High-performance fibers fulfill demanding roles
High-modulus, high-tenacity fibers have played a key role in the development of many performance textiles Performance fabrics – one of the fastest growing sectors of the industry – are textiles that provide additional functionalities, such as repellency, resistance or protection from, for example, liquids, extreme temperature or ultraviolet (UV) light, and include fabrics that resist …
Growing interest in cellulose fibers creates market opportunities
The challenge will be to achieve a balance between ongoing capacity expansion and rising demand The global fiber industry is facing unprecedented sustainability challenges. Issues such as a rising population, climate change, water scarcity, land use (food vs. fiber), deforestation and loss of biodiversity, plastic waste and marine pollution have combined to question the long-term …
Automotive interiors setting the pace for vehicle design
Faced with unprecedented levels of disruption and innovation, technological advances are impacting all segments of the vehicle industry, particularly interiors. Despite ongoing setbacks due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, a shortage of semiconductors and higher raw material, energy and transport costs, automakers have continued to develop their visions of the future – and …
Industry leaders engage on sustainable solutions and other hot topics in textile fiber applications and technology
For the second year running, the Dornbirn Global Fiber Congress (GFC), now in its 60th edition, was held as a virtual event. Besides the ongoing theme of sustainability, there was a strong emphasis on the circular economy and digitalization, as well as discussions on a wide range of topics from fiber innovation to fashion. Synthetic …
Considering cotton and natural fiber alternatives
Cotton was undoubtedly the fiber of the 19th and early 20th centuries and is still by far the world’s most widely used natural fiber. But while cotton is a biodegradable and renewable resource, the use of conventional cotton to produce clothing could decrease going forward as retailers and consumers seek more sustainable alternatives in the …