IFAI Expo Going Virtual for 2020
July 29th, 2020
Given the continuing uncertainty with the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic and the importance of the health and safety of the entire textile community, IFAI has made the difficult, yet unavoidable decision to transition IFAI Expo 2020, set for Nov. 3-6, 2020, in Indianapolis, IN USA to an online only virtual event. IFAI Virtual Expo will take place […]
Hyosung expands recycled fiber offerings
July 27th, 2020
Fiber manufacturer Hyosung has expanded its 100 percent recycled fiber offering. In addition to its Global Recycle Standard (GRS) 100 percent recycled creora® regen spandex collection, the company will present a series of new recycled polyester and nylon yarns in the coming weeks. These new products include 100 percent recycled regen askin polyester with cooling […]
“Smart” face mask translates and transcribes language
July 27th, 2020
The C-Mask can be worn over any other mask to translate what the wearer is saying into another language. Photo: Donut Robotics. With mask-wearing now a part of everyday life worldwide, designers and innovators have tried to provide improved face coverings that address a variety of concerns. Some have been made transparent; others are made […]
“WovenSkin” pares weaving with smart technology
July 27th, 2020
A textile artist’s woven on-skin interface created with the fabrication process developed by the Hybrid Body Lab: A touch sensor on the back was woven with tapestry techniques. Photo: Hybrid Body Lab. A design team at Cornell University’s Hybrid Body Lab have created “WovenSkin” on-skin interfaces (aka ‘smart tattoos’) that incorporate circuitry in their textile […]
Colback Nonwovens collaborates in Dutch face mask project
July 27th, 2020
Colback Nonwovens has helped to solve the shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) in healthcare institutions in the Netherlands. In a public/private enterprise, Low & Bonar's Colback production site in the Netherlands offered its support after a call from the Dutch government. Colback nonwovens are now included as a reinforcement layer in FFP2-certified medical face […]
Industry coalition releases statement on PPE policy
July 27th, 2020
An industry coalition representing the full spectrum of domestic personal protective equipment (PPE) production released a statement outlining policy principles and objectives needed for reshoring and safeguarding domestic PPE manufacturing. The Industrial Fabrics Association International was among the 21 associations signing the joint statement. The COVID-19 pandemic, which exposed severe shortages in our nation’s PPE […]
A “pandemic” of plastic PPE
July 27th, 2020
How COVID-19 is driving the development of a more sustainable kind of PPE. by Debra Cobb From community masks and health workers’ kits, to hospital gowns, drapes and wraps, disposable personal protective equipment (PPE) is playing a critical role in our battle against COVID-19 infections. But what about the mountain of disposable PPE, which is […]
Techtextil N.A., Texprocess Americas shows postponed until next editions
July 23rd, 2020
The organizers of Techtextil North America and Texprocess Americas have announced that the co-located events have been postponed beyond 2020. “We have been monitoring the global spread of COVID-19 that began earlier this year, and to uphold our commitment to the industry, we postponed [the events] to October 1-3, 2020. However, as coronavirus cases in […]
H&V develops a new material for nonsurgical medical gowns
July 22nd, 2020
East Walpole, MA Looking to help meet the critical need for personal protective equipment (PPE) for healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, global manufacturer Hollingsworth & Vose (H&V) has, on a rapidly accelerated timeline, developed a new material for nonsurgical medical gowns. Using standard construction methods, this new material can be converted into medical gowns […]
AAFA calls for standardized federal face mask guidelines
July 21st, 2020
In a letter to President Trump, the American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) requested that the administration institute federal face mask guidelines to assist retail stores as the country continues efforts to safely reopen. Versions of the letter were also sent to the heads of the National Governors Association, National Association of Counties and the […]