“T
he best part of the project was the synergies between the different partners, the knowledge gained, and the joint approach to the market.”
Innovation in textiles involves finding better ways to enhance performance and comfort whilst reducing environmental impact. In collaboration with IMPETUS Portugal Têxteis. and Woolmark, we introduce a new development: a wool-alginate fibre blend that enhances the natural benefits of wool.
Merino wool and alginate fibre: A complementary blend
Merino Wool is well-known for its breathability, thermoregulation, moisture-wicking, and biodegradability. The addition of alginate fibre, a natural fibre derived from brown seaweed, enhances these properties by providing:
- Improved skin comfort & hydration: High moisture content (~20.7%) softer next to skin hydration.*
- Antibacterial & anti-microbial properties: Helps reduce bacteria, making it suitable for garments worn close to the skin.
- Flame retardancy: LOI (Limiting Oxygen Index) of 45%, offering a higher level of fire resistance than traditional fibres.*
- Moisture absorption: Alginate fibres swell when exposed to moisture, enhancing comfort in activewear and PPE or workwear.
- Antistatic properties: as the fibre can absorb moisture vapour, it tends not to create static electricity, helping it to drape well.
*the values are from testing a 100% Alginate fibre yarn. Tests for the wool blend are currently in progress
Natural sources, advances application
The wool-alginate blend supports circular textile manufacturing. Alginate fibre is sourced from seaweed, a continuously renewable material that does not require land, freshwater, or pesticides. The production process begins with the extraction of sodium alginate from brown seaweed, which is then transformed into calcium alginate through an ion-exchange reaction. The fibres are produced through a wet-spinning technique, where the alginate solution is extruded into a calcium bath, solidifying into stable fibres. This method results in a fibre with high moisture absorption and natural flame resistance. The final product is biodegradable and compostable, supporting a circular lifecycle without contributing to microplastic pollution.
This fabric can be applied in various industries, including:
- Performance apparel: Base layers, outdoor gear, and activewear.
- Medical & hygiene textiles: Wound care fabrics, hygiene products, and antimicrobial garments.
- Cosmetotextiles: Garments infused with bioactive skincare benefits.
- Workwear & uniforms: Naturally flame-resistant and protective fabrics.
- Home textiles: Antibacterial bedding and upholstery solutions.
Design considerations, challenges and learnings
IMPETUS focused on versatility and simplicity, ensuring the garment transitions easily from indoor to outdoor use. The design was inspired by biophilic structures found in plant cells, aiming to promote comfort and well-being.
Developing the wool-alginate blend required overcoming several challenges:
- Ensuring the yarn’s versatility across different fabric types to achieve consistent quality.
- Selecting appropriate dyeing and finishing processes to maintain the wool-alginate blend’s integrity.
- Conducting rigorous lab testing to validate durability, performance, and sustainability.
Despite these challenges, the final product demonstrated that wool-alginate textiles can be maintained similarly to conventional wool fabrics, making them easier to integrate into everyday use.
Partners
This wool-alginate blend demonstrates how collaboration and innovation can lead to new textile solutions.
The Woolmark Company
The Woolmark Company is a global authority on wool, highlighting Australian wool’s position as the ultimate natural fibre and premier ingredient in luxury apparel. The Woolmark logo is one of the world’s most recognized and respected brands, providing assurance of the highest quality and representing pioneering excellence and innovation from farm through to finished product.
IMPETUS
IMPETUS is a leading textile manufacturer specializing in high-quality knitted fabrics and garments. Based in Portugal, the company is known for its expertise in innovation, sustainability, and performance-driven textiles. IMPETUS integrates advanced production techniques with a strong commitment to environmental responsibility, offering high-end solutions for fashion, activewear, and technical textiles.
Südwolle Group
Südwolle Group is a global producer of worsted yarn in pure wool and wool blends for weaving, circular, flat knitting and technical applications with collections focused on different segments of the global textile market. The company, with over 3000 employees globally, has production facilities in Germany, Italy, Poland, Romania, Bulgaria, China and Vietnam and is located in the Nuremberg metropolitan area of Germany.
Want to start your own alginate fibre developement?
Get in touch now!
Check out our stories:
Share it on:
