Stretchline, a global textile manufacturer of elastics, narrow fabrics and yarn transformation, has been recognized with the Innovation Award in the 2024 Just Style Excellence Awards for its groundbreaking contributions to performance materials and sustainable manufacturing in the apparel industry.
The Just Style Excellence Awards honor the most significant achievements and innovations in the apparel and textile industry. Powered by GlobalData’s business intelligence, the Awards recognize the people and companies leading change and shaping the future of the industry.
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Stretchline’s ArcaForm fabric support system won the Innovation Award for redefining comfort and support in lingerie by eliminating the need for traditional wires. Additionally, the company’s Grey Plasma technology earned an additional Innovation Award for introducing a sustainable, waterless printing method that significantly reduces the industry’s environmental impact.
Revolutionizing the lingerie market with ArcaForm: A new era of comfort and support
Stretchline’s ArcaForm is a patented ultra-comfort fabric support system, that has redefined the lingerie market by introducing a non-wired bra that offers the lift and support traditionally associated with underwired bras. This innovation fills a market gap by offering comfort without compromising support. By eliminating metal and plastic wires, ArcaForm enhances comfort, reduces discomfort and offers more flexibility and movement than is often associated with a traditional wired bras. The use of a composite material creates a flexible and lightweight support system that conforms to the body’s contours, ensuring a superior fit.
The development of ArcaForm exemplifies Stretchline’s commitment to innovation. Designed at Stretchline’s European headquarters in the UK, with bespoke machinery built locally, ArcaForm was initially produced entirely in the UK during its first few years, boosting the regional economy. This local approach allowed for stringent quality controls throughout the production cycle, laying a strong foundation for this globally innovative product.
As demand grew, production expanded to Stretchline’s South Asia facility in Sri Lanka, enabling the company to meet global market needs efficiently while maintaining the high-quality standards established during its initial production. Originally introduced to the European market with two leading lingerie brands, ArcaForm has since become a global product, demonstrating Stretchline’s continued innovation on a worldwide scale.
ArcaForm’s versatility extends beyond traditional lingerie, with potential applications in teen bras and post-operation bras, highlighting its inclusivity and adaptability. By offering a range of sizes and the ability to mold into various cup shapes, ArcaForm caters to diverse body types, enhancing customer satisfaction and reducing garment returns due to wire-related issues. The product’s adaptability to different market segments demonstrates its potential to revolutionize the broader apparel industry, offering solutions tailored to specific consumer needs.
Pioneering sustainability with Grey Plasma: A new standard in textile printing
Stretchline’s Grey Plasma technology marks a significant leap forward in sustainable textile printing. This innovative waterless and inkless printing method eliminates the need for dyes, colourants, or water, significantly reducing environmental impact while aligning with global sustainability goals. By setting a new standard for eco-friendly manufacturing, Grey Plasma helps reduce the industry’s carbon footprint through its energy-efficient design.
Energy consumption is minimized through its unique technology, further contributing to its sustainability credentials. Grey Plasma is not only an environmentally friendly alternative but also a transformative solution that paves the way for a more sustainable future in textile production.
The technology’s cost-effectiveness and efficiency make it a game-changer in the market. With low preparation time and high customizability, Grey Plasma allows for easily adaptable designs and rapid response to market trends. This agility is crucial in the fast-changing demands of the fashion industry. The ability to produce durable designs that last for the life of the garment not only promotes longevity but also reduces waste, aligning with the industry’s shift towards circular fashion models.
Grey Plasma’s ability to support a nearshore/onshore business model further enhances its sustainability credentials by potentially reducing transportation emissions and supporting local economies. It helps brands improve supply chain responsiveness while cutting their carbon footprint. Additionally, the technology’s low labor requirements and short lead times boost production efficiency, offering a competitive edge in a fast-paced market, enabling production closer to the end consumer.
In summary, Grey Plasma offers a powerful combination of sustainability, speed, customization, and durability. It’s an innovative solution that redefines eco-friendly manufacturing, enabling brands to align with their sustainability commitments while staying ahead in a rapidly evolving market.
“The true strength of Stretchline lies in the talent and expertise of our people across the globe. By listening to the needs of the market and collaborating closely with some of the world’s largest retail brands, we bring groundbreaking innovations to life. With the introduction of our Collaboration and Innovation Hubs in the US, UK, Sri Lanka, and China, alongside cutting-edge digital design technology, we’ve made it easier than ever for our customers to work with us to develop bespoke solutions—from raw yarn transformation to finished production. This commitment to innovation, combined with our accelerated focus on sustainability, ensures that we not only meet global regulations but also help our customers achieve their own ambitious sustainability goals. At Stretchline, we continue to lead the way, designing solutions that redefine comfort, performance, and environmental responsibility for the future of the industry.”
– Xavier Vidal, Group CEO
Stretchline: Global industry leader in narrow fabrics and yarn transformation
Stretchline is a global leader in the manufacture of narrow fabrics and yarn transformation. Combining decades of experience with a relentless drive for innovation, product advancement, and solutions, we partner with leading brands around the world to develop products from the yarn level upward.
With manufacturing facilities in both the Eastern and Western hemispheres, Stretchline is committed to creating environmentally conscious and sustainable solutions. By continuously pushing boundaries in design and manufacturing, we help our customers achieve their sustainability goals while meeting global regulations. Our dedication to solving challenges others couldn’t have enabled us to diversify beyond intimate apparel elastics. Today, our products are also found in automobiles, medical applications, footwear, wearable technology, activewear, and outerwear as we expand and evolve to meet the needs of a changing world.
Contact Details
Website: https://stretchline.com/
For all enquiries please e-mail us at contactus@stretchline.com
