Oerlikon Riri And Oerlikon Fineparts Expand Their PVD Technology Capabilities To Enhance Sustainability And Performance

MENDRISIO, Switzerland — October 28, 2024 — Oerlikon Riri and Oerlikon Fineparts, the luxury brands of Oerlikon, are further expanding the use of their advanced Physical Vapour Deposition (PVD) processes, leveraging Oerlikon Balzers’ technological expertise. Oerlikon aims to raise its profile as the leading provider of high-quality, environmentally-friendly finishes for the luxury sector, balancing style, performance, and sustainable improvement.

Oerlikon recently installed a new Oerlikon PVD equipment at the Fundão plant in Portugal, a center of excellence for surface treatments. It is designed, manufactured and engineered by Oerlikon Balzers, allowing Oerlikon Riri and Oerlikon Fineparts to produce high volumes of PVD finished components with impeccable quality and homogenous surface finish.

“The increased adoption of PVD technology perfectly aligns with our goal of creating high-performance, sustainable products for the luxury market,” says Katharina Rick, President of the Luxury business sector at Oerlikon. “In a challenging time for the luxury market, our efforts are focused on minimizing our environmental footprint while providing our clients with finishes that meet the highest standards of beauty and durability. PVD allows us to redefine the perception of metallic finishes in fashion, bringing a new level of sophistication and sustainability to our offerings.”

Creating sustainable products for the luxury industry using PVD

Physical Vapour Deposition is a thin-film coating process that distinguishes itself from traditional galvanic techniques, offering numerous benefits. From a technical perspective, it provides greater resistance to scratches and oxidation, extending the lifecycle of luxury accessories and ensuring they retain their visual appeal over time. A key advantage of this process is its ability to create durable and uniform finishes on accessories, providing customers a range of colors and effects that are challenging to achieve through conventional technologies.

From an environmental standpoint, the benefits of PVD are even more evident. After conducting an internal analysis to compare the differences between a PVD-treated stainless steel accessory and electroplating-treated brass version, PVD resulted in a 76% reduction in overall environmental impact measured in kg CO2 equivalent. The process eliminates water usage entirely, achieving a 100% saving in water consumption. This also results in a 97% decrease in waste and a substantial saving in the use of precious metals, contributing to an 83% reduction in CO2 emissions related to raw material sourcing and processing.

Moreover, PVD’s use of stainless steel as a base material, instead of the more commonly used brass, further enhances the sustainability profile of the item. Stainless steel components are 6% lighter than brass equivalents, resulting in both lower transportation emissions and improved comfort when wearing luxury accessories. They are produced by MIM (Metal Injection Moulding) which significantly reduces scraps in the production process. Indeed, the raw material utilization for MIM exceeds 95%, whereas cold forging combined with machining processes achieves approximately 60%. The shift to stainless steel also eliminates the risk of lead contamination and improves the longevity of products by avoiding oxidation. This allows accessories to maintain their original aesthetic over a long period of time.

Posted: October 28, 2024

Source: Oerlikon

INDA Calls For Abstracts For The 2025 World Of Wipes® (WOW) International Conference

CARY, N.C. — October 28, 2024 — INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, is now accepting abstracts for the 18th annual World of Wipes® (WOW) International Conference, taking place from July 21-25, 2025, in Columbus, Ohio. Industry professionals are invited to submit abstracts on wipes products, raw materials, technologies, markets, and technologies until February 7, 2025.

Professionals in the wipes industry are encouraged to submit a concise abstract (one to two paragraphs) that outlines how their presentation connects to wipes or wipe manufacturing. Abstract submissions may be made online through the WOW website (https://worldofwipes.org/papers.html) by the February 7th deadline.

Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

  • Dry and wet wipes
  • Circular economy initiatives
  • Sustainability and end-of-life implications
  • Substrate formation
  • Skincare formulations
  • Raw materials and ingredients
  • End-use markets
  • Packaging innovations
  • Machinery and equipment advancements
  • Market trends and consumer insights
  • Regulatory updates
  • E-commerce and retail channels

Presenting at WOW 2025 offers a unique opportunity to showcase innovative wipe products, connect with industry leaders, and explore potential partnerships in the entire wipes supply chain from raw materials to converters to brands and retailers.

For inquiries, please contact Deanna Lovell at dlovell@inda.org. For more information or to submit an abstract, visit: https://worldofwipes.org/papers.html

Additional details about WOW 2025 will be available in January 2025.

Posted: October 28, 2024

Source: INDA, The Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry

Sci-Lume Labs® Inc. (USA) Joins The International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF) As Corporate Member

ZÜRICH — October 28, 2024 — Sci-Lume Labs has created an affordable circular material (Bylon®) that is made from renewable agricultural waste. Bylon aims to close the fashion sustainability loop by making “scalably sourced, earth-digestible, and 100-percent recyclable clothing accessible to everyone”.

Sci-Lume Labs is also a winner of the ITMF Start-up Award 2024.

Dr. Christian Schindler

MChristian Schindler, Director General of ITMF, commented: “ITMF is very proud to have start-ups like Sci-Lume Labs applying for and winning the ITMF Start-up Award. It is important for ITMF to bring together well-established textile and apparel companies with start-ups on the ITMF-platform. The objective is that they benefit from each other. Start-ups are bringing new ideas and technologies to the table while well-established companies have market expertise and experience that can help start-ups to scale up. For Sci-Lume Labs, membership with ITMF also provides unique access to relevant data and an international network from the entire textile value chain.”

Oliver Shafaat, CEO of Sci-Lume Labs Inc., emphasized that: “Becoming a member of ITMF helps us to get a better understanding of the textile industry’s dynamics. Furthermore, ITMF’s members come from every part of the world’s textile value chain, and it is critical to build communication and collaboration between these different stakeholders. All aspects of our industry need to work together to develop the sustainable and circular solutions the world needs. Platforms like ITMF play a vital role in enabling the transition to a more circular textiles industry.”

For more information about the Sci-Lume Labs Inc., please go to https://www.sci-lumelabs.com/

For more information about ITMF, please go to www.itmf.org

Posted: October 28, 2024

Source: The International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF)

Textile Machinery Representative SYMTECH Introduces Sliver Can Producer JUMAC To The US & Canadian Markets

SPARTANBURG, S.C. — October 25, 2024 — Spinning sliver can producer JUMAC, and US-based textile machinery representative SYMTECH, have formed an agreement for SYMTECH to introduce and promote the JUMAC products throughout the US & Canadian markets.

JUMAC with its long experience, in-house manufacturing capability and complete range of products of spinning cans, together with SYMTECH’s knowledge of the US & Canadian textile market is a strong partnership where SYMTECH will also offer local assembly and repairs of cans.

The legacy of JUMAC started in the year 1973, is all about an unwavering vision and commitment to create a smarter, better, stronger, spinning ecosystem. Under the expert stewardship of late founder Shyam Sundar Fogla, they made rapid strides through the initial years. With an ‘innovation first philosophy’ right at the core, they have steadily increased their global presence, catering to the requirements of top mills worldwide. For five decades and counting, they have been the flagbearers of the proud legacy of Fogla Group – one of the leading business conglomerates in Eastern India.

SYMTECH is a U.S.-based textile machinery representative for the U.S. and Canadian markets. With an extensive knowledge of the textile industry and an unwavering commitment to both customers and suppliers, SYMTECH offers a comprehensive suite of services. The SYMTECH team not only sells high-quality textile machinery but also takes full responsibility for installation, warranty, repairs, and service while maintaining an extensive inventory of spare parts to ensure continuous support and efficiency for our customers.

Founded in Spartanburg in 1984, SYMTECH has grown to employ 21 dedicated professionals, primarily based in its original Spartanburg location. The company’s core belief is that providing the highest quality machinery, paired with exceptional service, maximizes the benefits for its customers’ investments.

Posted: October 26, 2024

Source: SYMTECH, Inc.

Coating Line Manufacturer ISOTEX And Textile Machinery Representative SYMTECH Join Forces To Serve The US & Canadian Markets

SPARTANBURG, S.C. — October 25, 2024 — Coating line manufacturer ISOTEX and US-based textile machinery representative SYMTECH, have formed a partnership effective October 1, 2024. SYMTECH will represent all existing ISOTEX installations for support and service, as well as the sale of new equipment.

With its renowned coating line technology, ISOTEX, along with SYMTECH and its strong local presence in the U.S. and Canada, will offer all current and new ISOTEX customers a new level of service and support, featuring locally trained and skilled technicians for faster assistance.

With more than 50 years of experience, ISOTEX not only offers a wide range of products but also provides innovative and customized solutions. Founded in Italy in 1957 as a manufacturer of machines for the textile printing process, ISOTEX produced the first coating head for application on fabrics in 1959, along with the very first direct coating line in Italy.

The continuous development of advanced coating and laminating systems based on wet coat technology for synthetic leather, airbags, and other technical applications has earned ISOTEX a worldwide reputation.

SYMTECH is a US-based textile machinery representative for the U.S. and Canadian markets. With extensive knowledge of the textile industry and an unwavering commitment to both customers and suppliers, SYMTECH offers a comprehensive suite of services. The SYMTECH team not only sells high-quality textile machinery but also takes full responsibility for installation, warranty, repairs, and service while maintaining an extensive inventory of spare parts to ensure continuous support and efficiency for its customers.

Founded in Spartanburg in 1984, SYMTECH has grown to employ 21 dedicated professionals, primarily based in its original Spartanburg location. The company’s core belief is that providing the highest quality machinery, paired with exceptional service, maximizes the benefits of its customers’ investments.

Posted: October 26, 2024

Source: SYMTECH, Inc.

The Brickle Group Expands Capabilities With Acquisition Of Family Yarns

NORTH SMITHFIELD, R.I. — October 24, 2024 — The Brickle Group, operating as Hyman Brickle and Son Inc., announces the acquisition of Family Yarns in Etna, Maine, effective April 2024.

Founded in 1936, Brickle is a provider of high-quality berets, blankets, and cold weather gear to the Department of Defense, as well as offering industrial nonwovens, recycling of waste fiber, and trading of raw materials.

This strategic acquisition significantly enhances Brickle’s production capabilities, adding one million pounds of woolen spinning capacity to support their growing yarn needs in both the industrial sector and the Department of Defense.

The newly acquired woolen spinning facility specializes in creating yarns in coarser count ranges, utilizing a diverse array of fiber types. This expansion not only meets internal demands but also opens the door for Brickle to supply yarns to external textile companies.

In addition to the Family Yarns acquisition, The Brickle Group has made further investments in its textile division by establishing a yarn plying operation at its North Smithfield, RI facility in July 2024. This new operation offers commission 2-for-1 twisting up to 4-ply, catering to companies that require specialized plied yarns.

“Our commitment to vertical integration and enhancing our value-added services continues with these investments,” said Max Brickle, company President. “We are excited about the opportunities that the Family Yarns acquisition and our new plying operation will bring to our clients and partners in the textile industry.”

The Brickle Group remains dedicated to supporting its diverse textile businesses and meeting the evolving needs of its customers. For inquiries regarding yarn spinning or plying services, please contact customerservice@hbrickle.com

Posted: October 24, 2024

Source: The Brickle Group, DBA Hyman Brickle and Son Inc.

NeoCon’s Call For 2025 Programming Opens October 30: Accepting Submissions For Onsite & Virtual CEU’s, Workshops And NeoCon Talks

CHICAGO — October 24, 2024 — The Call for Programming for the 56th edition of NeoCon, the leading event for the commercial interiors industry, opens on October 30. NeoCon invites thought leaders and influential industry experts to submit proposals for Continuing Education Units (CEUs), workshops, and NeoCon Talks for the 2025 show. Held June 9-11 at THE MART in Chicago, NeoCon offers a dynamic platform for showcasing product innovations and exploring the latest ideas and trends shaping commercial interiors. The event annually draws a global audience of architects, designers, manufacturers, dealers, end-users, media, and prominent design organizations.

“NeoCon’s programming provides unparalleled access to new ideas while offering the space to form meaningful conversations and connections with the trailblazers of the commercial design industry and beyond,” comments Nubia Henderson, Director of Programming for NeoCon. “Our community has a wealth of expertise, and we look forward to seeing fresh perspectives on the trending topics shaping our industry.”

Submissions will be considered for both virtual and in-person CEU sessions across a wide range of educational categories including Workplace, Healthcare, Hospitality, Wellness, Technology, Sustainability, and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI). All CEU sessions will be pre-recorded and offered on-demand via the NeoCon Program Library. Onsite Workshops will offer attendees a more in-depth and hands-on educational experience. Selected CEUs and workshops will be submitted for CEU approval through IDCEC and AIA. Now in its 3rd installation NeoCon Talks in partnership with Work Design Magazine, invites emerging influencers with fresh ideas and timely topics to offer proposals for 20-minute talks.  Submissions will be accepted through January 20, 2024. More details and guidelines can be found at neocon.com/programming/call-for-programming.

For showroom, exhibitor, and general NeoCon news, images, and real-time information, follow NeoCon on: Instagram (@NeoCon_Shows), LinkedIn (@NeoCon-Shows), and Facebook  (@NeoConShows).

Posted: October 24, 2024

Source: NeoCon / THE MART

Designtex Introduces Wool Library, A Foundational Collection In A Kaleidoscope Of Colors That’s As Soft As A Sweater

NEW YORK CITY — October 24, 2024 — Designtex, designer and manufacturer of applied materials for the built environment, announces Wool Library, four foundational textiles that deliver all the benefits of wool as a biobased material to deliver high quality and performance paired with a soft, luxurious hand. These four constructions are expertly woven in Italy and created to be a staple in style and durability for a long time to come, just like your favorite sweater.

“Designtex has a legacy of bringing hard wearing natural fibers to the market. One of our very first materials (60 some years ago) was a Mohair Velvet that is still in the line today and wool has long been a staple fiber in our offering and industry. Wool is great because it’s natural and naturally hard wearing, thermoregulating, and renewable,” says Catherine Stowell, VP Design, Designtex.

The collection’s four styles – Basket, Checker, Micro Tweed, and Heather – are high on flexibility and impact, and just like wool itself, are classics. Their individual personalities emerge when paired with Wool Library’s color palette of 190 hues, providing options from vibrant and bold to subtle neutrals. Wool Library offers the perfect tonality for every project.

Given a second chance at life, Checker, Basket, and Micro Tweed each contain a high content (70%) of postconsumer recycled material from the fashion industry. Reutilizing discarded wool garments to create new yarn preserves resources and places less stress on the environment. These three products can contribute to the LEED Materials and Resources credit for recycled content and have been certified by the mill to GRS, the Global Recycled Standard 4.0. This collection is free of added chemistry, including finishes, PFAS, flame retardants, and antimicrobials.

Preparing postconsumer recycled wool for its next life involves a few steps: discarded, reclaimed, and gathered clothing is sorted by fiber, color, content, and quality. The garments are broken back down into colorful fibers that are washed, blended together, and spun into a new yarn. These fiber blended yarns are woven and finely milled into soft, deeply colored new fabric for upholstery. In the case of Wool Library, this process occurs in Prato, Italy, which has a long history of recycling clothing from the fashion industry dating back to the 12th century.

Stowell shares, “The craft that the suppliers bring to the recycling process is impressive, I love that you can see the evidence of the raw materials in each heathered yarn. The plain weaves with expert milling give the product a luxurious, soft hand that I just love. This recycled and renewable collection introduces three new styles and recolors a longtime favorite in 190 fantastic, fiber-blended colors that add to the Designtex line.”

Design Details

Wool Library will become an essential part of designers’ go-to working palette, bringing together sustainably sourced postconsumer recycled wool and an abundance of color and texture with which to mix, match, and experiment.

  • Wool Library textiles are soft, durable, renewable, and postconsumer recycled.
  • Choose from a robust colorway of 190 colors.
  • The collection’s four weave structures provide flexibility and impact.
  • Wool Library has no added finishes, PFAS, flame retardants, or antimicrobials.
  • The collection is biobased, biodegradable, thermoregulating, and naturally flame retardant.
  • Checker, Basket, and Micro Tweed have the added benefit of being 70% post-consumer recycled.
  • Checker, Basket, and MicroTweed can contribute to the LEED Materials and Resources credit for recycled content and have been certified by the mill to GRS, the Global Recycled Standard 4.0.
  • These products have publicly available transparency documents (Health Product Declarations).

Products:

All of the textiles in Wool Library blend beauty, utility, and sustainability. They can stand up to the demands of high-traffic environments and have no antimicrobials, no flame retardants, no PFAS, no added finishes, and are naturally flame retardant.

Basket: Basket is a solid textile with a tactile basket-like texture and visible weave structure that delivers immense versatility and impact, available in 31 colorways.

Checker: Checker is a small-scale, 2-color traditional checkerboard pattern, woven with beautiful heathered yarns. Its 49 colorways allow for combinations that range from sophisticated to surprising and whimsical.

Micro Tweed: Micro Tweed uses two distinct heathered yarns with a small-scale texture that discreetly reveals subtle color variations highlighted across the pattern. Available in 50 colorways.

Heather: Heather is a Designtex classic – soft, supple, and reminiscent of classic suiting fabric. It has been recolored, refreshed, and expanded to 60 colors.

Posted: October 24, 2024

Source: Designtex

SPESA Hosts Successful 2024 Executive Conference In Montréal, Marking Its First Ever Event In Canada

RALEIGH, N.C. — October 24, 2024 — The Sewn Products Equipment & Suppliers of the Americas (SPESA) hosted its 2024 Executive Conference Tuesday, October 8 through Thursday, October 10, in Montréal bringing together leaders in sewn products, textiles, and technology for productive and insightful discussions on the future of the industry. The event, which was hosted at Le Mount Stephen hotel, featured attendees and speakers from three Canadian Provinces, 12 U.S. States, and eight countries.

Michael McDonald, SPESA President.

“Montréal was the perfect host city for our 2024 SPESA Executive Conference,” said Michael McDonald, SPESA President. “One of the highlights of this event being held in different markets each year is that we get the opportunity to meet new people, learn about new companies, and garner a better understanding of both local and regional efforts to support the industry. We took it one step further in Montréal by expanding our outreach to include not only sewn products equipment suppliers and manufacturers, but also experts in the spaces of textiles, energy, and mathematics. The more we learn about different industry segments — and the challenges and opportunities they face — the better we can work together as a cohesive ecosystem.”

The SPESA Executive Conference is one of the cornerstone events hosted by SPESA annually. As the global sewn products industry continues to evolve, so too does the Executive Conference and its agenda. The 2024 SPESA event was no exception, as it featured a wide array of topics, including a conversation on how to leverage nuclear energy as a new sustainable power source for manufacturing, a case study on crowdsourcing consumers to combat overproduction, and insightful exchanges with Canada-based business leaders and entrepreneurs from around the world.

Mark Hatton

“The subjects covered during the 2024 SPESA Executive Conference revealed just how complex and intricate our industry is,” said Mark Hatton, SPESA Chairman and managing director of Threads America at American & Efird. “It showcased a tangible passion to make our diverse but connected industries more efficient, more sustainable, and better equipped to tackle both current and future challenges. Seeing speaker presentations turn into engaging and productive audience dialogue was very exciting and exemplifies the need for events like this that prioritize forward-thinking learning.”

The first full day of the 2024 SPESA Executive Conference (October 9) launched with a keynote from seasoned industry advisor Krista Schreiber, an accomplished leader with 25+ years of expertise in apparel and textile development, product operations, supplier strategy, and quality production for world-renowned brands such as Nike, Lululemon, Cotton Incorporated, and Arc’teryx. It was followed by a first-of-its-kind conversation with Rickey Ruff, Founder of Global Nuclear Concepts, who shared his vision for nuclear-powered manufacturing; a fireside chat with Holli Markwald, Prairie Wear CEO, who discussed her brand story and drive to create a more versatile and sustainable bra; and, a panel of young entrepreneurs — featuring Michael Mayr, Founder of silana; Jessica Ramey, Founder of Mercantilia Consulting; and Lila Rousselet, CEO of Montloup — who shared their efforts and visions for the future of the industry.

Afternoon sessions on October 9 kicked off with a panel of local textile industry experts — including Navi Cohen, Vice President of Advanced Materials at SRTX; Carlos Agudelo, Ph.D., Co-founder at Tengiva; and Valerio Izquierdo, Vice President of Business Development and Partnerships at Groupe CTT — who offered insight into their respective industry segments, including software and digital solutions, textile engineering, and materials development. That panel was followed by a conversation on manufacturing in Canada with Bob Kirke of the Canadian Apparel Federation (CAF), and Gabe Elberg and Leslie Schachter of Montréal-based Cansew, Inc., which just celebrated its centennial milestone. SPESA members Leonard Marano, President of the Americas at Lectra, and John Robinson, Senior Strategic Account Manager of Apparel at Aptean, took to the stage next where they discussed how new technology is driving change on the factory floor and the tools needed to build competitive production capabilities.

The day wrapped with entrepreneur Diarra Bousso, the founder of fashion brand DIARRABLU, who presented on how she used her background as a creative mathematician and multidisciplinary artist to create a unique design and manufacturing process that thoughtfully merges the worlds of craftsmanship and algorithms with the goal to reduce waste in fashion.

In addition to a packed day of panels, keynotes, and conversations with industry experts, SPESA also arranged a full second day of industry tours in Montréal and the surrounding region, including stops at INNOTEX, an innovative manufacturer of turnout gear, Tech Rescue gear, Energy gear, Airflow 3D Technology, and more; the Cirque du Soleil costume workshop at its International Headquarters; and, Groupe CTT, a nonprofit organization specializing in applied research, development, and analysis in the field of technical textiles, geosynthetics, and advanced textile-based materials.

SPESA will soon announce dates for its 2025 Advancements in Manufacturing Technologies (Austin, TX) and 2025 Executive Conference (Chicago, IL). SPESA will also co-host the Texprocess Americas trade show May 6-8, 2025, in Atlanta, GA.

To learn more about SPESA and its events, visit www.SPESA.org. To learn more about Texprocess Americas, visit https://texprocess-americas.us.messefrankfurt.com/atlanta/en.html.

Posted: October 24, 2024

Source: The Sewn Products Equipment & Suppliers of the Americas (SPESA)

Dovetail Workwear Debuts New Cordura® Enforced D-Fender Pant

PORTLAND, Ore.  — October 24, 2024 — Dovetail Workwear brings to market its latest innovation featuring CORDURA® Advanced Fabrics with the all new D-Fender Pant. Addressing the unique needs of women with strong thighs, this stretchy canvas pant features reinforced protection using CORDURA fabrics in high-wear areas for superior durability and comfort for hard-working women.

“We’ve heard firsthand from women with powerhouse legs about the frustration of ‘chub rub’ in their work pants,” explained Sara DeLuca, co-founder and vice president of Product at Dovetail Workwear. “So, we took action and revamped our signature crotch gusset and reinforced high-wear areas, and put the D-Fender Pant to the test with the women who inspired its design. The response was clear — this is the solution they’ve been waiting for.”

The D-Fender pants are made with tough CORDURA fabric, bringing military-grade strength to eight high-wear areas: belt loops, reinforced front pocket, tonol loops, crotch gusset, device pocket, nested right pockets, front overlay panels, and back cuffs. Beyond durability, the D-Fender Pant brings a modern edge to workwear style. Zonal reinforcements offer striking color-blocking and texture contrasts, while the fabric’s water and stain-resistant finish keeps the pants looking fresh, even after heavy wear. With 10 pockets strategically placed for maximum functionality, these pants ensure there’s plenty of storage for tools and personal items.

“We’re excited to partner with Dovetail on the D-Fender Pant,” said Cindy McNaull, Business Development Director at CORDURA Advanced Fabrics. “Our fabrics are engineered to endure the toughest conditions while delivering flexibility and comfort – making them the perfect choice for workwear that has to perform as hard as the women who wear it.”

To bring it full circle, the D-Fender Pant isn’t just made for women – it’s made by women. In partnership with Pakistan-based Sapphire Finishing Mills, where 90% of the workforce is women, the pants are produced with a commitment to empowerment and sustainable practices.

The D-Fender Pant is now available on the Dovetail Workwear website and through select retailers nationwide. For more information please visit DovetailWorkwear.com.

Posted: October 24, 2024

Source: Dovetail Workwear

Sponsors