April 2023 Archives

Reducing microplastics through less microfiber shedding

April 21, 2023 | Swatches

The University of Toronto reports that a team of researchers there has designed a solution to reduce the quantity of microplastic fibers shed when washing synthetic fabrics. When synthetic fabrics are washed, the friction produces tiny tears that cause microplastic fibers to break off and make their…

Fabrics finishers need new processes, products

April 1, 2023 | Markets, Product Trends

These days in the fabric finishing world, many of the biggest tasks don’t even involve the latest and greatest advancements in fabric protection. There’s just as much effort, if not more, being made to improve the methods by which that finishing is accomplished.

2023 Specialty Fabrics Showcase, Part 1

April 1, 2023 | Features, Specialty Fabrics Showcase

Tents, awnings, shade sails, marine upholstery, protective gear, furniture: regardless of the end product, the fabric needs to perform in harsh conditions while looking good, keeping the planet green and fitting into a client’s budget. For our two-part annual showcase, we asked contributors to sen…

Kyle Van Damme’s goals: grow, improve Marine Tops Unlimited

April 1, 2023 | Features, Perspective

Orchestra requests tent seating for 1,700, tall enough for a bus

April 1, 2023 | Projects

With a large hospital fundraiser coming up, the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra wanted to temporarily expand its home at Meyerhoff Symphony Hall.

Leadership and management: Both are necessary for success

April 1, 2023 | Business, Markets

Leadership and management are closely related; however, despite often being spoken of in the same breath, they are certainly not synonymous. If we use those terms interchangeably, we tend to behave as if these roles are interchangeable and equivalent. Doing so means we miss critical components of ex…

Textile industry leaders discuss 2023 market challenges

April 1, 2023 | Advanced Textiles, Markets

The Advanced Textiles Association (ATA) board chair, Amy Bircher, and the ATA first vice chair, Roy Chism, responded to questions about the industry in 2022 and where it may be going in 2023.

Progress on solar-powered fabrics

April 1, 2023 | Features

As a greener, increasingly high-tech world seeks ways to better optimize the power of the sun, textiles manufacturers are competing to be the first to offer solar-generating fabrics that combine efficient power conversion with flexibility, strength, ease of mass production and cost effectiveness.

Dior unveils its 3D-printed shoes

April 1, 2023 | Swatches

French fashion designer Dior has jumped into the innovative footwear space with its newly launched 3D-printed shoes. The launch, which includes a Derby and a boot, has been realized under the direction of Dior Menswear artistic director Kim Jones and head men’s footwear designer Thibo Denis.

MotorSkins develops soft robotic textile assistive devices