March 2010
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The International Year of Natural Fibers 2009 conference which was held at the Institute of Materials (IOM) in London witnessed latest developments in natural fibers and enhanced natural fibers for textile and engineering applications. Textile fibers made from plant extracts and leaves such as aloe Vera, banana, bamboo, and pineapple and sugar plant are no longer a novelty. Nettle fibers have been developed at De Mont Fort University in its STING (Sustainable Technology in Nettle Growing) project, in conjunction with UK textile manufacturer Camira, which is producing furnishing fabrics made from locally grown nettle fiber blended with wool. The Linen Directions trends for summer 2011 feature seasonal colors and fabric inspiration around three themes, City, Atelier and Escape. Wrinkle resistant trousers, made from merino wool, are being developed by New Zealand scientists, with very positive lab results in high humidity conditions. Fulgar S.P.A has launched Q-SKIN, a new antibacterial microfiber with Silver ions, which are inserted during the spinning process.