Techtextil North America has come along way in this, its 15th edition, and shared the show floor with an equally successful fourth Texprocess Americas
TW Special Report
With great interest, the 15th edition of Techtextil North America and fourth Texprocess Americas recently took place at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta. Atlanta-based organizer Messe Frankfurt Inc. reports the events gathered a total of 567 Techtextil North America and Texprocess Americas exhibitors representing 32 countries. Total attendance grew to 8,292, roughly a 4-percent increase over the 2016 events.
There were high level attendees and exhibitors on the show floor. Booth traffic and engagement was heavy and steady. This was consistent with the history of Techtextil North America and Texprocess Americas in Atlanta. For those in technical textiles and apparel manufacturing, it is a convenient location to view the latest technology, technical textiles, nonwovens, textile machinery, sewn products, equipment, and to participate in a great networking opportunities.
Visitor Perspective
“I enjoyed the show, and it was encouraging to see so many companies taking part,” said Anderson Warlick, vice chairman and CEO, Parkdale. “For Parkdale, the show offers an opportunity to find greater innovation.”
Miguel Ferrer, president, Kiko Sewing Machine Co., is a visitor who often attends the show each year. “The show never ceases to amaze me,” Ferrer said. “There is always something new to learn about and a new technology to see. I really like the Made in America movement this year, as we are seeing a lot of jeans factories opening up in Los Angeles again.”
The Exhibitor Perspective
“This show is a great opportunity for us to showcase our new technology,” said Daniella Ambrogi, vice president of marketing, Lectra. “This year has been a busy show and we’ve had a great turnout of visitors. We are happy to be here.” Lectra introduced its new Cutting Room 4.0 made-to-order solution with an official unveiling and ribbon cutting ceremony. Texprocess attendees were treated to the first public demonstration of the cloud-connected digital cutting solution.
“Being featured as the premier provider for digital textile printing, in the context of Gerber Technology’s ambitious micro-factory exhibit for end-to-end production of on-demand goods, offered an outstanding opportunity to demonstrate that what some call ‘the future’ of apparel, home goods, and accessories, is very much reality today,” said Ryan Kurek, marketing director at Kornit Digital North America. “We spoke with decorators, creators, and manufacturers of all types and sizes, and found a market highly receptive to this technology’s ability to deliver at the speed of e-commerce, under one roof, sustainably, efficiently, and using a single process and ink set for multiple fabrics.”
All in all, response from exhibitors, and visitors both domestic and international, was positive. The show floor included country pavilions featuring suppliers from Italy, Texclubtec, Belgium, China, Taiwan, High-Tex from Germany, and SEAMS Made in USA.
“It was clear that everyone, both visitors and exhibitors, could feel the energy and excitement on the show floor,” said Dennis Smith, president and CEO, Messe Frankfurt Inc. “We are proud to serve as the platform for furthering the growth and development of the North American technical textile and sewn products industries. There is an immense amount of talent and innovation coming from the US, and Techtextil North America and Texprocess Americas have become the premier events where professionals from all industries come to see the trends and technologies that are coming their way. We are truly grateful for the large network of exhibiting and visiting companies responsible for the growth of these two events, and we look forward to our continued success together, next in our 2019 edition of Techtextil North America in Raleigh, North Carolina, and then back in Atlanta for the 2020 co-located events.”
The 16th edition of Techtextil North America will take place February 26-28, 2019, in Raleigh.
Messe Frankfurt also has announced the 2020 Atlanta events will take place May 12-14, 2020, again at the Georgia World Congress Center.
Chateau Élan proved a draw for the 35th annual Outlook® Conference
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The Roseville, Minn.-based Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI) recently wrapped up the 35th annual Outlook® Conference, which was held at the Chateau Élan Winery & Resort in Braselton, Ga. The conference is co-organized by the Narrow Fabrics Institute (NFI) and United States Industrial Fabrics Institute (USIFI), both divisions of IFAI.
Market Trends, Useful Insights
The event again kicked off with a “Military Morning” presented by IFAI’s Military Division after positive feedback from attendees about last year’s inaugural Military Morning programming featuring military-focused topics. Conference participants learned about the intricacies of the Department of Defense’s budget, the mission and procurement procedures of the Defense Logistics Agency, as well as the key goals of the U.S. Army Natick Soldier Research, Development & Engineering Center for outfitting the soldier of 2030 with the best uniforms and equipment. Other topics covered over the two days included an economic outlook, the innovation taking place at the Advanced Functional Fabrics of America (AFFOA), the impact of supply and demand in the man-made fiber industry, a Washington update, and an overview of world energy markets. Bill Jackson, the U.S. Trade Representative for Textiles, was unable to attend the event in person because he was involved in the ongoing North America Free Trade Agreement negotiations. However, Jackson was able to address attendees the second morning via video call.
Keynote speaker Ross Bernstein — an author of almost 50 sport books — ended the conference proceedings before attendees headed out to play a round of golf or tour the Chateau Élan winery.
New USIFI Chair
During the meeting, retiring USIFI Chair Ted Anderson stepped down, and Jim Egan, Graniteville Specialty Fabrics, was installed as the institute’s new chair. Patti Bates, Glen Raven Technical Fabrics, was named USIFI vice chair.
Industry Support
The event was well supported by the industry with some 23 company sponsors contributing to the success of the event including Highland Industries, Glen Raven, Gehring-Tricot, Herculite, Milliken, Jakob Müller, Nexis Fibers, Unifi, Graniteville Specialty Fabrics, and Brawer Bros., among the supporters.
“This year’s IFAI Outlook was one of the best ever,” said Lloyd Wood, conference speaker, and president, Lloyd Wood Group. “Networking opportunities were abundant and the conference featured outstanding presentations on defense policy, marketing and other important topics. The U.S. textile industry has bright future thanks to its leadership and innovation.”
“The 2018 Outlook Conference was a huge success,” said Steve Schiffman, president and CEO, IFAI. “Attendance reached a five-year high and we had a lot of positive feedback on the quality of the content on the future of the U.S. textile industry. We’re looking forward to the 2019 Outlook Conference at the Ritz-Carlton Reynolds in Greensboro, Ga., May 6-8, 2019.”
The theme of Colombiatex was “Abre los Ojos”, or “Open Your Eyes.” Photos by INEXMODA.
The most important Colombian textile fair reaffirmed its position as the business center of the textile industry.
By Dr. Virgilio L. González, Textiles Panamericanos Correspondent
Celebrating 30 years of uninterrupted editions, with around $356 million in business prospects, Colombiatex 2018 closed satisfactorily after its three day show held in Medellín. Organizer — the Institute for Export and Fashion (Inexmoda), Medellín, Colombia — reported some 22,653 visitors participated in the event, an increase of 3 percent over 2017 numbers.
The show attracted 579 exhibitors — 346 were Colombia-based companies mainly from Antioquia, Cundinamarca and the Cauca Valley provinces. The remaining 233 exhibitors were mainly from Brazil, India and Spain, their participation 21 percent, 19 percent and 10 percent respectively. Approximately 14,023 buyers from more than 60 countries were also at the show. Some 87 percent were Colombian and 13 percent from other countries. Of the international buyers, Ecuador, Mexico and the United States were of significance, with participation of 69 percent, 13 percent and 4 percent respectively.
The INVAMER Survey Co. indicated that businesses opportunities at Colombiatex 2018 were noted at 36 percent for textile projects, 28 percent for machinery, 19 percent for raw materials and 7 percent for other supplies.
The fair was opened by Daniel Arango, vice minister of Trade, Industry and Tourism of Colombia; Luis Pérez Gutiérrez, Governor of the Department of Antioquia; Federico Gutiérrez, mayor of Medellín; Felipe Jaramillo, president of ProColombia; Juliana Villegas Restrepo, vice president of Exports of Pro-Colombia; the ambassador of Brazil in Colombia Julio Glinternick Bitelli; the ambassadors of Italy and India in Colombia; and Carlos Eduardo Botero Hoyos, executive president of Inexmoda.
During the press conference, Carlos Eduardo Botero Hoyos, CEO of Inexmoda (center), answered questions together with a group of industry experts.
Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos sent a written message to attendants emphasizing the importance of the Colombian textile industry, recognizing the opportunity to find new business, and anticipating that the work between government and private industry will help grow this important industrial sector.
Some of the key points Santos mentioned were:
Continuing to fight against smuggling and unfair competition;
Helping the textile industry continue its progress, taking advantage of free trade treaties with other countries;
Transforming knowledge and technology by means of of machinery updates;
Bridging the gap between universities and companies;
Deleting tax barriers; and
Connecting well established companies with small and medium-sized companies to attract international partners.
Luis Pérez Gutiérrez also reported important progress in the construction of a highway from Medellín to the coast. With this improvement set for 2019, the port of Urabá in the Pacific Ocean will be ready to receive raw materials and export Colombian goods to different markets.
Inexmoda President Botero Hoyos indicated that the textile sector could tackle future challenges by:
Viewing uncertainty as an opportunity, and finding solutions where they are not expected.
Investing in knowledge, to become leaders. Through its different centers, Inexmoda helps companies to improve their individual strategies so they can update and renew to improve competitiveness.
Making technology the pillar of business. In this respect, the Intelligent Factory booth was present at Colombiatex, through the initiative of Inn Solution, showing modern machinery and technology for improved competitiveness.
INVISTA presented its innovative fabrics in a stand always in motion, featuring models wearing collections from different brands.
Another important launch at Colombiatex 2018, was the alliance between Inexmoda and New York City-based global trend forecasting agency Fashion Snoops. Three fashion trends were shown at Colombiatex in the Spring-Summer 2018 season, created by Fashion Snoops.
The Graphic Market also was important at Colombiatex, where 32 graphic artists exhibited their work. In this space, they showcased the latest trends in fonts, colors and textures.
Pro Colombia Helped 331 International Buyers Attend Colombiatex
Colombiatex 2018 was well supported. Brazil was an honored guest, and Pro Colombia — a government agency in charge of promoting exports, tourism and foreign investment — invited 331 buyers from 24 countries to the trade show.
According to a number of visitors, the fashion industry supply chain in Colombia offers high added value, high quality raw materials, quick turn capability, and is creative and innovative. No doubt, internationalization is a big opportunity for growth.
Exhibitors
At Colombiatex 2018, 579 companies showed their products. Most innovations related to sustainability and reduced water usage — including sublimation printing, and the use of lasers and other techniques making the use of chemicals largely reduced.
Other highlights included the production of technical and intelligent clothing.
Academic Program
The Pavilion of Knowledge hosted at Inexmoda by the University Pontificia Bolivariana (UPB), again was seen at Colombiatex 2018. This space confirmed the importance of generating places for learning. Some 7,750 visitors and 6,740 users via streaming participated in the interesting talks held in the Metropolitan Theatre of Medellín. Topics included business models, marketing, technology and sustainability — fundamental pillars to competition.
Luz Adriana Naranjo, transformation director, Inexmoda, said: “It is important that industry manufacturers keep up to date to satisfy the true needs of consumers, having a perspective that goes back to the companies and managers to be competitive for the future. To delegates that are in this academic space, created by the UPB, we should give some strategic basis in order to train leaders, students and employers.”
Ramiro Arango, general manager of Didetexto, in his talk “Doing it in Colombia is worth it,” indicated that to create profitable and productive businesses, and to generate value, it is necessary to find a way to differentiate and compete in the market. “Colombia has a lot of competitive advantages in design such as professional creative teams and knowledge of the product and the consumer, hence, it should have quick answers and flexible processes.”
Ester Xicota, with his “Vision and strategies” presentation recognized sustainable innovation opportunities in the Colombian industry, offering his vision for defined strategies for action.
In its 30th year, Colombiatex fulfilled its aims, and provided a space for effective networking. All indications confirmed Colombiatex of the Américas continues to be a first class show.
ITA, ACIMIT At Colombiatex
In Colombia, through the Italian Trade Agency (ITA) it was possible to see the great interest of Italian suppliers wishing to expand their markets in Latin America.
The Italian Association of Textile Machinery Manufacturers (ACIMIT) also was present with a good number of stands at the 2018 edition of Colombiatex. Italy wishes to be one of the main suppliers of textile machinery in this area of the world.
ACIMIT is a private institution that brings together a vast majority of textile companies, and whose production represents 85 percent of the total production of Italian textile machinery, as well as some associated members such as consortiums, technical schools, technical publications and research centers.
Textile Machinery Promotion
The main purpose of ACIMIT is to promote the Italian textile machinery sector, and support its activity abroad through the latest and most advanced promotional media, continuously improving in its 70 years of existence.
Activities include organizing exhibitions, technical seminars, missions in Italy and abroad, most of them in collaboration with the Italian Trade Promotion Agency (ICE).
As is well known, Italy is a leading country in the production of textile machinery globally, and the level of its technology is considered one with the highest standards, even by its
competitors.
Italian textile machinery manufacturers cover the full spectrum of industrial needs such as spinning, weaving, knitting, finishing and industrial laundries. They not only cover the high and innovative technology in textile machinery, but also everything related to obtaining a better final product that goes to the market.
In this way, ACIMIT members claim to offer a maximization of their operational flexibility to respond to the needs of their customers with highly specialized products. Creativity, sustainability, efficiency and quality are the main characteristics sought by Italians who manufacture textile machinery.
Italian Exports
In 2016, Italian textile production reached 2.7 billion euros, of which 85 percent were exported to more than 130 countries. Asia with 47 percent was the main export area, followed by other European countries with 35 percent, Latin America with 7 percent, North America with 8 percent, and Africa with 3 percent.
During the celebration of Colombiatex de las Américas 2018, Textiles Panamericanos met with several members of ITA and ACIMIT. From these conversations, it became apparent Italian companies have a great interest in expanding the use of Italian machinery in Latin America; to be involved in technical and commercial agreements leading to favorable exchanges for both regions; and want to support initiatives for improved technology transfers to Colombia and the rest of the region.
The interviewees strongly agree that Colombiatex de las Américas is an excellent resource as a trade fair, and hope that its continuous achievements contribute to the growth and progress of the textile industry.
Characteristics
According to ITA, this event contributes to industry knowledge about the strengths and characteristics of Italian textile machinery, such as:
• the high level of technology;
• flexibility and operational versatility of its products;
• excellent price/quality ratio;
• highly reliability and problem-free operation; and
• a close, continuous relationship with the textile and apparel industries.
In addition, safety and environmental investigations are constantly carried out to propose solutions, maintaining European and international standards at all times.
Redmond, Wash.-based Sensoria developed a smart sock that could monitor not only how fast and far a runner went, but also how well they run.
The medical field benefits from textile innovations, and the rapid development of sensor technology brings new products to the healthcare and wellness market.
TW Special Report
The textile news has presented a number of stories centered in and around the medical industry in recent months. Whether the news relates to implantables and grafts, coatings and additives for wellness and bacteria protection, or innovative uniform fabrics, the textile industry is playing a role in medical progress. One particular area of note is sensor technology. Rapid development is taking place in the sensor market, and many companies are developing smart textile products for medical and health-related applications.
Making Socks Smart
Recently, San Francisco-based health technology company Siren introduced Neurofabric™, a Diabetic Sock and Foot Monitoring System that features microsensors embedded directly into the fabric. Six sensors — three across the ball of the foot, one in the arch and one on the heel — continuously monitor foot temperature looking for variation.
According to the company, Siren Diabetic Socks continuously monitor foot temperature to help detect signs of inflammation, the precursor to diabetic foot ulcers. Monitoring foot temperature is clinically proven to be the most effective way of catching foot injuries, and is up to 87-percent more effective at preventing diabetic foot ulcers than standard diabetic foot care.
Neurofabric™, a Diabetic Sock and Foot Monitoring System developed by San Francisco-based Siren, features six microsensors that continuously monitor foot temperature, looking for variation.
The company reports that approximately 56 percent of diabetic foot ulcers become infected, and 20 percent of those people with infected foot wounds end up with some type of lower extremity amputation. More than 100,000 legs are lost to diabetes each year in the United States. Meanwhile, up to 80 percent of people with diabetes who have foot amputations pass away within five years.
The socks wearer can see the temperature of their feet instantly with the app and compare changes from day to day.
“We built this technology because foot ulcers are the most common, costly and deadly complication for people with diabetes, yet there was no way to continuously monitor for these massive problems,” said Ran Ma, CEO and co-founder of Siren. “Our Neurofabric has endless applications across healthcare, sports, military, and fashion, but it was obvious to us that solving this specific problem is where we had to start, because it impacts so many and can mean the difference between losing a limb or not.”
The socks are sold as part of a system, which is offered as a subscription that includes five pairs of new Siren Diabetic Socks shipped every six months, the Siren Companion App, and live customer support.
Siren Diabetic Socks feature:
Neurofabric™ — Seamlessly-integrated sensors that monitor foot temperature at six key points — the most effective method for determining foot health;
Comfortable fit — All socks are seamless and non-binding;
Machine-washability and don’t need charging; and
Moisture-wicking — Fabric removes moisture from the foot area to promote healthy skin.
Six months is the expected useful life of the embedded battery.
According to Siren, for people with diabetic neuropathy the socks look and feel just like a regular pair of socks and provide continuous, clinical-grade temperature monitoring and health tracking over time. All they have to do is put on their socks like they would any other day.
Printed Graphene Sensors
Newark, Del.-based W. L. Gore & Associates and Bonbouton, New York City, have entered into a joint development agreement “to explore material solutions in advanced sensor technology and enable practical smart fabrics for assistive apparel and digital health applications.”
Bonbouton — a manufacturer of inkjet-printed, low-cost graphene temperature sensors — licensed technology developed at the Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken, N.J. The company’s flexible and molecularly thin sensors made using graphene oxide (GO) can be used for monitoring skin temperature.
The Bonbouton-Gore partnership will initially focus its research on temperature sensing technology and “will lay a foundation for future applications of sensor technology and conductive inks in digital health, chronic care management and smart fabrics.” The companies will utilize the Gore Innovation Center and are equal partners. Gore’s Innovation Center houses a prototyping facility where various developers and corporations can innovate and collaborate, while Gore can move forward its mission to provide support and assistance for start-ups in the digital health arena.
“Our work with Gore, and specifically the Innovation Center, is an exciting development,” said Linh Le, CEO and founder, Bonbouton. “Its materials and expertise are what will allow us to improve on existing technology and take development to the next level. Gore is known for a science-backed approach to comfort and wearability. Coupled with its collaborative resources and exploratory mindset, this makes Gore a model partner.”
“Because of its extraordinary flexibility and thinness, we envision that ‘comfortable-to-wear’ graphene sensor arrays can be used for constant and wireless monitoring of a variety of pathophysiological developments,” Le said.
“We are thrilled to be working with Bonbouton to explore our combined potential, especially in applications where it can enhance quality of life for those with chronic conditions,” said Linda Elkins, co-leader, Gore Innovation Center. “The Gore Innovation Center offers a prototyping facility where startups, researchers, customers and corporations can collaborate and innovate.”
San Francisco-based Emglare introduced smart clothes designed with sensors for monitoring heartbeat as well as the electrical activity of the heart using electrocardiography (ECG).
Built-in ECG And Heart Rate
Recently San Francisco-based Emglare introduced smart clothes designed with sensors for monitoring heartbeat as well as the electrical activity of the heart using electrocardiography (ECG). Emglare’s smart clothes communicate directly with a mobile phone application where all monitored health information is made available.
Emglare’s first commercial product is the Emglare Heart mobile application, which is compatible with its smart clothes featuring built-in ECG and heart rate sensors. The clothing can be recharged directly using a wireless charger. The company initially has designed an undershirt and sports T-shirt for men, and a sports bra and regular bra for women. According to the company, the products are suitable for daily use because one of the its goals was “to produce smart clothes that are natural and comfortable even when worn all day.”
“Our goal is to create the best smart clothes in the world that are not only super smart but mainly comfortable and suitable for everyday wearing,” said Jifií Pastor, CEO and founder of Emglare. “Our products are developed by a group of specialists from different disciplines – healthcare, informatics and fashion industry.”
Sensoria has recently extended its sensor technology into the Sensoria Smart Running Shoe.
Sensoria For Health, Wellness
Several years ago, Redmond, Wash.-based Sensoria introduced a smart sock that could monitor not only how fast and far a runner went, but also how well they run. The right and left footed socks feature three sensors under the plantar area of the foot to detect foot pressure. The sensors are connected to conductive fibers in the sock that can relay data collected to an anklet that is connected to the sock’s cuff via a magnetic attachment. Sensoria reports the sock was designed to act as a textile circuit board. The lightweight anklet is activated when connected to the magnetic attachment and communicates continuously with a Sensoria mobile app using Bluetooth Smart. The company also makes upper garments that can monitor heart rate.
More recently, the company has extended this technology into the Sensoria Smart Running Shoe. Textile pressure sensors embedded in the shoe are connected to a detachable electronic device called Sensoria® Core, which features system on chip (SoC) technology. The sensors monitor pace, speed, ascent and descent, cadence, contact time, foot-landing technique and impact, which is accessed using the Sensoria Run companion app. A runner may use the data to improve performance and reduce the risk of injuries. Sensoria currently is taking preorders for the shoes.
Sensoria reports its technologies are customizable and compatible with a variety of healthcare applications. Its sensors are safe for use on skin and have been tested at a variety of pH ranges. The thin sensor — less than 1 millimeter thick — offers flexibility for a wide range of clinical applications including diabetic foot complications, fall detection and prevention, neurology, and rehabilitation, according to the company.
BeBop: From Musical Applications To Health Tech
Berkley, Calif.-based BeBop Sensors Inc.’s approach uses fabric to measure force. Launched back in 2014, BeBop’s Wearable Smart Fabric Sensor was developed as a spin off from a sensor technology company created by musical instrument inventor Keith McMillen. BeBop uses a combination of polymers to make a fabric piezoresistive. When the material is strained in any way — twisted, bent, stretched or when force is applied — there is a change to the fabric’s electrical properties, which can be quantified by conductive inks that sense the change in resistance. Unique geometries are used depending on the application.
According to the company, its sensors can measure physicality, XYZ location, bend, motion, rotation, angle torsion as well as sense pressure. BeBop reports the market applications for its technology include clothing and protective wear, shoes, healthcare devices, athletic equipment, automotive, robotics, aerospace, gaming, biometrics, and prosthetics.
Conductive inks sense changes in resistance in Berkley, Calif.-based BeBop Sensors Inc.’s piezoresistive fabrics. Unique geometries are used for each application.
The company developed a High Resolution Smart Helmet Sensor System, which employs 40 sensors in the helmet’s liner to capture a high-speed movie of an entire impact incident from the perspective of the head. The data, which includes the exact impact location and velocity thresholds, can be used by first responders and for post-trauma analysis. The helmet also can be programmed to trigger an emergency call or other response command. “Strikes to the pterion (temple area) are far more dangerous than to the frontal bone, said Keith McMillen, BeBop founder and CEO. “Knowing where the strike originated and how it propagates during the event can provide valuable first responder information as well as input for decision making to dial an emergency 911 number for assistance.”
Recently, the company closed a more than $10 million Series A round of funding led by San Francisco-based Bullpen Capital. The company reports it intends to use the funds to accelerate product development and market penetration of its sensor-based technologies.
Atlanta-based Georgia-Pacific LLC has agreed to sell its Georgia-Pacific Steinfurt GmbH nonwovens business to York, Pa.-based Glatfelter for $185 million. The deal is subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory clearance from competition authorities.
The proposed deal includes Georgia-Pacific’s European airlaid nonwovens operations in Steinfurt, Germany, as well as sales offices in France and Italy. Once the deal closes, the approximately 220 Steinfurt employees will become Glatfelter associates.
The deal does not impact any of Georgia-Pacific’s U.S.-based nonwovens businesses including the nonwovens research and development center in Memphis, and operations in Mt. Holly, N.C. and Green Bay, Wis.
“Georgia-Pacific nonwovens employees in Steinfurt have done a great job running a safe and productive operation, and have worked hard to make significant improvements to meet European customer needs,” said Doug Dowdell, president – nonwovens, Georgia-Pacific. “We believe this sale to Glatfelter, an established manufacturer with multiple European operations, is in the best interests of customers and Georgia-Pacific Steinfurt GmbH employees.”
Atlanta-based Crown Capital Investments LLC has acquired Graniteville Specialty Fabrics (GSF), Graniteville, S.C., a producer and distributor of highly engineered coated products used for such items as military shelters, marine covers and tents. GSF will remain in Graniteville, where the company has approximately 17 acres with offices, manufacturing and onsite research facilities.
“Graniteville is a great company and our families are thrilled with the acquisition,” said Christopher Graham, CEO, Crown Capital Investments. “We focus on investing in well-established, market-leading companies and helping them optimize operations, innovate and grow over time. The brand, the products and the management team all demonstrate the high performance attributes we seek within our portfolio companies.”
“Graniteville Specialty Fabrics has been known for quality products and innovation for over 70 years,” said Jim Egan, president, Graniteville Specialty Fabrics. “We’re excited to be associated with Crown Capital. Throughout the process Crown Capital was the obvious choice of our management team.”
Israel-based Avgol is launching Waveform 3D™ technology, a new 3-D concept for fabrics used in hygiene applications. The Waveform process allows nonwovens used for diapers, adult incontinence and feminine hygiene products to be modified with distinctive surface
patterns with varying 3-D profiles. Avgol reports the 3-D fabric composition can impart additional benefits including skin wellness, cushioning and an enhanced cotton feel.
“Investment in Waveform 3D Technology enables Avgol to offer high-performance nonwoven fabrics without compromising comfort,” said Nick Carter, director, Market Business Intelligence and Intellectual Property, Avgol. “The ability to choose whether to use solid, apertured or combination patterns allows the product designer to truly tailor a solution for their application including how the fabric feels, how the fabric functions and how the fabric looks.
“Waveform 3DTechnology is part of an exciting program of novel solutions to meet the ever-evolving regional needs of our customers and deliver added value through leading-edge developments, quality and service.”
The Lenzing Group, Austria, has introduced VEOCEL™, a nonwoven specialty brand of nonwoven fibers. Veocel fibers are certified as clean and safe, biodegradable, of botanic origin and produced in an environmentally responsible manner. Veocel fibers — including Veocell Lyocell and Veocel Specialty Viscose Fibers derived from renewable or sustainable wood sources from certified and controlled forests — can be used in a variety of everyday applications including baby care, beauty and body care and surface cleaning, and applications are grouped in branded offers as Veocel Beauty, Veocel Body, Veocel Intimate and Veocel Surface. The introduction is part of Lenzing’s new brand strategy to transform from a business-to-business fiber producer to a business-to-business-to-consumer brand.
“Guided by our sCore TEN strategy, the launch of the Veocel brand will accelerate our migration into a specialty fiber business with a strong focus on innovation, quality and sustainability,” said Robert van de Kerkhof, chief commercial officer, Lenzing Group. “Through ongoing proactive communication, the Veocel brand will also promote a holistic understanding about the benefits of botanic fibers in nonwoven products across the industry value chain and among consumers.”
Dixie Color Inc., Trion, Ga., has announced it will invest $19 million to establish Dixie Specialty Fibers in Trion. The expansion will create 100 new jobs in production, management, supervisor, technician and administrative roles. Dixie Color specializes in single pigment dispersions, custom color masterbatches and plastic compounding. The addition in Trion is to aid development of a new polyethylene terephthalate microfiber product for bath mats, area rugs and carpet;and support the demands of the fine denier microfiber market.
“Will Dendy and I started Dixie Color in 2009 with the vision of being a full-service color supplier to the tremendous growth of the solution-dyed flooring industry,” said Lee Starks, vice president of Dixie Color. “The formation of Dixie Specialty Fibers is representative of our commitment to continue to reinvest our resources into our employees, community, and customer base. We are excited to be the first local domestic supplier of microfiber, and we are even more excited about the opportunities it will create for our existing and future employees, as well as continuing to meet our customers’ needs.”
Loop Industries, Terrebonne, Quebec, is designing a fully integrated manufacturing facility to upcycle waste polyester (PET) and PET fiber into virgin quality Loop™ PET resin and polyester fiber. Loop reports the move is the next step in commercializing its Generation II technology. Coupled with Loop’s proprietary depolymerization technology, the state-of-the-art PET production processes allow plastic waste to be used as feedstock to manufacture Loop PET resin. The process separates the PET from all contaminants — including colors, dyes or additives — and recycles waste PET and polyester fiber in any form or condition into virgin quality Loop PET resin and fiber. This integrated manufacturing model will form the basis of the company’s commercialization strategy.
“A fully integrated start-to-finish process will soon exist to commercialize Loop’s innovative Generation II technology and help tackle the global plastic crisis,” said Daniel Solomita, CEO and Founder of Loop. “These facilities will make it possible for all forms of waste PET and polyester fiber, even ocean plastics that have been degraded by the sun and saltwater, to be fully recovered and upcycled into PET of the highest purity and performance quality.”
Techtextil North America has come along way in this, its 15th edition, and shared the show floor with an equally successful fourth Texprocess Americas
