Textile Insight

SPONSORED CONTENT PRIMALOFT IS STRENGTHENING ITS POSITION AS A GLOBAL LEADER IN advanced material technology solutions with the introduction of PrimaLoft ® Bio, the first-ever synthetic insulation made from biodegradable* fibers. This textile breakthrough begins as 100% post-consumer recycled content and breaks down completely into 100% natural elements. Developed over the last four years by PrimaLoft's team of scientists and engi- neers, PrimaLoft achieved this advancement without affecting the industry-leading performance characteristics of its insulation. In accelerated test conditions, PrimaLoft ® Bio fibers reach near complete biodegradation* in just one year, while standard polyester remains almost completely intact, in the same environment. "With PrimaLoft ® Bio, PrimaLoft is leading the charge by redefining what sustainability really means," said Mike Joyce, president and CEO of PrimaLoft. "Recycling is a good start but, we are intent on providing a better answer to the environmental issues facing our industry. We looked at the global issues, including the proliferation of textile waste and microplastics, and determined how PrimaLoft could make a positive impact within our core competencies – material science and polymers. This technology, the most significant global technology launch in the company's history, provides a solution at the material level, which was key for our vision." PrimaLoft ® Bio fibers break down when exposed to specific environments – such as a landfill or the ocean. PrimaLoft has enhanced the fibers to be more attractive to the naturally-occurring microbes found in these environments. The microbes eat away at the fibers at a faster rate, returning the insulation to nature. The biodegradation process leaves behind water, methane, carbon dioxide and biomass (expired microorganisms, organic waste). PrimaLoft ® Bio insulation fibers will only biodegrade when exposed to the microbes in landfills or bodies of water. So, the insulation remains highly durable. No need to worry about your jacket degrading in your closet. This latest innovation expands upon PrimaLoft's commitment to being Relentlessly Responsible, providing sustainable solutions throughout its busi- ness in order to lessen its impact on the earth. PrimaLoft ® Bio is expected to be available to consumers in fall 2020. l *80.3% biodegradation in 394 days under ASTM D5511 conditions For more information, go to primaloft.com LAST MONTH, FIVE BOLD WOMEN OVERCAME DIFFICULT ODDS RUNNING for four days in the Negev Desert in Israel. Francesca Valassi, Elisa Adorni, Federica Verdoya, Arianna Bianchini, and Eleonora Suizzo were all selected to compete in the finale of " Negev Adventure", in an 80-kilometer trek organized by Italian women's lifestyle magazine Donna Moderna. To better navigate the wild and extreme landscape, the women, ranging in age from 21 to 42, wore specially engineered garments made by French activewear brand BV Sport. The garments were made of Sensil ® Innergy, the premium performance fabric that invigorates muscles and enhances athletic recovery. Sensil ® is the premium brand of Nylon 6.6 made by NILIT, a 40-year-old global company based in Israel. "The Negev is a magnificent and extraordinary desert, an unimaginable place, carved out of Israel's beautiful natural beauty, where every woman can find her own physical and spiritual dimension," said Avital Kotzer Adari, director of the Israeli National Tourist Office, co-sponsor of the run. "BV Sport is thrilled to be providing running apparel made of Sensil ® Innergy to these talented and multi-faceted athletes," said Nicolas Corona, General Manager of BV Sport. "The garments worn by the runners, ambassadors and coaches were carefully engineered for comfort and performance, allowing them to perform at their personal best and reach new heights of achievement." "Sensil ® Innergy is a technical fabric that uses far-infrared technology to gently reflect the naturally emitted thermal energy back to the body, improv- ing the oxygenation of muscles for peak performance during athletic activity and aiding post-workout recovery," said Pierluigi Berardi, Marketing Vice President for Sensil ® . "Sensil ® is strong and resilient, yet soft and comfort- able. It is for people who want to feel great while they push past their limits, whether they're running in the Negev desert or through the streets of a city." Berardi, himself an avid runner, added: "Running through the valleys and scaling the heights of the breath-taking Negev desert was the perfect finale to these months of training. As these impressive women discovered, sometimes the best view comes after the hardest climb." l For more information, go to sensilnylon.com PrimaLoft Sets Sustainability Forward with Debut of Biodegradable Synthetic Insulation For Four Days in The Desert, Sensil ® Nylon Helped Athletes Push Past Their Limits From left to right: Eleanora Suizzo, Francesca Valassi, Arianna Bianchini, Federica Verdoya, Elisa Adorni November/December 2018 ~ Textile Insight • 39 textileinsight.com

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