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Are smart textiles ready for the real world?
March 24th, 2017
Over the past decade, we’ve seen a slow but sure evolution of wearable electronics, including smart textiles, designed primarily to monitor body functions and communicate with the Internet of Things. But a great many were not especially wearable, and some never made it out of the lab. The tide, however, seems to be turning. Première […]
Three new products from Beaulieu Fibres Intl.
March 23rd, 2017
Beaulieu Fibres International, a European supplier of polyolefin fiber, will launch three new products in 2017. Starting in May 2017, Meralux fibers will be added to the Meraklon product portfolio. The company’s tests showed nonwovens made with the new fiber combinations have a higher loft/bulk. The product’s coverage should provide nonwovens with softness and a closed surface, […]
“Magic Calendar” connects to a smart phone
March 22nd, 2017
Kosho Tsuboi, a Japanese design studio, has created Magic Calendar, a tactile paper calendar that connects to the Internet. Made from high-resolution electronic paper, the calendar syncs with a Google calendar via a mobile device. The smart calendar is antireflective so it can be viewed from all angles and lasts three months on a single charge […]
MISSION launches first temperature-control apparel line
March 21st, 2017
MISSION asserts scientists have found the human body uses upwards of 80 percent of its metabolic energy to regulate temperature, leaving significantly less energy for performance, endurance and stamina. The new VaporActive line of apparel for men and women is engineered to help accelerate thermo-regulation, so the body can use its energy more efficiently for performance, […]
INVISTA evaluating possible sale
March 20th, 2017
INVISTA reports it is “exploring strategic alternatives” for its Apparel & Advanced Textiles business, including the possibilities of selling or reinvesting. Brands produced and marketed by the company include Lycra and CoolMax fiber. Carmichael International reported that the main manufacturing assets are in the Lycra Spandex business as well as the nylon textile filament plant […]
New clean room processing facility for Aramark
March 17th, 2017
Aramark’s new facility in McKinney, Texas, will expand the company’s clean room services and create approximately 120 new local jobs. The facility will provide more service for the company’s customers who require sterile garments and contamination control supplies for the pharmaceutical, medical device, microelectronics, semiconductor and aerospace manufacturing industries. The company offers products for clean […]
GOTS 5.0: Stricter criteria, more opportunities
March 16th, 2017
The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) has announced its latest standard: Version 5.0. In the new standard, the criteria for “additional fiber material” are now stricter regarding environmentally improved and certified regenerated cellulosic fibers. Also, the use of viscose and modal is now restricted to 10 percent (25 percent for sportswear and socks). GOTS defines […]
Coats Signal reflective tapes promote safety
March 15th, 2017
Coats Signal, by U.K. yard and thread producer Coats, is a range of reflective tapes for workwear, protective clothing, apparel and accessories. When illuminated by a light source, the product helps to enhance visibility at dusk, at night or in difficult weather conditions. In combination with fluorescent elements, the tapes should improve daytime and low-light […]
Better together
March 10th, 2017
Collaborative efforts support growth in the smart textiles industry. The more high tech an industry is, the greater the range of expertise it may need. Advanced textiles, particularly smart materials, are a prime example of this. Textiles often undergo a variety of processes requiring specialized skills and equipment, so collaboration is essential to the industry. […]
New from StretchSense: ‘underwearables’
March 10th, 2017
StretchSense has announced its latest sensor designed specifically for tight-fitting undergarments like compression clothing or underwear. Sensors in garments worn very close to the body promise to give repeatable and more precise data about the user's breathing; steps walked or distance run; posture; training technique; muscle tension; and health. Sensors placed in underwear have an additional […]