Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/1124455
Graphene continues to generate buzz. The company Technow previewed printed Graphene in the 2.5/3-layer textile category; the material provides thermal conductivity as well as plenty of visual interest. JRC-Reflex presented two new product ranges at Performance Days. White Metal and Black Metal introduce the possibility of varying the color they reflect when hit with light. The inno- vative process gives its products novel two-tonal variations. "White Metal and Black Metal create a magical effect when reflecting light, and offers brands many new design possibili- ties," explained CEO Céline Cugerone. The company has developed a dyeing method that enables the micro-bead embedded material to reflect a different color when a source of light is directed at it. Color combinations can be customized to brands' specific needs, and materi- als are available in stretch fabric for easy integration into activewear styles. Earth-First Approach An eco alert has sounded in the textile industry leveling up efforts to combat a range of environmental issues. "The trend has gone from 'green' to 'eco' to 'sustainable' to now register- ing as 'regenerative,'" declared Charles Ross, performance sportswear design consultant, in his talk on the second day of the Show. The term "regenerative" describes processes that restore, renew or revitalize their own sources of energy and materials. Regenerative, used in terms textiles, extends the closed loop of circularity beyond current day environmental practices. Ross and others at Performance Days spoke of the need for new and improved resource-saving dye methods. Already on track in that area are firms WeaRSpinDye and e.dye. WeaRe SpinDye is a fully transparent, sustainable coloring process for polyester yarns. The method uses significant less resources yet achieves excellent color performance, explains Jonas Wiehager, key account manager for the Stockholm-based firm. The young company is also innovative with labeling in an effort to inform and educate consumers. Portugal –based Tintex advocates its use of ColorZen, an environmentally-friendly solution to cotton dyeing. Catarina Rodrigues, brand development manager, shared a range of colorful and functional circular knits in unusual mélanges and other looks that relied on the ColorZen process. Looking ahead, industry execs believe that natural dye innovation is an area to watch, as recent research suggests that even natural fibers, like cotton, are hindered in its ability to biodegrade when treated with synthetic dyes. Up next is the Functional Fabric Fair, powered by Performance Days, slated for July 22-23rd in New York City. l New baselayer fabrics feature sophisticated blends and appealing aesthetics. textileinsight.com May/June 2019 ~ Textile Insight • 11