Safer on the job

October 1, 2022  |  Advanced Textiles, Markets

A safe, clean and pollution-free workplace is important in offering a quality of life for a labor force, which also enhances worker productivity. But there can be multiple risk factors in a work environment, including mechanical or electrical hazards, extreme heat or cold, toxic chemicals, noise and…
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They’ve got it covered

October 1, 2022  |  Markets, Product Trends

Although much of the country experienced a heat wave this summer, just as sure as morning follows night, cold weather will soon be upon us.
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ATA podcast celebrates one year

September 1, 2022  |  Markets

Want to learn more about what’s happening in the textiles industry? Just tune in to Talking Textiles, a series of free podcasts available online on Apple, Google, Spotify and Libsyn and at textiles.org/podcast/. The first show was posted online on September 8, 2021. New shows appear the third week…
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Recycling tarps & covers

September 1, 2022  |  Markets

For several years now, there has been growing interest in the tarps and covers industry in becoming more eco-friendly—and in recycling in particular. However, when it came time to actually implement recycling programs, action lagged behind words. “To date, I am not seeing much focus on the recyc…
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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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