R&D explores nonfabric materials

	The HYPS8820 model from Zhuhai Xinhongye is made of 100% polyester.

China suppliers of drapery and table linen are highlighting visual and product performance enhancements to strengthen competitiveness further. Many are varying material choices and patterns, veering away from traditional designs with nonfabric models and 3D motifs.

Some companies are offering curtains made of stainless steel, and aluminum alloy wires and mesh. Such unconventional pieces result in a modern or industrial look. Listing for $40 to $70 per square meter, these are more expensive than upscale versions.

Several manufacturers are also using PMMA beads of different shapes and colors in window covers. The products are handwoven, creating various patterns.

Natural materials are being employed as well, in line with the “green” trend. In addition to utilizing bamboo, which has become an industry staple, companies are adopting other grass types and reeds. These curtains, priced between $5 and $25 per meter, are commonly installed in dining rooms and restaurants.

There are also makers that will direct efforts toward strengthening R&D. Manufacturers such as Wuqiao Yida Import and Export Co. Ltd will launch more new models to attract orders.

Suppliers are developing designs for fabric pieces that still dominate the line. The current trend of 3D motifs embodies this endeavor. For its drapery selection, Dalian Yi Xin Textiles I/E Co. Ltd uses a two-layer woven cloth in PP and polyester. The resultant texture and detail provide a stereoscopic feel.

Together with a few other manufacturers, Dalian Yi Xin offers table linen with handmade cutwork as well. Designers create the patterns, while skilled workers handle the actual embroidery manually. These models, going for $2 to $10, are shipped to the US, Japan and Europe.

The style is also evident in plastic versions. Some enterprises, including Dongguan Yajule Daily Necessity Co. Ltd, have released transparent table linen with embossed decorations, giving the pieces such effect.

Besides visual appeal, product performance drives development initiatives, with suppliers boosting their use of functional fabric. Zhuhai Xinhongye Home Textile Co. Ltd, for instance, offers a thick gilded version that also acts as a blackout curtain. It is priced at $7.16.

To increase durability and colorfastness, the manufacturer likewise employs gold thread weaving. In addition to enhancing decorative quality, the process allows designs to hold shape better. The updated pieces from Zhuhai Xinhongye go for $9.70 to $21.76.

Meanwhile, most table linen suppliers offer products with a PVC surface and nonwoven cotton back to make the models softer and easier to fold. These items, together with polyester alternatives, are faster to clean, and resist oil and water.

Addressing safety concerns, several companies are now utilizing flame-retardant fabric for both table linen and drapery. Many are chemically treated. Pieces adoptingsuch textiles are quoted at $2 to $5 per meter.

Drapery
Table linen
Labor & material shortage

	Dongguan Yajule’s SZ-2694 model uses 0.3mm-thick PVC.

For window curtains, China suppliers are generally utilizing polyester, T/C, flax and ramie. The first two fabric types are employed the most because of their colorfastness, opacity and drop. Prices range from $2 to $20 per meter. Pieces made of 100 percent polyester from Dalian Yi Xin measure 145x220cm and go for $5.30.

Premium models in pure silk and rayon are quoted from $17 to $60 per meter. Upscale designs boast elegant patterns. Some companies utilize fabric from Europe, the US, South Korea and Japan. Gold, brown and purple are the best-selling colors. In sets, matching lining, valances and swags are included.

Low-end and midrange versions do not have accessories, except for several higher-priced pieces. Typically, products in these segments are in green, blue, yellow and orange. Floral, plant, animal, cartoon and flowing water are among the top themes.

Models in grass variants are offered, adding elements of nature to the space.

Under this category, bamboo curtains are the most-popular. China is the largest manufacturer of the material, with a total forest area of 500 million hectares.

Tab-top drapery is a trend. Most are in plain and fresh hues such as green and white. Swags are not included. In contrast, balance curtains, which are also in fashion, come with the attachment and are in polychrome fabric. Dalian Yi Xin offers both styles at $5.30 to $6 and $7 to $7.40 per set, respectively.

Selections from China consist of plastic and textile versions. Both types are suitable for dining and tea tables.

Pieces for smaller furniture come in 92x92, 92x142 and 142x142cm. Units measuring 182x142 and 222x142cm are available for dining tables. Options in the latter size are priced 50 percent higher than 142x142cm designs.

EVA, PEVA and PP are commonly used in plastic models. PVC is employed the most because it is widely produced in the country. The pieces are quoted from $0.50 to $5, depending heavily on material thickness. For example, a 60x0.15cm version is priced at $3, while a 60x0.25cm alternative goes for $5.

In the meantime, fabric table linen is suitable for home decoration. Variants in floral and Christmas themes are best-sellers. T/C, polyester taffeta and ramie, and flax are among the popular textile choices. Cotton and polyester designs, however, are greatest in number.

The quotes are between $0.50 and $3 for 3sqm products, and reach $20 for options up to 6sqm.

Models of the same size vary considerably in price based on fabric and finishes. Polyester jacquard releases go for $1 to $5. The range also applies to pieces in T/C, but machine-embroidered versions are from $3 to $10. When the process is done by hand on table linen made of flax, the quotes are between $5 and $20.

The minimum wage increases imposed by the government are putting pressure on suppliers.

From January to July 2010, 24 provinces have raised the basic salary by at least 10 percent. In some areas, the adjustment even exceeded 20 percent. These are attempts at winning back employees who moved to their hometowns and inland cities because of the higher pay and lower cost of living.

Guangdong and Zhejiang provinces started experiencing the manpower deficit after the 2010 Spring Festival. The localities’ respective governments have since increased wages by 20 to 30 percent.

To offset the effects of the labor shortage, several suppliers, including Zhejiang Newfine Industry Co. Ltd, plan to reduce the workforce and use additional automatic machines instead.

Dalian Yi Xin has rearranged employee designation, promoting specializations to improve operating efficiency.

Meanwhile, scarce supply is pushing up the cost of raw materials. Outlay has typically increased between 20 and 40 percent from the previous cycle.

Cotton, for instance, started below $1,500 per ton in early 2009. By September that year, it reached $2,000, then climbed to $2,700 in mid-2010. This is the highest level recorded.

The numbers are predicted to descend in the second half of the year when harvest season starts. The yield is expected to address the shortage and stabilize costs.

Prices are affected by climbing labor and material spending. In the past three months, quotes climbed 3 to 10 percent. Another 5 to 8 percent increment is anticipated in the near future.