NC State’s Wilson College of Textiles Drives Application of Transformative Technology

For nearly 125 years, the Wilson College of Textiles at NC State University has been a hub of innovation and learning, transforming students into experts in the world of textiles. However, as the textile industry grapples with sustainability challenges, the college has taken up the mantle of addressing this pressing issue head-on.

Andre West, a representative of the college, emphasizes the need to confront the industry’s historical lack of sustainability and shift towards a more environmentally conscious approach.

At the forefront of this transformation is the Zeis Textiles Extension, a unit that not only imparts knowledge but also serves as a platform for research and development. Collaborations with various companies have allowed the university to foster partnerships that bring forth groundbreaking ideas.

One such collaboration with St. Louis, MO-based Baldwin Technology Co. Inc. has resulted in an exciting technological breakthrough known as TexCoat ™ G4, highlighted by Rick Stanford, Baldwin’s VP Global Business Development, Textiles.

TexCoat G4 challenges the traditional pad finishing method employed in the textile industry. Instead of saturating the fabric with excess chemicals and water, this innovative technology precisely applies only the required amount of finish onto the fabric.

The results are remarkable, as it reduces water consumption, decreases energy requirements for drying, and enhances production speeds. This transformative approach not only improves efficiency but also aligns with the industry’s growing demand for sustainable practices including carbon footprint reduction.

The Wilson College of Textiles recognizes that today’s students are keenly interested in shaping a future focused on sustainability. They aspire to be part of an industry that embraces cutting-edge technologies, where computers and robots work in tandem to manufacture environmentally friendly products. The shift from an antiquated model to a high-tech industry is underway, and students are eager to be a part of this exciting transformation.

In this captivating video, we have an esteemed lineup of industry experts joining us to shed light on the transformative innovations shaping the textile industry. Andre West, the Director of The Zeis Textile Extension at Wilson College of Textiles at NC State, provides a big-picture perspective on the impact of advancements like TexCoat G4, while Jeff Krauss, the Textile Dyer and Finisher Pilot Laboratory Manager, shares his firsthand experience and delves into the tangible benefits of this new finishing system.

In this captivating video, we have an esteemed lineup of industry experts joining us to shed light on the transformative innovations shaping the textile industry. Mary Ankeny, Vice President of Product Development & Implementation Operations at Cotton Incorporated, promotes the use of cotton in textiles and explains its features, benefits, and sustainable advantage, particularly in collaboration with NC State on sustainability initiatives. Andre West, the Director of The Zeis Textile Extension at Wilson College of Textiles at NC State, provides a big-picture perspective on the impact of advancements like TexCoat G4, while Jeff Krauss, the Textile Dyer and Finisher Pilot Laboratory Manager, shares his firsthand experience and delves into the tangible benefits of this new finishing system.

Lastly, Rick Stanford, the VP of Global Business Development, Textiles at Baldwin Technology, a veteran in the field, guides us through the global implementation and significance of TexCoat, drawing from his extensive knowledge and expertise.

Join us as we dive into the realm of sustainable textiles and discover how industry leaders, including Baldwin Technology are spearheading transformative change and shaping the vibrant future of the dynamic industry.

Follow us on social media for the latest updates in B2B!

Image

Latest

promoted
How to Succeed After Getting Promoted: Seeking Feedback, Acting with Intention, and Leading with Perspective
April 16, 2026

Stepping into a leadership role today isn’t just a step up—it’s a shift into constant visibility, where expectations arrive immediately and the margin for error narrows. As organizations flatten structures and demand faster decisions, newly promoted leaders are expected to deliver impact from the outset, often without the space to fully adjust. According to…

Read More
AI in business
A Practical Conversation About AI in Business: From Hype to Real-World Impact
April 15, 2026

Artificial intelligence has moved from buzzword to boardroom priority at a staggering pace. Yet despite widespread adoption, many organizations are still struggling to turn experimentation into measurable business value—some estimates suggest the majority of enterprise AI initiatives fail to scale successfully. As AI becomes “table stakes” across industries, the real challenge is no longer…

Read More
weekly drive-in
Metropolis: Weekly Drive-in
April 15, 2026

Metropolis “Weekly Drive In” reflects a new era of storytelling where AI meets real-world execution, turning everyday field performance into momentum. Centered on genuine conversions and local wins, the series highlights how the company is scaling not just through technology, but through visibility and shared recognition. In an emerging recognition economy, these updates act…

Read More
Drive In, Drive Out: The Rhythm of Metropolis
April 15, 2026

Behind the seemingly mundane choreography of a drive-in lies a broader story about how modern cities script behavior, turning even the simplest actions into rehearsed routines. What looks like repetition is really a quiet testament to systems designed for flow and control, where efficiency often outweighs individuality. In places like Metropolis, the rhythm of…

Read More