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US textile industry gaining new ground

24 Jun '17
2 min read

Advancing technology in the textile and fibre sector is allowing the US textile industry to gain new ground after years of losing market share to overseas manufacturers, a report in the Chemical & Engineering News, the weekly newsmagazine of the American Chemical Society, says. US’ textile companies were crowded out of the market by low-cost overseas labour.

American textile companies, long crowded out of the market by low-cost overseas labour, have developed new niches for hi-tech fibres and textiles, senior C&EN correspondent Marc S Reisch reports.

These advanced products include antimicrobial fabric, fire-retardant finishes, sensor-imbued "smart fabric," and polyester made from recycled plastic bottles. Thanks to technological advances, automation and productivity improvements, the US textile industry is finally growing more competitive, American textile and fibre makers say.

Despite the increase in business, and even favourable domestic policies enticing foreign manufacturers to open plants in the United States, employment in the industry may continue to falter in the face of automation. But the high-tech nature of modern textiles and a drive for productivity has increased the demand for experts, including polymer chemists and dye specialists, the report says.

For example, the North Carolina State University College of Textiles reported its largest-ever graduating class this year. And if the past is any indication, most are likely to find jobs within three months of earning their degrees. In a field once marked by rampant job loss, stability is returning with a new focus on advanced specialty products.

The American Chemical Society, the world's largest scientific society, is a not-for-profit organisation chartered by the US Congress. ACS is a global leader in providing access to chemistry-related information and research through its multiple databases, peer-reviewed journals and scientific conferences. (SV)

ALCHEMPro News Desk – India

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