ECI Elastic debuts hollow woven tape with built-in storage cavity

ECI Elastic has introduced a new double-layer narrow fabric that creates an internal storage channel for small items in apparel and footwear. The Taiwan manufacturer says the tape is aimed at activewear, performance gear and brands looking for functional, customizable trims with recycled-content options.

Why it matters: - ECI Elastic's new tape adds storage functionality to a narrow fabric without requiring an extra pocket or attachment system. - The design could help apparel and footwear brands build in small-item storage and towel-loop features while keeping products flat and lightweight. - The product also gives brands a narrow-fabric option with recycled polyester and third-party traceability support.

What happened: - ECI Elastic Co., Ltd. introduced its Double-Layer Hollow Woven Tape on July 30, 2026. - The Taiwan-based narrow fabrics and elastic tape manufacturer developed the product for activewear, footwear and functional apparel. - The tape uses a double-layer weaving process to create a continuous tunnel-shaped cavity inside a flat woven structure. - ECI said the product is now part of its portfolio and is being offered to apparel and footwear manufacturers for product development projects.

The details: - The internal cavity is designed to hold small items such as locker keys, access cards, towels, access fobs and earbud cases. - The tape's elasticity and friction are intended to help keep items from slipping out during movement. - The structure can also work as a towel loop when applied to a waistband or accessory tape. - Potential applications include fitness apparel, running apparel, technical outerwear, bags and accessories. - The tape is woven from high-tenacity fibers for repeated-use durability. - Smooth-finished edges are intended to improve comfort in skin-contact applications. - Width and elasticity can be adjusted to brand requirements. - ECI can add an anti-slip strip on the inner layer. - A recycled polyester version made from post-consumer sources is available. - The recycled-content version can be supplied as GRS certified. - GRS certification is held across ECI's manufacturing facilities in Taiwan, Vietnam and China. - ECI says brands can verify recycled-content claims against the applicable certificate scope before using them in marketing.

Between the lines: - The product fits a broader industry push to make trims and components more functional without adding bulk. - ECI is leaning on its vertically integrated manufacturing model, which covers development from yarn through weaving, finishing and quality assurance. - The company framed the launch as an extension of its narrow-fabric craftsmanship and long-running development approach.

What's next: - ECI will market the tape to brands and manufacturers working on apparel and footwear development projects. - Brands using recycled-content claims will need to match any marketing language to the product's certificate scope. - The company expects the tape to serve multiple categories as part of its narrow-fabric lineup.

The bottom line: - ECI is turning a basic trim into a functional storage component, targeting brands that want more utility from small textile parts without changing a garment's shape.