[pageLogInLogOut]

#Techtextil 2019

High interest in fire resistant yarns Metamicro and racing suit Prime SP-16+ at Techtextil

Filidea Protal and Metamicro yarns (c) 2019 Filidea
Filidea produces exclusively for Sparco the fire resistant yarns Metamicro, used for the Premium range of racing suits for Formula 1 and the World Rally Championship. At Techtextil in Frankfurt the company successfully presented the last frontier of innovation in racing suits made with yarns in Metamicro. This is the model Prime SP-16+, designed in collaboration with the Team McLaren Honda F.1

The spinning mill Filidea, joint venture between Marchi & Fildi spa and Abaloglu Holding A.S specialized in technical and high performance yarns with natural and synthtic  fibers, is parter of Sparco, Italian Company leader for the production of automotive components and technical apparels for the most important world Championships.

The cooperation between the two Companies located in Piedmont, northern Italy, is focused on the supply of yarns with Metamicro in an exclusive composition, that are used for the production of the racing suits Sparco of the Premium range for Formula 1 and the World Rally Championship.

The fire resistant yarn Metamicro based on aramidic fibers are a product of the latest generation, for their production it is necessary a special spinning line. The production is following the strict Sparco standards. Sparco controls all the production chain of racing suits, from Filidea, who has the competence to dye all the yarns with aramidic fibers in its own dyeing plant, to the woven fabric, produced and dyed in its own plant, to the woven fabric made by the italian Company TAT, till the production of garments. The process is always improved and tested.

Metamicro yarns are made by an high peformance spinning process. They are used for the production of  fire resistant fabrics, that make a protection barrier for the body against  ames and high temperature. The very  fine micronage allows the production of very light fabrics with thick texture, the perfect base for light and comfortable suits. These features assure easier movements to the driver and the maximum protection from  fire, keeping high breathability.

The model Prime SP-16+ represents the perfect application of this technology, designed in cooperation with the Team McLaren Honda F.1. This racing suit is FIA approved and it is the lightest suit in the world.Sparco raised the bar to new levels to the highest performance limit.

Filidea racing suits in MetaMicro (c) 2019 Filidea
Filidea racing suits in MetaMicro (c) 2019 Filidea


Prime Sp-16 was born in Sparco R&D division and has exceptional performance: it is the lightest suit in the world, (Fernando Alonso’s suits weight is less than 600 g), its breathability and comfort are unique. The suit is composed by 2-fabrics layers, made by Metamicro yarns. It has all the latest accessories such as a lighter, slimmer zip, ultra-thin stitching to give a at stitching pattern.Metamicro is the principle of the whole Premium Sparco collection, both for woman and man and of some iconic models. 

The celebration suit made for the retire of Fernando Alonso from Formula 1 was in exhibition at Filidea stand during Techtextil, too. Of course it was in the center of attraction for many visitors.

More News from TEXDATA International

#ITM 2026

ITM 2026: The new geography of textile production

New production hubs are emerging across North Africa and Central Asia, while Türkiye is accelerating its transformation toward higher-value, technology-driven and more sustainable textile manufacturing.

#Research & Development

“Production is a product”

From technical textiles and AI-driven robotics to the limitations of textile circularity: Professor Dr Thomas Gries looks back on more than two decades of development at ITA Aachen. In the interview, he explains why production technology remains a decisive success factor, discusses international collaborations and innovation ecosystems, and shares his views on the transformation of production landscapes and the challenges facing an increasingly regulated industry.

#Knitting & Hosiery

“We need to move away from the price trap and return to a value-driven mindset.”

With its new Textile Innovation Center, KARL MAYER is sending a strong signal for innovation, collaboration, and the future of textile applications. In this interview, Karl Josef Mayer discusses new opportunities in warp knitting, the processing of staple fibres, recycling, the changing role of machinery manufacturers, and why the textile industry must once again focus more strongly on the value of textiles. by Oliver Schmidt

#Associations

“Innovation, resilience and international experience remain the great strengths of the Swiss textile machinery industry”

Geopolitical uncertainty, growing competitive pressure from China, new free trade agreements and the shift towards a circular economy are currently reshaping the global textile industry. In this interview, Cornelia Buchwalder discusses the current mood within the Swiss textile machinery sector, the industry’s distinctive innovative strength, new market opportunities in India and Asia, and the technological trends that could shape the upcoming trade fair cycle leading up to ITMA 2027.

More News on Techtextil 2019

Latest News

#Raw Materials

Better Cotton Initiative welcomes new and returning Council members

The Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) has confirmed a series of appointments and reappointments to its Council, the multistakeholder board responsible for BCI’s strategic direction.

#Man-Made Fibers

DYNEEMA® and NP Aerospace advance personal protection for military servicewomen

Dyneema®, owned by Avient Corporation, an innovator of materials solutions, is supplying its high-performance unidirectional (UD) materials to world-leading armor manufacturer NP Aerospace, enabling the production of armor systems designed specifically to fit the female body. With 2,000 new armor systems, including 4,000 plates, made in the United Kingdom (UK) and delivered in June 2026, this collaboration addresses a long-standing lack of high-quality personal protection specially built for female defense and security personnel.

#Man-Made Fibers

Textile Exchange publishes comprehensive polyester LCA study

Textile Exchange has released a new Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) study on polyester, providing detailed data on the environmental impacts of both virgin and recycled polyester production. The study aims to strengthen understanding across the fashion, textile and apparel industries and support more informed decision-making regarding polyester sourcing and production.

#Textiles & Apparel / Garment

Autopsy, the new trend book by Texworld Apparel Sourcing Paris, deciphers the fractures of our time through 12 creative signals

Presented during Texworld Apparel Sourcing Paris, from August 31 to September 2, 2026, at the Paris-Le Bourget Exhibition Center, Autopsy offers a reinterpretation of the contours of fashion in a world undergoing profound transformation, balancing radical introspection and sensitive renewal.

TOP