IFAI announces ShowStoppers award winners at Fabrics Expo

IFAI received a total of 97 entries from 53 companies in this year's competition. Winners exhibited the newest; coolest; the most pragmatic and the most innovative; the most effective and the most efficient; the most economical and the most environmentally sound products and services in the specialty fabrics and technical textiles industries.

Winners were chosen by their industry peers in attendance and exhibiting in Orlando. ShowStoppers entries were displayed on the show floor in exhibitors' booths and highlighted in a prominent voting display.

The awards were presented Thursday, Nov. 8 on the show floor by IFAI staff.

Following is a complete list of award winners by category.

Some categories received more than one winner. The name of the winning product is followed by the company name and a brief description of the product.

Fabrics, Fibers & Films

Insect Barrier Netting -- Tek Knit Industries - Protects cherries, raspberries, blackberries, blueberries and strawberries from the latest scourge: Spotted Wing Drosophila (outdoor fruit fly). Preliminary lab tests at universities were successful and large-scale field testing is in process. The Tek-Knit 80-gram fabric offers exclusion of any insect over .6mm plus protection from heavy rain, winds and other elements, while providing only minimum shade due to its color.

-Webbing -- Paiho North America - Special spun polyester material is applied to give a cotton-like look for reliable availability, consistent qualities and stable costs. Various raw materials may be applied to create different looks for all styles of designs. Applications include apparel, shoe and sporting goods markets. Special materials and treatments can be applied for industrial or medical markets.

End Products & Services

Rollac Tension Zip Shade -- Rollac Shutters - Zip system allows shade fabric to be wind-tight in every position and insect-repellent in the closed position. Sun-protecting fabric has a special trim with a symmetrical zip that holds the entire structure firmly in the two side channels. All materials are 100 percent corrosion-proof and windproof up to 75 mph. The bottom bar disappears into the head box. Available with glass fiber, polyester and blackout screen.

Chemicals, Coatings & Compounds

Ultra Fresh DW-56 -- Thomson Research - Controls the growth of fungi, bacteria and algae, dispersed into solution and applied by pad. Outdoor applications include cotton and cotton/poly blend ducking for canvas and awnings. Can treat filter media, polyester fiber for use in tow and cut, animal bedding, cleaning implements, air filter media, wall and window coverings and dust towels. Applications in water-based emulsions include adhesives, grout, mortar, mastics and latex coatings.