Sapphire Mills Enhances Stretch Fabrics with XLance

Sapphire Mills is collaborating with XLance Srl, the Italian producer of polyolefin-based stretch yarn, to enhance stretch textiles for the workwear market.

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XLance fiber is sustainable alternative to traditional spandex. The fiber is produced through a clean process that eliminates harmful chemicals, ensuring a lower environmental impact. The fiber’s unique properties enable garments to retain their stretch and fit longer, reducing waste and promoting a circular economy.

Fabrics made with XLance fiber are also thermal and chemical resistance, making them ideal for industrial laundry settings. Their stretch properties remaining uncompromised at temperatures up to 220°C (428°F) and during exposure to aggressive washing and sanitizing chemical agents. Fabrics maintain integrity and comfort after 50 washes at 75°C (167°F) and drying at 155°C (331°F).

The fiber has seen successes in active sportswear, swimwear and shirting, and has been growing its footprint in denim the last couple of years. It is used in products by Nike, Adidas and Patagonia.

Sapphire Mills is the dyeing and weaving division of Pakistan-based Sapphire Group. The company will target introduce XLance fabrics for the workwear category, highlighting their enhanced durability and sustainable attributes. Both companies aim to set the standard for “high-quality, durable, and sustainable elastic yarn in workwear.” The companies described the partnership is a “key step in advancing stretch workwear fabrics and driving future textile innovations.”

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“Our partnership with XLance Srl marks an exciting step forward in enhancing our workwear fabrics with sustainable stretch technology. By incorporating XLance fiber , we’re elevating the durability and comfort of our products, staying true to our commitment to quality and innovation.” said Yousuf Abdullah, CEO of Sapphire Mills.

The collaboration between Sapphire and XLance is supported by the market’s demand for more wearable and comfortable workwear.

“In the workwear market, we see continuous influence and crossover from the apparel and sportswear sectors. As a result, more users are seeking workwear that is both stylish and comfortable. XLance fiber is the perfect solution to meet these requirements, enabling the industry to engineer unique and innovative products,” said Costantino Colnaghi, CEO of XLance Srl.

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