By Barbara Ernster Scott Campbell, chairman of the board at ATA and owner of Rainier Industries in Tukwila, Wash., recently talked with us about some of the issues facing the textile industry in its movement toward sustainable products and practices. How much can textile suppliers and manufacturers realistically accomplish toward embracing sustainable/green practices at this [...]

By Barbara Ernster The Professional Awning Manufacturers Association and the European Solar Shading Organization have different challenges but the same shady goals. In Europe, where the buildings sector accounts for 41 percent of the EU’s energy requirements, it also offers the largest single potential for energy efficiency. The EU’s directive on energy performance of buildings, [...]

By Barbara Ernster Nanotechnology, the engineering of functional systems at the molecular level, is all about getting more function on less space. Next-generation nano materials have already hit the textile market in the form of nano-enhanced fabrics with antimicrobial properties able to kill germs, viruses and “superbugs” that come into contact with the surface of [...]

By Barbara Ernster Different sustainable fabrics made of natural fibers, including cotton, bamboo, hemp, corn and soy products, are making their way into the printing market. Jon Weingarten, president and CEO of Dazian Fabrics in Secaucus, N.J., will present the pros and cons of each in his presentation at the Fabric Graphics symposium at IFAI [...]

By Barbara Ernster Building the cost of recycling into the cost of a project is a popular idea, but if a company is in a competitive market, that extra cost could drive customers to seek cheaper alternatives, unless recycling is mandated for everyone. There is intense debate on whether government mandates or trade organization mandates [...]

By Barbara Ernster The Cradle to Cradle (C2C) concept has been influential in moving the U.S. textile industry toward more sustainable practices. Developed by architect William McDonough and chemist Michael Braungart, C2C transforms industry by creating products for cradle-to-cradle cycles, whose materials are perpetually circulated in closed loops, maximizing material value without damaging ecosystems. The [...]

How soaring fuel costs are affecting your supply chain in the U.S. By Mac Isaacs Logistics is defined as the flow of material, information and money between consumers and suppliers, according to the Supply Chain and Logistics Institute (SCL) at Georgia Tech in Atlanta. Another term for logistics is “supply chain management.” Harvey Donaldson, director [...]

COTS tent manufacturers find a niche, exceed specs and produce high-performance shelters efficiently. By Jake Kulju On any given day, the U.S. military may conduct actions in sweltering heat, bitter cold or high winds. To shelter troops and equipment in such varying conditions, military units frequently turn to Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) tents. This practice is [...]

K2 by Mermet® is a double-sided, double effect interior fabric for solar protection performance. A white side faces the window (outdoors) with the darker room-facing side seen from the inside; the white side reflects the sun’s rays for maximum heat protection, while the dark side provides improved glare control but still retains transparency for good [...]

SEAL® Print Shield® Floor Guard® is U.L. classified as slip-resistant, a pressure-sensitive laminating film that offers excellent durability for both horizontal and vertical display graphics. Floor Guard’s slip- and scuff-resistant vinyl surface easily masks fingerprints and surface dirt while providing excellent viewing properties; it’s recommended for floor graphics, trade show exhibits, retail POP and other [...]