Polartec launches fabrics based on plant-based Biolon™ nylon, delivering the perfect balance of performance and sustainability

How can performance fabrics be made more sustainable without compromising performance? We can blend the fiber with plant-based Biolon™ nylon.

Polartec is a Milliken & Company
Company, a premium creator of innovative and more sustainable textile solutions, has upgraded two of its legacy product platforms, now using Biolon™ plant-based nylon fibers and films, for sustainability in high-performance fabrics. Sets new standards. Polartec® with Biolon™ nylon fibers and films
Power Shield™ and Power Stretch™ Pro fabrics will be available for the first time this fall.

Ramesh, senior vice president of Milliken & Company’s Polartec business
“It was a big challenge to take on a technology that was already considered to be at the pinnacle of performance, but the Polartec team rose to the challenge and we believe we have set a new standard for sustainability in performance fabrics,” said Kesh.

Biolon™ is a renewable, non-GMO, plant-based nylon with a 50% lower carbon footprint than virgin nylon 6,6. Biolon™ nylon has properties closer to those of nylon 6,6 than many of the regenerated nylon alternatives currently on the market.

Polartec staple products have been redesigned with Biolon™ nylon to do better in terms of performance and sustainability. New Polartec® Power launching this fall
In Shield™ and Power Stretch™ Pro fabrics, Biolon™ plant-based nylon accounts for nearly half (45% to 48%) of the total nylon fibers and films.

This innovation is another success in Polartec’s sustainability journey, which aims to increase the input of recycled and bio-based ingredients across the Polartec range, reduce the brand’s reliance on fossil raw materials and reduce its carbon footprint. The company says a key aspect to note is that there is no compromise on functionality while being more sustainable.

Ramesh
Kesh said: “For too long, many people have believed that sustainable choices mean a loss of performance, such as durability. Polartec has proven that this is not the case. Polartec believes that making the world a better place is everyone’s responsibility. Based on Biolon™ plants The launch of Kinilon’s products marks an important step in this journey.”

Here’s a look at how Polartec’s premium fabrics will be updated with Biolon™ nylon:

Polartec® Power Shield™: Polartec® Power
Shield™ contains 48% Biolon™ plant-based nylon, which reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 50% compared to fossil-based nylon. Its minimum waterproof rating is 20K mm (ISO
811), the minimum breathability level is 20K g/m2/24 hours (JIS L1099, B1).

Polartec® Power Stretch™
Pro: Consisting of a highly durable nylon outer layer and a soft, comfortable polyester inner layer, this reversible fabric is durable, comfortable, breathable and features 4-way stretch. Polartec’s latest fabric successfully replaces half of fossil-based nylon with Biolon™ plant-based nylon. Using Biolon™ plant-based nylon reduces your carbon footprint by 50% compared to virgin nylon, while retaining all the benefits of this iconic fabric.

Karen, Director of Product Management at Polartec
Beattie reiterated the company’s commitment to sustainable products: “Sustainability is at the core of what we do at Polartec. We are improving our sustainable materials capabilities by exploring new fibers, employing advanced manufacturing techniques, promoting innovation and working with partners. This comprehensive approach ensures Polartec continues to lead the way in creating high-performance textiles that prioritize environmental responsibility and contribute to a more sustainable future.”