Devan Chemicals Underlines Its Sustainability Track Record With Two Additional Bio-Based Product Launches

RONSE, Belgium — January 3, 2020 — Devan Chemicals, the Belgium-based developer of finishing technologies for textiles, plans to launch two bio-based solutions at the upcoming Heimtextil trade show in Frankfurt, Germany. The company already launched a bio-based flame retardant in May 2019.

Sustainability has always been a focus topic for Devan, even long before it became an urging issue. In 1995, the company launched Eco-flam®, the first halogen-free flame retardant. Four years later they commercialized a non-migrating antimicrobial solution. In 2001, the Belgian firm developed a masterbatch technology for in-yarn solutions. Devan was also the first company to introduce probiotics in textiles (2010). In 2019 Devan presented its first bio-based solution (Bio-flam) and now they will launch another two: a bio-based antimicrobial (BI-OME® natural) and bio-based PCMs (Tones of Cool® Bio).

Natural antimicrobial

A drive towards the use of more sustainable products has led to the introduction of more alternative solutions to solve the discomfort of bad odors and to reduce the allergens of dust mites.

Many plants and flowers produce antimicrobial chemicals as a defense mechanism towards threats like bacteria, fungi and molds. More and more natural antimicrobials are used in food and cosmetics as a preservative. Plant based, non-persistent, low toxicity pesticides have been used for many years in agriculture and in industrial kitchens. These natural, biocidal ingredients gave us inspiration to develop a new range of Odour Control Technology and anti-dust mite products.

BI-OME Natural is a natural, bio-based antimicrobial solution that guarantees an optimal freshness and hygiene for textiles. The active ingredients are the well-known Linseed oil, obtained from the dried, ripened seeds of the flax plant and Chrysanthemum, derived from the seeds of the flowers of the daisy.

The active ingredients in BI-OME Natural are organic, GMO-free, biodegradable and recyclable.

As known, the bedding industry and more and more governments are planning to invoke regulations on recyclability, therefore technologies such as BI-OME Natural, which are recyclable, could gain more interest over time.

BI-OME Natural will be presented in the Heimtextil collections of Standard Fiber.

Bio-based PCM’s

Tones of Cool Bio is a patented cooling technology that stimulates the textile to dissipate redundant heat from the body and to instantly reduce the body temperature. The PCMs used in Tones of Cool Bio are derived from sustainable, natural sources.

The PCMs have the form of a crystalline wax or oily liquid (depending on temperature) and is 100-percent-plant-based. In addition, Tones of Cool Bio has a lower flammability than traditional paraffin based PCMs. The bio-source of the technology is certified by the German DIN lab.

Tones of Cool Bio will already be presented in the Heimtextil collections of Standard Fiber, Tisseray, and Comfy Quilts. The technology will in first instance only be available for bedding accessories.

Posted January 3, 2020

Source: Devan Chemicals NV

TANATEX Chemicals: Speed-Up Polyester Dyeing Times

EDE, Netherlands — January 3, 2020 — Polyester accounts for more than 50 percent of the global textile fiber market — no matter the end use. That’s a lot of polyester needing to be prewashed, dyed and finished, packed and distributed to customers all around the world. The dyehouse manager might confirm that pressure is on to deliver high quality products while speeding up their processes. Generally, dyeing polyester takes up to 200 minutes including reduction clearing. Can you speed up, and still reach high quality while saving out on energy, valuable process time and water? Tanatex Chemicals sees opportunities to do this in several ways, but the most effective way is probably to reduce polyester dyeing time. When done right, this measure can reduce energy usage by 30 percent.

The eternal fight against time

The dyeing process of polyester depends on so many variables that it’s impossible to create a one-size-fits-all recipe to speed up dyeing time. Machine type, water quality, dyestuff, auxiliaries, dyeing method, end-use: they all have an impact. Then there’s the influence of the polyester type itself, and the many blends it’s used in. You’ll understand that 100-percent polyester responds to dyeing processes differently compared to a blend of polyester or cotton. This is why many dyehouse managers and technical engineers came up with rules of thumb to make sure absolutely nothing goes wrong, no matter the variables. Very understandable. It resulted in a dyeing time of around 200-220 minutes. First, machines are preheated to 40 degrees, where after the polyester product is added and temperature rises one degree per minute. Then, the polyester stays in the machine for another 40-50 minutes.

Stop relying on rules of thumb

It’s safe to say that, in order to speed up polyester dyeing time, we need to let go of rules of thumb. “Instead, focus on your specific situation,” said Harald Gruenewald, business development manager of Classical Textiles at TANATEX Chemicals. “Which machines and dyestuff do you use? What type of auxiliaries do you add? Do you work with blends or with 100-percent polyester?” The answers to these questions help to find the perfect balance between speed and quality, which is different for every dyehouse. “To get to this balance, you can’t go around the lab,” Gruenewald explained. “Our lab technicians measure how much time you can save in which phase of the dyeing process.” The first part of the heating process, for example, is a relatively safe part as colors start to migrate to the fabric around 90 degrees. At 130 degrees, color migration is in full swing, meaning you need to slow down just a little bit to get to evenly spread colors.

“Twenty minutes doesn’t sound like a lot — but it is!”

“If you know exactly how much time you can save out per dyeing cycle and you try it out in real life, you’ll soon realize that lab research pays off,” Gruenewald said. “Let’s say you find out that you can save twenty or thirty-minutes per dyed batch, and you do six batches per day on one dyeing machine. This means you’ll save 120 to 180 minutes per day on one machine, which is between 14 and 21 hours per week and around 56 to 84 hours a month. Think about it: 84 hours less energy and water usage! Not to mention the increase of capacity that this time reduction brings you. “So, go to the lab and find out how many minutes you can save per cycle,” Gruenewald said. “You’ll be surprised what twenty minutes can do for your business and carbon footprint.”

Posted January 3, 2020

Source: TANATEX Chemicals

The BMW iFE.20 As A Tech Lab: First Race Car With Parts Made Out Of Renewable Textile Fibers

MUNICH — December 27, 2019 — BMW i Andretti Motorsport and the BMW iFE.20 got off to a successful start in Season 6 of the ABB FIA Formula E Championship with their victory in Diriyah (KSA). Alexander Sims (GBR) heads into the new year and the next race in Santiago (CHI) at the top of the driver’s standings, but the BMW iFE.20 is already an asset for BMW i Motorsport away from the track as well. Its flax cooling shaft emphasises its great importance as a tech lab for the BMW Group, being the first BMW race car fielded by a works team with parts made out of renewable textile fibers — making it a pioneer for series production.

“The flax cooling shaft that we use in the BMW iFE.20 is further proof of the hugely important role of BMW i Motorsport as a tech lab for the BMW Group,” said BMW Group Motorsport Director Jens Marquardt. “We are consistently using Formula E as an innovative platform for series development — in this instance for testing flax in extreme weather conditions. What’s particularly remarkable is the fact that in some areas this renewable material even has advantages over materials established in racing, such as carbon. Our ambition is to always use the best suited material for each part.”

Compared with carbon, flax has greater absorption and greater impact resistance, which can be advantageous on the street circuits with their bumps and crash barriers, on which Formula E takes place. The same is true of contact with other cars during races.

The BMW iFE.20 is the first works BMW racing car in which the material is used. However, the expansion of this concept to include other BMW Motorsport race cars is currently already in the development phase.

Posted January 2, 2019

Source: BMW Group

PVH Corp. Announces $1 Million Contribution To Fordham University’s Gabelli School Of Business

NEW YORK CITY — January 2, 2020 — PVH Corp. — apparel company and owner of iconic brands including CALVIN KLEIN, TOMMY HILFIGER, Van Heusen, Speedo*, and IZOD — launches a new partnership with the Gabelli School of Business at Fordham University, to establish a leading academic hub for the study of Corporate Responsibility (CR) and Sustainability.

The partnership will work to develop students into the conscientious business leaders of tomorrow. It is designed to advance relationships between industry and academia to enhance sustainability curriculum and convene global thought leaders. A range of programming and opportunities will be made available, including a quarterly lecture series, a number of research programs for both faculty and students, and new academic offerings for undergraduate and graduate students.

PVH Chairman and CEO Manny Chirico graduated from The Gabelli School of Business and currently sits on the Board of Trustees of the University. In 2018, Manny received an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from the university. “This partnership demonstrates PVH and Fordham’s shared commitment to educate the future by harnessing the power of corporate responsibility for both financial successes and societal impact,” Chirico said.

“Our partnership with PVH Corp. reflects an innovative model for the Gabelli School — one that takes a holistic, multi-stakeholder approach toward creating impact,” said Dr. Donna Rapaccioli, dean of the Gabelli School of Business. “The partnership will prove that two organizations with very similar values, but in very different industries, can meaningfully connect to support social and environmental good at a time when we need it most.”

Leveraging the synergies between PVH’s Forward Fashion CR strategy and Gabelli School’s recognition as a worldwide leader in socially conscious business education, the partnership will build on the shared belief of businesses’ responsibility to create a sustainable and responsible future. PVH and Fordham University are passionate about working together to foster an innovative and entrepreneurial spirit in the next generation of leaders to help drive fashion forward — for good.

Posted January 2, 2020

Source: PVH Corp.

Kelly Rowland And Fabletics Kick Off 2020 With A New Limited-Edition Winter Collection

LOS ANGELES — January 2, 2020 — Fabletics is excited to announce the launch of the new Kelly Rowland for Fabletics collection. Delivering on their shared mission to make women feel confident and beautiful, this capsule marks Kelly’s third collaboration with the brand. Launching on January 1, her latest show-stopping line introduces exclusive, ultra-feminine silhouettes that truly define confidence you can wear.

Inspired by the golden hour, the new pieces offer chic, functional, monochromatic designs in a rich color palette of warm espresso, maroon and tan hues. Constructed in ultra soft performance fabrics, Kelly’s capsule blends covet-worthy style with amazing comfort. Activewear essentials are paired with all-new lifestyle layering pieces, making every outfit perfect for everyday life — whether it’s going to the gym, recording studio, brunch with your friends, or lounging at home.

“I love how beautiful and luxe this capsule looks and feels. I’m all about embracing your natural curves and being proud of your body, and I think all women will feel amazing in these pieces,” said Rowland. “When I wear this collection, I feel like I’m always walking in my best light and know I can take on anything with confidence.”

Just in time for the New Year, Rowland’s Winter 2020 collection introduces fresh styles with technical performance details and soft compression fabrics that will inspire women to start the year off strong. New silhouettes include the Tricot Wide-Leg Pant and the High-Waisted PureLuxe Trapunto Legging. The capsule features two ribbed seamless bras in brand new halter and crossback styles. Lingerie-inspired details were fused into the line through corset-style bras with beautiful seams that contour the body. Staying true to her last two collections, Rowland’s Winter 2020 capsule also includes a new strappy bodysuit, available in sizing XXS-4X.

The Kelly Rowland x Fabletics Winter collection will be sold across 10 countries and will be available on Fabletics.com as well as in the 36 Fabletics retail stores nationwide starting on January 1, 2020.

Posted January 2, 2020

Source: Fabletics

CIT Completes Acquisition Of Mutual Of Omaha Bank

NEW YORK CITY — January 2, 2020 — CIT Group Inc. today announced that its banking subsidiary, CIT Bank, N.A., completed the acquisition of Mutual of Omaha Bank on Jan. 1, 2020. This transaction advances CIT’s strategic plan through the addition of a stable, lower-cost homeowner association deposit channel from the market-leading community association banking business. The acquisition will also build on CIT’s commercial banking strengths through the addition of relationship banking teams and expanded product and technology solutions.

“The completion of this transaction accelerates CIT’s strategic plan to further enhance our capability as a leading national bank and create additional long-term shareholder value,” said CIT Chairwoman and Chief Executive Officer Ellen R. Alemany. “The addition of the homeowner association deposit channel has significant growth potential and will reduce CIT’s overall cost of funds, and the middle market banking franchise will expand our footprint and customer base. These capabilities complement CIT’s core strengths and will allow us to unlock greater potential and create an even stronger company.”

The purchase price was approximately $1 billion, comprised of $850 million in cash and about 3.1 million shares of CIT stock, which were issued to Mutual of Omaha Insurance Co. The transaction includes $6.8 billion in deposits, $4.5 billion of which are community association deposits, and $8.3 billion of total assets, including $3.9 billion of middle-market commercial loans, as of Sept. 30, 2019. In total, CIT now has approximately $42 billion of total deposits and $60 billion of total assets[1].

“We are excited to welcome the teammates and clients of Mutual of Omaha Bank to the CIT family,” Alemany continued. “We look forward to strengthening existing relationships, building new ones, and continuing to deliver value for our customers, colleagues, shareholders and communities.”

Mutual of Omaha Bank will begin to transition to the CIT brand and the retail branch locations will adopt the CIT Bank brand over the coming months. Customer accounts remain unchanged at this time and can continue to be accessed through Mutual of Omaha Bank branches, website, mobile apps and relationship managers.

[1] Pro forma financial data based on unaudited CIT and Mutual of Omaha Bank data as of Sept. 30, 2019

Posted January 2, 2020

Source: CIT

Textil del Valle South America Selects Kornit Digital For Direct-To-Garment Printing

ROSH HA’AYN, Israel — January 2, 2020 — Kornit Digital, a worldwide supplier of digital textile printing technology, today announced that Textil del Valle South America, a vertically integrated garment manufacturing company based in Peru, has chosen to implement Kornit’s digital direct-to-garment (DTG) printing technology at its 1.1 million-square-foot facility in Lima, Peru.

Textil del Valle services many of the world’s most prominent apparel brands, including global leaders in sports and athleisurewear.

“Kornit’s sustainable print technology provides the last piece of the puzzle, so we have the ‘full package’ for manufacturing the garment itself, imprinting it on demand based on the customer need, and shipping it ourselves, all from a single location,” said Juan Jose Cordova, general manager at Textil del Valle. “Our market has been veering away from stocking shelves with inventory that may or may not sell, and the Kornit solution helps our business and customers eliminate that uncertainty and risk. We are the most sustainable textile plant in the world, and Kornit enables us to continue answering market demands in an efficient, responsible manner.”

Textil del Valle develops and produces garments for global brands in North America, Europe, and the Americas. It was the first Peruvian textile company to obtain ISO 14001 certification, assuring customers of “a solid environmental behavior that fully controls the impact of its activities, products, and services on the environment.” Adoption of Kornit’s nontoxic pigment-based digital print technology aligns with this reputation.

“Textil del Valle supports brands like lululemon with an efficient business model that affords them terrific control and efficiency in fulfillment,” said Omer Kulka, Kornit’s vice president of marketing and product strategy. “Kornit extends that efficiency by providing the fastest, most brilliant, most eco-conscious prints available today, regardless of the garment or fabric involved. We’re proud to partner with them in delivering the apparel customers worldwide demand.”

Posted January 2, 2020

Source: Kornit Digital

WHI Announces Acquisition Of Composite Manufacturer Aerobond And Equipment Investments

FAIRFIELD, N.J./SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — December 31, 2019 — WHI Global LLC, a portfolio company of RVE Partners, announced today that it has acquired the assets of Aero-Bond Corp. through affiliated entity Aerobond Composites LLC.  Headquartered in Springfield, Mass., Aerobond is a manufacturer of composite structures and assemblies for aerospace and defense applications.

Since 1989, Aerobond has provided high performance composite structures and assemblies to aircraft OEMs and tier 1 suppliers. Aerobond’s capabilities include layup, compression molding, adhesive bonding, vulcanization and fabrication of a variety of composite materials including Kevlar, graphite and fiberglass. Aerobond maintains AS9100 Rev. D and ISO 9001 certifications.

Additionally, WHI recently completed the purchase of a Makino MAG3 5-axis high speed CNC milling machine with a 10-pallet MMC2 system as well as four Makino A81/A88 hard metal CNC milling machines with a 20-pallet MMC2 system. The machines are being installed in WHI’s facilities in Tulsa, Oklahoma and Fairfield, N.J., and are expected to come online in the first quarter of 2020.

“We are impressed with Aerobond’s composite fabrication capabilities,” said Al Altieri, CEO of WHI. “Together with our recent equipment purchases, WHI now offers a comprehensive suite of aerospace manufacturing capabilities for our customers. We are excited about the potential from these investments.”

“The Aerobond acquisition and equipment purchases represent important milestones in the evolution of WHI,” said David Caputo, managing partner of RVE. “These investments are representative of RVE’s buy and build strategy, where we seek to deploy additional capital following acquisitions to drive long term growth. We look forward to continuing to support WHI through this growth.”

Financing for the acquisition and equipment investments was provided by J.P. Morgan and Morgan Stanley Private Credit. Morrison Cohen LLP served as legal counsel to WHI.

Posted December 31, 2019

Source: WHI Global; RVE Partners

Supabsorb Tech Launches New Line Of Super Absorbent Industrial Floor Mats

BENSALEM, PA — December 30, 2019 — SupAbsorb Tech is excited to announce its expansion with the launch of its new line of SupAbsorb Tech rolls and spill mats. These affordable, durable, American-made oil-absorbing mats reduce business’ carbon footprint by utilizing locally sourced, quality recycled materials.

Originally developed for the oil industry to help with oil spills, these rolls and mats soak up large volumes of a variety of fluids efficiently, making workplaces safer and easier to maintain. These Industrial fabrics are suitable for railroad, automotive, manufacturing, industrial application, supermarkets, restaurant settings, and more. SupAbsorb Tech products eliminate the need for messy clay sorbent, chemical cleanup, and costly rental rugs.

“We’re thrilled to expand our operations to include the acquisition of a 21,000 square foot warehouse right next to our current location,” said Sid Sharma, president, SupAbsorb Tech.

“Widening the scope of the industrial textiles we offer allows us to serve even more businesses and help them make their workplaces safer and easier to maintain. We take pride in contributing to the American economy and look forward to diversifying our customer base with affordable, environmentally-friendly products that are made in the USA.”

SupAbsorb Tech also cuts out the middleman, allowing businesses to purchase products directly from its Bensalem, Pa., manufacturing facility. The company offers convenient online ordering, fast shipping, competitive pricing, and top-quality products and customer service.

Posted December 31, 2019

Source: SupAbsorb Tech

Ascend Finalizes Plan For $175 Million Project In Decatur, Ala.

HOUSTON — December 23, 2019 — Ascend Performance Materials has finalized an agreement with the state of Alabama for economic incentives related to the construction of cogeneration units and expansion of adiponitrile (ADN) capacity at its Decatur, Ala., site. The $175 million project will expand ADN capacity, reduce the site’s environmental footprint and create new jobs.

Ascend’s board of directors approved the project, subject to finalized agreements with the state, Morgan County Economic Development Association and the City of Decatur. Construction will create 150 skilled jobs during construction, 10 high-end manufacturing jobs by project completion and reduce emissions by 60 percent. Ascend currently employs more than 400 people in the state of Alabama.

“The Decatur community is at the heart of our business,” said Phil McDivitt, Ascend’s president and CEO. “The ADN produced there is a critical building block for nylon 6,6, a high-performance plastic used in a variety of products from life-saving vehicle airbags to high-voltage electrical connectors.”

“Ascend Performance Materials’ facility has been an important part of Decatur’s business community for decades, and I’m pleased to see the company build on the partnership it has formed in Morgan County with this major investment,” said Governor Kay Ivey. “It’s always great to see a world-class manufacturer like Ascend decide to include Alabama in its growth plans.”

President of the Morgan County Economic Development Association Jeremy Nails added: “Morgan County is quickly becoming a center of excellence for manufacturing. We’re pleased that Ascend chose the city of Decatur to expand and help grow its economy.”

MasTec Power Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of MasTec Inc., was selected to serve as the prime contractor for the project and will bring its 35 years of experience to provide innovative turnkey engineer, procure and construct (EPC) solutions and support. Construction will begin in the second quarter of 2020 and end in late 2021.

“MasTec Power Corp. is pleased and proud to be a part of this state-of-the-art power project that maximizes power and heat recovery, reduces Ascend’s carbon footprint and boosts the economies of Decatur and Morgan County. We anticipate this project will bring roughly 150 skilled jobs to the Decatur area in 2020 and 2021,” said Michael Donmoyer, executive vice president, MasTec Power.

Ascend’s site in Decatur is one of only four plants in the world that produce ADN on a large scale.

Posted December 23, 2019

Source: Ascend Performance Materials

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