Coated fabric

	This flame-retardant fabric has been certified by the TTF under the Taiwan Functional Textiles program.

The Taiwan Textile Federation has introduced the Taiwan Functional Textiles certification program to help local suppliers promote their designs through various channels.

The platform defines uniform testing methods for different functional fabrics, categorizing laboratory analysis into 14 specific properties, including electromagnetic shielding, moisture-wicking and quick-drying, and far infrared. The other parameters are water-vapor permeability and liquid-water impermeability, resistance to water, oil, flame and wrinkles, and stain release. Materials are likewise checked for UV-protective and anti-static features, and prevention of fungal and bacterial growth in general and medical applications.

To ensure proper evaluation, the TTF has partnered with several established testing groups. These include the Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection, Intertek, SGS, the Food Industry Research and Development Institute, the Taiwan Textile Research Institute and the Industrial Technology Research Institute.

The program is recognized internationally, with the logo registered in the EU, the US, Japan and mainland China. The TTF also has an agreement with more than 300 foreign brands to display the label on downstream products that adopt certified textiles. It provides a directory of participating fabric suppliers to prospective clients and a catalog of designs is available on the organization’s website.

Taiwan mills acknowledge that inquiries have increased since their products were certified. Export sales have also been growing by an average of 5 percent annually.

To enhance the manufacturing capability and efficiency of textile makers in the island, the TTF is helping companies acquire ERP technology and computerized management systems. Seminars on business administration and training courses on production skills are offered in collaboration with the TTRI.

In coming months, the association will continue to develop new standards by studying the latest functions and testing methods. An example is using charcoal for warmth retention and deodorization. The application of functional coating on natural materials is also being explored.

To this end, companies are aiming to collaborate with clients on R&D. Formosa Taffeta, Taiwan’s largest woven fabric supplier, is working with Nike to come up with special textiles by 2012.

Still under efforts to promote the local textile industry, the TTF regularly attends international trade shows. These include ISPO in Germany, US exhibitions Material World, Outdoor Retailer Summer Market and Magic, Intertextile in Shanghai, and China Sourcing Fairs in Hong Kong. Apart from having its own booth, the federation facilitates the participation of suppliers. On an annual basis, a Taiwan delegation is sent abroad roughly 25 times.

Moreover, the TTF organizes its own conventions within Taiwan,namely Taipei in Style and the Taipei Innovative Textile Application Show. Approximately 20,000 buyers from 42 countries attended TITAS 2008.