Traditional textile techniques, such as knitting, weaving and embroidery are being combined with new materials to produce new hi-performance products. These are broadly known as technical textiles and are used in a wide variety of spheres, from medical equipment and surgical devices to sportswear. Many of the products have major industrial potential.
In contrast to traditional textiles, the technical performance and physical properties of a product are more important than features such as style or colour. However the core textile technologies are common to both traditional and technical textiles and the latter have been identified as the route to survival for a number of clothing and textile companies in the UK, where the traditional manufacturing base has long been in decline.
In 2002 the DTI commissioned a report to propose a strategy for developing the technical textiles industry in the UK. A National Advisor on Technical Textiles was appointed, who drew up a strategy document. In association with this advisor, The Clothworkers’ Company helped to set up a UK industry group, the Technical Textiles Executive, formed of the key companies in this growing area. The launch was held at Clothworkers’ Hall in 2004 and the body is now self-sustaining.
The Foundation has used the entire resources of one of its subsidiary trusts, the Percy J Neate Will Trust, to support research projects involving the use of technical textiles in medical applications. In addition, the Foundation has established a bursary scheme for postgraduate students in technical textiles, in association with the Universities of Leeds and Manchester.