E-asy Does It!

“Men have become the tools of their tools.”

Henry David

IThoreau admit it. I am that person who was an anti-texter. When texting became a thing, back with the flip phone (remember those?) and you had to pound a number a couple times to get the right letter, I wanted nothing to do with it. When the phone got smarter, I still boycotted texting. It was just rude not talking to people.

In my life there are only two technologies I can claim to have been an early adaptor – both were work/career related: The Apple Computer and DirectTV. I have pretty much resisted every other smart technology, well, until I didn’t. I never wanted to be tracked or hacked, but then little by little, I just gave in and went with the flow.

Just when I think I am caught up to all of you, with smart TVs, vehicle technology and even appliances (I do admit my new stove is way smarter than me, heck, it can probably pick the night’s menu for all I know) things change!

With this issue, e-textiles are a highlight as a change agent. Features on pages 26 and 30 detail the merging of textiles and electronics in unlikely places. Little by little, everything we wear, touch, sit on, sleep on and more will be mini-data-bases about us . E-textiles are popping up everywhere. This time, we probably won’t have a choice to adapt or not to adapt, because they are being designed into surfaces from vehicle sun roofs to airplane wings. Data-driven textiles are here, ready or not.

On the opposite end of this technological surge continues the softer and gentler move towards sustainability. Removing toxins from fabric production, reducing plastics in materials, adding natural fibers to increase the eco-factor – these trends are gaining traction. There will be no fiber left unturned in the sustainability test. Geoff Fisher shares how Scandiavian and Nordic companies are quietly but boldly forging a path to circularity with their pioneering innovations. You can read about these trend setters on page 32. Also under the sustainability theme, wood is good as fossil-based feedstock alternative is explored on page 44. Author Martin Ledwon says, “It is evident that industries relying on textiles – from fashion to homewares – are facing a major challenge to align themselves with sustainability strategies of other industries.”

With these sustainability initiatives and emerging connected textiles, I can only hope that with both come transparency. Imagine a consumer-based blockchain where, like Starbucks coffee beans (https://traceability. starbucks.com), you can track a garment from fabric to factory to delivery to retailer to user to end-of-life. Imagine the impact that would have as we all watch our textile purchases make their way to Goodwill or a landfill, or some post-consumer use we have not even defined yet.

In an article in the February 2, 2023, California Apparel News, “It’s Not Easy Being Green: Transparency Within the Textile, Apparel Industry,” Tricia Carey, Chief Commercial Officer, Renewcell says something interesting:

“The first step is transparency. The industry still needs to get the basic facts right and then make them available. They must say, ‘This is what is in my product, this is where it came from, this is where it can go after use, and this is how all of that affects the environment and communities.’ Transparency opens companies up to ideas about how to do what they do better, from within and without.”

I believe this is what consumers are looking for, but what do you think? If you have thoughts, I would love to hear them. Email me at csmith@inda.org.

Caryn Smith Chief Content Officer & Publisher, INDA Media, IFJ

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INTERNATIONAL FIBER JOURNAL (ISSN: 1049801x) is published bi-monthly by INDA, Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry. Subscription price is $125 per year for non-U.S. subscribers. Periodicals postage paid at Charlotte, NC, and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to International Fiber Journal PO Box 158 Cedar Rapids IA 52406-0158 USA.

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International Fiber Journal covers fiber-related trends and material science developments and how they impact the supply chain from raw material to end use. IFJ provides thoughtful insights and perspectives to global producers, users and business leaders who need to know about what’s next in fibers, filaments and processing solutions.