The global shift towards greater sustainability and transparency in the apparel industry is prompting many companies and suppliers to look for alternative approaches and solutions. The sportswear industry is a great example of this: with their constant evolution, innovation and the creation of new technologies, the fabrics used need to be sustainable, and must also fulfill stringent performance parameters like breathability, stretchability, durability, and comfort.

A sustainable future through innovation

At Freudenberg Performance Materials – the leading supplier of innovative technical textiles for a broad range of industries – sustainability and environmental protection has always been part of our DNA: from the efficient use of raw materials and the reduction of energy used in production, to the use of our products by the customer, right up to end-of-life cycle use.

Freudenberg Apparel House of Sustainability

Based on this conviction, we founded the Freudenberg Apparel House of Sustainability – a holistic concept that serves as guideline for implementing sustainable product solutions. With more than 500 high-quality solutions, it gives global fashion brands insight into what kinds of sustainable solutions are even possible. What’s more, it offers guidance on how designers can bring their own visions of sustainable products and fashion to life – with no limits imposed on creativity.

“Sustainability requires innovation. Only with new approaches and technologies is it possible to make our processes and products sustainable. This is what drives us – constantly challenging the status quo with a tireless curiosity to find innovative ways to meet our customers’ needs,” says Jonathan Oh, Senior Vice President and General Manager Apparel.

The 7 pillars of the Freudenberg Apparel House of Sustainability

• Biodegradable

• Energy-saving

• Nature-based

• Recyclable

• Recycled general interlinings

• Recycled linings and thermal insulation

• Sustainable cotton

For more information about Freudenberg Apparel House of Sustainability

Product highlights from our sustainable portfolio

For Freudenberg Apparel, the flexibility to respond to customer requirements in terms of quality, functionality, price performance and delivery reliability continues to be top priority, also in regard to sustainability. Thanks to our expertise, our expanded range of services and naturally our global presence, we can provide our products to our customers around the world. Here’s an overview of a selection of our environmentally friendly products, which are in no way inferior to conventional products in terms of quality and performance.

Recycled shirt interlining series RCY 99xx is made of recycled polyester and features unique bi-elastic properties to complement perfectly outer fabrics. Preserves the natural hand-feel, texture, and shape of men’s casual shirts and women’s blouses – and is also a good choice for jersey and knitted Polo shirts.

Recycled light-weight interlining MA 9002R is a superlight interlining made of recycled polyester with high adhesive properties to best support lightweight and sensitive fabrics, even those with special finishing. Supports everything from ladieswear, sportswear and outerwear applications, e.g. in wind breakers and raincoats.

Biodegradable fusible cotton shirt interlining 42xx series for reinforcing shirt and blouse collars, cuffs and plackets for fashion and business apparel, leisure and sports clothing. Approved biodegradability and non-toxicity, testing standard DIN EN ISO 11721-2:2003 and EN ISO 846. Great energy saving potential as fusing takes place at lower temperature.

comfortemp® HO 80XR circular thermal insulation is made from polyamide 6: 70 per cent recycled from discarded fishing nets, etc with the remaining 30 per cent being virgin fibres. Breathable and cozy to wear, easy to process and reprocess, it enables manufacturers to create recyclable mono material garments, enabling a circular economy. Suitable for sportswear, leisurewear and luxury garments.

Super elastic interlining series from recycled TPU delivers exceptional recovery and comfort properties but also fulfils customer demand for more eco-friendly solutions. Made from recycled thermoplastic polyurethane, it is available in 40-90 g/m2 weights, with wide applicability – from lightweight knit fabrics for leggings and sports bras to elastic woven fabrics that require medium-to-heavy weights, such as denim, maternity clothes, or casual wear.