Eastman Offers Innovative Recycling Technology For Polyesters Using The Process Of Methanolysis

KINGSPORT, Tenn. — March 5, 2019 — Eastman, one of the world’s leading specialty materials companies, announced today its intention to pursue the launch of an innovative advanced circular recycling technology that uses polyester waste which cannot be recycled by current mechanical methods, and as a result, often ends up in landfills and waterways.

Using the process of methanolysis, Eastman’s advanced circular recycling technology breaks down polyester-based products into their polymer building blocks. These building blocks can then be reintroduced to the production of new polyester-based polymers, delivering a true circular solution. Eastman was one of the pioneers in developing methanolysis technology at commercial scale and has more than three decades of expertise in this innovative recycling process. Eastman’s experience with methanolysis makes it uniquely qualified to be a leader in delivering this solution at commercial scale. Advanced circular recycling technology can be an especially impactful solution, as low-quality polyester waste that would typically be diverted to landfills can instead be recycled into high-quality polyesters suitable for use in a variety of end markets, including food contact applications.

“We recognize that plastic waste is a complex problem that needs advanced solutions. As we have engaged potential partners, it is clear there is high interest across the entire value chain,” said Mark Costa, Eastman’s board chair and CEO. “Our long history of technical expertise in chemical processes, including methanolysis, and our leading position in copolyester chemistry, enables us to provide this innovative solution to address the growing challenges of plastic waste in our environment.”

Eastman is currently executing an engineering feasibility study on the design and construction of a commercial scale methanolysis facility to meet the demands of our customers and has engaged in initial discussions with potential partners across the value chain on the development of such a facility. The goal is to be operating a full-scale, advanced circular recycling facility within 24 to 36 months.

Eastman’s efforts to find new end-of-life solutions to advance the circular economy align with the company’s innovation-driven growth strategy and commitment to create value through sustainability. With a strong focus on issues and opportunities within the environmental, social and governance (ESG) framework, the company has established goals and strategies to address the world’s complex challenges.

“We believe we have an obligation to enhance the quality of life in a material way,” said David Golden, senior vice president, chief legal & sustainability officer, and corporate secretary. “As the desire grows for products that have a sustainable life cycle, Eastman continues to build on its heritage of world-class technology platforms and product innovation to offer solutions at the molecular level. Today, more than ever, the world needs innovation, and Eastman is excited about the possibilities we can achieve by working along the value chain, across industry sectors and with community partners to expand our efforts and make the greatest collective impact.”

Posted March 8, 2019

Source: Eastman

BP Partners With Virent And Johnson Matthey On Virent’s Bioforming® Process For Production Of Bio-Paraxylene

LONDON — March 4, 2019 — BP Virent Inc. and Johnson Matthey (JM) have signed an agreement that will further advance the commercialization of Virent’s Bioforming® process for production of bio-paraxylene (PX), a key raw material for the production of renewable polyester.

Virent’s Bioforming® technology, which is being developed with JM, produces drop-in reformate product from renewable sources that can be used to produce renewable fuels and also processed into lower carbon intensive bio-PX, the feedstock for bio-purified terephthalic acid (PTA), using existing technologies.

As part of this agreement, the parties will work together to commercialize the BioForming technology — BP will contribute technical resources and has exclusive rights to negotiate becoming the sole manufacturer of bio-PX using Virent’s technology.

Charles Damianides, BP’s vice-president of petrochemicals technology and licensing, said: “We consider Virent’s technology to be the leading route to commercial quantities of renewable bio-PX that may enable BP’s existing petrochemicals plants to produce a distinctive product in support of our commitment to advance a low carbon future. In our petrochemicals business we have also introduced our PTAir product line, a low carbon PTA product, and we continue to work toward improving the efficiency of our operations.”

“We have been working with JM to scale up the BioForming process for production of renewable fuel and are very pleased to enter into this agreement with BP to commercialize the technology for production of bio-PX and bio-PTA,” said Dave Kettner, president of Virent. “This is an indication of the flexibility of the BioForming technology to produce both bio-fuels and bio-aromatic chemicals.”

Eugene McKenna, business development and innovation director at JM, added: “JM is a leader in science that makes the world cleaner and healthier. In bringing this latest technology to market, we continue to apply our catalyst and process engineering expertise and capabilities to tackle some of the world’s biggest challenges. We are delighted that BP has selected this technology to support its ambitions in supplying renewable bio-PX. This is an important step in increasing the quantity of renewable feedstocks used to make polyester packaging and fibers. We will continue to use our science and engineering skills to facilitate wider adoption of this technology.”

Posted March 8, 2019

Source: BP

Celanese To Expand Production Of Thermoplastic Copolyesters At Italy Plant To Support Customer Growth

DALLAS/AMSTERDAM/FERRARA, Italy — March 5, 2019 — Celanese Corp., a global chemical and specialty materials company, today announced the expansion of its Pibiflex® and Riteflex® TPC (thermoplastic copolyester) production unit at the Donegani facility in Ferrara, Italy, to support the continued growth of its global engineered materials business.

Celanese continues to exhibit its leadership position in the manufacture and compounding of highly engineered materials, such as thermoplastic copolyesters, by adding this capacity to support growth in sophisticated, functionalized polymers. The company will continue to partner with its customers to deliver innovative solutions to meet ever-increasing consumer and industrial needs and respond to the changing complexity in high-performance polymers.

Celanese recently added one more solid-state polymerization unit at the Donegani facility, which started up successfully in September 2018. Celanese expects to expand the production capacity of the unit further by adding another polymerization line to be completed in the next 15 to 18 months.

The expansion of this thermoplastic co-polyester unit further demonstrates the company’s ability to respond to global customer demand using the knowledge and expertise of world-class engineering capabilities which enable these types of projects and expansions.

Thermoplastic co-polyester (TPCs) are block co-polymers that combine favorable characteristics of vulcanized rubber with the easy processability of thermoplastics for toughness, tear and flex fatigue resistance over a wide temperature range. Besides thermoplastic co-polyesters, Celanese also offers a broad range of other thermoplastic elastomers like thermoplastic vulcanizate (Forprene® TPV), thermoplastic olefines (Forflex® TPO), thermoplastic elastomers based on SBC (Laprene® and Sofprene® TPS), and thermoplastic elastomer solutions for special markets like artificial turf infill (Holo®, Forgrin®, Terra XPS® granules) and footwear (Sofprene TPR, Sofpur® TPU) for a broad range of customer-oriented solutions, including functionalization and color.

Posted March 8, 2019

Source: Celanese Corp.

Stefan Flöth Named Managing Director of A. Monforts Textilmaschinen

MÖNCHENGLADBACH, Germany — March 8, 2019 — Stefan Flöth has been assigned as a further managing director of A. Monforts Textilmaschinen GmbH & Co. KG in Mönchengladbach, Germany, as of January 1, 2019.

He has rejoined Monforts in his new role from the Trützschler Group, also headquartered in Mönchengladbach, where he was the managing director of Trützschler Nonwovens from 2009 onwards.

Having spent his working life in the textile machinery industry, Flöth started his career with Schlafhorst.

Between 1996 and 2009, Flöth was a key part of the Monforts team in various roles related to research and development, mechanical design and management of the company’s joint ventures.

He is now looking forward to acquainting himself with the current wider Monforts network of customers and suppliers at the forthcoming Techtextil and ITMA 2019 exhibitions in Frankfurt and Barcelona respectively.

“Both exhibitions serve as excellent platforms for networking and meetings with key players,” Flöth said. “What I find is, is that keeping good relationships with customers is essential, because what they buy from us is an investment in their future and they need to trust in our continued support. The upcoming shows will provide a great opportunity to meet many customers quickly.”

“Over the past ten years working in the nonwovens industry, I have gained a lot of experience in the management of complex technical textile projects which I intend to draw on,” he adds. “And my focus will certainly be on the opportunities presented by Industry 4.0 and the potential of the technical textiles market.”

A.Monforts Textilmaschinen was founded in 1884 and today is a leading supplier of textile finishing machines. The company is a market leader for stenters, continuous dyeing ranges, sanforizing ranges and special executions for denim and for the coating of technical textiles. The company`s headquarters is located in Mönchengladbach, Germany. At its Advanced Technology Center (ATC) customers can undertake fabric trials on the latest Monforts equipment under real production conditions. For nearly 40 years, the company`s production site has been in St. Stefan, Austria. Monforts is a member of CHTC Fong`s Industries Group.

Posted March 8, 2019

Source: A. Monforts Textilmaschinen GmbH & Co. KG

Next STeP: OEKO-TEX® Expands Sustainable Textile Production To Include Leather Products

ZÜRICH, Switzerland — March 8, 2019 — In addition to their captivating visual appearance, leather products are characterized by their extraordinary longevity, their unique patina and their impression of high quality. Consumers are thus happy to fall back on leather, a natural product — from lambskins for babies to furniture or vehicle fittings to clothing and accessories. However, for consumers it is also increasingly important that these leather articles are tested for harmful substances and that they are produced in a sustainable way.

When it comes to environmentally friendly production, the leather industry is still in its infancy. With the Sustainable Textile and Leather Production Certification (in short, STeP), which will be launched from 01 April 2019, OEKO-TEX® is taking a giant step towards environmental protection and sustainability, also in leather processing. Until now, certification according to STeP by OEKO-TEX was only available to producers within the textile supply chain. At the same time, the new OEKO-TEX regulations will come into force definitively from April 1, 2019, following a three-month transition period.

The environmental impacts of leather production are enormous: for example, the heavy metal chromium is used as standard to tan the leather; however, the leather can only absorb and bind around 60 percent of the chromium used during the tanning process. The rest is discharged into water. STeP helps manufacturers to design production processes that are more environmentally friendly and sustainable, and to communicate these services to others in a transparent way. In the context of active consumer protection, brands and retail companies can draw on products from certified facilities.

“The demand for articles that have been tested for harmful substances and which have been manufactured in a sustainable and socially fair way is increasing – also with regard to leather articles. Consumers quickly learn that their buying decisions have an influence on their families and our environment. Brands, retailers and manufacturers must be equipped for this awakening and with STeP we can offer them an ideal tool to do so,” commented Georg Dieners, OEKO-TEX General Secretary.

Certification according to STeP by OEKO-TEX is possible for production facilities at all stages of processing: from the beamhouse to the tannery to finishing and making up. The modular analysis of all relevant areas of a company such as chemicals management, environmental performance, environmental management, operational safety, social responsibility and quality management enables STeP to conduct a comprehensive and reliable analysis of the sustainability of the facilities and where there is still potential for improvement. The aim of STeP certification is the long-term implementation of environmental production processes and socially acceptable working conditions. In doing so, comprehensive internal quality management is unavoidable. In addition, unannounced external audits are also regularly carried out at the local production facilities to check compliance with the required criteria.

Posted March 8, 2019

Source: OEKO-TEX®

JEC Group Presents Composites Solutions For E-Mobility To Emove360° Europe Attendees

PARIS — March 8, 2019 — After hosting two composites pavilions dedicated to automotive industry — one at Mondial.Tech during the Paris Motor Show in 2018, and a second during Detroit Motor Show in January 2019 — JEC Group has decided to participate in eMove360° Europe, the world’s largest trade fair for Mobility 4.0 – electric, connected, autonomous. JEC Group Composites Pavilion will highlight the latest technologies contributing to the development of Electric, Hybrid, but also Hydrogen-powered vehicles.

From October 15-17 in Munich, JEC Group will present Composites Solutions for E-Mobility on a pavilion during eMove360° and will organize accordingly a round table about the benefits provided by the Composites materials in the development of electric, hybrid, but also connected and autonomous cars.

Eric Pierrejean, JEC Group CEO, said: “The automotive sector is accelerating the shift to electric and hybrid mobility, but also integrating alternative energy sources, like hydrogen. A parallel trend is about the evolution from connected cars towards more and more autonomous systems. In both cases, composites materials have a significant role to play thanks to their benefits. They enable not only light weighting and a great design freedom, but also the integration of new functions, including connectivity, the housing & insulation of batteries in electric vehicles, the fuel storage for hydrogen- or CNG- powered Vehicles… Our partnership and our presence at eMove360° will showcase the various solutions offered by composites as enablers of the future of mobility.”

As a part of the partnership, eMove360° will participate at JEC World 2019, from March 12-14, to present and inform about electric mobility with a booth and a panel discussion in the Forum area, on March 13th at 4:30 pm with participants from e.g. DLR (German Aerospace Center) and Bodo Möller Chemie Group. Additionally, a new eMove360° Asia 2019 trade fair as well as eMove360° Asia Conferences about Mobility 4.0 will be held in parallel to JEC Asia 2019 in Seoul, from November 13-15, 2019.

To announce their collaboration, JEC Asia and eMove360° will organize a press conference on March, 13th at 9:30 am at JEC World in the VIP Lounge.

“As an international key player in the New Mobility and because of our roots in the composites business, we fully acknowledge the impact that innovative materials can have in addressing electric, connected and autonomous cars challenges, especially regarding the weight of the vehicles, battery technology or whole new interior concepts,” stated Robert Metzger, CEO of MunichExpo and organizer of the eMove360° Europe 2019. “Our presence during JEC World and JEC Asia 2019 will enable us to present and inform about electric mobility and to further strengthen our position especially in the Asian markets where electric mobility much more advanced compared to Europe and is intensely promoted by Governments.”

Posted March 8, 2019

Source: JEC Group

Superior Linen Service Of Tacoma, Wash., Achieves Clean Green Certification

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — March 8, 2019 — Superior Linen Service — a five-generation, family-owned laundry with more than 90 years of service to the Tacoma, Wash., area — has been certified Clean Green. This certification reflects the company’s dedication to operational efficiency and sustainability. Linen, uniform and facility services companies receive this distinction by adhering to TRSA-designated water and energy use thresholds and deploying best management practices (BMPs) consistent with the ASTM International environmental laundering standard.

Superior Linen Service’s customers can be assured their reusable healthcare textiles are washed, dried and finished with processes that maximize sustainability and reduce greenhouse emissions. Clean Green certified operations demonstrate significant commitment to conservation and green operations through these BMPs:

  • Recovering heat from drained hot water and heat dispersed from the process of warming water;
  • Recapturing drained water from rinses for reuse;
  • Using environmentally friendly detergents;
  • Removing solids and liquids from wastewater;
  • Solar energy and energy-efficient lighting;
  • Recycling programs;
  • Re-routing trucks to save vehicle fuel; and
  • Spill prevention plans.

The Clean Green certification is valid for three years at a time. TRSA inspects laundry facilities seeking certification and approves documentation of their water and energy use and BMP deployment through production reports they submit to auditors during the inspections. TRSA’s certification management protocol includes auditor training by the association’s inspection program administrator.

Clean Green aligns with the ASTM International standard, Guide for Sustainable Laundry Practices, which recognizes key criteria for the certification as universal indicators of maximum sustainability in commercial laundry work. ASTM’s review of TRSA BMPs verified these as the most effective and practical techniques for a laundry to achieve green objectives.

TRSA members prompted development of the standard, which was vetted in the sustainability subcommittee of the ASTM Committee on Textiles. Top technical experts, scientists and environmental professionals from outside the linen, uniform and facility services industry reviewed the BMPs. ASTM is the global leader in developing and delivering voluntary consensus standards unparalleled in building consumer confidence in product and service quality.

“I applaud Superior Linen Service for their sustainability efforts and maintaining the highest standards in their production and delivery operations,” said Joseph Ricci, TRSA president and CEO. “Meeting all the criteria for certification is not easy, but the company is committed to industry-leading processes and technologies.”

Posted March 8, 2019

Source: TRSA

Retail Imports Drop To Annual Low With Retailers Between Seasons And Tariff Hike On Hold

WASHINGTON — March 8, 2019 — With the retail industry in its annual lull between seasons and plans for a tariff increase on hold, imports at the nation’s major retail container ports are expected to drop to their lowest level in almost a year this month, according to the monthly Global Port Tracker report released today by the National Retail Federation (NRF) and Hackett Associates.

“Now that the holiday season is over and summer has yet to crank up, this is the quiet time of year for retail supply chains,” said NRF Vice President for Supply Chain and Customs Policy Jonathan Gold. “Retailers are also taking a break from the rush to bring merchandise in ahead of tariff hikes now that the increase that was scheduled for March has been delayed. We are hoping that the delay is permanent and, better yet, that tariffs of the past year will be removed entirely. But either way, imports will start to build up again soon as retailers prepare for the summer.”

U.S. tariffs of 10 percent on $200 billion worth of Chinese goods that took effect last September were scheduled to increase to 25 percent on March 2 but the increase was postponed by President Trump, citing progress in talks between Washington and Beijing. The tariff increase is on hold until further notice as the United States and China try to conclude negotiations for a signing summit between Trump and President Xi later this month or in April.

U.S. ports covered by Global Port Tracker handled 1.89 million Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) in January, the latest month for which after-the-fact numbers are available. That was down 3.7 percent from December following the end of the holiday season but up 7.4 percent year-over-year. A TEU is one 20-foot-long cargo container or its equivalent.

February was estimated at 1.79 million TEU, up 6.2 percent from February 2018. March is forecast at 1.59 million TEU, up 3.2 percent year-over-year but the lowest level since 1.63 million TEU in April 2018. February and March are historically the two slowest shipping months of the year both because retailers are between major shopping seasons and because of factory shutdowns in Asia during the Lunar New Year holiday.

April is forecast at 1.75 million TEU, up 7 percent year-over-year; May at 1.88 million TEU, up 3.3 percent; June at 1.88 million TEU, up 1.7 percent, and July at 1.96 million TEU, up 2.7 percent.

Imports during 2018 set a new record of 21.8 million TEU, an increase of 6.2 percent over 2017’s previous record of 20.5 million TEU. The first half of 2019 is expected to total 10.8 million TEU, up 4.8 percent over the first half of 2018.

“The trade war with China is turning out not to have the results President Trump expected,” Hackett Associates Founder Ben Hackett said. “Imports from China did not decline — in fact, they soared to record levels.”

Global Port Tracker, which is produced for NRF by the consulting firm Hackett Associates, covers the U.S. ports of Los Angeles/Long Beach, Oakland, Seattle and Tacoma on the West Coast; New York/New Jersey, Port of Virginia, Charleston, Savannah, Port Everglades, Miami and Jacksonville on the East Coast, and Houston on the Gulf Coast.

Posted March 8, 2019

Source: The National Retail Federation (NRF)

Ahlstrom-Munksjö’s New Highflow Fabric Enables The Marine Industry To Deliver Faster And More Effective Manufacturing

STOCKHOLM — March 7, 2019 — Ahlstrom-Munksjö introduces a new product from its HighFlow platform. HighFlow Marine glass and carbon fiber reinforcement fabrics are ideally positioned for the marine industry. HighFlow fabric delivers excellent resin infusion speed and minimizes air voids in the structure. Making the manufacturing process faster and more effective.

“We have seen manufacturers moving from open mold to closed mold processes,” said Pekka Helynranta, vice president, building and wind. “HighFlow platform is our response to the industry change. It delivers unrivaled resin infusion speed, minimizes air voids and reduces costs by up to 15 percent. We believe that this new fabric will become the product of choice in vacuum infusion processes.”

HighFlow Marine is the second product launch from the HighFlow platform, a range of high performance reinforcement fabrics designed to deliver unrivalled performance for manufacturing lightweight composite materials. We have the expertise to develop reinforcement fabrics with customized infusion speeds, without limitation of fabric construction or weight.

“Our glass and carbon fiber HighFlow products open up clear opportunities in marine, but also in other composite applications where improved and tailor-made resin infusibility constitutes a clear benefit. We are already exploring additional applications outside of existing Wind Energy and Marine markets,” Helynranta said.

The HighFlow Marine product range consists of several unidirectional and biaxial reinforcement fabrics, with various infusion speeds for marine manufacturing. They are currently available in both glass fiber and carbon fiber versions.

Posted March 7, 2019

Source: Ahlstrom-Munksjö

SPESA Brings Together Top Industry Leaders For Discussion On Technology Advancements In Sewn Products Manufacturing

RALEIGH, N.C. — March 6, 2019 — The Sewn Products Equipment and Suppliers of the Americas (SPESA) hosted its 9th Advancements in Manufacturing Technologies Conference last Wednesday, February 27, bringing together a group of leaders on the frontline of manufacturing to discuss the current and future state of innovations in the sewn products industry. Held in conjunction with Techtextil North America 2019 in Raleigh, N.C., the event attracted more than 90 registered attendees from 18 states (including the District of Columbia) and five countries.

“It was very exciting to see the energy in the room and watch as conversations evolved into constructive dialogue,” said Michael McDonald, President at SPESA. “This was more than a professional development event. This was an opportunity to provide both speakers and attendees a platform to share and discuss insights about the changes impacting their day-to-day as it relates to technological advancements in manufacturing. Moving the industry ahead starts by understanding both the hurdles we face and the opportunities on the horizon.”

SPESA started the Advancements Conference nearly a decade ago in response to the continual changes in manufacturing technologies, including advancements in sewn products equipment. This year’s event focused specifically on issues and opportunities related to microfactories, on-demand manufacturing, software connectivity, and automation, touching on the role robotics now play in the industry. “Robotics and automation can redefine the future of the sewn products industry,” said Frank Henderson, president and CEO of Henderson Sewing Machine Co., and SPESA Board member. “Automated machines and robots will increasingly take over routine jobs in factories that are now held by workers,” Henderson explained.

However, as many of the day’s speakers noted, new machinery and equipment require skilled operators, engineers, and mechanics to maintain efficient production. The topic of workforce development and training arose in every panel during the event, demonstrating a demand in the industry and an opportunity for SPESA to play a role in building the next generation’s workforce.

The conference featured Dr. Mike Fralix of [TC]2 as moderator, who was joined by a leading group of panelists including Michael Rabin, president, Morgan Tecnica America; Leonard Marano, vice president, Gerber Technology; Yoram Burg, president, EFI Optitex; Kirby Best, president & chairman at PAAT International; Toni Lublin, communications and partnership manager, Lectra North America; Roberto Mangual, CEO, Exenta; Mariano Amezcua, president, DAP America; Rick Frye, director of Engineering, Brother International; and Frank Henderson.

More discussions on the future of the industry will take place during the 2019 SPESA Executive Conference in New Orleans this October 29 and 30. To learn more, visit SPESA.org.

Posted March 7, 2019

Source: SPESA

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