Villanova gets new apparel

May 1, 2022  |  Swatches

“We are thrilled to partner with Hanesbrands,” says Mark Jackson, Villanova’s vice president and director of Athletics. “As we continually focus on ways to enhance our fan experience and grow fan engagement, Hanesbrands gives us a trusted partner to deliver quality apparel to all the retail …
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Bipartisan effort to support defense textile manufacturers

May 1, 2022  |  Swatches

The Department of Defense (DOD) procures nearly $2 billion worth of military textiles, helmets, armor, footwear and clothing annually, through the purchase of more than 8,000 items. But many companies are now operating on Firm Fixed Price contracts that were awarded before the current COVID economic…
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Gentle robotic device

May 1, 2022  |  Swatches

A new robotic gripper has found a completely new solution for gripping previously impossible objects. It uses the ancient Japanese art form of kirigami. Related to the paper-folding art of origami, kirigami involves making a series of parallel slits in a flat sheet of material. When the two-dimensi…
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Used balloons become shoe soles

May 1, 2022  |  Swatches

Undo for Tomorrow, a Lisbon, Portugal-based shoe brand, has released the “Nuven” shoe that the company says is completely vegan and made with all recycled and natural materials. Of particular interest are the colorful soles, made from discarded party balloons and tire leftovers. The shoe lining …
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Researcher develop seaweed “polyester”

May 1, 2022  |  Swatches

Sydney-headquartered surf wear company Piping Hot has commissioned a research team led by Professor Peter Ralph from the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) to develop a biomaterial prototype derived from seaweed. The company says that it hopes the research will have a transformative impact on the…
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Modular helmet for biking, snow sports

May 1, 2022  |  Swatches

Boston, Mass.-based company Bridger is out to make helmets more adaptable and customizable. The company has designed the “Highline,” which it says is the first modular helmet supporting both biking and snow sports. A removable shell lets the wearer swap between profiles, ventilation and insulati…
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Mike Kallas helps Roeming Industries navigate change

May 1, 2022  |  Features, Perspective

Since pandemic-related effects reduced the sewing workforce that Mike Kallas leads from 20 employees to fewer than 10, he has been earnestly seeking new sewers for his team. But you might not know it based on the job listings he posts—not if you’re new to the industrial fabrics industry, that is…
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E-fibers and yarns have haptics and security applications

May 1, 2022  |  Advanced Textiles, Markets

Electronic or e-yarns are a natural development within e-textiles as the sector strives toward greater miniaturization, flexibility and a more seamless integration of electronics and textiles. What has started to emerge in a relatively short time is the added value and novelty that it can bring to b…
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The greening of outdoor fabrics

May 1, 2022  |  Features

Green. Sustainable. Environmentally friendly. These issues are top of mind for manufacturers of all kinds, and outdoor fabric manufacturers and end product manufacturers are no different. But what does it all mean? How does one measure immediate impact against long-term impact? How do businesses mee…
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Flex Factory will be hub for collaboration, sharing ideas

May 1, 2022  |  Markets

A research and development facility intended to spur business development, innovation, entrepreneurship and sustainability in the textile industry in North Carolina and points beyond is tentatively set to open for testing later this year, with a grand opening expected to take place in 2024.
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