With comfortemp Lyocell padding, Freudenberg Performance Materials Apparel has launched the first fully biodegradable padding made from sustainably produced cellulose fibre that completely degrades in soil within just under 60 days.

At the same time, it meets all requirements for high-performance thermal insulation for sports and outdoor clothing. comfortemp Lyocell padding is the result of a cooperative venture with the fibre manufacturer Lenzing. The innovative thermal insulation, launched onto the market in January 2020, was presented for the first time at the ISPO trade fair for the sports business in Munich.

Polyester, which is used in 60 percent of all garments, takes an average of 500 years to degrade. In addition to reduced consumption, more recycling and increasing the quality of garments to ensure that they can be worn for longer, innovative ecological solutions are urgently needed for the end-of garment-life cycle. With the launch of comfortemp, the world’s first 100% biodegradable padding Freudenberg is addressing this issue head on. soil.

The padding is based on Lyocell, which is manufactured by fibre producer Lenzing. Lyocell is a cellulose produced from natural raw materials in an environmentally friendly production process using eucalyptus wood from sustainable forests. The solvent used to obtain the fibres is almost completely reused in the production cycle, which is a clear advantage over other cellulose fibres such as viscose. The EU has presented the process with the European Award for the Environment.

“This innovation is the result of intensive research and close cooperation between Freudenberg and Lenzing. As an ecologically responsible manufacturer of special fibres from the renewable raw material wood, the Lenzing Group is a perfect partner for Freudenberg”, commented Benoit Cugnet, Head of Global Strategic Marketing at Freudenberg Performance Materials Apparel.

The fine fibres created from the natural raw material and their innovative processing enable comfortemp Lyocell padding to be as light as a feather and as efficient as synthetic paddings. The thermal insulation provides warmth and is both soft and highly breathable. Thanks to its excellent moisture management, the padding absorbs body moisture up to 45 percent and thus minimizes perspiration. The thermal insulation is also water-repellent, dries quickly, is antistatic and conforms to the OEKO-TEX 100 standard. Consequently, comfortemp Lyocell padding meets the high demands placed on clothing for sports and outdoor use. “Although the end consumer usually rarely sees or even thinks about the padding, it makes a decisive contribution. After all, it needs to offer protection in all weathers and be able to handle all kinds of sporting activities”, explained Benoit Cugnet, Head of Global Strategic Marketing.
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