FabricLink Picks WoolVisions Among Top Ten Innovations

FabricLink Network has chosen WoolVisions, the intimate blend of CoolVisions dyeable staple polypropylene with wool as one of its Top 10 Textile Innovations for 2014–2015.

The innovative intimate blend of CoolVisions staple polypropylene, produced by FiberVisions, with fine-micron merino wool creates a dyeable yarn which maximises the performance attributes of each fibre.

“The blend offers colour and design options unavailable with solution-dyed polypropylene blends, as well as providing a naturally soft hand,” FiberVisions said in a press release.

The FabricLink Network’s Top 10 Innovation Awards are presented to exceptional textile-based materials and technologies that were launched during the past year and that are commercially available.

The awards recognise the research and development effort required to create new products for the specialty fabric markets.

“We are thrilled to have our WoolVisions product chosen by FabricLink to join their prestigious list of textile innovations,” Susan Lynn, global sales and marketing manager for CoolVisions said.

She added, “WoolVisions is a truly unique product in the world of wool plus synthetic blends for performance fabrics, offering superior moisture transfer and thermal regulation.”

“WoolVisions is also a sound choice for its environmental footprint, as polypropylene’s manufacturing process results in low emissions and no toxic wastes, compared with other synthetics,” Lynn explained.

WoolVisions made from polypropylene is also resistant to stains and chemicals, requiring less home laundering,” she observed.

WoolVisions textiles are currently available from knitters like Global Merino, Grandtek Asia, Entex, and Eclat; and as wovens from HerMin and Chia Her.

A range of WoolVisions yarns is being custom spun by Chia Her and Zhejiang Xinao Textiles, with ongoing development at Safil Spa.

According to Lynn, consumer brands such as Mountain Hardwear, Backcountry, Specialized, Mission Workshop, Hincapie, and Tracksmith have chosen WoolVisions for its outstanding performance and natural aesthetics.

FiberVisions is owed by Indorama Ventures Public Company Limited, a global producer of PET and PTA, based in Thailand.

With four manufacturing facilities across North America, Europe, and Asia, FiberVisions is one of the world’s largest producers of polyolefin staple fibres. (AR)