TEXTILES.ORG
Companies push for more sustainable finishing technologies
February 24th, 2017
HeiQ and Patagonia have formed an exclusive research partnership to explore sustainable textile finishing technologies to achieve breathable and durable water repellence (DWR). HeiQ reports that recent studies quantify the hazardous effects of perfluorinated chemistries (PFCs) on human health and the environment. Alternatives to PFCs exist, including first-generation nonfluorinated DWRs. The companies’ teamwork may help […]
Energy harvesting steps up
February 24th, 2017
Recent university and scientific lab research from around the world has focused on the potential of kinetic energy harvesting methods, but it may be too soon to see wide-spread commercially viable production. “We set out to answer the question of whether you can get useful amounts of electrical power out of something that looks like […]
Thermal conductivity + elasticity = “thubber”
February 24th, 2017
Carmel Majidi and Jonathan Malen of Carnegie Mellon University have developed a thermally conductive rubber material that they’ve nicknamed “thubber.” According to information provided by the Carnegie Mellon University College of Engineering, the new material is an electrically insulating composite that exhibits a combination of metal-like thermal conductivity and elasticity similar to soft, biological tissue. And it can stretch over six times […]
Outdoor Retailer nixes future shows in Utah
February 24th, 2017
Officials from Outdoor Retailer, Outdoor Industry Association, Patagonia, The North Face and REI recently met via teleconference with Utah’s governor, Gary Herbert. As a result of the call, Outdoor Retailer will not include the state of Utah in the RFP process for future show locations. “We are doing the work necessary to procure an alternative […]
Smart bandages can help identify infection
February 24th, 2017
The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) has announced the development of a smart bandage that improves wound management by indicating healing problems. Many of the signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, and increased temperature and discharge can be subtle and difficult to interpret. The CSIRO bandages respond to the need for early […]
Dealing with dust mite allergy—without permethrin
February 23rd, 2017
The William Küster Institute for Hygiene, Environment and Medicine at the Hohenstein Institute has tested a new product made by Proneem France that contains active ingredients effective against mites in textiles. The Institute reports that the Proneem product could act as an alternative to permethrin, a neurotoxin that may cause side effects in humans, including […]
Arc’teryx withdraws from Outdoor Retailer show
February 22nd, 2017
Arc’teryx, a company with a history of supporting the preservation of wild spaces, has announced its withdrawal from Outdoor Retailer in Salt Lake City, Utah, due to the state’s efforts to rescind protection of Bears Ears National Monument and other public lands. The company’s announcement stands in support Patagonia’s decision Feb. 7 to leave Outdoor […]
Lenzing fibres receive USDA Biobased certification
February 21st, 2017
Cellulosic fibre producer Lenzing has announced that its Viscose and Modal fibres have been granted the U.S. Dept. of Agiculture’s (USDA) Certified Biobased Product label. The company said that this means that all of its standard Lenzing fibres have now been verified as derived 100 percent from nature. Its Lyocell Tencel fibre was certified as […]
Dealing with dust mite allergy—without permethrin
February 20th, 2017
The William Küster Institute for Hygiene, Environment and Medicine at the Hohenstein Institute has tested a new product made by Proneem France that contains active ingredients effective against mites in textiles. The Institute reports that the Proneem product could act as an alternative to permethrin, a neurotoxin that may cause side effects in humans, including […]
Nano 7 launched by Reebok
February 17th, 2017
Athletes wearing the new Reebok CrossFit Nano 7 recently broke 44 Guinness World Records in 24 hours. According to the company, athletes, Reebok brand partners and volunteers gathered in London, Sydney, Los Angeles and New York City specifically to attempt to break fitness-based records, wearing the Nano 7 shoe. Attempts ranged from 10-year-old Milla Star trying for the most burpees in one minute to Eirik […]