Italy-based Thermore recently added Ecodown® Fibers Marble to its lofty, recycled fiberfill line. According to the company, Ecodown Fibers Marble turns insulation into art. This aspect of the insulation ensures every garment is unique. Ecodown Fibers Marble offers the same level of performance and softness as the original Ecodown product, but with a new added creative dimension.

“We realized there was very little to improve, technically,” said a Thermore spokesperson. “There was only one thing that we could change with this product and it would make all the difference: the way it looks.

“The progress in fabric technology now allows fabrics to be very resistant and so light that you can see through them. We felt the apparel world was ready for the next challenge: using insulation to give garments unique visual interest.”

Thermore also introduced Ecodown Fibers Black which offers a 3D color effect using light colored fabrics. This insulation also changes the hue of any fabric used, according to Thermore.

July/August 2019

Eastman Chemical Co., Kingsport, Tenn., has entered into an agreement to acquire Spain-based cellulosic yarn manufacturer Industrias del Acetato de Celulosa S.A. (INACSA). The deal includes INACSA’s entire yarn business and assets located in La Batllòria, Spain, as well as formulations and intellectual property, and customer contracts. The acquisition, expected to close in Q3, is subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. Eastman reports it will use INACSA’s assets to grow its Naia™ cellulosic yarn for the apparel market. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

“With the acquisition of INACSA, Eastman gains a well-respected yarn producer and a European site that will enhance our ability to support the global textiles supply chain,” said Brad Lich, executive vice president and chief commercial officer. “We look forward to welcoming the INACSA employees to the Eastman team. This bolt-on acquisition is consistent with the company’s growth strategy and objective of delivering superior value through disciplined and balanced uses of cash for dividend payments, debt repayment, share repurchases, and organic and inorganic growth initiatives.”

July/August 2019

Germany-based Kelheim Fibres announced it was the recipient of the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry’s (INDA’s) World of Wipes  (WOW) Innovation Award® for its Danufil®QR fiber. The positively charged viscose fiber, made using renewable cellulose, was engineered for use in disinfectant wipes. The fiber binds less than 10 percent of the quaternary ammonium compounds, commonly referred to as quats, so that the disinfectant can work as intended when contained in the wipe. The fiber also is fully biodegradable and may easily be processed on nonwovens equipment.

According to INDA, the World of Wipes Innovation Award “recognizes the winning product that both expands the use of nonwovens and demonstrates creativity, novelty, uniqueness and technical sophistication.” Winners are selected by equal one-third votes placed by the WOW Conference Planning Committee, the INDA Technical Advisory Board, and WOW attendees.  “Product innovations have a right to exist only if they work in practice and if they create added value,” said Matthew North, commercial director, Kelheim Fibres. “Therefore, we are particularly pleased about this approval from the industry.”

July/August 2019

Bristol, Va.-based Universal Fibers Inc. — a business unit of Universal Fiber Systems LLC — reports it has invested in twisting and heat-setting equipment for its manufacturing facilities in Poland and China. Both plants are fully integrated featuring extrusion through finished yarn capability for multiple fiber types including nylon 6 and nylon 6,6. The yarns — sold under the Helix®, Silkworks® and Revolve® brand names — are used by carpet manufacturers for commercial, residential and automotive applications.

“This marks another investment in our commitment to provide the highest level of quality and service to our customers,” said Phil Harmon, President of Universal Fibers. “As an expanding global company we continue to add resources and invest in our business to meet the unique and varied needs of our markets throughout the world.”

July/August 2019