Innovation in fabrics brought about by originality and creativity are bringing new textile ideas to life. Revolutionary textiles merging traditional textiles with new technology are changing the fashion industry. These ground-breaking innovations are now called functional fabric, smart clothing and textile devices. Revolutionary textiles are collaborative efforts of material scientist, software developers, electrical engineers, textile manufacturers and fashion designers. The merger of traditional textile materials with nano-technology and the Internet of Things are creating the new frontier in the clothing industry. Revolutionary textiles incorporate variety of materials including food, animals, metals, wood, ceramics, fiberglass, crude oil and bottles as fibre elements. These innovative fabrics can be used for practical purposes such as safety, protection and as a fashion statement.
Eco Milk Fiber (QMilch)
Anke Domaske used milk not suitable for human consumption to produce a textile fibre similar to silk but less expensive. This renewable fibre is durable and has antibacterial properties. It has an excellent heat and moisture management; fabrics provide high wearing comfort and silky feel. Eco milk fibre can be used for clothing, medical, automotive, home textiles.
S.Cafe
S.Cafe is an innovative fibre that uses recycled coffee grinds. This composite fibre can be made into a yarn and turned into woven fabric. The fabrics provide excellent odour control, UV protection and fast drying benefits. Coffee grinds requires less energy in the fibre making process and more eco-friendly than traditional fabrics. Big apparel brands like Puma, Timberland and North Face are using it.
CRAiLAR
CRAiLAR is an “organically certified fibre” which was named as 100% BioPreferred product by the USDA. The extracted fibre is spun into yarn or formed into non-woven products. The flax fibre is similar to cotton in softness and durability.
Technofibre
Technofibre are recycled synthetic fibres from textile wastes. These include nylon, polyamide, polyester, elastomer or acrylic used by textile, manufacturers and laboratories to produce consumer goods such as socks, knitwear, calico bags and clothing in general. The recycling process allows the waste from synthetic fibres to be recycled and used for a new production process.
EcoCircle Plant Fiber
Eco Circle Plantfiber is bio-polyester that is 30% sugarcane biofuel-based. The bio-polyester offers the same characteristics and quality of oil-derived polyester. This plant fibre can be used to make apparel, car seats and personal hygiene products. Bio-polyester is now used by the car manufacturer Nissan for its interior seats, headrests and centre armrest.
Evrnu
Evrnu uses technology that creates a regenerative supply of high-quality, bio-based fibre through the renewal of cotton garment waste. By recycling cotton garment waste they were able to create renewable fibre. It creates fabrics using minimal virgin resources and generates no waste. Evrnu transform discarded garments into beautiful fibres and provide a solution to the problem of textile waste.
Recycled Nylon
Recycled nylon comes from post-industrial waste fibre, yarn collected from a spinning factory, and waste from the weaving mills are processed into reusable nylon fibre. The use of this fibre lessens our dependence on petroleum as a source of raw materials. Recycled nylon fibres are suitable for apparel and car upholstery.