For centuries, the art of textiles has been a labour of love—woven by skilled hands, guided by tradition, and passed down through generations. Gathered around looms, artisans interlaced not just yarn, but stories, culture, and craftsmanship into every fabric they created. While these traditions remain a cornerstone of the industry, the landscape has evolved dramatically, integrating advanced technologies without losing sight of its heritage. Today, the textile industry stands at a pivotal moment. As global demands shift, sustainability, efficiency, and technological innovation are no longer optional—they are imperative. While weaving and knitting endure as foundational techniques, the industry must embrace forward-thinking solutions to remain competitive and meet the challenges of a rapidly changing world. The future of textiles is being redefined, where tradition and innovation coexist to drive a new era of production and design.
Leading this quiet revolution is Dr. Sonia Reynolds, Founder and CEO of Zephlinear Ltd. Her deep love for textiles and her strong curiosity led her to create FOYSE technology – a breakthrough that promises to redefine not just how fabrics are made, but how they serve our world.
Dr. Sonia Reynolds’s journey into textile innovation began well before the days of gleaming laboratories and the sound of clattering machinery. Her story is deeply rooted in her Jamaican heritage and the entrepreneurial spirit of her parents, who were part of the Windrush generation. “My parents were from Jamaica,” Dr. Reynolds recalls, “and they belonged to the Windrush generation. They ran a small textile manufacturing business in addition to their primary professions.” Her mother was a nurse by day, and her father was a bricklayer by night; together, they devoted their evenings to crafting knitted pullovers that her father sold to his colleagues on the building site.
These formative experiences gave young Sonia a profound understanding of textiles. She observed firsthand how fabric transcended mere utility, providing warmth, comfort, and a tangible expression of care. These early lessons—seeing fabric as more than just material—would profoundly influence her pioneering vision in the textile industry.
