In a continuing commitment to provide innovative alternatives for a broad range of media applications, Herculite Inc. and 3P Inkjet Textiles AG have announced the formation of a distribution partnership. The 3P products are highly complementary to Herculite’s leading Bantex Digital brands, and will be available to authorized distributors through Herculite. Peter McKernan, Herculite CEO, [...]

The American Association for Laboratory Accreditation has certified the Techmer PM Analytical and Testing Laboratory in Clinton, Tenn., as following the quality assurance requirements of ISO 17025-2005. The scope of accreditation encompasses mechanical testing, representing plastic test capabilities. As a producer of colorants and additives for plastic and fiber industries, Techmer PM can provide accurate [...]

A new consumer-focused recovery program for Sunbrella® fabrics was launched in March by Glen Raven Custom Fabrics LLC, Glen Raven, N.C. The company has always recycled fiber and fabric waste in its manufacturing processes, but is moving into a greater commitment with its customer recycling program. The only cost to customers is shipping to the [...]

The Institute of Environmental and Human Health (TIEHH) at Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas, has introduced a new, state-of-the-art fabric laboratory to help researchers continue creating products to help protect both military and civilian populations. The 4,000-square-foot Nonwovens and Advanced Materials Laboratory features an air-conditioning and humidification system, contoured needlezone needlepunching technology and thermal bonding [...]

Fabric distributors Nolan Warehouses, Springwood, Australia, and Upholstering Distributors Australia (UDA), Perth, Australia, are forming a new joint venture company, Nolan.UDA Pty. Ltd. Each firm will hold 50 percent of the merged company’s shares. “There is little customer overlap between the two businesses; therefore, there will be increased offerings and a larger relative stockholding, which [...]

In April 2009, the Advanced Textiles Association (ATA) released a digital version of its two-part State of the Industry series, published in the February and March issues of Specialty Fabrics Review. Part I focuses on the U.S. industry, covering market size, forces, key markets, market trends, global trade issues and the coming year’s outlook for [...]

The Specialty Graphics Imaging Association (SGIA) unveiled its “Industry in Review: 2008 Annual Report” in mid-March, a resource that offers current sales-per-employee ratios for each industry segment, newest equipment trends, industry impacts of the current economic downturn, and more. Included are profiles for each industry segment: graphic producers, garment decoration, industrial-use printers and finishing. View [...]

Textiles Intelligence published an article by MarketResearch.com in February, 2009 describing forms of textile recycling and businesses making it work. “Recycling in the textile and clothing industry offers companies important benefits, particularly from an environmental viewpoint,” writes Gregg Kellett, online marketing manager for MarketResearch.com. To encourage recycling in Europe, for example, the EU passed new [...]

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the U.S.-Pakistan Business Council have called upon the Obama Administration to ease access for Pakistani textiles in the U.S. market. A report developed by the two business groups recommends review of trade policy in Pakistan, cutting tariffs on textiles (Pakistan’s chief export) and completing a bilateral investment treaty. The [...]

By Janet Preus Theaters have known for centuries about the versatility and convenience of using fabric. Act curtains, often elaborately decorated, conceal the stage until the play begins, and painted backdrops descend from the fly space, transporting the audience to another time and place. Painted flats (muslin stretched over frames) create the illusion of walls, [...]