Architectural exhibit is an ultra-thin, self-supporting structure
September 25th, 2017
Architect and artist Marc Fornes has created “minima | maxima,” a site-specific installation made of ultra-thin powdered aluminum in composite layers. Not exactly “fabric,” but the TED Fellow’s concept in construction mimics the behavior of fabric, but with a structural strength that almost defies gravity. The exhibit in Astana, Kazakhstan, was first presented during the […]
Partnership finds a process to recycle blended textiles
September 25th, 2017
A four-year partnership between the nonprofit H&M Foundation and the Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel (HKRITA) reports finding a solution to recycle blend textiles into new fabrics and yarns—without quality loss—through a hydrothermal (chemical) process. H&M Foundation reports that the technology will be scaled up and made available to the global fashion […]
Stratospheric balloon completes solar-powered flight
September 25th, 2017
World View’s Stratollite navigable balloon recently achieved its first day–night cycle flight. The Tucson, Ariz.-based aerospace company reported that the Stratollite’s solar panels generated, stored and distributed full system power needed for flight throughout the night. Stratollites capitalize on rapid deployability and low-impact flight of balloons, then add solar power and the ability for station-keeping […]
A path forward
September 25th, 2017
Today's trade issues can impact your business in the future. Editor’s note: I asked an expert, Nate Bolin, an attorney with the Washington D.C. law firm Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, to answer my questions about trade issues, our featured topic in Advanced Textiles Source this month. Mr. Bolin advises clients on […]
Finnish Smart Clothing 2.0 project
September 25th, 2017
A collaboration among research institutes and industry has the goal of commercializing Finnish expertise in national and international markets, according to Pekka Tuomaala, project leader and principal scientist at VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland. The Smart Clothing 2.0 project led by VTT was formed to create business opportunities for Finnish smart clothing and services. […]
ZDHC recognizes ECO PASSPORT by OEKO-TEX
September 20th, 2017
ECO PASSPORT by OEKO-TEX certification has been recognized by the Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals (ZDHC) as an indicator of conformance with the organization’s Manufacturing Restricted Substances List (MRSL). The ZDHC’s mission includes removing hazardous chemicals from the apparel and footwear value chain so that they do not harm workers, consumers or the environment. John Frazier, senior […]
Diagonal Consulting and ROVETEX form partnership
September 19th, 2017
Diagonal Consulting (India) and ROVETEX (Israel) will join forces. ROVETEX, global textile management consulting firm based in Israel, and Diagonal Consulting (India), strategic and project consulting firm in fibers, textiles and nonwovens, will jointly offer strategic and operational consultation services to the Indian industry. “A team of highly qualified and experienced domain experts in textile […]
Beer-resistant shoes debut in time for Oktoberfest
September 18th, 2017
Oktoberfest can be celebrated this year with a shoe from adidas that’s made especially to withstand spilled beer – and anything else that might land on them. “Prost” shoes are made of leather coated in DBP resin to make the shoes resistant to spills they could encounter among the festivals celebrants. The leather construction of […]
Trade deals and hurricanes
September 11th, 2017
It’s hard not to talk about hurricanes as I write this. Irma is churning its way up the length of Florida, Jose is hot on its heels and Texas residents are a long ways from recovering their lives after Harvey’s devastation. I'm also thinking of all the textile products that help protect people and property […]
OTEXA to feature U.S. textile companies at London event
September 11th, 2017
The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Office of Textiles and Apparel (OTEXA) has announced that military, security, and technical textiles from 14 U.S. textile and military apparel manufacturers companies will be featured in its sponsored sample booth at the upcoming Defense & Security Equipment International (DSEI) 2017, September 12-15, in London. “U.S. textile companies will showcase their premier state-of-the-art technology and products,” […]