High performance functional fabric producer Ventile is partnering with Finland-based NordShield, the developer of natural fibre treatment technologies.

NordShield’s wood-based technology creates an ultrathin, molecular-sized barrier on the surface of fibres, which physically inhibits microorganisms. The first-of-its-kind technology forms a durable physical layer and acts as a shield, denying microbes a suitable place to grow or survive and ultimately enhancing the longevity of an item.

Ventile customers can now order fabrics that have been treated with the NordShield technology which is biodegradable, sustainably produced and free of heavy metals, borax, parabens and quaternary ammonium compounds (QUATs).

The barrier, which is applied after dyeing part-way through the fabric’s production, does not affect the texture or colour of the finished garment.

“Our partnership with NordShield marks an important moment for Ventile as the business continues to challenge what is possible with technical textiles and drives our mission to provide sustainable textiles for ethicall- conscious designers,” said Ventile brand director Daniel Odermatt. “We are looking forward to seeing how we can continue to work together on sustainable textile solutions.”

“With NordShield, Ventile can be made into even more long-lasting garments that both protect the wearer from germs as well as keep fresh for a longer time, reducing the need for washing,” added NordShield CEO Kristoffer Ekman.

In 2021, Ventile announced its move to being a PFC-free company in response to the growing demand for sustainable practices in the textile trade. The Ventile range consists of fabrics that offer increased credentials featuring recycled cotton, organic cotton and a choice of blended fabrics such as hemp, lyocell and linen. Ventile fabric is designed to be waterproof, water-repellent, windproof and breathable.

www.ventile.co.uk