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

Ansell Joins #TyvekTogether Program To Produce Gowns For COVID-19 Response

WILMINGTON, Del. — August 20, 2020 — As the COVID-19 pandemic expanded earlier this year, there was an overwhelming demand for personal protective equipment (PPE) to protect the brave workers battling on the front lines. To meet the growing need for critical protection and supplies for PPE, DuPont launched the #TyvekTogether program to partner with additional converters to increase the supply of Tyvek® garments to the marketplace.

In parallel, Ansell launched the #NetworkofHeroes program, offering support to non-PPE manufacturers with the capacities and necessary equipment, to produce coveralls or gowns for use against infective agents, such as COVID-19. And as Ansell was working — like DuPont — to facilitate the manufacturing of PPE but also maximize its own production across its portfolio to meet the huge increase in demand, it was facing a shortage of material for their gown production.

The commitment to safety and responding to the needs for protection for the frontline workers came first and DuPont and Ansell aligned to work together to help increase the availability of isolation gowns for the COVID-19 response for the North America market.

“It’s vital we come together as an industry to help the front-line heroes get the PPE they need to stay protected,” said David Domnisch, global business leader, DuPont Personal Protection. “We had maximized our production of PPE through our existing converter network, and we believed that working with other companies to convert their PPE production to Tyvek would be the fastest way to protect more people.  We began producing a new style of Tyvek fabric, Tyvek 1222A, to help support the needs for additional Tyvek PPE, but we needed additional partners with converting capacity.”

Rising to the challenge

Through this collaboration, Ansell will produce 600,000 isolation gowns made of Tyvek fabric. The gowns are supplied to front line workers via Henry Schein, a U.S. distributor to healthcare providers in the U.S.

“As a safety company, we are committed to protecting our communities and frontline workers,” said Paul Bryce, Ansell Chemical Solutions SBU vice president and general manager. “We knew we could not meet the soaring demand for PPE alone. So, we naturally decided to combine our respective know-how in the unique AlphaTec® gown with Tyvek fabric and protect North America frontline workers fighting COVID-19.”

Both DuPont and Ansell are committed to helping to protect those who protect others and we are proud to work together to make a difference and maximize the supply of PPE for the COVID-19 response. Ansell and DuPont have had a long-term relationship working together. DuPont supplies Ansell with DuPont™ Kevlar® fiber and engineered yarns for many products in their protective glove portfolio. DuPont also is a customer of Ansell’s as they supply cut resistant gloves for many of our DuPont facilities. We are proud to come together to solve a humanitarian challenge by combining our own unique capabilities and capacities in what is typically a competitive space.

Posted August 20, 2020

Source: DuPont

Epson Unveils Its First 76-Inch Industrial Dye-Sublimation Textile Printing Solution To Advance High-Speed Production Of Sellable Goods

LONG BEACH, Calif. — August 20, 2020 — Epson America today announced its first 76-inch industrial-level dye-sublimation solution, the SureColor® F10070. Designed to offer reliability, versatility and round-the-clock productivity at a low total cost of ownership, the SureColor F10070 was engineered to meet the evolving needs of today’s textile industry and support the expansion of textile sourcing and production in the U.S. Featuring four 4.7-inch PrecisionCore® printheads and a new hot-swappable ink system, the printer delivers continuous roll-to-roll performance at production speeds up to 2,700 square feet per hour (sqft/h).1 An ideal solution for print shops looking to fulfill large orders, it consistently produces high-quality, bright textiles for fashion, sports apparel, home décor, soft signage, and more.

“This year we’ve seen a need for businesses to alter production plans to better accommodate smaller orders and quicker turnaround times to meet changing consumer demands,” said Tim Check, senior product manager, Professional Imaging, Epson America. “The new high-performance SureColor F10070 provides an efficient and cost-effective dye-sublimation solution for print shops looking to produce medium to large high-quality apparel runs and bid on incoming textile orders from businesses that sell direct to consumer. Moreover, the SureColor F10070 supports on-shoring production needs in today’s marketplace to help shorten lead times, decrease costs and streamline workflows.”

The SureColor F10070 comes equipped with an array of industrial-level features to maximize productivity and support continuous production. New user-replaceable 4.7-inch PrecisionCore printheads deliver high-productivity with extreme drop placement accuracy for sharp detail, bright colors and outstanding print quality. Leveraging renowned UltraChrome® DS ink technology,2 the SureColor F10070 is the first Epson printer to feature a hot-swappable ink system that automatically switches from an empty ink pack to a new ink pack mid-print for uninterrupted printing. The new ink system reduces overall ink cost by over 50 percent3 and allows for longer print runs without user intervention. Touting a redesigned 9-inch touchscreen control panel, SureColor F10070 operators can see the image printing, monitor print, paper, and ink status, as well as understand environmental conditions for optimized print performance.

Designed for demanding industrial environments, the SureColor F10070 includes a new air filtration system and supports an advanced auto-paper tension control and fabric head wiper system to clean media and remove dust prior to printing. In addition, a new compact media dryer includes a front and underside heater reaching temperatures up to 230-degrees and 122-degree Fahrenheit, respectfully, to ensure full-speed print performance in a space saving design.

A true turnkey solution, the SureColor F10070 includes the new Epson Edge® workflow software featuring an Adobe® PostScript® 3™ engine for powerful color management and seamless workflow integration. In addition, the SureColor F10070 is one of the first Epson printers compatible with Epson’s new production-management Cloud Solution PORT, providing an operational dashboard view of a production line with cloud-based printer fleet reporting.

More about the SureColor F10070

The new SureColor F10070 is designed to achieve breakthrough productivity with a range of features designed to support around-the-clock production, including:

  • Breakthrough Productivity — Four 4.7-inch PrecisionCore printheads deliver industrial-level, roll-to-roll performance at speeds up to 2,700 sqft/h;
  • Brilliant Image Quality — High-density Black ink produces exceptional color saturation and high contrast;
  • Seamless Workflow — Powerful Epson Edge workflow software featuring an Adobe PostScript 3 Engine;
  • Predictable, Reliable Performance — Advanced auto paper-tension control and fabric head wiper enable simple, continuous production;
  • More Ink; Less downtime — Low-cost, high-capacity replaceable ink pack system holds up to 20 Liters of ink per color, which allows for longer print runs without user intervention;
  • Performance Optimized Epson DS Transfer Paper — Multipurpose, Rigid Photo Optimized, Adhesive Textile, and Production papers available;
  • Turnkey Solution, Fully Supported by Epson – Includes one-year onsite warranty with extended service plans available

Support and Availability

The Epson SureColor F10070 ($89,995 MSRP) will ship direct from Epson America starting September 1. There are several Epson PreferredSM Plus service coverage plans available that includes toll-free advanced telephone access Monday through Friday and usually next business-day on-site service in the unlikely event of any hardware failure.

1 Print speeds are based on the print engine speed only. Total throughput time for any print depends on various factors including workstation configuration, file size, print resolution, ink coverage and networking. Actual print speeds will vary.

2 This product uses only genuine Epson-brand ink packs. Other brands of ink packs and ink supplies are not compatible and, even if described as compatible, may not function properly.

3 As compared to Epson T46C dye-sub link used in the SureColor F9470

Posted August 20, 2020

Source: Epson America Inc.

Chemical Guys Launches HydroThread Ceramic Fabric Protectant As The Most Advanced Hydrophobic Textile Coating And Stain Guard For Auto Interiors

LOS ANGELES — August 19, 2020 — Chemical Guys, a lifestyle brand for automotive detailing enthusiasts and professionals, announces the launch of its HydroThread Ceramic Fabric Protectant & Stain Repellant, an advanced hydrophobic stain guard and textile coating for automotive interiors.

First available for purchase on August 19 at ChemicalGuys.com and Detail Garage locations nationwide, HydroThread is scientifically formulated to provide maximum, long-lasting protection against stains caused by liquids and fading caused by exposure to the sun’s harmful UV rays. HydroThread was formulated to provide protection for a variety of vehicle and household fabrics, including seats, carpets, floor mats, awnings and convertible tops.

HydroThread forms a ceramic Si02 barrier that helps repel stains, resists spills and prevents ultraviolet fading for up to 12 months. The product’s formula works at a molecular level to bond to individual fibers, delivering superior hydrophobic performance without compromising the fabric’s look, feel or comfort.

“HydroThread is our first ceramic product designed for interiors and the latest addition to our hugely popular Hydro family of products that has demystified the ceramic category, making it accessible and easy to use for every customer that shares our passion for shine!” said Chemical Guys’ Chief Revenue Officer John Mansfield.

To apply, first clean the interior surface thoroughly. Shake well and then mist a light coat of HydroThread onto dry surfaces. For best results, brush HydroThread into fibers with an extra soft fabric brush and wait at least 20 minutes before applying additional coats for maximum protection. Once application is complete, allow 24 hours for the ceramic formula to completely dry and cure.

Posted August 20, 2020

Source: Chemical Guys

Oerlikon Manmade Fibers At The Dornbirn-GFC 2020 – Webinar Week — Exciting Mix Of Current Topics Focusing On Digitalization, The Circular Economy And PPE

REMSCHEID, Germany— August 20, 2020 — Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the 59th Global Fiber Congress, which this year was going to take place in Dornbirn, Austria, will now be presented online as a Webinar Week September 16-18, 2020. Also involved in the presentations and discussions are three technology experts from the Manmade Fibers segment of the Swiss Oerlikon Group.

The focus of the Dornbirn-GFC 2020 – Webinar Week will be on speeches and discussions on the following topics: “Smart, Integrated, Digital Textile Production Chain,” “Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) – a Challenge for the Industry in Europe?,” “New Recycling Technologies – what are the Challenges?,” “Circular Economy in the European Industry Recovery” and “Future Rules & Regulations for Textiles – what should be expected from the EU?.”

The opening speech comes in the form of a keynote on the topic of “The Green Deal and its Implications for the Textile Industry” by Leonore Gewessler. She has been the Federal Minister for Climate Protection, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology for the Republic of Austria since January 2020. Furthermore, she was the managing directive of the Global 2020 environmental organization between 2014 and 2019.

Digitalization and sustainability

Tracking and tracing products in complex production processes using state-of-the-art digitalization technologies is at the core of the speech to be given by Sylvain Huck, technology manager digital at Oerlikon Manmade Fibers. He will be talking on the topic of “Yarn DNA supported by Digitalization” September 16, 2020, from 1-1:20 p.m. The following day, Markus Reichwein, head of Product Management at Oerlikon Manmade Fibers, will be addressing another important current topic. “On the Road to a Sustainable Manmade Fiber Industry” is the title of his presentation, which he will be giving on September 17, 2020, from 2-2:20 p.m. In his speech, he will be presenting the mechanical and chemical recycling solutions that the man-made fiber industry is currently pursuing. All speeches will be delivered in English.

Protective masks

The hot topic of discussion currently is protective masks and apparel. As a result, the demand for filter media — and those made from meltblown nonwovens in particular — has been extremely high since the start of the coronavirus pandemic. The Oerlikon Nonwoven meltblown technology is recognized by the market as being the technically most efficient method for producing highly-separating filter media made from plastic fibers. The capacities for respiratory masks available in Europe to date are predominantly manufactured on Oerlikon Nonwoven systems. In his “Leading Meltblown Technology for the Production of Face Mask Filter Media” presentation, Dr. Ingo Mählmann, head of sales and marketing at Oerlikon Nonwoven, will take the participants on a journey between 9:40-10 a.m. on September 17, 2020, introducing them to the secrets of meltblown technology. Because manufacturing protective masks, which help us control the dangerous coronavirus, requires ramping up the filter performance considerably. For this, spunbond and meltblown materials have to be electrostatically-charged. Here, the Oerlikon Nonwoven ecuTEC+ electro-charging unit is the key to success.

Tradition maintained

One tradition of the Global Fiber Congress has to be maintained even in the age of the coronavirus pandemic. To this end, the Paul Schlack/Wilhelm Albrecht Prize awards ceremony will still take place within the context of the digital Webinar Week. For additional information as well as options for registering, visit: www.dornbirn-gfc.com

Posted August 20, 2020

Source: Oerlikon

Energy Efficiency In Textile Dyeing And Finishing — The German Textile Machinery Association (VDMA) Continues Technology Webtalks

FRANKFURT, Germany— August 20, 2020 — Energy efficiency will be the topic of VDMA’s next edition of Textile Machinery Webtalks on August 27, 2020, from 2-4 p.m. CEST.

Efficient energy management is of increasing importance in textile dyeing and finishing. Innovative machine designs with minimal water and energy consumption as well as the recovery and use of the heat energy produced in the processes represent valuable potential savings for any modern company.

The presenters at a glance:

  • Ludger Sommer, Thies, will show how to manage heat energy in wet processing.
  • Benjamin Schnabel, Brückner Textilmaschinen, is going to demonstrate how to make one of the most energy consuming processes in textile manufacturing more sustainable, eco-friendly and cost effective.
  • Fabian Buckenmayer, PLEVA Sensors and Controls, will inform about the specific opportunities for an energy-efficient textile production via measuring and controlling process parameters.

After the presentations, the experts will be available to answer the participants’ questions.

The webtalk series is very well received by the textile industry. During the first three webtalks, VDMA welcomed almost 900 registered participants from more than 50 countries.

Registration is still possible via this link (no participation fee): https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/8777035596205356300

Further technology webtalks on other topics are in preparation. Please check www.machines-for-textiles.com/webtalk for updates.

Posted August 20, 2020

Source: VDMA

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