YKK Group’s global commitment to efficiency and sustainability
April 1st, 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 […]
Coming from Russia: Modilen is a new material for medical and sanitary products
April 1st, 2019
Russia continues to be active in R&D investments in the field of innovative specialty fabrics and materials. Progress in this area is reflected by some recent industry developments, according to statements by representatives of leading Russian producers of technical textiles, and senior officials of the Ministry of Industry and Trade (a state agency that controls […]
Sustainable sourcing
April 1st, 2019
Following her recent podcast Sustainable Textile Sourcing for Performance Textiles in Munich, I caught up with Anne-Marie van Hoof, owner and creative director at 4-Options Studio in The Netherlands, to get her take on what she sees as driving sustainability within the industry now and into the future. Fiber credentials The 4-Options Studio offers a […]
Providing comfortable high-tech clothing
April 1st, 2019
Comfort for the human body needs to be comprehensive. This complicates the technologies that are available to reach the ultimate goal of providing physiological, environmental and psychological comfort. A definition of technology that matches consumer expectations of clothing is a “feeling of relief.” In light of this definition, the fiber and textile industry will need […]
Up-to-date upholstery
April 1st, 2019
The commercial upholstery market is always evolving and changing,” says Lori Roop, director of design for CF Stinson LLC, a textile manufacturer based in Rochester Hills, Mich. Yet, Roop adds, “it’s always the same.” A contradiction? Not really. “There is always a huge value placed on color and design,” explains Roop, who works out of […]
Making custom projects work
April 1st, 2019
When Eric Walton and Devlin McKee opened Custom Canvas Alaska LLC in Fairbanks 14 years ago, the partners knew they had to offer custom canvas work beyond the boat tops they started out providing. After all, a marine fabrication shop in Alaska faces some extreme seasonal ups and downs, making project diversification a survival […]
Crafting shade at Auvents Ombrasole Awning
April 1st, 2019
Ombrasole designs, manufactures and installs awnings of all types for North American climates—many of which feature Emilio Petrongolo’s custom and patented motors. Emilio Petrongolo can trace his fascination with canvas and sewing back to his childhood in Italy, where his grandmother made jute bags for storing wheat. Petrongolo, director of R&D and marketing at Auvents […]
Fabric transforms camper design
April 1st, 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 […]
Germ-fighting fibers keep hospitals clean
April 1st, 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 […]
Industry issues in 2019
April 1st, 2019
"If you wish to make an apple pie from scratch, you must first invent the universe." ~Carl Sagan So it’s March now … and the end of six weeks of some of the most unpleasant weather Minnesota has had in decades. Snow, cold, snow, cold, snow, cold, snow and cold together for variety, and […]