Welcome to Talking Threads: The Textile Innovation talk show. Each week, WTiN will be bringing you the latest news and developments from across the textile & apparel supply chain to highlight the direction of innovation as well as the key challenges and opportunities facing this ever-evolving industry.

THIS WEEK: ITMA Asia Special (17 June 2021) - This week, Talking Threads returned for a special review of the ITMA Asia + CITME event that took place in Shanghai from 12-16 June. The show marked the return of major in-person events and, despite a lack of international attendees, still showcased the latest innovation and developments from across the textile and apparel value chain.

Previous Episodes

Series Two

Featured on this episode is Uster Technologies, discussing the company's new Quantum 4.0 sensor technology and Devan Chemicals, exploring its new line of bio-based fragrances for textile application.

Full Interviews
Sivaka Narayanan, Uster Technologies - Full Interview
Vanessa Daelman & Ricardo Costa, Devan Chemicals - Full Interview

The show features Esma Talu of Dow and Jason Berns of Ralph Lauren, discussing the launch of Color on Demand – a multi-phased platform with an ambition to deliver the world’s first scalable zero wastewater cotton dyeing system.

Full Interview
Ralph Lauren & Dow - Full Interview

Confitex founder Frantisek Riha-Scott, who chats about the functional and fashionable leakproof underwear without a plastic layer and Blair Kanis, 37.5 Technology, talks about the company's new additive that enhances the biodegradation of discarded textiles. 

Full Interviews
Frantisek Riha-Scott, Confitex - Full Interview
Blair Kanis, 37.5 Technology - Full Interview

Featured on this episode is the IAF's Matthijs Crietee discussing the federation's digital road map and Paul Jackson, of Texon, explaining the benefits of the company new innovation, ProWeave.

Full Interviews
Matthijs Crietee, IAF - Full Interview
Paul Jackson, Texon - Full Interview

EFI Reggiani discuss the company's involvement in the "world's largest" textile factory project in Egypt. Nilit also discusses its new sustainable technology that helps lessen the persistence of textile waste in sea water and in landfills.

Full Interviews
Adele Genoni, EFI Reggiani - Full Interview
Sagee Aran, Nilit - Full Interview

The team look back at the best bits from the last eight weeks, highlighting and discussing some of the most memorable guests and developments to feature on the show. The guest is Victoria Nickerson, who provides a summary of the recent Performance Days' Digital Fair.

The episode features Petri Alava of Infinited Fiber Company, who will be discussing the company's new sustainable textile plant in Finland. Also featured is our very own Fiona Haran, who will be reflecting on the major talking points from the recent EDANA's Outlook event.

Full Interviews

Petri Alava, Infinited Fiber Company - Full Interview

Guests include David Stevens of the Textile Service Association (TSA), talking about the recycling of textiles in the hospitality sector and Jürgen Eizinger of Lenzing, who will be exploring the first carbon-neutral lyocell fibre for the nonwovens industry.

Full Interviews
David Stevens, Textile Services Association - Full Interview
Jürgen Eizinger, Lenzing - Full Interview

Series One

Episode 1 - Antimicrobial Textile Treatments

In this episode, the team explore the burgeoning anti microbial textile treatment market. The market is now more important than ever as the industry seeks solutions to the Covid-19 pandemic and the spread of harmful microbes.

Episode 4 - Plant-Based Materials

Sponsored by PrimaLoft and focused on plant-based materials, this episode sees the team chat with Julian Ellis-Brown, of SaltyCo, about the company's fresh-water free textiles and Faborg about their vegan alternative to wool.

Episode 7 - Utilising 3D Technologies

Sponsored by Volumental, this episode is about how the textile & apparel industry is utilising 3D technologies and features interviews with Greg Moore (WAIR), Vadim Rogovskiy (3DLOOK) and Otis Robinson (WTiN).

Episode 2 - The Resilient Direct-to-Garment Printing Market

Jess and Fiona are joined by Sharon Donovich (Kornit Digital) and Joe Link (digital textile editor, WTiN), exploring the state of the direct to garment market.

Episode 5 - Sustainable Water-Repellent Solutions

Sponsored by Baldwin, the episode looks at the durable water-repellent (DWR) market, featuring interviews with Philip Tavell (Helly Hansen) and Alberto De Conti (Rudolf Group).

Episode 8 - Fabric Sourcing: The Digital Future

Sponsored by Suuchi, this episode explores the digital fabric sourcing market and its importance during the Covid-19 pandemic. Featured are Cindy Mcnaull of Cordura, and Francesco Magri of The Woolmark Company.

Episode 3 - ISPO 2021 Special

This episode discusses the latest trends and innovations from ISPO, the leading sporting goods trade fair. Featured guests include Louisa Smith, trend scout, ISPO Textrends and Rüdiger Fox, CEO of Sympatex Technologies. 

Episode 6 - Nonwovens: Meltblown Special

This episode focuses on meltblown nonwovens and is sponsored by EDANA. Featured are André Wissenberg and Dr Ingo Mählmann from Oerlikon and industry editor Adrian Wilson who discuss production, technological developments and more.