Dimpora, a specialist in eco-friendly functional membranes for the outdoor industry, is exhibiting at this year’s Innovate Textile & Apparel. Anna Beltzung, chief technical officer and co-founder, discusses what the company has in store for the virtual trade show.
Why did your company decide to participate in Innovate Textile & Apparel, and why do you believe that virtual events are so beneficial for the industry right now?
We already participated in a past event and really liked the feedback and the follow-up contacts that have been made. Virtual events seem to be working really well and they are keeping everyone safe. If costs can be cut on big booths at fairs, maybe potential partners could have more budget for innovation.
What will Dimpora be focusing on at the event?
We will discuss our latest innovative products in our portfolio. For example, we will showcase our biobased and biodegradable membranes for the textile industry. Besides that, we are looking forward to seeing what else is currently on trend and if we can find partners that have the same vision as we have.
What key developments have been made by your company this year in terms of products, R&D, and company growth?
We are continuing the development and optimisation of our PLA membrane as well as the use of other polymers to make breathable and waterproof membranes. Additionally, we have been investigating the application of membranes in free shapes.
What challenges have you faced as a result of Covid-19 and how have you worked to overcome them?
We reduced our spending in order to get through the storm with as little harm as possible. The biggest influence was surely the travel restrictions keeping us from helping our international production partners to proceed in scaling.
It has been said that the pandemic has led to increased awareness of our health and the environment. How will you therefore work to further enhance the sustainability of your products and to meet the demands of the industry and consumers?
We were already well aware of the environmental problems and were always very careful with our production as well as our behaviour within the company. We hope that large players now more than ever realise the danger that is put out in the current fluorine-containing membranes in their collections. And realise that new innovative materials can help them overcome this and still protect their customers.
What are Dimpora's next steps in terms of future product development?
We are developing the concept of having a monomaterial garment (a membrane and fabric out of the same material) for the outdoor industry, aiming to facilitate recycling streams.
To learn more about Dimpora, click the above link to its Innovate Textile & Apparel booth or visit www.dimpora.com
