MUTTENZ, Germany — September 10, 2018 — Specialty chemicals manufacturer Clariant today announced that SABIC has received the final outstanding regulatory approvals from the competition authorities for the purchase of a 24.99% stake in Clariant. Therefore, an unconditional closing of the purchase will take place in the next days which makes SABIC Clariant’s largest strategic anchor shareholder, and second anchor shareholder beside the group of former shareholders of Süd-Chemie.
SABIC, the world’s third largest diversified chemical company and a long-standing partner of Clariant in the Catalyst joint venture Scientific Design, entered into a purchase agreement regarding the acquisition of the stake in Clariant in January 2018.
“With SABIC receiving all the regulatory approvals and the transaction set to be completed, we look forward to further developing the strategic relationship between both companies in order to generate value for all stakeholders”, said Hariolf Kottmann, CEO of Clariant.
Clariant and SABIC are discussing about possible future collaborations that will generate value for the stakeholders of both companies. Any outcome of these discussions will be presented in due course.
GRAZ, Austria — September 10, 2018 — International technology Group ANDRITZ will be presenting its innovative nonwovens and textile finishing technologies for the Asian markets at the ITMA ASIA + CITME 2018 show to be held at the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai, China, from October 15 to 19 (hall H2, booth A24). In response to market demands, ANDRITZ has yet again raised the bar for turnkey and customized solutions for drylaid, spunjet, thermobonding, and wetlaid, as well as for conversion of absorbent hygiene products. ANDRITZ offers unique technologies tailored to each customer’s individual needs.
ANDRITZ Air-through bonding technology – A NEW SOLUTION FOR THE hygiene Market
Air-through bonding lines are the preferred choice for producing nonwovens with the best quality of softness and bulk for acquisition and distribution layers, top sheets, and back-sheet products. With ANDRITZ carding machines and the new flat belt oven, customers benefit from high production capacities and high-performance fabrics from 16 to 80 gsm, produced with bicomponent fibers. Several Chinese customers have already invested in ANDRITZ aXcess carding machines, which provide perfect web uniformity. In addition, the CETI (European Center for Innovative Textiles) in Lille, France, has recently installed an air-through bonding oven from ANDRITZ. Customers can compare the technical results obtained from two different options: bonding with the flat belt oven or with the drum (both supplied by ANDRITZ). If customers would like to see the new solution for themselves, they are most welcome to conduct trials at the CETI (European Center for Innovative Textiles) in Lille, France.
Full drylaid processes OFFER with the andritz axcess range
Thanks to its aXcess portfolio, ANDRITZ offers the full range of drylaid processes for medium production capacities. During the past few months, Chinese spunlace producers have invested in several aXcess lines with direct-line and crosslapped configurations manufactured by ANDRITZ Wuxi. This booming market goes hand in hand with new trends such as the development of the facemask industry and continues to be driven by the growth of wipes applications.
In the medium-capacity needlepunch area, ANDRITZ signed a cooperation agreement in 2017 with ShanTou SanFai Nonwoven Machinery, a leading supplier of needlelooms in China. This cooperation fits together perfectly, uniting the advantages of proven technologies and providing reliable solutions for a wide range of applications in the needlepunch industry. The ANDRITZ aXcess range for web forming and SanFai’s needlelooms offer a big advantage in terms of investment security, innovation, and quality, and this combination also meets the increasing demands of a strong, growing market.
To better serve the local market, ANDRITZ Wuxi focuses on increasing efficiency and shortening delivery time – from project management and design, to service work.
New development in textile calendering
With the latest development in textile calendering, ANDRITZ in co-operation with Rolf Ramisch, who has over 45 years of experience in this specific business and commands excellent expertise in deflection-controlled roll technology, is again raising the bar for the textile calender market. The new teXcal raconip calender is versatile, operator friendly, and provides IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things) features for a smart production process. Sensors on the machine collect and archive all machine data and send them to a monitoring system. This intelligent production equipment offers a transparent and optimized process as well as a forecast for maintenance planning. In addition, the calender includes an optimized, deflection-controlled roll with unrestricted profiling possibilities over the entire roll width. This ensures maximum production flexibility and reproducible product properties – e.g. absolute flatness and ideal air permeability for technical textiles.
The ANDRITZ team is looking forward to meeting you at ITMA ASIA + CITME 2018 and to presenting its wide range of innovative products adapted to the Asian market.
CARY, N.C. — September 10, 2018 — INDA is once again hitting some of the nation’s top college campuses this fall to promote in-demand STEM jobs in the burgeoning nonwovens/engineered materials industry as part of its Academic Outreach Initiative.
Launched in 2017 with the creation of the new position of Assistant Director of Career Services, INDA has been actively working with INDA member companies to help them fill entry-level positions with bright and talented college students from flagship universities. Based on its first-year success, INDA is building on the program.
INDA has been successful in its continuous outreach that includes its Career Corner with posted resumes and available entry-level, internship and career positions on its website; participating in career fairs at college universities; and partnering with member companies at strategic universities to actively promote and fill open positions.
Exciting expansion plans for this academic year include conducting department-specific information sessions with inquisitive students, participating in academic camps held at universities and helping member companies host field trips to their companies for half-day visits.
Partnerships Formed
INDA’s Academic Outreach Initiative has brought results for both hiring companies and job seekers. In the 2017-18 academic year, INDA engaged with more than 2,000 college students at 18 career fairs at a dozen universities. Member companies were provided 40-plus quality resumes for each career fair attended.
“I have been very impressed with INDA’s strategy to partner and focus energies on building connections between students and employers in the industry,” said Barb Hamann, PHR, SHRM-CP, Corporate Recruiter at Rockline Industries. “I am not aware of any other Association that has taken this approach for building future interest and prioritizing a workforce development initiative like this.”
Akshay Jain, a 2017 graduate of Texas Tech with a Master’s in Industrial Engineering, worked with INDA’s Assistant Director of Career Services Justin Gutierrez to find a position as Associate Scientist, Global Product Development at Rockline Industries.
“INDA’s Academic Outreach Initiative and Career Corner was a great resource during my job search,” Jain said. “INDA’s market analysis and news helped me in understanding the industry and Justin Gutierrez provided insight into how to match my skill set with an innovative nonwoven company.”
Career Fairs
INDA’s Academic Outreach Committee and Gutierrez have been aggressively promoting nonwoven/engineered materials as a diverse technology-oriented, exciting industry solving real problems. At career fairs, members share adjacent booths with INDA to position the overall industry and specific opportunities.
Member companies participating in the Academic Outreach initiative include Berry Global, Inc., Fibertex Nonwovens, Fitesa, Freudenberg Performance Materials LP, Glatfelter, Johns Manville Corporation, Kimberly-Clark Corporation, Lydall Performance Materials, Proctor & Gamble Co., Suominen, and The Nonwovens Institute.
INDA will be at the following career fairs for STEM majors: Virginia Tech (Sept. 11-12); NC State University (Sept. 18-19); University of Tennessee (Sept. 24); NC State University College of Textiles (Sept. 26); Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology (Oct. 3); East Carolina (Oct. 17). INDA will also exhibit career opportunities for all majors at Auburn University on Oct. 30.
For details on the Academic Outreach Initiative program contact: Justin Gutierrez, Assistant Director of Career Services, jgutierrez@inda.org. Visit the Career Corner employment resource portal at http://www.inda.org/CareerCorner. Job listings for INDA members are a free service.
Posted September 10, 2018
Source: INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry
CARSON, Calif. — September 10, 2018 — Epson America Inc. today announced the opening of the Epson Technology Center in Carson, Calif. The Epson Technology Center will showcase unique Epson printing solutions and applications, while providing a comprehensive, hands-on experience for customers and dealers with the full Epson wide-format printing portfolio, including dye-sublimation, signage, photography, and direct-to-garment printing solutions.
“Whether new to Epson technology or expanding their current offerings, this Technology Center provides an outstanding opportunity for customers and dealers to experience the capabilities of Epson professional imaging technology in a single location,” said Andreas Goehring, director, Professional Imaging, Epson America. “We know that purchasing new imaging hardware is a major investment, and this Technology Center will allow customers to experience our latest technologies using their own files, helping them to make a more informed purchase.”
In addition to the Epson Technology Center, Epson will be working with dealers to launch Epson Certified Solution Centers in key metropolitan areas later this year. The Certified Solution Centers will provide potential customers with a closer look at Epson’s award-winning professional imaging technology, the opportunity to engage with product experts, and run test print samples using their own files.
The new Carson Epson Technology Center will give customers and dealers a deeper look into how to expand their services and improve workflow with Epson solutions, including the SureColor F-Series dye-sublimation and direct-to-garment printers for textile applications; the SureColor® T-Series wireless technical printers; SureColor P-Series aqueous printers for photography, proofing and graphic design; and the SureColor S-Series solvent printers for signage, vehicle graphics and fine art reproduction.
In addition to Epson’s professional imaging products, the Technology Center also includes factory automated robots and color label solutions.
Vidalia Denim reports it has secured initial funding to begin a yarn and fabric operation in Vidalia, La. The company plans to employ more than 300 full-time people in a 900,000-square-foot facility once fully operational. Production is destined for the North American market, and commercial operation is expected to begin during the first quarter of 2019.
The plant will feature efficient, next-generation indigo dyeing technology, which reduces total water usage by more than 60 percent compared to legacy mills. In addition, the company will exclusively use e3 sustainable cotton in its operations, which will be sourced from across the U.S. farm belt from farmers participating in the e3 sustainable cotton program. According to Vidalia Denim, Wrangler is interested in developing fabrics for its 2019 collection.
“We are excited about this project, especially the unique and innovative technology that we will be introducing to North America,” said Dan Thompson, executive vice president of Operations, Vidalia Denim.
Monroe, N.C.-based Goulston Technologies Inc. recently held a groundbreaking ceremony to celebrate an investment and expansion that will add 54,000 square feet of manufacturing and warehouse space. Phase one of the expansion is a $7 million new building; phase 2, which will begin as soon as phase one is complete, will focus on manufacturing, blending, bulk chemicals storage and utilities.
Total investment for the project is estimated at approximately $27 million.
“This investment will allow us to streamline and automate some of our manufacturing processes so that we remain a competitive player in the global chemical markets,” said Fred Edwards, president and COO, Goulston.
Textile-Based Delivery Inc. (TexDel), Conover, N.C., reports it has received a $1 million award from Cambridge, Mass.-based Advanced Functional Fabrics of America (AFFOA) to advance the scale-up of its patented Nufabrx® technology for controlled delivery of active ingredients using textiles. According to Jordan Schindler, TexDel’s founder, Nufabrx incorporates active ingredients such as vitamins, supplements or medicines into fibers including polyester and nylon.
“We believe clothing will care for your body in entirely new ways,” said Schindler, CEO, TexDel. “Rather than applying a cream, taking a pill or using a patch, you’ll simply need to get dressed. This new opportunity with AFFOA and the Department of Defense introduces our technology into a new category of clothing that meets the health and wellness needs of consumers and our armed forces.”
“An important part of AFFOA’s mission is to foster entrepreneurial companies that are designing innovative solutions to existing consumer needs,” said Yoel Fink, CEO, AFFOA. “We are excited to support TexDel in their quest to scale materials releasing fiber for consumer and Department of Defense applications.”
In other TexDel news, Nufabrx nylon infused with capsaicin and a man-made cooling agent is featured in the new SensationWool sock introduced recently by Greenville, S.C.-based Kentwool. The Nufabrx technology paired with Kentwool’s superfine Merino wool offers a combination of warming and cooling ingredients and can provide temporary relief of foot-related aches and pains. Kentwool reports the pain management features are lab-tested to last for 30 wash cycles.
“Kentwool socks were born out of a desire to keep customers comfortable, helping them to pursue the activities that they love with less pain and more enjoyment,” said Lauren Hubbard, president of Kentwool Performance Apparel. “The SensationWool is an extension of that commitment to comfort, taking the proven performance properties of wool and coupling them with the power of Nufabrx technology.”
Paris-based Tarkett S.A. reports it has signed an agreement to acquire 100-percent of Dalton, Ga.-based Lexmark Carpet Mills, a producer of carpet primarily for the hospitality sector. Lexmark realized sales of approximately $120 million in 2017, and employs 460 people. The acquisition will be financed through an existing credit facility and is expected to be complete by the end of the year, subject to regulatory approval and other customary closing conditions.
“The acquisition of Lexmark will position Tarkett as one of the leaders in the hospitality segment for carpets in North America,” said Glen Morrison, CEO, Tarkett. “We will be able to further strengthen Lexmark’s offering in this segment as they will have access to Tarkett’s broader product portfolio. We will also leverage Tarkett’s global presence to enhance Lexmark’s positioning with key accounts worldwide.”
“We are very excited to join Tarkett with whom we share the same vision and entrepreneurial values, as well as a strong commitment to servicing customers with solutions designed to meet a wide range of needs,” said Paul Cleary, CEO, Lexmark.
Exhibitor space for the sixth edition of the combined ITMA Asia + CITME show is sold out, and organizers are expecting large numbers of visitors.
TW Special Report
ITMA Asia + CITME will be held at the National Exhibition and Convention Centre (NECC) in Shanghai October 15-19, 2018. After a February date-change announcement because of a Chinese national initiative affecting all scheduled events at the NECC in October, event owners — the European Textile Machinery Manufacturers Association (CEMATEX) — and China-based partners — the Sub-Council of Textile Industry, CCPIT (CCPIT-Tex); China Textile Machinery Association (CTMA); and China Exhibition Centre Group Corp. (CIEC) are preparing for a sold-out show.
The event is organized by the Beijing Textile Machinery Exhibition Co. Ltd. and co-organized by ITMA Services. In addition, the Japan Textile Machinery Association (JTMA) is a special partner of the show.
An initial overwhelming response from exhibitors for the 2018 edition prompted organizers to book additional space in the North Hall of the NECC, and the sector allocation plan was revised to accommodate additional exhibitors.
“We had a long waiting list for space by the deadline for applications,” said Wang Shutian, CTMA president. “Therefore, we made the decision to book the additional space available in the venue.”
“We are delighted that the combined exhibition has continued to garner strong interest,” said Fritz P. Mayer, president, CEMATEX. “It proves that our exhibition is the industry-leading platform in Asia for textile machinery manufacturers to showcase a wide spectrum of cutting-edge solutions.”
In 2018, Chinese exhibitors have booked the largest area of floor space, followed by exhibitors from Germany, Italy, Japan and Switzerland. Spinning machinery is the largest exhibitor sector followed by finishing and dyeing, knitting, weaving and nonwovens.
The owners report the positive response from exhibitors is bolstered by “China’s ongoing strategic push for innovation to enhance the global competitiveness of Chinese textile and other industry sectors under the government’s 13th Five-Year Plan period (2016-2020).”
“Interest in the combined show remains extremely strong, especially from Chinese textile machinery manufacturers,” added Shutian. “As China’s textile industry continues its transformation, the demand for advanced machinery and technology is on the rise.”
Stäubli will have two booths at ITMA Asia + CITME to separate its weaving and knitting technologies.
Registration Now Open, Early Bird Pricing Available
In 2018, ITMA Asia + CITME will offer:
a showcase of cutting-edge solutions;
strong support from all major global trade associations;
approximately 100,000 visitors from all sectors of the global textile industry; and
more than 1,700 exhibitors covering some 170,000 square meters of exhibition space.
Stringent controls also will be in place to protect the intellectual property of exhibitors.
The exhibits will be arranged using the following categories:
Spinning, weaving and texturing;
Nonwovens;
Braiding;
Research and innovation;
Weaving;
Knitting and hosiery;
Garment making and embroidery;
Printing;
Equipment for plant ops, logistics, services for textile industry, software and testing; and
Colorants, chemicals, finishing and recycling.
In 2016, despite some controversy within the industry about the organizer’s decision to run on a biennial schedule rather than an expected four-year cycle, ITMA Asia + CITME welcomed 1,673 exhibitors from 28 economies and registered more than 100,000 visitors from 102 countries and regions.
Visitors to the 2018 show may purchase a badge until September 30 at an early bird rate of 60 renminbi for a five-day pass, and 30 renminbi for a single-day badge. After September 30, prices rise to 100 and 50 renminbi respectively. Once purchased, visitors may print their own badge to save time and avoid registration lines during the show.
October 15-18, the show floor is open to visitors from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.; and on October 19, the show is open from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.
“We are looking forward to welcoming large numbers of visitors from both inside and outside of China to the combined show, and we would like to encourage our visitors to plan their trip early and purchase their badge online now to beat the onsite queues,” Mayer said. “Registering ahead of time on the show website provides visitors with useful information for preparing their trip and finding out the details on the exhibitors.”
For more information about ITMA Asia + CITME 2018, visit itmaasia.com or citme.com.cn.
Interview With AATCC Executive Vice President Brian François
TW Special Report
Earlier this year, the Board of Directors of the Research Triangle Park, N.C.-based American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC) approved the hiring of Brian C. François as the new AATCC executive vice president. François succeeded long-time leader Jack Daniels upon his retirement in March 2018.
François has an extensive background in textiles. He joined Pulcra Chemicals Group — formerly Cognis Corp. and Henkel Textile Technology — as senior sales representative in 1992, and held a variety of both national and international positions with the company, most recently as CEO.
“His knowledge of the consumer apparel end-use market, global textile industry, and experience in expanding businesses into new geographical areas will be a great benefit to AATCC,” reported the organization when it announced François’ appointment. “François has been an active member of AATCC for more than 25 years and served for several years as chair of the Committee on Conferences, and as chair of the Olney Awards Committee. He was a voting member of the Wet Processing Machinery Committee and currently is a non-voting member of the Preparation Test Methods Committee. He also served on the Awards Oversight Committee.”
Recently, Textile World had the opportunity to catch up with François and hear his views on his new position, the opportunities and challenges facing the AATCC as well as the textile industry at large.
Textile World: Congratulations on your new opportunity with AATCC. What are your initial impressions of your new role?
François: The transition to AATCC has gone quite well. AATCC has a highly experienced staff and an energetic and engaged volunteer base. They have all been welcoming and encouraging during the transition. Jack Daniels and the board did a great job in guiding AATCC and leaving the association in a strong financial position. This has allowed me the time and freedom to spend time learning more about AATCC’s role in our industry.
TW: The AATCC has a rich history in the textile industry. What are the stand-out opportunities for the future of the AATCC?
François: I believe that AATCC is a unique association in an industry with many different associations. The membership of AATCC is very broad and includes students, researchers, product and fabric designers, colorists, dye and chemicals suppliers, manufacturers, quality control as well as merchandisers and retailers. One of our biggest opportunities is educating the textile supply chain about all that AATCC has to offer its members.
TW: Many in the industry equate the image of the AATCC with quality and quality control, is that an accurate perception?
François: There is no doubt that AATCC has a strength in quality control. Our test methods are used around the world for helping the industry speak a common language when it comes to standards. What is unique about the test methods from AATCC is that all our members have the opportunity to participate in the process of developing and refining current and future test methods. It was just recently that I fully understood how unique that is. Our members are passionate and dedicated to developing our methods. I would like to see more of our industry get involved in the process. The more participation we have from all parts of the industry, the more robust our test methods will be.
AATCC hosts an annual International Conference that allows its members to network and learn.
TW : AATCC test methods and standards are important on a global scale. What is on the horizon in this area that will impact the industry?
François: With the ever-changing political climate we face today, it is hard to say what will be the next “big” area. The two areas where the most activity is happening for new test methods are in microplastic shedding detection and electronically-integrated textiles — sometimes known as wearables. With all that is happening in these two areas and the speed of change in these areas, it will be critical to develop standard test methods to set baselines and allow for comparisons as new technologies come along.
TW: Many AATCC members were introduced to the association while students at various textile schools. What is the current status of the student chapters?
François: One of the areas of strength for AATCC is the work our team is doing with students. We currently have more than 25 active student chapters. This represents more than 400 students, with more universities expressing interest. AATCC conducts several student competitions — including two design competitions, a merchandising competition, and a student paper and presentation competition — and with the AATCC Foundation having just awarded more than 15 scholarships and graduate fellowships, we want to continue to engage more and more students.
TW: What are the benefits of individual and corporate membership?
François: As an individual member of AATCC, you have the right to participate in all AATCC activities. A member can participate in various committees and can be a voting member of up to three test method committees, but can participate in as many as they want. With the annual membership comes a subscription to the award-winning AATCC magazine, the online peer-reviewed journal, the bimonthly e-newsletter, access to the EBSCO Textile Complete database and AATCC article archive, and discounted rates for other publications as well as discounts to conferences and other educational programs. Additionally, they can access some books and monographs that AATCC has made available as free downloads to members. Members also can schedule time to use the AATCC laboratories, and we have conference rooms and a Member’s Office at our Technical Center that are available for members to use if they need them.
One of the newest benefits to members is access to more than 100 years of American Dyestuff Reporter. It is amazing the amount of information available in those issues. Those are the tangible benefits. The most valuable benefit is the access to such a large and knowledgeable cross section of experienced industry professionals when we gather for committee meetings or our annual technical conference.
The benefits of a corporate membership depend on the level of membership. Each corporate membership comes with the right of a company to name individual members — from 2 to 10. The corporation controls these memberships and unlike an individual membership they can be transferred in case there is a role change within a company. Each corporate member also receives a copy of the AATCC Technical Manual. Corporate members are also able to send any member of their company to AATCC conferences and educational programs at member rates. Corporate members get unlimited listings at AATCC’s Textile Jobsite, and the opportunity to have AATCC host a white paper that the company would like to share with others in the industry.
And of course, we welcome corporate members — and all members — to write articles for our e-newsletter and posts in the AATCC Blog! In addition, corporate members receive discounted advertising rates for the AATCC website and magazine. The AATCC Foundation also has a specific scholarship for the children of corporate member employees — this isn’t limited to the designated individual members; it is available to children of any employee of a corporate member.
As a former executive of a member company, there are two benefits that I believe a corporation receives that are not listed in our benefits. The first is that employees of a company feel empowered to participate and benefit from all that AATCC has to offer when they perceive that they are being supported by the management of a company. I believe that corporate membership is a sign to them that they are being supported. It was one of the reasons I supported our membership in AATCC as well as other industry associations. The second benefit is that participation in industry association improves the ability of employees to solve problems. The connections they make across the industry gives them relationships with contacts they may not have known and allows then to ask more questions and learn from experts to whom they are exposed through the activities of the association. As a company executive those two benefits are difficult to measure, but are invaluable to a company.
TW: What are the largest challenges facing the AATCC going forward, and how will the association respond?
François: Like many associations and companies, I believe the biggest challenge facing AATCC is engaging the next generation of leaders and helping to pass along the knowledge from the senior members of our association. At AATCC, our staff and members have been actively working to engage the next generation of our industry and we will continue to try to find new ways of making this happen.
TW: What emphasis do you maintain on the AATCC scholarships and endowment?
François: Our leadership worked to set up our charitable Foundation more than 20 years ago. It was done in some ways with a low-key effort to grow. With the generous nature of some of our past presidents and officers, as well as a few other charitable foundations, we now have a great base on which to grow our scholarships. We have several fully endowed scholarships and we are currently working on a campaign to increase the number of endowed scholarships. We just completed the scholarships and fellowships for 2018-19 school year. It was the largest level of scholarships we have ever granted.
I believe the number is 15 or 16 with a total value of more than $75,000.
With the 100th anniversary of our association fast approaching (2021), we would like to see the endowed annual scholarship grow to more than $100,000 each year. This will require that we raise an additional $500,000 over the next three years. We will be promoting this opportunity to our members in the coming months.
TW: Going forward, what is your vision for the AATCC and how will that impact individual and corporate members?
François: As I mentioned, I believe that AATCC is in a unique place in the industry. We are able to connect almost the entire supply chain. I would like to increase our exposure to the executives in our industry, so they can better understand what AATCC can do to help their individual organizations. Our test methods are the core of what we do as an association and those test methods allow us the opportunity to be a connecting point for our industry. We need to continue to use our unique position to offer more educational and networking opportunities for our members.
TW: Do you have any closing thoughts to share with readers?
François: Being new to this role, I am doing all that I can to observe and learn. I welcome any questions and feedback from our members and anyone else in our industry. If there are ideas that anyone has as to how AATCC can better serve the textile industry, I would love to hear from them.
