Polartec and Santini Cycling have partnered to introduce a cycling jersey made with carbon emission-reducing recycled polyester.
The Italian cycling apparel brand made its new Aero Race jersey with Polartec‘s Power Dry material-a fabric made through a carbon capture process that converts industrial CO2 emissions into high-performance recycled polyester yarns. The process intercepts industrial carbon emissions before they are released into the atmosphere and converts them into recycled fibers. Those fibers are engineered at 128 g/m² and optimized for efficiency into Polartec Power Dry yarns, which are made with 91 percent recycled carbon content.
“For decades, Polartec has demonstrated that innovation and responsibility are shared objectives and Polartec Power Dry with recycled carbon is yet another step in this direction,” said Ramesh Kesh, SVP, Polartec and apparel Innovation. “Our ability to transform captured carbon into performance-driven Polartec fabrics shows how we can reimagine materials to reduce impact while empowering athletes to perform without distraction.”
The Milliken brand has incorporated a variety of next-gen materials and processes in its products in recent years, including plant-based Biolon nylon and a plant-derived odor fighting agent dubbed Fresh Face. And the company’s PFAS-free Power Shield Pro boasts a 50 percent reduction in carbon impact compared to fossil fuel-based nylon.
The Aero Race jersey is the first commercial application of Polartec’s recycled carbon fabric technology. Built to maximize aerodynamic efficiency, the jersey features strategically placed rear panels designed to create a second-skin fit. The sleeves have a specialized striped structure designed to optimize airflow through Vortex Generation-a technology that enhances the vortex effect, reducing aerodynamic drag.
“The Santini Aero Race jersey represents what’s possible when advanced material science meets real-world performance demands,” said Karen Beattie, director of product management at Polartec. “Polartec Power Dry with recycled carbon has enabled us to engineer a process that turns captured carbon into a cutting-edge fabric that performs at the highest level to support both the athletes and the planet.”
The Aero Race jersey’s breathability and thermoregulation come from the lightweight Polartec Power Dry fabric, which manages moisture during intense activity. Santini has teamed with Polartec in the past, incorporating its Power Shield RPM fabric-which uses 100 percent recycled polyester fiber content-in its Magic rain jacket.
Santini creative director Fergus Niland said Polartec’s materials fit their needs for high performance that also offers a strong sustainability story.
“We started by looking at how cycling is evolving and what that means for the products we create,” he said. “Working with Polartec, we have been able to push boundaries and create a high-performance, recycled carbon material that actually works on the bike. The Aero Race jersey reflects our joint determination to do just that. It has been tested by professionals, built for cyclists and designed to deliver on performance, comfort and a new standard of responsibility.”
Source: https://www.msn.com/