The World Textile Information Network (WTiN) sponsored the Innovate Textile Awards 2024, which came to an end with a virtual ceremony honoring innovative developments and outstanding accomplishments in the textile and clothing sector. The event, which culminated in the coveted Innovation of the Year award, honored brilliance in five different categories: Material Innovation, Product Innovation, Manufacturing and Supply Chain Innovation, Sustainability, and Changemakers. Recipients conveyed their appreciation and provided insights into their innovative work.
Material Innovation Award
The Material Innovation Award, celebrating advancements in performance fabrics and functional finishing, was presented to Noble Biomaterials for their Ionic+ Botanical Technology. Mark Jarvis, managing director at WTiN, commended Noble Biomaterials for its “exceptional potential to disrupt the market and create far-reaching impacts,” highlighting the company’s transformative contributions to functional textiles.
“We are thrilled to receive tremendous validation for our team’s hard work over the past couple years in developing Ionic+ Botanical and bringing it to market,” said Allon Cohne, senior vice president Ionic+ and chief marketing officer at Noble Biomaterials. “Receiving this award is another significant milestone for us, recognising the unique benefits Ionic+ Botanical offers to consumers and our dedication to creating performance-enhancing textiles that make a positive impact on the environment.”
Product Innovation Award
In the Product Innovation category, Fibrant was honoured for its entry, EcoLactam® which features in their value chain collaboration with Didriksons for pioneering sustainable fashion. Madelaine Thomas, head of content at WTiN, praised the team’s “commitment to reducing environmental impact through innovative material choices,” which underscores the importance of sustainability in modern textile design.
“This achievement highlights our commitment to driving meaningful change in the textile industry through innovative, sustainable solutions. Our collaborative project in partnership with Didriksons has been specifically recognised for its potential to reduce environmental impact through our innovative product: EcoLactam,” said Giovanni Henssen, business development manager sustainability, Fibrant. “We are particularly proud that this award celebrates our holistic approach to sustainability. It’s a testament to what’s possible when innovation, partnership, and environmental consciousness come together. We remain committed to continuing our mission of creating sustainable, innovative solutions that can transform our industry.”
Manufacturing and Supply Chain Innovation Award
The Manufacturing and Supply Chain Innovation Award recognised Digital Clothing Limited for its Fashion Big Data Platform for Sustainability Compliance in Supply Chain Management. This pioneering platform simplifies compliance with Green Deal regulations and Digital Product Passport (DPP) requirements. “Their initiative is both promising and impactful, offering a valuable tool for businesses navigating sustainability standards,” said Jarvis.
“We are deeply honoured to receive the Innovate Textile Award for Manufacturing and Supply Chain Innovation from WTiN. This recognition highlights our shared vision for a more sustainable, transparent, and connected fashion and textile industry,” said Tim Jun Li, CEO, Digital Clothing Limited. “At the heart of this journey is the Fashion Big Data (FBD) platform, a PaaS solution designed to drive innovation while digitally connecting stakeholders and processes across the textile value chain in real-time—from raw materials, fibres, yarns, fabrics, garments, brands, retailers, and consumers.
“By integrating Digital Product Passports, advanced technologies such as AI, real-time data analytics, and product performance modelling algorithms, we aim to enable seamless traceability and compliance with eco-design standards. This award is a testament to the power of collaboration, and we warmly invite everyone to join us in shaping a more sustainable future for the fashion and textile industry.”
Sustainability Award
The Sustainability Award was presented to Fibre52 for its innovative dyeing process, the sustainability advancement cotton has long needed. Thomas applauded Fibre52 for integrating green technologies into a sustainable system, calling it “a truly valuable and impressive achievement in sustainable innovation.”
“We are proud to receive this prestigious award from WTiN,” said Laura Thornquist, president of Fibre52. “By collaborating with industry partners, we are driving meaningful change in the way cotton is bleached, using a more sustainable and gentle approach. This not only benefits the environment but also results in better end-quality fabric. While change can be challenging, the Fibre52 team is inspired by the commitment of our partner brands and manufacturers who are embracing our innovative process.”
Changemaker Award
The Changemaker Award honoured Alpine Group for their inspiring work on Fighting Period Poverty with Dignity Kits. “This initiative, rooted in sustainability and social impact, is giving millions of girls and women the dignity and freedom they deserve,” said Thomas, acknowledging the circular model that transforms textile waste into life-changing solutions.
“We are delighted to have been honoured with this award for our Dignity Kits program, which addresses the critical issue of period poverty—a challenge faced by millions of women and girls worldwide,” said Clare Woodford, VP of sustainability and impact for Alpine Group. “To date, we’ve reached 150,000 women and girls, setting us well on our way to achieving our UN commitment of reaching 250,000. Together, we are proving that innovation and compassion can change the world—and this is just the beginning.”
Innovation of the Year Award
The highlight of the evening was the Innovation of the Year Award, presented to Coldenhove for their revolutionary Texcol®—a pigment transfer paper designed for printing on natural and synthetic fabrics like cotton, linen, silk, and nylon. Texcol® makes it easy to produce bright, long-lasting designs on textiles without using any water, cutting down on waste and helping the environment.
“Winning this award is a major milestone for Coldenhove,” said Ron Sportel, Innovation & Development Manager. “We expect that the Texcol® technology will create the same market development as we did with the introduction of dye sublimation paper 25 years ago, once again reshaping the textile printing landscape.”
Reflections and Closing Remarks
Jarvis concluded the event by reflecting on the evening’s remarkable achievements: “Each of you have brought something truly unique and valuable to the industry. Your passion and dedication inspire transformative change, and we are grateful to celebrate your accomplishments.”
WTiN extends its gratitude to the distinguished panel of judges for their invaluable contribution in evaluating groundbreaking innovations within the textile industry. The panel brought together exceptional expertise in sustainability, technology and design.
Judges include:
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Charles Ross, Lecturer, Royal College of Art
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Cindy DiPietrantonio, Former CEO and President, Boathouse Sports
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Jessica Basey, Business Innovation Lead, WTiN
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Dr Lorenzo Costanzo, Materials and Biomimicry Expert, ÆVOLUTION
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Nicole van der Elst Desai Founder, VDE Consultancy
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Prof Parikshit Goswami, Professor of Technical Textiles, The University of Huddersfield
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Prof Stephen Russell, Professor of Textile Materials and Technology, University of Leeds
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Samantha Taylor, Founder, The Good Factory
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Mili Tharakan, Smart Textile Consultant, Smart Textile Alliance
The Innovate Textile Awards 2024 once again spotlighted the groundbreaking work shaping the future of the textile and apparel industry. Congratulations to all winners and participants for their contributions.
About World Textile Information Network (WTiN)
WTiN is a UK-based B2B information business providing unmatched insights and analysis into the innovative processes and materials shaping the global textile and apparel manufacturing industry. Our community of over 75,000 members relies on WTiN’s expertise to make informed business decisions. Learn more at www.wtin.com.
