INNOVATOR PROFILE
3M THINSULATE FEATHERLESS
COMPANY INFORMATION
COMPANY HISTORY
Since their founding as Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company in 1902, 3M (rebranded officially in 2002) has made scientific and technical innovations to launch more than 60,000 products used today in homes, hospitals, schools, and other industries. According to 3M, one third of their sales come from products invented within the past decade. The original Thinsulate™ Insulation was launched in 1979 and 3M continues to innovate in this space. In 2015, 3M™ Thinsulate™ Featherless Insulation was announced as a kinder alternative to feather down.
MATERIAL
Down Alternative
3M™ Thinsulate™ Featherless Insulation is a loose-fill insulation made from 100% post-consumer plastic bottles.
TECHNOLOGY
Production process: Mechanical/Chemical
The technology for using post-consumer plastic can vary somewhat, but in general, used PET bottles are recycled following standard procedures and requirements. The PET flakes are melted and spun into new fibers. These fibers are then used to produce insulation for outerwear, sportswear, and bedding.
SUSTAINABILITY
3M Thinsulate 100% Recycled Featherless Insulation has received several certifications for sustainability and recycling. According to the company, each parka with their filling contains approximately 17 recycled plastic bottles.
SENSORY/TACTILE
3M Thinsulate Featherless Insulation mimics down when dry and is warmer than down when wet.
Details available here: Thinsulate Featherless Technical Data
CURRENT APPLICATIONS
Outerwear, sportswear, accessories, and bedding.
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