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Industry news

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  In memoriam: Roger Gant Jr.

  July 27, 2010

  Former Glen Raven president Roger Gant Jr. has died at the age of 86.

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  Improving fiber I.D.: AATCC releases “Textile Fiber Supplement”

  July 2, 2010

  AATCC’s “Textile Fiber Supplement” provides new tools for fiber identification.

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  Air cargo system nets CO2 reductions

  July 1, 2010

  Airline industry committs to cutting CO2 emissions to half 2005 levels by 2050.

• Democrats air concerns about climate legislation

  July 1, 2010

  Democrats concerned about climate change legislation and its impacts on manufacturers.

• Flammability updates underway

  July 1, 2010

  The California State Fire Marshal’s office is updating its textile flammability document, Title 19, for the first time since 1993.

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  Hospitals purchase nanotechnology lab coats

  July 1, 2010

  Physicians at three Mercy Medical Center hospitals in Knoxville, Tenn., received a gift on National Doctors’ Day (March 25) that will keep on giving throughout the year.

• Lofts in space: NASA challenges students to design inflatable space habitats

  July 1, 2010

  NASA is challenging college students to design concepts for inflatable habitat lofts for the next generation of space explorers.

• NCTO urges Customs enforcement

  July 1, 2010

  At a hearing on May 20, 2010, before the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Trade, NCTO president Cass Johnson testified that Customs and Border Protection (CBP) needs new resources, new direction and new authority in order to make progress against increasing textile fraud.

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  Report: Outlook 2010

  July 1, 2010

  Attendees at IFAI’s Outlook Conference 2010, held April 26–27 at Pinehurst, N.C., were given a somewhat rosier picture for the specialty fabrics industry this year than they had received in past years.

• Study questions safety of smarter airbags

  July 1, 2010

  The newest “smart bag” airbag design, required in all vehicles since 2008, may not provide optimal protection for drivers wearing seatbelts, according to a study performed by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

• Thin skin with strong potential

  July 1, 2010

  Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin transform brittle germanium and silicon into nanowires that can be compressed into flexible, tissue-like sheets with the potential to stop bullets, power electronic devices or even cloak wearers in invisibility.

• U.S. imports of textiles down 7.5 percent

  July 1, 2010

  For the second year in a row, the U.S. imported fewer textiles and less apparel from overseas, according to the report Trends in U.S. Textile and Clothing Imports, 2010 Update published by Market Publishers Ltd., Birmingham, U.K.

• Unraveling the mystery of spider silk

  July 1, 2010

  Spider silk is flexible, biodegradable and one of the strongest substances on earth.

• German agency advises against using nanoscale silver ions in consumer products

  June 23, 2010

  Silver and silver compounds release silver ions that can inhibit the growth of germs.

• Virginia lands expansion of PGI facility

  June 14, 2010

  The Virginia Economic Development Partnership, working with Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell, put together a package of incentives to convince Polymer Group Inc. (PGI) to expand its manufacturing facility in Waynesboro, Va.

• 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.

  Learn more…