Austrian textile manufacturer Dyntex has developed two new ultralight biosynthetic fabrics for high performance apparel.

Dyntex Biodegradable and Dyntex Biological Origin are the culmination of three years R&D, with company CEO, Mathias Braun suggesting: “They have what it takes to revolutionise the market for environmentally friendly functional fabrics.”

Breganz-based Dyntex has created what it says is the first ever ultralight functional fabric that biodegrades in landfill in just five years. The lightweight yarn used is Italian firm Fulgar’s Amni Soul Eco product; this, it’s said, enables fabric to be produced weighing just 38 grams per square metre.

Dyntex Biodegradable materials decompose into CO2, methane and biomass and have been verified by laboratory tests conducted in the US that assessed anaerobic biodegradation pursuant to the international ASTM D5511 (ISO 15985) standard. Standard polyamides typically take ten times longer to biodegrade. When combined with a biodegradable lining, this makes it possible to manufacture fully biodegradable products.

Given that the company will target the athletic apparel market with its new biodegradable fabric, the material also boasts a number of performance characteristics, including water repellency, breathability and durability. Finishes used are also fluorocarbon-free, eliminating harmful by-products which are typically a pitfall of water repellent treatments.

Dyntex’s second innovation is its Biological Origin branded fabric which is based on a bio-polymer extracted from the castor oil plant. The castor oil plant is said to be an ideal raw material to develop such fabrics. This because It grows in arid, nutrient-poor soil, requires little water, and is not edible. This means the castor oil plant does not compete with the cultivation of food crops in the agricultural industry.

The Austrian firm expects its new products to “play a critical role in protecting the environment for future generations.” Though its predominant focus will be on athletic apparel and athleisurewear, the company says it predicts rapid growth as per the industry’s wider demand for new sustainable solutions.

Already it’s said that an Italian fashion label will leverage the new fabric innovations. This month the first jackets made from Dyntex fabrics are expected to be launched.

Courtesy: Eco Textile News