily passes both the NFPA & EN pressure test requirements.

Original Source : Fibre2fashion

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