November 1, 2025
U.S. President Donald Trump has reached an agreement with Chinese President Xi Jinping regarding U.S.-China trade relations. As part of the agreement, the U.S. will lower its cumulative tariff rate on Chinese imports by 10%, effective Nov. 10. The country’s heightened reciprocal tariffs on Chinese imports will be suspended until Nov. 10, 2026. During the …
October 30, 2025
KARL Mayer Group has announced the appointment of Lutz Wolf as CEO of KARL MAYER Holding SE & Co. KG, effective Nov. 1. Wolf will assume overall responsibility for the internationally active group of companies, headquartered in Obertshausen, Germany. He will also be the new chairman of the management board of KARL MAYER Holding SE …
October 28, 2025
U.S. textile and apparel industry participants are invited to take part in an anonymous survey examining how culture and collaboration drive innovation in these sectors. The survey is available until Dec. 20, and is part of a doctoral research study led by Erin Tillery, a doctoral candidate at North Carolina State University. 👉 Take the survey …
October 27, 2025
Functional textiles are the wave of the future, having huge growth prospects that will influence the survival and growth of the global textiles sector. Market analysis firms have, in recent years, been actively estimating the size of this sector. The field is varied, and hence the type of functionalization and the product types and applications …
October 27, 2025
Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) staff are considering proposals to reconfigure the Berry Amendment, including establishing a final assembly only requirement, allowing the use of foreign textile components. However, it’s important to note that any change to Berry Amendment rules would require action by Congress as part of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), The 2026 …
October 27, 2025
Inspired by the color-changing ability of cephalopods such as octopi and squid, University of Nebraska–Lincoln researchers are developing a material that could one day be used in sensors and soft robotics applications. The skins of octopuses and their cephalopod brethren are some of the most colorful, high-definition, morphing displays evolution has produced, but it’s their ability to …
October 27, 2025
Palo Alto, Calif.-based environmental nonprofit Canopy released the 10th Edition Hot Button Report, which shows that the global man-made cellulosic fiber (MMCF) supply chain has undergone a dramatic transformation since the report’s inception in 2016. The report shows the sector has advanced from no low-risk Green Shirt producers in 2016 to 21 in 2025, and from …
October 27, 2025
When I first decided on a topic for a “Featured” article this month, I was thinking of textiles that are part of the industry but aren’t necessarily thought of as textiles. Or textiles that are literally hidden inside other materials, as it is with some composites. Or biomedical textiles that repair hernias or hearts. Or …
October 27, 2025
Microban International, an antimicrobial and odor control solutions provider, has announced the appointment of Shermon McMillan as its new president. “Shermon McMillan is a strategic and experienced leader who understands Microban’s goals and how to bring them to fruition,” says Scott Beal, CEO at Barr Brands International, parent company of Microban. “We are confident he …
October 27, 2025
Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed California Senate Bill 682, which would have prohibited the distribution, sale or offering for sale of certain products that contain intentionally added PFAS, beginning Jan. 1, 2028. These products include cleaning products, dental floss, juvenile products, food packaging and ski wax. Additionally, the bill would have prohibited the distribution, sale or …
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 …
October 27, 2025
Functional textiles are the wave of the future, having huge growth prospects that will influence the survival and growth of the global textiles sector. Market analysis firms have, in recent years, been actively estimating the size of this sector. The field is varied, and hence the type of functionalization and the product types and applications …
October 13, 2025
There are always questions regarding how a company would introduce a product into the U.S. military marketplace, and for those who have tried to do so, many of these attempts have been met with bewilderment, frustration and resignation. Case studies and examples abound across a wide range of technologies, not just for textile products. Such …
September 22, 2025
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 support the SDGs of the United …
September 8, 2025
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. With a focus on performance and tunability, biosynthetic fibers are now …
August 22, 2025
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 said simply, “There are textiles in everything here.” We might …
August 11, 2025
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 chemical and weather resistance, prevent wide-scale applicability of natural materials. Therefore, there is need to formulate a sustainability strategy …
July 28, 2025
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 Q: I’d like to get a handle on what researchers – including you and your colleagues – …
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 …
November 1, 2025
U.S. President Donald Trump has reached an agreement with Chinese President Xi Jinping regarding U.S.-China trade relations. As part of the agreement, the U.S. will lower its cumulative tariff rate on Chinese imports by 10%, effective Nov. 10. The country’s heightened reciprocal tariffs on Chinese imports will be suspended until Nov. 10, 2026. During the …
October 27, 2025
Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed California Senate Bill 682, which would have prohibited the distribution, sale or offering for sale of certain products that contain intentionally added PFAS, beginning Jan. 1, 2028. These products include cleaning products, dental floss, juvenile products, food packaging and ski wax. Additionally, the bill would have prohibited the distribution, sale or …
October 8, 2025
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has launched its first-ever loan program dedicated to supporting America’s small manufacturers. The 7(a) Manufacturer’s Access to Revolving Credit (MARC) Loan Program will offer working capital for small businesses engaged in manufacturing (NAICS 31-33). “With 98% of American manufacturers classified as small businesses, the new MARC Loans represent a powerful source of targeted …
September 18, 2025
The U.S. Department of Commerce has opened the second round of its inclusion process for the department’s investigation into Section 232 imports of aluminum and steel derivative products. Aluminum and steel derivative producers must submit product inclusion requests by Sept. 29 at 11:59 p.m. ET. Following this deadline, a two-week comment period will be held …
September 15, 2025
The American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC) has announced new updates and expansions to its corporate membership offerings. Corporate membership levels include a wide range of educational, marketing and discount benefits. In May, the AATCC Board of Directors approved updates to multiple corporate membership levels to improve access to benefits. Gold Level corporate …
September 12, 2025
U.S. consumer confidence slipped in August, according to the latest report released Aug. 27 by The Conference Board. The August Consumer Confidence Index® headline index fell 1.3 points to 97.4, down from 98.7 in July. The Present Situation Index declined to 131.2, while the Expectations Index dropped to 74.8, well below the 80-point threshold that historically signals …
September 11, 2025
Jim Mortenson, a Minnesota Administrative Law Judge, issued a report Aug. 28 on the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency’s proposed rule on reporting PFAS in products and associated fees. The judge stated his disapproval of the proposed rule due to the agency’s “failure to assess the cumulative effect of the rule with other federal and state …
September 6, 2025
U.S. President Donald Trump has issued further modifications to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS), effective Mon., Sept. 8. The changes were issued in the Sept. 5 Executive Order “Modifying the Scope of Reciprocal Tariffs and Establishing Procedures for Implementing Trade and Security Agreements.” The order further modifies import duties imposed by …
September 6, 2025
The Indian government announced Aug. 28 that the country will extend its import duty exemption on cotton until Dec. 31. Previously, the exemption was to be in effect until Sept. 30. The exemption reduces the import duty on cotton from 11% to 0%. The decision was informed by the Indian Central Board of Indirect Taxes …
August 20, 2025
The U.S. Department of Commerce announced Aug. 19 that 407 product categories will be added to the list of “derivative” steel and aluminum products covered by Section 232 tariffs. The steel and aluminum content of these products will be subject to a duty rate of 50%. Product categories added include wind turbines and their parts …
October 13, 2025
Skincare within regenerative clothing defines Coperni’s C+, a series of everyday wear infused with probiotics and prebiotics. Capable of restoring the skin’s microbiome, each garment contains living microorganisms that interact with the skin during wear, support the skin’s natural balance, and help it repair itself over time. The C+ line is made using a biobased …
September 8, 2025
For tissue repair, surgeons are currently limited to mechanical solutions like sutures and staples, which can cause their own damage, or meshes and glues that may not adequately bond with tissues and can be rejected by the body. Medical startup Tissium now offers surgeons a new solution based on a biopolymer technology first developed at …
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 …
October 27, 2025
Inspired by the color-changing ability of cephalopods such as octopi and squid, University of Nebraska–Lincoln researchers are developing a material that could one day be used in sensors and soft robotics applications. The skins of octopuses and their cephalopod brethren are some of the most colorful, high-definition, morphing displays evolution has produced, but it’s their ability to …
September 22, 2025
WINT Design Lab, which focuses on sustainable product innovations, and electronics firm Fraunhofer IZM have partnered to produce a lamp that can change its brightness when the user presses the surface’s stretchable textile. “Soft Interfaces” uses a liquid metal dispensing technology placed inside a fabric that’s new to product applications. The liquid metal, called Galinstan, is embedded into the touch-sensitive fabric …
August 22, 2025
A new strategy for strengthening polymer materials could lead to more durable plastics and cut down on plastic waste, according to researchers at MIT and Duke University. Using machine learning, the researchers identified crosslinker molecules that can be added to polymer materials, allowing them to withstand more force before tearing. These crosslinkers belong to a …
July 28, 2025
In 1959, Volvo engineer Nils Bohlin created the three-point seatbelt and offered the design plans for free to automakers around the world. Since its introduction, the relatively simple, but game-changing, design has been credited with saving more than a million lives worldwide. Now the car brand is back with a high-tech seatbelt upgrade. The new …
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 …
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