The American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC) announced the addition of a new local section in Pakistan. Pakistan is globally recognized for its rich textile heritage along with its modern presence as an international textile production hub. The founding of the AATCC Pakistan section is a commitment to empower an innovative, informed, and sustainable future for the local industry. Founding officers Section chair: Abdul Rahim Chughtai is a figure in the chemicals, dyes and auxiliaries industries of Pakistan, renowned for his contributions as director of the Rainbow Gr ..read more

Global manufacturer Milliken & Company announced that it was named to the America’s Most Innovative Companies list, an annual honor published by Fortune and Statista Inc., which recognizes U.S. organizations at the forefront of innovation. This is Milliken’s second year receiving the award, and it is one of 200 companies included among the 2024 honorees. “At Milliken, we come to work each day ready to roll up our sleeves and take on big challenges,” says Halsey Cook, president and CEO of Milliken & Company. “We use our materials science expertise to solve everyday problems that make a ..read more

Eastman announced that its second U.S. molecular recycling project has been selected by the Department of Energy (DOE) to begin award negotiations for up to $375 million in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act funding as part of the Industrial Demonstrations Program. The DOE announcement led to Eastman announcing the intent to build a second U.S. molecular recycling facility at its location in Longview, Texas. Investment in the Longview site The company selected the Longview site due to synergies with existing infrastructure and operations, favorable energy supply and foot ..read more

Traube Awning, an awnings and shade provider based in Hartford, Ill., announced its return to family ownership after a 10-year hiatus with Steve Traube, a third-generation descendant of the founding family acquiring the company. “I’m thrilled to bring Traube Awning back to the family,” says Traube, owner of Traube Tents & Structures and now Traube Awning. “For generations, the Traube name has been synonymous with quality products and exceptional customer service. I’m committed to upholding that legacy and taking Traube Awning to even greater heights.” Traube announced the partnership with ..read more

Leigh Fibers, headquartered in Wellford, S.C., announced that it has purchased the operating assets of Martex Fiber and rebranded the business as Revive Fiber. Leigh Fibers and Revive Fiber will operate as separate but related sister companies under joint management as the largest textile recycler in North America. With multiple production facilities in South Carolina and one in Brownsville, Texas, the investment will expand capacity to meet growing production needs. All products will continue to be made in the U.S. while supporting industries throughout North America, South America and Europ ..read more

The Ronald Reagan International Trade Building in Washington DC. Photo: © William Perry | Dreamstime.com. Every five years, the World Customs Organization (WCO) updates the International Harmonized System (HS) used to classify imported and exported goods. Effective January 1, 2022, a change was made to the interpretation of textile materials considered to be impregnated, coated, covered or laminated with plastics. This can impact rates of duty, not only for the textiles, themselves, but also for goods made out of those textiles, as well as eligibility for trade preferences, whet ..read more

I’m a researcher at heart. Even in college I would lose myself in the research part of a paper that was due in a couple of days. Authors will tell you that you’re likely to use about a fourth of the research you amass when you write a book. That was certainly the case with my book. There is so much that’s new every day in the world of advanced textiles, so research is part of my daily routine. I guess I landed in the right profession.  My learning curve on the topic of functional textiles, and especially the advanced technologies more typical of Textile Technology Source, has admittedly b ..read more

A new report available from Research and Markets, “Smart Textiles for Military Market Report by Type, Application, End User, and Region 2024-2032,” shows that the global smart textiles for military market size reached $890.4 million in 2023. The market is projected to reach $2,535.5 million by 2032, showing a growth rate (CAGR) of 12.33 percent during the period.  The growing concerns regarding national security and the augmenting demand for efficient textiles that can provide critical capabilities in the field while ensuring soldier safety represent some of ..read more

Natural Material Studio has showcased a biotextile’s interaction with light. Photo: Anders Sune Berg. Natural Material Studio’s “Lighting Works,” designed for the Mindcraft project 2023, consists of three lighting objects that showcase the studio’s handcrafted biotextiles‘ ability to diffuse light. Made from a blend of biopolymers, natural softeners and chalk, these objects feature natural variations like streaks, bubbles, and shifts in transparency.  This represents the latest stage in the Danish design studio’s use of light as an additional d ..read more

Invisibility Shield Co. says multiple people can “disappear” behind its largest product. Photo: Invisibility Shield Co. Following the successful development of functional invisibility shields in 2022, U.K.-based Invisibility Shield Co. has launched its second-generation invisibility shields on Kickstarter. Among the products is the “Megashield,” which the company claims is the largest one ever created. According to a report on designboom.com, more than four years ago the company focused on refining optical technologies to render people and objects invisible in broad daylight. The new shields p ..read more