Textile Insight

textileinsight.com 36 • Textile Insight ~ July/August 2019 PERFORMANCE DAYS FUNCTIONAL FABRIC FAIR | PREVIEW A fabric startup needed to verify that their materials provided an evaporative cooling effect. The new technology wasn't just cool to the touch, but actually helped the body with thermophysiological (body temperature) regulation. The startup knew its technology worked but there was no way to prove it. Existing methods measured cool touch or wicking, attributes that may offer only temporary relief or actually contribute to higher body temp. Cooling claims could only go so far without unbiased, independent data to support them. At the time, there was no industry standard for evaporative cool- ing or device to measure it. Due to its reputation for extensive textile knowledge and customized testing, the startup came to Hohenstein… and a new method to quantify evaporative heat loss was born. Hohenstein combined their knowledge of thermophysiology, phys- ics, textiles and designing customized tests and equipment to develop WATson, a device and method that measures cooling power, cooling power over time, fabric response and dry time. The new method and the data it provides was a game changer. WATson was, and still is, the only device that can quantitatively measure evaporative cooling ability. The method has been used for product development, benchmarking, quality assurance and verified claims on fabrics, performance apparel, bedding systems and helmets. With the positive reception came a push for Hohenstein's WATson to become the industry standard. A committee of expert stakeholders published WATson as a DIN SPEC standard (60015) and plan for ISO standardization next. Standardizations help innovators gain industry recognition and customer acceptance with products that meet industry- wide accepted standards. l Visit Hohenstein at booth #504 to learn more. Out of Great Need Comes Great Innovation F or decades, Schoeller Textil has been meticulous in observing its responsibility to humans and the environment. Developed and produced in Switzerland under the most stringent condi- tions, the high-tech textiles and textile technologies encompass a spirit of innovative and outstanding quality. With a focus on sustainability, the ground-breaking, ecological portfolio includes new thermo-regulating technology based on renewable raw materials, genuine upcycled prod- ucts with ECONYL® yarn, 100% recycled fabrics, and PFC-free finishing technologies based on sustainable raw materials. High-quality textiles have a long service life and can remain in use for decades. The fabric properties that are improved by smart textile tech- nologies such as water- and dirt-repelling functions help to preserve the environment and cut down on the use of resources. In its manufacturing, Schoeller Textil AG always considers the ecological compatibility of its products. Since 2001, production at the Swiss site has always complied with the stringent guidelines of the bluesign® system. Schoeller is dedi- cated to sustainable climate protection and takes part in the Energy Agency of the Swiss Private Sector program to actively reduce carbon emissions and optimise energy efficiency. Under the patronage of UN Climate Change and in keeping with the Paris Agreement, Schoeller, together with other leading companies in the global fashion sector, has decided to tackle the effects of the fashion industry on the climate along the entire value added chain and signed the UN Charter for Climate Action. For many decades, Schoeller has made significant investments in modern machinery. Currently, the construction of an almost 5.000 square-meter solar power system at its headquarters in Sevelen is taking place. These are just some of the efforts being undertaken by the long- standing Swiss company to leave a clean and healthy environment to the next generation. l Visit Schoeller at booth #144 or go to schoeller-textiles.com to learn more. Schoeller: Sustainability with Innovation, Quality & Design ECONYL® yarn is genuine upcycled product with no sacrifice to performance quality.

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