July 21, 2025
Henry A. Truslow (Hank) of Northumberland, Pa., former chairman and CEO of Sunbury Textile Mills and chairman of the American Textile Manufacturers Institute and the Northern Textile Association, died July 10 after a six-year battle with Parkinson’s Disease. He was 86. In 1962, Truslow began his career in the textile industry with Deering Milliken as …
July 18, 2025
U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that tariffs outlined in Executive Order 14266 are on pause until Aug. 1, 2025, which were initially set to take effect July 9. This pause does not apply to those outlined in Executive Order 14298, Modifying Reciprocal Tariff Rates To Reflect Discussions With the People’s Republic of China. President Trump …
July 18, 2025
The Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) has announced that it is seeking any size corporation based in any location to help draft the Corporate Net-Zero Standard V2, a revised version of the original standard created in 2021. Since 2021, the SBTi’s Corporate Net-Zero Standard has supported more than 1,850 companies in aligning with global climate …
July 17, 2025
Fire-Dex, a personal protective equipment manufacturer for first responders, has announced the appointment of Ben Pfahl as its new chief information officer (CIO). As CIO, Pfahl will lead Fire-Dex’s enterprise technology strategy and oversee the information technology (IT) team as it aims to accelerate digital transformation, enhance data security and ensure seamless integration of business systems …
July 16, 2025
Zünd America has announced the appointment of Julian Bösch as the new managing director at Zünd’s Milwaukee, Wis.-based North American headquarters. A native of Switzerland, he holds a Bachelor of Science in business administration from FHS St. Gallen, a Master of Science in entrepreneurship from the University of Liechtenstein and completed business leadership training at …
July 15, 2025
NC State’s Wilson College of Textiles has announced that Bryan Ormond, Ph.D., has been named as the new director of the Milliken Textile Protection and Comfort Center (TPACC). Roger Barker, Ph.D., founded the research and testing center and served as its director for three decades, and is transitioning to a director emeritus role. “Dr. Barker’s remarkable international reputation …
July 14, 2025
A project titled “Sympoiesis” from designer Iris van Herpen and biodesigner Christopher Bellamy of Bio Crafted, lit up the runway at Paris Haute Couture Week, in early July of this year. The collaboration allowed them to utilize the capabilities of living microorganisms, including bioluminescent microalgae. Of the 17 looks presented in the show, the opening …
July 14, 2025
You all know what polymers are, more or less, and some of you know way more, but what if you were asked to help someone, who doesn’t know, understand it? I’ve edited this from britannica.com: “Any of a class of natural or synthetic substances composed of very large molecules, called macromolecules, that are multiples of simpler chemical …
July 14, 2025
As the textile industry works to eliminate PFAS from fabrics and finishes, a key challenge remains: how to maintain performance without relying on harmful fluorochemicals. PFAS-free alternatives like C0 chemistry have gained traction, but they often fall short, particularly when it comes to water repellency, durability and long-term product integrity. Haartz Corp. is the exclusive North American licensee of …
July 14, 2025
In metamaterials design, the name of the game has long been “stronger is better.” Metamaterials are synthetic materials with microscopic structures that give the overall material exceptional properties. A huge focus has been in designing metamaterials that are stronger and stiffer than their conventional counterparts. But there’s a trade-off: the stiffer a material, the less …
March 11, 2025
We are pleased to announce that Site & Stay has been selected as the official housing partner for Advanced Textiles Expo® 2025, taking place Nov. 5–7 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, Ind. Hotel booking is now open, offering attendees and exhibitors exclusive access to discounted rates at our official host hotels—all conveniently located …
October 17, 2024
Advanced Textiles Expo® 2024, the largest event of Advanced Textiles Association® (ATA), concluded with resounding success Sept. 24–26 at the Anaheim Convention Center. Once again held in conjunction with Sun Shading Expo North America—organized by Messe Stuttgart, founders of R + T and the world’s largest trade fair for roller shutters, doors/gates and sun shading …
August 14, 2024
The Advanced Textiles Association® (ATA) has renegotiated its General Services Contractor contract for the 2025–2027 Advanced Textiles Expo® shows. By selecting Freeman through a competitive Request for Proposal (RFP) process, we have secured rates that significantly lower the cost burden on our exhibitors. RFP process Key achievements This successful negotiation translates directly to cost savings for …
July 6, 2021
Messe Stuttgart announced that its new U.S.-based show Sun Shading Expo North America will not be held in 2021 as a separate trade show but will instead contribute its expertise in internal and external sun shading systems at IFAI Expo 2021 in the form of expert talks, open discussions and more. IFAI Expo 2021 will still take place …
May 10, 2021
Registration is open for IFAI Expo 2021. IFAI Expo celebrates the 100th anniversary of the show this November, and you won’t want to miss it! After a long hiatus of in-person events, this year’s show is the perfect place to reconnect with your industry. Register now to get the Early Bird rate! Early Bird rates end …
November 16, 2020
In a session at IFAI Virtual Expo 2020, “Smart Textiles Standardization, Active Illumination,” Dr. Jan Beringer, senior scientific expert Hohenstein Group, explained the new standard for active illumination that will soon be implemented in European Union countries. Organizations worked together to develop the standards. It is notable, he said that both textile and electronics industries …
November 13, 2020
The U.S. textile industry has stepped up to meet the demand for face masks, medical gowns, wipes and other products necessary to combat the coronavirus pandemic, but it needs policy changes from Washington so that the U.S. is not caught off-guard again in a future crisis, according to association leaders speaking at Industrial Fabrics Association …
November 12, 2020
Dr. Bryran Ormond, assistant professor, Wilson College of Textiles, NC State explained respiratory protection in an “Ask an Expert” session with Jing Liang, Medical PPE Consulting LLC. Dr. Ormand has typically worked in the area of chemical and biological protective equipment, but with the onslaught of the pandemic, began to focus on respiratory protection generally, …
November 11, 2020
All surgical gowns are not created equal, and a Nov. 11 presentation at IFAI Virtual Expo 2020 helped sort out the differences. The finer points of surgical gowns were discussed by Dr. Martin King, a professor at the Wilson College of Textiles, North Carolina State University, and Jing Liang, president of Medical PPE Consulting LLC. …
November 11, 2020
How do you create a channel from research to application? How do you create a pathway toward understanding complex human problems across supply chains and market sectors? STEM—a curriculum based on teaching science, technology, engineering and math—has branched out from basic chemistry and biology and physics classes, into collaborative efforts, including textiles, according to Stephanie …
July 14, 2025
In the rapidly evolving world of functional and industrial textiles, polymer science continues to transform what’s possible. From aerospace to personal protection, from climate-adaptive clothing to smart fabrics, advances in polymer chemistry are reshaping the materials we depend on. Engineered fibers today are tuned for high strength, resilience, flame resistance, moisture control, chemical inertness and …
June 23, 2025
Editor’s note: Although we did not preserve the Q&A format for this article, it is the product of a conversation with Ryan Scott senior product development chemist with Microban International, which started with my questions, and eventually covered a range of issues in the antimicrobial textiles market. “Antimicrobials in textiles” is a topic that doesn’t …
June 4, 2025
Antimicrobial fabrics and commodities continue to expand their applications in various sectors, driven by the increasing awareness of hygiene and infection control. The importance of antimicrobial materials has grown in parallel with media reports on global infectious diseases, including emerging viral threats such as COVID-19, antibiotic-resistant bacteria like MRSA and VRE, and other pathogens like …
May 22, 2025
According to the World Trade Organization (WTO), tariffs and uncertainty surrounding trade policy due to recent U.S. policy shifts will lead to the decline in global trade volume by 0.2 percent in 2025, contrary to growth predictions in January 2025. Global trade is heavily influenced by two major economies, the U.S. and China, which are …
May 8, 2025
Editor’s note: Todd Morgan shares his experiences and expertise in helping textile industry businesses implement artificial intelligence tools. A graduate of NC State’s College of Textiles, he has more than 30 years of experience working with manufacturers, designers and business leaders applying AI to solve operational challenges. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is already reshaping the textile industry—not …
April 24, 2025
Is there a role for textiles in today’s composites industry? The answer is not just yes, it is a resounding affirmative. In March, the composite industry’s JEC show in Paris confirmed this with a strong showing of textiles ranging from super high-strength fibers to large scale textile structures. These are used across a wide range …
April 14, 2025
The ongoing tariff uncertainty will certainly impact the global textiles and apparel market. Although a needed commodity, textiles are dependent on discretionary spending, which depends on the economy. GDP growth plays a critical role in the consumption of textiles and apparels and, therefore, the growth and market size of the global textiles and apparel sectors. Textile …
March 24, 2025
Energy has become a key issue in the development of e-textiles for applications ranging from wearables to transport. LOPEC 2025, held in Munich in February, elected to highlight the end-user perspective this year across conference papers, poster presentations and the Innovation Showcase, with new technologies sharing the stage with energy efficient designs, so that every …
March 10, 2025
We are in the middle of a historic leap in textile technology. Whether it’s the development of new yarns and coatings, or the integration of electronics into existing textiles, the future of wearable technology is rapidly evolving—and the future is bright. It seems like every week brings another breakthrough from R&D firms and universities, unveiling …
February 24, 2025
In 2003 after 13 years of global collaboration, the Human Genome Project was successfully completed, providing a comprehensive blueprint of human genetic information. This has given impetus to a rapidly expanding level of research in disease diagnosis, such as cancer, personalized medical treatments, the understanding of genetic disorders, genetic engineering therapies, and applications in tissue …
July 21, 2025
Henry A. Truslow (Hank) of Northumberland, Pa., former chairman and CEO of Sunbury Textile Mills and chairman of the American Textile Manufacturers Institute and the Northern Textile Association, died July 10 after a six-year battle with Parkinson’s Disease. He was 86. In 1962, Truslow began his career in the textile industry with Deering Milliken as …
July 18, 2025
U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that tariffs outlined in Executive Order 14266 are on pause until Aug. 1, 2025, which were initially set to take effect July 9. This pause does not apply to those outlined in Executive Order 14298, Modifying Reciprocal Tariff Rates To Reflect Discussions With the People’s Republic of China. President Trump …
July 10, 2025
Registration is now open for the July 30 Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Clothing and Textiles mid-year review webinar. The industry update will discuss challenges around equipping U.S. warfighters with domestically produced textile products. As a key touchpoint leading into the Fall 2025 Joint Advanced Planning Brief to Industry, this session will offer insight into DLA …
July 8, 2025
Rhode Island Gov. Daniel McKee has signed into law an act that bans the manufacture, sale and distribution in the state of firefighting personal protective equipment (PPE) containing intentionally added PFAS beginning Jan. 1, 2027. Under the act, entitled An Act Relating to Health and Safety: Consumer PFAS Ban Act of 2024, “‘intentionally added PFAS’ …
July 7, 2025
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has announced it will extend the upcoming reporting deadline under the state’s PFAS-in-Products law. As currently written, the law requires manufacturers of intentionally added PFAS-containing products in the state to report detailed information to the MPCA—including the type of PFAS used and its purpose in the product—by Jan. 1, …
July 1, 2025
The Conference Board released the June 2025 Consumer Confidence Index®, reporting that consumer confidence fell by 5.4 points in June to 93.0, down from 98.4 in May. The cutoff date for preliminary results was June 18, 2025. The Present Situation Index—based on consumers’ assessment of current business and labor market conditions—fell 6.4 points to 129.1. The Expectations Index—based …
June 25, 2025
Vermont Gov. Phil Scott has signed into law H.238, which implements further restrictions on the use of PFAS in consumer products. Previously, legislation was adopted in the state under S.25 that restricted PFAS in personal care products, menstrual products, textiles, cookware, rugs and carpets, artificial turf and ski wax, among other products. The new law …
June 4, 2025
President Donald Trump has increased tariffs on most steel and aluminum imports from 25% to 50%, effective June 4. The U.S. and the U.K. previously reached a trade deal May 8, agreeing to negotiate an alternative arrangement for the 25% Section 232 tariffs on steel and aluminum. According to President Trump’s June 3 executive order, …
June 2, 2025
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal District granted the Donald Trump administration’s request to put a temporary hold on the New York-based U.S. Court of International Trade’s judgment May 29. The Court of International Trade Law’s May 28 judgement ruled in favor of six American-based companies, ruling that President Trump overstepped his authority …
May 29, 2025
The Conference Board released the May 2025 Consumer Confidence Index®, reporting that consumer confidence increased by 12.3 points in May to 98.0, up from 85.7 in April. The cut-off date for preliminary results was May 19, 2025, and about half of the responses were collected after the May 12 announcement of a pause on some …
July 14, 2025
A project titled “Sympoiesis” from designer Iris van Herpen and biodesigner Christopher Bellamy of Bio Crafted, lit up the runway at Paris Haute Couture Week, in early July of this year. The collaboration allowed them to utilize the capabilities of living microorganisms, including bioluminescent microalgae. Of the 17 looks presented in the show, the opening …
June 4, 2025
Researchers at EMPA (Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology) have created a living biodegradable material made from fungi that can allow trash bags to decompose organic waste. It is one of the many potential applications of the studied fungi. In the field of electronics, the living biodegradable material made from fungi can be used to produce sensors, as well …
April 24, 2025
The ZZZN Sleep Apparel System is a voluminous puffer jacket that doubles as a cozy sleep sack, so users can doze off anywhere and anytime in comfort. But beyond its apparent comfortability, it also offers biometric data monitoring and headphones that play music with frequency bands to help people fall asleep. The ZZZN puffer jacket for sleep modernizes “Yagi,” a traditional Japanese winter nightwear. …
February 24, 2025
Pavels Hedström has introduced the Gaia Communication System, a vest and a pair of gloves with sensors so that users feel the health of plants, insects, soil and air. Unveiled under his design practice Inxects, the Swedish architect has installed multiple haptic sensors around the vest and gloves, each of which correspond to a natural object. The …
December 9, 2024
Japanese designer Hiroto Ikebe recently showcased a leather alternative he developed using rewoven silk cocoon waste. His exhibition COCOON ANATOMY, shown during DESIGNART Tokyo 2024, displayed clothing that was designed to demonstrate that silk materials typically discarded or not used for mass production can be repurposed into fabrics and materials with multiple uses. The leather alternative comes from raw silk, …
September 18, 2024
Carolina De Lara’s project, Bacterial Brickbats, explores the interaction between bacterial cellulose and knit textiles to challenge traditional, human-centered design in fashion and textiles. The project negotiates human/non-human liaisons by proposing a study where sharing agency between designer and bacterial cellulose produces a material library illustrating differing needs, creative or biological, resulting in an expressive …
August 12, 2024
A new materials technique has blended the usefulness of knitting needles and yarn with cutting-edge technology to create the equipment and process to make a solid-knit object of almost any kind. Yuichi Hirose first dreamed up this technique when he was a student at Keio University in Tokyo. There, working on digital fabrication methods in …
June 24, 2024
NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) 2024 Phase II awardee Ethan Schaler has proposed the first lunar railway system to provide reliable, autonomous and efficient payload transport on the Moon. The Flexible Levitation on a Track (FLOAT) system is a durable, long-life robotic transport system—a function that will be critical to the daily operations of a …
April 22, 2024
Artist and designer Kim Mesches has unveiled his “Collection 5,” featuring garments made of a color-changing resin with a technology activated by heat. The material is a mix of thermochromic dyes, pigments and other ingredients, which are then mixed with hardened resin to create the garments. For example, on sunny days the garments change themselves …
April 8, 2024
Following the successful development of functional invisibility shields in 2022, U.K.-based Invisibility Shield Co. has launched its second-generation invisibility shields on Kickstarter. Among the products is the “Megashield,” which the company claims is the largest one ever created. According to a report on designboom.com, more than four years ago the company focused on refining optical …
July 14, 2025
In metamaterials design, the name of the game has long been “stronger is better.” Metamaterials are synthetic materials with microscopic structures that give the overall material exceptional properties. A huge focus has been in designing metamaterials that are stronger and stiffer than their conventional counterparts. But there’s a trade-off: the stiffer a material, the less …
June 23, 2025
Leonard Tender, Ph.D., a researcher in the Biological Technologies Office (BTO) at DARPA (the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency), is working on groundbreaking advancements in wound care technology. Building on the success of the Bioelectronics for Tissue Regeneration (BETR) program, which focused on developing a “smart bandage” to monitor and accelerate wound healing, BTO is now embarking …
June 23, 2025
Researchers at Shinshu University, Nagano Prefecture, Japan, have developed a new design for a fiber sensor inspired by the shape of DNA, which the researchers have found to be more durable and flexible. Traditional fiber sensors have electrodes at both ends, which often fail under repeated movement when placed on body joints. The proposed double-helical …
June 23, 2025
Treating severe or chronically injured soft tissues, such as skin and muscle, is a challenge in health care. Current treatment methods can be costly and ineffective, and the frequency of chronic wounds in general from conditions such as diabetes and vascular disease, as well as an increasingly aging population, is only expected to rise. One …
June 4, 2025
New research from Washington State University has demonstrated a particular 3D ink printing method for smart fabrics that performs well after repeated washing and abrasion tests. The research, published in the journal ACS Omega, represents a breakthrough in smart fabric comfort and durability, as well as using a process that is more environmentally friendly. Hang Liu, a textile …
May 22, 2025
Thousands of people who are born deafblind will understand live conversations for the first time thanks to new research into smart textiles being developed by Nottingham Trent University (NTU). This first-of-its-kind study will eventually allow the spoken word to be translated into a form of braille and communicated through e-textile gloves to the fingers of …
May 22, 2025
Turkish thread manufacturer Durak Tekstil has developed its new Durak Poly-Strong PC-IR sewing thread to provide infrared (IR) invisibility. Developed as a solution to the infrared problems experienced by the military and security industry in the sewn areas of clothing and other materials, the new IR thread enables the camouflage feature to be used to …
May 22, 2025
MIT researchers have developed an autonomous, programmable computer in the form of an elastic fiber, which could monitor health conditions and physical activity, alerting the wearer to potential health risks in real-time. Clothing containing the fiber computer was machine washable and comfortable, and the fibers were nearly imperceptible to the wearer, the researchers report. Unlike …
May 8, 2025
A new smart insole system that monitors how people walk in real time could help users improve posture and provide early warnings for conditions from plantar fasciitis to Parkinson’s disease. Constructed using 22 small pressure sensors, and fueled by small solar panels on the tops of shoes, the system offers real-time health tracking based on …
April 14, 2025
Electrically conductive prints on textiles are the basis for functional textiles with electronic functions, or “smart textiles.” Conductive inks and binders must be well matched to ensure permanent conductivity even under external mechanical influences, such as stretching, pressure and bending. German research institute DITF is working on new ink formulations that meet these requirements. Textiles …
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