Teijin Frontier has launched Octair, a new premium insulation fibre for bedding and apparel.

The short-cut polyester fibre has a unique, hollow, eight-fin cross section with radiating protrusions and meets the growing demand for alternatives to down, which is experiencing declining production volumes and increasing in price.

Solotex Octair is an insulation material that incorporates polytrimethylene terephthalate (PTT) fibres along with Octair and is also new commercially available.

In Solotex Octair insulation, the Octair hollow structure and eight-fin cross section of the fibres creates air pockets that provide excellent warmth, loft and lightweight properties. As a result, Solotex Octair delivers insulation performance equivalent to the same weight of down based on tests using 30cm square mini quilts.

The helical molecular structure of the PTT fibres further provides a soft texture, elasticity and good shape retention. Additionally, the tips of the fibres are soft, do not spread out easily and reduce tangling, making the blowing process for filling comforters, duvets and clothing smoother than with conventional polyester insulation.

www.teijin.com