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Strength in numbers
September 1st, 2021
The year 2021 marks the second year in the COVID-19 pandemic. While that may seem like a gloomy opening line, to me, it signifies a year of phenomenal, life-saving work conducted by a strong, capable and responsive textile industry. Fabricators, welders, sewers, suppliers, warehouse/shipping workers and distributors came together to meet the demands for PPE […]
Inflatable architecture on display
September 1st, 2021
The history of inflatable architecture is told through an exhibition that includes everything from live displays to conceptual artwork, such as this proposal for an inflatable venue for the Spanish Pavilion at Expo Dubai 2020 by architectural firms SelgasCano and FRPO. Photo: © SelgasCano + FRPO. The first inflatable, the hot-air balloon, was invented in […]
Parking structure punctuates Miami skyline
September 1st, 2021
Chemically inert PTFE fiberglass architectural membranes can tolerate climatic conditions ranging well outside the most extreme environments on earth and carry expected design lifespans of more than 30 years. Photo: Big Span Structures. Big Span Structures LLC, a provider of concept-to-completion solutions for signature lightweight tensile membrane structures, has completed a new tensile membrane shading […]
Barco hits sustainability milestone
September 1st, 2021
Barco uniform fabric incorporates five to seven plastic bottles into each garment. Lined up end to end, the 40 million plastic bottles the company has recycled would stretch approximately 4,875 miles. Photo: Barco. With record sales of its scrubs during the pandemic, health-care apparel brand Barco® has reached a sustainability milestone of 40 million plastic […]
New sustainable leather process
September 1st, 2021
Because Enspire Leather is produced in uniform continuous rolls, and often finished in rectangular uniform “hides,” yields increase dramatically for end product manufacturers compared to traditional leather. Photos: Sustainable Composites LLC. Two Pennsylvania scientists have developed a proprietary process that turns discarded leather scraps into a new leather product they call Enspire Leather (the “E” […]
Natural Fiber Welding named a “Technology Pioneer”
September 1st, 2021
A 2021 World Economic Forum Technology Pioneer, National Fiber Welding Inc. develops technologies based on the sustainable use of plants and natural fibers to create beautiful, durable goods and textiles. Photo: National Fiber Welding Inc. Natural Fiber Welding Inc. (NFW), Peoria, Ill., is one of 100 promising companies named 2021 Technology Pioneers by the World […]
Repurposed down offers a circular bedding solution
September 1st, 2021
Allied Home’s RENU:700 Performance Recycled Down bedding has been “years in the making,” according to chief operating officer Jonathan Uretsky, and reflects market acceptance of post-consumer products. Photo: Allied Home. Allied Home, a Montebello, Calif.-based manufacturer of bedding products designed for a better sleep experience, has launched RENU:700 Performance Recycled Down bedding, which the company […]
E-fiber just got smarter
September 1st, 2021
MIT researchers have created the first fabric fiber with digital capabilities, ready to collect, store and analyze data using a neural network. “This work presents the first realization of a fabric with the ability to store and process data, adding a new information content dimension to textiles and allowing fabrics to be programmed literally,” says […]
Artificial skin could detect injury in prosthetics
September 1st, 2021
Researchers have developed an artificial skin that senses force through ionic signals and changes color, like a bruise, providing a visual cue of injury. Scientists have previously developed electronic skins (e-skins) that can sense stimuli through electron transmission; however, these electrical conductors are not always biocompatible, which can limit their use in some types of […]
HeiQ launches antiviral surgical mask
September 1st, 2021
Global materials manufacturer HeiQ has launched HeiQ MetalliQ, a surgical mask technology that destroys the viruses and bacteria tested with as much as 100 percent efficacy. The mask contains an ultrathin, pure copper coating applied via a vapor deposition process, which converts a minute amount of copper into vapor, allowing it to be deposited evenly […]