Nature Coatings and Coolcore®, based in the USA, have teamed up to launch a new range of sustainable cooling fabrics. These textiles are made without harmful chemicals and are designed to keep wearers cool using smart fiber structures instead of chemical treatments.
A key ingredient is ‘BioBlack TX,’ a non-toxic black pigment made from wood waste. It replaces traditional petroleum-based pigments and helps reduce carbon emissions. Meanwhile, ‘Biomimetic Fiber Geometry,’ developed by Coolcore®, is a special fiber shape that moves moisture and cools the body naturally through evaporation.
These eco-conscious fabrics are durable, breathable, and ideal for activewear, workwear in hot climates, outdoor gear, and sustainable fashion. They also help reduce microplastic release and water pollution during washing. Together, Nature Coatings and Coolcore® are offering a cleaner, greener option for high-performance textiles, showing that comfort and sustainability can go hand in hand.
[Source: https://www.cleanthesky.com/innovation/nature-coatings-and-coolcore]
Outlast® Revolutionizes Thermoregulation with Natural Wax Technology, Reducing Sweat by Up to 48%
Outlast Technologies, a Germany-based company known for its temperature-regulating fabrics, combines science and comfort to deliver intelligent thermoregulation through advanced textile innovation. Their technology integrates microencapsulated natural waxes into textile materials, ushering in a new era of comfort and performance. Unlike conventional heat management systems that respond only after perspiration begins, Outlast’s technology proactively absorbs excess body heat, helping to delay the onset of sweating and maintain thermal balance. Through proprietary processes, these wax-based capsules can be applied to a wide range of textile substrates. They create a dynamic heat buffer that captures and stores body warmth, then releases it as the body cools. This helps maintain a consistent microclimate around the skin, significantly reducing temperature fluctuations.
Studies have shown that their temperature-regulating materials can reduce sweat production by up to 48%, offering a wide range of benefits across various applications. By maintaining a stable body temperature, these fabrics promote better sleep quality and overall comfort. In footwear, the reduction in moisture helps prevent blister formation and minimizes odour. Athletes benefit from improved fluid balance and reduced energy consumption, while everyday users enjoy enhanced comfort in daily and performance wear. In occupational settings, the technology supports better concentration and stamina. Additionally, fabrics improve the functionality of orthopaedic, “next-to-skin” products and help reduce the risk of chills during outdoor leisure activities such as hiking or gardening.
[Source: https://www.outlast.com/en/temperature-regulation/how-it-works]
U.S. Navy Develops Next-Gen Dive Suit Material with Superior Thermal Protection
Diving in cold environments presents serious risks, from cognitive and physical impairment to life-threatening conditions like hypothermia and decompression sickness. To combat these challenges, the U.S. Navy’s Naval Surface Warfare Center – Panama City Division (NSWC PCD) has developed a breakthrough material known as DEEP (Diver Environmental Encapsulation Prototype), engineered to deliver unmatched thermal resistance and flexibility at extreme depths.
Traditional wetsuits made of foam neoprene lose up to 70% of their insulation in deep water due to compression. In contrast, DEEP maintains its thickness and thermal performance under pressure while offering three times more stretchy than traditional materials used in diver garments, giving wearers superior fit, comfort, and mobility. This form-fitting material keeps divers warmer and more mobile, addressing critical needs across military, commercial, and recreational sectors. Tests have shown that DEEP outperforms standard neoprene by up to five times in thermal resistance.
With six years of development and four patents pending, the Navy is now seeking industry partners to co-develop a full wetsuit using DEEP. Through a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA), companies can access Navy IP, material samples, technical expertise, and state-of-the-art testing facilities.
New Biodegradable Baby Wet Wipes Aim to Support Infant Skin’s Microbiome
Harper Hygienics, based in Poland, has introduced Cleanic Baby Eco Microbiome Care, a new line of wet wipes developed to gently support the natural balance of newborn skin. The product is designed with a focus on maintaining the skin’s microbiome – a layer of beneficial microorganisms that play a key role in skin health and resilience.
The wipes are formulated with rice proteins, which are known to nourish the skin and help strengthen its natural barrier. These proteins may also help soothe common infant skin concerns such as irritation, rashes, and abrasions. To further protect delicate skin, the wipes contain both probiotic and prebiotic ingredients. These components are intended to help maintain the skin’s pH, support the renewal of its protective barrier, and reduce the risk of infection and allergens by stabilizing the microbiome.
Inulin, a plant-derived moisturizer, has been incorporated into the formula to help prevent skin dryness. It forms a protective film on the skin’s surface, helping to lock in moisture and provide added comfort, especially for sensitive skin. The product is hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, and pH neutral, making it suitable for use from the earliest days of life. Additionally, each wipe is fully biodegradable, as it is made from 100% compostable and eco-friendly material, reflecting a commitment to environmental responsibility.
Geocell Technology to Tackle Plastic Waste in Road Construction
The Central Road Research Institute (CRRI), in collaboration with Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), has developed a new road construction material called Geocells. These three-dimensional block-shaped sheets, made from end-of-life and mixed plastic waste, aim to offer a sustainable solution to India’s growing plastic pollution problem while improving road infrastructure.
Geocells are made from processed waste plastic using mechanical recycling techniques. The resulting plastic sheets – 4 to 8 mm thick – form a strong mesh-like structure. When these cells are filled with soil or construction debris, they form a stable base layer suitable for paving roads, especially in difficult terrains such as hilly or loose soil areas.
A joint patent has been filed by CSIR-CRRI and BPCL for the Geocell technology. Field trials, in collaboration with the Military Engineering Services, are planned to begin in August to test the solution in real-world road-building scenarios. In a successful pilot, a stretch near the elevated portion of the DND–Faridabad–KMP Expressway was constructed using Geocells. The 160-meter section used approximately 20–25 tonnes of recycled plastic waste.
According to Ms. Ankita Behl, principal scientist at CSIR-CRRI, the recycled plastic used in Geocells is challenging to process due to its inconsistent quality. Despite this, the lab and field trials—including those done with TATA Projects—showed no cracks or deformation, indicating strong load-bearing capacity and shape retention.
CRRI states that this initiative represents India’s first field trial using technical textiles from end-of-life plastic in road construction. It also aligns with national efforts to address the mounting issue of mixed and multilayered plastic waste, which is typically not recycled under current Indian Roads Congress (IRC) guidelines. By reusing hard-to-process waste plastic, Geocells present a dual benefit: enhancing road durability and tackling plastic waste. This approach could set new standards for sustainable infrastructure and circular economy practices in India’s road development sector.
[Source: https://en.channeliam.com/2025/07/14/geocells-recycled-plastic-roads/]
DRDO & AIIMS Bibinagar Unveil India’s First Low-Cost Advanced Carbon Fibre Foot Prosthesis
First Make-in-India cost-effective advanced Carbon Fibre Foot Prosthesis, indigenously designed and developed by DRDO’s Defence Research & Development Laboratory (DRDL) and AIIMS Bibinagar, was unveiled at AIIMS Bibinagar, Telangana, on July 14, 2025. AIIMS Bibinagar – DRDL, DRDO Indigenously Developed Optimised Carbon Foot Prosthesis (ADIDOC), a major breakthrough under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, was launched by Distinguished Scientist & Director, DRDL Dr GA Srinivasa Murthy, and Executive Director, AIIMS Bibinagar Dr Ahanthem Santa Singh.
ADIDOC is biomechanically tested to loads up to 125 kgs with a sufficient factor of safety. It has three variants to cater to patients of different weights. This foot is designed with the goal of offering a high-quality and affordable solution accessible to a larger population in need, while delivering performance at par with available international models.
It is expected to reduce the cost significantly to as low as less than Rs 20,000 in production in comparison to the current imported similar products that cost around Rs two lakh. Hence, this innovation is expected to significantly improve accessibility to high-quality prosthetics for low-income group amputees in India, reduce dependency on imported technologies, and support broader social & economic inclusion for people with disabilities.
[Source: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2144797]
ThermaEdge Cold-Weather Gear Clears Northern Command Extreme Cold Field Trials
Thermaissance, a Bharat-based developer of advanced technical textiles, announced that its ThermaEdge Cold-Weather Balaclava and Two-Layer Smart Blanket have successfully completed field evaluations conducted by the Indian Army Northern Command. These products were assessed under extreme cold and high-altitude conditions and were found suitable for operational deployment.
The trials, held from 14 February to 19 April 2025, were organized by Headquarters Northern Command and executed by HQ 102 Infantry Brigade (Siachen Brigade). Both products were tested with forward-deployed troops in sub-zero Himalayan terrain. The evaluation focused on thermal performance, comfort, hygiene, and sustained usability. Feedback indicated satisfactory performance across all parameters.
The Cold-Weather Balaclava is engineered for superior protection in extreme conditions, featuring a dual-layer insulation system that ensures effective heat retention. Built with integrated wind resistance and UPF 60+ UV protection, it safeguards users from both cold climates and harmful sun exposure. The design incorporates breathable, lightweight, and moisture-wicking materials that also resist odour, making it ideal for extended wear during demanding operations.
To maintain comfort and safety, the balaclava is constructed from antimicrobial, pH-neutral, and hypoallergenic fabrics, clinically tested to minimize bacterial and fungal growth. This prevents skin irritation during prolonged use, ensuring soldiers and field personnel can rely on it during long missions without compromising health or performance.
The Two-Layer Smart Blanket provides versatile thermal protection through its dual-layer insulation, retaining body heat even in low temperatures. Lightweight at less than 1,600 grams, it is breathable, quick-drying, and easy to carry, making it suitable for mobile deployment. The blanket is multipurpose—serving as a traditional blanket, sleeping bag liner, ground sheet, or even an improvised shelter. With its antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties and compliance with US MIL STD 810G antifungal durability standards, it offers long-lasting hygiene and odour control, supporting continuous use during prolonged missions.