February 2009

  • Published On: February 1, 2009

    The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has made available the User Agreement for textile mills participating in the Economic Adjustment Assistance (EAA) Program authorized by the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008. The EAA Program authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to provide assistance to U.S. textile manufacturers that invest an equivalent amount of funds [...]

  • Published On: February 1, 2009

    The Hemp Industries Association (HIA) is a supporting organization of the International Year of Natural Fibers (IYNF) 2009, a program of the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) of the United Nations. The public awareness campaign gets underway officially in Rome on Jan. 22, 2009, the beginning of a year-long series of events across the globe [...]

  • Published On: February 1, 2009

    Specialty fabrics meet critical needs in firefighting protection gear. By Julie Young Modern firefighters face numerous threats when they arrive at the scene of an emergency, and the last thing they need to think about in that moment is gear performance. Personal protective equipment (PPE) and related firefighting fabrics need to be designed with a [...]

  • Published On: February 1, 2009

    Times are tough, so should you cut corners to compete? “No!” is the adamant response from quality advocates. By Marc Hequet So you’re known for your quality…Great! But how are you supposed to sell quality in this economy? That’s the challenge manufacturers face: persuading discount-seeking buyers to pay a premium for top-of-the-line goods. It’s not [...]

  • Published On: February 1, 2009

    Compiled by Juli Case I’ve been asked if my canopy’s wind loads meet I-90. What does that mean? This was a new one to us, too, and it turns out it comes from the roofing industry. I-90 is a wind uplift rating developed by the Factory Mutual Global insurance group. FM Global has developed a [...]

  • Published On: February 1, 2009

    Compiled by Juli Case How do I find out which SIC codes describe my business? SIC stands for Standard Classification System, used by the U.S. government to organize businesses into basic categories. Although it is being replaced by NAICS codes, (North American Industry Classification System), SIC codes are still being used. The proper code depends [...]

  • Published On: February 1, 2009

    Compiled by Juli Case Where can I find a fabric called Regentex? Regentex is the trade name of a woven fabric that is a polyester/cotton blend and comes in weights ranging from eight to 24 ounces per square yard. It’s used in a variety of applications, including tarpaulins and horse blankets. The trade name holder, [...]

  • Published On: February 1, 2009

    Compiled by Juli Case My client is asking for a fabric that has a “four minute max” on FMVSS 302. What does that mean? FMVSS 302 is an abbreviation for “flammability of interior materials,” and is a frequently referenced U.S. government specification for flammability, despite the fact that its intended use is for fabrics in [...]

  • Published On: February 1, 2009

    Compiled by Juli Case I’m looking for a headliner system for boats that was new a couple of years ago. It involves a plastic tab system with matching pairs that lock. Any idea of what I’m talking about? We think you’re describing the Fastmount System from a company by the same name headquartered in New [...]

  • Published On: February 1, 2009

    Fabric canopies unite revitalized buildings for Oldham Schools in England. By Helen Elias The city of Oldham in the northwest of England had a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity: Oldham Council was awarded £230 million (about $350 million) to spend on transforming secondary education through refurbishment or demolition and replacement with new schools. Most of the money came [...]