This week’s news on Innovation in Textiles is dominated once again by fibres stories – from legal disputes to industry awards and from new technologies to capacity expansions and conferences.

Israeli nylon 6.6 fibre producer Nilit, owner of the brand NILIT INNERGY brand, announced this week that it has reached an amicable agreement concerning the termination of any legal disputes related to the usage of FIR (far infra red) fibre technology with Rhodia Poliamida E Especialidades Ltda., owner of the EMANA smart fibre brand.

The agreement apparently includes a mutual withdrawal of all existing litigation procedures and claims regarding global marketing and sales of both the INNERGY and EMANA branded FIR fibre products. The companies have been rowing over intellectual property issues.

Emana is Rhodia’s new polyamide 6.6-based intelligent yarn which incorporates a patented additive offering thermo-regulation properties and improving blood micro-circulation when in contact with the skin for more than six hours. Nilit Innergy, also spun from polyamide 6.6, features a naturally occurring mineral additive in the polymer that creates FIR emissions. The yarn is targeted at circular, hosiery, seamless knitting and wovens.

For background on Far Infra Red fibres, check out these two great articles by Debra Cobb:

Ancient wisdom inspires ‘responsive’ Far Infrared fibres

Part 2: Ancient wisdom inspires ‘responsive’ Far Infrared fibres

Sustainability

However, sustainable materials and fibres continue to hog the limelight though.

Aquafil USA, the producer of Nylon 6 fibres and polymers, has won the best fibre award at NeoCon 2014, a design exposition and conference for commercial interiors. The company was recognised for its ECONYL fibre, made from reused and improved waste polymers, found in fishing nets, carpets and clothing. Read more at – Aquafil wins ‘best fibre’ industry award.

Staying on the ‘green’ theme, Austrian cellulose fibre producer Lenzing has once again been listed in the VÖNIX index (VBV Austrian Sustainability Index) for a one year period. The company has been on the list for the past eight years and has been given a very good rating again this year. Read the full story at – Lenzing listed in Austrian sustainability index.

Still on the subject of sustainability, CEMATEX (European Committee of Textile Machinery Manufacturers), owner of ITMA the largest textile and garment technology showcase held since 1951, has launched an award programme as part of its ongoing efforts to encourage and recognise outstanding industry members and postgraduate students for their contributions to the sustainable development of the global textile and garment industry.

Charles Beauduin, President of CEMATEX, commented at last week’s ITMA ASIA + CITME in Shanghai: “Sustainability, as we all know, is a major concern for global businesses involved in the textile and garment making chain. Hence, we have adopted the theme 'Master the Art of Sustainable Innovation' for ITMA 2015.” Read more at – CEMATEX launches ITMA sustainable innovation award.

Capacity increase for Licocene Performance Polymers

Elsewhere, leading specialty chemicals producer Clariant is increasing production capacity for its Licocene Performance Polymers by 50% at its facility on the Frankfurt-Höchst Industrial Park in Germany. According to the company, the debottlenecking of its existing production line represents a double-digit million Swiss Franc investment, with the additional capacity scheduled to come on stream in Q1 2016. More at – Clariant increases capacity for Licocene Performance Polymers.

Fibre conference

This year’s PCI Fibres Conference 2014 will be held from 6-7 November 2014 in Istanbul, Turkey. The event, with a full programme of papers from the industry and from members of the PCI Consulting Group, aims to offer a comprehensive review of the market as well as a forum for the exchange of ideas in an industry that combines the very oldest skills of craft and design with the very latest technology.

PCI Fibres is a specialist consultancy in fibres and textiles markets.  Its services include multi-client and single-client studies.  The company provides monthly, quarterly and annual reports covering all the textile fibres and certain raw materials. Further details at – PCI Fibres Conference 2014.

Permanent silver based anti-bacterial protection

Meanwhile in India, Ag Flex Technologies, a producer of yarns and fibres, is developing a new range of anti-bacterial products that cover various applications from life saving body armour fabrics to wound care dressings and lifestyle products, using a permanent proprietory metallisation technology.

The company is working under the Flexsil brand to provide microbial protection, serving military, healthcare, home textiles, sports and consumer markets. Read the full story at - Flexsil brand for permanent silver based antibacterial protection.

Looking to source fibres and yarns?

And finally, to coincide with the recent relaunch of Innovation in Textiles, we’ve launched a brand new online directory for technical textiles called Technical Textiles Finder, which does exactly what it says in its name – helps buyers find industry suppliers and products.

It also helps suppliers promote themselves to buyers online. We launched the site to help meet demand for information on suppliers and products and to help companies in technical textiles supply chains to increase their online visibility. Have a look for yourself at – www.technicaltextilesfinder.com.