Sponsored Content
In the Industry
Aspirational India and technical textiles
February 21, 2020
By Seshadri Ramkumar The textiles industry has something to cherish in the proposed national budget of India’s finance minister, Nirmala Sitharaman. During her presentation to the Indian parliament, which lasted nearly three hours, Sitharaman outlined budget priorities: health care; respecting wealth creators; agricultural growth; happy living and national defense. Amid those priorities is the technical textiles …
In the Industry
Fabdesigns announces new location
February 20, 2020
Fabdesigns has moved to a new location to offer clients more convenient lodging, restaurants and transportation. The owners say the move to their new location, Agoura Hills, California, was a result of listening to their clients. Bruce and Connie Huffa started Fabdesigns in 1988 and since then have been providing product development and technical training, developing …
EcoNote
Polartec announces latest Power Air technology
February 19, 2020
Polartec has announced its latest Polartec Power Air fabric technology, made to be 100 percent recyclable and circular, as well as 25 percent lighter than the initial product, according to a Knitting Industry article. Encapsulated lofted fibers within a multilayer, continuous yarn fabric construction are designed to offer advanced thermal efficiency in the new product. The company asserted that this …
EcoNote
Dynamic Modifiers introduces VersaCHAR PVC alternative
February 18, 2020
Dynamic Modifiers has incorporated its PAL technology in the company’s latest product, VersaCHAR. PAL compounds are an environmentally sustainable, 100 percent recyclable, olefin-based alternative used to replace melt-extruded flexible PVC, the company reports. The product is designed to be lightweight and meet non-halogen, low smoke (NHLS) flame retardant requirements of some green building standards for NHLS rigid …
In the Industry
Peter ter Horst appointed CEO Teijin Aramid
February 17, 2020
Teijin Aramid has announced the appointment of Peter ter Horst as the company’s new president and chief executive officer beginning April 1, 2020. Ter Horst succeeds Gert Frederiks who will continue in an advisory role for one year. Peter ter Horst joined Teijin Aramid in 2006. He has held the position of chief financial officer at the company …
In the Industry
GKD at INDEX
February 14, 2020
Technical weaving operation GKD will be presenting at the INDEX conference a range of mesh and spiral fabric belts for forming, drying and bonding nonwovens. The company’s products showcased at the exhibition will meet its mission “of only creating products and solutions that make the world healthier, safer and cleaner,” according to an Innovation in Textiles article. GKD …
EcoNote
Latest Tencel Luxe plant
February 13, 2020
Lenzing has completed the second pilot production plant for its filament yarn Tencel Luxe, according to an Innovation in Textiles article. The yarn is designed to be suitable for fine fabrics and to blend with wool, cashmere and silk in scarves, ties, blouses, dresses, shirts, ties and linings of suits. The company sees Tencel Luxe as an …
What's New?
Flexible device powered by body heat
February 10, 2020
North Carolina State University (NCSU) engineers have demonstrated a flexible device that harvests heat energy from the human body to monitor health, according to an article provided by NCSU. The flexible thermoelectric generators (TEGs) use the body’s heat energy to power wearable devices to measure glucose, heart rate and blood oxygen. The technology has the potential …
In the Industry
SEAMS to continue its Reshoring Award
February 10, 2020
SEAMS and The Reshoring Initiative announce the Sewn Products Reshoring Award will now be awarded annually. The organizations cited the success of the Award in 2019 as spurring the yearly activity, a recent news release says. The award is open to all companies that have successfully reshored to the U.S the sewing of any product. The organizations …
Feature
Brexit and the larger European trade picture
February 10, 2020
New, long-term trading partnerships are just beginning to take shape. by Marie O’Mahony The only trade certainty at present would seem to be uncertainty. As old alliances are fractured, new allegiances are starting to form. While they may not offer the same financial benefits—at least initially—these may ultimately offer economic gain and growth by providing …
Sponsored Content
Heytex® – Discover the many faces of fabric
Expo News
Award breakfast transforms into a networking event
October 4, 2019
Keynote speaker Thom Singer hosted IFAI’s annual award ceremony October 3 at Expo 2019, continuing his message to “see people.” As Expo exhibitors and attendees entered the breakfast event, Singer encouraged people to separate from familiar colleagues and sit with new people. This year’s award ceremony was infused with an additional goal—that of networking with …
Expo News
Solar encompasses endless possibilities
October 4, 2019
“The building block is fabric, but there are a million possibilities to utilize solar,” says Pvilion founder and CEO Colin Touhey. Touhey gave an introductory presentation October 3 at Expo 2019 on cases for energy generation in fabric products. One of his first projects using solar cells in fabric was architectural in nature when he …
Expo News
Puerto Rico pups steal hearts at IFAI Expo 2019
October 3, 2019
Amid the latest fabrics, equipment, technology and services for the specialty fabrics industry, Lorenzo, Lilo, Lolo, and Lulo stole hearts, and, according to some dog lovers—the show—at IFAI Expo 2019 in Orlando, Fla. For this Expo, the Industrial Fabrics Foundation (IFF) and the Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando came together to promote two great causes. …
Expo News
Follow the right steps to successfully bid on military contracts
October 2, 2019
The U.S. government is the largest buyer of goods and services in the world, and there are enough opportunities available for everyone to participate in military contract bidding, if you follow the right steps, according to Jennifer Fennell, CPM, director of procurement for Polo Custom Products, Topeka, Kan. Fennell and Jeff Papalia, textiles program manager …
Expo News
IFAI Expo 2019: Growth through diversification
October 2, 2019
Bud Weisbart, vice president of AR Tech, Fontana, Calif., led the advanced textiles conference session “Growing through diversification into technical markets: from trash covers and truck covers to ground support and flight hardware,” presented Tuesday, Oct. 1, at IFAI Expo 2019 in Orlando, Fla. The session explored how diversification based on core competencies—capabilities or advantages …
Expo News
IFAI Expo 2019 Keynote: ‘Choose people’ to make effective connections
October 2, 2019
Thom Singer, the keynote speaker at IFAI’s annual meeting on Wed., Oct. 2, at IFAI Expo, is clear about one thing: People want to do business with people they know, like and trust. And that connection won’t happen through second-hand tools offered on social media or other electronic sites. Singer, a consultant to executives and …
Expo News
2018 Advanced Textiles Student Design Competition Winners Announced
October 18, 2018
Advanced Textile Products and the Narrow Fabrics Institute, divisions of the Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI), recently selected the winners of the 2018 Advanced Textiles Student Design Competition. The awards were announced during IFAI Expo 2018, held in Dallas, Texas, Oct. 15-18. First Place First-place honors went to J. Walter Lee, Stephanie Wang and Caroline …
Expo News
Testing basics provide key communication points on textile products
October 17, 2018
When you plan to sell a textile product, there are numerous reasons to test it before taking it to market. Many of those testing results tell you what you can ultimately communicate to others about your product, and what they can expect of your product. Dr. Emiel DenHartog, North Carolina State University, College of Textiles, …
Expo News
IFAI Expo 2018: Show Stopper winners on the floor
October 17, 2018
All the best from Texas: Wednesday morning, Oct. 17, at IFAI Expo led off with lists of winners for the year, including the most popular products on the show floor. The seventh annual Show Stopper competition was designed to showcase the best of the best in the industry, from fabrics, equipment and chemicals to services …
Expo News
2018 IFF Greater Good Award winner: Service Thread
October 17, 2018
Service Thread, based in Laurinburg, N.C., was awarded the 2018 Industrial Fabrics Foundation (IFF) Greater Good Award at IFAI Expo 2018 in Dallas, Texas. The Greater Good Award focuses on an IFAI member company that does good business—and strives to be a good neighbor, good citizen, and good partner. Nomination criteria were based on the …
Sponsored Content
Heytex® – Discover the many faces of fabric
Feature
Brexit and the larger European trade picture
February 10, 2020
New, long-term trading partnerships are just beginning to take shape. by Marie O’Mahony The only trade certainty at present would seem to be uncertainty. As old alliances are fractured, new allegiances are starting to form. While they may not offer the same financial benefits—at least initially—these may ultimately offer economic gain and growth by providing …
Feature
The future with plant-regenerated synthetics
January 27, 2020
Sustainability issues leap to the forefront in creating new synthetic fibers. by Ericka Ford, Ph.D. Robert Hooke’s 1664 belief—that plants eaten by the silkworm could spin into a silk alternative—was an oversimplification of the biological processes that ultimately allowed the food satiated silkworm to spin silk. Nevertheless, the timely invention of the regenerated cellulosic fiber, …
Feature
Insights into the year ahead
January 13, 2020
Industry experts point to market need, collaboration and sustainability to drive textile markets this year. by Marie O’Mahony The start of a new year is a time to consider what might lie ahead and what might be the trends, technologies and global events that could offer opportunity for the industry or conversely create a barrier …
Feature
Making protective apparel safer
December 16, 2019
New standard reduces exposure gaps to multiple hazards by Glenna B. Musante Improving safety apparel for workers operating in hazardous situations is a constant effort by the textile industry, but a task not always easily accomplished. Hazardous materials professionals can be exposed to any number of chemical, biological and flammable materials in the same environment, …
Feature
A clear pathway to new product development
December 9, 2019
By Janet Preus “Failure’s not a bad thing; it’s a necessary requirement of product development,” said Dr. Martin W. King. “But if you fail, fail early,” he added. King is a professor in Textile Engineering, Chemistry and Science (TECS) at the Wilson College of Textiles, North Carolina State University. He was addressing an audience at …
Feature
Weaving the biomedical structure
December 9, 2019
by Amir Islam As medical technology increases, so too does the availability of options for different biomedical applications. With so many different characteristics available in woven biomedical textiles, choosing the right, reliable textile is essential for mitigating risk and ensuring successful procedures and applications. Woven biotextile properties Weaving biomedical textile structures, such as straight, tapered, …
Feature
The circular economy
November 25, 2019
What’s driving sustainable practices in today’s textile industry. by Marie O’Mahony The story of sustainability in the textile industry has grown and evolved, particularly in the last decade, with circularity now driving sustainability across the materials sector. According to the Ellen McArthur Foundation, “A circular economy is based on the principles of designing out waste …
Feature
Pairing functionality and sustainability
November 11, 2019
Environmentally friendly materials and processes can add value to textiles. by Seshadri Ramkumar The textile industry and the world of sustainability have evolved in the last four decades. The need to conserve resources for future generation, which has rightly become a movement, began with an examination of greenhouse gas emissions. The labels used to refer …
Feature
The waiting game
October 21, 2019
Businesses are challenged with making decisions in an uncertain trade environment. by Marie O’Mahony Editor’s note: The issue of U.S. trade is unusually dynamic and evolving today. This article represents information available when the speaker presented at IFAI Expo in early October. With international trade in a state of flux, it’s understandable that the advanced …
Feature
Serious about soft goods
October 7, 2019
Presentations at IFAI Expo’s Advanced Textiles Conference explain textiles’ critical role in NASA’s missions. by Janet Preus NASA was among the exhibitors that also served as presenters at IFAI Expo in Orlando last week. In two presentations—an Advanced Textiles Conference education session, and a shorter, more informal “campfire” on the show floor— NASA representatives stressed …
Sponsored Content
Heytex® – Discover the many faces of fabric
Industry News
New fabric for U.S. Army to destroy nerve agents
February 10, 2020
Nerve agents are some of deadliest substances on the planet. From Sarin gas, which turns the human nervous system against itself, to mustard gas, which burns on contact and disrupts respiratory function, these chemicals, often unseen, are ones the U.S. Army is working to protecting against and destroy. A new fabric, generated by Omar Farha’s …
Industry News
New IPC standard reflects growth of e-textiles industry
January 27, 2020
by Chris Jorgensen During a meeting at IPC APEX EXPO 2017, members of the e-textiles industry approached IPC (Association Connecting Electronics Industries) to help achieve their goal of developing international standards for their burgeoning field. IPC standards are open international standards, meaning anyone can participate in the process and can influence IPC standards, and because …
Industry News
Global yarn and fabric production figures released
October 21, 2019
Global yarn production has increased by 17 percent between the final quarter of 2018 and the first quarter of 2019, according to the International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF), a recent article in knittingindustry.com said. Higher output levels were observed in Asia (+18 percent), Brazil (+18 percent), the U.S. (+3.2 percent) and Europe (+1.6 percent). The …
Industry News
Funding innovation: the Rhode Island Advanced Materials Innovation Center
October 11, 2019
Governor Gina Raimondo recently joined with University of Rhode Island (URI) President David Dooley to announce $1 million in funding for the creation of the 401 Tech Bridge, the Rhode Island Materials Innovation Center. Industry partners will be able to work in the 401 Tech Bridge Center with the University of Rhode Island and entities …
Industry News
New leadership for IFAI
October 2, 2019
Each year, the Leadership Development Committee of the Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI) follows a detailed process outlined in association bylaws for electing new board members. As recently announced at IFAI’s annual meeting at IFAI Expo in Orlando, the following individuals have been chosen to serve on the IFAI board of directors: Ron Houle, president …
Industry News
Learn from the experts at IFAI Expo’s AT Conference
July 29, 2019
Join industry experts October 1 at the Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, Fla., as they lead educational and inspiring sessions at the Advanced Textiles Conference. Presentations will cover topics in military, medical, smart fabrics and aerospace markets, as well as discussions about innovation and standards. Speakers include: Elaine Duncan, MSME, RAC, AIMBE, Paladin Medical Inc. …
Industry News
Nonwovens conference, RISE 2019, set for Sept. 24-25
June 19, 2019
The Association of Nonwoven Fabrics Industry (INDA) presents RISE 2019 Sept. 24–25 at North Carolina State University (NC State) in Raleigh, N.C. The conference is designed to be two days of in-depth technical exploration into “what’s next” and “what’s needed” from leaders in materials research and innovative science as applied to engineered fabrics, the organizers of …
Industry News
Covestro TPU expansion in Taiwan
June 18, 2019
Covestro has completed the expansion of its thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) capacity at its Changhua manufacturing site in Taiwan, according to Knitting Industry.com. The company predicts that the plant will cater to the Asia Pacific region’s market needs, including providing bio-based TPU. TPU is used for flexibility and performance in the footwear and automotive markets as …
Industry News
IPC E-Textiles 2019 registration opens
June 17, 2019
IPC E-Textiles 2019 is a technical education workshop for innovators, technologists and brands to learn about the latest innovations, designs and manufacturing concepts and to collaborate on solutions and identify partners. The event takes place at Drexel University in Philadelphia, Pa., Sept. 10–11, 2019. The event will provide a venue for active participation during technical …
Industry News
LOOMIA wins 2019 NYCxDesign Award for Technology
June 10, 2019
The LOOMIA Electronic Layer (LEL) by New York, N.Y.-based LOOMIA Technologies has received the 2019 NYCxDesign Award for Technology. The small startup was in competition with projects by much larger companies, such as Steelcase, Basalte, and Frasch. While LOOMIA is known for its smart textiles for apparel projects, the firm’s industry reach now extends to …
Sponsored Content
Heytex® – Discover the many faces of fabric
Out There
EXOlung claims unlimited air supply for divers
January 27, 2020
The EXOlung, an underwater breathing device, has been designed to give divers an unlimited air supply, its creator says. The device translates the diver’s swimming motions into air movement, keeping breathing air flowing—as long as the diver keeps swimming. EXOlung uses a buoy that floats on the surface of the water to provide the diver …
Out There
Cuttlefish inspires soft material turbines
January 13, 2020
Inspired by the cuttlefish’s undulating fin motion, startup company Undula Tech LLC has developed a turbine using soft material that can harvest the energy in flowing air and water. The goal, is to make renewable energy accessible and affordable worldwide. Its Undula Generator is, by design, more adaptable, sustainable and cost-effective than rotary turbines and solar …
Out There
Wood pulp and algae T-shirt decomposes at end-of-life
November 25, 2019
Tech-based clothing startup Vollebak has launched a T-shirt made entirely from wood pulp and algae. The shirt will break down in soil or in a composter within three months. Vollebak sources wood from eucalyptus, beech and spruce trees, which are chipped and pulped before being turned into fiber, then yarn and finally into fabric for …
Out There
Artificial skin may provide a natural feel for smartphones.
November 7, 2019
Scientists have developed a new product called Skin-On that’s meant to look and feel like a human, as well as react to caressing, tickling and pinching. According to an article on designboom.com, the interfaces are sensitive cases that can be attached to mobile phones, wearable devices and laptop touchpads to increase their capabilities. Skin-On artificial skin …
Out There
“Sleep Robot” encourages restful sleep
October 25, 2019
The Somnox Sleep Robot is designed to help users fall asleep by mimicking breathing patterns.The device was developed by a team of engineers who met at the Robotics Institute of the Delft University of Technology, The Netherlands. The soft robot is meant to be cuddled like a teddy bear, helping to induce slow, rhythmic breathing and encourage restful …
Out There
Walking again with a brain-controlled exoskeleton
October 21, 2019
A 65 kilogram robotic suit has helped a paralyzed man walk again. The suit uses advanced computer software and two brain implants that read and transmit information from the part of the patient’s brain that controls motor function. As reported on designboom.com, the patient had surgery to place the implants on the surface of his brain, …
Out There
YSL will launch Google Jacquard™ backpack
September 23, 2019
According to Google, Cit-e Backpack by Saint Laurent (YSL), featuring Jacquard™ by Google Technology, is “the first connected luxury backpack that can control music, drop pins on the go, take pictures, and do more with a simple gesture.” According to digitaltrends.com, the backpack comes with a new, revised version of the Project Jacquard tag, which …
Out There
Magnetics used to make “anti-gravity” shoes
September 3, 2019
Japanese artist and designer Yukako Hihara has created a pair of shoes that uses magnetic forces to create the physical sense of walking on the moon. The “anti-gravity” shoes were created as part of an experiment to offer consumers a product that made them feel like they were flying. To create shoes that give the sensation of defying …
Out There
Squid-inspired jacket reflects full color spectrum
August 26, 2019
Innovative sportswear and sports gear company, Vollebak, has launched a jacket that will reflect all colors of the visible light spectrum. The Black Squid Jacket is a fully waterproof and windproof outer shell that mimics one of nature’s most mesmerising innovations – the adaptive camouflage of the squid. Over the last 500 million years they’ve …
Out There
Robotic tail for humans developed
August 23, 2019
Researchers at Keio University in Japan have developed “Arque,” a robotic tail that humans can wear to improve balance. The device was informed by the ways animals passively use their tails to shift their center of gravity. Arque consists of interlocking plastic vertebrae that use a spring-based structure to handle shearing and tangential forces. Each vertebra is controlled …
Sponsored Content
Heytex® – Discover the many faces of fabric
What's New?
Robotic glove designed for hand paralysis
February 10, 2020
Koreon start-up Neofect has developed a robotic glove that’s meant to help patients suffering from paralysis. The product prototype, named Neomano, is a smart glove designed for patient rehabilitation of the hand following a stroke, spinal cord injury, or another condition that limits patients’ ability to use their hands. The wearable hand robot helps with ordinary daily activities, …
What's New?
Flexible device powered by body heat
February 10, 2020
North Carolina State University (NCSU) engineers have demonstrated a flexible device that harvests heat energy from the human body to monitor health, according to an article provided by NCSU. The flexible thermoelectric generators (TEGs) use the body’s heat energy to power wearable devices to measure glucose, heart rate and blood oxygen. The technology has the potential …
What's New?
One-piece knit shoe upper introduced
February 6, 2020
Italian company Santoni has introduced its XT-MACHINE for sports shoe uppers, according to a report in Knitting Industry. Patrick Silva, Santoni head of marketing, said the company has created an “integrated upper, in a single- or double-layer argyle fabric, provided with a tongue on the instep and entirely made in one piece, produced in a whole …
What's New?
Eastman Naia™ cellulosic staple fiber debuts
February 5, 2020
Eastman, announces the expansion of its Naia™ fiber portfolio at Première Vision-Paris Feb. 11-13. With the introduction of its new cellulosic staple fiber, Naia offers another versatile eco-conscious material choice for sustainable fashion. “We are thrilled to expand our product offerings, and we have been working with a strong network of innovative spinner partners around the world …
What's New?
System of alpine expedition apparel and gear introduced
January 31, 2020
The North Face announces that it has introduced The Summit Series Advanced Mountain Kit, a breathable, packable, warm and lightweight layering system, according to a recent news release. Based on input from elite athletes, designers and other innovators, North Face set out to create clothing and gear specific to alpine expeditions, the company stated. The …
What's New?
Safe travels with wearable bug repellent
January 13, 2020
New Orleans-based Pang Wangle has partnered with Insect Shield© to reimagine travel wraps and leggings as wearable bug repellent. This is in response to the threat of dengue and other diseases spread by insects. CEO Jennifer John says that not many people are aware of the option and are happy to try it, once they realize that …
What's New?
BeBop Sensors launches VR/AR haptic glove
January 13, 2020
BeBop Sensors announces the Forte Data Glove, a virtual reality (VR) haptic glove designed to provide users realistic experiences when touching a table or robot as well as a piece of velvet or a person’s face. The new glove is integrated and designed for Oculus Quest, Oculus Link, Oculus Rift S, Microsoft Windows Mixed Reality, HTC Vive Cosmos, HTC Vive Pro, …
What's New?
Blueprint for nanomaterials in wearable sensors published
January 8, 2020
Physicist Dr. Conor Boland at the University of Sussex has published a “blueprint” to help scientists understand how to evaluate and optimize the effectiveness of nanomaterials used in real-time health monitoring devices, a recent article in Printed Electronics World reported. Dr. Boland’s paper explores the dilemma concerning the fact that the further a material can be stretched, …
What's New?
Lenzing refines REFIBRA
December 20, 2019
Lenzing’s latest REFIBRA technology features a scaled production of virgin TENCEL Lyocell fibers using post-consumer cotton waste, stated a recent news release. The first phase of the technology upgrade increased the composition of pulp made from upcycled cotton scraps collected from the garment manufacturing process to up to 30 percent. Now in the second phase, Lenzing …
What's New?
Covestro material enables fully recyclable shoes from TPU
December 9, 2019
Polymer manufacturer Covestro has developed a material using thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), enabling the automated, lower-cost production of fully recyclable shoes. Traditional shoe manufacturing requires several steps, because a variety of materials need to be sewn and glued together. This makes production time consuming and expensive, but it also impacts end-of-life recyclability. 3D printing, however, has paved …
