Taiwan's textile manufacturers become invisible champions at FIFA 2022

Over the past few years, Taiwan textile manufacturers have consistently given new life to waste, according to a press release by the Taiwan Textile Federation. When the England National Football Team entered the quarter finals again after 28 years in 2018, the British office in Taiwan thanked local textile manufacturers in a special Facebook post. “The recycled PET bottles made of eco-friendly yarn and the seamless sewing technology can reduce the friction on the body of the jerseys, and the jerseys used by the England team this time are all made by these Taiwanese textile technologies,” the UK official wrote.

Talking about Taiwan’s textile manufacturers’ latest innovations at FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, for instance, Far Eastern New Century showcased its Ocean Recycling Tear-Resistant Sports Jerseys at the Taipei Innovative Textile Application Show (TITAS) in October, unveiling a creative fabric set to make waves at the upcoming FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.

According to tallies, teams from nine countries will wear jerseys made of this new fabric, including Germany, Japan, Spain, Argentina, Mexico, Belgium, and Wales, which are poised to enter the finals. The fabric structure is reportedly designed specifically for each team.

Shinkong Synthetic Fibers used its recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fibres to create tear-resistant sports jerseys for several national teams at this year’s FIFA World Cup in Doha, Qatar, as the shirts are moisture-wicking and suitable for full-contact sports.

Taiwan’s textile industry has a complete upstream and downstream supply chain, which can quickly respond to brand requirements such as sustainability. It relies on research and development to create high value-added products with a global market share of over 70 per cent.

“The friendly accolade highlights the spirit of the popular competition: ‘Now is All’. The slogan refers to the moment when you execute the dream, achieve your goal, and own the present. That is without a doubt the feeling of pride these invisible champions in the locker room — Taiwan textile manufacturers — must feel today,” the release added.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (NB)