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One of the very few manufacturers that still produce their goods in Europe is Erreà. A number of clubs including Premiership side Middlesbrough have donned Erreà kits for a number of years.
The two key areas Erreà are currently boasting are the introduction of Nanotechnology & Oeko-Tex systems to their teamwear.
But what are these two alien sounding technologies? And how can they actually help your club to succeed?
Nanotechnology refers broadly to a field of applied science and technology whose unifying theme is the control of matter on the atomic and molecular level – easy!
Nanotechnologies may have a great impact on the whole textile/clothing industry.
They may infact:
• Determine functional features and new possible uses of fibres;
• Influence manufacturing technologies and systems;
• Influence and orientate consumers behavior.
The nanoparticles used for the Middlesbrough fabric have been introduced as fillers in the fibres in order to give particular functional features and improve the mechanical qualities. In the new kits there have been added nano particles of Silver and Titanium. Silver and titanium adds various qualities to the textiles such as:
• Natural antibacterial
• Waterproof and oil repellent
• Anti odour
• Anti Stain
The fabric turns waterproof although it conserves high air and steam permeability characteristics thanks to lower values of the superficial tension. An invisible barrier is formed on each fibre, that doesn’t permit dirt and liquid absorption, therefore water slips away from the treated fabric, and oil stains are transformed into small “pearls” that can be easily removed with a damp sponge.
A filler of nano elements is fixed on the surface in order to fill up the gaps and to avoid the stains to penetrate between the fibres.
The particles of dirt remain on the surface and easily slip away and can be quickly removed with a damp cloth without using detergent.
The nano particles used in the coating prevent colour fading and maintain brightness. The odours from ahuman body are largely generated from the protein and the bacterial contained in the human sweat. As the bacterial growth is restrained, the odour is not produced.
Some scientific reports have proven that nano silver particles are effective in restraining the growth of more than 650 different bacteria.
What of Oeko-Tex?
Erreà Sport is the first Oeko tex certified teamwear company and a textile industry leader in nanotechnology.
This allows for the production of fabrics that are multifunctional and innovative, giving a greater value to the garments produced and redirecting consumers trends with innovative products and methods.
• The Oeko Tex Standard 100 certifies the absence in textile products of substances that may be carcinogenic, allergenic, irritant and more generally harmful to human health. The Oeko-Tex certification guarantees that the fabrics of Erreà with this label have successfully passed all Oeko-Tex Standard 100 tests.
• Since 1992 the Oeko Tex Standard 100 represents the leading label in the textiles and clothing industry.
• The Oeko-Tex Standard 100 testing and certification system is granted by the most important International Association of textile research and test institutes and represents both an added value of Erreà and a guarantee for consumers.
• Erreà Sport is the first and the only Oeko Tex certified TEAMWEAR company in Europe. This is definitely an added value that must be communicated to consumers.
So, it’s clear to see that Erreà has an appreciation for the performance and retail side of the Kit manufacturer and club relationship. On the playing side the nano technologies may only add a 1-2% advantage but in our modern game that is all that is required.
"The playing performance of kits for top teams has come to the forefront in recent years and if a kit can give even the smallest percentage playing advantage then, with money at stake, clubs must stand up and take notice."
And what about Errea ?
Erreà have been the first manufacturer to reach a number of milestones:
• First to weave the town emblem in the jacquard of the shirt
• First to introduce the 3d club badge
• First to introduce an embroidered main sponsor
• First to introduce a 3d main sponsor application
• First to introduce a female replica
• First to bring in mini kits in special presentation boxes
• First to develop a 100% waterproof jacket
• First to introduce technical underwear with club badge and main sponsor woven in.
