Outlast polyester PCM wins top innovation award

The component “temperature regulation” is continuing to get increased attention. Latest success for Outlast: A climate controlling Outlast polyester phase change material (PCM) has been awarded as top innovation for the season Fall/Winter 2015/2016.

For eight years now, Outlast Technologies, market leader for textile temperature regulating phase change materials (PCMs), is already working together with the Portuguese company A. Sampaio, a wellknown market leader for knitted fabrics.

For the future sportswear market A.Sampaio has designed attractive, extraordinary Outlast knits for the season Autumn/Winter 2015/16 and presents exciting functional Outlast fabrics on upcoming ispo: The Outlast polyester fabric (quality 58778: 60% Outlast PES, 31% PES, 9% EA), which is plain outside and brushed inside (215 g/m²), has been elected by an international Jury at ISPO Textrends 2014 as TOP 10 WINNER for the category “second layer”.

“We are proud that we have been selected for the Top 10 with an Outlast polyester fabric,” says João Mendes, Board member at A.Sampaio & Filhos - Textiles S.A., Santo Tirso/Portugal. “The inclusion of Outlast PCM technology was of major importance for this award. Customers are showing enthusiasm on the possibility of using such intelligent fabrics in their product ranges.”

The Outlast polyester filament features all positive characteristics of a conventional polyester fiber like low moisture absorption and a good ability to transport moisture, an improved wrinkle resistance, superior light, water and wind resistance as well as a high tearing and abrasion resistance, which secures an above average durability. Beyond that it offers the added value to balance temperature changes dynamically to offer an increased comfort factor keeping with the motto …not too hot, …not too cold ,…just right. Chilling and sweating are reduced; less sweat is produced due to the optimum climate regulation.

Fibers, fabrics and other component materials play an incredibly important part in the sporting goods industry presenting trends and developments that will not be available to consumers until about two years later.

Despite this, it is hard for designers and product managers to source the latest developments. This is the reason why Ispo Munich decided to develop a new area showing the best available component products in a concentration. A jury of trend experts examined all entered products and selected up to 60 products with the highest degree of innovation.

Outlast technology

Outlast technology was originally developed for NASA to protect astronauts from temperature fluctuations in space. Outlast technology utilizes phase change materials (PCM) that absorb, store and release heatfor optimal thermal comfort. Outlast technology is comparable to ice in a drink; as it changes from solid to liquid, it absorbs heat and cools the drink, keeping that drink at the desired temperature for a longer period of time.

Outlast Technologies