As supplies drop and demand rises, governments, companies and individuals look for cost-effective ways to save a limited resource. By Janice Kleinschmidt Picture 26 Olympic-size pools filled with water. That’s how much of the precious resource was prevented from evaporating in a year’s time from five storage basins in Australia—just by covering them with fabric [...]
An epic voyage highlights the environmental problems of plastic bottles—and some possible solutions. By Marie O’Mahony Australian billionaire James Packer’s $30 million Z Sydney cruiser (replacing his $50 million Z Ellerston super yacht, sold last year) is an impressive sight as it glides through the waters of Sydney Harbor. On July 26, 2010, a very [...]
We’re now perfectly positioned for the international market,” says Dr. Christine Lemaitre, CEO of the German Sustainable Building Council (DGNB). Under the general management of board members Dr. Peter Mösle and Johannes Kreissig, the DGNB has been developing its certification system to meet international requirements, and to allow for transparent adaptation to the requirements of [...]
An old Japanese essay says, “Buildings should be built for the summer.” By Kikuko Tagawa This year we are having an especially hot summer in Japan. An old Japanese essay says, “Buildings should be built for the summer.” Reducing the summer heat in buildings has been a perennial issue, given Japan’s hot weather. Both individuals [...]
Printing choices that are sensitive to the environment are also good for business. By Michael Labella With the global economy almost five times the size it was half a century ago, sustainable growth has now become the paradigm of the 21st century: a responsibility that our society has for itself and the environment in order [...]
Moisture-barrier properties in fabrics and sustainability concerns top one expert’s list of important industry developments. By Donna Visioli, Ph.D. Part I of a series by speakers at the Advanced Textiles Conference 2010. Part II covers developments in auxetic materials, Part III addresses electrical conductive nanocoatings and Part IV covers the potential of nanomaterials in creative [...]
Environmental hyperawareness is a luxury that Europe can ill afford, according to the region’s fiber industry experts. By Adrian Wilson European synthetic fiber manufacturers are becoming increasingly frustrated with the many legislative obstacles to trade that are placed in their path—particularly those aiming for environmental protection and promoting a green economy. This message came across [...]
It’s not as simple as “oil versus cotton,” but technological advances have sparked renewed interest in nonsynthetic textiles. By Janice Kleinschmidt If a white-clad John Travolta dancing disco could be called polyester’s shining moment, perhaps the British Petroleum (BP) oil spill could be its defining moment. Since DuPont™ synthesized nylon in 1928, petrochemical fibers (including [...]
Recycling and repurposing fabric will bring the satisfaction of doing what’s right— and boost your bottom line. By Jan Brenny Being ‘green’ is becoming a necessary part of doing business today. Operations of all sizes and across all industries are adopting business models that embrace sustainability and eco-friendliness. In the fabrics industry, corporate responsibility and [...]
What certification really means to you and your customers. By Juli Case Sustainable. Eco-friendly. Green. Carbon footprint. These words, and the concepts behind them, have become commonplace in business today. Not only are they all over the popular media, but they now have a place in business plans and sales strategies on a global basis. [...]
