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I have been to several Advanced Textiles Association EXPOs and almost as many Emerging Technologies Conferences. The names of both have changed, but the focus on gathering the textile industry together remains the same.
Every year I look forward to seeing friends that I literally see only once a year, and that’s at Expo. Doesn’t matter. It’s great fun to rekindle a relationship, and always a pleasant serendipity to make new connections, too.
The larger purpose, of course, is to get some business done: find goods and services you need, learn about innovations in the industry, get caught up on regulation changes, and strengthen relationships. All good.
There were challenges this year – not quite as dramatic as the ones during the pandemic, but they were on our minds: the government shutdown continues as of this writing, flights were cancelled leaving Indianapolis last Friday, tariffs impacted international visitors, and uncertainties persist.
However, the mood was upbeat, and the whole event had a business-as-usual feel to it that, after all these years, shouldn’t have surprised me at all. Let’s call it a friendly reminder that the textile industry is nothing if not resilient—and resourceful.
The Emerging Technologies Conference (ETC), on which I focus for this publication, leaned into a variety of topics addressing sustainability.
The eye-popping growth of biomaterials—fibers and fabrics, evidenced by the impressive list of companies who have successfully commercialized them, was among them. The presenter also stressed the importance of “giving value to waste” by using discarded by products to make something new.
Another session outlined a project to provide heat protection for agricultural workers in California. Textiles, naturally, are a critical component in fashioning an economical and truly functional solution. Interestingly, a session presented by a Japanese innovator introduced a new product designed to absorb NIR heat to cool everything from cars to clothing.
Two sessions—one from AFFOA and another from NCSU—offered comprehensive information about how their programs support businesses looking to develop and launch a new product or technology, but also to make the necessary connections to accomplish that.
When it comes to sustainability, I really believe most in the industry want to do the right thing. What they need is clarity so they can make the best choices for their own businesses. That’s where our speakers on this topic could help, offering real-world case studies, explaining new innovations, and providing the means to make the right connections.
Our most recent feature is a composite of four sessions at ETC. But this is just the beginning of our coverage. There will be all new stories in our next launch later in the month. But I am not alone. Every ATA publication is covering ETC and Expo education sessions, awards, exhibitors, division news and other activities that completed this year’s event.
I encourage you to take the time to find the stories most relevant to you. Share them with your colleagues, too, and I hope to see you all next year at Expo 2026 in Orlando.
Janet Preus is senior editor of Textile Technology Source. She can be reached at janet.preus@textiles.org.