Solmax is proud to announce that we have won top prizes in the Water and Site Development categories at the 2024 International Achievement Awards (IAA), hosted by the Advanced Textiles Association® (ATA). These prestigious awards recognize innovation and excellence in specialty fabrics and technical textiles, and we are honored to be among the industry’s best.
We are especially proud of the recognition for our PROPEX® Armormax® system, which received the 2024 Award of Excellence in both the Site Development and Water categories.
Award of Excellence: Site Development – Yerba Buena Island, San Francisco Bay
Our PROPEX Armormax system played a vital role in stabilizing a critical 67-degree slope on Yerba Buena Island following heavy rainfall that caused severe erosion. Part of a $1.5 billion redevelopment project, the work required a solution to protect a slope containing a sanitary sewer line and a primary natural gas pipeline. PROPEX Armormax provided surficial slope stabilization and erosion protection, using Engineered Earth Anchors and PROPEX Pyramat® 75 High Performance Turf Reinforcement Mat (HPTRM) to enhance the slope’s safety. The installation, completed in 2022, ensured the protection of critical infrastructure without road closures, and the solution has since been applied to three additional sites on the island.
Award of Excellence: Water – El Maximo Ranch, Florida
In the Water category, PROPEX Armormax provided a sustainable solution for water management at El Maximo Ranch, Florida. The project involved constructing 40 earthen weirs designed to reduce hydraulic stresses as water moved through culverts within the Kissimmee River basin. PROPEX Armormax was chosen over traditional concrete for its significantly lower carbon footprint - up to 30% less than concrete- and its ability to support vegetated reinforcement, promoting a living shoreline that enhances water quality. The system has successfully endured multiple tropical downpours, maintained the structural integrity of the weirs and contributed to South Florida’s clean water initiative.
"Winning these awards is a testament to our commitment to delivering sustainable, high-performance solutions," said John Henderson, President – Americas at Solmax. "It highlights the dedication and innovation of our team in addressing complex challenges and advancing environmental stewardship.”
The IAA highlights the transformative role of specialty fabrics across the $130 billion global textiles market. This year’s competition attracted over 202 entries across 46 categories, with winners selected by a panel of industry experts, editors, architects, educators, and design professionals. Each entry was judged on complexity, design, workmanship, uniqueness, and functionality. Being recognized by the IAA further solidifies our leadership in delivering advanced materials that address real-world challenges.
