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Shade fabric 101
November 3rd, 2020
Patrick Lane, president of Alnet Americas Inc., presented a session at IFAI Virtual Expo 2020 about shade fabric characteristics and terminology. Lane discussed an overview of premium shade fabric properties and performance. According to Lane, there are many construction variations and styles of shade fabric. In the lightweight tension structures market, the two most popular […]
The regulatory path for medical PPE
November 3rd, 2020
An afternoon session by Jing Liang, founder and president of Medical PPE Consulting LLC, walked participants through the regulatory process and testing for medical personnel protective equipment (PPE) In her session, “Understanding Testing Requirements of Medical PPE,” she noted the variety of PPE, which include gloves, shoe covers, goggles, gowns and masks. Her discussion centered on […]
Integrating smart homes and window treatments: overcoming the challenges
November 3rd, 2020
Even bottled water is marketed as “smart” these days, notes Andre Comitre, COO of Artisan Window Fashions, but that claim does not make it true. Similarly, “smart homes” are easy to tout, but the reality of fully-integrated systems is still in the process of being realized. Comitre, an architect by training, presented Oct. 3 at […]
Virtual Expo 2020 advanced textiles education begins
November 3rd, 2020
The Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI) opened the advanced textiles education sessions of Virtual Expo 2020 with a presentation by Dr. Sasha Stolyarov, CEO, Advanced Functional Fabrics of America (AFFOA). His presentation, “The Development of Advanced Functional Fibers and Fabrics” outlined the progress made in AFFOA’s mission to “rekindle the domestic textiles industry” with its coordinated […]
Designing for lightness in fabric structures
November 1st, 2020
A new book examines sustainability in materials design. By Marie O’Mahony Editor's note: Marie O’Mahony will moderate a panel session led by author Ed van Hinte on Nov. 5 at IFAI Virtual Expo 2020. The session will provide an updated view on lightness in design and how the world might benefit from it. As the […]
How to sell and market during a pandemic
November 1st, 2020
By Madeleine MacRae Determining the best way to sell and, even more so, how to effectively and appropriately market your products and services at a time of such widespread uncertainty and deep market disruption can be a daunting task. As a leader during this unprecedented time, you have a lot on your plate. You have […]
The specialty textiles market copes with COVID-19
November 1st, 2020
While some industry suppliers and end product manufacturers have found ways to remain afloat, the economic effects of the pandemic have proven devastating to many, and the future can only be described as uncertain. by Pamela Mills-Senn The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the overall economy, and on the specialty textiles industry specifically, is […]
AP Awning Partners acquires American Awning and Sign
November 1st, 2020
AP Awning Partners/ Sommer Awning has acquired Ohio-based American Awning and Sign, a young and growing awning company. American Awning and Sign has been led by a team with more than 20 years of market experience. According to Dustin Bibb, owner of America Awning, “Our goal going forward is to become a greater leader in […]
Inflatable forest comes to life with human interaction
November 1st, 2020
The Canopy is an inflatable art installation that invites visitors to interact as they choose—some pedaling on bikes that transform the sculptures with movement and light, some cheering on the bikers, and some wandering through the grove, allowing the canopy of trees to open and close around them. Photos: Pneuhaus. The Canopy, an inflatable installation […]
IKO to acquire Axter’s waterproofing membrane division
November 1st, 2020
IKO, a global leader in the manufacture of residential and commercial roofing products and insulation, has announced that it has struck a deal in which it intends to acquire Axter’s waterproofing membrane division from the SMAC group. An information and consultation process is currently underway with the relevant stakeholders and will be completed before the […]