Nanofibres and nanotechnology in textiles

In former times, the European textile and clothing industry was one of the mainsprings of the industrialization and a significant branch of the economy. Nowadays, many fabrics which meet the Europeans requirements are imported from low-price competitors like China, India, Taiwan and South Korea. Various countries use the textile industry as an entrance into the industrialization. On this account the global competition of the suppliers strengthens perpetually.

“One million jobs got lost in Europe from 1993 to 2003”, explained William Lakin, general director of the European textile association Euratex (F.A.Z., 14.06.2005, Nr.135/Seite 11). Nevertheless, there are still 2,5 million people engaged all over Europe and the textile branch turns about 215 billion euros.

Increasing competition and the enormous demand for new materials, is forcing the industry to restructure and modernise.

Significant restructuring has taken place over the last decade, however, there is a general recognition that producing traditional apparel products may no longer be sufficient to sustain a viable business, and the EU textile industries may have to move towards more innovative, high quality products in order to differentiate themselves and compete. The key areas for increased competitiveness are expected to be Information Technology, Biotechnology and the
emerging Nanotechnology.