First Anti-NOX Textile Facade In Hamburg, Germany, Enables Nitrogen Oxide Reduction

HAMBURG/AACHEN, Germany — February 5, 2020 — Today the Senator of Finance of Hamburg, Dr. Andreas Dressel, inaugurated the first anti-nitrogen oxides (NOX) textile facade on an office building of the company ECE Europa Bau- und Projektmanagement GmbH in Hamburg, Germany. The innovative facade system is a light and transparent textile facade developed by the RWTH Aachen University in cooperation with the companies ECE, Hamburg, and INOK GmbH, Willich, Germany.

The researchers achieved the reduction of harmful nitrogen oxides — NO and NO2 — by means of an innovative facade coating. The coating acts as a catalyst and binds the harmful nitrogen oxides from the city air directly to the facade surface under ultraviolet light. Oxidation processes convert the pollutants into small quantities of harmless salts.

When it rains, rainfall removes the salt residues from the facade surface. The rainwater is then returned to the cycle of nature. It can seep away or be used as fertilizer for plants. In the project, samples of the rainwater are taken in order to scientifically prove the environmental compatibility.

Innovative building envelope reduces cooling load of buildings in summer

In addition to the contribution to health protection made by air purification, the facade does even more. As a second building envelope, it lends the building a novel, futuristic appearance and also serves as an external sun protection. Studies have already proven that the new building envelope can reduce the solar cooling load of buildings in summer by up to 78 percent.

Facade system can also be retrofitted and is 100 percent recyclable

The facade system can be used for new buildings as well as for the subsequent energy-efficient renovation of existing buildings, thus contributing to climate protection. The new materials are 100 percent recyclable. In addition, the research team has just presented a variant in which the textile is made from recycled plastic bottles. The researchers are also working on integrating micro solar cells into the textile.

In the future, the facade is to be made available to ITA as a research laboratory in the field of sustainable building technology and contribute to testing prototypes under real conditions.

About the research project at RWTH Aachen University

The project is accompanied by the Institut für Textiltechnik Aachen of RWTH Aachen University, short ITA, and is part of a research project of architect Jan Serode, ITA, which started in 2016 and is carried out in close cooperation with industrial partners and various RWTH research institutes. An elaborate measurement procedure with digital measurement technology on the facade enables live monitoring. The study results should provide information about the contribution of the facade to improving air quality. The effects on urban space as well as on the interior of the building are measured.

“Without the great cooperation and financial support of our partners ECE and INOK, we would not have been able to carry out the project in this way”, says architect Jan Serode, ITA. “A very special thanks also goes to the company Hillebrandt Stahl- und Behälterbau GmbH from Greven, Germany, which has helped us a lot in the last twelve months to realise the facade. The company Schüco International KG, Bielefeld, Germany, with its practical experience in the field of facade technology was also helpful to us.”

Posted February 5, 2020

Source: the Institut für Textiltechnik Aachen of RWTH Aachen University, short ITA

Hexcel, NaCa Systems Develop Hybrid Carbon And Wood Fiber Composite Car Seat Back

STAMFORD, Conn. — February 5, 2020 — Hexcel Corp. (Hexcel) is collaborating with NaCa Systems, a Tier 1 supplier of natural fiber composite automotive interior parts, on the development of a lightweight carbon fiber prepreg and wood fiber composite sportscar seat back using a rapid press molding process. This innovation validates a short cycle time production process for CFRP and wood fiber composite parts and offers a host of benefits to automotive manufacturers.

Hexcel supplies NaCa Systems with an optimized version of its HexPly® M77CS epoxy prepreg material. HexPly M77CS is a fast curing hotmelt, thermosetting epoxy matrix, specifically designed for prepreg applications for which short cure cycles and clear surfaces with perfect aesthetics are required.

Hexcel’s newly developed version of the M77CS prepreg has an increased resin content to optimize the CFRP to wood fiber composite bond strength despite the slightly higher resin uptake seen with the natural material component. The carbon fiber prepreg is cured at around 145˚C for four to five minutes and can be fully integrated into NaCa Systems existing production lines and metallic tooling.

The lightweight seat back demonstrates a 40 percent weight saving compared to a typical injection molded plastic component whilst also featuring a significantly improved carbon dioxide footprint versus a full carbon part. Unlike plastic molded parts, the prepreg and wood fiber structure doesn’t produce sharp edged pieces when damaged, significantly increasing passenger safety in a crash scenario. In addition, wood fiber composites also increase sound absorption, contributing to improved NVH damping within the vehicle interior.

“Hexcel has been a fantastic technology partner for our latest natural fiber and carbon composite hybrid parts. For us it is important to work with a prepreg supplier who can tailor the materials to work with our processes and that can deliver consistent quality as we grow rapidly in response to OEM’s continued drive for more sustainable composite solutions,” commented Aleš Kopal, CEO, NaCa Systems.

The NaCa Systems seat back will be on display on the Hexcel stand at JEC World 2020.

Posted February 5, 2020

Source: Hexcel Corp.

TRSA 2019 Healthcare Laundry Survey Results Now Available

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — February 5, 2020 — The TRSA Healthcare Committee has released the results of the TRSA 2019 Healthcare Laundry Survey, which is now available for purchase at www.trsa.org/store. The TRSA 2019 Healthcare Laundry Survey was compiled and distributed to linen, uniform and facility services companies serving the healthcare sector, with the results benchmarking various aspects of their operations, trends and market opportunities. Nearly 50 participants representing the acute/hospital, non-acute/specialty medical and long-term care/nursing home sectors completed the 27-question survey that covered topics such as:

  • market growth;
  • bottom line threats; and
  • consumer habits and priorities.

The survey did not track identification of the facilities or geographic location, and the results were based on total business as opposed to plant-specific findings. Survey responses are broken down by sector and demographics, such as:

  • plants that process more than 25 million pounds per year; and
  • plant that process less than 5 million pounds per year.

Learn more about the markets served, what the customers really value, and how sustainability plays a role in customer choice of laundry service providers.

Created by the TRSA Healthcare Committee, this survey was compiled and distributed to 384 TRSA member operators (holding positions of CEO, President or General Manager) of linen, uniform and facility services companies serving the healthcare sector. The information contained in this report is a pathway for strategic planning. With a 13% response rate, healthcare leaders share their experiences and expectations for what lies ahead for the Healthcare market.

This survey is the first of two phases, with this phase including questions and information about demographics, market drivers, healthcare dynamics, employees and changing expectations. The second phase, slated for completion in 2020, will include detailed financial information and will take a deep dive in to all aspects of financial performance, revenue sources, trend analysis and all primary cost drivers.  Phase two is expected to survey fewer participants while leveraging the first survey to build a taskforce to get buy-in from the laundry healthcare sector. The results of the detailed financial analysis will be available to the participants only; however, the trending and benchmarking data will be available to all members.

Obtain the full report at the TRSA webstore, www.trsa.org/store, at a cost of $75 for members and $150 for non-members.

Posted February 5, 2020

Source: TRSA

Web Industries’ Variance-In-Repeat Printing Creates Irregularly-Spaced Designs On Nonwovens Used In Personal Care Products

MARLBOROUGH, Mass. — February 5, 2020 — A printing capability for nonwoven materials that creates multiple repeat designs in the same print run is now available from the Personal & Home Care business unit of Web Industries Inc., a precision formatter of flexible materials. Field-tested variance-in-repeat printing delivers marketing and production advantages to manufacturers of personal care items such as adult incontinence wear, feminine care products and diapers.

The printing capability empowers brands to bring a variety of designs to market, rather than a single uniform design. For example, design images of flowers can be varied by location instead of appearing in the same place every time. Variations in images, colors or text are available.

“Our variance-in-repeat capability is an outgrowth of Web’s ingenuity and determination to enhance our customers’ product offering,” said Business Development Manager Courtney Robinson.

Production efficiency

Variance-in-repeat printing streamlines manufacturers’ production by incorporating multiple different repeating designs on a single roll of nonwoven material. The printed roll can run on one personal care product manufacturing line, offering variety and simplicity.

With conventional nonwoven material printing and formatting services, product manufacturers seeking variations in design need to order several different rolls, each carrying a repetitive and uniform design, process the rolls on separate lines and then collate them.

Supporting a major manufacturer

“We recently brought our print engineering services into play to craft a design solution for a personal care product manufacturing customer,” Robinson said.

“The company turned to Web Industries for help in producing a more attractive feminine undergarment’s waistband. Web succeeded in printing three slightly different repeating designs on a single roll of extensible nonwoven material.”

Robinson adds that the variance-in-repeat capability enabled the manufacturer to package the three designs on the same production line. This eliminated the need to use three different lines and then later sort the designs. The result was greater manufacturing efficiency and a more appealing garment for consumers.

Posted February 5, 2020

Source: Web Industries Inc.

INDEX™ 2020 Exhibitor Preview: ANDRITZ

GRAZ, Austria — February 4, 2020 — International technology Group ANDRITZ will be presenting its innovative nonwovens production and textile solutions at INDEX 2020 in Geneva, Switzerland, from March 31 to April 3 (booth 2114). 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.

What’s been Happening at ANDRITZ since INDEX 2017?

ANDRITZ Diatec, Italy now part of the ANDRITZ GROUP

With the acquisition of ANDRITZ Diatec, ANDRITZ enlarged its product portfolio to include state-of-the-art converting lines for the hygiene, lamination, medical and food pad sectors. A wide range of special machines and technologies for the production of baby diapers and pants, adult incontinence underpants, adult diapers and pants, adult light incontinence products, sanitary napkins, panty shields, food pads, medical and laminating applications extend the supply and value chain of ANDRITZ. The converting process for hygiene products requires premium quality standards, high capacities, and top-level production efficiency by reducing labor costs and machine downtime. Every detail is essential. This is why customers can develop and run trials on ANDRITZ pilot facilities to optimize raw materials, roll goods and final product applications.

At INDEX 2020, ANDRITZ Diatec will present its new adult pants line, which offers top-class components and an innovative technology process. The growing market for adult incontinence products has resulted in a state-of-the-art process with highest quality standards, such as the development of ultrasonic side seam solutions with excellent results in terms of bond strength and system reliability. The machine speed no longer limits quality bonds. As a result, operations and size changes are faster and easier. The modern forming system for higher SAP concentration and the turning and placing system guarantee maximum process stability and put customers’ adult pants at the top of the adult hygiene market. Learn more at INDEX.

Trends and Innovations in the hygiene machinery business

Sustainability is more than just a trend in the nonwovens industry. It is a serious responsibility for the entire world for the years and decades to come. The strong demand to reduce the use of plastics, save energy and increase efficiency is a clear innovation factor for the nonwoven industry and has led to newly developed production processes. ANDRITZ has always invested in future-oriented technologies that reduce the use of the various substances and raw materials required as well as cutting energy consumption. For the hygiene business, ANDRITZ provides first-class air-through bonding, spunlaid, spunjet, spunlace and Wetlace™ machines, as well as converting technologies and corresponding services to meet these demands for years to come.

One great highlight of ANDRITZ at INDEX will be the introduction of innovative technologies for the production of “green”/biodegradable products. Such processes for the production of biodegradable wipes are achieving high performance entirely with natural and/or renewable raw materials. The added benefit of using a blend of fibers, like wood pulp, short-cut cellulosic staple fibers, viscose, cotton, hemp, bamboo or linen, without chemical additives or binders results in a 100-percent biodegradable fabric, thus meeting customers’ needs exactly as well as supporting the strong tendency to move away from plastics and synthetics.

In response to the demand to save raw materials, ANDRITZ will be presenting its neXline spunlace for lightweight fabrics. Decreasing weight per square meter while maintaining high MD and CD tensile strength is the main challenge. Indeed, fibers account for a substantial part of the production costs. Very high productivity is needed for the lighter fabrics required with perfect uniformity. ANDRITZ provides the well-known TT card web forming and the high-performance Jetlace hydroentanglement units that can more than fulfill these challenges. The spunlace roll goods may achieve weights of 25 gsm and even less for ultralight spunlace fabrics, and web uniformity is excellent.

Another highlight at INDEX will be the latest technology developments in the spunlaid sector. Besides the well-known calender technologies, ANDRITZ also delivers Spunjet technologies, finishing solutions, and state-of-the-art dryers. Customers can produce the exact fabric characteristics they need with superior ANDRITZ technologies. The patented nonwovens process called Spunjet is the in-line hydroentanglement of continuous filaments, creating a new generation of spunlaid nonwovens with unrivalled bulkiness and softness compared to standard spunbond fabrics. Spunjet offers customers the best properties ever achieved in existing and new nonwovens applications.

Process And Product Optimization To Expand Customers’ Business Opportunities For Years To Come

In order to optimize processes and gain a faster return on investment, ANDRITZ is continuously developing innovative products, for example in the needlepunch segment with the brand new ProWin technology for profile weight correction. This unit combines the well-known technologies ProWid and ProDyn, enabling even better performance. By uniting these processes, customers have an even more homogeneous web and can reduce the input of raw materials. ProWin minimizes the level of instantaneous acceleration as well as the maximum internal speeds. As a consequence, the same machine can run faster with less mechanical stress. ProWin can also be retrofitted to recent ProDyn installations.

ANDRITZ always has the customers’ needs in focus. With new development of the unique PA3000 pre-needleloom, ANDRITZ is responding to customer demands for higher capacities and lighter products. The PA3000 is an optimized cylinder pre-needleloom, which offers greater speeds and widths and has been specially developed for lighter webs. There is no friction between the web and the rolls, and there are no issues with the visual appearance.

In addition to further technological development of its machinery and equipment, ANDRITZ relies strongly on smart IIoT products and solutions developed in-house by ANDRITZ and marketed under its technology brand Metris. Metris products are specifically tailored to the needs of ANDRITZ’s customers and help them to achieve their goals in terms of productivity and sustainability. Metris products offer effective and intelligent methods to successfully digitalize industrial production processes, data are continuously analyzed, and the machines, plants and their production operations are networked and optimized. At INDEX, ANDRITZ will highlight the benefits of the first industrial Metris installation.

Running complete lines calls for in-depth expertise in nonwovens technology, excellent service and prompt support. Most recently, ANDRITZ introduced the new 24/7 remote diagnostic service. Customers save time and money by obtaining fast support through this service. ANDRITZ remote assistance is based on three pillars: 24/7 service hotline, online diagnostics and augmented reality support. The dedicated teams of ANDRITZ experts supervised by customer care specialists are ready to assist customers with any mechanical, electrical, process and fully remote connection service – any time.

Posted February 4, 2020

Source: ANDRITZ

 

A Modernized Logo For The French Textile Equipment Manufacturers’ Association (UCMTF)

PARIS — February 4, 2020 — The French Textile Equipment Manufacturers’ Association, the well-known UCMTF that groups about 35 companies, is introducing a new modernized logo.

“Our Maisons are proud of their traditions and state of the art technologies, our new logo has been designed to show both” stated Christian Guinet, the new UCMTF secretary general since September.

In fact the traditional planisphere has been changed by a new one which seems to be made of textile ribbons; the blue, white, red colors are those of the French flag.

The new logo will be seen in the main international textile machinery fairs and in the textile magazines as France is the sixth textile machinery exporter with world leaders in such fields as long fiber spinning (wool, acrylic …), yarn twisting and control (including technical yarns), space-dyeing, heat setting for carpet yarns, carpet systems, dyeing and finishing, felts and belts for finishing processes, nonwovens, air conditioning of textile plants and recycling processes of textile materials. More information on these companies and on UCMTF’s activities can be found on www.ucmtf.com

Posted February 4, 2020

Source: The French Textile Equipment Manufacturers’ Association, UCMTF

TracerPlus Now Supports Alien Technology ALR-H460 Portable RFID Reader

CALVERTON, N.Y. — February 4, 2020 — Portable Technology Solutions, LLC (PTS), a provider of mobile data collection software and systems, has announced that its TracerPlus mobile software now supports Alien Technology’s ALR-H460 portable, rugged RFID reader.

“TracerPlus is the leading software for mobile applications in our market,” said Terry Pruett, vice president of marketing and Global Reader Products at Alien Technology. “It’s a very versatile package. PTS is able to provide our customers with end-to-end support while also providing an extremely powerful, flexible and elegant software tool that addresses key RFID applications. We value our relationship with PTS, and consider support for our products within TracerPlus to be a vital part of our success with this new reader.”

TracerPlus is enterprise-class mobile and RFID software that is compatible with a broad range of consumer and professional hardware. TracerPlus can be configured to any user’s precise needs with absolutely no programming required.

The Alien ALR-H460 is an Android-based portable data collection device with an ergonomic design and an IP64 sealing for dust and water resistance. In addition to reading RFID tags, the device can also read most 1D and 2D barcodes.

The ALR-H460 is targeted at warehouse, logistics, and manufacturing applications in the retail industry. The portable reader is part of Alien Technology’s complete range of passive, GS1-based RFID products, including both tags and readers.

“PTS is very selective about the RFID hardware that we choose to support,” said Brad Horn, CEO and co-founder of PTS. “Our developer and reseller partners have been very impressed and excited about the new Alien ALR-H460 device. Coupling our software with this new portable RFID reader and Alien Technology’s expertise in RFID chipsets and tags creates a very powerful solution for end users.”

Combining the TracerPlus software with the Alien Technology reader provides a simple, cost-effective way to migrate to an Android-based data collection and RFID environment for roughly the same level of investment as deploying new rugged barcode terminals. For companies that need to upgrade existing Windows-based data collection environments, this approach would not only reduce deployment costs but also enable new, RFID-based applications.

“In terms of performance and price point, Alien Technology really hit it out of the park with this new device,” Horn continued. “With so many anticipating our partnership we expect a lot of demand and successful deployments with the ALR-H460 running TracerPlus applications.”

PTS and Alien Technology have already tested the integrated solution with one customer. Support for the ALR-H460 in the current version of TracerPlus is now available upon request, and will be generally available beginning in Q1 2020.

TracerPlus 10.2 is available for free trial download at the TracerPlus website.

Posted February 4, 2020

Source: Portable Technology Solutions, LLC (PTS)

Ocean State Innovations Appoints Brian Pinson As Vice President Of Sales

PORTSMOUTH, R.I.— February 4, 2020 — Ocean State Innovations, a Brand and Oppenheimer Company, announced the appointment of Brian Pinson as vice president of sales. Pinson will be working from Greenville, S.C., and will report to the senior management of Ocean State Innovations.

With more than 29 years of management and leadership experience in the textile industry, Pinson will make a great addition to the Ocean State Innovations team. Most recently, he served as the sales manager for ITG Corp, and has also worked for Burlington Industries. His roles involved controlling costs, managing inventories, generating revenue and cultivating new business opportunities. Pinson is a 1989 graduate of Clemson University.

“We are excited to bring Brian on board as the VP of sales. With this addition to our team, we are continuing to grow our company’s expertise in order to provide the best textile solutions,” said Edward Ricci, Ocean State Innovations, CEO.

Posted February 4, 2020

Source: Ocean State Innovations

Eastman Naia™ Cellulosic Staple Fiber Debuts At Première Vision

KINGSPORT, Tenn.— February 4, 2020 — Eastman, the maker of sustainably sourced Naia™ cellulosic filament yarn, announces the expansion of its Naia™ fiber portfolio at Première Vision-Paris (PV), the international fashion and textile exposition, February 11-13. With the introduction of its new cellulosic staple fiber, Naia offers another versatile eco-conscious material choice for sustainable fashion.

“We are thrilled to expand our product offerings, and we have been working with a strong network of innovative spinner partners around the world to introduce our new Naia cellulosic staple fiber,” said Ruth Farrell, global marketing director of textiles for Eastman. “Working with our value chain partners, we’re facilitating quick and easy access to Naia fibers for our mills, and ultimately brands, regardless of their location.”

Naia staple fiber has inherent softness, is quick drying and reduces pilling. It blends well with other eco-friendly materials, such as lyocell, modal and recycled polyester — to produce sustainable fabrics and garments that are ideal for everyday wear.

Eastman will be working with several best-in-class spinners worldwide to create Naia staple fiber, including Karacasu Tekstil in Turkey, Shandong Long Run Textile and Dezhou Huayuan Eco-Technology on Mainland China, Pratibha Syntex and RSWM Ltd. in India and Linz Textil in Austria. These industry-leading spinners blend Naia™ staple fiber with other sustainable fibers to meet the needs of manufacturers across the globe.

Naia is responsibly sourced from sustainably managed pine and eucalyptus forests and plantations. Eastman has aligned its entire forestry supply chain with Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC) sourcing standards, including controlled wood procedures. Eastman and its wood pulp suppliers hold FSC (C140711) and/or PEFC™ Chain of Custody certifications. Furthermore, Eastman has partnered with Canopy to demonstrate its ongoing commitment to sustainable forestry management. The recently released 2019 Hot Button Ranking and Report shows Eastman’s commitment to sustainable forestry management, as the company has been reported to have zero risk of sourcing from ancient and endangered forests.

Produced in a safe, closed-loop process where solvents are recycled back into the system for reuse, Naia is made through optimized, low-impact manufacturing. Naia has a low tree-to-fiber environmental footprint and a third-party-reviewed life-cycle assessment compliant with ISO 14044. Naia is also certified as biodegradable in freshwater and soil environments and is compostable in industrial settings, having received the “OK biodegradable” and “OK compost” conformity marks from TÜV AUSTRIA. Most recently, Naia staple fiber received the “OK compost” certification for home settings.

Posted February 4, 2020

Source: Eastman

Berry Global Increases Production To Aid In Coronavirus Protection

EVANSVILLE, Ind. — January 31, 2020 — Today, in response to questions from the investment community on its recent quarterly call, Berry Global Group Inc. reports it is prioritizing the production of nonwoven healthcare products in its Nanhai, China, and Suzhou, China, facilities, which are used to manufacture products that can help protect against airborne particles like the Coronavirus.

Nonwoven materials produced at the facilities are used in face masks, N95 respirators, and protective apparel, all of which have recently been in high demand in the plan to prevent the spread of not only the Coronavirus, but also other communicable diseases.

A look inside the company’s current Nanhai production efforts can be viewed through media coverage found on its LinkedIn page.

“Our thoughts go out to those affected by the Coronavirus. Our dedicated teams are working around the clock to manufacture as much of these materials as possible to help prevent the spread of the virus,” said Curt Begle, president of Berry’s Health, Hygiene, and Specialties Division.

Berry has advised employees in the affected areas to use extra caution including the use of Company-issued face masks, hand sanitizer, and hand soaps.

Posted February 3, 2020

Source: Berry Global Group Inc.

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