First scrimless down claim from Bulgarian specialist
Down specialist Down Creators has created what it describes as the first scrimless down wadding – no textile layer to bind the feathers – which it says offers advantages in terms of end-of-life as well as processing.
TX Down is made from 75% natural fibres and 25% ‘technical fibres’ which function as a glue and combine the natural fibres together.
This enables companies to make down garments with regular quilting machines used for polyester padding but brings advantages such as ease of use, washability, tumble drying, reduction of cold spots and the thermal advantages of a natural down, product manager Daan Vertsappen told Sportstextiles.
His father launched the company 30 years ago in Bulgaria, in an area with many duck farms. Seeking to create a use for the byproduct of the meat industry, he moved into down processing, and the company has developed machinery and technology that has refined the processing and sorting processes. “We are able to take out up to 50% of the economical feathers before we process,” explains Vertsappen. “This makes us more sustainable – using less water, soap and energy - but we also have less friction in the material, creating higher quality fibres.”
Around 70% of its sales are to Japan, where the high quality appeals to a demanding market, he comments. “We have been working with some of the biggest Japanese brands for more than 15 years.” Around 85% of the global down industry is in China, he adds, as they have the most raw material and duck farms.
The company has certifications including Oeko-Tex Standard 100, Responsible Down Standard and GRS Recycled.
