POLICIES IN TEXTILE SECTOR

POLICIES IN TEXTILE SECTOR

Ethiopian Investment Agency (EIA)’s Agency Director, Abi Woldemeskel, while laying down the agency’s performance report before the Trade and Industry Affairs Standing Committee in the House of Peoples' Representatives’, stated that, during last five years, the agency has given out over 11,000 investment licences to local and overseas investors, whose aggregated funding came to 423 billion Birr.

He divulged that 295 billion Birr of the aggregated capital, has flowed from 6,255 foreign investment projects.According to him, employment opportunities have been generated for over 130,000 citizens, from the projects which have entered the production phase and added that, as all the projects go fully functional, over two million other jobs will be created.

As the industry development strategy primarily concentrates on the textile and clothing, leather and leather products, this has lead to encouraging project implementation in these areas and 3,247 investment projects were ready for launch as there was satisfactory infrastructural development in accordance with the schemes, he said.

Green Campaign To Set Very High Standard

Maderia USA launches Shades of Green Campaign. Embroidery thread and supplies distributor Madeira USA has launched a year-long campaign to keep embroiderers aware of its commitment to the environment.

“As an industry leader,” explains company president Hajo Voeller, “we are very aware of the example we set, beginning at the manufacturing level in Germany, to the way we conduct business at our 11 locations, through to the practices we use to deliver our goods to the end user.”Beyond the company’s sound eco-friendly practices at the point of manufacturing, Madeira USA is committed to taking every step it can to assure the company is leading the way in re-using, re-cycling, re-thinking and reducing waste.

Believing that even small things can make a difference, the company practices shutting off lights in rooms that are unoccupied, re-using shipping cartons, transitioning over to energy efficient light bulbs, to name a few. Further, Madeira encourages embroiderers to properly dispose of empty spool and cone cores. Having researched the laws in the 11 parts of the U.S. where Madeira is located, Madeira encourages recycling the plastic cores wherever possible, and advises its customers to log onto www.Earth911.com to learn where, in each customer’s own area, the plastic cores will be accepted for re-cycling.

A collectible, commemorative spool shade kit has been designed for the campaign, offering customers a plastic case with 12 spools in shades of a designated color. The spools are 40 weight and are available in Classic Rayon or 100% polyester Polyneon.

Beginning with green, then brown, each month through the rest of the year will see the availability of a new kit with 12 color shades.

HUNTSMAN TEXTILES

ALBAFLOW UNI-01 is a newly developed, highly efficient, silicon and mineral oil free penetration accelerant, versatile in application for dyeing natural and synthetic fibers. It excels with outstanding wetting, de-foaming and de-aerating performance. This all in one agent’s main strength lies mainly in its excellence in supporting dye-bath penetration.

Numerous other characteristics bring a whole host of benefits to the dyeing process. Being silicon oil free there is no risk of spotting on the fabric or residue on the machinery, both of which can be costly for the dyer. Foamless processing is yet another added value ALBAFLOW UNI-01 contribution. Its efficacy lies in inhibiting foaming which would normally develop and negatively impact liquor and goods circulation thereby causing tangles and spots.

In summary, ALBAFLOW UNI-01, the penetration accelerant, is every dyer’s dream come true. Its versatility, outstanding penetration properties and ease of use make for right first time dyeing every time.

Electronic Textiles

Electronic Textiles

Can you believe this that a fabric you are wearing can monitor your healths, guard you in case of any danger, measure the chemical mixture of your body fluids and do many more such things. But of course it is possible in today's world of technology. Here we are taking about none other than the electronic textile, which is the commendable invention in the category of smart textile.

textile is used in numerous industries and purposes that are useful not only for human beings but for the entire living beings on the Earth. Electronic textiles or more often called e textiles are the textiles that have electronics and interconnections. These electronics are woven into the fabric to make e textile wearable. With advancement in this sector you can get from very simple computing devices to large and complex sensing and protective textiles. Definition of Electronic Textile by E-Textile Research Group

Electronic textiles (e-textiles) are fabrics that have electronics and interconnections woven into them, with physical flexibility and size that cannot be achieved with existing electronic manufacturing techniques. Components and interconnections are intrinsic to the fabric and thus are less visible and not susceptible to becoming tangled together or snagged by the surroundings. An e-textile can be worn in everyday situations where currently available wearable computers would hinder the user. E-textiles can also more easily adapt to changes in the computational and sensing requirements of an application, a useful feature for power management and context awareness.

Advancements in Electronic Textiles
Scientist have developed the wireless key board fabric called ' Eleck Tex' a form of e textile. This is the patented accomplishment of Eleksen. This electronic textile is just 0.6 mm thick and used in handheld PCs, personal digital assistants and smart phones. This cloth is light in weight, wearable and washable. Another efficient e-textile has been developed by Virginia Tech (VT) researchers. This electronic textile can observe your movements that include walking, running, sitting or standing. The e-textile is called Hokie Suit and has the capability of detecting any change in the direction and speed of motion of a person as it has interwoven wires and sensors. To wash this fabric just remove the sensors and wash it with wires. The data collected by sensors can then be transferred to computers to monitor your health during movements. Smart Fabrics and Interactive Textiles (SFIT) has a dedicated team and many projects related to smart fabrics. These include Biotex (Bio-Sensing Textiles to Support Health Management), PROETEX (Protection e-Textiles: MicroNanostructured fibre systems for Emergency-Disaster Wear), OFSETH (Optical Fibre Sensors Embedded into technical Textile for Healthcare). Under the OFSETH project the optical fibers are used that can use light both as carrier and sensor. By this the oxygen content of the blood can be measured. This smart fabric can be wore around the neck.

E-textile has large application in narrow fabric industry. Electronic textile webbings are used extensively to transfer data, power and as input device. This e textile has been developed by Foster Miller Inc in combination with Chester.

So e-textiles or electronic textiles are indeed a bless as this technologically advanced fabric is used and potential of being used in medical and safety industry.

Nano Technology

Nano Technology

The recent emergence of nanotechnology in the marketplace has raised global concerns among scientists, researchers, regulatory agencies, consumers and the general public, regarding its safety. It is expected that nanotechnology will have a major impact on medicine and health care; energy production and conservation; environmental cleanup and protection; electronics, computers, and sensors; and world security and defense. Hence the justification and need for appropriate controls and standards to be adopted and implemented to protect the public's health.

Nanotechnology is the creation and use of particles one billionth of a meter for the manufacture of materials, products and devices. The term Nano in Nanotechnology comes from a Greek word "Nanos" which means 'dwarf'. The dictionary meaning of dwarf is abnormally small.

The benefits to science and society from Nanotechnology are substantial. If the criterion is to produce very minute particle size fibers and materials the nano technology is the only way to achieve the same.This paper elucidates about the nano finishing in textile. Techno-science recently introduced some nano finishes for textile substrate has been reviewed here. The logic of using low molecular weight fiber-reactive fluorocarbons that from the basics of Nano-Care finish durable hydrophobic characteristic to fabrics. And mechanisms proposed to explain the photo-catalytic self-cleaning effect of TiO2 have been developed.

Waterproof Breathable Fabrics

Waterproof Breathable Fabrics

Waterproof textile which breaths may be defined as intelligent waterproof fabric, which is permeable to water vapour i.e. perspiration at a rate of 2000-2500 g/m2/day for light applications and 4000-5000 g/m2/day for heavy applications. By 1998 it was common to see claims of 10000 g/m2/day.

Waterproof fabric completely prevents the penetration and absorption of liquid water in, in contrast to water-repellent fabric, which only delays the penetration of water.

Traditionally, fabric was made waterproof by coating it with a continuous layer of impervious flexible material. The first coating materials used were animal fat, wax and hardened vegetable oils. Nowadays synthetic polymers such as polyvinylchloride (PVC) and polyurethane are used.

Conventional polymers coatings are considered to be more uncomfortable to wear than water-repellent fabric, as they are relatively stiff and do not allow the escape of perspiration vapour. Consequently they are now used for emergency rainwear.

Water-repellent fabric is more comfortable to wear but its water-resistant properties are short lived.

Velvet

Velvet

Velvet is a flattering fabric that absorbs light into its deep and rich hues. The smooth texture and sheen of the fabric makes it an undoubted choice of the royal class. A very expensive fabric among the luxury goods, this fabric has been pampered in many countries throughout the centuries. Though it is generally believed that velvet owes its origin to ancient Kashmir, controversies exist regarding the origin, and existence of the fabric. Archeologists observe proof of ancient Egyptians using a fabric which has techniques similar to the production of velvet.

Velvet is made from different kinds of fibres. This fabric is woven on a specialized loom, cut, and then sheared to create a lavish finishing. The fabric is woven on a special loom which weaves two pieces at the same time. They are then cut, and two lengths of fabric are wound on separate rolls. One of the most expensive, and lavish fabric, velvet is made in a variety of types from crushed type to common upholstery. It can also be blended with various other fibres to produce appealing fabrics. The magic hues produced by dyeing the fabric make velvet infamous with nobility. From the mysterious black, to the showstopper red, and purple, alluring shades are produced by dyeing the fabric precisely.

During earlier period, making rich fabrics such as velvet was rare as fabrics were mostly made of cheap fibres using simple flat woven technique. So, the richness of the material and weaving techniques of velvet made it an exclusive fabric. With the passage of time, new methods overtook conventional techniques, and new materials and processes were used in fabric making.
Velvet Home Furnishings:

The durability and richness of velvet fabrics make it an ideal choice for home furnishings. Sumptuous beddings, draperies, cushions, and upholstery are made from cotton velvet. These fabrics give a ravishing look for upholsteries improving the ambience of the room Rustic home furnishings such as drapes, table cloth, window curtains, furniture covers, lampshades, wall accessories, bed spreads, cushion covers, and many more are made from velvet fabrics.

Pageant Of Velvet Apparels:

Velvet is traditionally regarded as a fall fabric. But, in the current trend, these fabrics are no longer related with winter season alone. Various apparels in velvet are dominating the fashion apparel segment. A velvet blazer with a pair of matching jeans will enhance the velvet repertoire of the wearer. Skirts, pants, shawls, capes, blouses, and many other outfits are seen in the market. Apart from costume, fashion accessories such as purses, shoes, scarves, hats, and gloves in velvet add glamour to any outfit. Leggings in velvet such as stretch stirrups will give a stylish appearance and also keep the legs warm.

Designers have revitalized the fabric with glossy colors, graphic splicing, and pretty burn-out effects. Ralph Lauren, Stella McCartney, and Proenza Schouler provide the apt inspirations for lustrous cocktail dresses. Blends of silk and rayon with velvet fibres is used for making flowing dresses emphasizing its soft drape.

Velvet fabrics are admired timelessly. A fabric that was once associated with royalty and reserved only for the elite classes is now available for the common masses at affordable prices due to modern manufacturing methods. With unmistakable luster and beauty, velvet fabrics have earned a place in the textile segment as one of the finest and beautiful fabrics for both the royal and common classes.