Specialty Fabrics Review interviews Roy Chism, president of The Chism Co. Inc.

January 1, 1970  |  News

Interview by Sigrid Tornquist What is your industry prediction? There will be a growing demand for fabric products as flexible, low-cost, environmentally responsible solutions addressing many structural and energy needs. What is your business philosophy? Ongoing improvement. Always be open to change…
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Chism sees benefits of university-level sponsorships

January 1, 1970  |  News

By Sigrid Tornquist Roy Chism, president of The Chism Co. in San Antonio, Texas, is committed to instilling the possibilities of specialty fabrics to the next generation. Chism believes that sustained industry sponsorships at the university level and innovation through academic research will yield t…
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IFAI Code Committee tracks industry-wide code changes

January 1, 1970  |  News

By Juli Case The IFAI Code Committee is comprised of members from four divisions of the Industrial Fabrics Association International: the Fabric Graphics Association, Lightweight Structures Association, Professional Awning Manufacturers Association and the Tent Rental Division. The committee has sub…
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Officials change and adopt current fire and building codes

January 1, 1970  |  News

By Juli Case Flammability specification revision NFPA 701 is one of the most commonly cited U.S. flammability standards in the specialty fabrics industry, and is entering into its 2010 revision cycle. Proposals were due in May 2008, with revision work taking place throughout 2009. The revision cycle…
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Industry experts define what it means to be green

January 1, 1970  |  News

By Janice Kleinschmidt As long as the definition of green depends upon who is giving it, companies relying on vinyl for their livelihoods may face a response to the word “plastics” similar to the one uttered by Dustin Hoffman’s character in the classic film, The Graduate: “Ju…
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Industry professionals recycle PVC

January 1, 1970  |  News

By Janice Kleinschmidt When Christo and Jeanne-Claude call themselves “environmental artists,” they are referring to the fact that their works transform the way we view our surroundings. But they are environmental artists in another way: They insist that at the end of their temporary exh…
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Researchers investigate environmental impact of nanotechnology

January 1, 1970  |  News

By Galynn Nordstrom It’s not quite like the self-replicating nanobots that threaten humanity on “Star Gate,” but the predictions of nanotech-inspired technological leaps are often countered by warnings from scientific, health and environmental organizations about the possible dange…
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Mimosa trees used for eco-friendly leather processing

January 1, 1970  |  Products

Danfield’s newest product is a 100 percent earth-friendly method for processing leather that uses a product derived from farm-bred Mimosa trees. The EcoHides™ process uses natural vegetable products and waxes to create a pliable, soft leather hide suitable for products ranging from leath…
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Predictions about awning and canopy trends

January 1, 1970  |  News

By Jeff Rasmussen A survey conducted in November 2008 by IFAI asked U.S. and Canadian awning and canopy fabric end product manufacturers and suppliers to identify current issues or trends, the impact of those trends, and their expectations for 2009. What do you expect to happen in 2009? Suppliers re…
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Analyzing the pros and cons of computerized cutting

January 1, 1970  |  Resources

Compiled by Juli Case We’re going to be doing some foam cutting. We’re cutting out 200 pieces at a time and would like to use computerized equipment. The foam we’re using is quarter-inch thick “fun foam,” like you’d find at craft stores. Where can we get the equip…
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