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Sustainability in denim
January 1st, 2024
Madewell collaborates with bluesign® to produce denim more sustainably—using bluesign Approved ISKO™ fabrics. The bluesign certification signifies adherence to the organization’s strict worker safety and environmental requirements as well as the elimination of hazardous chemicals. Image: Madewell Denim has long been an icon in fashion design. In the mid-1800s, Levi Strauss began using this textile […]
RFID technology: If textiles could talk
November 1st, 2023
Today’s RFID technology does not require a line of sight for readability. Rather, multiple tags embedded in tents and other products can be read very quickly through all steps of the production process. Image: Easy RFID Pro The casino industry uses it, as do cattle ranchers. Retailers depend on it to track movement of products, […]
Onshoring profits and productivity
August 31st, 2023
ShowTex helped bring the fantasy world of Icelandic singer/songwriter Björk to life by using a fine selection of delicate projection fabrics and motion systems, transforming venues from large black boxes into true fairytale scenes. Photo: ShowTex From pandemic-caused supply chain disruptions and limited freight capacity to increased shipping costs from Asia and trade enforcement actions, […]
Fluid markets require flexible equipment
July 1st, 2020
Custom manufacturers rely on equipment that multitasks across product lines and markets, with minimal downtime. by Maura Keller Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, every custom end-product manufacturer faced some type of financial challenge. Reduced or canceled orders, customer attrition and market changes always affect manufacturers’ bottom lines. Another commonality among manufacturers is their heavy dependence […]
Performance upholstery fabrics meet myriad consumer demands
June 1st, 2020
High-performing upholstery fabrics offer more features than ever, without sacrificing style and comfort. by Maura Keller Consumers don’t want to choose between beauty and durability, nor do they want to sacrifice performance for sustainability, according to LeAnne Flack, marketing manager for Milliken Specialty Interiors. “Just as [consumers] are more closely examining the food they eat, […]
Long-term growth: The right equipment, the right software, the right employees
October 1st, 2019
At each step along the supply chain, customers demand quality, efficiency, flexibility and speed. The right kind of equipment, with the right kind of software and the right kind of operator, can lead to long-term growth. by Maura Keller Today’s consumer expects faster turnaround times and custom quality at low prices, which means that manufacturers […]
Enhancing workplace (and worker) performance: automation and technology, equipment ROI and the new workforce
July 1st, 2018
Canvas Innovations in Holland, Mich., focuses on custom marine canvas and upholstery products, says owner Chris Ritsema. The company also has a smaller portion of the business dedicated to other textile-related products, such as porch enclosures, shade sails, awning recovery, furniture covers, golf cart enclosures and a wealth of other custom projects. “We continue to […]