#Textiles & Apparel / Garment

2020-04-09

Way out for mask shortage under Covid-19 pandemic

COVID-19 pandemic is straining health systems worldwide. In order to solve the shortage of mask, industry experts have developed different types of masks for the mass. The ShanghaiTex textile machinery exhibition stands with Industry against COVID-19 and has rounded some innovations.

Graphene Face Mask with 10 Times Longer Life Span

A Beijing-based institute has developed a new type of graphene face mask with stronger antibacterial properties and better breathability, which can be used for up to 48 hours. Graphene can form a natural 'nano knife' on melt-blown cloth, which under the action of natural respiration, destroys the cell walls of germs and plays a good bactericidal role.

Silver-Plated Fiber Mask that Provides Antibacterial & Deodorant Functions

A Japanese wearable company has launched a ‘high-performance’ mask that can be washed and used repeatedly. With silver-plated fiber ‘agposs’, a proprietary technology applied in the mask, it provides both antibacterial and deodorant functions.

3D Printed Mask Developed by Healthcare Professionals

In the US, some healthcare professionals used 3D printers to make reusable plastic face masks alleviating the shortage of surgical masks. While one regular surgical masks could be cut into six to ten pieces and clipped into the plastic mask to serve as filters.

Pets in fashion: functional and sustainable textiles find new market at Intertextile Apparel

China’s pet economy is booming, especially amongst younger generations, and pet apparel – from designer outfits to functional garments – was a RMB 3.5 billion (over USD 500 million) market in 2024, growing more than 20% annually¹. To help exhibitors harness this trend, Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics – Spring Edition 2026 will launch the Pet Boutique, presenting a range of innovative, sustainable materials that prioritise both functionality and comfort for pets.

VAUDE eliminates PFAS from all products

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are now detectable worldwide – in drinking water, soil and the human body. These so-called “forever chemicals” are considered hazardous to health and potentially carcinogenic, as they do not break down and remain in the environment permanently. Despite these risks, PFAS are still used in a wide range of products. More than 15 years ago, VAUDE made a strategic decision to gradually eliminate PFAS from all product categories.

KARL MAYER opens a new TEXTILE INNOVATION CENTRE – a new era of textile innovation begins

KARL MAYER is opening its new TEXTILE INNOVATION CENTRE (TIC), sending a strong signal that it is driving textile innovation forward and opening up new perspectives for the textile industry. The TIC brings together the latest developments in Warp Knitting, Technical Textiles and Warp Preparation – KARL MAYER’s core areas of expertise.

Award-winning research for sustainable carbon fibre cycles

Sustainable recycling of carbon fibres is possible through targeted electrochemical surface modification, which makes the sizing of carbon fibres resistant to solvolysis. ITA PhD student Sabina Dann was awarded the MSW Award from RWTH Aachen University for her master's thesis on this development. The award ceremony took place on 12 November 2025 in Aachen.

Eastman introduces Naia™ Lyte at Première Vision Paris, marking a major breakthrough in fiber tenacity for cellulose acetate filament yarn performance

Eastman unveils Naia™ Lyte, a new cellulose acetate filament yarn that represents an important milestone in performance for lightweight and premium fabrics, at Première Vision Paris. Presented for the first time to the international fashion and textile community, Naia™ Lyte expands the capabilities of acetate yarn by introducing enhanced tenacity, unlocking new creative and technical possibilities for designers, mills and brands.

“Action helps us change what we do!”

DAY 0 takes place deliberately before PERFORMANCE DAYS begins. It is conceived as a space for reflection, dialogue and active engagement — a moment to pause before the fair, rethink established systems and address sustainability not as a trend, but as a fundamental transformation challenge. Under the guiding metaphor “Turn the Tap Off”, DAY 0 focuses on root causes rather than symptoms, systemic change rather than isolated solutions, and collective responsibility rather than individual silos.