Bcomp’s Flax Composite Used By Temca To Create Cladding For Shading An International School Building 

MARSEILLE, France — December 3, 2024 — In a collaborative effort, Bcomp’s innovative flax fiber composites and Temca’s manufacturing expertise have been combined to create the cladding panels for the façade of the new Cité Scolaire Internationale Jacques Chirac in Marseille, France. Designed by Rudy Ricciotti and manufactured by Temca for general contractor Bouygues Bâtiment Sud-Est (BBSE), the shade-providing panels are assembled into a beautiful decorative trellis that clads 5,000m² of the school building.

Photo — Lisa Ricciotti

The trellis is made of 880 openwork panels, using five different molded shapes arranged to achieve energy efficiency by adapting shading to sunlight exposure, while maintaining a unique building design. Almost 8000m² of ampliTex™ technical fabric are used, making it the biggest architectural project to date featuring Bcomp’s bio-composites.

The panels were manufactured using the resin transfer molding process, with polyester resin reinforced with glass fiber and Bcomp’s ampliTex™ material. The panels are coated with a white gel coat formulated to withstand exposure to outdoor elements like UV rays, rain and pollution. The composite also meets fire requirement specifications.

The cladding offers numerous benefits in addition to its gorgeous, nature-inspired aesthetic, which is visible from both classrooms and street level. The panels were designed and carefully placed in positions on the building’s façade to obscure the unique levels of heat and glare in specific locations. Consequently, they will play an important role in keeping interior spaces cooler and reducing energy demands to improve the building’s environmental footprint.

The integration of flax fibers in the composites used for the panels also reduces the weight of the openwork cladding. Weighing between 18 and 37 kgs each, the panels are mounted to the building’s exterior using stainless steel inserts bonded with structural adhesives, lightweighting the façade relative to standard materials like concrete.

The façades of the school, which opened in September 2024, were designed by the renowned architects Rudy Ricciotti and Roland Carta, known for their contributions to the iconic Marseille’s MuCEM – Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations. Lamoureux & Ricciotti Ingénierie managed structural issues and façade engineering. The entire construction project was overseen by Bouygues Bâtiment Sud-Est.

The French Scientific and Technical Centre for Building (CSTB) was involved into the qualification of this cladding and delivered an Experimental Technical Assessment (ATEx) for the project.

Jean-Claude Boudière, chairman at Temca, said: “Bcomp’s active collaboration made it possible to industrialise a high-performance flax-based composite. Each of the Temca contacts involved in the façades of the building praised the aesthetic and functional qualities of the parts as well as the ease of assembly on the building.”

Paolo Dassi, Industry manager at Bcomp, said: “To our knowledge, this is the first architectural project of this size featuring natural fibres. It has been an honour to be involved with this innovative use of sustainable composites and it has been amazing to work with Temca on what will surely to be an iconic building that exemplifies sustainable architecture and design. Sustainable lightweighting is not just for automotive vehicles!”

Posted: December 3, 2024

Source: Bcomp 

Eastman Successfully Reconfirmed Dark Green Shirt In 2024 Canopy Hot Button Ranking And Report For Sustainable Naia™ Fibers

KINGSPORT, Tenn. — December 3, 2024 — Once again, this year, Eastman and its innovative Naia™ cellulosic fibers have earned the coveted dark green shirt designation in the Canopy Hot Button Ranking and Report, underscoring the steadfast commitment to protecting ancient and endangered forests while driving innovation in Next Generation fiber solutions.

With “buttons” being used in the report as a measure of MMCF producers sustainability performance across seven critical categories, Eastman maintained an impressive score of 30 buttons for the sustainable production of Naia cellulosic fibers.

This recognition has been consistently reconfirmed since 2022, after Eastman’s first light green designation in 2019, reflecting their ongoing efforts to prioritize sustainable raw material sourcing, low-impact production processes, and fiber innovation that comes with a lighter impact on the planet.

“This confirmation once again motivates us to continue striving for change in the development of sustainable textile solutions,” said Carolina Sister Cohn, global marketing leader for Eastman’s textiles division.

“Through our Naia brand, we are guided by a vision of shaping a more sustainable future of textiles — one where innovation and responsibility come together to meet the evolving needs of our customers while safeguarding the planet for generations to come.”

“Canopy applauds Eastman for its continued leadership in keeping critical Ancient and Endangered Forests out of its supply chain and investing in scaling Next Gen Solutions,” said Nicole Rycroft, Canopy’s founder and executive director. “These efforts have resulted in it achieving a dark green shirt and being one of the top-rated MMCF producers in this year’s Hot Button Report.”

The Naia Renew portfolio, including the groundbreaking Naia Renew ES, has also been a cornerstone of this success. Already available at scale, Naia Renew ES is created from a blend of 40 percent certified recycled waste materials, 20 percent certified recycled cellulose, and 40 percent sustainably sourced wood pulp. This innovative fiber has become a preferred choice for sustainability-driven brands like Reformation which has already launched its 2nd collection and is gaining increasing traction in retail markets worldwide.

By investing in cutting-edge technologies and industry collaboration, Eastman is redefining what is possible in sustainable fiber innovation. The company remains committed to advancing its mission of creating high-quality, eco-conscious solutions that support the well-being of the planet, industry workers, and consumers alike.

Posted: December 3, 2024

Source: Eastman

 

Results Of The 29th ITMF Global Textile Industry Survey

ZÜRICH, Switzerland — December 3, 2024 — ITMF’s 29th Global Textile Industry Survey (GTIS), conducted in the second half of November 2024 reveals nuanced shifts within the global textile value chain, highlighting both challenges and resilience. While business sentiment has declined slightly over the past two months, long-term improvements have persisted since the low of November 2023. South America leads in regional performance with strong optimism, together with Africa. Order intake has improved globally, driven by gains in South America as well. Europe and the textile machinery segment experienced the weakest order intake. Inventory levels along the textile value chain continue to decrease worldwide, though variations exist, with Africa reporting the highest inventories and garments maintaining the lowest.

Despite recent challenges, the industry remains optimistic about future business prospects, propelled by confidence among South American and African respondents. The survey underscores that global demand remains the primary concern, although its intensity is gradually diminishing, with geopolitical tensions, high energy prices, and inflation gaining attention. Interestingly, the lack of workers/talents ranks third when it comes to concerns. Order cancellations have continued to decline, confirming a 14-month trend, and the average order backlog stands at 2.1 months, reflecting slight declines but indicating ongoing recovery.

For more information, please see www.itmf.org or contact secretariat@itmf.org

Posted: December 3, 2024

Source: The International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF)

EDANA Announces FILTREX™ 2025: Premier Filtration Conference And Exhibition In Vienna

BRUSSELS — December 3, 2024 — EDANA, a global association serving the nonwovens and related industries, is pleased to announce the upcoming FILTREX™ 2025 conference and tabletop exhibition. This premier event for filtration professionals will take place on March 25-26, 2025 at the Hilton Waterfront Hotel in Vienna, Austria.

FILTREX Europe serves as a pivotal platform, bringing together experts, technical specialists, and industry leaders from across the filtration supply chain. The two-day conference will focus on technological and sustainability innovations, aiming to enhance media and filter performance and highlight their role in reducing emissions. Attendees can look forward to a comprehensive program featuring presentations on the latest market trends, innovative filter materials, advancements in media design, and developments in air and liquid filtration.

The event will feature two renowned keynote speakers: Dr.-Ing. Frank Möbius, Senior Innovation Advisor at UnternehmerTUM, and Former Head of Technology Management and Forecast at BMW Group, sharing insights on open innovation, and Dr. Pero Mićić, Founder and CEO of FutureManagementGroup AG, discussing strategies to future-proof businesses.

Additionally, key industry leaders in the filtration industry from Ahlstrom, Freudenberg, and Hollingsworth & Vose will introduce pivotal topics during the roundtable discussions. Attendees will benefit from five focused sessions covering Trends and Technologies, Standards and Testing, Media Innovation, Sustainability, and PFAS-free advancements.

In conjunction with the conference, a tabletop exhibition will showcase cutting-edge products and services, providing delegates with valuable networking opportunities. The event will also feature the esteemed 4th edition of the FILTREX Innovation Award, recognizing outstanding achievements in nonwoven-based filtration products. Last edition, HycuTEC (inline charging technology) by Oerlikon Nonwoven, won the coveted prize after receiving over one third of the votes. Companies interested in participating in the award competition are encouraged to review the eligibility criteria and submit their applications accordingly.

Registration for FILTREX Europe 2025 is now open. Delegates are encouraged to secure their tabletop spots promptly, as availability will be limited. For detailed information on registration fees, exhibition opportunities, and sponsorship packages, please visit the official event page:

https://www.edana.org/events/filtrex/filtrex-europe?utm_source=press+release&utm_medium=media&utm_campaign=filtrex+promotion

Join us in Vienna to connect with industry peers, gain insights into the latest filtration technologies, and contribute to the advancement of sustainable practices within the filtration sector!

Posted: December 3, 2024

Source: EDANA

Chargeurs PCC Fashion Technologies Launches A Brand-New Tech Outer Fabric: H2

MUNICH, Germany — December 3, 2024 — Chargeurs PCC Fashion Technologies, global supplier of textiles, interlinings and inner components, will present a brand-new tech product for the outdoor market: H2, the lightest 3 layer textile on the market. This new high tech textile product will premiere at ISPO, Munich — one of the world’s most important trade fair for outdoor products.

H2 is manufactured using the unique Warp-Knit/Weft – Insert technology, developed by Chargeurs PCC’s R&D teams at its historic Lainière de Picardie production site in Péronne, France. This innovative technology brings to the fabric unparalleled warp stability, quality, breathability and resistance making it the ideal fabric for high-end technical needs and also for luxury brands, when incorporating highly precious wefts.

H2 represents a groundbreaking technological advancement, unique in the world, designed for the high-end outdoor clothing industry and particularly for technical athleisure collections of the world’s most prestigious brands. This three-layer fabric, weighing only 45 grams, is named after hydrogen, the lightest and most sustainable element in nature. H2 combines exceptional lightness with key performance characteristics demanded by the current market, including elasticity, natural recovery, breathability, comfort, and versatility, making it the go-to product for the outdoor and luxury apparel industry.

“The launch of H2, is an important milestone in the growth path of our company,” said Gianluca Tanzi, CEO and chairman of Chargeurs PCC Fashion Technologies.

“Leveraging our most renowned expertise and our strong R&D capabilities in all textiles including inner components, we have developed an outer fabric that represents a major technological advancement within the textile industry. By applying our skills in designing interlinings and providing technical support to our clients, we were able to transfer the same focus on quality, performance and innovation to create a new revolutionary product, jointly made in France and Italy, able to meet the needs of demanding markets. This groundbreaking development confirms Chargeurs PCC commitment for innovation and quality, enhancing synergies across all product categories, to provide an all- round customer service, and streamline the supply chain”.

At ISPO Munich 2024, Chargeurs PCC will also unveil its newest collaboration with Nastrotex-Cufra, a leading Italian company in the production of elastic tapes for the fashion and sport industries. This collaborative endeavour yields a cutting-edge, eco-conscious product line tailored to the apparel, lingerie, and swimwear sectors. It highlights Chargeurs PCC’s unwavering dedication to innovation and strengthens its industry- leading position.

Chargeurs PCC will be exhibiting at ISPO Munich 2024 from 3 to 5 December at stand 200 – Hall A3.

Posted: December 3, 2024

Source: Chargeurs PCC Fashion Technologies

Immersive Textile Design For Hospitality And Retail: Patricia Urquiola’s “Among-Us” At Heimtextil 2025

FRANKFURT, Germany — December 3, 2024 — For Heimtextil 2025, Patricia Urquiola presents among-us, a 650 m² design installation in the heart of Hall 12.0. The open-plan installation creates a welcoming atmosphere in which to experience textile concepts and to spark a conversation about design, sustainability and conviviality. Together with partners such as Kettal, Moroso, cc-tapis, Aquafil, Cimento® and Parà Tempotest, Urquiola has developed extraordinary spatial elements for among-us — including double-sided hanging carpet structures, lounge islands and individually manufactured seating furniture.

among-us by Patricia Urquiola

In collaboration with selected partners of Patricia Urquiola, among-us offers visitors an immersive experience with optical and structural surprises — including lounge islands by Kettal with fabrics by Kvadrat, hanging textiles by cc-tapis with a regenerated nylon yarn by Aquafil and seatings by Moroso. The hanging cement structures by Cimento® give the installation further architectural dimensions. Exhibitors at Heimtextil — including Parà Tempotest — are also among the sponsors of the fabrics. “The name among-us conveys a sense of conviviality and shared experiences — something that happens ‘between us’ or ‘in our midst’. It also alludes to a line of small fungus-like toy creatures,” says Urquiola.

A grid-shaped carpet defines the installation. Within the grid, visitors encounter softly upholstered, anthropomorphic textile forms that invite to touch, relax and enable a sensory engagement with the materials. This approach highlights Urquiola’s innovative take on materiality and combines conventional and unconventional elements to push the boundaries of textile design.

“Heimtextil is a perfect fit for us. It offers the opportunity to create a two-way dialog that begins during the trade fair and continues throughout the year. We are not only addressing specialists, but everyone who is interested in textiles. Our approach is evolutionary and aims for comprehensive interaction. We want to listen as much as we present and value personal exchange,” Urquiola continues.

Among-us is dedicated to sustainable materials, conviviality and the intersection of virtual and physical worlds – a space for exploration and discussion.

On Wednesday, January 15, Patricia Urquiola will participate in the Architonic Live Talk, and she will also deliver a mini-lecture, offering an exclusive glimpse into her creative world and unique design language.

Heimtextil — International trade fair for home and contract textiles

Heimtextil 2025 takes place from 14 to 17 January 2025.

Posted: December 3, 2024

Source: Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH

Laura Beachy Joins Thermore As Vice President Of Global Marketing And Communications

MILAN, Italy — December 3, 2024 — Thermore, an Italian manufacturing firm and leader in sustainable synthetic insulation, welcomes Laura Beachy as vice president of Global Marketing and Communications. Beachy joins Thermore from Hyla Strategies, a New York City-based boutique marketing firm, where she served as a managing partner since 2014. Over the past decade, she has guided a diverse portfolio ranging from Shark Tank startups to Fortune 500 companies, earning their trust through impactful storytelling, data-driven strategies, and a commitment to meaningful brand growth. Beachy’s understanding of sustainability, passion for the outdoors, and proven track record of success makes her poised to amplify Thermore’s brand story and drive its mission to new heights.

Laura Beachy

“Laura’s expertise in both the outdoor industry and B2C consumer engagement, along with her commitment to sustainability, makes her the perfect fit to help drive Thermore’s expansion into the consumer market. We are excited to have her on board as we continue to innovate and grow,” said Patrizio Siniscalchi, CEO of Thermore.

In the outdoor industry, Beachy’s consumer-facing knowledge has shined through in iconic brands like Xero Shoes, Oiselle, HOKA, Altra, and Kinetic. Her strategies have driven measurable growth — transforming online communities into buyers.

Beachy’s leadership represents a significant step for Thermore as it makes its first foray into the end-consumer market. Beachy will lead Thermore’s efforts to enhance brand presence, driving customer engagement while continuing to innovate in B2B channels. Her in-depth experience of B2C consumer engagement in the outdoor industry and specialized marketing development work in B2B climate tech, positions her as the perfect leader to guide Thermore as it expands its influence into the consumer market.

“Thermore is the ideal choice for those who demand more from their outdoor gear,” Beachy said. “This is an incredible opportunity to educate consumers about the importance of conscientious spending and I believe a large part of my job is equipping them with knowledge about the environmental and technical considerations of manufacturing.”

With over 50 years of expertise, Thermore is set to build on its strong foundation of innovation in the apparel insulation sector as it expands its reach into the end-consumer market. Continuing its focus on responsible manufacturing and high-performance insulation, the company aims to raise awareness of the environmental benefits and technical advantages of its products. When she!s not working, Beachy can be found skiing, running, swimming, or biking, further deepening her lifelong connection to the outdoors and the industries she serves.

Posted: December 3, 2024

Source: Thermore

Teijin To Invest In Circularise B.V. And Adopt Its Supply Chain Traceability Platform  To Promote The Circular Economy

TOKYO — December 3, 2024 — Teijin Ltd. announced today that it will invest in Circularise B.V., a company based in The Hague, Netherlands, which develops product traceability management systems using blockchain technology. Teijin will also implement Circularise’s software to improve visibility into its global supply chain. Circularise’s proprietary “Smart Questioning”(*) solution, which utilizes Zero-Knowledge Proof (ZKP) technology, provides both anonymity and transparency to ensure a highly reliable product traceability system.

Teijin will leverage Circularise’s digital traceability platform to enhance the transparency and reliability of its supply chain. This platform will enable the company to procure raw materials with lower environmental impact that contribute to the development of new, sustainable products and services. Teijin aims to promote efficient and effective resource utilization across its entire supply chain. This initiative will help the company reach its goal of carbon neutrality by 2050.

Circularise’s digital traceability platform allows organizations to track the history, location, composition and application of a product or material throughout the supply chain to the point of origin. It will empower Teijin with trustworthy, verified information from suppliers about the carbon emissions associated with their products to support regulatory compliance and auditing.

Teijin committed to prioritizing the health of the planet, protecting the environment, and supporting a circular society — has been actively seeking partners with digital traceability platforms to lead the industry in the realization of a circular economy. Circularise, on the other hand, has been looking for partners to promote the adoption of its digital traceability platform, which enhances transparency and reliability in global supply chains.

“We believe that, together with Teijin, we can set a benchmark for industry-leading examples of the circular economy, delivering scalable and rapid solutions to the market,” said Jordi de Vos, co-founder of Circularise. “We are honored to welcome Teijin Group as a strategic investor. This collaboration reflects our shared vision for a transparent, traceable, and sustainable supply chain. We look forward to this collaboration to further propel our mission and strengthen our market presence.”

“As a leading company in high performance materials, we at Teijin are actively increasing our efforts to become more circular,” said Ton de Weijer, general manager of the Environment Solution Division at Teijin “The investment in Circularise will enable us to cooperate with a leader in the field of traceability and to create an environment that will support us in setting the right steps forward.”

As the world works toward achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, there is an increasing global demand for initiatives that support the circular economy—maximizing added value while efficiently utilizing resources throughout the supply chain. In Europe, the introduction of mandatory Digital Product Passports (DPPs) aims to enable comprehensive tracking of the production, usage, and disposal of products. The adoption of digital traceability platforms, which facilitate product and material traceability, will be a critical component in realizing the vision of a circular economy.

(*) Smart Questioning is Circularise’s proprietary technology designed to allow a verifier (e.g. brand owner) to ask a series of carefully curated questions from a prover (e.g. supplier) in order to obtain relevant information about a product without disclosing any sensitive data.

Posted: December 3, 2024

Source: Teijin Limited

Building Strong Partnerships: RUDOLF & Proeza In Mexico

GERETSRIED, Germany — December 3, 2024 — RUDOLF is pleased to announce the formal signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to acquire Proeza in Mexico. This strategic acquisition is a significant milestone that will allow RUDOLF to leverage Proeza’s established strengths and extensive market presence.

RUDOLF is committed to maintain the exceptional level of service and quality products that Proeza‘s customers have come to rely on. Our commitment to customer satisfaction remains a key priority and we look forward to introduc a range of innovative products from the RUDOLF portfolio to expand the product offering and drive innovation.

Proeza has built a strong reputation over its 40 years in the industry and we are honoured to build on this legacy. To ensure seamless integration and local expertise, RUDOLF has appointed Javier Sagrero as the new managing director of RUDOLF Mexico. With his valued leadership, we are confident in our ability to continue to deliver outstanding service and pioneering solutions.

With RUDOLF‘s century-long global presence and Proeza‘s extensive industry experience, we are excited about the opportunity to provide our customers with unparalleled technical support and a highly innovative product portfolio. This powerful synergy will empower our customers to deliver the best solutions to the marketplace, reinforcing our commitment to their needs and success.

Posted: December 3, 2024

Source: RUDOLF Holding SE &Co. KG

JEC Composites Innovation Awards 2025: The Finalists Line-Up Revealed

PARIS — December 3, 2024 — Each year, the JEC Composites Innovation Awards celebrate outstanding achievements and collaborative efforts within the composites industry. Over the past 27 years, this prestigious program has engaged more than 2,100 companies worldwide, recognizing 258 organizations and 670 partners for their innovative breakthroughs and impactful partnerships. The awards focus on projects that demonstrate strong partner engagement across the value chain, technical complexity, and significant commercial potential.

  • Aerospace – Parts
  • Aerospace – Process
  • Automotive & Road Transportation – Parts
  • Automotive & Road Transportation – Process
  • Building & Civil Engineering
  • Circularity & Recycling
  • Design, Furniture and Home
  • Digital, AI & Data
  • Maritime Transportation & Shipbuilding
  • Renewable Energies
  • Sports, Leisure & Recreation

Open to companies, universities, and R&D centres, the competition highlights groundbreaking innovations and concepts born from collective intelligence and collaboration. More than just a ceremony, the awards provide a global stage to unveil and showcase visionary projects, inspiring an expert audience eager to explore the future of composites.

After the pre-selection of the 33 finalists, one winner will be selected in each of the 11 categories

Posted: December 3, 2024

Source: JEC Group

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