Textile Insight

Also key is a focus on 2024/2025, "as new product needs to be put into the marketplace." Driving innovation is also a primary focus at NexTex. "Making sure this textile innovation can be achieved in the desired hemisphere will be handled based on our customers' needs," explained NexTex CEO Chad Lawrence, who described the current mood of the marketplace as "hesitant." He added, "We're waiting to see how the consumer reacts to inflation." ECO TECH OF TOMORROW Material suppliers agree that functional fabrics made from sustainable, renewable resources and manufactured responsibly are the future of the industry. However, challenges still exist, and performance remains key. Lawrence explained, "Innovation is more than just eco textiles. Textiles which function to solve a problem will lead our conversations, however, these can be achieved using sustainable fibers and responsible practices. In other words, sustainable fibers and responsible practices are part of the goal but not the goal in and of themselves." NexTex has recently created its first bio-based nylon. e textile has superior one-way transport performance while being a blend of cotton, Lenzing Modal, and bio-based nylon. "We will continue to grow our portfolio of fabrics that contain either recycled polyester or bio-based nylon synthetics," stated Lawrence, who noted that the company's natural fiber collection, which is extensive, will continue to grow. Draper agrees that eco-performance textiles lead the way. She remarked, "Even 'unsustainable' businesses are looking to be more sustainable through the use of natural materials or giving items a second life." Draper Knitting continues to perfect its Draper Wool Bar Collection. e offering now features Shaniko's RWS Wool and is completely processed in the U.S. Draper makes a strong case for the natural fiber. "Wool, the first performance fiber, is making a resurgence not just for its inherent values, like its excellent insulation properties but now for its sustainability story and its bonus features like being, naturally anti-microbial and naturally biodegradable." Parkes believes that "we are just at the tip of the iceberg" in terms of eco-textile innovation. "ere is not enough recycled poly in the world to switch all poly (to recycled) so we need to find other solutions. at's what we are all working on," commented Parkes. "ere is a long way to go and it will be exciting. ere is not one true solution." Concept III and its partners are making progress. "For Fall '23 we have a large program where we have added three percent recycled textile waste into a fleece fabric from Kingwhale's pilot plant in Japan. e waste is textile scrap, shearing waste and also garments and we were able to produce 50 tons of recycled waste chip." Parkes explained, "We need to get to 50/50 up from that three percent. A waste stream exists." But how do we move the needle? According ULRIKA BJÖRK, POLYGIENE: "Transparency, honesty, and trust are key if you should survive in this industry. Working with chemicals demands a strong regulatory and compliance work and this is where I never compromise. And of course, walk the talk and truly live our mission of Mindful Living." SIMON WHITMARSH-KNIGHT, HYOSUNG: "Create a vision, provide direction, have a purpose and engage the team to contribute to that. Hybrid dispersed teams are here to stay – employees like the flexibility but on the other hand need to feel included. Leaders and the team have to create a culture of inclusivity. It's easy to say, but not simple to do. Leaders need to think about individual needs and the needs of the team at the same time. How to do this? We're still learning, still evolving and trying to find our way." CHRIS PARKES, CONCEPT III: "Listen. Think out all potential scenarios. Commit." CHAD LAWRENCE, NEXTEX: "True innovation and staying power…aka perseverance. You can't fake innovation, it's either real or it's not." KRISTIN DRAPER, DRAPER KNITTING: "Juggling lessons! Before Covid, we knew how to run our businesses well, we have all survived personnel gluts and droughts through the years, supply chain issues, inflation, and some folks who have been around a while, shortages of natural resources and parts. But now throwing all of those things at us at once and just surviving is a real feat! If that is not enough, now remember that you need to watch your social presence, do whatever you can to protect the earth and look for ways to improve yourself, your business, and your business practices. So, keep your eyes open, your ears open and your mind open to new ideas and the future." 24 • Textile Insight ~ Winter 2023 textileinsight.com OUTLOOK 2023 WHAT IT TAKES TO BE A SUCCESSFUL LEADER TODAY

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