Web Industries Launches Composite Formatting Line In France

MARLBOROUGH, Mass. — April 21, 2020 — Web Industries Inc., a precision formatter of composite materials, has announced the installation of a high-volume composite slitting and spooling line at its Omega Systèmes plant in Nantes, France. The new production line adds capacity to serve growing demand for both thermoset and thermoplastic slit tape composites from aerospace fabricators across the European market.

The 48-head line is the first of many that Web Industries expects to install at Omega Systèmes, which was acquired by Web in January 2019. The line’s custom slitting and spooling capabilities mirror those of Web’s North American precision converting operations, enabling the company to offer identical formatting services and quality standards to customers on both sides of the Atlantic. The new line can take master rolls of composite materials, precision slit them into narrower widths and then traverse wind the slit material onto spools. Customers can then easily load these spools of slit tape onto their robotic automated tape laying machinery or other fabrication equipment.

“We are entering an era in which competition will intensify, and production optimization will be an increasingly important factor in productivity gains,” said Web Industries Vice President of Corporate Development Kevin Young “The new machinery we have developed and implemented can format both thermoset and thermoplastic composite materials to supply the entire European market.”

With this capacity investment, Web Industries is deploying resources to help customers meet composite material requirements for next-generation aircraft programs. These programs are expected to drive a surge in manufacturing of single-aisle airplanes with significant composite content. “We are focused on this challenge and are working with material suppliers, automation developers and fabricators to find new approaches that deliver improved yields, increased throughput and lower cost,” said Michael Quarry, vice president of aerospace operations, Web Industries.

COVID-19 Mask Production Update

Web Industries is equipped to develop nonwoven and material converting solutions that support the manufacture of disposable medical products, including masks and gowns, for the COVID-19 crisis throughout North America and Europe.

Web Industries’ Omega Systèmes business is currently filling an order for 7,800,000 personal facemasks, up from 900,000 one week ago. The masks are approved by the French General Directorate of Armament to the Ministère des Armées for distribution to food manufacturers, supermarkets and nursing homes conducting business in France.

Posted April 21, 2020

Source: Web Industries Inc.

LinenMe: Zero-Waste Manufacturing — Mission Possible In Home Textiles

NEW YORK CITY/CHICAGO — April 20, 2020 — To further its commitment to sustainability linen home textiles manufacture LinenMe launches new LinenUs collection of homeware basics made from linen offcuts and unused scrap material. This range aims to further reduce LinenMe’s carbon footprint and achieve a zero-waste target for newly manufactured products.

“At LinenMe we don’t believe in fast fashion, and we create textiles and homewares that are designed to look and feel amazing for years. But the nature of textiles business requires constant innovation with colors and patterns of fabrics. Accurate forecasting of the lifecycle of each newly introduced fabric has always been a problem even running make-to-order business like ours,” said Inga Lukauskiene, CEO of LinenMe.

This is where the idea of LinenUs line was born. To use leftover fabrics to make basic homeware products like hand towels, napkins, placemats, storage bags, tote bags, bread baskets and openly share that concept with LinenMe’s loyal customers. Ordering LinenUs products customers either choose items made from specific “Fabric of the month” or “Surprise Fabric.”

Environmentally friendly business has always been at the heart of LinenMe. The company uses only green energy for its manufacturing processes as well as offers complimentary linen shopping bag for customers who opt for plastic-free wrapping of their orders.

“LinenUs is another step in sustainability journey that LinenMe is taking. Zero-waste manufacturing is very serious commitment we are making. The actions we need to take in our manufacturing processes go far beyond the introduction of LinenUs products, but I’m confident it’s a right choice for LinenMe, our customers and the planet,” Lukauskiene said.

LinenMe’s efforts in sustainability field has been recognized: Maison&Objet, Paris has included LinenMe. itinerary, Ambiente Frankfurt included LinenMe in their Ethical Style Guide. LinenMe is regular exhibitor at NYNOW, New York.

Posted April 20, 2020

Source: LinenMe

UPS Supports Textile Producer SanMar By Shipping Over 1.7 Million Face Masks

ATLANTA — April 20, 2020 — UPS today announced that it is operating flights to deliver 1.7 million face masks made by textile producer SanMar. UPS is honored to be a part of SanMar’s national Coronavirus response.

SanMar converted its clothing production facilities in Honduras and Tennessee to support protective mask production and distribution. SanMar reached out to UPS and the company moved quickly to provide supply chain and global shipping services for each phase of the collaboration.

“The national response by companies to the Coronavirus Pandemic is inspiring, said Kate Gutmann, UPS chief sales and solutions officer. “SanMar’s leadership is the perfect example of the speed and determination required to protect people on the front lines. We are honored to be part of their mission.”

“We knew immediately that SanMar should be part of this effort as a result of our ability to make and sew textiles here in the U.S., as well as in Central America,” said Renton Leversedge, chief customer officer for SanMar. “We have manufacturing expertise and we have scale, which enables us to take part in this very important work.”

Since the program began at the end of March, SanMar has manufactured more than 100,000 masks at its Tennessee production facility. When the masks are completed, UPS will ship the life-saving cargo to healthcare providers throughout the U.S.

Production and distribution started in April of more than 1.7 million masks produced at SanMar’s Honduras location for shipment to its Jacksonville, Fla., distribution center. The masks will be shipped via UPS Air Freight on pallets and then repackaged to the correct quantities for distribution by UPS’s small package division to healthcare providers around the United States.

UPS has a special appreciation for companies who are working to support the needs of front line workers during the pandemic.

More than 495,000 UPS employees have continued to operate in markets throughout the world, where the company has been designated as a critical infrastructure business. The company has modified its operating plans to ensure employee and general public safety while it continues to operate. All UPS employees, including our delivery personnel, have been trained on proper social distancing and all employees have been given protective equipment, sanitizer and other materials. The company has ramped up facility and equipment cleaning and is ensuring adherence to CDC protocols.

Posted April 20, 2020

Source: UPS

Hexion Introducing New Epoxy System And Curing Agent

COLUMBUS, Ohio — April 20, 2020 — Hexion Inc. is launching both a new lower yellowing epoxy system for concrete protection and a unique amine curing agent to help coatings manufacturers meet lower indoor air emissions requirements while also reducing costs.

The INFINIUM™ Lower Yellowing Epoxy System is EPON LY™ Resin 1810 combined with EPIKURE LY™ Curing Agent 3801. This two-component, ambient-cure system offers five times lower yellowing while providing excellent epoxy performance and overnight cure.

“The Infinium System can be used as a single coatings layer to potentially replace two-layer coating systems, thus enabling faster application,” said James Bellinger, business director Epoxy, Americas. A single coat layer allows our customers to save time and money by significantly reducing application costs and provides an opportunity to increase margins.

With the growing importance of Green Building initiatives (e.g. United States Green Building Council’s LEED), coatings formulators need epoxy systems that meet the more stringent indoor air emissions requirements. To meet this market need, Hexion is introducing a unique amine curing agent to the Americas market called EPIKURE™ Curing Agent 580.

“With the introduction of Epikure Curing Agent 580, we can offer customers a route to gain LEED points for lower indoor air emission coatings at affordable cost,” said Dan Weinmann, market development manager, Epoxy Specialties. “This new curing agent also improves sustainability because it does not contain intentionally-added benzyl alcohol or nonylphenol.”

Posted April 20, 2020

Source: Hexion Inc.

The LYCRA Co. To Showcase Sustainable Solutions At Kingpins 24 Livestream Event

WILMINGTON, Del. — April 20, 2020 — The LYCRA Co. will share its latest sustainable stretch and performance innovations at the Kingpins 24 livestream event on April 22-23. Kingpins is transitioning its spring denim tradeshow in Amsterdam to an online format amid COVID-19 concerns.

Under its EcoMade family of fibers, The LYCRA Co. has developed a variety of offerings with pre and post-consumer content. The latest of these is our LYCRA® EcoMade fiber. Made partly with pre-consumer material, it’s certified to GRS standards, offering the same high-quality performance as our other Lycra fiber offerings. Another stretch vehicle, Lycra T400® EcoMade fiber, contains 50 percent post-consumer content and can be used in conjunction with Lycra fiber for higher stretch with lasting shape retention.

Our performance polyester fibers give new life to plastics — COOLMAX® EcoMade technology helps keep the wearer cool and dry and is made with 100% post-consumer recycled materials. And for lightweight warmth, our THERMOLITE® EcoMade fiber is engineered to help optimize comfort & performance.

To dispel some myths about sustainabilty the company will deliver a presentation titled “Sustainable Stretch – Get the Facts” April 22 and 23. In addition, videos on The Lycra Co.’s Planet Agenda sustainability platform and Lycra EcoMade fiber will run during the Kingpins 24 livestream.

“We want to thank Kingpins for giving us the opportunity to come together as a denim community and engage our customers on these important topics in a new and exciting way,” said Jean Hegedus, sustainability director, The Lycra Co. “At The Lycra Company, we’re focused on developing solutions for a circular economy. Under our Planet Agenda platform, we are also working on technologies for recycling stretch garments, extending garment wear life, and helping our customers use fewer, and more sustainable resources.”

Kingpins 24 will feature livestreamed panel discussions, interviews and exhibitor presentations focused on sustainability and corporate social responsibility, plus a variety of on-demand content about the denim supply chain’s offerings for the upcoming seasons. Registration is now open which grants free access to the livestream and on-demand content. The stream starts at 9 a.m. CET on April 22 and 23. Visit the Kingpins website to learn more.

Posted April 20, 2020

Source: The LYCRA Co.

Panda Biotech Contracts For The Manufacture Of The Largest Hemp Decorticator In The United States And One Of The Largest In The World

DALLAS — April 20, 2020 — Dallas-based Panda Biotech LLC has contracted with an international equipment manufacturer for the construction of the largest hemp decorticator in the United States and believed to be the largest in the world. The 10-ton per hour decorticator is the first of two planned for Panda Biotech’s flagship industrial hemp processing facility to be located in Texas. At full production, the two decorticating lines for processing textile-quality, high-grade fiber, premium hurd and cellulose are expected to generate $30 million per year for Texas agricultural producers.

Panda Biotech’s top mechanical engineers, along with key members of the team, conducted a worldwide search to inspect equipment in operation and evaluate manufacturing capabilities to determine the best equipment for its first Hemp Gin™ facility. The purchase of the decorticating lines was based, in part, on the reputation and caliber of the selected company and the reliability of its equipment that has been proven successful for decades. Panda then worked with the firm’s engineers to “super-size” their existing line of decorticators. Once installed, each line will have a maximum processing throughput of 88,000 tons a year.

For competitive reasons, Panda has not named the manufacturer or country of origin of the Hemp Gin equipment.

“After thorough due diligence, and after achieving encouraging results on fiber that was processed on a smaller version of our line, we were able to confirm that this was the right equipment for our business model,” said Scott Evans, executive vice president of Panda Biotech.

The first decorticator is currently in production and on schedule to complete the preliminary phase of manufacturing in late 2020. Panda expects partial operations to commence in Q1 2021 and for the facility to be fully operational in the first half of the year. Panda Biotech will be entering into contracts with producers for the 2021 growing season.

Panda expects the manufacturing of the second decorticator to begin upon completion of the first line. This will increase the maximum throughput of the Hemp Gin to 176,000 tons of industrial hemp per year and serve as a redundant backup that will allow the facility to reliably operate on a 24/7 basis.

Panda Biotech publicly entered the industrial hemp industry in December 2019 announcing the planned development of its first Hemp Gin facility. The company had previously secured the rights to purchase a building in Lubbock County, Texas, in the town of Shallowater, that subsequently failed to pass inspection. Panda is currently evaluating three different facilities to house its industrial hemp processing center, all of which are located in the High/North Central Plains regions.

The company plans on building other processing facilities in Texas and across the United States as the market grows for fiber, hurd and cellulose from industrial hemp.

Posted April 20, 2020

Source: Panda Biotech LLC

Lubrizol Contributes To Nike’s Efforts To Make Full-Face Shields For Frontline Medical Workers

CLEVELAND — April 20, 2020 — Lubrizol together with NIKE Inc. is helping protect frontline medical workers fighting against COVID-19. To support Nike’s efforts to develop and donate full-face shields and powered, air-purifying respirator (PAPR) lenses to hospitals across several U.S. cities, Lubrizol donated ESTANE® thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) polymers, an important element in both pieces of personal protective equipment (PPE).

Nike’s version of the full-face shield transforms elements of the brand’s footwear and apparel, including TPU. Lubrizol’s innovation team quickly evaluated materials, provided insights to optimize performance and re-orchestrated its production and supply chain to produce and donate the necessary material to Nike as part of this effort.

In addition to the full-face shields, the ESTANE TPU donation will be used in lenses for powered, air-purifying respirator (PAPR) helmets, used in situations where medical professionals face the greatest airborne pathogen exposure as they provide critical care to infected patients.

With Lubrizol’s support, Nike has shipped full-face shields and PAPR lenses to health systems in Oregon, where Nike is headquartered, and several other U.S. cities, including Cleveland, where Lubrizol’s world headquarters sit.

“We are grateful for the generosity of companies around the country as we build up our supply levels in anticipation of a surge in COVID-19 patients,” said Lara Kalafatis, chair of Cleveland Clinic’s Philanthropy Institute. “This collaboration between Lubrizol and Nike demonstrates ingenuity applied alongside compassion and a sincere interest to help thousands of our caregivers.”

“These face shields will allow us to treat patients while keeping our front-line medical providers safe,” said MetroHealth President and CEO Dr. Akram Boutros, FACHE. “We appreciate this generous donation. It’s another example of the community coming together to care for each other.”

Lubrizol’s TPU is an incredibly versatile polymer that bridges the gap between flexible rubber and rigid plastics, which allows partners to apply TPU across a wide range of applications. In addition to full-face shields, Lubrizol’s TPU is being used in medical gowns, medical equipment, hospital mattresses, tubing, hoses, and medical devices for many other critical applications.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with Nike to improve lives and support those in need during COVID-19,” says Rick Tolin, president, Lubrizol Advanced Materials. “Every day our employees enable products used across the world, and our team is fully committed to enabling our science and applications expertise to deliver even greater impact during this global crisis.”

Earlier this month, Lubrizol announced a $2 million donation commitment to support COVID-19 needs globally. The company has contributed critical supplies to hospitals across the world, donated to Food Banks where Lubrizol has major operations and supported local restaurants by purchasing meals for hospital workers, among other efforts. The company has also challenged its employees to contribute 2,020 virtual or at-home volunteer hours to assist organizations providing support in this environment.

Posted April 20, 2020

Source: The Lubrizol Corp.

Johns Manville Starts Production Of Nonwoven Media For Face Masks

DENVER — April 20, 2020 — The Johns Manville (JM) plant in Richland, Miss., started production this month to make nonwoven filtration media that will be used to create needed face masks to help stop the spread of COVID-19.

“Johns Manville is in a unique position to serve a market that is fulfilling a great need across the world,” said Mary Rhinehart, president and CEO of Johns Manville. “We are proud of our teams in Richland and throughout JM for finding new ways to support the communities and people who are on the front lines of this global crisis.”

Most nonwoven production of face masks was abandoned in the U.S. many years ago and moved to Asia. Given the shortage of face masks in the U.S. and Europe, JM’s Engineered Products business decided to build on its existing capabilities and help fill the market demand.

“Our high-performance nonwoven material is designed to provide high levels of filtration for various types of face masks,” said John Vasuta, president of JM’s Engineered Products business.

JM media meets or exceeds Level 1 BFE 95% (Bacterial Filtration Efficiency) and VFE (Viral Filtration Efficiency) requirements. These results were verified by an FDA-registered national laboratory.

The JM plant in Richland employs about 50 people and produces a variety of filtration products for various air and liquid applications using polypropylene and polyester meltblown technology. Richland’s meltblown filtration media can be found in numerous industrial, automotive, consumer products and FDA-approved food and healthcare applications.

Posted April 20, 2020

Source: Johns Manville, a Berkshire Hathaway company

Swift Brands Launches the Swift Million Challenge

LOS ANGELES — April 20, 2020 — Swift Brands announced that it has launched the Swift Million Challenge. Chelsea Grayson, Swift Brand’s CEO, said: “The purpose of the challenge is to get as many Americans as possible to wear a mask and help flatten the COVID-19 curve. With help from our wonderful customers, we are challenging ourselves to donate one million masks wherever the needs presents.” For every mask purchased by a customer, Swift Brands will donate a mask to the hospital, senior center or other place in need designated by the customer.

Swift Brands’ on-demand factory manufactures all of its products in the USA and is uniquely poised to rapidly produce protective gear in the battle against the spread of COVID-19. While the masks are not N95 certified, they are made with antimicrobial material. They can be worn alone, or they can provide an added layer of defense when layered over a certified mask. They can be ordered in any color and can include a corporate logo or graphic (using water-based inks). Swift Brands is happy to provide this offering to customers with no minimums, for their own use or for purposes of donating to the front lines.

“Swift Brands thanks our customers for joining us in the Swift Million Challenge and for helping us to answer this important call to action,” Grayson said. “And, of course, we wouldn’t be able to do any of this important work without the help of our dedicated employees and their tireless efforts to help us do our part to flatten the curve. We strongly believe that covering your face is like casting a vote for the end of the pandemic.”

Posted April 20, 2020

Source: Swift Brands

The National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO) Statement On Administration’s 90-Day Tariff Deferral

WASHINGTON — April 20, 2020 — The National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO), representing the full spectrum of U.S. textiles from fiber through finished products, issued a statement from NCTO President and CEO Kim Glas today, voicing concern over the administration’s executive order instituting a non-reciprocal 90-day deferral on certain tariffs. The temporary postponement of duties does not apply to products with antidumping or countervailing duties or those products subject to penalty duties under Section 232, 201 and 301. As further details of the order emerge, NCTO is closely reviewing the implications for the U.S. textile industry.

“At a time when domestic textile producers and its workforce have mobilized to transform their production lines to manufacture the personal protective equipment (PPE) supplies for frontline healthcare and medical workers fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, the administration’s decision to defer duties for 90 days on the vast majority of products imported into the United States is counterproductive,” Glas said.

“This move contradicts the administration’s top stated priority of rebuilding American manufacturing and buying American and could have severe negative implications for the entire U.S. textile industry, whose companies and workforce already are facing enormous economic hardship.

We support the need to temporarily eliminate barriers to the entry of emergency medical supplies and certain PPE inputs tied directly to the COVID-19 response. But make no mistake, the key drivers behind efforts to defer tariffs have nothing to do with facilitating access to PPE products or stopping the spread of COVID-19.

Our industry is being asked to do extraordinary things. We are heeding that call, but we need help to ensure the supply chains we are creating overnight don’t evaporate tomorrow. We need strong procurement policies and additional funding for our industries to ramp up and retool — not further measures that incentivize offshore production. We need to maximize the U.S. domestic production chain right now to every extent possible in helping fight COVID-19 and make the products American frontline workers desperately need.

We need to provide immediate and substantial relief to our manufacturing sector and their workforce who are suffering enormously right now. It’s critical that we have a long-term U.S. government plan to ensure that we aren’t relying on offshore producers to make medically necessary, live-saving PPE. We shouldn’t be providing handouts to reward the very companies that helped offshore these industries so many years ago.

Tariffs are one of the few mechanisms in place to help partially address the challenges U.S. manufacturers face in competing with imports from countries with exceptionally low wages, poor working conditions, and minimal environmental and safety standards.”

Posted April 20, 2020

Source: The National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO)

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