Page 80 - TEXtalks July-August 2021

80 81

Veocell lyocell fibers as alternatives to

fossil-based fibers

Nonwoven fabrics for personal care and hygiene products are composed of fossil-based hydrophobic fibers,
which are not environmentally friendly. Lezing’s veocel lyocell fibers with Dry technology ensure more comfort
for sensitive skin when employed in nonwovens for personal care and hygiene products than synthetic fibers.

Dry technology by Lenzing allows cellulosic Veocel fibers to achieve similar liquid-controlling properties built
on biodegradable, botanic-derived material. The fibers are soft to the touch and gentle on the skin, making
them beneficial for such applications with direct contact with the skin.
Veocel™ Lyocell fibers are known for their environmentally responsible closed-loop production process. They
deliver quality, performance, and versatility. Unique physical properties lead to their efficient absorbency and
high tensile strength in both dry and wet states. Veocel™ fibers naturally attract and absorb water, contributing
to effective and efficient liquid absorption in nonwoven products.

Coronavirus detecting facemasks The microscopic fibrils of the cellulosic fibers are naturally structured to regulate liquid absorption and mois-
ture release. Effective liquid management also improves the distribution of the lotion within the wet wipes
package to keep the wipes moist.

Initially, coronavirus detection was a hectic job involving many procedures. What if the facemasks we are
wearing could indicate the infection? Yes, researchers at MIT and Harvard University have developed a face
mask that can detect Covid-19 infection in wearers within about 90 minutes. The masks are embedded with Brooks announces carbon neutral shoes
tiny, disposable sensors that can be modified to detect other viruses. These sensors can also be incorporated
in clothing such as lab coats, detecting health care workers' exposure to germs.
Brooks Running has announced its new planet projects that meet strict criteria that make a mean-
strategy that will take immediate responsibility for the ingful difference in addressing climate change.
The new wearable sensors and diagnostic face masks are based on Collins' technology several years ago. In impact the brand has on the environment. With its
work with Feng Zhang's lab in 2017, Collins developed another cell-free sensor system, known as Sherlock, science-backed plan, the brand is committing to By 2025, all assembly factories will be converted to
based on CRISPR enzymes and allows sensitive detection of nucleic acids.
achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2040, starting renewable energy. Brooks will reach the milestone of
by launching its first carbon-neutral running shoe, zero footwear manufacturing waste to landfills,
The mask also includes a small reservoir of water that is released at the push of a button when the wearer is the Ghost 14. incineration, and the environment. In addition, all
ready to perform the test. This hydrates the freeze-dried components of the SARS-CoV-2 sensor, which
analyses accumulated breath droplets on the inside of the mask and produces a result within 90 minutes. DNA Flash and DNA Loft midsoles will contain 10
In 2020, Brooks Running joined the Climate Pledge. percent recycled content, and all outsoles will
The Ghost is Brooks’ highest-volume footwear contain 10 percent recycled content. Simultaneously,
franchise; moving forward, all Ghost products will be all nylon in Brooks apparel will be recycled yarn. All
carbon-neutral. In addition to reducing the product’s Run Bras will contain a minimum of 20 percent
environmental impact by incorporating recycled recycled or bio-based content, with 100 percent of
materials, Brooks will purchase carbon offsets from the polyester being created from recycled yarn.

July/August 2021 July/August 2021