Global Merino Inc. based in San Anselmo, California, a technical textile manufacturer, using Merino Wool as a primary ingredient participating at the Outdoor Retailer trade show is displaying its new fabrics made from blends of Merino wool and Creora Eco-Soft, a spandex engineered to maintain a soft hand and good drape when mixed with heat-sensitive fibers, including natural fibers such as cotton, wool and silk as well as cellulosics such as rayon, Modal and Tencel.

Global Merino’s new developments include a Merino wool/polyester/Creora Eco-Soft blend for cyclists that offers warmth, comfort, fit and movement. Another fabric is Global Merino’s Mini Terry, which provides warmth without weight as well as freedom of movement for activities such as running, skiing and hiking.

Jose Fernandez, chief executive officer of Global Merino Inc. said that they are using Creora Eco-Soft low-heat-set spandex to maintain the softness of the Merino wool in fabric while delivering stretch and recovery for enhanced comfort and fit.

The company’s developments have been recognized by ISPO Textrends for its base-layer and second-layer fabrications.

Fernandez said that Merino wool works best for technical apparel because of three important qualities: - it is naturally anti-microbial, allows for thermal regulation over a wide range of temperatures (e.g. it insulates well, even when wet) and its extremely fine fibers provide for a very soft feeling against the skin.

Global Merion designs, develop, market, and manage the production of the fabrics. They do their research and development work to create different blends that emphasizes different qualities on their own.

Global Merino internationally sources the finest of merino wools and uses contract spinners and weavers to make very specifically designed woolen fabrics for companies like Patagonia, all within the confines of the very competitive and incredibly deadline sensitive outdoor apparel industry. So far, they have been extremely successful, showing a 50 percent-plus annual growth rate with gross revenues going to $10 million in about five years.

Outdoor Retailer trade show kicked off on 7 January 2016 at Salt Palace Convention Center, in Salt Lake City and will run till 10 January 2016.