International event on Technological Textiles is a first in Brazil
A heart valve made of fabric; shark-repellent clothes; buildings built using cement and textile fibers; threads that are stronger than steel; fabrics that are lit using static electricity.Even Haute Couture is becoming technological.The image of natural fabrics made on looms and garments sewn one by one could be becoming a thing of the past.With speakers from Brazil, Portugal, France, the United States and Germany, Brazil is once again holding an event that shows all of the potential in the textile chain, from unusual fibers to smart fabrics used in various economic sectors, up to functional clothing that will be a new watershed in fashion.
The International Textile Innovation Forum: Present and Future was held on April 8 and 9, at the Senai/Cetiqt auditorium in Rio de Janeiro. The event was held by the Brazilian Association of the Textile Industry (Abit) through Texbrasil (Brazilian Fashion Industry Internationalization Program in partnership with Apex-Brasil), along with the Technological Center of Portugal (Citeve), the Association of Artificial and Synthetic Fiber Producers (Abrafas), the Selective Fashion Association (ASM) and the Textile Association of Portugal (ATP).In addition to the many talks, the event included an exhibit of some technological products that are already on the market and others that are prototypes but that will soon be produced on a larger scale.
“The Forum was a success.Everyone was very impressed with the possibilities that are opening up for technical textiles and for non-fabrics.Today, entrepreneurs that want to add value to their products need to innovate not only in design, but in technology as well.And we had a broad vision of what the other players in the world are researching in our industry.Many Brazilian professionals didn’t have any idea about the things that were presented,” said Rafael Cervone, CEO of Abit.
Brazil has, however, also shown that it is doing research and producing products that are already on the market.USP discussed the possibilities for sugarcane fiber and bagasse in the medical area, along with chitosan fibers that are also made in the laboratory.Cedro Textil introduced its line of high-protection uniforms (PPEs) and the testing that is done in England with every 100 meters of fabric produced.Rhodia showed that the use of its Emana Fiber has not stopped growing, starting with sports and now also moving into “cosmetic fashion.” Other major Brazilian companies like DuPont, Dini Textil, Grupo Inbra, Invista, Malwee, Golden Quimica and Rosset also discussed technological innovations.
A lot was said, a lot was shown and there is even more to be discussed.And this is why the Forum will hold a new edition in 2015, most likely in Sao Paulo.”We need to introduce and encourage the Brazilian community more and more to incorporate the concept of innovation, which does not just boil down to the issue of technology, of design, or of production of products.Rather, it is a whole new vision of sustainable economic, social and environmental management.These technological textiles require investment, time for testing, efficacy in cleaner production and, therefore, planning geared towards the future,” says Cervone.
