Andrew Kingsley: How Trident Is Using AI To Weave the Future of Textiles

TechRound speaks with Andrew Kingsley, Chief Executive Officer, International Marketing (Europe & UK), at Trident Group, about how the global textile giant is utilising artificial intelligence to transform product development, create virtual fabrics, reduce waste, and redefine what sustainability means in manufacturing.

AI isn’t something people usually associate with towels and bedding. What sparked the move to bring AI into such a traditional sector?

It’s true – textiles have long relied on physical craftsmanship. However, traditional sampling is incredibly resource-intensive. Every time a buyer wants to preview a colour or pattern, it requires yarn, dye, water, energy, and weeks.

We saw an opportunity to make that process smarter and more environmentally friendly. By using AI-driven visualisation, we can now create ultra-realistic digital images of fabrics before a single thread is woven. It means buyers can “see” their product instantly, cutting sampling waste and accelerating design decisions.

How does the technology actually work behind the scenes?

At its core is an advanced AI modelling engine that simulates how yarn behaves –  its twist, thickness, density, and how colours blend. These parameters are then turned into detailed 3D renderings of the final fabric.

The system reads directly from our loom design files, ensuring incredibly accurate visuals. Buyers can assess textures, patterns, and weave effects digitally and make real-time adjustments. It’s like having a virtual weaving room that never stops learning.

What kind of impact has this had on your design and production timelines?

The difference is remarkable. A traditional sampling cycle could take weeks  –  sometimes months – depending on feedback and approvals. With AI, we can move from concept to visualisation in a matter of days.

It’s also unleashed a new kind of creativity. Designers can experiment with colours and patterns without worrying about production costs. For our retail partners, it means quicker decision-making and a faster route to market. In fashion and homeware, agility is everything.

 Sustainability is a significant theme across the manufacturing industry right now. How does digital visualisation help Trident reduce its footprint?

Every sample that isn’t physically produced saves material, water, and energy  –  and that adds up fast. Traditional sampling involves dyeing, finishing, and shipping multiple iterations, which carries a significant environmental cost.

By digitising this stage, we’re directly cutting waste and emissions. It aligns perfectly with our broader sustainability commitments, proving that innovation and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand.

Are there certain product lines where AI visualisation performs best?

Bedding has been a great proving ground – its smooth surface makes for highly accurate digital renders. 

AI is transforming industries across the board. How do you envision it reshaping the textile industry over the next few years?

We’re at a point where data and design are converging. AI will help manufacturers predict trends, customise designs, and test durability—all before weaving begins.

The global market for AI in garments is forecast to reach around $3.6 billion by 2026, and events like Heimtextil are already spotlighting the intersection of technology and craftsmanship. Digital sampling, smart textiles, and circular design models are quickly becoming competitive essentials, not novelties.

How does this fit into Trident’s long-term strategy?

Trident has always been a vertically integrated manufacturer – we manage spinning, dyeing, weaving, and finishing under one roof. Integrating AI strengthens that ecosystem. It gives us better data visibility, tighter production control, and faster responses to market shifts.

Ultimately, it’s about evolving from efficient manufacturing to intelligent manufacturing – where every process is informed, adaptive, and sustainable.

What’s next on the innovation roadmap for Trident?

At Trident, we see this as the beginning of a new chapter in how technology and creativity come together. We’re exploring more advanced, interactive tools that could one day allow buyers to experience and approve designs instantly – through innovations like tactile visualisation and real-time digital sampling.

At the same time, we’re actively encouraging the use of AI-driven analytics across our manufacturing processes. By analysing data from production and ground operations, we’re learning how AI can help us identify opportunities to optimise cost, reduce waste, and move toward a truly lean manufacturing model.

Looking ahead, we see AI not just as a support tool, but as an intelligent collaborator – one that can connect design, production, and demand forecasting to anticipate which products will resonate most in specific markets. It’s an exciting journey of exploration where creativity, efficiency, and sustainability are becoming more closely aligned than ever before.