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DGNB builds sustainability standards
October 1st, 2010
We’re now perfectly positioned for the international market,” says Dr. Christine Lemaitre, CEO of the German Sustainable Building Council (DGNB). Under the general management of board members Dr. Peter Mösle and Johannes Kreissig, the DGNB has been developing its certification system to meet international requirements, and to allow for transparent adaptation to the requirements of […]
Building a better roof
October 1st, 2010
An old Japanese essay says, “Buildings should be built for the summer.” By Kikuko Tagawa This year we are having an especially hot summer in Japan. An old Japanese essay says, “Buildings should be built for the summer.” Reducing the summer heat in buildings has been a perennial issue, given Japan’s hot weather. Both individuals […]
Oil boom manufacturers left awash in inventory
October 1st, 2010
Companies supplying oil boom for the Gulf worked around the clock, then found themselves awash in inventory. By Janice Kleinschmidt After more than 30 years in the containment systems business, MPC Containment Systems LLC of Chicago, Ill., found itself thrust full steam into making a new product: oil boom. Immediately after the BP oil spill […]
Swim gear finds new life as fabric structure
October 1st, 2010
The hottest design during the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing was Speedo’s LZR Racer swimming suit, which helped American Michael Phelps and a host of other world-class swimmers break more than 90 world records with its aerodynamic fit and fabric. Its advantages led to the suit being banned by the Fédération Internationale de Natation, the […]
Making sense of sustainable printing
October 1st, 2010
Printing choices that are sensitive to the environment are also good for business. By Michael Labella With the global economy almost five times the size it was half a century ago, sustainable growth has now become the paradigm of the 21st century: a responsibility that our society has for itself and the environment in order […]
Tap into expanding government markets
October 1st, 2010
One of the biggest markets to tap—and likely to expand—is the federal government. By Barb Ernster With its myriad agencies, the U.S. government offers the makers of specialty fabrics and fabric end products ample opportunity for those who learn to navigate this market. Consider the needs of just one agency: Department of Homeland Security (DHS). […]
Remake spaces with fabric flair
October 1st, 2010
“Space articulation” with fabric adds design flair with practical appeal. By Carla Waldemar Heard a lot of hammering lately? Not likely. The construction industry is among the hardest hit in this bleak economy. Few housing subdivisions, office parks, megamalls or public institutions are breaking ground these days. Yet retail businesses, hospitals, colleges, exhibition arenas and […]
Carole Bellon creates results for her clients and company
October 1st, 2010
Carole Bellon’s straightforward and tough-minded approach to business results in a win-win situation. By Sigrid Tornquist When I was younger I wanted to grow up to be a doctor or a pilot—or a race car driver. I’ve always liked competition,” says Carole Bellon, owner and president of Bellon Industries, Montreal, Quebec, Canada. “Then I went […]
Creating the future of textiles (part 3)
October 1st, 2010
Fabric as we know it is transformed with electrical conductive nanocoatings. By Dr. Jamshid Avloni Part III of a series by speakers at the Advanced Textiles Conference 2010. Part I covers developments in advanced textiles, Part II addresses developments in auxetic materials and Part IV covers the potential of nanomaterials in creative applications. Part V […]
Tent systems for U.S. Armed Forces
October 1st, 2010
[Eureka! Tents & Accessories] Binghamton, N.Y., U.S.A The Eureka! RDS was developed for the U.S. Armed Forces as a rapidly deployable tactical use shelter that maximizes modularity, ease of use, operational effectiveness, durability and versatility—all in a compact and lightweight package. With its interchangeable outer layer, units can change the skin, rather than the entire […]