|
Textile Industry and Design:
Down is the world’s best insulator
THE COLDER, THE BETTER
Oy Suomen Höyhen Ab, the world’s northernmost processor
of down, produces clothes, sleeping bags and bedding under
the Joutsen (Swan) product brand. Down is the best insulation
material in the world in relation to its weight. The colder
the weather, the better the heat insulation.
The biggest export countries for Suomen Höyhen are Japan,
Germany and Russia. “The competition is fierce and for
that reason you’ll only get by on those markets with
top quality and fashionableness,” says Erkki Juhonen,
the deputy managing director of Suomen Höyhen. In addition,
65 years of experience in producing down products combined
with present-day technology provide reassurance. Suomen Höyhen,
which is a family-owned company, was set up in 1936.
The unquestionable number-one country for down clothes is
Russia, for sleeping bags Germany and its neighbours, and
for bedding Japan. A large amount of bedding is also exported
to Russia, Spain, Greece and South Korea.
“Finnish exoticness and the unspoilt scenery make an
impression,” states Juhonen. “An increasing amount
has been invested in design with the coming of new customer
groups and the opening up of trade with Russia. Our aim is
to produce timeless and practical clothes. We don’t follow
superficial trends, and jackets aren’t made for one winter.
Although something new’s coming all the time, a certain
timelessness lasts. The classic models in our coat selection
sell well from one year to the next.”
Warmest down comes from Arctic areas
The excellent properties of down are based on the porous
structure that binds a large amount of air to itself. Down
is such a unique material that copies are made of it in their
dozens. “However, there’s only one that’s genuine
and real,” Juhonen points out, saying that down comes
only from waterfowl.
“We use the down from geese and ducks. It’s acquired
from the Arctic regions, mainly Siberia, where nature’s
harsh conditions make the down large and durable. The colder
the climate in which the bird has lived, the warmer the down.
Birds survive the freezing temperatures with their downy plumage.”
The down in the Joutsen products has all been acquired as
a by-product from food production. The feathers and down of
birds plucked alive are not used.
The tufts of down entrap the air, “It’s unique
as a raw material: light, breathing and airy. Down is one
of the best-known insulating materials in terms of the weight-warmth
ratio,” Juhonen asserts.
Down stands up well to wear and washing, which guarantees
that the product will last a long time and retain its warmth
after numerous washes. The lightness of down is an advantage
in the clothes and sleeping bags used by mountain climbers.
Photo: Daniela represents a new direction in style for
the Joutsen down jackets. The conspicuous collar, belt and
sparkling down micro-satin fabric give the coat the femininity
that is particularly needed for exports. The filling in the
jacket is Arctic goose down.
Published 2004
|
.
Finnfacts is part of