Crafting social change
January 1st, 2020
All of the profits from the Ubuntu Life fall 2019 line of bags, made with zippers donated by YKK®, support social impact programs in Kenya. Photo: YKK. A unique project in the Maai Mahiu region of Kenya empowers communities by employing local women to create bags, jewelry and shoes. Ubuntu Life started as a center for […]
Wheat straw gets a wearable makeover
January 1st, 2020
The eco-friendly process to create fabric from wheat straw, developed by Spinnova and Fortum, can also be applied to various biomasses without further technology development. Photo: Spinnova. Wheat straw, long regarded as agricultural waste, is getting a makeover as a unique textile. The first knitted T-shirt, jacket and skirt were introduced in October 2019 at […]
Bag closing system
January 1st, 2020
With its proven vector drive technology to ensure easy speed matching to conveying systems, the A1-PB EL height-adjustable bag closing system offers maximum speed, flexibility and fast start/stop action to reduce material waste. The new EL series features the addition of an electric lift mechanism, activated by a single push button, for simple, safe and […]
Better together: Indiana Fabric Solutions’ partnership philosophy
January 1st, 2020
Indiana Fabric Solutions’ partnership philosophy is helping both the company and the community grow. By Holly Eamon Business is booming at Indiana Fabric Solutions, in part because of the owners’ focus on fostering connections within the workforce and the community. Connections, community and communication are key factors in the company’s recent expansion. Four years ago, […]
Perfecting sound with acoustical fabrics
January 1st, 2020
Fabric applications create acoustic environments that control sound, allowing the featured entertainment to be clearly heard. by Sigrid Tornquist Fabric plays a critical role in sound control. On the most basic level, hard surfaces send sound bouncing around a room, while soft surfaces absorb sound and soften the impact on listening ears. For environments designed […]
Outdoor fabric collection
January 1st, 2020
High performance solution-dyed acrylic outdoor fabric Sol-Out is offered in solids, stripes and jacquard designs. Made with 100% Durashine™ fiber, the fabric collection is suitable for outdoor applications including furniture, carpets, marine exteriors and awnings. Color brilliancy, durability and performance characteristics of these yarns remain unchanged year after year, as they are manufactured to resist […]
Sustainable solution-dyed fibers
January 1st, 2020
Fourteen fade-resistant colors comprise CHROMUCH Now, a turnkey program of select solution-dyed fibers made from post-consumer recycled plastic bottles that use absolutely no water in the dyeing process. With a palette including mineral grays, sulphurous yellows, deep reds, pitch blacks and popular blues, the fibers’ ChromShield™ Technology allows for magnified color vibrancy and durability, and […]
A community space, upcycled
January 1st, 2020
Designed to be a bright orange beacon for community gatherings in Coshocton, Ohio, all summer long, this breezy structure was sent back to the fabric manufacturer for recycling once it was dismantled. Photos: Brad Feinknopf. What do you see in used scrap material? Designers Ann Ha and Behrang Behin saw a work of art. Their […]
Shady dealings: screens, shades and shutters
January 1st, 2020
As awareness over the protections and savings offered by shading systems grows, screens, shades and shutters are finding wider acceptance and use, fueled by innovations in technology and fabrics. by Pamela Mills-Senn While many people appreciate the outdoors, most folks prefer to be shielded from the elements, with their environment climate controlled. Products like screens, […]