Quaker Suede newest technology

By Carole Sloan -- Home Textiles Today, 12/11/2000 12:00:00 AM

FALL RIVER, MA -Quaker Suede has joined the family of new technology developed by Quaker following its earlier launch of Quaker Plush.

Quaker Suede is a topical technology that creates a buttery, suede hand, explained Tom Muzekari, vice president, sales and marketing.

The initial introductions are being offered in three constructions: Acrilan acrylic, Acrilan acrylic and cotton blends, and olefin.

In the all Acrilan acrylic program, Quaker is using the new Ginny fiber developed by Solution, which also makes Acrilan. Ginny is designed to impart a cotton look and hand with the performance characteristics of Acrilan.

The approximately 40 styles in this group "feel like a fine brushed cotton," Muzekari related.

In the Acrilan acrylic and cotton blend construction, there are some 20 styles "which have a hand basically the same as the all Acrilan acrylic grouping, but the blending of the fibers creates a heathery effect," he said.

The third collection with about 15 styles is constructed of 100 percent olefin "designed to allow us to hit opening price points of about $3.50 while offering tremendous value and hand," he said.

In addition, Muzekari pointed out, "Quaker Suede can be used on any fiber constructions, but not on chenille or velvet weaves that already have the hand."