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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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, 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 [...]

Birdair Inc., a specialty contractor for custom tensile membrane structures, has announced an international reorganization as it expands its worldwide presence through its network of organizations. A subsidiary of the Taiyo Corporation in Japan, Birdair—along with a number of MakMax Group affiliates—has completed more than 1,300 tensile architectural projects in more than 30 countries and six continents.  [...]