News

  • IFAI Expo 2009 coverage

  • Durable nonwovens

    In the 1940s, Johnson & Johnson paved the way for disposable nonwoven materials.

    November 1, 2009

  • Embedded technology

    A major focus of IFAI Expo was the latest high-tech innovations in specialty fabrics.

    November 1, 2009

  • Innovation Theater

    A hub of activity on the show floor, Innovation Theater attendees came for seminars, workshops and exhibitor presentations, as well as the “IAA: How They Did It” performance styled as a late-night show.

    November 1, 2009

  • Operational excellence

    Seminars and exhibitors at this year’s IFAI Expo demonstrated ‘best practices’ and management savvy.

    November 1, 2009

  • Industry news

  • European conference aims to improve funding of textile research

    The European Apparel and Textile Organization (EURATEX) will host a conference examining the regional and national dimension of textile research and innovation in Europe on March 24-25.

    March 9, 2010

  • Event to feature expert opinions on workwear trends

    The International Oeko-Tex® Association and Textile Insight will present “A Focus on Workwear” on March 12 in New York City, at the DuPont™ Corian® Design Studio.

    March 8, 2010

  • AATCC student competition

    The American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC) encourages creativity in textile and product design by offering cash and prizes to top student designers.

    March 1, 2010

  • African textile industries overwhelmed by imports

    The textile industry in Ghana is sinking under loads of imported Chinese fabrics that mimic the designs of Ghanaian cloth and sell for substantially less.

    March 1, 2010

  • Company news

  • Atlas to offer seminars on textile weathering

    Atlas Material Testing Technology offers basic and advanced Fundamentals of Weathering seminars to educate its broad client base on the essential elements of weathering testing.

    March 11, 2010

  • Sunbrella brand goes mobile

    Glen Raven Custom Fabrics LLC has launched a mobile version of its popular Sunbrella fabrics website, allowing users to search a fabrics library and locate the nearest Sunbrella resource from a handheld device.

    March 10, 2010

  • Birdair Inc. shares international award

    The Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Port Elizabeth, South Africa, will host the 2010 Federation Internationale de Football Association World Cup in June 2010, and sports fans will enjoy the action under a tensioned membrane roofing system with a skeleton made of 2,400 metric tons of steel girders.

    March 1, 2010

  • General manager for STANMECH

    Anne-Marie Harte assumes a new post as general manager of STANMECH Technologies Inc., Burlington, Ontario, Canada, running day-to-day operations for the company, which provides heat-sealing solutions for the plastics, packaging, joining and other industries.

    March 1, 2010

  • U.S. suppliers stay competitive

    Sponsored by IFAI Market Research

    In an IFAI business climate survey, three factors constraining growth in the U.S. specialty fabrics market were mentioned: high raw material costs, overseas competition, and high oil/energy prices. From September –December 2008, high raw material and petroleum-related prices were exacerbated by tighter credit markets and record unemployment.

    Survey respondents reported some positive factors: increasing market share due to increased consolidation, greater export opportunities, and development of new technology and growth in eco-friendly green markets. Growth markets include medical textiles, military applications, safety and protective products, and the domestic and international use of geosynthetics.

    Increases in raw material and energy costs, increased labor costs and medical insurance premiums and the possible long-term shrinkage of the military market were mentioned as threats to growth. The poor economy means a weak U.S. dollar, tighter credit and reduced consumer buying. Overcapacity could be a problem, due to increased costs, decreased customer demand and global competition, especially from China and India.

    In response, suppliers will focus on high value products, profitable niche markets and product diversification, improving manufacturing processes, R&D and information technology. Advertising, marketing and sales promotion will be key.

    From the 2009 State of the Industry Report. Purchase a complete report at the IFAI Bookstore.

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