Winter 2019 - Inside Outdoor Magazine

Inside Outdoor | WINTER 2019 14 This winter, Polartec introduced what it calls the first fabric technol- ogy engineered to reduce fiber shedding. By encapsulating lofted fibers within a multilayer, continuous yarn fabric construction, this new platform offers advanced thermal efficiency that will shed five times less than other premium mid-layer weight fabrics, said Polartec. Insulation that regulates core body temperature has traditionally been achieved via lofted or high- pile knit structures that hold warm air, explained Polartec. And any exposed fiber, of course, is suscep- tible to shedding as a function of normal wear. The Polartec Power Air construction process mitigates this by encasing the insulating lofted fibers within the knitting process. “By using the efficiency of encap- sulated air to shelter lofted fibers, Polartec Power Air will drastically im- prove how fabrics perform over their lifetime with respect to versatility, comfort and sustainability,” said Gary Smith, Polartec CEO. “We’re only beginning to realize the potential for this new type of fabric construction.” As part of the product develop- ment, a whole new testing protocol had to be invented to measure shedding due to home laundering. Polartec created a protocol that simulates dozens of launderings in a single cycle. The test then deter- mines the percentage of weight loss due to shedding. While creating a more environ- mentally sound construction was the initial inspiration for Power Air, the innovation also enables greater de- sign versatility, with distinctive visual signatures, said the ingredient brand. The initial release features an internal grid structure on one side not unlike “fabric bubble wrap,” which simul- taneously holds air and increases breathability, while the other side features a smooth outer surface that resists pilling and minimizes drag. As the first fabric construction to encase air with a continuous yarn, Polartec Power Air is a foundational technology platform that will eventu- ally provide shedding reduction to all existing apparel categories, said Polartec, including insulation, light- weight next to skin, and extreme weather protection. “Power Air has the potential to be our most significant development since pioneering the process to knit fabrics made of post-consumer plastic bottles,” said Mike Rose, Polartec vice president of product development. Power Air is the latest product of Polartec Eco-engineering, a process by which Polartec deploys recycled inputs, advanced production tech- niques, highly efficient logistics and rigorous testing and certifications to create an innovation pipeline devot- ed to producing sustainable fabrics with elite performance characteris- tics, said the company. The Polartec Power Air Hoody is now available from Adidas, with more brands including Houdini and Mammut set to release their own offerings in the coming months. “Polartec Power Air is more than solving a problem and creating a new platform,” said Smith. “It’s a brand statement about the power of fabric.” Polartec Introduces Fabric Technology Engineered to Reduce Fiber Shedding Power Air single pocket close up Power Air finished fabric Ingredients