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Company News
Huntsman Textile Effects and Bao Minh Textile collaborate
June 4, 2020
Huntsman Textile Effects and Bao Minh Textile, one of the largest and most modern woven fabric producers in Vietnam, are collaborating to produce fabric that meets the stringent performance standards required of isolation gowns. High-quality medical gowns are essential protective wear for healthcare workers combatting the global COVID-19 pandemic. Bao Minh Textile will treat 760,000 …
Industry News
Antimicrobial textiles global market outlook
June 3, 2020
According to the ResearchAndMarket.com report “Antimicrobial Textiles—Global Market Trajectory & Analytics” the antimicrobial textiles market worldwide will grow by a projected US $3 Billion, driven by a revised compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.4%. Synthetic Organic Compounds, one of the segments analyzed and sized in this study, is forecast to grow at over 4% …
People
Conceptual fabric artist Christo dies
June 2, 2020
Christo, an artist known for wrapping landmarks around the world with massive fabric installations, died Sunday at his home in New York City. The Bulgarian-born artist who used only his first name was 84; no cause of death was given. Christo’s plans for wrapping Paris’s Arc de Triomphe with 269,097 square feet of recyclable polypropylene fabric …
Company News
Oerlikon Nonwoven delivers meltblown technology for European masks
June 1, 2020
Two companies newly established in Germany to manufacture and distribute high-end protective masks were in the spotlight at the beginning of May. FleeceforEurope and Lindenpartner, Düsseldorf-based Kloepfel Group purchasing consultancy, and Berlin-based industrial consultancy Bechinger & Heymann Holding plan to manufacture and distribute up to 50 million protection class FFP1 through FFP3 respiratory masks a …
Swatches
Marine fabrication community steps up to make PPE
June 1, 2020
As the new normal for businesses around the U.S. became fabricating personal protective equipment, the marine fabrication community stepped up. Carl Pellegrini, owner of SeaCanvas, Egg Harbor Township, N.J., spent several weeks this spring making and donating face shields to 10 local police and fire departments using materials on-hand such as O’Sea Regalite .040 sheet …
Feature
Automation advantages
June 1, 2020
Adding automation can prove challenging, with costs to consider, processes to change and nervous employees to reckon with. Still, fabricators who have taken the leap say there’s no other way to go. by Pamela Mills-Senn When Darren Arthur, owner of Nautilux Custom Canvas LLC in Hazlet, N.J., purchased a single-fly Aeronaut cutter eight years ago—his …
Feature
Protecting structures with fabric
June 1, 2020
When it comes to protecting structures from the elements, fabric has it covered. by Jeff Moravec Fabric serves an unending variety of needs, but sometimes overlookedis its role in protecting us from the dangers of our natural world. Here’s a snapshot of several companies and their products that have been designed to protect structures from …
Feature
Performance upholstery fabrics meet myriad consumer demands
June 1, 2020
High-performing upholstery fabrics offer more features than ever, without sacrificing style and comfort. by Maura Keller Consumers don’t want to choose between beauty and durability, nor do they want to sacrifice performance for sustainability, according to LeAnne Flack, marketing manager for Milliken Specialty Interiors. “Just as [consumers] are more closely examining the food they eat, …
Swatches
Temporary structures for sanitizing and containing
June 1, 2020
Unprecedented times call for unprecedented—and speedy—innovations. Multinational company Stretch Marquees and Fabric Structures spent the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic repurposing existing products and creating new ones to meet the needs of the global health crisis. The results include a disinfection tunnel and a negative pressure inflatable structure. Launched with the company’s Italian …
Markets
Protective fabric mesh surrounds a landmark tower
June 1, 2020
A fabric-clad tower in southern Germany brings technicians, elevator experts and the public together in one spectacular vertical setting. By Bruce N. Wright, FAIA Paris’s Eiffel Tower, London’s Big Ben, China’s Three Pagodas, Iraq’s spiral minaret: Over time, all became more than just their function—they became iconic symbols of their location. Likewise, ThyssenKrupp’s fabric-wrapped Rottweil …
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Business
Cash flow strategies and profits
May 1, 2020
By Mark E. Battersby Cash flow is the lifeblood of every business. In fact, according to a recent U.S. Bank study, poor cash flow management causes 82 percent of U.S. business failures. Although seemingly counterintuitive, many experts advise putting cash flow management before profits. While profits are how a fabrication business survives, a failure to …
Industry News
Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) clarifies organic product standards
March 12, 2020
GOTS has issued a statement in response to a recent claim by a company stating they hold a certification that’s “More important than organic” and “Textiles with the organic label can still be treated with toxic chemicals at a later stage of production.” While this is possible for uncertified products made from organic fibers, according …
Industry News
DSM announces partnership with SABIC and UPM Biofuels to create bio-based Dyneema®
March 12, 2020
Royal DSM, a global science-based company in nutrition, health and sustainable living, SABIC, a global leader in the chemical industry, and UPM Biofuels, a leading producer of sustainable raw materials, recently announced a partnership that will help to reduce the environmental footprint of Dyneema®, the world’s strongest fiber. The collaboration will see Dyneema transition to …
Industry News
GOTS registers highest growth rate ever in 2019
March 4, 2020
In 2019, the number of Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)-certified facilities globally grew by 35 percent, from 5,760 to 7,765 located in 70 countries. The number demonstrates that GOTS successfully serves as a sustainable solution. The required certified organic fibers protect the climate by absorbing CO2, and every processing step, from field to fashion, must …
Business
Richard Seaman on sustaining a family business
March 1, 2020
By Rebecca Post An urgency runs through the pages of Richard Seaman’s book A Vibrant Vision: The Entrepreneurship of Multigenerational Family Business. That urgency stems from Seaman’s understanding that few family businesses survive beyond a third generation. Seaman, the chairman and former CEO of Wooster, Ohio-based Seaman Corp., offers a model to family-owned businesses for …
Business
Small businesses with diverse workforces perform better financially
February 12, 2020
Small businesses with a diverse workforce are more innovative and financially successful, according to data gathered by SCORE, the nation’s largest network of volunteer, expert business mentors. Data indicates that businesses with more diverse management have 19% higher revenue and are more likely to outperform non-diverse businesses. Diverse teams are more innovative, and therefore, perform …
Management
SBA announces funding opportunity through the State Trade Expansion Program 2020
February 7, 2020
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has announced the opening of the submission period for a funding opportunity through the State Trade Expansion Program. The purpose of the grant opportunity is to invite proposals for funding from eligible state entities interested in and capable of providing assistance, guidance and tools to qualified small businesses looking …
Business
Before selling, determine the true value of your company
January 1, 2020
By Larry Oxenham Succession planning can be a tricky matter, especially if you’re passing your business on to a family member. Sometimes keeping it in the family is viable, but not in every case. If it comes time to sell the business instead, you should be armed with some strategies for getting what it’s really …
Company News
Levi Strauss & Co. and Hohenstein collaborate to bring safer chemicals to the apparel industry
November 19, 2019
Levi Strauss & Co. (LS&Co.) and Hohenstein have announced a collaboration to utilize the ECO PASSPORT by OEKO-TEX® certification system in the LS&Co. supply chain. This will amplify the capabilities of the Screened Chemistry program developed by LS&Co., helping establish a clearer pathway toward safer chemistry in the apparel industry by providing enhanced levels of …
Business
Customer service is king
November 1, 2019
Strategic service makes your company memorable. By Randy Westlund We live in a constantly connected culture of instant gratification. We want what we want and we want it right now—with no delays. Between instant messaging, next-day delivery and online services available 24/7, the marketplace is catering to these demands. Some revealing statistics show how much …
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Company News
IFAI president responds to Coronavirus, adjusts upcoming events
March 17, 2020
As concern over the Coronavirus (COVID-19) grows, I want all IFAI members to know we are closely monitoring developments and following recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO). We will follow their recommendations to keep our employees, their families and our members healthy and safe. With this in …
Awards
IFAI’s 2019 Outstanding Volunteer Awards
October 8, 2019
At this year’s annual meeting during IFAI Expo 2019, IFAI presented the Outstanding Volunteer Awards, recognizing members who generously gave of their time to serve on different boards, task forces and committees, judged competitions and provided education and leadership to others in the industry. This year’s winners: Amy Bircher, president, MMI Textiles Inc. Jonathan Chakales, …
Expo News
2019 Chairman’s Award winner: Scott Campbell, Rainier Industries
October 8, 2019
The Chairman’s Award (originally, the President’s Award) is an honor bestowed by the chairman of IFAI to an individual that has had an extraordinary and meaningful impact on the association. It is rarely given, and awarded at the sole discretion of the IFAI chairman. At IFAI’s annual meeting at IFAI Expo 2019, IFAI chairman Steve …
Expo News
Designing with shade cloth for human protection
October 4, 2019
Australia has a very high rate of skin cancer, so it’s not surprising that the country has led the world in the development of shade cloth, Chris Nolan told attendees of a shade cloth educational session at IFAI Expo 2019 in Orlando, Fla. “Even in the temperate areas where most people live, we have an …
Expo News
Avoid expensive mistakes when applying graphics to awnings
October 4, 2019
Bill McSpadden wants IFAI attendees to not make the same mistakes he has made. On day 2 of IFAI Expo 2019 in Orlando, Fla., McSpadden’s educational session on graphics for small to medium fabricators focused on avoiding expensive mistakes that turn profitable projects into unprofitable ones. McSpadden is owner of Capitol Awning, located in Richmond, …
Expo News
HDPE shade fabrics offer form and function for shade structures
October 4, 2019
Shade has been a requirement for human beings since ancient times, but very little technological development related to shade occurred until the last 30 to 40 years, said Andrew Nasarczyk, senior manager—research and development, GALE Pacific Ltd., Braeside, Victoria, Australia. Nasarczyk explained the design and development of world-class knitted shade fabrics in an educational session …
Expo News
Fire retardancy in shade structures: requirements and solutions
October 4, 2019
David Dean, director of research and development at Glen Raven/Sunbrella, led the campfire session, “Fire Retardancy in Shade Structures: Requirements and Solutions” during Expo 2019 in Orlando, Fla., According to Dean, in the U.S. there are currently no federally-mandated fire retardancy (FR) regulations for shade structures. The few regulations that have been passed include those …
Expo News
Sales success with a dose of passive aggression
October 4, 2019
Chris Semonelli, vice president, sales and marketing, E Squared, and president of Coated Technical Solutions, says he has “a philosophy of being assertive with passive aggression” when it comes to sales. “You need to have a deadline with customers and R&D, and make frequent visits. Emails and faxes are great, but you can’t look customers …
Expo News
Award breakfast transforms into a networking event
October 4, 2019
Keynote speaker Thom Singer hosted IFAI’s annual award ceremony October 3 at Expo 2019, continuing his message to “see people.” As Expo exhibitors and attendees entered the breakfast event, Singer encouraged people to separate from familiar colleagues and sit with new people. This year’s award ceremony was infused with an additional goal—that of networking with …
Expo News
Industry 4.0 and what it means for your small business
October 4, 2019
Jonathan Palmer, CEO of Autometrix, presented the education session “Industry 4.0 for Small Businesses” at IFAI Expo 2019 in Orlando, Fla. Industry 4.0 is a German initiative that began in 2011. The loose definition focuses on four main areas: interconnection (sensors, machines and devices), information (free-flowing info), assistance (robots/technology making a worker’s job easier and …
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Feature
Automation advantages
June 1, 2020
Adding automation can prove challenging, with costs to consider, processes to change and nervous employees to reckon with. Still, fabricators who have taken the leap say there’s no other way to go. by Pamela Mills-Senn When Darren Arthur, owner of Nautilux Custom Canvas LLC in Hazlet, N.J., purchased a single-fly Aeronaut cutter eight years ago—his …
Feature
Protecting structures with fabric
June 1, 2020
When it comes to protecting structures from the elements, fabric has it covered. by Jeff Moravec Fabric serves an unending variety of needs, but sometimes overlookedis its role in protecting us from the dangers of our natural world. Here’s a snapshot of several companies and their products that have been designed to protect structures from …
Feature
Performance upholstery fabrics meet myriad consumer demands
June 1, 2020
High-performing upholstery fabrics offer more features than ever, without sacrificing style and comfort. by Maura Keller Consumers don’t want to choose between beauty and durability, nor do they want to sacrifice performance for sustainability, according to LeAnne Flack, marketing manager for Milliken Specialty Interiors. “Just as [consumers] are more closely examining the food they eat, …
Feature
Kevin Greenwood and Stage Tops USA cover lives events around the globe
June 1, 2020
by Jill C. Lafferty “Everything is visual today,” says Kevin Greenwood, owner/CEO of Stage Tops USA, a Manchester, Tenn.-based company that manufactures and installs roof skins, wind walls, stage scrims and other fabric projects for major live events around the world. “[My clients] want to be seen. The bigger the better. They want to put …
Feature
2020 Specialty Fabrics Showcase, Part 2
May 1, 2020
Fabrics, always combining performance and style, are the natural choice for applications ranging from awnings and tents to marine fabrication, outdoor structures, indoor architecture, arts and apparel, medical and aerospace products, to name just a few. We asked our contributors to send us information about their latest high-performance materials: fabrics that weather the storm, fight …
Feature
Members only content
Metalwork and framing for fabric applications
May 1, 2020
Fabric is only half of the equation for many manufacturers in the specialty fabrics industry. The other half, metalwork and framing, requires its own set of capabilities. by Laurie F. Junker A frame is the essential component that transforms fabric into architecture, turning a piece of cloth into some sort of protective cover or defined …
Feature
Members only content
Sustainability in textiles
May 1, 2020
As sustainability becomes more important to consumers, suppliers and manufacturers are pressed to verify product claims and become more eco-friendly. by Pamela Mills-Senn There are plenty of fashion trends hitting the runways this season, such as this year’s hottest color (orange is very in), patterns (think floral) and capes—lots of capes. But sustainable fashions are …
Feature
Market watch: The specialty fabrics industry responds to COVID-19
May 1, 2020
By Elisa Bernick, Sammi Jones, Jill C. Lafferty, Galynn Nordstrom, Rebecca J. Post and Janet Preus The global response to the COVID-19 pandemic is unprecedented, with the textile industry playing a key role. Suppliers and end product manufacturers have pivoted at lightning speed to produce much-needed PPE for front-line medical workers. IFAI members are reaching …
Feature
Innovative fabric facades
April 1, 2020
Changing the look and function of architecture for a sustainable future. by Bruce N. Wright, FAIA Architects are fond of describing their buildings in the metaphoric terms of the human body. The supporting structure is often referred to as the skeleton that holds it up; the enclosure (or envelope) is the skin that protects the …
Feature
2020 Specialty Fabrics Showcase
April 1, 2020
Fabrics, always combining performance and style, are the natural choice for applications ranging from awnings and tents to marine fabrication, outdoor structures, indoor architecture, arts and apparel, medical and aerospace products, to name just a few. For our annual two-part showcase, we asked our contributors to send us information about their latest high-performance materials: fabrics …
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Markets
Protective fabric mesh surrounds a landmark tower
June 1, 2020
A fabric-clad tower in southern Germany brings technicians, elevator experts and the public together in one spectacular vertical setting. By Bruce N. Wright, FAIA Paris’s Eiffel Tower, London’s Big Ben, China’s Three Pagodas, Iraq’s spiral minaret: Over time, all became more than just their function—they became iconic symbols of their location. Likewise, ThyssenKrupp’s fabric-wrapped Rottweil …
Advanced Textiles
Sustainability and value: Biomaterials and biomimetics become green alternatives
June 1, 2020
by Glenna B. Musante Textile and outdoor gear communities are looking for ways to limit the use of petroleum products. To achieve this goal, apparel and gear brands, as well as ingredient manufacturers within the textile industry supply chain, are beginning to replace or augment plastics and polyester with biomaterials. Textile companies are also turning …
Markets
Nonwoven fabrics on the frontline of infection containment
May 1, 2020
By Jeff Moravec It’s easy to misunderstand viral respiratory diseases, whether the current pandemic outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) or past events such as severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in 2002−2003. When they fade from the news, people often assume it’s because a cure was found. In fact, what happens is that human-to-human disease transmission …
Advanced Textiles
How U.S. trade actions affect the textile industry
May 1, 2020
by Lawrence A. Ward and Dave Townsend The textile trade has long been complicated, requiring careful attention to the source and production methods throughout the supply chain to determine whether imports were allowed under quotas or what tariff rate applied to the imports. Although the Trump administration has a fundamentally different policy toward international trade …
Advanced Textiles
Call for Papers: World Congress on Textile Coating, Nov. 19-20
April 2, 2020
The organizers of the successful and long-running conference series Textile Coating and Laminating (TCL) have announced its expansion and refocus as the World Congress on Textile Coating (WCTC20). The event will debut in Berlin on November 19-20, 2020. The venue hotel is the Novotel Berlin Am Tiergarten, Berlin, Germany, which has excellent conference facilities. Tegel …
Markets
Disaster shelter design competition tests engineering students
April 1, 2020
John Brown University’s disaster shelter contest challenges students to develop and demonstrate solutions for emergency scenarios. By Holly Eamon Global economic losses from natural disasters topped $232 billion last year, rounding out a decade that cost the world nearly $3 trillion, according to the 2019 Weather, Climate & Catastrophe Insight Annual Report published by global …
Advanced Textiles
Sustainable synthetics
April 1, 2020
Sustainability issues leap to the forefront in creating new synthetic fibers. by Ericka Ford, Ph.D. Philosopher scientist Robert Hooke’s 17th-century belief that plants eaten by the silkworm could spin into a silk alternative was an oversimplification of the biological processes that ultimately allowed the food-satiated silkworm to spin silk. Nevertheless, the timely invention of the …
Conference
IFAI update on Covid-19/Coronavirus preparedness from Geosynthetics Conference 2020: Case Studies
March 6, 2020
We understand concerns about COVID-19/Coronavirus are top of mind, and we want to be as transparent as possible and share information about what we are doing to prepare for the Geosynthetics Conference: CASE STUDIES 2020 in North Charleston, SC USA. Many of our exhibitors will be onsite soon to setup for the show, and we …
Advanced Textiles
New standard makes protective apparel safer
March 1, 2020
by Glenna B. Musante Improving safety apparel for workers operating in hazardous situations is a constant focus of the textile industry, but it is a task not always easily accomplished. Hazardous materials professionals can be exposed to any number of chemical, biological and flammable materials in the same environment, according to The Institute of Hazardous …
Markets
Inflatables grab the attention of the rental market
March 1, 2020
By Pamela Mills-Senn It’s all about “Instagrammable” moments. Event producers are under increasing pressure to design photo-worthy experiences that get clicks and shares. Within that environment, inflatable structures offer a way for tent and event rental companies to provide their clients with unique inventory that attracts a crowd, while standing out from the competition. Sean …
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Company News
Huntsman Textile Effects and Bao Minh Textile collaborate
June 4, 2020
Huntsman Textile Effects and Bao Minh Textile, one of the largest and most modern woven fabric producers in Vietnam, are collaborating to produce fabric that meets the stringent performance standards required of isolation gowns. High-quality medical gowns are essential protective wear for healthcare workers combatting the global COVID-19 pandemic. Bao Minh Textile will treat 760,000 …
Industry News
Antimicrobial textiles global market outlook
June 3, 2020
According to the ResearchAndMarket.com report “Antimicrobial Textiles—Global Market Trajectory & Analytics” the antimicrobial textiles market worldwide will grow by a projected US $3 Billion, driven by a revised compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.4%. Synthetic Organic Compounds, one of the segments analyzed and sized in this study, is forecast to grow at over 4% …
People
Conceptual fabric artist Christo dies
June 2, 2020
Christo, an artist known for wrapping landmarks around the world with massive fabric installations, died Sunday at his home in New York City. The Bulgarian-born artist who used only his first name was 84; no cause of death was given. Christo’s plans for wrapping Paris’s Arc de Triomphe with 269,097 square feet of recyclable polypropylene fabric …
Company News
Oerlikon Nonwoven delivers meltblown technology for European masks
June 1, 2020
Two companies newly established in Germany to manufacture and distribute high-end protective masks were in the spotlight at the beginning of May. FleeceforEurope and Lindenpartner, Düsseldorf-based Kloepfel Group purchasing consultancy, and Berlin-based industrial consultancy Bechinger & Heymann Holding plan to manufacture and distribute up to 50 million protection class FFP1 through FFP3 respiratory masks a …
Industry News
Industrial protective clothing market outlook
May 29, 2020
The industrial protective clothing market worldwide is projected to grow by US$11.2 billion, driven by a compounded growth of 13.5%, according to ResearchAndMarkets.com’s report “Industrial Protective Clothing—Global Market Trajectory & Analytics.” Durable, one of the segments analyzed and sized in this study, displays the potential to grow at over 12.7%. The shifting dynamics supporting this …
Company News
Huntsman completes acquisition of CVC Thermoset Specialties
May 28, 2020
Huntsman Corp. has completed the acquisition of CVC Thermoset Specialties, a North American specialty chemical manufacturer serving the industrial composites, adhesives and coatings markets. Huntsman acquired the business from Emerald Performance Materials LLC, a majority-owned affiliate of American Securities LLC, for approximately $300 million, subject to customary closing adjustments. The all-cash transaction was funded from …
Company News
Noble Biomaterials launches new brand identity
May 27, 2020
Noble Biomaterials, a global supplier of antimicrobial and conductivity solutions for soft-surface applications, has launched a new brand identity—Ionic+™—for its antimicrobial technology formerly known as XT2. The new brand name, logo and tagline will more clearly convey the benefits and story of Ionic+, a technology that uses positively charged silver ions to provide microbial and …
Company News
Mehler Texnologies joins Freudenberg Group
May 26, 2020
Mehler Texnologies® is joining the Freudenberg Group with the latter’s acquisition of the Low & Bonar Group. The Freudenberg Group is a German privately held diversified group of companies with a strong tradition in textiles. It operates over 500 sites in 60 countries worldwide. In 2019, the Freudenberg Group employed 50,000 associates around the globe …
Industry News
ZDHC Foundation releases CMS Framework
May 26, 2020
The ZDHC Foundation has released the ZDHC CMS Framework. A chemical management system (CMS) is paramount to worker safety and reduces environmental impact in the community and the broader environment. The ZDHC CMS Framework provides the textile, apparel and footwear industries with a united base to work from, that can be incorporated in a wider …
Company News
Berry announces new meltblown capacity in South America
May 26, 2020
Berry Global Group Inc. announced the capital investment in its global meltblown nonwoven fabric capacity for South America. This investment further strengthens the company’s global reach and position as a nonwovens manufacturer. This line is Berry’s first meltblown asset, based on its Meltex™ technology, to be located in South America and continues to support the …
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Products
Shelter Structures America introduces First Responder product line
March 20, 2020
Shelter Structures America, distributor of Shelter temporary clearspan tent structures, has introduced the First Responder product line of clearspan tent structures and inflatable tents. Due to the market need for medical and screening tent structures, Shelter quickly developed and brought to market the line of inflatable and clearspan tent structures. The Shelter FR20—the first in …
Products
Degradable vinyl alternative
March 1, 2020
The Otratex™ collection of degradable vinyl alternatives is designed to meet health and wellness trends in the hospitality, health care, contract and cruise industries. The fabric can be treated for ASTM-E84 and IMO, and is treated twice with Pro-Tech, a water-based stain repellent with denim and ink protection, once in process and once post-production. Other …
Products
Natural odor control
March 1, 2020
Biobased antimicrobial solution BI-OME Natural guarantees optimal freshness and hygiene for textiles. The active ingredients are linseed oil, obtained from the dried, ripened seeds of the flax plant, and chrysanthemum, derived from the seeds of the flowers of the daisy. Recommended for the bedding industry and applications that require solutions to odors, allergens and dust …
Products
One-way wicking fabric
March 1, 2020
Designed to keep athletes cool, dry and fresh, ProCool® Stretch-FIT Dri-QWick™ Sports Jersey is a double-facing fabric with hydrophilic fibers next to the skin to wick moisture away, and hydrophobic fibers on the other side to keep moisture from seeping back into the fabric. The hydrophilic side has a diamond mesh, which increases the surface …
Products
Stylish sun protection collection
March 1, 2020
The innovative Sauleda New Generation collection is comprised of 90 exclusive designs in fabrics for sun protection. The collection includes the fabric GREEN, which purifies the air by means of photocatalysis, with a reduction in pollution around 55%, mold reduction of 60% and a self-cleaning effect of 70%. Other collection highlights include 28 plain colors …
Products
Flexible colors for carpets
March 1, 2020
Multicolored carpets are now easier with the development of the BCF S8 platform. The core component in the carpet yarn system is the patent-pending Color Pop Compacting Unit (CPC-T) designed for flexible and even color separation. Individually controllable air pressures per color in the CPC-T provide a pre-tangling, which results in an accentuation of the …
Products
Cutter support with 64-bit compatibility
March 1, 2020
Easy Cut Studio version 5 includes 64-bit support, which allows the program to process significantly larger design files quickly. The new version includes additional enhanced functions, support for more vinyl cutters, and is optimized to be fully compliant with Apple’s latest operating system, macOS 10.15 Catalina. Combining advanced cutting technology with simple user interface design, …
Products
Non-rusting grommets
February 1, 2020
ClipsShop® Self-Piercing Grommet Sets include grommets and washers made from non-rusting solid brass to withstand rain and the elements. The heavy-duty solid brass rust-proof grommets and washers come in a variety of sizes and finishes for use in privacy screens, wind screens, sunscreens and related outdoor products. Available in 500-set packages, the grommet sets can …
Products
Artfully inspired performance fabric
February 1, 2020
Fabrics in the Artscape collection—including Brushstroke, Vogue, Enzo and Sedona—are the first digitally printed cotton and cotton/linen offerings in the Breathe by Milliken™ performance fabric line. The collection offers a modern approach, introducing both abstract and watermark characteristics. It also stands out as a natural option that allows for easy cleaning through its plant-based water …
Products
Matte finish awning material in user-friendly width
February 1, 2020
With a new matte look and a user-friendly width, Sattler 745 Evolution awning material is a flame-retardant PVC coated textile that offers dimensional stability and is extremely durable. The fabric is weldable and accepts graphic treatments. At 63 inches wide, the awning material is available in 30-yard rolls and in 20 matte finished colors. Keyston …
Sponsored Content
Learn About Fabric’s Role in Sustainable Building Architecture
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Projects
Fabric transforms camper design
April 1, 2019
What’s the bottom line for camping gear? For many outdoorspeople, it comes down to fabric that is waterproof yet airy and comfortable, along with convenience and a dash of style. A new camper that is more like a geodesic dome on wheels checks those boxes. A collaboration between BMW Design Works Division and The North …
Projects
Germ-fighting fibers keep hospitals clean
April 1, 2019
It’s a common joke—don’t go to the hospital, it will make you sick. Yet there is some amount of truth to the idea. One study demonstrated that 92 percent of privacy curtains were contaminated with infectious bacteria within one week of laundering. Another study concluded that up to 60 percent of nurse and physician clothing …
Projects
Vest offers inflatable protection for bicyclists
April 1, 2019
If you fall off your bike, you want to make sure you protect your thorax, back and neck. A vest that takes its cue from automobile airbags can do just that. B’Safe features an airbag that inflates instantly in the event of an accident. Developed by the French airbag technology company Helite, B’Safe features a …
Projects
Sustainable shade technology
April 1, 2019
It’s only fitting that the new research and development facility for the Kolon Group, a leading South Korean manufacturer of innovative textiles, would stretch the boundaries of design. The company wanted the facility, dubbed the Kolon One & Only Tower, to embody its commitment to creativity, technology and sustainability. The 820,000-square-foot building is designed to …
Projects
Patio canopy expands church services
April 1, 2019
Summers are hot in San Ramon, Calif., located 35 miles east of San Francisco in the San Ramon Valley. The community is home to St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, designed in the 1980s by Aaron Green, an associate of Frank Lloyd Wright. The church features a beautiful patio that congregants like to use for …
Projects
From waste to waterproof shoe
April 1, 2019
Each year, 23 billion pairs of shoes made from raw materials are tossed in the trash, where they end up incinerated or are left to decompose in landfills. Sympatex Technologies, the high-tech company that produces and distributes membranes, laminates and functional textiles, has a better model for the lifecycle of shoes than creating tons of …
Projects
Fashion meets furniture with TAPE
April 1, 2019
Benjamin Hubert of design agency LAYER likes to consider how fashion trends and the latest ideas in technology can be combined to realize his creations. For his furniture collection, TAPE, Hubert was inspired by design practices for garments in the sporting industry—specifically the use of tape to construct snowboard, ski and wet-weather gear. Hubert recognized …
Projects
Hand-woven folk art with character
March 1, 2019
Folk art meets Pokémon Ukrainian artist Oksana Levchenya has long admired the craftsmanship of traditional hand-woven rugs and tapestries. She founded OLK Manufactory in Kiev to create woven rugs and tapestries that exemplify the same kind of expertise. Her vertical kilims are created by hand using an intricate technique dating back to the 16th century. …
Projects
Marathon lamp is a bright idea
March 1, 2019
Sometimes inspiration is found in a most unexpected place. For designer Victor Moynier, the spark of an idea for a lighting fixture came from sportswear. The Lausanne, Switzerland-based industrial designer looked at running jackets and saw the possibility to produce a lamp using ripstop nylon. His Marathon lamp was one of nine lighting fixtures created …
Projects
Animated display for Brussels airport uses kinetic fabric
March 1, 2019
There are many “must sees” in the Flanders region of Belgium: charming cities and towns graced with medieval architecture, the paintings of the Flemish masters, historical sites, fashion, food and design. The tourism bureau, Flanders Tourism (Toerisme Vlaanderen), wanted to give travelers flying into the Brussels Zarventem Airport a taste of the adventure that awaits. …
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Learn About Fabric’s Role in Sustainable Building Architecture
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Ask the Expert: APV Engineered Coatings – Planes, Stains, and Automobiles
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Report from Expo 2019
The Greater Good
Pop-up factory with a purpose
November 1, 2019
IFAI’s Manufacturing for Good booth assembles three-ring pencil pouches for A Gift For Teaching. By Sammi Jones IFAI’s Manufacturing for Good booth made its third appearance on the show floor at Expo 2019 in Orlando, Fla. The booth, which debuted at Expo 2017 in New Orleans, La., and also appeared at Expo 2018 in Dallas, …
The Greater Good
Pushing the limits
October 1, 2019
Autometrix employees put the (bike) pedal to the metal to raise money for charity. By Paul Johnson Most people experience joy when giving to a charity, but some undergo considerable pain because of their steadfast commitment and support for an enduring cause. Jonathan Palmer, Autometrix Inc. owner and CEO, and Joel Koopmans, customer solutions expert, …
The Greater Good
Making a mark in the community
September 1, 2019
At Presco, charitable giving, community support and energy conservation are a passion. By Paul Johnson In 1942, Robert “Earl” McMackin founded Precision Specialties Company, which made specific tools for geological and oil exploration. When working in the oil fields, Earl and his son, Edwin, recognized an opportunity to design and develop better materials for roll …
The Greater Good
Mermet Corporation seeks to protect ecology, promote sustainability and improve communities
August 1, 2019
By Paul Johnson Mermet Corporation was not content to create just any standard environmental stewardship program for the company. Instead, the Cowpens, S.C.-based innovative solar shade manufacturer went several steps further to create its Weaving Change initiative. The program is a broad-based movement that supports sound environmental textile manufacturing, resource conservation, environmental protection and charitable …
The Greater Good
A common thread
July 1, 2019
Diamond Brand Gear is leading a regional effort to revive the art of sewing through education and collaboration. By Holly Eamon With roots extending to 1881, Diamond Brand Gear in Fletcher, N.C., continually works to build upon its legacy. The outdoor and military gear manufacturer is revitalizing not only its brand but also the industry’s …
The Greater Good
Setting a high standard: Owens Corning
June 1, 2019
Owens Corning’s philanthropic efforts, charity work and progressive employee policies have produced impressive results. By Paul Johnson For more than 40 years, Owens Corning, a developer and producer of insulation, roofing and fiberglass composites, has been a supporter of a wide range of philanthropic endeavors and a key partner assisting charitable organizations across the globe. …
The Greater Good
Parà Group’s green initiatives focus on conservation, preservation and clean energy.
May 1, 2019
By Paul Johnson As a world leader in the manufacture of marine, awning and outdoor fabrics, Parà Group makes a wide range of products for iconic brands, such as Ralph Lauren Home, Fendi Home and Missoni. Five state-of-the art factories in Northern Italy produce more than 33,000 pounds of yarn and 32,000 feet of fabric …
The Greater Good
YKK Group’s global commitment to efficiency and sustainability
April 1, 2019
The YKK Group, headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, has implemented a bold and broad-based strategy for energy efficiency, reduced carbon output and sustainability. YKK’s green approach has substantially decreased the environmental impact of its 111 facilities operating in 73 countries and regions. But beyond the environmental benefits, these measures have also lowered operating costs, improved safety …
The Greater Good
A&R Tarpaulins’ mentorship program takes internships to a new level
March 1, 2019
Bud Weisbart was determined to make a difference. He transformed A&R Tarpaulins into a leader in fabric and equipment manufacturing for the aerospace industry, and also turned the company into a beacon of inclusiveness, diversity and multiculturalism. After earning a degree in social service and serving in many social service roles, Weisbart entered the business …
The Greater Good
Ennis Fabrics is committed to community support—from the top down
February 1, 2019
Ennis Fabrics in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, has a history that’s steeped in community support. James Ennis Sr. launched Ennis Fabrics in 1972 with a goal to provide better industrial fabrics and service. From a modest 2,500 square-foot warehouse, the company steadily grew, and today it sells 9,000 products from a state-of-the-art office and warehouse that …
