POLARTEC, a Milliken & Company brand and creator of innovative and more sustainable textile solutions, has announced the upgrade of two of its legacy product platforms. Both Polartec® Power Shield™ and Power Stretch™ Pro fabrics now use Biolon™ plant-based nylon fibre and membrane extending Polartec’s sustainability journey to increase recycled and bio-inputs throughout the range, reducing the brand’s reliance on fossil fuels and reducing the carbon footprint.
Biolon is a renewable, non-GMO plant-based nylon with a 50% lower carbon footprint than virgin Nylon 6,6, the gold standard against which other nylons are measured. Its properties are closer to Nylon 6,6 than many recycled nylon alternatives currently on the market. Its plant-based inputs account for approximately half (45-48%) of the nylon content in the fibres and membranes in new Polartec Power Shield and Power Stretch Pro fabrics debuting this fall.
Polartec Power Shield: Biolon plant-based nylon accounts for 48% content in the membrane, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 50% compared to fossil fuel-based nylon. It has a water resistance rating of 20K mm (ISO 811) and a breathability rating of 20K g/m2/24 hours (JIS L1099, B1). New Power Shield fabrics debuting this fall will feature Biolon nylon inputs in both the membrane and fabric components, elevating the overall plant-derived content per style while reducing the carbon footprint.
Polartec Power Stretch Pro: the dual surface fabric comprising a highly durable nylon exterior and a soft, comfortable polyester interior is durable, comfortable, breathable and features 4-way stretch performance. Polartec’s newest fabric release successfully replaces half of fossil fuel-based nylon content with Biolon plant-based nylon. The use results in a 50% lower carbon footprint vs. virgin nylon while preserving all that is valued about this iconic fabric.
Ramesh Kesh, Senior Vice President – Government & Defense and Polartec at Milliken & Company said, “For a long time, many thought that sustainable options meant a loss in performance, like durability, Polartec has proved that this is not the case. Challenging a technology already considered to be at the pinnacle of performance was a big ask yet the team at Polartec rose to that challenge and we believe we have created a new standard in sustainability for performance fabrics.”
Karen Beattie, Director of Product Management at Polartec, added, “Sustainability is at the core of what we do at Polartec. We are elevating our sustainable material capabilities by exploring new fibers, adopting advanced manufacturing techniques, fostering innovation, and collaborating with partners. This comprehensive approach ensures that Polartec continues to lead in creating high-performance textiles that prioritize environmental responsibility and contribute to a more sustainable future.”
