Research & Development, Education

In cooperation with Amoena Medizin-Orthopädie-Technik GmbH, a developer of specialist bras, swimwear and breast prostheses, researchers at the Hohenstein Institute have developed a special bra for breast cancer patients. The new bra, which was developed under a publicly funded research project (AiF no. KF2136714HG0) can be worn during and directly after radiation therapy and takes into account the high sensitivity of the skin which often occurs during treatments as well as changes in breast volume.

The global sporting goods market—including sports apparel, athletic footwear, and sports equipment—is on track to reach sales of $ 303 billion US by 2015 (according to a report by Global Industry Analysts), with a growth curve outperforming that of total retail in both the UK and the US; and is expanding even more rapidly in the newly-affluent, youth-driven markets of emerging economies. While brand, heritage and style trends contribute to the sales of athletic apparel and equipment, the sporting goods market also relies heavily upon technology as a marketing tool.

Dr. Sam Moore of Hohenstein Institute America will present interim findings from a long term study of the effects of nano silver particles on the environment. The presentation will be made at the joint conference of the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC) and the Southern Textile Research Conference (STRC) to be held May 20-22, 2012 at Litchfield Beach & Golf Resort in Pawley’s Island, SC.

The mass manufacturing of textiles and apparel will return to developed regions like Europe and the USA, but probably not in any recognisable shape from the past. The only question is what timeframe this will take.

This new one-year Masters degree has been developed to meet the industry’s demand for a postgraduate course within the field of fashion knitwear design and product innovation in knitted technical textiles. Aimed at graduates and professionals from both design and technology backgrounds, the course integrates creative and technical perspectives within the context of advanced fibre materials and computerised flat-bed knitting technology.

Teijin has announced plans to establish Teijin Product Development China Co., Ltd. in August this year to conduct fibre and textile product research and development in Nantong, Jiangsu Province commencing April 2013. The move will enhance the Teijin group’s R&D functions in China and enable collaborative development with local partners to respond quickly to business opportunities in the fast-growing market.

Researchers in New Zealand say they have found that nine months is all that it takes for merino wool garments to biodegrade when buried in soil. The New Zealand Merino Company (NZM) carried out research where two sets of trials compared the biodegradation behaviour of knitted merino and polyester fabrics when buried in soil.

On 9 December 2011, Prof. Stefan Mecheels, Head of the Hohenstein Institute, opened the new test laboratory at the International Textile Testing and Service Centre in Hong Kong. It was an opportunity to tell the approximately 70 invited guests from all around the world about the work of the Hohenstein experts.

German scientists have developed a new versatile functional yarn which aims to give maximum comfort and has excellent thermal insulation properties. Working in partnership with Zwickauer Kammgarn GmbH and Helmut Peterseim Strickwaren GmbH in Mühlhausen, researchers at the Hohenstein Institute in Bönnigheim, have developed an innovative new yarn for knitted textiles.

YKK launched a revolutionary new zipper concept at ISPO Munich 2012 last week called Ultra Light Zipper, which is being developed to answer the ongoing lightweight trend in sports and outdoor apparel.