Precision Textiles Sells 10 Million Yards Of Medical Grade Fabric To Make 5 Million Gowns For Healthcare Workers

TOTOWA, N.J. — July 13, 2020 — Precision Textiles — a supplier of coated fabrics, nonwovens and laminations for the bedding, automotive, healthcare and home furnishings industries — has sold more than 10 million yards of its newly launched Medical Gown Series fabric line, enough material to produce 5 million hospital gowns. The milestone supports the growing demand for domestically produced medical gowns for healthcare personnel on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In early April, the company pivoted its operations to manufacturing medical grade fabrics for use in hospital gowns, a key piece of personal protective equipment (PPE) in short supply as healthcare systems across the U.S. reached capacity with patients. Produced at its New Jersey headquarters, the materials provide gown manufacturers with a domestic resource to replace imported fabrics which can have longer lead times.

Tesser

“Over the last few months, this segment of our business has grown rapidly,” said Scott Tesser, CEO, Precision Textiles. “Prior to the pandemic, this product line was a small portion of our business. Now, we are running at full capacity to help bridge the gap with domestic supply to meet the increased demand quickly as sales continue to grow.”

The materials were shipped to the City of New York, Massachusetts and North Carolina so that those government entities could supply major healthcare systems with PPE across the United States.

The company’s Medical Gown Series fabric line includes materials suitable to produce Levels 1 through 4 one-time use and multi-use medical gowns for low- to high-risk environments. The comfortable fabrics include a variety of polyester fibers, polypropylene fibers and trilaminate fabrics. Some of the fabrics also include waterproof and washable attributes.

As demand continues, the company is looking at new ways to expand capacity, including new equipment and additional staff that can help increase the speed and efficiency of production.

Posted July 14, 2020

Source: Precision Textiles

Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. Appoints Williams-Sonoma Veteran Neil Lick To Lead New Owned Brands Team

UNION, N.J. — July 13, 2020 — Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. today announced the appointment of industry veteran Neil Lick as senior vice president, Owned Brands. Lick, formerly of Williams-Sonoma, will lead a newly formed team that expects to develop and launch a portfolio of customer inspired owned brands from 2021. The company’s Product growth strategy includes a sharper focus on product curation and differentiation as well as higher penetration of owned brands in core categories such as bed, bath and kitchen.

Executive Vice President, Chief Merchandising Officer Joe Hartsig said: “To rebuild Bed Bath & Beyond’s authority as the leading omnichannel Home retailer, we are reimagining how we develop and curate an owned brand assortment.  Neil has deep experience building brands that people love and will spearhead our new owned brand team to curate and develop a portfolio of truly differentiated brands that deepen our penetration in our core categories and our connection with our loyal customers.”

Lick said: “At a time when our homes have never been more important to us, I’m excited to join a brand that plays such a vital role in the lives of its customers.  Finding new ways to help customers feel at home couldn’t be more relevant or exciting in the current context.  I look forward to playing my part in rebuilding Bed Bath & Beyond’s authority with customer inspired brands that are truly differentiating.”

Lick comes to Bed Bath & Beyond after a 22-year career at specialty culinary retailer Williams-Sonoma. During his tenure at Williams-Sonoma, Lick held various leadership positions within merchandising, product development, inventory management, and as head of corporate social responsibility. He will report to Hartsig and lead a cross functional team across the company.

The company’s enhanced owned brand strategy will create a more relevant, inspiring and differentiated merchandise assortment exclusive to Bed Bath & Beyond, including in key rooms and occasions where it already has significant market share such as bed, bath and kitchen. The company plans to introduce an array of owned brands in 2021 with the anticipation that the portfolio will expand over time.

Posted July 13, 2020

Source: Bed Bath & Beyond Inc.

Letter To McConnell, Schumer Pushing For Cotton And Textile Industry Assistance In Next COVID-19 Relief Package

Dear Leader McConnell and Leader Schumer:

Thank you for your continued leadership through this ongoing pandemic impacting all of the U.S. economy.  As you know, farmers, ranchers, and the entire agricultural commodity value chain are suffering due to the crisis with the required business shutdowns resulting in disruptions throughout the food and fiber supply chains.

Across the agricultural sectors, the U.S. cotton and textile industry is particularly hard hit as the COVID-19 pandemic is causing unprecedented demand destruction for cotton apparel and textiles. Billions of dollars of orders have been cancelled as retail shopping outlets remain closed or operate at reduced capacity. The collapse in cotton demand is being felt across the U.S. cotton industry from textile manufacturers to merchandisers to cotton producers, and all segments in between.  The viability of the farms and businesses, and the jobs they represent, are at risk of not surviving this crisis.

When Congress considers additional relief efforts in response to COVID-19, we believe any package should ensure USDA’s next round of agricultural assistance will adequately address the magnitude of the losses felt throughout the cotton supply chain by cotton farmers and include critical relief for textile mills and the cotton merchandising segment, all of which are facing unprecedented economic losses.

From March through May, the Census Bureau reports that clothing sales are down by $44 billion, or 67%, relative to the same 3-month period in 2019.  U.S. textile mills report a 90% drop in orders for the yarn they produce and are consuming cotton at a seasonally-adjusted annual rate of just 250,000 bales, down over 90% from year-ago levels.  With mill consumption at an all-time low, the loss in monthly yarn production value is $200 to $300 million.  U.S. textile manufacturers have idled much of their production capacity, with the notable exception being the industry’s efforts to redirect production lines to manufacture PPE and other health-related textiles. However, that production is costly to maintain when running at less than optimal capacity. The response of the textile manufacturers underscores the importance of supporting and rebuilding this domestic production base.

In response to the global economic disruptions, USDA lowered their estimates of global mill use for this year and next by a combined 23 million bales, which exceeds the size of annual U.S. cotton production.  That loss in demand represents a market value of almost $8 billion. The slowdown in cotton demand has caused the cancellation of 1.5 million bales of export sales since January, resulting in additional carrying costs that include storage, interest, insurance, additional interior and ocean freight costs associated with destination displacement, and other uncontrollable costs.  The industry’s merchandisers have seen the values of their inventories fall sharply as they struggle with burdensome costs in the face of shrinking demand.

Cotton prices fell by as much as 30% since early this year, and that decline represents a loss in market value of approximately $160 per acre of cotton.

In the U.S. cotton industry, from the textile mills through the merchandising and production segments, the economic pressures are mounting with businesses and farms struggling to survive.  Given the precipitous decline in retail demand, the loss of textile production and lower cotton prices that are expected to persist into 2021, the economic damage to the U.S. cotton industry is currently estimated to be at least $4.0 billion.

In addition, the cottonseed segment is in a tenuous situation since a majority of cottonseed is used as a feed ration for dairy and beef cattle and those industries are also facing severe economic and production losses.

Given the severe pressures facing U.S. cotton and all of our agriculture industry, we believe Congress should pass the necessary legislation before the August recess.  We want to work closely with you and our other colleagues to ensure adequate relief for the U.S. cotton industry so that this critical industry receives the necessary assistance for all segments to survive and recover.

Sincerely,

###

Tillis And Warner Lead Bipartisan Push For Cotton And Textile Industry Assistance In Next COVID-19 Relief Package

WASHINGTON — July 14, 2020 — Both the National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO) and the National Cotton Council have shared the following press release from Sens Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) and Mark Warner (D-Va.):

U.S. Senators Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) and Mark Warner (D-Va.) recently led a letter to Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) urging the next round of COVID-19 assistance adequately address the magnitude of the losses felt throughout the cotton supply chain by cotton farmers, textile mills, and the cotton merchandising segment.

“Across the agricultural sectors, the U.S. cotton and textile industry is particularly hard hit as the COVID-19 pandemic is causing unprecedented demand destruction for cotton apparel and textiles,” wrote the Senators. “Billions of dollars of orders have been cancelled as retail shopping outlets remain closed or operate at reduced capacity. The collapse in cotton demand is being felt across the U.S. cotton industry from textile manufacturers to merchandisers to cotton producers, and all segments in between.  The viability of the farms and businesses, and the jobs they represent, are at risk of not surviving this crisis.”

“When Congress considers additional relief efforts in response to COVID-19, we believe any package should ensure USDA’s next round of agricultural assistance will adequately address the magnitude of the losses felt throughout the cotton supply chain by cotton farmers and include critical relief for textile mills and the cotton merchandising segment, all of which are facing unprecedented economic losses,” the Senators continued. “We want to work closely with you and our other colleagues to ensure adequate relief for the U.S. cotton industry so that this critical industry receives the necessary assistance for all segments to survive and recover.”

Joining Senators Tillis and Warner were Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-La.), Doug Jones (D-Ala.), Richard Burr (R-N.C.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Martha McSally (R-Ariz.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Kelly Loeffler (R-Ga.), Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.).

The full text of the letter is available here.

Posted July 14, 2020

Source: NCTO

Techtextil North America & Texprocess Americas 2020 Postponed Until Next Editions

ATLANTA — July 14, 2020 — The organizers of Techtextil North America and Texprocess Americas have announced that the co-located events have been postponed beyond 2020.

“We have been monitoring the global spread of COVID-19 that began earlier this year, and to uphold our commitment to the industry, we postponed [the events] to October 1-3, 2020. However as coronavirus cases in the U.S continue to rise, we are once again faced with the difficult decision of whether or not to proceed as planned,” Kristy Meade, Group Show Director, said in a letter to exhibitors Friday.

“While we firmly believe that our health and safety plan exceeded all recommended guidelines to provide a safe trade show environment, several outside factors including travel restrictions, quarantine mandates and other governmental regulations across the globe have made moving forward with an in-person event impossible at this time.”

The next edition of Techtextil North America will take place August 23-25, 2021 in Raleigh, North Carolina.

The next edition of Texprocess America will take place May 17-19, 2022 in Atlanta, and will be co-located with the 2022 edition of Techtextil North America.

Meade hinted at the possibility for alternative events in the meantime, stating that “While we understand there is no replacing the sense of community provided by an in-person event like ours in 2020, we intend to continue to serve the industry by providing opportunities to share products, discover the latest innovations and technologies, and network with other industry professionals until we are all able to come together again.”

Techtextil North America is Incorporated with ATME-I. Texprocess Americas is co-produced by SPESA.

For the latest event updates, subscribe to the shows’ e-mail lists at www.techtexitlna.com and www.texprocessamericas.com.

Posted July 14, 2020

Source: Messe Frankfurt

 

CINTE 2020 Exhibitor Preview: ANDRITZ

GRAZ, Austria — July 13, 2020 — International technology Group ANDRITZ will be presenting its innovative nonwovens production and textile solutions at CINTE 2020 in Shanghai, China, from September 2 to 4, 2020 (booth C02, hall N2). The broad ANDRITZ product portfolio covers state-of-the-art nonwovens and textile production technologies such as air-through bonding, needlepunch, spunlace, spunbond, wetlaid, converting and textile finishing.

ANDRITZ (China) Ltd. Wuxi Branch – The RIGHT Partner For The Asian Nonwovens Industry

At CINTE, ANDRITZ will promote the ANDRITZ location in Wuxi and focus on the aXcess range. ANDRITZ (China) Ltd.’s Wuxi Branch has an experienced platform for production and service specially geared to the Asian nonwovens industry. It designs and manufactures cutting-edge lines for the ANDRITZ aXcess product range, which includes complete lines and individual machines for air-through bonding, needlepunch and spunlace processes. The service organization has been set up and optimized to provide prompt delivery and excellent customer support. A team of technicians and process experts can be deployed quickly on demand to customer sites requiring full-range assistance. The ANDRITZ facilities include a roll service center with state-of-the-art grinding equipment and a test stand for various kinds of rolls.

The aXcess range has been specially developed for medium capacities. It is a hybrid line concept comprising European and Chinese equipment as the ideal combination to obtain the best added value for each process in the line and offering high flexibility for different business cases. Over the past five years, ANDRITZ has completed numerous hybrid lines operating with needlepunch, air-through bonding and spunlace processes.

In addition, the ANDRITZ aXcess range also offers technologies for spunbond and wetlaid processes manufactured in Europe. Rising production demands, compact and reliable design, and affordable investment costs are what customers are always seeking for in a competitive market environment. The concept of the neXline wetlaid aXcess, for example, targets smaller and medium production volumes and has been devised for new and existing lines. The compact line provides the ideal entrance to the growing wetlaid market, with a variety of final applications and options. Shipment is easy and fast due to the compact design, which fits perfectly into containers. An operator-friendly configuration and versatile design ensure efficient production at affordable investment costs.

ANDRITZ aXcess Profile Crosslapper And Prowid Web Regulating Technology

Over the past few years, ANDRITZ has consistently improved and further developed the crosslapping technology. The new aXcess Profile crosslappers PRO 25-80 and PRO 30-80 (with respective entry widths of 2.5 m and 3.0 m) offer excellent web edge control thanks to their short path design.

The newly featured and patented ProWid system will bring the aXcess Profile crosslappers to an even higher standard thanks to better web weight profile regulating with fine tuning. This ANDRITZ innovation reduces the excess weight to a minimum on either side of the fabric, providing better quality. Technology of this kind drastically reduces the CV% weight variation in cross direction, helping ANDRITZ customers to minimize waste and thus supporting them in their sustainability initiatives. At the same time, fiber savings of up to 7% can be achieved. In addition, the ProWid system allows ANDRITZ customers to access more demanding added-value markets in which outstanding CV values in the basic material are an essential feature.

Come and visit the ANDRITZ booth C02 in hall N2, where our team of experts looks forward to answering any queries you may have.

Posted July 13, 2020

Source: ANDRITZ

Surgical Mask In Development With Acteev™ Technology Shows Efficacy Against SARS-CoV-2 Plus Level III Filtration Properties

HOUSTON — July 13, 2020 — Ascend Performance Materials announced today it has submitted to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration a 510(k) premarket notification for clearance to market its Acteev™ technology in a pair of high-efficacy surgical masks to protect against SARS-CoV-2, the cause of COVID-19.

The masks, a nanofiber and a microfiber nonwoven version each branded under the Acteev Biodefend™ line for medical devices, deliver a one-two punch of antiviral properties plus top-level barrier protection against microbes, harmful airborne particles and fluid splatter.

Acteev technology has been shown in laboratory tests to deactivate SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19, and other pathogens including H1N1, betacoronavirus OC43, human coronavirus 229E and Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria such as staphylococcus and E. coli, according to Dr. Vikram Gopal, Ascend’s chief technology officer. The testing was conducted following the protocols of ISO, ASTM or other international standards organizations.

The proposed masks also meet the requirements to qualify as Level III under ASTM F2100-19 standards, as tested by independent laboratories as well as Ascend scientists. Level III is the highest tier for physical barrier and safety properties, according to the common international testing standard.

Dr. Gopal said the combination of superior physical properties and antiviral protection is a breakthrough in medical device technology, as many masks succeed either at antiviral protection or at filtration and barrier effectiveness but not at both.

“Previous technologies rely on the materials within a mask to retain an electrical charge to achieve filtration efficiency,” Dr. Gopal said. “But when antimicrobial agents are added, those materials lose their charge and begin to fail as barriers.”

Acteev masks, however, achieve antiviral effectiveness through active zinc ions embedded within the polymer structure of polyamide 66, a hygroscopic nylon material whose equilibrium moisture keeps the zinc ions active.

“With Acteev, we have cracked the code of balancing top physical performance with antiviral protection,” Dr. Gopal said.

The technology, covered by more than 15 patent families, has been tested in multiple end forms, including knit and woven fabrics; engineered plastics; and nanofiber meltblown, microfiber meltblown and spunbond nonwoven materials.

Ascend submitted its first 510(k) to the FDA last month. That submittal requests clearance to market a Level I surgical mask that is effective against SARS-CoV-2.

Also last month, Ascend launched Acteev Protect™, an antimicrobial line of protection specially formulated to guard against the growth of fungi, bacteria and other microbes to keep textiles and nonwoven fabrics fresher for longer. Acteev Protect, available for sale today in the United States and select other jurisdictions, can be used to make face coverings, filtration devices, and textiles for upholstery and apparel such as activewear.

Posted July 13, 2020

Source: Ascend Performance Materials

Archroma Starts Production Of Hand Sanitizers To Help Fight COVID-19

REINACH, Switzerland — July 13, 2020 — As part of its active engagement in the fight against COVID-19, Archroma, a global supplier of color and specialty chemicals towards sustainable solutions, started bulk production of a new range of hand sanitizers at its Landhi site in Pakistan in May 2020. The new Kieralon® HS range was developed by the R&D team at the Archroma Center of Excellence in Karachi, in line with the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations.

Sanitizers are currently in high demand in Pakistan in hospitals, isolation centers, medical institutes and other health care environments, due to the COVID-19 outbreak. The use of sanitizers has also been made mandatory in all factories, offices and public places, driving the demand even higher.

The Kieralon HS range is being produced in different grades and concentrations to eliminate a broad range of germs, bacteria and viruses, to cater for various healthcare and hygiene requirements. They also include emollients and display non-stick and quick drying effect, for skin comfort.

In April 2020, Archroma announced the introduction in Brazil of Mowiplus® HPC 9600, a new thickener for sanitizing gels, developed to address the global shortage in the thickener traditionally used for sanitizing gels.

Archroma is also actively supporting manufacturers in the production of face masks and medical protective equipment. Its antimicrobial and barrier products in particular are in high demand, and Archroma is making every effort to assist existing and new customers entering this sector by providing technical know-how and support.

The company is supporting producers of packaging & paper who are facing high demand for food packaging as many restaurants have switched to delivery or take-away, as well as for parcels and boxes supporting online shopping.

Mujtaba Rahim, CEO of Archroma Pakistan, commented: “Within Archroma we are cognizant of the acute community need for high quality hygiene products that are also comfortable for users, as hand sanitizers tend to be harsh on the skin, so we took on the challenge to develop and start production in record time. The Archroma team in Pakistan won’t rest in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, and hopes this new product will help to stop the spread of the virus and the suffering that it causes.”

Kieralon® HS sanitizers are currently available in Pakistan.

® Trademarks of Archroma registered in many countries.

© 2020 Archroma

Posted July 13, 2020

Source: Archroma

VDMA Continues Technology Webtalks For The Textile, Nonwoven And Converting Industry

FRANKFURT — July 13, 2020 — On July 15, the “Textile Machinery Webtalk – powered by VDMA” continues. Topic of the second edition is “Technologies for the production of nonwovens for respiratory protection masks (FFP masks and surgical masks).” Participants from 24 countries have already registered.

Time: July 15, 2020, 2-4 p.m. (CEST).

The presenters at a glance:

  • Automated masks manufacturing with integrated inline quality control
    • Edgar Mähringer-Kunz, general manager, IMSTec GmbH
  • Auxilium FM – High-speed Surgical Mask Production Machine
    • Sven Weissoertel, business area manager, Winkler+Dünnebier
  • Ways to certification and approval of surgical masks and FFP masks in Europe
    • Peter Stieffenhofer, lead business consultant, msg industry advisors

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

Due to the current situation with COVID-19 and the high demand for face masks worldwide, the Webtalk is again well received. Registration is still possible via this link: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/7314492715645397006. The Webtalk is free of charge.

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

Posted July 13, 2020

Source: VDMA

Longratex Renews Partnership With Gerber To Enable Dual Workflows — Customization And Mass Production

NEW YORK CITY — July 13, 2020 — For 32 years, apparel manufacturer Longratex has relied on Gerber Technology’s innovative solutions for its baby and children’s brand Patachou and women’s brand Sophia Kah. With Gerber’s unique end-to-end solution, Longratex is able to manufacture over 2,000 pieces daily and also meet the challenge of customization. By leveraging Gerber Technology’s innovations, which include 2D/3D CAD solution, AccuMark®, sophisticated cut planning solution, AccuPlan™, and nesting solution, AccuNest™, as well as the Gerber Paragon® and automated spreading, Longratex has the agility and flexibility necessary to adapt to the world around them and meet every challenge they encounter, whether it’s customized, short run or mass production. Since using Gerber’s robust suite of software solutions, Longratex has been able to increase productivity by 50 percent, improve fabric economy by 3 to 5 percent, and boost efficiency by about 50 percent.

COVID-19 has acted as an accelerator for eCommerce and customization, forcing manufacturers to completely re-evaluate their supply chain. By leveraging digital technologies, Longratex implemented a flexible and agile workflow, beginning with online ordering, that allowed customization, shortened production cycles and accelerated time to market. With Gerber’s solutions, Longratex effectively meets the need for on-demand products while still being able to mass produce when necessary.

“Today, digitalizing the supply chain is the only viable option for manufacturers to efficiently produce on-demand garments,” said Theo Ostendorf, vice president and general manager of Europe, Middle East and Africa of Gerber Technology. “Our end-to-end solution empowers both on-demand and mass production, allowing companies of all sizes to conquer any challenge they may face.”

Founded in 1988, Longratex has the broad manufacturing know-how to successfully provide over 600 retail stores in Portugal and the United Kingdom with products of the highest quality at an affordable price while also managing their own children’s wear and women’s wear brands. The manufacturer credits much of its success to their skilled workforce and Gerber’s advanced innovative solutions.

“The full integration of our Gerber cutting room with the AccuMark Platform was essential when we decided to launch our own brands seven years ago,” said Paulo Campos, general manager, Longratex. “We were adding more and more small series, and even customized elements, to the fundament of mass production. We needed an integrated solution to increase productivity and responsiveness.”

“Gerber has responded fully to our needs of training, assistance, and innovation, which encourages continuity in the business relationship,” Campos said. “Through the new solutions presented to the market challenges, Gerber has given us reason to believe that it remains the right technology partner to support us in this new digital era.”

Posted July 13, 2020

Source: Gerber Technology

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