In an impressive leap toward sustainable apparel, Paradise Textiles, the material innovation center of Alpine Group, has announced the launch of the first garment made with Kintra Fibers’ bio-synthetic fiber. This pioneering collaboration utilizes Kintra’s breakthrough bio-based resin, offering a lower-carbon, renewable alternative to traditional fossil-fuel-derived synthetics.
Lewis Shuler, Head of Innovation at Paradise Textiles, shared the inspiration behind the project: “At Paradise Textiles, we’re always looking for new fiber technologies that have a lower carbon footprint and are good substitutes for synthetics derived from fossil fuels.” With Kintra’s technology, the partnership aims to leverage bio-based materials to develop various fabrics suitable for various apparel applications.
The unique advantages of Kintra’s bio-based fiber stand out in its impressive environmental impact reductions. Kintra’s resin can be produced on standard polyester manufacturing machinery, yet its production promises to cut emissions by 95%, water usage by 30%, and energy consumption by 20%. These advancements stem from the fiber’s bio-based feedstock, lower processing temperatures, and efficient production techniques, which are expected to decrease further downstream emissions in processes like spinning, dyeing, and finishing.
Paradise Textiles’ fabric testing revealed the material’s outstanding characteristics, showing that Kintra yarns match polyester’s strength but with additional benefits: they are four times softer and twice as stretchy, creating a distinctive fabric profile. “Paradise Textiles decided to introduce a jacket made from Kintra because of its exceptional abrasion and pilling resistance, which increases garment longevity and reduces microfiber shedding,” the company noted. These qualities make Kintra’s fiber ideal for outerwear and similar applications.
Expressing optimism about the partnership, Kintra Fibers’ CEO and co-founder, Billy McCall, said, “We are thrilled about the possibilities this collaboration holds as we proceed towards commercial-scale production, and Paradise Textiles’ proficiency in creative fabric development has been crucial in realizing our vision.” With this first garment launch, Paradise Textiles and Kintra Fibers set a new benchmark for sustainable textiles, offering a durable, high-performance option with a reduced environmental footprint.
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