Marine fabricators’ shade innovations

November 1, 2023  |  Industry in Focus, Markets

Changing consumer trends, evolving boat designs, and fabric and materials advancements are giving marine fabricators ample opportunity to exercise their creative muscles. Interestingly, the pandemic’s supply shortages also forced some fabricators to juice up their innovation with excellent results…
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Watching out for greenwashing in your supply chain

November 1, 2023  |  Markets, Product Trends

In a world where consumers are concerned about sustainability, being environmentally conscious and seeking ethically sourced products, textile manufacturers need to ensure that companies throughout their supply chain aren’t engaging in misleading or deceptive environmental or sustainability claims…
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Auxetic knits provide protective, durable solider uniforms

October 1, 2023  |  Advanced Textiles, Markets

We wear textiles for protection from the elements—walking in the rain, shielding ourselves from the sun, or even removing dinner from the oven. It’s interesting to consider what goes into making these everyday textiles, but it’s also interesting to consider how they are made. What are the step…
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Develop a business culture of creativity

October 1, 2023  |  Business, Markets

I was recently speaking with one of my coaching clients and the subject of professional curiosity came up. Curiosity is a catalyst for creativity, problem-solving and continuous improvement. By creating a culture of curiosity, we can tap into the collective creativity of the people who work with us …
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Chemical recycling may offer a solution to textile waste

October 1, 2023  |  Markets, Product Trends

As the detrimental environmental impact of the textile and apparel industries becomes better known and understood, great effort is being expended to become greener, with the recycling of textiles receiving considerable attention.
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Sneaker brands embrace sustainable footwear

August 31, 2023  |  Advanced Textiles, Markets

When Nike launched its Flyknit trainer in 2012, it kickstarted a new era in sustainable footwear. The one-piece uppers, knit on a flat machine, created 60% less waste than traditional construction. The transition to recycled polyester (rPET) yarns in 2016 added to the brand’s sustainability cred.
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Allergen-reducing textiles

August 31, 2023  |  Industry in Focus, Markets

The COVID pandemic was hard on everyone, but for allergy sufferers, it meant having to announce, “It’s allergies, not COVID!” after every sniffle, cough or sneeze as strangers glared and moved well beyond the required 6-foot distance. Fortunately, those days have passed, but the number of peop…
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Outdoor fabrics: School spirit via banners, tarps and more

August 31, 2023  |  Markets, Product Trends

When high schools and colleges resume classes every fall, outdoor sports are underway too. Fabrics play a key role in training and in the way stadiums and other sports facilities look.
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Getting new products manufactured and into the marketplace

August 1, 2023  |  Advanced Textiles, Markets

This year’s Smart Fabric Summit was again organized by the Advanced Textiles Association (ATA) and the Wilson College of Textiles, North Carolina State University (NC State) in Raleigh, N.C., and took place in April on the NC State campus. A full schedule of education, student project presentation…
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The future landscape of the workforce

August 1, 2023  |  Business, Markets

Organizations need to be thinking about tomorrow and, more specifically, how the future of work, the workforce and the workplace will be dramatically different from what we know today. And more important, from what it has been in the past.
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