May/June 2019

Germany-based Georg Sahm GmbH & Co. KG, a member of the Starlinger Group, has launched a new website located at sahmwinder.com.

Sweden-based Coloreel has added Pals Print & Screen to its family of distributors. The distributor will be responsible for sales, service and installation for all Coloreel customers in the Netherlands and Belgium.

The Cary, N.C.-based Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry (INDA) recently released the sixth annual edition of its North American Nonwovens Supply Report. Available to INDA members, the 65-page report provides a view of the North American nonwovens industry including capacity, production, operating rates and regional trade.

The FilamentFactory (TFF), Germany, recently introduced the 710UV product range featuring permanently ultraviolet (UV)-stabilized high-strength polyester yarns. The UV properties are achieved using a tailor-made masterbatch that is incorporated during
the extrusion process so the additive becomes physically-mechanically bonded to the polymer.

The Netherlands-based Ampacet has won Product Technology Innovation of the Year award from the Plastics Recycling Awards Europe 2019 for its REC-NIR-BLACK carbon-black free masterbatch.

Lexington, Ky.-based Tempur-Pedic recently unveiled the TEMPUR-breeze® mattress line, which features technology that helps keep the body up to 8 degrees cooler through the night. The product innovation is the result of more than 10 years and 2.6 million research and development hours by Tempur-Pedic’s thermal, material and textile scientists.

Houston-based Ascend Performance Materials reports a wildlife sanctuary maintained at its Pensacola, Fla., location recently received the Wildlife Habitat Council Conservation Certification® from the Wildlife Habitat Council. The Ascend Pensacola Plant Wildlife sanctuary comprises 2,000 acres, 1,300 of which are primarily undisturbed land managed by employee volunteers.

Greensboro, N.C.-based Cone Denim recently launched eco-friendly Distilled Indigo™ denims, the latest product in its Sustainblue™ collection. Cone is using Dystar’s Cadira® Denim dyeing process for the fabrics, which is a salt-free dye that completely eliminates hydrosulphite from the process.

BulletinUntuckit
UNTUCKit’s new MLB Signature Series shirts feature MLB team logos on the shirt sail.

New York City-based UNTUCKit announced a collaboration with Major League Baseball. The UNTUCKit MLB Signature Series features the logo of one of eight individual MLB teams — New York Yankees, New York Mets, Boston Red Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers, San Francisco Giants, Chicago Cubs, St. Louis Cardinals or Atlanta Braves — stitched into the sail of a classic UNTUCKit wrinkle-free shirt.

Barcoâ Uniforms, Los Angeles, has introduced the Grey’s Anatomy™ EDGE medical scrubs line featuring its patented Nylex™ fabric.

Austria-based Zimmer Maschinenbau GmbH recently delivered its 500th MAGNOROLL Coating Machine. The machine was installed at Scotland-based Eclipse Blinds.

Trivantage®, Glen Raven, N.C., has expanded its Sunbrella® awning and marine 60-inch fabric line adding six textured Sunbrella Silica styles — Charcoal, Dune, Gravel, Sesame, Silve and Stone — to bring the total collection to 80 styles.

Birmingham, Ala.-based Kamber Narrow Fabric Machinery LLC has announced a Hot Swap program for textile manufacturers. The program allows a customer to have narrow fabric needle looms completely refurbished with a full one-year warranty with no machine downtime. Kamber will “loan” a customer a temporary machine — built to the customers specifications — while the existing machine is being refurbished.

São Paulo-based Braskem recently announced a polypropylene distribution partnership with PolyQuest Inc., Wilmington, N.C.

France-based CARBIOS reports it was granted a patent from the United States Patent and
Trademark Office for its proprietary process used to recycle polyethylene terephthalate from plastic waste using enzymatic technology.

Fong’s Europe GmbH, Germany, a member of CHTC Fong’s International Group, is celebrating the 100th anniversary of its flagship THEN brand. The company will host a reception for customers and agents during ITMA 2019 in Barcelona.

May/June 2019

U.S. Economic Growth Continues: Textile Mills Lead ISM Report

BornemanBy James M. Borneman, Editor In Chief

As of early May, the news could hardly be better for the U.S. economy, and textiles are participating in the growth story.

With politics flying, and the news spinners spinning, the contrasting interpretations of the economic data couldn’t be more divergent. But all told, it is darn good data.

The U.S. economy added 263,000 jobs in April surpassing the 190,000 forecast, and pushed down unemployment to 3.6 percent compared to the 3.8 percent expectation — posting the lowest figure since December 1969.Wage growth in the form of average hourly earnings held at 3.2 percent bringing the average pay to $27.77 an hour.

But the growth story continues with the gross domestic product (GDP), which increased 3.2 percent in the first quarter. Productivity also was up 3.6 percent — the largest gain in five years and achieved in an environment of fairly low inflation.

According to the latest Manufacturing ISM® Report On Business® published by the Tempe, Ariz.-based Institute for Supply Management® (ISM®): “Economic activity in the manufacturing sector expanded in April, and the overall economy grew for the 120th consecutive month, say the nation’s supply executives.”

Again the textile mill sector is performing well, coming in first out of 13 growing manufacturing sectors. Growth is one of the most misunderstood and underrated factors in play in an economy. It acts like steroids and amplifies many outcomes —not to be feared, but closely monitored.

So why the long faces beyond the political spinning? … the global economy. On the world stage, the U.S. economy is a stand-out. But most Americans don’t feel the contrast with the global economy.

Check out this headline from International Monetary Fund World Economic Outlook, “April 2019 — Growth Slowdown, Precarious Recovery.” According to the report: “After strong growth in 2017 and early 2018, global economic activity slowed notably in the second half of last year, reflecting a confluence of factors affecting major economies. China’s growth declined following a combination of needed regulatory tightening to rein in shadow banking and an increase in trade tensions with the United States.

“The euro area economy lost more momentum than expected as consumer and business confidence weakened and car production in Germany was disrupted by the introduction of new emission standards; investment dropped in Italy as sovereign spreads widened; and external demand, especially from emerging Asia, softened.

“Elsewhere, natural disasters hurt activity in Japan. Trade tensions increasingly took a toll on business confidence and, so, financial market sentiment worsened, with financial conditions tightening for vulnerable emerging markets in the spring of 2018 and then in advanced economies later in the year, weighing on global demand.

Conditions have eased in 2019 as the U.S. Federal Reserve signaled a more accommodative monetary policy stance and markets became more optimistic about a U.S.–China trade deal, but they remain slightly more restrictive than in the fall.”

What a nasty picture, certainly in highcontrast to the domestic economic outlook. If we could get a decent trade deal — sparks might just fly.

May/June 2019

Indorama Ventures Announces The Launch Of DEJA™, A 100-percent rPET Brand

BANGKOK, Thailand — May 14, 2019 — Indorama Ventures Public Co. Ltd. (IVL), a global chemical producer, offers new 100-percent rPET (recycled PET) brand DEJA™ as part of its continuous commitment to deliver responsible and sustainable growth.

IVL’s new 100-percent rPET fiber brand DEJA is available in various forms such as recycled flake, pellet, fiber and filament for use in multiple applications. Headquartered in Bangkok, Thailand, IVL has operating sites in 31 countries on five continents and a global manufacturing footprint across Africa, Asia, Europe and North America.

IVL continues to build durable competitive advantages through its diversified portfolio, supported by a responsible approach to sustainable business, people and the environment; creating value for society and for customers. DEJA,100-percent rPET products are derived by recycling 140 kilo tonne of plastic bottles yearly and transforming them into extra-ordinary, innovative, product ingredients. The DEJA brand enables forward-thinking companies to make a decision based on performance and innovative future-proofed materials. IVL have been at the forefront of the process in developing the technology to convert rPET bottles into highly usable products for over 40 years. IVL’s heritage in pioneering recycling technology for global applications has ensured consistent delivery and innovation in changing and challenging environments.

The investment in and introduction of 100-percent rPET brand DEJA is IVL’s response to global concern around the world on environmental impact, particularly in relation to plastic. Trade customers and end consumers are increasingly demanding transparency in how the businesses that they buy from are managing their environmental responsibilities.100% rPET brand DEJA addresses environmental responsibilities and concerns all along the value chain by offering both education and leadership; providing clear evidence that what is available for purchase and use has been produced sustainably. DEJA gives converters credibility, retailers accreditation and end consumers the assurance of sustainability with high performance as standard. DEJA gives a clear, ingredient brand guarantee of excellence which matches IVL’s performance led and sustainable ethos, using the synergy of IVL’s global expertise to educate, to innovate and to circulate a sustainability message across its entire brand platform.

Uday Gill, CEO Fibers at IVL explains the rationale and the aims for the DEJA™ brand: “IVL’s heritage in pioneering recycling technology across 100% rPET flake, pellet, fiber and filament applications has enabled our performance-led product ingredients to achieve a global reputation as a quality, industry benchmark. It follows that a progressive product needs a progressive brand. We celebrate our products’ performance and proudly acknowledge their sustainability with our new premium brand DEJA whose sustainable messaging will resonate with both our converters and their customers. We are confident that IVL’s DEJA brand will enable conscientious converters to differentiate and to increase their margin along the supply chain, giving consumers the confidence they need to select sustainable, purposeful products”.

IVL continues to focus on providing new performance-led solutions and materials with added functionalities. By offering DEJA as a new global, sustainable, ingredient brand, IVL gives customers a performance led, 100-percent rPET brand that will help distinguish them from their competitors.  Strong on performance, easy on the environment, DEJA the new 100% rPET brand will enable converters to communicate a clear, sustainable message with a view to increasing their margin along the supply chain.

With unique access to IVL’s global recycling sources DEJA has complete traceability from source to supply. Recognising plastic as a valuable resource; DEJA ingredients are made from recycling PET bottles and save millions of bottles from landfills each year. DEJA transforms plastic bottles into innovative ingredient products to protect the future with a low carbon footprint and a strong geographical imprint. DEJA is remade to be remade again.

Posted May 14, 2019

Source: IVL

Latest Tariff List Is ‘Far Too Great A Gamble For The U.S. Economy,’ Says NRF

WASHINGTON — May 13, 2019 — The National Retail Federation issued the following statement from President and CEO Matthew Shay after the Trump administration released a list of $300 billion of Chinese goods that will be targeted by additional tariffs of 25 percent.

“We support the administration’s efforts to deliver a meaningful trade agreement that levels the playing field for American businesses and workers. But the latest tariff escalation is far too great a gamble for the U.S. economy. Slapping tariffs on everything U.S. companies import from China – goods that support U.S. manufacturing and provide consumers with affordable products – will jeopardize American jobs and increase costs for consumers.

“Taxing Americans on everyday products like clothes and shoes is not the answer for holding China accountable. Working with our allies who share the same concerns and immediately rejoining TPP are more effective ways to put pressure on China without hurting hardworking Americans. We urge the U.S. and China to get these critical negotiations back on track. Both sides will lose in a full-blown trade war, and the global economy will suffer.”

A study commissioned by Tariffs Hurt the Heartland and prepared by Trade Partnership estimated that imposing tariffs of 25 percent on all remaining imports from China, combined with the impact of retaliation, would jeopardize more than 2 million American jobs, cost the average U.S. family of four $2,300 each year and reduce the value of U.S. GDP by 1 percent.

Posted May 14, 2019

Source: The National Retail Federation (NRF)

USFIA Speaks Out Against Trump Administration Decision To Initiate Process To Impose 301 Tariffs On Clothing, Home Textiles And Footwear

WASHINGTON, D.C. — May 14, 2019 — After months of anxiety and carefully watching the latest Twitter attacks, this week the Trump Administration declared war on American consumers.  Until now the Administration has argued that the tariffs on China were just a tool to keep the pressure on during trade talks that were going to cover everything from stopping counterfeits to revising the entire economic system in China.   There might be some tough times for certain industries, and definitely tough times for American farmers, but – so the story went – there was the promise of substantial growth in exports and more regulation of forced technology transfers and IPR violations.

But that all changed yesterday with the announcement that the Trump Administration is planning to put 25% tariffs on ALL imports from China.  In the notice released by the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative there are 135 pages of tariff lines that are now threatened with additional tariffs up to 25 percent.  These tariffs are a tax that will be paid by American companies and ultimately by American consumers.   A recent study commissioned by Tariffs Hurt the Heartland estimates that imposing tariffs of 25 percent on these imports from China, combined with the impact of retaliation, cost the average U.S. family of four nearly $2,300 each year.  Plus the economic impact would jeopardize more than 2 million American jobs,

What policy-makers seem to be forgetting is that many of these products are already highly taxed. Clothing and shoes for American families are currently taxed more than $15 billion per year.  And these tariffs already are extremely high — tariffs on clothing can be as high as 32 percent.  Tariffs are a direct tax on the American consumer—and will affect consumers at all income levels, from the single parent struggling to make ends meet as they purchase back-to-school necessities for their kids, to the consumer of high-end fashion manufactured in the United States, and every American family in between.

These tariffs on imports of clothing, home textiles and footwear will do little to punish China for its intellectual property and technology transfer practices but do a lot to harm American fashion brands and retailers as well as consumers of their products. Let’s work together to find a solution that does not use American companies and American families as the hostages to a trade deal.

Posted May 14, 2019

Source: the United States Fashion Industry Association (USFIA)

Abercrombie & Fitch Co. Announces Organizational Change As Part Of Ongoing Transformation

NEW ALBANY, Ohio — May 14, 2019 — Abercrombie & Fitch Co. today announced changes as part of its ongoing ‘transforming while growing’ phase, which include the decision to eliminate the role of chief operating officer. In the newly streamlined organization the company’s chief financial officer, chief information officer, head of global supply chain, and head of the transformation management office will now report to the CEO. The changes are effective immediately, and the company’s COO, Joanne C. Crevoiserat, will leave the company following a short transition period.

“Based on the progress of our company-wide transformation initiatives, and the continuing focus on driving additional agility and efficiency throughout the business, we have decided to eliminate the COO role. Joanne has been a key partner in our transformation journey over these past five years, helping stabilize the business and embed transformation across the organization. I am grateful for her many contributions across the company, which will have a lasting, positive impact, and we wish her every success in the next chapter of her career,” said Fran Horowitz, Chief Executive Officer, Abercrombie & Fitch Co.

Posted May 14, 2019

Source: Abercrombie & Fitch Co.

Ascend To Lift Force Majeure On HMD, Polymers

HOUSTON — May 13, 2019 — Ascend Performance Materials, the world’s largest fully integrated producer of nylon 6,6 resin, announced today it is lifting the force majeure declared on its polymers, compounds and fibers, as well as hexamethylene diamine, or HMD, effective immediately.

Ascend continues to invest in capacity and is on track to complete its previously announced capacity expansion efforts by the end of the year.

Ascend Performance Materials

Ascend Performance Materials is a global premium provider of high-quality plastics, fibers and chemicals and is the world’s largest integrated producer of PA66 resin. Headquartered in Houston, Texas, Ascend has nine global locations, including five fully-integrated manufacturing facilities located in the southeastern United States and an engineering plastics compounding facility in Europe, all dedicated to the innovation and safe production of nylon 6,6. With three of the world’s largest chemical processing facilities, Ascend’s materials form the building blocks for products used in everyday applications from apparel to airbags, cable ties to circuit boards and carpets to car parts. Ascend’s 2,600-person global workforce is committed to making a difference in the communities we serve and leading the development of nylon 6,6 solutions that inspire everyone, everywhere, every day.

Posted May 14, 2019

Source: Ascend Performance Materials

Dupont™ Sorona® Interactive Workshops Offered Hands-On Access At Performance Days

WILMINGTON, Del. — May 14, 2019 — DuPont Biomaterials hosted an interactive workshop series featuring its bio-based performance fiber, DuPont™ Sorona® fiber, for attendees of the Performance Days Functional Fabric Fair, held in Munich, Germany, May 8-9, 2019.

Sessions provided insight on Sorona® performance and sustainability data, mill partners, co-branding opportunities and new applications in 2019. Each workshop session also invited visitors to explore a distinct theme, with topics ranging from an introduction to the bio-based performance fiber to replacing elastane with Sorona® fibers to achieve long-lasting recovery performance. Sorona® fiber applications in breathable insulation, elegance in bio-based outerwear, and the performance benefits of combining natural fibers with Sorona® fibers were also be discussed.

The symposium was hosted by Hao Ding and Matthew Cole, DuPont™ Sorona® channel managers for EMEA and North America, respectively. Working closely with downstream brands to better understand their needs and goals, Ding and Cole connect those brands with the best resources and partners to drive their Sorona® initiatives to launch.

Each workshop had an intimate, roundtable approach with an in-depth look at the designated topic and samples available for participants. Stretch was the main focus of these opportunities, as experts showcased examples of swimwear, athleisure and other applications. Discussions also engaged attendees on the benefits of Sorona® stretch fibers to achieve long-lasting, mechanical stretch and excellent recovery with a better-for-the-planet profile.

“Seeing, and feeling, is believing when it comes to the quality of fabric, particularly when considering stretch fibers. We believe our interactive, hands-on approach to our workshop experience will give attendees firsthand insight on how Sorona® can accelerate their garments into the future of fashion, with a focus on sustainability, durability and recovery in stretch,” said Renee Henze, Global Marketing Director for DuPont Biomaterials. “We enjoyed welcoming guests and having meaningful conversations on how Sorona® can help meet and exceed their expectations when it comes to performance.”

The Performance Days Functional Fabric Fair, held twice annually for the sourcing of high-performance functional fabrics and accessories, attracts major international manufacturers in sportswear and active clothing as well as sportive fashion. With 297 exhibitors from 29 nations, Performance Days shows the latest trends in fabric development for the functional textile industry and serves as the place where tomorrow’s textile trends on display today. At the Performance Forum, visitors could touch the latest fabrics, accessories, trends and innovations in one of the most comprehensive and inspiring exhibitions in the world.

Sorona® polymer is derived, in part, from renewably sourced plant-based ingredients, allowing for a decreased dependence on fossil fuels and reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. In addition to sustainability, it offers unique performance benefits including: superior softness, stretch and recovery, and moisture management. Sorona® fibers can be used alone or combined with synthetic or natural fibers for different benefits and endless options. Sorona® is one of the first 11 products approved to use the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) new product label on certified bio-based products. It also received OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 Certification, the most stringent Class 1 certification.

Posted May 14, 2019

Source: DowDuPont Specialty Products, a division of DowDuPont

Excitement Mounts As INDA’s World Of Wipes® (WOW) 2019 Nears: Preservatives, Sustainability, Industrial Wipes Headline Conference

CARY, NC — May 14, 2019 — With the 13th annual World of Wipes® (WOW) International Conference June 24-27 fast approaching, excitement is mounting for the event that will bring together hundreds of industry professionals from around the world to convene, connect, and collaborate at the Westin Peachtree Plaza in Atlanta, Ga.

The early registration deadline of May 20 is nearing. To register and receive the discounted rate, visit the WOW 2019 website.

As the multi-billion-dollar wipes sector continues to enjoy growth, industry leaders will summit to address critical issues and new advances driven by increased demand for healthier, safer, and greener wipes.

The dynamic line-up of more than 25 presenters will tackle such topics as sustainable and transparent formulations for home and personal care products; safety versus efficacy in preservative developments; consumer trade and trends; medical and industrial wipes; material developments; and sustainability challenges of disposing plastics.

More than 400 industry professionals from 20-plus countries are expected to attend the three-day event that brings together the entire wipes supply chain. WOW 2019 will open with a welcome reception on June 24 at The Commerce Club. The conference June 25-27 will also include evening receptions, tabletop presentations, daily breakfasts, and networking breaks.

World of Wipes Innovation Award®

The World of Wipes Innovation Award® winner will be announced on June 27. The annual award recognizes the product that most expands the use of nonwovens and demonstrates creativity, novelty, uniqueness, and technical sophistication within the entire nonwovens wipes value chain. Last year’s recipient was Diamond Wipes International’s Hero Wipes, an innovative new wipe that removes toxic, cancer-causing carcinogens from firefighters’ skin. Finalists this year are Kelheim Fibres GmbH’s Danufil® QR Fibres, Bawdy’s Butt Sheet Masks, and Earthly’s Not Yet Wet Wipes.

WOW Conference Highlights

  • Keynote Address: Lisa Morden, Vice President Safety and Sustainability, Kimberly-Clark Corporation, will speak about creating more responsible wiping products with an eye toward a sustainable future. She will discuss the emerging challenges companies face from NGOs, regulatory agencies and activist consumers and ways to reduce post-consumer waste.
  • INDA Thought Leaders: INDA President Dave Rousse will talk about the current state of flushability and nonwovens’ next challenge of plastics in the environment. Director of Government Affairs Jessica Franken will address the trade war with China as part of her presentation on global nonwovens trade and tariffs while Director of Market Research & Statistics Brad Kalil will share findings on the future direction of the North American wipes market.
  • Preservations: The impact of restrictions and pressure from NGOs on traditional preservative chemistries in wet wipes will be discussed by Dolores Shaw, Senior Microbiologist, DuPont Microbial Control; Doug Cole, Vice President of Global Product Development, Rockline Industries; Andress Johnson, Technical Manager, Personal Care & Household, Thor Specialties, and other speakers.
  • Sustainability: Experts exploring the topics of sustainability, ingredient transparency and packaging include Nicole Acevedo, Ph.D., Founder & CEO, Elavo Mundi Solutions; Jim Flannery, CEO, SummitVentures; Jonathan Layer, Business Development Manager – Americas, Fibertex Nonwovens; Jennifer Lewis, Packaging & Sustainability Manager, Rockline Industries; Rebecca Mick, Technical Sustainability Lead / Research Scientist, Bemis Company; and Henning Roettger, Director of Innovation, Glatfelter Gernsbach GmbH.
  • Industrial and Medical Wipes: Paul Harmon, EVP Commercial HH&S, Berry Global will outline key trends driving innovation in consumer services, healthcare, industrial manufacturing, and building services. He also will identify and explore innovations in chemistry, wiping fabrics, packaging/delivery, and cleaning mechanisms including robots and information technology (IT).
  • Consumer Trends: Learning how to successfully sell wipes in the e-commerce marketplace will be the topic of a trending talk on “How to Navigate the Amazon Jungle” by Richard Palmer, President and Co-founder of Nehemiah Manufacturing.

The WIPES Academy

Preceding the conference, Rob Johnson, PE, Principal, Smith, Johnson & Associates will teach The WIPES Academy, June 24-25. The Academy is the first and only comprehensive wipes training for the entire wipes supply chain. A separate registration fee applies and pre-registration is required.

Posted May 14, 2019

Source: INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry

Lectra Wins Texprocess Innovation Award 2019

PARIS — May 14, 2019 — Lectra has been awarded by a jury of experts the Texprocess Innovation Award 2019 in the New Process category for its latest ground-breaking offer, Fashion On Demand by Lectra.

Fashion On Demand by Lectra automates the entire personalization process, from order reception and product development to the final cutting stages. Resulting from a four-year research-and-development process, the digital solution for on-demand production was developed based on Industry 4.0 principles.

“We are very proud to receive this prestigious award at Texprocess, the biggest international event for all fashion players. Fashion On Demand by Lectra allows companies to produce personalized clothing at the same speed as ready-to-wear and avoid overstocking by producing in precise quantities,” states Holger Max-Lang, President, Northern & Eastern Europe, Middle East, Lectra.

Fashion On Demand by Lectra is available in the form of two packages, one dedicated to made to measure, with pattern adjustments, and the other to customization, with product characteristic alterations. This turnkey solution automates on-demand production right from order reception to production development stages and the cutting room. Companies can define their desired product personalization criteria for each item depending on the package, and launch production processes right from the get-go, without interfering with their standard workflows.

“This innovative cloud-based platform solution ensures efficient made-to-measure and customization production processes and facilitates nearshoring for companies that offer individualized products. This technology is up and running and can be used by the fashion industry on a plug-and-play basis,” say the jury experts. “Since 2011, the Texprocess Innovation Award has been honoring remarkable achievements and new developments in the Texprocess product range under two categories: new technology and new process. The winners are selected based on criteria such as degree of innovation, choice of materials and environmental sustainability.”

On May 15, 2019, 11:55 am, Holger Max-Lang will be doing a presentation on Fashion On Demand by Lectra and process digitization in the age of on-demand production at the Texprocess Forum in Hall 4 / Level 1 / A02.

Lectra will be present among other winners during the entire Texprocess event, from 14 to 17 May 2019, in hall 4.0, stand C20.

Posted May 14, 2019

Source: Lectra

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