Out of this world inflatables
March 1, 2023 | Inflatables, Markets
When you hear the phrase “inflatable structure,” the first image that comes to mind is likely to be a brightly colored bounce house or maybe the temporary buildings that were used for COVID testing or administering vaccinations during the pandemic.
Simplifying sustainability
February 1, 2023 | Advanced Textiles, Markets
There is an abundance of information available about sustainability that, while conveying much, can lack clarity. A simpler directive regarding sustainability would be this: If you produce something, to be “sustainable” (leaving aside the social aspects for the moment) you need to:
The lighter side of OSHA
February 1, 2023 | Business, Markets
When most of us hear the word “OSHA,” we instantly conjure up images of ticket-writing cops invading our workplace. And these aren’t the $35 tags that grace our windshield when we linger in a parking spot too long. These citations can easily hit the four- or five-digit mark depending on the se…
Hemp offers new growth opportunities
February 1, 2023 | Markets, Product Trends
Hemp fiber is gaining traction for its medicinal and industrial applications. How far this industry has progressed is a curiosity for stakeholders such as the public, agriculture and textile sectors. The need for sustainable raw materials to combat global warming and protect the environment has kind…
The challenge of innovating
January 1, 2023 | Advanced Textiles, Markets
Manufacturing to scale is arguably the most significant challenge facing the smart materials and wearable technology industries—and it’s not just desirable, but essential for growth and survival. Without full commercialization, the drive for new developments and research is in jeopardy. There is…
Nothing to hide
January 1, 2023 | Markets
Empty shelves and rising prices are constant reminders of the many challenges and disruptions that continue to plague the complex supply chains that span the globe. But supply chain transparency is moving to the fore, with consumers and regulators paying ever more attention to where products are sou…
Fabric shades create comfort, protection
November 1, 2022 | Markets, Product Trends
Cool, comfortable shade is easy to underestimate and hard to ignore when it’s not available. Bill Moore saw an opportunity in the fabric shade business when he moved from New England to California in the early 2000s. “I was struck by how much good space was going unused, due to the sun.”