Latest News & Media

Innovations in Commercial Fabrics: From Durability to Aesthetics

Innovations in commercial fabrics are transforming how we think about durability, aesthetics, and functionality in the textile industry. These advancements are driven by the need to meet specific application requirements, ranging from fire-retardant coatings to antimicrobial finishes. Here, we examine the latest innovations in the textile industry, highlighting how these advancements are shaping the future of commercial fabrics.

Innovations in the Textile Industry

To address its environmental impact, the textile industry has made significant strides towards sustainability. These innovative textiles are improving the durability and aesthetics of fabrics and making them more eco-friendly:

• Recycled Fibers: Rather than using new materials, recycled fibers are produced from post-consumer waste like fishing nets, plastic bottles, and old textiles. The waste is gathered, cleaned, and transformed into new fibers, which can be used to make clothing, footwear, and accessories. 
• Circular Fashion: Circular fashion is revolutionizing the way brands produce and design clothes. By using materials that can be easily disassembled and recycled at the end of their useful life, companies reduce waste and promote resource conservation.
• Biodegradable Fabrics: The textile industry is exploring biodegradable fabrics that naturally decompose when discarded. These fabrics, crafted from natural materials such as hemp, bamboo, and cotton, break down swiftly when exposed to environmental factors. Prominent brands like Zara and H&M have begun integrating biodegradable fabrics into their product offerings.
• Recycling and Upcycling: Recycling converts waste materials into new textiles, while upcycling enhances existing textiles into superior-quality products. This approach is becoming more popular, especially with new EU regulations promoting industry circularity.
• Antimicrobial Fabric Treatments: Rising consumer demand for textiles that stay fresher and cleaner for longer has driven the adoption of antimicrobial fabric treatments and odor-control technologies. These advancements enhance fabric hygiene and prolong product lifespan.
• Laser Cuttable Laminate Fabrics: A laser cuttable laminate fabric is constructed by adhering multiple layers of fabric together. This eliminates the need for webbing material, simplifies the manufacturing process, and greatly reduces the amount of time needed to sew a garment or piece of tactical equipment. 

Most Innovative Textiles

Several new textile innovations stand out for their unique applications, advanced features, and aesthetics. Here are some of the most notable ones.

Carnegie Alu Net

Carnegie Alu Net is an open-net knit window covering that controls glare and heat while maintaining transparency. The fabric’s back is metalized.

ZigZagZurich Earth

ZigZagZurich’s Earth pattern is available as upholstery fabrics, wall coverings, blankets, and curtains. The company sustainably sources its materials, which include recycled wool, linen, cotton, and hemp.

Wolf-Gordon Ritual

Traditional weaving techniques were reinterpreted to create the Wolf-Gordon Ritual collection. This rayon upholstery fabric features a pattern of dashes and dots, reflecting a blend of modern and traditional aesthetics.

Momentum Textiles Well Well Well

Artist Shantell Martin’s whimsical style is captured in the Momentum Textiles Well Well Well fabric. The hand-drawn lines, birds, faces, and messages are reproduced on sustainable cotton fabric using a custom loom.

Designtex Pixel

Pixel highlights the capabilities of digital printing on different surfaces. Printed on recycled polyester, the textured colored block pattern works well for public workplaces, educational institutions, and hospitality venues.

Luum Angulo

Featuring a pattern that compresses and stretches in one direction, along with a perpendicular ombré stripe, Angulo creates a striking visual effect when used on upholstery. The 100% cotton pile provides a soft touch, yet it is rated at 51,000 double rubs.

Unika Vaev Vanguard

The Vanguard upholstery fabric from Unika Vaev features a flat weave with intertwining yarns that create a striking two-tone design. This fabric is part of the Revue collection, which focuses on innovative Jacquard constructions.

Brentano Solstice

Solstice is a versatile indoor/outdoor fabric known for its durability, stain resistance, and good lightfastness. It features a solution-dyed polyester and acrylic warp, with a pattern inspired by constellations and colors that reflect the gradients of the sky at sunrise and sunset.

Geiger Corded Stripe

Geiger Corded Stripe is inspired by traditional neckwear patterns and produced on a custom wire velvet loom. The fabric’s six yarn colors coordinate easily with other textiles.

Maharam Inlay

Maharam Inlay, designed by Hella Jongerius, features intricate micro structures and patterns. The subtle plaid and bands of colors showcase Jongerius’ color mastery and various weaving techniques.

Camira Fabrics Zig Zag

Camira Fabrics’ Zig Zag print is part of the Synergy fabric collection. This soft-touch wool blend fabric is available in 75 colors, offering versatility and aesthetic appeal.

HBF Textiles Honest Square

HBF Textiles’ Honest Square fabric adds softness and texture to corporate interior spaces while improving acoustics. The fabric was inspired by architectural forms and volumes.

Marimekko Räsymatto

Marimekko Räsymatto is made of heavy cotton and inspired by traditional Finnish woven rugs. The classic monochrome print now comes in new colors.

Pallas Textiles Athalie

Pallas Textiles Athalie uses chenille yarns for a soft, fuzzy texture. The fabric offers a detailed, tactile pattern available in 14 color options.

Laminate Textiles

Laminate textiles consist of two or more layers of material adhered together to create a single, more durable fabric. Depending on the type of lamination, the textile can be made waterproof, windproof, flame-resistant, or adhesive. These properties are vital in various critical applications.

For example, when produced for military protective clothing, laminate textiles can withstand challenging environments while making it easier for the wearer to get to their flashlight, grenade, or other item. Under night vision goggles or infrared cameras, laminate fabric does not show up, unlike fabrics with webbing, which can show up in a zebra pattern.

High-Performance Commercial and Industrial Fabrics From HLC Industries, Inc.

Cutting-edge innovations in commercial fabrics are just the beginning of an exciting future, seamlessly combining durability, aesthetics, and sustainability. From recycled fibers and biodegradable materials to antimicrobial treatments and state-of-the-art digital printing, these advancements are revolutionizing the textile landscape. Laminate textiles, in particular, are gaining popularity across many industries, from medical to military to automotive to construction. The customizability of lamination is driving demand for these high-performance solutions.

HLC Industries supplies high-performance commercial and industrial textiles to the U.S. military, parachute industry, law enforcement, medical industry, and more. Our laminate textile line includes Titan X and Titan XL fabrics, which are optimized for outdoor and tactical applications. For more information about how our innovative textiles can fulfill your specific needs, contact us or request a quote today.