BIO-SYNTHETIC FIBRE INNOVATION
A crucial step towards commercial viability is the garment prototype.
Pacific Asia, Kintra Fibres, a pioneer in the development of bio-based fibres, has teamed up with Alpine Group’s material research centre, Paradise Textiles, to produce the first clothing item utilising Kintra’s innovative patented bio-synthetic material. This As a proof-of-concept, the lightweight jacket marks a significant turning point in Kintra’s development as a sustainable substitute for conventional polyester derived from fossil fuels.
Following a successful pilot project in 2023, Kintra and Paradise fabrics worked together to design and thoroughly test fabrics using Kintra’s yarns.
“At Paradise Textiles, we’re always looking for new fibre technologies that have a lower carbon footprint and are practical substitutes for synthetics derived from fossil fuels,” stated Lewis Shuler, Head of Innovation. In addition to fulfilling these requirements, Kintra additionally provides further advantages in performance and effect. We are eager to develop our partnership by taking use of Kintra’s capacity to design a wide variety of textiles.
An environmentally friendly substitute for polyester is offered by Kintra’s exclusive bio-synthetic material. Kintra’s resin, which is produced using the same machinery as regular polyester, is predicted to cut emissions by 95%, water use by 30%, and energy use by 20%. These Improvements are made by the utilisation of bio-based inputs, reduced processing temperatures, and effective manufacturing techniques. The business anticipates further energy savings and lower Scope 3 emissions in downstream operations, such as yarn spinning, dyeing, and finishing, following the conclusion of a comprehensive life cycle study.
According to Paradise Textiles’ testing, Kintra yarns perform similarly to polyester in terms of strength but are four times softer and have twice as much flexibility, creating a distinctive fabric character. Testing of the fabric revealed that Kintra knits and In tests of tensile strength, seam slippage, rip strength, and resistance to abrasion and pilling, wovens are either on par with or better than the polyester standard.
Although the properties of Kintra fabrics are versatile enough for various applications, Paradise Textiles chose to debut a jacket made from Kintra due to its outstanding abrasion and pilling resistance, which enhances garment longevity and minimizes microfiber Two essential characteristics for outerwear are shedding. Additionally, this jacket highlights Kintra’s compatibility with existing textile production machinery and dyeing processes, making it an ideal choice for brands seeking to transition to sustainable materials seamlessly.
“The development of this prototype is a testament to the viability of our material and a significant step forward in transforming the fashion industry towards sustainable practices,” stated Billy McCall, CEO and co-founder of Kintra Fibres. Paradise Textiles’ proficiency in creative We are thrilled about the possibilities our collaboration has as we proceed towards commercial-scale manufacturing, and fabric development has been crucial in realising our vision.