#Recycling / Circular Economy

2021-04-08

PrimaLoft introduces fully recycled ethical down alternative, PrimaLoft® Insulation ThermoPlume®

PrimaLoft, Inc., a global leader in advanced material technology, has launched a new version of his best-selling down alternative, PrimaLoft® Insulation ThermoPlume®. This synthetic fill is now made entirely out of post-consumer recycled materials. Four years after the introduction of the first blowable synthetic insulation, the technology has built a strong reputation in the outdoor apparel & fashion markets, with more than 70 brands using the loose-fill microfiber insulation in their product lines for the Fall/Winter ‘21/’22 season.

It looks like down, feels like down, and delivers comparable thermal performance, but PrimaLoft® Insulation ThermoPlume® is 100% synthetic – and now 100% recycled.

“When we first developed PrimaLoft® Insulation ThermoPlume® back in 2017, we answered the growing demand from designers, brands, and customers for an ethical alternative to animal product – a purchase criterion that is becoming ever more important. At the same time, we continued to deliver the excellent performance people expect from PrimaLoft® products”, says Mike Joyce, president and CEO at PrimaLoft. “To achieve the same level of comfort and warmth in a completely recycled version is a logical next step in our Relentlessly Responsible™ approach to elevates both sustainability and performance through innovation.”

PrimaLoft® Insulation ThermoPlume® is manufactured with small, silky fiber plumes that collectively form a loose-fill insulation. It mimics the fluidity, hand-feel and aesthetics of down, but also has the proven water-repellent properties of PrimaLoft® fibers to provide a soft, compressible thermal output, even in wet conditions.

“Its construction allows it to be blown through traditional down-blowing manufacturing equipment, simplifying the manufacturing process for brands and enabling product designers the freedom to create versatile garments that combine the look and feel of down with the water-resistant performance of a synthetic”, states Vanessa Mason, SVP of Engineering at PrimaLoft. “Moreover, it helps to simplify the supply chain, combat the volatility of down prices and provide peace of mind when it comes to the ethical sourcing of materials.”

More than 70 brands to use PrimaLoft® Insulation ThermoPlume®?This synthetic down alternative has been adopted by outdoor and fashion brands all over the globe, since its 2017 introduction. Even before the new 100% recycled iteration, around 40 brands were using PrimaLoft® Insulation ThermoPlume® in their collection. For the upcoming FW21/22 season, and with the introduction of PrimaLoft® Insulation ThermoPlume 100% PCR, the number will raise drastically to over 70, with more than half already switching to the fully recycled version. Brands like 4F, CMP, Ecoalf, Ellesse, Fred Perry, Joe Fresh, Lands’ End, La Sportiva, Millet, Montane, Nike, Peuterey, Picture Organic Clothing, Polo Ralph Lauren, Rossignol, Salomon, Timberland and Woolrich will sell garments with the synthetic down alternative online and in stores, in the upcoming seasons.

Sustainable, lightweight, and sound absorbing: Polyester-based front trunk solution for BEVs

As car manufacturers look to further reduce their carbon footprint, Autoneum has developed an innovative front trunk solution for battery electric vehicles (BEVs), made entirely from polyester-based textile. The Ultra-Silent Frunk offers significant weight reduction, improved acoustic and thermal insulation, and uses up to 70 percent recycled material, supporting sustainable and efficient vehicle design. Autoneum, global technology leader in acoustic and thermal management for vehicles, has already received orders for the new frunk from three major OEMs in Asia and Europe to be built in three BEV models. Series production for two BEVs has been underway in China and Germany since last year.

Modern testing methods for raw cotton

The 38th International Cotton Conference Bremen will take place from 25 to 27 March 2026 at the Bremen Parliament. This conference has traditionally stood for in-depth expertise and international exchange. The program will focus on technical innovations, market trends, and regulatory frameworks across the entire value chain – from agriculture to the circular economy. With high-profile speakers, the conference is regarded as the key meeting point for the global cotton industry. Today’s focus: Cotton quality and testing methods.

Rieter responds to higher raw material prices

Global political and economic developments have been leading to rising raw material and energy costs for some time. The textile machinery industry is also affected by this trend. Rieter machines and components consist to a large extent of steel, copper, aluminum and electronics. These materials in particular have seen higher demand and higher prices in recent months.

Reju announces site selection for first U.S. industrial sized facility regeneration hub in Rochester, New York

Reju, the textile-to-textile regeneration company, today announced it has selected the site for its first U.S.-based industrial facility marking a significant milestone in its efforts to scale globally. This future Regeneration Hub will be in Rochester, New York, reinforcing Reju’s commitment to the adoption of circular textile system across key regions worldwide.

Stäubli demonstrates how innovation translates into real benefits for weaving mills at SITEX 2026

One of India’s most prominent textile industry events, SITEX 2026, is held from February 21 to 23 in Surat. Committed to empowering Indian weaving mills with state‑of‑the‑art solutions tailored to regional needs, Stäubli will present a selection of solutions designed for performance, reliability, and power efficiency. Through its weaving preparation, cam and dobby shedding solutions and Jacquard technologies, Stäubli highlights its global expertise tailored to the specific needs of the local market.

Itema exhibits the two best-selling high-end rapier weaving machines of the Region, R9500EVO and Galileo-RX at SITEX 2026

Following the opening of its new Surat Service Center in November, Itema will exhibit at SITEX (Stand 286) from February 21st to 23rd at the Surat International Exhibition and Convention Centre (SIECC). Surat has long been one of Itema’s most strategic markets, a role further reinforced by the inauguration of the Surat Service Center last November. Equipped with an advanced electronic repair center, a weaving machine behavior simulator, and a local spare parts warehouse, the new facility strengthens Itema’s presence in the region while bringing the company even closer to its Customers.

The hub of smart and sustainable transformation in yarn technologies: ITM 2026

With global fiber production projected to reach 169 million tons by 2030, yarn manufacturing is becoming one of the most strategic fields within the textile machinery industry. Located in Halls 6, 7, and 10, the Yarn Hall at ITM 2026 is set to bring together industry professionals with innovative solutions developed around automation, energy efficiency, digitalization, and circular production.

New DIN SPEC assesses environmental impact of textile fragments in soil

Textile products made from synthetic fibres, finished fabrics or dyed materials release fibre fragments into the environment at every stage of their life cycle. With the new DIN SPEC 19296, Hohenstein has developed a standardised testing method to analyse how these fragments behave in soil under natural conditions. Until now, little was known about their environmental behaviour or potential ecological effects once released.