February 27, 2025 – Innovations in Imitation Fibers Make Them Ideal Alternatives to Natural Fibers
The textile industry has been witnessing a surge in the popularity of imitation fibers due to their unique structures and properties. These functional fibers, through special processing or modification of synthetic fibers, can rival or even surpass natural fibers in terms of handfeel and performance. They are primarily categorized into four types: cotton-like, wool-like, linen-like, and silk-like fibers.
In the realm of cotton-like fibers, both domestic and foreign companies have intensified their research and development efforts. Toray’s PENTAS cotton-like polyester fiber, for instance, has gained widespread market recognition for its soft and fluffy handfeel, along with its exceptional performance. China’s cotton-like fiber technology has also evolved, resulting in three major series of products: easy-to-dye, high-moisture-regain, and hydrophilic fine denier fibers, catering to diverse market demands. Notable examples include Yizheng Chemical Fiber’s “Yilun,” Suzhou Sirke’s “Sicotton,” and China Textile Academy’s “Kaitai.”
Significant progress has also been made in wool-like fibers. Jiangsu Yinheng’s Ternura wool-like fiber combines softness and fluffiness with a cotton-like and wool-like feel, earning it widespread market appeal. Zhejiang Hengtong’s polyester fiber for imitating lamb fur stands out for its excellent light refraction properties and moisture absorption, rivaling real lamb fur. According to AsiaMB, with the development of the textile industry, wool-like fiber varieties have continued to evolve, now encompassing imitations of rabbit fur, fox fur, and more, satisfying the market’s diversified needs.
In the realm of silk-like fibers, domestic and foreign enterprises have been exploring and innovating continuously. Shanghai Cathay Biotechnology Co., Ltd.’s silk-like bio-based polyamide 510 fiber is a standout product. This fiber mimics the molecular structure of natural silk, utilizing synthetic biology to develop new bio-based monomers and undergoing a series of processing steps. Its handfeel is close to that of real silk, with a full and fluffy texture and excellent crease recovery properties, even surpassing real silk in performance.
Overall, as ideal alternatives to natural fibers, imitation fibers not only possess the advantages of natural fibers but also offer superior cost-effectiveness. With continuous technological advancements and innovations, imitation fibers are poised to play an increasingly significant role in the textile industry in the future.