Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/1497119
A ttendees and exhibitors alike make the trek to Portland, OR to participate in the Functional Fabric Fair pow- ered by Performance Days because this curated event is a great hunt- ing ground for innovation. e recent April '23 edition of the show did not disappoint. Newness flourished. Along with an array of lightweight, good looking eco-performance fabrics featured for next season, speakers highlighted emerging recycling technologies for nylon and polyester and vendors debuted bio feedstock alternatives to synthetics. Fresh ideas regarding product design and supply chain collaboration were also buzzy within the aisles of the Convention Center with new catch phrases like "future thinking" and "strategic partnerships" taking root. Here's a rundown of key takeaways from the recent Functional Fabric Fair PDX: Fiber categories have been established: Synthetics are "Category 1" and Cellulosics are "Category 2." Variants made with recycled poly, recycled polyamide and polypropylene and bio plastics fall into Category 1 Synthetics, while Lyocell, hemp, organic cotton, bamboo, linen, natural spun Naia fiber, natural blends and cotton from regenerative agriculture fall into the Cellulosics Category 2. In both cases, these new classes of fibers are notable for having significantly lower carbon emissions when compared to traditional fibers. Recycled options and carbon capture poly- ester are directional in modern synthetics in addition to mono component construction and low temp dyeing. With access to PET bottles soon to be limited, recycled poly from carbon capture yarn is a promising alternative. is process uses bio-technology to transform factory exhaust gasses into low-carbon MEG that can be utilized in polyester production. LanzaTech, in partnership with FENC now offers BIO3 PET, appropriate for a variety of applications. Recycled nylon is coming of age. BASF in collaboration with Fulgar offers Q-Cycle based on recycled nylon; Schoeller features Q-Cycle in its RE-SOURCE collection that was previewed at FFF. Cordura continues to make strides with its re/cor RN66. Already adopted by pack and bag makers, the company showcased its first re/cor adoption in apparel in a garment from Canadian firm Wuxly. is space looks to gain more traction with the news that Michelin in cooperation with the company Enviro, plans to set up its pyrolysis factory in Chile to produce recycled nylon. e cellulosics group is making gains in active outdoor. A presentation on how today's innovative material feedstocks is changing the game for Naia, presented by Eastman exec Joy Gruver, drew a large, attentive crowd inter- ested to learn about Eastman's carbon renewal technology. Another newcomer to Functional Fabric Fair, Monarch Flyway, garnered atten- tion with its Minsolite insulation made with milkweed. e Nebraska-based firm is well established in the bedding business, however, with increasing demand for plant-based ma- terials the family-owned company has an eye on active/outdoor. Minsolite is fashioned with 80 percent Milkweed Fiber, that is naturally hollow, water-resistant, hypoallergenic and has a clo Value of 2. e product is lightweight with a thickness less than 3mm and helps monarch butterflies. An important trend to watch is how new high-tech and biotech yarns and fibers are infiltrating lifestyle wear. For example, re- cycled nylon is being adopted in pants and tights and LanzaTech carbon capture poly is finding opportunity in the Fashion x Function sector. And let's not forget about footwear. The latest looks shown at the Performance Forum and Footwear area on the show floor included recycled polyester, recycled rubber, and eco-dye water-saving technologies. Lastly, a word about trims and accessories. More than ever these items need to be in sync with what's happening in the marketplace in terms of circularity and transparency. It's no longer enough to be up to date on color trends and fashion forward aesthetics; nowadays ease of recyclability is a key component. n 10 • Textile Insight ~ Spring 2023 textileinsight.com What's New, What's Next April Fair Blooms with Fresh Ideas & Innovative Fabric Trends. By Emily Walzer Cindy McNaull shows Cordura re/cor recycled nylon; Air TItanium Zone performance W/B by Movetec. IN THE MARKET / FUNCTIONAL FABRIC FAIR