November 10, 2026
Biomimicry is, basically, the science of imitating nature to find solutions for human problems. Daryl L. Thompson, director of scientific initiatives at Global Research and Discovery Group (GRDG Sciences LLC), called plants “the original textile” in his talk about “lessons and applications for biomimicry” at the Advanced Textiles Association’s (ATA) Emerging Technologies (ET) Conference last week …
November 10, 2026
AI offers a fast turnaround on tasks that humans may find tedious, but they’re also necessary. The textile industry is discovering new and innovative ways to make AI and other advanced technologies do the time-consuming work and provide needed data, so manufacturers can use their employee talent to oversee processes and make the decisions. AI …
November 10, 2026
NASA needs textile products, and we’re all aware that NASA’s criteria can be extremely demanding. With upcoming manned missions, that need is becoming urgent. In her ET Conference presentation at ATA’s Expo in Orlando, “Custom textile development for space vehicles with elevated oxygen environments,” Wendy Gao outlined this specific need for the textile industry. Gao …
November 10, 2026
Nobody’s perfect. Anyone who tries to tell you that you are probably wants something from you. However, the inability to achieve perfection doesn’t mean we shouldn’t continuously improve. That is the concept behind Lean Manufacturing, a process that eliminates “waste,” which is defined as anything that adds cost, but not value, to a process or …
November 10, 2026
Every Expo is different, which is why it’s good to attend yearly, which I have done since I first took on an editor’s role at what was then IFAI. Today my organization is more aptly named for the times, the Advanced Textiles Association (ATA). Call them technical, functional or advanced, the textiles manufactured today are …
November 10, 2026
It is generally understood that in case of fire, the real threat is smoke. That fact is complicated by the fact that smoke is not one standardized aerosol, as Iowa State University researchers Prof. Guowen Song and Dr. Rui Li explained in their presentation at ATA’s recent Emerging Technologies (ET) Conference. The team has created …
November 10, 2026
The Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry (INDA) and its publishing arm INDA Media have announced that International Fiber Journal (IFJ) will become Fibers & Nonwovens with Issue 1 in 2027. The new name reflects the magazine’s longstanding focus on fiber innovation and its coverage of the materials, technologies and markets shaping the global nonwovens industry. Under …
November 9, 2026
NylaNova, a chemical recycling company in Evanston, Ill., has announced a partnership with Nylene, a nylon-6 producer with operations in the U.S. and Canada. Under the partnership, NylaNova will supply Nylene with caprolactam, the raw material used to make nylon, recovered from post-consumer nylon-6 waste. Nylene has produced specialty nylon resins, copolymers and compounds for …
November 5, 2026
Serge Ferrari North America, the North American subsidiary of Serge Ferrari Group, which designs, develops and manufactures composite materials, has introduced the 7th Material to the North American market. The concept positions technical membranes as a seventh construction material category, alongside stone, earth, wood, concrete, metal and glass. for roofing, facades, shading and interior applications. …
November 4, 2026
Reju, a textile-to-textile regeneration company, announced that the company has been collaborating with six mills to develop fabrics in order to accelerate the integration of regenerated polyester into the global textile supply chain. The work is being carried out with A. Sampaio, RDD Textiles, Tintex Textiles, FOV Fabrics and Utenos in Europe and Swisstex Direct …
September 18, 2026
Through Oct. 5, get discounted hotel rooms for Advanced Textiles Expo®, Nov. 3–5 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla., and the Emerging Technologies (ET) Conference Nov. 2. Discounted flights with Delta Air Lines are also available for Advanced Textiles Association (ATA) members and nonmembers. Join textile industry professionals for educational sessions, hands-on …
August 13, 2026
Submissions for the 2026 International Achievement Awards (IAA) are due Aug. 28. Project submissions are $25 per entry, and winners are recognized online, in print and at Advanced Textiles Expo®, Nov. 3–5, 2026 in Orlando, Fla. For more than 75 years, the IAAs recognize outstanding and innovative projects representing the latest accomplishments in design and …
May 14, 2026
Advanced Textiles Association (ATA) is now accepting applications for judges for the 2026 International Achievement Awards (IAAs). The IAAs are an annual competition that celebrates the best projects in the specialty fabrics industry, showcasing ATA members’ technical skills and accomplishments. Judges will have the chance to recognize excellence in textiles and influence the future of …
May 13, 2026
Registration is open for Advanced Textiles Expo® 2026. The show returns Nov. 3–5, 2026, in Orlando, Fla., at the Orange County Convention Center (West Building). Advanced Textiles Association® (ATA) expects 4,000+ attendees and 300+ exhibitors. Exhibit booths are still open as well. Expo programming Attendees can look forward to show floor education with hands-on learning, …
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 10, 2026
Biomimicry is, basically, the science of imitating nature to find solutions for human problems. Daryl L. Thompson, director of scientific initiatives at Global Research and Discovery Group (GRDG Sciences LLC), called plants “the original textile” in his talk about “lessons and applications for biomimicry” at the Advanced Textiles Association’s (ATA) Emerging Technologies (ET) Conference last week …
October 26, 2026
Textiles have evolved from being largely a fashion or comfort choice, to life-saving materials, thanks to growth in the advanced textiles sector. Advanced textiles have also become increasingly relevant due to climate and global political scenarios. For example, inadequate school infrastructure, such as inefficient ventilation and insulation, have been among the complaints sparking recent protests …
October 12, 2026
Responsive textiles are materials that transform shape, color or size based on environmental cues, using either sensors and microcontrollers or the natural properties of the materials themselves to communicate information or alter their surroundings. In the field of architecture, these textiles can be used to create both temporary and permanent shelters that have the potential …
September 28, 2026
Editor’s Note: As president and CEO of the National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO), Kimberly Glas is in a unique position to view the impact this administration’s approach to trade in general, and tariffs, in particular, has had on the textile industry. In Part II of an interview conducted with Glas, she also addresses steps that could be …
September 14, 2026
Editor’s note: The current administration’s trade decisions, including tariffs, have had a significant impact on the textile industry. I asked Kimberly Glas, National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO) president and CEO, to offer the organization’s perspective on the current trade situation. For example, earlier this summer, CNBC.com reported that the U.S. proposed tariffs of up to 12.5 …
August 24, 2026
Textiles and other manufacturing sectors are witnessing a revival in terms of investments and government support. This is important for developed economies, such as in the U.S., the EU and U.K., which need to focus on advanced textiles manufacturing and research to be competitive in the global marketplace. In the U.S. today, only three percent …
August 10, 2026
Summer is a time for rest and renewal, much needed to bring fresh energy and perspective to challenges facing the textile industry. The work of The Finnish architect and designer Alvar Aalto (1898-1976) is particularly inspirational at this time in considering how some persistent user issues around e-textiles and wearables might be addressed. Aalto is …
July 27, 2026
Today over 90 percent of textiles are imported in the U.S. Globalization has altered the manufacturing dynamics where cost has dominated the trade, shifting labor-intensive industries, such as textiles, leather, jewelry and others, away from the most developed nations. This trend has continued for over 35 years, but recently, discussions have begun to bring back …
July 13, 2026
The Global Electronics Association through its IPC standardization efforts has been a driving force in global electronics standardization for nearly 70 years. The last time we checked in with Advanced Textiles readers, you may have known us as IPC. In summer 2026, our organization went through a rebranding effort—an evolution in our organization that reflects …
June 22, 2026
Editor’s note: This feature is the second part of a two-part article by this writer on the topic of natural fibers in advanced textile materials and products. Part I focused on cotton and wool; This article discusses bast fiber: plant-based fibers that grow within the stems of certain plants. According to textilelearner.net, the fibers are …
November 10, 2026
The Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry (INDA) and its publishing arm INDA Media have announced that International Fiber Journal (IFJ) will become Fibers & Nonwovens with Issue 1 in 2027. The new name reflects the magazine’s longstanding focus on fiber innovation and its coverage of the materials, technologies and markets shaping the global nonwovens industry. Under …
November 9, 2026
NylaNova, a chemical recycling company in Evanston, Ill., has announced a partnership with Nylene, a nylon-6 producer with operations in the U.S. and Canada. Under the partnership, NylaNova will supply Nylene with caprolactam, the raw material used to make nylon, recovered from post-consumer nylon-6 waste. Nylene has produced specialty nylon resins, copolymers and compounds for …
November 5, 2026
Serge Ferrari North America, the North American subsidiary of Serge Ferrari Group, which designs, develops and manufactures composite materials, has introduced the 7th Material to the North American market. The concept positions technical membranes as a seventh construction material category, alongside stone, earth, wood, concrete, metal and glass. for roofing, facades, shading and interior applications. …
November 4, 2026
Reju, a textile-to-textile regeneration company, announced that the company has been collaborating with six mills to develop fabrics in order to accelerate the integration of regenerated polyester into the global textile supply chain. The work is being carried out with A. Sampaio, RDD Textiles, Tintex Textiles, FOV Fabrics and Utenos in Europe and Swisstex Direct …
October 30, 2026
Emerald Carpets, Dalton, Ga., is celebrating the company’s 50th anniversary. Additionally, the company announced that the Mainline Carpets brand will transition to be under the Emerald Carpets brand later this year. The transition reflects the company’s commitment to creating a simpler, more unified experience for customers while continuing to provide the same products, services, relationships …
October 30, 2026
Seshadri Ramkumar, Ph.D., a professor at Texas Tech University’s Department of Environmental Toxicology, was inducted into the school’s inaugural Red Raider Inventor Hall of Fame Oct. 28. He was recognized for his invention and commercialization efforts, including developing FiberTect, a nonwoven decontamination wipe; a fabric hand method; soft body armor; and a cotton oil absorbent. …
October 29, 2026
Americhem, a global designer and manufacturer of custom polymer solutions, announced the acquisition of Noble Biomaterials, an advanced materials company that specializes in antimicrobial and conductivity solutions for soft surface applications. Noble Biomaterials provides proprietary materials technology for mission-critical applications across markets including apparel and textiles, healthcare, and aerospace and defense. Its flagship platforms include …
October 28, 2026
Arclin, a materials science company, Alpharetta, Ga., announced a multimillion-dollar investment to expand floc production capacity at its Asturias, Spain facility, investing in the long-term growth of the Nomex® business. Since acquiring Nomex in April, Arclin has focused on investing in capacity, reliability and long-term growth to meet increasing customer demand. The company is delivering …
October 22, 2026
New Mexico appealed a preliminary injunction against the state’s PFAS labeling requirement Oct. 16. The preliminary injunction was issued by U.S. District Judge Margaret Strickland Sept. 21, temporarily halting the state’s PFAS labeling rule following a lawsuit filed in July challenging the regulation. If the preliminary injunction is lifted, the rule will take effect Jan. …
October 19, 2026
Archroma and Nicca Chemical are collaborating to support the continued growth of ZELAN™ non-fluorinated durable water repellents across the global textile industry. The announcement follows Nicca’s acquisition of the ZELAN business from The Chemours Company in March. Under the new agreement with Nicca, Archroma will continue as the exclusive textile industry distributor of ZELAN DWR …
October 12, 2026
An MIT robot powered by a single layer of living muscle cells swam through a watery maze, following a light held in a researcher’s hand. It is slow, tiny and nowhere near ready for the open ocean, but its thin design could point toward softer, cheaper swimming machines. The robot is about the size of …
September 28, 2026
Fast Fashion Architecture is a research project developed by London-based multidisciplinary designer Taylor Leung of 12103 Design Studio in collaboration with several other designers at The Bartlett School of Architecture. The project investigates how discarded synthetic textiles can be transformed into a construction material for furniture, structures and architectural space. The project examines the relationship between the production methods …
July 13, 2026
Berlin-based design and research firm WINT Design Lab envisions, prototypes and designs regenerative futures through devices and biotextiles that allow humans to connect with their bodies more, and free themselves from fossil materials that harm them and the environment. The industry currently produces materials that run almost entirely on fossil fuels, but the design lab …
June 8, 2026
Thailand’s ‘Slow Hand Design 2026’exhibition returned to Milan Design Week 2026, with an exhibition titled “Heritage Reimagined.” Thai designers are pushing the boundaries of upcycling by blending ancestral craftsmanship with cutting-edge biotechnology through innovative materials such as mycelium-grown tiles and bio-melanin fibers. Mush Composites creates surfaces cultivated from mycelium, naturally turning agricultural waste into materials in non-replicable …
May 12, 2026
POCO is a soft, robotic companion developed by designer Mehrnaz Amouei that examines alternative relationships between humans and artificial intelligence. The project focuses on interaction models based on presence, responsiveness, and clearly defined limitations, rather than systems that interpret or direct emotional states. As AI increasingly operates within personal and emotional contexts, questions emerge around dependency, interpretation …
April 27, 2026
During Milan Design Week 2026, Tokyo-based creative agency Konel Inc. released a translucent, wearable bag that converts the user’s heartbeats into slow pulses to help them be aware of their current state and calm them down. Named “Pulse Pack,” the self-calming product measures the heartbeat in real time and responds to the accessory with a …
March 9, 2026
The Birds of Static project by designer Wren Walker investigates how garment structure can influence the capture of energy from human movement. The concept draws on the principle of static electricity, in which charge imbalances can generate electrical energy when conducted through a circuit. Walker’s work takes inspiration from Triboelectric Nanogenerators (TENGs), a technology that …
February 23, 2026
Sardinia-based MASK Architects has introduced SOLARIS, a self-charging solar motorcycle developed as part of the studio’s “Invent and Integrate” design approach led by founders Öznur Pınar Cer and Danilo Petta. The project explores autonomous mobility through a vehicle capable of generating its own power without reliance on fuel, electrical grids or commercial charging networks. SOLARIS …
January 26, 2026
John Tse of I Build Stuff has created an autonomous flying umbrella that follows and shields the user from rain and sunlight. An updated version of the remote-controlled one, the hands-free device hovers above the user and trails them wherever they go, keeping them dry or cool without needing to hold anything. The autonomous flying umbrella is actually a drone disguised …
January 8, 2026
Ever since Xiaomi was founded 15 years ago in Beijing, it has expanded from producing smartphones to AR glasses, robotic dogs, and even electric cars. Now, the company has introduced another innovation: a smart blanket with voice control that also fights mites. The Mijia Smart Electric blanket is designed to be used as an additional layer on top of a …
November 10, 2026
AI offers a fast turnaround on tasks that humans may find tedious, but they’re also necessary. The textile industry is discovering new and innovative ways to make AI and other advanced technologies do the time-consuming work and provide needed data, so manufacturers can use their employee talent to oversee processes and make the decisions. AI …
November 10, 2026
It is generally understood that in case of fire, the real threat is smoke. That fact is complicated by the fact that smoke is not one standardized aerosol, as Iowa State University researchers Prof. Guowen Song and Dr. Rui Li explained in their presentation at ATA’s recent Emerging Technologies (ET) Conference. The team has created …
October 26, 2026
Bursa, Turkey-based Durak Tekstil has developed Durak Maxibalance, a new product engineered with bio-ceramic and FAR (far infrared) IR technology. The company, a manufacturer of industrial sewing and embroidery threads, says its bio-ceramic embroidery thread offers features designed to support balance and movement comfort by reflecting the energy absorbed from the body back into it. …
October 26, 2026
Inspired by penguins, the masters of thermal management, scientists have created a material that can passively switch between heating and cooling modes. The intent was to create a material to stay comfortable in weather extremes, even when temperatures change. Developed by a joint team of Chinese researchers from Harbin Institute of Technology, Henan Normal University, …
October 12, 2026
Scientists have now created a printable textile that can cool, detect movement and generate electricity without external systems or multiple layers. According to a report in newatlascom, researchers in the Grainger College of Engineering at the University of Illinois have created a zirconium oxide (ZrO₂) nanocomposite textile material that combines passive cooling and biomechanical energy …
September 28, 2026
Silk is known for its beauty and comfort in luxurious clothing, but it also has a range of uses from edible food-preservation wrappers to skin-friendly wearable health monitoring sensors. A simple new approach has now made it possible for silk to also be about as tough as Kevlar. Silk fibers are typically harvested and dissolved before they’re turned …
September 28, 2026
Cotton may be soft and warm, but it’s not generally recommended for cold-weather sporting activities because it traps moisture, becoming wet and ultimately drawing heat away from the body. Scientists have now created a synthetic fabric that is claimed to repel moisture while still replicating the coziness of cotton. Developed by Shihui Zhang, Zhihua Zhang, …
September 14, 2026
Bally Ribbon Mills (BRM), a company that designs, develops and manufactures specialized engineered woven fabrics, announces the availability of advanced webbing solutions utilizing Kevlar® EXO™, an aramid fiber platform engineered for demanding performance and protection. The new Kevlar EXO offerings expand BRM’s portfolio of high-performance tapes and webbings for mission-critical applications in defense, aerospace and …
September 14, 2026
Researchers at the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) have developed knitted fabrics that can switch between stable shapes, sense motion, and function as soft electrical switches, using the same weft-knitting machines already common in garment factories. The findings point toward a manufacturing-compatible route to programmable textiles. The work was …
August 24, 2026
Radiative cooling presents an energy-efficient way to keep buildings and wearables cool. While previous studies have developed passive cooling fabrics with high infrared emissivity and low solar absorption, these materials are generally designed for near-ambient conditions and perform poorly under mechanical stress and extreme heat, limiting their use in demanding applications, such as for protective …
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