The recognition comes after months of research by Fast Company's editors and writers, as they sought out the most ground-breaking businesses across the globe and industries. Special attention was given to sustainable manufacturing processes like Herculan, which take advantage of materials that are overabundant, underutilised, and are often cast aside. The invention of the Herculan yarn is unique due to the fact that it will simplify supply chains and encourage end users to waste less by making natural fibre garments that last longer and have superior performance benefits, Nuyarn said in a press release.

Herculan has unique durability and performance benefits that for the first time opens the door for wool to be used in high abrasion and high impact zones in apparel such as socks, footwear, gloves, pants, outerwear, and thousands of other potential applications, without succumbing to wear.

In addition to its extreme durability, Herculan has significantly better performance and comfort benefits to both natural wool textiles (that is twisted) and synthetic fibres alike. Exceeding in efficient moisture management and quicker dry times, higher volume, aeration, elasticity, and thermal retention, non-reflectivity, noise reduction, and odour-resistance. This is due to Herculan’s unique yarn construction –-like Nuyarn, which is built by drafting carpet grade strong wool cleanly around a performance filament without twisting or fraying.

“We are honoured to be recognised by Fast as one of the most innovative manufacturing companies in the world. It took five years to develop Herculan and we believe it will have a positive effect on the wool industry as well as help deliver a new era of wool products that perform better and last longer for an overall better experience with the end consumer,” TMC CEO, Andy Wynne, said in a statement.

“The world’s most innovative companies play an essential role in addressing the most pressing issues facing society, whether they're fighting climate change by spurring decarbonisation efforts, ameliorating the strain on supply chains, or helping us reconnect with one another over shared passions,” Fast Company deputy editor, David Lidsky, said.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (GK)