Author: Shoshana Burgett Pink Elephant Productions
Last week I spoke at the Texprocess America conference in Atlanta. It’s been 2+ years since SPESA, Techtextil and SEAMS were together. The show was cancelled in 2020 for obvious reasons. And it is amazing to see how the whole industry has evolved in just 24 months. The event was not only fun and invigorating, but it showcased how companies are working together and propping up one another in this fast-changing apparel and textile industry.
5-Take Aways from Texprocess
It seems, so 2019, to have physical mood boards in the room, today everyone works virtually. In an industry that still relies heavily on Adobe Illustrator and 2D for a 2D design, Texprocess showcased that digitalization and automation are taking hold. With everyone working virtually the days of physical mood boards in every room is gone. Emerging disruptive technologies such as 3D CAD, pattern templates and on-demand print, cut and dyeing allow brands to design and sell before the first product is even made. The theme ‘sell before make’ was discussed throughout Texprocess and the hardware and software that make this a reality.
- 3D Visualization – Everything is going digital, and companies were eager to demonstrate their latest 3D visualizations. Shima Seki showed 3D knit design with their APEX4, Gerber Technologies showed their latest Accumark and TukaTech 3D demonstrated fit and movement on virtual models jumping up and down.
- Digital Twin – Visualization helps make design decisions, but it does nothing for manufacturing. ClothingTech, a company born from the automotive industry is bringing digital twin technology to textile and apparel, where CAD is married up with the techpack and specs so manufacturers and suppliers can produce what is specified.
- On-Demand – We saw on-demand printing from Kornit, on-demand knitting from Shima Seki and on-demand thread and yard from Twine. The supply chain is broken. With on-demand technologies companies can produce what they need, when they need it and where they need it.
- Quality over Quantity – Fast fashion is killing this planet. Personally, I would rather own a high-quality shirt for 10-years than pay a few dollars for something that dissolves and tears after a couple of washes. Bear Fiber takes the strength and durability of hemp and is working with both natural and synthetic textiles to make a durable product that feels good and lasts.
- Micro-Factories – Tukatech showcased how they can set up a full design to sew production the size of a retail space one would find in the mall. Elon Musk disrupted how cars are sold to consumers, Ram Sharin has the same vision for apparel. A consumer can go into the store and choose a pattern and design and walk out with the final product.
I saw a lot of incredible technology at Texprocess and spoke to several innovators. I will continue to share their stories in the coming weeks. More importantly, I saw an industry banding together to demonstrate that not only can we innovate, but we can also succeed and make an impact on how we think, design, and take products to market.
“I'm thrilled to be at Texprocess (Americas) because innovation in manufacturing and textiles is where my focus is. It is so great to have an opportunity to collaborate with people who are like-minded, and to learn the newest and greatest things happening in the industry. I'm already planning on coming back next year!”
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