Locus Robotics Announces Technology Collaboration Partnership With Righthand Robotics

WILMINGTON, Mass. — May 20, 2019 — Today, Locus Robotics, the market leader in autonomous mobile robots (AMR) for fulfillment warehouses, and RightHand Robotics (RHR), a leader in providing integrated robotic piece-picking solutions, announced a partnership to deliver cross-platform robotics solutions for warehouse fulfillment operators. Locus and RHR will give a preview of their multi-stage fulfillment solution at Manhattan Associates’ Momentum Conference 2019 from May 20 -23rd in Phoenix, Arizona.

“We are excited to partner with RightHand Robotics, a recognized leader in performance and efficiency-driving piece-picking solutions,” said Rick Faulk, CEO of Locus Robotics. “Our companies share a vision of delivering innovative, industry-leading technology solutions that drive productivity for our customers. By working together, we can bring greater flexibility and productivity to the fulfillment warehouse. This is particularly impactful in high-volume scenarios, where automation can drive greater operational efficiencies.”

The Locus and RHR collaboration demonstrates the potential for cross-platform robotics solutions in the warehouse industry. Their approach seamlessly combines Locus’s autonomous multi-robot model for piece handling with RHR’s autonomous work cell to provide greater automation, addressing multiple fulfillment processes, from picking to packing, especially in high-volume environments. With this innovative and collaborative approach, the Locus and RHR solution will drive significant productivity and efficiency gains for shared customers in the retail and third-party logistics (3PL) space.

“Locus is recognized as one of the pioneers of autonomous mobile robots for warehouses and we’re thrilled to be working together,” said Leif Jentoft, Co-Founder of RightHand Robotics. “Our companies’ advanced technologies will provide transformative solutions to a variety of industries including pharmaceutical, apparel, grocery, and more. With the growing demands of e-commerce order fulfillment, we can solve our customers’ needs for flexible and reliable technology, with real productivity and efficiency results.”

The Locus and RHR cross-platform warehouse fulfillment solution will be on display at Manhattan Associates’ MOMENTUM Conference 2019 from May 20 -23rd in Phoenix, Arizona.

Posted May 20, 2019

Source: Locus Robotics

HeiQ Launches Its Functional Fabric Development Service HeiQ Fabric Lab To Turn Apparel Ideas Into Reality

SCHLIEREN, Switzerland — May 20, 2019 — In today’s world, time is the new currency. Employees have valuable product ideas but limited time to turn them into reality, let alone have the expertise in all the areas needed to create the best product possible. With HeiQ Fabric Lab, HeiQ takes a brand’s product idea and applies its expertise in fiber, yarn, fabric solutions, chemical technology as well as its knowledge and sourcing partners to develop the brand partner’s future functional fabric.

In addition to fabric development, HeiQ Fabric Lab also offers additional services such as fabric trend research, product marketing and materials education seminars for employees.

HeiQ Fabric Lab was developed to help brands across the board, from supplier selection to tackling technical challenges, as well as material testing and finalizing fabric agreements. “We are here to assist brands every step of the way until the perfect product has been developed”, says Regina Goller, Director of Fabric Management at HeiQ Materials AG. “With over 25 years of experience working inside and with major sports apparel brands, from concepts to final products, we are highly knowledgeable in functional materials from base layers to outerwear.”

HeiQ Fabric Lab offers multiple development options for brands to choose from.

Posted May 20, 2019

Source: HeiQ

Archroma Launches Appretan® NTR, A Water-Based Textile Coating Binder Based On Renewable Natural Ingredients

REINACH, Switzerland — May 20, 2019 — Archroma, a global leader in color and specialty chemicals towards sustainable solutions, has launched Appretan® NTR, a break-through water-based textile coating binder based on renewable natural ingredients.

After the well reported EarthColors®, a range of dyes synthesized from materials such as almond husks or saw palmetto leaves — bio-waste from the agriculture and herbal industries — Archroma is launching another new innovation based on natural ingredients. The new product, Appretan® NTR, a water-based textile coating binder developed for applications such as tea bags, coffee filters or capsules, uses a natural, renewable raw material that is widely available near the production site of Lamotte, France, where Appretan NTR is produced.

The company is committed to developing products in compliance with “The Archroma Way: safe, efficient, enhanced, it’s our nature”. The approach finds its origin in Archroma’s deep belief that it is possible to make the textile industry sustainable.

The new binder, introduced for the very first time at the Techtextil exhibition on 15 May 2019, was developed following these principles. About one third of Appretan NTR’s active content is based on a polysaccharide from renewable raw materials, allowing a reduction in the use of fossil fuel based resources without compromising performance.

Appretan NTR does not contain biocides or alkylphenolethoxylates (APEO) and does not release formaldehyde. It has been designed so that the optimum properties can be achieved without additional curing step at high temperature compared to the industry standard process, thus helping to save significant energy for textile producers and the planet.

Initially developed for the chemical bonding of nonwovens for technical textiles and coating, Appretan NTR displays excellent film forming properties and very hydrophobic behavior. In addition, the unique chemistry of this binder makes it resistant to water, mild solvents, oil and fat, and it also provides an increase in dry and wet tensile strength. Appretan NTR can also be applied in combination with other crosslinkers.

Using Archroma’s best-in-class knowledge of food contact regulations, Appretan NTR has also been tailored for customers who operate in the highly regulated, growing market of hot liquid filtration. Appretan NTR complies with global food contact standards, such as FDA 176 -170, BfR XXXVI and BfR XXXVI/1, which certifies the suitability of the end-product even in conditions such as immersion in boiling water.

“Appretan NTR represents a break-through in the area of coating binders, demonstrating again that it is possible to challenge the status quo and to create chemistry that is gentler on the environment,” Damien Corpet, Global Head of Product and Technology Innovation, Binders and Reactive Resins, at Archroma, comments. “We are proud to bring to the industry a new generation of binders that relies more on the natural and safe materials that surround us and less on classical petroleum based raw materials, helping to minimize our dependence on fossil fuel resources.”

Appretan® and EarthColors® are trademarks of Archroma registered in many countries.

© 2019 Archroma

Posted May 20, 2019

Source: Archroma

Fireboy-Xintex Launches Complete Pre-Engineered Fire Detection & Suppression System 

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — May 20, 2019 — Fireboy-Xintex has launched its first pre-engineered, FM approved Fire Detection and Suppression MAE Series (A-C or A-B-C rated) system, which is perfect for use in land-based clean applications such as server rooms, laboratories, electric control rooms, and manufacturing and storage facilities.

The FM approved pre-engineered system replaces traditional engineered systems, resulting in a typically lower cost than conventional systems. The MAE Series System is contained within one convenient release panel with an LED display. The clean agent cylinder size is based on the volume of the room, up to 1,800 cubic feet. All necessary components are included in the kit; no engineering or piping calculations are required. Additional components and system options are available upon request, including extra smoke detectors and strobes, among others.

The MAE Series features the 3M™ Novec™ 1230 Fire Protection Fluid and a unique patent-pending safety pin supervision system. Fireboy-Xintex’s ability to provide prompt, competitive quotes allows for faster lead times for this easy-to-order system, and single-person installation allows the MAE Series System to be implemented quickly upon arrival.

Fireboy-Xintex has recently completed many installations and launched new MAE online installation training, which will require no travel time or expenses. Fireboy-Xintex will be attending the NFPA Conference and Expo in San Antonio, June 17–19.

Posted May 20, 2019

Source: Fireboy-Xintex

Material Science Innovations Highlighted At RISE® 2019

CARY, N.C. — May 20, 2019 — Innovations in material science, sustainability, and the factors driving nonwovens market trends will be presented at RISE, the conference on Research, Innovation and Science for Engineered Fabrics, coming to Raleigh, N.C., this fall on September 24-25.

Focused on sustainable breaking developments in sourcing and disposal/reuse, the two-day in-depth technical conference will feature new solutions for sustainable additives, sustainable polymers, sustainable recycling, and new product developments amid market shifts and trends that drive advances in nonwovens. Registration is now open on the RISE website.

RISE highlights include a keynote presentation from Andrea Ferris, Chief Executive Officer, Intrinsic Textiles Group, on the CiCLO technology that allows polyester to biodegrade in marine environments, wastewater treatment plants and landfill conditions at rates similar to fibers like wool.

A preliminary preview of presentations includes:

  • Open Innovation and a Human-centered Approach for the Nonwovens Industry
    • Dr. Matthew Tipper, Business Director, Nonwovens Innovation & Research Institute
  • Environmentally Friendly Sourced Resins, Fibers & Polymers Under Development
    • Dr. Behnam Pourdeyhimi, The William A. Klopman Distinguished Chaired Professor of Materials in the College of Textiles at North Carolina State University and Founding Executive Director of The Nonwovens Institute
  • Recent Fiber Innovations to Reduce Single Use Plastics
    • Tom Carlyle, Global Project Manager, Special Projects & Global Business Management, Lenzing Fibers Inc.
  • Additive Technology to Enhance Biodegradation & Renewable Biopolymers to Replace Polyethylene and Polypropylene
    • 
Teresa Clark, Vice President of Product Development & Sustainability, ENSO Plastics
  • First 100% Recycled Biodegradable Performance Synthetic Fiber for Textiles
    • Vanessa Mason, Senior Vice President of Engineering, PrimaLoft
  • Nodax PHA Copolymers
    • Isao Noda, Chief Science Officer and senior vice president of Innovation, Danimer Scientific
  • Developments on Next Generation Latex Binders for the Nonwoven Industry: A Formaldehyde-free, Self-cross-linking Technology Platform
    • Dr. Soren Butz, Global Head of Technical Service Textiles, Synthomer GmbH
  • Sustainable Additives:
    • Dr. Susan Selke, Professor, Director, School of Packaging, Michigan State University
  • Innovation in Developing Antimicrobials
    • Nicholas Swain, CEO – Rep-L Antimicrobials, Inc.
  • Microfibers & Aquatic Environments
    • Janet O’Regan, Ddirector, Nonwovens Marketing, Cotton Inc.
  • Patent Landscape in Nonwovens
    • Angela D’Orio, North Carolina State University, Principal Investigator: Dr. Behnam Pourdeyhimi
  • Market Dynamics & Trends that are Driving Innovation in Nonwovens
    • Brad Kalil, Director of Market Research & Statistics, INDA

Co-organized with The Nonwovens Institute, the ninth edition of the RISE conference will take place on the Centennial Campus at North Carolina State University. Participants will also have the opportunity on September 24 to tour the Institute’s $50 million-plus, 60,000 square-foot facilities featuring state-of-the art equipment, pilot lines and analytical facilities, and attend a networking reception.

More than 150 technology scouts will take a deep dive into the newest research and science advances, hear riveting presentations from industry experts, view poster displays by doctoral degree students from NC State, vote on the RISE® Innovation Award, and network with other tech trailblazers.

RISE® Innovation Award

Nominations are now being accepted online for the RISE Innovation Award that recognizes innovation in areas within and on the periphery of the nonwovens industry that use advanced science and engineering principles to develop unique or intricate solutions to problems and advance the use of nonwovens. The finalists will be announced in September and conference attendees will have a vote in selecting the winner that will be announced at RISE 2019.

DiviDiaper won the award last year for its innovative design that helps to prevent and reduce both infant and incontinence-associated dermatitis in adults, urinary tract infections, catheter-associated urinary tract infections, and other infections and pressure sores.

For complete program information and the latest speaker additions, visit the RISE 2019 website. Hotel accommodations for registered attendees are being offered at the nearby StateView Hotel Autograph Collection by Marriott.

Posted May 20, 2019

Source: INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry

Retailers Welcome Resolution To Lift Steel And Aluminum Tariffs On Canada And Mexico, Call On Congress To Pass USMCA

WASHINGTON — May 17, 2019 — The National Retail Federation issued the following statement from President and CEO Matthew Shay after the Trump administration announced plans to lift steel and aluminum tariffs on Canada and Mexico:

“We applaud the administration for reaching a resolution with Canada and Mexico on the steel and aluminum tariffs. Lifting these tariffs will support consumer confidence and provide much-needed relief for American businesses large and small. Congress should build on this progress by passing USMCA and modernizing the rules for North American trade.”

Posted May 17, 2019

Source: The National Retail Federation (NRF)

ITMA 2019 Exhibitor Preview: BRÜCKNER

LEONBERG, Germany — May 15, 2019 — For 70 years, BRÜCKNER has been the worldwide partner for all companies which are drying, coating and finishing web-shaped materials: whether clothing fabrics, nonwovens, carpet, glass or coatings – the variety of materials to be processed has never been limited.

Today, it is no longer just a question of machines, but rather of automation and control systems. The topic of digitization and Industry 4.0 opens up completely new possibilities for increasing productivity, reducing the use of resources and improving quality. In addition, an increasing shortage of skilled workers can be addressed by more intelligent software.

Brückner has invested, developed and implemented a lot in this area in recent years:

  • Intelligent assistance systems monitor the machine settings in the background and provide the machine operator with information on how to run the system even more productively and consuming less resources. Studies have shown that optimizing production parameters can increase production speed by up to 40% percent and/or reduce energy consumption by up to 30 percent.
  • A newly developed simulation tool helps to optimize existing recipes. The many machine parameters to be set have been reduced to the essentials and can in future be calculated automatically on the basis of the textile key data.
  • For the service, there is a new maintenance tool that proactively gives the machine operator or maintenance department service instructions that can be tracked in a logbook. In future, a newly developed online service platform will support our customers with all service inquiries. The technicians communicate directly with the customer via video conferencing — partly with augmented reality. Documents such as circuit diagrams or maintenance manuals can be viewed and explained together and spare parts can be ordered directly. For regular maintenance processes, photo or video illustrations can be stored in local language. Technically caused downtimes can be significantly reduced by these new systems. This increases system availability and thus productivity.
  • The exchange of machine data with higher-level control station or ERP systems is easily possible with OPC-UA. This allows to rationalize processes in the textile factory and to monitor the quality.

In addition to these efforts in the field of automation, Brückner also demonstrates the great diversity of their experience and product portfolio. This diversity and consulting competence have been built up over many years of innovation.

For example, Brückner has invested a lot in the denim sector and has also increased its personnel. The German market leader offers integrated finishing systems for pigment dyeing, synthetic resin finishing and coating: All components from the entry area, padder, IR pre-dryer, minimum application unit, coating unit, tenter, curing/hotflue, cooling, to the exit area are available from the market leader and systems supplier Brückner.

Top-dyeing or finishing of both sides of the fabric is usually carried out with the Brückner padder. One-sided functionalization or dyeing is carried out with the minimum application unit. The experts from Brückner answer any question and are happy to explain the advantages of the respective processes.

Particularly noteworthy is the economical finishing with minimum application technology and another important component in the finishing of denim fabrics is the proven Brückner Sanfor line POWER-SHRINK, which will be presented at this trade fair. The specialists at ITMA will be happy to provide further information.

Brückner can offer new concepts in the field of continuous dyeing. The continuously improved POWER-INFRATHERM IR pre-dryer has heating and cooling times of less than 5 seconds. The stripe-free drying burner segments made of special metal fibre and the large temperature control range ensure the consistent and reproducible high fabric quality.

The Brückner POWER-COLORTHERM Hotflue ensures uniform drying of the fabric over the entire width of the chambers. Even with narrow fabric webs on a wider machine, the dyeing results are optimal. Due to the symmetrical design and the inverter-controlled fans, the uniform air distribution through the upper and lower nozzles makes a volume adjustment via mechanical flaps superfluous. Optionally available are patented, driven special spreading rollers for crease-free operation with sensitive fabrics (stripe satin/percale/weft-elastic fabric) as well as a highly effective, fully automatic roller cleaning system.

The Brückner specialists in Barcelona are also available to answer your questions in this area and will be pleased to advise you.

Brückner also has something new to offer in the field of multi-layer stenters. Multi-layer tenters are mostly used where little space is available. They are suitable for finishing woven or dimensionally stable knitted fabric, nonwovens, needle felt, technical textiles or for the wool industry.

With the new Brückner POWER-FRAME VNE multi-layer tenter, only one machine operator is required, as the entry and the exit are on the same machine side. This applies both to the version with two and with six fabric passages.

The new VNE machine concept offers the highest possible power density on a small floor space or a long air flow section in a very confined space. The dryer itself is equipped with Brückner’s patented split-flow air circulation system and the alternating arrangement in each half compartment additionally ensures optimum and uniform air circulation and thermal treatment of the fabric.

Another advantage is the completely lubricant-free fabric transport chain of the multi-layer tenter, because in this version there is absolutely no oil in the dryer interior.

We are looking forward to meeting you at ITMA Barcelona.

Posted May 17, 2019

Source: Brückner Trockentechnik GmbH & Co. KG

Truetzschler Opens New Customer And Technology Center For Nonwovens

EGELSBACH, Germany — May 15, 2019 — Truetzschler is opening its new customer and technology center for nonwovens in Egelsbach to push the technological innovations of nonwoven products as well as the related manufacturing processes.

The family-owned company was established in 1888 and is one of the world wide leading manufacturers of textile machinery today. The key factors for the success of Truetzschler Group are sustainable technological innovation, the quality of its machines and its strong customer orientation. Thus, the investment in the new nonwovens customer and technology center is the logical consequence to further develop the solid status of today to technology and quality leadership in this segment.

The technology center presents two complete production lines: an inline carding line with thermobonding and spunlacing equipment and a spunlace-crosslapper line in an industrial working width. Both lines feature a wide range of possible variations and options to realise innovative end products.

By opening its new customer and technology center, Truetzschler invites all customers to jointly design the “way into the future.”

Posted May 17, 2019

Source: Truetzschler

Indorama Ventures Announces Formation Of New Mobility Business Group At Techtextil 2019

BANKGKOK, Thailand — May 16, 2019 — Indorama Ventures Public Co. Ltd. (IVL) today announced the formation of a new business unit within the IVL Fibers division named the Indorama Mobility Group, which will comprise three business segments — namely Tire, Automotive Safety and Functional Materials.

The formation of the Indorama Mobility Group is the culmination of successive strategic acquisitions over the past five years: PHP Fibers, Performance Fibers, Trevira Filaments, Glanzstoff, Kordarna and UTT. The Group collectively owns decades of industry knowledge, experience and brand equity and this creates a unique portfolio of fiber, yarn, single-end cord and fabric based on polyester, polyamide, rayon, aramid hybrid and PEN, emerging as an integrated global business unit.

The Indorama Mobility Group’s target markets are tire reinforcement, airbags, seatbelts, mechanical rubber goods, sewing threads, fabrics, ropes and cordage, automotive interior, home textiles and composites wherein it has built strong positions over the years, notably in the automotive sector. This intra-group businesses merger creates a truly global presence and accelerates business growth through cross proliferation of product lines, expanded customer partnership and a global manufacturing footprint.

The Indorama Mobility Group today has a sales revenue in excess of $1 billion with 16 manufacturing sites in nine countries employing over 6,000 people.

Headed by Jochen Boos, CEO of the newly-formed Indorama Mobility Group (formerly CEO of PHP Fibers), the new unit will pursue a growth path that is intertwined with the exciting development of the Mobility industry.

“Today’s suppliers have to adapt to the strong and disruptive trends that are already approaching like e-mobility, autonomous driving, shared mobility and smart vehicles which are creating new opportunities for fibers and textiles,” Boos said.

Spearheading the global Commercial and Operations is Arnaud Closson, COO, Indorama Mobility Group (formerly CEO of Glanzstoff) who remarked: “The newly created Indorama Mobility Group, supported by its long-standing legacy brands, will integrate all of its assets and unify its go-to-market strategy. We aim to leverage our global operational footprint and tailor our product portfolio to deliver even better customer value.”

The structure of the Indorama Mobility Group is aligned to provide functional leadership, driving market focus through the dedicated commercial organization of the three business segments, accelerating technology and product innovations through centralized R&D and benchmarking best practices across sites to deliver a new level of manufacturing excellence. Supporting these new initiatives is a geographically and culturally diversified workforce located worldwide.

On sustainability, the group is committed to have a positive impact on customers and on society, contributing to Indorama Ventures’ mission to be a responsible industry leader that creates value for our business and society.

Moving forward as a new business, while there is a continuation of activities conducted under the legacy companies, the Indorama Mobility Group is the business partner and the brand to be reckoned with.

“Empowering safety and performance” – fibers and textiles that move the world.

Posted May 17, 2019

Source: Indorama Ventures Public Co. Ltd.

Evolution St. Louis Launches High-Tech Manufacturing Facility In Grand Center Arts District

ST. LOUIS, Mo. — May 16, 2019 — Evolution St. Louis today announced the opening of a high-tech flat-bed knit manufacturing facility using cutting-edge 3D and complete garment seamless-knitting technology at 3830 Washington Blvd. in downtown St. Louis.

“Evolution St. Louis’ investment in our city is a giant step forward in making St. Louis a fashion capital in the United States,” said Susan Sherman, co-founder of the Saint Louis Fashion Fund. “Their investment in downtown St. Louis will put us on the map as a destination for advanced manufacturing and production.”

“I have been a believer in this project since day one,” said Gary Wassner, CEO of Hilldun Corporation and a principal cast member of Project Runway: Fashion Startup. “You can’t imagine how many brands come to me and have sourcing issues. Knitwear is something we have not been able to produce in the United States for at least 30 years. The future of fashion and apparel manufacturing in St Louis is what they make of it. The opportunity is unlimited.”

Evolution St. Louis expects to create 50 to 60 jobs within the first three years in operation, with additional jobs added as the company expands.

“We appreciate Evolution St. Louis and their commitment to expanding Missouri’s manufacturing industry,” said Rob Dixon, director of the Missouri Department of Economic Development. “We look forward to working with them as they grow their venture in St. Louis.”

St. Louis’ Garment District on Washington Avenue has a long history as a leader in the fashion and manufacturing industries. St. Louis is now home to brands and companies like Caleres, Soft Surroundings, Summersalt, Stars Design, Aquarius, CMC brands, Audra and Collections by Joya.

“In an increasingly competitive fashion market, this is exactly the kind of manufacturing facility we need to meet the needs of the changing industry,” said Juliana Simon, director of production, research and development for Cushnie. “This facility will help fashion brands and retailers react to customer demand and new trends by using cutting-edge technology and locating production in the United States to shorten the supply chain.”

Global market conditions, such as industrial restructuring and higher labor costs, have created an unprecedented opportunity to bring apparel production back to the United States

“This facility will revitalize the knit sector, strengthen ‘Made in USA’ fashion, and create good-paying, sustainable manufacturing jobs in St. Louis,” said John Elmuccio, co-founder of Evolution St. Louis. “We want to build the supply chain of the future.”

Evolution St. Louis will work with major brands, boutique designers and emerging, direct-to-consumer fashion entrepreneurs to help them move some of the production of their products back to the United States, and work with emerging brands and designers that often have difficulty sourcing overseas because they don’t have the ability to scale.

The $5 million initial project has involved a broad range of partnerships and collaborations with companies and organizations, including elected leaders, the Missouri Department of Economic Development, St. Louis Economic Development Corp., Saint Louis Fashion Fund and STOLL.

“The local and state elected leaders, economic development officials and the St. Louis Fashion Fund worked tirelessly to help make this project happen,” Evolution St. Louis Co-founder Jon Lewis said. “We look forward to their continued support and partnership as we establish St. Louis as the hub for knit manufacturing in North America.”

STOLL, Germany’s leading flat-knitting machine manufacturer, will install 300 high-tech flatbed knitting machines over the next three years.

“Our machines are renowned for their flexibility, diversity and efficiency,” said Andreas Schellhammer, CEO at STOLL. “We will provide Evolution St. Louis with the technology, software solutions and training to help ideas become reality – from design and pattern creation, to intellectual property protection to production.”

Construction is already underway at the 32,000-square-foot facility and machines will be installed by the end of August. Production is expected to begin later this year.

“We are already in development with several companies, and working with fashion brands, retailers, military, automotive, and other industry sectors as well,” Lewis said.

Posted May 17, 2019

Source: Evolution St. Louis

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