If Mike Boatman were to write a book on what he’s learned from 30-plus years in the marine fabrication industry, it would be one page with a single line: “Don’t be a jerk.” This short and simple philosophy has grounded him through the ins and outs of navigating a family business and cultivating a strong network.

Regulations around per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) currently resemble “a patchwork quilt,” says Daniella Landers, an attorney experienced in environmental regulation. Maine will ban these “forever chemicals” in all textile products beginning Jan. 1, 2026. Other states have varying laws. Canada and the European Union (EU) are in the process of developing rules related to PFAS use or reporting.

As of this writing, most Canadian textile manufacturers whose goods are included in the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) haven’t been directly affected by U.S.-imposed tariffs on Canadian imports. They have not, however, been spared from the consequences of this trade war, says Ryan Mallough, vice president of legislative affairs and communication for the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB).

From reimagined performance spaces and circus tents to portable solar panels and giant inflatables for outdoor concerts, these fabric structure case studies go beyond the sideshows to take center stage.

It takes skill to be a fabricator, but it takes even more to be a successful fabricator—because at some point, your business may grow enough that you need more space. The steps required for a successful move might be new to you.

The fact that a survey captures a moment in time was never more apparent. Advanced Textiles Association’s (ATA’s) annual State of the Industry survey occurred during the late February and early March period when the proposed tariff rules were changing daily, in addition to other policies. The uncertainty created by that tumult came through loud and clear in the concerns and comments people listed on their entries. More than a third of survey respondents cited “tariffs/exclusions” as an issue affecting their business.

Imagine a future when all textiles are recycled, when trucks no longer haul millions of tons of them to landfills and incinerators and it’s easy to put them into a smooth, efficient waste stream at the end of their useful lives.

We are in the middle of a historic leap in textile technology. Whether it’s the development of new yarns and coatings or the integration of electronics into existing textiles, the future of wearable technology is rapidly evolving—and the future is bright. It seems like every week brings another breakthrough from research and development firms and universities, unveiling textiles that can sense, generate heat, cool and shape-shift in ways never seen before.

Signed into law by California Gov. Gavin Newsom in September 2024, the Responsible Textile Recovery Act (RTRA) intends to drastically change the life cycles of apparel and textiles in California. The law does not impact just California-based businesses; it imposes obligations on anyone who sells, offers for sale or distributes certain products in California, regardless of where the business is located. Subject entities in the act are called “producers,” but this term’s meaning is broader than it appears, affecting multiple parties.

Shade companies are finding an active market for cabanas among business owners who want their properties with outdoor pools to stand out, whether that’s resorts, apartment and condo complexes, water parks, or country clubs. The sturdy yet elegant oases offer customizable, elegant privacy for their patrons or residents.

Three innovative, collaborative biomedical research projects at the Wilson College of Textiles at North Carolina State University (NCSU) provide examples of how textiles can be used to improve health care solutions in cancer treatment, skin conditions and injuries, and cosmetic surgery.

Several months ago, I ran across a particularly interesting query in one of the LinkedIn groups I belong to: What are some basic questions warehouse managers ask?