“Technical Textiles Business Update” has information on the latest developments in the textile industry, including developments in: Nonwoven fabrics, including polyester and acrylic. Textile fibers include rayon, cotton, wool, silk and nylon. Wool is one of the most commonly used textiles, with its ability to be dyed and embroidered easily. It is widely used in manufacturing clothing, bedding, cushions, carpets, furniture covers, bedding and industrial threading. Rayon has the highest thermal conductivity and is used in thermal protective clothing, protective gear, thermal insulation and other applications where it is important to have high thermal conductivity.
The textile industry in developing countries around the world is experiencing a rise in sales of apparel and textiles, with the highest growth rates recorded in countries like China, India, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam. The rise in demand has caused the prices of nonwoven fabrics to fall drastically. As a result, the number of companies manufacturing and importing technical textiles has increased, thereby driving up production costs and prices. There has also been an increase in competition among companies involved in the business. For this reason, consumers have become more price sensitive when buying nonwovens and apparel.
Demand for apparel woven with cotton fibers has increased in developing countries, and this has led to an increase in fiber manufacturing and weaving technology. In countries like India and Malaysia, where labor cost is relatively low, nonwoven garments command a higher price. The low pricing of nonwovens in these countries has made them popular with apparel buyers. In developed nations like the United States, Australia, Canada, Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom, the price of nonwovens tends to be lower than those in developing countries. Factors that affect pricing include quality, color, shape, density and thread count of the fabric.
Fabric quality is affected by factors such as dying quality, texture, sheen and luster, while the sheen and luster affect the appearance of the fabric. The fiber’s physical structure, such as thread count and diameter, determines the final appearance of the fabric. Thread count refers to the total number of threads per square inch of fabric. The density or thickness affects the softness and tightness of the fabric. Nonwoven fabrics may have higher sheen than woven fabrics; however, nonwoven fabrics are durable and provide substantial comfort.
Textile fibers are woven into cloth fabrics using a framework of yarns called loom. There are two main types of layering of these fibers called either cross woven or cross-hatched. The cross-woven fabrics are more durable and give better resistance to wear. On the other hand, cross-hatched fabrics are less durable than the cross woven but have better and lighter weight and are easier to work with.
Clothing and textile products made from polypropylene fibers are most popular among industrial users. These are also used in fire-blockers, safety clothes, medical apparel, protective gears and industrial flooring. Many protective garments for industrial workers are now available in both nonwoven and woven versions. They are made from high quality fabrics like nylon, polyester, cotton and other man-made fibers with excellent tensile, flame retardant and chemical resistance characteristics.
Apparel industry uses nonwoven fabrics for protective clothing, uniforms, dust coverings, ghillie suits, marine gear and other uses. They are also used for making ghillie suits for military and law enforcement professionals. The material has also found its way in areas of sports such as volleyball and lacrosse. Woven shirts, polo shirts, sweatpants and shorts are used by players to stay warm and dry in cold conditions.
Textiles and nonwoven fabrics have the potential to become really valuable for the modern apparel industry. They can provide much greater comfort and ease of use compared to standard materials. Nonwoven fabrics will also allow manufacturers and retailers to produce bulk orders at a much lower cost than fabric. They can also be produced with high quality and performance to meet the demanding demands of customers.
