SPECIALISED TEXTILES ASSOCIATION INC. Vol 13 No 1February • March 2013

Striving for SUSTAINABILITY

CAmpINg and CArAVANNINg

FABrIC STrUCTUreS CommITTee sets the standard

www.pathfinderaus.com.au

WHAT DO YOU NEED TO CUTIN YOUR BUSINESS TODAY?

MADE IN AUSTRALIA

LIghT WeIghT STrUCTUreS’

powerful grip

STA member newS | innOVATiOn | SUPerb STrUCTUreS | rTOs

Chino (Cream)

Graphite (Charcoal)

Sheba (Dark Blue)

Lime Fizz (Lime)

Karloo (Sand)

Marrocan (Terracotta)

Koonunga (Green)

Mellow Haze (Yellow)

Bubblegum (Pink)

Bundena (Blue)

Abaroo (Red)

Domino (Black)

Sherbet (Orange)

Jazzberry (Purple)

National Distributor:

Ricky Richards (Sales) Pty Ltd 16 Park Road, Homebush NSW 2140 Phone: 02 9735 3333 Fax: 02 9735 3311www.rickyrichards.com.au

7 Tombo Street, Capalaba, QLD 4157Phone: 07 3245 6756 Fax: 07 3245 6955

QLD Distributor:

Made In Australia

C O M M E R C I A L S H A D E C L O T H

100% Australian made and owned

• 3.25 metre and 6.5 metre widths

• 14 cool colours

• 10 year UV warranty including removal and replacement

• Manufactured using 100% round monofilament yarn

• Custom colours, widths and lengths available by request

• Install and forget – NO re-tensioning

Monotec 370 is proudly manufactured in Australia by PRO-KNIT Industries Pty Ltd www.monotec.com.au

Designed for many applications including:

• Council Parks • Shopping Centre Car Parks• Shade structures • Shade sails • Childrens Playground Area • School Outdoor Lunch Areas • Athletic Events • Swimming Pool Canopies• Outdoor Recreation Areas • Truck Tarpaulins • Umbrellas • Nurseries

superior in strengthand performance

For a shadecloth that is superior in strength and performance characteristics, Monotec is the unsurpassed choice!

RR Monotec 370 ad.indd 1 29/08/11 2:15 PM

FEBRUARY • MARCH 2013 · 1

CONNECTIONS magazine is published on behalf of the Specialised Textiles Association Inc. by CommStrat Limited.

Publisher CommStrat

editor & Writer Nicola Cardnicola.card@commstrat.com.au

design & Production Annette Epifanidisannette@commstrat.com.au

national sales Manager Yuri MamistvalovPhone: 03 8534 5008yuri@commstrat.com.au

contributors Barb Ernster, Jamie Howard, Roger La Salle, Beatrice Moonen and Lucille Scott.

coMMstrat ABN 31 008 434 802

Level 8, 574 St Kilda RdMelbourne Vic 3004www.commstrat.com.au

sPecialised textiles associationSuite 201, 22 St Kilda Road,St Kilda Vic 3182Phone: 03 9521 2114Local call: 1300 555 787Fax: 03 9521 2116www.specialisedtextiles.com.au

Disclaimer: Except where specifically stated, the opinions and material published in the magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher or the STA Council.

contents

A S S O C I A T I O N

association Matters2 Report by STA President 4 STA office update Presenting a local and global overview 26 Young Leaders’ Challenge Jamie Howard on the next gen’s

progress 32 Fabric Structures

Committee report By Beatrice Moonen 43 STA welcomes new members

neWs corner8 Members' news 45 Aussie Quality

suPerb structures18 Recreation related structures Showcasing member talent

sPecial Features12 Sustainability Industry initiatives and developments

16 What’s this year’s plan? Roger La Salle’s sage advice 28 Camping and caravans A snapshot of the market and

emerging trends36 Stainless story board Miami Stainless and Sydney TAFE join

forces37 Light Weight Structures,

heavy hitters Lucille and Trevor Scott’s professional

supremacy 40 Spotting tent quality IFAI reviews superior shelters

sPotlight on MeMbers27 First class canvas

training and eVents48 Industry events and RTOs

subscriPtions to subscribe to Connections for just $75 inc gst annually contact ruth spiegel ruth.spiegel@commstrat.com.au

37

188

4528

Chino (Cream)

Graphite (Charcoal)

Sheba (Dark Blue)

Lime Fizz (Lime)

Karloo (Sand)

Marrocan (Terracotta)

Koonunga (Green)

Mellow Haze (Yellow)

Bubblegum (Pink)

Bundena (Blue)

Abaroo (Red)

Domino (Black)

Sherbet (Orange)

Jazzberry (Purple)

National Distributor:

Ricky Richards (Sales) Pty Ltd 16 Park Road, Homebush NSW 2140 Phone: 02 9735 3333 Fax: 02 9735 3311www.rickyrichards.com.au

7 Tombo Street, Capalaba, QLD 4157Phone: 07 3245 6756 Fax: 07 3245 6955

QLD Distributor:

Made In Australia

C O M M E R C I A L S H A D E C L O T H

100% Australian made and owned

• 3.25 metre and 6.5 metre widths

• 14 cool colours

• 10 year UV warranty including removal and replacement

• Manufactured using 100% round monofilament yarn

• Custom colours, widths and lengths available by request

• Install and forget – NO re-tensioning

Monotec 370 is proudly manufactured in Australia by PRO-KNIT Industries Pty Ltd www.monotec.com.au

Designed for many applications including:

• Council Parks • Shopping Centre Car Parks• Shade structures • Shade sails • Childrens Playground Area • School Outdoor Lunch Areas • Athletic Events • Swimming Pool Canopies• Outdoor Recreation Areas • Truck Tarpaulins • Umbrellas • Nurseries

superior in strengthand performance

For a shadecloth that is superior in strength and performance characteristics, Monotec is the unsurpassed choice!

RR Monotec 370 ad.indd 1 29/08/11 2:15 PM

2 · CONNECTIONS

From the office of the President

STAMATTERS

For some, sustainability

is seen as a catchword of the lunatic fringe but

it is an issue for us all and one

where we all can play some part.

For example reduction of waste

in all its forms can have a very

positive impact in our business.”

Hello all. It is now time for belated good wishes for the

New Year, and let us all hope that it is a good one for

everyone. In what seems like the blink of an eye, we are

well into the second month of 2013. The festive season is

just a dim memory and we are all hard at it again, many

hoping for a better year than last.

We have commenced the year with some extremes

in weather ranging from devastating bush fires to

more catastrophic flooding in many parts of the east

coast. That is Australia for better or for worse. The hot

summer (while it lasted) has been positive for many in

the shade and covering sectors of the industry, and not

unhelpful for many in the water storage area. Of course,

once the rains started, much of that work ceased. I

think that overall the industry is a little slower than what

we would like.

And now, on top of the extreme weather events, we

have to endure a seven month election campaign. Many

of us will be approaching our candidates to outline what

we consider sensible policy to help or bolster, rather

than impede, our industry. To help us progress.

Talking of progression, the article in this issue on

sustainability may be useful, timely and interesting in

these current times. In essence sustainability is the

capacity to endure and essentially is a melding of

environmental, economic and social dimensions. For

some, sustainability is seen as a catchword of the lunatic

fringe but it is an issue for us all and one where we all

can play some part. For example reduction of waste

in all its forms can have a very positive impact in our

business.

Waste does not have to be something we put in the bin

but can be as simple as wasted effort or thoughts. It is

often said that we should not dwell on the past but rather

concentrate on today and the future. We cannot change

the past, but what we do today can affect the future. As

Mother Teresa said “Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow has

not yet come. We have only today. Let us begin.”

super expoI am pleased to announce that all of the June 2013 Super

Expo exhibition booths have been sold. That is, covering

each of the four halls in the Gold Coast Exhibition

Centre.

This is an excellent achievement and suggests that the

broader industry, including BMAA and STA members

and individuals, have been hoping for an event

such as this. In addition to the massive support from

exhibitors we urge all other industry players to support

the exhibition by attending all or part of the event.

We will soon be circulating information on exhibition

registrations and the social events that form part of the

overall exhibition.

Suppliers to the industry have shown their support, we

need “YOU” to show your support by attending, and by

sending some of your staff as well.

Member sessionsAs you are aware STA member sessions are being

held in state capitals towards the end of this month and

in mid March. These sessions present an opportunity

for all members, and interested non-members, to

hear about STA initiatives and to have their say. I urge

you to come along for an update and then benefit

from networking with others in your state. Check

our website or the member newsletters for more

information regarding session dates, times and venues.

While I am talking about members and getting

involved, I would like to suggest that you consider

filling a vacant position on one of the various sub

committees or nominate for the STA Committee of

Management. There will be three COM vacancies

this year in June. Working with the COM is extremely

rewarding and I commend it to anyone considering

it. While there is some work involved, the sense of

achievement - of putting something back into the

industry - is most worthwhile. We can all criticise

from the sidelines. If you have ideas, let us know, get

involved, provide suggestions and positive solutions.

Welcome back all. Enjoy this issue of Connections

and keep an eye out for the member newsletters from

STA Manager Ana Drougas and myself, stay involved

in the association. After all, you only get out what you

put in.

lance st hill

Australia’s Best Selection of Industrial and Commercial TextilesCombining 30 years of experience with Australia’s best selection of industrial and commercial textiles, Ricky Richards is the most trusted source for a variety of products.

For fabrics for tarpaulins, caravan and camping, tents and marquees and agriculture and horticulture, to sports equipment and window furnishing, we have the expertise and inventory to get you what you need, when you need it.

Take comfort in our experience and talk with our friendly team.

Explore the Ricky way, today!

Ricky Richards (Sales) Pty Ltd 16 Park Road Homebush NSW 2140 Phone: 02 9735 3333 Fax: 02 9735 3311 www.rickyrichards.com.au

PVC

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Industrial ad.indd 1 12/02/13 1:48 PM

4 · CONNECTIONS

Welcome to our first issue of Connections for 2013.

As I am writing, I am trying not to reflect too much on

the year that has passed but rather look forward with

optimism for the year that is already passing us by so

very quickly!

So far this year, reports are showing that

Australian manufacturing has ensured a slow start

to the year, natural disasters have continued to

plague our country, unemployment figures are

continually rising, our skilled workforce is reducing

… all of which leaves me wondering what 2013

will actually bring with it. Will it be as challenging

as 2012?

Manufacturing employs nearly one million

Australians and is a central part of a resilient, diverse

and broad-based economy. It faces challenges from

the high Australian dollar, economic weakness in

Europe and intense global competition.

The September Federal electionWith our Prime Minister having called an election for

14 September this year, I wonder how much hope we

are placing on the election to bring about necessary

changes to our industry and country. I would be

interested to hear what your thoughts are on the

election and your predictions for the year ahead and

its effects on our industry.

While the months ahead may not bring about the changes

we would like to see in our country, I am certain of one

thing. Change is about to take place within our association

and industry. Our year ahead looks to be an exciting and

positive one. 2013 will bring to fruition the release of our

industry Accreditation Program, a combined SuperExpo

(BMAA and STA) and commencement of specific industry

training just to name a few of the great things we have in

store for this year!.

We anticipate introducing a basic accreditation

program for members on April 1 to coincide with the

new membership year. Members have contributed over

the past few months by providing feedback on the draft

STAMATTERS

A recap on recent and upcoming association activities.

COMING UP IN CONNECTIONSEach issue of Connections features two or more specialist articles that focus on an industry sector. Upcoming features are as follows:

April/May 2013 Blinds and awnings, Transport and tarpsJune/July 2013 Tents and marquees Sail makers and tension structuresIf you would like to be involved in any of these features by providing commentary or insights please contact the editor Nicola.card@commstrat.com.au

Our year ahead is

looking to be an exciting

and positive one. 2013 will

bring to fruition the release of our industry

Accreditation Program, a

combined SuperExpo (BMAA and

STA) and commencement

of specific industry training

just to name a few.”

specialised textiles association The STA diary

Sydney – (02) 9669 3333 • newcaStle – (02) 4957 7766 • Melbourne – (03) 9545 5588briSbane – (07) 3387 8500 • adelaide – (08) 8260 1055 • Perth – (08) 9376 2666

darwin – (08) 8981 1555 • www.NolanUDA.com.au

We’ve always got you covered!

• Blinds & Awnings • Covers & Tarpaulins • Marquee & Tenting • Banners & Billboards • Shade Sails & Structures

• Architectural Fabrics • Motor & Marine • Solar Protection • Sporting Equipment

• Fasteners, Fittings & Accessories

Looking for a supplier to solve your industrial fabrics requirements...

the answer is

6 · CONNECTIONS

STAMATTERS

questionnaire which has now been

finalised and will become the basis

of the accreditation application

form. If successful, applicants will

become either a Level 1, Level 2

or Level 3 accredited member.

Accreditation will only be open to

current financial STA members and

will target businesses rather than

individuals.

SuperExpo 2013Another major item on our agenda

for the year is the June 5 to 7

SuperExpo 2013 - a collaborative

trade event between STA and BMAA.

Trade Exhibition space for this event

is now full and work is underway

for the conference program for the

event. The SuperExpo will bring

together industry professionals

looking for information on industry

trends, research, technology and

product advancements in all areas of

our industry.

Mark the dates in your diary

to attend the Australian textile

industry's largest traded exhibition

showcasing the latest trends and

innovative designs, products and

services on display by industry

leaders. Further information can be

obtained on the SuperExpo website

at www.SuperExpo2013.com.au

Training initiativesAfter a tremendous amount of work

and time invested by STA, NSW

TAFE and a hard working group

of member volunteers, the first

round of trainees enrolled for the

Certificate II Blinds Awnings course

which took place on Thursday

February 21.

The Certificate II in Blinds and

Awnings (targeting Shade Sail

installation) consists of fourteen (14)

Units of Competency with 6 Core

and 8 Elective units required to be

satisfied, to receive the qualification.

If your company has identified

a training need in the installation

of blinds, awnings and shade

structures and wasn't part of this

round of funding, please contact

our office as additional training

positions have become available.

Awards for Excellence 2013Before I sign off, I would like

to remind you that Awards for

Excellence categories and entry

criteria have been revised. By the

time this issue has been mailed, all

members will have received relevant

information on how to enter this

year’s Awards for Excellence.

The STA Awards for Excellence

offer members the opportunity

to showcase their technical skills,

design excellence and innovation to

the entire industry.

This year's Awards for Excellence

dinner will be taking place on

Wednesday June 5 on the Gold

Coast. So members, get those

entries in!

STA COUNCIL OF MANAgEMENT

SPECIALISED TEXTILES ASSoCIATIon InC.Suite 201, 22 St Kilda RdSt Kilda, Vic 3182 Ph: (03) 9521 2114Local Call: 1300 555 787Facsimile: (03) 9521 2116Email: ana@specialisedtextiles.com.au

Web: www.specialisedtextiles.com.au

ASSoCIATIon MAnAGERana drougas Email: ana@specialisedtextiles.com.au

PRESIDEnT lance st hill Fabric Solutions Australia Pty Ltd PO Box 6283 Yatala DC Qld 4207 Mobile: 0400 103 534 Ph: (07) 3807 0200 Fax: (07) 3807 8217 Email: lances@fabricsolutions.com.au

CoUnCILLoRSKent WilliamsonRoyal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT)25 Dawson Street Brunswick, Vic 3056Ph: (03) 9925 9182 Fax: (03) 9925 9129Email: kent.williamson@rmit.edu.au www.rmit.edu.au

gary smithCampbell & Heeps5/125 Highbury Rd, Burwood, Vic 3125 Mobile: 0419 311 899Ph: (03) 98086911Fax: (03) 9808 3148 Email: gsmith@campbellheeps.com.au

tom gastin Pattons—Textile Fabrication80 McDougall St, Kirribilli, NSW, 2061 Mobile: 0414 952 007 Ph: (02) 9955 2563 or 1300 799 980 Fax: (02) 9959 3158 Email: tom@pattons.com.au

david burtonRicky Richards16 Park Road, Homebush NSW 2140Ph: 02 9735 3333Fax: 02 9735 3311Email: David.burton@rickyrichards.com.au

Jamie howardTotal Shade Solutions4 Aldinga St, Brendale QldPh: 07 3889 7200 Fax: 07 3889 8865Email: Jamie@totalshadesolutions.com.au

ConneCtions MAGAzInEAdvertising submissions: yuri@commstrat.com.auPh: 03 8534 5008

Editorial: Nicola Cardnicola.card@commstrat.com.au

Below: The SuperExpo 2013 will be held at the gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre from June 5 to 7.

8 · CONNECTIONS

MeMber neWs

Looking for a colourful addition to your

backyard barbecue? You need go no further

than Color my Barbecue, the fledgling business

launched by Newcastle resident turned

entrepreneur Sarah Thomas. If her dreams and

efforts come to fruition, BBQs across the nation

could well take on a bright new look.

Many months ago, after coming up with an idea

to create and market a colourful range of covers,

Sarah approached her friend and fabricator Dan

Hunt of Macdiarmid Sails in Belmont, Newcastle.

“I told him about my ‘want’ for a colour outside

the square and he loved it! I also mentioned that

I wanted to source a quality material that could

withstand strong winds and storms,” Sarah told

Connections. “Dan immediately recommended a

tough Wax Converters Textiles’ product, saying it

would fit the bill perfectly.

“I set to work cutting the covers which are

available in two sizes, one for hooded four burner

barbecues and the other for larger six burners as

my research indicated these are the most popular

sizes, however others can be made to order.”

Sarah manages all measuring and cutting of

covers before passing the material on to Dan

for stitching.

brand-tastic “Our first cover was ‘tomato sauce’ and

everyone who saw it said it had the ‘wow

factor’ so I had to go for it. I later rang Dan

to ask about the availability of other colours

and originally chose 11, including beetroot,

sunflower, grass, lagoon, ocean and gumleaf,

but have since added lollipop pink and

purplicious – suggested by my five year old

niece! – to the range. I just changed the names

to reflect Aussie culture.

“I have been granted a license to use the

‘Australian made’ logo in my advertising and

since my family owns ‘Waratah park/Skippy’ I

am really keen to keep it all Australian made.”

Home grown expertise and quality is close

to the heart of the crew at WCT.

James Kelman said “This fabric is a stock

line item available in 23 colours – and

Sarah is offering every single colour for the

barbecue!”

He explained that fabric construction is

so tough that “When tested to regular tear

method it cannot be torn. It is a unique

construction, very strong.”

spice up your barbecue

Sarah proudly models the very popular Tomato sauce cover.

ArchitecturAl

Solar protection

marine / automotive

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ph + 61 3 9551 8722 email innova@innova.com.au web innova.com.au

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our brands, your future

10 · CONNECTIONS

While many people were relaxing at the beach or in backyards during the festive season of

late last year, hard working staff at Wax Converter Textiles were on the move, relocating their

distribution centre from Lidcombe in Sydney’s west to Rutherford in the Hunter Valley.

James Kelman explained that after many years spent operating one business across two

locations, they decided the time was right to consolidate the burgeoning textile business.

“All Wax Converter operations – manufacturing and distribution – are now at the one site in the

Hunter Valley where we have installed a new warehouse and distribution centre. The Valley’s hub

is in nearby Newcastle and its large freight companies so we can now get to the market faster

and more effectively than before.

“It makes a lot of sense and it is much easier to control operations on one site,” said James, who

then had to forfeit time off over the Australia Day long weekend to move his young family from

Sydney to the Hunter Valley. No small feat, given James is now proud father to four children under

seven, with the youngest Kelman born in November 2012.

Wax converter’s consolidation

MeMber neWs

Known as Endeavour 600gsm the tarpaulin

quality fabric is UV stabilised, waterproof

and anti mildew with an easy clean finish.

Appropriately too, it is flame retardant.

“The fabric has a five year warranty as a

fixed cover material but not as a tarpaulin

which can be flapping around in any

environment. Due to the large colour range it

has picked up many uses in sporting goods

such as goal posts, tackle bags and shields,

and of course barbecue covers, but most of

our Endeavour 600 is taken up for tarpaulins

and covers.”

Back to Sandra who currently runs a well

established home cleaning business but now

holds a dream for Colour my BBQ to enable

her to move on.

“I've dribbled it onto Facebook on the quiet

this week only to be overwhelmed by 386 hits

already with 15 orders in the wings waiting for

me to hit the green light, hopefully a sign of

things to come!” she enthused.

To help turn her dream into reality Sarah

enlisted the marketing expertise of well known

industry identity Connie Hellyer of One Link

Agencies.

For more information: www.

colourmybbqcovers.com.au

www.waxcon.com.au

Connie Hellyar of One Link Agencies can be

contacted on 0404 086 158 or at connie@

onelinkagencies.com.au

For more member news see page 45

Just some of the colours in the WCT Endeavour 600 swatch.

Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre

5-7 June 2013 Visit Australia’s largest trade exhibition and conference for the window furnishings & specialised textiles industries.

Showcasing the latest trends and innovative designs, products and services on display by industry leaders.

Networking events and business sessions will also be taking place during SuperExpo2013.

Check out the full program online atwww.superexpo2013.com.au

Inspira t ion in design & tex t i les!EXPOSUPER 2013 A S S O C I A T I O N

BLIND MANUFACTURERS’ ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA

INVITAT

ION

Platinum Sponsor

Silver Sponsors

Bronze Sponsors

Gold Sponsors

Presented by

12 · CONNECTIONS

A series of industry initiatives are aimed at creating more sustainable practices. Here we look at some “greener” textiles … and some nice looking urban walls. By Nicola Card.

sustainability and green-ability

The word ‘sustainability’ is bandied around a fair bit, but as someone

said, “A universally accepted definition of sustainability remains

elusive”. Taking up the challenge, we checked various references to

present ‘sustainability’ thus: the ability for endurance, for planet earth

to continue maintaining quality of life and well being in environmental,

economic, and social spheres without compromising the future well

being of the planet or its people.

A good example of what is not sustainable is Beijing’s atmosphere: smog

levels recently rocketed to the suffocatingly high 886 micrograms per

cubic metre. Putting that in context, the “acceptable” level of fine particles

in the air is no more than 25, and once the dial hits 300 the air is described

as hazardous. “Officially 886 is off the charts for dangerous air quality,”

someone commented. “This is the worst ever air pollution in history …

more people now realise sustainability is a matter of life and death.”

Leading the chargeBeijing seems a long way from Australia but a wave of diverse activities

in the textiles industry underpin sustainable development, and Technical

Textiles and Nonwoven Association Executive Manager Kerryn Caulfield

told Connections that ‘lightweighting’ was a focus of efforts.

“Lightweighting covers all textile technology including fibre and

yarn production, knitting, weaving and non woven production across

all synthetic and natural raw materials,” she said. “It has profound

application in many areas including the military, and in other areas they

are using textiles as the solution for [reducing] energy usage.”

Late last year TTNA announced that ‘lifecycle thinking’ was being

applied to identify areas important to lightweight and to determine other

design strategies to reduce material use and the embodied energy

within products.

The organisation is conducting an analysis of fibre and textile

lightweighting technology on manufactured componentry that will

conclude with recommendations for integration into fibre and textile

industry and eventually be applied to the manufacture of commercially

viable lightweight products, Kerryn told Connections. “Mindful of meeting

stringent carbon emissions target and reducing fuel consumption.”

SPECIALFEATURE

FEBRUARY • MARCH 2013 · 13

TTNA is taking the reins by providing technical

training aimed at helping manufacturers to better

understand the changing marketplace and moves

toward lightweighting.

The trend is no stranger to Wax Converter Textiles

which, through its network of industry contacts and

intelligence and R+D efforts outcomes, is at the

forefront of advances in lightweight materials destined

for a range of applications.

James Kelman cited an example, saying “Ten years

ago most tents were made using a 12 ounce roofing

fabric which was also used in walls. This progressed

to 8 ounce walling … and these days it had reduced

again to 8 ounce roofing and 6 ounce walling.”

Quality has not diminished; with technological

advances fabrics are more durable than ever.

“These tents are much lighter weight, and larger

tents can fold into a same sized area. They fabrics

are also used for flip-out, off-road camper trailers.

This area has undergone a boom in the past ten years

and most manufacturers are now using lighter weight

materials.”

James added that in other PVC developments, WCT

has a capability to produce a 10 kg psm security

screen which is in demand at airports.

He also revealed that in mid march WCT is

launching a new, lighter weight fabric weighing just

440gsm called Duralight 440. Stay tuned for more

details on this, once distributors and suppliers have

been notified.

A salient reminder that once Nylex closed its doors,

WCT became the only Australian manufacturer of

outdoor industrial PVC fabric.

But like it or not, the spotlight often lands on PVC/

Polyvinyl chloride/ ‘vinyl’, which dumped in landfill

poses environmental threats due to its chlorine and

other contents. The good news is that given its long

lasting, durable nature, around 80% of PVC is destined

for use in products which notch up a lifespan of

between 15 and 100 years.

But what of PVC waste in off-cuts in the factory or

plant? More efforts to curb and contain are being

initiated, such as the European PVC industry’s

VinylPlus, a 10-year sustainable development program

complemented by awareness and understanding. And

Europe is home to PVC recycling plants

Cleaning up PVCDeveloped by Solvay, the Vinyloop© process is a

mechanical recycling process using an organic

solvent to separate the PVC compound from other

types of plastic waste or from the other materials in

a PVC composite. Solvents and separation enable

recovery of all the components of the original PVC

formulation in a suspension and eventually the humid

PVC compound is dried with hot air and ready to be

reused. Meanwhile the solvent is regenerated by a

multi-step condensation and separation process, and

is entirely recycled.

The first Vinyloop© plant was built in Italy in 2001 to

treat post-consumer PVC cable waste. More recently

a specific recycling technology called Texyloop®,

based on the Vinyloop© process has been developed

and a recycling plant is now operational in Europe.

Aussie first - Texyloop: Innova Ferrari recycling plant

During the past 12 months, Innova International

has invested considerable time promoting the

Texyloop® recycling process to architects, specifiers

and fabricators. To date in Australia 9000 square

meters of ‘retired’ architectural fabric has been

collected from projects nationwide and is being

stored and awaiting transfer at Innova’s Melbourne

collection depot, with more material being collected

during 2013, Chris Arkell told Connections.

green wall design by Patrick Blanc: Vertical garden Trio at Camperdown,

courtesy of Frasers Property.

14 · CONNECTIONS

Innova plans to return containers with recyclable materials to Europe in

the next few months, once target fabric quantities have been collected.

The company is also investigating methods of increasing packing

efficiency for shipping by using bailing and shredding equipment to

reduce the environmental impact of the transportation.

Those attending the 2012 STA Exhibition in Melbourne will have

noticed a series of Texyloop® recycling bins placed throughout the

Expo hall. Innova supplied Serge Ferrari® recyclable fabric to exhibitors

Elizabeth Machines, Pathfinder, Aeronaut and Ultracut, for demonstration

on cutting equipment and welding machinery. More than 200 square

meters of used fabric was collected for Texyloop® recycling, instead of

simply ending up in landfill.

“This was the first time an environmentally responsible disposal

method was made available to exhibitors,” Chris said. “And in another

Australian first, Helioscreen Australia in NSW became the first blind and

awning manufacturer to adopt the Texyloop® recycling program for

production waste and replaced fabric. Helioscreen started segregating

and collecting Serge Ferrari® Soltis® fabric offcuts for return to Innova in

October 2012.”

Innova has commissioned prototypes of clearly identifiable Texyloop®

bags for customer use in their premises for the collection of REACH

compliant production waste.

Recycle, re-useMelbourne based The Banner Lady proudly promotes its Satin Skins as

100% eco-friendly, with all their satin being recyclable.

In late 2011 the company started collecting satin banner off cuts, over-

runs and discontinued client banners, and supplying these to Reverse Art

Truck which provides schools, kindergartens and playgroups with a large

variety of affordable art and craft materials for various creative programs.

And that means less material is destined for landfill.

Banner Lady CEO Richard Gill told Connections “We encourage our

corporate and other customers to return old banner skins and we pass

these on to Reverse Art Truck, in turn school students and other groups

use the material for drawing or painting on, some even turn scraps into

carry bags or shopping bags.

“It gives us a good way of recycling our satins and other off-cuts that would

otherwise not be used for anything, just be dumped and end up in landfill.”

Eco-friendly satin banners and inksThe company prides itself on its range of high quality satin banners

which, using 70% less material, weigh just one third of their vinyl

counterparts and reduce energy in production and transportation.

SPECIALFEATURE

MSA saysThe Manufacturing Skills Australia’s Sustainability Issues in Textiles guide focuses on the manufacture of fabric from natural and man-made fibres – processes such as stripping, blending, dyeing and weaving or knitting. Among other things the guide illustrates how some of the processes relate to specific sustainability issues including water consumption and chemical use. Using a risk rating system the guide details some of the potentially high impact

sustainability issues.

Above: Innova Texyloop recycling in action

FEBRUARY • MARCH 2013 · 15

greener walls, better life styles a green or “living” wall which is either free-standing or integral to a building is partially or completely covered with plantations that effectively reduce overall temperatures of the building (insolation/absorption of solar radiation). and let’s face it – the back-to-nature soft look is much easier on the eye than stark grey concrete.

Matt gisler of Miami stainless told Connections about his company’s interest and development of green walls, saying that stainless steel trellis, also known as Vertical garden Mesh, green Wall garden Mesh or green Façade, is stainless steel wire in lines or patterns across an existing surface or between uprights such as walls or posts.

there is a difference between a green wall – often built with bucket like structures – and a cable trellis using stainless steel wires. the latter is not an entirely new concept, it is based on a mesh arrangement used in gardening for years but a reinvention of sorts.

“stainless steel trellis can be placed in the same green technology basket as solar panels or wind turbines as they can reduce the ‘urban heat island effect’ held by development materials such as concrete, which retain heat.

“the major advantages of green Walls over other green technology are their beauty and regulation of interior temperatures created by shading,” Matt said. “When applied specifically to vertical structures, green Walls create an insulating layer of air between the vegetation and façade which evens out temperature fluctuations and noticeably reduces heating and cooling costs.”

Matt commented that another major benefit of green Walls has been identified through psychological research. dr rachel Kaplan’s research into the impact of nature on people’s mental functioning explains the mental and physical restoration derived from nature, which has important implications for how we build our homes, work environments and cities.

“even a glimpse of nature from a window helps. in one well-known study, for instance, rachel Kaplan found that office workers with a view of nature liked their jobs more, enjoyed better health and reported greater life satisfaction!” Matt said.

types of stainless steel trellis include horizontal or vertical single wire systems or a combination of both horizontal and vertical wire to form a grid pattern which can be installed as horizontal or diagonal and a home for leaf-stem climbers, leaf climbers and scrambling plants.

green Walls and façades are increasingly popular among government entities, architects, planners, green specialists and diYer’s to create vertical gardens for decoration and to provide shade, privacy and space dividers. in some cases, even animal enclosures.

“Miami stainless is driving product innovation in cable trellis and by 2014 we will be working more with the government and councils and will have cost effective offerings for consideration,” Matt told Connections.

Further, the company uses non-solvent, vegetable based inks that

are water based and used in the printing process, are environmentally

friendly compared with oil based solvent-based inks. Dye-sublimation

printing technology ensures they can fully use the benefits of water

soluble inks which are transferred to satin fabrics using pressure and

temperatures of around 200°C.

Banner Lady stands are manufactured from high quality “100%

recyclable” lightweight aluminium which reduces emissions levels in

transportation.

Further information

Texyloop®: Innova International, ph 03 9551 8722 or email texyloop@

innova.com.au.

www.reversearttruck.com.au

www.compositesaustralia.com.au

Vinyl Council Australia’s Findings on Life Cycle Assessment

The Manufacturing Skills Australia’s Sustainability Issues in Textiles

guide

Left: Lightweight satin, used by the Banner Lady