LATHAM – PrimaLoft integrates aerogels into insulation fabrics within its Cross Core series of products and for Autumn 2021 they will contain up to 90% post-consumer recycled (PCR) content.

Silica aerogels are highly porous, lightweight structures originally developed by NASA scientists and one of the world’s best insulators. They are composed of more than 95% air and are the lightest solid materials known to man. PrimaLoft engineers have found a way to integrate them into fibres to produce apparel insulation that withstands the extreme challenges of outdoor garments. This provides both enhanced warmth and decreased weight, while allowing the freedom to design both highly technical apparel and fashionable pieces with a variety of silhouettes.

“When we first began experimenting with the idea of using aerogel in insulation fibres, our focus was on getting the formula right so that we were delivering a new level of thermal performance,” said Vanessa Mason, senior vice-president of engineering, insulation and polymers. “Once we became the first to crack that code, we knew we needed to continue to innovate on the sustainability side and find a way to use as much recycled content as possible, while maintaining that performance. We’re excited with our progress and will continue to explore how we can introduce additional sustainable practices to this technology.”

Products in the PrimaLoft Cross Core series have so far been adopted by more than 50 brands.