October 1, 2008
By Barbara Ernster The Cradle to Cradle (C2C) concept has been influential in moving the U.S. textile industry toward more sustainable practices. Developed by architect William McDonough and chemist Michael Braungart, C2C transforms industry by creating products for cradle-to-cradle cycles, whose materials are perpetually circulated in closed loops, maximizing material value without damaging ecosystems. The …
How soaring fuel costs are affecting your supply chain in the U.S. By Mac Isaacs Logistics is defined as the flow of material, information and money between consumers and suppliers, according to the Supply Chain and Logistics Institute (SCL) at Georgia Tech in Atlanta. Another term for logistics is “supply chain management.” Harvey Donaldson, director …
By Barbara Ernster Different sustainable fabrics made of natural fibers, including cotton, bamboo, hemp, corn and soy products, are making their way into the printing market. Jon Weingarten, president and CEO of Dazian Fabrics in Secaucus, N.J., will present the pros and cons of each in his presentation at the Fabric Graphics symposium at IFAI …
By Barbara Ernster Nanotechnology, the engineering of functional systems at the molecular level, is all about getting more function on less space. Next-generation nano materials have already hit the textile market in the form of nano-enhanced fabrics with antimicrobial properties able to kill germs, viruses and “superbugs” that come into contact with the surface of …
By Barbara Ernster The Professional Awning Manufacturers Association and the European Solar Shading Organization have different challenges but the same shady goals. In Europe, where the buildings sector accounts for 41 percent of the EU’s energy requirements, it also offers the largest single potential for energy efficiency. The EU’s directive on energy performance of buildings, …
By Barbara Ernster Scott Campbell, chairman of the board at IFAI and owner of Rainier Industries in Tukwila, Wash., recently talked with us about some of the issues facing the textile industry in its movement toward sustainable products and practices. How much can textile suppliers and manufacturers realistically accomplish toward embracing sustainable/green practices at this …
When disaster strikes, flexible fabric products offer aid. By Meleah Maynard Whether it’s flooding in Iowa or earthquakes in China, disasters in today’s global society seem to touch everyone. Victims need clean water, shelter and fuel quickly, but the traditional means of supplying these things have long been cumbersome and costly—if it was possible to …
Enlivening building facades and streetscapes to create welcoming places for people. By Paula Rees It’s time that designers take a breath of responsibility and think creatively. Fabric architecture’s uses, new materials and technological advances offer endless options and incredible design possibilities. As an environmental designer, the main focus of my work is with how places …
The third edition of the “Worldwide Outlook for the Nonwovens Industry 2007–2012” will be released this fall by INDA, Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, in cooperation with its European counterpart EDANA. The report covers worldwide industry statistics, including size of regional markets and projections for growth in all major nonwovens markets and technologies, and …
The American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists has announced its Fourth Annual Materials Design Competition for graduate and undergraduate students, with the goal of promoting innovative product development from a materials standpoint. Focus areas for this year’s competition: industrial/technical, sports materials, medical/biomedical/protective materials and devices, and smart/electronic/optoelectronic and nanomaterials. Preliminary design proposals must be …