Textile Innovation

The Textile Innovation Podcast speaks with Stephen Bates, CEO of Rheon Labs. RHEON is a dynamic material that is naturally soft and flexible - it absorbs ultra-high levels of energy by stiffening when subject to force. UK-based company Rheon Labs creates the material, which was born out of NASA and developed at Imperial College in London. In this episode CEO Stephen Bates explains how the material has been developed, its impact and how it has been integrated in the textile and apparel industry. Bates describes how the material has been used in the sportswear sector, for example in sports bras. Rheon also worked on Adidas's sports kits for team GB, France and Ethiopia for the Paris 2024 Olympics - it featured on the legs, backs and busts. Within this episode, Bates further delves into the material's potential in the sportswear category.He also touches upon cross sector collaboration and the other sectors where we could see the material feature. To learn more please visit rheonlabs.com.You can listen to the episode above, or via Spotify and Apple Podcasts. To discuss any of our topics, get in touch by following and connecting with WTiN in LinkedIn, or email aturner@wtin.com directly. To explore sponsorship opportunities, please email sales@wtin.com.

The Textile Innovation Podcast speaks with Pasindu Lugoda, senior lecturer in medical device design at Nottingham Trent University. A research team from Nottingham Trent University, in collaboration with Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR) and Free University of Bozen-Bolzano, have developed washable and durable magnetic field sensing electronic textiles, paving the way for touchless interaction through clothing. In this episode we speak with lead researcher Pasindu Lugoda about the advancements in the field of Smart Textiles. Lugoda delves into how tiny flexible and highly responsive ‘magneoresistive' sensors can be placed within braided textile yarns compatible with conventional textile manufacturing. Nottingham Trent University's department of engineering has a smart wearable research group, which looks into novel wearable materials and systems for sensors, actuators, displays and communications in medical, sport, creative and personal protective equipment sectors.Lugoda explains how smart textiles have progressed and evolved over time. He touches upon how the sector can advance and the challenges it currently faces. To learn more please visit ntu.ac.uk.You can listen to the episode above, or via Spotify and Apple Podcasts. To discuss any of our topics, get in touch by following and connecting with WTiN in LinkedIn, or email aturner@wtin.com directly. To explore sponsorship opportunities, please email sales@wtin.com.

The Textile Innovation Podcast speaks to Ranil Vitarana, chief innovation officer at MAS Holdings. MAS Holdings is an innovation driven apparel company focusing on fashion and lifestyle. It is one of Asia's largest manufacturers of apparel, including intimate wear, sports and performance wear, swim and athleisure among other categories. Through innovation, MAS aims to solve problems faced by wearers and provide apparel solutions that elevate their lifestyle.In this episode Vitarana explores some of these solutions and delves into how innovation works at MAS. In particular, we speak about Twinery, MAS' innovation arm, which develops consumer-driven solutions. Furthermore, Vitarana touches upon the power and potential of cross sector collaboration, leveraging technology from outside of the apparel industry. He also speaks about balancing new technology with cost-conscious consumer demands. We also speak about how MAS has grown its business and how it is adopting sustainable practices. For more information, please visit masholdings.com.You can listen to the episode above, or via Spotify and Apple Podcasts. To discuss any of our topics, get in touch by following @wtincomment and @abi_wtin on X, formerly Twitter, or email aturner@wtin.com directly. To explore sponsorship opportunities, please email sales@wtin.com.

The Textile Innovation Podcast speaks with Jordan Schindler, CEO and founder of Clothing 2.0.Biotechnology company Clothing 2.0, in Conover, North Carolina, US, has developed a patented technology that infuses consistent doses of medicines, vitamins and supplements into yarn that create laundry-safe, reusable healing garments and textile products. We discuss how this category of products gives consumers better control of their health and wellness just by getting dressed. Schindler explains how Clothing 2.0 has developed numerous active ingredient infused products, from anti-fungal to eczema and acne treatments, with significant other applications currently under collaboration with industry leading partners.  Within this episode Schindler explores the company's recent collaboration with The Marena Group, a provider of medical-grade post-surgical compression garments, to assist patients undergoing invasive and minimally invasive aesthetic and plastic surgery procedures. He also touches upon the potential development of these garments with smart textile technology in the future. To learn more please visit clothing2.com.You can listen to the episode above, or via Spotify and Apple Podcasts. To discuss any of our topics, get in touch by following @wtincomment and @abi_wtin on X, formerly Twitter, or email aturner@wtin.com directly. To explore sponsorship opportunities, please email sales@wtin.com.

The Textile Innovation Podcast speaks with Alexa Raab, director of communications and Matthew Cole, brand marketing manager for Sorona at Covation Biomaterials.Covation Biomaterials is a global innovator offering a portfolio of high-performance, sustainable solutions. The company's Sorona brand is ready for many applications. Its unique molecular structure makes the Sorona polymer ideal for a wide range of apparel. We discuss how using different fibre variations delivers performance benefits that matter to eco-conscious consumers. Raab and Cole explain how Covation Biomaterials offer bio-based scalable solutions across a range of sectors. Within this episode Raab and Cole delve into their careers and explain why creating sustainable solutions is so important to Covation Biomaterials' mission and the company's successes to date. The pair explain how the company works together with science to elevate and inspire apparel choices. They also look towards the future and potential bio-based materials in the apparel sector. To learn more please visit covationbio.com.You can listen to the episode above, or via Spotify and Apple Podcasts. To discuss any of our topics, get in touch by following @wtincomment and @abi_wtin on X, formerly Twitter, or email aturner@wtin.com directly. To explore sponsorship opportunities, please email sales@wtin.com.

In this episode WTiN speaks with Mili Tharakan, a smart textile consultant of the Smart Textile Alliance and podcast host of No Ordinary Cloth. Tharakan has spent 20 years working in smart textiles as a designer and researcher. In her podcast No Ordinary Cloth, she delves into the world of textiles and tapestry innovation. In this episode, she speaks with Victoria Nickerson about WTiN's Smart Textiles offering. The pair discuss the changing sector of Smart Textiles and wearable technologies. They delve into how WTiN covers and supports the sector. They share their careers to date and explore what excites them about the textile industry.For more information, please visit noordinarycloth.com. You can also listen to No Ordinary Cloth here.You can listen to the episode above, or via Spotify and Apple Podcasts. To discuss any of our topics, get in touch by following @wtincomment and @abi_wtin on X, formerly Twitter, or email aturner@wtin.com directly. To explore sponsorship opportunities, please email sales@wtin.com.

In this special podcast series, we speak to the winners of the WTiN Innovate Textile Awards 2024.In this episode Federica Valente, marketing manager and Gijsbert Harmsen, senior sales executive at Coldenhove discuss the company's Innovation of the Year award, with their Texcol® Pigment Transfer Printing Paper.  The company's pigment transfer paper enables a one-step, fully waterless process to create vibrant designs on a wide range of materials, from cotton and linen to silk, wool and nylon. The company is known for its innovative paper solutions and serves customers all over the world. Valente and Harmsen discuss how Texcol offers colour brilliance and how it hopes to revolutionise textile production, open new market opportunities and set new standards for sustainable and impactful design. For more information, please visit coldenhove.com.You can listen to the episode above, or via Spotify and Apple Podcasts. To discuss any of our topics, get in touch by following @wtincomment and @abi_wtin on X, formerly Twitter, or email aturner@wtin.com directly. To explore sponsorship opportunities, please email sales@wtin.com.

In this special podcast series, we speak to the winners of the WTiN Innovate Textile Awards 2024.In this episode Tim Li, CEO at Digital Clothing Limited and professor and chair of Textile science and Engineering Henry Li discuss Digital Clothing Limited's Manufacturing and Supply Chain Innovation Award. The company's Fashion Big Data Platform aims to streamline sustainability compliance in supply chain management. It is guided by Green Deal regulations and Digital Product Passports (DPP) requirements. With support from European Union (EU) funding, Digital Clothing Limited's initiative hopes to be a valuable tool for textile manufacturers and brands as they navigate sustainability standards. In this episode, we discuss how the data has been collected and explore how the platform could be scaled up to reach a wider audience. For more information, please visit digital-clothing.co.You can listen to the episode above, or via Spotify and Apple Podcasts. To discuss any of our topics, get in touch by following @wtincomment and @abi_wtin on X, formerly Twitter, or email aturner@wtin.com directly. To explore sponsorship opportunities, please email sales@wtin.com.

The Textile Innovation Podcast speaks to Natalie Grillon CEO and executive director of Open Supply Hub.Open Supply Hub (OS Hub) is a non-profit platform creating accessible global supply chain maps to support upcoming due diligence measures. Recently OS Hub announced a series of multi stakeholder initiatives to encourage members to share supply chain data on the platform. OS Hub shows where global production locations are and who is connected to them and makes that data easy for anyone to work with. The ambition is to collectively map all of the world's production locations, transforming supply chain ecosystems for the 100+ m people working in them.In episode 114 of WTiN's Textile Innovation Podcast, we speak to CEO and executive director Natalie Grillon about the ambitions and development of OS Hub. Starting with the fashion and apparel sector, Grillon details what is driving this desire and need for transparency in supply chains. She touches upon how OS Hub is enabling brands and manufacturers to access the information and how she is supporting global regulations and legislation.  If you would like to learn more, please visit opensupplyhub.org.You can listen to the episode above, or via Spotify and Apple Podcasts. To discuss any of our topics, get in touch by following @wtincomment and @abi_wtin on X, formerly Twitter, or email aturner@wtin.com directly. To explore sponsorship opportunities, please email sales@wtin.com. 

In this special podcast series, we speak to the winners of the WTiN Innovate Textile Awards 2024.In this episode Clare Woodford, vice president, sustainability and impact at Alpine Creations discusses the company's Changemaker Award win. Fighting period poverty with their Dignity Kits, Alpine's creating is rooted in sustainability and social impact. By adopting a circular model that repurposes cutting floor scraps and involving local communities in sewing and production, Alpine Creations is dedicated to environmental and social governance (ESG).  Woodford tells WTiN why this is initiative and innovation is essential to tackling both social injustice and the global problem of textile waste. She discusses the impact that Dignity Kits are having in rural Africa and how the initiative can be scaled. For more information, please visit alpinecreations.com.You can listen to the episode above, or via Spotify and Apple Podcasts. To discuss any of our topics, get in touch by following @wtincomment and @abi_wtin on X, formerly Twitter, or email aturner@wtin.com directly. To explore sponsorship opportunities, please email sales@wtin.com.

The Textile Innovation Podcast speaks to Madelaine Thomas, head of content at WTiN about WTiN's 2025 State of Industry Report.WTiN's latest State of Industry Report is informed by insights from key stakeholders across the industry. It examines the current state of the textile & apparel manufacturing landscape, highlighting crucial trends and offering strategies for success. In episode 112 of WTiN's Textile Innovation Podcast Thomas discusses the findings of the report and shares insights into how the textile & apparel industry will navigate 2025. She analysis the challenges of 2024, which was marked by economic headwinds dampening fashion demand, inflation and persistent supply chain vulnerabilities. Thomas delves into how the industry can learn to navigate a complex landscape shaped by geopolitical uncertainties, evolving regulations, rising costs, environmental shifts and rapid technological advancements. She touches upon the potential of digitalisation and automation within the textile & apparel industry. Additionally, Thomas highlights WTiN's extensive events calendar for the year and discusses our resources including our upcoming digitalisation survey. You can read the full report here. You can listen to the episode above, or via Spotify and Apple Podcasts. To discuss any of our topics, get in touch by following @wtincomment and @abi_wtin on X, formerly Twitter, or email aturner@wtin.com directly. To explore sponsorship opportunities, please email sales@wtin.com.

In this special podcast series, we speak to the winners of the WTiN Innovate Textile Awards 2024.In this episode Allon Cohne, SVP and chief marketing officer at Noble Biomaterials discusses the company's Material Innovation Award win, with their entry titled: Ionic+ Botanical Technology.Noble Biomaterials is a leader in antimicrobial and anti-odour solutions for soft surface applications. The plant-based, renewable citric technology inhibits the growth of microbes that cause odour. Noble is working towards Oeko-Tex and bluesign certification for this innovation. In this episode, Cohne explains how Noble Biomaterials is working with and towards global regulations and certifications such as Oeko-Tex. He goes into the importance of citric technology and how the company hopes to further develop it into the yarns of materials. If you would like to learn more, please visit noblebiomaterials.com.You can listen to the episode above, or via Spotify and Apple Podcasts. To discuss any of our topics, get in touch by following @wtincomment and @abi_wtin on X, formerly Twitter, or email aturner@wtin.com directly. To explore sponsorship opportunities, please email sales@wtin.com. 

The Textile Innovation Podcast speaks to Randy Carr, president and CEO of World Emblem, one of the world's largest emblem and patch manufacturer.World Emblem is one of the world's leading suppliers in high quality decorations. President and CEO Randy Carr has identified three key trends poised to shape the industry in 2025. With clients including Cintas, Vestis, Levi's, New Era, and Perry Ellis, Carr is positioned at the intersection of fashion and functionality. In episode 108 of WTiN's Textile Innovation Podcast Carr discusses how he believes nearshoring will be essential this year, for many midsize manufacturers seeking faster turnaround times, better quality control, and overall cost savings. With a particular focus on US companies, where World Emblem is headquartered, Carr expects  this shift to improve production agility and strengthen supply chain resilience for US companies. He also delves into AI-driven customisation, which he predicts will be the next big wave for manufacturers and will change the textile sector in 2025. During this year Carr predicts over 70% of emblem orders will be customised using some form of AI, with AI streamlining both design and production to meet those demands. Additionally, he says sustainability will become a core expectation from both customers and regulators as more mandates around eco-friendly materials and waste reduction come into play. For more information, please visit worldemblem.com.You can listen to the episode above, or via Spotify and Apple Podcasts. To discuss any of our topics, get in touch by following @wtincomment and @abi_wtin on X, formerly Twitter, or email aturner@wtin.com directly. To explore sponsorship opportunities, please email sales@wtin.com.

In this special podcast series, we speak to the winners of the WTiN Innovate Textile Awards 2024.In this episode Laura Thornquist, president at Fibre52 discusses the company's Sustainability Award win, with their entry titled: Sustainability Advancement Cotton Has Long Needed. The company's patented process and bio-friendly chemistries hope to enable a more efficient and sustainable way to prepare cotton-rich fabrics for dyeing. Fibre52 is confident it has created a drop-in solution that helps reduce water, energy and time. In this episode, Thornquist speaks through how Fibre52's dyeing innovation integrates green technologies into a single sustainable system. She delves into what has prompted the startup to develop solutions for the dyeing and coating sector and explains the importance for more sustainable solutions in the textile industry. For more information please visit fibre52.com.You can listen to the episode above, or via Spotify and Apple Podcasts. To discuss any of our topics, get in touch by following @wtincomment and @abi_wtin on X, formerly Twitter, or email aturner@wtin.com directly. To explore sponsorship opportunities, please email sales@wtin.com.

The Textile Innovation Podcast speaks to Monica Buchan-NG, head of knowledge exchange (sustainability) at Centre for Sustainable Fashion. Centre for Sustainable Fashion (CSF) is a research, education and knowledge exchange centre of the University of the Arts London (UAL) based at London College of Fashion (LCF). Recently it was announced Kering has teamed up with CSF for a new three-year programme called Governance for Tomorrow. Marking the 10th anniversary between the Gucci owner and LCF, the new programme is aimed at addressing governance in the luxury fashion sector, an industry that lacks examined means for leading sustainable transformation, according to CSF. During the three years, the programme will aspire to use creativity as a tool to dissolve barriers and convene experts from across academia, luxury fashion and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to foster new alternative governance models. In episode 107 of WTiN's Textile Innovation Podcast, we speak to Monica Buchan-NG, head of knowledge exchange (sustainability) at Centre for Sustainable Fashion about the partnership and the need for more action at senior management level to action environmental and social change. We explore how the relationship between industry and academia has developed. Buchan-NG also emphasises why change needs to be imminent as fashion lags behind other industries on key sustainability concerns such as responsible production and consumption, decarbonising supply chains and ensuring living wages for garment workers. If you would like to learn more, please visit sustainable-fashion.com. You can listen to the episode above, or via Spotify and Apple Podcasts. To discuss any of our topics, get in touch by following @wtincomment and @abi_wtin on X, formerly Twitter, or email aturner@wtin.com directly. To explore sponsorship opportunities, please email sales@wtin.com.

In this episode Giovanni Henssen, business development manager sustainability at Fibrant discusses the company's Product Innovation Award win, with their entry titled: EcoLactam® and Didriksons: Pioneering sustainable fashion through value chain collaboration. Fibrant's commitment to reducing environmental impact through innovative material choices is commendable. By selecting EcoLactam, the most sustainable nylon precursor from Fibrant, Didriksons demonstrate the potential for significant impact reduction, as supported by shared data. While further validation of durability is encouraged, its focus on sustainable material selection underscores the brand's dedication to environmental responsibility.In this episode, Henssen explains what makes EcoLactam so innovative and shares why winning WTiN's Product Innovation Award is an important milestone for the company. He delves further into the Fibrant's partnership with Didriksons and explores wider industry sustainability challenges. If you would like to learn more, please visit fibrant52.com.You can listen to the episode above, or via Spotify and Apple Podcasts. To discuss any of our topics, get in touch by following @wtincomment and @abi_wtin on X, formerly Twitter, or email aturner@wtin.com directly. To explore sponsorship opportunities, please email sales@wtin.com.

The Textile Innovation Podcast presents Noble Biomaterials' panel discussion on “Supply Chain Collaborations: Solving for Innovation and Certification” at Functional Fabric Fair in November 2024.In this special episode of WTiN's Textile Innovation Podcast, we have partnered with global supplier of antimicrobial and conductive solutions for soft surface applications, Noble Biomaterials.WTiN sponsored Noble Biomaterials' panel discussions at Functional Fabric Fair (20-21 November 2024) in Portland, titled "Supply Chain Collaboration: Solving for Innovation and Certification". The panel featured Noble's SVP and CMO Allon Cohne, and industry leaders from Coolcore, Sustainable Fabric, S-Group, Hohenstein, and HILOS. Together, these experts provided insights on best practices, challenges, and examples of how to leverage collaboration and drive rapid innovation.In episode 105 of WTiN's Textile Innovation Podcast, we present this panel discussion, which explores innovation through collaboration, navigation certification requirements, and sustainable and ethical practices.Noble Biomaterials was the winner of WTiN's Innovate Textile Awards 2024's Material Innovation category for its Iconic + Botanical technology. The groundbreaking innovation is a testament to Noble's dedication to pushing the boundaries of material science. If you would like to learn more, please visit noblebiomaterials.com.You can listen to the episode above, or via Spotify and Apple Podcasts. To discuss any of our topics, get in touch by following @wtincomment and @abi_wtin on X, formerly Twitter, or email aturner@wtin.com directly. To explore sponsorship opportunities, please email sales@wtin.com.

In the final episode of 2024, the Textile Innovation Podcast speaks with the WTiN content team.2024 has been a huge year for WTiN and in this final episode of the year members of the content team come together to discuss are greatest achievements of the year including our first in-person event in China.Lucy-Anna Stallard, event coordinator; Jessica Basey, business innovation lead and consultancy lead; Otis Robinson, editor and channel lead digitalisation; and Joseph Link, senior editor and digital textiles lead come together to speak about the biggest trends of the year that have shaped the textile industry.The team share their insights on topics and sectors from printing and industry 4.0 to sportswear and apparel. The also speculate on how these will develop in 2025 and delve into upcoming regulations and uncertainty in trade relations that are surfacing in the industry.You can read WTiN's Digital Transformation Survey: Manufacturers here and our latest dissection of textile-to-textile recycling. Read more from WTiN at WTiN.com.You can listen to the episode above, or via Spotify and Apple Podcasts. To discuss any of our topics, get in touch by following @wtincomment and @abi_wtin on X, formerly Twitter, or email aturner@wtin.com directly. To explore sponsorship opportunities, please email sales@wtin.com.has context menu

Knitwear Lab develops smart technological applications for knitwear. At its Lab in Almere, the Netherlands, its team of programmers and designers develop prototypes and run small productions. The team of knitwear specialists combine material research with the latest knitwear technologies. For example, Knitwear Lab has developed virtual kitting, a method of industrial knitwear development, which has the potential to create new opportunities for sustainable, cost-efficient and design-driven sample development and knitwear production. Using Knitwear Lab's extensive knitwear knowledge combined with the latest 3D software and Stoll Create Plus, a massive waste from sample and pre-production stages can be reduced. In episode 104 of WTiN's Textile Innovation Podcast, we speak to founder Thijs Verhaar owner of Knitwear Lab and Lyske Gais, founder of virtual knitting, about the potential for digital solutions in the knitwear sector. We explore how the sector has developed and the potential for modern technologies moving forward. Knitwear Lab offers a huge range of educational resources and in January 2025 will launch a funding round, to enhance its offering and training opportunities. If you would like to learn more, please visit knitwearlab.nl and knitwearlab.nl/kl-academy. You can listen to the episode above, or via Spotify and Apple Podcasts. To discuss any of our topics, get in touch by following @wtincomment and @abi_wtin on X, formerly Twitter, or email aturner@wtin.com directly. To explore sponsorship opportunities, please email sales@wtin.com.

Australia's clothing product stewardship scheme Seamless is on a mission to transform the way people choose, enjoy and recycle clothing in Australia. It has been operational since 1 July 2024, launching to drive the textile industry towards circularity and sustainable practices. Seamless addresses the critical problems facing the clothing industry, with over 200,000 tonnes of waste ending up in Australian landfill annually. With the pooled investments raised from member contributions, the priorities for the next twelve months are clear.In episode 103 of WTiN's Textile Innovation Podcast, we speak to general manager industry transformation, Danielle Kent, about the [PREVIEW ENDS] organisation's priorities for the next 12 months to drive the Australian clothing industry towards circularity by 2030. We speak about how Seamless was created by a consortium led by the Australian Fashion Council and the benefits of a stewardship led approach to addressing the challenges of textiles and fashion. If you would like to learn more, please visit seamlessaustralia.com.You can listen to the episode above, or via Spotify and Apple Podcasts. To discuss any of our topics, get in touch by following @wtincomment and @abi_wtin on X, formerly Twitter, or email aturner@wtin.com directly. To explore sponsorship opportunities, please email sales@wtin.com.

The Textile Innovation Podcast speaks to Gillian Ridley Whittle, founder and CEO of ethical underwear and clothing brand Peachaus.Ethical underwear and clothing brand Peachaus was born out of a need to drive positive change in the fashion industry and wider world. The collection of underwear, lifestyle separates and sleepwear is crafted entirely from recycled Italian lace, ethically sourced cotton and sustainable bamboo. In episode 102 of WTiN's Textile Innovation Podcast, we speak with founder and CEO Gillian Ridley Whittle about the evolution of the brand and the wider sustainable and ethical challenges in the lingerie industry. Whittle speaks about her extensive experience in the fashion and textile industry, having held top positions in companies including Topshop, Marks & Spencer and Target. She also touches upon how the lingerie industry has changed and adapted during her career. If you would like to learn more, please visit peachaus.com. This September, Whittle will be at Verve Festival giving one of her Naked Talks on the main stage. This is an event designed to help women feel comfortable in their own skin and have the courage to be themselves.Peachaus has recently launched its latest crowdfunding campaign to expand its sales channels, build its community, and create memorable experiences.You can listen to the episode above, or via Spotify and Apple Podcasts. To discuss any of our topics, get in touch by following @wtincomment and @abi_wtin on X, formerly Twitter, or email aturner@wtin.com directly. To explore sponsorship opportunities, please email sales@wtin.com.

The Textile Innovation Podcast speaks to Michael Markesbery, co-founder and CEO at Solarcore and OROS Labs, about scientifically advanced thermal solutions. Materials technology brand Solarcore utilises the thermal advantages of Aerogel – the NASA-licensed material used to insulate spacecraft in the -450° F vacuum of space. The ultra-thin insulation provides maximum temperature control with minimal loft.In episode 101 of WTiN's Textile Innovation Podcast, we speak with co-founder and CEO Michael Markesbery about how he is using Aerogel in different industries including outdoorwear. Markesbery speaks about the challenges and advantages of using Aerogel in textile manufacturing. He also touches on Solarcore's impressive Series Bfunding round of US$22m. If you would like to learn more, please visit solarcore.tech and oroslabs.com.You can listen to the episode above, or via Spotify and Apple Podcasts. To discuss any of our topics, get in touch by following @wtincomment and @abi_wtin on X, formerly Twitter, or email aturner@wtin.com directly. To explore sponsorship opportunities, please email sales@wtin.com.

The Textile Innovation Podcast speaks to Jeannette Cook, communications manager at the International Wool Textile Organisation (IWTO), about the global wool supply chain and the main challenges it currently faces.The International Wool Textile Organisation (IWTO) is the global authority for standards in the wool textile industry. Since 1930, the organisation has represented the collected interests of the global wool trade.In episode 100 of WTiN's Textile Innovation Podcast, we speak with the IWTO's communications manager, Jeanette Cook, about how the organisation works and the challenges it aims to overcome. We also discuss its work in education and the annual events it holds. Cook details how the IWTO prioritises sheep welfare as it looks to create a more traceable woollen supply chain within the textile industry. She also speaks at length about the organisation's work in creating a sustainable future for the wool trade. If you would like to learn more, please visit iwto.org.You can listen to the episode above, or via Spotify and Apple Podcasts. To discuss any of our topics, get in touch by following @wtincomment and @abi_wtin on X, formerly Twitter, or email aturner@wtin.com directly. To explore sponsorship opportunities, please email sales@wtin.com.

The Textile Innovation Podcast speaks to Meredith Boyd of US-based textile solutions provider Unifi about its hero product Repreve and initiatives to create a sustainable value chain in textiles. Unifi is a global textile solutions provider and leading innovator in manufacturing synthetic and recycled performance fibres. Through Repreve, one of the US-based company's proprietary technologies, Unifi has transformed more than 35bn plastic bottles into recycled fibres for apparel, footwear and other consumer products. In episode 99 of WTiN's Textile Innovation Podcast, we speak with the company's executive vice president and chief product officer at Unifi, Meredith Boyd, about her role in bringing Repreve to a global consumer market. We also discuss how the company continually innovates technologies to meet consumer needs across the textile industry. Boyd also details Unifi's Textile Takeback programme. This initiative collects pre- and post-consumer polyester-based fabric waste before transforming it into raw material. If you would like to learn more, please visit biodiversify.com.You can listen to the episode above, or via Spotify and Apple Podcasts. To discuss any of our topics, get in touch by following @wtincomment and @abi_wtin on X, formerly Twitter, or email aturner@wtin.com directly. To explore sponsorship opportunities, please email sales@wtin.com.

The Textile Innovation Podcast speaks to Katie Fensome of UK conservation consultancy Biodiversify about biodiversity and how fashion businesses can better meet Environmental, Social and Governance targets.Biodiversify is a conservation consultancy advising a range of private, public and third-sector clients who want to act for nature. The company has worked with fashion brands including Primark and Kering – owner of Gucci, Balenciaga and Yves Saint Laurent – to design strategies that incorporate biodiversity and develop sustainable supply chain solutions.In episode 98 of WTiN's Textile Innovation Podcast, we speak with Katie Fensome, principal consultant at Biodiversify about how the consultancy advises the fashion and textile industry to help businesses meet their Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) targets. Fensome explains why collaboration is key to addressing environmental issues, how the consultancy helps companies address biodiversity in their supply chain management and how to overcome challenges that arise in implementing them. If you would like to learn more, please visit biodiversify.com.You can listen to the episode above, or via Spotify and Apple Podcasts. To discuss any of our topics, get in touch by following @wtincomment and @abi_wtin on X, formerly Twitter, or email aturner@wtin.com directly. To explore sponsorship opportunities, please email sales@wtin.com.   

The Textile Innovation Podcast speaks with Dr Yuly Fuentes-Medel of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Fabric Innovation Hub about how academic collaboration is transforming practices within the fashion industry. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology's (MIT)'s Fabric Innovations Hub seeks to answer how academia can benefit industry. The hub fosters a community of experts in fibres and fabrics to promote research, technology, education and innovation in support of the future of the textile industry. In episode 97 of WTiN's Textile Innovation Podcast, we speak with Dr Yuly Fuentes-Medel, project manager for fibre technologies at MIT's Fabric Innovations Hub about the relationship between academia and the fashion industry. She speaks about how the hub operates and both its internal and external partnerships. Fuentes-Medel also touches on her work with the Footwear Collective, which is driving a collaborative and circular approach for the footwear industry by partnering with leading brands, dedicated to scope, develop and scale circular solutions. If you'd like to learn more, please visit fabric-ideas.mit.edu. You can listen to the episode above, or via Spotify and Apple Podcasts. To discuss any of our topics, get in touch by following @wtincomment and @abi_wtin on X, formerly Twitter, or email aturner@wtin.com directly. To explore sponsorship opportunities, please email sales@wtin.com. 

Cotton accounts for roughly 65% of the fibres present in wardrobes worldwide. It is therefore a key discussion topic in the textile industry's transition towards a sustainable future. In episode 96 WTiN's Textile Innovation Podcast, we speak with Alia Malik, chief development officer at Better Cotton, about the company's drive towards a traceable supply chain. Better Cotton is a world-leading sustainability initiative for the natural fibre. Its mission is to help cotton communities survive and thrive, while protecting and restoring the environment.Better Cotton already accounts for 22% of global cotton production. Malik speaks to WTiN about the company's 2030 strategy, within which it launched Better Cotton Traceability at the end of 2023, to make it possible to trace Better Cotton back to its country of origin. She explains how the market is demanding more information and how this aligns with the company's efforts to help farmers access these markets and generate sustainable livelihoods. If you'd like to learn more, please visit bettercotton.org.You can listen to the episode above, or via Spotify and Apple Podcasts. To discuss any of our topics, get in touch by following @wtincomment and @abi_wtin on X, formerly Twitter, or email aturner@wtin.com directly. To explore sponsorship opportunities, please email sales@wtin.com.

This month, WTiN speaks with Daniel Rufenacht, chief executive officer at Bluesign. Based out of Switzerland, Bluesign partners with brands, manufacturers and chemical suppliers, from fibre to finished product, with the aim to make safer workplaces and textile products that are less impactful on the environment and people. Rufenacht talks about the difference between a standard and an index – and why one is far more superior, why collaboration is integral as the current period continues to evolve when it comes to the planet and textiles, and most importantly: how to stay ahead of legislation. Contact Bluesign at bluesign.com/en/. To discuss any of the topics in the episode, get in touch by following @wtincomment and @rubyatwtin on X (formerly Twitter), or email rpenson@wtin.com directly. To explore sponsorship opportunities, email sales@wtin.com.

This month, WTiN speaks with Kris Cody. Founder and chief executive officer at PAKA, a company paving its own path with natural fibres since 2015. The idea of PAKA and traceable alpaca wool came after Cody was in Peru as part of a backpacking trip. After returning home, he booked a one-way flight back over to Peru and lived among the alpaca farmers and their families before starting the company. Now, nine years later, the company has hit a number of impressive milestones.One year after a kick starter campaign that raised over 1700% of its initial target, PAKA released its first activewear: BREATHE, which was forged in partnership with SeaLegacy. Just last year, PAKA released its first traceable alpaca hoodie releases, in partnership with AIA, followed by the release of PAKAFILL® - an ‘ethical' insulation for clothing.Contact Cody at pakaapparel.com. To discuss any of the topics in the episode, get in touch by following @wtincomment and @rubyatwtin on X (formerly Twitter), or email rpenson@wtin.com directly. To explore sponsorship opportunities, email sales@wtin.com.

This month, WTiN speaks with Graham Stewart. He is the man behind a holistic patent-pending process called Fibre 52. The Fibre 52 process is holistic from prep to dye, and mill tests around the globe show it's consistently repeatable. It also is integrated with no added machinery or upfront investment. Stewart talks about certification, sustainability, how the Fibre52 process came to be and how it can help manufacturing processes.Contact Stewart at fibre52.com. To discuss any of the topics in the episode, get in touch by following @wtincomment and @rubyatwtin on X (formerly Twitter), or email rpenson@wtin.com directly. To explore sponsorship opportunities, email sales@wtin.com.

This month, WTiN speaks with Ishan Chathuranga – an e-textiles engineer based in Ontario, Canada. Chathuranga has more than eight years' experience in electronic textile product development, failure analysis, and manufacturing. Chathuranga delves into the issues around scaling e-textiles, stages of development and the need for plug-and-play technology and standardisation.To discuss any of the topics in the episode, get in touch by following @wtincomment and @rubyatwtin on Twitter, or email rpenson@wtin.com directly. To explore sponsorship opportunities, email sales@wtin.com.

Talk of the metaverse, blockchain and artificial intelligence (AI) has taken over the textile industry as of late. This month, WTiN speaks with Eric Benoist – a technology and data specialist at Natixis, a Corporate investment banking company headquartered in Paris, France. We talk about synthetic biology, how AI can help in terms of sustainability and the ethics that go alongside merging science with textiles. To discuss any of the topics in the episode, get in touch by following @wtincomment and @rubyatwtin on Twitter, or email rpenson@wtin.com directly. To explore sponsorship opportunities, email sales@wtin.com.

When looking for more circularity within the textile & apparel industry, most look to existing fibres and ways to elevate them. Keel Labs were on the hunt for something new and looked to the ocean. On this episode of Textile Innovation, WTiN talks to Tessa Callaghan, the chief executive officer and one of the co-founders behind Keel Labs. Based in the US, the company has an eye for innovation, starting with its seaweed-derived yarn called Kelsun that holds a significantly lower carbon footprint compared to legacy fibres. Created using an abundant polymer found in the kelp, Callaghan says Kelsun harnesses the renewable and regenerative power of the ocean. To discuss any of our topics, get in touch by following @wtincomment and @rubyatwtin on Twitter, or email rpenson@wtin.com directly. To explore sponsorship opportunities, email sales@wtin.com

The way most of us know fungi best is by mushrooms. Ecovative's innovation, AirMycelium, is expanding the possibilities of working with mushrooms. This month, WTiN talks to Gavin McIntyre, co-founder of New York-based company, Ecovative. There is huge demand for sustainable and planet-friendly leather alternatives that feel, look and perform like the real thing. Ecovative has a specialised soft goods division called Forager that approaches the problem by using its AirMycelium technology to grow durable, synthetic-free and totally vegan materials for the fashion industry.Grown in only nine days, Forager's AirMycelium hides have a naturally high tensile strength, tear resistance, durability and other traits that are equal to animal leathers. If you want to get in touch with Ecovative, you can find them at forager.bio. To discuss any of our topics, get in touch by following @wtincomment and @rubyatwtin on Twitter, or email rpenson@wtin.com directly. To explore sponsorship opportunities, email sales@wtin.com. 

This month, World Textile Information Network talks to Edwin Keh, the CEO at the Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel or HKRITA ⁠— an applied research center for the textile, apparel and fashion industries. It says it's goal is to engage in useful research, explore enhancements and create new values, applications and solutions for the challenges in the marketplace and in society. Ruby talks to Keh about Industry 4.0, sustainability and some of the innovations that the institute is working on. Like the apron made of a material that eats carbon from the air while it's being worn, an extremely absorbent textile that could help farmers and the world's shortest supply chain that could fit into two 40ft containers. Since opening in 2006, the institute fulfilled its vision of being a leading center of excellence in research, development and technology transfer in fashion and textile industry. Keh shares a multitude of knowledge and insight with WTiN during the episode. You can listen to the episode above, or via Spotify and Apple Podcasts. You can find out more about HKRITA by heading to hkrita.com.To discuss any of our topics, get in touch by following @wtincomment and @rubyatwtin on Twitter or email rpenson@wtin.com directly. To explore sponsorship opportunities, please email sales@wtin.com.

This month,  World Textile Information Network talks to Joel Furey, the founder and chief commercial officer at Noble Biomaterials. The intelligent materials company is based out of Scranton, Pennsylvania in the US and is the home of both Ionic+ and Circuitex – antimicrobial and conductivity solutions.  Its silver-based wearable technologies are used across the textile spectrum from military to performance apparel and healthcare. Furey tunes in from the Electric City to share the company's latest innovations as well as giving his insight and giving a sneak peek at what is coming next for Noble.  You may recognise some of the big-name brands that use Noble's anti-odour technologies, from Lululemon and Athleta to Anta and Mack Weldon, as well as other technologies that are used by NASA, Boeing and Lockheed Martin. Furey also talks about sustainability and what the company does to minimise its effects on the planet – including using predominantly recycled silver from electronics, for example, in its technology. You can find Noble Biomaterials by heading to noblebiomaterials.com, or you can get in touch over Twitter by following @noble_advantage.  To discuss any of our topics, get in touch by following @wtincomment and @rubyatwtin on Twitter or email rpenson@wtin.com directly. To explore sponsorship opportunities, please email sales@wtin.com. 

In this episode of The WTiN Podcast, we talk to Jason Finnis, executive vice president and chief innovation officer, and Caleb Beyers, brand and design manager, at Bast Fibre Technologies.Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Victoria (British Colombia, Canada), Bast Fibre Tech produces 100% plant-based natural fibres for a wide variety of nonwoven applications. Currently it has two products: Sero and Noval. Sero is a multipurpose hemp fibre and Noval is the company's specialty linen fibre.In this podcast, Finnis and Beyers explain why bast fibres are suitable for nonwoven applications and how they can enhance and purify the fibres using Bast Fibre Tech's wet processing, fibre modification and proprietary dry processing techniques. Elsewhere, they discuss overcoming obstacles such as continuity of supply and fibre consistency and explore the potential to replace synthetics with this family of fibres. Lastly, the pair note other potential applications and they make their predictions for where bast fibres might be in the next five to 10 years. 

In this episode of The WTiN Podcast, we talk to Dr Giovanna Graziosi Casimiro, head of Metaverse Fashion Week at Decentraland. Decentraland is a software development company that is creating a virtual world (aka a metaverse) that will grow beyond any centralised control. To accomplish this, the company is building tools and applications designed to help people create three-dimensional (3D) content, games and applications. All of which are hosted and accessed on a fully decentralised virtual reality (VR) platform.In this podcast, Casimiro explains what the metaverse is and what associated terms such as Web3 and NFTs mean, before talking about the company's first Metaverse Fashion Week. Held in March 2022, the event featured runway shows, panel talks, virtual shopping experiences and more. Casimiro explains what brands thought of the event, how they plan to improve it for next year and that it will not ever replace physical experiences but enhance them. Elsewhere, she talks about other opportunities that the metaverse offers textile and apparel companies and she provides her advice on how to get involved.

In this episode of The WTiN Podcast, we talk to Jeffrey Hsu, chief innovation and marketing officer, and Peter Decorte, chief operations officer, at NTX. NTX is a textile innovation and solution company that has developed a hybrid textile colouration system called NTX Cooltrans. Indeed, the pair say it is a mix of digital printing, sublimation and wet dye techniques – something they claim is completely new and unique. In this podcast, Hsu and Decorte explain how the NTX Cooltrans technology came about, how the different machines have evolved, and what the environmental benefits are of adopting the system. They also talk about production benefits regarding the ability to print on both sides of the fabric and how the fewer process steps results in an end product that retains its strength and quality. Lastly, the pair explain the company's plan to roll out the technology through joint ventures and how companies can get their hands on NTX Cooltrans.To find out more about the company, visit www.ntx.global 

In this episode of The WTiN Podcast, we talk to Yoel Fink, Professor of Materials Science at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).  MIT is well-known for its research concerning textiles & apparel, and most recently Fink and his team have developed a ‘fabric that hears'. The fabric works like a microphone, converting sound into mechanical vibrations, then into electrical signals, similarly to how our ears hear.In this podcast, Fink talks about the inspiration for the research and how the aim is to start ‘capturing the soundtrack of our lives'. He talks about how the team have made the fibre and resulting fabric, how it's cost-effective to produce and the cool applications that range from monitoring unborn babies to detecting space dust. Elsewhere, he speaks of the ‘tremendous opportunities with fabrics' and highlights a new course at MIT that combines computing with textiles called Computing Fabrics. 

In this episode of The WTiN Podcast, we talk to Scott Mellin, CEO of LifeLabs. LifeLabs is a materials science company founded by Professor Yi Cui, director of Stanford University's advanced materials laboratory, and Meng Sui, a chemist and CEO of clean-energy foundry EEnotech. The company has developed textile technologies to reduce energy consumption with the aim to shift the way that we think about fabric and its environmental impact.In this podcast, Mellin talks about the company's two thermoregulating technologies – WarmLife and CoolLife – which he describes as a democratic solution to climate change. In fact, Mellin says that wearing these products 365 days per year can help one person to save 1,000 lbs of carbon in that time. Elsewhere, he talks about LifeLabs's holistic approach to sustainability, his opinion on the Higg MSI and how the company's technology could be applied to automotive, upholstery and sportswear in future. 

In this episode of The WTiN Podcast, Jessica Owen interviews Britt Howard, founder of the Portland Garment Factory. Founded in 2008 and based in Oregon, US, the Portland Garment Factory is a full-service manufacturing company that can prototype, design, pattern grade, source fabrics and much more. In this episode, Howard discusses why she founded the company and more about the services she and the team offer. Elsewhere, Howard talks about working with clients ranging from small designers to global brands such as Nike, as well as the company's zero waste manufacturing approach and the appeal of being made in the US. To find out more about the Portland Garment Factory, visit www.portlandgarmentfactory.com 

To kick off 2022, Victoria Nickerson interviews Milon Hossein, a graduate research assistant at North Carolina State University (NC State) in the US. 

The last guest on this year's The WTiN Podcast is Lisa Kennedy, vice president of strategic partnerships at Genomatica. Founded in 2000 and based in San Diego (US), Genomatica develops commercial bio-based products and processes. Having started in the plastics and cosmetics industries, the company has since turned its attention to finding sustainable alternatives to nylon.  In this podcast, Kennedy talks about the company's innovations aimed at the textile & apparel industry such as its bio-nylon and alternative for thermoplastic polyurethan (TPU). Elsewhere, she mentions the challenges associated with developing new chemistries, talks about Genomatica's collaborations with brands including Lululemon and hints at the next solution on the horizon. To find out more about Genomatica, visit www.genomatica.com 

This week's guest on The WTiN Podcast is David Dillon, smart apparel business lead at W L Gore. Founded more than 60 years ago by Bill and Vieve Gore, the company makes everything from consumer products to medical components to fibres and vents. Its most well-known product is arguably Gore-Tex – a waterproof and breathable membrane added to outdoor clothing – and recently it has expanded into wearables. In this podcast, Dillon talks about the company's recent involvement with smart workwear and how it can prevent workplace injuries. Such injuries and illnesses cost companies and insurers an estimated US$250bn annually in direct and indirect costs (according to data from the Economic Policy Institute and an analysis by Accenture) and W L Gore has created a shirt that can monitor motion and analyse if the worker is at risk of injury. Elsewhere, Dillon talks about the challenges with smart apparel such as the lack of standards and washability and how data collection and digitising workwear is the future. To find out more about W L Gore, visit www.gore.com 

This week's guest on The WTiN Podcast is Zimri Hinshaw, CEO of Bucha Bio. Based in New York City (US), Bucha Bio is a biotechnology company that creates materials using bacterial nanocellulose. The company was founded in 2019 and the team plans to use this material to replace animal and plastic leather. In this podcast, Hinshaw talks about how long it takes to create the company's biomaterial, how it was inspired by kombucha and how it has the potential to meet or exceed animal leather production. Hinshaw also describes the material's properties and he provides his thoughts on biodegradability and what the industry might look like in 10 years. Elsewhere, he says the company is working with extruding businesses to optimise the material and plans to open a pilot production facility by next year. To find out more about Bucha Bio, visit www.bucha.bio  

This week's guests on The WTiN Podcast are sales and marketing director Neil Green and technical director Paul Geldenhuys from NUtec Digital Ink. Based in South Africa, the company began its journey in 1995, when it was an early ink manufacturer for airbrush printers used for commercial printing. The company's name and focus has since changed a couple of times after being acquired by Scitex Vision in 2001 and Hewlett Packard (HP) in 2005. Eventually, the original founders of the company created NUtec Digital Ink which now develops and manufactures digital printing inks for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and distributors for the global market.  In this podcast, Green and Geldenhuys talk about the company's interesting history, the different inks it offers and the benefits and limitations to each. They discuss the company's latest products, the different markets it serves and how R&D continually focuses on sustainability and water-based inks. What's more, the pair talk about how Covid-19 was ‘disastrous' for the company for the first few months, but how they believe digital printing and inks has a bright and promising future.   To find out more about NUtec Digital Ink, visit www.nutecdigital.com  

This week's guest on The WTiN Podcast is Martin Flora, VP, Business Development, Green Theme Technologies.   Founded in 2013, Green Theme Technologies is an emerging textile innovation company based out of Rio Rancho, New Mexico, US. The business' mission is to create products that out-perform existing technologies while eliminating water usage and pollution, hence the development of its EMPEL platform. Comprising clean chemistry, polymer science, and a patented process, the EMPEL platform is helping to create products such as PFC-free water repellents and waterless dyes. In this episode, Flora talks about how the concept began in the kitchen of Dr Gary Selwyn with him mixing and applying various chemistries on his ironing board, how the technology is applied to textiles, and the first applications that the company is focusing on. Elsewhere, Flora explains how the EMPEL platform is cost-effective, has added benefits such as uniformity compared to wet processing, and how the secret to a sustainable future is simplicity. To find out more about Green Theme Technologies, visit www.greenthemetek.com 

This week's guest on The WTiN Podcast is Dr Jan Blenkinsopp, head of research and development at Aqualab (the innovation arm of Speedo).  Based in Nottingham, UK, Speedo created its first swimsuit in 1928, and has since helped to pioneer Lycra swimsuits. It has also developed the controversial Fastskin Racing System and contributed to countless gold medals at the Olympics and other competitions.  In this episode, Blenkinsopp introduces ‘the most intelligent swimsuit of all time': Speedo Fastskin 4.0. This ‘concept swimsuit' has been developed with forecasted technological advancements in mind to create a suit that could lead to an improvement of up to 4% across sprint events by 2040. Here, Blenkinsopp talks about the technologies involved such as artificial intelligence, energy harvesting fabrics, and bio-engineered materials, all the while discussing the financial and manufacturing feasibility – and whether it would actually be race legal. To find out more about Speedo and Aqualab, visit www.speedo.com 

This week's guest on The WTiN Podcast is Topher Anderson, manager, technical embroidery application at ZSK Research and Training Center. Founded just a few years ago, the ZSK Training and Research Center is a subsidiary company to ZSK Embroidery Machines. Based on the West Coast of the US, the Center has been set up to help anyone from students to established companies to find solutions concerned with technical embroidery. In this episode, Anderson explains the basics of embroidery and how it has transitioned from traditional applications such as baseball caps and T-shirts to technical embroidery including smart textiles and composites. He talks through the capabilities and opportunities that lie within technical embroidery, and he outlines the different machines and how they can be modified for emerging products. Elsewhere, he talks about how embroidery helps to reduce waste, bolstering sustainability, and how the team is improving the data and connection between the machines to improve efficiency and workflow. To find out more about ZSK Research and Training Center, visit www.training.zskusa.com

This week's guest on The WTiN Podcast is Georgia Parker, innovation manager at Fashion For Good. Founded in 2017, Fashion for Good is a global innovation platform that is on a mission ‘to make all fashion good'. By sparking and scaling innovation, by offering practical action in the form of support, funding and roadmaps, and by fostering sector-wide collaboration rather than competition, the organisation enables invention and widespread adoption of good fashion practice.In this episode, Parker highlights the organisation's newly launched scheme called The Renewable Carbon Textiles Project that aims to accelerate the development of PHA polymers. She mentions the collaborators involved, the plan of action, and how the project could lead to commercial pilots and trials afterwards. Elsewhere, Parker talks about this year's accelerator programme and the solutions that have particularly caught her eye, noting that there is still a huge opportunity in areas such as digitalisation and manufacturing technology for sustainable innovation. And how important it is to fully understand the impact of these new solutions to ensure they are better than the materials that we're trying to replace. To find out more about Fashion For Good, visit www.fashionforgood.com