Schoeller Wins Frost & Sullivan Award

LONDON, December 13 /PRNewswire/ --

- Product Innovation of the Year

Schoeller Textil AG, a Swiss based leader in the development and manufacturing of sophisticated, functional fabrics and of innovative textile technologies, is the recipient of the 2006 Frost & Sullivan Award for Product Innovation of the Year. This award is presented each year to the company that has demonstrated excellence in new products and technologies within their industry. It has been awarded to Schoeller for their bionic climate membrane c_change(TM).

c_change(TM) is a water and wind proof membrane technology, that adapts to temperature and humidity changes offering a high level of breathability and comfort to the wearer. Schoeller uses the c_change(TM) membrane in combination with its innovative fabric collection.

The c_change(TM) membrane is set to a predetermined temperature range. As soon as the climate inside a garment is warmer - due to physical activity or higher surrounding temperatures - the membrane reacts. Its flexible polymer structure opens and allows water vapour to escape quickly to the outside air. As soon as the body begins producing less heat and therefore less moisture, the polymer structure reverts to its original position. During this process, body heat is stored and protection from cold builds up.

Schoeller's long experience with many temperature regulating materials and its commitment to environmental friendly processes in combination with some existing basic materials have helped the company to create the c_change membrane technology that corresponds also with the bluesign(R)-standard (see box). "These are unique features within the European waterproof, breathable fabric's market," states Brian Balmer, Manager of the Frost & Sullivan materials research team. "c_change(TM) is a breakthrough for the personal protective equipment (PPE) and the work wear industry because it allows workers to remain comfortable and able to carry out their jobs effectively in many different working and weather conditions".

Award for the work wear and personal protective equipment market

According to Paula Connor, Head of the Frost & Sullivan PPE Analyst Team c_change(TM) taps into the largest trend in PPE at the moment. "User comfort is exceedingly important, and this breakthrough allows temperature regulation across a wide range of activities and in a wide range of climates". Textiles incorporating the c_change(TM) technology system are used recently by such companies as BMW, Cloudveil, Trangoworld and Zimtstern. Schoeller believes it won't take long until the work wear and PPE-markets will follow. "c_change(TM) is a breakthrough in terms of weather protection with superior comfort to wear," says Hans-Jürgen Hübner, CEO of Schoeller Textil AG. "It works quite similar to some examples in nature, like a fir or pine cone and with the help of the bionic world it was possible to create a substantial product innovation for the wearer." In contrast to a hydrophobic membrane system, tests show that c_change(TM) allows 25% more moisture to escape from the inside to the outside within the same conditions. And the water vapor permeability (breathability) increases by 50% with a temperature increase from 10degrees C to 20 degreesC. When, in the contrast, the outer temperature drops from 20degrees C to just 10degrees C, the polymer structure contracts and c_change(TM) increases the heat retention capacity. Actually, c_change(TM) is used by Schoeller Textil AG for its "innovative fabrics" brand, produced in Switzerland and also just recently, by the Swiss-Taiwanese joint-venture Schoeller FTC for their fabrics branded as "SFTC". After the self-cleaning NanoSphere(R) textile impregnation which is based on nanotechnology and which imitates the non-stick and self-cleaning effect of certain plant leaves or insect wings, c_change(TM) is the next product from Schoeller which uses the findings of the world of bionics to create a substantial product innovation for the wearer. "Therefore the award goes partly to our development team and partly to mother nature," Mr. Hübner added.

Textiles with c_change(TM) close up when the weather is cold or wet and open up again when it gets warmer and drier.

www.c-change.ch

For questions about the Schoeller Textil AG company or for picture materials, please contact the Headquarter of Schoeller Textil AG, Switzerland: Dagmar Signer, dagmar_signer@schoeller-textiles.com. Picture of award ceremony available some days after event: please contact us.

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ABOUT SCHOELLER TEXTIL AG

High-tech fabrics and smart technologies for man and the environment

The Swiss based Schoeller Textil AG, established in 1868, is an internationally high-tech company specializing in the development and manufacturing of sophisticated, functional fabrics and of innovative textile technologies and known as a worldwide leader in the textile business. The range of markets includes active sports, lifestyle, work, footwear, interior design, and industrial and medical application. Headquartered in Sevelen, Switzerland, this geographic location allows the company to work closely with European universities and research institutions. Schoeller has gained its reputation as a trendsetter for its visionary spirit and cutting edge approach, which has led to revolutionary innovations over the last centuries. The product portfolio of their innovative fabrics includes ultra-modern soft-shell, stretch, lifestyle, protective and climate fabrics. In addition pioneering finishing technologies, such as self-cleaning NanoSphere(R) equipment and breakthrough 3XDRY(R) moisture management system products are used for its own needs and available on a licensee basis. Schoeller uses tested, first class and environmentally sound basic materials and technologies for its safe and sustainable textile production. Among the customers of the multiple award winning Company are such brands as Adidas, Armani, BMW, Bogner, Cloudveil, Escada, Mammut, Nike, Polo Ralph Lauren, Pfanner, Prada, Siemens, Thermo-Balance, Timberland or Wilkhahn.

www.schoeller-textiles.com

ABOUT BLUESIGN

The worldwide independent bluesign(R) standard is the response to colossally increasing demand for textile products that are environmentally friendly, pose no health hazards, and conserve resources to the greatest possible extent. This demand originates as a result of strict legislation, and meeting it will be crucial for future success. The bluesign(R) standard is the most efficient way to guarantee compliance with the new standards, without compromising functionality, quality or design. bluesign(R) involves a wide range of permissible limits and restrictions. This means, all the relevant components which come into use in the process chain of a garment production are examined as early as the input stage and assessed in terms of EHS - Environment, Health and Safety - and resource productivity.

SOURCE Frost & Sullivan