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Blanket protections
October 1st, 2014
The introduction by Protecht LLC, Edmond, Okla., of the Bodyguard Blanket, a bullet-resistant backpack-type blanket, struck a chord with media outlets worldwide that have covered school-shooting tragedies such as the Newtown, Conn., massacre and the murder of 67 campers on an island near Oslo, Norway, by a lone gunman. While school shootings occur infrequently (thank […]
Cots to canvas—decade of care
October 1st, 2014
A 10-year partnership between Phifer Inc. and World Vision has provided immediate and long-term aid to families in need all over the world—in the form of sleeping cots and hammocks to dividing walls in homes to fabric “canvas” for school children’s art activities, as well as on windows for insect and sun protection. A global […]
Apparel Innovation Consortium formed
October 1st, 2014
The Apparel Innovation Consortium (AIC) arose from an urgent need to upgrade the textile and garment industry infrastructure in emerging markets worldwide. News media coverage of factories with frequent strikes, egregious pollution violations, deadly fires and building collapses serves to illuminate the sweatshop conditions of many facilities in developing nations. The AIC touts a practical, […]
Industrial wipes rule moves forward
October 1st, 2014
The Secondary Materials and Recycled Textiles Association (SMART) is working state-by-state to promote the adoption of an EPA rule that clarifies the handling and disposal of solvent-contaminated industrial wiping cloths. To date, nine states—Alaska, Florida, Iowa, Illinois, Louisiana, North Carolina, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Virginia—have implemented it. Officials in the majority of other states indicate […]
EVO PU coating is environmentally friendly
October 1st, 2014
As more fashion, interior design and automotive industry brands seek to lower the environmental impact of their products, Stahl now offers a complete EVO range, the next generation polyurethane coatings for shoes, bags, upholstery and automotive interiors. The Netherlands-based producer of chemicals for leather products and performance coatings offers 100 percent water-based EVO topcoat and […]
Collaborating on smart textiles
October 1st, 2014
Smart textile and wearable intelligence prototypes for all kinds of applications with the potential to alter people’s lives are increasingly being seen at major trade shows. Safety and intervention, (home) care and medical, military, sports and leisure applications are believed to be the major growth markets for these products. To greater understand the technology and […]
Reusable vs. disposable textiles
October 1st, 2014
Certain reusable textile products are better for the environment than their disposable counterparts, according to a recent study commissioned by TRSA, an international commercial textile services trade organization located in Alexandria, Va. The research showed that mid-priced or upscale restaurant napkins, shoulder-to-shin gowns to protect clothing in a hospital and industrial wipers for cleaning up […]
ITMA innovation award nominees
October 1st, 2014
Five companies are finalists for the International Textile Machinery Association (ITMA) Innovator of the Year award, and another five were named finalists for Launch of the Year. More than 50 companies are nominated in 10 “best innovation” categories, and three will be cited as “company of the year.” Nominees for Innovator of the year include […]
U. S. nonwovens capacity expands
October 1st, 2014
According to a new report by INDA, Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, the North American nonwovens industry has quadrupled over the past 23 years, increasing an average of 6.9 percent yearly. Between 1990 and 2013, the industry added 1.84 million tons. The rate outpaces the United States GDP, which grew at 2.5 percent over […]
Combined boating and outdoors show
October 1st, 2014
The National Marine Manufacturers Association is combining the Chicago Boat, Sports & RV Show with Strictly Sail Chicago to create one boating and outdoors event: the Progressive Insurance Chicago Boat, RV & Strictly Sail Show. Scheduled for Jan. 14–18, 2015, the combined show is a result of market demand for a one-stop shop for all […]