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The American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC) is hosting its new Textile Testing Workshop for Specifiers on September 17-18 at the AATCC Technical Center, following the success of its Color Management Workshop held August 14-15. This hands-on workshop aims to equip designers, product managers, and marketers with essential knowledge about textile testing, including key tests for different product categories and performance claims.
The Color Management Workshop received high praise from a diverse group of industry professionals such as merchandisers, retailers, and designers. Attendees explored fundamental color principles, the impact of lighting on color perception, and methods for creating cost-effective color palettes. The workshop also addressed digital color program implementation and shade control throughout the production process, providing actionable strategies for enhancing color management expertise.
The upcoming Textile Testing Workshop will focus on understanding standardized testing, interpreting results, and applying testing insights to product development and performance claims. Participants will gain practical skills for making informed decisions on textile product selection and approval. The workshop includes access to AATCC’s expert staff, luncheons, breaks, and digital copies of key reference materials.
By emphasizing reliable textile testing, the workshop supports innovation and quality assurance, ensuring products meet specifications, comply with regulations, and deliver promised performance. This initiative continues AATCC’s tradition of advancing industry knowledge and standards since 1921.
Kraig Biocraft Laboratories, Inc. has successfully completed the second phase of its spider silk production expansion, transitioning its manufacturing operations to a newly constructed, larger facility. This move follows the success of the spring production trials and the strategic plan to scale production in two phases.
The first phase, completed in July, provided the necessary space for operations during the rainy season. The second phase involved constructing a new production center, which began in July and has now significantly increased the company's rearing capacity by over eight times. This facility includes dedicated production areas for BAM-1 parental lines and a BAM-1 hybrid hatchery, ensuring the company meets its production goals through 2025.
As Kraig Labs transitions equipment to the new center, they are also installing backup power systems in preparation for the upcoming production cycle. Scheduled to start later this month, this cycle will be the largest single-cycle rearing of BAM-1 parental strains in the company's history, fully utilizing the expanded facility.
COO Jon Rice highlighted that the new facility is crucial for maximizing production output and advancing the company's commercial-scale spider silk manufacturing efforts in 2024.
Cinte Techtextil China 2024, scheduled from 19 to 21 September, will bring together industry leaders, innovators, and academic experts to discuss the future of technical textiles and nonwovens. A highlight of the event is a panel discussion on "Innovation as a Driver for Sustainability: Managing Complex Requirements in the Global Textile Industry," featuring TUV Rhein land and Zhejiang University’s Prof Bai Hao. The session will explore the role of digitisation and material innovation in reducing environmental impact, moderated by sustainability expert Karl Borgschulze.
Borgschulze will also lead two sustainability tours focusing on Mobiltech exhibitors and other key industry players, showcasing sustainable products and services. Another significant presentation is by AiD Lab on automating textile inspection through AI, reflecting the growing importance of efficient manufacturing processes in maintaining market competitiveness.
In the International Hall, Groz-Beckert, a leading German brand, will present their Digital Ecosystem and fine felting needle selection. This daily presentation will demonstrate the company’s quality needle range and innovative needle dispensing trolley.
The 12th edition of the China International Nonwovens Conference (CINC) will focus on "Green Development and Sustainable Innovation of the Nonwovens Industry." Additionally, the "Kingsafe Dangs" National University Students’ Nonwovens Development and Applications Showcase will highlight cutting-edge student research and innovations, with an awards ceremony on 20 September.
Further catering to industry needs, a Protech networking event will address the growing market for safety protection products. The fair’s Innovation Showcase Area will display cutting-edge technology and digital advancements, culminating in the 2024 Innovation Award on 19 September.
CinteTechtextil China 2024 is poised to be an essential platform for the industry’s growth and innovation.
Intertextile Shanghai, a premier textile industry event held from August 27th to 29th, 2024, witnessed the "Digital Solution Zone" emerge as a central hub of innovation and forward-thinking. This dynamic zone brought together cutting-edge technologies, thought-provoking discussions, and practical demonstrations that underscored the transformative power of digital solutions in the textile landscape.
InnoTex: Nanotechnology and textiles - A new frontier
The InnoTex section captivated attendees with its exploration of the intersection between nanotechnology and textiles. Nanotechnology, the manipulation of matter on an atomic and molecular scale, is ushering in a new era of textile possibilities.
A leading textile manufacturer showcased how nano-coatings have revolutionized their product offerings. By incorporating nanoparticles into fabrics, they achieved remarkable water resistance, stain repellence, and antimicrobial properties. This case study underscored the practical benefits of integrating nanotechnology into textile production."Nanotechnology is not just a buzzword; it's a game-changer for the textile industry. We're only scratching the surface of its potential."According to Dr. Li Wei, Nanotechnology Researcher
Intertextile Forum: Digital and Intelligent Innovation
The Intertextile Forum served as a platform for industry leaders to discuss how digital and intelligent innovation is driving quality improvements, efficiency gains, and new development momentum in the textile sector.
Keynote Speech: The Future of Textile Manufacturing A visionary keynote speaker painted a picture of a future where textile manufacturing is characterized by hyper-connectivity, data-driven decision-making, and automation. He emphasized that embracing digital transformation is not just an option but a necessity for companies to remain competitive.
Panel Discussion: Challenges and Opportunities A panel of industry experts delved into the challenges and opportunities associated with digitalization. They stressed the importance of upskilling the workforce, fostering a culture of innovation, and collaborating across the supply chain to unlock the full potential of digital technologies.
"Digitalization is not an option but an imperative for textile companies seeking to thrive in the 21st century,"emphasized Mr. Zhang Ming, CEO of a leading textile manufacturer.
Textile Industry Application Forum: AI/3D assistance
The Textile Industry Application Forum shed light on the pivotal role of AI and 3D technologies in streamlining textile design, production, and marketing processes.
3D Design Showcase A leading fashion brand demonstrated how 3D design software has transformed their workflow. By creating virtual prototypes, they reduced time-to-market, minimized waste, and enhanced collaboration between designers and manufacturers."AI and 3D technologies are not just about efficiency; they're about creativity. They empower us to push the boundaries of what's possible in textile design." Says Maria Rodriguez, Fashion Designer.
"AI and 3D are game-changers for the textile industry, enabling us to design, develop, and produce textiles with unprecedented speed and precision," remarked Wang Lin, a renowned fashion designer.
Threads of Innovation: Pathway to Next-Gen materials
This seminar, led by HK Rita, provided a fascinating glimpse into the future of textile materials. It explored how emerging technologies are paving the way for next-generation materials with enhanced performance, sustainability, and functionality."We are committed to creating textiles that are not only beautiful but also functional and sustainable. Innovation is at the heart of everything we do," stated Ms. Rita Cheng, CEO of HK Rita.
Bio-based Textiles The seminar highlighted the growing trend of using bio-based materials, such as plant fibres and algae, to create textiles. These materials offer a sustainable alternative to traditional petroleum-based fibres.
Smart Textiles Attendees learned about the exciting field of smart textiles, which incorporate sensors and electronics to create fabrics that can interact with the environment. Smart textiles have applications in healthcare, sports, and fashion.
The Digital Solution Zone at Intertextile Shanghai 2024 served as a powerful testament to the transformative impact of technology on the textile industry. Through Innotex, the Intertextile Forum, the Textile Industry Application Forum, and Threads of Innovation, attendees were exposed to the latest advancements and their potential to drive innovation, efficiency, and sustainability. This immersive experience left a lasting impression on visitors, inspiring them to embrace the digital revolution and shape the future of textiles.
The recent Intertextile Shanghai 2024, held from August 27-29, underscored a powerful message: sustainability is no longer a buzzword but a core imperative for the textile industry. Amidst the vibrant displays of innovative fabrics and cutting-edge technologies, the spotlight shone brightly on a series of dedicated initiatives and activities that championed a greener and more responsible future for fashion.
TextpertiseEconogy: Knowledge is power
The Econogy Hub served as the epicenter for knowledge exchange, buzzing with insightful discussions and thought-provoking presentations. A diverse line up of experts and industry leaders shared their expertise and experiences on various topics. The Econogy Talks, for instance, featured a session titled "A Green Revolution is Coming: What Does the European Green Deal Mean for the Textile Industry and What Can Your Business Do to Adapt?".
"The European Green Deal sets ambitious targets for the textile industry, challenging us to rethink our processes and practices. We need to embrace circularity, adopt sustainable materials, and reduce our environmental footprint. This is not just about compliance; it's about future-proofing our businesses and ensuring a healthy planet for future generations.", said one of the speakers
A captivating case study presented, a story of a leading fashion brand that successfully transitioned to a circular business model, demonstrating how sustainable practices can drive innovation and boost brand reputation.
Econogy Tour: Experiencing sustainability first-hand
The Econogy Tour offered a unique opportunity to witness sustainable practices in action. Participants visited factories and showrooms that exemplified eco-friendly production methods, such as water recycling, energy-efficient machinery, and the use of organic and recycled materials.
"The Econogy Tour was eye-opening. It was inspiring to see how companies are implementing sustainable practices at every stage of the production process. It gives me hope that we can create a more sustainable fashion industry." Said one of the participants.
The Sustainability Zone: A showcase of innovation
The Sustainability Zone was a vibrant hub showcasing a diverse array of sustainable products and solutions. Exhibitors proudly presented fabrics made from recycled materials, innovative dyeing techniques that minimize water pollution, and technologies that promote transparency and traceability in the supply chain.
Fringe Highlight: "A Green Revolution is Coming"
The fringe session titled "A Green Revolution is Coming: What Does the European Green Deal Mean for the Textile Industry and What Can Your Business Do to Adapt?" sparked a lively debate among attendees. The discussion explored the implications of the European Green Deal for the global textile industry and offered practical insights on how businesses can navigate the changing regulatory landscape and embrace sustainable practices.
Overall impact
The strong emphasis on sustainability at Intertextile Shanghai 2024 signalled a clear shift in the industry's mindset. The comprehensive range of activities provided valuable knowledge, inspiration, and practical solutions for businesses seeking to embark on a sustainable journey. The event underscored the fact that sustainability is not just a responsibility; it's an opportunity for innovation, growth, and a more resilient future for the textile industry.
On September 11, US Representatives Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), and Tom Suozzi (D-NY) will lead a press conference to demand President Biden use executive authority to close the de minimis loophole. The loophole allows four million daily packagesmostly from Chinato enter the US without inspection, bypassing taxes, tariffs, and penalties on banned goods, including those made with forced labor.
Over 100 House Democrats have signed a letter urging Biden to act after Republicans blocked legislative efforts. The loophole is increasingly exploited by criminals, including drug cartels, to import dangerous goods like fentanyl, posing a significant threat to American consumers.
Speakers include leaders from Shatterproof, the National Association of Police Organizations, the National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO), and Rethink Trade.
Storm Creek, a pioneer in sustainable apparel within the promotional products sector, has announced its partnership with Bluesign as a system partner, making it the first brand in the industry to do so. This collaboration underscores Storm Creek's commitment to sustainability, with a pledge to exclusively use Bluesign Approved fabrics by 2025.
Storm Creek’s 2025 product catalog will showcase items crafted entirely from Bluesign certified fabrics, reflecting their commitment to minimizing environmental impact and endorsing responsible production. Doug Jackson, Founder and President of Storm Creek, highlighted that the partnership enhances their sustainability efforts. The company seeks to motivate promotional product distributors to adopt eco-friendly practices, thereby increasing the positive effects on end buyers. Storm Creek is dedicated to setting a benchmark for sustainability in the promotional products industry.
Storm Creek’s commitment to Bluesign standards aligns with their mission to deliver high-performance, eco-friendly apparel, ensuring both product safety and sustainability. The inclusion of Storm Creek in the Bluesign System marks a significant step forward. Daniel Rufenacht, CEO of Bluesign Technologies AG noted that Storm Creek’s pledge to use 100 per cent Bluesign Approved fabrics by 2025 sets a strong example for sustainability within the industry.
This partnership highlights Storm Creek’s role in driving a sustainable transformation in the promotional products market.
A damning new report, ‘What Fuels Fashion?’, has exposed the fashion industry's abysmal track record on climate action. The report, which analyzed 250 of the world's largest fashion brands, reveals a shocking lack of transparency and ambition in addressing the industry's significant carbon footprint. The report, a special edition of the annual ‘Fashion Transparency Index’, grades brands on their disclosure of climate and energy-related data, primarily focusing on supply chain emissions. The average score was a dismal 18 per cent, with a 13 per cent of major brands receiving a zero rating, highlighting the industry's overall failure to prioritize climate change. In fact, a staggering 32 brands scored a zero, indicating a complete absence of climate-related disclosures.
Highlights of the study
Lack of commitment to decarbonisation: Nearly a quarter of brands disclosed no information on decarbonisation, while less than half had Science-based targets covering their entire value chain.
Missing climate targets: Almost 86 per cent companies lacked a public coal phase-out target, and 94 per cent had no public renewable energy target.
Transparency gap: Most brands (89 per cent) did not disclose annual clothing production, and nearly half failed to reveal raw material emissions.
Focus on false solutions: While many brands touted sustainable materials, only a fraction disclosed their supply chain's energy sources.
Supplier burden: Despite being major emitters, 94 per cent of brands failed to disclose investment in supply chain decarbonisation, often shifting costs onto suppliers.
Worker neglect: Almost no brands engaged with workers affected by climate change, with 94 per cent lacking disclosure on such efforts.
Renewable energy advocacy failure: Only 13 per cent brands disclosed renewable energy advocacy in their supply chains, and just 2 per cent shared the outcomes.
Supply chain reliance on coal: Despite 96 per cent of fashion's emissions originating in manufacturing, only 8 per cent of brands had a renewable electricity target for their supply chain.
Just transition overlooked: The majority (96 per cent) of brands lacked a public commitment to a Just Transition strategy, with only 4 per cent disclosing efforts to support supply chain workers.
Table: Key performance indicators
|
Average Brand Score |
18% |
|
Brands with 0% Rating |
32/250 (13%) |
|
Brands with Decarbonization Disclosure |
75% |
|
Brands with Science-Based Targets (SBTs) |
47% |
|
Brands Disclosing Progress Against SBTs |
42% |
|
Brands with Public Coal Phase-Out Target |
14% |
|
Brands with Public Renewable Energy Target |
6% |
|
Brands Disclosing Annual Clothing Production |
11% |
|
Brands Disclosing Supply Chain Energy Sources |
11% |
|
Brands Investing in Supply Chain Decarbonization |
6% |
|
Brands with Public Commitment to Just Transition |
4% |
|
Brands Disclosing Renewable Energy Advocacy |
13% |
Industry experts point out, these findings are deeply concerning. The fashion industry is a major contributor to climate change, yet it's failing to take responsibility. Brands must prioritize decarbonisation, invest in supply chain sustainability, and support workers affected by the crisis. Some others say, the fashion industry is in a state of climate denial. This report is a wake-up call. We need urgent action to decarbonise the sector and protect both the planet and the people who make our clothes.
The report calls for increased transparency, ambitious climate targets, and fair financing for the transition to a low-carbon fashion industry. It also emphasizes the importance of including workers and communities in the decision-making process to ensure a just transition.
The recent Munich Fabric Start, along with its associated formats The Source, Keyhouse, and Bluezone, concluded on a positive note, reinforcing its position as a vital event in the European textile and fashion industry. Despite facing challenges, including a 10 per cent drop in attendance, the show drew key decision-makers and influencers from major brands such as adidas, Hugo Boss, Chloe, and Marc O’Polo. The event featured over 1,000 collections, highlighting fabric trends and material innovations for Autumn/Winter 2025/26, underscoring its importance in shaping industry direction.
Strategic adjustments and efficiency gains In a move to enhance efficiency, the tradeshow was compressed into two days, a decision that was met with approval from both exhibitors and attendees. The reorganization of the Fabrics and Studios areas and the integration of Keyhouse into Bluezone shortened walking distances and created new synergies, making the event more manageable and focused.
Sebastian Klinder, Managing Director of Munich Fabric Start, expressed satisfaction with the strategic changes, noting that the condensed format and restructured areas were well-received. He emphasized the show’s importance to the industry, particularly in a challenging economic environment, where collaboration and innovation are crucial.
Innovative concepts and sustainable practices
A significant theme throughout the event was collaboration, with numerous talks and workshops focusing on industry-wide cooperation to tackle challenges such as sustainability and recycling. The lecture program featured around 40 talks, with a strong emphasis on new network structures, cooperation platforms, and holistic approaches to problem-solving. DrishtiMasand, a Circular Economy Expert at Adidas, highlighted the importance of innovative phases in the industry, noting that different concepts can coexist to address specific niches.
Keyhouse, which played a central role in linking designers, researchers, and industry stakeholders, showcased cutting-edge developments in digital printing and sustainability. Exhibitors like Trace Momentum and tex. tracer presented solutions for clean data collection along the value chain, advancing the industry's move towards a digital product passport. The focus on AI-driven and individualized printing processes further underscored the event's commitment to reducing waste and enhancing sustainability.
Bluezone: Denim's future in focus
Bluezone, the dedicated denim segment of the tradeshow, attracted significant attention with over 70 international denim mills presenting their latest innovations. The event highlighted the industry's ongoing evolution, particularly in sustainable practices and digital advancements. The theme "Denimined" set the tone for the show, with trend directions such as "Digital Denim Art" and "Tech it Easy" pointing to the increasing integration of technology in denim production.
Amy Leverton, a trend forecaster from Denim Dudes, praised the show's ability to bring the denim community together, noting that Munich Fabric Start offers a unique platform for cross-pollination between different sectors of the textile industry. She highlighted the importance of events like Bluezone in expanding the industry's horizons, particularly through innovations like 3D-printing onto denim.
Industry sentiment and future outlook The sentiment among attendees was overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the event's organization and the opportunities it provided for meaningful exchanges. Frank Junker, Creative Director at Munich Fabric Start, emphasized the need for the industry to pull together in these challenging times, a sentiment echoed by several other participants. The show's ability to foster connections and drive business forward, even in a condensed format, was widely appreciated.
As the industry continues to navigate economic challenges, Munich Fabric Start has reaffirmed its role as a critical platform for innovation, collaboration, and sustainability in the European textile sector. The strategic decisions made this year have positioned the tradeshow well for future success, ensuring it remains a key event on the industry's calendar.
Modtissimo 60+4, scheduled for September 12-13, is showcasing cutting-edge sustainability in textiles, with a strong focus on the iTechStyle Green Circle, curated by Citeve and Paulo Gomes. The exhibition will feature 28 innovative designs that highlight eco-friendly materials, natural dyes, and energy-efficient processes, emphasizing eco-design principles.
Cristina Castro, Citeve’s public relations officer, notes that this year’s showcase will introduce advancements not only in materials but also in sustainable finishes and processes. The event aligns with European regulations on Digital Product Passports, encouraging participating companies to share their dataa significant step toward transparency and sustainability.
The iTechStyle Showcase, another key attraction, will present finalists for the iTechStyle Awards across Fabrics, Accessories, and Products categories, with a growing emphasis on sustainability. Home textiles, traditionally absent from Modtissimo, are also beginning to seize this platform as an opportunity.
Citeve will promote several mobilizing projects at their stand, including Be@t (Bio economy in Textiles), Texpact (Digitalization of Textiles and Clothing), and RDC (Roadmap for Decarbonization). At the European level, the Resotex project will be highlighted, aiming to foster sustainable entrepreneurship in the textile sector.
Leading industry participants include ASampaio & Filhos, Tintex, Polopique, and Lameirinho, among others, covering fabrics, products, and accessories categories.
