Maintaining critical funding

April 1, 2026  |  Advanced Textiles, Markets

Among the factors that have made the U.S. a superpower are its investment in R&D and contributions from highly skilled foreign nationals in scientific fields. The innovation borne out by this funding—as well as policies promoting domestic manufacturing—eventually influences home markets for …
Read More
Doing business with the U.S. military

March 1, 2026  |  Advanced Textiles, Markets

How to introduce a product into the U.S. military marketplace is a big question for companies. For many of those who have tried to do so, these attempts are met with frustration. Case study examples of missteps can be seen across a wide range of technologies, not just for textile products.
Read More
The ESOP solution

March 1, 2026  |  Business, Markets

What happens to an owner’s company when they retire and no successor is available to take the reins? The answer might be all around them—on the shop floor, among the sales staff or within human resources, finance and legal departments.
Read More
PFAS testing: What textile companies need to know

March 1, 2026  |  Markets, Product Trends

Many jurisdictions have current and forthcoming regulations banning per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in a variety of products, including textiles. Laboratory testing can help prove compliance with such bans of these so-called “forever chemicals,” although not without some caveats and c…
Read More
A presentation survival guide

February 15, 2026  |  Business, Markets

If you’re like most people, the thought of giving a presentation ranks somewhere between a root canal and rush-hour traffic on the list of things you’d rather avoid. In fact, studies estimate that nearly 75% of the population experiences some level of anxiety about public speaking.
Read More
How professional sales practices prevent buyer’s remorse

February 10, 2026  |  Awnings & Canopies, Markets

Buyer’s remorse is largely preventable when sales professionals take a more disciplined, professional approach from the first conversation through follow-up.
Read More
Tackling large-frame awnings and fabric structures

January 15, 2026  |  Awnings & Canopies, Markets

Large frame awnings and fabric structures are what most of us in the industry want, or at least a few of them per year. They usually take substantial labor hours and material, and as such, can be very profitable and keep your staff busy.
Read More
Textile industry support organizations

January 5, 2026  |  Advanced Textiles, Markets

The Emerging Technologies Conference at Advanced Textiles Expo last November in Indianapolis, Ind., addressed the importance of business connections, academic partnerships and industry support for innovative ideas, with various sessions focused on these topics.
Read More
Securing the supply chain

January 5, 2026  |  Industry in Focus, Markets

In today’s data-driven environment, it is better to have an abundance of information rather than a shortage—especially in supply chain operations. Businesses must be able to keep track of various moving parts, such as shipping and arrival dates for materials or products and the quantity to be re…
Read More
Want to add powder coating or electrostatic painting?

January 5, 2026  |  Markets, Product Trends

To expand beyond their core business, some awning companies may offer ancillary services. A painting service, either powder coating or electrostatic painting (ESP), is one option. Two Advanced Textiles Association member companies offer their insights on why they chose the technology and how the abi…
Read More