Specialty Fabrics Review July 2022 - 17

Modular sneakers
are designed for the
circular economy
P
ortuguese industrial designer
Diogo Pimenta has launched a
three-part modular sneaker called
LAYERS, designed to support the
circular economy. Its consumption
model is based on two complementary
loops that are similar to biological cycles in nature: an increased
product life with customization, and moving from disposable to
renewable footwear. Because sneakers are typically stitched and
glued together, they're impossible to recycle. LAYERS shoes'
self-locking system consisting of the sole, the outer sole, and the
cut form a shoe that's easy to assemble and disassemble. Users
can customize the product by choosing from a variety of colors,
materials, shapes and finishes.
Produced in Portugal, where Pimenta resides, the footwear has
a short route from idealization to manufacturing, which contributes
to a low-carbon footprint and supports the local economy. The
project was selected as a 2021 nominee for the Green Concept
Award. Source: designboom.com
Spun yarn enables
stretch in linen fabric
D
uPont has announced that JP
Modatex India and DuPont
Biomaterials are launching a new
spun yarn collection made with a
blend of natural fibers and DuPont™
Sorona®
staple fibers. The collection
brings together linen and partially
plant-based Sorona®
fibers to create spun yarns for apparel
with stretch, moisture management, drape and luxurious hand
feel. Until now, quality stretch linen was not available due to the
incompatibility of linen and spandex. This new concept fills a
need for stretch linen without spandex and provides an option for
designers needing a more sustainable product.
JP Modatex is the manufacturer of premium and specialty
ring spun yarns for apparel and home textiles, providing
specialty yarns globally, with a focus on 100 percent linenhemp
and other blends. DuPont's Sorona®
brand is made from
37 percent renewable plant-based ingredients. Fibers made
with Sorona®
polymer are currently used in various apparel
applications, including athleisure and athletic wear, insulation,
swimwear, outerwear, suiting, faux fur and others.
SpecialtyFabricsReview.com 17
New insulating material
is inspired by squid skin
R
esearchers at the University of
California, Irvine (UCI) have invented
a new insulation material inspired by
cephalopod (squid) skin. The innovation is
an infrared-reflecting metallized polymer
film developed in the laboratory of Alon
Gorodetsky, UCI associate professor. The
composite material regulates heat by
means of reconfigurable metal structures
that can reversibly separate from one
another and come back together under
different strain levels.
According to Gorodetsky, " The mechanism
is analogous to chromatophore
expansion and contraction in a squid's
skin, which alters the reflection and
transmission of visible light. "
A key breakthrough of this project
was the UCI researchers' development
of a cost-effective production method of
their composite material at applicationrelevant
quantities. It could be used to
insulate beverage containers, restaurant
to-go bags, parcel boxes and even
shipping containers. Photo: © Ribe,
dreamstime.com
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Specialty Fabrics Review July 2022

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