Arizona State University’s Scottsdale Innovation Center invites business and research enterprises to co-locate with ASU’s technology units in a creative incubator. SkySong, a 125-foot swooping shade structure that anchors the central plaza, has become the signature of the Center’s entrepreneurial endeavors. Architect and engineer Nicholas Goldsmith, FTL Design Engineering Studio, New York, N.Y., worked on [...]

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 [...]

Charlie Sotirkys retired in February 2009 from the U.S. Postal Service in Plymouth, Mass., to launch a new career selling self-supporting shade structures that fit trucks, boats and campers. Sotirkys had an idea, and when he discovered his neighbor, Kenn Medeiros, owned KM Canvas, his own boat cover design business, a partnership formed. “We’re both [...]

Banner Creations Inc., Minneapolis, Minn., recently launched the second in its green bag artist series, an initiative to provide environmentally friendly fabric carriers with unique artistic designs. The bags, made from ecophab, a fabric composed of 100 percent recycled plastic, contain the vivid paintings and photographs of Kristin Wallner, a Twin Cities artist. Buyers can [...]

The ceiling textile at Skihalle, an indoor skiing arena in Neuss, Germany, sustained harsh weather conditions for years, but moisture stains and discoloration finally took a toll on the prime winter sport venue. Arena management wanted a replacement fabric that was waterproof, resilient, long-lasting, printable and stretchable. It commissioned fabric replacement in a small section [...]

Sheerfill® architectural membrane is a cool roofing system that delivers high solar reflectance and thermal emitting properties, enhances roof durability, and reduces both building cooling loads and heat island effect. Sheerfill is ENERGY STAR® qualified and Cool Roof Rating Council (CRRC) certified, and because of its translucency it provides abundant natural daylight to facility interiors. [...]

IT 1700 is made from a weft-insert warp knit, anti-wick polyester scrim that is extrusion coated with a matte finish, velvet-embossed PVC coating. Its clean, smooth surface provides for excellent adhesion for most types of graphics. It is heat sealable and meets standard flammability requirements, with a color range appropriate for frontlit awnings and canopies. [...]

Ultrashade and Ultrashade-Lite are vinyl-laminated awning fabrics designed to meet stringent fire resistance standards. Ultrashade’s high strength-to-weight ratio means easier manufacturing and resistance to sagging and stretching. The top coating enhances pressure sensitive vinyl receptivity and prolongs the fabric’s life. A smooth surface makes it easy to clean and stain resistant. Solarbloc® FireFoil offers excellent [...]

Photo CS 340 polyester is recommended for all solvent and UV printers. Durable and fire-retardant, and available in widths up to 126 inches, it can be used outdoors or indoors for quality images with true color saturation. SOURCE Ibena Inc.

Natura™ is made for commercial awning and canopy projects to protect from harsh environments, while providing a natural fabric design element. It delivers the look and feel of natural woven cloth with the added benefits of being waterproof, flame resistant, weldable and dimensionally stable, and supports pressure sensitive graphics. Riviera Marine Fabric™ is lightweight and [...]