AEC and AITEX are launching the study of high performance fibres through which footwear component companies will have important information to be able to advance in the development of their textile products.
The purpose of this study is to propose, in view of the universe of textile fibres with specific functionalities, currently available on the market, and their forms of presentation in textile structures (yarns and fabrics), their possibilities of use as components of different types of urban, domestic, sports or work footwear, in order to improve their performance.
Of the entire universe of textile fibres available in this study, only ‘non-conventional’ fibres are considered, with ‘conventional’ or traditionally used fibres being understood as natural fibres (cotton, wool, linen, etc.) and synthetic fibres (polyester, polyamide, acrylic and polyolefins).
Fibres that provide a specific functional characteristic (high mechanical resistance, antibacterial effect, electrical conductivity, etc.) with respect to the aforementioned structures (section, fineness, etc.) may provide a specific functional behaviour (improved breathability, thermal insulation, etc.) are therefore the subject of this study.
Finally, due to the growing social awareness of environmental issues, the study has also considered the so-called ‘ecological’ fibres or fibres from renewable resources which, in some cases in recent years, are gaining significant market shares or constitute a commitment to the future made by fibre manufacturing companies.
In any case, the criterion is valid for all fibre types falling under the four classification criteria indicated, not necessarily new fibre types that have recently appeared, but their availability on the market at reasonable cost prices.
This study was carried out by AITEX in collaboration with AEC and financed by European funds in 2010 and, due to the importance of its research content, it is still in force today, serving as a tool for consultation and study for companies in the footwear components sector.
This study was presented by Javier Pascual, Head of Projects at AITEX, during FUTURMODA.
AITEX Project Manager, Javier Pascual, tells us the details of this study in which more than 50 classified fibres have been analysed which, due to their characteristics, can add value to the final product.
