ORION, MI — April 18, 2024 — Applied Manufacturing Technologies (AMT), North American supplier of automation engineering, specializing in advanced material handling, system integration, and cutting-edge autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) for warehousing and logistics, today announced the strategic hire of Terry L. Kiesling as Business Development Manager.
Working together with Vice President of Sales Scott Kilpatrick, Kiesling will focus on offering leading-edge robotics solutions to the warehousing and logistics industry that integrate advanced vision technology and AI, autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), conveyors, box erectors, and more. Kiesling will also offer sales support for ROBiN, developed by AMT, a robotic AI-enabled system designed to improve the process of removing and organizing layers of products on pallets for integration into automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS).
“We are thrilled to welcome Terry to our team, where her expertise will play a pivotal role in driving the robot revolution forward,” said Scott Kilpatrick, Vice President of Sales at AMT. “Terry’s extensive experience in industrial automation solutions will be invaluable to our clients, especially in the warehousing and distribution sectors where she has deep domain experience and strong connections.”
“I’m thrilled to join this esteemed team at AMT,” said Kiesling. “It’s truly inspiring to collaborate with such a highly skilled group who not only prioritize their customers but also foster a culture that values every member of the team. From internal dynamics to project delivery, attention to detail is paramount, making every initiative a testament to our commitment to excellence. Here, ‘dynamic,’ ‘skillful,’ and ‘fun’ aren’t just words – they’re the ethos that drives us forward, ensuring success at every turn.”
Kiesling is a seasoned global account manager with a strong history in key account growth and strategy development. Her background includes extensive experience in the automation, networking, and test and measurement industries, where she has successfully delivered high-impact solutions. Her strengths include an understanding of international markets, development of revenue-generating strategies, and management of complex negotiations. Her expertise also encompasses key account development, sales territory expansion, market intelligence, and national account management. Prior to joining Applied Manufacturing Technologies, Kiesling served as global account manager at Omron Automation Americas.
A FANUC Authorized System Integrator and three-time winner of the FANUC Sales Growth Award, AMT offers full-service systems integration, specializing in end-of-line solutions, complex material handling systems, and engineering support such as turnkey industrial controls, robotic programming, and automation consulting. Bringing together best-in-class technologies and custom automation, AMT provides high-quality, cost-effective automation solutions. The company’s solutions have benefited manufacturers in automotive, aerospace, medical, alternative energy, fabricated metal, industrial machinery, rubber and plastics, food and beverage, and many other industries.
AACHEN, Germany — April 18, 2024 — Using bio-based and bio-degradable, recyclable insulation textiles to sustainably insulate heat and reduce energy consumption and the carbon footprint – the Aachen-based start-up SA-Dynamics has developed a solution for this dream of many building owners together with industrial partners. SA-Dynamics won the second Innovation Award in the “New Technologies on Sustainability & Recycling” category at the leading textile trade fairs Techtextil and Texprocess for this development.
The insulation of various aerogel fibres is illustrated using the example of a cushion, source: ITA
The bio-based recyclable insulation textiles consist of 100 percent bio-based aerogel-fibres. They contain up to 90 percent air, trapped in the nano-pore system of the aerogel-fibres. The bio-based raw material is sustainably sourced and certified. The insulation textiles made from bio-based aerogel fibres are said to insulate the same or even better than synthetic insulating materials of fossil origin like PET, PE or PP and mineral or stone wool.
“By using bio-based aerogels, we are doing away with fossil-based materials and doing something for the environment and climate,” explains Maximilian Mohr, Chief Technical Officer (CTO) at SA-Dynamics. “We are thus meeting the regulatory measures of the EU and the governments of many countries for more climate and environmental protection. By using bio-based, recyclable aerogels, we can revolutionise the world of construction. Come to Techtextil at our booth at the Elmatex joint booth in hall 12.0 D63 and see for yourself.”
The Techtextil and Texprocess Innovation Awards ceremony will take place on 23 April 2024 at 12.30 pm in Hall 9.0 in Frankfurt/Main, Germany.
The Aachen-based start-up SA-Dynamics is made up of researchers from the Institut für Textiltechnik (ITA) and the Institute of Industrial Furnace Construction and Heat Engineering (IOB) at RWTH Aachen University.
The bio-based aerogel fibres originate from the LIGHT LINING research project of the BIOTEXFUTUREinnovation area. The LIGHT LINING research project focussed on sports and outdoor textiles. The research results are transferable to the construction sector.
LUDWIGSHAFEN, Germany — April 18, 2024 — At the leading international trade fair for technical textiles and nonwovens, which will take place at Messe Frankfurt from 23 to 26 April 2024, BASF will be presenting numerous solutions and new projects in the field of textiles to customers and partners at booth C11 in hall 9.1. The focus is on sustainability: whether market-leading products or new technologies – the path clearly leads towards a circular economy.
loopamid® – the first circular polyamide 6, based on textile waste
In January 2024, BASF launched loopamid®, the first polyamide 6 (PA6, also known as nylon 6) to the market that is entirely based on textile waste via a segregated production. Inditex has made a jacket exclusively from loopamid; the lining, zippers, velcro fasteners and buttons are also made from the recycled material. loopamid is an innovative solution to recycle PA 6 textile waste and thus promote circularity in the fashion industry. As the chemical recycling technology tolerates all fabric blends, it enables textile-to-textile recycling of industrial textile waste and used clothing. The fibers and materials can be recycled over several cycles. At the same time, the material properties are identical to those of conventional polyamide.
Ultramid® Ccycled® – for more sustainability in the textile sector
With Ultramid® Ccycled®, BASF offers an innovative, mass-balanced product that supports the use of alternative raw materials from the chemical recycling of plastic waste that is difficult to recycle, such as end-of-life tires. The recycled raw material is fed into the beginning of the BASF production network and allocated to the Ultramid Ccycled products using a mass balance approach. Fossil raw materials are thus replaced and saved, while the product quality remains unchanged.
Ultramid® Biomass Balance (BMB) – drop-in concept enables the use of biowaste feedstock
With Ultramid® BMB, BASF has developed a sustainable drop-in concept which enables the use of biowaste raw materials in product manufacturing: Certified renewable raw materials replace fossil resources at the beginning of the production process and are then allocated to the Ultramid BMB products in the appropriate quantities via the mass balance chain. Without compromising on quality and performance, the product carbon footprint can be cut up to more than 50% versus standard Ultramid.
Towards more sustainable solutions with Elastollan®
Due to its high elasticity and excellent mechanical strength, the thermoplastics polyurethane (TPU) Elastollan® is suitable to produce a wide range of materials for the textile industry, especially for producing mono- and multi-filaments, as well as for coating polyester and glass fibers. It can also be worked into nonwoven fabrics. Bio-based and certified biomass-balanced Elastollan grades provide identical material properties to those of equivalent fossil-based products.
Certified Sustainable FiberMax® Cotton (CSF) with a traceable blockchain platform
BASF, in collaboration with CSF partners, all within a 250 kilometers (155 mile) radius in Greece, has introduced a highly transparent and traceable blockchain platform from Seed 2 Sew. The platform, technology by Bext 360° and powered by Hyperledger, allows brands to seamlessly integrate interesting data such as carbon footprint, into their supply chains through an Application Programming Interface (API). Additionally, BASF has partnered with the University of Thessaly in Greece to research and implement regenerative practices for cotton production in Europe. The aim is to provide European fashion brands with certified European non-GMO regenerative cotton, enabling consumers to make informed decisions and choose high-quality sustainable clothing, both now and in the future.
More information can be found on Sustainable Fashion (basf.com).
Fiber bonding technology for upcycling
With BASF’s low-emission fiber bonding technologies Acrodur®, acForm® and Acronal®, reclaimed materials such as denim or discarded materials such as spent coffee grounds and used paper cups can be turned into building blocks for new and more-valuable products. Extending the life cycle of single-use products helps to reduce waste and decrease the reliance on scarce natural resources. The BASF booth will showcase several upcycling exhibits developed with industry partners, including flooring produced with denim, coffee grounds and paper cups.
Further exhibits produced with fiber bonding technology include a lightweight panel made of natural fiber and Acrodur composite with paper honeycomb core, glass nonwovens for exhaust air treatment of lacquer cabins and glass meshes for the reinforcement of plaster and insulation systems.
BRUSSELS — April 18, 2024 — Solvay, a global supplier of essential chemistry, announces the opening of its groundbreaking Alve-OneⓇ production unit in Rosignano, Italy. This marks a new milestone with the launch of a significant European production facility for Alve-OneⓇ, a chemical blowing agent eco-designed to transform the thermoplastic foaming industry.
Solvay’s Alve-OneⓇ unit aims to address the growing demand for safer and more sustainable blowing agents in various consumer and industrial uses, globally. These include automotive, footwear, building & construction, and consumer goods, aiming to reduce carbon footprints in foamed end-products while enhancing overall health and safety standards to protect both people and the environment.
“The inauguration of our Alve-OneⓇ production unit in Rosignano reflects Solvay’s dedication to delivering innovative and sustainable solutions that directly benefit our customers and society,” commented Etienne Galan, President of the Soda Ash & Derivatives business at Solvay. “This facility equips us to effectively address our customers’ evolving needs, while also fostering a positive environmental footprint. It marks a pivotal advancement in our mission to lead transformative change across multiple industries, guaranteeing our customers access to top-tier solutions that meet their highest expectations.”
The inauguration ceremony took place in Rosignano, Italy, with esteemed guests including customers, partners, and Italian authorities. Among the attendees are key players operating in the thermoplastic foaming industry, including those in artificial leather for automotive and fashion, wallcovering, packaging and insulation materials, footwear, yoga mats and other sports apparel sectors.
Alve-OneⓇ solutions have received official recognition as a sustainable alternative for foamed thermoplastics from various organizations. These include the International Chemical Secretariat (ChemSec), the Solar Impulse Foundation, which acknowledged it as an Efficient Solution, Inovyn, which honored it with an Innovation Award and France Chimie, which awarded it with the Pierre Potier Prize.
HANNOVER, Germany — April 18, 2024 — In January 2025, specialty and furniture retailers, wholesalers, interior designers, architects and many other decision-makers will once again find a selection of high-quality textile floor coverings in four halls at the Hannover exhibition grounds – ranging from hand-woven to machine-made woven rugs, antique collector’s items to dirt-absorbing runners and carpets.
Excellence in Design
With the Carpets & Rugs Edition in 2025, DOMOTEX will be focusing on carpets and textile coverings in the odd-numbered years in future, thus opening up new perspectives on the world of carpets. In 2026 and all even-numbered years, the world’s leading platform will once again bring together the entire global carpet and flooring industry under one roof. The organizer has also announced its intention to expand the successful concept from 2024. With the annually changing focus, Deutsche Messe AG is responding to the flooring sector’s vehement request for a biennial cycle, which has been expressed for several years. The current number of registrations for January 2025 confirms the positive response to the new edition of DOMOTEX – Carpets & Rugs. Renowned exhibitors such as AGNI, Choudhary Exports, Bhadohi Carpets, Global Overseas, Heritage Overseas, Jaipur Rugs, Kaleen Lifestyle, Phoenix Carpets, Rugs in Style, Sadiq + Sohn and Satar Carpets have already registered for the upcoming edition.
In response to the difficult market conditions, Deutsche Messe AG is offering cost-effective participation models in addition to individual stands, including special displays and joint stands. “To enable all exhibitors to take part in DOMOTEX at a reasonable price, we have developed a number of all-in-one solutions that we will be launching shortly,” says Sonia Wedell-Castellano. “Our exhibitors can choose the system stand that suits them best from a range of standard sizes. We take care of the stand design. This reduces the effort and, of course, the cost”.
More than an Exhibition
In addition to the unique range of products on display at, the international meeting place for the industry will once again be offering an unparalleled supporting program. Under the keynote theme ‘True Connections. Excellence in Design’, DOMOTEX presents the handmade carpet as a collector’s item and design object and at the same time refers to its roots. “The handmade carpet is an ancient cultural asset and a source of fascination that is constantly being reinterpreted and kept alive to this day. DOMOTEX has united the carpet industry for over three decades here in Hannover. As the world’s leading trade fair for carpets, it is important for us to play an active role in shaping the future of the global carpet industry, to inspire and to impart knowledge about this unique craft,” explains Sonia Wedell-Castellano, Global Director DOMOTEX, Deutsche Messe AG.
As a global marketplace and source of inspiration, DOMOTEX has been at the heart of the carpet industry since 1989, providing answers to the questions that drive the sector. The upcoming Carpets & Rugs Edition will provide information on current and future interior trends in the form of Mood Spaces, which were first introduced in 2023 and 2024. In the spirit of concept stores, these curated room installations will provide insights into how products can be combined to create a themed world.
The international Carpet Design Awards (CDA), organized by COVER and HALI magazines, have been an integral part of DOMOTEX for many years. Next year, the world-renowned competition for excellence in carpet design and craftsmanship will celebrate its 20th edition, offering a unique opportunity to discover the best in contemporary handmade rugs and to celebrate the artistic world of carpets. The CDA is complemented by a conference program, which includes speakers from the fields of interior design, trend scouts, skilled trades and retailers.
DOMOTEX Worldwide
DOMOTEX Middle East (23 – 25 April 2024 in Dubai) is the international carpet and flooring event for the Middle East region including Turkey. The event belongs to Deutsche Messe AG Hannover and is organized by Dubai World Trade Center.
DOMOTEX asia/CHINAFLOOR (28 – 30 May 2024 in Shanghai) is the largest international flooring show in the Asia-Pacific region. VNU Exhibitions Asia, Hannover Milano Fairs Shanghai (a subsidiary of Deutsche Messe and Fiera Milano) and Build Your Dream jointly organize the show.
LONDON — April 18, 2024 — adidas has launched its TECHFIT CONTROL BRA engineered with RHEON LABS® to introduce a new era of hi-tech breast support to women. The sports bra features the RHEON™ reactive super polymer, which adapts to support the breast during high intensity movements. This provides women with the support they need, when they need it most, whilst also maximising their running performance.
The Science of Support
To research into the science behind poor breast support within sports, adidas & RHEON LABS® collaborated with Joanna Wakefield-Scurr, Professor of Biomechanics and her team at the University of Portsmouth alongside their specialist breast biomechanics laboratory. The findings revealed that poor breast support causes the entire body to compensate for this movement, with research showing this can lead to reduced running performance. Additional findings show that:
Poor breast support for runners can lead to a reduction in stride length of up to 4cm, with wearers becoming more hesitant to stride out
Over a marathon distance, that’s a whole mile lost if you run wearing poor breast support
Two decades ago when Professor Joanna Wakefield-Scurr set up a pioneering research group in breast health at the University of Portsmouth, there were only 6 scientific studies on the biomechanics and support requirements of the breast, while there were 1000’s of studies on sports shoes
Olga Kravchenko, Head of Design at RHEON LABS® said:
“In sport, everybody should feel inspired by what their bodies can achieve but women’s needs are historically underserved when it comes to sportswear designed to support the female form. Sports bras are a foundational piece of kit, but research into the category uncovered vast dissatisfaction from women who weren’t being properly supported.”
A recent 2023 study from the University of Memphis noted that 72 per cent of women experience breast pain when running, making this a significant barrier to many forms of sport. The research also shows that good breast support can improve the runner’s performance by 7%.
Kravchenko continues “This is where RHEON LABS® comes in. The RHEON™ strips adapt to support the breast in high-intensity movements, to give women the support they need, when they need it most. Our mission was simple – we want to empower more women to experience sport without restraint.”
Advanced support technology
The strips of highly strain rate sensitive RHEON™ polymer are strategically placed across the breast tissue. Like running on wet sand, it only hardens under intense movement, then returns to being soft and pliable. This provides all-around support during activity without being restrictive or overly compressive.
Strands are designed using proprietary ‘geometries’ by RHEON LABS®. The shape, size and placement of each piece is ergonomically designed using computer modelling to offer the optimal support for key muscle groups during exercise.
Innovative features offer elite performance
RHEON LABS®’ third collaboration with adidas paves the way for hi-tech support and minimise the energy caused by the breast in more vigorous forms of exercise. This allows women to focus on moving, jumping and running without the negative constrains of poor breast support, empowering women to be more fearless in their movement and optimise their performance.
Liz Yelling, British Double Olympian said:
“When you’re exercising or competing, you do not want to think or worry about anything else. Having comfortable, well-fitting sports clothing is essential to your best performance and it is exciting to see that RHEON LABS® have invested so much into tackling the real problems women face with ill-fitting bras and the barriers to exercise that this creates.”
adidas and RHEON LABS® first joined forces to design and unveil apparel with reactive support by launching TechFit Control collection in March 2023. In September 2023, adidas launched its second apparel collection featuring RHEON™ technology from RHEON LABS® -the Adizero Control running collection.
RHEON™ will be used on the adidas athletics kits for team GB, France & Ethiopia at the Paris 2024 Olympics. (detail: RHEON™ will be prominent on the athletics sprint suits on the legs, backs & busts of these federations athletes).
Where to find the TECHFIT CONTROL BRA
The Techfit Control x RHEON™ Sports Bra will be available online at adidas.com, priced at £65 and available in sizes 32A,B to 48E,G. Check adidas.com for the latest stockist and pricing information.
At ITMA 2023, companies presented their novel developments that are assisting the fashion industry in providing customers with ergonomic apparel.
By Reza Kamali Miab
Ergonomic apparel seeks to optimize comfort, functionality and efficiency for the wearer. Customers can benefit from ergonomic garments, not just from increased comfort, but also in injury prevention. Safety is intertwined with physical ergonomics topics. Effective ergonomic design can optimize pressure distribution, and reduce impact force and discomfort. Ergonomic garments provide users with advantages such as positive impacts on human performance and health, mental workload, decision-making, skilled performance, human reliability, and productivity1.
There are many parameters including proper fit, pressure and fabric tension on the skin, and friction between fabric surface and the skin that should be met in well-designed ergonomic, and comfortable apparel. Implementation and development of ergonomic parameters in textile products requires developments on the production lines. Many enterprises work on providing textile firms with equipment which can assist them to meet ergonomic garments requirements in their production. Nowadays, comfort and fit are top priorities for individuals when selecting apparel.2,3,4 Many parameters should be considered in designing ergonomic garments. Finding the proper fit plays an important role in this matter. At ITMA 2023 in Milan, Italy, several companies presented products to facilitate the production of well-fitting and ergonomic clothing. This paper introduces some of them and their developments in facilitating the manufacturing of ergonomic apparel.
Customization With 3D Body Scanning
Over the past two decades, some studies have been conducted regarding the use of 3D body scanning techniques to help with fit in apparel production.5,6,7 This technology has aided the textile industry in various areas from the classification of body shapes to finding the alterations of body dimensions in different postures.8,9
Customized Avatars
Pattern-making is one of the earliest steps in apparel production. Nowadays, many fashion designers benefit from computer-aided design (CAD) software when developing new apparel. To design fit garments, designers need a 3D avatar with a great similarity to real body shapes. AUDACES is an Italian-Brazilian company that has considered this issue when developing products. Audaces has been active in different areas of the fashion industry for more than three decades offering a pattern plotter, fabric layers spreader, pattern conveyor cutter, and a wide range of software that are requirements of all garment, fashion, technical clothing and upholstery productions, among other technologies.
The avatar in AUDACES’ 3D Software
Before garment production, 3D visualization software provides the ability to check garments on 3D avatars. Besides the aesthetic aspect, comfort and fit parameters play an important role in pattern making. Realistic avatars provide a real perception of fit and comfort for designers in pre-production steps. Audaces offers a 3D visualization software called AUDACES 3D. The company has equipped its software with the ability to import the client’s 3D body scanning photographs as a customized avatar, which allows the designer to understand how the garment will look on the body in reality. AUDACES also has added the capability to import customized avatars by using 3D body scanning techniques. Customized avatars represent the client’s body shapes and designers can adjust the patterns on the realistic body shape. To produce garments and gear for users with unique body types, including individuals with some diseases and disabilities, this technique becomes more important and helpful. This technique can provide disabled individuals with their desired fit and comfortable garments by aiming at measuring accurate and precise body sizes and simulating the morphological shape of clients with atypical skeletal structures and physical deformations such as scoliosis patients10. As a result, the designer is able to check the tension on the avatar and make adjustments or redesign the clothing patterns — if they are needed — to meet desired fit. Furthermore, designers can drape fabrics onto the mannequin to simulate the natural fall and behavior of the fabric on the human body. This enables them to visualize and adjust the pattern’s shape, seams, and proportions for optimal fit and aesthetics. Companies can reduce their physical prototype, consequently, this technology helps in sustainably saving time and resources, and also it positively impacts customer satisfaction levels.
The Pattern Room booth at ITMA 2023
Classified Clothing Patterns
Australia-based Pattern Room presented a comprehensive clothing patterns database that is a game changer for designers and garments at ITMA 2023.
The main aim of this company is to provide a comfortable fit for clients. Experts in this company believe that fit is not size. Individuals, in addition to the right size, should consider the fit in garments to feel comfortable. Pattern Room describes fit using six different categories including compression, tight, slim, regular, loose, and oversized. Designers should consider what the client is looking for to cover the blanks to fit. To benefit from the Pattern Room database, the type of garment should first be selected. Customers can easily find the desired styles in the next step. In the final step, clients choose sizing and then patterns are quickly ready to purchase.
Pattern Room offers a comprehensive database aimed at resolving fit issues encountered by garment manufacturers and tailors. Designers can identify perfectly fitting garments for customers, which serve as representatives of the desired fit and size. The company utilizes a 3D body scanning technique to collect diverse body shapes, creating an optimized dimension database. Designers can then access clothing patterns which are classified by gender and body styles in this database for subsequent garments, ensuring consistent fit and customer satisfaction. This approach minimizes product returns and refund requests, leading to happier customers and potential positive reviews, ultimately contributing to increased profitability. Through the usage of this dataset, grading processes could become much easier and quicker for apparel designers and manufacturers. The Pattern Room’s garment patterns, developed through 3D visualization, are cost-effective, increase productivity, and reduce design process time, offering sustainable solutions for the fashion industry.
CAD Modelling Mannequins at ITMA 2023
Customized Mannequins
Italy-based Cad Modelling S.r.l. targets fit, safe and ergonomic apparel. It has developed its tailor mannequin concept to evolve fit in the apparel industry. At the same time, it has developed technology in mannequin production that saves time and resources in a sustainable way. The company presented a technique to create customized mannequins during ITMA. The technology uses 3D body scanning technology to scan individuals’ whole bodies or parts of their bodies. The process captures the shape and dimensions of the person’s body and creates a digital 3D model. This photo capturing is performed by 3D scanned sensors and may be from the full body or only of a specific body part such as the hand, head or foot to produce mannequins that can be used to design customized and well-fitting gloves, helmets, footwear or other specific gear. The scanned photos are exported in “.stl” or “.obj” files for further processes. Scanning has to be done in static status and the quality of sensors used in the body scanning directly impacts the quality of the results. It is clear that to achieve the best results, higher quality scanner sensors should be used. The exported files obviously can be used as customized avatars for CAD purposes in 3D visualization software.
For the further step of production, CAD Modelling utilizes the Computer Numerical Control (CNC) technology which is automated machinery controlled by computer programs to precisely cut, shape, and carve fiberglass. They selected fiberglass as a substance because it is strong and light enough to be a proper material to make durable and easy-to-use mannequins for seamsters. CAD Modelling exhibits how CNC can be valuable and efficient for the fashion industry. First of all, 3D body scan files are imported into 3D modeling software to refine and optimize the model. During this step, adjustments can be made and imperfections are cleaned up, if needed, then digital models for CNC processing are prepared. The company believes that CNC is the best option to make mannequins with the highest level of accuracy and similarity with the original models. Utilization of the CNC technique in the fashion industry is very rare and it is hard to find examples of such use. Tailors, seamsters and designers can visualize how the finished garment will look on a body by seeing it on a mannequin that closely represents their measurements and proportions. CAD Modelling creatively not only provides comfortable, well-fitting, and well-designed garments, but also helps the polluting fashion and textile industry to move toward sustainability.
The pressure sensor used in the Multi Pressure Tester
Pressure Measuring Device
As mentioned previously, fit is one of the most important parameters of ergonomic apparel. Many companies have created clothing patterns, avatars, and mannequins that are precisely similar to real body shapes to provide designers with the tools to design beautifully fit garments for their clients.
But to test and find the fit issues, monitoring the pressure of garments, gear, or footwear on the skin is necessary. Manufacturers need equipment to measure the pressure to find peak pressure and evaluate the level of pressure that is safe and practical for users. To meet standard levels of pressure and reduce the risk of injuries to end users, clothing patterns may need to be modified or redesigned. There are many different types of pressure sensors, but they must be feasible to be embedded and fixed inbetween the internal layer of the garment and the user’s skin.
At ITMA 2023, Switzerland-based Swisslastic AG presented an apparatus named the Multi Pressure Tester. This device is a multipoint probe system offered in two models including MPT-4 and MPT-7, which are equipped with four and seven sensors respectively. The sensors can be applied on most parts of the body including the foot, knee, elbow, abdomen and lumbar. The tester is compatible with a wide range of garments such as socks, underwear, sportswear, sports bra and shapewear, among other garments.
The SWISSLASTIC Multi Pressure Testing at ITMA 2023
The device was demonstrated in the company’s booth during ITMA 2023. At first, the operator applies the probes to the skin, then puts the garment on, and finally connects the probes to the multipoint hub to start measuring pressure. These sensors are also able to be installed on mannequins. Swisslastic mentioned that portability and user-friendliness are the most noticeable and considerable advantages of this device. The range of pressure measurement by this equipment is 5 to 70 mmHg. The probes are designed with a 50 millimeter diameter and are flat, so they do not overstretch the garment or bother users during testing. At the end of the test, the results are shown on the screen of the device and can be transferred to the computer for further analysis. Multi Pressure Tester is a significant technology to find the right amount of pressure for designing ergonomic apparel and plays an important role in functional garments like sportswear, military clothing, firefighters’ turnout suits, and protective hospital clothing.
Utilization of pressure sensors in the textile industry to design ergonomic garments is a growing technique and the demands on it from the market are rising in comparison with the past. As a proof of concept, Iran-based MR-KNIT Group — a producer of yarn tension meters — considering the increasing demand for the pressure meter of garments and has started to make pressure sensors, which demonstrates how much demand is increasing for this technology.
Conclusion
Since the demand for comfortable and well-fitting apparel is rising among consumers, designing and producing clothing that meets ergonomic parameters plays an important role in achieving market share. The tendency of individuals to wear comfortable garments is rising. It is the fashion and textile industries’ responsibility to design and produce ergonomic clothing to meet this demand. Fit is one of the most significant parameters of ergonomics and should be considered by designers. The textile and fashion industry by manufacturing ergonomic garments is not only able to improve the level of client satisfaction but also moves towards sustainability by saving time and resources, increasing the lifetime of garments, and reduction in return rates. This enhances customer satisfaction, consequently, it could reduce the chances of returns and waste. The high return rate negatively impacts environmental sustainability and increases greenhouse gas emissions11.
At ITMA 2023, companies presented their novel developments that are assisting the fashion industry in providing customers with ergonomic apparel. By benefiting from the 3D scanning technology, CAD Modelling creates customized mannequins, the Pattern Room has prepared a wide range of well-fitting clothing patterns for various body shapes and AUDACES 3D can import customized avatars for each client. As a representative of Swisslastic mentioned, the probes of its multi pressure device can be applied to the body as well as on mannequins. Combining this technology with customized mannequins can have significant effects on easing the production of ergonomic apparel. All these products provide garment manufacturers with developed requirements to produce more comfortable and fit garments for customers. As a result of ergonomic garment production, the textile and fashion industry become more sustainable and environmentally friendly due to the reduction in resource consumption and waste, saving time, and increasing the level of consumer satisfaction.
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Editor’s Note: Reza Kamali Miab is a Ph.D. student at the NC State Wilson College of Textiles, Raleigh, N.C. His major is Textile Technology Management with a minor in Industrial Systems and Engineering. His area of research is in clothing comfort and ergonomics.
Integrated into clothing, the device can control mobile apps, enter passwords and play video games
By Joey Pitchford
A new study from NC State University combines three-dimensional embroidery techniques with machine learning to create a fabric-based sensor that can control electronic devices through touch.
As the field of wearable electronics gains more interest and new functions are added to clothing, an embroidery-based sensor or “button” capable of controlling those functions becomes increasingly important. Integrated into the fabric of a piece of clothing, the sensor can activate and control electronic devices like mobile apps entirely by touch.
The device is made up of two parts; the embroidered pressure sensor itself and a microchip which processes and distributes the data collected by that sensor. The sensor is triboelectric, which means that it powers itself using the electric charge generated from the friction between its multiple layers. It is made from yarns consisting of two triboelectric materials, one with a positive electric charge and the other with a negative charge, which were integrated into conventional textile fabrics using embroidery machines.
Rong Yin, corresponding author of the study, said that the three-dimensional structure of the sensor was important to get right.
“Because the pressure sensor is triboelectric, it needed to have two layers with a gap in between them,” Yin said. “That gap was one of the difficult parts in the process, because we are using embroidery which is usually two-dimensional. It’s a technique for decorating fabric,” he said. “It’s challenging to make a three-dimensional structure that way. By using a spacer, we were able to control the gap between the two layers which lets us control the sensor’s output.”
Data from the pressure sensor is then sent to the microchip, which is responsible for turning that raw input into specific instructions for any connected devices. Machine learning algorithms are key to making sure this runs smoothly, Yin said. The device needs to be able to tell the difference between gestures assigned to different functions, as well to disregard any unintentional inputs that might come from the cloth’s normal movement.
“Sometimes the data that the sensor acquires is not very accurate, and this can happen for all kinds of reasons,” Yin said. “Sometimes the data will be affected by environmental factors like temperature or humidity, or the sensor touches something by mistake. By using machine learning, we can train the device to recognize those kinds of things.
“Machine learning also allows this very small device to achieve many different tasks, because it can recognize different kinds of inputs.”
The researchers demonstrated this input recognition by developing a simple music playing mobile app which connected to the sensor via Bluetooth. They designed six functions for the app: play/pause, next song, last song, volume up, volume down and mute, each controlled by a different gesture on the sensor. Researchers were able to use the device for several other functions, including setting and inputting passwords and controlling video games.
The idea is still in its early stages, Yin said, as existing embroidery technology is not capable of easily handling the types of materials used in the creation of the sensor. Still, the new sensor represents another piece of the developing wearable electronics puzzle, which is sure to continue picking up interest in the near future.
The paper, “A clickable embroidered triboelectric sensor for smart fabric,” is published in Device.
Some exhibitors at ITMA 2023 offered innovations in design, labeling and traceability to help move the industry move towards circularity as well as meet European Commission sustainability standards.
By Calvin Huelsman
Excessive consumption and waste brought about by the overproduction of textile and apparel goods has produced the need for sustainability standards imposed by the European Union (EU) in order to facilitate the circular transition. The ITMA 2023 trade show in Milan showcased many of the steps businesses and organizations have taken towards circularity. This article highlights new developments in ecodesign, sustainability information requirements, verification of green claims, and how education and training drives circular innovation.
The Issue
The EU’s announcement of the Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles in the spring of 2022 highlighted a range of industry measures that will be enforced in the near future to greatly reduce textile overproduction, consumption and waste to protect environmental and human health. The impacts of the strategy were evident at the ITMA 2023 trade show in Milan, where businesses and organizations from across the industry showcased their contributions to developing the circular economy in Europe. The goal of the circular economy is to develop products that utilize a transparent, closed supply chain loop by reducing, reusing and recycling previous material inputs as well as collecting and remanufacturing production and post-consumer waste. Transitioning to the circular economy has become recognized as a necessity for the textile and apparel industry as global fiber production has nearly doubled from 58 million tons in 2000 to 109 million tons in 2020, and will grow by an additional 34 percent by the end of this decade if production continues at the present pace, according to the Lamesa, Texas-based Textile Exchange. This increase in production creates a massive strain on virgin resources as currently less than 1 percent of the global fiber market consists of pre- and post-consumer recycled textiles1. Several major challenges have been identified as a cause for low rates of textile recycling, including high costs of collection, difficulties sorting blended fabrics, inconsistent material flow, and low demand for recycled products2. To combat these issues, many companies and organizations who attended the ITMA trade show have begun implementing innovative solutions across all aspects of the value chain.
This article highlights research and innovations made by companies and organizations to address several of the strategies outlined by the European Commission. The article does not address all proposed strategies, but rather focuses on key actions consumer goods manufacturers can take to increase their customers interaction in the circular economy by producing products using elements of ecodesign, transparent product information, verifiable sustainability claims, and how research and innovation drives these strategic actions into practice through education and skill development for a circular workforce. Consumers’ interactions with higher quality, sustainably designed products that utilize clear, traceable labeling creates heightened awareness of the benefits of circularity and has potential to increase consumer participation in the circular economy.
Ecodesign
Up to 80 percent of environmental impacts are determined in the design stage3. Rethinking the product design process is the first step to transitioning to a circular economy from a linear one. Ecodesign is the process of creating a product that has an extended lifecycle so that it lasts longer for its intended purpose and retains value after that intended purpose has been exhausted. Product failure due to poor quality has been cited as one of the primary reasons for a consumer to discard a textile product3. Creating products made of higher quality materials that are designed to be repaired and remanufactured is essential to reducing the footprint of textile production.
Designing products to be more easily recyclable is another aim of the EU’s ecodesign requirements. Currently, textile products that use blended fibers or elastane are extremely difficult and expensive to recycle which greatly hampers the feasibility of commercially recycling these products.
The Germany-based Institute for Textile Technology (ITA) Augsburg gGmbH’s Recycling Atelier is facilitating a path for secondary raw materials to be created into new, high-quality textile products by specializing in the development of circular concepts like upcycling and cycle-oriented product design such as Design4Recycling. These concepts are then used to fabricate real products in their Makers Factory where previously collected secondary textile materials are mechanically recycled and spun into yarn. ITA Augsburg then shares the knowledge gained in its closed loop facility by utilizing its space as a Learning Factory to train and further educate industry professionals on circular development at their own companies.
Another organization that has taken a different approach to developing ecodesigns is Science Park Borås, Sweden. The research park connects universities, businesses and municipalities by developing circular business models that challenge the traditional cradle to grave concept. It has been successful in incubating a range of circular entrepreneurial projects by connecting innovators in its in-house makerspace and online CircularHub. One such project connected designer Stina Randestad with the city of Gothenburg to create upcycled work clothes from discarded healthcare uniforms. The new clothes were worn by volunteers of the industry climate initiative, Greentopia, at the Way Out West music festival last August.4 The project was able to repurpose over a hundred garments and extend their life indefinitely as the new clothes were made with ecodesign techniques like exchangeable logos, enabling them to be rented for use at future events. While making a relatively small impact to reduce textile waste, the project demonstrates an effective and retraceable circular business model which has the potential for further growth across the industry.
Information Requirements And Digital Passport
Accessible product information about relevant sustainability features is important for clear communication between producers, consumers, and recyclers. In the EU, regulations already exist concerning some aspects of textile product labeling which requires disclosure of fiber composition and indication of non-textile parts of animal origin5. However, current regulations do not address the environmental or social impact of a textile product. As part of the EU strategy, a digital product passport (DPP) requiring information to meet circularity and environmental requirements for all textile products will be in effect by 2030.
Several companies at ITMA 2023 developed their own takes on how these information requirements could be presented on textile products. Switzerland-based Norsel Textilmaschinen AG is a greige fabric labeling system which utilizes a barcode system in conjunction with RFID technology that contains fabric information in a clear, uniform label heat pressed directly onto the fabric, as shown in Figure 2. Norsel claims its technology helps fabric manufacturers reduce waste from human error while providing full inventory control with ease of sorting. The labeling system provides information valuable to recyclers including fiber composition, type of weave or knit, size, and origin that can be utilized to facilitate the ecodesign of new products made from the material. In the coming years there will be opportunity for this labeling technology to include additional information, because of impending sustainability and circularity disclosure requirements.
Another Switzerland-based company making product information more readily available is Haelixa. By utilizing a proprietary DNA marker, Haelixa is able to physically mark and trace products at any point in the value chain. The DNA marker is applied by a spray which encodes information into a wide range of natural and synthetic fibers, yarns, fabrics, and non-textile products. Manufacturers and consumers benefit from this transparency by interacting with a QR code printed on the label of any textile or apparel product, where information relating to supply chain data, sourcing maps, and/or test results is displayed.
Green Claims For Truly Sustainable Textiles
A recent screening of sustainability claims in the textile, garment, and shoe sector indicated that up to 24 percent of current claims could be false or deceptive, according to the European Commission. In response to the greenwashing that continues to plague the textile and apparel industry, the European Commission has adopted a proposal for a new “Directive on Green Claims” empowering consumers for the green transition. New rules will ensure consumers are provided with information on products’ durability and reparability before purchase6. Additionally, general positive environmental claims will now only be allowed if underpinned by the EU Ecolabel or type I ecolabels, which are voluntary, independently verified sustainability labels based on a products life cycle assessment. By tightening regulations around green advertising, consumer confidence in companies’ sustainable marketing claims can be gradually restored.
Present at ITMA for the fifth consecutive time, Zurich-based OEKO-TEX® displayed how its production verification strategies can create a more transparent textile and apparel industry. Making its debut in 2016, OEKO-TEX® ECO PASSPORT independently certifies that chemicals, colorants, and auxiliary materials used in leather and textile products are not harmful to human health or the environment. ECO PASSPORT acts as precertification for the further safety and sustainability certifications, OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 and LEATHER STANDARD. To validate environmental manufacturing claims, companies can submit their production facilities for review and achieve the STeP certification. The STeP certification ensures environmentally friendly production processes throughout the entire supply chain. In addition to the OEKO-TEX® ORGANIC COTTON label, the final certification a product can receive from OEKO-TEX® is the MADE IN GREEN label. This traceable label is reserved for products that are manufactured in environmentally friendly facilities using socially responsible labor and have been through extensive testing for harmful substances. Consumers have transparent access to all information regarding all materials used and even the exact production facility where each step of the supply chain is completed by scanning a QR code on the product’s label.
Figure 2: Oeko-Tex® Made in Green label
Italy-based Centro Tessile Cotoniero e Abbigliamento S.p.A. (Centrocot) is an independent laboratory and research institute that offers third party textile testing services to validate claims made by companies about their products. Accredited by ACCREDIA, Centrocot’s state-of-the-art labs offers a range of sustainable development services such as environmental performance assessments, green chemistry and supply chain traceability. Centrocot is able to validate ecolabel requirements according to the ISO 14020 series of standards, which approves a product for the Environmental Product Declaration (EPD). The EPD is based on a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) which analyzes environmental pressures associated with production by quantifying impact on environmental indicators such as climate change, eutrophication, water scarcity, and human and eco-toxicity, among others. This assessment can be expanded upon further through Life Cycle Costing (LCC) which is used to estimate the costs over the entire product life cycle and can be useful for gaining financial and investment support. Additionally, Centrocot offers the ability to conduct a Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) report, allowing all actors involved in production and consumption to have a clear, standardized awareness of a product’s environmental impact. With so many environmental standards and certifications available for textile products, Centrocot assists companies in making the right choice for their product so their consumers can avoid confusion.
Acting as an independent third party, Haelixa’s proprietary DNA can not only provide physically encoded information, but this technology can additionally be used to authenticate claims about sustainability and the supply chain. Forensic testing conducted at Haelixa or partner labs, can validate suppliers’ claims of origin, processing, recycling and quality through the value chain, ensuring that producers receive materials that have accurate properties. Hugo Boss recently used this technology to make claims about the origin of its line of Egyptian cotton dress shirts.
Education And Skill Development
In response to the rapid development of sustainable technologies digitalization in the textile and apparel industry, the EU Commision has outlined a number of key actions under its Pact for Skills for the textile ecosystem launched in 2021. Aimed at addressing the green skills gap that 40 percent of European companies currently face7, actions agreed upon by the commission include increasing diversification of management by up to 5 percent annually, supporting more than 10,000 small-to-medium sized enterprises in digitalization, designing 20 new educational processes, and increasing the offer of apprenticeships by 20 percent, among other actions8.
Many of the research organizations highlighted in this article offer technical training and upskilling, in addition to their innovation and development capabilities. Science Park Borås works as an extension of the University of Borås to develop professionals with advanced knowledge of the latest techniques in sustainable development and digital technologies. For employees who do not have the opportunity to expand their higher education formally, the Science Park offers hands-on workshops and lessons focused on helping companies transition to the circular economy.
As an independent, state-run research institute, the Research Institutes of Sweden AB (Rise) conducts cutting-edge research in a range of scientific fields. Within the textile sector, Rise reviews the current textile recycling processes and the value chain so they can be streamlined and improved. Teams are constantly developing new raw materials and processes using recycled or bio-based materials. In addition to technical research, Rise also offers education and training, acting as a catalyst for circular and digital innovation. Its “Learning by RISE” educational concept offers both short- and long-term training and knowledge sharing for a tailored academic experience for any employee or organization. Courses offered by Rise include cybersecurity training, verification of sustainability data, machine learning seminars, and a range of physical skills training.
Centrocot lends its 30 years of experience by offering specialized technical training for the T&A industry. With the ability to attend in-person or online classes, undergraduate and postgraduates alike are able to attend courses that will offer training in sustainable and digital advancements in the textile, leather and new materials supply chain. These courses are highly experiential and contain an individual project as well as 50 percent of hours dedicated in an internship activity. For companies, Centrocot offers customized, needs-based training, with the ability to utilize an apprenticeship.
Conclusion
Rapid consumption and excessive waste of textile goods has brought about the need for robust sustainability standards imposed by the European Commission to facilitate the development of the circular economy within the textile and apparel industry. To overcome many of the challenges associated with this development, many businesses and organizations present at ITMA 2023 have advanced innovations in ecodesign, product labeling, and traceability that empower their consumers to play an integral role in the circular economy of textiles. For manufacturers, it is recommended that they voluntarily commit themselves to these strategies proposed by the commission, while working exclusively with suppliers and partners who share the same vision for a circular future. Additionally, by supporting the upskilling of employees trained for the green and digital economies, businesses can stay at the forefront of innovation and avoid lagging behind as the circular revolution takes hold.
References
1. Ellen MacArthur Foundation, A new textiles economy: Redesigning fashion’s future, (2017, http://www.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/publications). 2. Jäämaa, L., & Kaipia, R. (2022). The first mile problem in the circular economy supply chains – Collecting recyclable textiles from consumers. Waste Management, 141, 173–182. https://doi.org/https://doi-org.prox.lib.ncsu.edu/10.1016/j.wasman.2022.01.012 3. Botta, V. (2021, April 20). Durable, repairable and mainstream: How ecodesign can make our textiles circular. ECOS. https://ecostandard.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/ECOS-REPORT-HOW-ECODESIGN-CAN-MAKE-OUR-TEXTILES-CIRCULAR.pdf 4. Naumanen, C. (2022, August 9). Science Park Borås dresses Way Out West staff in looped nursing clothes. Science Park Borås . https://scienceparkboras.se/2022/08/science-park-boras-klar-way-out-west-personal-i-loopade-vardklader/ 5. Regulation 1007/2011. Regulation (EU) No 1007/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 September 2011 on textile fibre names and related labelling and marking of the fibre composition of textile products and repealing Council Directive 73/44/EEC and Directives 96/73/EC and 2008/121/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council. http://publications.europa.eu/resource/cellar/85f446fd-05a5-47d7-b0d3-96418710a1e0.0011.02/DOC_1 6. European Commission. (2023c). Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and Council on the substantiation and communication of environmental claIms (Green Claims Directive). Brussels, Publications Office. https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=COM%3A2023%3A0166%3AFIN 7. EURATEX. (2021, March 17). WHICH SKILLS COMPANIES NEED FROM THEIR WORKFORCE. The European Apparel and Textile Confederation. https://euratex.eu/news/which-skills-companies-need-from-their-workforce/ 8. European Commission. (2022b). EU Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles. Brussels, Publications Office. https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:52022DC0141#footnote16
Editor’s Note: Calvin Huelsman is an undergraduate student at North Carolina State University’s Wilson College of Textiles who will graduate in May with a B.S. degree in Fashion and Textile Management, Brand Management and Marketing
CINCINNATI — April 17, 2024 — Standard Textile Co., Inc., a global leader in the healthcare and hospitality textile markets, is proud to announce the launch of its Take-Back Recycling Program. This program underscores the company’s commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship while offering customers a convenient solution for responsible disposal of linens.
“We are thrilled to introduce our Take-Back Recycling Program, which aligns with our mission to promote sustainability throughout our operations,” said Melanie Boyle, Director of Corporate Social Responsibility at Standard Textile. “By partnering with our customers, we can make a significant impact on reducing waste and exploring circularity with our products.”
In its Take-Back program, the company welcomes back retired linens that it then repurposes or downcycles into other products such as carpet padding or automobile insulation.
To test the processes and efficacy of the planned program prior to launching, Standard Textile partnered with two of their hospitality customers with more than 35 properties across the country to conduct a pilot throughout 2022 and 2023.
“We’ve always valued the quality product Standard Textile delivers for our furnished apartments but being invited to participate in the pilot of their Take-Back Recycling program has added another dimension to our partnership,” said Paul DeFruscio, EVP, Asset. “At AVE, we strive to be best-in-class in our industry and that includes having sustainable operations. Since we launched in 2022, we’ve together diverted over 3,000 pounds of linens from landfills to be repurposed or recycled into other products.”
Standard Textile invites participation from its hospitality customers nationwide, with plans underway to explore opportunities in its other markets as well. While there is a minimal fee to cover freight and processing costs, getting started is simple. Customers can reach out to their Standard Textile representatives for more information on how to enroll and how to properly return retired linens.
ORION, MI — April 18, 2024 — Applied Manufacturing Technologies (AMT), North American supplier of automation engineering, specializing in advanced material handling, system integration, and cutting-edge autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) for warehousing and logistics, today announced the strategic hire of Terry L. Kiesling as Business Development Manager.
