Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/1510018
handlers, firefighters – these individuals need garments that won't rip or tear, pill or generally wear out and end up in the trash," said Joey Barbaree, who helped launch Acteev TOUGH. "Instead of uniforms that are hot and itchy, we can give them something comfortable and breathable while still keeping them safe. And because it is so durable, it won't be as quick to hit the landfill. Staying clean and fresh Clothing that doesn't pick up dirt and odor can spend less time in the laundry and more time being worn, said Nikki Huffman, business director for the Acteev brand. The new Acteev CLEAN line repels pet hair, lint and dust on textiles, thanks to its anti-static properties, saving pet owners' clothing from looking as furry as their furry friends. "Anyone who lives with a cat or dog knows how annoying it is to battle the pet hair that covers your clothes, curtains and couches," Huffman said. "With an anti-static fiber, we can create a textile that repels all that dust and fur." Acteev's original no-odor line, now known as Acteev FREE, also helps clothing stay fresh – but from unwanted smells. Partnerships, like those with Coalatree eco-minded goods and OOMLA anti-odor socks for teens, uniquely speak to audiences who need repeat- use garments but don't want to – or can't – regularly wash the items. With Acteev FREE protecting the garment from odor-causing bacteria and mildew, there's less washing machine use, naturally extending the life of the product and reducing water waste. Nylon made from plants, sustainable production With the ability to utilize bio-based materials, Ascend provides ways to produce plant-based materials that don't sacrifice durability or performance. Through advanced formulations for producing bio-based materials, Acteev can be made with plant-based sources using techniques that don't require specialized processing or equipment, said Rohit Kankaliya, a textiles scientist who serves as the technology leader for Acteev. "Things that seemed impossible a decade ago are now ready for the market, giving brands new opportunities for creating sustainable lines," he said. But the conversation doesn't end with production. Ascend is investing in the circular economy with the purchase of Circular Polymers, a recycler of post-consumer, high-performance polymers. This new synergy provides a consistent supply of high-quality post-consumer recycled materials into the market. Ascend's ReDefyne™ offerings, a line of sustainable polyamides that include up to 100% pre-consumer or post-consumer recycled material, have been SCS Global Services certified, ensuring the product is as advertised. "We're on this journey because we believe in sustainability," Huffman said. "It's part of our company's mission, it's what our customers are asking for and it's what the planet deserves." n Fall 2023 ~ Textile Insight • 39