Fiber52 Cotton Technology Delivers 50 Percent More Sustainability and Performance

The pending patent delivers the most eco-friendly bleach and dye method, eliminating the usage of harsh chemicals, water, and electricity.

FREMONT, CA: “For decades, polyester and cotton have been in a race to be the fabric that contains the best properties of synthetic and natural fibers,” says Harrie Schoots, President of the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists. Fibre52 Cotton has presented a patent-pending method that will transform the way cotton is prepared and colored by drastically reducing the use of water and energy, removing harsh chemicals, and providing a natural-performance cotton fiber that can compete with synthetics.

“Fibre52 gives a big lead to the cotton team in this race to produce an ultra-performance fabric, with no treatments, that brings the best of both worlds: optimal continuous comfort in a breathable natural fabric that manages moisture and dries quickly,” adds Schoots.

The typical method of treating cotton, which has been used for over 80 years, involves dangerous chemicals and high temperatures that weaken the fibers. The licensed technique of Fibre52 cotton substitutes toxic chemicals with bio-active materials and employs lower amounts of heat in the pretreatment process, resulting in water, energy, and process cycle time savings of up to 50 percent. With the addition of Fibre52's dye technology, cotton keeps its natural characteristics and wicks sweat away from the skin rather than sticking to it. Fibre52 cotton is an intelligent temperature and moisture regulator, generating a layer of dry air adjacent to the skin and achieving a high comfort rating.

“Fibre52s patent-pending technology combines the comfort of cotton with strength properties and moisture-management performance much better than poly-anything does, so you can be comfortable in a wider range of temperatures,” says Laura Thornquist, President of Fibre52. “This inexpensive, eco-friendly alternative technology is easily transferable, allowing textile manufacturers to utilize current machinery with no additional capital investments and repeatable in resultant coloration and shade of material with no need to change dye recipes.”

Under the supervision of NCSU and SGS, Fibre52 underwent many rigorous tests to demonstrate its performance functionality. Fibre52 received top ratings in dynamic cooling and drying rate testing, as well as for less pilling and enhanced tear strength. The experiments found that Fibre52 cotton delivers a consistent heat flux and a quick drying time, indicating that the wearer would be more comfortable in both hot and cold climates because of the gradual change in microclimate.

Fibre52 also marks a big step forward in terms of sustainability for the fashion sector and the production process. The innovative technology substitutes toxic chemicals with bio-active ingredients, consumes up to 50 percent less water and power, and shortens the dyeing process by up to two hours. With its performance characteristics, Fibre52 makes it easier to substitute petroleum-based fibers and fabrics and advances the circular economy with a more durable, recyclable fabric.