Innovation is the key theme for Clariant at ITMA 2011 and one of the most important developments being presented by the global textile solutions provider is Quiospheres, a high strength, high performance effect in cosmetotextiles that is said to generate wellness and well-being to the consumer through state of the art cosmetic  microencapsulation that can be applied to any fabric.

Clariant says its high-tech textile technology provides the key to creating the long lasting cosmetic effect of the fabric.

"Quiospheres is a major breakthrough in the area of cosmetotextiles," says Rainer Roesch, Head of Marketing & Application Development of Clariant”Ÿs Business Unit Textile Chemicals.

"Lipotec SA has been our partner in this innovation. Lipotec has great expertise in advanced active ingredients and the encapsulation of cosmetics. We have combined their cosmetic expertise with our textile technology to create a product that contributes and provides cosmetic wellness effects without effort on the part of the end user. It's a win-win development for textile manufacturers and brands. Quiospheres creates almost limitless opportunities for added value textile products."

Manufacturers and brands have a choice of two effects: Quiospheres Moist, which provides hydrating and moisturizing properties and Quiospheres Slim, which offers firmness and wellness. Each product has been designed with the latest state of the art technology to offer enhanced level of wellness and well-being.

"Quiospheres ‘transpheres' softness, firmness and smoothness to the skin in an invisible gesture and the cosmetic benefits and claims are supported by Lipotec's R&D&i (Research & Development & innovation), which are well recognized by the global cosmetics industry," Clariant says.

"Quiospheres utilizes Clariant's innovative technology to produce a homogenous, durable application of Lipotec's high value, microencapsulated cosmetic ingredients onto wovens, knits and non-wovens. It can be applied to any textile fabric, such as cotton, and nylon," the company adds.

"The application technology of the microcapsules to the fabric is quality controlled and they are distributed evenly across the fabric. Quiospheres microcapsules are protected and unaffected by the impact of handling, mechanical stress and high temperature throughout the production process of the fabric."

"Beside the high quality ingredients, the cosmetic effects are released towards the skin through a unique two-step technology. The first step is the ‘transphere' of the microcapsules from the fabric, thanks to the special design of Quiospheres, which confers them a high affinity for the skin. The perfect affinity of Quiospheres is a key for the effective transference and the homogenous flow of feelings of well-being and wellness."

"The second step is a proven gradual release and ‘transphere' of the cosmetic ingredients caused by the reaction or activity of our natural skin enzymes with the microcapsule shell's components," Clariant says.