LOOMIA, AFFOA unveil innovative textile heating technology

LOOMIA, a pioneer in electronic textiles, and Advanced Functional Fabrics of America (AFFOA), a non-profit driving textile-based innovation, have introduced the Gentoo Heater—a cutting-edge flexible heating solution designed for ultra-cold environments as low as -60°C. Made from thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)-based resistive heating elements, the Gentoo Heater ensures durability, breathability, and flexibility when integrated into textiles.

“Helping LOOMIA and other companies shorten their time to market is the purpose of the Product Accelerator for Functional Fabrics (PAFF) program,” said Sasha Stolyarov, CEO of AFFOA. “Heating technology like the Gentoo Heater will play a major role in high-performance textiles to protect both Warfighters and civilians in extreme temperatures.”

LOOMIA and AFFOA have previously collaborated on heated handwear solutions for commercial and military use, combining LOOMIA’s advanced e-textiles with AFFOA’s prototype development and system architecture expertise. The Gentoo Heater builds on this success, offering a 4-way stretch, wash-durable, and customizable heating solution that seamlessly integrates into garments, trims, or specialized applications.

Gentoo’s TPU-based heating element allows for targeted heat distribution while maintaining breathability when laminated onto woven or knit fabrics. The heater remains robust even after 20 wash cycles, with only a ~10% resistance change under delicate settings and hang drying.