#Denim

2020-10-29

Cone Denim introduces Ionic+™ sustainable antimicrobial protection for denim

Cone Denim®, a global leader in denim authenticity and sustainable innovation, is excited to launch the newest in denim innovation – the Self-Clean Jean. In partnership with Noble Biomaterials, the global leader in antimicrobial and conductivity solutions for soft-surface applications, Cone Denim has developed its newest denim fabric using Noble’s Ionic+™ technology, which harnesses the power of positive ions embedded in yarn fibers to inhibit the growth of bacteria and microbes on the surface of fabric.

Through this advanced technology, Cone has created sustainable protection for jeans that remain clean and odor-free, thus reducing the need for frequent washing.

“Cone remains committed to being a leader in the development of sustainable denims and working with likeminded partners to identify and lead initiatives to create more sustainable, responsibly produced denims,” said Steve Maggard, President of Cone Denim. “We are very excited to be the first to bring together the advanced science of Ionic+ with Cone’s authentic denim, creating another industry first in sustainable denim innovation.”

“Consumers today are looking for apparel that provides not only comfort, but also hygiene benefits,” said Joel Furey, CCO of Noble Biomaterials. “We’re very pleased to be partnering with Cone Denim to incorporate our Ionic+ technology into this innovative, sustainable denim that provides long-lasting antimicrobial protection.”

The newest Cone denim with Noble’s Ionic+ silver technology was designed with sustainability and protection at its core. Ionic+ uses positively charged ions found in nature to disrupt the growth of microbes on Cone’s fabric, promoting self-cleaning to eliminate odors.

Silver ions are permanently incorporated within the fibers and the fabric requires no additional chemistry or finishing process that could be washed or worn out. The performance lasts the lifetime of the garment, resulting in fewer needed washings and reduced water consumption and energy use.

The denim is also dyed using one of Cone Denim’s Distilled Indigo (pre-reduced) shades, which offers additional water, energy and chemical savings.

Noble Biomaterials is a bluesign® System Partner and Ionic+ fibers and filaments have received OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 accreditation, which certifies that they support human ecology through biocompatibility and the absence of harmful substances in the manufacturing process.

Pierette Scavuzzo, Director Product Design for Cone Denim added, “The Self-Cleaning Jean is a game changer. The fabric is versatile in a 10.5 ounce weight with 44 percent stretch, incorporating well-balanced yarn character and a very soft hand. Combine this superior comfort with silver, odor-free technology and its many sustainable benefits that promote resource savings and you have your favorite go-to jean.”

Cone Denim is launching the Self Clean Jean in our Spring / Summer ’22 collection which debuts next week in conjunction with the Kingpins Amsterdam virtual trade show.

“Production is a product”

From technical textiles and AI-driven robotics to the limitations of textile circularity: Professor Dr Thomas Gries looks back on more than two decades of development at ITA Aachen. In the interview, he explains why production technology remains a decisive success factor, discusses international collaborations and innovation ecosystems, and shares his views on the transformation of production landscapes and the challenges facing an increasingly regulated industry.

“We need to move away from the price trap and return to a value-driven mindset.”

With its new Textile Innovation Center, KARL MAYER is sending a strong signal for innovation, collaboration, and the future of textile applications. In this interview, Karl Josef Mayer discusses new opportunities in warp knitting, the processing of staple fibres, recycling, the changing role of machinery manufacturers, and why the textile industry must once again focus more strongly on the value of textiles. by Oliver Schmidt

“Innovation, resilience and international experience remain the great strengths of the Swiss textile machinery industry”

Geopolitical uncertainty, growing competitive pressure from China, new free trade agreements and the shift towards a circular economy are currently reshaping the global textile industry. In this interview, Cornelia Buchwalder discusses the current mood within the Swiss textile machinery sector, the industry’s distinctive innovative strength, new market opportunities in India and Asia, and the technological trends that could shape the upcoming trade fair cycle leading up to ITMA 2027.

The beauty of imperfection: Officina39 explores denim's next chapters

Officina39 returns to Kingpins Amsterdam on October 14–15, booth White 01, with a creative and technological program that brings together its new Spring/Summer 2028 collection, advances in denim finishing and collaborations spanning design, fabric development, fashion and publishing. At the center of the presentation of the Italian company is a shared idea: that distinctive aesthetics, responsible chemistry and efficient industrial processes can evolve together, opening new creative possibilities for contemporary denim.

ISKO unveils SS28 collection’s theme at Kingpins Amsterdam: “Color the experience”.

Leading global denim innovator ISKO™ announces its latest collection for SS28 at Kingpins Amsterdam. Centered around the theme “Color the experience,” the collection marks a new chapter in denim innovation, inviting designers, brands, and consumers to see, feel, and experience denim through a broader spectrum of color, tactile surfaces, and sensory character.

Officina39 and Gold Girl Co. explore unconventional materials in denim at Kingpins Amsterdam

Officina39 and Gold Girl Co. will present their experimental collaboration “Renegade Renaissance” at Kingpins Amsterdam on October 14–15, 2026. The project brings together the creative direction of Marta and Glenda Goldschmied, founders of Gold Girl Co., with Officina39's expertise in textile chemistry and material development.

Mayer & Cie. Global gears up tor ITMA Asia 2026

Mayer & Cie. Global will focus on mattress fabric production at ITMA Asia, taking place in Shanghai from 20 to 24 November 2026. The company will showcase one of its flagship models for this application: the OVJA 2.4 EM. Joining the mattress fabric specialist will be an OV 3.2 QCe, presented at ITMA Asia in a configuration for knitting double-face fabrics in E40. This gives the OV 3.2 QCe a combination of capabilities rarely found in the market. The German textile machinery manufacturer will also introduce its new portfolio strategy and share updates from its development team at its Albstadt headquarters.

FET highlights advances in fibre spinning technology at Dornbirn Global Fiber Congress

Fibre Extrusion Technology Limited (FET) presented its latest developments in fibre spinning technology at the Dornbirn Global Fiber Congress in Austria in September 2026. In a presentation entitled “Spinning a good yarn”, Dr Jonny Hunter examined recent technological developments and challenges facing the fibre industry, highlighting the company's expanding range of specialised fibre extrusion and spinning systems.

Vietnam’s market evolution creates new sourcing opportunities at VIATT 2027

As Vietnam’s textile industry continues to upgrade and scale, new opportunities are emerging for suppliers of advanced raw materials, design-led fabrics, production technologies, and sustainability solutions. The Vietnam International Trade Fair for Apparel, Textiles and Textile Technologies (VIATT) will return 24 – 26 February 2027, presenting a cross-sector platform – spanning apparel, home and technical categories – for overseas companies to connect with manufacturers, brands, sourcing offices, retailers, and industry buyers from Vietnam, ASEAN, and beyond.