INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, Brings Nonwovens to the 2024 NCSL Legislative Summit

CARY, N.C.— August 22, 2024 —  INDA, The Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry recently attended the 2024 NCSL Legislative Summit hosted in Louisville, Ky., the week of August 5. Wes Fisher, director of Government Affairs, and Sean Grossnickle, Government Affairs specialist, engaged with hundreds of state legislators and their staff, international delegates, and summit attendees in INDA’s booth. Attendees were eager to learn more about flushability, the California Collection Study, the ins and outs of the nonwovens industry, and, among other policies, state legislation on wipes. This year marked the first time in recent years that INDA has exhibited at the event.

INDA Booth at NCSL 2024 Summit with Sean Grossnickle

“Securing a booth for INDA during the 2024 NCSL Legislative Summit provided numerous opportunities to speak directly with state legislators and policy stakeholders on wipes labeling and other issues prevalent in the nonwovens industry today,” Fisher said. “The high-level conversations and product demonstrations we had were instrumental in highlighting the crucial role of nonwoven fabrics in consumer households and industrial applications.”

The annual NCSL Legislative Summit hosts one of the nation’s largest and most influential gathering of state legislators, staff, corporations, government agencies, and trade associations. State and national media publications cover the event, disseminating news and stories across the country.

Posted: August 22, 2024

Source: INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry

VTT Technical Research Centre Of Finland Launches New Initiative To Demonstrate Energy-Efficient Manufacturing Technologies For Fiber-Based Products

ESPOO, Finland  — August 22, 2024 —  VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland announces a new initiative to address the challenges of energy and resource consumption in the forestry and textile industry. The goal of the Energy First initiative is to act as a starting point for an entirely new technology, which creates the conditions for the manufacture of low-carbon, energy-efficient, and recyclable fiber-based products.

With the continued growth of, for example, global e-commerce, the demand for various fibre-based packaging solutions is projected to grow 5 to 10 percent annually, according to data from Statista Market Insights and eMarketer. As such, there is a need to develop scalable, high-quality packaging that is easy to recycle while simultaneously significantly reducing carbon footprint. Within nonwovens, used in napkins and wipes for example, VTT expects a strong shift from traditional products that contain plastic to cellulose-based products.

With a budget of around 20 million euros over the next four years, the initiative consists of several projects and will establish a new innovative open-access pilot line in Jyväskylä, Finland. The collaborative research aims at developing and testing commercially viable, sustainable alternatives for cardboard packaging, hygiene products, and non-woven fabrics.

“This new initiative is a pivotal step towards more sustainable and competitive fiber-based products, and has the potential for great impact, thanks to more than 50 industrial partners. We are excited about the prospect of 1:1 commercial projects with companies, driving innovation in energy-efficient paper board production. VTT’s purpose is to bring together people, business, science and technology, paving the way to a sustainable future. The Energy First theme aims to do just that,” said Atte Virtanen, vice president, Biomaterial Processing and Products at VTT.

The forest industry faces new challenges, including the rising cost of energy and fiberwood scarcity. The Energy First theme seeks to overcome these hindrances to sustainable products by developing a manufacturing process with minimal water and energy usage. Preliminary estimates by VTT’s scientists suggest that the new manufacturing process will provide a potential reduction of up to 90 percent in water consumption and a significant decrease in carbon emissions. Overall, the goal is to reduce energy consumption by up to 50 percent.

Products manufactured with the new process are designed to be compatible with existing recycling methods. Furthermore, fiber-based packaging is produced in a way that makes it a sustainable alternative to reusable packaging. The planned EU packaging and packaging directive requires that both the raw material and the manufacturing process are sustainable, and recyclable bio-based packaging solutions will have to undergo a sustainability assessment.

In addition to reducing water and energy consumption, the project seeks to redefine the forest industry’s environmental impact and enhance the competitiveness of fiber-based products. For example, by making the products lighter, more products could be produced for consumer use from the same amount of wood, which improves resource efficiency.

“The Energy First Consortium project has several captivating work packages that align closely with Valmet’s current research and development objectives. Energy efficiency, investing in novel 3D fiber-based structures, and the strength of fiber products are closely aligned with Valmet’s current research and development objectives. The program’s global collaboration network ensures that any intriguing project findings can be swiftly implemented in practice,” said Sampo Immonen, R&D director, Valmet.

“We feel that the Energy First project is one of the first steps in unlocking the full potential of airlaid technology in sustainable single-use and durable product categories. Anpap has set the benchmark for the airlaid industry for the past 40 years, and we have a strong commitment to keep developing the technology to enable the transition to next-generation sustainable products. Compared to wetlaid, airlaid web forming is flexible and consumes dramatically less natural resources, such as water, which reduces the environmental impact of manufacturing while satisfying the needs of consumers,” said Tuukka Vihtakari, CTO, Anpap.

The initiative is funded by EU, ERDF, VTT and the collaborating companies. The consortium is also actively engaging in EU projects, such as EU SteamDry, with a total budget of 9.84 million euros over 3.5 years. VTT will actively continue developing new projects as a part of the initiative including bilateral cooperation with industrial partners.

Posted: August 22, 2024

Source: VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland

(Editor’s Note: VTT is an abbreviation of Finnish words “Valtion Teknillinen Tutkimuskeskus” which translates to “Finnish Technical Research Centre”)

NCTO Issues Statement On The Passing Of Rep. Bill Pascrell (D-NJ), Co-Chair Of The House Textile Caucus & A Fighter For American Manufacturing

WASHINGTON, D.C. — August 21, 2024 — National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO) President and CEO Kim Glas issued a statement today on news of the passing of Congressman Bill Pascrell (D-NJ) this morning.

Statement by NCTO President and CEO Kim Glas:

The entire U.S. textile industry is mourning the loss of Congressman Bill Pascrell (D-NJ), a true leader and advocate for critical manufacturing policies aimed at bolstering the domestic supply chain and confronting ongoing threats from predatory trade practices.

We commend his significant contributions – not just to the U.S. domestic industry — but for American manufacturers and workers everywhere.

Rep. Pascrell had served as co-chair of the House Textile Caucus with Rep. Patrick McHenry (R-NC) since 2013 and was an ardent fighter for the U.S. textile industry and beyond.

In April, Congressman Pascrell championed a bill titled the Import Security and Fairness Act led by Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) that would exclude all Chinese imports from de minimis treatment, as highlighted in our blog post on a House Ways & Means markup.

He also penned an op-ed with Congressman McHenry highlighting the urgent need to drive investment and for onshoring and nearshoring textile and apparel production and to not weaken the critical U.S. and Central America  Dominican Republic-Central America Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR)..

In addition, he co-sponsored legislation aimed at strengthening the American PPE supply chain which would expand the Berry Amendment to nearly all federal purchases of PPE.

As is evidenced above, Congressman Pascrell took on every policy battle in support of U.S. textiles and manufacturing in general as an unwavering supporter of maintaining and expanding a vital domestic manufacturing chain.  He worked closely with Rep. McHenry on critical textile issues to advance the cause for our domestic industry and its workforce.

He will be missed deeply by the industry and to all who knew him. We extend our gratitude to a manufacturing warrior and express our condolences to the entire Pascrell family and his staff team.

Posted: August 21, 2024

Source: National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO)

BioMADE Appoints Dr. Jill Zullo As Executive Vice President And Chief Operating Officer

MINNEAPOLIS-ST. PAUL, Minn./ EMERYVILLE, Calif. — August 21, 2024 — BioMADE is excited to name Dr. Jill Zullo as executive vice president and COO.

Dr. Jill Zullo

Zullo is a pioneer in biotechnology commercialization and has spent her career introducing sustainable solutions and products to new bioindustrial markets. At BioMADE, she will drive business execution of BioMADE’s pilot plant network, strategic partnerships, bioeconomic development, external affairs, and business operations.

Zullo joins BioMADE from Cargill, where she spent nearly three decades developing new technologies, from the foods we consume every day to the industrial biotech innovations that will propel us into the future. Most recently, she served as the interim president & CEO of NatureWorks, a Cargill joint venture that led the biomanufacturing development of Ingeo™️ polylactic acid (PLA), a biobased suite of plastics and fibers to replace fossil-based materials. She was instrumental in reimagining the company’s global business operations, driving sales and streamlining organizational structure.

“Throughout my career, I have championed the growth of renewable markets to spur innovation in sustainable biotechnology and drive economic growth in rural regions across the country,” Dr. Zullo said. “At BioMADE, I look forward to applying my expertise in commercialization to continue to strengthen the U.S. bioeconomy. I’m excited to collaborate with eager teams of bioindustrial manufacturing practitioners who share my passion for bringing new and exciting technologies from the lab to commercial scale production.”

Previously, Zullo held the position of global managing director, BioIntermediates at Cargill Bioindustrial, where she built a renewable intermediate business for Cargill from the ground up, structuring creative deals to ensure the commercial development and market longevity of various technologies. In this role, she also spearheaded Qore LLC, a joint venture between Cargill and HELM, a Germany-based chemicals company, for the production and marketing of renewable 1,4 butanediol (QIRATM), which is used for renewable spandex, packaging, and industrial materials. These efforts motivated Cargill to invest $350 million in an Iowa production facility.

“We’re thrilled to be welcoming Dr. Zullo to the BioMADE team,” said CEO Dr. Douglas Friedman. “Her breadth of experience and passion for the industry will take BioMADE to the next level as we build our infrastructure network, support innovative research, and secure America’s leadership in the 21st century bioeconomy.”

Additionally, Zullo currently serves as a board member for Project Scientist, a non-profit that empowers the next generation of women STEM leaders, and Ayana Bio, a biotechnology startup. Zullo earned her B.S. in Biology from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities and her Ph.D. in Food Technology from Iowa State University.

Zullo joins BioMADE’s executive team, including Douglas Friedman, Chief Executive Officer; Melanie Tomczak, Head of Programs and Chief Technology Officer; Jayne Laiprasert, General Counsel; Rachel Mee, interim Chief Financial Officer; Jack Starr, Chief Manufacturing Officer; and Genya Dana, Chief Strategy and Bioeconomic Development Officer.

Posted: August 21, 2024

Source: BioMADE

ANDRITZ To Showcase Innovative Nonwoven Technologies At CINTE 2024

GRAZ, Austria — August 21, 2024 — International technology group ANDRITZ announces its participation in the upcoming China International Nonwovens Exhibition CINTE 2024. Taking place in Shanghai September 19-21, ANDRITZ will present a range of cutting-edge products and technologies that highlight its commitment to innovation and sustainability in the nonwoven sector (hall 1, booth E01).

LATEST SUSTAINABLE WIPES SOLUTION: WETLACE AXCESS

neXline wetlace designed for flushable wipes

The neXline wetlace aXcess is tailored solution for making high-quality, flushable wipes like baby wipes, personal care wipes, and household wipes. It combines wet forming and hydroentanglement, and is perfect for capacity needs in China and APAC. This solution fits in perfectly with ANDRITZ’s strong focus on sustainability with “FOR THE CHANGE”.

NEW DEVELOPMENT FOR SPUNLACE: NEW PRO 36-100 CROSSLAPPER

New PRO 36-100 crosslapper designed for aXcess crosslapped nonwoven lines

ANDRITZ serves the full range in spunlace line solutions, from low to high capacities. The recent development, the new PRO 36-100 crosslapper, is perfectly designed for aXcess crosslapped nonwoven lines. It can work at speeds of up to 100 m/min and handles fibers from 30 to 100 gsm for making hygiene products. It offers enhanced flexibility and performance, making it suitable for a wide range of nonwoven applications. Like all ANDRITZ crosslappers, it is designed for easy installation in nonwovens production lines, and delivers a remarkable reduction in production costs thanks to the improved regularity, which saves fibers.

Naturally, the company offers a variety of different crosslappers that can be used for high-capacity production of bio-wipes and multi-purpose wipes.

EMPHASIZED TECHNOLOGIES FOR DRYLAID NONWOVEN PROCESSES: CA35 CARD

New CA35 card designed for needlepunch, spunlace, air-through bonding and Wetlace™ CP processes

The latest development in the aXcess range is the CA35 card for high capacities, representing a significant advancement in the production of nonwoven fabrics. Thanks to the improvement of fibers and web handling, CA35 card makes it possible to reach speeds of up to 200 m/min, while keeping the MD/CD ratio. With this improved performance, CA35 card offers a competitive capacity/investment ratio for needlepunch, spunlace, Wetlace™CP and air-through bonding processes.

ANDRITZ’s innovative technologies and solutions not only demonstrate its leading position in the nonwoven and textile industry, but also embody its commitment to environmental protection and sustainable development.

We warmly invite you to visit the ANDRITZ booth at CINTE Hall 1, booth No. E01. The entire team is looking forward to meeting you and discussing how we can help you achieve your business goals.

Posted: August 21, 2024

Source: ANDRITZ GROUP

Cansew Inc. Celebrates 100 Years Of Excellence And Innovation

MONTREAL— August 21, 2024 — Cansew Inc. — a Canada-based producer of industrial sewing threads, dyeing, elastic and accessories — is celebrating a century of innovation and adaptation. These high-performance polyester, nylon and technical threads are sewn into fashion, furniture, geotextiles, and garments for PPE including firefighters’ apparel. Cansew has continuously worked to supply customers with the latest solutions to meet their needs in an ever-changing industry.

“Our industry has grown very significantly over the years, and while other businesses closed or moved away, we have always looked for ways to continue building our success right here,” said Hershie Schachter, president of Cansew.

“We have done that by listening to our customers and seeing opportunity in the development of new techniques, new fibers, and new ways of working that are fit for the times.”

Launching in 1924 as The Canadian Sewing Supply, the company operated a small family-run workshop in Montreal’s Plateau neighbourhood. Today, President Schachter as well as Vice Presidents Mark and Jack Schachter, represent the third generation of family-run leadership overseeing Cansew’s 100-percent Canadian vertical manufacturer, from the production of threads, dyeing, glazing, finishing and winding operations.

Highlights

  • Growth: Today, Cansew has more than 100 employees in five locations — Montreal (head office), Toronto, Winnipeg, Calgary
  • Vancouver – providing world-class products and service everywhere in Canada and internationally.
  • Innovation: With premium quality sewing threads and supplies, Cansew remains connected to its roots while continuously developing new products and cutting-edge materials.
  • Engagement: Cansew is currently implementing a multimillion-dollar modernization and growth strategy to better meet current and future customer needs and is part of the CTIA’s Green Textile Certification program.

Cansew also recently signed onto Canada’s Net-Zero Challenge, which encourages businesses to develop and implement credible and effective plans to transition their facilities and operations to net-zero emissions by 2050.

“Going forward, you can never predict exactly what the future will look like,” said Leslie Schachter, director of Marketing and Strategy. “What is certain is that Cansew will continue to grow and evolve by always building on a tight-knit team that is committed to quality, sustainability, and meeting customers’ needs.”

Posted: August 21, 2024

Source: Cansew Inc.

Changes To Management Board Of Lenzing AG: Rohit Aggarwal New CEO As Of September 1, 2024

LENZING, Austria— August 21, 2024 — The Lenzing Group, a supplier of regenerated cellulose fibers for the textile and nonwovens industries, has changed the composition of its management board. Effective September 1, 2024, Rohit Aggarwal will join the management board as CEO. Stephan Sielaff, outgoing CEO of the company, will leave Lenzing at the end of August 2024 by mutual agreement with the supervisory board.

Rohit Aggarwal

Incoming CEO Aggarwal is a strategic business economist and global leader in the industry, has several decades of experience in leading positions in the textile and chemical industry. Aggarwal has a sound understanding of the strategic development of international markets and the establishment of efficient management teams through global management positions in Europe, the United States and Asia. Thanks to his broad experience in the global textile, non-woven and fiber markets, he is well versed with Lenzing’s core business in all its facets, both in terms of content and geography.

Lenzing Supervisory Board Chairman Cord Prinzhorn said: “This summer, we have managed a highly professional and smooth transition from Stephan Sielaff to his successor. I would like to thank Stephan for his achievements in paving a path of strong improvements during a period of multiple challenges for the company. With Rohit Aggarwal, we have found the right person to manage the ambitious tasks that still lie ahead.”

Stephan Sielaff

Sielaff noted: “Today we see a better Lenzing as a result of the massive efforts of the whole team worldwide in a still highly challenging market environment. I would like to express my greatest respect for all those who accompanied me on my journey in Lenzing — I am convinced that we have laid the foundation for an outstanding future for Lenzing.”

Aggarwal added: “I would like to thank Stephan Sielaff for the careful handover and look forward to working very closely with the Lenzing team in the future. Together with the entire management board and all Lenzing colleagues we will guide the company towards a successful future as a leading player in the sustainable textile industry. However, we must not forget that the markets remain challenging, and we must continue to put all our efforts into the turnaround of Lenzing.”

Posted: August 21, 2024

Source: Lenzing Aktiengesellschaft

Apparel Sourcing Week 2024: Freudenberg Apparel To Showcase Sustainable Innovations In Fashion, Sportswear, And Shirt Segments

WEINHEIM, Germany — August 21, 2024 — Freudenberg Performance Materials Apparel (Freudenberg Apparel) will be presenting its sustainable interlinings, canvas, thermal insulations, and linings from the House of Sustainability specifically tailored for fashion, sportswear, and shirt segments at the Apparel Sourcing Week 2024. The event will take place from August 28-29 in Bangalore and is pivotal for the fashion industry, reflecting the dynamic apparel sourcing landscape in India. Freudenberg Apparel will be welcoming visitors to booth B10.

Innovative interlinings for shirt and menswear

RCY 39xx Series of Cotton-like Shirt Interlinings
Source: ©Freudenberg Performance Materials

Freudenberg Apparel will introduce the latest innovations in shirt interlining technology with the RCY 99xx series, offering weights from 30 g/m2 to 155 g/m2.  This series is designed for contemporary fabrics that maintain the natural hand feel, texture, and shape, while also adding a creative edge to shirt design. Additionally, the RCY 39xx series, weighing from 70 g/m2 to 167 g/m2, will be highlighted for its cotton-like hand feel, comparable to traditional cotton interlining. Made with rPET, it ensures durability and low-temperature fusing without visible impurities.

In the fashion segment, the MTW series of bi-elastic twill interlinings will be presented, noted for their strong bond, resilience, and high shape retention even after multiple washes.  These features make them ideal for washable jackets and contribute to the durability and longevity of garments. The GBE series will demonstrate its superior bonding and elasticity, perfect for hydro-expansion fabrics like CV and spandex, offering up to 30% stretch adaptability.

Active and outdoor sportswear exhibits

GBE Series of Interlinings for Hydro-expansion Fabrics
Source: ©Freudenberg Performance Materials

Freudenberg Apparel will showcase a comprehensive range of interlinings from its Active Range, designed for active sportswear. The highlights include rTPE base content interlinings, available in a weight range of 40-90 g/m², suitable for fabrics from lightweight to heavy, as found in leggings, sports bras, and casual wear. Freudenberg Apparel will also display film bonding solutions for seamless applications in bras, briefs, and tees, which emphasize strong shear bonds that eliminate the need for stitching. In the outdoor sportswear segment, a variety of sustainable thermal insulations and linings will be on show, including rPET, biodegradable thermal insulations, and rPET linings, all reflecting Freudenberg´s commitment to sustainability.

Freudenberg Apparel’s commitment to South Asia

The company’s participation in the trade show underscores its dedication to the Indian market and the growing apparel manufacturing sector in South Asia. Freudenberg Apparel’s ongoing investment in expanding production capabilities in India after 26 successful years signifies the company’s commitment to better meet customer demands. New facilities will increase production capacity and enable further diversification in product offerings, with initial projects already underway and additional expansion plans in development.

Posted: August 21, 2024

Source: Freudenberg Performance Materials Apparel (Freudenberg Apparel)

International Textile Manufacturers Federation  (ITMF) Announces Winners Of The ITMF Start-Up Award 2024

ZÜRICH, Switzerland — August 21, 2024 — The winners of the ITMF Start-up Award 2024 will present their business models at the upcoming ITMF & IAF Conference 2024 which will be held September 8-10, 2024, in Samarkand, Uzbekistan and will be co-hosted by the Uzbek Textile & Apparel Industry Association (UZTS).

The objectives of the ITMF Start-up Awards are to provide start-ups a platform to showcase their innovative ideas and to offer them the possibility to meet in-person with well-established companies from the entire textile value chain.

The 4 winners of the ITMF Start-up Award 2024 are (in alphabetical order):

  • RE&UP Recycling Technologies (Netherlands): https://reandup.com/
    • RE&UP – scalable recycling technologies for high-performance fibers
  • Sci-Lume Labs (USA): https://www.sci-lumelabs.com/
    • Bylon – scalable, melt-spun fibers without oil or waste
  • Sycoretec CAS (China):  https://www.sycoretec.com/index.php?lang=en
    • SYCORE-TEX – materials of topological softgel for ultra-thermal insulation
  • Syre Impact (Sweden): https://www.syre.com/
    • Syre hyperscales textile-to-textile recycling

Posted: August 21, 2024

Source: International Textile Manufacturers Federation  (ITMF)

Techtextil North America 2024: Raleigh Welcomes Us Back!

RALEIGH, N.C. — August 20, 2024 — The doors to North America’s only dedicated show for technical textiles and nonwovens opened the 2024 edition today in the great city of Raleigh. The show floor was buzzing with talk of the new materials, technology, and solutions presented, along with the innovative machinery, equipment and systems showcased.

Opening day began with a dynamic line-up in the Symposium, where visitors eagerly participated in the insightful discussion covering a host of topics including wearable technology and trends in the defense textiles. We are excited to continue tomorrow with education beginning at 8:00 AM and the show floor opening at 10:00 AM. We can’t wait to see you tomorrow for more business networking and education.

The World Comes To Techtextil North America

With more than 20 countries represented across the show floor, the 2024 edition showcases exhibits from China, Colombia, Egypt, India, Italy, Spain, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, Turkmenistan, and many more. “Techtextil North America has allowed us the opportunity to reconnect with existing customers and find new leads. Being a part of the German Pavilion helps strengthen our relationship with both the industry and the US market,” stated Stephanie Baruk, American Truetzschler. Bringing several diverse product categories to the forefront, Germany also held a strong presence on the show floor with a pavilion of 10+ companies featuring textile advancements in various equipment, products, and services.

The Future Of The Industry Shares The Path Forward

The first day of educational sessions at #TTNA24 began with a presentation from a select group of students presenting projects that left the audience inspired and hopeful of what the future could hold in the hands of these minds.

In addition to the Symposium program, Techtextil North America Student Research Poster Program returned to Raleigh with a strong showing of posters displayed with topics ranging from sustainability, to personal protection, to smart textiles and beyond! Don’t miss the opportunity to speak with these future innovators.

Tech Talks

There was quite a buzz today at Tech Talks as textile experts and industry leaders took center stage. Held on the show floor in Booth #1033, Tech Talks featured thought-provoking topics like policy and trade updates affecting the US textile industry presented by Amy Bircher Bruyn, CEO & Founder of MMI Textiles, Inc. The engagement continued as Testing and Standards, as well as The State of the Industry for Nonwovens was discussed. Day two of the event will serve even more compelling sessions from sustainability and remediation to antimicrobial technology and more.

Get Social With The Official Show Mobile App

The mobile app serves as your #1 digital resource to navigate the show floor, easily locate exhibitors, receive real-time updates, and stay on schedule in-between Symposium sessions and Tech Talks. Make the most of #TTNA24 by downloading it today and setting up your profile! With the #TTNA24 mobile app, you can:

  • Instantly Find Exhibitors | Search by keyword or browse using product categories and application areas to curate your personalized “must-see” exhibitor list, with detailed company descriptions.
  • Navigate the Floorplan | Plan ahead and map your route on the show floor. Easily find special feature areas and must-see exhibitors by using the interactive floorplan to guide your visit.
  • Manage Your Session Schedule | Explore educational opportunities in the Symposium and Tech Talks to create your personal agenda, then use the “My Show Planner” function to keep track of the sessions you plan to attend.
  • Stay Informed with Live Updates | Enable notifications to receive important messages and event reminders from Show Management.

What To Expect Wednesday

There are 2 more days left to enjoy business networking, product discovery, analysis, and education. If you haven’t registered yet, there’s still time. We look forward to seeing you.

Posted: August 21, 2024

Source: Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH

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