Houston, Texas-based Fibre52 Cotton has unveiled a patent-pending technology to revolutionize the way cotton is prepared and dyed, significantly reducing the use of water and energy, eliminating away with harsh chemicals, and providing a cotton fiber that is more enduring and improved for natural performance to compete with synthetics.

Since approximately 80 years ago, the conventional way of treating cotton has included dangerous chemicals and intense heat that weaken the cotton fibers.

The licensed procedure used by Fibre52 Cotton substitutes toxic chemicals with bioactive compounds and pre-treats cotton with lower heat settings, saving up to 50% in water, energy, and cycle time. Instead of having the usual clingy cotton feel, the cotton incorporates Fibre52's dye technology to maintain its natural characteristics and allow moisture to be transported away from the skin. Fibre52 cotton excels on the comfort scale by generating a layer of dry air adjacent to the skin and acting as a smart moisture and heat regulator.

Laura Thornquist, president of Fibre52, said that their patent-pending technology blends the comfort of cotton with strength and moisture-management performance much better than poly-anything does so that you can be comfortable in a wider variety of temperatures. This low-cost, environmentally friendly alternative technology is simple to implement, enabling textile manufacturers to use their existing equipment without additional capital investments. It also produces repeatable coloration and shade of material without the need to modify dye recipes.

Performance functionality has been demonstrated through a stringent series of tests that were conducted by SGS and North Carolina State University. On dynamic cooling and drying rate tests, as well as for low pilling and enhanced tear strength, the results place Fibre52 highly. The experiments showed that the new cotton has a consistent heat flux and a quick drying period, demonstrating that the wearer will be more comfortable in hot and cold weather since the microclimate changes gradually.

Harrie Schoots, president of the American Society of Textile Chemists and Colorists, said that polyester and cotton have been in competition for decades to be the fabric that incorporates the finest attributes of synthetic and natural fibers. In the battle to create an ultra-performance fabric that doesn't require any treatments and offers the best of both worlds — maximum continuous comfort in a naturally breathable fabric that regulates moisture and dries quickly — Fiber52 delivers a significant advantage to the cotton side.

Also, Fibre52 represents a major improvement in sustainability for both the garment sector and the production process. The new technology reduces water and electricity use by up to 50%, substitutes bioactive ingredients for toxic chemicals, and speeds up the dyeing process by up to two hours. Fibre52 helps the circular economy by advancing a recyclable fabric that lasts longer and making it simpler to replace fabrics and fibers made from petroleum.