TexWorld: Textiles and
Sustainability
Natalia Salinas
This past Wednesday, January 24th I had
the incredible opportunity to attend TexWorld at the Jacob K. Javits Center.
TexWorld is one of the largest sourcing events in the east coast that features
apparel fabrics. I attended with my Sustainability and the Future of Fashion
class, and there were a lot of very interesting things to see and learn. We
were lucky enough to meet the two creative designers in charge of the whole
event: Gregory and Louis, who made an amazing job putting together another successful
conference. After listening to some great advice from these two very talented
people, we were able to walk around the Javits Center to see what multiple
firms had to offer.
Since we were there with our
Sustainability and the Future of Fashion class, we paid special attention to companies
that offered sustainable fabrics. Erictex Fashion CO was one of them. It specializes
in the development and manufacturing of soft and lightweight fabrics for down
jackets and a variety of outerwear. Erictex is well known for applying new
techniques to the fabrics, and in 2011 they achieved the Swiss bluesign
standard by devoting itself in environmental friendly products. Their sustainable
and eco-friendly fabrics are core products for them. They recycle nylon and polyester
by two methods. The first one is recycling plastic bottles, which are melted,
extruded and spun into polyester yarn. The second one is by taking used
fabrics, which are converted into raw material and then spun into new yarns.
Some companies have been trying to go
green by creating fabrics that are recycled, but I we still have a long way to
go. Erictex Fashion is definitely on the right path, and hopefully many other
manufacturers will join them, so that sustainability becomes essential in the
fashion industry.
I was really interested in the company you picked. I didn't get the chance to talk to them while I was there so it's great to see this. I know that a few companies had new techniques for creating sustainable fabrics. However, your company is unique in the fact they do this in two different ways: the recycled materials and the used fabrics. The company I spoke with told me they used wood to create their fiber for their products. I believe Erictex has the better idea in this case. In the long run we may run out of raw materials such as wood but we will always be able to use recycled materials and used fabrics. This business is definitely one others should look up to in my opinion. You found great innovation.
ReplyDeleteNatalia- I agree with Ashley that you discuss a great and innovative company! I too am excited by what you learned and write about Erictex. Recylcing both fibers as well as disposed products is excellent and truly a step towards circularity! Thank you for this great post!
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