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Avantium demonstrates scalability of chemical recycling
July 1st, 2025
Polyester residue from cotton textiles after recycling. Image: Avantium Renewable polymers company Avantium of Amsterdam, Netherlands, conducted research and an economic study on poly-cotton chemical hydrolysis recycling, finding a case for textile waste feedstock to create input for its operations compared to fructose or hardwood. Its method involved superconcentrated hydrochloric acid to produce a glucose […]
Harding heads for Groveland Gallery with new art series
July 1st, 2025
Groveland Gallery in Minneapolis, Minn., will display textile artist Tim Harding’s work from his Photo Montage series July 19–Aug. 30, 2025. Bramble showcases the pricky plant and stands at 65.25 inches tall and 48.25 inches wide. Images: Groveland Gallery The St. Paul, Minn.-based artist is known for hanging artworks that feature different fabrics layered to […]
Bacteria “eat” PFAS, PFOS, research finds
July 1st, 2025
Diana Aga (left) and her doctoral student, Minduala Wijayahena, are working on research to demonstrate a specific bacteria’s biodegradation of a ”forever” chemical. Image: University at Buffalo/Meredith Forrest Kulwicki Bacteria may be able to take the “forever” out of some of the so-called “forever chemicals” PFAS and PFOS, according to work done by researchers at […]
Polar bear hair grease research may offer a PFAS alternative
July 1st, 2025
Image: Dreamstime.com/© Sean Beckett A study conducted by University of Bergen and Trinity College researchers has found that polar bear sebum, or hair grease, is as ice-resistant as PFAS. Their discovery may lead to an alternative to fluorocarbon coatings. Bodil Holst, Ph.D., a nanophysics professor at the University of Bergen in Norway, worked with Julian Carolan, […]
Airbag clothing protects motorcyclists
May 1st, 2024
Mo’cycle® Airbag Jeans protect a rider’s lower body with airbags around the thighs and tailbone that inflate if a rider separates from the motorcycle with more than 80 pounds of force. Internal pads protect the knees. Images: Mo’cycle Last spring, Airbag Jeans were launched via an Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign, and by last fall, the French […]
Interest in reupholstering rises following the pandemic
July 1st, 2023
When properly reupholstered, furniture will last decades. This reproduction lolling chair was updated by Tack & Tuft in a red and gold damask upholstery. Photo: Tack & Tuft Growing demand, using environmentally friendly materials and finding ways to address the labor shortage are some of the market trends and challenges upholsterers are seeing in their […]
Smart fabric helps the body heal itself
June 1st, 2023
Socks developed by Supreme Corp. are worn by Indian Special Forces soldiers to alleviate pain in their feet and leg muscles. The soldiers at times carry a 65-pound backpack at an elevation of 19,000 feet. Photo: Supreme Corp. The health and wellness market has been among the first to embrace advances in smart yarns and […]
A new class of human-powered bioelectronics
January 1st, 2022
A team of bioengineers at the UCLA Samueli School of Engineering has invented a novel, soft and flexible self-powered bioelectronic device. The technology converts human body motions, from bending an elbow to subtle movements, such as a pulse on one’s wrist, into electricity that could be used to power wearable and implantable diagnostic sensors. The researchers […]
Sustainable practices in today’s textile industry
February 1st, 2020
by Marie O’Mahony The story of sustainability in the textile industry has grown and changed, particularly in the last decade. The concept of “circularity” is now driving sustainability across the materials sector. According to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, “A circular economy is based on the principles of designing out waste and pollution, keeping products and […]
Seizo Shimamaki, chairman of Yamaten, dies
October 14th, 2019
Seizo Shimamaki, chairman of Yamaten Co. Ltd., Osaka, Japan, died September 22nd. Shimamaki was a great supporter to IFAI Japan since its original establishment in 1994, and he had attended IFAI Expo several times. According to Manabu Shimamaki, his son and president of Yamaten, a farewell gathering will be held November 8 at the Hotel New Otani […]