February 17, 2026
SEAMS, a trade association for the U.S. sewn products industry, announced board of director appointments for 2026. “I look forward to guiding the SEAMS 2026 Board of Directors in continuing to support members by creating valuable connections, fostering new opportunities, and encouraging the exchange of ideas that reinforce domestic suppliers and manufacturers,” says Brent Jones, the …
February 13, 2026
Advanced Functional Fabrics of America (AFFOA) has announced the appointment of four new members to its board of directors. “We are excited about the growth and wide-ranging expertise of our board,” says Sasha Stolyarov, Ph.D., CEO of AFFOA. “I look forward to working with each new board member to expand our impact regionally and nationally.” …
February 12, 2026
Keyston Bros, an upholstery supplier for automotive, marine and awning applications, announced a leadership transition as owners Dan “Dee” and Ann Duncan step away from day-to-day operations. Dee and Ann will assume board leadership roles, with Dee serving as chairman of the board and Ann serving as board secretary. As a result, the company announced …
February 10, 2026
The 2026 International Achievement Awards (IAAs) are now accepting entries. Exclusive to Advanced Textile Association (ATA) members, this competition—now in its 79th year—celebrates the best projects in the specialty fabrics industry. With a reduced entry fee of just $25, it’s easy to enter. Showcase your technical skills and gain industry-wide recognition by entering your best …
February 9, 2026
If I have learned one thing while working in the textiles industry, it is that innovative solutions are in the making all the time. If this industry can figure out how to make a single fiber conductive, so that a shirt can monitor vital signs 24-7, it can figure out how to make itself a …
February 9, 2026
Textiles have typically been an industry with high energy consumption. In some circumstances it can be highly labor intensive and show lower productivity, depending on the level of modernization. The industry over the past many years has been addressing these issues, and it now has opportunities to be more climate friendly, while diversifying and increasing …
February 9, 2026
Fudan University researchers in Shanghai have built complex electronic circuits within the tiniest of spaces: a flexible fiber thinner than a human hair. They call it a “fiber chip,” and it’s been more than a decade in the making. Scientists have been working for some time to embed this technology into textiles for unobtrusive connectivity. One of …
February 9, 2026
An attachable powered exoskeleton for dogs named “Repawse” allows them to walk again after an injury or illness. A design project led by Zhou Leijing and her team in Hangzhou, China, the device is worn on the pet’s hind legs to support their movement. Many dogs lose movement in their hind legs after accidents, surgery or disease. Existing solutions often use …
February 9, 2026
Researchers at North Carolina State University (NCSU) have created a self-healing composite that is tougher than materials currently used in aircraft wings, turbine blades and other applications – and can repair itself more than 1,000 times. “This would significantly drive down costs and labor associated with replacing damaged composite components, and reduce the amount of …
February 9, 2026
Incorporating sweat-activated batteries into smart fabrics for athletic use may have jumped another hurdle. Researchers at the School of Materials & Energy, Southwest University in China developed a fiber wrapping technique to create these types of batteries in yarns, enabling them to be stretchy. This is key to incorporate them into wearable textile electronics. “While …
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 …
February 9, 2026
Textiles have typically been an industry with high energy consumption. In some circumstances it can be highly labor intensive and show lower productivity, depending on the level of modernization. The industry over the past many years has been addressing these issues, and it now has opportunities to be more climate friendly, while diversifying and increasing …
January 26, 2026
EDITOR’S NOTE: With a new administration in Washington as of one year ago, change and its inherent uncertainties have been ongoing. I asked these experts in the industry to respond to questions about navigating the changes: I posed questions about trade policies and tariffs: What is the best path forward for a business—large or small—that …
January 26, 2026
The U.S. – China trade deal has led to positive reactions by global financial markets, but uncertainty persists—and uncertainty is not good for business in terms of expansion and investments. Given the current scenario, China comes out to be a loser in the emerging textiles trade landscape, while providing opportunities for other textile manufacturing powerhouses …
January 8, 2026
On January 5, 2026, the Appropriations Committee of the U.S. House of Representatives released conference bills for important appropriations that fund federal research and allied agencies such as the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). As of this writing, these bills are expected to pass through both houses …
December 15, 2025
Protective clothing is becoming smarter, with e-textiles bringing new capability in health and environmental monitoring that’s paired with location tracking to offer protection for workers in hazardous locations. At E-Textiles 2025 in Lille, France, a number of European advances were presented around smart protective clothing with new developments including uniforms, footwear and protective gloves for military …
December 8, 2025
You may have wondered about “niche markets,” and why they are important. A niche market essentially specializes in a smaller area of a broader market. That niche allows you to create a more focused business so you can establish a loyal customer base because you are concentrating on your customers’ specific needs. This helps to …
November 17, 2025
Sustainability in the textiles industry is a growing concern with changing regulations and global supply chains. New technologies and processes, however, are blossoming to replace materials considered toxic, reduce water consumption and create safer environments for workers and consumers. Meanwhile, artificial intelligence technology is developing fast, offering tools to streamline work and support research and …
November 10, 2025
The Advanced Textiles Association Emerging Technologies Conference (ETC) in Indianapolis, Ind., Nov. 4. offered attendees real-world mechanisms for moving their businesses forward in a changing industry landscape. Two presentations dealt with entities established specifically to support research and development, connect various areas of expertise and provide the means to move innovations into commercialization. Advanced textiles: pushing the …
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 …
February 17, 2026
SEAMS, a trade association for the U.S. sewn products industry, announced board of director appointments for 2026. “I look forward to guiding the SEAMS 2026 Board of Directors in continuing to support members by creating valuable connections, fostering new opportunities, and encouraging the exchange of ideas that reinforce domestic suppliers and manufacturers,” says Brent Jones, the …
February 13, 2026
Advanced Functional Fabrics of America (AFFOA) has announced the appointment of four new members to its board of directors. “We are excited about the growth and wide-ranging expertise of our board,” says Sasha Stolyarov, Ph.D., CEO of AFFOA. “I look forward to working with each new board member to expand our impact regionally and nationally.” …
February 12, 2026
Keyston Bros, an upholstery supplier for automotive, marine and awning applications, announced a leadership transition as owners Dan “Dee” and Ann Duncan step away from day-to-day operations. Dee and Ann will assume board leadership roles, with Dee serving as chairman of the board and Ann serving as board secretary. As a result, the company announced …
February 9, 2026
Incorporating sweat-activated batteries into smart fabrics for athletic use may have jumped another hurdle. Researchers at the School of Materials & Energy, Southwest University in China developed a fiber wrapping technique to create these types of batteries in yarns, enabling them to be stretchy. This is key to incorporate them into wearable textile electronics. “While …
February 9, 2026
The New Jersey state government passed Bill A5195/5223 on Jan. 20, 2026. Under the act, producers of certain firefighting personal protective equipment (PPE) in New Jersey will be required to disclose the use and purpose of PFAS beginning in January 2027. Firefighting PPE includes, but is not limited to, jackets, pants, footwear, gloves, helmets and …
February 9, 2026
Nalco Water, an Ecolab company, has entered a strategic three-year collaboration with international technology group ANDRITZ to support product development at the PrimeLineTIAC Tissue Innovation and Application Center (TIAC) in Graz, Austria. The partnership aims to support the future of the tissue and towel industry and meet rising consumer expectations for softness, strength and sustainability, …
February 6, 2026
Rieter has completed the acquisition of Barmag as of Feb. 2, 2026. Barmag will be consolidated and integrated into the Rieter Group as the “Man-Made Fiber” Division. The management of Barmag will remain with the company. Georg Stausberg will continue to lead the division and report to Thomas Oetterli, CEO of Rieter. Stausberg will also …
February 5, 2026
The Southern Textile Research Conference (STRC) will return this year in May at Myrtle Beach, S.C. The conference will focus on integrating advanced materials, manufacturing technologies, and digital intelligence across the textile industry. The 2026 conference is scheduled for May 17–19 at the Embassy Suites Myrtle Beach. The theme is “Integrating Materials, Machines, and Intelligence …
February 4, 2026
AEC Narrow Fabrics, a textile company in Asheboro, N.C., celebrated its 40th anniversary in January. Formally known as Asheboro Elastics Corp, it was founded in 1986 by Keith and Jane Crisco. “Reaching 40 years is a deeply meaningful milestone,” says Jeff Crisco, AEC president and second-generation leader. “This is legacy creation, and we owe it …
February 3, 2026
U.S. President Donald Trump signed reciprocal trade agreements with India, Guatemala and El Salvador in late January and early February. India After a discussion with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Trump has agreed to lower reciprocal tariffs on India from 50% to 18%. The White House has not yet issued a fact sheet with …
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 …
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 …
February 9, 2026
Fudan University researchers in Shanghai have built complex electronic circuits within the tiniest of spaces: a flexible fiber thinner than a human hair. They call it a “fiber chip,” and it’s been more than a decade in the making. Scientists have been working for some time to embed this technology into textiles for unobtrusive connectivity. One of …
February 9, 2026
An attachable powered exoskeleton for dogs named “Repawse” allows them to walk again after an injury or illness. A design project led by Zhou Leijing and her team in Hangzhou, China, the device is worn on the pet’s hind legs to support their movement. Many dogs lose movement in their hind legs after accidents, surgery or disease. Existing solutions often use …
January 8, 2026
ETH Zurich spin-off MYNERVA has created a smart sock that can help people with diabetes feel the ground again while walking. Named Leia, the device has electrodes sewn into it, which restores the user’s sensation to the foot sole as well as reduces their chronic pain. When the electrodes stimulate specific nerve strands, the body releases chemical messengers, and these block pain signals …
December 15, 2025
Engineers at Northwestern University have created VoxeLite, a bandage-like device that stretches around the fingertip to let users “feel the digital world.” Comprised of a series of nodes, the wrap helps create digital touch that replicates the way a human fingertip senses real-life touch. This means the device makes signals that match the natural signals our skin detects, which …
December 15, 2025
From silver nanofibers to smart, sensory-packed dressings, the next generation of wound-healing technology is blurring the line between biology and engineering. As scientific understanding and technology have improved, so, too, have the approaches developed to aid wound healing and infection control. Researchers from National Taiwan University (NTU) led a review of recent research into advanced …
December 8, 2025
As NASA’s Artemis mission to the Moon approaches, the Emerging Technologies Conference at ATA’s Expo 2025 offered an update on the preparations. In a session titled, “Creating the Artemis Lunar Boots,” Morgan Campbell revisited the challenges human space travel has always faced, focusing on the planned mission to return to the Moon—77 years after the …
November 10, 2025
With its new PLA/wood pulp materials that use no chemical binder, Freudenberg Performance Materials says that it has achieved a technological breakthrough with sustainability benefits. The company’s innovative materials combine the advantages of both components, addressing the needs of specific segments within plant propagation systems, packaging, filtration, apparel and healthcare. The innovation lies in combining …
November 10, 2025
Akira Kumada, SOLAMENT™ product manager, Takisada-Nagoya Co. Ltd., spoke on the company’s infrared-responsive textile at ATA’s Emerging Technologies Conference Nov. 4 in Indianapolis, Ind. SOLAMENT™ is made from CWO®. Its nanoscale particles capable of absorbing near-infrared (NIR) energy were invented by Sumitomo Metal Mining Co. Ltd., and the product has been “widely utilized for heat-blocking …
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 …
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