Sustainability issues drive many of the innovations in the advanced textiles market. Products, projects and new ideas that support a healthier environment are discussed here. European Commission launches Circular Plastics Alliance
January 9, 2019
At the end of 2018, the European Commission launched the Circular Plastics Alliance, which will be made up of industry stakeholders from the whole plastics value chain. The Commission described this as part of its ongoing effort to drive the European Union towards a circular economy, to stimulate innovation, reduce
Read MoreStudy confirms negative impact of fluorinated DWORs
December 17, 2018
A three-year, EU life-cycle assessment study to evaluate alternatives to fluorine-based durable water- and oil-repellents (DWOR) for textiles has concluded that fluorinated formulations have a negative environmental impact “10 to 40 times larger” than fluorine-free alternatives. Ecotextile News reported that the study also confirmed that fluorine-free water repellent coatings can
Read MorePFOA-free repellent for nonwovens developed
December 17, 2018
AGC Chemicals Americas has developed AsahiGuard E-Series fluorinated repellents that are free of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and made for nonwoven fabrics. Drawing on fluorine’s properties, the chemicals provide protection and durability against water, oil and dry soil without changing the texture, color or breathability of a fabric or material, the
Read MoreCoconut waste is turned into sweaters
December 17, 2018
Photo: Nanollose. Nanollose has created a sweater using its tree-free rayon fiber, Nullarbor FibreTM, sourced from coconut waste. The company points to the sweater as proof that Nullarbor can be used within current industrial protocol, since the fiber was spun into yarn, made into fabric and manufactured into the garment
Read MoreThrace Group commits to sustainability
December 11, 2018
In response to the European Union’s call for voluntary pledges for the uptake of recycled plastics, Thrace Group submitted a pledge to substitute more than 8,500 tons of virgin raw material with recycled materials by 2025. This represents Thrace Group’s contribution to the goal of significantly increasing the quantity of
Read MoreBio-digital urban curtain designed to fight climate change
November 26, 2018
The curtain is composed of 16.2-by-7 meter modules, that were installed over the main façade of the Print Works Building at the Dublin Castle. Photos: ©NAARO and provided by ecoLogicStudio. London-based architectural and design studio ecoLogicStudio recently revealed a large-scale installation it calls “photo.synth.etica” during Dublin’s Climate Innovation Summit 2018.
Read MoreTextile waste is turned into dye powders
November 12, 2018
Officina+39, an Italian textile chemical company, is preparing to scale up the production of Recycrom colour powders made from used clothing and textile waste. The new technology developed by Officina+39 uses 100 percent recycled materials to create long-lasting colors with a natural washed-out look. The product offers a range of
Read MoreBiodegradable synthetic insulation introduced
November 12, 2018
PrimaLoft Inc. announces that it has introduced PrimaLoft Bio, a synthetic insulation made from 100 percent recycled, biodegradable fibers. The idea was born in 2014 when a PrimaLoft product manager said during a weekly research and development meeting, “Why can’t we just make a jacket insulation that we can bury
Read MoreSustainability in women’s wear
October 25, 2018
Eastman Chemical Co. recently launched Naia, a cellulosic yarn, into the women’s wear market. Naia’s origins are traceable and sustainably sourced wood pulp; Eastman holds FSC and PEFC Chain of Custody certification. According to the company, the cellulosic yarn is produced in a closed-loop process that involves recycling solvents for
Read MoreECO PASSPORT by OEKO-TEX® adds a third stage of testing
October 8, 2018
Established two years ago, the ECO PASSPORT by OEKO-TEX® certification serves to examine textile chemicals used as aids in production. The certification by Hohenstein supplements the existing OEKO-TEX® certifications, such as STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX. A third stage was recently added to the certification process. In the interests of sustainability,
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