Page 85 - October-November-2018

84 Developments in 85

Reports Natural Sources

Fibres from

CRAiLAR Kapok fibres in spun yarns
CRAiLAR’s expertise begins with planting the seed in Shanghai-based textile brand Flocus produces
the ground and continues with every aspect of the sustainable yarns blends, fabrics and fillings made
Thinking on sustainability and textiles is ripe with EcoVero™ fibres have been certified with the EU production chain. Once the plants have been with kapok, a natural cellulose fibre found in the
misconceptions. Across the full life cycle (growing, Ecolabel as meeting high environmental standards harvested the fibre is mechanically stripped from the dried fruit of the kapok tree. Kapok is the most
manufacturing and specifically usage) natural fibres throughout their life cycle: from raw material stem. This raw fibre is rough and tough and definitely sustainable fibre in the market leaving no human
are not necessarily more sustainable than synthetic extraction to production, distribution and disposal. not something you would want to wear or use. The
fibres. This report covers some of the promising The fibres can be robustly identified in the final fibre is then transformed via CRAiLAR’s proprietary
sustainable options which are regenerated into fibres product, assuring you that your purchase contains process into a soft and fluffy fibre made up of
or blended in the existing yarns. genuine EcoVero™ Viscose fibres. The fibre thousands of individualized bast fibres. It is claimed
generates up to 50% lower emissions and water that they resemble cotton in feel and appearance,
EcoVero™ impact compared to generic Viscose. and outperform cotton on almost every level.
The fibres are produced using pulp, which is derived
from the renewable resource wood as raw material. SeaCell™ Bast fibres are among the most environmentally
Lenzing purchases wood and pulp derived from The unique properties of seaweed can help to Kapok tree having natural cellulose fibre in the dried fruit favourable crops on the planet and grow in cool
responsibly managed forests and certified to come protect our skin against the harmful environmental acids and minerals. The substances found in innovative and eco-friendly production method. climates without the use of irrigation. The need for
from sustainable sources. It uses an eco-responsible influences which we are exposed to in our daily lives. seaweed can help to activate cell regeneration, Production takes place in a closed loop with no chemical inputs is very low – just a fraction of other
production process by meeting high environmental The seaweed is pure and rich in essential which in turn can help to relieve skin diseases, chemicals released as waste. This meets the annual textile crops. Bast fibres produce both food
standards and contributes to a cleaner environment. substances such as vitamins, trace elements, amino and fibre – seeds of hemp and flax are widely
reduce inflammation and soothe itchiness. Its high expectations of the industry both today and in the consumed in food and industrial industries. CRAiLAR
level of antioxidants protects the skin against harmful future. It is one reason why the European Union is Compostable, USDA 100% BioPreferred and Leed
free radicals, which damage our skin cells. awarded the procedure with the 2000 European Certified. It offers enhanced moisture management
Smartfiber AG claims that the natural moisture level Environmental Award in the category “technology for (naturally wicking), Improved abrasion resistance,
of the skin enables an active exchange of these sustainable development”. The high-tech fibres are Unchanged garment hand feel and drape, no static,
beneficial substances between the fibre and the produced exclusively for smartfiber AG on modern pilling, or lint problems, is machine wash/dryable footprint behind. Nature has given Kapok numerous
skin, providing a noticeable sense of wellbeing. fibre production plants at Lenzing AG in Austria. The without being wrinkle prone, and offers improved properties like its silky soft and dry touch of the fibre
patented process embeds the seaweed firmly within dye uptake. itself, anti-moth and anti-mite properties as well as
The fibre is produced from sustainable raw materials a natural cellulose fibre. As a result, the positive insulation properties comparable to down, and many
– wood and seaweed – using methods that save properties of the seaweed are permanently Strong yet soft, CRAiLAR fibre is well suited for others. With the most advanced technology in the
both energy and resources. The fibre is carbon preserved within the fibre, even after multiple denim, outerwear, footwear, towelling and upholstery. market, FLOCUS™ can spin the highest kapok %,
neutral and completely biodegradable. The dried washing cycles. It can be blended successfully with a wide range of offer yarns in the finest counts. Utilizing Kapok,
seaweed is crushed, finely ground and incorporated natural and synthetic fibres. In textile applications FLOCUS™ offers products which can reduce the
into a cellulose fibre. Harvesting of the seaweed is a The fibre is suitable for a vast range of applications, CRAiLAR fibre would generally be blended in ratios presence of animal and synthetic products in the
gentle, selective and, most importantly, sustainable from sport and fashion clothing, underwear and of 20-40% with other fibres like cotton, tencel, wool, market, utilizing a completely natural alternative
process. It removes only the part of the seaweed loungewear to home textiles, and combines easily etc. CRAiLAR can be used in a wide variety of without abandoning functionality. FLOCUS™ is a
that is able to regenerate. The seaweed is entirely with any other fibre. It adds a smooth, silky feel to nonwoven applications, including; dry laid, needle 100% sustainable ‘open’ source textile concept in
untreated, and all its ecological value is retained. any fabric, together with the comfort and care punched and hydro entangled. In non-woven which buyers can tailor blend their needs for their
elements required from a generation with an active, applications. It finds applications from industrial sustainable collections. Kapok fruits are hundreds of
SeaCell™ is produced using the Lyocell process, an health-conscious lifestyle. pods of about 15 cm each. They contain the seeds
wipes, to mop heads, to felted items like insoles. of the tree protected by a fluffy, silky and soft fibre.
October/November 2018 October/November 2018