Cradle-to-cradle principles provide green production possibilities

January 1, 1970  |  News

From the book Sustainable, by Aaris Sherin. Using cradle-to-cradle principles, people and industry could produce: Buildings that produce more energy than they consume and purify their own waste water; Factories that produce effluents that are drinkable; Products that do not become useless waste when…
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Manufacturer adopts green processes and stewardship

January 1, 1970  |  News

By Barbara Ernster Vinyl manufacturer Vintex Inc., Mount Forest, Ontario, Canada, has gone to great lengths to adopt green processes and green stewardship in its plant and recycle its vinyl products, while remaining competitive against cheaper offshore products. Several years ago Vintex developed a …
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Manufacturers form relationships with rapid response professionals

January 1, 1970  |  News

By Meleah Maynard When disaster strikes, relief agencies and other rapid response professionals don’t have time to search for relief products. They need to know who to call. That’s why manufacturers work hard to make their presence known well in advance of trouble. Building these relatio…
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Advice for planning a fabric graphics project

January 1, 1970  |  News

By Paula Rees 1. Early involvement by a specialist saves money and headaches. “One of the biggest issues for our work,” says Rees, “is when we aren’t brought in early enough; then the solutions end up being applied instead of integral (not as attractive). Under these circumst…
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Questions for planning a fabric graphics project

January 1, 1970  |  News

By Paula Rees How long might this fabric or fabric and print combination last? Is there a warranty? How are the awning/signage frames attached to the building? How much will the frame and fabric combination weigh? How is a weather seal maintained at the frame penetrations in the building facade? Is …
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Specialty Fabrics Review interviews Samuel J. Armijos, AIA

January 1, 1970  |  News

Interview by Sigrid Tornquist What is your industry prediction? I am hopeful that in the next five to 10 years there will be advances in materials. More environmentally friendly materials are needed. There will be a return to the basic benefits of fabric structures: shade, shelter and protection fro…
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Armijos finds inspiration outside of specialty fabrics industry

January 1, 1970  |  News

By Sigrid Tornquist Armijos’ ability to think outside the box is fed partially by his desire to look outside the specialty fabric industry for inspiration. “I like to take a moment and get out of my industry,” he says. “I like to see what others are doing and visualize how it…
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Trends impact marine industry

January 1, 1970  |  News

By Jeff Rasmussen Survey results show that suppliers and end-product manufacturers are feeling the impact of a more competitive environment resulting from trends such as low-cost imports, price discounting and slow market growth due largely to a weak economy. These trends have caused many marine end…
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Fabrics used for water storage and disposal

January 1, 1970  |  News

By Jamie Swedberg There is arguably no component of agriculture as valuable as water. It is a crucial input into soil-based horticultural systems. It is the stuff of life for both plants and animals. In some specialties, such as hydroponics and aquaculture, it is actually the growth medium. Water is…
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Fabric used for agricultural product storage

January 1, 1970  |  News

By Jamie Swedberg The popular image of an agricultural storage silo is of a tall, cylindrical metal structure. This type of silo is still in common use. However, methods of containing grain, fruit and other agricultural products during storage and transport are evolving quickly. Fabric plays a promi…
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