Outer limits

October 1, 2014  |  Advanced Textiles, Features

High-performance fabrics and finishes stretch the capabilities of athletes and recreational sports enthusiasts. Once upon a time, recreational sports were pretty tame: croquet, badminton, golf, rowing. But as humans eyed what new technology afforded them in the way of action, they began pushing the …
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EVO PU coating is environmentally friendly

October 1, 2014  |  Industry News

As more fashion, interior design and automotive industry brands seek to lower the environmental impact of their products, Stahl now offers a complete EVO range, the next generation polyurethane coatings for shoes, bags, upholstery and automotive interiors. The Netherlands-based producer of chemicals…
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Don’t forget your boots

October 1, 2014  |  Products

Eco-friendly, practical boots fold up for easy packing and stowing. ‘Sardines,’ by designer Estel Acaraz, are foldable rain boots that can be folded up, secured with a flexible strap and stowed away or packed for travel. Made of injection-molded thermoplastic polyurethane—a highly …
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Collaborating on smart textiles

October 1, 2014  |  Industry News

Smart textile and wearable intelligence prototypes for all kinds of applications with the potential to alter people’s lives are increasingly being seen at major trade shows. Safety and intervention, (home) care and medical, military, sports and leisure applications are believed to be the major…
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Kinetic architecture

October 1, 2014  |  Awnings & Canopies, Markets

Retractable fabric systems are poised to transform outdoor spaces. So you thought retractable fabric structures were a late 20th century phenomenon sheltering sports stadia, outdoor shopping malls, and en plein air cafes? Think again. Forms of retractable fabric roof systems date to Roman times. The…
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Reusable vs. disposable textiles

October 1, 2014  |  Industry News

Certain reusable textile products are better for the environment than their disposable counterparts, according to a recent study commissioned by TRSA, an international commercial textile services trade organization located in Alexandria, Va. The research showed that mid-priced or upscale restaurant …
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Automated design/cutting

October 1, 2014  |  Products

Enhanced appearances and time saved. New turnkey solution from Autometrix facilitates the automation of awning design and cutting; new bundled package includes Eclipse 3D exclusive awning design software used to create dome, waterfall and traditional awnings with features for strip alignment and add…
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ITMA innovation award nominees

October 1, 2014  |  Industry News

Five companies are finalists for the International Textile Machinery Association (ITMA) Innovator of the Year award, and another five were named finalists for Launch of the Year. More than 50 companies are nominated in 10 “best innovation” categories, and three will be cited as “co…
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Multipurpose overlaminates

October 1, 2014  |  Products

Enhanced appearances and time saved. Interlam Pro™ pressure-sensitive laminating films from Drytac® are designed for direct application to UV printed output. The multipurpose overlaminates have a pressure-sensitive aqueous acrylic adhesive and UV stabilizers to prevent discoloration and de…
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U. S. nonwovens capacity expands

October 1, 2014  |  Industry News

According to a new report by INDA, Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, the North American nonwovens industry has quadrupled over the past 23 years, increasing an average of 6.9 percent yearly. Between 1990 and 2013, the industry added 1.84 million tons. The rate outpaces the United States …
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