“Not quite as expected but successful,” is an apt description from show organizers regarding the recent Performance Days fair. Last minute pandemic-related concerns regarding in-person attendance at the Munich event required the PD team to turn on a dime and be digital only for the December edition.

Unifi and Sorona may target different audiences, but both firms are finding success optimizing sustainable solutions, whether that is on fashion’s red carpet or the green turf of the football field.

CORDURA is offering a new, cutting-edge GRS certified 100 percent recycled nylon 6,6 fabric with the launch of re-core, the company’s advanced sustainability platform built on a mission to “expect more, waste less.”

Smartwool’s new recycling campaign turns used socks into sustainable dog beds. The program kicked off earlier this month in celebration of National Sock Day with the launch of the Second Cut K9 Camp Cushion, a dog bed made from recycled sock shreddings to help reduce...

Right out of the gate the prevailing attitude in Portland was let’s get down to business. Booths were busy as attendees and exhibitors alike made the most of being in-person under one roof for two days to see and touch the latest fabrications previewing at the Functional Fabric Fair 2021...

Hands down, sustainability was the central issue of last week’s Functional Fabric Fair in Portland, OR. From the Focus Topic: The Sustainable Future of Nylon, to the buzz about bio-based and plant-based performance, to circular design, to the impact of climate change on...

The Performance Forum is considered a must-see at Functional Fabric Fair for finding inspiration from the latest and greatest materials. Made up of 293 fabrics and 30 accessories – hand selected from a surge of product entries – and organized by category...

PrimaLoft’s first consumer-orientated brand campaign, “Seek the Unseen,” debuted last week and focuses on the unexpected, emotional moments of everyday life that often go unnoticed. “While we may be hidden from sight, we have a direct effect on the consumer experience,” explains Mike Joyce...

Responding to consumer demands for cleaner, longer lasting antimicrobial technology, Noble Biomaterials offers a suite of treatments within its Ionic+ collection. The company reports that its newly branded antimicrobial is experiencing rapid growth within the helmet space garnering support from...

Global denim ingredient brand ISKO will introduce ISKO RHEACT, a patented, cutting-edge garment manufacturing solution designed for wellness benefits through the application of woven compression. The different patented fabric options ensure that it will appeal to a wide audience.

In case you hadn’t noticed, the resale market is surging. According to reports, second-hand retail is the fastest growing segment of the fashion industry. Everyone is getting onboard: The recent Madewell x ThredUp partnership is a perfect example of next-gen second-hand selling with...

How to foster a cleaner, greener future for the industry was a hot topic at Techtextil North America 2021 last week at the Raleigh Convention Center where panel discussions during symposiums and conversations in the exhibitor aisles left little doubt that sustainability is defining the way forward.

We’ve been hearing about digitalization for years, and while COVID did kickstart a slew of new adoptions, full acceptance of digital models throughout the textile industry has yet to materialize.

After 18 months of life being anything but business as usual, attendees at Techtextil NA in Raleigh last week expressed being happy to be back on the trade show circuit, reconnecting with industry friends and making new business contacts.

I traveled to Denver for the Outdoor Retailer Show not really sure what to expect. When I got there, it was quite an eye-opener. The entire show was held on the upper level. Even that hall was not filled.

In a shift in leadership, Joachim Kath takes over as Schoeller Textil CEO. Following a 10-year career at the Swiss-based, global textile specialist, CEO Siegfried Winkelbeiner is retiring and Kath will take the helm, having worked closely with Winkelbeiner as COO at Schoeller since February 2020.

Cordura, in collaboration with FR specialist Daletec, has launched Extreme X fabric, which features inherent flame protection with excellent comfort and long-lasting performance.

The debut of HDry ‘b5’ bio-based membrane represents another step forward in sustainable footwear development. Announced by Altexa sri and GHS Holdings, the new eco-friendly waterproof/ breathable laminate offers the opportunity to reduce dependence from fossil fuels on...

“When we set out to create the norda 001, our mission was to design an ultra-strong and durable high performance trail running shoe, and do it as sustainably as possible,” state Willamina and Nick Martire, co-founders of the Canadian footwear brand norda.

The denim world continues to transform how jeans are made, and re-made, in an effort to create a circular economy for clothing, from fiber to finished goods and around again.

Trade show participation has long been a given, with convention center hotels booked a year — or two — in advance, dinner reservations coordinated, calendars cleared, and travel go-bags at the ready.

Speedo looks to make waves at the Olympic Games this summer with the debut of the company’s next generation Fastskin swimsuit. In an innovation journey that spanned four continents over the course of three years, including 330 swimmers, 200 prototypes, 30 swim clubs and 15 coaches...

The Pertex Fabric Lab is a brand-new online platform that offers partners instant access to the latest fabric innovations and developments and aims to foster closer customer relationships and collaboration.

A handful of budding partnerships bloomed this spring in the textile world, confirming how suppliers are finding value in creative collaborations and unique sponsorships to build their businesses.

Hyosung has hired industry veterans for new roles within the company. Unifi has added two new additions to its leadership team to help further the company’s sustainability goals. And Black Diamond has named a new business unit director for its apparel category.

The denim community has come out of the gate this Spring season laser focused on scaling sustainable practices with modern updates on legendary products along for the ride, all the while maintaining a true blue jean spirit of innovation. Here are a few examples of companies on track with...

The focus topic “Still Physical” presented at the recent virtual Performance Days fair summed up what many in the textile community are feeling these days while at the same time showcasing the latest digital advances.

Establishing new exercise routines during Covid accomplished double duty by helping individuals stay fit while also heightening awareness of how material choices enhance not only workout wear but also what we wear to work. Results from our May Trend Insight consumer survey confirm this trend.

Unifi achieved better than expected operating results for the third quarter of fiscal 2021, according to the company’s report. Net sales were $178.9 million, an increase of 4.6 percent year-over-year, and an increase of 9.9 percent sequentially from the second quarter of fiscal 2021.

Outdoor brands are dusting off the conventional image of archives as old documents and faded photographs filed away in a drawer for safe keeping and applying a fresh coat of contemporary vision by presenting corporate and cultural history in an inclusive and informative way with mainstream appeal.

PrimaLoft’s popular ThermoPlume is 100 percent synthetic — and now 100 percent recycled, too. This latest version of the company’s down alternative insulation is made entirely out of post-consumer recycled materials. Four years after the introduction of the first blowable synthetic insulation...

In keeping with Boston running tradition, Tracksmith chose April 19th to launch its Bill Rodgers Collection. As distance runners and New Englanders alike know, the third Monday in April is Patriot’s Day, the traditional start date of the Boston Marathon. (This year the Marathon will be held in...

Over the last three years, KEEN researched the best organic materials to use in its midsoles and footbeds and outsoles deciding to go with harvested coffee ground waste. Now two upcoming sneakers styles from KEEN, the Elsa and Eddy Harvest footwear, will debut in August.

Greater durability, smarter chemistry, natural performance and total circularity is the aim of Polartec’s full system approach to achieving 2025 sustainability goals, according to Polartec president Steve Layton, who stated that PFC-free DWR, new thinking around reducing...

Bringing textiles to life virtually has accelerated during Covid with companies such as Concept III launching innovative online presentations to highlight brand partners’ latest responsibly produced fabric developments. Concept III’s digital series kicks off with a video featuring partner...

In an effort to establish an environmental baseline to pursue continuous improvement, the LYCRA Company has completed the Higg Facility Environmental Module (FEM) self-assessment at all six of its Lycra fiber manufacturing sites. The impact assessment reviews environmental management systems...

In a sign of strength, eco efforts not only advanced during Covid, but flourished. We see responsible product development and planet-positive investment on all fronts these days which bodes well for the staying power of sustainability.

Last week I caught up with Chad Kelly, president of eVent Technology, to get a quick update on the company and chat about business challenges as well as industry bright spots. A self-described “gearhead,” Kelly started his career in outdoor specialty retail and worked as a rep before pivoting to...

Eco-conscious product development hits a new high in Fall ‘21 in styles that feature responsible materials and manufacturing. Biodegradability, ocean plastics recycling and regenerative practices are now boxes to check in today’s advancement of circularity and a climate-positive approach...

What a difference a year makes. Online is the new in-person, trade shows last for weeks not days, and textiles are presented to customers without the ability to touch or feel fabric. These COVID-influenced 2020 business trends have not served the textile industry particularly well.