PCR insulation for sportswear

At the forthcoming ISPO sportsgear show, taking place in Munich, from January 29 to February 1, Thermore will introduce its new range of TMK and Rinnova nonwoven insulation products for apparel and sleeping bags.

TMK products now contain 50% post-consumer recycled (PCR) polyester fibres, while Rinnova are 100% PCR.

The TMK range offers maximum design flexibility for outerwear and related accessories. Thermore’s patented SR (special reduction) process allows up to four thicknesses per weight category – High Loft, Compact, Super Compact and Ultra Compact. SR supplies a variance in the thickness of a chosen weight without a proportional loss in thermal value.

A TMK 170g material, for example, can be reduced by 50% in thickness with only a 10% reduction in warmth. It is also possible to ‘mix’ different thicknesses of a given weight on the same garment to achieve the highest level of customisation.

Such products, says the company, should remain structurally stable over their lifetimes. If the insulation is allowed to break down, then the product becomes less thermally efficient and also becomes prone to the problem of fibre migration. Essentially, this occurs when the polyester fibres are able to destabilize from the structure and find their way through the lining or shell of the outerwear. This can quickly give the garment a sub-standard appearance and also cover mid-layer clothing with an assortment of unsightly fibres.

Thermore has solved the issue of fibre migration with a proprietary finishing process that keeps the polyester fibers stabilized during normal wear and machine washing. This safeguard is achieved without the use of a scrim, which adds cost, negatively effects the hand, and is in any case only a short term solution.

The Italian company celebrates its 40th anniversary at this year’s ISPO, and reports that brands currently incorporating its products include Bogner, Colmar, Eddie Bauer, EMS, Fjallraven, Head, Intersport, Napapijri, Mammut, Spyder and Volcom.