Reducing microplastics through less microfiber shedding

April 21, 2023  |  Swatches

The University of Toronto reports that a team of researchers there has designed a solution to reduce the quantity of microplastic fibers shed when washing synthetic fabrics. When synthetic fabrics are washed, the friction produces tiny tears that cause microplastic fibers to break off and make their…
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Fabrics finishers need new processes, products

April 1, 2023  |  Markets, Product Trends

These days in the fabric finishing world, many of the biggest tasks don’t even involve the latest and greatest advancements in fabric protection. There’s just as much effort, if not more, being made to improve the methods by which that finishing is accomplished.
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New grading system for testing textile wicking

April 1, 2023  |  Swatches

United Kingdom-based textile testing solutions provider James Heal has announced a new grading system for moisture management testing that literally turns the assessment of wicking behavior within a fabric on its head.
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European Commission sets goal to reduce textile waste

April 1, 2023  |  Swatches

Finding recycling solutions for textile waste is a pressing challenge across the globe, as it is estimated that less than 1% of textiles are currently recycled. At the same time, the European Commission has identified textiles as a priority product for the circular economy, making it necessary to ex…
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Sustainable Tyrian purple dye created via fermentation

April 1, 2023  |  Swatches

Conagen® is the world’s first biotechnology company commercializing a sustainable Tyrian purple dye by fermentation. Tyrian purple is a historically coveted and expensive dye found in rare and limited sources in marine nature. As with any biologically sourced textile dye, this colorfast compound …
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New partnership to elevate Australia’s textiles industry

April 1, 2023  |  Swatches

The University of Technology Sydney (UTS) and the Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences have partnered to create an immersive education and professional hub for the Australian fashion and design industry.
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New vapor barrier system incorporates metalized film

April 1, 2023  |  Swatches

Land Science®, a division of REGENESIS®, was recently awarded a U.S. patent for the use of a reinforced geomembrane composed of an encapsulated, metalized layer and installed with Nitra-Core™, a spray-applied nitrile-modified asphalt. This innovation provides 100 times more chemical resistance t…
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Students develop a sun-powered jacket

April 1, 2023  |  Swatches

In a program called “The Wardrobe of the Future,” students at Finland’s Aalto University are experimenting with the development of photovoltaics in garments. There are many smart textile and e-textile applications already widely used, but the sensors, devices and visual effects that are added …
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This baby hat detects fevers

April 1, 2023  |  Swatches

A researcher at Louisiana State University (LSU), Baton Rouge, La., is exploring ways to use “smart clothing” to track a newborn’s temperature. Sibei Xia, assistant professor in the LSU Department of Textiles, Apparel Design, and Merchandising, is developing body-tracking wearable technology …
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MotorSkins develops soft robotic textile assistive devices

April 1, 2023  |  Swatches

By integrating soft robotics into textiles, Berlin, Germany-based wearable robotics producer MotorSkins bridges the gap between science and design with a novel metamaterial. Without requiring an external battery or motor, the company’s textiles support muscle weakness and disability through spec…
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