Thermal control in wearable technology

August 1, 2024  |  Advanced Textiles, Markets

The textile-heated garment industry is revolutionizing how we stay warm. Advanced Functional Fabrics of America (AFFOA), the organization I work for, is at the forefront of developments in the types of heat sources used, particularly how they are controlled for optimal comfort and efficiency.
Effective leaders encourage their employees’ creativity

August 1, 2024  |  Business, Markets

When we think of assets in an organization, our thoughts generally lean toward the accounting definitions. We have cash tied up in inventory and accounts receivable. We have cash tied up in equipment or other fixed assets. And we have cash tied up in, well, cash. These are all perfectly acceptable d…
How far textile finishes have come

August 1, 2024  |  Markets, Product Trends

Fabric coatings and finishes have played a role in iconic pieces of America’s past and, with new technology, are poised to play a role in a more environmentally sustainable future.
WCO trade law affects textiles with plastic treatments

July 1, 2024  |  Advanced Textiles, Markets

Recent trade law clarifications could mean lower tariff rates, and other effects, for laminated textiles and goods made from them.
Mining the opportunity

July 1, 2024  |  Industry in Focus, Markets

Whether aboveground or below, excavating minerals, precious gems or coal, all mining operations face similar challenges: mitigating impact to the land while the mine is active, restoring it when mining is no longer occurring and keeping workers as safe as possible both short-and long-term.
An introduction to the PAMA board

June 18, 2024  |  Awnings & Canopies, Business

Professional Awning Manufacturers Association is thrilled to be part of the ATA’s Awning and Shade Newsletter as we will be writing about pertinent industry topics on a quarterly basis. Our goal is to provide a collective voice discussing things that we believe are important for our industry, fro…
Printed, flexible electionics for e-textiles

June 1, 2024  |  Advanced Textiles, Markets

Can printed electronics (PE) and flexible hybrid electronics (FHE) offer to e-textiles a means to overcome the design, manufacturing and sustainability challenges facing the industry? The Large-Area, Organic & Printed Electronics Convention (LOPEC), an annual conference and trade show, recently …
Dealing with difficult customers

June 1, 2024  |  Business, Markets

Every business at some point is forced to deal with difficult customers. Perhaps they are unhappy with the level of service, the product or a member of your team. Or maybe their expectations are just unrealistic. Understanding how to navigate challenging interactions, however, can turn a negative si…
The glamping boom is good business for tent manufacturers

June 1, 2024  |  Markets, Product Trends

During the pandemic, many people sought to spend more time in nature. That trend hasn’t subsided, but they also want connectivity and more creature comforts. That’s good news for the glamping industry and, by extension, fabric and tent manufacturers. Research and Markets projects the glamping ma…
AI’s potential in saving manufacturers time and money

May 1, 2024  |  Advanced Textiles, Markets

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has gained global prominence since serious discussions on this subject surfaced at the 2017 World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. Following the 1990s’ information technology (IT) revolution, we now have arrived at the point of harnessing the power of machine inte…