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Airbag clothing protects motorcyclists
May 1st, 2024
Mo’cycle® Airbag Jeans protect a rider’s lower body with airbags around the thighs and tailbone that inflate if a rider separates from the motorcycle with more than 80 pounds of force. Internal pads protect the knees. Images: Mo’cycle Last spring, Airbag Jeans were launched via an Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign, and by last fall, the French […]
Interest in reupholstering rises following the pandemic
July 1st, 2023
When properly reupholstered, furniture will last decades. This reproduction lolling chair was updated by Tack & Tuft in a red and gold damask upholstery. Photo: Tack & Tuft Growing demand, using environmentally friendly materials and finding ways to address the labor shortage are some of the market trends and challenges upholsterers are seeing in their […]
Smart fabric helps the body heal itself
June 1st, 2023
Socks developed by Supreme Corp. are worn by Indian Special Forces soldiers to alleviate pain in their feet and leg muscles. The soldiers at times carry a 65-pound backpack at an elevation of 19,000 feet. Photo: Supreme Corp. The health and wellness market has been among the first to embrace advances in smart yarns and […]
A new class of human-powered bioelectronics
January 1st, 2022
A team of bioengineers at the UCLA Samueli School of Engineering has invented a novel, soft and flexible self-powered bioelectronic device. The technology converts human body motions, from bending an elbow to subtle movements, such as a pulse on one’s wrist, into electricity that could be used to power wearable and implantable diagnostic sensors. The researchers […]
Sustainable practices in today’s textile industry
February 1st, 2020
by Marie O’Mahony The story of sustainability in the textile industry has grown and changed, particularly in the last decade. The concept of “circularity” is now driving sustainability across the materials sector. According to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, “A circular economy is based on the principles of designing out waste and pollution, keeping products and […]
Seizo Shimamaki, chairman of Yamaten, dies
October 14th, 2019
Seizo Shimamaki, chairman of Yamaten Co. Ltd., Osaka, Japan, died September 22nd. Shimamaki was a great supporter to IFAI Japan since its original establishment in 1994, and he had attended IFAI Expo several times. According to Manabu Shimamaki, his son and president of Yamaten, a farewell gathering will be held November 8 at the Hotel New Otani […]
GoFundMe account set up for Value Vinyls employee
September 4th, 2019
Value Vinyls Inc. has set up a GoFundMe account for longtime employee Willie Cheatham. Cheatham is battling a traumatic health issue and will be in long-term care. The fund is available at http://bit.ly/34eFUs4.
Setting a high standard: Owens Corning
June 1st, 2019
Owens Corning’s philanthropic efforts, charity work and progressive employee policies have produced impressive results. By Paul Johnson Owens Corning has a long history of supporting Habitat for Humanity through volunteer hours and financial donations. One program is the Roof Deployment Project, and under this program Platinum Preferred Contractors have installed many new roofs on the […]
Building a better umbrella
May 1st, 2019
Built to last, the Hedgehog Carbon features a rib suspension system that adjusts to wind conditions. Photos: Hedgehog Products. Umbrellas come in different shapes and sizes, but often the chief problem is that they don’t hold up to wind. Consider estimates that more than one billion umbrellas are broken every year: That’s enough polyester waste […]