IFAI Expo 2009 coverage

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  • Durable nonwovens

    November 1, 2009

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

  • Embedded technology

    November 1, 2009

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

  • Innovation Theater

    November 1, 2009

    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.

  • Operational excellence

    November 1, 2009

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

  • Smart fabrics, e-textile solutions

    November 1, 2009

    Although still in its infancy, the market for smart fabrics and interactive textiles is expected to grow to $1.13 billion in 2010.

  • Based in Mexico, with offices in El Salvador, Argentina and the U.S., Lonas Lorenzo SA de CV designs and constructs architectural textile and tension structures such as stadiums, fairgrounds and shopping malls.

    Transitioning markets

    November 1, 2009

    Another theme at Expo 2009: tools and expert advice on manufacturing and markets to help drive business growth in 2010.

  • USAF unveils ‘Vision 2011’

    November 1, 2009

    Representatives from branches of the U.S. military provided new insight into the textile and apparel needs of American forces.

  • Conductiles™, electrotextile narrow fabrics exhibited at IFAI Expo by Offray Specialty Narrow Fabrics, address a critical issue in making e-textile products commercially viable: the need for electrical engineers and fabric designers to collaborate.

    World trends and innovations

    November 1, 2009

    Four lifestyle megatrends can be identified that will have an immediate impact on business in the smart textiles area.

  • Photo: Bart Harris/Chicago.

    IFAI Expo ’09 highlights

    October 7, 2009

    The winners of the 2009 IFAI International Achievement Awards for design excellence in specialty fabrics were announced at IFAI Expo 2009 in San Diego.

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  • 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.