IceBreaker Cool-Lite, The Nature Made Miracle Fabric With Natural Performing Technology. Original natural performance fibre apparel brand Icebreaker is proud to announce the launch of its new Spring Summer 2018 (SS18) innovative fabric technology, Cool-Lite™, an unbeatable combination of merino and Tencel® , Cool-Lite™ blends the comfort and breathability of merino wool, Icebreaker’s mainstay textile, with Tencel® naturally derived from the wood pulp of sustainably sourced eucalyptus trees. Tencel® is lightweight, silky to touch, enhances the excellent wicking properties of merino, as well as being highly environmentally friendly — Tencel® has won the ‘European Award for the Environment’ by the European Union.
In Summer 18 Icebreaker gets cool and light. Adventure, Training and Life categories in Sphere, Strike and Comet Collections hero the Cool-Lite™ technology, including active tees and sleeveless tanks and a variety of heathered, solid and graphic colorways. The unique combination of merino and Tencel® results in t-shirts and tanks that offer exceptional softness, luxurious drape, and cooling performance attributes, making the Sphere Series ideal for everyday comfort, commuting, working out and adventure travel.
Story Behind IceBreaker Cool-Lite
“Cool-Lite™ is more than a brilliant partnership of two natural performance components, it’s a natural alternative to synthetic products and delivers a unique next to skin luxurious feel that is second to none”, said Icebreaker Chief Brand and Product Officer, Carla Murphy. “We have always believed that nature provides the solutions, and that there are more natural alternatives available to choosing synthetic-based products. With merino as our foundation, we continuously look to innovate and that led us to Tencel®, which is softer than silk, cooler feeling than linen, and incredibly strong.”
“With the recent release of our Transparency Report, our awareness of sustainability in the supply chain is amplified even more, and the really wonderful thing about Tencel® is that it’s derived from a sustainable crop of eucalyptus wood, has a very low water use and, like merino, is biodegradable so it will not clutter up oceans or landfills like microplastics can”, added Murphy.
Bryhn Ireson, Training Product Business Unit Manager at Icebreaker says, “We’re proud of the fact that we are being recognized for driving natural performance leadership in our products, and that is reflected in the awards we have won. It says that our products don’t just look and feel good, but that they are the natural performance alternative to synthetics. Recently we’ve been recognized by the global ultrarunning community as having best in category clothing which really is incredible because most people associate merino wool with warmth – skiing in cold weather for example.”
The natural attributes of merino wool include anti-odor and antimicrobial properties, and with added Tencel®, the Cool-Lite™ tees allow for natural sweat and moisture wicking capabilities for multi-day comfort and versatile use. Icebreaker’s transitional styling amplifies the possibilities for natural performance and comfort in this new solution for life, training and adventure.
Ireson adds, “What we’re doing with the Cool-Lite™ blend is being able to talk about those warmer climates and activities, and high-sweat endurance activities. To be able to take a t-shirt from our adventure line and run an ultra-marathon in it and have it be comfortable and moisture wicking; things that are great performance benefits, really speaks to the versatility of our product.”
Icebreaker Cool-Lite™ Adventure, Training and Life products are available now, online and in Icebreaker Touchlabs across the United States and Canada. With an emphasis to reduce plastics and non-biodegradable additives in packaging and product, Icebreaker believes nature has a better way and are relentlessly seeking natural fiber alternatives to the synthetic fibers used today. Through innovative measures such as developing biodegradable packaging, and establishing a global recycle reward program for consumers by 2022, Icebreaker remains an industry leader with over 85% of business based on natural fabric consumption.
COOL-LITE™ SPHERE SERIES
The unbeatable blend of merino and TENCEL®. Cool-Lite™ is Icebreaker’s innovative fabric technology made for the hottest of days. Cool-Lite™ blends the comfort and breathability of merino, with TENCEL®, a natural wood fibre made from the wood pulp of sustainably sourced Eucalyptus trees. It is lightweight, silky to touch and enhances the excellent wicking properties of merino.
Icebreaker’s new Sphere Sleeveless Tee for women and the men’s Sphere Graphics collection utilize Cool-Lite™’s exceptional softness, beautiful drape, and cooling performance attributes to make the Sphere Series ideal for everyday comfort, commuting to work, and travel.
ABOUT ICEBREAKER
Icebreaker merino clothing for the outdoors, technical sports and lifestyle includes underwear, mid layer garments, outerwear, socks and accessories for men, women and children. Icebreaker is based in Auckland, New Zealand, and is sold in more than 5000 stores in 50 countries; at Icebreaker retail stores in New Zealand, Australia, Canada and the United States and online at icebreaker.com.
