Schoeller Textil AG, Swiss firm that specialises in the sustainable development of innovative textiles and textile technologies, is showing a new wearable textile technology: a durable, heatable e-soft-shell material that can be flexibly cut to size, at ISPO Munich, the world’s largest sports trade show, from February 5 to 8, 2017, in hall A1-421.

The new laminate is structured like a conventional soft-shell with corkshell technology and can be produced for sale by the metre. The incorporated textile electronics permit consistent heat distribution and are functional at common voltages. Furthermore, the material can be dyed and washed. The vision for the future of the e-soft-shell material includes washable electrical contacting, smart batteries, and sensor technology that operate by smartphone. A prototype vest in the new e-softshell fabric will be demonstrated to potential customers at the expo.

Together with the companies KJUS and Osmotex, as well as the EMPA Institute, Schoeller is also working on an electro-osmotic membrane for use in outerwear. The aim is to ensure a pleasant microclimate in the face of fluctuating external temperatures and exercise level.