Cotton Incorporated announced its collaboration with PurThread Technologies, Inc. to bring PurThread’s permanently embedded anti-odor solution to cotton knit and woven fabrics. Cotton Incorporated has developed cotton-rich fabrics with PurThread that offer a nice hand and uniform colors, all while offering permanent anti-odor benefits as retail brands and consumers continue to seek fabrics that lend performance attributes while maintaining the luxurious look and feel of cotton.

PurThread’s inherent antimicrobial technology incorporates EPA-registered recycled silver salts into staple fiber and filament yarn at the extrusion level. This lends permanent fabric protection from odor-causing bacteria, mold, mildew and fungus, yielding antimicrobial benefits that do not wash away or wear off for the life of the fabric. It also does not change the fabric’s physical characteristics.

Consumers know and love cotton, and they have come to expect performance technologies like odor control in their athletic apparel. The continued growth of the athleisure category creates an ideal opportunity to expand established athletic apparel performance technologies to additional categories, such as denim, said Mark Messura, Cotton Incorporated Senior Vice President, Global Supply Chain Marketing.

The fabrics created through this collaboration maintain the look and feel of cotton and add long-lasting anti-odor properties. The PurThread technology is effective and does not impact fabric design. They look forward to sharing these developments with the industry because they believe it is right innovation at the right time.

Lisa Grimes, CEO of PurThread Technologies said that theyare pleased to have their antimicrobial efficacy validated by such a highly regarded organization. Blending PurThread with cotton to offer permanent antimicrobial protection offers tangible benefits – apparel can be worn for longer periods of time between washings, helping to reduce water consumption and energy usage. This is an exciting collaboration that should yield some great new performance fabrics across multiple markets.

Cotton Incorporated, funded by U.S. cotton producers and importers of cotton and cotton textile products, conducts worldwide research and promotion activities to increase the demand for and profitability of cotton. While PurThread Technologies, Inc. employs technology to embed a proprietary blend of EPA-registered recycled silver salts into the core of fiber. PurThread yarns are 100% Made in the USA and the products made with PurThread range from healthcare textiles, such as privacy curtains and scrubs, to freshness products, such as performance athletic wear and socks.