RadiciGroup To Deliver Personal Protective Equipment For Doctors And Healthcare Workers Fighting COVID-19

BERGAMO, Italy — April 2, 2020 — Gowns, caps and shoe covers to protect doctors, nurses and healthcare workers battling day in and day out against the coronavirus. The RadiciGroup business area specializing in the production of high-performance nonwovens has brought to life a project that demonstrates the flexibility of the people in the Province of Bergamo and their capability to stand up to complex challenges.

“Producing high-performance materials is routine for us,” Angelo Radici, president of RadiciGroup, pointed out, “and we wondered how we could help in this emergency situation. So, we decided to call on local companies — which promptly came on board — to set up a reliable and approved production chain to make much-needed protective equipment for our medical personnel.”

RadiciGroup already has available 10,000 metres of fabric, which has passed the lamination test with plastic film produced by the local company Plastik S.p.A.

“Our collaboration with RadiciGroup goes back a long time,” said Gianangelo Cattaneo, president of Plastik, “and we think of the Group as a partner we can count on. When they contacted us for this project, our answer was an immediate “yes”. Through this project, Bergamo companies could provide a concrete response to the coronavirus emergency in our region. Our task was to laminate RadiciGroup nonwovens with a special film that makes the fabric breathable and anti-bacterial, and, thus, resistant to infective agents.”

Tests of the material for medical use were performed and validated at Centrocot in Varese. Crucial for the success of the project was the rapid response by some local garment makers who immediately became engaged in the production of the garments, according to the specifications for hospital PPE currently in use provided by Papa Giovanni XXIII Hospital in Bergamo.

Posted April 2, 2020

Source: RadiciGroup

Oerlikon Nonwoven Large-Scale Meltblown Sold To Asia: Shortens Delivery Times Due To Rising Demand For Meltblown Systems

NEUMÜNSTER, Germany — April 2, 2020 — A large-scale Asian manufacturer of manmade fibers and polymers has invested in a new Oerlikon Nonwoven meltblown system. The recently-signed contract comprises a 2-beam system for manufacturing filtration nonwovens — predominantly for medical products such as face masks — with a nominal capacity of up to 1,200 tons of nonwovens a year. The commercial production launch has been scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2020.

The 2-beam system has an operating width of 1.6 meters and is equipped with the new patented Oerlikon Nonwoven electro-charging unit. The Oerlikon Nonwoven meltblown technology is recognized by the market as being the technically most efficient method for producing highly-separating filter media made from man-made fibers, particularly in conjunction with electrostatic charging and with extremely low pressure loss. Electro-charging the filter nonwovens allows the manufacture of sophisticated EPA- and HEPA-class filter media as well as media that comply with the requirements of N95-, FFP2- and FFP3-class respiratory masks.

The demand for filtration nonwovens for medical applications has risen tremendously across the globe since the outbreak of the Sars-CoV-2 (coronavirus) epidemic, presenting all manufacturers with huge challenges. “We are currently receiving inquiries from all over the world for our system concepts”, explains Dr Ingo Mählmann, vice president, Sales & Marketing Oerlikon Nonwoven, talking about the current situation. “To improve the supply situation, we have changed our prioritization in favor of considerably shorter delivery times for meltblown systems, so that customers can now be supplied even faster and also with very short lead times.” A meltblown system will be commissioning at the site of a leading Western European nonwovens producers as early as the second quarter of 2020. This system will be deployed exclusively in the manufacture of nonwovens for respiratory masks.

Due to the current state of emergency with regards to the local supply of face masks, Oerlikon Nonwoven is currently using its own laboratory system to produce electrostatically-charged filter media which are being sent to local small businesses and companies for the manufacture of face masks. “We are thrilled to be making a contribution towards fighting the pandemic, particularly in the local vicinity of our production site in Neumünster”, adds Rainer Straub, head of Oerlikon Nonwoven.

Posted April 2, 2020

Source: Oerlikon Nonwoven

The National Council Of Textile Organizations (NCTO) Statement On Administration’s Reported Tariff Deferral

WASHINGTON — April 1, 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 in response to the administration’s plan to institute a 90-day deferral on MFN tariffs, as reported by numerous press outlets.

The reported plan being pushed by the importing and retailing industries would defer certain tariffs, including those on finished apparel products. It is an ill-advised policy that will hurt the U.S. textile industry at the very time it is answering the call of the nation to produce medical supplies to battle the coronavirus pandemic.

NCTO has been at the forefront of the efforts to deploy resources, converting production lines to manufacture urgently needed medical supplies like face masks and their textile components,  to address the critical need for personal protective equipment and other medical and sanitation supplies in the fight against the coronavirus.

These unnecessary tariff concessions would benefit importers and retailers at the direct expense of manufacturers on the front lines of the COVID-19 response and send a demoralizing message.

Tariff deferrals would severely exacerbate ramifications for the U.S. economy, manufacturers and workers and open the floodgates for imports.

If the U.S. government makes tariff concessions during this crisis, it will be inviting a virtual tsunami of imports further devastating domestic manufacturing as it attempts to regain its footing.

We urge the administration to abandon any moves to defer tariffs on finished products. It would only serve to allow importers to exploit the current crisis, while dealing a severe blow to U.S. manufacturing and its workers.

NCTO is a Washington, DC-based trade association that represents domestic textile manufacturers, including artificial and synthetic filament and fiber producers.

  • U.S. employment in the textile supply chain was 585,240 in 2019.
  • The value of shipments for U.S. textiles and apparel was $75.8 billion in 2019.
  • U.S. exports of fiber, textiles and apparel were $29.1 billion in 2019.
  • Capital expenditures for textile and apparel production totaled $2.5 billion in 2018, the last year for which data is available.

Posted April 1, 2020

Source: The National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO)

Detroit Sewn Producing 300,000 Masks For Nation’s Health Care Workers

PONTIAC, Mich. — April 1, 2020 — In response to the COVID-19 crisis, Detroit Sewn, a Pontiac-based contract sewing house, has restructured its entire operation to produce more than 300,000 CDC-certified medical masks as part of the “Arsenal for Health Care” effort.  The masks are vital personal protection equipment for medical professionals.

By adding a second shift, acquiring four more high-production sewing machines and outsourcing work to seven additional Detroit-based subcontractors, Detroit Sewn hopes to create 50,000 masks a week by April 6. They are producing 10,000 masks a week now.

“We started with one order for 50,000 masks and the phone kept ringing from all over the country,” said Karen Buscemi, CEO, Detroit Sewn. “We’re now looking at making 300,000 masks and the number keeps growing. We’ve expanded into the office next door and are looking for additional nearby office space for the additional machines and staff.”

In addition, Detroit Sewn and Glamorous Moms Foundation have also organized a volunteer hub to accept homemade masks. They are packaging the work of home sewers in 10-packs for free distribution to non-hospital groups such as senior centers, soup kitchens and first responders upon request. The masks are distributed curbside by volunteers in proper safety gear. The Command Center for volunteer mask inquiries is @ https://www.facebook.com/volunteercommandcenterfordiysewnmasks/

A third component of the project is being launched by G1 Impact, a 501(c)3 non-profit fiscal sponsor, to acquire machinery to make KN95 masks in the United States and to purchase N95 masks in bulk from China. The goal is to bolster the US supply of medical PPE and provide jobs for American workers.

G1 Impact is grateful to The Skillman Foundation which has stepped up to lead funding for the volunteer mask effort to ensure that masks are provided to essential and impacted COVID-19 frontline nonprofits.  Other funders for the multi-tier effort are Detroit Area Honda Dealers, Dow Employees Credit Union, Mandell and Madeleine Berman Foundation, Charles J. Strosacker Foundation, Oakland University, Welding Concepts Training, and Dominion Real Estate Advisors.

A fundraising campaign has launched at  https://g1impact.org/mask-production/.  The group is hoping to raise $150,000 from individuals in the short term, and ultimately one million dollars total as additional states are added and additional small business manufacturers join this effort.

Detroit Sewn is producing a no-gap, 100-percent cotton mask. It is double-folded with twill or ties, pleating, and wire at the top to form around the nose. Adhering to CDC guidelines, the mask will be able to be reused after washing. An elastic tie alternative is also available.

To keep workers safe, all the machines and cut operations are more than six feet apart and proper outerwear and masks are being worn by all. Following safety guidelines, all linens are being laundered in hot water each day.

Posted April 1, 2020

Source: Detroit Sewn

Viral Protection Labs Launches West Coast Operations Of 3-Ply And 4-Ply Surgical Masks

LOS ANGELES — March 31, 2020 — Viral Protection Labs (VPL) launches its West Coast operations in April 2020 with the capacity to produce 6,000,000 3-ply and 4-ply surgical face masks per month. Made in America, manufactured and produced using state-of-the-art equipment, these masks will meet FDA specifications for blocking up to 95% BFE (Bacterial Filtration Efficiency), PFE (Particle Filtration Efficiency), VFE (Viral Filtration Efficiency), Differential Pressure, and Blood Penetration.

The dire need for more domestically produced masks amidst the current COVID-19 pandemic became clear to the VPL team. The proof of the shortage to meet world demands and the United States alone is of grave concern for health care workers and those on the front lines who require critical protective gear to stop the spread of the virus. The United States Strategic National Stockpile cannot provide enough masks on its own. VPL’s goal is to fill the void of overseas, Made in China surgical masks to those Made in America, where no importation is required.

Viral Protection Labs’ mission statement promises quality prevention products to the medical community and to the public to help prevent the spread of viruses, harmful bacteria, and other infectious diseases, improve outcomes and ultimately, save lives.

Field-tested and customer-ready for manufacturing, VPL plans to build out its East coast operation by end of May 2020 with the capacity to produce 18,000,000 masks per month then. With the combined bicoastal factories, this will allow for a production rate of 24,000,000 masks per month over the next four months. As one of the newer, Made in America surgical mask companies, VPL ensures high quality control while staying competitive in the marketplace.

VPL is entrusted with a full team of Medical Advisors and counsel members contributing towards the evaluation, critique, and communication of the masks, along with the federal and state requirements of all products. Advisors and FDA counsel include Dr. Sudhir K. Reddy (University of California Davis School of Medicine), Dr. Michael Chai (Eastern Virginia Medical School), Dr. James Brown (University of Michigan Medical School), and Benjamin England.

Posted April 1, 2020

Source:  Viral Protection Labs (VPL)

Tailored Brands Reopens E-Commerce Fulfillment Centers

FREMONT, Calif. — March 31, 2020 — Tailored Brands Inc. today announced that, after instituting enhanced social distancing and sanitation protocols that meet or exceed those recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it reopened its e-commerce fulfillment centers effective Monday, March 30 and these centers have begun shipping online orders.

Tailored Brands President and CEO Dinesh Lathi, said, “Our top priority will always be the safety and well-being of our employees, customers and communities, and I am proud of how quickly our supply chain leadership modified our distribution center operations to create a safe workplace environment for our fulfillment team members during this health crisis.”

While the company’s retail stores will remain temporarily closed until at least May 4, 2020, Men’s Wearhouse and Jos. A. Bank can now ship directly to customers who place retail orders on the brands’ respective websites — www.menswearhouse.com and www.josabank.com — as well as rental orders previously placed in-store, and new rental reservations made online.

The Company will continue to incorporate employee input as well as recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO) and government officials as it regularly evaluates its renewed operations at its e-commerce fulfillment centers and determines when its currently closed facilities will reopen.

New Bedford Factory to Make Reusable Facemasks for Healthcare Workers

The company also announced that its factory in New Bedford, Massachusetts, in conjunction with a leading privately held manufacturer and distributor of medical supplies, will begin the production of cotton washable facemasks that can be used when an FDA approved mask is not available. The factory will use the manufacturer’s material and specifications and provide the sewing.

The company will bring back furloughed employees to make 50,000 masks over the next few weeks and will continue to look for additional opportunities to help front-line healthcare professionals. The New Bedford factory will undergo the same enhanced social distancing and sanitation protocols as our e-commerce fulfillment centers.

Posted April 1, 2020

Source:  Tailored Brands

Berry To Invest In Meltblown Capacity Serving Face Mask Demand In The EMEIA Region

EVANSVILLE, Ind. — March 31, 2020 — Berry Global Group Inc. has advanced its investment in an additional specialty meltblown asset to produce high-efficiency filtration media serving the EMEIA markets. Current projections are for commercial production to start in the June quarter of 2020.

This investment is targeted to meet increased demand and customer growth and will be focused on premium applications, such as FFP2 (N95) and FFP3 (N99) for industrial face mask and cabin air filtration markets. The new line will be equipped with Berry’s proprietary charging technology to deliver optimal filtration efficiency and pressure drop at lower basis weights. Berry has a unique offering, providing products across technologies and markets. In this instance, the company is using its resources to provide the highest level of supply across Europe and more.

As the largest manufacturer of nonwoven fabrics and one of the world’s leading plastic packaging suppliers, Berry makes materials for the world’s leading and emerging brands. These products range in use from materials for face masks and protective healthcare apparel to packaging for food preservation and disinfecting products, many of which have seen a demand surge in the fight against COVID-19. These critical materials include nonwoven fabrics for face masks and respirators, both of which will benefit from the increased capacity being brought online.

“As a market leader in that space, we had been planning to add more capacity shortly after our latest investment in Asia came on line. The opportunity to support the fight against COVID-19 accelerated our decision,” said Cedric Ballay executive vice president and general manager for Europe in Health, Hygiene, and Specialties for Berry. “Our ability to be agile will benefit our customers and our communities.”

Posted April 1, 2020

Source:  Berry Global Group Inc.

Suominen Receives The First Fine To Flush Certification Granted To A Nonwovens Substrate Manufacturer With The HYDRASPUN® Royal Launch

HELSINKI — April 1, 2020 — Suominen is the first nonwoven substrate manufacturer to receive the Fine to Flush Manufacturer’s Generic Certificate from Water UK. The certification was granted for HYDRASPUN® Royal, which is a dispersible nonwoven material especially designed for moist toilet tissues that are flushed after use.

Hydraspun Royal, which meets the stringent flushability standards established in the UK market by Water UK, is the newest addition to the Suominen’s market leading Hydraspun flushable product family.

“Our Hydraspun product line was the first dispersible product in the market, and producing sustainable, dispersible products is one of  Suominen’s core competencies. Receiving the Fine to Flush certification from Water UK is a remarkable achievement for Suominen. It demonstrates Suominen’s commitment to innovation and being a nonwovens market leader. In addition, Hydraspun Royal’s premium touch and feel combined with high dispersibility will raise the consumer experience to a new level,” said Andrew Charleston, Category Manager, Home Care.

Posted April 1, 2020

Source:  Suominen

EURATEX: COVID-19 Outbreak May Cause A 50-Percent Drop In Sales And Production For The European Textile And Clothing Sector

BRUSSELS — April 2, 2020 — Recent Eurostat data show that the European textile and clothing manufacturing went through a difficult year in 2019, despite good retail sales and export performances. This trend will worsen in 2020 due to the coronavirus outbreak. An ongoing EURATEX poll with its members shows that 80 percent of companies are already laying off workers; more than half of them expect a drop in sales and production by more than 50 percent, creating serious financial constraints.

Data for 2019 show an economic slowdown in Europe, with manufacturing remaining under pressure from Brexit and trade frictions. Figures for the textile and clothing (T&C) industry are in line with that general situation: employment declined with over 2 percent, and the EU27 turnover evolution turned negative for the first time since 2012-2013 with a -2 percent setback for textiles, and a -1.3 percent for clothing, compared to 2018.

However, some positive signs are still coming from the retail sales and trade. The growth rate in the retail sales of textiles, clothing, footwear and leather goods in specialized stores remained positive in 2019 (+0.9 percent). In addition, EU27 trade is now exceeding 170 billion euros, a +4-percent increase compared to the previous year. Exports grew at a higher pace than imports.

The outlook for 2020 is expected to worsen due to the coronavirus’ outbreak, as in March 2020 industry confidence fell dramatically. EURATEX is conducting a survey among European companies: preliminary results indicate that more than half of the companies expect a drop in sales and production by more than 50 percent. Moreover, almost 9 out of 10 companies face serious constraints on their financial situation and 80 percent of companies is temporarily laying off workers. 1 out of 4 is considering closing down the company.

EURATEX, as representative of the textile and clothing sector, is concerned about the crisis and the pressure on the functioning of the internal market. Border controls within the EU have increased sharply, leading to delays in supplies but also cancelling of orders, thus aggravating the economic impact. Many companies in the T&C sector work under strong global pressure, with limited absorption capacity for such a crisis, and this survey shows that measures need to be taken immediately. EURATEX already asked the European Commission to foresee fiscal and financial relieve, ensure a coherent approach across EU Member States and avoid limitations to the free movement of goods and of the workforce.

Director General Dirk Vantyghem commented: “The EU and its Member States must do all it takes to save our industry. At the same time, this crisis is an opportunity to develop a new blueprint for our sector; the Commission’s new EU Industrial Strategy can offer a basis for rethinking our business model.”

Posted April 1, 2020

Source:  EURATEX

ANDRITZ To Supply High-Speed Spunlace Line To Karweb Nonwovens, Turkey

GRAZ , Austria — April 1, 2020 — International technology Group ANDRITZ has received an order from Karweb Nonwovens to supply a complete neXline spunlace line for its plant located in Gaziantep, Turkey. The line is scheduled for installation and start-up at the beginning of 2021.

This new neXline spunlace eXcelle line is dedicated to the production of viscose and polyester wipes as well as biodegradable wipes. The production capacity can be up to 18,000 metric tons per year.

Andritz will provide a full line with state-of-the-art equipment — from web forming to drying. The scope of supply includes the complete opening and blending machinery, two inline high-speed TT cards, a proven JetlaceEssentiel unit (including a water filtration unit) for hydroentanglement, a neXdry through-air dryer, and a neXecodry S1 system for energy saving.

This order confirms the strong and successful relationship between ANDRITZ and Karweb Nonwovens. In 2017, ANDRITZ supplied a spunlace line to Karweb for production of roll-goods made from several types of fibers, such as polyester, viscose, Tencel, cotton and polyamide.

Karweb Nonwovens, founded in 2013, is a division of Kara Holding and the first and only Turkish manufacturer of airlaid products for health care, hygiene and special disposable materials. The company serves customers worldwide.

Posted April 1, 2020

Source:  ANDRITZ

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