WEINHEIM - Freudenberg Performance Materials Apparel has begun operations at its new thermal insulation factory located in Long Thanh District, Vietnam.

The facility specialises in the production of Comfortemp, Freudenberg’s renowned high-performance thermal insulation material, which has numerous applications across the fashion and sportswear apparel sectors.

John McNabb, chief technology officer at Freudenberg Performance Materials said the opening of its first production site in Vietnam would help the company meet the growing demand for the company’s products in the Southeast Asian and South Asian garment manufacturing industries.

"By localising the production of our thermal insulation materials in Vietnam, we are not only reducing lead times for our customers but also streamlining the supply chain, ensuring we continue to deliver exceptional value for customers,” he said, adding that the new facility was equipped to produce sustainable thermal insulations, providing customers with options that align with their sustainable garment production initiatives and goals.

The new plant also extends Freudenberg Apparel's thermal insulation production across key Asian markets, including the Chinese mainland and South Korea.

It also significantly strengthens the firm’s global production capabilities and supply network.

“This expansion will bolster the company's competitive edge in Asia and reaffirms its ongoing dedication to innovation and evolution within the apparel industry,” the company said.

The comfortemp line comprises a range of materials that are said to combine comfort with outstanding thermal insulation. The new HO 13X R insulation series features a high degree of insulation and is made from 100% recycled polyester derived from recycled PET bottles. It is also particularly soft and breathable, making it ideal for sports and fashion clothing, including modern fits.

In contrast, the fibre balls and loose fibres of the WB 300 R (fibre balls) and WA 100 R (loose fibres) series have superior bulking properties and can be used to make garments with the look and feel of down. These series are also made from 100% recycled polyester from recycled PET bottles.

The classic, high-insulation comfortemp fiberball eco HO 29X R series consists of 100% recycled polyester fibre balls and is described as the perfect alternative to down. 

Properties of the comfortemp thermal insulation range include: easy care, washability and resistance to fibre migration, across various different weights, fibres, textures and degrees of insulation.

The technology is also certified to the Global Recycled Standard (GRS), bluesign and Oeko-Tex.