Editorial: Techtextil 2015 - a showcase for breadth, diversity and innovation in technical textiles

A major driving force in the technical textile industry is innovation, and in this respect the May 2015 edition of Techtextil did not disappoint. Innovation, given its importance in the industry, is encouraged and recognised at Techtextil by the Techtextil Innovation Award. Products on show highlighted the latest trends in functionality, lightweight construction, mobility and sustainability. The awards fall into six categories - New Material, New Application, New Product, New Composite, New Technology and New Concept - and serve to draw the attention of the industry worldwide to new ideas and advances in the field of high-tech textiles. In this report, Robin Anson analyses the eight winners of the Techtextil Innovation Award, namely: Sioen Industries for its development of textiles for seaweed cultivation; the Hohenstein Insitut für Textilinnovation (Hohenstein Institute for Textile Innovation) for its development of an artificial uterus, called Artus; Empa for its development of an embroidered electrode for electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring systems; Technische Universität Dresden (Dresden University of Technology) for its development of a three-dimensional (3D) composite; Switch Embassy for its development of a washable LED (light emitting diode) screen; Mammut for its development of stitched preforms for composites; Sosa Fresh for its development of 3D weaver - a 3D printer which can produce three-dimensional structures step-by-step; and ITV Denkendorf for its BioGlizz project which aims to develop an environmental alternative to ski, snowboarding and sledding slopes based on algae-covered textiles.

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Four times a year, Technical Textile Markets provides an overview of the global man-made fibre, nonwoven and technical textile industries. It provides market data and analysis of new and established markets for technical textiles, and is essential reading for senior executives in (or supplying) the man-made fibre, nonwoven and technical textile sectors ? as well as for those who are not involved in the industry on a day-to-day basis, but who need an authoritative source which helps them to quickly gain an understanding of the key issues facing the companies which are actively involved in this fast-growing sector.
Reports in Technical Textile Markets include:
	company and country profiles ? giving you the opportunity to learn from strategies employed by others, in terms of production, sourcing, import/export, infrastructure and development, and plans for the future.
	profiles of the world's top 40 producers of nonwovens ? updated each year with details of developments from each of the leading producers, including acquisitions, investments and divestments, and analyses of trends which the "rising stars" are using to their advantage.
	statistical reports ? including consumption data, by fibre and end-use applications. Regular updates are published for fibre consumption in Japan, the rest of Asia, the USA, and Western Europe.
	market sector information ? analyses of important commercial end-user applications, and profiles of both established and emerging markets which take into account such innovations and developments as nanotechnology and intelligent textiles.
	regular updates on innovations in fibres, technical textiles, apparel and machinery ? including developments in the following categories: fibres and yarns; technical textile fabrics for industrial applications; machinery; technical textiles for apparel; composites; other technical textile products; and technical textile treatments and finishes.
	reports on new technological developments and other topical issues ? with clear, authoritative comments on their economic and commercial significance. The reports bring to your attention the key issues which you can use to develop your business, and provides contact details of useful organisations.
So whether you are involved in man-made fibres, nonwovens or technical textiles ? in manufacturing, converting, import/export, or end use ? or if you are in education or consultancy or investment or finance ? a subscription to Technical Textile Markets will tell you what you need to know about the key trends in the industry.
Technical Textile Markets is available on subscription ? either in printed format only, or in printed and electronic format. If you choose the printed only option, you will receive 4 printed publications a year. Each issue contains five research-based reports (see above) and an editorial.
Electronic supplement If you choose the printed and electronic option, you will receive an extra service. You will still receive each issue in printed format, delivered to you by traditional post. In addition, you will be able to download PDF files containing the same information ? but the PDF files will be available immediately on publication, so you don?t have to wait for the printing and mailing. You also have all the benefits of electronic files: instant access even when you are away from the office; convenient storage in your PC or laptop; portability; electronic search facility; and copy/paste facility. You will also receive a monthly update of business news, called "Technical Textiles Business Update" delivered to you by email, free of charge.
Technical textiles are used in a wide range of end-use applications and markets, including agricultural; automotive; building/ construction/ engineering; medical and hygiene; packaging; protective clothing; sports and sportswear; and transport. A subscription to Technical Textile Markets will support your decision making, and provide the information you need to expand into new markets.