Advansa the largest European polyester manufacturer is introducing a new brand for its fibres and yarns made from polymer containing Bio-PDO from DuPont.

Products made with these fibres and yarns have marketing support under Advansa´s new brand Biophyl. Biophyl products using Advansa’s fibres and yarns are made with PTT, a special polyester-like polymer. In the case of Biophyl, petrol based Glycol, has been replaced with Bio-PDO, which is made of corn sucrose. This resource is renewable and therefore reduces the dependability on petro-chemicals, which is the classical raw material for Polyester. In addition, Advansa claims that the use of yarns made with such polymers contributes to energy savings and a reduction of greenhouse gases. According to Advansa, in comparison to fossil-based Nylon, the production of this polymer consumes 30-40 % less energy and results in 50-60% less greenhouse gas emissions.

In addition, Advansa says that further energy reductions can be achieved during the dyeing and finishing of Biophyl fabrics as, compared to regular Polyester, these fabrics can be dyed at lower temperatures and in a shorter process time. 

Advansa also claims that Biophyl fabrics offer additional values to the user and they are easy to care for and have a unique soft hand together with excellent stretch and recovery. These beneficial end-use properties derive from a unique, semi-crystalline molecular structure featuring a pronounced “kink” which gives special in-use properties, which according to Advansa are superior to either nylon or polyester (see side illustration).

Avansa Biophyl fabrics are already available from fabric manufacturers throughout Europe. Luciano Colasanto, Market Manager at Advansa comments: “Biophyl offers the potential to combine excellent in-use properties with environmental benefits of renewable resources. This is consistent with Advansa’s sustainable development policy. By replacing traditional petrochemicals with renewable resources and biological processes, we are one step closer to building a new renewable economy.”

Advansa claims the following key features and benefits of Biophyl fabrics:

Softness

Both flat and textured yarns bring exceptional new level of softness to any fabric.

 Stress-strain tests demonstrate that flat yarns made with this polymer are softer than nylon at the same denier, because less effort is required to bend the fibres.

Stretch Recovery

Research shows that a fully drawn flat yarn made with this polymer containing Bio-PDO recovers 100% from an approximately 120% strain. Even at higher strain levels, fibres recover completely, returning to their initial form.

Textured yarns, offer up to 145% stretch with 100% recovery. And provide greater bulk and cover than nylon, using the same amount of fibre.

These characteristics are comparable to PBT yarns, Another Advansa product that offers stretch recovery (widely used in the Denim industry).

Easy dyeability

Using standard available dyes, Biophyl fabrics can be dyed at lower temperatures than regular polyester, without requiring pressure or chemical carriers. The special polymer molecule enables the crystalline structure of the fibre to begin accepting the dye pigment at approximately 85ºC. Full depth of colour is achieved at 110°C, with outstanding wash fastness.

Heatsetability

For easy care, Biophyl fabrics are heat settable. Heat setting does not diminish the stretch and recovery capacity of Biophyl.

End Uses for Apparel

Swimwear

Biophyl fabrics make a splash in swimwear with colours that are rich, deep and vibrant. Prints retain their clarity and sharp definition, swim after swim. Colours also last longer because of its superior UV and chlorine resistance.

Active wear

Biophyl fabrics give consumers the freedom to enjoy life with easy care adaptability, long lasting good looks and relaxed comfort.

Intimate Apparel

Fabrics with incredible softness, fluid drape, and the second skin comfort customers want in lingerie and other intimate apparel products. Biophyl fabrics are designed for today’s carefree comfortable lifestyle.

Ready to Wear

Biophyl fabrics offer a soft and fluid drape, elasticity and easy-care good looks consumers demand in fashion, casual wear and work wear.

About Advansa

Operating in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, Advansa – owned 100% by the Haci Omer Sabanci Holding A.S. - is the largest manufacturer of polyester fibre and filament as well as a leading producer of polyester-based polymers, specialties and intermediates in the region. In 2007, Advansa had annual revenues of € 352 million. The company employs 2,000 employees and operates plants in Turkey and Germany. The headquarters are located in the Netherlands, with sales offices in Turkey, Germany, Spain, Italy and France.

Sabanci Holding is one of Turkey's largest industrial groups. Employing over 52,000 people in 70 companies, it has interests in chemicals and fibres, as well as banking and insurance, food, retail, textiles, energy, cement, automotive, tyres and tyre reinforcement materials, telecommunications, paper and packaging materials. The companies operate in a dozen foreign countries and export products world-wide. Sabanci Holding, which has controlling interests in 12 companies, is listed on the Istanbul Stock Exchange and has an aggressive strategy of growth through acquisitions and expansion of existing businesses.