Far East New Century Petal shaped Cross Sectioned Polyester Fiber Debuts in 2026 World Cup jerseys, Simultaneously Advancing Polyester Closed Loop Recycling

The World Cup jerseys are made of petal shaped polyester fiber. Far Eastern New Century (FENC) from Taiwan has supplied a new type of moisture wicking polyester fiber to the jerseys for the 2026 World Cup football matches to be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The company’s TopCool Petal fibers have a unique petal shaped cross-section designed to improve moisture conductivity and accelerate drying, while providing a softer feel and higher opacity when the fabric is soaked in sweat. The latter feature presents a specific challenge for high-performance sportswear: lightweight fabrics must maintain sufficient coverage while effectively absorbing moisture and sweat, even under harsh competition conditions. FENC stated that the technology has been used in World Cup team jerseys by a leading international sportswear brand, but did not disclose the brand name and participating national teams. This development achievement is one of a series of textile technologies showcased by the company at the Taipei Textile Exhibition (TITAS) held from October 6th to 8th. FENC has become a mature supplier of high-performance textiles for international sportswear brands, and its materials are also used for the competition clothing of top professional tennis players.

Moving from bottle recycling to textile to textile closed-loop

In addition to the latest development of sportswear, the company is expanding its textile to textile recycling business as part of its overall strategy to establish a circular polyester manufacturing system.

. On the basis of established post consumer PET bottle recycling polyester production, FENC is developing a technology that can recycle polyester products into new materials without separating multiple incompatible polymers. One of the developments is full polyester synthetic leather, aimed at replacing traditional multi material structures that are difficult to recycle. This material won the iF Design Award earlier this year. FENC has also collaborated with Taiwan Textile Research Institute (TTRI) and other partners to develop a single material polyester footwear system using its TopGreen recycled thermoplastic polyester elastomer (rTPEE). This project combines the material with a one-step separation and decolorization process, aiming to simplify the recycling and reuse of polyester components in discarded shoes. This technology has achieved R&D in 2026; The D 100 Award recognizes its potential to solve the long-term recycling problem in the footwear industry – the combination of different polymers, adhesives, and other materials in a single product.

Technology fiber extends to the aramid field

FENC is also expanding its technology fiber product portfolio beyond clothing and footwear.

. Its Telix aramid fibers are designed for applications that require high mechanical strength, puncture resistance, and durability, including industrial and defense products. FENC is headquartered in Taipei and has production facilities in Asia and the United States.

Significance for the polymer additive industry

From the perspective of the fiber and fabric column, this case reflects the penetration of cross-sectional engineering in the spinning process and innovation in polyester material systems into high-performance sportswear for end-users.

. The petal shaped cross-section enhances moisture conductivity, quick drying, and wet coverage through physical structure design. This type of functional fiber requires high processing stability and color retention during spinning, weaving, and post finishing processes. Antioxidants and weather resistant stabilization systems are important links to ensure the performance stability of polyester fibers during high-temperature spinning processing and subsequent use. At the same time, the development of all polyester synthetic leather, single material footwear systems, and recycled thermoplastic polyester elastomers means that the stability issues of polyester recycled materials during multiple thermal processing will become more prominent. Antioxidants and weather stability solutions need to adapt to the challenges brought by batch fluctuations and residual impurities in recycled materials. Telix aramid fiber is designed for high mechanical strength and wear resistance scenarios, and also highlights the need for stabilization of high-performance fibers during processing and service, which deserves continuous attention from additive companies.

Information source:World Cup success for Far Eastern New Century， Organized by Herun Chemical.