Profile of Polartec: a pioneer in synthetic fleece materials and innovator in performance fabrics for the textile and clothing industry

30 pages, published in Issue 221, October 2023   Report price: Euro 470.00; US$ 615.00

Polartec is a company based in the USA which specialises in the manufacture of a range of performance textiles. The best known of these is Fleece Series--a 100% polyester fabric and successor to the original Polarfleece fabric. Polartec manufactures a variety of products which fall under five key categories, namely base layer fabrics, insulation materials, treatments and finishes, weather resistant fabrics, and flame resistant fabrics. It caters to a broad range of markets, and supplies fabrics to more than 220 brand partners--including leading sportswear brands such as adidas, Nike and Under Armour. Furthermore, it considers itself to be a trailblazer in the implementation of environmentally sustainable practices. In particular, it is committed to using recycled materials--particularly recycled polyester derived from post-consumer polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic bottles--and it seeks to employ distribution methods and production methods which have a low impact on the environment. The company operates production processes which are less resource-intensive than conventional processes, it captures and repurposes textile waste generated by its production lines, and it uses energy-efficient compressors, ventilation and lighting systems at its facilities. In addition, Polartec has established several initiatives aimed at reducing microplastics pollution and eliminating the use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), also known as "forever chemicals".

SUMMARY


INTRODUCTION


BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT


ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY


• Eco-Engineering
• Shed Less
• Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs)

PRODUCT INNOVATIONS


• Base layer fabrics
• Insulation materials
• Treatments and finishes
• Weather resistant fabrics
• Flame resistant (FR) fabrics

OUTLOOK


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Product Overview

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