The awards highlight an array of cutting edge products, which involve a range of technologies from nano-technology, to NASA research, to fire protection, to smart fabric construction. The new technologies are commercially available in the specialty fabrics market, and one is currently available as a finished consumer product.

Kathy Swantko founder of the FabricLink Network, explains the motivation behind the annual awards, “Innovation drives the specialty and high tech fabric market. The awards are presented to recognize the products, designers, manufacturers and suppliers, who are leading the way to the next generation of products and technologies.”

The annual Top 10 Innovations Awards pay tribute to the creation of new products in the specialty textile fabrics market and for the formulation of interesting and novel textile developments, fiber technologies and fabric developments that significantly improve the design, construction or performance of existing textile products.

The selection of the “2013 Top 10 Products” is made by the FabricLink Network based on review of new products introduced into the marketplace during 2012. This year’s winners have end use applications in the areas of technical sports textiles, industrial, medical, safety/protective, home furnishings, and gardening.

The companies winning the 2013 award winners include: Schoeller Textil AG, new corkshellTM technology, Emana Rhodia, Texolini’s Fire Stomp , GlenGuard Hi-Vis, Merino State’s Bi Component Fabrics, Developed by NASA’s Glenn Research Centre - Polymer Cross Linked Aerogels – EY Technologies - SafeTcrete, SEFARAG - PowerMatrix, VELCRO- Brand Peel-Away Pots, Viscont FR.

The 2013 Top 10 Innovations

Corkshell, by Schoeller Textil AG combines the natural features of cork with the functional features of high-performance fabrics. Two- and three-layer constructions are available.

Emana, Rhodia’s new polyamide 6.6-based intelligent yarn, incorporates a patented additive, which offers both thermo-regulation properties and blood circulation improvements.

Fire Stomp, a line of FR fabrics, introduced by Texollini, a circular knitter based in Long Beach, CA. The collection includes constructions and fiber blends knitted in Texollini’s Superfino fabric for first layer apparel applications.

GlenGuard Hi-Vis Anti-Stat Fabrics, developed by Glen Raven Technical Fabrics, Performance Textiles, and William Barnet & Son, is an engineered fabric that prevents the buildup of static electricity for hospital and industrial work wear applications.

Merino State’s Bi-Component Fabrics, by Australia’s Charles Parsons & Company, blends Merino wool with fibers including cotton, Biophyl, Tencel, Modal and high filament polyester, taking Merino wool into new markets.