A high performance insulation material made of milkweed

Vegeto, a Canadian leader in the sustainable production and processing of plant textile fibers, innovates with the launch of a high-performance milkweed insulation material. This new innovative product represents a preferred, eco-friendly solution for the outdoor clothing and equipment market, notably jackets, handwear, and sleeping bags. “This new insulation material fills a gap in the textile industry: a plant-based, eco-friendly insulation textile that makes no compromise on performance. Our alternative, conceived and produced in Canada, does not rely on the usual model of using animal-sourced or petroleum-based products; we are sowing the seeds of change for the entire garment and textile industry” mentions Ghyslain Bouchard, general manager of Vegeto. Performance for the great outdoors The non-woven laminated textile insulation is a mix of milkweed and kapok fibers, and a biopolymer made from
cornstarch. Testing conducted at an independent laboratory (CTT Group) confirms the product’s exceptional thermal insulation properties. The CLO value ranges from 2.5 to 4.5, depending on the weight of the chosen product (100 g/m2, 150 g/m2, 200 g/m2, and 250 g/m2 ).
This weight range meets the insulation needs for mild spring weather as well as for winter’s frigid temperatures. “Study of the milkweed fiber’s properties revealed that its tubular form makes it an excellent thermal insulation material. The hollow part of the fiber stores air and maintains temperature. It’s this natural characteristic, which synthetic materials try to reproduce, that inspired us to create our milk week insulation textile” explains Mr. Bouchard. Eco-friendly, naturally  When choosing a textile insulation material, the selection is limited to synthetic products, mostly composed of petroleum derivatives, or animal-sourced materials. From production to their end of use, synthetic materials have harmful effects on the environment. “To reduce a product’s impact at the end of its useful life, Vegeto uses plant-based components that will break down into industrial compost at the end of the garment’s or accessory’s useful life” mentions Mr. Bouchard.
Furthermore, consumers’ perception of fur and duvet is changing. “There is no denying the efficiency of duvet; however, it is quite expensive and does not fit in with the vegan lifestyle. Our insulation material succeeds in combining performance and respect for the environment and animals” adds Ghyslain Bouchard.