Bipartisan effort to support defense textile manufacturers

May 1, 2022  |  Swatches

The Department of Defense (DOD) procures nearly $2 billion worth of military textiles, helmets, armor, footwear and clothing annually, through the purchase of more than 8,000 items. But many companies are now operating on Firm Fixed Price contracts that were awarded before the current COVID economic…
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Flame-retardant shade sails

May 1, 2022  |  Awnings & Canopies, Markets

As the world continues to call for commercial fabrics that can withstand ever-greater environmental challenges, shade sail vendors are waiting to see whether that will translate into greater demand for flame-retardant (FR) shade sails.
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Outdoor canopy build is true collaboration

May 1, 2022  |  Features

A seemingly simple job can sometimes create many challenges but still result in a great finished project. A case in point is the canopy built for a homeowner’s outdoor space by Fresco Shades, of Auckland, New Zealand. The homeowner had provided a CAD drawing of the desired space and even visited t…
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Flex Factory will be hub for collaboration, sharing ideas

May 1, 2022  |  Markets

A research and development facility intended to spur business development, innovation, entrepreneurship and sustainability in the textile industry in North Carolina and points beyond is tentatively set to open for testing later this year, with a grand opening expected to take place in 2024.
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E-fibers and yarns have haptics and security applications

May 1, 2022  |  Advanced Textiles, Markets

Electronic or e-yarns are a natural development within e-textiles as the sector strives toward greater miniaturization, flexibility and a more seamless integration of electronics and textiles. What has started to emerge in a relatively short time is the added value and novelty that it can bring to b…
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Mike Kallas helps Roeming Industries navigate change

May 1, 2022  |  Features, Perspective

Since pandemic-related effects reduced the sewing workforce that Mike Kallas leads from 20 employees to fewer than 10, he has been earnestly seeking new sewers for his team. But you might not know it based on the job listings he posts—not if you’re new to the industrial fabrics industry, that is…
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Modular helmet for biking, snow sports

May 1, 2022  |  Swatches

Boston, Mass.-based company Bridger is out to make helmets more adaptable and customizable. The company has designed the “Highline,” which it says is the first modular helmet supporting both biking and snow sports. A removable shell lets the wearer swap between profiles, ventilation and insulati…
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Researcher develop seaweed “polyester”

May 1, 2022  |  Swatches

Sydney-headquartered surf wear company Piping Hot has commissioned a research team led by Professor Peter Ralph from the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) to develop a biomaterial prototype derived from seaweed. The company says that it hopes the research will have a transformative impact on the…
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Used balloons become shoe soles

May 1, 2022  |  Swatches

Undo for Tomorrow, a Lisbon, Portugal-based shoe brand, has released the “Nuven” shoe that the company says is completely vegan and made with all recycled and natural materials. Of particular interest are the colorful soles, made from discarded party balloons and tire leftovers. The shoe lining …
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Gentle robotic device

May 1, 2022  |  Swatches

A new robotic gripper has found a completely new solution for gripping previously impossible objects. It uses the ancient Japanese art form of kirigami. Related to the paper-folding art of origami, kirigami involves making a series of parallel slits in a flat sheet of material. When the two-dimensi…
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