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How natural can technical textiles be?

September 22, 2025  |  Features

According to a recent report by the United Nations, the progress towards achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030 has been slow. It is alarming to note that about 18 percent of the 139 targets are showing regression below the 2015 levels. Governments must have swift action plans to sup…
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Test tube textiles

September 8, 2025  |  Features

The creation of sustainable textiles has been top-of-mind for the textile industry since the 1990s. Along with recycled polyester and circular textile-to-textile manufacturing, fibers created in the lab from bio-based inputs are also finding a place in an expanding menu of innovative textile fibers.…
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3D construction in textiles

August 22, 2025  |  Features

Editor’s note: Early in my career writing about functional textiles, the board chair of what was then the Industrial Fabrics Association International walked me through the JEC show, running concurrent with our Expo. He gestured around the displays, most of them featuring rigid composites, and sai…
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The sustainability equation

August 11, 2025  |  Features

The textile sector in general is dependent on petroleum-based products—including fibers, synthetic chemicals and many accessories—and, importantly, the advanced textiles sector is heavily dependent on synthetic materials. Physical and functionality requirements, such as high strength, and chemic…
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Materials science takes textiles to new heights

July 28, 2025  |  Features

Editor’s note: North Carolina State University (NC State) colleagues, Dr. Kavita Mathur and Dr. Amanda Mills have both contributed to the following responses to my questions about current research in materials science.  – Janet Preus, senior editor, Textile Technology Source
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Polymer science and textile problem solving

July 14, 2025  |  Features

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.
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The complexities of antimicrobial textiles

June 23, 2025  |  Features

“Antimicrobials in textiles” is a topic that doesn’t come up for frequent discussion. One reason is that traditional treatments have not changed dramatically in many years. That’s due in part to the demanding regulations for these treatments, and the difficulties in developing effective alte…
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Increased expectations for antimicrobial textiles

June 4, 2025  |  Features

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 vi…
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