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“Alternative” fabrics: Biofabrics made from plant sources

July 1, 2023  |  Features

The search for bio-based alternative fabrics, an important tenet of sustainability, is top of mind for fiber and fabric manufacturers these days. The companies featured here illustrate some of the different approaches that are being taken to reduce carbon, improve sustainability and deliver on the p…
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PFAS regulations prompt innovation

July 1, 2023  |  Features

A s the momentum to eliminate per- and polyfluorinated alkyl compounds (PFAS) picks up speed, growing numbers of product manufacturers and suppliers are exploring how to make their lines comply with the ever-tightening regulations and restrictions affecting C6 PFAS (long-chain C8 chemistries are alr…
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2023 Advanced Textiles State of the Industry Report

June 1, 2023  |  Features, State of the Industry

At the start of each year, Specialty Fabrics Review surveys its readers to learn about current trends and business challenges and opportunities, to take a snapshot of our industry. As anticipated, inflation, the supply chain and hiring remain the top concerns, but revenues are up and growth plans …
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Automation can compensate for staffing shortages

June 1, 2023  |  Features

Making textile products has transitioned from a manual job to one that is largely automated, in part because of a worker shortage. The offshoring of jobs reduced the U.S. textile industry workforce from 3.8 million in 1975 to only 500,000 workers today, notes Frank Henderson, CEO of Henderson Sewing…
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Riding the nonwovens roller coaster

June 1, 2023  |  Features

Given the amount of attention sustainability efforts in the nonwovens industry have gotten in the past few years, it’s easy to think these conversations and initiatives are relatively new. The truth is that they’ve been part of the industry for decades.
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Dyeing for change: Companies create pollution solutions

May 1, 2023  |  Features

The amount of water used and polluted in textile production is staggering. According to the United Nations Environment Programme, around 20% of all wastewater worldwide comes from fabric dyeing and treatment. Dyehouses in India and China are notorious for not only exhausting local water supplies but…
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George Smith grew Mahaffey through market diversification

May 1, 2023  |  Features, Perspective

George Smith, vice president of operations for temporary structures for Sunbelt Rentals Inc. (and former president and CEO of Mahaffey USA), never intended to make a career out of the tent business.
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2023 Specialty Fabrics Showcase, Part 2

May 1, 2023  |  Features, Specialty Fabrics Showcase

wnings, tents, shade sails, marine upholstery, protective gear, furniture: Regardless of the end product, the fabric needs to perform in harsh conditions while looking good, keeping the planet green and fitting into a client’s budget. For our two-part annual showcase, we asked contributors to send…
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Progress on solar-powered fabrics

April 1, 2023  |  Features

As a greener, increasingly high-tech world seeks ways to better optimize the power of the sun, textiles manufacturers are competing to be the first to offer solar-generating fabrics that combine efficient power conversion with flexibility, strength, ease of mass production and cost effectiveness.
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