The hosiery industry is facing a series of new challenges. The new lifestyles of Millennial consumers are transforming their clothing choices, too. These rapid but unstoppable changes are also affecting accessories like women’s legwear and manufacturers must now develop the styles and the functional benefits their products are expected to provide.
As Alessandro Gallesi, President of the ADICI (Hosiery and Intimate Wear District Association) of Castel Goffredo explains, “Members of the new generations are increasingly demanding high-performance garments in terms of comfort, well-being and interactivity with electronic devices. At the same time, issues like eco-sustainability of the yarns, biodegrability, the use of recoverable raw materials and non-toxic dyestuffs are now fundamental elements in our consumers’ choices. As a result, innovation that aims to improve fabric performance and eco-sustainability is the core strategy on which Italian manufacturers should focus their resources if they are to remain successful in the competitive framework that lies just around the cornerâ€Â.
Fulgar, world leader and a significant presence in Italy’s hosiery district, has already taken up this challenge. Operating in the development of new-conception man-made fibres, it has extensive experience in research and innovation, combined with a commitment to sustainability. This is made clear by the constantly-expanding green portfolio that now boasts – EVO®, a bio-based yarn derived from castor oil, Q-NOVA® fibre made from regenerated raw materials and AMNI SOUL ECO, a biodegradable polyamide.
Launched five years ago, Q-NOVA® was the first speciality by Fulgar whose development was based on green issues. This eco-sustainable yarn makes production processes more sustainable in their turn, enabling reductions in CO2 emissions and cuts in water use. Q-NOVA is obtained exclusively from regenerated raw materials through a mechanical process that does not involve the use of any chemicals that could compromise the final product’s sustainability.
Swedish Stockings has chosen Fulgar’s recycled yarn for all its collections, from its Edith Lace, Frida Lace, Irma and Stina Premium tights to its Liv Net and Rut Net knee-highs and Ida liner socks. Moreover, in March 2019 Swedish Stockings will launch the world’s first fully recycled pantyhose line – with 100% recycled yarn – like the Maria model made with Q-NOVA®.