The Advanced Textiles Association's Leadership Development Committee met on June 30, 2026, to review applications received as a result of this year's Call for ATA Board of Director Candidates. Four candidates are being recommended by the committee for positions that will become available in November: Director / Three-year term Glenn Aust, Ehmke Manufacturing Co., Philadelphia, Penn. [...]

The use of geosynthetics for rail infrastructure continues to grow not only in the United States but also worldwide.   As with other applications like roads, waste management, mining and erosion, the use of geosynthetics is recognized as capable of delivering durable, sustainable and cost-effective solutions for rail infrastructure projects.  This project used the Mirafi H2Ri [...]

Industry organizations representing U.S. textile manufacturers, apparel brands and retailers urged the Trump administration to adopt a newly developed textile and apparel trade incentive program they proposed in a joint submission to the U.S. Trade Representative’s Office (USTR) July 6. This is the first time these organizations have teamed up to publicly advocate for a [...]

In addition to educational sessions, Outlook® Leadership Conference attendees had the chance to watch a Greenville Drive baseball game at Fluor Field in Greenville, S.C. Image: eTextileCommunications.com/Devin Steele Advanced Textiles Association (ATA) brought together manufacturers, suppliers, government officials and industry leaders at its 2026 ATA Outlook® Leadership Conference to examine the trends reshaping the textile [...]

An ongoing challenge for geotechnical engineers is addressing the impact of expansive soils on our infrastructure. Expansive soils are clay soils that due to their mineral composition (montmorillonite, bentonite and others) attract and absorb water causing them to expand in volume as more water is absorbed. In dry conditions these materials, which might have expanded [...]

“Tall” Mechanically Stabilized Earth Walls (MSEW) are sometimes required in circumstances in which projects require large grade separations.  What is considered “tall” in relation to MSE walls? In the United States most MSEWs typically range in height from 10 to 30 feet, which is consistent with the support of highway embankments and abutments. Taller walls are [...]

Aaron Smith, President and CEO of Maccaferri North America; photo courtesy of Officine Maccaferri. Officine Maccaferri officially inaugurated its new North American manufacturing facility in Fort Lawn, S.C., on June 5. The event marked the official start of operations at the facility and brought together Maccaferri’s leadership, leading business partners and representatives of local and regional institutions. The inauguration gives tangible form to the investment announced [...]

Image: Arvind Ltd. Arvind Advanced Materials Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of India-based Arvind Ltd., announced the acquisition of nearly 61% stake in Dalco-GFT, a U.S.-based manufacturer of specialized needle-punched nonwoven specialty fabrics. Arvind Advanced Materials supplies solutions for sectors such as protective gear, renewable energy, mass mobility and industrial filters. Dalco-GFT was founded in [...]

Soil erosion is a broad topic, but this article will focus on the impact of erosion along riverbanks and coastal areas due to water.   Des Moines River Stabilization; photo courtesy of Solmax. Erosion is a mechanism in which soil particles are detached and transported due to forces from flowing water and are subsequently deposited [...]

Layfield was recognized for its industry-leading performance, its global business practices, and its sustained growth by receiving the 2026 Canada’s Best Managed Companies award. Celebrating over 30 years, Canada’s Best Managed Companies program awards excellence in private Canadian-owned companies with revenues of $50 million or greater. To attain the designation, companies are evaluated on their [...]

The U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, following a 14-hour legislative markup today, approved H.R. 8870, the BUILD America 250 – a bipartisan, five-year surface transportation reauthorization bill that invests in America’s roads, bridges, transit, rail transportation, and highway and motor carrier safety programs. According to its authors, the bill provides the largest ever investment in America’s [...]

U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Sam Graves, R-Mo., and the Committee’s Ranking Member Rick Larsen, D-Wash., have released the text of a bipartisan, five-year surface transportation reauthorization bill that invests in America’s roads, bridges, transit, rail transportation, and highway and motor carrier safety programs. The BUILD America 250 Act – Building Unrivaled Infrastructure and Long-term Development [...]

There's still time to join Geosynthetics Materials Association (GMA) on their trip to Washington, D.C. June 2-4 for GMA Lobby Days. GMA members and anyone else who would like to attend will meet with congressional representatives and learn how the upcoming election will impact Congress.  Visitors are welcome—contact Fred Chuck, GMA Executive Director (fred.chuck@textiles.org). Click here to register. Schedule at a Glance Tuesday, June 2nd [...]

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy today announced the department is making $3 billion available for states to invest in aging bridge infrastructure across the country. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)’s Bridge Investment Program (BIP) focuses on repairing bridges in poor condition. “The Trump Administration is getting back to basics to upgrade America’s bridge projects nationwide, improving [...]

Steepened geocell faced slope in Puerto Rico. Photo courtesy of Daniel E. Alzamora. The infrastructure that we rely on daily is increasingly under pressure from weather events and associated geohazards. In addition, there is rising demand for development of infrastructure into more challenging ground conditions.   Geosynthetics, such as geotextiles, geogrids, drainage nets, geocells, erosion control [...]

The 2026 edition of the Geosynthetics Trends & Innovations digital supplement is now available. The annual eBook offers articles on emerging technologies, market shifts, and expert insights. Inside, you’ll find Geosynthetic solutions engineered to survive extreme weather Geotextiles, geogrids lead the quest for 100-year roads The role of geosynthetics in improving sustainability Read it for [...]

In the design and construction of earth retaining systems, the use of geosynthetics has become essential. Geosynthetics often deliver durable, economical and flexible solutions when compared to alternate gravity structures.  Boulder City Bypass – Wire face MSE wall, 60 feet tall. Photo courtesy of Daniel E. Alzamora. Typical categories of earth retention systems include reinforced [...]

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has developed the Consolidated Administration and Processing of Entries (CAPE) portal, which importers and brokers can use to submit refund requests for duties imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), as authorized by a March 4 Court of International Trade ruling that deemed the duties illegal. The [...]

ATA Women in Textiles Summit participants. Image: Devin Steele More than 100 professionals from across the U.S. textile industry gathered in Asheville, N.C., March 30–April 1 for the eighth annual Advanced Textiles Association (ATA) Women in Textiles Summit, a dynamic, multiday event focused on leadership, mentorship and advancing women in a traditionally male-dominated industry. The [...]

Advanced Textiles Association (ATA) is now accepting applications for open ATA Board of Directors positions. The ATA Board of Directors relies on highly engaged, volunteer leadership that is willing to represent our members, work with ATA leadership staff and provide guidance in the direction of the association and its activities. The ATA Leadership Development Committee [...]