Ingeo™  Fiber emerging as leader among bio-based products

    As research into biotechnology has continued in earnest during the previous 10 years, it is evident that the textile industry has emerged as one of the leading benefactors of that research.

    Biotechnology has been used in the textile industry for more than 100 years, since amylase enzymes from malt extract were first used to degrade starch-based sizes for cheap and effective desizing.  In the last 20 years a dramatic rise in biotechnology innovations is leading to an escalating number of low-cost and effective biotechnology solutions in textiles processing and the discovery of exciting new fabrics.

   To product those fabrics yarn and fiber manufacturers currently are experimenting with a variety of bio-based products that offer a three-fold market appeal -- one is that the products are derived from a natural renewable resource, are more earth-friendly than synthetics and are far less dependent on petroleum-based ingredients.

   One product that has emerged as a promising alternative to synthetic fibers is Ingeo™ fiber -- derived from corn.

   The company that makes the corn-based plastic resins marketed under the NatureWorks PLA and Ingeo fiber brand is names is NatureWorks LLC.

   Ingeo™ fiber is the world's first manmade fiber derived from 100 percent annually renewable resources.  Ingeo™ fiber is made using fermentation of simple plant sugar as the first step to create a range of textile products and applications.  They could eventually replace many of those products which are currently made from oil and other fossil resources.  The natural versatility of Ingeo™  fiber allows new yarns, fabrics and garments to be created as well as new furnishing, apparel, home textile and industrial solution.

   The process of producing fiber from corn starts with maize which is put through a simple process to make plant sugars.  The sugars are fermented in a process similar to making yogurt.  Then the fermentation products are transformed into a high-performance polymer called polylactide, which is branded NatureWorks PLA, Ingeo™ fiber is extruded from this polymer.

   The production and use of Ingeo™  fiber means less greenhouse gases are added to the atmosphere.  Greenhouse gases are the chief contributor to global climate change.  Compostability and chemical recyclability mean that under the right conditions and with the right handling, the complete life cycle of production, consumption, disposal and re-use is neatly closed.

   Once produced Ingeo™ fiber has a natural feel that provides true innovation from yarns to garments.

   Ingeo™ fiber currently is used in contemporary sportswear, fashion separates, essential and other knitwear.

   The company says Ingeo™ fiber can have the look and feel of natural fibers with a comparable performance of traditional synthetics.  "Touch it, work with it, wash it, wear it -- whether you are looking for moisture management, easy wear, gentle comfort or superior hand and drape, amazing versatile Ingeo™ fiber provides it," says NatureWorks.

    A Hickory hosiery manufacturer has decided to put those qualities in a new line of socks made with Ingeo™ fiber.

   Jonson Hosiery is developing a full line of new Ingeo™ socks and has been more than pleased with the product he has been able to product from the Ingeo™ yarn.

   Dan St. Louis, director of the Hosiery Technology Center, assisted the manufacturer develop the project.  St. Louis describes the luxurious feel of the product as "unbelievable."

   For spun yarns based fabrics, NatureWorks reports the benefits here are "Very real, yet in a way visually subtle."  "In spun form, the products can look a lot like natural fibers (e.g. cotton), so that the wearer is unaware (or at least, not expecting), the performance benefits which exist (basically the fact that it's pleasant to wear -- feels like a natural, yet has moisture management properties like channel fiber -- high wicking, etc)," according to NatureWorks.

  For Filament yarn based fabrics, NatureWorks says difference here are "more visual and obvious -- Ingeo™ fiber give a fabulous visual aesthetic -- some have called it a pearly, transparent sheen."

   NatureWorks lists several Ingeo™  fiber attributes for apparel:

• Ingeo™  is available in both spun and filament forms in a wide variety of counts from micro denier for the finest lightest fabrics to high counts for more robust applications.
• It is derived from naturally occurring plant sugars.  When products come to the end of their useful life, they can be returned to the earth, unlike petroleum based products, which can only be disposed of through thermal recycling, physical recycling or landfill.
• It is reported to have outstanding moisture management properties and low odor retention, giving the wearer optimum comfort and confidence.
• Ingeo™  fiber filament is said to have a subtle luster and fluid drape with a natural hand offering a new material to stimulate creativity.
• Ingeo™ fiberfill allows outerwear garment makers to offer a complete story and a more environmentally friendly alternative to polyester and nylon combinations in padded garments.
• It reportedly outperforms other synthetics in resistance to UV light, retaining strength color and properties overtime.
• Easy care; independent wash and dry cleaning tests have shown that the Ingeo™ fiber garment tested can be laundered using standard washing and drying machines.  Garments in Ingeo™  fiber reportedly demonstrated good soil release, quick drying and show excellent after-wash appearance.

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