Foxa has developed a range of eco-friendlier workwear fabrics. Development work was carried out in collaboration with customers and based around their needs.
- In developing eco-friendlier fabrics, we found that environmental friendliness is not as umambiguous as one might first expect. Eco-friendliness criteria are numerous and diverse, and some may even be mutually exclusive. Customers also approach eco-friendliness in slightly different ways, and we at Foxa have developed different solutions to meet these needs, says Heli Sukki, the product manager responsible for developing the eco-range.
In Foxa's eco-range, environmental friendliness has been considered from several perspectives, and the fabrics are developed for a wide range of applications. Finished products are available for heavy-duty and lighter workwear, while new products are flexibly developed in accordance with customer's wishes.
Elasticity from corn fibre. Elastic fibres have long been desired in workwear to add comfort. Using the Sorona fiber developed by DuPont, it has been possible to replace elastane, which provides elasticity, with a biobased fibre made from corn.
- Sorona fibre can be used in a wide variety of fabrics to add elasticity and to replace oil-based fibres, such as elastane and polyester. For example, Dakota has a strong twill composition that is perfect for heavy-duty workwear that requires stretch. Montana, on the other hand, is a pleasantly soft yet firm knitted material that is suitable for use in hospital patient clothing, for example.
Organic and recycled. Another aspect of eco-friendliness is to combine recycled polyester or polyamide and organic cotton in fabrics. Foxa has a wide range of options in this category - twills, ripstops and canvasses - in different weights and for different applications. The durable and easy-care fabrics are suitable for e.g. outdoor and camping clothing, as well as for lighter indoor workwear, such as in the service industry.
REC versions. Foxa has also developed eco-friendlier REC versions of its existing fabrics, replacing virgin fibre with recycled fibre.
- Our softshell fabrics Foxshell M and Foxshell NOM, which are used in outdoor and indoor workwear coats and vests, are now also available in eco-friendlier versions. The virgin polyester used in the garments has been replaced mostly with recycled polyester made from used plastic bottles, says Heli Sukki.
In addition to softshells, REC verions of different weights of fleece, the Foxdura 500 fabric, and the workwear fabric classic Vikign are now available.
Recyclability. Fabric recyclability is an important aspect of eco-friendliness. Fabrics made entirely from a single fibre are the easiest to recycle. Such options in Foxa's range include the Cosmos and Pique Rec PES knitwear, which are made from 100% recycled polyester.
Foxa is continuing to develop its eco-friendly range. New products are developed in a customer-oriented manner to ensure that they, like other Foxa fabrics, are durable, thoroughly tested and functional workwear use.
Product information
Dakota: Twill, 270g/m2, 61%PES, 39%Sorona
Montana: Double-sided pique knit, 235g/m2, 55% Sorona, 45%CO
Rec PES/PA and Organic CO, several options in different weights.
Eco Foxshell M: Rec PES, TPU, 280g/m2
Eco Foxshell NOM: Rec PES, 260g/m2
Eco Fleece 270: 100% Rec PES, 270g/m2
Foxdura 500 D HD Rec: 100% Rec 500D PA, 235g/m2
Viking Rec: Twill 1/3, 220g/m2, 34%CO, 34% PES, 32% PES Rec
Cosmos: 100% Rec, 170g/m2
Pique PES Rec: 100% Rec PES, 200g/m2