Fully sustainable and recyclable alternatives to current waterproof fabrics for the outerwear market.
Amphico conducts research into innovative materials and their qualities. The company began work to create an artificial gill aimed at reducing the weight of heavy air tanks used in diving equipment, and through its materials research, its work has also evolved to include the development of novel and sustainable materials for high-performance sportswear.
Amphico’s work with sustainable materials centres around Amphitex TM, a 100% recyclable and PFC-free Waterproof and Breathable Textile (WBT) for use in the outdoor apparel industry. With 500 million sqm produced annually, WBT is used widely in the outdoor industry. However, the multilayer and multi-material nature of conventional WBT makes it impossible to recycle. Additionally, higher-end WBT makes use of various fluorinated polymers (PFCs), which are harmful when released into the environment.
Amphitex TM is a circular alternative to existing WBT, in which a fluorine-free polymer is used to create every component of the textile. This enhances its recyclability and removes the use of harmful PFCs. Amphico’s alternative WBT, therefore, has the potential to match existing WBTs in performance while also satisfying the sustainability requirements of many outdoor users.
Amphico founder, Jun Kamei, graduated from the MA Innovation Design Engineering programme in 2018. The company has secured venture capital backing and has also secured a number of awards from DASA and InnovateUK.
