The state of sustainability: textile companies work to give themselves an eco-friendly edge
October 1st, 2019
As climate change and pollution concerns remain at the forefront of public attention, textile companies work to give themselves an eco-friendly edge. by Jeff Moravec A decade ago in this magazine, the growing attention to sustainability in the textile supply chain was a hot topic. Guess what? It still is. This doesn’t mean the industry hasn’t […]
Rising to sustainable heights: solar balloons
October 1st, 2019
Like a field of sunflowers that tilt their heads towards the sun, the solarCLOUD canopy of solar balloons floats higher in the sky during daylight hours via solar energy. Photos: Superspace. Imagine a thousand balloons gently floating in the air above a public square collecting energy from the sun. That’s the vision of Superspace, an […]
Pushing the limits
October 1st, 2019
Autometrix employees put the (bike) pedal to the metal to raise money for charity. By Paul Johnson Most people experience joy when giving to a charity, but some undergo considerable pain because of their steadfast commitment and support for an enduring cause. Jonathan Palmer, Autometrix Inc. owner and CEO, and Joel Koopmans, customer solutions expert, […]
High UV-protection shadecloth
October 1st, 2019
Now available from U.S. distributors, Comshade® XTRA offers up to 99.7 percent UV protection. The premium extra heavy-duty knitted HDPE shadecloth is recommended for medium- to large-sized high tensile commercial projects where safety and longevity are critical. The fabric is available in 10 designer colors, including the new colors Aspen, Mushroom and Jade. With a […]
The ultimate fabric; the ultimate customer
October 1st, 2019
A few weeks ago, many members of IFAI’s board of directors and division managers converged here in Roseville for severals days of meetings and presentations. I always enjoy these visits, as it gives me the opportunity to ask questions about when we’ll have awnings that can communicate, change color on demand, wrap themselves around intruders while […]
Illuminating the imagination
October 1st, 2019
Held each year in New York, The Armory Show is an art fair and cultural destination designed to showcase unique, exciting 20th and 21st century art. At the March 2019 show, artist Leo Villareal captivated patrons with an LED installation. Photos: Pace Gallery, Leo Villareal and The Armory Show. Light artist Leo Villareal likes to […]
FAQs: The Textile Industry Retirement Plan
October 1st, 2019
Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI) has launched the new Textile Industry Retirement Plan, a benefit exclusively for IFAI members. Andrew Aho, IFAI’s vice president of new business development, describes why members should consider the plan and the many advantages it offers. by Amanda Oelke, Editorial and marketing intern Q: How does the Textile Industry Retirement […]
Minimal footprint cutting system
October 1st, 2019
Available in three new configurations, the latest release of the Eagle-C125 conveyor cutting system features several options aimed to minimize required factory space while maintaining complete cutting automation. With an 8-foot-long, single-frame design in 60-, 72- and 78-inch widths, the system is recommended for companies that need to cut long parts, require continuous conveying or […]
Breathable, strong and water resistant
October 1st, 2019
Solution-dyed polyester Hydrofend™ balances high water resistance with breathability, letting water vapor out while preventing water from coming in. Applications for Hydrofend include boat covers, boat enclosures, storage covers and furniture covers. To ensure superior performance, the fabric was designed with a tear strength starting at almost 40 pounds warp and fill. Available with a […]
From folklore to decor
October 1st, 2019
Tribal art, rooted in folklore, translates beautifully to contemporary designs for home decor. Photos: Tales on Silk. Artist Santosh Maravi is from a village called Gaarkarmatta in Madhya Pradesh, a large province in central India. His art form is Gond, a type of tribal painting that dates back centuries to when people created designs on […]