Germany’s Suedwolle Group has partnered with Chinese seamless garment specialist UTO and The Lycra Company to develop a performance activewear collection incorporating polyester fibre made entirely from recycled textile waste. The collection uses a yarn combining ultrafine Merino wool, Coolmax EcoMade recycled polyester and a fine polyamide filament. Developed through Suedwolle’s Suedwebs Innovation Hub, the yarn is designed to combine next-to-skin comfort with the functional properties required for sportswear.

The Coolmax EcoMade fibre is produced through textile-to-textile recycling using 100% textile waste as feedstock and provides moisture management and quick-drying performance. These properties complement Merino wool’s natural thermoregulation and moisture-buffering characteristics, while the polyamide filament contributes durability and processing stability.

UTO has used seamless knitting technology to develop garments across base layers, yoga, tennis and golf. By integrating fit, movement and functional features directly into knitted structures, the manufacturing approach reduces reliance on conventional cut-and-sew construction.

Base layers focus on moisture management and thermoregulation, yoga garments prioritise flexibility and close-fitting comfort, tennis apparel accommodates intensive movement and perspiration, and golf clothing is designed for comfort over extended periods and changing weather conditions.