Designing for lightness in fabric structures

October 1, 2020  |  Fabric Structures, Markets

A new book examines sustainability in materials design. By Marie O’Mahony Editor’s note: Marie O’Mahony will moderate a panel session led by author Ed van Hinte on Nov. 5 at IFAI Virtual Expo 2020. The session will provide an updated view on lightness in design and how the world might bene…
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Inflatable forest comes to life with human interaction

October 1, 2020  |  Inflatables, Markets, Swatches

The Canopy, an inflatable installation that debuted in 2019 at the Light City festival in Baltimore, Md., is designed to bring people together for a greater good. At first glance, it is a forest of tree-like sculptures that are white in the daylight and aglow with neon colors at night. That’s wher…
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Disinfecting fabrics for COVID-19

October 1, 2020  |  Inflatables, Markets, Tents

Expert advice for eliminating a deadly virus while keeping employees and end users safe.  by Pamela Mills-Senn Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, manufacturers of textile-based products like gym mats and pads, soft seating and bounce houses faced the usual questions from their customers about how to c…
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Breakthroughs in advanced textiles: Interactive auto textile and more

September 1, 2020  |  Advanced Textiles

BMW unveils ByBorre-designed interactive textile interior Dutch custom textile manufacturer ByBorre developed the fabrics for BMW’s future interactive car interior presented at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Nev. The concept car cabin module donned the BMW i Interactio…
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New specifications and standards needed for PPE

September 1, 2020  |  Advanced Textiles

by Seshadri Ramkumar On June 18, Gov. Gavin Newsom of California issued a statewide order that mandates face coverings in public places and areas where social distancing is not feasible. Although a brief description of face covers was provided in the mandate, performance specifics and standard requi…
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Breakthroughs in advanced textiles: New bio yarn, less toxic water repellent, firefighting gear for women, and more

August 1, 2020  |  Advanced Textiles

New bio yarn shows breakthrough possibilities Researchers working at the University of Bordeaux/INSERM have created yarns of human cells from sheets of cell-assembled extracellular matrix, or CAM. The findings, reported in www.materialstoday.com, are a significant achievement because the CAM can be …
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Jumping on design trends in the marine market

August 1, 2020  |  Markets

by Sigrid Tornquist Maybe it’s because boats are so special to their owners, or because boat owners are people who love to show off their latest acquisitions. Whatever the reason, most boat owners crave a vessel that showcases statement-making flooring and fabric trends. “If the boat next to you…
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New fabric materials support innovations

August 1, 2020  |  Advanced Textiles

by Marie O’Mahony Health and safety are proving to be key drivers of innovative new fabric structures. These can prompt new designs in existing products and devices, or even whole new products. This is possible with imagination, expertise and an openness to look for solutions outside conventional …
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Highlights of the 2020 Smart Fabrics Summit

July 1, 2020  |  Advanced Textiles

The industry meets virtually to discuss innovations,cybersecurity and collaboration.  by Janet Preus The Smart Fabrics Summit, presented by the U.S. Department of Commerce in collaboration with Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI), was held virtually this year. Its speakers covered a…
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Woven Inspiration recovers the gilded age

July 1, 2020  |  Markets

Woven Inspiration owner Christine Becker welcomes the challenge of preservation—of history and her craft. by Holly Eamon Christine Becker was destined for a life immersed in design. Born in Verona, Italy, she spent her childhood captivated by the city’s medieval architecture before moving as a t…
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