Baffin Appoints Austin Sedlbauer As Lead Designer

STONEY CREEK, Ontario   — October 18, 2024 — Baffin, a supplier of cold climate footwear and apparel, is pleased to announce the appointment of Austin Sedlbauer as lead designer. This strategic addition comes as Baffin continues to solidify its reputation for quality and innovation in the industry, while expanding domestic manufacturing volume.

Sedlbauer joins Baffin after a successful tenure as lead designer at Cougar Shoes. With extensive experience in footwear design and a strong understanding of materials and consumer preferences, Sedlbauer is set to elevate Baffin’s already robust product line. His role will be pivotal in refining the brand’s design philosophy and ensuring that Baffin remains at the forefront of technical advancements and market trends.

Sedlbauer’s appointment is especially significant, as it marks a continuation of a legacy deeply rooted in the history of Baffin. In 1959, the founder of Baffin’s first manufacturing operation, Peter Hubner, honed his experience in shoemaking working with Sedlbauer’s grandfather, Walter Sedlbauer, at Susan Shoes, the company that would later introduce the Cougar brand. This collaboration established a tradition of craftsmanship and innovation that continues to shape the industry today. Sedlbauer’s connection to this heritage underscores Baffin’s ongoing commitment to quality and tradition.

“Welcoming Austin to our team is not just a strategic move; his historical ties reinforce our legacy,” said Mark Hubner, senior vice president at Baffin. “The experience and innovative vision he brings will lend a fresh perspective to our product offerings, strengthening our market position. We are excited to see how his leadership will drive technical advancements and elevate our design aesthetics as we look to the future.”

“I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to join Baffin, a true leader in the cold climate footwear industry,” Sedlbauer said. “It’s an honor to be part of a team that is deeply committed to innovation and quality. I look forward to collaborating with such talented individuals to create exceptional products that not only meet but exceed our customers’ expectations. Together, I believe we can take Baffin’s legacy to new heights.”

Sedlbauer will join the Baffin team immediately and will report out of the Stoney Creek headquarters.

Posted: October 18, 2024

Source: Baffin Ltd.

Freudenberg Expands Operations With New Manufacturing Plant In Morinda, Punjab

MORINDA, India   — October 18, 2024 — Germany-based global technology conglomerate Freudenberg Group has officially inaugurated two advanced manufacturing facilities in Morinda, covering a total built-up area of 40,700 square meters. These state-of-the-art plants are operated by Freudenberg-NOK India Pvt. Ltd. (FNI) and Vibracoustic India. The strategic move consolidates the company’s operations from its existing plants in Basma and Mohali, aimed at enhancing production efficiency and supporting Freudenberg’s long-term growth plans in India.

Inauguration of Morinda Plant

Freudenberg’s investment of more than 42 million euros in the Morinda facility marks the company’s largest financial commitment in India to date. The new plants are equipped to serve both domestic and international markets, reinforcing Freudenberg’s dedication to India’s “Make in India” initiative. The facilities will cater to key sectors such as automotive and industrial manufacturing, ensuring the company remains competitive by optimizing material flows and leveraging modernized equipment.

Speaking at the inauguration, Dr. Mohsen Sohi, CEO of Freudenberg Group, remarked: “Our investment in the new facilities in Morinda reflects Freudenberg’s strong commitment to the Indian market and the ‘Make in India’ vision. This expansion not only aligns with our global growth strategy but also boosts our ability to serve customers with greater efficiency, innovation, and quality. As we celebrate 175 years of Freudenberg’s legacy of excellence, we are proud to further strengthen our presence in India.”

Sustainability is a core focus of the new facilities. Energy-efficient machinery and eco-friendly practices, such as photovoltaic cells that supply 15 percent of the plant’s energy needs and water-recharging stations, have been incorporated to reduce the environmental footprint.

Sivasailam. G, managing director at Freudenberg Performance Materials India and director & CEO of Freudenberg Regional Corporate Center India, added, “The inauguration of our new manufacturing plants in Morinda showcases our long-term commitment to sustainable growth in India. By bringing our operations together in this advanced facility, we aim to create new job opportunities and nurture local talent. This investment helps us better serve our customers across different industries, offering high-quality products and solutions made in India for both domestic and international markets.”

Freudenberg’s expansion in Morinda is set to generate significant job opportunities, with plans to grow the local workforce by 20 percent, adding approximately 200 new positions. The site will also serve as a global engineering hub, attracting top talent from regional universities, particularly around Chandigarh.

Posted: October 18, 2024

Source: Freudenberg Group

ALTA™ Luxury Opens World Of Luxury Fabrics For Commercial And High-Traffic Use

BYRON CENTER, Mich.   — October 16, 2024 — A revolutionary new technology from Applied Textiles, ALTA™ Luxury, opens the world of luxury fabrics for high-traffic residential and hospitality applications. ALTA Luxury is a technology that engineers beautiful, high-end fabrics that enhances durability, making them more suitable for higher traffic commercial and residential projects.

Luxury fabrics, though beautiful, rich and inviting, can fail wear standards and fire code requirements and be difficult to clean. The ALTA Luxury technology extends the lifespan of the textile without changing the aesthetic — often making it better. ALTA Luxury keeps fabrics soft and enhances their texture and touch.

“Designers want luxury fabrics for higher traffic environments, whether that be a bustling boutique hotel lobby or luxurious residential living room,” said Applied Textiles Founder John Schroeter. “At Applied Textiles, we have considerable investment in the last third of textile production, which is everything off the loom — washing, steaming, tumbling, softening, texturizing, backing and lamination.”

Applied Lab, a division of Applied Textiles can also test and qualify these materials for their use and lifecycle. Treating a luxury fabric is important, and a certified texting facility like Applied Lab ensures fabrics pass FR codes and wear requirements.

ALTA Luxury opens a whole new world to designers looking to add luxury textiles to their projects. Fabrics once thought too fragile for commercial and high-use residential environments can now be engineered with the ALTA Luxury technology, enabling their use in most applications. This unlocks endless possibilities for designers to explore creativity without being constrained by fabric performance limitations.

ALTA Luxury uses an environmentally friendly water-based process to engineer fabrics to enhance performance after weaving or knitting. Fabrics benefiting from ALTA Luxury include natural fibers, velvets, chenilles, boucles, and pile fabrics that include complex patterns and rich textures. ALTA Luxury makes specifying natural fibers possible. Natural fibers, many of which were replaced by synthetics because of wear characteristics, are now able to be used in commercial and higher traffic areas.

ALTA Luxury not only helps textiles last longer, the process also provides superior repellency against spills and stains, according to the company.

With quick processing times and the ability to accommodate all order sizes, ALTA Luxury is designed to be flexible and easy to specify.

Applied Textiles is a textile testing and technology company. It does not make or sell fabrics; it makes them better and longer‐lasting with performance technologies and accredited lab testing.

Posted: October 18, 2024

Source: Applied Textiles

Spinnova Teams Up With Premium Bag Brand, ASK Scandinavia

JYVÄSKYLÄ, Finland  — October 17, 2024 — Spinnova and ASK Scandinavia collaborate to bring a naturally dyed handbag to the market in 2025. The visually striking yet practical work tote bag is made with fabric that contains 30-percent wood-based SPINNOVA® fibres and 70-percent cotton. The fabric has been dyed with Natural Indigo Finland’s natural dye, made from Paulig’s coffee waste. This is the first commercially available product containing SPINNOVA fibers colored with natural dyes. The bag will be available for pre-order at the end of 2024.

Spinnova collaborates with ASK Scandinavia, a Helsinki-based premium brand that creates timeless and design-driven bags, to create a limited-edition work tote bag inspired by Nordic design. The bag design will integrate ASK Scandinavia’s minimalist style while ensuring the bag meets the highest standards of durability and usability, making it a staple for daily use.

The bag combines three sustainable innovators: Spinnova’s pioneering technology and textile fibers, ASK Scandinavia’s versatile Nordic design, and Natural Indigo Finland’s innovative coffee waste-based dyes. Each contributor supports the comprehensive approach to product sustainability.

Spinnova’s fibers have 74-percent fewer CO2 emissions and 98-percent less water usage than conventional cotton*. ASK Scandinavia’s timeless designs and quality materials ensure the longevity of the product lifecycle. Natural Indigo Finland’s dyes are extracted from waste coffee grounds, which do not contain as many toxins as synthetic dyes. The dyeing time is shorter, and the same batch of dyes can be utilized multiple times.

“We are honored to collaborate with pioneers like Spinnova and Natural Indigo Finland, whose innovations are setting new standards in fashion. At ASK Scandinavia, we are committed to lowering the industry’s environmental impact by integrating next-gen materials that replace conventional, non-renewable resources. By combining Spinnova’s revolutionary fibre technology with natural dyes made from coffee waste, we’re demonstrating a forward-thinking approach to responsible design. This collaboration isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about proving how impactful partnerships can actively drive the shift toward a lower-impact fashion industry,” says Anette Cantagallo, director of Design and Sustainability at ASK Scandinavia.

“We are excited about collaborating with a timeless Nordic brand to launch a product in a new application category: handbags. Using natural dyes to create the bag’s color highlights the comprehensive sustainability approach considered during the design phase. We set out to explore the versatility of Spinnova’s fiber in different applications and dyeing methods, and are very satisfied with the result,” commented Shahriare Mahmood, chief product and sustainability officer at Spinnova.

A limited edition of the tote bags will be available for pre-order at the end of 2024 and in ASK Scandinavia’s online store in 2025. The bag design will be revealed at the product’s launch.

*Figures are based on projected, third-party emission calculation (2022) for the joint venture Woodspin’s factory in Jyväskylä, Finland. The figures include raw material supply, transportation of raw materials, and manufacturing of the product (cradle-to-gate). The ecoinvent dataset 3.9.1 has been used for the global average emissions of conventional cotton.

Posted: October 18, 2024

Source: SPINNOVA PLC

Biomaterials  Firm Modern Meadow Appoints Dr. David Williamson As CEO

NUTLEY, N.J.  — October 14, 2024 — Modern Meadow, a developer of sustainable materials, has announced that Dr. David Williamson will transition from president and COO to CEO effective October 14, 2024. Dr. Williamson has served in multiple roles within the company since 2015 and will now spearhead its next phase of growth. As CEO, Dr. Williamson will continue executing on the company’s strategic growth plan to create sustainable biofabricated materials that offer new levels of performance, sustainability and design possibilities.

With his extensive background in material science, biotechnology and production environments, Dr. Williamson will continue executing on Modern Meadow’s strategic growth plan to create sustainable biofabricated materials that offer new levels of performance, sustainability and design possibilities, like BIO-VERA.

“All of us at Modern Meadow have a passion for technology and innovation, and I am proud to lead us into our next chapter as we continue to advance our mission of commercializing transformative sustainable alternative materials, such as BIO-VERA,” Dr. Williamson said. “Modern Meadow is at a pivotal stage — one in which we are building on our major production milestone to produce 500,000 square meters per year of our BIO-VERA. This milestone highlights the market readiness and cost-efficiency of BIO-VERA, positioning Modern Meadow to meet increasing demand from original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), brands and premium tanneries that are actively adopting the material.”

Modern Meadow’s strategy includes:

  • Streamlining operations for increased efficiency
  • Expanding its European market presence
  • Supporting commercialization and brand adoption efforts by extending its operational runway.

The company will also continue to strengthen and expand the BIO-VERA brand by developing refreshed brand messaging, in close collaboration with its commercial partners, to bring the brand to life for consumers and industry alike.

Posted: October 18, 2024

Source: Modern Meadow

KARL MAYER Warp Preparation Announce Contracts In Conjunction With ITMA ASIA + CITME 2024

OBERTSHAUSEN, Germany  — October 17, 2024 — With its exhibition at ITMA ASIA + CITME, KARL MAYER warp preparation focuses on sustainability and efficiency and hits the bull’s eye. The exhibits are among the top talking points at the KARL MAYER GROUP stand. On display here will be a latest-generation beam warping machine with a unique working speed of  max. 1,200 m/min, the brand new CASCADE system for significantly reducing steam consumption, costs and environmental impact during sizing, and the equally new Smart Size Box – a sophisticated technology that makes a valuable contribution to the topic of predictive maintenance by monitoring the condition of wear components and thus aroused the curiosity of many visitors, including a delegation from Pinhua Garments Co.

Assistant Sales Manager Li Zhi (left) and Gabriel Chiu (right), Regional Sales Manager for China at KARL MAYER Warp Preparation Business Unit, with their guest from Pinhua Garments

The renowned company based in Shijiazhuang in north-eastern China specializes in the processing of recycled staple fibres and focuses on high efficiency and low water consumption. An ISOSIZE and an earlier generation KARL MAYER sizing machine are already in production in its warp preparation department. Pinhua Garments has now invested in another innovative warp preparation solution, a PROSIZE with VSB Size Box. With the signing of the contract, the state-of-the-art sizing equipment celebrates its premiere on the Chinese market.

At the trade fair, the experts from Pinhua Garments first learned about the possibilities of the Smart Size Box HSB and expressed great interest in this latest development for the sizing sector. The advantages of the advanced solution include less unplanned downtime and maintenance costs, and therefore more efficient, but also quality-assured production processes.  Like all PROSIZE Size Boxes, the Smart Size Box enables a cover factor of up to 100% at a maximum sizing speed of 160 m/min, with 200 m/min also possible as an option.

KARL MAYER PROSIZE

In addition to the Smart Size Box feature, the Size Box VSB was the subject of the exchange with Pinhua Garments Co. The innovative sizing equipment works with a highly efficient application technology that uses up to 10% fewer sizing additives compared to the immersion bath process. This saves costs, energy during desizing and waste water. In addition, the ability to control the yarn tension by the sizing system is an important advantage in view of the demanding processing of cotton. This performance convinced Pinhua Garments: The company ordered a PROSIZE with VSB Size Box.

Gabriel Chiu, Regional Sales Manager for China at KARL MAYER Warp Preparation Business Unit

“This investment is a reinforcing vote of confidence and I’m pleased to see our customer willing to grow with KARL MAYER through different generations and developments of machines,” says Gabriel Chiu, Regional Sales Manager at Warp Preparation Business Unit.

Posted: October 18, 2024

Source: KARL MAYER GROUP

Prominent European Apparel Manufacturer T-Shirt & Sons Boosts Production Capacity With Kornit Apollo

ROSH-HA`AYIN, Israel  — October 17, 2024 — Kornit Digital announced today that T-Shirt & Sons (TSS) — a European apparel manufacturer based in the United Kingdom and the Netherlands and serving some of the largest e-commerce and retail brands — has adopted Kornit Apollo to further its transition from traditional screen printing to digital production. This addition to its Kornit MAX systems enables TSS to significantly expand production capacity, improve speed, and enhance time-to-market — all while maintaining the highest standards of quality.

TSS serves some of the largest e-commerce and retail brands and has been a pioneer in print-on-demand services over the past decade, catering to online brands, high street retailers, and promotional businesses. By integrating Kornit’s MAX technology and the newly added Apollo platform, TSS has optimized its production processes to better meet the demands of the rapidly growing online market.

“Creativity, innovation, and automation are at the core of our business, allowing us to consistently deliver unmatched quality to leading brands worldwide,” said Adam Golder, T-Shirt & Sons. “The Kornit Apollo is a game-changer in on-demand production. It delivers exceptional results that speed up our time-to-market and optimize production runs. With the Apollo joining our existing fleet of MAX systems, we’re well-positioned to meet the evolving demands of our customers and scale our business even further.”

Ronen Samuel, CEO at Kornit Digital, added, “Manufacturers like TSS are transforming their operations to meet the needs of an increasingly demanding market. As a print-on-demand leader, TSS relies on both speed and quality for success. With the adoption of Apollo, TSS is not only streamlining its operations but also scaling production to new heights.”

Posted: October 18, 2024

Source: Kornit Digital

Natalia Scherbakoff Joins Orion S.A. As Chief Technology Officer

HOUSTON — October 17, 2024 — Orion S.A., a global specialty chemicals manufacturer, announced today that Natalia Scherbakoff has been appointed the company’s new chief technology officer.

Natalia Scherbakoff

She will succeed David Deters, who for nearly a decade led a global innovation program that made Orion a leader in developing sustainable materials, battery additives and other technology in the carbon black industry. Deters announced his retirement earlier this year and will remain with Orion through the end of 2024 to ensure a seamless transition.

Scherbakoff joins Orion from Trinseo, a specialty materials company, where she served as the vice president of Technology & Innovation, overseeing global research, development and technology innovation with sustainability and circular solutions being a key underlying focus. She also supported key growth initiatives as well as mergers and acquisitions. Scherbakoff was a member of Trinseo’s Corporate Environmental, Social and Governance Council.

“Natalia has broad global experience, a track record of moving ideas through the development process to successful product launches and commercial savvy. She combines strong people skills with a passion for driving innovation and achieving tangible outcomes,” Orion CEO Corning Painter said.  “She is arriving at an exciting time here at Orion, and I am looking forward to her building on the success we have had under David’s leadership in batteries, circular products, coatings and other customer applications.”

Before Trinseo, Scherbakoff was the vice president of Research Innovation & Product Lines at Plastic Omnium, a French automotive supplier now known as OPmobility. She also served as the general manager of Specialty Composites and the director of Global Innovation at Owens Corning, a building materials maker.

Scherbakoff is a non-executive board member at specialty materials producer Clayens NP and  is also a member of the Forbes Technology Council.

She holds a Ph.D. and M.Sc. in Macromolecular Science from Case Western Reserve University (U.S.), a Chemical Engineering degree from Mauá Engineering University (Brazil) and an MBA from Getulio Vargas Foundation (Brazil). She is fluent in English, French, Portuguese, Italian and Russian.

Posted: October 17, 2024

Source: Orion S.A.

Flexible Carbon Fiber Composites Creator Carbitex Closes Funding Round, Secures Capital For Next Growth Phase

KENNEWICK, Wash. — October 17, 2024 — Carbitex has announced the successful close of a new funding round, marking the culmination of a two-year effort to restructure the company. With five times sales growth projected in 2025, Carbitex is set to strategically expand global market presence.

The majority of the capital comes from longtime investors, including Michael Marks, Carbitex’s executive chairman. Marks, with 40 years of experience leading and transforming technology companies, including Flextronics and Tesla, is currently a founding managing partner at Celesta Capital and has served as a board director for more than 20 companies.

“Carbitex has made significant progress, assembling a capable team and laying a solid foundation for future growth,” Marks said. “I’m impressed by their progress and confident the company is set for an exciting future.”

After returning to an operational role as Carbitex’s President in 2023, founder Junus Khan led the company’s restructuring, including the appointment of Patrick Sinner to vice president of Brand Product Development in 2023, and Filippo Sartor to vice president of Global Sales and Sam Gardner to the role of vice president of Engineering and Operations earlier this year. Since then, the company has realigned with its vision and with a team prepared to drive innovation and growth.

“I’m proud of what our team has accomplished,” Khan said. “We’ve tackled hard challenges head-on and built a stronger, more agile Carbitex. This investment positions us to take the next step, and I’m excited about the breakthroughs we have in store that will push the boundaries of performance footwear and advanced materials.”

Carbitex’s patented materials are integrated across multiple footwear categories including run, cycling, soccer, watersports, snowboard, and most recently, golf. The company partners with leading shoe brands including Altra, Speedland, Lake, Scott, PAYNTR Golf, and FootJoy, as well as bag and accessory brands Tumi, Pitaka, and Porsche Design.

Posted: October 17, 2024

Source: Carbitex

Birla Carbon Announces The Launch Of Its First Asia Post Treatment Plant In India

MUMBAI, India — October 16, 2024 — Birla Carbon, a manufacturer and supplier of carbon-based solutions, announced the launch of its first Asia Post Treatment (APT) Plant in India. The brownfield initiative is located at the Patalganga unit, in the state of Maharashtra, India. This cutting-edge facility, equipped with the latest treatment technology, is set to revolutionize the carbon black industry by offering the highest levels of flexibility, efficiency, and precision. The plant will serve the fast-growing demand for high-performance carbon black grades in key industries like coatings and inks.

Sharing his thoughts on the launch, Rajeev Sonthalia, director, Birla Carbon, said: “The launch of the Asia Post-Treatment Plant at Patalganga marks a significant milestone in Birla Carbon’s journey toward creating and deploying cutting-edge technology solutions for our customers. Asia is an emerging market for the carbon black industry and the strategic location of this plant will encourage innovation with our partners.” He further added, “This brownfield facility will enable Birla Carbon to leverage its global reactor capabilities, operating at the highest yields and efficiency. The precision in the manufacturing technology ensures that our products meet the highest standards of quality and performance, catering to the specific needs of our diverse customers, both regionally and globally. And by doing so, we enrich the lives of our consumers and inspire trust with our partners.”

The Asia Post Treatment Plant facility’s advanced technology ensures precise control over reaction times, facilitating the production of ultra-high-performance grades that are tailored to specific customer needs. With its ability to meet stringent clean product standards, the APT facility offers a distinct advantage over traditional products, positioning Birla Carbon as a market leader in delivering sustainable, high-quality solutions.

Sharing his thoughts on this new milestone, John Loudermilk, president and CEO, Birla Carbon, said: “The launch of our Asia Post Treatment Plant reflects our long-term commitment towards the industry and the businesses we serve. This facility enables us to support our customers more effectively while reinforcing Birla Carbon’s position as a thought leader in developing sustainable, high-performance carbon-based solutions for the future.” He further added, “This treatment facility strengthens our commitment to meeting global demand in high-growth sectors and leading the carbon black industry towards greater sustainability and efficiency. By prioritizing innovation and sustainability in every aspect of our operations, we are not just responding to current needs; we are anticipating future demand and setting new standards for quality, reliability, and environmental responsibility. Thus living our purpose to ‘Share the Strength'”.

In addition to its broader range of applications, including packaging inks and automotive and industrial coatings, the ATP facility is strategically designed to tap into niche markets such as toys and tool coatings, where the demand for low PAH products is rapidly growing.

Located in Patalganga, India, the plant provides key advantages such as proximity to emerging Asian markets. It serves as a key backup to Birla Carbon’s North Bend facility in the United States.

Posted: October 17, 2024

Source: Birla Carbon

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