Mark Philip commits to innovation and product diversification

September 1, 2010  |  Features, Management, Perspective

Mark Philip taps into his passion for the specialty fabrics industry to update and diversify product lines. By Sigrid Tornquist “The world will always need tradesmen,” says Mark Philip, director of John Herber Ltd., dba The Canvas Technology Centre, Kaiapoi, New Zealand. Although Philip is now i…
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Protective products for commercial use

September 1, 2010  |  Advanced Textiles, Business, Features

Wrap music: Protective products are expanding into commercial markets for protection of persons and property. By Janice Kleinschmidt Standing among the ruins of a friend’s home, Dan Hirning thought, “There has to be a way to protect a home from burning in this day and age.” The 200…
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The evolution of interactive textiles

September 1, 2010  |  Business, Features, Markets

Researchers are developing new ways for fabric to respond to human and environmental stimuli. By Jamie Swedberg Remember those color-changing T-shirts in the late 1980s? The fibers in the shirts were bonded with microcapsules of thermochromic pigment that changed hue when it was exposed to heat. The…
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City signage makes an impact

September 1, 2010  |  Features, Graphics

Impact your city—and your company’s bottom line—with artistic digital graphics applications. By Sigrid Tornquist What if you could enhance your city’s vitality while furthering your business? What if making a difference in the life of your community could also make a differen…
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The benefits of buying new equipment

September 1, 2010  |  Features, Graphics

Buying new equipment can help you conquer new markets and succeed in today’s economy. By Maura Keller Streamlined efficiencies. Cost-effective measures. New revenue streams. In this tough economy, fabric graphic industry players are pulling out all stops, eager to find ways to stay ahead of th…
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Avoid the greenwashing cycle

September 1, 2010  |  Features, Graphics

What environmental certification really means to your business and your customers. By Juli Case Sustainable. Eco-friendly. Green. Carbon footprint. These words, and the concepts behind them, have become commonplace in business today. Not only are they all over the popular media, but they now have a …
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Discover the potential of natural fibers

August 1, 2010  |  Business, Features

It’s not as simple as “oil versus cotton,” but technological advances have sparked renewed interest in nonsynthetic textiles. By Janice Kleinschmidt If a white-clad John Travolta dancing disco could be called polyester’s shining moment, perhaps the British Petroleum (BP) oil …
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Foam gets technical

August 1, 2010  |  Advanced Textiles, Business, Features

New foam composites respond to the call for high performance in a variety of applications. By Barb Ernster Traditional polyurethane foam is still favored for cushioning and other applications that require a variety of specs for their physical attributes, but foam producers are working with different…
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How green is my economy?

August 1, 2010  |  Business, Features, Markets

Environmental hyperawareness is a luxury that Europe can ill afford, according to the region’s fiber industry experts. By Adrian Wilson European synthetic fiber manufacturers are becoming increasingly frustrated with the many legislative obstacles to trade that are placed in their path—p…
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Michael Ciferri Jr. gets tough to enhance profits

August 1, 2010  |  Features, Management, Perspective

Michael Ciferri Jr. of Donovan Enterprises boosts truck cover and tarp sales despite the sluggish economy By Sigrid Tornquist “Don’t make excuses—in my family [as I was growing up] it wasn’t allowed,” says Michael Ciferri Jr., vice president of Donovan Enterprises in Stuart, Fla. “It doe…
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