Cocona fabrics from TrapTek, LLC received the Commercial and Industrial 2006 award at the annual IQ Awards ceremonies conducted in Boulder, Colorado on August 17. A panel of seven judges selected Cocona fabric as the winner.

Cocona technology permanently embeds activated carbon, derived from coconut shells, into fibre and yarns to enhance the performance of fabrics. Garments exhibit a significant breakthrough by not only managing or wicking moisture (45% greater wickability), but also drying at unprecedented rates keeping wearers cool and dry.  Additionally, these knits naturally trap odour and UV in the activated carbon pore structure, keeping the finished products fresh and lightweight with superior UPF qualities. 

Twenty-four apparel brands (including Champion, Cutter and Buck, Cannondale, Marmot, Izod, Royal Robbins, Sierra Designs, GoLite, and Sporthill for Spring 2007) are now either using Cocona fabrics or have committed to launch Cocona products in the coming months. Cannondale cycling apparel is among the first and its Cocona apparel was selected one of Time Magazine’s “Most Amazing Inventions”.

The IQ Awards were started in 2000 by the Boulder County Business Report to recognise companies and organisations that are developing the most innovative new products and services in Boulder County and surrounding areas.

Traptek’s products are used in performance clothing, footwear, socks, fleece, pet beds, chemical warfare protection, homeland defence applications, and automotive products.