The apparel industry continues to be a hotbed of patent innovation. Activity is driven by innovative manufacturing methods, data analytics, and demand for high-performance clothing and growing importance of technologies such as fabric innovations, artificial intelligence, automation, and 3D imaging. In the last three years alone, there have been over 57,000 patents filed and granted in the apparel industry, according to GlobalData’s report on Workplace safety in apparel: insulated composite fabrics. Buy the report here.
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According to GlobalData’s Technology Foresights, which uses over 36,000 patents to analyze innovation intensity for the apparel industry, there are 20+ innovation areas that will shape the future of the industry.
Insulated composite fabrics are a key innovation area in workplace safety
Fabrics composed of multiple layers of materials including cellulose derivatives, fire-resistant fibers, and elastic fibers are known as insulated composite fabrics. They are designed to provide superior protection in different environments.
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GlobalData’s analysis also uncovers the companies at the forefront of each innovation area and assesses the potential reach and impact of their patenting activity across different applications and geographies. According to GlobalData, there are 60+ companies, spanning technology vendors, established apparel companies, and up-and-coming start-ups engaged in the development and application of insulated composite fabrics.
Key players in insulated composite fabrics – a disruptive innovation in the apparel industry
‘Application diversity’ measures the number of applications identified for each patent. It broadly splits companies into either ‘niche’ or ‘diversified’ innovators.
‘Geographic reach’ refers to the number of countries each patent is registered in. It reflects the breadth of geographic application intended, ranging from ‘global’ to ‘local’.
Patent volumes related to insulated composite fabrics
Source: GlobalData Patent Analytics
Teijin is one of the leading patent filers in insulated composite fabrics. Some other key patent filers in the space include Toray Industries and DuPont de Nemours.
Dupont’s Nomex is claimed to be a lightweight, high-performance fabric that combines comfort and durability with heat protection and flame resistance. The fabric can be used for racing suits, personal protective gear for first responders and other sectors requiring protection from extreme heat.
In terms of application diversity, Hanesbrands leads the pack, while W. L. Gore & Associates and Brrr! are in the second and third positions, respectively.
By means of geographic reach, Welspun held the top position, followed by Noveko and Albany International.
Insulated composite fabrics are extremely pivotal to workers’ safety and protection, given their ability to be flame resistant.
To further understand the key themes and technologies disrupting the apparel industry, access GlobalData’s latest thematic research report on Apparel.
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GlobalData, the leading provider of industry intelligence, provided the underlying data, research, and analysis used to produce this article.
GlobalData’s Patent Analytics tracks patent filings and grants from official offices around the world. Textual analysis and official patent classifications are used to group patents into key thematic areas and link them to specific companies across the world’s largest industries.
