Bolger & O’Hearn Donates 400 Pounds Of Hand Sanitizer For Use At Lifespan Hospitals Throughout Rhode Island

FALL RIVER, Mass. — May 14, 2020 — This week, Bolger & O’Hearn donated 400 pounds of hand sanitizer to Rhode Island’s Lifespan health system. The donation was delivered this afternoon to Rhode Island Hospital in Providence.

The hand sanitizer will be used throughout the Lifespan system to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. The gift to Lifespan is the third large donation of hand sanitizer Bolger & O’Hearn has manufactured in its Fall River, Massachusetts, plant since the COVID-19 crisis began. To make these donations — which now represent over 1,300 pounds of hand sanitizer and would equal 2,600 individual 8 ounce bottles — B&O has diverted part of its manufacturing capability and tapped the company’s supply chain.

In March, B&O donated over 200 gallons of hand sanitizer to the city of Fall River for use by the fire department and front line workers to support city operations. Bolger & O’Hearn has been located in Fall River since 1969.

In April, Bolger & O’Hearn donated over 700 pounds of hand sanitizer to Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, which is a teaching affiliate of Harvard Medical School. That donation of hand sanitizer was distributed in 4.6 ounce bottles to residents of underserved Boston communities, where hand sanitizer was either not available or affordable, to help fight the COVID-19 pandemic in New England.

Today’s 400 pound donation went to Lifespan, a five-partner, not-for-profit health system based in Providence, R.I. Formed in 1994, Lifespan includes The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University: Rhode Island Hospital and its Hasbro Children’s Hospital; The Miriam Hospital; and Bradley Hospital, Newport Hospital and Gateway Healthcare.

Bolger & O’Hearn is best known for making specialty chemicals for the textile industry, including fluorine-free, high powered durable water repellents that are being used in the manufacturing of PPE.

“Bolger & O’Hearn is a long established business here in the greater Providence regional area and we see this as a small role we can play helping our community during the pandemic,” Murphy said. “This is a time for all of us to pull together and do what we can to help others, save lives and support those who are risking their lives to save ours. It’s the least we can do.”

B&O has plans to continue sourcing materials, as they can, to manufacture and donate hand sanitizer to front line workers in New England.

Bolger & O’Hearn is helping to fight the COVID-19 pandemic on other fronts, as well. This includes  working closely with other leaders of the US textile industry to develop medical textiles and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) including masks, gowns, bed coverings, hospital room drapes and more.

“In particular, we are seeing a high demand for the durable water repellents (DWRs) we have developed  for high-end performance apparel brands,” Murphy said. B&O’s DWR’s, which include fluorine-free Altopel F3 and Stormproof/Breathable OmniBloq®, provide resistance to fluid penetration, splatter and soils and offer a much higher level of barrier protection for both woven and nonwoven textiles than standard DWR’s.

In addition, employees at B&O are making masks from test fabric that has been treated at the plant with B&O’s high powered barrier DWR’s. Those masks are being given to employees, family, friends, customers and area first responders.

Posted May 14, 2020

Source: Bolger and O’Hearn

Oerlikon Nonwoven Delivering High-End Meltblown Technology To FleeceforEurope: Protective Masks For Europe

NEUMÜNSTER, Germany — May 14, 2020 — Two companies newly-established in Germany to manufacture and distribute high-end protective masks were in the spotlight at the beginning of May: with FleeceforEurope and Lindenpartner, Düsseldorf-based Kloepfel Group purchasing consultancy and Berlin-based industrial consultancy Bechinger & Heymann Holding plan to manufacture and distribute up to 50 million protection class FFP1 through FFP3 respiratory masks a month exclusively for the European market from the beginning of fall. And the primary focus will be on quality. With protective masks — including those used in operating rooms — this quality is provided above all by virus-absorbing nonwovens. And these will be manufactured by the new venture ‘FleeceforEurope’ in Germany using an Oerlikon Nonwoven meltblown system.

But all masks are not created equally. For this reason, protection against infections such as corona-virus can only be guaranteed with the right quality. On the one hand, this relates to how the masks are made. On the other hand, it is above all — as is so often the case — about what’s inside. Because the nonwoven used in protection class FFP1 through FFP3 respiratory masks plays a decisive role.

Here, the globally-leading and long-established meltblown technology from Oerlikon Nonwoven will be deployed. In a special, patented process, the fibers laid into a nonwoven fabric during manufacture are subsequently electrostatically-charged, before the material is further processed down-stream.

Inquiries from all over the world

“Our patented electrostatic charging ensures that even the smallest particles, and therefore also viruses, are drawn in and absorbed by the nonwoven fabric for several hours. As a result of the comparatively loose formation of the fibers, the wearer can nevertheless breathe in and out easily,” explained Rainer Straub, managing director of Oerlikon Nonwoven with pride. And rightfully so. Because Oerlikon is currently dispatching one meltblown system after the other. “We identified the situation early on and have adapted to demand. We started manufacturing in advance at the beginning of the year and can now start reliably delivering and quickly assembling systems and, due to our global Oerlikon Manmade Fibers segment network, we are able to offer the necessary service as well,” the experienced engineer explained. Currently, the company is receiving inquiries from across the globe, but specifically also from Europe and from Germany itself.

“The Federal States all currently want to be self-sufficient in order to better control the so-called critical infrastructure in the future. The investment program announced by Germany’s Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Peter Altmaier this week will additionally boost the demand for our meltblown technology,” Straub added.

European market for protective masks with a promising future

Those responsible at Oerlikon Nonwoven and FleeceforEurope, which will primarily focus on producing high-end nonwovens, and Lindenpartner, which will manufacture and distribute the protective masks, are certain of one thing: the market for protective masks has a very promising long-term future in Europe. What has been commonplace in Asia for many years now will also become normal in Europe. People will be increasingly wearing face masks when venturing out, in order to better protect themselves against health risks such as the current pandemic and also against increasing environmental pollution in the form of fine particles and exhaust fumes in the future.

“We didn’t know what meltblown technology was three months ago. We helped our customers procure protective masks, at the same time discovering the in part hair-raising conditions in the global markets”, explained Marc Kloepfel, CEO of the Kloepfel Group. According to him, around 200 businesses in China were manufacturing protective masks until 2019, a figure that has meanwhile risen to include thousands of micro-producers. “And there is a lot of very poor quality on the market and, unfortunately, counterfeits as well. But customers from all over the world are knocking on the door with bags of cash and buy everything they can get their hands on — even items that may have been stolen further up the supply chain.” The prices have practically exploded. “While masks used to cost ten cents to purchase, prices has risen to two euros or more during the coronavirus crisis,” explained Philipp Heymann, CEO of Lindenpartner. However, there is — as in the case of many other industrial and consumer goods — a huge level of dependency on Asia, and China in particular, among Europeans and Americans. In order to become competitive here, the focus will be on state-of-the-art production processes for manufacturing protective masks. “At the end of the day, we will be able to manufacture products in Germany at Chinese prices as a result of our automation technology,” Heymann said.

Medical face masks from a vending machine

Mask producer Lindenpartner has already secured supplies of nonwovens and will be producing face masks for the European healthcare sector over the coming weeks. To fight the coronavirus pandemic, Lindenpartner is planning to install 100 self-service face mask vending machines in Germany over the next four weeks, positioning them in publicly-accessible places such as shopping centers and airports, for example. FFP2 masks will initially cost around five euros from vending machines. As soon as Lindenpartner is able to manufacture the masks with its own nonwoven fabrics, prices will fall to approximately 2 to 3 euros.

Posted May 14, 2020

Source: Oerlikon

ABB IE5 SynRM Motors Deliver Ultra-Premium Energy Efficiency

FORT SMITH, Arkansas — May 13, 2020 — Customers can increase their energy efficiency, improve sustainability and enhance reliability by upgrading to ABB IE5 ultra-premium SynRM motors that offer up to 50 percent lower energy losses compared to IE2 motors.

ABB’s award-winning synchronous reluctance (SynRM) motors offer a new first choice to meet the growing global demand for improved energy efficiency. These motors now meet the new IE5 ultra-premium energy efficiency class defined by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).

The IE5 ultra-premium SynRM motors offer up to 50 percent lower energy losses and significantly lower energy consumption than the commonly used IE2 induction motors. ABB first introduced SynRM technology in 2011, and case studies in industrial installations have demonstrated energy savings of up to 25 percent, depending on the application.

The IE5 level of efficiency is made possible by the SynRM design, which combines the performance advantages of permanent magnet technology with the simplicity and service-friendliness of an induction platform. To ensure an environmentally friendly design, the permanent magnets do not feature rare earth materials.

“Climate change and environmental responsibility are driving huge changes across all industries,” said Tero Helpio, Global Product Manager, IEC LV motors, ABB Motion. “We have responded to this challenge with our IE5 ultra-premium motors that meet the most stringent energy efficiency standards. These motors offer industrial users a great opportunity to reduce their electricity usage and reduce CO2 emissions while also benefiting from increased productivity and lower life-cycle costs.”

Additional benefits of the IE5 SynRM motor are lower bearing and winding temperatures for enhanced reliability and long life. The design also creates less motor noise for a better working environment.

ABB IE5 SynRM motors can be used in a wide range of demanding industrial applications where they offer accurate control and high efficiency across the whole speed range, even at partial loads. This makes them an ideal upgrade option for standard induction motors in pumps, fans, and compressors as well as in more demanding applications like extruders, concha mixers, winches, and conveyors. IE5 SynRM motors are an easy replacement for induction motors as they have the same size and output power, so no mechanical modifications are required.

The IE5 SynRM motors meet the requirements of the efficiency class defined in IEC TS 60034-30-2 and are available with output power of 5.5 to 315 kilowatt (kW) in frame sizes IEC 132-315. They can be specified as part of a high-efficiency motor and drive package with ABB variable speed drives (VSDs).

Posted May 13, 2020

Source: ABB Motors and Mechanical Inc.

Symphony Mills Launches New Online Ordering System, Amid Covid-19

REIDSVILLE, N.C. — May 8, 2020 — Interior fabric trader Symphony Mills recently launched its new website. The new site showcases all collections that the company has to offer. The most notable feature of the site is the sample ordering system that was expedited after the Covid-19 outbreak. Customers now have the option to view the catalog online, order sample hangers and have them delivered directly to their front door.

Symphony Mills, a business line of fabric manufacturing group Global Textile Alliance Inc., launched its new website as an update to its 2015 edition. The update is an enhancement that allows five worldwide hubs to service its customers with a more robust online presence.

Part of this innovation is the company’s online catalogue, which took nearly two years to develop. The company had not planned to launch its catalogue this early, as Sales Director Jessica Norby explained: “Our website was supposed to launch at the start of Summer, but with many of our customers working from home with no fabrics for their new furniture and curtain collections, we worked diligently to bring the website live to provide much needed product.”

Symphony Mills accelerated its internal process and launched the website and online catalogue earlier this month. “Orders are gradually coming in and we are noticing the positive effects from this new online investment,” Norby said. “We are now working to prepare all packages in our facilities while practicing social distancing.”

Posted May 13, 2020

Source: Symphony Mills

University of Pittsburgh Researchers Create Durable, Washable Textile Coating That Can Repel Viruses

PITTSBURGH — May 13, 2020 — Masks, gowns, and other personal protective equipment (PPE) are essential for protecting healthcare workers. However, the textiles and materials used in such items can absorb and carry viruses and bacteria, inadvertently spreading the disease the wearer sought to contain.

When the coronavirus spread among healthcare professionals and left PPE in short supply, finding a way to provide better protection while allowing for the safe reuse of these items became paramount.

Research from the LAMP Lab at the University of Pittsburgh (Pitt) Swanson School of Engineering may have a solution. The lab has created a textile coating that can not only repel liquids like blood and saliva but can also prevent viruses from adhering to the surface. The work was recently published in the journal ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces.

“Recently there’s been focus on blood-repellent surfaces, and we were interested in achieving this with mechanical durability,” said Anthony Galante, a Ph.D. student in industrial engineering at Pitt and lead author of the paper. “We want to push the boundary on what is possible with these types of surfaces, and especially given the current pandemic, we knew it’d be important to test against viruses.”

What makes the coating unique is its ability to withstand ultrasonic washing, scrubbing and scraping. With other similar coatings currently in use, washing or rubbing the surface of the textile will reduce or eliminate its repellent abilities.

“The durability is very important because there are other surface treatments out there, but they’re limited to disposable textiles. You can only use a gown or mask once before disposing of it,” said Paul Leu, co-author and associate professor of industrial engineering, who leads the LAMP Lab. “Given the PPE shortage, there is a need for coatings that can be applied to reusable medical textiles that can be properly washed and sanitized.”

Galante put the new coating to the test, running it through tens of ultrasonic washes, applying thousands of rotations with a scrubbing pad — not unlike what might be used to scour pots and pans — and even scraping it with a sharp razor blade. After each test, the coating remained just as effective.

The researchers worked with the Charles T. Campbell Microbiology Laboratory’s Research Director Eric Romanowski and Director of Basic Research Robert Shanks, in the Department of Ophthalmology at Pitt, to test the coating against a strain of adenovirus.

“As this fabric was already shown to repel blood, protein and bacteria, the logical next step was to determine whether it repels viruses. We chose human adenovirus types 4 and 7, as these are causes of acute respiratory disease as well as conjunctivitis (pink eye),” said Romanowski. “It was hoped that the fabric would repel these viruses similar to how it repels proteins, which these viruses essentially are: proteins with nucleic acid inside. As it turned out, the adenoviruses were repelled in a similar way as proteins.”

The coating may have broad applications in healthcare: everything from hospital gowns to waiting room chairs could benefit from the ability to repel viruses, particularly ones as easily spread as adenoviruses.

“Adenovirus can be inadvertently picked up in hospital waiting rooms and from contaminated surfaces in general. It is rapidly spread in schools and homes and has an enormous impact on quality of life — keeping kids out of school and parents out of work,” Shanks said. “This coating on waiting room furniture, for example, could be a major step towards reducing this problem.”

The next step for the researchers will be to test the effectiveness against betacoronaviruses, like the one that causes COVID-19.

“If the treated fabric would repel betacornonaviruses, and in particular SARS-CoV-2, this could have a huge impact for healthcare workers and even the general public if PPE, scrubs, or even clothing could be made from protein, blood-, bacteria-, and virus-repelling fabrics,” said Romanowski.

At the moment, the coating is applied using drop casting, a method that saturates the material with a solution from a syringe and applies a heat treatment to increase stability. But the researchers believe the process can use a spraying or dipping method to accommodate larger pieces of material, like gowns, and can eventually be scaled up for production.

The paper, “Superhemophobic and Antivirofouling Coating for Mechanically Durable and Wash-Stable Medical Textiles” (DOI: 10.1021/acsami.9b23058), was co-authored by Anthony Galante, Sajad Haghanifar, Eric Romanowski, Robert Shanks and Paul Leu.

Posted May 13, 2020

Source: University of Pittsburgh Swanson School of Engineering — Maggie Pavlick

Delta Apparel Announces Two-Year Contract Extension For Chairman And CEO Robert W. Humphreys

GREENVILLE, S.C. — May 12, 2020 — Delta Apparel Inc., a provider of core activewear and lifestyle apparel products, today announced a two-year extension of the employment contract with its Chairman and CEO, Robert W. Humphreys. His employment will now expire with the filing of the Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year 2022.

Humphreys joined the company in 1998 as CEO and became chairman of the board of directors in 2009.

Dr. Jay Gogue, Delta Apparel’s Lead Independent Director, commented: “Since bringing Delta Apparel public in 2000, under Bob Humphreys’ leadership, the Company has grown revenue by over 300 percent through innovative acquisitions and solid fundamental operating principals. Bob’s vast knowledge of the branded apparel and manufacturing business, as well as his proven leadership skills, has served our teams, customers and shareholders well over the past 20 years. We are delighted that Bob has agreed to extend his employment as Delta Apparel’s Chairman and CEO through the 2022 fiscal year, and the Board looks forward to its ongoing working relationship with Bob and his team as we continue to build value for all of our stakeholders.”

Posted May 13, 2020

Source: Delta Apparel Inc.

Berry Announces New Meltblown Capacity In Response To Rising Demand

EVANSVILLE, Ind. — May 13, 2020 — Today, Berry Global Group Inc. announced the continued expansion of its global Meltex™ meltblown capacity, with the addition of another asset to support the growing global face mask demand.

This announcement comes as demand surges due to COVID-19 and the increased need for nonwoven protection materials. The new asset is expected to be operational in October 2020 and will be placed in Europe at Berry’s existing production facility in Berlin, Germany and will incorporate Berry’s patented charging technology post installation. The new line will focus on the production of highly efficient filter material for premium FFP2 (N95) and FFP3 (N99) grade filter media.

“We are now beginning to see the localization of varying forms of equipment that produce materials for PPE, as countries and governments look to be able to react with speed to any future outbreaks,” said Cedric Ballay, executive vice president and general manager for Europe in Health, Hygiene, and Specialties at Berry. “We continue to provide timely solutions to those looking for assistance fighting the spread of COVID-19.”

As the largest manufacturer of nonwoven fabrics, Berry makes materials for the world’s leading and emerging brands. These products range in use from materials for face masks, respirators and protective healthcare apparel to packaging, many of which have been deemed essential in the efforts to fight the spread of COVID-19.

Posted May 13, 2020

Source: Berry Global Group Inc.

Indorama Ventures Reports 2020 First Quarter Results

BANGKOK, Thailand — May 13, 2020 — Indorama Ventures Public Co. Ltd. (IVL), a global chemical producer, announced its first quarter 2020 financial results as follows.

1Q 2020 Performance Summary

IVL registered Revenue growth of 15% during first quarter 2020 over fourth quarter 2019 and negative 3% year-on-year, including integration of newly acquired assets from Huntsman. COVID-19 global pandemic, as well as the historical collapse in the crude oil price, had a muted impact on IVL’s underlying business and operations.

IVL achieved a core EBITDA of $304 million (THB9.5B) and an operating cash flow of $340 million (THB10.6B), an increase of 51% and 28% quarter on quarter driven by combination of volume and margins growth in our three business verticals of Combined PET, Integrated Oxides & Derivatives as well as Fibers. We have taken proactive steps to reduce our inventories, reduce our capex by $300 million (THB 9.34B) and achieved our targeted costs savings under our “Olympus program’. Dividend is maintained at Baht 0.175 in line with last quarter on core EPS growth to Baht 0.25.

First quarter 2020 Operating Income was $148 million, lower year-on-year by 17% due to a near-term adverse impact on MEG and MTBE which is partially offset by improvements in PIA and PX. The quarter completed its planned turnaround in our PO/MTBE business, adversely impacting our operating income by about $51 million. Our Fiber portfolio was partially impacted by lockdowns in China, India and Italy. Our Mobility Fiber portfolio faces headwinds from GDP contraction. The quarter provided strong positive momentum to our global businesses of Hygiene Fibers and our Integrated PET leadership in both volumes and margins as well as management of our regional supply chains, during this period of enhanced demand.

During these complex times of the COVID-19 global pandemic coupled with an historic collapse in the crude oil price, IVL’s performance has shown tremendous resilience with its regionalized geographical footprint, market segment participation and feedstock adaptability.

Aloke Lohia, group CEO of Indorama Ventures, said: “IVL’s Core EBITDA grew in all three segments (Integrated Oxides and Derivatives, Combined PET and Fibers) and in all regions as our products primarily go into daily necessities and non-durable consumer goods having inelastic demands. Our liquidity is strong with cash equivalents of $600 million and committed drawable lines of $1.9 billion thus in total $2.5 Billion. Thus we have today three business verticals and a total of 10 sub-segments that blend in well together. This portfolio makes IVL much more integrated than ever before with diversified earnings streams. We participate in about dozen end-use market segments and our business now has scale, which creates tremendous resiliency and opportunity.

Project Olympus is on track and will bring in $76 million run rate cost savings in 2020. We decided to remain focused on our five strategic priorities (cost transformation, asset full potential, adjacency growth, recycling leadership and leadership development) as these are essential for sustainable advantages in the longer term.”

Posted May 13, 2020

Source: Indorama Ventures Public Company Limited (IVL)

OUTLIER Presents The “FU/COTTON T-SHIRT” Made Of 100-Percent Smart Cotton Options By TINTEX

CAMPOS, Portugal — May 13, 2020 — “Teaming Up Is The Responsible Way Forward”: that’s the motto of TINTEX to build a sustainable wardrobe. From cutting-edge developments and implementations in production and processes to collaborative partnerships that brought to environment-driven collections, TINTEX had a very rich in news trimester with a Naturally Advanced commitment

Jersey manufacturer Tintex has over time established itself as a global leader in smart innovation. For the new upcoming collections the company goes even beyond its pay-off Naturally Advanced to reach the new one — Naturally Advanced Evolution — that means working together to develop collections combining a strong environment-driven approach with cutting-edge technology.

The result of this positive approach gave rise to collaborations with premium brands such as OUTLIER.

OUTLIER makes hardcore, performance-driven clothing that empowers the wearer to do more while owning less.

The brand selected 100-percent smart cotton options by TINTEX to develop an experimental, box cut, heavyweight T-shirt, that they called FU/COTTON T-SHIRT.

A 8 ounce (280 grams per square meter) it’s very heavy for a tee, but thick cotton yarns knit at a low-gauge give the fabric a stand-off-the-body structure and hidden openness for wide ranging comfort, since on of the brand rule is to “never constrain what you do with your day”.

The T-shirt is enriched by a GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certified 100-percent Organic cotton RIB for the neck.

The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is recognized as the world’s leading processing standard for textiles made from organic fibers.

Made in USA with Portuguese fabric.

Posted May 13, 2020

Source: TINTEX

Lucky Brand Re-Opens First Location; Has Donated Over 20k Masks From Their “Get 5, Give 5 For $25” Campaign

LOS ANGELES — May 13, 2020 — As retail locations re-open to the public, Lucky Brand remains committed to providing support to Charity Partners, Community Organizations, and its Family of Customers and Associates.

Beginning in March, in response to the need for PPE, Lucky Brand coordinated efforts across local apparel brands and vendors to procure, produce and educate consumers on non-medical face masks.  The brand first partnered with Suay Sew Shop’s mask initiative, providing denim fabric cuttings, funds and sharing DIY mask pattern templates with their consumer base.  Lucky Brand next worked with one of their LA-based factory partners,  New Fashion, to provide over 6,000 masks to be included, at no cost, in customer’s online orders.  The following week, the brand launched Give 5 Get 5, a mask purchase program that enabled customers to purchase a pack of 5 masks, and donates 5 to those in need.   As the program continues, by the end of this week, Lucky Brand will have donated over 20,000 masks to their charitable partners.

“Organizations we approach are often surprised that Lucky Brand wants to donate, instead of selling them face masks,” said Allison Charalambous, senior manager, Sustainability & Social Responsibility. “It has been extremely rewarding to support a variety of organizations that continue their valuable services throughout the LA county for veterans, the unhoused, housing insecure youth, low-income families, and seniors. Despite the risk, these organizations realize their services are essential, more than ever.”

Recognizing the importance of staying home to save lives,  Lucky Brand launched an Instagram-based game #WinFromHome to provide a dose of humor and levity aimed at rewarding those who remain home to help stop the spread of COVID-19 and protect front line and essential workers from exposure.  Contestants play for daily cash prizes  donated  to a 501c3 charity of their choosing, and winners receive free clothing for themselves and the essential worker they are playing for.

In parallel to their community involvement, Lucky has been preparing for the re-opening of their retail stores, sending health and safety kits containing additional cleaning supplies, sanitizer and reusable face masks.  The denim technical design team re-purposed available materials, such as promotional bandanas and fabrics from stock supplies, to create  hundreds of  reusable  cloth masks for store associates to use.

This week, Lucky Brand is proud to support the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and the Veterans Affairs Police Department on May 13, as they coordinate a “Salute to Heroes” ceremony to pay tribute to the West Los Angeles Veterans Administration Hospital and its staff.  In gratitude for the front-line workers who have selflessly sacrificed throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Lucky Brand will donate camouflage masks to be worn by multiple agencies, 150 t-shirts to Veterans Affairs, and — along with partner Avery Dennison —1,000 iron-on patches emblazoned with the word “HERO,” in recognition of the VA’s dedication to providing care and treatment for our veterans throughout this difficult time.

Posted May 13, 2020

Source: Lucky Brand Dungarees, LLC

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