What's New?

Ahlstrom-Munksjö adds TrustShield™ Biological medical fabric

September 25, 2020

Ahlstrom-Munksjö has announces the launch of TrustShield™ Biological, a personal protective apparel medical fabric designed to shield against hazardous pathogens. The product portfolio offers a range of medical fabrics designed to provide superior protection in the operating room, clinical and laboratory environments. TrustShield™ fabrics are laser resistant, protect against chemical permeation, and are highly absorbent. They …

In the Industry

DSM offered protective cycling jersey for Tour de France

September 23, 2020

Royal DSM, a global science-based company in nutrition, health and sustainable living, reports that its Dyneema® technology was used in Team Sunweb’s protective cycling jerseys in the 2020 Tour de France, according to a report on www.etextilecommunications.com. With its partners, Team Sunweb and Craft Sportswear, DSM helped to deliver a jersey that, when combined with a protective …

Expo News

IFAI Expo and R+T Show Organizer, Messe Stuttgart, to Co-locate Trade Shows Starting in 2021

September 21, 2020

ROSEVILLE, MN—Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI) and Messe Stuttgart, organizers of R+T in Stuttgart, Germany; R+T Turkey in Istanbul, Turkey; R+T Asia in Shanghai, China and R+T South America in Sao Paulo, Brazil, are pleased to announce that they will co-locate IFAI Expo with Messe Stuttgart’s new U.S. show named Sun Shading Expo North America …

What's New?

Qmax World LLP pioneers anti-viral uniform fabrics

September 21, 2020

Qmax World LLP, a manufacturer of uniform fabrics has announced the launch of SELF HEAL™ fabrics. Made in collaboration with the Australian Company making HealthGuard®, an antiviral and antibacterial treatment, this innovation promises protection to those in uniform, from health personnel to law enforcement, factory workers to students in school. The SELF HEAL™ fabrics’ technique …

Feature

From fiber to final product

September 14, 2020

Wearables become more commercially viable with conductive fiber technology.   By Marie O’Mahony Fibers that offer sensing with purpose have been given a more determined emphasis with the current pandemic. Like many smart materials and wearable technologies, there may be many exciting advances, but finding an application as equally forward looking can be challenging. Some recent …

Out There

Solight Design launches the SEEUS95 self-adhering mask

September 14, 2020

Known for its solar-powered and origami-inspired lighting, Solight Design, based in New York, N.Y., has ventured into the mask design arena with the SEEUS95 clear, self-adhering, earloop-free mask, which the company says can provide better protection than masks made with nonwoven polypropylene, woven or knit fabrics.  The mask features a natural filter made of bamboo, silk, …

In the Industry

IFAI Expo 2020 celebrates 100 years – virtually

September 14, 2020

IFAI Expo has reached a milestone: it is 100 years old and it will host this annual event virtually. IFAI Virtual Expo 2020 offers a safe way for the industry to come together, participate in important discussions, learn about new research and developments, meet new people and find help in growing a business in a …

Out There

Designer works with researchers to create “biogarmentry”

September 14, 2020

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. consumers send about 70 percent of the clothes and footwear produced each year to landfill. Project Biogarmentry, by designer Roya Aghighi, has been launched to address the drastic increase in the environmental impact of textile waste and air pollution. Using the fields of synthetic biology and design, its …

What's New?

PyroTex® antiviral fiber produced

September 14, 2020

PyroTex Industries, based in Hamburg, Germany,  says that it has succeeded in producing a fiber that has an activity of 99.57 percent (99 percent after 14 seconds) against the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This result has been confirmed by an independent, ISO-certified laboratory according to ISO 18184: 2019.  “We are thrilled that textiles made out of PyroTex® can …

EcoNote

Toray Introduces environmentally friendly nylon

September 14, 2020

Toray Industries Inc. has developed a new, more sustainable nylon that the company says represents a major step forward in its “Sustainability Vision.” The development makes it possible to create bio-based versions of Toray technologies such as Entrant® and Dermizax®.  Ecodear Nylon is 60 percent bio-based, developed with sebacic acid generated from Castor beans. The …

Expo News

IFAI Expo and R+T Show Organizer, Messe Stuttgart, to Co-locate Trade Shows Starting in 2021

September 21, 2020

ROSEVILLE, MN—Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI) and Messe Stuttgart, organizers of R+T in Stuttgart, Germany; R+T Turkey in Istanbul, Turkey; R+T Asia in Shanghai, China and R+T South America in Sao Paulo, Brazil, are pleased to announce that they will co-locate IFAI Expo with Messe Stuttgart’s new U.S. show named Sun Shading Expo North America …

Company News

IFAI president responds to Coronavirus, adjusts upcoming events

March 17, 2020

As concern over the Coronavirus (COVID-19) grows, I want all IFAI members to know we are closely monitoring developments and following recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO). We will follow their recommendations to keep our employees, their families and our members healthy and safe. With this in …

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, …

Feature

From fiber to final product

September 14, 2020

Wearables become more commercially viable with conductive fiber technology.   By Marie O’Mahony Fibers that offer sensing with purpose have been given a more determined emphasis with the current pandemic. Like many smart materials and wearable technologies, there may be many exciting advances, but finding an application as equally forward looking can be challenging. Some recent …

Feature

Textiles and 3D technology

August 24, 2020

What it will take to make 3D printed textiles viable in the industry.  by Kony Chatterjee and Tushar K. Ghosh The advent of 3D printing (3DP) has drawn considerable interest from academia, industry and amateur hobbyists as a novel method of producing objects layer-by-layer (lbl) via a bottom-up manufacturing approach. This method of “additive” manufacturing (used …

Feature

3D printing comes into its own

August 10, 2020

New collaborations sparked by COVID-19 are set to support growth for the sector. by Seshadri Ramkumar The shortage of personnel protective equipment (PPE) has spearheaded creative efforts around the world, with researchers working to produce new PPE products in an effort to meet the needs fueled by the pandemic. 3D printing has also supported the …

Feature

A “pandemic” of plastic PPE

July 27, 2020

How COVID-19 is driving the development of a more sustainable kind of PPE. by Debra Cobb From community masks and health workers’ kits, to hospital gowns, drapes and wraps, disposable personal protective equipment (PPE) is playing a critical role in our battle against COVID-19 infections. But what about the mountain of disposable PPE, which is …

Feature

Textiles, sports and sustainability

July 13, 2020

Major brands have led initiatives to improve sustainability in the textile industry.  by Marie O’Mahony The sports industry has become one of the leading drivers of sustainability in textiles, after having got off to a slow start initially. Designers, such as Stella McCartney with her longstanding relationship with global sports brand adidas®, have played an …

Feature

The evolving business of PPE

June 22, 2020

As information on coronavirus becomes available, face covers and PPE specifications and standards should be developed in response.  by Seshadri Ramkumar On June 18, Governor Gavin Newsom of California issued a statewide order mandating face cover use in public places and areas where social distancing is not feasible. Although a brief description of “face covers” …

Feature

Wearing your medicine

June 8, 2020

The future of drug delivery via clothing is here. by Janet Preus Presentations at IFAI’S Smart Fabrics Conference in April reflected a range of topics in the growing field of smart fabrics. In a session titled, “Clothing: The Next Frontier for Drug Delivery,” Nufabrx founder and CEO Jordan Schindler explained that we could soon make …

Feature

The basics and the alternatives

May 25, 2020

A multidisciplinary approach to innovations in PPE could support needed development.  by Seshadri Ramkumar  Personnel Protective Equipment (PPE) are important and even mandatory procurements under any circumstance. The COVID-19 pandemic has heightened the need for the development of a variety of items, including new materials to be used in medical, consumer and defense products. The …

Feature

Novel fabric structures

May 11, 2020

New materials and compositions for fabrics spur innovative products. by Marie O’Mahony Health and safety are proving to be key drivers for innovative new fabric structures. These can prompt new designs in existing products and devices, or even whole new products. This is possible with imagination, expertise and an openness to look for solutions outside …

Feature

Textile innovations move to the mainstream

April 27, 2020

Once confined to elite sports and fitness, high-tech apparel textiles are becoming the norm.  by Debra Cobb The popularity of sport and fitness brands has grown with innovation on the part of high-tech textile and technology companies. Now these functional textiles, once enjoyed only by elite athletes and uniformed personnel, are becoming the norm for …

Industry News

APPI explains energy contracts

September 3, 2020

By Kathryn Allen, APPI Energy (Editor’s note: APPI energy services are included in the membership benefit package offered by Industrial Fabrics Association International. The following information was compiled by APPI to help explain their services.) APPI Energy provides our clients a comprehensive way to reduce energy expenses and create budget certainty. Unbiased and independent, we …

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 …

Out There

Solight Design launches the SEEUS95 self-adhering mask

September 14, 2020

Known for its solar-powered and origami-inspired lighting, Solight Design, based in New York, N.Y., has ventured into the mask design arena with the SEEUS95 clear, self-adhering, earloop-free mask, which the company says can provide better protection than masks made with nonwoven polypropylene, woven or knit fabrics.  The mask features a natural filter made of bamboo, silk, …

Out There

Designer works with researchers to create “biogarmentry”

September 14, 2020

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. consumers send about 70 percent of the clothes and footwear produced each year to landfill. Project Biogarmentry, by designer Roya Aghighi, has been launched to address the drastic increase in the environmental impact of textile waste and air pollution. Using the fields of synthetic biology and design, its …

Out There

Transforming Touch project is all about serious play

September 8, 2020

London-based smart textile designer Michelle Rinow has unveiled her Transforming Touch Series, which was developed based on research about the benefits of sensory play for adults. “Many people think play is just for children, but I believe play is necessary through all stages of life and should be accessible to people no matter their physical abilities, age …

Out There

“Smart” face mask translates and transcribes language

July 27, 2020

With mask-wearing now a part of everyday life worldwide, designers and innovators have tried to provide improved face coverings that address a variety of concerns. Some have been made transparent; others are made with biodegradable materials to address disposal problems. But among the innovations, there hasn’t been a mask that connects to the Internet … until …

Out There

Twisting elastomers show promise in soft robotics

June 22, 2020

Scientists at the University of Pittsburgh and Harvard University have demonstrated a new method for ‘programming’ liquid crystalline elastomers (LCEs) that enables them to twist and bend in the presence of light. This made it possible to replicate the complex twisting actions of the human muscle system in the materials, a breakthrough particularly useful for applications in soft robotics …

Out There

UCI scientists engineer human cells with squid-like transparency

June 8, 2020

Octopus, squid and other sea creatures can perform a disappearing act by using specialized tissues in their bodies to manipulate the transmission and reflection of light, and now researchers at the University of California Irvine have engineered human cells to have similar transparent abilities. In a paper published recently in Nature Communications, the scientists described how …

Out There

Bio-designers produce a home-grown cellulose mask

May 25, 2020

During the current COVID-19 pandemic, the race has been on to provide adequate numbers of personal protective equipment (PPE). Designers, manufacturers and individuals at home have come out in force to offer creative solutions ranging from 3D printed shields to DIY face masks.  Since many of these designs have used plastic-based material, Elizabeth Bridges and Garrett Benisch of Sum …

Out There

Production Club presents the Micrashell Body Suit

May 11, 2020

Los Angeles-based creative studio Production Club offers a solution for the music and night life industries, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. The company has recently released renderings of its latest concept, the Micrashell Protective Suit. As stay-at-home restrictions are eased, there is still a need to be assured of safety, even when you first venture out socially.  Designed …

Out There

Microalgae used to develop materials for fabric

May 5, 2020

The textile industry is set to put microalgae to work to develop materials for fabrics, apparel and footwear, according to a Sportstextile.com article. Companies around the world are collaborating, researching and producing materials using some of the simplest organisms.  Finishes Research has made algae’s contributions to the textile industry into a rapidly changing landscape, the article reports. …

Out There

Multi-functional luminescent film can make near-infrared light visual

April 27, 2020

Infrared radiation, which is invisible, is used for various purposes, including for coronavirus detection (through thermal imaging cameras and biosensors). A Korean research team has developed a technology that visualizes infrared radiation and expands its application range, a report on www.phys.org says.  The Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) has announced that Dr. Kwon Seok-joon’s research …

What's New?

Ahlstrom-Munksjö adds TrustShield™ Biological medical fabric

September 25, 2020

Ahlstrom-Munksjö has announces the launch of TrustShield™ Biological, a personal protective apparel medical fabric designed to shield against hazardous pathogens. The product portfolio offers a range of medical fabrics designed to provide superior protection in the operating room, clinical and laboratory environments. TrustShield™ fabrics are laser resistant, protect against chemical permeation, and are highly absorbent. They …

What's New?

Qmax World LLP pioneers anti-viral uniform fabrics

September 21, 2020

Qmax World LLP, a manufacturer of uniform fabrics has announced the launch of SELF HEAL™ fabrics. Made in collaboration with the Australian Company making HealthGuard®, an antiviral and antibacterial treatment, this innovation promises protection to those in uniform, from health personnel to law enforcement, factory workers to students in school. The SELF HEAL™ fabrics’ technique …

What's New?

PyroTex® antiviral fiber produced

September 14, 2020

PyroTex Industries, based in Hamburg, Germany,  says that it has succeeded in producing a fiber that has an activity of 99.57 percent (99 percent after 14 seconds) against the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This result has been confirmed by an independent, ISO-certified laboratory according to ISO 18184: 2019.  “We are thrilled that textiles made out of PyroTex® can …

What's New?

Trisit offers 3D knitted face masks

September 10, 2020

Trisit Textiltechnologie, a textile manufacturer using 3D knitting technology, has developed a range of protective face masks to assist in the fight against COVID-19. The Achtrer Group company, which is located in Ulm, Germany, was an early adopter of Stoll flat-knitting technology for technical applications. The company is known for its 3D knitted lampshades, handbags, …

What's New?

Textile collaborators create jacket with HeiQ Viroblock

September 3, 2020

A new jacket has been designed to provide a solution for resuming normal life by protecting the wearer, as well as those encountered from contaminants. The JUST5 jacket sets up a highly effective barrier to shield the wearer from spoiling contaminants in the surrounding area.  The creation of the jacket is the result of an …

What's New?

Bioservo’s grip-strengthening glove gains support

August 31, 2020

A new study has been published that shows the positive effects of using Bioservo’s technology to strengthen the grip of the hand. The latest study investigated using the assisted robotic glove in the home environment for people with multiple sclerosis (MS), or who have had a stroke. The latest in a series of studies published …

What's New?

Ford explores 3D-knitted, “smart” car seat covers

August 24, 2020

Ford Motor Co. is introducing technology to produce seamless seat covers with 3D knitting, and it is exploring a means for customers to design their own seat covers and use more breathable materials for summer.  The technology also enables the use of textiles with potential for built-in connectivity that could integrate heating, controls for the …

What's New?

The case for electrospun nanofibers in face masks

August 24, 2020

Filtration plays an important role in purifying and decontaminating two life necessities: water and air. As awareness of the related health issues has increased, the demand for protection from air-borne pollution and disease has also increased. Dr. Fabrice Karabulut, RD & Implementation Scientist with Revolution Fibers, Auckland, N.Z., offers an explanation into the unique and …

What's New?

Sensors help to prevent foot ulcers

August 24, 2020

A variety of companies have developed technologies, such as smart socks and insoles, to help in the prevention of diabetic foot ulcers (DFU), IDTechEx reports. With these devices, persons with diabetes can take a more active role in the care of their feet, whether by modifying their behavior, or by the early detection of injuries. …

What's New?

Wolf-Gordon debuts bleach-cleanable textiles

August 19, 2020

New York City-based interior surfacing designer Wolf-Gordon has enhanced its product offerings to meet the growing demand for materials that hold up to cleaning and disinfecting with a bleach solution. The company’s new bleach-cleanable options are an addition to its other products that can help prevent illness and reduce the risk of cross-contamination of infections …

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