#Textiles & Apparel / Garment

2020-01-15

New environmentally-friendly solution for waterproof, breathable textiles

BenQ Materials’ safe, effective advances for clothing and other applications recognized by ISPO (c) 2020 Xpore

BenQ Materials is pleased to announce the launch of Xpore, a ground-breaking new technology for waterproof and breathable textiles. Xpore is the first genuine innovation in waterproof and breathable technology for many years, providing not only comfort – with an unprecedented “beyond dry” experience – but also environmentally-friendly safety.

Xpore, a refinement of BenQ Material’s AirySektor concept, has almost limitless applications in performance clothing, home care, and medical care. Xpore technology is ideal for natural fiber fabrics, such as silk, wool, and cotton, and even for special fabrics requested by designers, such as leather.

Unlike existing products, Xpore technology is safe and free of harmful PTFE/PFCs (Polytetrafluoroethylene and Perfluorocarbons). Xpore technology also provides fully chemical solvent-free processes from membrane manufacturing to lamination. Xpore not only sets a new standard for eco-friendliness from production process to final product, but also offers true breathability together with waterproofing.

BenQ Materials's nano-porous membranes have been recognized as exceptional by the industry-leading ISPO Textrends jury panel of journalists, designers, and independent professionals. When selecting outstanding membrane and coating products, the ISPO jury placed two of BenQ Materials’ products in the top 10, and three of them in the selection category.

In independent tests, Xpore has demonstrated remarkable and significant advantages over the existing dominant technologies in this market. BenQ Materials’s membrane innovations now control moisture with 10 billion nano-pores per square inch – each 20,000x smaller than a water droplet and 200x larger than a water vapor molecule – to keep wearers dry and comfortable in all conditions. As a result, compared to competing products, BenQ Materials’ hydrophobic nano-porous membrane offers better moisture vapor transmission, breathability and durability; is impenetrable to bacteria and mites; and is lighter and faster drying.

Certification and approval

Xpore technology materials including nano-porous membrane and glue have already received critical SGS and ITS certifications. BenQ Materials’ factory facilities already have ISO approval. Bluesign, OEKO-TEX, and TAF of laboratory approvals are in process.

Xpore offers such a compelling alternative to existing fabric comfort technologies that it promises to make possible entirely new product categories. Xpore will be formally launched and demonstrated with a major press event on January 27, 2020, at ISPO Munich, the leading international sports trade fair. You are also welcome to visit the BenQ Materials booth at ISPO Munich’s Hall C2 Booth 207, where staff will be available to answer inquiries, and selected membranes and coatings will be exhibited.

Key Facts:

Date: Jan. 27, 2020 from 16:00-17:30

Location: Messe München Fairground Conference Room Press Center West 2nd floor

For more information about Xpore, please visit:

http://www.xpore-global.com and Xpore brand video at https://youtu.be/ncsQ61Bfbb4

“Production is a product”

From technical textiles and AI-driven robotics to the limitations of textile circularity: Professor Dr Thomas Gries looks back on more than two decades of development at ITA Aachen. In the interview, he explains why production technology remains a decisive success factor, discusses international collaborations and innovation ecosystems, and shares his views on the transformation of production landscapes and the challenges facing an increasingly regulated industry.

“We need to move away from the price trap and return to a value-driven mindset.”

With its new Textile Innovation Center, KARL MAYER is sending a strong signal for innovation, collaboration, and the future of textile applications. In this interview, Karl Josef Mayer discusses new opportunities in warp knitting, the processing of staple fibres, recycling, the changing role of machinery manufacturers, and why the textile industry must once again focus more strongly on the value of textiles. by Oliver Schmidt

“Innovation, resilience and international experience remain the great strengths of the Swiss textile machinery industry”

Geopolitical uncertainty, growing competitive pressure from China, new free trade agreements and the shift towards a circular economy are currently reshaping the global textile industry. In this interview, Cornelia Buchwalder discusses the current mood within the Swiss textile machinery sector, the industry’s distinctive innovative strength, new market opportunities in India and Asia, and the technological trends that could shape the upcoming trade fair cycle leading up to ITMA 2027.

The LYCRA Company expands its co-creation vision through an immersive Lifestyle District at Intertextile Shanghai.

The LYCRA Company, a global leader in fiber and technology solutions for the apparel industry, is reimagining the trade show experience at Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics Autumn Edition, which opened today in China. Building on the success of last year's ALL IN concept, the company has expanded its co-creation vision into a 356-square-meter Lifestyle District featuring partners Jingzili New Material, JYT Textile, Lianxingfa Knitting, and Trend Textile. The district is part of a larger 895-square-meter pavilion showcasing a total of 19 co-exhibitors. Together, they demonstrate how innovations in fiber, fabric, and garments can be combined to create compelling solutions for both work and play.

Hong Kong strengthens position as Asia's leading sustainable fashion hub

Hong Kong's position as one of Asia's most prominent sustainable fashion hubs has been further strengthened, with the HKTDC ESG Index 2026 released by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) for the fashion industry rising to 65.5 in 2026, up 2.3 percentage points from 2025. The increase reflects growing industry confidence in Hong Kong as a premier platform for sustainable fashion development and ESG-related business opportunities.

Première Vision Paris expands innovation focus across fashion and beauty

From September 1–3, 2026, Première Vision Paris will bring together more than 900 exhibitors from across the global fashion value chain. This year's edition places a strong emphasis on Innovation-Tech, highlighting technologies and materials that are reshaping product development, manufacturing and sustainability.

Intertextile Apparel opens next week with strengthened focus on performance, sustainability, and innovation

Opening 25 August at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics – Autumn Edition 2026 prepares to welcome thousands of global industry players for three days of sourcing, networking, and trend forecasting. Spanning 240,000 sqm, this edition will feature over 3,500 exhibitors from 30 countries and regions, providing a comprehensive platform for fairgoers to explore new products, market directions, and business opportunities across the entire apparel textile value chain – with high-potential segments noticeably magnified.

Brazil sets new cotton export record and consolidates global leadership

Brazil ended the 2025/26 commercial year with a new record, consolidating its position as the world’s largest cotton exporter. Between August 2025 and July 2026, the country shipped 3,373,941 tonnes of the fiber, 19% more than in the previous cycle, and reached record revenue of US$5.3 billion. The result represents a milestone in Brazil’s expansion in the international market and reinforces the country’s role as a strategic supplier to the global textile industry.

Plastic-free stretch technologies drive new direction for denim innovation

As the denim industry looks for ways to reduce its reliance on synthetic fibres, plastic-free stretch technologies are gaining momentum. Developments based on mechanical fabric construction and natural rubber are demonstrating that comfort and stretch can be achieved without conventional elastane, supporting both recyclability and circular product design.