Gabe Hill, who spent 60 years in the textile industry–including 43 at SP Associates in Charlotte, N.C.–died April 13, 2024 in Abbeville, S.C. He was 89. Hill was owner and general manager of SP Associates, a well-known textile, nonwovens and apparel placement firm, before his retirement in 2017. “f you’ve been in a part of the U.S. textile industry for any amount of time, chances are you knew Hill–or at least have corresponded with him by phone or email. Hill knew “just about everyone” in the industry, says Joel McIntyre, who bought SP Associates before Hill’s retirement. “In our business, yo ..read more

Kyocera Corp. has launched the TRUE BLUE TEXTILE project to introduce a new “Wear to Save Water” concept to promote consumer awareness of environmental issues. The project featured textile design exhibits by Anrealage and Vantan Design Institute in late March of this year, to coincide with World Water Day 2024.    Until now, the textile and apparel industry has used vast amounts of water in processes such as steam and washing when dyeing fabrics, and water pollution resulting from this wastewater has become a global environmental problem. In addition, the problem of mass disposa ..read more

ID 311196055 © 2037519 | Dreamstime.com Textile trade in developed economies is imbalanced and it is a deficit one. While this is the trend, compared to the trade in manufactured goods, trade in advanced technologies offers another picture, which is optimistic. In the case of aerospace and warfare systems, the U.S. has a trade surplus. The advanced textiles industry should model itself after these sectors and engage in trade that will benefit the advanced economies.  According to the U.S. Dept. of Commerce, year-to-date (to February 2024) the aerospace industry exported about $20.157 bill ..read more

The robotic glove is designed to aid patients recovering from strokes or hand disabilities. Photo: IDC. Shenzhen XFT Medical Ltd. (XFT Medical) and U.K. product design and development company Industrial Design Consultancy Ltd. (IDC) have partnered to launch the Hand Rehabilitation Glove, a training device designed to aid patients recovering from strokes or hand disabilities. The neoprene glove combines electromyograph feedback and flexible robotics to support patients in training and repairing dexterity.  Using flexible air-activated muscles to aid movement, the robotic glove targets ..read more

Due to increasing concerns regarding climate change, consumers are seeking ways to contribute positively. Recently, the European Parliament voted to implement a Green Claims Directive, which is aimed at protecting consumers from misleading practices that could obstruct well-informed purchasing decisions. Lenzing Group, a global producer of wood-based specialty fibers, is committed to working with the textile value chain to navigate through the changing regulatory landscape, and to support consumers in making informed choices.  With a focus on improving product labeling to prevent the ..read more

A detailed view of the color-changing resin tops and dresses. Photo: Kim Mesches.  Artist and designer Kim Mesches has unveiled his “Collection 5,” featuring garments made of a color-changing resin with a technology activated by heat. The material is a mix of thermochromic dyes, pigments and other ingredients, which are then mixed with hardened resin to create the garments.  For example, on sunny days the garments change themselves anytime there’s heat and a cool breeze surrounding them. One could say that the pieces double as sculptural artworks through the hardened resin, as they c ..read more

The FabricLink Network (FLN), a textile education resource consisting of the websites FabricLink and The Technical Center, announced it is working with leaders in the textile industry to create The Textile Gateway, an online platform to introduce current students to the industry. The website is set to launch in the summer of 2024.  “The mission of The Textile Gateway is to educate and encourage students at all levels; to outreach and promote career paths in the industry; and serve as a catalyst for future innovation,” says Tom Swantko, FLN director of the program. The Textile Gateway wil ..read more

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that it is outlining an enhanced strategy to combat illicit trade and level the playing field for the American textile industry, which accounts for over 500,000 U.S. jobs and is crucial for national security. Two of DHS’s agencies, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) will further enhance their work together to protect the integrity of U.S. markets, hold perpetrators accountable for customs violations and safeguard the American textile industry. The plan will serve as the blueprint for future st ..read more

Herculite® Products Inc., a manufacturer of high performance and custom fabrics with brands such as Coastline Plus and Patio 500, announced that Anthony Pappalardo has been hired as regional sales manager covering the Midwest and Southeast. In this role he will develop and grow relationships with end product manufacturers and related sales personnel for all awning and marine brands and promote awareness, loyalty and consumption of Herculite’s awning fabric brands through distribution partners. Pappalardo comes to Herculite with experience developing sales and marketing programs that grow sale ..read more

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