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Textile

Tocco Report: Second Skin / Smart Textile 2030

Fabric as Interface - Sensors, Structures, and Bioengineered Matter

In an era of wearable tech and sustainable design, textiles are no longer passive. A new generation of materials can sense, react, and adapt – blurring the boundary between clothing (or furnishings) and the body or environment. These advanced textiles often earn the moniker “second skin” for their ability to behave dynamically, almost biologically.

In this report, the Tocco team explores each material category in depth, highlighting key innovations and technical details, profiling prominent suppliers, and showcasing recent applications (2022–2025) through case studies. A data and metrics section will present market trends, adoption rates, certifications, and sustainability benchmarks. Finally, we’ll conclude with an assessment of the current state, barriers to adoption, future outlook, and recommendations for stakeholders.

Glues & Adhesives 2030 Edition Report Cover

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  1. Smart & Interactive Materials
  2. Soft & Adaptive Fibers
  3. Bio-Based Interfaces
  4. Environmental Impact and Sustainability Metrics
  5. Glossary
Black rubber material

Materials in focus

Explore the innovative materials shaping the future

Biodegradable
Explore the evolving landscape of biodegradable materials with a focus on biodegradable plastics.

Biodegradable

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Recycled
Discover the benefits and challenges of recycled materials, as well as insights into how recycling transforms waste into valuable resources.

Recycled

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Bamboo
Introducing bamboo as an interesting alternative material. Learn about bamboo's incredible growth, and processing into textiles, paper, and construction materials.

Bamboo

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Mycelium
Get into the world of mycelium, and discover its applications and the potential it holds for revolutionizing packaging and product design.

Mycelium

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Silk
Discover the intricate world of silk, its rich history, production processes, and its ethical alternatives.

Silk

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Upcycled
A deep dive into upcycled materials, examining their pros and cons

Upcycled

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Cotton
Learn about cotton, the world's most used natural fibers, its environmental aspects and its significance in the global textile industry

Cotton

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Linen
Dive into the rich history and versatile applications of linen, and understand why linen remains a timeless and eco-friendly choice in the world of natural fabrics.

Linen

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Latex
Explore the world of latex, where we compare the properties, uses, and environmental impacts of natural and synthetic latex.

Latex

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Bioplastic
Dive into the world of bioplastics and their role in sustainable development, and understand the benefits and challenges of bioplastics to replace petroleum-based plastics

Bioplastic

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Hemp
Discover hemp and learn about its production from plant to fabric and its wide-ranging applications in textiles, construction, and beyond.

Hemp

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Leather
Explore the world of leather and its alternatives. From plant-based options to synthetic varieties, learn about technological advancements shaping the future of leather.

Leather

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Jute
Discover the versatile world of jute, its origin, cultivation, and its role in the global textile industry.

Jute

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Banana Fibre
Discover the unique and sustainable world of banana fibre, and learn about the process of extracting fibre from banana plants.

Banana Fibre

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Wool
Explore the world of wool and the latest innovations in wool alternatives, especially plant-based, cruelty-free options.

Wool

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Fur
Explore the history, environmental impact, and ethical considerations of fur in fashion - and discover alternatives like faux fur, wool fur, and lab-grown options.

Fur

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Sisal
A deep dive into sisal, its origins, cultivation, and environmental benefits.

Sisal

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What's inside?

Stone Island, the Italian brand renowned for textile innovation, introduced thermosensitive yarns in its "Ice Knit" series, notably in the Autumn/Winter 2017–2018 collection. These garments feature a double-knit construction: an outer layer of thermochromic yarn that changes color in response to cold temperatures, and an inner layer of pure wool for insulation. Color transitions include yellow to orange, emerald to military green, and ivory to anthracite, creating dynamic visual effects. This innovation exemplifies Stone Island's commitment to merging advanced materials with functional design.
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Stone Island, the Italian brand renowned for textile innovation, introduced thermosensitive yarns in its "Ice Knit" series, notably in the Autumn/Winter 2017–2018 collection. These garments feature a double-knit construction: an outer layer of thermochromic yarn that changes color in response to cold temperatures, and an inner layer of pure wool for insulation. Color transitions include yellow to orange, emerald to military green, and ivory to anthracite, creating dynamic visual effects. This innovation exemplifies Stone Island's commitment to merging advanced materials with functional design.

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