ATA’s Emerging Technologies Conference focuses on the future

January 1, 2024  |  Advanced Textiles, Markets

The Emerging Technologies Conference, part of Advanced Textiles Expo 2023 in Orlando, Fla., revealed the diversity in advanced textiles markets and applications and tackled big questions that need answers to move markets into the future that many envision. As much as it appears that exciting new fun…
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Sustainability in denim

January 1, 2024  |  Markets

Denim has long been an icon in fashion design. In the mid-1800s, Levi Strauss began using this textile to produce clothing for those doing hard physical labor like gold mining. Today, denim clothing styles are as varied as the fabric itself. Unfortunately, toxic chemicals have historically been used…
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Transparency tech: solutions for materials tracking

January 1, 2024  |  Markets, Product Trends

Supply chain traceability is increasingly important to hold various entities, such as brands and product manufacturers, accountable for the claims they make.
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How collaborative projects may change the future of textiles

December 1, 2023  |  Advanced Textiles, Markets

The North Carolina Defense Manufacturing Community Support Program (NC DMCSP) serves and supports textile manufacturers on the edge of discoveries that produce innovation in advanced textiles, wearables and technologies that maximize soldier survivability, sustainability, mobility, combat effectiven…
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New cars or restored classics: Automotive textiles cover it

December 1, 2023  |  Markets, Product Trends

The textiles on floors, walls and windows in homes and commercial buildings often catch people’s attention. Now, automotive textile manufacturers and automakers are beginning to ask, Why not give people the same experience in their vehicles? Emerging trends in automotive textiles include environme…
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Renewed strength in domestic manufacturing

November 1, 2023  |  Advanced Textiles, Markets

Since the pandemic, the world economy has been full of anomalies. With a strong labor market, one normally expects higher demand in daily nonessentials such as clothing, home textiles and home accessories; the financial reports of major retailers, such as Walmart Inc. and Canadian retailer Loblaw Co…
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Marine fabricators’ shade innovations

November 1, 2023  |  Industry in Focus, Markets

Changing consumer trends, evolving boat designs, and fabric and materials advancements are giving marine fabricators ample opportunity to exercise their creative muscles. Interestingly, the pandemic’s supply shortages also forced some fabricators to juice up their innovation with excellent results…
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Watching out for greenwashing in your supply chain

November 1, 2023  |  Markets, Product Trends

In a world where consumers are concerned about sustainability, being environmentally conscious and seeking ethically sourced products, textile manufacturers need to ensure that companies throughout their supply chain aren’t engaging in misleading or deceptive environmental or sustainability claims…
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Auxetic knits provide protective, durable solider uniforms

October 1, 2023  |  Advanced Textiles, Markets

We wear textiles for protection from the elements—walking in the rain, shielding ourselves from the sun, or even removing dinner from the oven. It’s interesting to consider what goes into making these everyday textiles, but it’s also interesting to consider how they are made. What are the step…
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Develop a business culture of creativity

October 1, 2023  |  Business, Markets

I was recently speaking with one of my coaching clients and the subject of professional curiosity came up. Curiosity is a catalyst for creativity, problem-solving and continuous improvement. By creating a culture of curiosity, we can tap into the collective creativity of the people who work with us …
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