New awning hues and more

The Nolan Group

In the competitive world of window furnishings, some partnerships stand the test of time – one is the collaboration is between the Nolan Group and Dickson – a relationship that spans more than 30 years, according to Yann Simon, Regional Manager at Glen Raven, the brand whose products are distributed by The Nolan Group in Australia.

“This long-standing partnership is not only a testament to both companies’ commitment to quality, reliability, forward-thinking innovation, and exceptional customer support, but also to their shared vision of delivering high-performance solutions tailored to the Australian window furnishings market. 

“The Nolan Group has a very strong record of aligning with leading brands and we are grateful to have them distributing our products in Australia,” says Simon. “We have fostered a bond between our two family-owned companies that optimise the service and products available to Australian retailers, manufacturers, and designers and we look forward to taking both businesses to new heights.” 

The Australian market continues to evolve, with design trends and customer needs shifting rapidly. To meet this demand, the new Dickson Orchestra Acrylic range available from the Nolan Group introduces over 40 new colours, expanding the possibilities for both residential and commercial projects. 

Moving beyond traditional block colours and jacquard patterns, the latest collection of Dickson Orchestra Acrylic available from the Nolan Group is leading the way with luxurious, textured solids and sophisticated contemporary stripes, offering a fresh take on outdoor shading solutions.

The Dickson Orchestra range includes three fabric options: Orchestra in 120cm, the waterproof MAX in 120cm, and the 320cm-wide Dickson Infinity fabric. 

Tim Bell, National Manager for Blinds & Awnings at the Nolan Group notes that, “with the introduction of the Dickson Infinity fabric in 320cm widths, fabricators can now reduce fabrication time and offer larger, more protective awnings.” 

Additionally, Dickson has developed a fire-retardant Spark FR fabric ideal for commercial spaces and multi-story developments. Made from SunAcryl acrylic fibres, these fabrics are solution-dyed for long-lasting vibrancy and superior UV resistance. 

The Outdoor Cleangard coating offers enhanced water repellency and dirt resistance, keeping the fabrics looking new year after year. 

Cam Peck, National Operations Manager at the Nolan Group, tells WFA that The Nolan Group ensures fast, efficient distribution of Dickson fabrics with a focus on stock availability, quality assurance and quick turnaround times. 

“We’re committed to providing our customers with the best in both product quality and service,” says Peck. “By shipping Dickson rolls in cardboard boxes, we prevent damage and enable faster distribution. Our logistics improvements shorten lead times, which improves our customers’ project efficiency.” 

The company notes that demand for folding arm awnings is growing, reflecting a trend towards seamless indoor-outdoor living. 

While grey hues remain ever-popular in the Australian market, consumers now favour earthy, muted tones over bold, flat-weave colours, with a preference for sophisticated textures. The Dickson Orchestra range embraces these trends, offering luxurious textures and contemporary stripes. The premium folding arm awnings featured in the Nolan Group images, were crafted by the expert team at Shade Industries on the Sunshine Coast featuring the contemporary 8935 Hardelot Beige from the Dickson Orchestra Designer collection. 

Sustainability is key for both Dickson and the Nolan Group, with eco-friendly practices like recyclable packaging. “The shift towards sustainability is evident in our customers’ needs,” explains Tim Bell. “We are seeing more demand for solutions that are not only performance-driven but also environmentally conscious, which we can achieve with Dickson.” 

“We extend our thanks to the Dickson and Glen Raven family. With new market trends, new products, new colours, and a renewed focus on sustainability, we look forward to continued growth and many more years of successful collaboration,” says Jason Mackenzie, Group Sales Manager at the Nolan Group. 

Ricky Richards

Made in Europe by a fourth generation family business, Docril represents over a century of excellence in textile manufacturing. Since Ricky introduced Docril to the Australian market in 2002, it has evolved from a small marine collection into one of the most comprehensive acrylic awning ranges available.

Docril’s roots lie in a rich tradition of textile expertise, with its origins in Europe, where it continues to be crafted with meticulous attention to detail. Manufactured by Citel, a globally respected pioneer in outdoor technical fabrics since 1875, Docril embodies both old-world craftsmanship and cutting-edge innovation. Every step of production, from spinning to finishing, takes place in their vertically integrated facility, ensuring the highest level of quality control and consistency.

Docril fabrics are made from 100% solution-dyed acrylic, making them resilient, long-lasting, and capable of withstanding the harsh Australian sun. Their advanced UV stabilisation technology ensures that Docril blocks harmful UV rays, protecting outdoor spaces while maintaining a vibrant appearance for years. With a full 10-year UV warranty, you can trust that Docril will continue to perform season after season, providing superior protection and durability.

Moreover, the fabric’s technical finish helps repel dirt, making cleaning easier and reducing long-term maintenance. Whether you’re dealing with dust, bird droppings, or other elements, a quick hose down is often all that’s needed to keep your awnings looking fresh and clean.

“One of Docril’s defining features is its extensive range of colours and designs. From classic solids to bold stripes, Docril offers an impressive variety of options to suit any aesthetic. Stripes, in particular, have surged in popularity, now making up half of the top 10 colours sold into the market. Last year, Ricky introduced a new collection of fresh coloured stripes, which have been warmly received by customers looking for a modern yet timeless look.

“While Docril is primarily used for folding arm awnings, its versatility extends far beyond that. The fabric is also widely used in traditional awnings, umbrellas, and marine applications, making it a multi-functional choice for both residential and commercial projects.

“At Ricky, we’re proud to keep the entire Docril collection stocked across all three of our warehouses. This means that whether you’re in need of an order for a commercial project or a single awning for your home, Docril is readily available to meet your needs.

“Every three seasons, the Docril collection is refreshed with new, on-trend colours, ensuring that customers have access to the latest styles. These updates, combined with the fabric’s technical capabilities, have made Docril a staple in the Australian market for over two decades. With its combination of European craftsmanship, UV protection, and easy-to-maintain finish, Docril continues to be the fabric of choice for anyone seeking reliable, stylish outdoor solutions.

“Docril’s journey from a marine fabric to one of Australia’s largest acrylic awning ranges is a testament to its versatility, durability, and timeless appeal. Whether for awnings, umbrellas, or marine covers, Docril offers an unparalleled blend of performance and style. With Ricky proudly carrying the full collection, there’s no better time to explore what Docril can do for your outdoor spaces.”

HVG

Sattler solution dyed Awning Acrylics have always been at the forefront of product innovation and this season sees the release of the Sattler Cross Fibre range, HVG confirms.

“The new Cross Fibre range addresses our need for a sustainable future by focussing on efficient resource management. Fibres that were once rejected during manufacturing are carefully collected, sorted, and spun into new yarn. This yarn is then integrated into our Cross Fibre fabric. The Cross Fibre range has the same technical properties as the Sattler Element and Sattler Lumera ranges and requires no adjustments to the fabricating process.”

The result is a range of “six stunning colours” made with sustainably sourced materials without an added cost burden.

Overall, Sattler Cross Fibre addresses increasing demand from consumers for attractive, long-lasting materials that have been engineered to lessen their overall ecological impact.

“We are fortunate in Australia. Our manufacturers produce high quality workmanship, and our product innovation is at a high level. The current market is stable but well placed for growth. No doubt demand is under pressure however sun protection is increasingly front of mind for many consumers.

The muted stripes and the use of textured patterns to create contrast in our Lumera range are trending now both here and in Europe. Natural, earthy tones in Solid colours are also in favour.

Undoubtedly higher finance costs have put downward pressure on volumes sold.

Weinor Australia 

“In line with the growing demand for eco-friendly and stylish outdoor living solutions, Weinor’s Modern Basics Blue collection offers an innovative range of Poly Awning fabrics designed with both sustainability and high performance in mind,” says Simon Meyer, Managing Director of Weinor Australia.

“Known for quality and attention to detail, Weinor’s fabric lineup is tailored to meet the needs of environmentally conscious consumers, without compromising on style or durability.”

The Modern Basics Blue collection features premium fabrics made with 85% recycled PET materials, reducing the environmental impact at every step of the production process. 

“Widely celebrated, these fabrics are outstanding innovations in Weinor’s sustainable product range. The unique upcycling process uses approximately 60% less energy and 45% fewer CO₂ emissions while conserving 90% more water compared to conventional dyeing methods.

“Each metre of fabric is crafted from recycled PET bottles, promoting upcycling and responsible use of resources. For instance, about 328 bottles are used to produce 21m² of fabric, contributing significantly to waste reduction.

The fabrics also boast UV protection with UPF 50+ ratings, blocking 98% of radiation, while a Teflon finish repels dirt, ensuring they remain vibrant and easy to maintain even under outdoor conditions. The longevity of the fabric reduces the need for replacement, adding another layer of sustainability.

Meyer adds that the collection’s 16 on-trend patterns offer versatility, featuring options from lively stripes and linen-like textures to neutral, sandy tones and petrol greens. These options cater to diverse design preferences, allowing homeowners to choose bold accent patterns or subtle, nature-inspired hues that seamlessly integrate with contemporary outdoor aesthetics.

“The Modern Basics Blue collection addresses a growing gap in the market for environmentally responsible outdoor fabrics. While most Awning fabrics focus on durability or aesthetics, this collection combines both with a sustainable manufacturing approach,” says Meyer. “By using recycled materials and advanced dyeing techniques that embed colour throughout each fibre, Weinor ensures lasting brilliance and resilience against fading. This makes it a top choice for consumers looking for outdoor solutions that align with their environmental values.”

“Demand for sustainable, high-quality outdoor fabrics is on the rise as more consumers prioritise eco-friendly choices for their homes. Current colour trends lean towards natural shades, with textured greys, sandy neutrals, and organic, linen-like structures adding depth to outdoor spaces. The Modern Basics Blue collection’s petrol green and subtle block stripes provide a modern twist, bringing a sense of contemporary sophistication to outdoor decor.

“While the economic downturn has impacted various sectors, the resilience of the outdoor living market reflects the continued importance of creating functional, enjoyable outdoor spaces. Rising costs of raw materials and shipping have moderated sales growth, yet demand remains steady as consumers invest in high-quality, sustainable products that promise longevity and performance. Weinor’s focus on durability and eco-friendly production methods ensures that the Modern Basics Blue collection remains a valuable, long-term addition for both homes and commercial projects.”