Comfort and durability are key features of modern workwear fabrics.  The right balance of softness; absorbency and stability are essential characteristics of an all-purpose fabric and an absolute must for rental textiles. To meet the stringent requirements of the contract rental market, Melchior Textil has developed the ‘Balance’ range. The properties of these blended fabrics with high cotton content are said to meet the rigorous demands placed on rental workwear in the healthcare sector.

Workwear fabrics for contract rental services have to meet a number of specific performance criteria. With its new Balance range of fabrics, Melchior Textil says it has come up with the answer to all of the industry’s requirements. “The 50/50 polyester/cotton blends ensure a high degree of comfort all day long. They are absorbent and skin-friendly and have a soft handle,” says Melchior.

“At the same time, they can stand up to the wear and tear of everyday use in the workplace. The fabrics retain their character and texture even when subjected to repeated surface friction or constant stretching.”

According to Melchior its  sanforized fabrics can also withstand the rigours of industrial laundering without shrinkage and retain their comfort and fit even after repeated washes. They owe this property to their high cotton content, which, given normal laundering conditions and the average life cycle of workwear, slows down the degradation process considerably, the German company says.

Optimum combination of two components

“Cotton-rich fabrics are particularly suitable for workwear in the healthcare sector”, explains Arnfried Stich, Sales Manager at Melchior Textil.

 “Cotton fibres absorb a large amount of moisture and prevent the garment from sticking to the skin. Wet or dry, they remain extremely strong, which means that fabrics are tear-resistant, even when things get hot and sweaty.”

“Additionally, cotton has excellent abrasion resistance properties and high resistance to the chemicals and washing solvents used in the industrial laundering process. Polyester, the second component, is quick-drying, tear-resistant, retains its shape and is resistant to many chemicals and micro-organisms. “Our “Balance” fabrics owe their excellent properties to an ideal balance of both fibres,” he adds.

Balance fabrics are available in four different weights: the light versions, 120 g/m² and 150 g/m², were developed specifically for blouses and shirts, the heavier weights, 185 g/m² and 210 g/m² respectively, for tops, tunics and trousers. All fabrics are available in white directly from stock, colours available on request.

Melchior Textil GmbH is a subsidiary of HOS Anlagen und Beteiligungen GmbH & Co., Wendlingen. The company was founded in 1997 as a sales company and specialises in the manufacturing of high-quality fabrics for workwear, corporate fashion and the public sector. Melchior offers a unique range of exclusive coloured fabrics and high-grade plain fabrics. A selection of printed fabrics rounds off the company's portfolio.   Quality fabrics by Melchior Textil are marketed by independent distributors all over Europe.

The company's continuing growth is said to be due to increased demand for exclusive workwear textiles in the German-speaking countries as well as an expansion of export business.