ANDRITZ Launches D-TECH Face Mask For The Production Of Respiratory Masks

D-TECH respiratory mask line: Automatic splicer

GRAZ, Austria — August 6, 2020 — Following successful launch of the D-TECH line for production of surgical/medical masks in April 2020, international technology Group ANDRITZ is now presenting its new D-TECH face mask line for respiratory masks, such as duckbill and flat fold respirators.

The new ANDRITZ D-TECH respiratory mask line can be customized to laminate different layers of fabric, ensuring highest quality and hygiene standards. The line comprises unwinding and guiding units for nonwoven webs, automatic splicing of all raw materials, cutting and positioning devices for the metal nose bar, an edge welding and cutting unit, a 90° rotation process, positioning and welding of the ear loop elastics, as well as quality control using the D-TECH Vision System. In addition, a broad selection of options are available for the main line. Machine dimensions can be customized according to customers’ plant requirements.

Customers benefit from a fully automated production line including complete ultrasonic technology, a facility to include printing systems, and an interface to the automatic packaging machine. Moreover, there are different packaging options available — products can be packaged in bags by an automatic flow pack machine or packed in cardboard boxes by an automatic cartoner.

The respiratory mask ensures a higher level of protection for the wearer as well as his environment due to its particle retention capacity — <0.3 µm —  and the higher-quality defined total leakage compared to conventional protective masks. Producers already operating an ANDRITZ D-TECH surgical mask line can upgrade it to produce respiratory masks with a special kit.

ANDRITZ Diatec is one of the globally leading specialists for converting machines for production of hygiene end products: diapers for children and adults, feminine hygiene, underpads, absorbent pads for the food industry, surgical face masks, and now also respiratory face masks.

Posted August 6, 2020

Source: ANDRITZ GROUP

Touchdown For Polygiene — Major Order Of Facemasks From Hakers For Dallas Cowboys

MALMÖ, Sweden — August 6, 2020 — Hakers — garment factory and mask producer is one of the largest producers of sport, outdoor garments and company uniforms in Taiwan — with customers like Champion USA, Under Armour, Marmot and Dallas Cowboys. The first order, for masks, has an order value of 2.4 million Swedish korona.

The masks will not be sold, but used by Dallas Cowboys and other organizations involved with the team. For these masks the Biostatic stays fresh technology is used, but for coming orders they are discussing use of Polygiene ViralOff for masks and other products. Treating textiles to reduce need for washing is good for both the environment and the individual.

“This is a good example of how antibacterial and antiviral functions have moved from being a concern for medical settings to something that concerns everyone post-Corona. The partnership with Hakers means that many everyday uses — and everyday concerns whether things should be washed ‘just in case’ —will not be a problem,” said Mats Georgson, CMO of Polygiene.

Hakers is listed on Taipei Exchange* with an estimated turnover of $50 million.

An article from Forbes Magazine, dated September 2, 2009, lists the Cowboys as the highest valued sports franchise in the history of the United States, and second in the world — behind Manchester United of the English Premier League — with an estimated value of approximately $1.65 billion, above the Washington Redskins ($1.5 billion) and the New England Patriots ($1.361 billion).

*The Taiwan OTC Exchange (TWO) is an alternative securities exchange in Taiwan with lower listing criteria than that the Taiwan Stock Exchange (TWSE).

Posted August 6, 2020

Source: Polygiene AB

The British Standards Institution (BSI) Survey Finds Over 60 Per Cent Of Organizations Are In The Rebuilding And Resilience Phase Of COVID-19 Recovery

LONDON — August 6, 2020 — BSI, the business improvement company, recently conducted a survey among business leaders in North America to better understand the ongoing impact of COVID-19 on organizations and evaluate their continuity efforts on the road to recovery. This survey is the second in the BSI COVID-19 Pulse Survey series, which is designed to help identify organizational pain points caused by the pandemic and provide support on the journey through the next normal. The key themes explored in the survey included:

  • Business continuity preparedness;
  • Employee health, safety, and wellbeing;
  • Supply chain concerns; and
  • Remote work preparedness.

“Our goal with these surveys is to not only gauge the pulse of the business community, but also to see where we can refine our content and efforts to help our clients, and the broader community, reopen and rebuild during this time of unprecedented change, and to provide them a path for future resilience,” said Tim Wren, Americas Commercial Director at BSI. “In fact, around the world BSI has made available essential standards like ISO 22301 (the standard for business continuity management systems), as well as safe working guidance on redefining and reconfiguring the workplace for the next normal.”

Key Findings

  • BSI has identified four key phases of the pandemic response: survive, stabilize, rebuild, and resilience. Since the first survey in April 2020, organizations have made significant progress in adjusting to, and preparing for, the next normal, with 60 per cent reporting that they are in the recovery or resilience phase; nearly 8 per cent greater than in the first survey. The number reporting they are in the survival phase dropped by half, from 10 percent to 5 percent.
  • While employee safety and sales recovery remain chief concerns for business leaders, fears for the future, such as when a vaccine will be developed and the impacts of a potential second wave of COVID-19, as well as the overall health of the economy, are much more prevalent now than in April.
  • In addition, organizations reported they’ve become much more accepting of the fact that remote working does not appear to be going away any time soon; nearly half — 47 percent — expect at least 25 percent or more of their workforce to continue to work remotely after the pandemic subsides — nearly double what the April survey showed.
  • However, due to remote working, 40 percent of respondents also cited they are experiencing increased information security issues from phishing emails and VPN overload.
  • More than six months into the pandemic, more than half of all respondents are still experiencing issues in their supply chain at the manufacturing site and nearly 30 percent of respondents are looking to make long-term changes to their supply chain including how materials are sourced and transported, underscoring the fact that organizations continue to experience ongoing, unresolved supply chain woes.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has had a substantial impact on people and communities, and organizations are facing significant disruptions and challenges. This is why BSI is working closely with governments, regulators, and organizations globally to share best practices and expertise to help them on their road to resilience.” said Wren.

The BSI COVID-19 Pulse Survey was sent to BSI’s internal client database as well as shared publicly through social media and on the BSI US website. Additional information and resources related to the COVID-19 pandemic can be found at: https://www.bsigroup.com/en-US/topics/novel-coronavirus-covid-19/

Posted August 6, 2020

Source: The British Standards Institution (BSI)

Gerber Technology Celebrates 30 Years Of Innovation In Portugal

VILA NOVA DE GAIA, Portugal — August 6, 2020 — Gerber Technology is celebrating 30 years of customer experience, innovation and growth through its European headquarters in Portugal. Since 1990, Portugal has been the European headquarters for the global leader of integrated manufacturing platforms and currently services more than 4,000 customers across the region. In that time, Gerber has heavily invested in their industry-leading technologies, developed the Milan Innovation Center and completely reinvented itself for the digital age. Gerber’s success in Europe is largely due to their diverse customer base who are leading the industry by leveraging the most cutting-edge innovations.

“Gerber is a partner that has well adapted to the reality of companies in Portugal, both in innovation and productivity,” said Francisco Batista, CEO of the CBI Group, a Gerber customer since 1997. “Gerber offers a good compromise between forefront technology but also to tradition and competitiveness that Portuguese industries need.

“Over the last 30 years, Gerber Portugal has grown tremendously,” said Francisco Aguiar, sales director of Gerber Technology Portugal. “The company has a team of specialists that deeply understands the markets and the needs of customers. We have a very deep knowledge of the challenges and evolution of the industry and the business of our clients. The long-term relationships we have developed over these 30 years in Portugal are an asset for all our European customers that helps them to remain among the most competitive.”

Over the last few decades the Portuguese apparel industry has been able to thoroughly review its strategy and has recently experienced sustainable growth as a result. Gerber has invested heavily in 2D/3D CAD, PLM and digital cutting which has helped European brand, manufacturers and retailers differentiate themselves. By leveraging Gerber’s solution, European Gerber customers have increased the interest of global brands, particularly those in the luxury sector, which require more sophisticated and innovative products.

Gerber has a mission to help push the industries forward by being at the forefront of innovation and customer experience. During these unprecedented times, Gerber is not only offering the digital innovations that companies need to succeed, but is also supporting them by helping them convert their supply chains to production of personal protective equipment (PPE). Gerber is providing the resources and support European companies need to successfully develop masks, face shields, gowns and more. Since its inception, the Gerber PPE Task Force has helped over 500 European companies pivot to PPE.

With continued strong investment, Gerber will completely transform the manufacturing process through advanced hardware and software solutions that enable their customers to take on challenges such as on-demand, personalization and made-to-measure. The undisputed leader of connected platforms is continuing to advance their integrated ecosystem by heavily investing in 3D, digital printing workflows, innovative digital cutting solutions backed by IoT, Industry 4.0 technologies and subscription options to meet the needs of all their customers.

“The goal of our end-to-end solutions is to integrate data, processes and team work,” said Aguiar. “Currently, companies have several systems and tools to support their processes. Our goal is to help our customers digitalize their entire supply chain, allowing them to collaborate virtually more efficiently and profitably”.

Gerber is the best partner today in helping companies navigate the post-pandemic world by providing them with the tools and insight to thrive in the face of adversity. By leveraging Gerber’s end-to-end solution, European brands, retailers and manufacturers are able to optimize production for sustainable, on-demand or short to mass production while improving their relationships with their customers.

Posted August 6, 2020

Source: Gerber Technology

John Edelman Appointed As Executive Chairman Of The Board At The Crypton® Companies

BLOOMFIELD HILLS, Mich. — August 5, 2020 — The Crypton Companies — Crypton LLC & Nanotex LLC — are providers of performance textile technologies in the contract, home furnishings, and apparel markets and the only fabric approved by the EPA to be disinfected (Crypton Fabric), is pleased to announce that its board of directors has appointed industry veteran John Edelman to serve as executive chairman of the board, effective immediately.

Edelman has decades of experience in all aspects of the design business and is a respected advocate in the design community.

From 2010-2019, Edelman was the CEO of Design Within Reach and Herman Miller Consumer group. He transformed that business from one that was struggling with sales and identity to a profitable, recognized, global design leader. Prior to that, he was president of Edelman Leather and served on the Board of Directors of Waterworks. He brings this vast wealth of knowledge, industry experience and a proven track record of positioning companies for strategic growth and successful outcomes to the Crypton Companies.

Edelman serves on the board of directors of Be Original Americas, DIFFA (Design Industry Foundation for the Fight of AIDS), and the Design Leadership Network. He also sits on numerous advisory councils including the Phillip Johnson Glass House.

“I could not be happier to have John join as executive chairman of the board. I’ve known him for more than a decade and have long admired his dedication to excellence. His unique leadership has led to the creation of exceptional value in every organization he has helmed. He will serve as a strategic advisor and help guide the implementation of Crypton’s growth strategy. I look forward to working closely with him as we continue to expand Crypton’s reach in innovating and delivering best-in-class performance textile technologies,” said Lance Keziah, president and CEO of Crypton.

Edelman stated: “I look forward to this new role with Crypton, a brand I respect for its long history of innovation and integrity. Crypton is a category leader in textile technologies and has tremendous growth potential across existing verticals, and I look forward to working with them to discover new paths for future growth.”

Posted August 5, 2020

Source: The Crypton Companies

Shaw Industries Announces Virtual Convention Series In 2021

DALTON, Ga. — August 5, 2020 — Shaw Industries Group Inc. has announced plans to host a series of virtual events as an alternative to its traditional biennial convention for its Shaw Flooring Network (SFN) of aligned retailers. Previously scheduled for January 2021 in Orlando, Fla., the 2021 SFN Convention will now kick-off Tuesday, September 1, 2020, at 2 p.m. EST with former Navy Seal and best-selling author Jocko Willink as a guest speaker.

“Our vision is to make it easier for our retail partners to do more business,” explained Danny Crutchfield, vice president of the Shaw Flooring Network. “With all that is happening in the world, that vision has never been more important. The challenges of 2020 have forced us to think differently and explore new ways to experience the SFN Convention. We decided not to gather in Orlando in 2021 to ensure the safety of our customers and their families, but we’re committed to maintaining the spirit of the event in an entirely new way.”

The company announced its plans to its SFN customers last month, highlighting the need for creativity and imagination in the face of sudden and immediate change with guest speakers Harris III and former-college-football-player-turned-inspirational-speaker Inky Johnson. Harris III, a popular storyteller, illusionist and keynote speaker who has worked with other prominent organizations like NASA, Microsoft and Chick-Fil-A, will emcee the 2021 SFN Virtual Convention Series.

“Being able to lean into the network for ideas and best practices is the hallmark of Convention,” says Dana Park, co-owner of Great Western Flooring in Napierville, Ill. “We have so much to gain and learn from each other and we’re excited to have the opportunity to do that all year, instead of just in January.”

The first virtual event in the series will take place Tuesday, September 1, 2020, at 2 p.m. EST, with additional 90-minute virtual events in October and November. An even more robust virtual experience is slated for January 2021.

“It’s certainly different, but it’s refreshing to think we can connect more often,” said Rebecca Laspada, co-owner of Direct Carpet Unlimited in San Marcos and Oceanside, Calif. “Having access to resources even earlier gives busy store owners more time to breathe. It’s good to be teamed up with Shaw.”

For more information on the 2021 SFN Virtual Convention Series and to watch the announcement to customers, visit SFNLive.com. Customers can sign into their ShawNow® account closer to the event for more details.

Posted August 5, 2020

Source: Shaw Industries Group Inc.

Chargeurs Appoints Christy Raedeke As Company’s First Chief Marketing Officer

NEW YORK CITY — August 5, 2020 — Chargeurs*PCC Fashion Technologies today announced that it has appointed Christy Raedeke as the company’s first chief marketing officer, effective August 10. An expert in bringing advancements in apparel technology to market, Raedeke will lead all marketing efforts in support of Chargeurs’ global growth strategy, reporting directly to Angela Chan, global president of Chargeurs*PCC Fashion Technologies.

“We’re extremely pleased to have Christy join us to lead marketing efforts in support of Chargeurs’ global growth, including the growth of our new US-based Lainiere Health & Wellness division,” Chan said. “We’re confident that her leadership experience, industry expertise and marketing vision will enable us to effectively execute our expansion and innovation strategies at this critical time.”

Raedeke joins the company with more than 30 years of experience in marketing, PR and business development across the high-tech, biotech and textile technology sectors. She most recently served as CMO of Noble Biomaterials, where she reorganized the brand architecture and developed and launched the Ionic+ brand. Prior to that, she was executive vice president of global sales and marketing at Cocona Inc., where she developed and launched the 37.5 Technology brand. Before joining Cocona, she was director of marketing and communications for Massif, a leader in high-performance protective apparel for Military and Special Forces. Raedeke began her career in marketing and PR at Microsoft. She is a founding member of DesignxHumanity, a nonprofit devoted to ending systemic racism by providing free design and technology training to help Black, Indigenous and People of Color launch their careers at no cost while developing innovative content.

“Chargeurs is pioneering technology initiatives that will drive the entire fashion industry forward,” Raedeke said. “As the company’s first CMO, I’ll be working at the intersection of innovation, strategy and creative. I’m really excited to lead the company’s marketing efforts as we achieve the next level of growth.”

Posted August 5, 2020

Source: Chargeurs*PCC Fashion Technologies

Hudson-Sharp Names New Regional Sales Directors: Bag-Converting Equipment Manufacturer Promotes Long-Time Team Members Peter Sztehno And Scott Romenesko

GREEN BAY, Wis. — August 4, 2020 — Hudson-Sharp, part of Paper Converting Machine Company (PCMC) and Barry-Wehmiller’s converting equipment platform, is pleased to announce that Peter Sztehno and Scott Romenesko have been named regional sales directors.

Sztehno will be leading Hudson-Sharp’s commercial efforts for both bag converting and printing, focusing on Europe, the Middle East and Africa. He has been with Hudson-Sharp for more than nine years, successfully serving in a sales executive role. He brings strong packaging market knowledge, established customer relationships and in-depth product knowledge that will serve him well in his new responsibilities. He will be based out of his home in Budapest, Hungary.

Romenesko will be leading Hudson-Sharp’s commercial efforts for bag converting in the Americas. He has been with Hudson-Sharp for more than 34 years, serving in many different leadership roles, including his most recent position as Technology and Product Development Leader for both bag converting and printing. He brings tremendous bag converting industry knowledge to his new role, and has long established working relationships with sales executives, customers and suppliers. He will be based in Green Bay.

Mark Bampfield will continue to lead Hudson-Sharp’s commercial efforts for bag converting and printing in the Asia Pacific region.

“I’m thrilled to appoint Peter and Scott as regional sales directors,” said Craig Compton, vice president of Printing and Bag Converting. “Their product knowledge and expertise will be assets to our sales team and customers, as we collaborate to deliver value-added solutions that support our customers’ growth.”

Posted August 5, 2020

Source: Hudson-Sharp

BASF South East Asia Joins ZDHC Foundation To Scale Up Sustainability In The Leather, Textile, And Footwear Industry

SINGAPORE — August 5, 2020 — BASF South East Asia has joined the ZDHC Foundation as a “Contributor” in its Chemical Industry category. The partnership with the Foundation and its extensive pool of experts from organizations in the textile, apparel, leather and footwear industry underlines BASF’s commitment to being an industry leader in driving sustainable chemistry, innovation and best practices. Additionally, Haptex® is the first BASF material solution that has received the ECO PASSPORT by OEKO-TEX® certification for the production of synthetic leather.

Haptex, BASF’s innovative polyurethane (PU) solution, now Eco Passport Oeko-Tex certified

Haptex, BASF’s first PU solution made without the use of organic solvents, has been certified ECO PASSPORT by Oeko-Tex, an independent certification system for chemicals in the apparel, textile and leather industries. During a multi-stage process, Eco Passport analyzes whether each ingredient in a chemical product meets international statutory requirements and is not harmful to human health. On-site inspections will also validate claims that suppliers are using safer and better chemistry according to industry best practices.

“The partnership with ZDHC represents BASF’s leadership in driving sustainability in chemicals and leather manufacturing. Through collaboration with partners, standard-setting and implementation, we are helping to protect the environment by reducing the industry’s chemical footprint across the textile, leather and footwear value chain,” said Andy Postlethwaite, senior vice president, BASF Performance Materials Asia Pacific. “We are pleased to know that Haptex meets the green standard of ZDHC Manufacturing Restricted Substances List (ZDHC MRSL) Level 3 conformance, which is the highest level in the Roadmap to Zero program.”

ZDHC MRSL Conformance indicates that Eco Passport certified chemical substances conform to ZDHC standards. The ZDHC MRSL covers chemical substances that are limited or banned from intentional use in the production of apparel and footwear materials to protect workers, consumers, and the environment.

Posted August 5, 2020

Source: BASF

Gelest Ensures BIOSAFE Antimicrobials Product Availability As Demand Continues To Surge

MORRISVILLE, Pa. — August 3, 2020 — Gelest Inc., an innovator in materials science, has received U.S. EPA approval to use new and improved manufacturing processes for its BIOSAFE® antimicrobials, which will significantly expand its production capacities. Gelest and its suppliers teamed up to overcome material supply shortages to ensure Gelest can meet the surging demand for Biosafe from all of its customers, especially healthcare professionals.

Biosafe antimicrobials are found in a wide range of EPA-approved applications including Careismatic Certainty® SmartBoost™ Laundry Additive for healthcare uniforms, and National Wiper Alliance Quat Keeper™ Foodservice Towels for restaurants and cafeterias.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for sanitizers, disinfectants, and antimicrobials has skyrocketed. Suppliers not only have to find ways to expand production capacities but must also overcome raw material supply shortages due to the disruption of the global supply chain.

“At Gelest, we continue to find new ways to ensure availability of our Biosafe antimicrobials to meet our customers’ needs,” said Shiming Wo, Gelest vice president and general manager Life Science. “For example, we invested in developing new processes with shorter cycle time, and successfully obtained EPA approval for the implementation of these advancements in the manufacturing of our BIOSAFE products. It allowed us to significantly expand our BIOSAFE capacity without compromising our ability to supply products for other critical market segments.”

Given the global supply chain disruption, companies are facing significant challenges to secure raw and packaging materials.

“Our suppliers such as Berry Plastics, Graham Packaging, and Solvay have done a fantastic job,” Wo continued. “When they learned we were using their materials to manufacture end products mainly for front-line healthcare professionals fighting COVID- 19, they responded with great support and worked creatively to ensure faster turnaround and on-time delivery.”

Biosafe Antimicrobials are used to preserve the treated articles by preventing the growth of stain and odor causing bacteria, fungi, mold and mildew.

Posted August 5, 2020

Source: Gelest Inc.

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