Natural textiles and innovations highlighted in PTRI’s Lab to FAB exhibit at NSTW 2017

PASAY CITY — The annual National Science and Technology Week (NSTW)—with its aim to present the role and contribution of science and technology in nation-building and development—provided the backdrop for the Philippine Textile Research Institute’s exhibit that recently took place at the World Trade Center, Pasay City.

Entitled ‘Lab to FAB (Fabric Applications and Beyond)’, the exhibit featured a three-part experience: from textile inputs; then processes via PTRI’s facilities and machines; and to outputs in the form of fabrics, apparel, accessories, and other textile applications.

‘Lab to FAB (Fabric Applications and Beyond)’ highlights textile processes from input to output

‘Innovations for Biodiversity Conservation and Smart Utilization’ Under the Biodiversity cluster organized by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD), PTRI put forth one of its missions: to develop textiles and textile products from natural materials, with smart utilization in mind.

Students at the booth played guessing games to identify which plants produced particular dye colors

Natural dyes in powder form alongside their botanical sources helped visitors relate to how abundant flora in the environment can be used to add value to other products; while numerous students from various schools were also able to gain knowledge from the natural textile fibers on display.

Philippine inventors who visited the exhibit took interest in the handweaving demonstration. The Modified Handloom Weaving Machine’s durable metal parts, and its special foot pedal for cloth beam adjustment, proved to be noteworthy features. Furthermore, a few entrepreneurs saw potential in the pedal-free Portable Handloom Weaving Machine for distribution to more communities who employ persons with different abilities.

DOST Undersecretary for Research and Development Rowena Cristina Guevara with Macky (L) of St. Francis School-VSA Arts, and Josefa Garlitos (R) of PTRI

Textiles Empowering Lives Anew The output section of the exhibit was a curated display of end-products from PTRI’s partners, which also served to emphasize the Institute’s TELA campaign—Textiles Empowering Lives Anew. It showcased the myriad ways PTRI’s research and technologies are able to empower and foster inclusive economic growth for designers, MSMEs, Regional Handloom Weaving Innovation Centers, communities and beneficiaries.

Designer Jean Avellanosa Dee partnered with PTRI to create a collection of naturally dyed garments. The fabrics are cotton and cotton-pineapple leaf blends made by PTRI’s Innovation Center for Yarns and Textiles.

Lipi Shoes generously sent over their locally made bags and shoes, with accents handwoven by Mindanao’s Yakan weavers. The dynamic couple behind the brand took handweaving training courses in PTRI.

Take a tour of the exhibit below, and follow PTRI-DOST and TELA Pilipinas on Facebook for updates and more information about the Philippine Textile Research Institute.