How Polartec's new PowerFill works

June is probably not the time of year when your typical outdoor enthusiast is thinking of insulated clothing.

But manufacturers have to plan ahead, and Polartec has just revealed its latest innovation in fabric insulation which, it said, offers better warmth without extra weight or bulk.

PowerFill will start appearing in clothing from autumn this year, the Massachusetts-based company said.

It’s the latest step in the advance of synthetic materials towards the kind of properties previously only achieved by more expensive down fillings.

Polartec said: “Power Fill is a soft and pliable matrix of spun polyester yarns engineered with a proprietary hollow fibre construction that is softer and more durable, forming thousands of air pockets that continuously capture and contain body heat, while maintaining a resilient, equalised thermal layer between the colder air on the outside and the warmer temperatures on the inside.

“A unique controlled melt process bonds the hollow fibres, increasing durability and drapability, eliminating the need for scrims or other stabilisers.”

Scrim is the supporting fabric necessary to maintain the shape and integrity of some insulating materials.

Polartec said: “This gives Power Fill unmatched warmth and design versatility for a wide range of styles and usage occasions. The polyester fibre’s inherent hydrophobic properties also work to ensure that Polartec Power Fill resists moisture absorption and dries quickly, while maintaining a high warmth-to-weight ratio.”

The company said the new insulation is made using 80 per cent post-consumer recycled content, and Power Fill provides greater warmth retention in colder conditions, without added weight or bulk.

Polartec chief executive Gary Smith said: “We’re proud to deliver an insulation technology to our customers that enables the design of better products with Polartec premium quality.

“Polartec created the category of active insulation with our industry leading range of Alpha temperature regulating product offerings, and now Power Fill continues with innovative fill solutions for the coldest conditions.”

Polartec said Power Fill is being shown to customers now in 60, 80, 100 and 135 g/m2 weights, and will first become available to consumers in autumn 2017.