HIPER-YARNs are advanced composite textile materials that resulted from the research and development activities carried out in-house by EGARFIL driven by the market need for high performance yarns with cut-proof capabilities for anti-vandal applications in public transportation seating upholstery (MOBILTECH sector) and other sectors interested in such properties such as home textiles’ sector (HOMETECH) for upholstery and carpets or protective garments for safety wear (safety gloves and clothing - PROTECH). A key driver is regulation update of 89/686/EEC to EU 2016/425 regulation which entered in effect on April 2018 and the updated CEN-TS 45545-2. This new regulation is more stringent in the performance required for several products in automotive and safety wear sectors.
EGARFIL is a long-fiber worsted yarns’ manufacturer immersed in the conversion from conventional yarn production for traditional applications to technical yarn production for added-value textiles. The present project represents a breakthrough innovation for the company as it aims to introduce to the market this new product, which represents a technological advance in the field, not comparable with state-of-the-art solutions.
The overall goal of the feasibility study was:
1. Determine the technical viability for the adaptation of current manufacturing equipment to produce the new yarn and optimize the production process.
2. Identify and analyse the market: segmentation, distribution channels and regulations to define the capabilities profile and competitive advantages.
3. Identify and select key industrial partners for product distribution and stakeholders for technical certifications and testing agreements.
4. Analyse the IP position, freedom to operate and protection options of EGARFIL’s new yarn.
5. Define a business plan and the business strategy for commercialization of the new yarn including production capabilities (current and needed), marketing strategy (distribution, pricing and promotion), financial plan (costs to be incurred, margin and investments needed) and definition of the roadmap for the implementation of the next stages.
