Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/1519376
6 • March/April 2024 sportstyle • sportstylemag.com I n March, fabric maker Polartec announced Beyond Begins Today, a promise from the company that every new Polartec product launching in 2024 will either reduce Polartec's impact on the planet, endure the test of time, or contribute to the circularity processes. Additionally, Polartec introduced its newest high-performance fabric with sustainable benefits, Polartec Power Shield RPM, along with expanded offerings of Polartec Shed Less tech.. Made to enable circularity, Polartec Power Shield RPM is a recycled polyester fabric that features a highly durable non-PFAS coating to repel precipitation, 10,000mm hydrohead to keep it off, and is available in both 3-Layer and 2-Layer versions. It offers waterproofness, wind-proofness, and breathability that also ensures high-stretch comfort and resilience. With its high range of motion and a durable 100% recycled polyester membrane designed for high intensity activities, Power Shield RPM aims to elevate end-use comfort and is a good choice for runners, cyclists and other athletes who refuse to trade performance for sustainability. Also in 2024, Polartec Shed Less technology, which debuted in early 2023, is expanding into more recycled fleece options and is globally available in Polartec's Micro Series in addition to Polartec 200 fleece. Shed Less is an innovative process that decreases fiber fragment shedding during home laundering up to 85% without compromising the performance or durability of the fabrics it's applied to. Optimizing yarn construction, knitting, chemistry, and manufacturing excellence, Polartec has engineered a way to ensure that the same fibers that give its iconic fleece a so, comfortable hand of being lightweight, breathable, warm and cozy. "Polartec has a 30-year tradition of textile innovation aimed at reducing the environmental footprint of our products," says Ramesh Kesh, SVP at Milliken & Company and Business Manager Polartec said. "With these latest initiatives, we're ramping up our commitment to prioritize the planet. Whether it's minimizing our impact, creating products built to last, or fostering circularity, Polartec is dedicated to making a positive difference today, tomorrow and beyond." n Polartec Shed Less is expanding into more recycled fleece options, including Polartec's Micro Series. NEWS/ANALYSIS POLARTEC GOES BEYOND