HeiQ and GQ Apparel join forces to develop cooling jeans

HeiQ, the textile technology company based in Schlieren in the canton of Zurich, has developed an innovative technology for the production of cooling denim fabrics. As detailed in a press release, HeiQ has now reached an agreement with the Bangkok-based textile manufacturer GQ Apparel to manufacture jeans featuring this technology. Production is primarily planned for the domestic market. Thailand’s climate is incredibly hot and humid, which makes wearing jeans an unpleasant experience. The newly developed fabrics offer a pleasant cooling sensation throughout the day, with the result that wearing jeans in Thailand is now a distinct possibility, as the press release explains. HeiQ Cool, the bio-based technology developed by the Schlieren-based spin-off from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich (ETH), was tested on more than 500 prototypes. HeiQ Cool is part of the new solution GQ Cool Tech Jeans.

“We are thrilled to partner with GQ Apparel, a company that shares our dedication to innovation and sustainability”, comments Mike Abbott, Head of HeiQ Textiles & Flooring business unit, in the press release. “This unique collaboration not only strengthens our presence in the Southeast Asian market but also highlights our commitment to developing differentiating bio-based solutions that set new benchmarks in the textile industry”, he adds.

“At GQ Apparel, we’ve always pushed the boundaries of what’s possible in apparel by embracing technology. Our partnership with HeiQ marks another bold step in our journey to solve real-world challenges through innovation”, as George Hartel, Chief Commercial Officer of GQ Apparel, concludes in the press release. ce/ww