FabricLink’s 2018 Top 10 Textile Innovation Award Winners

June 29, 2018 as seen on TrendPriveMagazine.com

The educational resource, FabricLink, announced the winners of it’s 4th annual Top 10 Textile Innovation Awards for 2017-2018. They consist of a wide-variety, ranging from active-wear to sustainable recycling systems. These advancements require thorough research before being launched. In addition, to qualify for the award, development must occur in the previous year and be commercially available during the current year. The overall goal of these advancements, of course, being environmental sustainability.

Image: www.ahlstrom-munksjo.com

Ahlstrom-Munksjo, PureArmor

Protects the wearer and their work environment, such as clean rooms and other sensitive environments. The fabric is strong, soft, highly breathable, with a water-repellent outer layer, and comfortable inner layer for long-time wear.

CORDURA Brand, DuPont Tate & Lyle’s Susterra and DuPont Sorona: 

Susterra – Requires 50% less greenhouse gas emissions & 100% sustainably/renewably sourced; polyurethanes, unsaturated polyester resins, heat-transfer fluids, solar and geothermal systems, low-temperature/food-safe fluids, engine coolants, and deicing fluids.

Sorona – Requires 63% less greenhouse gas emissions and 30% less energy than nylon; this performance fiber derived from corn is one of many sustainable fabrics created by DuPont, who made a formerly chemical process eco-efficient.

“We believe science should learn from nature—that a product is timeless when it’s renewable, and that a single fiber can make a world of difference. We know that we never have to sacrifice performance to be sustainable, or the other way around. To us, finding ways to leave a smaller footprint just comes naturally, so we do it every step of the way.” (source: Sorona.com)

Eastman Naia, cellulosic yarn

Derived from wood pulp using closed-loop manufacturing. It's a comfortable, low-maintenance, hypoallergenic, stain-resistant, moisture managing, high-quality performance fabric.

FilSpec Inc., FireFil

Firefighters and industrial workers use this yarn with a glass filament center. The fabric is flame-resistant, fire-resistant, cut-resistant, and tear-resistant.

Heathcoat Fabrics, DecelAir Superlight

Lightest available parachute fabric, which will be used for the next Mars Rover landing in 2020, thanks to pairing with NASA.

(Image: www.x4jfiber.com)

Lubrizol, X4zol-J

360-degree stretch and support for a breathable, durable fabric with cooling properties. This fabric has a cleaner production process than Spandex and produces a more durable end result.

Paltex, sustainable yarn

Discarded fishing nets and plastic bottles from the ocean are regenerated to produce polyester and nylon fabrics.

Safety Components’, Filament Twill Technology

Firefighters use this lighter, stronger, flexible textile which allows for easier movement.

Honeywell, Spectra Centurion

Law enforcement apparel; high-performance, bullet-resistant; 40% lighter due to extra fabrics, stitching, and webbing being eliminated.

Teijin Aramid, Twaron ComForte SB3

Law enforcement and military use; flexible and lightweight with ballistic protection.

While awareness is necessary for reversing current and preventing future environmental strain caused by the global textile marketplace, it’s only the first step. FabricLink takes it to the next level by recognizing and highlighting the innovative leaders of this movement. Hopefully, this encourages a future where everyone contributes and creates with the environment at the forefront of their minds.