What is Seawool Fabric: Properties, How it Made and Where
Introduction
Haven’t you heard of “Seawool”? Don’t be misled by the name; Seawool isn’t from sheep. Instead, Seawool fabric is an innovative material made from oyster shells combined with recycled plastic bottles. It’s an eco-friendly option that provides a better comfort-wearing experience and feels like wool.
This guide will give you a brief introduction to Seawool fabric and help you understand its features and benefits.
What is Seawool fabric?
Seawool fabric represents a significant advancement in sustainable textile manufacturing, pioneered by Creative Tech Textile Co., Ltd. in 2017. This innovative fabric is meticulously crafted from upcycled oyster shells, typically discarded by the food industry, and recycled plastic bottles. Remarkably, Seawool utilizes approximately 60 plastic bottles per kilogram of fabric, diverting substantial amounts of post-consumer waste from landfills and waterways.
The journey of Seawool begins with the collection of oyster shells from sustainable sources, such as oyster farms that support local seafood industries. These shells undergo a rigorous process, including heat treatment at temperatures exceeding 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit (538 degrees Celsius), followed by grinding into fine powder. This oyster shell powder not only imparts Seawool with a unique speckled appearance but also enriches it with natural minerals, enhancing its performance and eco-friendly characteristics.
Meanwhile, the recycled plastic bottles used in Seawool fabric are sourced from various consumer waste streams, including beverage and soda containers. By repurposing these bottles into polyester yarns, Seawool reduces reliance on virgin polyester production, which is resource-intensive and contributes to environmental degradation.
Beyond its environmental benefits, Seawool fabric excels in performance attributes essential for modern textile applications. It offers excellent insulation properties due to its low thermal conductivity, providing warmth in colder conditions without the bulk often associated with traditional wool. Moreover, Seawool fabric is praised for its soft, wool-like feel, exceptional elasticity, and resistance to deformation, ensuring durability and comfort in everyday wear.
History of Seawool Fabric
In ancient times, “sea wool” or “sea silk” also referred to precious textiles harvested from mussels during the Egyptian and Roman eras, with specific techniques now lost to history. The Seawool mentioned here, however, originates from Taiwan.
Oyster farming in Taiwan has a 300-year history, producing an estimated 160,000 tons of oyster shells annually. To mitigate environmental impact, Taiwanese company Creative Tech Textile, part of the Taiwanese Garment Group, researched and developed oyster shell fabric.
This innovative fabric has been applied and patented since 2017 by Creative Tech Textile Co., Ltd., a Taiwan-based manufacturer. After years of dedicated research and development, Creative Tech Textile Co., Ltd. successfully brought this sustainable fabric to fruition.
Since its introduction, Seawool has gained traction in the sustainable fashion industry. Various brands, including Frank and Oak, Huckberry, have incorporated Seawool into their product lines.
How Seawool Fabric is Made
The process of making Seawool involves four main steps:
Step 1 – Material Collection
Step 2 – Polyester Yarn Production
Step 3 – Heat Treatment of Oyster Shells
Step 4 – Make them into clothes
Step 1 – Material Collection
All post-consumer oyster shells are sustainably harvested and collected from oyster farms, which supply seafood to some of the world’s top restaurants.
The plastic bottles used by Seawool are recycled from water and soda bottles. While most bottles are collected through waste management programs, a small portion comes from beaches where they might otherwise contribute to pollution.
Recycling these plastic bottles helps avoid hundreds of years of decomposition in landfills—indeed, plastic bottles can take up to 450 years to decompose.
Step 2 – Polyester Yarn Production
Once at the production facility, collected bottles are cleaned and processed. The plastic bottles are cut into small flakes, melted, and forced through small holes to form long polyester yarns. These polyester yarns ultimately serve as the foundational structure for Seawool fabric.
Step 3 – Heat Treatment of Oyster Shells
First, the shells are heated to over 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit (538 degrees Celsius) for about two hours. They are then cooled and ground into a fine powder using a hammer mill.
The resulting oyster shell powder gives Seawool its distinctive speckled appearance and provides a natural source of minerals and nutrients for the yarns. This powder is then blended with the recycled polyester yarns to create the final Seawool yarn.
Step 4 – Make them into clothes
Finally, the yarns are twisted into ropes and woven or knitted into finished soft products.
Properties of Seawool Fabric： Pros and Cons
Pros and Cons
Apart from its environmental sustainability, as a fabric, Seawool Fabric has a lot of advantages compared to traditional wool:
Insulation: Seawool fabric excels in thermal conductivity, offering superb insulation capabilities that effectively retain body heat in cold conditions. This property makes Seawool an ideal choice for garments designed to keep you warm and comfortable, even in chilly environments. By trapping heat close to the body, Seawool helps maintain optimal warmth without the bulkiness often associated with other insulation materials. Its ability to regulate temperature ensures that wearers stay cozy and insulated, making it a versatile fabric for various outdoor and cold-weather apparel applications.
UV Protection: Seawool fabric provides effective protection against harmful UV rays, shielding the wearer from potential sunburn and reducing the risk of melanin deposition. This attribute is particularly beneficial for outdoor activities and prolonged sun exposure, where UV radiation can cause skin damage. By incorporating UV-blocking properties into its structure, Seawool helps maintain skin health and comfort, making it a reliable choice for clothing intended for sunny climates or outdoor adventures.
Woolen Touch: Seawool fabric provides a luxurious tactile experience akin to traditional wool but with added benefits. It possesses a soft and smooth texture that feels gentle against the skin, making it comfortable for prolonged wear.
Odorless: Seawool fabric is deodorizing and antibacterial properties are remarkable. When used, oyster shell fabric reduces the presence of microorganisms, making it an excellent choice for individuals with sensitive skin. Unlike some wool materials that can be scratchy or cause irritation, Seawool is odorless, ensuring a pleasant and fresh sensation even after extended use.
Dry Fast: Seawool fabric stands out with its impressive ability to stay dry under various conditions. Its anti-static capabilities ensure that it repels dust and lint, keeping the fabric cleaner and more comfortable to wear. The quick-drying performance of Seawool means it efficiently wicks moisture away from the skin, allowing sweat to evaporate quickly. This not only helps in maintaining a dry and comfortable feel but also prevents the fabric from clinging to the body during physical activities.
One drawback of Seawool fabric is that, despite its numerous benefits, it can be more expensive than traditional fabrics. Additionally, its production process, which involves upcycling oyster shells and recycling plastic bottles, can be more complex and resource-intensive. This might limit its availability and accessibility. Apart from that, seawool fabric has limited stretch, especially along the lengthwise and crosswise grains, which can affect comfort and fit in garments.
How does Seawool compare with traditional wool?
Characteristic
Seawool
Traditional Wool
Composition
Recycled oyster shells and PET plastic bottles
Natural fibers from sheep or other animals
Manufacturing
A technological process combining waste materials
Natural growth and harvesting from animals
Environmental Impact
Repurposes waste reduces pollution
Can have impacts related to animal farming
Moisture Management
Superior
Good
Thermoregulation
Excellent
Good
Odor Resistance
Natural antimicrobial properties
Natural antimicrobial properties
Care Instructions
Machine washable and dryable
Often requires delicate care
Allergenicity
Low
Can cause allergies in some people
How is Seawool fabric used? Common applications
Seawool fabric’s versatile properties make it suitable for a wide range of applications:
Its insulation, moisture-wicking ability, and durability make Seawool fabric ideal for both comfort and performance in various clothing categories.
Where is Seawool Fabric produced?
Seawool fabric is primarily produced in Taiwan by Creative Tech Textile Co., Ltd. and distributed by Hans Global in the USA. The production process involves repurposing discarded oyster shells and recycled PET plastic bottles to create this innovative and sustainable textile
How much does Seawool Fabric cost?
The price of Seawool fabric typically ranges between USD 15 and USD 25 per yard, depending on the specific type, weight, and where you purchase it. In comparison, traditional wool tends to be priced around 40 USD per yard. This makes Seawool a more affordable option while still offering comparable qualities to wool, such as warmth and durability.
Why choose Align Textile as your Seawool Fabric supplier?
Align Textile is a pioneering company in the realm of sustainable textile manufacturing, boasting over 20 years of experience in creating custom, eco-friendly fabrics. Align Textile specializes in producing high-quality fabrics that blend functionality with environmental consciousness. Align Textile has its own fabric R&D center and production facilities in Taiwan with more than 1000 fabric selections. Align Textile meets various quality standards, such as AATCC, ensuring that they can always find suitable fabrics and products to meet everyone’s needs.
Additionally, Align Textile has strong connections with fabric technology partners, including Creative Tech Textile, the inventor of Seawool. They also collaborate with companies specializing in sustainable materials like HEIQ and Midori Bio.
Furthermore, they work with Polygiene, known for their top-notch antibacterial technology. They also cooperate with sportswear brands like Jock Van Garments, maximizing the benefits of Seawool.
Below are some examples of the Seawool Fabric Align Textile designed for its customers:
Moisture Wicking/ Hybrid/ 4 Way Stretch/ Pill Resistance 3.0
38% SeaWool Recycled Polyester
46% Polyester
11% Lyocell (Tencel)
5% Spandex
FAQs about Seawool
Is Seawool itchy? Is it warm?
Seawool is crafted to offer a soft, comfortable feel akin to wool, coupled with exceptional elasticity and resistance to deformation. Its low thermal conductivity enhances insulation, making Seawool doubly effective in keeping warmth in colder conditions. Unlike traditional wool, Seawool avoids the itchiness sometimes experienced, making it ideal for comfortable wear.
Is Seawool fabric eco-friendly?
Yes, Seawool fabric is eco-friendly because it is made from recycled materials, specifically oyster shells and recycled plastic bottles. These materials are diverted from waste streams, reducing environmental impact compared to conventional textile production methods.
Can Seawool fabric be used for high-performance athletic wear?
Seawool is perfect for eco-conscious businesses and athletic apparel brands. Its features boost comfort and performance while aligning with the growing demand for sustainable and functional fashion in the market.
How durable is Seawool fabric compared to other fabrics?
Seawool fabric is exceptionally durable! Crafted from recycled oyster shells and plastic bottles, it boasts remarkable strength and resilience against wear and tear. Its ability to repel moisture ensures it remains sturdy even in wet conditions. This durability makes Seawool an excellent choice for garments and textiles that need to withstand daily use and various environmental challenges, offering both sustainability and practicality.
Is Seawool fabric certified for sustainability?
Seawool fabric is bluesign® certified, which is endorsed by SGS, a Swiss-based multinational known for its comprehensive inspection, verification, testing, and certification services. The bluesign® certification system independently assesses the entire textile production process to minimize environmental impact and ensure human health safety.
Where can I buy Seawool fabric products?
You can source Seawool fabric directly from Align Textile! We specialize in providing customized fabric solutions, designing the best Seawool fabric to meet your specific needs. In addition to Seawool, we offer other sustainable fabric products for you to choose from, such as Lycra, CoolMax, Thermolite, and Naia.
Conclusion
Align Textile leads in sustainable textile innovation, setting new benchmarks for quality and eco-consciousness. With over 20 years of experience, Align Textile specializes in producing high-quality, eco-friendly fabrics that seamlessly blend functionality with environmental responsibility. Their commitment to Manufacturing Excellence ensures that they consistently deliver top-notch products while minimizing their environmental footprint.
Get in touch with Align Textile for your custom Seawool fabric solutions. Explore their extensive range of sustainable fabric products and learn more about how Align Textile is advancing sustainability for a better future, and discover how their innovative solutions can meet your specific needs.
