Texworld USA — the largest North American sourcing event for apparel fabric buyers, product development specialists, designers, merchandisers and overseas sourcing professionals — is taking place in New York this week. Mills and manufacturers from Asia and around the globe have gathered at the Javits Center to showcase their collections. I went to the show on opening day and collected a dizzying array of sequined samples and high-tech fabrics for my most recent design ideas.
I also attended Current and Future Trends in Textile Sustainability — a seminar lead by David Bennell, Executive Director of the Organic Exchange. Bennell talked about the direction textiles are moving in the market now that retailers and brands are placing so much emphasis on greening textiles and supply chain transparency.
It may sound crazy to you, but I’m not a big fan of cotton. I prefer synthetics and in particular technical fabrics that wick, warm and cool, stretch to conform to the curves of the body, and that you never have to iron. I was happy to hear that synthetics are becoming more generally in demand, including recycled synthetics.
The most interesting thing I learned from the talk, or at least the most shocking, was that in some countries polyethylene containers (like the ones used for bottled water) are manufactured only to be immediately recycled in the same facility and turned into other products so they can be sold as pricey “recycled” goods, like carpet, fabrics, pillow filling, etc. So next time you’re buying green to help the environment, make sure you know the source of those products.
Follow @TexworldUSA on twitter for the latest info.
