Unifi, Inc. Unveils Integr8™: A Revolutionary, Globally Available Performance-Enhancing Filament Yarn
Unifi, Inc. (together with its consolidated subsidiaries, “UNIFI®”), a global leader in recycled and synthetic yarn innovation and the makers of REPREVE®, proudly announces the launch of Integr8™. This groundbreaking yarn is set to redefine textile sustainability and performance by offering an advanced, multi-functional solution for the industry.
Traceable and containing REPREVE® recycled polyester, Integr8™ is a spandex-free stretch yarn designed to provide superior softness, moisture management, and cutting-edge functionality across various applications. The innovative qualities of Integr8™ enhance the performance of woven, knit, and seamless fabrics, making it an ideal choice for apparel, footwear, and home furnishings.
A Sustainable and Performance-Driven Innovation
The textile industry has long sought alternatives to spandex due to its environmental impact and limited recyclability. With Integr8™, UNIFI addresses these challenges by delivering a sustainable, high-performance filament yarn that eliminates the need for spandex while maintaining flexibility and comfort. This pioneering yarn offers a unique blend of functionality, sustainability, and traceability, making it an essential choice for brands looking to meet ambitious eco-friendly targets.
Eddie Ingle, Chief Executive Officer of Unifi, Inc., emphasized the significance of this launch, stating:
Integr8 represents a breakthrough, particularly for apparel and footwear brands that have long sought the stretch of spandex without the associated environmental burden. With one of the industry’s most comprehensive suites of performance-engineered technologies, UNIFI is ideally positioned to meet the growing demand for sustainable, functional yarn.
Key Features and Benefits of Integr8™
Integr8™ introduces a host of revolutionary features designed to cater to the evolving needs of the textile industry. These attributes position it as one of the most comprehensive sustainable yarns available today:
- Sustainable Composition:
- Integr8™ is a continuous filament yarn that incorporates post-consumer recycled plastic, significantly reducing environmental impact.
- Contains REPREVE® recycled polyester, ensuring sustainability without compromising on performance.
- Revolutionary Performance Enhancements:
- Ultra-soft hand feel for superior comfort.
- Spandex-free comfort stretch, providing flexibility without the drawbacks of traditional elastane fibers.
- Advanced moisture management for a dry, cool feel.
- Evaporative cooling properties that enhance comfort in various climates.
- UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) properties to shield against harmful UV rays.
- Easy-care, low-wrinkle properties that simplify garment maintenance.
- Certified for Quality and Traceability:
- Fully traceable FiberPrint® technology ensures authenticity and transparency in sustainability claims.
- Certified by U-TRUST®, along with globally recognized sustainability certifications such as Oeko-Tex®, GRS (Global Recycled Standard), and SCS (Scientific Certification Systems) for recycled content.
- Versatile Applications:
- Designed for a wide range of textile applications, including apparel, footwear, and home furnishings.
- Adaptable to woven, knit, and seamless fabric constructions.
- Offers brands the opportunity to create circular performance products and drive innovation in eco-friendly textiles.
Addressing Industry Challenges with a Future-Forward Solution
The textile industry is increasingly moving towards sustainability, with brands striving to reduce their environmental footprint while maintaining high-performance standards. Integr8™ meets this demand by offering a high-quality alternative to traditional stretch fabrics without relying on spandex, which poses challenges in terms of durability and recyclability.
One of the significant advantages of Integr8™ is its ability to provide stretch and recovery without spandex, making it a game-changer for industries such as activewear, outdoor apparel, and footwear. Traditionally, elastane fibers contribute to microplastic pollution and complicate the recycling process. Integr8™ eliminates these concerns, paving the way for a more sustainable textile ecosystem.
A Step Toward Circular Fashion and Sustainability Goals
As global brands and manufacturers commit to sustainable production practices, Integr8™ provides a crucial solution to achieving these objectives. The yarn aligns with circular economy principles by incorporating recycled content and offering full traceability. This ensures that brands can meet their sustainability pledges while delivering high-performance products to consumers.
By incorporating REPREVE® recycled polyester, Integr8™ significantly reduces waste and carbon emissions. REPREVE® is renowned for its role in transforming plastic bottles into high-performance fibers, diverting millions of plastic bottles from landfills and oceans annually. The integration of this technology within Integr8™ further strengthens UNIFI’s commitment to environmental responsibility.
Global Availability and Industry Showcase at Première Vision Paris
Integr8™ is now available globally, ensuring seamless adoption by textile manufacturers worldwide. Its multifunctional capabilities and large-scale production potential provide an unparalleled opportunity for brands looking to enhance their product offerings with sustainable, high-performance yarn.
To introduce Integr8™ to the global market, UNIFI will showcase the innovative yarn at Hall 6, Booth #6L40 during Première Vision Paris, a leading international textile trade show. The event will take place from February 11th – 13th at the Paris Nord Villepinte convention center. This exhibition presents an excellent platform for industry professionals to experience firsthand the transformative potential of Integr8™.
UNIFI’s Vision for the Future
UNIFI’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and performance innovation continues to drive its leadership in the textile industry. By developing advanced materials like Integr8™, the company not only meets current industry demands but also anticipates future challenges, ensuring that brands have access to cutting-edge solutions that align with evolving consumer expectations.
The introduction of Integr8™ marks a significant milestone in UNIFI’s mission to create sustainable, high-performance textiles. As consumer awareness around sustainability continues to grow, brands must adopt forward-thinking materials that align with their environmental goals. Integr8™ provides the ideal solution, blending unmatched functionality with a commitment to reducing environmental impact.
The launch of Integr8™ represents a defining moment for sustainable textiles, offering the industry an innovative, high-performance yarn that seamlessly blends sustainability, functionality, and traceability. By addressing the critical need for spandex-free stretch, moisture management, and superior comfort, UNIFI is leading the way in textile advancements. With global availability and recognition at Première Vision Paris, Integr8™ is poised to revolutionize fabric applications across apparel, footwear, and home furnishings. As the demand for eco-friendly products continues to rise, Integr8™ stands as a testament to UNIFI’s dedication to innovation and environmental responsibility.
