WILMINGTON – [14.04.09] Optimer Brands has added to its environmentally friendly range of Dri-release with FreshGuard products and confirmed that the moisture transport technology is now in full REACH compliance.

Optimer Brands launched Dri-release E.C.O. [Environmentally Correct Origins] in 2008, which uses recycled polyester and organic cotton. New Dri-release E.C.O. 2nd Nature now combines post-consumer recycled polyester with post-industrial recycled cotton made from garment manufacturing clip waste - yielding a product made from 100% recycled materials.

To produce the new E.C.O. range, Optimer has teamed up with Ferre-Hickory, LLC, a joint venture between Hilaturas Ferre (Spain) and North Carolina Hickory Throwing Company. Ferre-Hickory will produce the new Dri-release E.C.O. yarn that will incorporate 2nd Nature 100% recycled cotton. 2nd Nature is said to significantly reduce the amount of waste in landfills, as well as the water, pesticides, dyes and electricity used to produce and process cotton. 2nd Nature is also certified by Oeko-Tex to be free of harmful chemicals.

Optimer Brands has also announced that Chemservice, an independent, Luxemburg based regulatory affairs service has thoroughly evaluated Dri-release with FreshGuard and has certified that it is in full REACH compliance. In their summary, Chemservice stated that Dri-release is in such complete conformance that ‘registration or notification according to Title II of REACH was not required’.

A patented moisture transport system, Dri-release is constructed of an intimate blend of synthetic and natural fibres that accelerates the water release rate of wet fabric. Since being developed, Optimer has introduced over a dozen adaptations of its Dri-release technology in addition to its successful, original virgin polyester and cotton version, including Dri-release Bamboo (polyester plus bamboo) and Dri-release Wool (polyester plus merino).

The company has also recently completed testing and certification of non-museled wool sources for use in its wool yarns. ”A lot of wool is purchased through co-ops or comes from various origins that cannot be certified,” explained Karen Deniz, Dri-release director of marketing. “Though limited so far, we have been able to identify the chain of sourcing through our spinners in order to offer the alternative of non-museled wool.”