Ensuring The Quality Of Respiratory Masks And Medical Protective Clothing: Control Nonwoven Basis Weight And Material Thickness With The Beta Sensor Gravimat DFI From Mahlo

SAAL/DONAU, Germany — June 10, 2020 — Weight and thickness have a great influence on the functionality of nonwoven goods. Especially in the current situation in the wake of the worldwide corona pandemic, it is essential to be able to rely 100 percent on the quality of medical products such as masks or protective gowns. Thanks to decades of experience and a wide range of measurement and control technology, the Germany-based company Mahlo GmbH + Co KG can support manufacturers in monitoring and controlling important parameters during the production process. Various sensors are available depending on the application.

The Gravimat DFI sensor is part of the modular Qualiscan QMS quality measurement system and measures weight and material thickness using isotope radiation. The measurement is based on the attenuation of radioactive radiation by the substrate in the measuring gap. This weakening of the intensity is a measure of the basis weight of the goods. Mahlo works with different isotope variants in order to do justice to different material properties. Krypton-85 is used for goods with a weight between 10 and 1400 g/m², strontium-90 is used for 100 to 6000 g/m².

Proven and reliable function

The transmitter in the traversing sensor beams onto the running web. Due to its mass, the radiation reaches the receiver in a damped manner. The values of the transmitted and received radiation are calculated to obtain the weight per unit area. Mahlo uses a multi-channel receiver in which the incoming measuring radiation is distributed to different areas of the fabric surface. In this way precise values are obtained, no matter what position the fabric is currently in.

This method also solves one of the biggest problems faced by manufacturers of web-shaped goods such as hygiene fleece: measurement inaccuracies due to fabric flutter. Its sensor technology makes the Gravimat DFI immune to changes in the center of gravity. It measures precisely and unaffected by any changes in degree of dryness, density or thickness.

The Gravimat DFI does not require strong absorbers or highly radioactive sources. Nevertheless, the highest precision, speed and resolution are guaranteed. The sensor can be used for practically all nonwoven applications.

For non-woven fabric used for face masks, air permeability is of particular importance. After all, the wearer must be able to breathe easily. In this case, Mahlo combines basis weight measurement with an air permeability sensor, which can also measure on the running web with a light touch.

Quality assurance from Mahlo – in the service of health

Manufacturers of medical goods are currently under pressure to deliver their goods as quickly as possible, but still with high quality. With process control systems from Mahlo, this balancing act is not only easier to master — production costs are also further reduced. The automatic basis weight control significantly limits the spread of the basis weight and thus guarantees a more uniform end product. Suitable setpoint settings with minimum tolerance ranges, in addition to ensuring product quality, save considerable material and energy costs. In addition, a safety margin is eliminated, which otherwise means loss of goods and time.

Posted June 10, 2020

Source: Mahlo GmbH + Co. KG

Baldwin Technology Acquires UV Company Western Quartz Products

ST. LOUIS — June 9, 2020 — Baldwin Technology Co. Inc. has announced the acquisition of certain assets of Western Quartz Products, a company in the ultraviolet (UV) curing and exposure industry. Western Quartz is known for manufacturing state-of-the-art UV curing lamps, as well as for having a reputation of exceptional quality cultivated through decades of serving a variety of industries.

“We are excited to welcome Western Quartz, along with its customers, to our global UV technology arm and our broad portfolio of products that improve processes for printing, packaging and industrial markets,” said Joe Kline, CEO of Baldwin. “This acquisition further demonstrates Baldwin’s commitment to expanding our reach and technology connection for the benefit of our customers, as we continue to grow our caring, collaborative, people-centric culture for team members.”

Western Quartz began in 1931 in Hermosa Beach, Calif., and was one of the first producers of quartz lamps for medical purposes. Following decades of continued research and development, along with innovation spearheaded by founder John F. Dallons and his family, Western Quartz moved further into the UV curing industry and grew to become a preeminent supplier of UV curing and exposure lamps worldwide, with customers throughout the US, Europe and Asia.

“Western Quartz enhances Baldwin’s capabilities in additive (doped) UV lamp production for industrial markets, providing an excellent complement to our existing UV and LED-UV technology portfolio within our AMS Spectral UV business and PRIMARC products,” said Rich Bennett, president of Baldwin’s AMS Spectral UV unit. “Through this acquisition, we will continue to manufacture the same great quality that Western Quartz customers are used to, and will harmonize operations, increase capacity and add more capabilities.”

“We are proud to join the Baldwin family and to see our 89-year legacy of quality and innovation be preserved through this acquisition,” said Katy Wetterstrand, director and CFO of Western Quartz. “It is an exciting time for UV technology to help improve manufacturing processes, as well as human safety, through new applications in sterilization and disinfection around the world. Through Baldwin, Western Quartz joins a sizeable organization with significant reach and resources, and we look forward to continuing to expand our services and capabilities for our customers and the industry.”

Posted June 10, 2020

Source: Baldwin Technology Co. Inc.

For The First Time In Its 63 Year History, The Canton Fair Is Being Held Virtually, Indicating A Positive Step Towards Moving Product Sourcing Online

SAN MATEO — June 10, 2020 — This June, from the 15th to the 24th, China will be hosting its 127th Canton Fair, continuing from last year’s success which recorded a turnover of $29.3 billion and welcomed 186,000 buyers looking to source the best products.

Since 1957, the fair has grown into a comprehensive international trade event, attracting thousands of buyers and suppliers to showcase their products and manufacturing capabilities, as well as build long-lasting relationships. This year, however, will see a new iteration – the very first online Canton Fair.

With COVID-19 causing severe disruption to in-store sales, the e-commerce landscape is flourishing and looking at fast growth. Sales from online marketplaces, such as those operated by Alibaba, Amazon, eBay and more, accounted for 58 per cent of global web sales in 2019[1]. This year, over 36 million Americans have lost their jobs due to COVID-19, whilst companies such as Shopify and Rakuten are seeing increased growth. Even Facebook is now creating online selling tools that leverage the 160 million businesses using its site to create online ‘shops’[2] – it’s clear that online marketplaces are the next stage in business development.

“The Canton Fair has always represented the opportunity for merchants to upgrade their supply chains,” said Kenny Tsang, managing director of PingPong Payments. “Global buyers have supplier partners all over China, but it’s often difficult to stay up-to-date on new product developments and capabilities. Canton offers buyers the chance to touch base with multiple suppliers, all in a single event, and compare products and technology. They make new connections, discover new suppliers, and are therefore able to optimize their supply chain to best suit their business needs.”

“But it’s not just about finding the right suppliers or sourcing the right products that professional sellers need to be concerned about,” Tsang said. “It’s everything that comes after. In a recessionary environment, where moving fast is key, sellers don’t want to be spending valuable time on payment issues. The pandemic has pushed the online marketplace into the fast lane, and sellers are in need of both a payments system, the overseas market knowledge and business advice, that can help them break into new markets, at speed, at scale and with confidence. That’s why PingPong developed PayAgo.”

“Specifically designed with the sellers needs in mind, PayAgo provides a holistic approach to supplier payments — sellers can now pay multiple suppliers, in multiple currencies, from a single platform. When it comes to sourcing new suppliers, sellers can be confident in our vetting services and our commitment to keeping sellers compliant — all of which helps to eliminate risk when diversifying their supply chains. By putting systems in place like PayAgo, sellers know they’re able to pay their suppliers on time and in the most convenient currency, leaving them free to focus on what makes their business great, and reach market goals.”

Retailers, goods and service providers will need to source top-quality products at reasonable prices in order to sustain profits in the long-term. The Canton Fair provides the means for new and well-established buyers to achieve these outcomes, and create strong supplier networks that will help them realize commercial objectives.

“Those who are nervous about the new online format of the Canton Fair, can breathe easy,” adds Tsang. “Yes, it’s a new format, but this adaptation in light of the pandemic will actually prove beneficial to buyers and suppliers. Comparisons can be difficult and time consuming at the best of times, but with the new online features, such as live streaming and matching services — and with the confidence of a seamless payments platform backing their decisions — this process is even easier than before.”

Posted June 10, 2020

Source: PingPong Payments

Hanesbrands Board Of Directors Appoints Stephen B. Bratspies As CEO, Effective August 3, 2020

Bratspies

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — June 9, 2020 — HanesBrands, a global basic apparel marketer under leading consumer brands, today announced that its board of directors has appointed Stephen B. Bratspies as CEO and board member, effective August 3, 2020. Bratspies will succeed Gerald W. Evans Jr., who previously announced his plans to retire after a 37-year career at HanesBrands.

Bratspies, 52, brings more than 25 years of retail, digital and consumer product leadership experience to Hanes. Most recently, he served as chief merchandising officer at Walmart Inc. where he managed $330 billion in sales, drove a major merchandising transformation initiative, and accelerated comp-store sales and market share gains.

His prior leadership positions at Walmart included executive vice president of general merchandise, executive vice president of food, and senior vice president of marketing. He is recognized for his strong and consistent results, passion for people, and winning in the marketplace. Earlier in his career, Bratspies served as chief marketing officer for Specialty Brands, held various management positions at PepsiCo, Inc.’s Frito-Lay North America division, and was a management consultant with A.T. Kearney.

“After a comprehensive search, we are excited to appoint Steve as the next CEO of Hanes,” said Ronald L. Nelson, the company’s chairman of the board. “Steve is an experienced global leader, has a strong vision for the future of consumer products businesses, and has an extensive track record of success in senior management roles across a number of critical business disciplines. He has tackled complex business challenges and consistently delivered superior results across a multitude of consumer product categories.

“We are confident that Steve is the ideal CEO to lead Hanes forward as we focus on our strong portfolio of consumer brands across the globe, rapid online growth, and strong cash flow model. We look forward to an exciting new chapter for Hanes under Steve’s leadership and oversight.”

Bratspies, who will relocate to Winston-Salem, noted, “I am thrilled to be joining the HanesBrands team, the clear global leader in everyday apparel basics with great iconic brands like Hanes and Champion. It is an honor to assume the role of CEO and join this highly respected global team of 63,000 strong. I have great respect for all that Hanes has accomplished throughout its rich history, including developing power brands, driving category-leading product innovation, and building deep consumer relationships. In addition, Hanes has built a world-class company-owned supply chain and established a strong reputation for workplace, environmental and social responsibility. Together, we will continue to accomplish great things and chart a future of growth and value creation for all of our constituencies.”

Gerald Evans, 61, will oversee the leadership transition until August and remain as an advisor to the company through 2021.

“We extend our gratitude to Gerald for his many contributions to the company’s brand building, global supply chain diversification, and international commercial expansion over the last 37 years, and most recently for his excellent leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic,” Nelson said. “Gerald has always put the best interests of Hanes and its employees first, and we appreciate his support of Steve and the management team through the transition period. We also wish him well in his retirement.”

Posted June 9, 2020

Source: HanesBrands, Inc.

Introducing The Coats Synthesizer App Featuring A Yarn Blend Calculator

UXBRIDGE, England — June 9, 2020 — Coats, an industrial thread company, has developed Coats Synthesizer, a unique app featuring a yarn blend calculator that accurately predicts, within seconds, fabric properties for end-use in the personal protection sector, according to the company. The ground breaking tool enables Coats to support its customers tailored needs while also saving on the resource of multiple sampling processes.

Coats Synthesizer is a bespoke tool that blends yarns virtually using algorithms. The sophisticated blend predictor technology provides information on essential fabric properties such as burn protection, abrasion resistance and ATPV (arc thermal protective value). It also allows yarn costs to be optimized in real time. The app will support Coats as it works alongside customers to collaborate on the development of new and innovative blends together. Following the initial blend prediction and sampling done digitally, it is just fine tuning that is required at the physical development stage. This significantly increases the speed of delivery of products that meet customer needs without extensive trials or sampling.

Ronan Cox, president, Performance Materials, Coats, said: ‘We continue to push the boundaries to provide tools and services to help improve our customers productivity and speed to market. This app reduces the need for a long, costly pre-production sampling and will enable Coats to continue to drive to support our customers more efficiently in the competitive post-COVID world.’

Coats Synthesizer supports Coats position as a trusted partner and global leader of blended yarn production for innovative personal protection. It provides a series of advanced solutions with added quality and value for protective wear. These include the Coats FlamePro™ product range of flame-resistant, electric arc and cut-resistant yarns which deliver optimum heat, fire and smelting hazard protection for use in the personal protection, military and industrial sectors.

Coats global expertise and real time communication and knowledge sharing means it is able to support customers – wherever they are.

Posted June 9, 2020

Source: Coats

Appleton’s New RollMover™ Line are Next-Generation Roll Pushers

NEENAH, Wis. — June 9, 2020 — The latest updates to a product line that has been industry-proven for more than 15 years, the four new RollMover’s that make up Appleton’s new series feature a new, advanced Lithium Iron Phosphate Battery and a rugged, high visibility, steel ergonomic design. Powerful, versatile and highly maneuverable, these RollMovers move heavy roll-able loads safely and easily. Appleton RollMovers are designed to easily and quickly move paper rolls, wire reels, vehicle chassis and many other types of products in a variety of industries. If it’s round, Appleton has a RollMover™ that can move it — safely, easily and efficiently.

Chief among the features of the new RollMovers are the new Lithium Battery Packs. The new battery pack is ergonomic, easy-to-hold, carry and change. The Battery Pack charges faster, holds charges longer and offers more charging cycles over its life than other batteries.  In addition to its design and performance improvements, the battery now features on-board analytics that offers state of battery charge for improved use.

Matt Spang, Appleton Mfg’s director of sales for the RollMover HD, said:  “The New RollMover series offer the safest, most robust Lithium Iron Phosphate battery on the market today. The battery offers an ergonomic handle for easy removal and replacement. The built-in analytics display real time state-of-charge feedback ensuring proper use and predictable charging times.  Still the most robust units on the market, the Appleton RollMovers use an even more robust gearbox to ensure reliability in even the most taxing environments!”

For over 15 years Appleton RollMovers have led the way in battery-operated, heavy-duty roll pushers. With the introduction of their newest RollMover line, its improved battery technology and newly engineered gearbox they have again set a standard in the industry.

Appleton’s NEW RollMover Models:

RollMover SD – The SD model features rugged steel frame construction and excellent versatility in moving rol­lable loads weighing up to 6,500 lbs. This is the most popular model today for general purpose applications. An advanced, programmable speed controller provides added safety when seek­ing to control minimum and maximum speeds and/or throttle acceleration response.

RollMover HD – The HD model features a stronger power-drive along with rugged steel frame construction for easily moving rollable loads weighing in excess of 20,000 lbs. An advanced, programmable speed controller provides added safety when seeking to control minimum and maximum speeds and/or throttle acceleration response.

RollMover LR – The LR model offers all the power and durability of the HD model along with a large, contoured drive roller designed for damage-free moving of soft material rolls, including tissue, fiberglass mat and nonwoven loads weighing in excess of 20,000 lbs.

RollMover XD – The XD model is the strongest and most powerful model available. The stronger power-drive along with rugged steel frame construction for easily moving rollable loads weighing in excess of 100,000 lbs. An advanced, programmable speed controller provides added safety when seeking to control minimum and maximum speeds and/or throttle acceleration response.

Posted June 9, 2020

Source: Appleton

Unifi Partners With TexWipe

GREENSBORO, N.C. — June 9, 2020 — Texwipe®, an ITW Company, based in Kernersville, N.C., announces REVOLVE™, a complete line of cleanroom consumable products made from upcycled polyester. Using REPREVE®, a recycled fiber made from plastic bottles and created by Unifi Inc, REVOLVE is a new, environmentally conscious line of products. REVOLVE encompasses a full product line including cleanroom wipers that are sterile and non-sterile, dry and pre-wetted with 70-percent IPA / 30-percent DIW in various size configurations. In addition, a new, patent-pending mop cover and string mop for the cleanroom and critical clean market space will be offered. Each product label will indicate the number of post-consumer bottles used to make the contents of the bag.

The teamwork between Texwipe and Unifi/REPREVE represents a long-standing business relationship to provide the highest quality products to the cleanroom market with a commitment to eco-friendliness. Texwipe has a long history of environmental consciousness, and the use of REPREVE yarn in REVOLVE products will enable Texwipe’s customers to further support the achievement of their sustainability goals.

Posted June 9, 2020

Source: Unifi, Inc.

Jeanologia Introduces Sanibox Sanitation Technology Certified To Eliminate The Coronavirus From Textiles And Footwear

VALENCIA, Spain — June 3, 2020 — Jeanologia has introduced “Sanibox,” a sanitization technology certified to eliminate the coronavirus from textiles, apparel, workwear, and footwear, according to the company.

Sanibox has a 98 percent sanitization level, is certified by CSIC — Spanish National Research Council the largest public research institution in Spain and the third largest in Europe — and complies with AFNOR NFT 72-281.

Using this sanitization box, Jeanologia disinfects in a fast and safe way, offering a level of safety that allows the use of the product without risk to health since it eliminates the bacteria and deactivates the virus. Otherwise this could only be achieved if the garments were put in quarantine for a minimum of 72 hours, or if they were washed at 60ºC (140ºF) each time.

This technological solution for sanitization also protects the colors, materials and feel of the garment and does so sustainably, without using water or chemicals.

Enrique Silla, Jeanologia’s founder, highlighted that, “We have launched a product that will contribute to accelerating the recovery and generating consumer confidence, sanitization and sustainability will be the keys to the recovery of our industry.

“From the first moment we have studied the needs of the consumer after the coronavirus and of the textile industry in the short term and we set out to create a new technology for their future needs, putting people and the planet first”.

The company has managed to launch Sanibox in record time as it already had the technology and know-how, combining over 15 years producing ozone with the experience gained in recent months working on disinfecting face protection masks in Spain.

“Consumers will not buy again if they do not feel safe,” Silla said. Therefore, “we must unite all the parties involved in the industry to protect workers and consumers throughout the different stages of the production process by using sanitization”, he concluded.

Sanibox: the science of sanitization

The company has developed this technological solution through a serious, rigorous and accredited study following the established regulations. The technological combination of dehumidification plus advanced oxidation makes it possible to sanitize garments at the required safety level, making Sanibox effective for deactivating viruses.

Jeanologia is launching a range of Sanibox products for textiles, apparel, footwear and workwear, offering different products depending on needs: from shops for sanitizing garments after leaving the fitting room or returned garments; to distribution centers to ensure that garments are sanitized before they reach the shop or are sent online to individuals; to staff uniforms before use.

Posted June 9, 2020

Source: Jeanologia

Burlington, Tilley Partner to Supply Isolation Gowns for Canada’s Healthcare Workers

GREENSBORO, N.C. — June 3, 2020 — Legacy brands Burlington and Tilley Endurables are excited to partner together to provide essential isolation gowns for healthcare workers in Canada. An urgent call to action and quick response by Tilley began a journey that brought these two companies together, again.

For more than 40 years Burlington has produced its Maxima® line of medical fabrics while Tilley has focused on making quality headwear designed to experience and enjoy the outdoors. Rooted in the core values of innovation, performance and sustainability, these brands are familiar partners in making hats but found a new connection amidst a global pandemic when Tilley pivoted its idle sewing capacity from hats to medical isolation gowns.

“Burlington is proud to be a part of an industry with such compassion and call to action as we have seen in the fight against COVID-19,” said Allen Smith, president Burlington, Safety Components & A&E – Americas. “The scarcity of PPE due to the COVID-19 crisis has reinforced the importance of reusable PPE, and we are pleased to offer our expertise to support Tilley as they step up to produce lifesaving isolation gowns.”

Tilley CEO Andrew Prendergast tells how it all started. “Prime Minister Justin Trudeau put out a national call in mid-March for all companies who could make personal protective equipment to register with the Canadian government,” Prendergast said. “We had just halted our sewing operations and furloughed 80 percent of our employees. While we did not have direct knowledge of how to make isolation gowns, we were confident in the skills of our employees to pivot from hats to PPE with the right resources. We started working directly with Toronto East Health Network to create a new isolation gown. It was a fascinating process and moved extremely quickly.”

The process of designing the isolation gown prototype involved several partners including doctors at Toronto East Health who collaborated on the design of the gown and EcoTex, provider of laundry and linen services, who provided fabric specifications and patterns. The challenge came in finding raw materials.

Prendergast continues, “Protective fabrics are in short supply, so we set out to find a suitable fabric. In talking with our elastic supplier American & Efird, they shared that a sister company within their own Elevate Textiles group was supplying another Canadian brand with medical fabrics. Our operations director put in a call, which connected us with a sales representative from Burlington — a familiar name and trusted supplier of fabrics to us. Fast forward 8 weeks. The prototype gown made from Burlington’s Maxima fabric was completed, tested and approved by the hospital, and immediately put into production. Toronto Health’s support has been tremendous in trusting Tilley to deliver the same quality and care in gowns that we do in our hats, and they continue to champion our gowns and Burlington’s fabric every day.”

To date, Tilley has produced more than 5,000 isolation gowns, primarily supplying long-term health facilities within the Toronto East Health Network and more recently dental facilities.

Burlington’s Maxima medical fabrics are engineered with specific yarns and constructions to provide the highest level of proven protection, durability and comfort, based on specified levels for ANSI/AAMI PB70 & EN13795 standards. A key advantage of Burlington fabrics is that they are reusable, which provides even greater assurance of being available when critical PPE is needed the most and promotes a more responsible, sustainable solution longer-term. Tilley’s “hats for life” guarantee reflect those same values and Tilley’s commitment to enduring quality, service and sustainability.

“We appreciate the opportunity for our A&E and Burlington brands to journey with Tilley as they stepped up and transitioned to producing PPE,” Smith said. “Our companies have an established partnership and shared values that support the current pandemic needs as well as longer-term opportunities to serve both the outdoor enthusiast and frontline hero with durable, reusable products known for quality and reliability.”

Posted June 9, 2020

Source: Burlington

New Recycled Fiber Finex™ in Stores; Sateri Partners Fashion Brands to Unveil Product

SHANGHAI — June 8, 2020 — Sateri has unveiled Finex™ as its new product brand for recycled fiber. Finex short for Fibre Next, is an innovative next-generation cellulosic fiber containing recycled content. Internationally known outdoor brand Lafuma has produced Finex apparel ahead of 618, China’s major mid-year online shopping festival, while independent China designer Rico Lee will launch his Finex apparel next month.

Since its announcement in March this year of a breakthrough in commercial production of viscose using recycled textile waste, Sateri has worked closely with its downstream yarn and garment manufacturing partners to bring the recycled fibre product to the consumer market.

“We’re pleased to collaborate with Sateri as one of their first brand partners for Finex,” said Wu Qian, general manager of Lafuma China. “Sateri’s dedication to this partnership made it possible for Lafuma to produce T-shirts with this fine quality fibre in a short time. T-shirts made with Finex will be among the offerings Lafuma has in store for the 618 festival as we look to support environmentally-friendly and excellent performance solutions to strengthen our position as a leading outdoor apparel brand.”

Echoing similar sentiments is Rico Lee who established his own independent label in 2014, “I jumped at the opportunity to collaborate with Sateri when they approached me because Finex encapsulates what my brand stands for — Beautiful Technology that combines function and fashion.”

Tom Liu, Sateri’s commercial vice president, said: “Like our flagship brand EcoCosy®, Finex is made from bio-based natural fibers. Innovation and technology has made cellulosic textile fiber recycling possible and Finex represents how nature not only renews itself but that products made from nature can also be regenerated. This, at its heart, is what circular fashion looks like. Our brand promise to customers remains constant — Sateri’s products are sustainable, high quality, efficient, and cost-effective. The Finex tagline ‘Together For A Better Next’ expresses our aspiration to be the partner of choice for next-generation fiber – we thank Lafuma and Rico Lee for pioneering with us on this quest.”

Last month, Sateri announced its entry into China’s lyocell fiber market. The recent string of product portfolio expansion announcements is underpinned by Sateri’s business strategy to capture value. Allen Zhang, president of Sateri, said: “Being the world’s largest viscose producer gives us the advantages that come with volume, but value is what we hope differentiates us. By this, we don’t only mean higher value products like lyocell or Finex but also the value we bring to communities, country, climate and customers.”

Globally, less than 1 percent of material used to produce clothing is recycled into new clothing. This presents a big opportunity for textile fiber recycling, particularly in China which is the largest textile producing country in the world. Last month, Sateri became a council member of the China Association of Circular Economy (CACE). The company will work closely with CACE’s Textile Waste Comprehensive Utilisation Committee to establish standards and promote industrial-scale textile waste recycling. Sateri is part of the Singapore-based RGE group of companies which has committed $200 million into next-generation textile fiber innovation and technology.

Posted June 9, 2020

Source: Sateri

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