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Indoor shade trends: Regulations, automation and more

January 1, 2025  |  Features

New regulations are affecting shade products, but that’s not the only thing going on in this market. Changes in motorization, the way products are used for light control, available color options and demand for sustainability are all happening too.
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Strategize your social media

January 1, 2025  |  Features

A social media presence has become ubiquitous for nearly every type of business. And while that constant presence may be beneficial, social media interaction can become stale, routine and consequently less effective. For a company that has been engaged with social media for multiple years, it may b…
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Innovative shade solutions for boats

December 1, 2024  |  Features

The owner of a Ranger Tug wanted a full permanent top along with an enclosure on the aft deck, recalls Joshua Davis, owner of Hayden Island Canvas in Portland, Ore. Additionally, the client wanted extension awnings on the sides for more shade, and he wanted them to be angle adjustable.
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SMART ePANTS program works on computerized clothing

December 1, 2024  |  Features

Innovative technological advances sometimes require intensive research and partnership efforts with years of dedicated government funding. Such a program in the smart textiles area is the SMART ePANTS program, which stands for the Smart Electrically Powered and Networked Textile Systems. Intelligenc…
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ADVANCED TEXTILES EXPO 2024: Highlights from Anaheim

December 1, 2024  |  Expo Report, Features

Advanced Textiles Expo returned to Anaheim, Calif., this year, highlighting the unique West Coast textile industry and plenty of recent innovations.
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Canada’s Rolltec: From an importer to a leading manufacturer

November 1, 2024  |  Features, Perspective

When thinking of places known for fun in the sun or cafe culture, Canada may not immediately come to mind. Yet that is where awning manufacturer Rolltec® Rolling Systems Ltd. in Concord, Ont., Canada, does business—in a big way.
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Textiles combat noise pollution

November 1, 2024  |  Features

In August, Hollywood Park, adjacent to the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif., hosted the HARD Summer music festival, a two-day celebration of genres including electronic, techno, house, and drum and bass. The venue included four outdoor stages in the parking lots around the stadium, drawing more tha…
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Inventors share challenges of launching new products

November 1, 2024  |  Features

Inventing a new product can change an industry—but it isn’t easy. To go from the eureka moment to a finished product available for customers takes longer and costs more than one might think. Here’s how some inventors overcame the hurdles.
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Third generation manages Charnecke Tents

October 1, 2024  |  Features, Perspective

Think of the last big outdoor event you attended. There’s a good chance it included a tent, whether you were at a community festival, a business gathering or a wedding reception.
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Exterior fabric graphics industry creates own opportunities

October 1, 2024  |  Features

Sustainability, art, better durability and new printing technology are among the trends shaping the exterior fabric graphics market. Companies involved in all facets of this area continue to innovate, meet market demands and introduce new and better features for fabric products and the equipment tha…
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