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Tarps keep trees cool during transport
February 1st, 2010
[Harp’s Tarps] Tucker, Ga., U.S.A. The transport of live trees comes with a unique set of challenges. The trees and root systems are prone to overheating and windburn if not properly covered, meaning tree-transport haulers need a product that will protect the trees while in transport and be manageable at the same time. Harp’s Tarps […]
Kelly blends art and architecture to produce fabric sculptures
February 1st, 2010
Maureen Kelly draws on her tenacity and talent to create one-of-a-kind fabric sculptures. By Sigrid Tornquist “I never thought I couldn’t work in a space 200 feet tall,” says Maureen Kelly, owner of The Design Loft (TDL) in St. Louis, Mo. “I always thought there would be a way to construct these pieces—I didn’t always […]
Interior shades with antimicrobial protection
February 1st, 2010
Problem: Interior shade products save energy, but may harbor bacteria, mold and mildew. Solution: SheerWeave Style 2000 Series interior sun control fabrics are woven to reduce heat and glare at the window and improve air conditioning efficiency, but they are also infused with Microban® antimicrobial protection to inhibit the growth of bacteria, mold and mildew […]
Retractable awnings decrease energy use
February 1st, 2010
Problem: Heat gain through windows can dramatically increase energy use, particularly during peak hours. Solution: Retractable awnings provide sun protection, cutting heat build-up inside, which translates into a direct savings in energy usage. Retractable awnings can also cover outdoor lattice patio structures, solariums, greenhouses and glass skylights, extending living space and creating a comfortable environment […]
New earth-friendly geotextile for site drainage
February 1st, 2010
Problem: Customers for geotextiles are requesting more earth-friendly products. Solution: TenCate™ Geosynthetics has developed Mirafi® MiraGreen™ D, a site drainage product, for engineers and architects committed to designing environmentally sound projects. A nonwoven drainage geotextile comprised of 30 percent recycled content, MiraGreen™ D helps to reduce dependence on virgin petroleum-based resins while providing a convenient […]
Sustainable alternative for retail signage
February 1st, 2010
Problem: Retail advertising signage needs a sustainable alternative to foam and core boards. Solution: Fisher Textiles 480L Soft Poly Pad can be both dye sublimated and UV-curable printed with roll-to-roll or flatbed printers. A three-layer material, the middle layer is a polyester fiber made from 100 percent recycled plastic bottles, and because it’s a roll […]
Recyclable polyolefin fabric offers soft feel of PVC
February 1st, 2010
Problem: Polyolefin industrial fabrics usually have a rigid, ‘crispy’ hand, compared to PVC fabric. Solution: Greentex, a polyolefin fiber-based, coated fabric has the soft feel of PVC but is 100 percent recyclable and entirely dioxin and toxin free. It offers excellent adhesion and abrasion strength, weather durability, is easy to clean, and it’s hot-air, wedge […]
Architectural shade cloth blocks UV rays
February 1st, 2010
Problem: Fabricators of large-scale tensioned shade structures have had limited fabric options, particularly for efficient temperature control. Solution: AF350™ FR is a heavy duty, architectural shade cloth specifically designed for large, tensioned shade structures. Made from a UV-stabilized HDPE material, it features a special lock-stitch knit construction that blocks up to 96 percent of UV […]
Cloth-like vinyl for awnings
February 1st, 2010
Herculite® Natura™ awning fabric is a revolutionary high-perfomance vinyl textile with the look and feel of woven cloth on both sides. The fabric, available in 12 solid colors that are the same on both sides, is fire resistant, waterproof, dimensionally stable and heat sealable without tape. Though the textile has the appearance of woven cloth, […]
Organic fibers for sustainable yarn
February 1st, 2010
CRAILAR® Organic Fibers from Naturally Advanced Technology are the building blocks for the first truly sustainable yarn in the apparel industry. Organic Fibers are processed through a patented enzymatic bath created in collaboration with the National Research Council of Canada. Prior to the bath, the fibers (up to a meter in length) are cut to […]