Micro Cotton® Appoints Industry Professional Gregory Hasson Senior Vice President

NEW YORK CITY — February 4, 2019 — Sharadha Terry Products Ltd., the manufacturer of Micro Cotton® bath linens, is pleased to announce the appointment of Gregory Hasson as its senior vice president, sales.

“Gregory brings in seasoned business development experience to the home textile industry,” said Sharadha Terry Products Director D. Vikram Krishna. “His expertise in managing large retail accounts will be a great boost for the brand in the U.S. region.” Hasson will be reporting to Krishna.

Krishna added: “Innovation is the backbone of our brand. We don’t just make products but provide bespoke solutions for retailers. Taking our innovative products to market requires experience and market expertise, and Gregory is the right fit for our objectives.”

Micro Cotton®’s growing stateside sales, service and design team is one result of the brand’s efforts to capture market share in retail and institutional segments. Currently, Micro Cotton® products can be found in major retailers nationwide including Macy’s, Bed Bath & Beyond, Dillard’s and Belk, among others.

The latest collections from Micro Cotton® will be on display at the 2019 New York Home Textiles Market in March.

Posted March 14, 2019

Source: Micro Cotton® — Sharadha Terry Products Ltd.

Beverly Knits Earns ISO 9001:2015 Certification

GASTONIA, N.C. — March 14, 2019 — Circular knitter Beverly Knits Inc. recently earned ISO 9001:2015 certification, the international standard for quality management systems. Beverly Knits was certified by ABS Quality Evaluations Inc.

To become ISO 9001:2015 registered, an organization must evaluate its processes, the risks to interested parties and make the necessary provisions for customer requirements with documented systems.

“The Beverly Knits team, led by vice president of manufacturing Tracy Gilbert, spent many hours working together to achieve ISO 9001:2015 certification,” said Ron Sytz, Beverly Knits owner and president. “With our certification in place, Beverly Knits has demonstrated our continued commitment to our customers which gives them confidence in our ability to repeatably provide high quality products and services.”

Beverly Knits’ ISO 9001:2015 certification encompasses its subsidiary, Creative Fabric Services LLC, which also does business as Creative Ticking. Creative Fabrics provides fabrics to the apparel, industrial and automotive markets. Creative Ticking manufactures finished fabrics and cut and sew products for the bedding industry.

Posted March 14, 2019

Source: Beverly Knits Inc.

Techtextil 2019 Exhibitor Preview: KARL MAYER

OBERTSHAUSEN, Germany — March 14, 2019 — KARL MAYER is showcasing warp-knitted textiles having an exceptional level of performance in hall 3.0/E 18 at Techtextil 2019 in Frankfurt. On show will be products with integrated electrical conductivity and shaping characteristics from the new TEXTILE MAKERSPACE platform, an extremely efficient textile solution for protecting buildings, and a completely new generation of warp-knitted spacer textiles. Karl Mayer is also inviting people to attend an in-house show, to be held at the same time as the fair, at its headquarters in nearby Obertshausen. This event is easily accessible by bus transfer and will be premiering a new nonwovens machine for the visitors. Karl Mayer is also a trendsetter in the field of digitization. This manufacturer has grouped all its digital solutions under the KM.ON brand, and will also be showcasing this system on its stand at the Techtextil.

RAPID TEXTILE– the quick way to new solutions

Textiles with an excellent performance and lower manufacturing costs can be produced by combining the possibilities of additive production with warp knitting technology. Examples of this include warp knits functionalised by 3D printing and these are being presented at Techtextil.

Karl Mayer has grouped together all its activities relating to the use of new technologies and innovative products under the concept of RAPID TEXTILE. They form part of the TEXTILE MAKERSPACE system, a platform that offers the space to try things out, develop new products and think outside the box.

TEXTILE CIRCUIT – the quick way to electrifying designs

Electrically conductive textiles are a hot topic at the moment and can be produced in a variety of different ways. The easiest method is to directly incorporate conductive yarns during fabric production on the machine.

TEXTILE CIRCUIT, another element of TEXTILE MAKERSPACE, shows the potential of warp knitting here. Conductive zones offering maximum flexibility in terms of geometry, dimensions and location can be produced on Karl Mayer’s multibar raschel machines. Examples include inductive charging stations and the remote control of robots, and these are being demonstrated at Techtextil.

New solutions for patterns with plastic effects

Double-bar raschel machines have become firmly established in the production of warp-knitted spacer textiles featuring a variety of designs. A new model is now enabling completely new designs to be produced, i.e. warp-knitted textiles with decorative, relief surfaces. Instead of the spacer layer, three-dimensional design elements are worked on the upper and lower sides. The designs can be shaped and positioned almost without any restrictions, and can be combined with openwork designs. This is opening up a new dimension in near-net-shaped production in particular.

Security panels made from weft-inserted warp-knitted textiles — efficient cut protection for buildings and vehicles

Burglars frequently use chainsaws and drills during attempted break-ins, but they can be stopped effectively by a new type of patented security panel with weft-inserted warp-knitted textiles in the core. On contact with the cut-resistant textiles, the rotating tools quickly release large amounts of fibres from the material. These become entangled and the tool is stopped. The highly effective security panels are also very light and can be applied very easily to e.g. security doors, armoured vehicles, vaults and cash machines.

New raschel machine for web bonding – more opportunities on the nonwovens market

A model in the new RACOP-NW series will be demonstrated at an in-house show in Obertshausen at the same time as Techtextil. This efficient nonwovens machine produces stitch-bonded nonwovens from feed webs, a technology that offers many advantages. This process produces nonwovens having textile characteristics, such as elasticity and voluminosity, which is not the case when using chemical bonding agents. Furthermore, much less energy is consumed compared to thermal processes. In addition to these general advantages, the new RACOP-NW model also offers an exceptional cost:benefit ratio. It is also extremely flexible and can, therefore, be used in a variety of applications. A RACOP-NW, 160″, gauge E 14, is producing a textile for the application area heating textiles at the in-house show.

Posted March 14, 2019

Source: KARL MAYER Textilmaschinenfabrik GmbH

TRSA and CSCNetwork Partner On Discounted Certification Offer

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — March 13, 2019 — TRSA and CSCNetwork have announced the formation of a partnership that offers CSCNetwork members discounted application fees to pursue TRSA’s Hygienically Clean and Clean Green certifications. Laundry operations that earn TRSA certifications validate their commitment to industry standards for quality, cleanliness and environmental stewardship, as verified by third-party inspection and testing.

Effective March 13, CSCNetwork members will receive special discounted Alliance pricing for all Hygienically Clean certifications (Healthcare, Food Safety, Food Service and Hospitality) and Clean Green, as well as future certification programs such as Safety & Health and Certified Professional Laundry Manager (CPLM). Alliance pricing is 35% off the TRSA nonmember pricing schedule for all associated program fees including application, certification and inspection, as well as materials and online testing. The special introductory pricing will be offered for six months and re-evaluated.

CSCNetwork members that supply, launder and maintain linens and uniforms for businesses, retailers, healthcare facilities, restaurants, governments and other organizations that earn these certifications benefit from TRSA’s efforts to protect and expand the market for linen, uniform and facility services. Most certification program revenues are invested in ongoing initiatives to promote the industry’s commitment to cleanliness and sustainability including advertising, trade shows, training resources, animations and outreach through print, electronic and social media to generate awareness and educate member customers and prospects.

“TRSA is thrilled to partner with the CSCNetwork on an initiative that helps expand and protect the market for linen, uniform and facility services,” said TRSA Chair Jim Buik, Roscoe Co. “These certification programs support our advocacy messaging and demonstrate the industry’s commitment to the highest standards for quality, cleanliness, environmental stewardship and safety.”

“A critical component for the future of the textile rental industry is the certification process to meet and exceed the high standards of product care that customers are requiring,” said CSCNetwork Executive Director Jamey Cashman. “The TRSA certification programs are considered the strongest in the industry and will enable CSC members to deliver the products and services that are necessary to meet these standards. CSC is proud to partner with TRSA in this offering to our membership.”

Posted March 13, 2019

Source: TRSA

Applied Silver Announces Formation Of Athlete Advisory Council With The Appointment Of Ian Williams, Former San Francisco 49ers Player, As Athletics Ambassador

HAYWARD, Calif. — March 13, 2019 — Applied Silver Inc. today announced the appointment of Ian Williams, former San Francisco 49ers defensive lineman and NBC Bay Area Sports Analyst to lead their Athlete Advisory Council and Sports Investor Syndicate.  The Council is focused on promoting athlete safety as it relates to infections and environmental hygiene.

The Athlete Environment is Conducive to Infections and Sporting Textiles Play a Role

Infection risks have been identified in professional and collegiate sports, where uniforms, towels, undergarments, and carpets can breed deadly and debilitating pathogens. Football players are 7-10 times more likely to have MRSA, a highly antibiotic-resistant form of the pathogen, Staphylococcus aureus, on their skin compared to the general public. The bacteria can flourish in crowded gyms and locker rooms and can spread through contaminated athletic gear. In some cases, the resulting infections have disabled athletes, cut short careers, and in severe cases, been fatal. For professional teams, there can be a negative impact on performance, brand, financials and prolonged absence of players from games and competition.

Applied Silver’s Breakthrough Technology Is Transformational to Infection Control and Environmental Hygiene Efforts by Sports Teams

Last year, the EPA approved public health claims for Applied Silver’s SilvaClean as a residual antimicrobial laundry additive and experts agree that SilvaClean is an efficacious and cost-effective addition to Healthcare and Sports Infection Control programs.

“Infections caused by bacteria abruptly ended my career in the NFL. I am excited to partner with Applied Silver to further our mission to radically transform athlete safety by keeping what is closest cleanest. We are kicking-off our efforts with an Athlete Safety Open House at Applied Silver to engage with other players, industry executives, thought leaders and investors to bring Applied Silver’s technology innovations to the forefront of sports health”, said Williams.

“Ian is a terrific addition to the Applied Silver team. He brings a unique and personal perspective to the challenge of infection and its role in athlete safety. He has a tremendous network of professional athletes and sports executives who will help establish SilvaClean as a new standard at all sporting facilities through brand support and financial investments,” said Elizabeth Hutt Pollard, executive chair, Applied Silver.

Williams joins Joanne Pasternack who was appointed to Applied Silver’s Advisory Board in 2018 as an  expert in the professional athletics market. Joanne is the head of global impact at ServiceNow and is a seasoned professional sports executive.  Joanne brings with her a deep understanding of how athletes can participate in and contribute to mission-driven organizations and advises Applied Silver’s sports market strategies. Prior to ServiceNow, Joanne spent twelve seasons leading philanthropic efforts for professional sports franchises in the NBA (Golden State Warriors) and NFL (San Francisco 49ers).

SilvaClean Infuses Silver Ions into Fabrics Killing Microbes and Providing Lasting (Residual) Protection

SilvaClean employs a smart patented technology platform that infuses textiles with pure silver ions during the laundry rinse cycle, where they bond fabrics to residually kill pathogens, mold and mildew, eliminating odors, helping remove stains and reduce static.  SilvaClean chemistry is an EPA-approved laundry additive product enabled by an Internet of Things (IoT) dispensing system that leaves fabrics with residual antimicrobial properties even after laundering (e.g. in storage, during handling and in use).

Posted March 13, 2019

Source: Applied Silver, Inc.

PureCycle Technologies Partners With Milliken, Nestlé To Accelerate Revolutionary Plastics Recycling

CHICAGO — March 13, 2019 — PureCycle Technologies, is announcing it has partnered with global industrial manufacturer Milliken & Company and Nestlé S.A. as it moves forward with plans to open its first plant to restore used polypropylene (PP) plastic to virgin-like quality with a revolutionary recycling method.

PureCycle’s patented recycling process, developed and licensed by Procter & Gamble (P&G), separates color, odor and other contaminants from plastic waste feedstock to transform it into virgin-like resin. Milliken, whose additives will play a critical role in reinvigorating recycled polypropylene, has formed an exclusive supply relationship with PureCycle to help solve the plastics end-of-life challenge. Nestlé is working with PureCycle to develop new packaging materials that help avoid plastic waste, in line with the company’s commitment to make 100 percent of its packaging recyclable or reusable by 2025.

“These partners are helping us accelerate as we bring this solution to the market,” said Mike Otworth, CEO of PureCycle Technologies. “This is a validation of our method, and it will help us continue to move even more quickly as we make plastics recycling a reality.”

Bringing both consumer market knowledge and technical expertise, Milliken and Nestlé help PureCycle work towards delivering the world’s first virgin-like recycled polypropylene. “The use of Milliken’s additives will help to ensure that PureCycle’s Ultra Pure Recycled Polypropylene (UPRP) is of the highest quality and adds the maximum value to brand owners and consumers. We believe that this partnership will further differentiate PureCycle as both a leading reclaimer and producer of polypropylene,” continues Otworth.

“Milliken understands that creating a sustainable future requires meaningful collaboration with other industry pioneers,” said Halsey Cook, president and CEO of Milliken & Company. “We believe PureCycle’s technology combined with Milliken’s leading plastic additives provide a transformative opportunity to elevate the viability of recycled polypropylene and help solve the plastics end-of-life challenge.”

With technology licensed from P&G, PureCycle is in the midst of building the first plant in Lawrence County, Ohio, that will recycle 119 million pounds of polypropylene, producing over 105 million pounds per year starting in 2021. The momentum created by these new relationships is enabling PureCycle to open the plant’s feedstock evaluation unit, which processes multiple variations of feedstock (waste polypropylene) to optimize plant 1 and subsequent plants.

Today, about 20 percent of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), which is commonly used to make plastic bottles and other consumer goods, is recycled. By contrast, less than 1 percent of polypropylene plastic is currently recycled. PureCycle is the first company to solely focus on recycling and reintegrating polypropylene upstream to highly sensitive consumer product applications, which are used in food and beverage packaging, consumer good packaging, automobile interiors, electronics, home furnishings, and many other products.

PureCycle Technologies will make high-quality, recycled PP widely available for purchase across industries. This technology demonstrates P&G’s commitment to sustainability and helps in achieving P&G’s recycling goals — doubling the use of recycled resin in plastic packaging and ensuring 90 percent of product packaging is either recyclable or programs are in place to create the ability to recycle it. PureCycle’s technology supports P&G’s vision of using 100 percent recycled or renewable materials and having zero consumer waste go to landfills.

“Our approach to innovation not only includes products and packaging, but technologies that allow us and others to have a positive impact on our environment. This technology has the capacity to revolutionize the plastics recycling industry by enabling P&G and companies around the world to tap into sources of recycled plastics that deliver nearly identical performance and properties as virgin materials in a broad range of applications,” said Kathy Fish, Chief Research, Development and Innovation Officer, Procter & Gamble.

The global polypropylene market is valued at more than $80 billion, according to Transparency Market research, and is on track to reach $133.3 billion by 2023. The Association of Plastics Recyclers (APR) has identified 1 billion pounds of recycled polypropylene demand in North America alone. The majority of that demand is for ‘high-quality’ recycled polypropylene, APR has said.

PureCycle Technologies is portfolio company of Innventure, a Wasson Enterprise Partnership.

Posted March 13, 2019

Source: PureCycle Technologies

University of Notre Dame Increases Equity Position In Kraig Biocraft Laboratories

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — March 13, 2019 — Kraig Biocraft Laboratories Inc., a developer of spider silk based fibers, announced today that it has signed an agreement with the University of Notre Dame, which increases the University’s equity position in Kraig Labs. Under the agreement, the university has converted a portion of the moneys owed to it, by the company, to common stock. The remaining balance of the moneys, owed to the university, has been converted into a note that is payable over the course of 2 years.

Kraig Labs has worked in collaboration with the University of Notre Dame, for 10 years, developing the company’s recombinant spider silk technologies.

“The Notre Dame IDEA Center is excited by the commercial prospects in front of Kraig Biocraft and is pleased to be able to conclude this most recent agreement, which gives Kraig some additional runway to continue its development of commercial spider silk products,” said Notre Dame’s Richard Cox, director, Licensing & Business Development

“We have been working with Notre Dame on this deal for quite some time. Today, we are pleased to report that, having now finalized this agreement, they have nearly tripled their equity position in the company,” said COO Jon Rice. “The deal has strengthened the company’s balance sheet and, in conjunction with the equity financing announced Monday, improves our financial position, as we move towards larger scale production.”

Posted March 13, 2019

Source: Kraig Biocraft Laboratories Inc.

JEC World 2019 Exhibitor Preview: Hexion

COLUMBUS, Ohio — March 12, 2019 — Hexion Inc. is launching its newly developed line of Resonance™ catalysts that provide an extended and adjustable working pot life to enhance flexibility in various composites manufacturing processes and environments at JEC World in Paris, March 12-14.

Resonance catalysts provide increased latency to the company’s CELLOBOND™ phenolic resin systems, extending pot life by as much as 100 percent or more while providing increased manufacturing control at higher ambient temperatures. With the new Cellobond resin/Resonance catalyst systems, pot life is adjustable to suit each customer’s specific processing requirements.

“Producing large, complex phenolic composites through vacuum infusion or resin transfer molding can be a challenge if resin systems start polymerizing before all of the fiber material is fully impregnated,” said  Ramesh Pisipati, global marketing director, Phenolic Specialty Resins, at Hexion. “Also, higher temperatures in the manufacturing environment can cause the resin system to prematurely react. Our new Resonance catalysts were specifically developed to offer delayed action and be ‘tunable’ to address customers’ unique processing requirements.”

Because of their increased stability over longer periods and at higher temperatures, Cellobond resin systems incorporating Resonance catalysts can also be used in pultrusion and sheet molding compound processes, something that was more difficult to do in the past.

Cellobond ultra-low formaldehyde (ULF) resins are used to manufacture composite parts that meet and exceed the most demanding fire, smoke and toxicity standards in aerospace (FAR 25.852), automotive (GB/T 31467), construction (ASTM E84) and rail (EN45545-2 HL3, BS 6853 Class 1A, and NFPA130) applications.

“Molders prefer Cellobond resins systems in part because they don’t require fillers or costly fire retardants or intumescent gelcoats to deliver the highest heat and fire performance,” adds Pisipati. “Resonance catalysts add another level of flexibility, convenience and value for parts makers.”

Hexion will showcase the Resonance catalysts in Hall 6, Booth G52 at the JEC World 2019 exposition, March 12-14 in Paris.

Posted March 12, 2019

Source: Hexion Inc.

Pan-Asia To Utilize INVISTA’s Latest P8 Technology For New PTA Line

SHANGHAI — March 11, 2019 — INVISTA’s technology and licensing group, INVISTA Performance Technologies (IPT), and Pan-Asia PET Resin (Guangzhou) Co. Ltd have reached agreement for the licensing of Invista’s latest purified terephthalic acid (PTA) process technology.

Pan-Asia will utilize Invista’s P8 PTA technology at a scale of 1.25 million metric tons per year. The plant would be built in Jizan Economic City, Saudi Arabia. This project signifies Invista’s first technology license in the Middle East.

Mike Pickens, IPT president, commented: “I’m glad that our industry-leading P8 technology has been selected by Pan-Asia in their strategic foreign investment. We look forward to the close relationship with Pan-Asia’s team.”

Guan Lingxiang, chairman of Pan-Asia, commented: “We are honoured to choose Invista as our technology licensor. This project demonstrates our support to the Belt and Road Initiative of Chinese government. We look forward to having further cooperation with Invista.”

The targeted project start-up date would be in the first quarter of 2021.

Invista’s latest industry-leading PTA technology is available as a licence package from Invista Performance Technologies. For more information, please visit the Invista Performance Technologies Web site at www.ipt.invista.com.

Posted March 12, 2019

Source: INVISTA

Rhode Island-Based Textile Company Announces Name Change: Brand And Oppenheimer Is Becoming Ocean State Innovations

PORTSMOUTH, R.I. — March 12, 2019 — Textile supplier Brand and Oppenheimer Co. Inc. has announced today that a name change is in order. Brand and Oppenheimer Co. Inc. is becoming Ocean State Innovations (OSI).

“In consideration of our corporate strategy and our deep roots in Rhode Island, we feel our identity is best associated with the Ocean State,” said CEO Edward Ricci, a Rhode Island native. “The Brand and Oppenheimer brand represented stability and quality within a very specific segment of the textile space. Today we offer a broader scope of innovative textile expertise and needed a moniker to represent who we are.”

Owned by 1947 LLC and Praesidian Capital, Ocean State Innovations is a growing textile company with 35 employees, all dedicated to building upon the company’s heritage and leadership within the textile industry. OSI maintains a tradition of quality textiles with a refocused message. A new logo and marketing message have been created — “Textile Solutions” —which is now part of Ocean State Innovations’ corporate identity. “This name change better reflects the current and future direction of our growing company,” Ricci added.

Founded in 1913 as Brand and Oppenheimer Company (B&O) as a supplier of garment linings, the company celebrates a rich history in the textile industry. In October 2011, Praesidian Capital and StoneCreek Capital LLC became investors. In 2014 Brand & Oppenheimer acquired Performance Textiles, a US textiles supplier. In 2015 B&O entered into an equity partnership with 1947 LLC’s management team; Ed Ricci, Ben Galpen, and Bryan Boulis, all industry experts with over 100 years of combined experience. The 1947 LLC Management team has grown the business through organic sales, strategic partnerships, and acquisitions. In 2017 B&O acquired the assets of Cutting Edge TexStyles, a global supplier of Bindings, Trims and Piece Goods. In 2018 B&O acquired the assets of General Fabrics Inc., a global designer and wholesale distributor of quilting fabrics. In 2019, Brand and Oppenheimer became OSI to continue the tradition of quality textiles, while focusing on the company’s innovative industry expertise and strong Rhode Island roots. OSI, based in Portsmouth, has distinguished itself as the premier global source for textile products and services. Ocean State Innovations continues as a leader in the textile industry for the U.S. Military and is now bringing that same innovative textile expertise to many commercial market segments such as medical, industrial, automotive and traditional apparel.

Posted March 12, 2019

Source: Ocean State Innovations

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