Defining “textiles”

August 1, 2022  |  Advanced Textiles, Markets

When is a material a textile? When is a textile a fabric? The unprecedented scope of new materials in development—by academia, government-funded technology groups and start-ups—is challenging traditional concepts of fabric formation. How this will impact the larger industry is a useful question …
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Hiring the right talent

August 1, 2022  |  Markets

Regardless of size, companies rely on human capital to function and provide value to their stakeholders. An employee who is a good fit for your company can increase productivity, customer satisfaction and the quality of services delivered.
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Sustainable options for functional fabrics

July 27, 2022  |  Advanced Textiles, Markets

A recent report from the Working Group II of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change warns about hazards caused by a projected global warming of 1.5 degrees C in the next two decades. The report emphasizes the importance of proper urban planning, infrastructure development, healthy living ecos…
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Wide format graphics rebound

July 1, 2022  |  Graphics, Markets

To get a handle on how the wide format fabrics graphics industry is faring these days, as the worst of the pandemic fades, a good source to ask is Bill Farquharson, a well-known sales coach, author and print sales veteran who keeps his finger on the pulse of the field.
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A look back at 2022 Smart Fabrics Summit

June 1, 2022  |  Advanced Textiles, Markets

IFAI’s Smart Fabric Summit returned to an in-person event with a new location at North Carolina State University (NC State), its producing partner. This choice allowed for adding another day of activities that included student demonstrations and tours of the Zeis Textiles Extension complex and the…
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The Four Crucial Habits of Successful Salespeople Part Two

June 1, 2022  |  Business, Markets

The R-S-P-F Sales Formula™ focuses on four measurable and repeatable habits, traits and processes that all salespeople must be proficient in, and that all sales leaders must monitor closely. Part One of this series outlined the first two crucial habits: Research and Scheduling. But that is only pa…
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Textile uses in transportation

June 1, 2022  |  Markets

The magic target is 1.5 degrees Celsius. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (the United Nations body for assessing the science related to climate change) has set an ambitious goal to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees. Experts say that to maintain the global warming target, greenhouse ga…
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E-fibers and yarns have haptics and security applications

May 1, 2022  |  Advanced Textiles, Markets

Electronic or e-yarns are a natural development within e-textiles as the sector strives toward greater miniaturization, flexibility and a more seamless integration of electronics and textiles. What has started to emerge in a relatively short time is the added value and novelty that it can bring to b…
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Flex Factory will be hub for collaboration, sharing ideas

May 1, 2022  |  Markets

A research and development facility intended to spur business development, innovation, entrepreneurship and sustainability in the textile industry in North Carolina and points beyond is tentatively set to open for testing later this year, with a grand opening expected to take place in 2024.
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Flame-retardant shade sails

May 1, 2022  |  Awnings & Canopies, Markets

As the world continues to call for commercial fabrics that can withstand ever-greater environmental challenges, shade sail vendors are waiting to see whether that will translate into greater demand for flame-retardant (FR) shade sails.
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