Ecotex Healthcare Linen Service, Kelowna, BC, Earns Hygienically Clean Healthcare Certification

ALEXANDRIA, Va., — February 1, 2019 — Ecotex Healthcare Linen Service, Kelowna, British Colombia, Canada, has earned the Hygienically Clean Healthcare certification, reflecting its commitment to best management practices (BMPs) in laundering as verified by on-site inspection and its capability to produce hygienically clean textiles as quantified by ongoing microbial testing. Ecotex has provided laundry and linen management services to hospitals and other medical facilities for more than 30 years. Other Ecotex laundries that carry the certification are located in Albuquerque, N.M.; Oklahoma City, Okla., and Tacoma, Wash., in the United States, and in Canada, Abbotsford, BC, and Mississauga, Ontario.

The Hygienically Clean Healthcare certification confirms the organization’s continuing dedication to infection prevention, compliance with recognized industry standards and processing healthcare textiles using BMPs as described in its quality assurance documentation, a focal point for Hygienically Clean inspectors’ evaluation. The independent, third-party inspection must also confirm essential evidence that:

  • Employees are properly trained and protected;
  • Managers understand regulatory requirements;
  • OSHA-compliant; and
  • Physical plant operates effectively.

To achieve certification initially, laundries pass three rounds of outcome-based microbial testing, indicating that their processes are producing Hygienically Clean Healthcare textiles and diminished presence of yeast, mold and harmful bacteria. They also must pass a facility inspection. To maintain their certification, they must pass quarterly testing to ensure that as laundry conditions change, such as water quality, textile fabric composition and wash chemistry, laundered product quality is consistently maintained. Re-inspection occurs every two to three years.

This process eliminates subjectivity by focusing on outcomes and results that verify textiles cleaned in these facilities meet appropriate hygienically clean standards and BMPs for hospitals, surgery centers, medical offices, nursing homes and other medical facilities.

Hygienically Clean Healthcare certification acknowledges laundries’ effectiveness in protecting healthcare operations by verifying quality control procedures in linen, uniform and facility services operations related to the handling of textiles containing blood and other potentially infectious materials.

Certified laundries use processes, chemicals and BMPs acknowledged by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation, American National Standards Institute and others. Introduced in 2012, Hygienically Clean Healthcare brought to North America the international cleanliness standards for healthcare linens and garments used worldwide by the Certification Association for Professional Textile Services and the European Committee for Standardization.

Objective experts in epidemiology, infection control, nursing and other healthcare professions work with Hygienically Clean launderers to ensure the certification continues to enforce the highest standards for producing clean healthcare textiles.

“Congratulations to Ecotex Healthcare Linen on their certification,” said Joseph Ricci, TRSA president and CEO. “This achievement proves their commitment to infection prevention and that their laundry takes every step possible to prevent human illness.”

Posted February 1, 2019

Source: TRSA

IVL Making Great Strides Toward Establishing The Circular Economy  — Recognition With EcoVadis Gold Level 

BANGKOK, Thailand — January 29, 2019 — Indorama Ventures Public Co. Ltd. (IVL), a global chemical producer, has been constantly developing its sustainability performance and pursuing methods to improve itself. As a leader in the industry, IVL has been providing information of its business with transparency for many years to ensure that the company maintains the highest levels of corporate governance and transparency to its stakeholders, which is central to IVL’s philosophy.

The company strongly believes that to conduct a sustainable business, with excellent supply chain risk management and risk monitoring, is necessary for mitigating risks and preventing potential losses. IVL takes part each year in the EcoVadis assessment to evaluate its efforts in sustainable practices and help leading buyers who are engaging in sustainable development to protect the reputation of their brands, respond to increasing mandated regulations, find new innovative suppliers who possibly improve their efficiency resulting into greater profits.

EcoVadis is a prominent industry-leading monitoring platform that allows assessed companies to gain visibility and control of sustainability reporting across their business, drive improvements in their subsidiaries and assess their sustainable procurement. It aims to assist the public sector to become more transparent in their business practices and mitigate any risks that would harm the organization’s reputation and bottom line, as well as focus on dedicating themselves to lowering the impact on the Environment, Labor & Human Rights, Ethics and Sustainable Procurement. EcoVadis’ rating has been used widely amongst top customers and suppliers, helping them to access their information, leading to sustainable supply chain best practices.

In 2018, having well exceeded performances in lowering the company’s impact in the aforementioned four areas by implementing practical and comprehensive policies for its sustainable practices, IVL was recognized as one of the top 3% of suppliers evaluated by EcoVadis: Gold Level.

Posted February 1, 2019

Source: IVL

DuPont, NIPI™ Partner To Create A Revolutionary Next Generation Of Down Fabric

WILMINGTON, Del./MONTREAL— February 1, 2019 — DuPont Industrial Biosciences (DuPont) and Natural Insulation Products Inc. (NIPI™) today announced a collaboration to create a new category of insulation. This partnership brings together two forward-thinking leaders in the materials space to explore new, innovative materials that will combine DuPont™ Sorona® fibers and Thindown® to enhance the warmth, comfort and design flexibility of insulation.

Thindown is a down fabric, which offers the coveted benefits of a versatile material. As the company looks to elevate its performance attributes and sustainable ingredients, it has partnered with DuPont Industrial Biosciences using its Sorona fiber — a high-performance fiber made from renewable plant-based ingredients. The two brands are exploring new developments to seamlessly combine the softness, drape and stretch recovery of Sorona fibers and down, utilizing the proprietary process from Thindown to create a new category of a blended down insulated fabric.

“We are constantly exploring new opportunities to develop and market innovative solutions across industries, and this unique collaboration underscores that commitment to delivering on both high performance and sustainability in apparel,” said Renee Henze, Global Marketing Director, DuPont Industrial Biosciences. “The breakthrough technology of Thindown — coupled with the textile innovation of Sorona fibers — can further revolutionize down applications and create a new category of insulation.”

The blend of Sorona fibers and Thindown can eliminate several drawbacks associated with the use of traditional down filling. The combination can reduce cold spots with a single sheet of fabric versus quilted sections, delivering greater warmth and breathability, while simultaneously adding drape and stretch for greater movement. Additionally, with the use of bio-based Sorona fibers, the collaboration yields a more sustainable insulated material option versus traditional down, which comes from animal plumage, or nylon, which requires 40 percent more energy to produce.

“We are pleased to partner with DuPont, the creator of some of the world’s most outstanding fibers to bring together ‘the best of Science and the best of Nature’ to create the next evolution of down fabrics,” said Ronie Reuben, the inventor of Thindown.

Posted February 1, 2019

Source: DowDuPont Specialty Products, a division of DowDuPont

15 Finalists Announced For IDEA®19 Achievement Awards

CARY, N.C. — February 1, 2019 — INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, has announced 15 cutting-edge companies are finalists in five categories for its IDEA®19 Achievement Awards, in partnership with Nonwovens Industry magazine. Voting opens online February 15 via the Nonwovens Industry website, www.nonwovens-industry.com.

The awards recognize brilliant innovations in the nonwovens and engineered materials industry. Winners will be announced and honored at IDEA®19, the World’s Preeminent Event for Nonwovens & Engineered Fabrics, March 25-28, at the Miami Beach Convention Center in Miami Beach, Fla.

Industry professionals can vote for their top choices in each category on the magazine’s website starting February 15. Finalists range from next generation machinery with digital tools for intelligent production, breathable multi-layer composite fabrics, and fibers that are tailor-made for use in disinfecting wipes.

The finalists are:

IDEA®19 Equipment Achievement Award – Best new equipment introduction

  • A.Celli Nonwovens S.P.A.: A.Celli Vision System (DMS 4.0)
  • Curt G. Joa, Inc.: Infinity Roll™ vacuum roll
  • Reifenhäuser Reicofil GmbH & Co. KG: Reicofil 5

IDEA®19 Roll Goods Achievement Award – Best new roll goods introduction

  • Fitesa: Fitesa 100-percent BioBase PLA Soft
  • Freudenberg Performance Materials: Evolon® New Generation
  • Tredegar Personal Care: FlexAire™ 771 Breathable Elastic Fabric

IDEA®19 Raw Material Achievement Award – Best new fiber/raw material introduction

  • H.B. Fuller: Conforma™ Core
  • Kelheim Fibres GmbH: Danufil® QR
  • Lenzing AG: Veocel™ Lyocell fibers with Eco Cycle Technology

IDEA®19 Short-Life Product Achievement Award – Best new disposable product utilizing engineered fabrics

  • Callaly: Tampliner®
  • DiviDiaper, Inc.: DiviDiaper
  • Surfaceskins Ltd.: Surfaceskins Push Pads and Pull Handles

IDEA®19 Long-Life Product Achievement Award – Best new durable product utilizing engineered fabrics

  • Propex GeoSolutions: PETROMAT® Enviro
  • Soteria Battery Innovation Group: Soteria Battery Architecture
  • TiGUARD LLC, Augmentum Division: Compressa™ Senior Fall Safety

Full details on each of the finalists will be available on the Nonwovens Industry website on February 15. Votes will be accepted until March 1.

The winners in each category will be announced during IDEA®19, Wednesday, March 27, 9:30 am–10:30 am.

INDA’s Technical Advisory Board selected the finalists from over 50 nominations. The Technical Advisory Board is comprised of industry leaders from these companies:

  • Absorbent Hygiene Insights LLC;
  • Auburn University;
  • Barnhardt Purified Cotton;
  • Berry Global Inc.;
  • Cotton Incorporated;
  • Crown Abbey; LLC;
  • Fi-Tech Inc.;
  • Fibertex Nonwovens;
  • Fitesa;
  • Freudenberg Performance Materials;
  • Jacob Holm;
  • Lenzing Fibers Inc.;
  • NatureWorks LLC;
  • Nice-Pak Products Inc.;
  • Nonwovens By Design;
  • The Nonwovens Institute, North Carolina State University;
  • Peter Wallace LLC;
  • The Procter & Gamble Co.;
  • Rockline Industries;
  • SGS – IPS Testing;
  • Smith, Johnson & Associates;
  • Texas Tech University; and
  • Tredegar Corp.

IDEA®19, the world’s preeminent event for nonwovens and engineered fabrics, is expected to attract more than 7,000 attendees and over 550 exhibitors from 70-plus countries.

Posted February 1, 2019

Source: INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry

January 2019: Textile Activity At A Glance

BFBarometersJan19

January 2019

Atlanta’s Plastic Waste Takes On New Life As Host Committee Uniforms

ATLANTA — January 31, 2019 — Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is working with partners to promote the importance of recycling as fans from across the nation converge on Atlanta for the biggest sporting event of the year. Together with Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Georgia Aquarium and global textile solutions provider Unifi Inc., ATL is supporting a circular economy by collecting plastic bottles to be transformed into REPREVE® recycled fiber for use in athletic and fashion apparel.

This week, the partners are unveiling a special edition GreeningATL uniform for the Atlanta Host Committee. The eco-friendly jackets are made with Repreve, the world’s leading branded recycled fiber made from plastic bottles. Bottles were collected from ATL, Mercedes-Benz Stadium and Georgia Aquarium, then transported to the Unifi recycling facility in North Carolina to create recycled fiber. Each Host Committee jacket uses six plastic bottles, preventing tons of waste from going into landfills and our oceans.

“GreeningATL reflects our commitment to managing our resources and integrating innovation for a sustainable future,” said Liza Milagro, Resilience & Sustainability Manager, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. “By partnering with Unifi to create these special edition uniforms, we’re making our zero-waste policy tangible and showing Atlanta’s visitors our commitment to sustainability.”

Compared to its daily average of 60,000-75,000 visitors, ATL expects more than 3.2 million to travel through the airport between January 25 and February 5, 2019. It is estimated that those visitors will generate more than 400 tons of divertible recyclables. This circular economy initiative will collect and convert recyclable plastic bottles into Repreve fiber.

To date, Unifi has recycled more than 14 billion plastic bottles to make Repreve and aims to recycle 20 billion bottles by 2020.

“Our goal in partnering during one of the busiest times of the year is to demonstrate the importance and impact of the circular economy, where recycling, reuse and transformation of items results in a ‘greener’ airport and more sustainable city,” said Richard Gerstein, executive vice president, global chief marketing and innovation officer at Unifi.

The Host Committee can be seen wearing the special edition GreeningATL uniforms in the Airport and across the City of Atlanta for the big game; however, it is hoped the uniforms will be worn — to express pride in the City’s efforts — well after the game concludes.

Posted January 31, 2019

Source: Unifi Inc.

Looking Ahead: What Will 2019 Bring?

Jim-Phillips-colorBy Jim Phillips, Yarn Market Editor

Over the third quarter of 2018, a number of spinners exhibited unbridled optimism about the prospects for a solid 2019. Spinners said such things as, “I see no reason that the strong run of business we’ve had for over a year should change. Things look promising well into 2019.

And while general optimism still remains, it has become more reserved over the last month or so. The partial government shutdown, the unstable trade relationship with China, a split Congress and declining consumer confidence have made some spinners a little more wary than just a few months ago.

The trade conflict with China has reached a temporary truce, but no one is sure how long that will last. “Eventually, if not resolved, it is going to affect raw material costs for any number of industries,” said one industry observer. “It is a double-edged sword. Higher import tariffs have greatly benefited some industries, while causing others to lose money.”

Another spinner said: “We feel good about where we are, and, if economic conditions hold, we expect 2019 to be a very good year. But we are keeping our ears to the ground for any changes.”

Consumer Confidence

One thing that has changed is the degree of customer confidence in the economy. After spending much of the year close to record highs, the Consumer Confidence Index began to plunge late in the year.

“The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index® decreased in December, following a modest decline in November. The Index now stands at 128.1 (1985=100), down from 136.4 in November. The Present Situation Index – based on consumers’ assessment of current business and labor market conditions – declined slightly, from 172.7 to 171.6. The Expectations Index – based on consumers’ short-term outlook for income, business and labor market conditions – decreased from 112.3 last month to 99.1 this month, according to a Conference Board release.

“The percentage of consumers expecting business conditions will improve over the next six months decreased from 21.9 percent to 18.3 percent, while those expecting business conditions will worsen increased, from 8.3 percent to 9.7 percent.”  Consumers also had a less favorable view of the labor market.

Trade Agreements

One of the landmark events of 2018 was the renegotiation of NAFTA. The result, The U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), has been signed by all three countries, but still must be ratified by Congress.

The agreement will be submitted to the new Congress, but could take some time for ratification. And it is not out of the realm of possibility that a new Democratic House of Representatives could make changes to the deal. Some Representatives have already express concern over some portions of the agreement.

According to the Center for Strategic and International Studies, “If Congress does not get the changes it wants incorporated into the package the White House submits, U.S. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi can take the administration’s draft implementing legislation and make changes prior to introducing the bill in the House (where the process of legislative approval must begin because the trade agreement makes changes to tariffs, and is considered a “money bill”). In her previous term as House Speaker, Pelosi delayed consideration of the U.S.-Colombia Free Trade Agreement for nearly four years by refusing to allow implementing legislation to be introduced in the House until her terms were met.”

Interestingly, beyond  USMCA, a final version of the former Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement has been ratified and became operational on December 30 for its 11 member countries. Now known as The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, the agreement includes all the original nations in the negotiations except for the United States. Members left the door open for other countries, particularly the United States and China to join – if they agreed to the current provisions of the pact. The United States disagreed with more than 20 provisions of the original agreement.

Dak Makes Acquisition

DAK Americas LLC (DAK), an Alpek Polyester business, announced on January 9 that it has signed an Asset Purchase Agreement with Perpetual Recycling Solutions LLC (Perpetual) to acquire the Perpetual PET recycling facility in Richmond, Ind., according to a DAK release. “The Perpetual PET recycling operations have an approximate annual capacity of 100 million pounds per year (~45,000 tons per year) of high-quality recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) flake.

“This facility will complement Alpek Polyester’s current food-grade PET recycling capacity in Pacheco, Argentina and its fiber-grade recycling joint venture facility in Fayetteville, N.C.”

YMChartJan19

January 2019

Frank A. Bozich Named President And CEO Of Trinseo

BERWYN, Pa. — January 30, 2019 — Trinseo — a global materials company and manufacturer of plastics, latex binders and synthetic rubber — today announced that Frank A. Bozich has been named president and CEO, effective March 4, 2019.

He replaces Christopher D. Pappas, who recently announced his plans to retire following his tenure as president and CEO of Trinseo since 2010. Pappas will transition to the role of special adviser to the CEO effective March 4, in support of a smooth transition.

Stephen M. Zide, chairman of the Board of Directors, said, “Frank Bozich is an accomplished CEO known for his strong personal leadership and track record of driving business growth and corporate transformation. His breadth of experience in leading businesses in diverse and dynamic global markets is an ideal fit with Trinseo’s strategic priorities, and we look forward to him leading the company in its next phase of growth.”

“In addition, we thank Chris Pappas for his nearly nine years of exemplary leadership,” Zide said. “Chris was the principal architect of Trinseo’s culture and strategy, and during his tenure, EBITDA grew three-fold, while the company’s EH&S performance improved as well. All of us wish him the very best in his well-deserved retirement.”

Pappas added, “In the time I’ve gotten to know Frank Bozich, I’ve been impressed with his knowledge of our industry and his strong leadership capabilities. I’m confident that he will lead Trinseo very effectively for the future, and I’m committed to support him in a smooth and seamless transition.”

Bozich was most recently president and CEO of SI Group, a global specialty chemical company, from 2013-2019. SI Group is headquartered in Schenectady, New York, and operates more than 30 manufacturing facilities on five continents, with more than $2 billion in annual sales and more than 3,000 employees worldwide.

At SI Group, Bozich grew the company’s chemical intermediates and specialty resins businesses in serving a wide range of market segments including industrial and consumer goods, rubber resins, plastic additives, adhesives, and engineering plastics. During his tenure, SI Group completed an acquisition of businesses from Albemarle Corp., expanded operations in Brazil, China and the U.S., and was recognized for accomplishments in corporate social responsibility, Responsible Care®, and employee engagement. In 2018, SI Group was acquired by SK Capital Partners and merged with Addivant, another portfolio company of SK Capital.

Prior to joining SI Group, Bozich held several executive management positions at BASF, where he served as president of BASF’s Catalysts Division; Group vice president of Precious and Base Metal Services; and group vice president of the Integration Management Office.

Prior to BASF, Bozich was group vice president, Enterprise Technologies and Ventures at Engelhard Corp., which was acquired by BASF in 2006. He has also held leadership positions at Rohm and Haas; Croda Adhesives Inc.; and Apex Adhesives, which he founded in 1986.

Bozich serves as a director of OGE Energy Corp., an Oklahoma-based gas and electric utility company. He previously served on the Board of Trustees of Ellis Medicine, a hospital in Schenectady, New York.

Bozich holds a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry and a master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Chicago, as well as a master’s degree in Chemistry from the University of Illinois.

He will be based at Trinseo’s global operations center in Berwyn, Pa.

Posted January 31, 2019

Source: Trinseo

Timberland Names Chris McGrath Vice President, Global Footwear Design

STRATHAM, N.H. — January 31, 2019 — Timberland, known worldwide for its iconic yellow boot and passion for the outdoors, today announced that industry veteran Chris McGrath has been named vice president, global footwear design. In this role, McGrath will lead the brand’s footwear design strategy across men’s, women’s and kids’, working closely with recently-appointed creative director Christopher Raeburn to deliver innovative, inspirational footwear that creates an emotional connection with consumers and delivers sustainable business results.

McGrath brings to Timberland a breadth of design experience, with diverse brands including Musto, Puma, Clarks, Nike, Speedo and McLaren Formula 1. Most recently, he served as head of design for Pentland Brands, based in the U.K. Across these various positions, he was responsible for all aspects of product, including design, innovation, development, merchandising and marketing.

He will lead a talented team of designers, working in close partnership with global merchandising and product development teams to bring products to the marketplace that further Timberland’s commitment to responsible innovation and re-interpret the brand’s rich outdoor heritage for today’s generation. He will also lead accessories design, and collaborate with the apparel design team to ensure a holistic design approach, from head to toe.

“We are very pleased to welcome Chris to the Timberland community,” said Jim Pisani, global brand president, Timberland. “His creative sensibility and international experience, coupled with his strategic approach to design, will be a great complement to our global product teams. He also has a proven track record as a collaborative leader who delivers strong business results, season after season. All of these qualities will serve him, and us, well as we set out to build the future of the Timberland brand.”

McGrath holds a Bachelor of Technology degree in Product Design from Pontyprodd Art College, and a Master’s degree in Consumer Product Design from Coventry University.

McGrath, who will report directly to Pisani, assumes his new role effective February 1. He will relocate from the United Kingdom to the New England area and the brand’s global headquarters in Stratham, New Hampshire in early 2019.

Posted January 31, 2019

Source: Timberland

INVISTA Completes Sale of Apparel & Advanced Textiles Business

WICHITA, Kan. — January 31, 2019 — INVISTA has completed the previously announced sale of its Apparel & Advanced Textiles business to an affiliate of Shandong Ruyi Investment Holding.

The transaction includes:

  • The Apparel & Advanced Textiles business’s portfolio of apparel-focused fibers and brands, including LYCRA® fiber, Lycra HyFit® fiber, COOLMAX® fiber, THERMOLITE® fiber and insulation, ELASPAN® fiber, SUPPLEX® fiber and TACTEL® fiber products
  • TERATHANE® polytetramethylene ether glycol (PTMEG), 1,4 butanediol (BDO), and tetrahydrofuran (THF) production assets
  • Related manufacturing assets, research and development centers, and sales offices around the globe
  • Associated technical, operations, commercial and administrative staff (approximately 3,000 employees globally)

Invista retains ownership of its nylon, polyester, polyols and licensing businesses and related brands. This includes Invista’s nylon 6,6 intermediates business, its global nylon polymer and fiber portfolio, and widely recognized brands including STAINMASTER® and ANTRON® carpet fibers and CORDURA® fabric. Invistas will also retain its intellectual property rights for 1,4 butanediol (BDO), tetrahydrofuran (THF) and polytetramethylene ether glycol (PTMEG) technologies and will continue to license these and other technologies on a global basis.

From the fibers in your carpet to the plastic in your automobiles, Invista’s commitment to continuous improvement has led its employees to develop some of the most durable, versatile polymers and fibers in the world. A subsidiary of Koch Industries since 2004, Invista brings to market the proprietary ingredients for nylon 6,6 and recognized brands including Stainmaster, Cordura and Antron. Invista also offers specialty chemical intermediates and process technologies.

Posted January 31, 2019

Source: INVISTA

1...1,3031,3041,305...2,624Page 1,304 of 2,624

Sponsors

Breaking News

Load more

Digital Issue

2026 Quarterly Issue Number I

View Latest Digital Issue

FEATURED ARTICLES

© Copyright 2017 Textile Industries Media Group, LLC.