October 2013

  • Published On: October 1, 2013

    The Oeko-Tex® STeP Certification for the textile industry. By Samuel D. Moore, Ph.D. The globalization of the textile industry has created enormous pressure for textile brands, factories and supply chains to demonstrate their ability to manage and continuously improve the sustainability of their products and production facilities. Major retail brands in all sectors of the [...]

  • Published On: October 1, 2013

    From the fiber level to surface coatings, new developments in nanotechnology impact many specialty fabrics markets. By Sigrid Tornquist Ways of manufacturing specialty fabrics have been around for decades, but what does that mean in terms of opportunities for manufacturers, particularly in regard to coatings? Current applications include military camouflage clothing that can change color [...]

  • Published On: October 1, 2013

    An interview with Advanced Fabric Technologies president David O’Keefe reveals the latest developments in the company’s auxetic technology. by Janet Preus An engineering and design company, Advanced Fabric Technologies focuses on developing material solutions for military and commercial applications that incorporate auxetic architecture. The unique characteristics of auxetic geometry, a negative Poisson ratio, allow a [...]

  • Published On: October 1, 2013

    Sneakers come with a built-in tent for a personal shelter anywhere you go. They could be called “shoe-tent,” “sneaker-shelter” or “mobile habitat.” The creators, an Australian architecture collective, chose “Walking Shelter,” for a pair of canvas high-top shoes that (mostly) conceal enough fabric and findings to fashion a personal shelter, right there on the spot. [...]

  • Published On: October 1, 2013

    Renovation of a seaside resort included custom awnings, shades and canopies for an elegant finish. By Maura Keller Situated on the bluffs of Watch Hill, R.I., overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, the Ocean House is an iconic New England seaside resort. Because of its location amidst sand, sea and wind, Ocean House turned to New Haven [...]

  • Published On: October 1, 2013

    The newest Aláxi Sunbrella® fabrics collection, Color Carnival combines a whimsical style of nature with high performance quality. Made from 100 percent solution-dyed Sunbrella acrylic, the fabrics are designed to bring nature to colorful life: the brilliance of an oversized flower, darting minnows, and leaves swaying in the breeze. Offered in 46 skus and 10 [...]

  • Published On: October 1, 2013

    Available through Trivantage™ LLC, Solair Power Screen adds versatility and a sleek, modern design to the Solair Shade Solutions line. The motorized exterior screening system transforms any patio, deck, lanai, veranda or balcony into a cool, comfortable and pest-free environment. Available in 10 frame colors, the aluminum and nylon Power Screen system expands outdoor living [...]

  • Published On: October 1, 2013

    Circle Mesh applies the durability, versatility and aesthetic appeal of architectural mesh to new circular weaves, surpassing the circle patterns created by perforated metal. The weaving process produces very little scrap, according to the manufacturer, and delivers quality, sustainability and visual appeal in a new design package. Woven with the same wire as traditional architectural [...]

  • Published On: October 1, 2013

    Reusable textile frame systems from REXframe are recyclable, lightweight, high-grade billet aluminum display solutions that are completely customizable in size, shape and lighting choices. Recommended for any type of indoor fabric display and exhibit graphics from frames to lighting to accessories, they are easy to build, install and re-use. Versatile aluminum frames are simple, fast [...]

  • Published On: October 1, 2013

    Hohenstein Institute certifies the company’s exemplary social responsibility and exceptionally sustainable production. At the end of July 2013, the Swabian knitted fabrics manufacturer, Mattes & Ammann GmbH & Co. KG, became the first textile company in Germany and the EU economic area to be awarded the OEKO-TEX® Sustainable Textile Production (STeP) certificate. The family-run medium-sized [...]