Biomimicry: science of nature inspires design of high-tech performance apparel

Biomimicry – often referred to as biomimetics – can be defined as the study of designs, models and systems in nature for the purpose of imitating and adapting them or gaining inspiration from them to create practical solutions to everyday problems. Animals, insects, plants and other living organisms have evolved over billions of years in order to survive and adapt in dynamic environments, and many natural adaptations have proved to be more effective than man-made solutions. Biomimicry has been exploited in the creation of performance apparel fabrics with a wide variety of functional properties, including antimicrobial efficacy, camouflage, drag reduction, dry adhesion, thermal insulation and water repellency. Also, biomimicry has been used to develop processes for imparting properties using materials, methods and technologies which are more environmentally friendly than those used conventionally. This report provides an introduction to biomimicry and its importance to the development of functional performance apparel. Also, it includes case studies of materials and performance apparel products which have functional features replicated from nature. Furthermore, the report discusses the topics of biomimicry and sustainability, and provides an outlook for the future.

To read the full report buy issue 176 now	Subscribe

Six times a year, Textile Outlook International provides up to 200 pages of intelligence, expert analysis and insight on the global textile and clothing industry.

What's in it? Each issue provides an authoritative source of information on key industry topics, including: circularity; cotton; environmental sustainability; fibre prices; innovation; production and consumption forecasts; imports and exports; industry giants and emerging brands; international trade fairs; key geographical markets; recommerce; retail; supply chains; textile and clothing trade; textile machinery; trade and production trends; world markets; and yarn and fabric manufacturing. A single issue of Textile Outlook International includes: an editorial think-piece on a topical issue from an industry expert a report on textile and apparel trade and production trends a round-up of the latest international trade fairs a feature on textile and clothing imports and exports or fibre prices, production and consumption a report on a key geographical market insight and analysis of a key market leader or fast-growing start-up An annual subscription to Textile Outlook International is a cost-effective way to keep informed about trends and developments in the global textile and clothing industry. Subscriptions are available in printed and/or digital formats. Printed and digital subscribers receive each issue in printed format in addition to a digital PDF file, which is available immediately on publication. Like all Textiles Intelligence publications, Textile Outlook International is a reliable source of independently sourced business information, and it does not carry advertising. This is what our customers say: "Textile Outlook International is, without question, the premiere journal for international business research and analysis on the textile industry." (Institute for East West Studies, Czech Republic)