The latest advancement of Polartec’s Power Air fabric technology, the knit construction that encapsulates air to retain warmth and reduce fiber shedding is now made to be 100% recyclable and circular, and also 25% lighter than the initial product, said the company..
Polartec Power Air, launched last year with brands including Houdini, Adidas, Burton and NOBULL, offers advanced thermal efficiency by encapsulating lofted fibers within a multilayer, continuous yarn fabric construction. Insulation that effectively regulates core body temperature has traditionally been achieved via lofted or high-pile knit structures that hold warm air. As the first fabric construction to encase air with a continuous yarn, initial versions of Polartec Power Air are proven to shed at least five times less than other premium mid-layer weight fabrics. The foundational technology platform will eventually provide shedding reduction to all existing apparel categories (including insulation, lightweight next to skin, and extreme weather protection).
“Polartec Power Air is a step forward in reducing the environmental impact of what we make and wear,” says Steve Layton, president of Polartec. “It’s a whole new experience with its distinctive aesthetics and drag-free, lively performance. We continue to tap into the potential of this new fabric construction, and we’re now able to make it fully recyclable and circular, while simultaneously making it lighter weight.”
Crafted from recycled polyester and elasterell-polyester, 100% recyclable Polartec Power Air fabric will become available to consumers in Fall 2020, when Swedish sportswear brand Houdini releases its Houdini Mono Air Half-Zip and Houdi products.
