TEXTILES.ORG
The Industrial Fabrics Foundation (IFF) has announced W.L. Gore & Associates Inc., Newark, Del., as the winner of the 2018 IFF Innovation Award. The company’s GORE-TEX® PYRAD® fabric won in the category of Fabrics, Fibers and Films.
GORE-TEX PYRAD is a revolutionary new technology that offers weather protection utilizing a waterproof, windproof and breathable GORE-TEX membrane combined with enhanced protection from flash-fire incidents. This represents a unique blend of flame resistance, thermal insulation and thermal stability. Products made from PYRAD fabric are also lightweight, fast-drying, abrasion-resistant, and available in various colors and print patterns.
The fabric technology originated in military tent applications, eventually making its way to wider use in FR shell/outerwear technology for warfighters. PYRAD technology is currently used in garments for oil and gas industry workers and electrical utility linemen. It’s seeing expanded use on a global level, particularly in military uniforms overseas.
Innovation is the heart of creating a specialty fabrics industry that will inspire technology in the 21st century. The IFF Innovation Award helps to transform ideas into action. The award was presented at IFAI Expo 2018 at its annual meeting, held Oct. 17 in Dallas, Texas.