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Polartec wins IFF Innovation Award for Alpha

26 Oct '13

2 min read

The Industrial Fabrics Foundation (IFF) recently announced the recipient of the 2013 IFF Innovation Award. Foundation representatives announced the innovation award during the Specialty Fabrics Expo 2013 and Advanced Textiles Conference & Trade Show, October 23 - 25, 2013, in Orlando, Fla.

Polartec LLC of Lawrence, Mass. is the recipient of the 2013 IFF Innovation Award. The company won for a project called Polartec Alpha. Polartec was one of 19 entries from 18 companies around the world, and was awarded a prize of $5,000. The top 10 entries will also be featured in the February issue of Specialty Fabrics Review.

Unlike down and existing synthetic insulation batting, Polartec Alpha is a highly stable layer allowing for the use of more open and breathable fabrics on the outer and inner layers of "puffy" style garments. As a result, Polartec Alpha provides active warmth that allows air exchange for breathability and comfort in more dynamic situations.

Classic puffy garments require "down-proof" or high-density woven layers that create a vapor barrier. Although they work well in static conditions, these classic puffy garments trap moisture inside the garment during even minimal activity.

The purpose of the IFF Innovation Award is to inspire companies from all over the world to not only come up with great ideas, but to make them happen. IFF wants to tell the stories of great specialty fabric manufacturers and suppliers who have challenged the norm and succeeded and who are leading the way to unchartered territories. IFF wants these companies and their stories to inspire others in the industry, acting as benchmarks for others to surpass.

Innovation is the heart of creating a specialty fabrics industry that will inspire technology in the 21stcentury. The IFF Innovation Award transforms that idea into action.

IFAI

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