National Nonwovens Awarded ISO 9001: 2015 Quality System Certificate

EASTHAMPTON, Mass. — October 18, 2018 — National Nonwovens is pleased to announce that it has earned ISO 9001: 2015 certification for successfully applying a quality system for the design, application development, manufacturing and sale of technical nonwoven textiles with core competence in needlepunch technologies, chemical enhancements, and dyeing capabilities servicing the medical, aerospace, technical, industrial, art and education markets.

“We recognize that our customers are the driving force for our organization and we will always strive toward providing our customers the best consistent quality products and service on time every time,” said National Nonwovens President and CEO Anthony Centofanti. “We consider continuous improvement of our compliant Quality Management Systems — a part of everything we do — a journey, not a destination.”

ISO 9001: 2015 sets out the criteria for a quality management system based on quality management principles including a strong customer focus, the motivation and commitment of top management, the process approach and continual improvement. CIC Management, LLC performed the on-site audit for National Nonwovens and issued the ISO 9001: 2015 certificate on September 15, 2018.

National Nonwovens produces 15 million pounds of textiles annually and has a total processing capacity in excess of 30 million pounds per year. The company’s manufacturing and technical capabilities include both air-laid and carded cross-laid web forming with chemical bond, felted wool, needlepunch, lamination, and thermo-bond constructions. National Nonwovens will continue to expand its breath of technology as a commitment to customers’ present and future requirements to meet the needs of global markets.

Based in Easthampton, Mass., National Nonwovens is a manufacturer of needlepunched nonwovens, engineering innovative high performance product solutions and superior quality felt for a vast number of markets such as Aerospace, Technical, Ballistics, Arts & Education, Filtration, Industrial, and Medical.

Posted October 18, 2018

Source: National Nonwovens

Applied Silver Partners With Medline To Distribute Its EPA-Approved Antimicrobial Silvaclean Textile Treatment To Hospitals/Healthcare Facilities

HAYWARD, Calif. — October 18, 2018 — Applied Silver Inc. and Medline today announced a long-term partnership for the supply of SilvaClean®, a silver-ion antimicrobial commercial laundry additive. Medline (Northfield, Ill.) is the largest privately-held medical supply company in the United States. The agreement makes Medline the exclusive distributor of Applied Silver’s SilvaClean service to healthcare facilities in the United States and Canada through their commercial laundry providers.

Hospital Fabrics Soft Surfaces Identified as Significant Source of Staphylococcus, MRSA and other Pathogens

Bed linens, patient gowns and caregiver uniforms, curtains and carpets have been linked to the spread of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 1 in 25 admitted patients get HAIs — a significant and growing concern among infectious disease experts, healthcare workers and facility executives. Hospitals spend billions of dollars annually to address this problem.

EPA recently approved the public health claims for SilvaClean as a residual antimicrobial laundry additive to reduce post-laundry contamination with activity against Staphylococcus aureus after 6 hours of contact and Klebsiella pneumoniae after 3 hours of contact. Additionally, these claims are supported by extensive clinical data demonstrating the same.

Medline Sees Breakthrough Opportunity in Applied Silver’s Technology

“We believe the company’s patented and EPA-approved technology will significantly change infection prevention in healthcare. The new standard of textile hygiene that SilvaClean will deliver is the driving reason Medline has taken a financial stake in Applied Silver,” said Andy Mills, president, Medline. Mills noted the company also appreciates how SilvaClean does not change inventory or standard operating procedures, making it an easy addition to a hospital system’s textile program.

“We are delighted that Medline will be our distribution partner in the United States and Canada,” said Elizabeth Hutt Pollard, executive chair of Applied Silver. “This instantly makes SilvaClean accessible to over 7,000 U.S. hospitals and health care facilities. Medline’s endorsement and significant sales organization will help us win rapid market adoption.”

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 with fabrics to residually kill pathogens, mold and mildew, eliminating odors, helping to remove stains and reduce static. SilvaClean chemistry is a 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).

The commercial partnership agreement with Medline is already in effect and SilvaClean service is available to hospitals and healthcare facilities now.

Posted October 18, 2018

Source: Applied Silver

Kodak’s Light Blocking Technology Hits Market

ROCHESTER, N.Y.— October 18, 2018 — Kodak today announced the introduction of KODALUX Technology, a new class of light control materials which can be coated directly on fabrics for use in the management of light.

Precision Fabrics Group is offering the world’s first Prepared-For-Print (PFP) blackout fabric incorporating Kodalux Light Control Technology for wide format digital print applications. The PFP fabric with Kodalux Technology can be supplied in widths of up to 125” and can be printed by either direct or indirect sublimation or ink jet technologies with superior fidelity and no bleed through.

Kodalux Light Control Technology eliminates the carbon layer common in current blackout technologies replacing it with a simpler solution for delivering various degrees of light blocking performance. Kodalux Particles are patented micro-particles engineered for light management and when coated directly onto fabrics, Kodalux Fabric Coating delivers 100% blackout with zero pinhole anomalies.

“Kodalux Light Control Technology leverages Kodak’s deep expertise in materials science,” said Jeff Clarke, CEO, Kodak. “This product offering with Precision Fabrics Group demonstrates Kodak’s ability to invest in long-term research and bring differentiated solutions to market for our customers.”

In addition to PFP fabrics for exhibition signage, Kodalux Fabric Coating can be coated on roller shades and high-grade decorative fabrics.

“This is a perfect demonstration of how Kodak’s work with advanced materials is moving us into new areas of growth,” said Terry Taber, chief technical officer, Kodak. “With Kodalux, we are achieving high performance light blocking technology without sacrificing design, color or any of the other attributes of the base fabric.”

Precision Fabrics Group manufactures highly technical, high quality woven and nonwoven materials with a broad range of technical properties.

“Since first seeing Kodalux’s potential, we have been outspoken advocates of the technology,” Terry Montgomery, chief technology officer, Precision Fabrics Group. “We’ve seen the competitors, and there is no comparison. Textiles are what we know. Kodak knows light and advanced materials. Together we are delivering products the industry is hungry for.”

Posted October 18, 2018

Source: Kodak

SGIA Announces Industry Leaders Comprising 2018–2019 Board Of Directors

LAS VEGAS — October 18, 2018 — The Specialty Graphic Imaging Association (SGIA) is pleased to announce its 2018–2019 Board of Directors, led by Chairman Thomas Cooper of WestRock Merchandising Displays. Cooper was appointed along with First Vice Chairman Scott Crosby of Holland & Crosby Ltd. and Second Vice Chairman Christopher Bernat of Vapor Apparel/Source Substrates LLC.

Tom Davenport of Motion Textile was named treasurer, and Dean DeMarco of IDL Worldwide will assume the role of secretary. Cooper’s predecessor, Edward Cook Jr. of ECI Screen Print Inc., will now serve as immediate past chairman, while 2016–2017 Chairman Rich Thompson of Ad Graphics Inc. is the new chairman of the Chairman’s Advisory Council.

James Gill of FUJIFILM Dimatix Inc. and Tim Markley of Markley Enterprise will reprise their roles as associate vice chairman and Specialty Graphic Imaging Foundation Chairman, respectively.

Brett Bowden, Printed Threads; Nick Buettner, American Cut and Sew; and Brooke Hamilton, NPI are new to the Board this year.

Continuing are Debbie Anderson, GM Nameplate Inc.; Avi Basu, HP Inc.; Terry Corman, Corman Synergy Inc.; Kevin Gazdag, KSK Visual Ingenuity; Lane Hickey-Wiggins, Douglass Screen Printers Inc. dba DPRINT; Brian Hite, Image Options; David Landesman, Lawson Screen & Digital Products; Laura Maybaum, Nazdar; Brent Moncrief, FUJIFILM North America Corporation Graphic Systems Division; Toren Prawdzik, Photo Evo; Timothy Saur, Durst Image Technology US LLC (Durst US); Scott Schinlever, Gerber Technology; and Mike Wagner, Butler Technologies Inc.

“SGIA has been continually grateful for the commitment the Board of Directors demonstrates to our association and its many initiatives year after year — all while managing their own businesses,” said Ford Bowers, President and CEO, SGIA. “I look forward to working with our new Board in what will be a pivotal year for SGIA as we transition the Expo to PRINTING United.”

SGIA — Supporting the Leaders of the Digital & Screen Printing Community 


The Specialty Graphic Imaging Association (SGIA) owns and produces the 2018 SGIA Expo, the printing industry’s most exciting and comprehensive trade show, which will bring more than 550 exhibitors and over 25,000 registrants to Las Vegas October 18–20. Technology is expanding what you can do — and the SGIA Expo is here to help you make the most of it!

SGIA is the trade association of choice for professionals in the industrial, graphic, garment, textile, electronics, packaging and commercial printing communities looking to grow their business into new market segments through the incorporation of the latest printing technologies. SGIA membership comprises these diverse segments, all of which are moving rapidly towards digital adoption. As long-time champions of digital technologies and techniques, SGIA is the community of peers you are looking for to help navigate the challenges of this process. “Whatever the medium, whatever the message, print is indispensable.

Posted October 18, 2018

Source: The Specialty Graphic Imaging Association (SGIA)

Chairman Hyun Joon Cho Of Hyosung Group Marks 20 Years Of Cooperation And Friendship With Zhejiang Province Of China

SEOUL, South Korea — October 18, 2018 — Chairman Hyun Joon Cho of the Hyosung Group met with Yuan Jia Jin, governor of Zhejiang Province of China, on August 25 at the Banpo head office building and sought ways to promote mutual cooperation in business.

It is the second time Zhejiang Province’s top leader visited Hyosung following President Xi Jinping (the then party secretary of Zhejiang Province) who met with Honorary Chairman Suck-Rai Cho in 2005.

“We have grown in China for the past 20 years together with Zhejiang Province as the base of the Global Hyosung. I hope Zhejiang Province will continue to be a partner of the Centennial Hyosung by maintaining the friendship forever,” Chairman Hyun Joon Cho said during the meeting.

“When President Xi Jinping visited Hyosung in 2005 as the party secretary of Zhejiang Province, I met him together with Honorary Chairman Suck-Rai Cho and sought ways to boost the economy of Zhejiang Province. At that time, the Honorary Chairman personally participated in the briefing session for investment in China hosted by Party Secretary Xi Jinping and supported the effort of Zhejiang Province to attract investment. In accordance with the wish of the Honorary Chairman, I will do my best to make Hyosung the most trustworthy partner of Zhejiang Province,” Chairman Hyun Joon Cho said.

Hyosung is celebrating the 20th year of its business operation in Zhejiang Province this year. In 1999, a factory was built by Hyosung in Jiaxing, Zhejiang Province in China as the first overseas production base of Spandex by the initiative of Chairman Hyun Joon Cho under the C(China)-Project. Chairman Cho targeted the domestic sales in China as well as the global market with a localization strategy based mainly in Jiaxing, Zhejiang Province.

As a result, Hyosung became the number 1 enterprise in the world’s Spandex market in 2010. Hyosung maintains a dominant position in the Chinese market operating factories in Jiaxing, which produce not only spandex but also tire cord, nylon film, polyester yarn, among other products.

Posted October 18, 2018

Source: Hyosung Corp.

Unveiling Exciting New Legwear Innovations At LYCRA® FIBER MOVES 5

WILMINGTON, Del. — October 18, 2018 — INVISTA, owner of the LYCRA®, THERMOLITE® and COOLMAX® brands, and an industry leader and innovation driver in the legwear segment, has announced it is hosting the 5th edition of Lycra FIBER MOVES conference today in Lake Como, Italy. Held every two years, this exclusive, invitation-only event attracts around 200 representatives from leading knitters, coverers, distributors, brands, retailers and trade media excited to learn about new market insights and trends, as well as Invista’s latest innovations for socks and hosiery.

Lycra Fiber Moves is a not-to-be-missed seminar where global legwear industry insiders gather for networking, inspiration and ideas. Invista representatives are introducing three new hosiery innovations designed to meet consumer needs, add value to any collection, and create new opportunities for business growth:

  • Lycra FUSION® TRUE TO YOU technology is a patent-pending innovation allowing the creation of transparent 3D hosiery that delivers a natural-looking luster or shine to the legs. The innovation is a combination of a new Lycra Fusion yarn with new knitting construction, therefore combining the ‘no ladder/no run’ benefits to the premium fit and uniformity of a 3D construction, all in a natural shine sheer hose.
  • Thermolite FIR technology is a spun dyed black fiber embedded with special ceramic pigments that absorbs the wearer’s infrared radiation and reflects it back to them as heat energy. This improves the body’s heat retention and keeps legs warmer, longer. Knitted with Lycra BLACK technology, it fulfills consumers’ expectation for true black leggings that won’t fade or wash out after wearing or washing.
  • Lycra MADE TO FIT YOU technology, originally created for knee-highs, is being expanded to offer the same benefits to stay-ups (thigh-highs). The key to delivering enhanced comfort and fit is the top band’s construction, which is engineered to fit a variety of thigh shapes. The hosiery stays in place all day without roll over and dig in, so the wearer experiences a “second skin” effect that will appeal to new consumers and revitalize the category.

The Lycra Fiber Moves conference opens with an exploration of Financial Macro Trends by author and columnist Alan Friedman, followed by a look at Consumer Mega Trends for Millennials by Euromonitor’s Alison Angus. Professor Ada Ferri discusses Garments for Cold Climates, Anna Borkowicz of WTiN examines Digitalization in Apparel, and Euromonitor’s Miles Agbanrin explores The Millennial Consumer and How They Shape Retail. Anne Marie Commandeur of Stijlinstituut Amsterdam presents 2019/2020 Fashion Trends for hosiery and socks that are powered by Lycra fiber and Thermolite technology innovations.

Following cocktails and dinner Thursday evening, a highly anticipated fashion show brings forecasted 2019/2020 legwear trends to life and showcases the latest Invista innovations for hosiery and socks. The event ends with a networking breakfast Friday morning.

During the evening’s festivities, key Lycra fiber customers will be honored for their contributions to the legwear industry and their loyalty to the Lycra brand. This year’s award winners are Patrizia Giangrossi, owner of Pierre Mantoux, and Cathleen Moxham and Dr. Tina Fehling of HanesBrands Inc.

“The Lycra brand name has been associated with game-changing, market-driven innovations that have redefined what’s possible for 60 years,” said Sybille Bald, global segment leader – legwear. “Whether we’re introducing new fibers, developing new construction techniques, or improving on leading technologies in our portfolio, Lycra Fiber Moves demonstrates how innovation is still at the heart of everything we do today.”

Posted October 18, 2018

Source: Invista

Epson Introduces Direct-To-Garment Solution For 100 Percent Polyester Printing

LAS VEGAS — October 18, 2018 — Epson today announced a new Direct-to-Garment (DTG) pretreatment solution for polyester garments available for Epson’s DTG solutions — the SureColor® F2000 and F2100. The easy-to-use solution keeps with the traditional DTG workflow, while helping to expand business opportunities to include industries that primarily feature 100 percent polyester garments, such as team sports apparel, activewear, imitation silk and leather, and accessories.

“To date, the direct-to-garment industry has been limited to printing on 100-percent cotton or cotton-polyester blends,” said Timothy Check, senior product manager, Professional Imaging, Epson America Inc. “This new polyester pretreatment solution will open opportunities for direct-to-garment printing and customization for new industries, as well as open doors to on-site garment customization at sporting events — everything from neighborhood runs to national triathlons.”

Epson polyester pretreatment has been optimized for use with Epson UltraChrome® DG inks to produce vivid prints with excellent wash-fastness on both light and dark colored polyester garments. The pretreatment solution is OEKO-TEX ECO PASSPORT certified for product safety to the end consumer, and is free of GHS health risks, making it safe for operators as well.

Posted October 18, 2018

Source: Epson America

Durst With P5, LED And MAPS At SGIA Expo 2018

BRIXEN, Italy — October 18, 2018 — Durst, a manufacturer of advanced digital printing and production technologies, will be showcasing its large-format capabilities and new developments on Booth 1548 at SGIA Expo, October 18-20, in Las Vegas – and especially the new P5 Series with the flagship P5 250 HS. The flatbed printing system impresses with industrial productivity and print quality comparable to consistent litho that sets new standards in this segment, both technologically and in terms of efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

In roll-to-roll wide format printing, Durst presents the successful Rho 512R production machine with new LED UV curing technology. The new LED ink developed by Durst benefits from higher adhesion and less odor. In terms of performance and reliability, the Rho 512R LED is in no way inferior to its standard configuration and also offers additional production features.

Another premiere at SGIA is the new Durst Professional Services (DPS) GmbH, which will provide customers with consulting and integration services, software development, contract management and trainings in the future. The highlight of the DPS presentation at the SGIA is the comprehensive MAPS (Multi Application Platform & Solutions) software suite, which depicts a complete process landscape and offers end-to-end solutions as well as individual submodules for integration into existing production environments.

“This year, we have selected SGIA Expo as the central trade show to showcase our innovations in large-format printing,” said Christoph Gamper, CEO of Durst Group. “Our printing capabilities are undisputed worldwide, and with Durst US, we have a highly successful and service-oriented infrastructure in the United States to help our customers with their production needs. With Durst Professional Services, we’re taking that one step further and providing comprehensive solutions for their respective processes and production environments.”

“Every customer is different and has a different focus. With our MAPS architecture, we offer software solutions that can be quickly and easily integrated into existing processes — from the individual module to the entire ERP solution — depending on your choice and requirement. Whether to achieve optimal workflow efficiency or for the adaptation of new business processes, with DPS our customers receive the necessary advice and solutions from a single source. I am very proud of this development and I am pleased to introduce Durst Professional Services to the public at SGIA and to hear from customers.”

Posted October 18, 2018

Source: Durst

North American Candidate Experience (CandE) Awards Recognizes Shaw Industries

DALTON, Ga. — October 18, 2018 — Shaw Industries Group Inc. (Shaw) was recognized as a winner of the 2018 North American Candidate Experience (CandE) Awards. Out of the two hundred companies participating, Shaw ranked No. 33 of the 65 winners selected and was the only flooring manufacturer to receive this award.

The Talent Board recognized Shaw for its dedication to honest recruiting, a thoughtful application process and transparency with candidates. Award-winning companies were chosen based on their job candidates’ satisfaction survey scores through the recruitment research program. Responses were collected from over 130,000 job candidates, focusing on four key factors: overall recruitment experience, likelihood candidates would reapply to the organization, if they would refer others to the company and their potential business relationship status with the organization after their experience. Analysis of these responses resulted in a final CandE score for each participating organization.

An impactful candidate experience is part of Shaw’s talent strategy. The company is committed to a tailored and focused candidate engagement effort, knowing that Shaw’s success is greatly tied to its people and company culture. Participating in the Talent Board’s candidate research program allows Shaw’s talent acquisition leaders to learn which of its efforts and values resonate with candidates and how they can continually innovate the recruitment process. This commitment to recruiting has placed Shaw among top companies such as AT&T, Johnson & Johnson and Hilton Worldwide recognized for their superior candidate experience.

“Understanding that great people are at the heart of our business encourages us to take pride in fostering a culture that continues to attract and retain the best talent,” stated Mike Fromm, Shaw’s’ chief human resources officer. “We seek to have an engaging, professional and authentic recruitment experience with our candidates, leaving them with a memorable opinion of Shaw and allowing us to consistently recruit top associates.”

Shaw recruits on a global basis, offering jobs ranging from sales to engineering and more. Interested applicants can apply at shawinc.jobs .

Posted October 18, 2018

Source: Shaw Industries Group

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) Researchers Develop AI-Powered System To Automate Quality Control Process In Textile Industry

HONG KONG — October 18, 2018 — The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) recently developed an intelligent fabric defect detection system, called WiseEye, which leverages advanced technologies including Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Deep Learning in the process of quality control (QC) in textile industry. The system effectively minimizes the chance of producing substandard fabric by 90%, thus substantially reducing loss and wastage in the production. It helps to save manpower as well as enhance the automation management in the textile manufacturing.

Supported by AI-based machine-vision technology, the novel WiseEye can be installed in a weaving machine to help fabric manufacturers to detect defects instantly in the production process. Through the automatic inspection system, the production line manager can easily detect the defects, thus helping them to identify the cause of the problems and fix them immediately.

“WiseEye” is developed by the Textile and Apparel Artificial Intelligence (TAAI) Research Team, which is spearheaded by Prof Calvin Wong, Cheng Yik Hung Professor in Fashion of Institute of Textiles and Clothing, PolyU.

Textile manufacturers currently rely on human efforts to randomly inspect the fabric by naked eyes. Due to human factors such as negligence or physical fatigue, defect detection by human labour is usually inconsistent and unreliable. Textile manufacturers also attempted to use some other fabric inspection systems, but those systems were not able to meet the industry needs. Ensuring quality in the fabric production becomes a great challenge to the industry.

Prof Calvin Wong said, “WiseEye is a unique AI-based inspection system that satisfies the requirements of textile manufacturers. It is an integrated system with a number of components that perform different functions in the inspection process. The system is embedded with a high-power LED light bar and a high-resolution charge-coupled device camera which is driven by an electronic motor and is mounted on a rail to capture images of the whole width of woven fabric during the weaving process. The captured images are pre-processed and fed into the AI-based machine vision algorithm to detect fabric defects. Real-time information gathered throughout the detection process will be sent to the computer system, and analytical statistics and alert can be generated and displayed as and when needed.”

The research team has applied Big Data and Deep Learning technologies in WiseEye. By inputting data of thousands yards of fabrics into the system, the team has trained “WiseEye” to detect about 40 common fabric defects with exceptionally high accuracy resolution of up to 0.1 mm/pixel.

“In view of the numerous fabric structures that give great variations in fabric texture and defect types, automatic fabric defect detection has been a challenging and unaccomplished mission in the past two decades. Our innovative introduction of AI, Big Data and Deep Learning technologies into WiseEye not only is a technological breakthrough that meets the industry needs; but also marks a significant milestone in the quality control automation for the traditional textile industry,” added Prof Wong.

WiseEye has been put on trial for over six months in a real-life manufacturing environment. Results show that the system is able to reduce 90% of the loss and wastage in fabric manufacturing process when compared with traditional human visual inspection. That means the system helps cut down production cost while enhancing production efficiency at the same time.

At the moment, WiseEye can be applied to most types of fabrics with different weaving structures and solid colors. The research team plans to further train and extend the system to detect defects in fabrics with more challenging patterns, such as complicated strip and check patterns. The ultimate target is to cover all common kinds of fabric in five years’ time.

Prof Wong and the TAAI research team have been conducting fundamental and applied research on AI, computer vision and machine learning, specifically for the fashion and textile industry since 2012. The team has earlier introduced the first-of-its-kind FashionAI Dataset which integrates fashion and machine learning for systematic analysis of fashion images through the use of AI. The Dataset helps advance the fashion industry and develop a new mode for fashion retail.

Areas covered by their other projects include intelligent textile material and apparel quality inspection, large-scale fabric swatch and fashion image searching and fashion sales forecasting. The team has also collaborated with various local and international companies in a number of research projects and published research articles in world-leading journals, including IEEE Transactions on Neural Networks and Learning Systems, IEEE Transactions on Cybernetics, and IEEE Transactions on Image Processing. Some of the articles are ranked by Essential Science Indicators as the top 1% of the most cited articles in related fields.

Posted October 18, 2018

Source: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU)

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