US-based yarn manufacturer Unifi is set to showcase two new yarn innovations at Performance Days in Munich on 13–14 October, marking a notable addition to its growing portfolio of high-performance textile solutions. The two technologies — Resist2O Pro and Cofira — address longstanding challenges in fabric performance, finishing processes, and sustainability.
Resist2O Pro: A Fluorine-Free Alternative to Conventional DWR Finishes
One of the most closely watched developments in textile finishing in recent years has been the industry’s move away from fluorinated durable water-repellent (DWR) treatments, which have faced growing regulatory and environmental scrutiny. Unifi’s new Resist2O Pro directly responds to this shift by incorporating water resistance into the yarn itself, bypassing the need for any topical DWR application altogether.
The technology minimises water absorption without relying on topical treatments or fluorinated chemistry. Unifi confirms that Resist2O Pro is both fluorine-free and PFOA-free, with PFOA levels measured at below five parts per billion (ppb). This positions it as a viable solution for brands and manufacturers seeking compliant, cleaner alternatives without compromising on water-repellent performance.
Designed to be compatible with a range of fabric formation methods, Resist2O Pro has the potential to simplify textile production by removing a separate finishing stage from the manufacturing process. The Unifi yarn technology carries broad application potential, spanning apparel, footwear, furnishings, and industrial textiles.
Cofira: Blending the Best of Spun and Filament Yarn Performance
The second innovation, Cofira, takes a different but equally compelling approach. It is engineered to combine the soft aesthetics and handle typically associated with spun yarns alongside the performance characteristics more commonly found in filament yarns — a combination that has traditionally required compromise in one direction or the other.
Cofira can be tailored using synthetic, blended, and functional fibres to achieve a wide range of fabric properties and surface effects. Its versatility makes it suitable for use in apparel, furnishings, equipment, and accessories. Importantly, the yarn can also incorporate several of Unifi’s established technologies, including AMT moisture management, ChillSense cooling, and ReFlexx stretch and recovery — giving manufacturers a route to multifunctional fabrics within a single yarn construction.
Sustainability and Traceability
Cofira is available globally in both virgin and Repreve recycled polyester versions, including material produced through Unifi’s Repreve Takeback textile-to-textile recycling technology. Recycled versions of Cofira can be traced using the company’s FiberPrint technology and are offered with GRS and SCS recycled-content certification — providing brands with the documentation needed to support sustainability claims throughout the supply chain.
The introduction of Cofira as part of Unifi’s Repreve recycled polyester ecosystem reinforces the company’s continued commitment to circular textile manufacturing.
Industry Context and Leadership Comment
Commenting on both launches, Unifi CEO Eddie Ingle said: “These new products bring multifunctional capabilities that help reduce complexities associated with high-performance products.”
The two innovations will be on display at Performance Days Munich at booth J18. Following the Munich showcase, both technologies will also be featured at the Functional Fabric Fair in Portland, Oregon, from 26–28 October.
