Specialty Fabrics Review September 2020 - 32

"However, a larger value proposition
might be that it can also collect data for
immediate use or send it to the cloud for
data storage," he continues. "The smart
textile can provide a means to feed the
IoT [Internet of Things]. "[Additionally],
having access to data is what drives the
development of new technology."
One of the biggest threats Fetterman
sees to ongoing smart-textile innovation
is COVID-19, which could affect project
funding, making new projects a tough sell.
"Companies won't be so quick to invest
in unproven ideas," he says. "We must
continue to invest in the textile space,
but benchtop analysis and thoroughly
developed value propositions will be
required even more than before."
Bally Ribbon Mills engineers and
manufactures woven materials for use in a
variety of critical applications. This woven
reinforcement layer of coated polyester and
embedded sensor collects data on stress
and strain. Photo: Bally Ribbon Mills.

Devan encapsulates and integrates inactive
probiotics into textiles. Friction opens these
microcapsules, releasing the spores, which
then absorb humidity and self-activate,
transforming into probiotic bacteria that
consume allergens left behind by dogs
and cats. Dubbed Purissimo, the allergen
control solution has been applied on
substrates such as carpeting, mattresses
and upholstery. Photo: Devan.

TEXTILE-BASED HEALTH
AND WELLNESS
Headquartered in Belgium, with a U.S.
office in Greenville, S.C., Devan has
been devising textile solutions for more
than 40 years, with activities covering
thermoregulation (PCM/phase change
material); performance (antimicrobial,
virus reducing solutions, stain release,
insect repellent); health and wellness
(skincare CBD, allergy reduction solutions,

perfume); protection (flame-retardant
solutions); and functional masterbatches.
"We cover all manner of textiles, from
bedding and clothing, home textiles like
upholstery and curtains, to transport
textiles such as in aircrafts, trains and
automotive, as well as nonwovens for
hygiene," says Sven Ghyselinck, CEO.
For bedding and home textiles, the
company's thermoregulation solutions
offer several benefits-such as a longerlasting thermoregulation effect promoting
a better, deeper sleep-that vary depending
on the product selected.
"Our first focus has been improving
sleep quality for consumers," Ghyselinck
explains. "Globally, insomnia and lack
of sleep are real issues. It was obvious
technology that could help consumers
sleep faster and/or better has a value
proposition in the home textiles world."
Devan also offers a solution that helps
protect against pet allergens. Dubbed
Purissimo, this consists of inactive
probiotics encapsulated and integrated into
textiles like mattresses, pillows, blankets,
upholstery and carpets. Friction activates
the microcapsules, which release the
spores. The spores are then transformed
into probiotic bacteria and begin
consuming the allergens left behind by
dogs and cats. (Purissimo is added to
textiles via padding or industrial textile
spray application processes)
In late 2019 and early 2020, the company
launched three bio-sourced solutions
relevant to home textiles: Tones of Cool®
Bio, for PCM/thermoregulation in bedding;
Bio-flam, flame retardants for mattresses
and upholstery, compliant with California
Proposition 65; and Bio-Ome® Natural,
delivering antimicrobial/odor control to
bedding, home textiles and apparel.
"We believe the latest trend is
about bringing health and wellness
to textiles," says Ghyselinck. "As we
experience during COVID-19, people
spend much more time at home and

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Specialty Fabrics Review September 2020

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