New fabrics and technologies are being developed with greater performance capabilities and smaller impact on the environment. These range from an ultra-lightweight fabric that Nasa will use for the next Mars landing to regenerative polyester and nylon fabrics upcycled from discarded fishing nets and bottles from the ocean.

Safety Components’ Filament Twill Technology is a new innovative fabric construction used to produce lighter, stronger, more flexible textiles for firefighter turnout gear. The fabrics, combined with more ergonomic garment designs, have changed performance capabilities for firefighters thanks to the greater ease of movement.

Heathcoat Fabrics’ DecelAir Superlight is a new range of super lightweight parachute fabrics that will be used on the next Mars Rover landing. The fabric, which weighs 20 grams per square meter, is among the lightest parachute fabric solutions available on the market.

Honeywell’s Spectra Centurion is a composite fabric made of a high-performance material designed to make law enforcement apparel and equipment 40 per cent lighter by eliminating stitching, extra fabric and webbing on plate carriers for body armor. Spectra fiber is one of the world’s strongest manmade fibers, and it has been used to produce bullet-resistant body armor.

Eastman Naia Cellulosic yarn is a versatile yarn that combines sustainability and performance with a natural touch, plus a light, silky hand with a hypoallergenic nature.