Explore ideas, evidence and developments across the textile value chain.
547 articles · latest first · 313–336
Carvico has developed a ‘green’ version of its XLAnce fabric called XLAnce Eco designed for swimwear and water sports applications. It features the XLA estatomeric fibre as well as a 100% polyamide made from post-consumer materials called Econyl.
Swiss embroidery specialist Forster Rohner Textile Innovation has developed an industrial production process to integrate active lighting into fabrics, without compromising textile properties like washability, drape and haptics.
Nike has opened a water-free dyeing facility featuring high-tech equipment to eliminate the use of water and process chemicals from fabric dyeing at its Taiwanese contract manufacturer Far Eastern New Century Corp (FENC).
Brubeck, a subsidiary of Filati Poland, has designed a range of seamless knitted baselayers utilising flame retardant Protal, which meet EN 11612 and EN 1149-5, and are fully CE marked.
Sympatex Technologies has developed a new 3D apparel technology called Phaseable, designed to intelligently influence the body climate of the wearer. The 2.5 layer laminate is designed with a 3D half-layer on the inside of the laminate, which only touches the skin with foam points. During the recovery phase of the athlete, an insulating air layer is created between the skin and the laminate.
Thermore has developed a new synthetic insulation as an alternative to real down feathers. Aria is 98% air by volume and is designed as an ultra-light and soft insulator that mimics the appearance of down when quilted with appropriately matched fabrics to the three fill weights of 60, 115 and 170gsm.
Coolcore is being promoted as the industry’s first chemical-free cooling material for the textile market. It recently received patent protection as the only innovation that delivers three distinct functions – wicking moisture circulation and regulated evaporation to reduce the fabric’s surface temperature to 30˚C.
Schoeller Textil has developed new technology to provide permanent flame protection for polyamide and polyester fabrics in all EN 471 colours, as well as elastic fabrics. Properties of new Pyroshell technology are said to include breathability, tear-out force, abrasion resistance, lightness, elasticity and ease of care.
Invista, the owner of the Lycra fibre, and Lenzing, which produces man-made cellulosics like rayon, modal and lyocell, have joined forces to develop cellulosic denim fabrics with improved shape retention. The two companies are now offering a solution utilising Invista’s patented Lycra DualFX fabric technology combined with Lenzing’s Tencel fibre.
A UK start-up company has developed fibres that imitate the botanical structure of pine cones which open and close in response to moisture levels, thus alleviating the feeling of dampness by increasing the air permeability of textiles and yarns as moisture builds up around them.
Cordura Lite Plus Fabrics are a new range of woven fabrics made using high tenacity Type 749 yarns in various combinations ranging from 210 denier/68 filament to 525 denier/140 filament. The new Cordura Lite Plus Fabrics boast 12% higher tensile strength and contain two times more individual yarn filaments when compared with Cordura Lite fabrics.
Coats has developed a range of antimicrobial sewing threads that are designed to inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi around garment seams. The zinc phyrithione-based treatment can help keep products sterile, prevent product deterioration, fight mould and mildew, and provide stain resistance.
Spain-based nylon 6.6 specialist Nylstar has developed a hollow fibre with inherent silver particles to inhibit bacterial growth. Meryl Nexten Plus is a nylon 6.6 fibre with silver ions incorporated during the spinning process, designer to provide freshness and odour control.
DuPont Protection Technologies has launched a new solution for body armour utilising its Kevlar fibre. The DuPont Kevlar XP 2104 is a water repellent ballistic fabric, developed to offer strong ballistic performance and comfort in wet or tropical climates.
