Sponsored Content
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Ask the Expert: APV Engineered Coatings – Planes, Stains, and Automobiles
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More Than Just Grommets & Washers, Discover the Stimpson Difference
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Heytex® – Discover the many faces of fabric
COVID-19
SBA’s Paycheck Protection Program for small businesses launches
April 4, 2020
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Administrator Jovita Carranza launched the Paycheck Protection Program on April 3, 2020, a $349 billion emergency loan program created last week with the President’s signing of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES). The program provides forgivable loans of up to $10 million to small businesses left …
COVID-19
U.S. tent and structure manufacturers unite with the special events industry to address the COVID-19 pandemic
April 3, 2020
The special events industry stands poised to address surging capacity needs of the U.S. health care infrastructure. Ten of the major U.S. tent and structure manufacturers have joined together in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. The principal strategy of the group is to align needs for disaster resources including field hospitals, emergency temporary shelters, …
Industry News
Smart fabrics market outlook
April 3, 2020
According to the “Smart Fabrics Market—Growth, Trends, and Forecast 2020-2025” report by ResearchAndMarkets.com, the smart fabrics market was valued at USD 2.16 billion in 2019 and is expected to reach USD 5.93 billion by 2025, at a CAGR of 19.89 percent over the forecast period 2020-2025. The trend of using miniaturized electronics in the fabrics …
Company News
Eastman customers unite to offer contract cutting resources to PPE manufacturers
April 2, 2020
Eastman Machine Co. announced today that its exclusive Matchmaker program is connecting facilities manufacturing personal protective equipment (PPE) with more than a dozen customers who offer automatic, CNC (computer-controlled) cutting services. The Matchmaker program has successfully linked organizations throughout the U.S. and U.K. for several decades from Eastman’s website. Thousands of manufacturers use automatic and …
Company News
Milliken pivots textile manufacturing to produce advanced medical PPE
April 2, 2020
Global textile manufacturer Milliken & Company is leveraging its materials science expertise to manufacture much needed personal protective equipment (PPE) for the health care industry amid the current COVID-19 global pandemic, focusing on engineering textiles into medical-grade fabrics using antimicrobial and fabric barrier coatings. Milliken’s new advanced medical fabrics and barriers are currently available, and …
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 …
COVID-19
NCTO response to Administration’s reported tariff deferral
April 2, 2020
The National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO), representing the full spectrum of U.S. textiles from fiber through finished products, has issued a statement from NCTO President and CEO Kim Glas in response to the Administration’s plan to institute a 90-day deferral on MFN tariffs, as reported by numerous press outlets. The reported plan being pushed …
Company News
Indorama Ventures aims to recycle 50 billion PET beverage bottles per year by 2025
April 2, 2020
Indorama Ventures Public Co. Ltd. (IVL), a global company listed in Thailand, has recycled 50 billion PET bottles since 2011. This major global recycling milestone saved three million barrels of crude oil and eliminated 1.65 million tons of carbon. The company has committed $1.5 billion to deliver more recycling infrastructure globally. Yashovardhan Lohia, chief recycling …
COVID-19
Top tips for operating a specialty fabrics business during a pandemic
April 1, 2020
IFAI Division Webinars this week are bringing together diverse members of the specialty fabrics industry to discuss how they are navigating the COVID-19 crisis. For companies that are operational—that is, they have either been deemed essential businesses or they are not currently under a “shelter in place” order—worker health and safety is a major concern. …
Reader's Choice Awards
Announcing the 2020 InTents magazine Reader’s Choice Award winners!
April 1, 2020
Twenty-two manufacturers and suppliers to the tent rental industry are honored in the April–May 2020 issue of InTents magazine in the third annual Reader’s Choice Awards. In December 2019, InTents asked readers to vote for the best of the best in 15 categories, ranging from Best Frame Tent Manufacturer to Best Rental Software Provider. “Participation …
Sponsored Content
Learn About Fabric’s Role in Sustainable Building Architecture
Sponsored Content
Ask the Expert: APV Engineered Coatings – Planes, Stains, and Automobiles
Sponsored Content
More Than Just Grommets & Washers, Discover the Stimpson Difference
Sponsored Content
Heytex® – Discover the many faces of fabric
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 …
Business
Tax laws can help with startups and expansions
September 1, 2019
Tax laws can help or hurt new and expanding businesses. By Mark E. Battersby In today’s economy, it’s not unusual for an existing fabrication business to branch out, or for the owner or self-employed canvas professional to start another business in the same or a different field. Few realize, however, that Uncle Sam stands ready …
Sponsored Content
Learn About Fabric’s Role in Sustainable Building Architecture
Sponsored Content
Ask the Expert: APV Engineered Coatings – Planes, Stains, and Automobiles
Sponsored Content
More Than Just Grommets & Washers, Discover the Stimpson Difference
Sponsored Content
Heytex® – Discover the many faces of fabric
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 …
Sponsored Content
Learn About Fabric’s Role in Sustainable Building Architecture
Sponsored Content
Ask the Expert: APV Engineered Coatings – Planes, Stains, and Automobiles
Sponsored Content
More Than Just Grommets & Washers, Discover the Stimpson Difference
Sponsored Content
Heytex® – Discover the many faces of fabric
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 …
Feature
Attract younger workers to the trades
April 1, 2020
Tech and training are sparking interest. by Jeff Moravec There’s a simple, well-known and significant problem in the fabrication business: too much work, not enough workers. “Fabricators have more business than they can handle,” says Russ Griffin, co-owner of Northcoast Marine Specialties LLC in Port Clinton, Ohio. “The downside is that customers aren’t getting service …
Feature
Promoting shade in the marketplace and happiness in the workplace
April 1, 2020
For Patrick Howe and Wholesale Shade, high-quality custom shade sails are the product of a happy and efficient workplace. by Jill C. Lafferty My day consists of making sure my employees are happy. That’s my number one job,” says Patrick Howe, owner of Wholesale Shade™, a private label shade sail manufacturer based in San Marcos, …
Feature
Seven steps to take your fabrics business to the next level
March 1, 2020
by Sigrid Tornquist Building a business takes more than a good idea and an interested customer base. It takes planning, investment, a skilled workforce—and a healthy dose of industry knowledge. Got a plan? Rick Ludolph, founder and president of boutique specialty fabrics consulting firm Productive Solutions LLC in Marietta, Ga., has spent more than 40 …
Feature
Bob Grambsch leads Canvas Replacements in making new canvas tent tops for old pop-up camper trailers.
March 1, 2020
by Jill C. Lafferty We bring over 65 years of knowledge and experience to a growing and changing industry,” says Bob Grambsch, president of Canvas Replacements/Camper & Recreation Inc., a Loyal, Wis.-based manufacturer of replacement canvas tent tops for pop-up campers. “My dad had been building camping trailers since 1957. I was about eight years …
Feature
Custom inflatables are blowing up
March 1, 2020
Inflatables are in demand, thanks to advanced technologies that create higher quality products and new applications. by Jeff Moravec There was a time when consumers viewed inflatable products as bargain-basement cousins to rigid objects. Think of the air mattress rolled out on the bedroom floor for a middle-school sleepover or the discount-store blow-up swimming pool …
Feature
The wide (format) world of sports
March 1, 2020
When it comes to printing fabrics, the wide world of sports is beginning to live up to its name. By Jeff Moravec In sports, it’s always about competition—and revenue. As sports teams have established new revenue streams (such as sponsorships that require stadium advertising) and worked to enhance the game-day experience for fans with splashy …
Feature
Members only content
Retractables: part of the shade package
February 1, 2020
There has been growth in the U.S. market for retractable awnings, but today they’re part of a wide range of shade products designed to offer comfort, color, convenience, style and protection from insects as well as weather. by Laurie Junker The awning industry had been anticipating a boom in retractables for a long time. Scouring …
Feature
Members only content
Textiles and Lifestyle
February 1, 2020
Textiles have become more responsive, providing health and wellness benefits while creating worlds of possibilities for manufacturers and users alike. by Pamela Mills-Senn It wasn’t long ago that the demands placed on textiles were relatively straightforward. Whether apparel, furnishings, car seats, bedding, medical fabrics or others, textiles were tasked with meeting a generally standard set …
Sponsored Content
Learn About Fabric’s Role in Sustainable Building Architecture
Sponsored Content
Ask the Expert: APV Engineered Coatings – Planes, Stains, and Automobiles
Sponsored Content
More Than Just Grommets & Washers, Discover the Stimpson Difference
Sponsored Content
Heytex® – Discover the many faces of fabric
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 …
Markets
Inhibiting microbes with topcoat technology
February 1, 2020
When compounded performance additives in vinyl aren’t enough, antimicrobial lacquers and topcoats offer extra protection. By Hugh Barrett Microbes, such as bacteria and fungi, can live on a surface for months. Manufacturers of flexible vinyl, films, fabrics and textiles use engineered antimicrobial (AM) lacquers and barrier topcoats to offer an extra level of protection against …
Advanced Textiles
Sustainable practices in today’s textile industry
February 1, 2020
by Marie O’Mahony The story of sustainability in the textile industry has grown and changed, particularly in the last decade. The concept of “circularity” is now driving sustainability across the materials sector. According to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, “A circular economy is based on the principles of designing out waste and pollution, keeping products and …
Company News
Enduratex expands marine products representation
January 29, 2020
Enduratex™ has expanded its marine product representation through a new relationship with Coatney Sales and Haimes Coleman Group Inc., according to Eric Petersen, director of sales and marketing for Enduratex. Craig Coatney, principal of Coatney Sales, and Charlie Haimes, a principal in the Haimes Coleman Group, will cover the Midwest and Southeast regions, respectively. “We …
Marine
Marine Fabricators Association Announces Marine Fabrication Excellence Award Winners
January 28, 2020
The Marine Fabricators Association (MFA) awarded the Marine Fabrication Excellence Awards for design excellence, and quality workmanship in marine applications at the 2020 Marine Fabricators Conference. Marine Fabricators Conference is an annual conference that includes education and training, networking opportunities, and an exhibitor show floor. Winners were selected based on complexity, design, workmanship, uniqueness and …
Sponsored Content
Learn About Fabric’s Role in Sustainable Building Architecture
Sponsored Content
Ask the Expert: APV Engineered Coatings – Planes, Stains, and Automobiles
Sponsored Content
More Than Just Grommets & Washers, Discover the Stimpson Difference
Sponsored Content
Heytex® – Discover the many faces of fabric
COVID-19
SBA’s Paycheck Protection Program for small businesses launches
April 4, 2020
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Administrator Jovita Carranza launched the Paycheck Protection Program on April 3, 2020, a $349 billion emergency loan program created last week with the President’s signing of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES). The program provides forgivable loans of up to $10 million to small businesses left …
COVID-19
U.S. tent and structure manufacturers unite with the special events industry to address the COVID-19 pandemic
April 3, 2020
The special events industry stands poised to address surging capacity needs of the U.S. health care infrastructure. Ten of the major U.S. tent and structure manufacturers have joined together in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. The principal strategy of the group is to align needs for disaster resources including field hospitals, emergency temporary shelters, …
Industry News
Smart fabrics market outlook
April 3, 2020
According to the “Smart Fabrics Market—Growth, Trends, and Forecast 2020-2025” report by ResearchAndMarkets.com, the smart fabrics market was valued at USD 2.16 billion in 2019 and is expected to reach USD 5.93 billion by 2025, at a CAGR of 19.89 percent over the forecast period 2020-2025. The trend of using miniaturized electronics in the fabrics …
Company News
Eastman customers unite to offer contract cutting resources to PPE manufacturers
April 2, 2020
Eastman Machine Co. announced today that its exclusive Matchmaker program is connecting facilities manufacturing personal protective equipment (PPE) with more than a dozen customers who offer automatic, CNC (computer-controlled) cutting services. The Matchmaker program has successfully linked organizations throughout the U.S. and U.K. for several decades from Eastman’s website. Thousands of manufacturers use automatic and …
Company News
Milliken pivots textile manufacturing to produce advanced medical PPE
April 2, 2020
Global textile manufacturer Milliken & Company is leveraging its materials science expertise to manufacture much needed personal protective equipment (PPE) for the health care industry amid the current COVID-19 global pandemic, focusing on engineering textiles into medical-grade fabrics using antimicrobial and fabric barrier coatings. Milliken’s new advanced medical fabrics and barriers are currently available, and …
COVID-19
NCTO response to Administration’s reported tariff deferral
April 2, 2020
The National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO), representing the full spectrum of U.S. textiles from fiber through finished products, has issued a statement from NCTO President and CEO Kim Glas in response to the Administration’s plan to institute a 90-day deferral on MFN tariffs, as reported by numerous press outlets. The reported plan being pushed …
Company News
Indorama Ventures aims to recycle 50 billion PET beverage bottles per year by 2025
April 2, 2020
Indorama Ventures Public Co. Ltd. (IVL), a global company listed in Thailand, has recycled 50 billion PET bottles since 2011. This major global recycling milestone saved three million barrels of crude oil and eliminated 1.65 million tons of carbon. The company has committed $1.5 billion to deliver more recycling infrastructure globally. Yashovardhan Lohia, chief recycling …
COVID-19
Top tips for operating a specialty fabrics business during a pandemic
April 1, 2020
IFAI Division Webinars this week are bringing together diverse members of the specialty fabrics industry to discuss how they are navigating the COVID-19 crisis. For companies that are operational—that is, they have either been deemed essential businesses or they are not currently under a “shelter in place” order—worker health and safety is a major concern. …
Company News
Quad-C invests in Textum Weaving
April 1, 2020
Quad-C Management Inc., a middle market private equity firm, has closed on an investment in Textum Weaving and its affiliates, a manufacturer of advanced, high-performance textiles based in Belmont, N.C. Textum is an advanced textile engineering and manufacturing company that possesses a wide range of fabric forming capabilities including fabric and preform engineering, standard 2D …
Industry News
Outdoor lifestyles of the rich and famous
April 1, 2020
Villa Sarbonne, a Bel Air mega mansion, was designed with no detail left unattended. The 25,000-square-foot home boasts nine bedrooms, 15 bathrooms, a movie theater, hair salon, spa and even a car elevator that rises seamlessly from underground to deliver the auto of choice for the day. Builder Ardie Tavangarian, of Arya Group Inc., known …
Sponsored Content
Learn About Fabric’s Role in Sustainable Building Architecture
Sponsored Content
Ask the Expert: APV Engineered Coatings – Planes, Stains, and Automobiles
Sponsored Content
More Than Just Grommets & Washers, Discover the Stimpson Difference
Sponsored Content
Heytex® – Discover the many faces of fabric
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
Sponsored Content
Ask the Expert: APV Engineered Coatings – Planes, Stains, and Automobiles
Sponsored Content
More Than Just Grommets & Washers, Discover the Stimpson Difference
Sponsored Content
Heytex® – Discover the many faces of fabric
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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Ask the Expert: APV Engineered Coatings – Planes, Stains, and Automobiles
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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 …
