Universities Join Forces To Develop Materials For The Fight Against COVID-19

BLACKSBURG, Va. — August 25, 2020 — Researchers around the world are racing to find treatments to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic that has caused more than 16 million human infections globally.

COVID-19 is caused by the new coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2. A person becomes infected when the virus makes its way through the mouth or nose into the lungs and from there into the cells that line the inside of our lungs.

Exactly how the virus gets past the protective barriers in our lungs is unknown, but scientists have recently discovered that SARS-CoV-2 binds to a type of carbohydrate-based polymer called glycosaminoglycan (GAG). The widely used anticoagulant heparin belongs to this class of natural polymers, and hospitalized patients with COVID-19 who were administered heparin to treat blood clotting disorders also experienced a lower risk of dying from COVID-19.

Researchers at Virginia Tech and the University of Georgia are collaborating to explore whether the tendency of the virus to bind to carbohydrate-based polymers, such as heparin, can be used to develop virus-trapping gels and surfaces.

“The virus passes a large number of carbohydrate-based molecules on its way into the cells in our body,” explained Maren Roman, associate professor of sustainable biomaterials in Virginia Tech’s College of Natural Resources and Environment and affiliated faculty member of the Fralin Life Sciences Institute. “If we can determine which carbohydrates or carbohydrate chains the virus binds to, we can develop materials that work like a fly trap and capture virus particles before they get into our bodies.”

“We will use cutting-edge computational tools to study which carbohydrate molecules bind most strongly to the virus,” said Robert Woods, professor of biochemistry and molecular biology, and chemistry, at the University of Georgia’s Complex Carbohydrate Research Center. “This work is a natural extension of our prior work on the virus, which has given us detailed computer models of one of its surface proteins, namely the Spike protein. This protein is responsible for the virus’s ability to enter cells and its tendency to bind to carbohydrates.”

“Once we know exactly which carbohydrates the virus binds to, we will synthesize materials that contain these carbohydrates on a tether,” added Michael Schulz, assistant professor of chemistry in the College of Science at Virginia Tech. “We hypothesize that these materials can filter out virus particles from liquids and possibly even air streams.”

The research is supported by a $200,000 National Science Foundation RAPID COVID-19 grant, with contributions from the Division of Materials Research and the Division of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences.

“Our ability to successfully stop this pandemic depends on researchers from different fields and even institutions joining forces and collaborating,” Roman said. “Only together will we figure this virus out.”

Posted August 25, 2020

Source: Virginia Tech Media Relations

Fil Doux Textiles Introduces Two New Subcollections to Otratex Series

BROOKLYN, N.Y. — September 2020 — Fil Doux Textiles, a Brooklyn-based textile company producing mill-direct, luxurious upholstery and Otratex, a degradable vinyl alternative, is excited to debut two new Otratex subcollections — Brussels and Chalet.

Designed with the hospitality, cruise, and contract industries in mind, Otratex – The Conscious Choice, is made with natural enzymes embedded in the material that creates enhanced degradability. Within 30 years, the material fully decomposes when placed in an anaerobic environment such as a landfill, returning to the natural elements that comprise it. Always aiming to provide the utmost quality, feel, and cleanability in its textiles, all Otratex products, including the just-launched Brussels and Chalet subcollections, are available with the brand’s proprietary protectants — Pro-Tech for ink and denim protection; Pro-Tech Plus, which is bleach cleanable; and Copper Shield by Pro-Tech for antimicrobial properties, to further meet the demands and needs of the industry and its customers.

Fil Doux Textiles Otratex – Brussels

Drawing inspiration from the effortless luxury and comfort that linen often evokes, the 18-colorway Brussels line is perfect for hotels, cruise liners, and other spaces that act as escapes from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Brussels aims to make guests feel calm and at ease — a sentiment that will be crucial for owners and operators to acknowledge, especially as business and leisurely travel resume. Brussels’ resemblance to linen, a material typically not used for commercial and hospitality projects, combined with the durability, strength, and bleach cleanability of Otratex, offers the best of both worlds to these environments.

Fil Doux Textiles Otratex – Chalet

Also joining the Otratex product line is dual-toned Chalet, offering a white base with notable pops of unexpected, playful colors that are reminiscent of a bright Chilean spring morning. Unique to Fil Doux Textiles’ Otratex series, Chalet’s palette is fresh and lively, yet with a subtle touch of modernity, featuring hues of yellows, greens, oranges, blues, and reds. For designers looking for a more sophisticated look, the collection also includes warm greys and taupes. Chalet is unlike any Otratex collection that Fil Doux Textiles has launched and is an exemplary design solution for cruise ships, casinos, and guest room features where designers want to make the perfect design statement.

“I love the contrast of these two patterns,” said Fil Doux Textiles CEO and President Leo Novik. “While Chalet is fresh and whimsical, Brussels is more elegant and refined; yet both present a myriad of design possibilities to designers.”

Both collections embody the look, touch, and quality that Fil Doux Textiles’ reputation has been built upon and that client’s expect. Brussels coordinates beautifully with The Textures collection, and Chalet’s palette folds nicely into more of its best-selling color stories. As both Brussels and Chalet go hand-in-hand with other upholstery products, they can be used alongside fabrics to create a complete, beautiful space.

Highlighting a progressive approach to textile design, Otratex is manufactured in the company’s fully-vertical, tariff-free mills located in Chile and Brazil, allowing for customization and industry-dominant lead times. Like all Fil Doux Textiles’ products, the collection is produced using sustainable practices on an industrial scale — 80 percent of the company’s energy comes from solar and wind power, dye waters for fabrics are reused, and leftover fabrics are repurposed for packaging. In the spirit of environmental sustainability, Fil Doux Textiles has partnered with 501(c) One Tree Planted with a pledge to donate 1,000 trees to Brazilian Rainforests for every 1,000 yards of Otratex purchased.

Posted August 25, 2020

SourE: Fil Doux Textiles

Hexcel Launches New HexPEKK® EM Electromagnetic Shielding And Radar Absorptive Technology

STAMFORD, Conn. — August 24, 2020 — Hexcel is pleased to announce the launch of its latest HexAM® materials technology, HexPEKK® EM — an electrically conductive, high-performance, polyetherketoneketone (PEKK)-based thermoplastic carbon fiber composite additive manufacturing material offering industry-leading performance.

HexPEKK EM integrates advanced electromagnetic (EM) performance within complex 3D-printed components for the Commercial Aerospace, Defense, and Military sectors. HexPEKK EM composite components are flight-ready after printing.

Formulated specifically to meet the static electricity management, electromagnetic shielding, and radiation absorption requirements of advanced aircraft applications, the new PEKK carbon-fiber-blended material delivers unique electrical performance that complements Hexcel’s current portfolio of carbon fiber-based and unfilled neat resin HexPEKK 100 material offerings. Manufactured using the aerospace industry qualified HexAM process, HexPEKK EM components exhibit best-in-class environmental, operational temperature, and chemical resistant performance attainable in the aerospace industry.

By integrating this enhanced EM performance into additive manufactured components, HexPEKK EM parts do not require costly and time-consuming secondary processing steps, such as the application of conductive coating for the management of electromagnetic interference or radiation absorption.

Target applications for HexPEKK EM cover a broad range of products such as exterior surfaces, leading edges, air inlets, electronic enclosures, and cockpit structures for commercial airplanes, military aircraft, helicopters, and UAV components.

HexPEKK EM components will be produced at Hexcel’s Hartford (CT) plant, where the company continues to develop the HexAM additive manufacturing process using powder bed fusion technology to fundamentally improve the way the world’s aircraft components are manufactured.

Lawrence Varholak, vice president of Additive Manufacturing at Hexcel, said: “The management of static electricity dissipation, electromagnetic interference, and radiation absorption is extremely important in the design of all air vehicles. The introduction of this advanced additive manufacturing material will enable the fabrication of extremely complex aerostructures with unparalleled structural and electrical functionality. It significantly reduces weight and cost while providing unlimited design flexibility.”

Posted August 24, 2020

Source: Hexcel

Shaw Industries Makes Forbes List Of Best Employers In Georgia: Ranks 24th In State

DALTON, Ga. — August 24, 2020 — Shaw Industries Group Inc. has been named to the Forbes Best-In-State Employer for Georgia 2020, ranking 24th and marking the second consecutive year the company has made the list.

“Our people are what makes Shaw an amazing place to work,” says Torrance Ford, vice president of talent management at Shaw Industries. “Each day, more than 20,000 individuals come together as a team to create and deliver world-class flooring solutions. Shaw creates a workplace experience where associates take care of each other, which leads to us creating a better future for our families, communities, and customers. We are honored to be recognized by Forbes again this year.”

Forbes and Statista selected America’s Best-in-State Employers based on an independent survey of approximately 80,000 U.S. employees working for companies employing at least 500 people in their U.S. operations. The surveys were administered using a series of online panels and provide a representative sample of the U.S. workforce. Direct and indirect employee recommendations were evaluated on a state level.

The study assessed each company according to Atmosphere & Development, Company Image, Working Conditions, Salaries & Wages, and Diversity.

Posted August 24, 2020

Source: Shaw Industries Group, Inc.

Kenneth Cole Announces Collaboration With Kane 11 Socks

NEW YORK CITY— August 24, 2020 — Kenneth Cole and KANE 11 today announced the launch of a collaboration of perfect fitting no-show socks in individual shoe sizes. The socks come in seven exact sizes — 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13. The partnership was established to highlight the brands’ common goal of combining innovation, style and comfort. Kenneth Cole creates modern, versatile, and functional clothing, shoes and accessories that aim to make daily dressing effortless. When these socks are paired with the brand’s best-selling, classic Liam sneakers, it becomes the ultimate comfort system. The sneaker has a fully cushioned inner sole with soft leather uppers, and the lines are sleek and fashionable, perfect to be worn with no show socks.

KANE 11 is a growing sock company in America and has revolutionized socks by initiating a new standard of fit by creating socks in exact shoe sizes. Most men’s socks come in expansive size ranges like 9-13 or one-size-fits-all. The precise fit of these no-shows guarantees they won’t fall down or bunch up in the toe and they stay where you want them 24/7. The perfect fit delivers optimal comfort and performance.

KANE 11 X Kenneth Cole socks come four to a pack with one of each color — black, white, navy and grey.

Posted August 24, 2020

Source: KANE 11

Northwest Illinois Laundry Achieves Renewal For Hygienically Clean Healthcare

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — August 21, 2020 — Denman Linen Services, provider of institutional laundering services covering the Healthcare and Hospitality markets of the greater area surrounding its Quincy, Ill., location, has recently qualified for renewal of the Hygienically Clean Healthcare certification. The recertification reflects its continued commitment to best management practices (BMPs) in laundering as verified by on-site inspection and its capability to produce hygienically clean textiles as quantified by ongoing microbial testing.

The Hygienically Clean Healthcare certification confirms the organization’s continuing dedication to infection prevention, compliance with recognized industry standards and processing healthcare textiles using BMPs as described in its quality assurance documentation, a focal point for Hygienically Clean inspectors’ evaluation. The independent, third-party inspection must also confirm essential evidence that:

  • Employees are properly trained and protected;
  • Managers understand regulatory requirements;
  • OSHA-compliant; and
  • Physical plant operates effectively.

To achieve certification initially, laundries pass three rounds of outcome-based microbial testing, indicating that their processes are producing Hygienically Clean Healthcare textiles and diminished presence of yeast, mold and harmful bacteria. They also must pass a facility inspection. To maintain their certification, they must pass quarterly testing to ensure that as laundry conditions change, such as water quality, textile fabric composition and wash chemistry, laundered product quality is consistently maintained. Re-inspection occurs every two to three years.

This process eliminates subjectivity by focusing on outcomes and results that verify textiles cleaned in these facilities meet appropriate hygienically clean standards and BMPs for hospitals, surgery centers, medical offices, nursing homes and other medical facilities.

Hygienically Clean Healthcare certification acknowledges laundries’ effectiveness in protecting healthcare operations by verifying quality control procedures in linen, uniform and facility services operations related to the handling of textiles containing blood and other potentially infectious materials.

Certified laundries use processes, chemicals and BMPs acknowledged by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation, American National Standards Institute and others. Introduced in 2012, Hygienically Clean Healthcare brought to North America the international cleanliness standards for healthcare linens and garments used worldwide by the Certification Association for Professional Textile Services and the European Committee for Standardization.

Objective experts in epidemiology, infection control, nursing and other healthcare professions work with Hygienically Clean launderers to ensure the certification continues to enforce the highest standards for producing clean healthcare textiles.

“Congratulations to Denman Linen Services on their recertification,” said Joseph Ricci, TRSA president and CEO. “This achievement proves their commitment to infection prevention and that their laundry takes every step possible to prevent human illness.”

Posted August 21, 2020

Source: TRSA

South Carolina Resin And Fiber Manufacturer Ascend Performance Materials Hosts Rep. Joe Wilson During District Stop In Aiken, S.C.

HOUSTON — August 21, 2020 — Ascend Performance Materials had the opportunity to welcome Congressman Joe Wilson (S.C.-02) during a district bus tour recently in Aiken, S.C., to provide a briefing about the company’s new Acteev™ antimicrobial technology, currently in use in nonwoven and fabric masks, and textile applications. The technology can be used in numerous applications, including textiles, and provides a first line of defense against microbes and other pathogens.

“American innovation, like Acteev, will help us fight this pandemic, reopen schools and businesses, and restart the economy,” said Representative Wilson. “Over the course of our bus tour of the district, I met with organizations and businesses that are making a difference during these unprecedented times. It’s clear that South Carolina has the tools to help lead our nation out of this.”

Ascend’s Acteev technology combines antimicrobial zinc ions with nylon-based woven, nonwoven and knit fabrics. The active zinc ions are embedded into the polymer matrix, providing a long-lasting solution that does not wash away, unlike topical finishes or coatings. The nylon fabrics are durable yet soft to the skin and keep out unwanted particles.

“We appreciate the support and dedication Congressman Wilson put into meeting with Ascend and particularly, the hard work he does on behalf of South Carolinians,” said Phil McDivitt, Ascend’s president and CEO. “We have a long history of creating products that make cars and appliances safer, like the airbag fibers produced in our South Carolina plant. Our Acteev technology carries that history forward.”

Recent testing completed at the University of Cambridge has demonstrated that Acteev technology deactivates the virus that causes COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, instantly, upon contact with 99.9 percent efficacy.

Acteev Protect masks are currently being sold through independent partners globally; Ascend is working with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and other governmental agencies to obtain the appropriate regulatory protocols to make specific claims regarding the technology’s antiviral properties.

Posted August 21, 2020

Source: Ascend Performance Materials

Shaw To Expand Its SPC Resilient Flooring Manufacturing In The United States

RINGGOLD, Ga. — August 21, 2020 — Shaw Industries Group Inc. is expanding its resilient manufacturing capabilities in Ringgold, Ga. The company is investing approximately $20 million to add to its existing SPC manufacturing at Plant RP. This latest installment — part two of an anticipated three-phased expansion — will create approximately 55 new jobs at the facility.

Shaw’s latest SPC expansion will come online in Q1 2021 with an additional phase of expansion being fully realized by Q1 2022. Shaw started manufacturing LVT in this state-of-the-art facility in 2016. Approximately 240 associates currently work at the facility. This latest announcement builds upon Shaw’s significant investment in Plant RP to date.

“Our latest investments address the growing demand for SPC within the resilient category while illustrating our commitment to U.S. manufacturing,” stated David Morgan, executive vice president of operations at Shaw. “We’ll continue to invest in manufacturing capabilities, strong sourcing partnerships, robust distribution networks and innovation to continue to be the leader in this category.”

Posted August 21, 2020

Source: Shaw Industries Group, Inc.

ANDRITZ To Supply A Complete Spunlace Line To Baoren Hezhong, China

GRAZ, Austria — August 21, 2020 — International technology Group ANDRITZ has received an order from Zhejiang Baoren Hezhong Technology Co. Ltd., China, to supply a complete neXline spunlace line. The line is scheduled for installation and start-up during the third quarter of 2021.

This high-capacity spunlace eXcelle line can process various types of fiber, such as polyester, viscose, Tencel, and bleached cotton, and is dedicated to the production of hygiene fabrics such as disinfecting wipes. The final products will have fabric weights ranging from 30 to 80 grams per square meter, and the annual production capacity will be up to 20,000 tons per annum.

And will provide a complete line with state-of-the-art equipment — from web forming to drying. The scope of supply includes the complete opening and blending machinery, two inline high-speed TT cards, a proven JetlaceEssentiel unit for hydroentanglement, and a neXdry through-air dryer with double drum. A high-speed winder from A. Celli will complete the line.

Zhejiang Baoren Hezhong Technology is a big player in China in the production of nonwoven goods and has several spunlace lines in operation. The final products are applied in many fields, such as medical care, cleaning, and so on, and are exported to South Korea, Japan, and the USA, among other countries. As the ANDRITZ equipment is recognized as the benchmark for production of premium spunlace roll goods, Baoren Hezhong chose the neXline spunlace for this new investment.

Posted August 21, 2020

Source: ANDRITZ GROUP

INDA’s Hygienix™ Event Goes Virtual To Address Impacts Of The Pandemic On Absorbent Hygiene And Personal Care Markets

CARY, N.C. — August 20, 2020 — INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, announced the sixth edition of the annual Hygienix™ event will be held in an engaging new virtual format November 17-19, 2020. Its focus will be the impact of the global health pandemic on the absorbent hygiene and personal care markets.

The fully virtual format offers the convenience of participating from any location while providing vital program content on market and technical developments, scheduled networking, virtual exhibits, and product innovation awards, all of which have made Hygienix the premier industry event since it started in 2015.

Virtual Hygienix will provide dynamic speaker presentations on the relevant theme of Navigating the New Normal in Hygiene with live audience polling, real-time question & answer sessions with industry experts, networking with decision-makers, virtual tabletop exhibitions in Zoom break-out rooms, trivia and coffee breaks, cocktail hours and more over three days.

Originally scheduled as in-person conference in New Orleans, INDA moved it to virtual to ensure the safety of participants during the pandemic and be in-step with policy decisions to minimize the spread of COVID-19.

The All-Virtual Hygienix™ Event Schedule Includes:

  • Virtual Hygienix Conference Presentations – Nov. 17-19;
  • 2020 Hygienix Innovation Award™ Virtual Presentations – Nov. 18;
  • Virtual Hygienix Tabletop Displays – Nov. 17-18;
  • Virtual 2020 Hygienix Innovation Award Announcement – Nov. 19; and
  • For information, visit: www.hygienix.org.

INDA President Dave Rousse will welcome participants to Virtual Hygienix on Nov. 17 and moderate a session on the Industry Outlook during COVID-19.

Industry experts will present supply-side and demand-side developments in both the North American nonwovens markets and the absorbent hygiene markets, market intelligence, economic insights, challenges and disruptions brought on by the coronavirus. A sample of featured speakers include:

  • Global Market for Absorbent Hygiene: Disruption, Innovation, Path to Future Growth: Svetlana Uduslivaia, Head of Research, Euromonitor International;
  • Challenges for 2021 and Beyond: Post-Covid-19 Supply Chain Resiliency and Sustainability for Absorbent Hygiene Products: Colin Hanna, director of Research, and Pricie Hanna, managing partner, Price Hanna Consultants LLC;
  • The Future of Sustainable Plastic Alternatives and the Impact of the Single Use Plastics Directive: Dr. Bryan Haynes, senior technical director, Global Nonwovens, Kimberly-Clark Corp.;
  • U.S. Economic Outlook: Dr. Lindsey Piegza, chief economist, Stifel Financial Corp.;
  • Diaper Wetness Detection Using Low-cost Hydrogel-Based RFID Tags: Dr. Rahul Bhattacharyya, Research Scientist, MIT; and
  • Advancements & Challenges in the Development of Incontinence Products for the Elderly: Dr. Steve Gregg, executive director, National Association for Continence.

Other compelling themes include packaging and labeling challenges, the future of absorbent hygiene, innovation and intellectual properties, smart diapers and testing. Among the intriguing presentations are:

  • Innovative Stretch Engine Improves Heat Transfer & Dissipation by Michael Sandlin, product manager, SWM International;
  • Analyzing Amazon Reviews and other Market Research Tools by Natalia Richer, COO, Richer Investment/Diaper Testing International;
  • Hygiene 2035, Product of the Year (A Thought Experiment) by Nick Carter, director of Market Business Intelligence and Dr. Deeann Nelson, North American R&D manager, Avgol Nonwovens; and
  • Technologies for Smart Sensors in Absorbent Hygiene Products, Olaf Isele, principal, Metaxi SimBioSys LLC.

Registration is now open for Virtual Hygienix. Registrants will receive a personal URL to access the event. All speaker presentations will be recorded and available near real-time and on-demand for 12 months. #hygienix20

Posted August 20, 2020

Source: INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry

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