The TI’s Technical Textiles Special Interest Group (SIG) is marking it’s relaunch by partnering with the TI for the inaugural event of the 2022 Tea with the TI webinar series! Sponsored by Taylor & Francis.

Attendees will hear from influential speakers from across the Technical Textiles industry plus opening words from Technical Textiles SIG Chairman, Mr Charles Wood CText FTI.

The speakers will be sharing their experience in specialist areas within Technical Textiles. They will cover topics such as artificial turf, flame retardant finishes and comfort when wearing PPE. There will also be a review of the current status of the Technical Textiles industry in the UK.

The event aims to ignite conversation and lead to the development of an inclusive, proactive Technical Textiles SIG.

This webinar series is free for all Members and Non-Members are welcome to attend.

Please join The Textile Institute Technical Textiles Special Interest Group on Thursday 13 January at 13:00 for a webinar to celebrate their relaunch!

Charles Wood CText FTI, Baltex ‘The role of Technical Textiles in the 2020’s’

Charles Wood CText FTI graduated from the University of Birmingham in 1989. He joined the family firm, Baltex, after 6 months technical warp-knitting training at Karl Mayer in Germany where he graduated as a Praktikant. Baltex is well known for it’s work on medical textiles, 3D Spacer fabrics with specified compression properties and protective fabrics for FR and Cut protection. During his tenure Baltex has become a key producer of knitted Technical textiles, winning three Queen’s awards for international trade. The company has also won the innovation prize at the centenary celebrations of the Textile Institute in 2010 for its work on innovative 3D fabrics. Charles is the Founder, Inventor and Director of Airospring Medical Ltd – based at Biocity, Nottingham, who manufacturer medical devices for the prevention of pressure ulcers. Charles was awarded a CText FTI in 2010.

Robert Hines CText ATI National Safety Apparel ‘Comfort and Style meet Protection – Innovations in Flame Retardant Textiles’

Robert W Hines CText ATI serves as Director of Research and Development and Textile Supply Chain at National Safety Apparel, a provider of comfortable flame retardant garments. Robert has a Master’s Degree in Textile Technology from the Institute of Textile Technology and a BS Degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill he has over thirty years of domestic and international experience in textile product development, quality, and manufacturing and is credited with numerous US and world patents and publications. Most recently, Robert’s work has focused on the development of fabrics and garments that are both protective and comfortable while providing protection from arc flash and flash fire hazards.

Jason Kent, British Textile Machinery Association ‘The Evolution of Artificial Grass’

With over 35 years’ experience in the carpet tufting machinery industry, Jason Kent worked in various roles for Cobble and the Vandewiele Group. From product design to managing director, Jason has been a prominent figure in the carpet manufacturing industry helping clients adopt a mass customisation approach to their production. As CEO of the BTMA, his current role involves delivering the strategic goals of the Association, enhancing membership value, and broadening the networking opportunities for the textile machinery sector.

Simon is a consultant in a broad spectrum of textiles. He has an expansive portfolio in development of products from medical specialisms to high performance outer wear fabrics. Simon is a patent holder in woven fabrics in the PPE market and currently sits on the standard body as an industrial expert in this field. He is a published author and regularly writes for the fire times. He has guest lectured internationally on PPE and Medical textiles. With over a 30 years of experience in the European and Asian markets, Simon is an industry leader in his field. He is also a committed member of the TI Council and Fellow of the TI.

Nigel Balmforth joined Taylor & Francis in 2021 as a Portfolio Manager working on a range of journals covering physics, materials science and chemistry. Nigel has wide experience in the publication and development of scientific books and journals portfolios for companies including Chapman & Hall, Wolfe Publishing, Blackwell and Wiley.

Prof Stephen Russell, University of Leeds ‘Adversity into Opportunity: Update on Nonwovens’

Prof Stephen Russell is a Professor of Textile Materials & Technology. Stephens areas of expertise are Textile and nonwoven fabric engineering, materials and manufacturing, textile product design for healthcare, the consumer and industrial sectors, as well as sustainability in the fashion and textile industry.

Click here to register for the event.