Monomaterial bra cup solution for activewear
German chemicals company BASF has worked with Japanese lingerie brand Wacoal to develop a monomaterial bra cup for applications in sports and activewear. Made from an Elastollan TPU-based nonwoven, it is thinner than conventional solutions and has high mechanical strength. The bra cups are produced using Wacoal’s Melooop technology, which is said to reduce material waste as well as facilitate recycling.
Developed in-house, the Melooop technology creates three-dimensional shapes through melt blowing. Incorporating Elastollan TPU “enhances how the bra cup responds to movement, while maintaining a lightweight and adaptable fit,” said Wacoal president and CEO Keisuke Kawanishi.
The new material is also said to better resist deformation during laundering and offer a higher level of breathability, in addition to the added comfort of its thin profile. “Elastollan TPU is engineered to deliver consistent mechanical performance under dynamic conditions,” added Rohit Roop Ghosh, head of TPU Performance Materials at BASF for Asia Pacific.
Photo shows Wacoal’s ‘Melooop’ technology.
