Secondary Catalogue

This resource looks at how CAD/CAM is transforming all sections of the textile industry, from digital printing and embroidery to knitting and laser cutting. For each case study, designers and manufacturers explain how they work in function of new technologies and discuss the benefits CAD/CAM brings to their business. Show Less

Filmed in Bangladesh, one of the world's largest textile manufacturers, this resource explores the social cost of our cheap textiles. With footage filmed inside a number of Bangladeshi textile factories, it explores the issues of sweatshop labour, poor working conditions, a fair wage and the right to unionise and asks who is responsible? It then compares the social impacts of this mass-scale textiles production with the benefits brought to a small rural community in Bangladesh by a fair trade textile initiative. Show Less

This resource looks at the impact of new technology on the global fashion and textile industry. A top fashion design house shows how ICT, CAD and CAM has revolutionised the way they communicate with their global manufacturing partners – from speeding up the design process to improving accuracy and efficiency of production – enabling them to turn designs around from initial idea through to shop floor in a matter of weeks. It also shows how 3D body scanners enable retailers and catalogue companies to create more accurate size charts and 3D patterns. Show Less

This resource shows how textile designers are meeting the challenge from government and consumers to meet the 6R's. Case studies include: Shoes made from old tyres, bags made from recycled airline seats and high fashion tailoring created from second hand shop finds. Show Less

With extraordinary access to the latest research and development, this resource explores cutting edge smart materials finding out how they are made, how they work and what their potential applications are both now and in the future. Case studies include; shape memory alloys and thermochromatic plastics, as well as QTC and how it is being used by electronics companies to revolutionise touch screen technology and how smart organic compounds are making it possible to print electrical components onto plastic sheets. Show Less

This programme looks at the different tests fabrics and products have to undergo before they hit the shelves. Using examples from high street retailer, New Look and outdoor specialists Millets and Blacks, the programme visits industrial textiles testing laboratories and includes footage and clear explanations of tests for flammability, abrasion and pilling, tear and tensile strength, burst and drape testing, as well as tests for care labelling, eg. shrinkage and colour fastness. The programme also includes tests for high performance wear, including tests for insulation, breathability, wickability, wind and waterproofness. Show Less

As lead designers for Finisterre, Tom and Debbie are on a mission – to create the most eco-friendly surf-wear brand in the world. From their HQ in Cornwall to fabric suppliers in Japan and manufacturers in Portugal, we follow the pair as they explain how they reduce the environmental and ethical impact of their clothes by considering the use of materials and energy throughout their design, manufacture, transportation and use. We see how they source and develop eco-friendly technical materials - from recycled polyester to organic wool and cotton; we follow Tom on a series of environmental factory audits in Portugal and we find out how Finisterre work with customers to reduce the carbon footprint of products throughout their life-cycle. Show Less

Filmed in Bangladesh and in the UK, this resource assesses the environmental impacts of the textile industry both here and abroad. It looks at how companies in the UK are working to meet government targets to reduce their environmental impact by using state of the art water recycling plants and by making better use of their waste streams. The resource then explores the environmental impact of textile production in Bangladesh, and shows how the true cost of cheap textiles is being felt by the very poorest living downstream from polluting textile factories. Show Less

Industrial finishing is a crucial part of the textiles manufacturing process, giving products their attractive sheen, colour and texture. Using a range of up-to-date examples, this engaging program explores the reasons for finishing, and when and why different processes might be used. It also looks at the different types of industrial finishes available, examines examples of a variety of chemical and physical finishes, and explores their applications. It then goes on to look at how the range of finishes now available is creating ever more technical materials, enhancing the role of textiles in today's society. Show Less