Knitwear pioneer Eschler and Austrian company Grabher Group (a specialist for textile finishing) have teamed up to engineer a new generation of functional fabrics for sports- and workwear: The 'Plasma Technology by Eschler' employs one of the most progressive ways of textile finishing offering outstanding advantages. A technology that once more underlines Eschler's innovative power!
Eschler is a brand very much dedicated to reducing the ecological footprint: The family-owned business was one of the first knitwear companies to become a certified bluesign system partner in 2001. The independent standard meets strict requirements regarding sustainability, health and safety as well as resource efficiency. For summer 2012, Eschler has developed a new generation of functional textiles in cooperation with Austrian company Grabher Group: the innovative fabrics for sports- and outdoorwear are treated with Plasma Technology ensuring durable function that is environmentally friendly.

Plasma is also known as 'the fourth stage of aggregation'. It is created by applying electrical fields to pure gas or gas mixtures in a vacuum chamber (similar to the process in neon tubes). The right combination of gas mixture composition, frequencies and gas flow results in systematic surface modifications of fabrics (hydrophilic, hydrophobic, dirt repellent). Those effects are extremely durable!
Textile finishing are commonly wet chemical processes that often interfere with key textile properties (flexibility, strength, touch) and have limited permanency.Plasma Technology avoids all those disadvantages. Eschler works exclusively with a so-called dry process, which is extremely eco-friendly: it uses a minimum of water and chemicals, saves energy and is free of fluorocarbon compounds (PFOA or PFOS).
The new high-tech fabrics are ideal for a broad range of sports depending on the plasma treatment: cycling, triathlon, running, functional underwear, cross-country and alpine skiing etc.
ESCHLER High-Tech Fabric in Award Winning Bike Bib from CRAFT

CRAFT once more proves its pioneering role in developing outstanding performance bikewear. The brand's new Elite Attack Bib integrates a high-tech Flash fabric engineered by Swiss knitwear specialist Eschler. The double layer knit (Polyester on the inside, Polyamide on the outside) provides an outstanding moisture management, has compression properties and integrates carbon fibres for improved thermal regulation. No wonder, the Elite Attack Bib received the Eurobike Award 2009!

Swedish sportswear pioneer CRAFT introduces its new high-end cycling bib. It is engineered for serious attacks on hot summer rides! The Elite Attack Bib (winner of the Eurobike Award 2009) is made of a lightweight, bi-component fabric by Swiss knitwear specialist Eschler: Polyester fibres on the inside are soft on the skin and provide an outstanding moisture management as well as excellent cooling properties. While the Polyamide outside delivers high abrasion and pilling resistance. To make sure cyclists get all the support they need, added Elasthane provides muscle-supporting compression in the key zones.
The fabric also integrates carbon fibres, which reduce the formation of odour and have antistatic properties. According to a study conducted at the independent research institute EMPA in St. Gallen/Switzerland, the carbon fibres further improve the thermal regulation.
Descente Avanti bikewear with Eschler Flash material

In summer 2010, Descente once more proves its pioneering role in developing outstanding performance bikewear. The brand's new Avanti outfit integrates a high-tech 'Flash' fabric engineered by Swiss knitwear specialist Eschler. The double-layered knit offers fantastic moisture management and cooling properties. It also utilizes the unique coldblack® technology, which reduces heat absorbancy in dark colored textiles, cools up to 5°C and guarantees a high level of UV-protection. Descente’s Avanti styles are truly designed for hot rides on steaming asphalt!
Descente has been known for its top performance apparel since its founding in 1953. For its new Avanti jersey, bib and short, the legendary brand utilizes highly technical 'Flash' material developed by Swiss knitwear specialist Eschler. The complex double layer knit features Polyester on the inside and Polyamide on the outside, which delivers an outstanding moisture management (it "dries in a flash") and excellent cooling properties. Further, the Polyamide outer guarantees a high abrasion and pilling resistance.
Yet, the material also employs coldblack® - a technology by Schoeller, Switzerland, which protects the cyclist and keeps him cool on days when the temperatures go from hot to hotter: coldblack® reduces heat absorbancy in dark colored textiles, cooling up to 5°C, and guarantees a high level of UV-protection.
Swiss Textile Brand Dresses for Olympic Success
March 2010. In the end, the host nation Canada deservedly leads the official medal table at the 2010 Olympic Games. Yet, Swiss textile producer Eschler feels a bit like a 'secret winner' - since the brand climbed the podium even more often: 115 medals in Vancouver were claimed by athletes wearing race suits made from highly technical Eschler fabrics!

Whether alpine skiers, ski jumpers, luge, bob, skeleton, cross-country athletes, or speed skaters - many nations trusted in high-tech Olympic race suits made from technical, aerodynamic Eschler fabrics. In the end, they claimed overall 40 gold, 38 silver and 37 bronze medals.
This sensational success makes CEO Peter Eschler incredibly proud. "It is fantastic to see that so many high performance brands and top athletes trust in our fabrics 'Made in Switzlerand'," he says. The 115 medals also prove Eschler's unique expertise in this field. Peter Eschler explains: "The development of high performance racing fabric is a very complex process. It involves a lot of research and testing. The fabrics have to provide a minimum of wind resistance, yet at the same time they must fulfil the strict safety standard set by the international federations. Further, you have to be able to produce these materials, which are often multi-layered laminates or coated knits. We still produce here in Switzerland. Product development and manufacturing are located in the same building. Since we are a small company, we have the advantage of being flexible. We can act and react quickly, and we are vertical, so we have full control over each step of the production. We also focus on a very strict quality control. The athletes can fully rely on our products. Imagine Simon Ammann being disqualified due to insufficient air permeability."
Many national teams race in suits made of high-tech Eschler fabrics. Here we present a daily update on which athletes have won in Eschler products.
SWISS FABRIC FOR MEDAL HUNTERS
Knitwear specialist Eschler presents its very own medal table for the upcoming Olympic Games in Vancouver on its web site. The Swiss brand manufactures high tech fabrics for the racing suits of many national teams in various disciplines and might well become the 'most successful participant'. The Eschler medal table on www.eschler.com will be updated daily and will most certainly present a long list of top results.
Whether alpine skiers, ski jumpers, cross-country athletes, or ice speed skaters - Eschler equips many nations with technical, aerodynamic fabrics for high-tech race suits. However, one will not see the brand name on the race suits, as Eschler delivers the fabrics to well-known sportswear brands. The Swiss brand is maybe the true 'hidden hero' of the Vancouver Games. At the Alpine World Championships 2009 in Val d'Isère, the Swiss brand claimed 8 gold, 9 silver and 8 bronze medals - 25 of 30 possible medals.
CEO Peter Eschler regards the medal table also as a visible reward for the long and intense development process: "There is so much research, engineering and testing involved in the development of these technical fabrics. On the one hand, the suits have to offer optimal aerodynamics. Yet, on the other hand, the sports federations have set up strict regulations, which we have to consider. We are extremely proud that so many brands and nations trust in our fabrics 'Made in Switzerland'. Our very own Eschler medal table honours all the work that our team has put into the fabrics."
SWISS IN COMFORT AND STYLE

In winter 2010/11, Swiss knitwear specialist ESCHLER adds high-tech function to the stylish CULT winter outfit by innovative skiwear brand KJUS. Combining an uncompromising stretch-fabric with outstanding ergonomics and a clean Nordic design, the CULT softshell jacket and pants are specifically engineered for female skiers who demand nothing but the best.
KJUS and ESCHLER share their Swiss love for precise, thought-through details and innovation. KJUS knows how to put the brand claim "Follow your Passion" into practice - with a lot of style, comfort and unrestricted freedom of movement. The brand is the pioneer when it comes to full-stretch skiwear. Swiss knitwear specialist ESCHLER provides the softshell fabric for KJUS' new women's CULT Jacket and Pants to premiere in winter 2010/11. The material offers great water and wind protection, is very breathable and provides outstanding insulation qualities. The 4-way stretch underlines KJUS' ergonomic, pre-shaped cut, while waterproof zippers keep the wet outside. Thus, the CULT Jacket & Pants leave the ladies fully prepared for the slopes with high-tech function and a head-turning design.
WHEN THE COLD CALLS

Hincapie Sportswear, producer of high quality cycling apparel, presents a collection of top-end soft shell garments for comfortable rides on crisp days. The US-brand utilizes state-of-the-art softshell fabrics by Swiss knitwear specialist ESCHLER, which combines high elasticity and great isolation with full weather protection. Just like ESCHLER, Hincapie is a family owned business drawing from a strong cycling tradition: pro rider George Hincapie has helped Lance Armstrong win all of his seven Tour de France titles.
Launched in 2002 by Rich Hincapie, brother of Pro Tour star George, Hincapie Sportswear has quickly established itself as one of the leading US brands for technical and stylish cycling apparel. The 'Alpe' collection features jackets, pants and accessories with highly functional softshell fabrics by Swiss knitwear specialist ESCHLER. The 4-way stretch, body-mapped garments are fully wind- and waterproof with soft insulating fleece lining in key areas. Thus, they do not only offer maximum protection from the elements, but also make sure you stay warm in cold conditions - and do so in style.

The gender specific Alpe Softshell styles feature an ergonomic shape to ensure perfect fit in the riding position. Details for the jackets include two front hand-warmer pockets, plenty of storage space in the two back pockets with an internal pump holder and a brushed collar lining with chin guard. On the Alpe Tights (with and without bib construction), the US brand focuses on detailed body-mapping for extra protection where needed and superb breathability. Reflective pipings and trims on all garments ensure improved visibility in low light conditions.
For more information check www.hincapie.com and www.eschler.com
INNOVATIONS ON ICE
In 1974 a Swiss speed skater named Franz Krienbühl developed the first one-piece speed skating suit to optimize the aerodynamics of his racing gear. Today, 35 years later, Switzerland is still the home of innovative sports apparel. Swiss knitwear specialist ESCHLER presents high tech fabrics for the speed suits of various national teams at the 2010 Olympic Games in Vancouver.
Managed by the third generation, Swiss brand ESCHLER has a long and famous tradition in developing premium knitwear for elite sportswear. For the Winter Games in Vancouver, ESCHLER supplies brands Nike and Descente that produce the speed skating racing gear for the world's leading speed skating nations. Nike engineers the suits for the US, Dutch and South-Korean national teams, Descente for the Japanese and Canadian squads.
Four different ESCHLER fabrics are used in one single speed skating suit. Each body zone is equipped with a particular construction: the one-suit system utilizes extremely durable and cut resistant fabric in critical zones which are specified by the International Skating Union (ISU). Tight compression material on the thighs reduce muscle vibration and support the muscle movement. While behind the knee and on the inner thigh, thin, yet durable fabric is used. Further, mesh inserts guarantee improved moisture management and ventilation. The material surface has been optimized in many lab and wind tunnel tests - in the end, aerodynamics are a crucial factor when it comes to shave off those milliseconds that separate the gold medalist from the rest.
Based in Bühler, the Swiss knitwear specialist Christian Eschler AG has been developing its key competence in optimal functional fabrics for the sportswear sector for decades. So what could be more natural than the company's decision to use its extensive knowledge for the production of advanced workwear fabrics? Several special developments have been completed just in time for A+A in Düsseldorf, which will offer new opportunities to manufacturers of workwear.
Allsport "Papagena" Jacket from ESCHLER Softshell Fabric

FEATHERY FUNCTION

In winter 2009/10, Swiss knitwear specialist ESCHLER and Austrian sportswear brand Allsport unite state-of-the-art performance with elegant style. Allsport introduces its elegant Papagena Softshell Jacket with its unique feather design. The elastic, soft fabric from ESCHLER is wind and water repellent, offers fantastic breathability and great comfort.
A unique design combined with great technical performance: Austrian skiwear and outdoor brand Allsport's new ladies jacket "Papagena" features a colourful, elegant allover feather print. The sophisticated design underlines the collection's mixture of understatement and luxury. Eschler's functional softshell fabric offers high wind resistance, durable water repellency, great comfort, and superb breathability.
Just as ESCHLER, Allsport is a family-owned business, managed by the third generation. Both brands are also deeply rooted in their alpine heritage. Hence, "international design with an alpine signature" is Allsport's philosophy. And just like the bluesign® certified knitwear specialist Eschler, the Austrians are dedicated to European production.
In summer 2011, the collection highlights of Swiss knitwear
manufacturer ESCHLER include three highly functional fabrics
integrating innovative technologies. Eschler introduces a
new Layer One quality from 100 % recycled polyester
implementing an antimicrobial technology. Further, the Swiss
brand presents two extremely high-tech knits utilizing
Schoeller’s revolutionary coldblack® technology. It reduces
heat absorbancy in dark colored textiles and guarantees a
high level of UV-protection.
Uniting four different structures in one fabric, knitwear pioneer ESCHLER and endurance specialist Zoot present pure high tech for triathlon apparel. Flash Synchro TX is a bi-component knitwear utilizing Polyester inside and Polyamide on the outside, thus combining great moisture management with high abrasion resistance as well as compression benefits due to added Elasthane. In cooperation with Zoot, ESCHLER developed a body mapped fabric with four different qualities for the respective zones.
CARBON GOES BIKEWEAR
Knitwear pioneer ESCHLER introduces an innovative fabric development for bikewear: the Swiss brand knits a carbon core yarn into its technical stretch material e1 carbon. The fabric thus achieves improved temperature management, prevents formation of odour and features antistatic properties. Italian bikewear brand Santini utilizes the Eschler material in its high-end bike bib SP1071 Car5.
In summer 2009, bikewear pioneer Santini Maglificio Sportivo uses Eschler's new fabric e1 Carbon in its high-performance bike bib. The lightweight stretch material is made of 76% Polyamide, 21% Elasthane and 3% Carbon. The combination of high elasticity, perfect comfort and fantastic temperature management makes it the perfect fabric for Santini's Carbon Bike Bib SP1071 Car5 - a bib engineered for ambitious riders and pro teams.
The key benefits of the integrated carbon fibres are the prevention of odour, its antistatic properties and – according to a study conducted at the independent research institute EMPA in St. Gallen/Switzerland – the improvement of thermal regulation.
Family owned brand Eschler has been developing functional fabrics since 1927. It is one of the first knitwear companies to integrate carbon fibres in technical sportswear fabrics for cyclists, runners, cross country skiers and triathletes.

Many years of involvement in the sports sector has given Christian Eschler AG in Bühler/Switzerland a broad base of experience in the active wear sector. What could have been more practical than to apply this tried and proven expertise to the "medical textiles and apparel" sector as well? Add to this the constant research and development in all processing stages and the search for new materials that contribute to the optimisation of textiles in the medical environment. At the trade fair (16-18 June 2009) in Frankfurt/M, Eschler will present its entire range of fabrics, whereby the new developments for the OP and nursing sector will have a particularly dominant position.
8 GOLD MEDALS FOR ESCHLER
At the FIS Alpine World Ski Championships in Val d'Isere, 25 medals went to athletes wearing race suits made of ESCHLER material. The Swiss knitwear specialist equips most nations with technical, aerodynamic fabrics for their race garments.
While the Swiss Ski Team topped the overall medal table in Val d'Isere, a Swiss brand climbed the podium even more often: ESCHLER, based in Bühler/Appenzell, claimed 8 gold, 9 silver and 8 bronze medals in Val d'Isere - 25 of 30 possible medals. Most of the national teams race in suits made of Eschler fabrics. The technical materials used for the racing garments only differ slightly for each team, yet the product development process involves extensive research: the fabrics have to provide a minimum of wind resistance, yet at the same time they must fulfil the strict air permeability safety standard set by the FIS.
In close collaboration with the Swiss Ski Team and garment sponsor Descente, Eschler CEO Peter Eschler has developed a special laminate: "The World Championships in Val d'Isere was a crucial test for us - especially for the long-term objective Vancouver 2010. We have further optimized the suits aerodynamics taking inspiration from nature. We don't want to reveal too many details, but, of course, we're excited about the great success by the Swiss skiers."

Technical fabrics with a fashion statement - that is exactly what apparel brands expect from fabric producers. In close cooperation with students of the Swiss Textile College STF and designer Annette Kohn, Swiss knitwear specialist ESCHLER has created an entire fashion collection of functional fabrics. Entitled "Fashion Meets Sports", the line fuses fashion and function presenting reptile looks, shimmering, fluid surfaces and sophisticated colours.

The world of fashion flirts with function - and vice versa: the world of sports takes more and more inspiration from fashion. The industry calls this trend "Fashion goes Function" or "Function goes Fashion", and it involves cutting lines, styling, as well as the choice of fabrics. Swiss knitwear specialist Eschler proves that a fabric manufacturer with technical expertise can produce an entire collection of high-end fabrics that meld fashion and function.
For all three layers, the Swiss brand offers sophisticated performance fabrics, separated into four colour and design schemes. The futuristic fashion statement, entitled "Fashion meets Sports", has been created by students of the Swiss Textile College STF and designer Annette Kohn.

DRY IN A FLASH
In summer 2010, Swiss knitwear manufacturer ESCHLER presents six innovative e1 Flash fabrics. The baselayer material is made of bi-component knitwear utilizing Polyester inside and Polyamide outside. The innovative qualities thus combine great moisture management with high abrasion resistance of the Polyamide surface and fantastic stretch comfort due to added Elasthane.
Eschler sportswear fabrics are segmented in the eschler comfort system (ecs):
a complementary layering principle with the categories e1, e2 and e3/e3+. In its summer 2010 collection, the Swiss company presents six technical baselayer qualities in the category 'Flash'. These innovative fabrics combine two different surface materials and thus "dry in a flash". Eschler uses Polyester fibres on the inside and Polyamide on the outside. This bi-component construction guarantees an outstanding moisture management and excellent cooling properties. The Polyamide yarns are a lot finer than the Polyester yarns and thus create a bigger outer surface area - this again results in a mechanical moisture transport through capillary action - a permanent solution, which will last for the lifetime of the garment.
Further, the Polyamide outer material also guarantees a high abrasion and pilling resistance. Eschler also adds Elasthane for more freedom of movement even for garments with a close-fitting, athletic cut. Thus the Flash fabrics are ideal for bikewear, triathlon or running apparel - even for competition garments or high temperatures!

In summer 2010, Swiss knitwear manufacturer ESCHLER presents a comprehensive collection of highly technical fabrics for all three layers. For this season, the product development team focused on the first layer e1. Eschler introduces four new e1 qualities with Dry Touch yarns, six innovative e1 Flash fabrics (bi-component knitwear utilizing polyester inside and polyamide outside) and six new functional fabrics from 100% recycled polyester.
Eschler sportswear fabrics are segmented in the eschler comfort system (ecs): a complementary layering principle with the categories e1, e2 and e3/e3+. For its summer 2010 collection, the Swiss company focused on optimising the first layer, fabrics worn directly on the skin.


GREEN PERFORMANCE

In summer 2010, ESCHLER continues its dedication to eco-responsibility and introduces six new high performance fabrics from 100% recycled polyester. The Swiss knitwear manufacturer uses a new PCR filament yarn that unites sustainability and technical functionality.

As one of the first textile companies, Eschler committed itself to an environmentally friendly production cycle by becoming a bluesign® system partner. With the introduction of six new sportswear fabrics (two in each layer, e1, e2 and e3/e3+), the Swiss brand enforces its dedication for a more sustainable system in the summer 2010 season. The range uses "New Life" yarns by Italian producer Miroglio made of 100% PCR (Post-Consumer Recycling) Polyester: PET bottles are recovered through recycling and are then converted into high-quality fibres. Recycled PET drastically reduces the amount of necessary resources for the production using less energy and water than virgin Polyester yarn and needing no additional oil for its production.
The Eschler PCR product line already includes two qualities made of "Repreve", a PCR Polyester yarn by US producer Unifi. Sales- & Marketing Manager Philip Schär says: "We really believe in PCR yarns. They are a great alternative for customers with heightened environmental awareness. The performance is fantastic, they are extremely comfortable to wear, offer great printability and the price remains the same."