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The Emerging Technologies Conference, as part of the Advanced Textiles Association’s Expo 2025, will run Nov. 4-7 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis. This yearly event brings together government and industry leaders, academics and researchers to exchange ideas, learn about new developments and make all-important connections.
The conference includes a full slate of presentations covering medical topics, aerospace, biomaterials, sustainable chemistries, coatings and practices, smart textile technologies, and a range of business topics of special interest to advanced textile industry participants. There will be a full day of presentations on Tuesday and additional sessions on the show floor Wednesday and Thursday.
The conference begins with a presentation by Dr. Alexander Laubach, head of business development for medical technologies & biocompatibility, Hohenstein Laboratories, on “Medical products vs. medical devices,” covering the requirements for both, focusing especially on biological safety and performance. Compliance with the EU Medical Device Regulation (MDR) and the U.S. FDA requirements for medical devices can be complicated, and avoiding medical claims on consumer products is equally important. Requirements for both will be discussed, focusing on biological safety and performance.
Sustainability and circularity
Critical information to help businesses meet their sustainability goals will be prominent in this year’s conference with varied topics and critical developments of general interest.
Lelia Lawson, founder and CTO, Zylotext Inc., will discuss Lyocell manufacturing using hemp as a feedstock. Thomasine Dolan Dow will present, “Valorizing waste and the biomaterial revolution,” and how it can contribute to a circular economy. Transitioning to PFAS-free finishes in high-performance applications, including medical uses and protective gear will be the topic of CTT Group vice president Dr. Ahmad Ibrahim’s talk.
Amy Berg, Ice Miller LLP, and Elizabeth Denly, vice president, PFAS initiative leader & chemistry director, TRC, will give a presentation designed to give industry professionals a practical understanding of the complexities and challenges PFAS can introduce to strategic planning, risk liability evaluations, and environmental sites. Berg will also discuss approaches to manage these in an uncertain technical, regulatory and legal environment.
Ben Mead, Hohenstein Institute America, will offer comprehensive information on chemical compliance to help companies mitigate risks and balance cost-effectiveness with environmental responsibility. The updated NFPA 1970 standard introduced new requirements for chemical safety. This session will explore the two compliance options, outlining key considerations and implementation strategies, along with the broader implications for PPE performance and regulatory compliance.
Dr. Brian Jing, Senior Scientist, Exponent, will present on microplastics, which is now become a major environmental challenge with far-reaching implications, providing an overview of microplastics, including a definition, environmental presence, and primary sources. It will examine regulations, existing testing standards and quantification methods, and offer insights into future directions for the industry.
Andrew Nasarczyk, global director R &D, Gale Pacific Ltd., discusses “Designing circularity into technical coated textiles, making the case with real examples of markets and applications in Australia where fPVC products have been successfully phased out, with end-of-life products being diverted to recycling, rather than landfill or incineration.
E-textiles and other smart materials
“Circular thermoregulating textiles” will be presented by Dr. Cindy Cordoba, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. Agricultural workers face extreme heat exposure, increasing the risk of heat stress and reducing productivity. This session explores the development of thermoregulating textiles designed to enhance worker safety in extreme heat environments, while incorporating circular design strategies. The presentation will highlight material selection, modular design for extended use, and system-based approaches to improve heat resilience in agricultural workwear.
As part of the Student Showcase Series on the Expo show floor, Ayesha Siddia, a graduate student at North Carolina State University, will delve into the critical challenges and solutions for integrating electronic components into textiles for high-performance wearables in “Engineering next-generation wearables.” It will provide actionable insights for engineers, designers and innovators working at the intersection of textiles and electronics, while also exploring the future potential of smart textiles in various applications.
Michael Rein, Ph.D., director of engineering, AFFOA, will update attendees on AFFOA’s advancements and collaborative development of e-textile products and tools for advanced textile manufacturing. With a focus on next-generation military and commercial applications, presenters will show examples of advanced fabric technologies developed to increase safety, comfort and emergency readiness. These include powered soft systems for extreme cold weather; bio-degradable PPE; a Universal Design Platform for e-textiles; self-contained, automated and deployable manufacturing lines.
The Tuesday sessions end with a networking reception for all Emerging Technologies Conference attendees and speakers, with drinks and hors d’oeuvres, providing an ideal way to network and unwind after a full day of innovation and insights. Check this site soon for additional information about scheduled sessions at the Emerging Technologies Conference.
For more information, visit https://advancedtextilesexpo.com/emergingtech/. To register, visit https://advancedtextilesexpo.com/register/.