Image
Source: http://buddhajeans.com/2015/03/07/introduction-to-nanotechnology-in-fashion-and-textile-industry/
Nanotechnology business opportunities are
everywhere especially under textile industry. Based on National Science
Foundation prediction, by 2015, the market of nanotechnology business in fabric
industry would reach up to 1 trillion US dollars in United State. Globally,
consumers’ demand for convenience are increasing caused nanotechnology based
textiles to grow rapidly into the future.
Since
2001, many clothing brands such as Gap,
Eddie Bauer and Levi Strauss started to apply nanotechnology into their product
which they began to use nanofibers to produce pants, shirts and sweaters in
order to make their products water and wrinkle resistant. It is expected that
such technology promised a new breathing market for textile industry.
Moreover,
due to the increase of nanotechnology based fabric factory, it helps to create
more and new high-value jobs in the area of research and development, design,
operation as well as sales and marketing. Consequently, it helps to increase
job opportunities and eventually helps to stabilise the unemployment rate of
the country.
image
Source:
http://www.luxurystnd.com/indochino-launches-the-oeultimate-tech%C2%B9-smart-suit/
image
Source:
http://www.warponline.org/uploads/contents/93-content-10.-Strategy-for-Introducing-Nanotechnology-in-Textile-Industry-of-Pakistan.pdf
However,
there are still underlying risk for nanotechnology-based fabric industry. The
total funding for such technology always shared between researchers of
different areas and commercial company from different field. There is always a
gap between researcher and company objectives. For instance, European
Union-project’s researchers emphasis more on health care and work wear while
the business company activities are more towards to sport and fashion areas. Hence
the result expected from each researcher or company is different will creates a
conflict in business decision making, eventually brings commercial risk to the
business.
image
Source:
http://spectrum.ieee.org/semiconductors/nanotechnology/two-foolish-ways-to-invest-your-money-in-graphene
Therefore,
in my personal point of view, even though there are risks and much research
still need to be done to enhance nanotechnology-based fabrics, the process
still will help to create job and business opportunities. Eventually, business
opportunities created from nanotechnology-based fabric industry will help to
increase the quality of life in future as in the aspect of economic and
lifestyle.
Written By: Team 3 (Go Yuan Fon)
References:
Pietro, C.,
Bruce, H., Lorence, A.P., 2006. Nanotechnology and the North Carolina Textile
Industry. UNC Kenan-Flager Business School. [Online] Available at: http://extranet.kenan-flagler.unc.edu/kicse/orig%20shared%20documents/nanotechnology%20and%20the%20nc%20textile%20industry.pdf [Accessed 3 Jun. 2015].
Glora, O.A.,
Luqman A., Butt., N.M., 2011. Strategy for Introducing Nanotechnology in
Textile Industry of Pakistan. [Online] International Journal of Chemical and
Environmental Engineering. Volume 2. Available at: http://www.warponline.org/uploads/contents/93-content-10.-Strategy-for-Introducing-Nanotechnology-in-Textile-Industry-of-Pakistan.pdf [Accessed 3 Jun. 2015].
Nanotox, 2010.
Textiles and Clothing. Risk Assesment and Risk Management Exclusivelty for
Nanoparticles. Available at: http://www.nanotox.com/industries/textiles-and-clothing.html [Accessed 3 Jun. 2015].
OECD
International Futures Programme 2015. Opportunities and risks of Nanotechnologies. [Online] Available at: http://www.oecd.org/science/nanosafety/37770473.pdf. [Accessed 3 Jun. 2015].
Berglin. L., 2013. Smart Textiles and
Wearable Technology - A study of smart textiles in fashion and clothing. A
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