Lenzing has developed a new flame-resistant fiber especially for use in upholstery fabrics in public transportation vehicles. The guidelines that apply to public transportation vehicles are particularly strict; the fabric and materials used in these applications have to satisfy rigorous safety standards. With a newly developed Lenzing FR® fiber, all the safety standards for public [...]

James “Jimmy” Fleming has joined Springs Creative, Rock Hill, S.C., as technical sales representative for the company’s Specialty Products Group. A supplier of fabrics and chemical treatments for the mattress industry, Springs Creative sought a leader and innovator. Fleming has more than 20 years experience in the textile industry, most recently with Tietex International as [...]

Exhibitions showcase pioneering developments in fabrics designed for a sustainable future. By June Bisantz In Paris this summer, two ground-breaking exhibitions explored the rapidly blurring boundaries between art, science and textiles. En Vie/Alive: New Frontiers? at La Fondation EDF (Environmental Development Foundation) presented experimental and developing concepts in textiles, while Futuro textiles: Surprising Textiles, Design [...]

Eric Kaufman will assume a new role as eastern U.S. territory sales manager for Ultraflex Systems Inc., a Randolph, N.J., supplier of large-format print media. Kaufman brings 12 years of experience as a reseller, manufacturer and distributor in the sign and graphics industry, along with a comprehensive knowledge of hardware, software and media sales.

ABC Industries Inc., Winona Lake, Ind., has hired Rob Jones as the regional sales manager for the company’s Industrial Textile Fabrics division. Jones will be responsible for building and managing customer accounts and new product development. ABC Industries produces industrial textiles for the recreational vehicle, automotive, structure, packaging and military markets.

Recasens USA, a manufacturer of solution-dyed acrylic and vinyl-coated awning, marine, casual and specialty fabrics, recruited Doug Dubay to lead the U.S. sales team as national sales manager. Dubay brings 25 years of experience in awning and marine industrial textile markets to Recasens USA, based in Blue Bell, Pa. He has served most recently as [...]

3M™ Wrap Film Series 1080 is now offered in five new matte metallic colors for standout vehicle wrapping—red, pine green, charcoal, brown and copper—for a total of 50 finish, texture and color variations. The film is ready for wrapping right out of the box, with no need for printing or an overlaminate. It’s easy to [...]

Essential information on patents for military uniforms. By John Morrissett and Troy Grabow Recent innovations in the fabric world increasingly protect our men and women in uniform. Many of these innovations are patented by fabric manufacturers, because the public is generally aware that it is possible to patent a new Kevlar®, photovoltaic material or other [...]

OTEXA Export Guide for Textiles and Apparel, updated; plus, free webinar on export opportunities in Mexico. The growth of the global economy provides greater opportunities for U.S. firms to seek out new markets and customers. With increased competition from overseas, companies are looking to diversify their client bases and find new ways to grow. The [...]

Technological developments lead to uniforms and gear that perform double duty: protect the soldier while withstanding harsh environments. By Holly O’Dell When David Accetta entered Army basic training in 1983, the U.S. was still in the throes of the Cold War. Soldiers’ uniforms featured a Woodland camouflage pattern made of dark brown, dark green, black [...]