Specialty Fabrics Review February 2023 - 42

[ MARKETS ] ADVANCED TEXTILES
Bio-based synthetics exist, with
PLA fibers from corn sources; the
recent development by Virent of
fully bio-based PET yarns; and,
interestingly, a bio-based Dyneema®
UHMW polyethylene from Braskem's
sugarcane PE. The market is growing,
and innovations are being offered on
a regular basis, but it is still woefully
under represented among global
increases in industrial fibers use.
Want more? We have it!
Search " sustainability strategy " at
SpecialtyFabricsReview.com
Creating a sustainable product
It should be noted that materials
labeled " sustainable " do not always
create a more sustainable product. In
general, the decision to use recycled or
bio-based needs to be weighed against
other factors that include durability,
cost, performance and reliable
availability in suitable quantities.
Choose the right material for an
overall lowering of environmental
impact that follows your " North Star "
rather than following the latest trend.
Sometimes the most sustainable solution
at that time is going to be a standard
synthetic one. And how will you know
what the most sustainable choice is? You
quantify. Use a Life Cycle Analysis or
Assessment (LCA) to benchmark where
you are and put out an Environmental
Product Declaration (EPD) to tell the
world how you are doing.
Only by quantifying will you know
where you stand and what needs
to improve. It can provide a full
GreenHouse Gas (GHG) emissions
report for your production and show
where you can improve. Unlike
certifications, LCAs and EPDs just
provide data, they do not deliver a
verdict on your performance.
When starting out on this journey,
it's so important to involve as many
of your team as you can. The younger
ones and the " deep greens " -those
living and breathing the sustainability
dream outside of work-may already
be thinking about this and have ideas,
but the process only works when you
have buy-in from the entire company.
The challenge is bigger than all of us,
so collaboration is essential.
Dr. Andrew Dent, EVP of materials research at
Material ConneXion and chief material scientist at
Material Bank, is an authority on materials in design.
He was the plenary speaker at ATA's Advanced Textiles
Conference in Charlotte, N.C., in October 2022.
marketplace
For more information on
classified advertising in ATA's
Specialty Fabrics Review contact
Michelle Cook: 651 225 6957,
michelle.cook@textiles.org
HELP WANTED
COMMISSION SALES REPS WANTED
Neoprene Sheets, Hook & Loop,
Webbing, Elastic, Zippers, Buckles,
TPU Medical Fabrics & Hot Melt Adhesive
Many territories available. Established
in 1985, large inventory for fast delivery.
Please visit www.perfectex.com.
Please send resume to:
E-Mail: info@perfectex.com
Fax: 714-893-9339
Or call 1-800-326-1288 ext. 116 Konrad
FIND A JOB? POST A JOB?
Visit textiles.org/jobs to find employees and
job postings for the textile industry!
Advanced Textiles Association Career Center
42 SPECIALTY FABRICS REVIEW / February 2023
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Specialty Fabrics Review February 2023

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