Research project gets smart about textile revolution

The project, titled Beyond E-textiles, aims to create smart textiles that, for example, convert light and heat into practical applications without relying on electrical circuits. Funded by NordForsk, the project consortium includes researchers from Aalto University and the University of Turku in Finland, VIA University College in Denmark, the University of Borås in Sweden and the Iceland University of the Arts.

The project explores innovative uses of textiles, such as solar-powered dry cleaning, light-collecting tents and adaptive curtains that regulate indoor temperatures. 

“Our work builds on envisioning what could be,” said Jaana Vapaavuori, professor at Aalto University and the project lead. “We are developing yarns that enable new functionalities – for example, fabrics that can cool buildings during the summer or provide sustainable heating in winter.”

Unlike traditional e-textiles, which often integrate electronic components, the team wants to eliminate the need for electrical circuits and create products for everyday use. Achieving this requires collaboration across fields such as chemical engineering, design and fine arts. The team does research and develops prototypes in parallel to ensure rapid progress.

“We don’t wait for Jaana’s group to perfect yarns that react to light and heat before we start weaving fabrics. We use existing smart yarns for prototyping and provide Jaana’s team insights for further refinement,” explained Anne Louise Bang, professor at VIA University College.

Beyond technological advancements, the project also addresses the societal and ethical implications of smart textiles. For instance, clothing that monitors the wearer’s movements could raise significant data privacy concerns.

Aiming for less consumption

Many Finnish initiatives, including sustainable textile companies like Spinnova and Infinited Fiber, focus on creating environmentally friendly solutions for the textile industry. In Lahti, the city has even introduced the world’s first deposit system for textile waste. 

The Beyond E-textile researchers similarly emphasise the need to reduce the environmental impact of textiles through innovation. 

“Ultimately, we want to help reduce useless consumption by developing textiles that people get attached to, so they use them as long as possible,” Vapaavuori concluded.