Federal tax incentive programs can significantly reduce day-to-day operating costs. By Mark E. Battersby Reducing the cost of energy and going green is on every businessperson’s mind these days. Although there can be additional initial costs associated with saving energy, provisions in our tax laws—benefits that increased significantly with last fall’s incentives package—offset some of [...]
Products labeled “green,” “eco-friendly,” “organic,” “sustainable” or “renewable” purport to be better for the environment—but are they? The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) takes on deceptive environmental claims in new Green Guides, available online at www.ftc.gov/bcp/grnrule/guides980427.htm. The FTC wants green marketing claims, whether specific or implied, to be substantiated or qualified in a way consumers can [...]
As the digital fabric printing industry matures, the machines are faster, the inks are more vibrant, and the most important color in the spectrum is green. By Janice Kleinschmidt The marketing phrase “new and improved” has been slapped on every kind of product at one time or another, with—on occasion—dubious results. Sometimes “improvements” are merely [...]
Fabric makers depend doubly on oil, for fuel and for raw materials. By Marc Hequet How are you managing in this slalom economy? Staying flexible? Not signing long-term, fixed-price contracts? Scouring your shop for efficiencies? Sourcing globally? Those are top industry pros’ suggestions—that, and holding on for dear life as you zigzag your way through [...]
Going green helps event companies gain both conscience and capital. By Shelby Gonzalez What does a green tented wedding look like? Just ask Alison Hotchkiss of Alison Events LLC in San Francisco, Calif. In 2007, she planned two weddings that included some of the same eco-friendly elements. Yet they couldn’t have been more different. The [...]
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 [...]
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 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 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 [...]
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 [...]
1801 County Road B W, Suite 100
Roseville, MN 55113-4052, USA
+1 651 222 2508
800 225 4324
1801 County Road B W, Suite 100
Roseville, MN 55113-4052, USA
+1 651 222 2508 | 800 225 4324
Copyright @ 2024 Advanced Textiles Association. All rights reserved.
Copyright @ 2024 Advanced Textiles Association. All rights reserved.
