Preview 2022

Preview

need to be substituted with sustainable alternatives and we have looked to the most abundant biopolymer on Earth for help: cellulose.” Elsewhere, UK-based Post Carbon Lab has developed a photosynthetic finish for garments. It inhales carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) and exerts oxygen. The finish uses microbial pigmentation treatment to catalyse its tree-like tendencies. According to the company, during its life cycle a garment coated in the Post Carbon Lab solution can produce the same amount of oxygen as an oak tree. In addition, garments coated with the finish are water resistant and breathable, with advanced antimicrobial and anti-odour properties, the company continues. In addition to sustainability, manufacturing technologies and personalisation appears an increasingly prevalent theme when it comes to

performance textiles. Footwear appears to be one of the core end products propelling these concepts, perhaps as it lends itself to robotic handling; soft goods are still difficult to manipulate and construct, with fabric gripping a key issue, compared with the skill and pace of experienced human operators. While Adidas has been experimenting with its Speedfactory concept for some time, sportswear company Salomon recently opened its Advanced Shoe Factory (ASF) 4.0 in the Auvergne- Rhône-Alpes region, France. The first shoe, the Salomon Captiv ASF 4.0, will be available spring 2022. Salomon, Babolat and Millet are partners and shareowners in ASF 4.0, with all brands located in the region. Such advanced factories also relate to the conversation around reshoring, localised production and the creation of skilled textile and apparel roles in

otherwise lacking regions, such as Western Europe. The group says the factory will create 50 high-skilled jobs in the area, ranging from skilled operators to engineers and programmers. We can assume such roles will only take on a more prevalent role in the realm of textile & apparel with the arrival and integration of next-generation manufacturing. Additionally, the work in advancing footwear manufacturing may catalyse the viability of apparel-orientated production automation. Thus, there is much innovation in the performance space in the products that are being developed and their individual components and also, in the way in which the products are being manufactured. We expect to see much of this innovation at this year’s Techtextil, Texprocess and Heimtextil Summer Special.

What’s new in performance textiles coatings?

WTiN examines some of the latest developments across key textile coating effects, including odour and moisture management, before looking at more novel applications in smart textiles and 3D printing. By Jens Kastner, Sarah Gibbons, Jessica Basey

Summary

1. WTiN explores the various technical performance benefits of coatings.

2. As well as developments in conventional coating roles, such as odour control, moisture management and stretch recovery, this article explores the use of coatings in smart textiles and for textile-mounted 3D printing applications.

Key takeaways

1. The unwaning prevalence of athleisure has widened the relevance and consumer awareness of technical apparel with enhanced properties.

3. Desirable and convenience-driven properties, such as moisture management, odour control and stretch recovery provide competitive means to distinguish product in saturated sports, outdoors and leisurewear markets. 4. As well as conventional applications, coatings are utilised in the development of next generation textile innovations. These include smart textiles and 3D printing, whereby coatings have been implemented to improve durability, execution or functionality.

2. Even the most comfort-orientated fibre blends can be upgraded through functional coatings to enhance or add to the innate properties of the textile..