Winnitex’s Charles talks sustainability at Techtextil North America

Winnitex Group’s Offshore Sourcing Director, Ashok Charles, attended North America’s only dedicated trade show for technical textiles, joining the industry’s leading research and technology firms for yarns and fabrics.

Techtextil North America, held May 17-19 in Atlanta, includes companies in all vertical aspects of the technical textile industry– from concepts to raw materials to production processes, conversion, further treatment, and recycling. It is the largest such event in the hemisphere.

Charles, Director of Offshore Outsourcing at Winnitex Group, said he attended the conference because it’s the place to see the latest technology for sustainable raw materials.

“Our goal is to obtain materials that are increasingly sustainable and biodegradable,” Charles said. “Techtextil is the place to learn about textile innovation.”

Over nearly three decades, Charles has sourcing experience in Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, Taiwan, Australia, India, the United States and Central America.

Winnitex, a leading manufacturer of dyed woven fabrics, also designs and creates custom seasonal clothing collections for its customers.

The company was founded in Hong Kong in 1964 and has 3,000 employees worldwide.

Charles joined the company in 1995. An India native and resident of New Zealand, he has degrees in botany and sociology and has studied with the International Cotton Institute at the University of Memphis.

Techtextil North America is run by the Frankfurt-based Messe Frankfurt Group, the world’s largest trade fair organizer. Messe Frankfurt North America is based in Atlanta. The company hosts Texworld New York City, Apparel Sourcing New York City, Home Textiles Sourcing, The Clean Show, INA PAACE Automechanika Mexico City, Waste & Recycling Expo Canada, and Process Expo.