Sustainability

AgResearch Textiles is in the position to have a great deal of influence over the environmental footprint of a number of key industries. We take our responsibilities in this area very seriously.

Increasingly, our focus is on developing environmentally-sustainable solutions using natural fibres wherever we can.

From naturally-based insect resist applications that could quite literally save some UK carpet manufacturers, through to our collaboration with the Biopolymer Network for a unique approach to product-end-of-life issues, our solutions are leading the way across a range of industries.

We’re working with the apparel industry towards more natural, environmentally-friendly alternatives to synthetics that marry functionality with the flexibility, aesthetic and tactile benefits traditionally associated with man-made substances.

More and more, we’re looking to nature for both inspiration and solutions.

We’ve produced the world’s first ever, natural wool breathable membrane fabric using a technology that has truly gone back to nature. Mimicking nature’s lotus leaf, the superhydrophobic fabric repels moisture on the outside while absorbing and transmitting moisture vapour away from the body on the inside.

For more on these and our other sustainable solutions, check out the June 2007 issue of NOW magazine.