ACIMIT: The Italian Textile Machinery Industry In China To Exhibit At ITMA ASIA + CITME 2024

MILAN  — October 15, 2024 — About 50 Italian companies will exhibit at ITMA ASIA + CITME 2024, taking place from October 14 to 18 in Shanghai. With an area of around 1,400 square meters, Italy ranks among the top exhibiting Countries, as in previous editions. 29 Italian exhibitors will show their innovations within the National Sector Groups, organized by ACIMIT (Association of Italian Textile Machinery Manufacturers) and Italian Trade Agency.

ITMA ASIA + CITME show has always been the main showcase for textile machinery manufacturers in Asia, that absorbs more than 50 percent of global exports. Moreover China is the world’s largest market in the sector (the value of imported textile machinery in 2023 was around 2.6 billion euros).

For Italian manufacturers as well, the Chinese market is the top foreign destination. In 2023, Italian sales to China amounted to 222 million euros. In the first six months of this year, exports to China increased by 38 percent, while the performance of total Italian exports declined slightly in the same period.

“We hope that the recovery of the Chinese market, observed in this first half of the year, may be an early indication of a more general upturn in global demand for machinery,” said ACIMIT President Marco Salvadè.

Over the past few years, demand from Chinese companies has turned to technologies that combine savings in production costs and environmental friendliness, as also demanded by brands and end consumers.

“Today, Italian manufacturers can offer highly customized solutions that are particularly suited to making textile production more sustainable,” Salvadè confirmed. “The Chinese textile machinery market is rapidly evolving, and the level of innovation in the technology requested has risen due to the growing international competition that even Chinese companies face. In Shanghai, Italian manufacturers will display their latest innovations, essential for making textile production more efficient and sustainable.”

ACIMIT (Association of Italian Textile Machinery Manufacturers) represents an industrial sector that comprises roughly 300 manufacturers (employing around 13,000 people), which produce machinery for a turnover worth of around 2.3 billion euro, of which 86% are exported. Creativity, sustainable technology, reliability and quality are the hallmarks that have made Italian textile machinery worldwide leaders.

Posted: October 15, 2024

Source: ACIMIT — Association of Italian Textile Machinery Manufacturers

DyStar Clinched Champion Award At The Adidas adiFormulator Award 2024

SINGAPORE  — October 15, 2024 — DyStar, a specialty chemical company with a heritage of more than a century in product development and innovation, is proud to announce that it has clinched the Champion Award for its outstanding contribution and performance at the Adidas adiFormulator Award, an annual program launched in 2023.

Fanny Vermandel, vice president of Global Marketing Coloration at DyStar Group, said: “DyStar is very pleased to receive the newly minted accolades from Adidas, as it further demonstrates our unwavering commitment to supporting the success of our customers, including brands and retailers, in their sustainability journey towards achieving their 2030 goal of 100 percent ZDHC MRSL Conformance.”

As a responsible leader in dyestuff and chemical manufacturer, DyStar offers over 2,100 products listed on the ZDHC Gateway that meet the ZDHC MRSL V3.1 specifications. Brands and Retailers and other stakeholders can leverage DyStar’s expertise to support their journey towards ZDHC MRSL conformance. To date, 99.7 percent of DyStar’s products listed on ZDHC have achieved the highest accreditation level of 3.

Customers can also be assured through DyStar’s econfidence® program which specifically supports product safety and ecology issues associated with the manufacture and marketing of its products. Launched in 2003, the program initially served as a foundation for eco-compliance.

To learn more about DyStar’s Sustainable Solutions, visit us at:

www.dystar.com/decarbonization-of-the-textile-supply-chain/

Posted: October 15, 2024

Source: DyStar

 

Suedwolle Group Launches Innovation Hub Story In Cooperation With Designer Rico Lee

NUREMBERG, Germany  — October 14, 2024 — Suedwolle Group is announcing its latest project, Fashion meets function, created in collaboration with renowned designer Rico Lee. This collection showcases the versatility of Merino wool, blending style and functionality to meet the needs of active, urban lifestyles.

The collection merges Suedwolle Group’s premium Merino wool yarns with cutting-edge functional fashion. While Merino wool is admired for its luxurious feel, it is increasingly being recognized for its high-performance properties, such as moisture-wicking, thermal regulation, and odor resistance. This makes it an ideal fabric for activewear, offering both elegance and performance.

The collaboration with Rico Lee brings together technical innovations and stylish design. His vision of versatile, adaptable clothing aligns with the demands of city commuters, whose garments must transition effortlessly from casual settings to more active environments.

Developing this collection required balancing fashion-forward aesthetics with the technical demands of functional textiles. A key challenge was creating custom wool fabrics that could offer both comfort and performance, ensuring that the garments would withstand daily wear while maintaining durability.

The decision to use Suedwolle Group’s yarns, like Stelvio Betaspun® Nm 100/1, Banda Tec Nm 37/1, or Winton Nm 60/1, was essential. Known for their soft texture, particularly ideal for sensitive skin, the yarns strike the perfect balance between performance and comfort. Their breathability and odour resistance make it an ideal choice for functional fashion, catering to the demands of urban life on the move.

The result is a collection that breaks traditional boundaries. Each garment is versatile, offering thermal-regulating properties and seamless transitions between different settings. These pieces are meticulously crafted to enhance convenience while maintaining the high-performance standards expected of high-quality wool textiles. Additionally, wool’s anti-wrinkle and elastic properties ensure a polished look that adapts to the wearer’s body, making it a strong contender in modern sportswear.

Reflecting on the project, Rico Lee said, “The most exciting part of this project was witnessing how wool can redefine activewear, combining sophistication with high performance.” This collection demonstrates that wool is not only a fabric for warmth and comfort but is also essential in creating sustainable, eco-friendly activewear, setting a new standard in functional fashion.

Suedwolle Group views this collection as a significant step forward in showcasing wool’s potential in performance fashion. Looking ahead, the company plans to explore more rugged, outdoor-focused designs, utilising wool’s thermal-regulating and durable qualities to their fullest extent, reinforcing its place as a top contender in both fashion and performance wear.

For more information on the Fashion meets function collection, please visit Suedwebs – Fashion Meets Function.

Posted: October 15, 2024

Source: Suedwolle Group

SGS On Why Rigorous Testing Matters For Antiviral Products

Trust in antiviral claims can only exist if the claim is backed by rigorous testing.

By Jack Yuen

SGS — a testing, inspection and certification company — works with manufacturers and suppliers of disinfectants, antiseptics, textiles, leather goods, plastics and furniture materials to help them assess the virucidal qualities of their products.

The 2020 COVID-19 pandemic brought about significant changes in the way we live and deepened our understanding of viruses. With the pandemic thankfully fading into the past, what can manufacturers do to ensure antiviral products continue to protect consumers?

Disease spread can be rapid in an interconnected world, crossing borders and significantly impacting global health and economies. Preventing virus transmission is difficult because disease can spread via several different vectors — aerosol, droplet, contact with a contaminated surface, etc. Alongside vaccination and the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), effective utilization of hygiene products, such as disinfectants, antiseptics and antiviral surfaces in public spaces, is crucial for reducing disease transmission.

Heightened Public Awareness

Public awareness of how easily viruses can spread via everyday items was enhanced during the pandemic. Personal experience meant consumers were suddenly aware of the real risks associated with viruses and the fact some pathogens can linger for extended periods on surfaces like office doors, kitchen countertops, mobile phones and clothing. This led to greater demand for products with proven antiviral properties.

Antiviral Testing

Trust in antiviral claims can only exist if the claim is backed by rigorous testing. Several antiviral efficacy standards exist enabling manufacturers to verify the claims they make relating to antiviral properties. However, not all standards apply to all products and so manufacturers are advised to work with expert testing laboratories to select the appropriate internationally recognized standard for their product.

Useful testing standards include:

  • Disinfectants and antiseptics: EN 14476 assesses virucidal activity against common viruses like Vaccinia virus, Human adenovirus 5, Human poliovirus type 1, and Murine norovirus strain S99 Berlin. Viruses are incubated on test samples under specific conditions set by the manufacturer and standard, such as contact time and temperature
  • Textiles: ISO 18184:2019 evaluates the antiviral activity of textiles against viruses like H1N1, H3N2 and Feline calicivirus. Virus particles are applied to textile samples and reference fabrics, incubated, and the remaining viral load is quantified to determine efficacy
  • Plastics and non-porous materials: ISO 21702:2019 is used to assess the virus-stopping abilities of plastics and other non-porous materials. The testing process is similar to ISO 18184

These tests allow manufacturers to confirm the virucidal efficiency of their products, which is especially important when items are used by multiple people and the risk of pathogen spread is increased.

Additional Benefits

For manufacturers, ensuring product effectiveness is paramount. However, applying these stringent test methods to relevant consumer products offers additional advantages. As consumers become more aware of the risks of viral transmission via surfaces, products that demonstrate proven efficacy will gain greater consumer trust and help build a brand’s reputation. Testing also reduces liability and enables market differentiation.

SGS Solutions

Delivered through a global network of state-of-the-art laboratories, SGS’s testing solutions cover the full range of standards, including EN 14476, ISO 18184 and ISO 21702. Whatever the consumer product, SGS services help to ensure goods are safe, high-performing and market ready.

Jack Yuen

Editor’s Note: Jack Yuen is Health & Nutrition Sustainability Development deputy director at SGS. Geneva.

October 15, 2024

Global Sae-A Group Completes Construction of 36,000-Spindle Third Spinning Mill in Costa Rica

CARTAGO, Costa Rica — October 14, 2024 — Global Sae-A Group, the holding company of Sae-A Trading, one of the world’s largest apparel manufacturer, held an opening ceremony for its third spinning mill in Costa Rica on October 11.

The ceremony was attended by prominent figures including President Rodrigo Chaves Robles of Costa Rica, Minister of Foreign Trade Manuel Tovar, Korean Ambassador Keun Seok Jeon, and over 80 buyers.

From left to right: Jina Kim, CEO of Global Sae-A; Sang Soon Han, CEO of Sae-A Spinning; WK Kim, Chairman of Global Sae-A; President Rodrigo Chaves; Keun Seok Jeon, South Korean Ambassador to Costa Rica; Manuel Tovar Rivera, Minister of Foreign Trade; Saila Kim, Vice President of Sae-A Trading; and Debora Moon, CEO of Sae-A Trading celebrating the opening of Sae-A Spinning’s third spinning mill.
Photo — Global Sae-A

In his remarks, President Rodrigo Chaves said, “This is an occasion to once again reaffirm the cooperative relationship we have built on trust, stability, and mutual respect with Global Sae-A, which has played a central role in Costa Rica’s development.”

The newly completed third spinning mill of Sae-A Spinning is located in Cartago, about 20 kilometers southeast of the capital, San José. The facility has a capacity of 36,000 spindles and can produce 8 million kilograms (kg) of yarn annually. With this addition, Sae-A Spinning’s total capacity now reaches 106,000 spindles, securing an annual yarn production of 24 million kg. This expansion enhances economies of scale and positions the company to flexibly meet the evolving demands of its global customers.

Global Sae-A entered the Costa Rica market in 2015, establishing its yarn production facility, Sae-A Spinning, which produces high-quality yarn. The company achieved full vertical integration of the entire apparel manufacturing process — from spinning, knitting, dyeing, and sewing — a first for Korea’s apparel OEM industry.

Over the past decade, Global Sae-A has invested $200 million in Costa Rica, starting with the operation of its first mill (34,000 spindles, 8 million kg annual production) and followed by the completion of its second mill in 2022 (36,000 spindles, 8 million kg annual production). With the completion of its third mill, Sae-A Spinning has tripled its production capacity and expanded its ability to produce a wide range of yarns in response to rapidly changing market trends.

Global Sae-A continues to explore investment opportunities in Latin America, in alignment with the growing near-shoring trend, where buyers seek to position production facilities closer to consumer markets.

WK Kim, chairman of Global Sae-A Group, commented: “With this expansion, we are optimizing CAFTA tariff benefits for duty-free exports to the U.S., further strengthening the global textile supply chain.

“Sae-A Spinning has been a leader in sustainability by using 100-percent U.S.-grown cotton, ensuring traceable and eco-friendly production processes. We remain committed to maintaining our leadership through our traceability system, sustainability certifications, and green manufacturing processes.”

Global Sae-A Group continues its growth as a global conglomerate, encompassing the world’s largest apparel manufacturer and exporter Sae-A Trading, fabric manufacturer Wintex, sportswear production specialist Tegra, fashion brands In The F and S&A, as well as the top-ranked international construction company Ssangyong Engineering & Construction, and corrugated paper and packaging company Tailim.

Posted: October 14, 2024

Source: Global Sae-A Group

Milliken’s “Meet The Makers” Series Highlights Contributions Of Manufacturing Associates

SPARTANBURG, S.C. — October 14, 2024 — Milliken & Company, a global leader in diversified manufacturing, today launched the “Meet the Makers” spotlight series, (https://contact.milliken.com/manufacturing-careers-milliken-company?utm_campaign=manufacturing-month&utm_medium=press-release&utm_source=wire&utm_content=learn-more) featuring the remarkable people whose dedication enhances the company’s commitment to innovation, quality, and performance. Through profiles of associates from various plant locations, the series sheds light on manufacturing at Milliken through the individual perspectives of those who help make a world of difference every day.

Milliken & Company, a global leader in diversified manufacturing, launched its “Meet the Makers” spotlight series, featuring the remarkable people whose dedication enhances the company’s commitment to innovation, quality, and performance.

“As we continue to pursue excellence in manufacturing, it’s important to recognize the people who make it all happen,” said Michael Brown, executive vice president of operations at Milliken & Company. “Our manufacturing associates are among the true heroes behind our operational success. Their efforts allow us to safely, efficiently, and reliably deliver high-quality products that meet the changing needs of our customers around the world.”

The series profiles Milliken’s manufacturing associates, showcasing their personal journeys, professional achievements, and the vital roles they play within the company. Highlights include:

Brad Keller, a plant supply chain manager, who reflects on his professional development journey with Milliken and the personal connection that fuels his dedication to ensuring the quality and safety of the products he manufactures. “I’ve got a lot of friends that are firemen, and those guys are coming to help us,” Keller says. “If we can do stuff to keep them safe, that just helps the whole community and the whole country.”

Kayce Parker, a human resource specialist, who embraces her multi-faceted role while also organizing events that foster a sense of community and appreciation among associates. “My favorite part of the job is helping the associates and being the forefront for them,” Parker says. “It’s satisfying to know I can help an associate in whatever they need.”

Rodney Fannin, an engineering services team member celebrating 50 years of service with Milliken this year, who emphasizes the importance of safety, and shares how personally meaningful it is to mentor and train new associates. “It’s special to see someone take to what you’re instructing them in and excel,” Fannin says. “Seeing them go on to higher positions makes me proud.”

Posted: October 14, 2024

Source: Milliken & Company

Holland Industrial Group Announces Auction Of A Complete, Modern Dyeing & Finishing Facility In Fullerton, CA

FULLERTON, Calif. — October 14, 2024 — Holland Industrial Group is excited to announce a major industrial auction of a complete dyeing and finishing facility, former assets of Dae Shin USA Inc., featuring a wide range of late-model machinery. The auction will take place on Thursday, November 7, starting at 8:00 a.m. PST. This event will be held via live webcast for remote bidders, ensuring accessibility for participants from across the country and internationally.

The facility, located at 610 Gilbert St, Fullerton, CA 92833, houses a comprehensive selection of specialized equipment, ideal for businesses in the textile industry. Key assets up for auction include Tenter frames, Dyeing & Finishing equipment, lab equipment, sewing machines, dye house trucks, fabric carts, air compressors, and rolling stock, among many other valuable pieces.

This auction represents an excellent opportunity for manufacturers, fabricators, and investors looking to acquire top-quality machinery at competitive prices. The equipment being auctioned is from a late-model facility, offering well-maintained, high-performance machinery that can add significant value to any operation.

Interested parties are encouraged to attend the inspection day, which will be held on Wednesday, November 6th, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p,m, PST at the Fullerton location. This will provide prospective bidders the chance to review the items and ensure they meet their operational needs.

“This auction offers an exceptional opportunity for businesses to acquire high-quality, late-model machinery at a fraction of the cost of new equipment,” said Alex Holland, senior vice president of Holland Industrial Group. “Whether you’re expanding your operations or upgrading your facility, the assets available in this auction provide immense value.”

For further information or to register for the auction, visit www.Holland Industrial Group or contact Shawn Gaffney, Shawn Gaffney, shawn@hollandindustrialgroup.com

Posted: October 14, 2024

Source: Holland Industrial Group

Indo Count Industries Ltd. Spreads Its Utility Bedding Business To West Coast By Acquiring Modern Home Textiles Inc.

MUMBAI — October 14, 2024 — Indo Count Industries Ltd. announced another strategic move to broaden its Utility Bedding segment.

Indo Count Global Inc. (ICG), a U.S. based wholly owned subsidiary of Indo Count Industries has acquired 100 percent stake in Modern Home Textiles Inc., manufacturer of wide range of pillows and other filled products (Utility Bedding) having its facility located at Phoenix, Ariz., with an annual capacity to produce 8 mn. pillows.

ICG also acquired last month majority stake in Fluvitex USA Inc., a pillow and quilt manufacturing company based in Columbus, Ohio, which has the capacity to produce 5 million. pillows and 1.5 million. quilts. This back-to-back acquisition is a stepping stone to establish an integrated utility bedding business for the North American Market. These acquisitions have different locations one in Midwest and the other one on the West Coast thus providing an efficient distribution base to both existing and prospective customers.

Anil Kumar Jain, executive chairman, commented: “We are delighted to have Modern Home Textiles in the ICIL Group. This strategic acquisition will not only accelerate Indo Count’s ambition to grow the Utility Bedding segment but also significantly enhance its capabilities and market reach. Modern Home Textiles brings innovative sustainable solutions in the utility bedding segment allowing us to serve our customers better and enable us to further expand our US presence. Our investments over the last few months in the USA underscore our commitment to creating more employment opportunities and further strengthen our brand.”

With these two acquisitions, the total manufacturing capacity in the United States will be 13 million. Pillows and an additional capacity of 1.5 million quilts annually. At full capacity, the total expected revenue is $85 million plus. The customer base in both Fluvitex and Modern Home Textile are not overlapping, thus providing a strong projected growth. These investments by Indo Count Global, USA are part of a larger plan to build significant capacities in pillow manufacturing to service the utility bedding customers in North America.

Statements in this document relating to future status, events, or circumstances, including but not limited to statements about plans and objectives, the progress and results of research and development, potential project characteristics, project potential and target dates for project related issues are forward-looking statements based on estimates and the anticipated eƯects of future events on current and developing circumstances. Such statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties and are not necessarily predictive of future results. Actual results may diƯer materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements. The company assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect actual results changed assumptions or other factors.

Posted: October 14, 2024

Source: Indo Count Industries Ltd.

Archroma Introduces Breakthrough In Bio-Based Textile Printing

PRATTELN, Switzerland — October 14, 2024 — Archroma, a global supplier of specialty chemicals towards sustainable solutions, today introduced the NTR Printing System to make bio-based pigment printing commercially possible for the first time. Based on renewable raw materials* and designed for safer chemistry, it helps apparel and textile brands reduce their environmental footprint while producing brilliant black shades on garments that deliver both comfort and durability.

Bio-based pigment printing is an emerging technology that is attracting major interest from brands that want to use pigments derived from natural sources, such as plants, in the production of environmentally conscious textiles. Until now, however, bio-based pigments have not delivered color fastness that is comparable to synthetic pigments, and color quality and production performance have not been sufficient to support commercial-scale production.

Archroma’s NTR Printing System is the first to utilize renewable feedstock* across pigment dispersion, binder and fixing agent. Crucially, it ensures good wet-rubbing and dry-rubbing fastness, with outstanding softness on all kinds of fabrics. Furthermore, it is suitable for most popular application technologies, including printing, coating and continuous pigment dyeing, with outstanding runnability for production efficiency.

“These properties make the new NTR Printing System ideal for the highly competitive denim market, where sustainability, comfort and durability are important; for knits, where very soft handfeel is essential; and on babywear, where both exceptional softness and safety are required,” said Joaquin Femat, Market Segment director for Printing, Archroma.

“This latest breakthrough is another example of innovation under Archroma’s “PLANET CONSCIOUS+” roadmap. We develop revolutionary products, systems, and technologies with increased sustainability features than available market alternatives and enhanced value so that brands and mills can differentiate themselves with solutions that meet their business goals and sustainability targets,” he continued.

The result of more than two years of research and development, the innovative new NTR Printing System required Archroma to create customized binding and fixing agents to ensure fastness for the pigment black dispersion comparable to current petroleum-based printing systems. All three printing elements are partially based on renewable feedstock to reduce reliance on non-renewable petrochemicals. Archroma also developed the new system to avoid toxic input streams and impurities, including formaldehyde. Two successful bulk trials were conducted with Textprint S. A. and Jeanologia.

The NTR printing system comprises the following highly efficient and robust printing elements:

  • PRINTOFIX® BLACK NTR-TF: A non-gelling pigment black with 79% renewable carbon content*, designed for use in textile applications with no impact on fastness levels.
  • HELIZARIN® NTR-SS: A formaldehyde-free super-soft binder with 40% renewable carbon content**, designed to ensure very good overall fastness levels.
  • LUPRINTOL® FIXING AGENT NTR-HF: A formaldehyde-free fixing agent with 40% renewable carbon content**, designed for high wet fastness in rubbing and laundry.

All three elements are currently being evaluated for compliance with globally accepted standards like bluesign®, the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) and Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals (ZDHC). The system also supports major industry restricted substances list (RSL) requirements.

“With the launch of the bio-based NTR Printing System, Archroma can now draw on the industry’s most complete portfolio of innovative printing solutions to tailor systems for individual customer needs,” Femat said. “We remain the global leader in pigment printing, with a history of innovation that includes the first formaldehyde-free pigment printing system, introduced in 2012.”

* The NTR printing system utilizes partially renewable raw materials.
** Based on ASTM D6866 bio-based product testing using radiocarbon analysis

Posted: October 14, 2024

Source: Archroma

Kraig Biocraft Laboratories Nears Completion of Largest Production Batch of Parental Line Spider Silk Silkworms

ANN ARBOR, Mich.— October 14, 2024 — Kraig Biocraft Laboratories Inc., a developer of commercially viable spider silk, is excited to announce that its current production batch is cocooning this week. This batch is the largest-scale production run of the BAM-1 parental lines in the company’s history.

This latest batch of silkworms is part of the company’s ongoing expansion of its proprietary spider silk production technologies. The company’s production team and sericulture experts have been closely monitoring this production cycle and have reported strong growth and great colony health as Kraig Labs begins the cocooning process.

“We are very pleased with the progress of our current production cycle, which is on track to deliver the largest supply of BAM-1 production hybrid eggs in the company’s history,” said Kim Thompson, CEO and founder of Kraig Labs. “The results we are seeing reflect our team’s dedication to delivering truly cost-effective and commercially scalable spider silk production. This is a major step forward in commercializing spider silk technology, made possible by our new production center, and we look forward to utilizing this expanded production space to continue accelerating our plans for market entry.”

The company’s silkworms have been genetically engineered to produce recombinant spider silk at a level of efficiency and cost-effectiveness that was previously unattainable. This latest production run verifies the scalability of the company’s spider silk technology, positioning Kraig Labs to deliver commercial quantities of spider silk to its partners and customers.

With the near completion of this major production run, Kraig Labs has transitioned from a development and testing mindset to a true production focus. The results of this run will supply Kraig Labs with millions of BAM-1 production hybrids slated for commercial production.

“We are at an exciting and pivotal moment in Kraig Labs’ history,” Thompson added. “This successful production cycle is a testament to the hard work of our team and the power of our spider silk technologies. It underscores our commitment to unlocking the full potential of spider silk as an innovative material with limitless applications.”

Posted: October 14, 2024

Source: Kraig Biocraft Laboratories, Inc. 

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