In these times of extreme heat, even heatwaves, linked to climate change and global warming, I thought it would be a good idea to take a look at cooling textiles and the latest studies on the subject.
Functional fabrics by definition, they are designed first and foremost to regulate body temperature, and are therefore essential in sport of course, but not only, since they are also used in the military, professional and medical fields.
Improving our comfort and well-being by combining PCM fibres, nanotechnologies and intelligent structures, cooling fabrics represent an innovative response to the climate challenge.
One of the most interesting innovations developed by a team from the University of Massachusetts, is a chalk painting technique, a coating based on calcium carbonate coated on This is where real progress has been made, because if the industrialisation process is successful, it will extend the scope of its use, particularly to more urban and everyday applications.
In tests in midsummer, this coating performed remarkably well: up to -4 °C (8 °F) in relation to the ambient air, and -8 °F vs untreated fabric (scitechdaily.com, edition.cnn.com).
The technique is economical, recyclable and washable.
The global market for cooling fabrics is estimated at USD 2.6 billion by 2025with an annual growth rate of 88.1 % until 2032.
The major challenge remains to combine performance, comfort, durability and industrial productivity. The future will certainly involve multifunctional textiles incorporating intelligent systems and renewable materials.
BackboneStudio is a forward-looking creative agency specialising in sport and lifestyle. We work upstream, in particular on colour and textiles.
Please do not hesitate to contact us.
Yvon Berenguer, CEO
BackBoneStudio.
