Honoring the latest and best innovations since 1963, the R&D 100 Awards identify the top revolutionary technologies introduced to the market in the past year.
Polartec® Power Air™ is an innovative new platform offering advanced thermal efficiency by encapsulating lofted fibres within a multi-layer, continuous yarn fabric construction. Insulation that effectively regulates core body temperature has traditionally been achieved via lofted or high pile knit structures that hold warm air. Although Polartec® is a leader in making resilient materials, it has recongised that any exposed fibre is susceptible to shedding as a function of normal wear.
As the first fabric construction to encase air with a continuous yarn, the initial version of Polartec® Power Air™ has been proven to shed at least five times less than other premium mid-layer weight fabrics. The foundational technology platform will eventually provide shedding reduction to all existing apparel categories [including insulation, lightweight next-to-skin and extreme weather protection].
“It’s a great honour to receive an R&D 100 Award”, says Steve Layton, President of Polartec®. “Polartec® Power Air™ is a step forward in reducing the environmental impact of what we make and wear, and it’s also a whole new experience with its distinctive aesthetics and drag-free, lively performance.”
The R&D 100 Awards have served as the most prestigious innovation awards’ program for the past 25 years, providing accolades for great R&D pioneers and their revolutionary ideas in science and technology. Honouring the top technologies of the past year, winners are selected for one of six categories. This year, Polartec® Power Air™ won for the Mechanical/Materials category.
“These 100 winning products and technologies are the disruptors that will change industries and make the world a better place in the coming years,” says Paul J. Heney, Vice Present, Editorial Director for R&D World.
Polartec® Power Air™ has received numerous awards around the world for its breakthrough future fabric construction technology. Now including the R&D 100 Award, a full list of recognitions is below:
- Outdoor Retailer Innovation Awards
- Trail magazine - Ethical choice
- ISPO TexTrends – BEST PRODUCT
- 2019 SKI Gear of the Year
- 2019 R&D 100 Award
- 2019 Sourcing Journal “Sustaining Voices” Honouree
- EcoSport Awards
- Backpacker 2019 Editors’ Choice Awards – Green Award
- World Textile information network “Future Textile Award for Best Innovation: Sustainable Textiles”.
Polartec® Power Air™ product is currently available from Adidas, Burton, Houdini and NOBULL.