Innovative textiles from Turkey

Turkish textile producers are developing innovative fabrics, including those with antibacterial, antimicrobial and photovoltaic capabilities, as part of an effort to expand to new markets. The new products were introduced at an Uludag Textile Exporters’ Association (UTIB) gathering in Bursa, Turkey, in May 2016. The UTIB International Textile and Apparel Sector International R&D Brokerage event highlighted a number of projects: a stretcher with antibacterial and protective capabilities that can adapt to the shape of the transported person; and a hat fitted with photovoltaic panels that can power a camera and sensors to aid the visually impaired. Turkish textile exports are expanding; in 2012, the country was the ninth largest textile supplier in the world.