Teijin to Establish Teijin Automotive Center Europe to Expand Conceptual, Designing, Prototype and Evaluation Capabilities

TOKYO — January 27, 2020 — Teijin Ltd. announced today that it would establish Teijin Automotive Center Europe GmbH (TACE) in Wuppertal, Germany, in February as a new base for technical functions within the company’s automotive composite business. The company will handle concept, designing, prototyping, evaluations, marketing and technical research for next-generation automotive components, utilizing the Teijin Group’s capabilities to provide multi-material solutions for next-generation vehicles.

TACE will enable Teijin to strengthen and advance its solution capabilities by establishing a strong platform for collaboration within the Teijin Group’s European automotive composite bases. It is expected to speed up concept, designing, prototyping and the evaluation of technological proposals developed by each base. Later, TACE will develop marketing and research functions to explore opportunities for new technologies and M&A, aiming to accelerate joint development with European automakers and respond to demands for greater design freedom, productivity and cost efficiency as well as weight reduction and strength. At the same time, the company will pursue opportunities to establish bases for automotive composite technical functions in the USA and China to satisfy demands in these markets to strive to steadily strengthen its position as a global solution provider.

Backed by such initiatives, Teijin is targeting automotive composite business sales of approximately 1.7 billion euros ($2 billion) by 2030.

Amid the ongoing shift toward Connected, Autonomous, Shared, and Electric (CASE) automobiles, the automotive industry is urgently transforming its business models to realize more lightweight and multifunctional next-generation vehicles. Teijin acquired Continental Structural Plastics (CSP) in 2017 to become a Tier 1 supplier focused on multi-material automotive composite. In Europe, CSP’s French operation will open a new sheet molding compound plant and Teijin has acquired leading automotive-composite suppliers Inapal Plásticos of Portugal and Benet Automotive of Czech Republic.

To leverage these recent moves, Teijin has now decided to further strengthen its multi-material capabilities in Europe and organically link the development and marketing functions of its European automotive composite bases to satisfy automakers’ demands in the forthcoming CASE era.

Posted January 28, 2020

Source:  Teijin Group

Columbia Sportswear Company’s Board Of Directors Appoints CEO And President Tim Boyle As Chairman Of The Board; Andy Bryant Appointed As Lead Independent Director

PORTLAND, Ore — January 27, 2020 — Columbia Sportswear Co. today announced that at the company’s January 24, 2020, board of directors’ meeting, the board of directors appointed President and CEO Tim Boyle as chairman of the board. In connection with such election, the board of directors also acted to formalize a lead independent director role on the board and appointed long-time serving board member Andy Bryant to serve in such role.

Bryant served as chairman of the board of directors of Intel Corp. from May 2012 to January 2020, and, it has been announced, will be stepping down from Intel’s board of directors following Intel’s 2020 Annual Stockholders’ meeting. Bryant has served on the board of directors of the Columbia since 2005, and chairs the company’s Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.

“We feel fortunate to have a seasoned leader like Andy as a strong independent voice on our Board. Andy’s wealth of experience at Intel has led him to be a source of tremendous insight for our Board and I look forward to working even closer with him as he serves as Lead Independent Director,” Boyle said.

Posted January 28, 2020

Source:  Columbia Sportswear Co.

World Premiere At IPPE: Stäubli Shows The Latest Evolution Of Its 4-Axis Robot Range

DUNCAN, S.C.— January 28, 2020 — The newly developed TS2 HE line features a unique and revolutionary hygienic design for applications in humid environments that opens up a range of uses for SCARA robots in the food processing industry where there is a high risk for contamination and bacteria development.

The HE version of the TS2 eliminates retention areas by draining fluids alongside its fully enclosed structure. Key elements are made of stainless steel, and a specific coating covers the arm in order to withstand the full wash down cleaning processes required in a primary processing environment. In addition, Stäubli’s technology inside the TS2 HE allows the use of a NSF H1 food-grade oil proprietary to the company to safely lubricate each axis without comprising performance. Theses axes are now put in motion by Stäubli’s proprietary JCS drive technology, which facilitates high-speed motion and high repeatability for ultra-short cycle times.

“The TS2 HE is the result of the long experience of Stäubli in the food processing industry, which led us to identify a true need for pick-and-place applications where 4-axis solutions are the best fit,” said Sebastien Schmitt, Robotics Division Manager, Stäubli North America. “The previous SCARA designs could not meet the hygienic requirements of the food industry until now. Modeled after our unique fully enclosed design developed with our 6-axis range and regular exchanges with the players of this very specific market, Stäubli was able to develop this new exclusive TS2 HE line.”

Robots in the TS2 HE range offer a hygienic design featuring:

  • A fully enclosed and pressurized structure to prevent microorganism penetration and avoid condensation.
  • Smooth, rounded and tilted surfaces to eliminate liquid retention.
  • Easy integration enabled by a small footprint and a variety of mounting options.
  • Fully compatible with NSF H1 food-grade lubricant.
  • Protected against low pressure jets of water (IP65) and immersion (IP67).
  • Designed specifically for use in wet environments and full wash-down applications.
  • Stainless steel crucial components and specific coating to ensure durability in extreme conditions.
  • No external cables — all connections going through the base.
  • Unique, cylindrical envelope and small footprint.
  • Patented Stäubli proprietary JCS gearbox for top-of-the-line accuracy and repeatability at high-speed.
  • Easy maintenance with no battery located in the arm.

This year’s IPPE will be held Jan. 28-30, 2020, at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta.

Stäubli, the global leader in robotics for sensitive environments, will have demonstrations themed around the processing of protein in booth No. B6851 including a TS2 60 HE performing primary packaging of meat. In addition, Midwest Machine LLC and JLS Automation will each offer demonstrations that will also showcase the benefits of Stäubli’s HE line of robots for food processing.

Posted January 28, 2020

Source:  Stäubli North America

Big Deal At ISPO 2020: ZIBEN SAFETY KOREA Expands With Sympatex On The International Markets In Europe And The USA

MUNICH, Germany/KOREA — January 27, 2020 — The partnership between Sympatex Technologies and ZIBEN SAFETY will be officially launched at the ISPO international sports trade fair to be held January, 26-29, 2020, in Munich, Germany. The largest Korean manufacturer of waterproof safety footwear is cooperating with the Germany-based functional specialist for the first time. The aim of the cooperation is to expand the Korean new customer’s business in Europe and the United States. The first model series of the new waterproof Sympatex line is produced with recycled, sustainable Sympatex lining laminates. The 100-percent waterproof, optimally breathable, PTFE- and PFC-free Sympatex membrane ensures the best microclimate, high wearing comfort and dry feet for maximum performance in all weather conditions.

The look and feel of the new ZIBEN-Sympatex line is based on modern trekking models. The innovative concept therefore focuses on weatherproof, comfortable and above all stylish safety shoes — the wearer should feel so good that they want to wear the shoes at all times and everywhere — even outside work. The highly functional models are rounded off by the ALL-IN-ONE OUTSOLE SYSTEM, patented by the ZIBEN Research Institute — a sole combination of a bulletproof midsole and insole which minimizes foot fatigue through cushioning and elasticity.

As number 1 in the Korean safety footwear market, ZIBEN SAFETY currently employs over 1,000 people and serves the market with currently 12 different high quality safety shoe lines.

Posted January 28, 2020

Source: Sympatex Technologies GmbH

Indorama Ventures Announces New Business Segment And Leadership Appointments

BANGKOK, Thailand — January 27, 2020 — Indorama Ventures Public Co. Ltd. (IVL), a global chemical producer, is pleased to announce the creation of a newly formed segment named Integrated Oxide, following the announcement of the acquisition of Huntsman’s integrated ethylene oxide and proplylene oxide (EO&PO) assets in Port Neches, Chocolate Bayou and Dayton in Texas, Ankleshwar in India, and Botany in Australia. The new segment will enable the company to leverage operational efficiencies and position IVL for long-term growth and value creation.

The Integrated Oxide segment comprises Integrated Ethylene Oxides and Specialty Chemical Segment including sought after value-added Ethylene Oxide Derivatives and Proplylene Oxide Derivatives.

Consequently, IVL is pleased to announce the appointment of Alastair Port as president of Integrated Oxide, effective 3 January 2020. He will report to Dilip Kumar Agarwal, CEO of the Feedstock and PET businesses. Port joined Huntsman in 1988 and was previously global vice president of Manufacturing and Upstream Business at Huntsman.

Port’s leadership team will be composed of talent coming from all integrated businesses:

  • Joel Saltzman has been appointed senior executive vice president. Saltzman is currently with Indorama Ventures Oxide and Glycols (IVOG).
  • John O. Smith has been appointed vice president, Procurement and Upstream. Smith is currently with IVOG.
  • John Q. Smyth has been appointed vice president, Global Downstream Derivatives.
  • Carol Ottaway has been appointed vice president, Supply Chain, Logistics and IVL Transition.
  • Chad Anderson has been appointed vice president Manufacturing.
  • Kim Knotts has been appointed director EHSQ.
  • Steve Thallemer has been appointed CFO. Thallemer was previously with IVOG.
  • Leo Guglielmi has been appointed vice president and Legal Counsel.
  • Paul Fusco has been appointed director of HR.

Dilip Kumar Agarwal, CEO of Feedstock and PET, said: “We are taking an important step to set IVL on a successful path forward. With the creation of a more focused segment and great leaders in place, we will be able to more effectively build upon our competitive advantages to create greater value for our customers and stakeholders. I am pleased to welcome Alastair and his senior leadership team onboard. I am confident that under Alastair’s oversight, the new team will be well-positioned to lead IVL to the next phase of its development.”

Posted January 28, 2020

Source: Indorama Ventures Public Co. Ltd.

Burlington’s Commitment To Sustainability In The New Decade

GREENSBORO, N.C. — January 27, 2020 — With nearly 100 years of industry leadership in innovation and performance, Burlington enters the new decade energized and with an elevated focus on sustainable innovation, eco-friendly fabric performance and responsible manufacturing globally.

“Sustainability is at the core of Burlington’s performance fabrics collection. We embrace it and are excited by the opportunities ahead to raise industry expectations, bringing together sustainable fabric solutions and responsible manufacturing,” said Allen Smith, president Burlington, Safety Components & A&E Americas. “We remain committed to exploring new fibers, recycled content and advanced manufacturing processes within our Burlington Labs R&D incubator and working with like-minded partners to identify and lead new initiatives.”

Burlington operates as part of the new Elevate Textiles who announced last year bold 2025 sustainability commitments focused on responsibly sources fibers, reducing water consumption and lowering greenhouse gases. Burlington is excited to continue its leadership in the journey to meet these key environmental milestones.

2025 Sustainability Commitments

  • Responsibly sourced fibers — Elevate brand products will be produced using at least 80% sustainably sourced cotton and 50% recycled polyester content.
  • Reduced water consumption — Elevate manufacturing operations will reduce its water intensity by 25% per unit of production.
  • Reduced greenhouse gases — Elevate will join other pacesetters within the industry to join the Science Based Target (SBT) Program and set a specific greenhouse gas target of achieving a 2.5% per year reduction trajectory.

“We are excited to further our efforts in the advancement of eco-friendly manufacturing and sustainable products,” said Per Loof, CEO of Elevate Textiles. “As innovators, our brands are driven to explore new possibilities and look for ways to offer our products with an eye to preserving the future and a focus on minimizing their impact to the environment today, while providing performance technologies and aesthetics that lead the industry. Elevate’s 2025 sustainability commitments build on the sustainability improvements we have already attained and solidify our pledge to responsible manufacturing and sustainable innovations fueled by our passion for excellence in all aspects of our operations, products and service to customers.”

Sustainable Fabric Innovation

Burlington’s leadership in sustainable fabric development is grounded in the exploration of innovative fibers, recycled content, and the development of proprietary performance finishes.

Smith continued, “We foster a continuous improvement culture throughout our development and R&D processes. We believe repurposing waste and exploring more environmentally friendly content are ways we can do our part to lessen our environmental footprint and make sure future generations have more opportunities for a healthy environment.”

Burlington’s Restora™ collection features eco-conscious fabrics made from a range of innovative and industry leading recycled content. Burlington is pleased to drive fabric performance through collaborations with newer innovators of recycled and sustainable content including CiCLO, Eco Circle™ and Seaqual™, and longstanding partner REPREVE®.

Responsible Manufacturing

Burlington operates a global manufacturing platform across the United States, Mexico and China. The Jiaxing Burlington Textile (JBT) operation in Jiaxing, China serves as the company’s flagship in sustainable manufacturing. The facility is a bluesign® system partner, having earned its designation in 2013, and also produces a wide range of products that meet the Oeko-Tex Standard 100. JBT has completed the Higg Index 3.0 certification and has been recognized as a model facility by the Jiaxing City Economic Development Zone. JBT was awarded the first Star Enterprise in Jiaxing for both environmental responsibility and hygiene performance. The facility’s advanced infrastructure includes an Ultra-Filtration (UF) and Reverse Osmosis (RO) water system that is the first of its kind within the Zhejiang province and allows for 30%-40% of the plant’s water demand to be recycled. The facility has reduced Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions and consistently reduces utility usage on a per unit of production basis year over year.

Visit the Burlington booth (30078-UL) at the Outdoor Retailer Snow Show January 29-31 to learn more about Restora fabrics and Burlington’s commitment to sustainability and social responsibility or visit www.burlingtonfabrics.com. Come explore our many performance fabric technologies and discover what our fabrics can do for you.

Posted January 28, 2020

Source: Elevate Textiles

INDEX™ 2020 Exhibitor Preview: Gneuss

BAD OEYNHAUSEN, Germany — January 27, 2020 — Gneuss at Index 2020 — Second generation of multiple screw extruder MRS, IV booster JUMP and new Rotary Filtration System SFneos and CSFprimus

Gneuss Extrusion Technology

Second generation MRS extruder with further improved IV retention and enhanced drive design

The Gneuss Processing Unit (GPU) has been available for more than a decade now and has proven itself for the reprocessing of highly contaminated materials without pre-drying, especially bulky PET waste such as post-consumer bottle flakes and industrial waste from fiber and film manufacture as well as polystyrene, nylon and other hydrophil polymers. Even fiber waste with a high moisture content that is heavily contaminated with preparation oils and other impurities can be fed.

A Gneuss Processing Unit consists of a Gneuss MRS extruder with its unmatched devolatilization and decontamination performance in combination with a highly-efficient Gneuss Rotary Filtration System and an online viscometer VIS for intelligent dynamic viscosity control.

The MRS extruder itself has been improved considerably over the last decade and at the Index show the second generation design will be on display. The enhanced drive design is more robust to handle even more demanding recycling environments. Thanks to several changes in the MRS drum and screw design the already unmatched IV retention has been further improved, while continuing to forgo pre-drying. The MRS extruder permits the processing of PET without pre-drying by means of a simple water-ring vacuum system, so that the material can be used directly for the production of high-quality staple fiber and nonwoven products, also as bicomponents. This is achieved by means of its unique and patented processing section. Based on a conventional single screw extruder, the Multi Rotation Section is a drum containing eight satellite single screws, driven by a ring gear and pinion transmission. The “barrels” cut into the drum are approximately 30 % open and provide optimum exposure of the melt.

Thanks to this design, the devolatilizing performance is approx. fifty (50!) times greater than that of a conventional vented single screw extruder – and this at a vacuum of only 25 to 40 mbar. While other dryerless technologies are promoting at least partial pre-drying in the meantime, the MRS extruder can process R-PET with up to 1 % moisture content. By avoiding the need for a deep vacuum system and pre-drying, the MRS is an economically efficient alternative to conventional technologies. Further arguments in its favor besides energy savings are the simple and rugged design, small footprint, its ease of operation and low maintenance, processing flexibility and last but not least its excellent melt quality and homogeneity. As a result of the excellent devolatilization performance of the MRS Technology (not only is water extracted, but also monomers, oligomers and other problematic volatiles), the melt has a narrow molecular weight distribution without low-molecular components. This leads to a reduction of breakages, specks and deposits at the spinnerets (“plate out”). A Letter of Non Objection (LNO) from the FDA, EFSA conformity and several local approvals in Latin America confirm the decontamination efficiency of this technology.

Polyreactor JUMP

The JUMP is a compact, quick and efficient alternative to conventional SSP (solid state) systems and enables direct reintroduction of the polymer into the production process without the need to remelt the PET.

The reactor is installed directly downstream of a Gneuss Processing Unit and the polymer passes over several slow turning elements which create a polymer film, the surface of which is constantly renewed. The reactor vessel is kept under vacuum, through which volatile substances are reliably removed. By regulating the residence time in the reactor, the vacuum, the fill level and the speed of rotation of the agitating devices, the polycondensation reaction can be altered to achieve the required product properties. The JUMP is a compact, quick and efficient alternative to conventional SSP (solid state) systems and enables direct reintroduction of the polymer into the production process without the need to remelt the PET.

With the IV booster JUMP, the viscosity of polyester (PET) can be lifted to the required level for a given application.

Gneuss Filtration Technology

New SFneos and new CSFprimus Rotary Filter

The continuous Gneuss Rotary Filtration Systems are characterized by a filter disk on which the screen cavities are located in a ring pattern. Screens can be changed on the part of the filter disk that is not active in the melt channel, while the production process continues to run without any interruptions or disturbances. Even with heavy contaminations, as they often occur in recycling and with high filter finenesses, the processing remains pressure- and process-constant.

The new model SFneos was developed to combine the charactertistics of several older models into one simple and cost-efiicient solution, offering the following advantages:

  • Constant pressure guaranteed  – even during screen changes
  • Suitable for most types of polymers and viscosities
  • Compact design thanks to an enlarged active screen area (up to 2370 cm2)
  • Simple and safe handling and operation with several screens accessible for screen changes
  • Very cost effective thanks to its improved design

The SFneos is the ideal filtration system for applications that benefit from a continuous, pressure and process constant screen changer, but that don’t require back-flushing.

Gneuss’ top model, the RSFgenius, operates with an integrated self cleaning system for very demanding applications and highest quality requirements. Screens can be automatically re-used up to 400 times and filtration finenesses below 10 microns/1200 mesh are available.

Gneuss also offers a new semi-continuous model, the CSFprimus. This model is used as a pre-filter, safety filter or in applications with little contamination and is characterized by a very large active screen area for its small footprint.

Gneuss Measurment Technology

IO-Link melt pressure sensors for digital communication

IO-Link is a worldwide standardised technology for digital linking of sensors and actuators. Communication takes place over a point-to-point connection and is thus not a field bus. IO-Link is manufacturer-independent and is becoming more and more widespread in industrial automation engineering. Most renowned controller manufacturers offer IO-Link masters, which are either directly fitted as an assembly in the controller or installed in the field and connected via a bus system.

The traditional melt pressure sensor with an analogue output knows significantly more than just the process pressure. The signal preparation on its inside has been digitised long ago, and as a result, it is in a position to provide valuable information that simplifies maintenance, increases safety and improves availability. Preventive maintenance and condition monitoring can minimise downtimes and optimise process safety.

The Gneuss IO-Link sensor offers the possibility to access all those information. Its proven sensor technology, in combination with intelligent, digital communication not only offers monitoring of the electronics temperature, but also records the operating hours in different load ranges. Thus, the user can make out, during ongoing operation, when the electronics head is subject to high heat radiation due to its installation location, or the sensor is continuously working at the upper limit of its measurement range.

Advantages of Gneuss digital pressure sensors:

  • Monitoring of the electronics temperature
  • Recording of operating hours in different load ranges
  • Reporting of defined test intervalls
  • “Digitales type plates“ for definite assignment of the appropriate sensor for the special application
  • Increased flexibility, availability and safety of machines and systems

Posted January 28, 2020

Source: Gneuss Kunststofftechnik GmbH

Spinnova And Bergans Awarded Sustainability Achievement By The ISPO And Scandinavian Outdoor Awards

JYVÄSKYLÄ, Finland — January 27, 2020 — Spinnova and Bergans of Norway have been awarded Sustainability Achievement of the Year 2020 for their Collection of Tomorrow by ISPO, the world’s largest trade fair for sporting goods and sportswear, as well as the by the Scandinavian Outdoor Award jury.

The award-winning Spinnova-Bergans collaboration called Collection of Tomorrow is a fully circular, subscription-based takeback and reuse concept that’s revolutionary in the apparel industry. The collection’s first prototype product is a highly sustainable design backpack. Spinnova and Bergans introduced the backpack at the end of November 2019. Yesterday, the collaboration and the backpack received both the ISPO and the Scandinavian Outdoor Awards sustainability achievement award.

We couldn’t be happier or more honored to receive an award from two big sports and outdoor textile communities! I would like to thank the agile Spinnova team and the Bergans crew for being such an active, expert partner who shares our passion for making our mark on the future, comments Spinnova’s CTO, co-founder and innovator Juha Salmela.

The circular collaboration and the first prototype product were received with great interest and enthusiasm. A limited edition of the first prototype backpacks was sold to selected customers in January.

The ISPO Award’s Sustainability Jury also found both the collaboration and the backpack very exciting and much needed development for the sports and outdoor textile industry.

Bergans has developed and created according to the principles of the circular economy. It combines innovative, sustainable materials and a clean design with an eye for details. Bergans integrates the consumer in their circular economy strategy through the co-ownership approach, the jury has commented.

The future goal of the collaboration is to circulate the same resource — Spinnova fiber — many times over, avoiding the creation of virgin materials. The prototype backpack also includes other materials, all of natural origin; cellulose-based fibre lyocell, lamb wool and wood. There are no coating chemicals or plastic and metal accessories in the backpack, so the item can be put back into the cycle without dismantling.

The backpack can be seen in the ISPO Munich trade show on January 26-29, and both Spinnova and Bergans will be present at the show. Spinnova’s representatives are available on the Bergans stand in Hall A2 today and tomorrow, 27-28 January.

Posted January 28, 2020

Source: Spinnova

For Aurora Specialty Textiles Group’s Kevin Shroba, Sustainability Is A Daily Practice

YORKVILLE, Ill.— January 27, 2020 — At Aurora Specialty Textiles Group, sustainability is much more than a good idea. In addition to winning recognition in 2019 from SGIA for multiple sustainability measures engineered into the operations of the company’s plant, Aurora is also reaching into the local community to help inspire other companies to go green.

The company’s plant engineer, Kevin Shroba, is leading that effort and in addition to making sure Aurora stays on track with the plant’s comprehensive ISO 14001 Environmental Management System plan, he recently helped Aurora qualify for the Yorkville Chamber of Commerce’s Green Business Designation program.

Called Green Connect, the program recognizes companies that are taking serious steps integrating sustainability into their daily business practices and operations.

According to materials from the Yorkville Chamber of Commerce, a Green Business is defined as “an organization that is conscientious about the impact of their practices and takes steps to reduce its consumption of natural resources and waste.” To qualify, local companies must fill out a lengthy questionnaire and pass a detailed assessment of their sustainability efforts. At Aurora, this included a description of the multiple steps the company has taken to reduce chemical use, energy consumption and overall waste.

Shroba managed the Chamber’s Green Business Designation application process for Aurora and has since become involved in the Chamber’s Green Business program on behalf of the company.

Other steps involve all of the plant’s employees. Before the holidays, for example, Shroba organized a plastic bag collection program that involved the entire staff. Working together, they collected hundreds of plastic grocery bags, which were then donated to the Kendall County Community Food Pantry.

“The Food Pantry goes through about 1,000 bags every week,” Shroba said. “So, we set up two collection spots and are continuing to collect bags for the pantry throughout the year.”

In 2019 he also led efforts at the plant to divert solid waste from local landfills. This involved improved single stream recycling of paper, plastic, and glass. Aluminum cans were sorted separately so that the money collected could be donated to a charity chosen by the employees.

Aurora also partnered with an alternative fuel company on a special project in 2019 to convert scrap textiles and packaging materials to fuel. While the project didn’t prove feasible for the long term, Aurora was able to divert more than 40 tons of solid waste from the landfill in 2019 through that program. Alternative options are being explored for 2020.

Shroba is on the Valley Industrial Associations’ (VIA) Spark Awards steering committee, helping that organization develop criteria for their sustainability award and he recently led a workshop for the VIA designed to help other manufacturing companies enhance their sustainability programs.

“Aurora is continuously looking for ways to save energy, recycle, reduce our use of resources and practice good environmental stewardship,” said Marcia Ayala, president of Aurora Specialty Textiles Group  “Kevin has done a great job leading the efforts and getting our employees involved in the process.”

Posted January 28, 2020

Source: Aurora Specialty Textiles Group Inc.

DuPont™ Sorona® Faux Fur Wins ISPO Textrend “Best Product” in Accelerated Eco Category 

The award winning Sorona® faux fur is a key element in the recyclable spandex free stretch jacket being displayed at Outdoor Retailer and ISPO Munich 2020.

WILMINGTON, Del.— January 27, 2020 — DuPont™ Sorona® faux fur was awarded the ISPO Textrend “Best Product” in the Accelerated Eco category for the Fall/Winter 2021-22 season. As the apparel industry is increasingly pivoting away from the use of animal fur, this innovative product provides a thoughtful solution to fur with a luxurious, premium look and feel that designers can incorporate into their garments. Renee Henze, DuPont Biomaterials Global marketing director, and Hao Ding, DuPont Sorona Brand Channel manager for EMEA, were on-site at ISPO Munich to accept the award on January 26, 2020.

Sorona faux fur is made with 70 to 100 percent bio-based Sorona polymer fibers, creating one of the first commercially available faux furs using plant-based ingredients. Current styles vary from classic mink to plush teddy-style fur, providing limitless solutions for fashion apparel — such as the inside lining of a jacket, or the trim on a collar — as well as footwear and accessories — including fur-lined shoes, earmuffs and more. The faux fur pushes the boundaries of sustainability in fashion, while providing consumers with an ethical option that is also better for the planet.

“Customers don’t have to sacrifice form for function with Sorona faux fur,” Henze said. “Within the fashion industry, brands and several high-end designers are making commitments to abstain from the use of animal fur in their collections. Research indicates that the faux fur market is expected to grow 19 percent worldwide by 2023. We’re proud to accept this award recognizing the quality and versatility of a faux fur made with renewable plant-based ingredients.”

New Sorona faux fur is a long-lasting and luxurious fur alternative with an array of performance attributes including warmth, design flexibility and dyeability.

With exceptional softness and uncompromising durability, this natural feeling alternative to fur will not break down over time due to heat or UV rays. This can lengthen the life of the garment for multiple uses and when it is finally time to retire the garment, it can be mechanically recycled rather than being directed to the landfill like spandex.

The DuPont™ Sorona® brand team highlighting recyclable and luxuriously soft, award winning Sorona® faux fur at ISPO Munich 2020 (left to right): Ranjan Samant, Akshay Kumar, Hao Ding, Renee Henze and Albert Tam.

Posted January 28, 2020

Source: DuPont 

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