Collisions between powered and non-powered personal watercraft and sail or powered craft are a serious concern for both professional mariners and recreational boaters, according to a study from the United States Coast Guard. The study ranks collisions with a recreational vessel as the leading primary marine accident type. Operator inattention and improper lookout were leading [...]

The Polyurethane Foam Association (PFA) published a comprehensive discussion of the U.S. flexible polyurethane foam industry related to production issues, solid waste management and recycling of post-consumer foam products that may contain flame retardants. The paper, “Flexible Polyurethane Foam Waste Management and Recycling,” was developed in response to an invitation from the United Nations Industrial [...]

Miami Corp., a distributor of automotive and marine trim products, plans to open a new branch in Arlington, Texas. The branch allows the company to reach the majority of the United States within one day from one of its four locations. Miami Corp. is based in Cincinnati, Ohio, with distribution centers in Albany, N.Y., and [...]

The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), with the support of an additional 22 organizations, signed a letter urging senators to voice opposition to the “Open Fuels Standard.” If passed, the amendment would mandate that 80 percent of gasoline-powered light-duty vehicles be tri-fuel vehicles capable of running on any combination of ethanol, methanol and gasoline beginning [...]

The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) proposed legislation to address two threats to the recreational fishing industry: attempts to ban lead fishing tackle and loss of access to public lands. The Sportsmen’s Heritage Act of 2012 seeks to ensure that any future regulations on fishing tackle are established based on scientific fact. The act would [...]

SureShade launched the SureShade Dealer Award Program to help recognize boat dealers that sell or install the company’s retractable shade systems. Boat dealers will be evaluated based on sales performance, installation expertise, customer service and co-marketing efforts. SureShade is also engaging end-user boater participation to help determine the winners. Private boat owners are asked to [...]

New Sunbrella collection delivers the colors and contrast of a desert oasis. SilverState fabrics™ announces Artisan Tribe, their latest performance Sunbrella® collection. Designed by inspiring scenes and patterns from northern Africa, this collection offers a color palette that includes solids, stripes and intricate cultural motifs. “Inspired by the rich architecture of the Arabic regions in [...]

The annual “Call for IFAI board candidates” from the Industrial Fabrics Association International was sent to the association’s voting membership on Monday, April 9. Applications are due May 28, 2012. In June, the IFAI board’s Leadership Development Committee meets to consider the qualifications of the candidates. In July, the association’s membership is notified of committee’s [...]

Learn what it takes to begin printing in your company Fabric Graphics Workshop Tuesday, July 17, 2012 9 a.m–4 p.m. Mimaki Headquarters Newton (Boston), Mass. Who should attend? End product fabricators from the marine, awning, tent, tarp, fabric graphics, banner and flag markets who want to increase profitability with a printing revenue stream. Workshops will [...]

Patterns are first to meet Silver level compliance with NSF-ANSI 336 Sustainable Assessment Standard Taking advantage of new technology in the contract textile industry, Robert Allen Contract is bringing to market the first Sunbrella Contract collection. This group of outdoor fabrics debuts Sunbrella’s first contract-grade upholstery and is garnering sustainability kudos. Two patterns in the [...]