Specialty Fabrics Review July 2023 - 6

[ FIRST IMPRESSIONS ]
[ CALENDAR OF EVENTS ]
The future of textiles as we
know them
P
utting together this issue was full of " wow " moments for me. In
our alternative fabrics story and in Swatches this issue, we look at
fibers and fabrics made from castor beans, feed corn, wood, cork,
cacti and even organic trash.
In Swatches we present a recent advance in
Cathy Jones,
Senior Editor
STAY IN TOUCH
We want to know
what you're loving in this
issue and what you'd like
to see more of.
Stay in touch by emailing
cathy.jones@textiles.org.
Follow us on Facebook
and Twitter, and visit
SpecialtyFabricsReview.com
for additional content.
creating synthetic spider silk. Bioengineering
spider silk has had research interest behind it
in general because of its strength for its size. It's
also desired in the medical realm because it's
antimicrobial and is not rejected by the body
(someday to create wound patches or artificial
tendons?). The challenge has been to find a way
to mass produce the product with that strength.
We have a story on the future of polyester, how
it's becoming more sustainable, recyclable and
potentially even biodegradable. (See page 36.)
Research into durable water repellents to
replace those containing so-called forever
chemicals, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances
(PFAS), is top of mind for many organizations.
Regulations may be the driver, but concern for
the environment is widespread.
Companies are working on so many different
types of environmentally sound initiatives, and
it just makes economic sense to not waste raw
materials and energy. They're improving their processes and increasing
renewable energy use. They're reclaiming and repurposing raw
materials from pre- and postconsumer sources.
On pollution prevention, we cover what researchers are working
on-and things that people can do right now-to decrease the
amount of microplastics making their way into our waterways and
thus our food chain and environment. And there's a news brief on
the development of reusable cotton antimicrobial wipes, meaning
potentially less petrochemical use and landfill bulk.
I hear from folks that our magazine spreads ideas and inspiration
to our readers. This issue may do just that, and five years down the
road we'll be writing about a resulting innovation, development or
improvement in a product. Progress (and science) happens in small
steps toward big goals, and so it'll take reflection later to see how far
we've come. Enjoy this issue. It was rewarding to produce.
August 2023
OFPANZ Conference
AUGUST 24-26 / Trinity Wharf,
Tauranga, New Zealand
ofpanz.co.nz/annual-conference
September 2023
MFA Pacific Northwest
Regional Workshop 2023
SEPTEMBER 22-23 / Oyster Creek Canvas,
Bellingham, Wash.
textiles.org/marineworkshops
Upholstery & Trim Annual
Convention (UTAC)
SEPTEMBER 27-29 / Embassy Suites
Scottsdale Resort, Scottsdale, Ariz.
textiles.org/utac
November 2023
NOVEMBER 1-3, 2023
Orange County Convention Center
advancedtextilesexpo.com
MFA Great Lakes
Regional Workshop 2023
NOVEMBER 17-18 / Chicago Marine
Canvas, Chicago, Ill.
textiles.org/marineworkshops
January 2024
Tent Expo 2024
JANUARY 9-11 / Daytona International
Speedway, Daytona Beach, Fla.
textiles.org/tentexpo
Marine Fabricators
Conference 2024
JANUARY 25-27 / Tradewinds Island
Grand Resort St. Pete Beach, Fla.
textiles.org/marineconference
All calendar events are subject to change.
Please check event websites for the latest information.
6 SPECIALTY FABRICS REVIEW / July 2023

http://ofpanz.co.nz/annual-conference http://www.textiles.org/marineworkshops http://www.textiles.org/utac http://www.advancedtextilesexpo.com http://www.SpecialtyFabricsReview.com http://www.textiles.org/marineworkshops http://www.textiles.org/tentexpo http://www.textiles.org/marineconference

Specialty Fabrics Review July 2023

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Specialty Fabrics Review July 2023