Manufacturing Today Issue - 232 Jan 2025 | Page 76

Stretchline _______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Stretchline has partnered with a leading company that extrudes an innovative spandex that is 100 percent recyclable
the garment can be reused , it typically ends up in landfill because the elastic components cannot be separated and recycled ,” Barry explains . “ To address this , Stretchline has partnered with a leading company that extrudes an innovative spandex that is 100 percent recyclable .”
Several major retailers have snapped up this state-of-the-art , sustainable product , including one of Europe ’ s largest lingerie brands , which has launched a recyclable product containing Fit-J .
Stretchline has also launched its Stay4Sure brand , featuring innovative silicone technology for products such as hold-up stockings and strapless bras . This material has had a significant impact on the hosiery industry and is now featured in stockings sold by major UK retailers .
“ When we first developed Stay4Sure , it was designed for hold-up stockings ,” Barry tells us . “ With what we called the ‘ traditional ’ type of silicone , you relied on compression around the top of the leg to keep the stocking in place . With Stay4Sure , we ’ ve created a soft silicone gel solution . We apply two coatings : the traditional coating , which is an industrial-type silicone because of its strong mechanical grip on the fabric , and then we layer with the soft silicone gel on top and cure it . This gel is the only part that touches the skin , ensuring both comfort and secure hold .”
Looking ahead , Stretchline is excited to drive further development and innovation . A key focus for 2025 is the launch of four new collaboration and innovation hubs in the US , UK , Sri Lanka , and China . The future of Stretchline is not just inspiring but dynamic as it continues to transform the industry one thread at a time . ■
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