#Recycling / Circular Economy

2021-04-08

PrimaLoft introduces fully recycled ethical down alternative, PrimaLoft® Insulation ThermoPlume®

PrimaLoft, Inc., a global leader in advanced material technology, has launched a new version of his best-selling down alternative, PrimaLoft® Insulation ThermoPlume®. This synthetic fill is now made entirely out of post-consumer recycled materials. Four years after the introduction of the first blowable synthetic insulation, the technology has built a strong reputation in the outdoor apparel & fashion markets, with more than 70 brands using the loose-fill microfiber insulation in their product lines for the Fall/Winter ‘21/’22 season.

It looks like down, feels like down, and delivers comparable thermal performance, but PrimaLoft® Insulation ThermoPlume® is 100% synthetic – and now 100% recycled.

“When we first developed PrimaLoft® Insulation ThermoPlume® back in 2017, we answered the growing demand from designers, brands, and customers for an ethical alternative to animal product – a purchase criterion that is becoming ever more important. At the same time, we continued to deliver the excellent performance people expect from PrimaLoft® products”, says Mike Joyce, president and CEO at PrimaLoft. “To achieve the same level of comfort and warmth in a completely recycled version is a logical next step in our Relentlessly Responsible™ approach to elevates both sustainability and performance through innovation.”

PrimaLoft® Insulation ThermoPlume® is manufactured with small, silky fiber plumes that collectively form a loose-fill insulation. It mimics the fluidity, hand-feel and aesthetics of down, but also has the proven water-repellent properties of PrimaLoft® fibers to provide a soft, compressible thermal output, even in wet conditions.

“Its construction allows it to be blown through traditional down-blowing manufacturing equipment, simplifying the manufacturing process for brands and enabling product designers the freedom to create versatile garments that combine the look and feel of down with the water-resistant performance of a synthetic”, states Vanessa Mason, SVP of Engineering at PrimaLoft. “Moreover, it helps to simplify the supply chain, combat the volatility of down prices and provide peace of mind when it comes to the ethical sourcing of materials.”

More than 70 brands to use PrimaLoft® Insulation ThermoPlume®?This synthetic down alternative has been adopted by outdoor and fashion brands all over the globe, since its 2017 introduction. Even before the new 100% recycled iteration, around 40 brands were using PrimaLoft® Insulation ThermoPlume® in their collection. For the upcoming FW21/22 season, and with the introduction of PrimaLoft® Insulation ThermoPlume 100% PCR, the number will raise drastically to over 70, with more than half already switching to the fully recycled version. Brands like 4F, CMP, Ecoalf, Ellesse, Fred Perry, Joe Fresh, Lands’ End, La Sportiva, Millet, Montane, Nike, Peuterey, Picture Organic Clothing, Polo Ralph Lauren, Rossignol, Salomon, Timberland and Woolrich will sell garments with the synthetic down alternative online and in stores, in the upcoming seasons.

EU ban on destroying unsold clothing and footwear now in force

The European Union's ban on the destruction of unsold clothing, clothing accessories and footwear has entered into force. Since July 19, 2026, large companies across the EU have been prohibited from destroying unsold textile products, while medium-sized companies will be required to comply with the same rules from 2030.

Eastman Naia™ brings its inside-out denim vision to Kingpins New York

Following its debut at Kingpins Amsterdam, Eastman Naia™ brings the next chapter of its denim story to Kingpins New York, taking place July 22–23. At Booth Green 7, Naia™ presents its denim proposition built around three complementary design directions: Performance Denim, Fashion Denim and Authentic Denim.

Circ launches first denim collection with H&M featuring TENCEL™ | Circ® with REFIBRA™ technology

Circ today announced that the first men's denim collection featuring TENCEL™ | Circ® with REFIBRA™ technology is now available at H&M, marking the commercial delivery of this unique pilot project first announced in October 2025. Featuring two styles available across the UK, Scandinavia, Central Europe, Eastern Europe, South Europe, Turkey, North America, Mexico, Canada, and the Middle East, the launch brings TENCEL™ | Circ® with REFIBRA™ technology into H&M's standard men's denim assortment for the first time.

Contactless measurement of coating for Technical Textiles with PLEVA AF 310 and AF 120

Textiles used for protection and defense must perform reliably – whether they are protective garments, tents, tarpaulins, covers, or technical carrier materials. Properties such as flame resistance, water repellency, weather resistance, or defined air permeability are often only achieved through precise coating, finishing, or printing processes.

EFI Reggiani and Danitech Group announce strategic multi-year agreement for Mezzera textile finishing machinery

Electronics For Imaging, Inc. (EFI), through its subsidiary EFI Reggiani (Reggiani Macchine S.p.A.), together with Danitech Engineering and Solutions Srl (Italy) and Suzhou Danitech Intelligent Technology Co. Ltd (China), announces a multi-year license and manufacturing agreement covering the Mezzera and Jaeggli textile finishing machinery portfolio.