WEINHEIM - A collaboration between Freudenberg Performance Materials and Ratti, the Italian fashion textile company, has resulted in process for re-using silk textiles for use in thermal insulation in the apparel sector.
The two companies have been working together on sustainability projects since the start of this year, with Ratti now launching the high performance wadding onto the market with support from Freudenberg as a production partner.
The practice of using recycled materials from other industries, such as post-consumer PET bottles, has been common practice in the textile industry for years. Freudenberg and Ratti are now re-using silk textiles from the apparel sector in a jointly developed process. Ratti re-uses silk textiles (outer fabrics/clothing) and Freudenberg uses this to produce thermal insulation made from 70% re-used silk, which Ratti then markets.
In addition, Freudenberg ´s solvent-free manufacturing process for the waddings significantly reduces the environmental impact of the new process. “Our partnership with Ratti proves once again what joint innovation work can achieve. Thus, we make a valuable contribution to extending the scope of sustainability within the textile industry,” explained Jonathan Oh, general manager Freudenberg Performance Materials Apparel.
According to Freudenberg its existing technology platform allows it to offer sustainable solutions for a wide range of applications. Airlaid technology plays a key role in the re-use of silk textiles, enabling Freudenberg to produce waddings with a three-dimensional structure from this material.
This leads to the formation of countless tiny air chambers, which give the padding excellent thermal insulation properties combined with exceptional breathability, the company said, noting that the high dimensional stability and wash resistance, as well as its durability, made the product an ideal choice for environmentally conscious outdoor enthusiasts.
