The last edition of Munich Fabric Start held from 31 January 2017 to 2 February 2017, celebrated textile innovation by organizing the second edition of The Hightex Awards innovation prize.

The most innovative and future-oriented product developments for fabrics and additionals from the show’s exhibitors were evaluated by a jury of experts and awarded in the fields of technology, smart fibers, sustainability, resource efficiency, finishing and functionality.

 

Winner of the first prize of this edition was Tintex Textiles SA, Portuguese manufacturer that developed a breathable, comfortable and formaldehyde-free cork coated base jersey.

The second prize went to Soorty Enterprises and its newly developed Denim Active, a denim specifically designed to be worn while going to the gym, cycling, shopping and even for staying at home. This material has thermo-regulating properties, it is 360° stretchable and made of a sustainable Cool-Max eco fiber obtained from 97% recycled resources such as plastic bottles. It is soft and comfortable and yet has a denim look and feel in a specially engineered second skin silhouette. Additional reflecting tapes added on the legs are designed for cyclists to be visible at night.

The third prize went to Thermore for its Thermal Booster, a special polyester-based insulation finished with thermo-plastic polymers in their outer side. This padding material has high thermo-regulating properties as its insulation CLO value changes gradually between +20°C and -10°C by 20%, whereas all other known materials have a static CLO value, no matter which environmental temperature. Jackets made with this technology are comfortable both in mild climate and fierce winter environment and adapt to temperature changes in a few seconds.