The innovative intimate blend of CoolVisions staple polypropylene, produced by FiberVisions, with fine-micron merino wool creates a dyeable yarn, which is said to maximize the performance attributes of each fibre.

The blend offers colour and design options unavailable with solution-dyed polypropylene blends, as well as providing a naturally soft hand, the company reports.

Textile innovations

The FabricLink Network’s Top 10 Innovation Awards are presented to exceptional textile-based materials and technologies that have been launched during the past year and that are commercially available. The awards recognize the research and development effort required to create new products for the specialty fabric markets.

“We are thrilled to have our WoolVisions product chosen by FabricLink to join their prestigious list of textile innovations,” commented Susan Lynn, Global Sales and Marketing Manager for CoolVisions. “WoolVisions is a truly unique product in the world of wool + synthetic blends for performance fabrics, offering superior moisture transfer and thermal regulation.”

Technical properties

“WoolVisions is also a sound choice for its environmental footprint, as polypropylene’s manufacturing process results in low emissions and no toxic wastes, compared with other synthetics; and polypropylene is resistant to stains and chemicals, requiring less home laundering,” added Susan Lynn.

WoolVisions textiles are currently available from knitters Global Merino, Grandtek Asia, Entex, and Eclat; and as wovens from HerMin and Chia Her. A range of WoolVisions yarns is being custom spun by Chia Her and Zhejiang Xinao Textiles, with ongoing development at Safil Spa.

Outstanding performance

According to Lynn, consumer brands, such as Mountain Hardwear, Backcountry, Specialized, Mission Workshop, Hincapie, and Tracksmith, have chosen WoolVisions for its combination of outstanding performance with natural aesthetics.

FiberVisions is owed by Indorama Ventures, a leading producer of PET and PTA, based in Thailand. With four manufacturing facilities across North America, Europe, and Asia, FiberVisions is one of the largest producers of polyolefin staple fibres.

www.cool-visions.com