Bananas provide new textile opportunities

May 1, 2010  |  Industry News

Between 50 and 70 percent of farmers in Uganda grow bananas, and the fibers of banana trees end up as waste material. Now the DKTE Textile and Engineering Institute of India will partner with Busitema University in Uganda to develop extraction technologies for banana fibers, which may have propertie…
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Silk crepe producers adopting bioplastic

May 1, 2010  |  Industry News

Several silk production facilities in Kyotango, Japan, are working in partnership with Teijin Co., Tokyo, Japan, in developing innovative applications for BIOFRONT™ bioplastic, a plant-based fiber with a silk-like sheen. Most bioplastics melt under high heat and humidity, but BIOFRONT has a me…
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Strategic alliance promotes architectural fabrics

May 1, 2010  |  Fabric Structures, Industry News

Two big names in architectural fabrics have joined forces to produce and market Tenara®, expanded PTFE fibers patented by W. L. Gore & Associates, Newark, Del., and licensed exclusively to Sefar AG, Heiden, Switzerland, for production and sales. Tenara, used in such projects as the retractab…
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South Carolina nonwovens machinery group expands

May 1, 2010  |  Industry News

The city of Greer, S.C., recently welcomed a new American Truetzschler Inc. plant to the community, along with the spinning and nonwoven machinery company’s $3.5 million investment and 30 new jobs. American Truetzschler, based in Charlotte, N.C., purchased production machinery from John D. Hol…
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Report shows rising demand for geosynthetics

May 1, 2010  |  Geosynthetics, Industry News

Infrastructure development and construction in Russia, China and India will drive global demand for 6.9 billion square yards of geosynthetic fabric by 2015, according to a report by Global Industry Analysts Inc., San Jose, Calif. The research report, “Geosynthetics: A Global Strategic Business…
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Free monthly webinars from Rowley

May 1, 2010  |  Industry News

Keeping up with new technologies and trends isn’t easy for busy fabric managers running their own design, installation or upholstery operations, but Rowley Co., Gastonia, N.C., is making it easier for customers to learn online. Rowley offers free webinars each month, including product demonstr…
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Eventscape’s Gareth Brennan receives CEO of the Year award

May 1, 2010  |  Industry News

An entrepreneurial spirit and passion for innovation inspire Gareth Brennan, president and founder of Eventscape Inc., Toronto, Ontario, Canada. He was recognized at the annual Design Exchange Awards Event for 2009 as the CEO of the Year. Since 1993, when Brennan founded Eventscape, the custom manuf…
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Glen Raven recognized for wildlife habitat protection

May 1, 2010  |  Industry News

The South Carolina Wildlife Federation recognized the Glen Raven plant in Anderson, S.C., for protecting and enhancing wildlife habitat on its 180-acre property. The company completed requirements for certification under the federation’s Wildlife and Industry Together (WAIT) program, including…
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Poor economy and politics hurt Latin American textile industry

May 1, 2010  |  Industry News

Brazil’s textile and apparel industry continues to thrive, despite the world economic crisis, based on its strong domestic consumption—approximately 80 percent of total sales. However, Texbrasil, a trade group, reported that 2009 Brazilian textile exports dropped by 40 percent, which int…
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President Obama supports export initiatives

May 1, 2010  |  Industry News

U.S. President Barack Obama wants to double exports of American goods during the next five years, the goal for an ambitious National Export Initiative outlined in March. The executive order calls for financial assistance to companies that want to export, eliminating overseas trade barriers and encou…
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