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This month I learnt some interesting things, not least that fabrics are now being used on roads nowadays. It's true:  A thin layer of polypropylene is applied to the road's surface to improve its cohesiveness. The source of this and other fascinating facts was the Textile Information Course, provided by the Textile Institute, which is based in Manchester and was established in 1925. The Institute has members in over 80 countries and are experts in the areas of textiles, clothing and footwear and this is the first Information Course they have run in several years.

It was a 3-day intensive course and the level of expertise and knowledge was impressive - our textile clients often ask us for advice so I was pleased that my attendance here would certainly enhance this service for them.  Other attendees came from a range of backgrounds including private forensic laboratories and medical fabric manufacturers. There were seven lectures in total, covering knitted woven and non-woven fabrics, their manufacture, properties, applications and finishing. A non-conformance that we would encounter is that of irritant or sensitizing dyes being used on textiles. As such, the lecture by the former head of Dyeing and Finishing at Marks & Spencer, Dr Derek McKelvey, was of particular interest to me.

Besides discovering that fabrics are being used on roads, there were many other noteworthy conversations such as the use of antibacterial coatings on fabrics and their applicability to everyday life, as well as 'easy-care' finishes to clothing, which normally involves formaldehyde.  The importance of this is that formaldehyde, due to its toxicity and volatility is a significant consideration for human health.

This November sees the Textile Institute holding their centenary conference in Manchester. It's extensive programme includes Technical Textiles, Supply Chain Management, Manufacturing Processes and Research and Development; I most certainly plan to attend it.