September 11, 2017
How trade deals currently in discussion could impact the textile industry As a presidential candidate, Donald Trump promised to improve U.S. trade deals, including the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Since taking office and after threatening to withdraw the United States from NAFTA unless its terms were renegotiated, President Trump has cajoled Mexico and …
August 21, 2017
The development of sophisticated functional fabrics has been a phased process. Textiles have evolved from being just commodity materials to providing an array of benefits, including additional comfort and protection, improved hygiene, and supporting healthcare. The innate nature of fibers can provide certain special characteristics—cotton adds breathability and a smooth hand, and wool offers thermal …
August 7, 2017
VR and AR industries offer high-tech solutions for demanding work environments There was a time when “workwear” meant basically suits and coveralls, but the sector is now recognised as covering a broad field that stretches from spacesuits to medical workers. Providing protection, comfort and identification are standard, but it is challenging for the textile industry …
July 24, 2017
Where we’ve been, where we are, and where we’re going. Increased use of woven and nonwoven textiles, as well as growing awareness of microbes and their associated healthcare concerns, has been driving demand for antimicrobial use in textile applications. The inclusion of antimicrobials has especially been emphasized in performance and medical textiles where biological burdens …
With environmental concerns about traditional treatments, the industry works to offer more eco-friendly options. Antimicrobial properties are fast becoming an expected treatment in textiles for applications that range from hospital drapes and linen, to contract and domestic textiles, as well as clothing. While offering protection from germs is a positive, there has been some disquiet …
July 10, 2017
New antimicrobial technologies focus on treatments for ‘permastink.’ It’s everywhere, and it’s not attractive. Permastink—the unpleasant smell that won’t wash out of textile products—has become a topic of conversation for consumers and brands alike. Polyester and other synthetic fibers are the materials of choice for the active performance and athleisure styles consumers now wear throughout …
June 26, 2017
Versatility in fiber content can lead to expanding applications. Nonwoven fabrics have become a mainstay in the textiles sector. Compared to commodity textiles, nonwovens, industrial textiles, smart and wearable textiles are relatively new entrants into the industry. But the nonwovens sector is an organized one and has been established for five decades. This sector has …
June 12, 2017
Improvements in performance include more eco-friendly materials and processes. The global market for nonwovens is expected to grow from its 2015 level of $2.9 billion to $8 billion by 2022, according to Stratistics Market Research Consulting, specialists in global cross-sector market research. Existing market sectors such as health, hygiene and automotive applications are expanding, and …
May 22, 2017
Refined materials and improved processes impact climate control applications. New developments in climate control for technical textiles are seeing the emergence of more refined materials offering enhanced possibilities in a range of industries from automotive to architecture. At the TechTextil trade show in Frankfurt, Germany, in May, a number of these innovations were showcased, reflecting …
The Technical Association of the Paper and Pulp Industry (TAPPI) hosted the PaperCon International Conference in April with about 1600 attendees and 75 exhibitors gathered in the Minneapolis Convention Center. The unique feature of this event has been the co-location of the nonwovens conference of TAPPI, referred to as NET Inc. TAPPI has been gaining …