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
Read MorePairing 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.
Read MoreThe 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,
Read MoreSerious 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
Read MoreTextiles and the fight against infection
September 23, 2019
New standards and test methods are needed for medical textiles. by Matthew Hardwick The spread of infection is a concern for all of us and in many circumstances, but nowhere is it more concerning than in health care. The spread of infection both to and from medical environments is an
Read MoreMedical textiles: value and limitations
September 9, 2019
How Medical Device Master Files can support a productive business partnership. by Elaine Duncan Medical Device Master Files, known as a MAF, have value for textile contract manufacturers and the medical device developer in many ways. Most medical device manufacturers who incorporate a medical textile into their product will seek
Read MoreTextiles and energy technologies for the future
August 26, 2019
Energy harvesting wearables offer an intriguing alternative in meeting energy needs. by Seshadri Ramkumar The topic of this article certainly exudes interest and intrigue, but while the nonconventional textiles sector has been well established for about 50-years, the energy harvesting field is yet nascent, and commercialization hasn’t reached a level
Read MoreEnergy for smart materials and systems
August 12, 2019
New developments address power and its integration into the production process—for whatever applications can be imagined. by Marie O’Mahony The means chosen in energy provision for smart textiles is largely dictated by the application, or, more precisely, the needs and behavior of the user. This is a meaningful development, taking
Read MoreGlobal standards for e-textiles
July 29, 2019
The European market is influencing open international standards development through IPC. by Chris Jorgensen Researchers at the MIT Media Lab have demonstrated three classes of textile sensors exploiting resistive, piezoresistive, and capacitive properties of various textile structures enabled by machine knitting with conductive yarn. The knit sensors are made with
Read MoreProtecting our protectors
July 15, 2019
Slash resistant clothing can reduce the risk of knife injuries and laceration. by Robert Kaiser People throughout history have sought and found the means to protect themselves with specially designed and constructed garments. From furs and chainmail, to leather, metals or fabric, a range of materials has been used creatively
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