HIGH-TECH TEXTILE
Crailar: Promoting Flax as a Cotton Alternative
Representatives fromPortland, Ore.–based Crailar were on hand at the recent Los Angeles International Textile Show at the California Market Center to promote the use of its flax fiber as a natural alternative to cotton.
There is a sustainability factor that makes flax a desirable crop, said Ryan G. Leverenz, director of corporate communications at Crailar, who added that flax is a robust fiber and requires fewer pesticides, herbicides and water than cotton. Crailar’s production process allows for the fiber to become soft and wearable with similar characteristics to cotton—it dries quickly, with minimal shrinkage, and is durable.
Crailar flax is farmed in the southeastern United States, primarily in North Carolina and South Carolina. A new manufacturing facility started running last year in Pamplico, S.C.
“We expect to have a capacity of 1 million pounds per week by year-end at Pamplico going to commercialization partners [such as] Hanes, Target, PVH Corp. and Brilliant Global Knitwear,” Leverenz said.
In addition, Crailar is building partnerships with yarn manufacturers such as Lenzing and Tuscarora Yarns Inc.
Tuscarora is developing a polyester/Crailar flax blend for outdoor base layers that is set to launch at Outdoor Retailer in July.
“We blend Crailar products with our polyester, and, from a performance standpoint, it gives a higher moisture-absorption rate than cotton,” said Tuscarora Vice President of Sales Andy Long.
Long said the 85 percent polyester/15 percent flax blend offers many dyeing advantages. “We are leaving the Crailar Flax undyed,” he said. “But you can go back and crossdye and do color on color.”
