TEXTILES.ORG
Opportunity awaits a stronger textile industry
January 24th, 2022
Changes in trade policy are designed to support “investments here at home” and strengthen U.S. global competitiveness. Editor’s note: Bill Jackson, Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for Textiles, responds to questions on issues of importance to companies in the textile industry, particularly those engaged in international trade. Q: Supply chain issues persist, as we all know. Businesses […]
Study evaluates alternative face coverings
January 24th, 2022
Texas Tech researchers have authored a new study to evaluate the effectiveness of alternative facial coverings in offering protection against COVID-19 transmission. During personal protective equipment (PPE) shortages, it has been necessary for people to utilize materials already at their disposal to craft their own face masks. In the absence of N95 masks, multi-layered masks […]
“Soft silica” is made from knitted glass
January 24th, 2022
Artist Sarah Roseman has unveiled soft silica, a new material made from knitted glass. Photo: Sarah Roseman. Canadian designer Sarah Roseman is working in a new material that straddles the boundary between textile and glasswork. According to a story on designboom.com, Roseman began her research experimenting with knitting glass fibers, working to find innovative and sustainable […]
Toray develops plant-based nylon
January 24th, 2022
Japanese textile company Toray has launched a nylon fiber made entirely from plant-derived polymers. Toray says its new material, Ecodia ® N510, displays the same physical characteristics as conventional petroleum-derived nylon, with the equivalent strength and heat resistance, and excellent dimensional stability against humidity. The company has also announced its new ecodear® brand, which will integrate biopolymer […]
Flexible, versatile heater provides personal comfort
January 24th, 2022
VTT's thin, bendable and flexible heater is made by printing heating electronics components to material with the roll-to-roll method. Photo: VTT. VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland has developed a thin, flexible and plastic-free heater to help reduce energy consumption in homes and offices, and still offer individuals comfortable temperatures. When attached to seats, walls […]
Scientists unveil a stretchy battery that’s also washable
January 24th, 2022
Photo: University of British Columbia. Researchers at the University of British Columbia (UBC) have created what could be the first battery that is both flexible and washable, a device that will work even when twisted or stretched to twice its normal length, or after being laundered. According to information provided by UBC, the battery, which […]
High-tech sleeping bag could solve vision issues in space
January 10th, 2022
A high-tech sleeping bag developed at UTSW unloads pressure in the brain by suctioning fluids into the lower body. NASA hopes the sack can alleviate the vision problems astronauts commonly endure during longer missions in space. Photo: University of Texas Southwestern. The University Texas Southwestern (UTSW) has been involved in a brain pressure project that NASA […]
Flexible, paper-based battery biodegrades in soil
January 10th, 2022
Scientists at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore have created a paper-based battery that is fully biodegradable in soil after about a month. The battery could eventually be used in non-disposable, flexible electronic devices and smart fabrics. One version of the battery is just 4 by 4 cm (1.6 in) and can power a small electric fan for […]
New Year, new reasons to know your supply chain
January 10th, 2022
New law will impact how textile companies do business with China. by Nate Bolin On December 23, 2021, President Biden signed into law the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA) which will significantly raise the stakes for any company importing from or doing business with China. Most significantly, once the statute fully comes into effect […]
Doing business with China
January 10th, 2022
by Janet Preus I’ve learned a lot about the textile industry during my time at IFAI. I feel especially good about becoming conversant, at least, in the advanced textiles arena. There are other issues of importance to the textile industry, however, where I am fundamentally lost. Such as international trade. I can ask intelligent questions […]