News blog

IFAI members encouraged to recommend candidates; applications due May 28, 2012.

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A catalyst for the next great innovations

The Industrial Fabrics Foundation (IFF) today announced the beginning of the competition for the 2012 IFF Innovation Award.

The specialty fabrics industry encompasses some of the most innovative companies in the world, and the IFF Innovation Award honors the achievements of the manufacturers whose innovative ideas have...

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Mark your calendar now to attend Nov. 7-9, 2012, at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center

The Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI) has officially kicked off the observance of its 100th Anniversary year in 2012 as the largest, longest-running trade association for the specialty fabrics industry.

And when its trade show doors open...

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Top geo industry organizations combine for mega-trade show and conferences

The Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI) announced today that its Geosynthetics 2013 conference and trade show will co-locate April 1-4, 2013 at the Long Beach Convention Center, Long Beach, CA, with the Southwest Geotechnical Engineers Conference (SWGEC), and the...

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The Board of Directors of the Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI) announces the opening of its President and CEO position.

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Wanted: Young talent for the specialty fabrics industry. These textiles have it all--high-tech innovation; extreme climate challenges; serve in danger zones; protect the environment; use post consumer waste to create new products; protect crops for higher yield; reduce urban heat islands; provide modern people space; and rock it on stage at concerts.

The Industrial...

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Two-and-a-half-year mission in Washington D.C. ends in victory for military tent makers/supply chain

At a time when President Obama and his administration are on a new mission to repatriate American manufacturing jobs, the U.S. Industrial Fabrics Institute (USIFI) recently scored a small victory for the textile industry. USIFI is the manufacturing segment of the...

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Innovation lives at U.S. manufacturer

For anyone in a funk about the decline of big U.S. innovators like Kodak, the Wall Street Journal highlights companies like Milliken & Co., maker of textiles, that have innovation exactly right. John Bussey has details on ...

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Focus Electric is first vehicle with interior materials made of 100% clean technology, including the use of REPREVE recycled fibers; seating in each vehicle interior uses roughly 22 recycled plastic bottles

Ford, through the use of REPREVE®, plans to divert about 2 million post-consumer plastic bottles for use in the new Focus Electric and other new vehicles...

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When making 2012 New Year's resolutions, resolve to be kind to the environment by saving energy. Reducing your home's energy use not only helps conserve natural resources but it also saves you money.

The Professional Awning Manufacturers Association has an easy way to achieve that resolution by adding fabric awnings and canopies over doors and windows.

"People don't have to make...

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The Industrial Fabrics Foundation (IFF) student scholarship award winners for 2011 were recently announced at the Industrial Fabrics Association International Expo Americas 2011 in Baltimore, MD.

The scholarship awards provide tuition expenses at an accredited college, university or technical school for students who are interested in a career in the specialty fabrics industry. The...

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The Industrial Fabrics Association International today announced that due to the uncertainty of the completion of construction at the Suntec Center, and the continuing softness of the global economy, it will postpone its IFAI Expo Asia 2012 trade event originally scheduled for 26-28 June at the Suntec Singapore International Convention and Exhibition Centre. 

According to IFAI's...

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The industry's "Main Event" focused on advanced textiles, sustainable design and exporting opportunities

IFAI Expo Americas 2011, the specialty fabrics industry's top-performing trade event in the Americas, hosted 5,066 registered participants from 43 countries at the Baltimore Convention Center, as the industry gathered at the largest industry showcase of...

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America's $29 billion specialty fabric business soon could lose jobs to companies in South Korea, an exec fears

Specialty fabrics serve an array of markets -- everything from awnings to auto airbags to protective gear for soldiers and firefighters.

Unlike apparel textiles, the U.S. specialty fabric business has continued to grow, but according to industry...

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Seat Fabric in All-New Ford Focus Electric Uses Waste To Create a Better World

IFAI member UNIFI has created REPREVE, a polyester fiber made from a hybrid blend of recycled materials including used plastic water bottles and post-industrial waste. Through the use of REPREVE, each all-new Ford Focus Electric keeps 22 plastic bottles out of landfills.

Sitting...

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Congratulations to the companies and craftspeople who designed these great projects representing design excellence in the specialty fabrics industry.

View the presentation video (shown at IFAI Expo Americas 2011); and then browse photos and descriptions of the 84 winners in 33 project categories. Winners were selected based on complexity, design, workmanship, uniqueness and function.

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The recipient of the 2011 IFF Innovation Award was recently announced at IFAI Expo Americas 2011, the largest specialty fabrics trade show in the Americas. This prestigious industry award is bestowed by the Industrial Fabrics Foundation (IFF).

TenCate Geosynthetics of Pendergrass, Georgia, was presented with the 2011 IFF Innovation Award for a product called Mirafi® H2i, the most...

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The Industrial Fabrics Association International has appointed Mary Hennessy as its interim executive vice president effective immediately.

This follows the announcement by IFAI Board Chairman Peter McKernan on 24 Oct. that President/CEO Stephen Warner is stepping down from his post.

Hennessy has been with IFAI for 23 years, and most recently held the position of vice president of...

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The Industrial Fabrics Association International has announced the appointment of a new executive officer to manage the Outdoor Fabric Products Association of New Zealand (OFPANZ), an IFAI country sector.

Danicia Manning replaces MITO Chief Executive Janet Lane due to her increased responsibilities following the merger of the ...

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