SPARTANBURG, S.C. — November 25, 2024 — Global diversified manufacturer Milliken & Company today announced its investment and partnership with Tidal Vision, a global biomolecular technologies company unlocking the power of chitosan to develop scalable solutions for critical industries. This strategic partnership will accelerate the introduction of biodegradable chemistries across the markets that Milliken serves and is the latest in a series of investments made as part of Milliken’s ventures program.
“At Milliken, we invest with a long-term perspective, prioritizing partnerships that will drive meaningful growth,” said Halsey Cook, president and CEO at Milliken. “Our approach is grounded in thorough research, strategic alignment with our core values, and a commitment to creating lasting value for our customers.”
Milliken’s investment will increase the availability of reliable, responsibly sourced materials with biodegradable properties in multiple applications. This is made possible by Tidal Vision’s proprietary technologies that transform chitosan, a powerful and biodegradable compound, into high-performance chemistries.
“We recognize the growing demand for responsible solutions that meet the highest standards of performance — and creating a path to offering biodegradable technologies represents an important step in that direction,” said Cindy Boiter, executive vice president and president of Milliken’s Chemical Business. “Our partnership with Tidal Vision is a natural fit, as their innovative approach to sustainable materials aligns with our commitments to collaboration, innovation, and sustainability.”
Headquartered in Bellingham, Wash., with more than 200 employees and facilities in five states, Tidal Vision leverages advanced manufacturing technologies and partners with industry leaders like Milliken to offer new and powerful chemistries at scale. Tidal Vision is built on the belief that chitosan solutions have the unique potential to help humanity on an industrial scale.
“Tidal Vision is thrilled to partner with Milliken, combining our complementary strengths to expand the use of chitosan-based chemistries into new applications on a global scale,” said Craig Kasberg, CEO of Tidal Vision. “By replacing non-biodegradable alternatives at scale, we’re driving meaningful environmental impact. Milliken’s commitment to sustainability and culture of innovation, paired with their market leadership, creates an ideal platform to accelerate the adoption of Tidal Vision’s technologies.”
BALLY, Pa. — November 25, 2024 — Bally Ribbon Mills (BRM), an industry supplier of the design, development, and manufacture of highly specialized engineered woven fabrics, highlights its versatile nylon webbing product line for straps, tapes, and belts. Renowned for its exceptional strength, durability, and adaptability, this nylon webbing is ideal for a wide range of applications across various industries. BRM offers several nylon webbing options, including shoulder straps, harness webbing, chin straps, helmet suspension, binding tapes, lap belts, and shock-absorbing webbing.
BRM’s nylon webbing exhibits exceptional properties, making it a preferred choice for demanding environments. With outstanding toughness and the ability to elongate under load, this webbing excels in energy absorption, making it particularly suitable for safety harnesses and load-bearing straps. The hygroscopic nature of the material allows it to manage moisture effectively while maintaining structural integrity and performance.
Manufactured through advanced processes, BRM’s nylon webbing features a unique chemical structure that imparts superior flexibility and resilience. This ensures the webbing can withstand significant stress and strain without compromising its shape or functionality, even after repeated use.
The nylon webbing’s exceptional abrasion resistance guarantees longevity, making it a cost-effective solution for applications requiring durability. Its quick-drying properties and resistance to insects and microbes further enhance its suitability for outdoor and rugged settings.
The technical specifications of the nylon webbing underscore its superior quality. With a tenacity ranging from 4.0 to 7.2 g/denier and elongation at break between 17 percent and 45 percent, the product provides an optimal balance of strength and flexibility. Its low shrinkage rate and high melting point further contribute to its reliability in challenging conditions.
LOS ANGELES — November 25, 2024 — Harbour, the premier luxury outdoor lifestyle brand, is reimagining outdoor luxury with the introduction of Harbour Signature Textiles.
Exclusively developed in collaboration with textile manufacturer Sunbrella, Harbour’s new luxury outdoor fabric program introduces a market-leading selection of basketweaves, plush velvets, and chenilles, available in over 30 hues.
Harbour Signature Textiles – Hayman Collection with Marley Snow
Designed to complement the wide range of Harbour’s offerings, each fabric is crafted in North America and engineered for outdoor durability while providing an elevated level of comfort and sophistication.
The range of exclusive signature textiles includes:
Altona — Harbour’s exclusive performance velvet, featuring a low pile and subtle striations, brings softness and an indoor feel to outdoor spaces. Available in Dew, Sand, Slate, Dove, Snow, and Mink.
Pebble — A performance bouclé fabric with knotted yarns forming in a random, textured pile, offering an inviting hand feel ideal for upholstery and loose cushions. Available in Cloud, Smoke, Fog, Sand, White, and Charcoal.
Monterey — A linen-inspired fabric with a wider weave that offers a luxurious hand feel and refined appearance. Perfect for upholstery and loose cushions, this fabric is available in Sand, Charcoal, Chalk, and Silver.
Marley — A high-pile performance chenille featuring thick yarns that create a velvety-soft, plush feel. Ideal for upholstery and loose cushions, this fabric is available in Boulder, Chinchilla, Mink, Parchment, and Snow.
Stirling — Inspired by natural linens, this fabric features random striations for a textured, organic look. Available in Powder, Sand, Dollar, Shadow, Mosquito, Fog, Sage, Linen, Flint, Smoke, and Salt.
Bateau — A striped fabric range with a wide weave, perfect for accents or full cushions featuring thin stripes interspersed with intermittent wider stripes. This fabric is available in Classic, Cocoon, and Teak.
Harrison Condos, Harbour’s founder and CEO, explained: “It’s been a dream of ours to bring the sophistication of indoor design to outdoor living — and with the launch of Harbour Signature Textiles, we’re making that dream a reality. This is the next evolution of Harbour, offering a market-leading range of performance fabrics in stunning tones that truly elevate outdoor comfort and style, blending elegance with resilience in a way that’s never been done before.”
GENEVA, Switzerland — November 25, 2024 — SGS has proudly unveiled three essential services to support Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) compliance and advance Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting and disclosures. These services — CSRD Pre-Assurance, ESG Disclosures & Sustainability Report Assurance, and ESG KPI Verification & Assurance — form a comprehensive suite that empowers organizations to meet evolving standards with confidence and precision.
Leveraging over two decades of disclosure and sustainability report assurance provision, SGS presents the services that complement a complete set of CSRD and ESG solutions under its new IMPACT NOW for sustainability suite.
CSRD Pre-Assurance
Accuracy and consistency are vital to CSRD compliance. SGS’s CSRD Pre-Assurance caters to organizations wishing to identify gaps and weaknesses and strengthen their reporting approach through a confidential “dry run”. This approach minimizes the risk of receiving a qualified assurance opinion when undergoing future public assurance.
The service includes:
A gap analysis of processes and disclosures against European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS) requirements;
Constructive feedback on aligning data points, ESG targets and reporting processes;
A comprehensive review of the reporting structure; and
A detailed pre-assurance report.
Benefits:
Accurately assess before seeking full assurance;
Confirm strengths and address weaknesses in your ESG approach;
Minimize the risk of a qualified assurance statement; and
Prepare for a confident and efficient assurance process.
ESG Disclosures & Sustainability Report Assurance
This full-service solution provides independent verification, validation and assurance for organizations aiming to disclose their ESG information publicly. It ensures that ESG data is accurate and consistently aligned with reporting and assurance standards.
Benefits:
Comply with regulatory standards;
Ensure ESG data integrity and transparency;
Mitigate legal risks and avoid greenwashing;
Inspire peers and foster ESG innovation; and
Strengthen internal reporting frameworks.
ESG KPI Verification & Assurance
SGS’s ESG KPI Verification & Assurance service independently validates the metrics and targets in ESG disclosures. This service bolsters investor and stakeholder confidence, supporting due diligence, risk assessment and sustainable finance decisions.
Benefits:
Reduce borrowing costs through sustainable finance transactions;
Greater preparation for an initial public offering (IPO);
Validate your ESG claims and assess supplier performance; and
Facilitate due diligence and reveal potential compliance issues.
Géraldine Picaud, CEO of SGS, emphasized the importance of the IMPACT NOW services in driving sustainable business practices: “With the launch of our IMPACT NOW suite, we are providing organizations with innovative solutions to navigate CSRD compliance and enhance ESG reporting. This trio of services offers the clarity and confidence businesses need to address sustainability challenges, meet regulatory expectations and contribute positively to a more sustainable future.”
As sustainability is a complex and rapidly evolving area, SGS hears organizations’ concerns on a daily basis. Its experts worldwide, equipped with 30-plus years of sustainability leadership, are ready to move you from complexity to clarity, and from advice to transparent and meaningful action.
IMPACT NOW is more than just a concept. It’s SGS’s commitment to addressing the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution and waste. Embedding sustainability into every action and service it provides, SGS aims to contribute positively to society and achieve a nature-positive and pollution-free world.
Discover the three IMPACT NOW on ESG Assurance services or contact SGS to discuss your sustainability mission.
MUTTENZ, Switzerland — November 25, 2024 — As a manufacturer in industries like mattresses, furniture, automotive interiors, textiles or hygiene, you know that creating high-quality products requires more than just the right base materials.
A critical element behind the durability, comfort, and sustainability of these products is fabric reinforcement and lamination using high-performance polymers. These advanced materials ensure the longevity and efficiency of textile products, offering unmatched bonding capabilities, especially in fabric applications, along with significant sustainability benefits.
Excellent thermal stability and a healthier sleep with low odor & low VOC advantage of Licocene™ polymers
Clariant’s Licocene polymers, particularly the Licocene PP 1602, PP 2402, PP 2502 PP 2602, and PP 3602, have redefined the standards in hot melt polymers used in mattress production. Unlike traditional EVA-based adhesives, these polypropylene-based materials offer superior bond strength and thermal stability without the need for additional additives like tackifiers or plasticizers. This leads to a reduction in VOC emissions and negligible odor, both during manufacturing and in the final product, ensuring a healthier and more comfortable sleeping environment for consumers.
Cost-efficient production through reduced material use
One of the standout features of Licocene polymers is their ability to reduce material and energy consumption during the application process. These polymers allow for more precise placement, meaning manufacturers can use less adhesive while maintaining strong bonds, leading to significant cost savings. Additionally, the low viscosity of these adhesives facilitates the use of smaller nozzles, which further enhances productivity by reducing downtime for maintenance and allowing for faster line speeds.
Full-service solutions for mattresses
Clariant’s Licocene polymers offer a comprehensive solution for manufacturers throughout the entire production process. From the initial product development phase to the final assembly, these polymers ensure superior comfort and durability while meeting the increasingly strict environmental standards of today’s market. As engineered solutions, Licocene polymers are designed to improve every facet of mattress manufacturing, providing manufacturers with the tools they need to create high-quality, sustainable products that meet consumer demands and regulatory requirements.
How Clariant’s innovations enhance mattress quality and durability:
Mattress ticking
The ticking is the first line of defence against wear and tear. Clariant’s Licocene PP 2602 or PP 3602 polymers are used to coat and laminate the woven ticking fabrics, locking the fibers in place to prevent seam slippage and fraying over time. This layer also allows for custom enhancements like water resistance, antimicrobial properties, and more.
Pocket spring
Premium innerspring mattresses rely on pocket coils for customized support. Clariant’s Licocene PP 2402 and PP 2502 hot melt polymers are exceptional at fusing the fabric pockets to create the pocket spring structure. These polymers offer remarkable cohesive strength while maintaining low viscosity, allowing them to thoroughly permeate all non-woven layers. The result is a durable, consistent bond that enhances the overall quality of the mattress. This innovative bonding solution ensures that the pocket coil system maintains its integrity, contributing to the mattress’s long-term performance and comfort.
Foam bonding
For mattresses featuring foam comfort layers or cores, Clariant’s new Licocene polymers demonstrate superior adhesion for bonding different foam components together. This ensures the mattress maintains its structural integrity over years of use. Additionally, these Licocene polymers contribute to reduced noise levels in the finished mattress, enhancing the overall sleep experience by minimizing disturbances from movement.
Anti-slip protection
The last thing you want is your mattress sliding around. Licocene PP 1602 provides excellent anti-slip properties without leaving any sticky residue, keeping your mattress securely in place on smooth surfaces.
Renewable-based solutions and enhanced recycling capabilities
The Licocene Terra range is made from renewable instead of fossil-based raw materials via biomass balance certification. Some Licocene solutions also enable mono-material construction for easier recycling at end of life.
In addition to offering renewable-based solutions, selected products within Clariant’s Licocene portfolio are OEKO-TEX® ECO PASSPORT certified. This certification ensures that these hot melt adhesives meet stringent environmental and safety standards, making them an ideal choice for manufacturers focused on more sustainable textile production. By using these certified adhesives, mattress and textile manufacturers can confidently create products that align with eco-friendly practices and meet the growing consumer demand for more sustainable products.
Meeting the needs of a modern industry
With the rising demand for more eco-friendly and efficient manufacturing processes, Clariant’s Licocene polymers offer a forward-thinking solution. Whether it’s for mattress ticking, pocket spring assembly, foam bonding, or anti-slip, these polymers provide the necessary performance enhancements while aligning with the industry’s sustainability goals to not only improve the quality of their products, but also reduce the impact on the environment.
The next time you invest in a new mattress, you can rest easy knowing Clariant’s advanced polymer solutions are hard at work behind the scenes, enhancing durability, and comfort for years of great sleep.
ST. GALLEN, Switzerland — November 25, 2024 — As part of their growing denim initiative, bluesign®, a global sustainability solutions provider for the textile industry, proudly announces LIM Group as their first laundry system partner in Italy. This partnership enables bluesign® to be a one-stop resource for LIM teams working with top designers, luxury houses, and international labels on their denim programs. Recognized as the gold standard in chemical management, bluesign’s impact reduction work in the textile supply chain has gained even more importance regarding compliance with the EU legislation such as CSDDD, CSRD and ESPR. With LIM’s exceptional craftsmanship and bluesign®’s trusted expertise, this collaboration sets a new standard for European clean denim manufacturing.
Founded and managed by the Stevanin family since the 1980s, LIM’s laundry has distinguished itself in the fashion industry with its expertise in denim washing and unique dyeing techniques. LIM also integrates ecofriendly technologies, including ozone and laser machinery, wastewater purification systems, and renewable energy-powered operations. With a strong reputation for creativity, technical expertise, and ecoconscious practices, LIM collaborates with some of the world’s most prestigious brands and luxury houses, including Valentino, Balenciaga, Gucci, Dsquared2, Maison Margiela, Replay, Jacob Cohen, and Dondup.
“Renowned for its expertise in washing and dyeing processes while working in collaboration with the world’s top names, LIM has established itself as a leader in the denim industry. Their integration into the bluesign system reinforces the importance of bluesign in fostering sustainable practices in laundry and dyeing,” said bluesign CEO Daniel Rüfenacht. “We are excited to work with the Stevanin family and LIM Group teams globally as they help us expand the reach of our mission to enable clean denim manufacturing globally.”
As the first bluesign laundry system partner in Italy, LIM Group is at the forefront of reshaping the country’s textile manufacturing landscape. The company’s use of advanced technologies aligns perfectly with bluesign®’s vision for reducing resource consumption and environmental impact.
“Joining the bluesign system marks a pivotal moment for LIM as we continue to prioritize sustainability in our operations and with our brand partners,” shares Gianfranco Stevanin, CEO and co-owner of LIM Group. “Our relationship not only strengthens our commitment to eco-conscious manufacturing but also enables us to deliver innovative solutions that meet the expectations of today’s conscious consumers. We are proud to collaborate with bluesign® to set new standards for transparency, accountability, and sustainable production.”
ALEXANDRIA, Va. — November 22, 2024 — Leaders from the healthcare sector convened in Atlanta for TRSA’s 13th Annual Healthcare Conference, attracting around 200 attendees eager to explore the latest developments facing commercial laundries. The conference provided crucial insights into the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the market and trends shaping healthcare services.
The event began with a keynote address by Economic Futurist Andrew Busch, titled “AI Unleashed: Growth Opportunities.” Busch analyzed the current U.S. economy and discussed how the recent 2024 election results will influence future conditions. He highlighted significant trends affecting workplaces and daily life, including population migration and weather volatility, and emphasized AI’s potential to create opportunities in the linen, uniform, and facility services industry.
Following the keynote, attendees participated in two-panel discussions. The first panel, “AI and Automation Initiatives in the Commercial Laundry Industry,” featured insights from industry leaders, Larry Erickson, Kannegiesser ETECH, and Mads Andresen, CEO, Inwatec ApS discussing their perspectives, while the second, “Industry Executive Perspectives on the Healthcare Services Sector,” included from major healthcare laundries,: David Potack, CEO, Unitex Healthcare Laundry Services; Chad Poeppelmeier, vice president of Healthcare, Cintas; and Mark Carter, president/CEO, Up To Date Laundry Inc.
After lunch, breakout sessions addressed various topics, including AI’s role in workplace safety and the latest updates on Hygienically Clean certification. Attendees also engaged in discussions on reusable versus disposable products, highlighting strategies to enhance competitiveness.
Following the breakout sessions, attendees listened to presentations on TRSA’s Healthcare Industry Trends Survey and post-Covid challenges. Liz Remillong, vice president, strategic alliances, CORE Linen Services led this discussion, along with healthcare linen customers Sharon Clark, purchasing project manager, Northside Hospital Cancer Institute; and Monica Hollo, national director of linen and laundry, Prime Healthcare. Sara Gunderson of Gunderson Uniform & Linen raved about the customer panel and hearing their perspectives. She wished that the conference had dedicated even more time on the customer panel.
Kevin Schwalb, TRSA’s Vice President of Government Relations, wrapped up the day with an update on essential standards and regulations for healthcare operators.
The second and final day of the conference featured a plant tour of the NOVO Health Services facility in Atlanta. The Hygienically Clean certified plant services the acute-care market in the greater Atlanta area. Dave Fox, senior operations manager, Standard Textiles, summed up the conference, as a solid event with good attendance and participation. Fox added, “The panel sessions were a great format and the smaller group breakouts, seemed to encourage more questions and participation.”
The 2025 Healthcare & Conference will be held Nov. 19-20 in Boston, MA. For more information about TRSA and future events, please visit www.trsa.org.
GLOUCESTER, England — November 25, 2024 — RuRoc, a global supplier of winter sports protection, announces that its RG2 modular helmet has won the prestigious 2024 ISPO (Internationale Fachmesse für Sportartikel und Sportmode) Award.
The RG2 builds on the legacy of the iconic RG1, redefining the snow helmet category with its advanced modular design, allowing full-face and open face options with advanced safety features.
The award underscores RuRoc’s dedication to redefining snow helmet design by blending cutting-edge safety technologies, modular functionality, and striking aesthetics.
RHEON Technology: Advanced rotational and linear impact protection that dynamically adapts to different impact scenarios, significantly reducing the risk of head injuries.
twICEme® Smart Safety Tech: A built-in NFC chip allows riders to store critical medical information, accessible to first responders in case of an emergency.
Full Protection and Modular Design: Customizable components for adaptability to varying conditions and riding style.
In terms of comfort and fit, the RG2 is 200 grams lighter and has a 20 percent wider field of view than its predecessor. The new 360º Fit System ensures total comfort in a secure and customizable fit for all head shapes.
“Winning the ISPO Award is a powerful validation of our mission to redefine snow helmets and break away from the status quo,” said Douglas Causer, Product manager, Ruroc. “It celebrates our passion for crafting striking helmets with advanced protection and bold, head-turning styles for riders who value both performance and style.”
The RG2 is available for pre-sale now at ruroc.com and will ship and be available at selected retailers worldwide in early December, 2024.
CARY, N.C. — November 22, 2024 — INDA brought together hundreds of industry leaders to explore advancements in the absorbent hygiene and personal care markets during the 10th annual Hygienix™ event, held November 18-21 at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel.
Themed Driving Absorbent Hygiene Product Innovation: Consumer Desires, Market Dynamics & Sustainability Solutions, key sessions included pricing strategies, global trade impacts, FemTech, adult care, period poverty, emerging pet care and wound care markets, environmental regulations on plastics and PFAS, and the impact of aging societies.
An event highlight was the presentation of the 2024 Hygienix Innovation Award® to HIRO Technologies, Inc.’s World’s First MycoDigestable Diapers, diapers featuring plastic-eating mushrooms that combine excellent absorbency with natural materials.
The other notable finalists were:
Harper HYGIENICS S.A.’s Cleanic Naturals Hemp Sanitary Pads (Day & Night) and Pantyliners, an innovative femcare line made with regenerative hemp fibers from Bast Fibre Technologies; and
Hello Hazel, Inc.’s High & Dry Briefs, the first and only disposable briefs for leaks designed to look, fit, and feel like real underwear.
Hygienix Highlights
Attendees gained insights and knowledge during three hands-on training sessions on Nov. 18, focused on fundamentals of absorption systems and opportunities in adult incontinence, innovations in menstrual care, and baby and infant care market dynamics.
Hygienix kicked off with a welcome reception that fostered networking. Attendees explored emerging trends and product innovations through Lightning Talks, connected with successful hygiene start-ups during Lunch Around sessions, and discovered the latest offerings at tabletop exhibits.
“Hygienix exemplifies INDA’s commitment to empowering companies in the absorbent hygiene and personal care markets to advance their businesses,” said INDA President Tony Fragnito. “The insights and connections made at this year’s event will drive growth and enable participants to meet evolving demands and market challenges.”
INDA announced Hygienix 2025 will be held Nov. 17-20 at Omni Amelia Island Resort, Fernandina Beach, Florida.
Posted: November 22, 2024
Source: INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry
SAVANNAH, Ga. — November 22, 2024 — AATCC presents several prestigious awards each year, along with thousands of dollars in honoraria. Some awards were established to recognize outstanding achievers in the textiles sciences, whose discoveries influence the world. Others recognize AATCC members for service to the Association that has strengthened and promoted its purpose and mission to the world.
All the awards were presented on October 8, 2024, during the Textile Discovery Summit Awards Luncheon held at The Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa in Savannah, GA, USA.
AATCC 2024 Future Leaders Awardees
Future Leaders Award
The AATCC Future Leaders Award recognizes promising young professionals in the fields of textiles, apparel, and related material sciences, provides acknowledgement and recognition to enhance their careers, engages these young professionals in the work of the Association, and brings their insights and needs to the forefront. These young professionals are the future of the textile industry and the future leaders of AATCC. Award recipients represent the various AATCC Interest Groups.
Brandon Francois
Chemical Applications
Brandon Francois is an account manager at Silver Fern Chemical. He has been a member of AATCC since 2017. He is a member of the Piedmont Section, and currently serves as Treasurer.
Francois graduated with a BS in Packaging Science from Clemson University in 2015. After graduation, he worked with Berry Plastics, Pulcra Chemicals, and HeiQ. Throughout his career, Francois has gained experience in chemical applications by working with global brands, focusing on materials innovation and sustainability. At Silver Fern Chemical, he is a sales leader serving the US specialty chemical market with tailored supply-chain solutions for customers across HII, CASE, agriculture, textiles, nonwovens, and beyond. He is focused on developing long term partnerships and introducing Silver Fern to new markets across the Southeast, Gulf, and Midwest.
Isha Nabar
Concept 2 Consumer
Isha Nabar has been a member of AATCC since 2023 and is a part of Concept 2 Consumer and Rising Professionals Interest Groups.
Nabar is a ready-to-wear designer for Tanya Taylor. She has been with Tanya Taylor since 2022, where she has been responsible for all stages of design development with the Ready-to-Wear womenswear team. She has interpreted seasonal direction into innovation and commercial designs, participated in concept research, vintage sourcing, trim, and 3D swatch development. Her skills and experience in embroidery and embellishment, jewelry making, and fashion design led her to become the Founder of Project ‘De-Tech,’ a fashion-centric initiative influencing teens to engage in gadget-free activities.
Joshua Ingram
Materials
Joshua Ingram has been a member of AATCC since 2019 and has been an active member on several research committees.
Ingram is a development engineer at PBI Performance Products Inc. He has been with PBI since 2019 and represents the company on various committees. He is a technical expert on PBI materials and test methods used for evaluation materials; coordinates with yarn, fabric, and garment manufacturers to ensure products are of the highest quality; and investigates new applications for PBI products. He has a BS in Materials Science and Engineering and a MS in Textile Engineering from North Carolina State University. His research on fabric flammability and thermally induced fabric shrinkage was presented at ASTM F23 11th Symposium on Performance of Protective Clothing and Equipment.
Nur-Us-Shafa Mazumder
Rising Professionals
Nur-Us-Shafa Mazumder has been a member of AATCC since 2019 and has presented his research and many AATCC events.
Mazumder is a graduate research assistant in the Textile Protection and Comfort Center (TPACC) at North Carolina State University. As a graduate research assistant, he analyzes PFAS and evaluates firefighter protective clothing for their contamination resistance to improve wearer protection.
Mazumder received a BS in Textile Technology from Ahsanullah University of Science and Technology. He then received a MS in Design, Housing, and Merchandising from Oklahoma State University, and is currently studying at North Carolina State University to receive a PhD in Fiber and Polymer Science. He received a grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency-Assistance to Firefighters to work on his research of the development of contamination resistance as a measure for firefighter protective clothing.
TCR Service Award
The Technical Committee on Research Service Award was established in 2008 to recognize those members who have contributed greatly to the AATCC organization in a technical capacity. Individual members of the Association with at least five years of continuous membership in AATCC, who have contributed outstanding technical service to the Association through activity in a research committee, are eligible. The Award consists of a plaque and an honorarium.
AATCC is pleased to recognize Suzanne Holmes and Kiarash Arangdad as the 2024 recipients of the AATCC Technical Committee on Research (TCR) Service Award.
Suzanne Holmes
Since 2016, Suzanne Holmes has been on Stain Resistance Test Methods, Dimensional Change of Test Methods, Colorfastness to Washing Test Methods, Appearance Retention Test Methods, Water Resistance Test Methods, and Home Laundering Technology research committees. Holmes is the chair of Stain Resistance Test Methods and is an active member of the Technical Committee on Research. Holmes was recognized for her continuous service and leadership of the RA56 and for spearheading the committee’s test method, TM213-2023 which measures the ability of fabrics to release household soils during home laundering.
Holmes is currently Manager of the Product Evaluation Laboratory at Cotton Incorporated. She oversees and participates in delivery of dependable test data from standard fiber, yarn, fabric, and product tests in support of internal research and marketing efforts for cotton breeders and promotes the accomplishment of using quality measurements to increase upland cotton marketability worldwide. Holmes joined AATCC as a staff where she was a Lab Technician for the Association from 2003 to 2004, a Technical Associate from 2004 to 2006, a Senior Technical Associate from 2006 to 2012, and Technical Product/Program Manager from 2012 to 2016. Holmes received her BS in Textile Technology and Design and a MS in Textile Management and Technology from North Carolina State University. She also worked as a Laboratory Assistant and a Teaching & Research Assistant at North Carolina State University.
Kiarash Arangdad
Kiarash Arangdad joined AATCC in 2016. He has been a part of the following research committees: RA31, RA56, RA100, RA49, RA63. He is the chair of Water Resistance Test Methods and is an active member of the Executive Committee on Research and the Education Advisory Board. Arangdad is recognized for his continuous service and leadership of RA63 and RA114. Throughout his service as Chair for both committees, Arangdad has overseen the development of TM213-2022 and TM214.
Arangdad is currently Director of Raw Material Innovation at Lululemon. He holds both a BS and Master’s degree in Textile Engineering and earned a PhD in Fiber and Polymer Science with a minor in Chemistry from North Carolina State University in 2015. Throughout his career, Arangdad has managed numerous projects focused on developing sustainable materials for apparel, footwear, and consumer goods. His efforts have led to more than fifteen patents and patent-pending innovations, as well as the successful commercialization of sustainable products.
J.W. Weaver Award
Even before it began publishing its own journal, AATCC had a long-standing tradition of friendly rivalry among authors. From 1925 to 1933, awards were presented for the best AATCC conference papers published by American Dyestuff Reporter. From 1940 to 1996, an Intersectional Paper Competition winner was chosen each year. In January 1969, AATCC began publishing Textile Chemist and Colorist and in February 1979, an annual award was established to honor the best paper printed in that journal.
In 1990, the award was named for J. William Weaver, who was chair of the AATCC editorial board at the time of his death. Over the years, winning papers have covered a variety of topics. The award includes a framed certificate signed by the AATCC president and the Publications Committee chair.
Heng Quan, Jingzhi Ren, Lin Xu, Yang Wang, and Zengfeng Wei are the recipients of the J. William Weaver Paper of the Year Award for their paper, “Design and Fabrication of Bistratal Functional Anionic Polyurethane Membrane on the Surface of Cashmere Fiber Based on Foaming Micro-Coating and the Studies of its Structure–Activity Relationships” published in the 2023 AATCC Journal of Research.
Heng Quan
About the Authors
Heng Quan is a faculty member of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering at Wuhan Textile University in Wuhan, China. They also work at Hubei Province Key Lab of Biomass-fibers and Eco-dyeing & Finishing, and the Wuhan Engineering Center of Cleaner Production of Dyeing and Finishing and Functional Textile, in Wuhan, China. Quan earned a BS from Northwest Textile College (1993); a MS degree from Xi’an University of Engineering and Technology (1998); a PhD from Tianjin Polytechnic University (2005); and a Postdoc from Shaanxi University of Science and Technology (2015). In the past 10 years, Quan has led and completed over thirty various scientific and technological projects. Before working at Wuhan Textile University, they were an associate professor at Xi’an Polytechnic University. Quan has achieved five provincial level science awards, five national industry association science and technology awards, and three provincial and ministerial level teaching achievement awards. They have several publications in peer-reviewed journals and books. Quan was appointed expert of the Chinese Foreign Cultural Exchange Center of the Ministry of Education and the National Advanced Printing and Dyeing Technology Innovation Center.
Jingzhi Ren
Jingzhi Ren is a faculty member of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering at Wuhan Textile University in Wuhan, China. Ren also works at the Wuhan Engineering Center of Cleaner Production of Dyeing & Finishing and Functional Textile and the Graduate workstation (Hubei Daya), Wuhan Textile University, in Wuhan, China. Ren received their BS and MS from Wuhan Textile University.
Lin Xu
Lin Xu works at Hebei Product Quality Supervision and Inspection Institute, Shijiazhuang, China. Xu received their BS from Hebei University of Science and Technology in 2001, and their MS from Xi’an University of Engineering and Technology in 2005. Xu is a member of the China Clothing Standardization Technical Committee, and a member of the China Cashmere Products Standardization Committee.
Yang Wang
Yang Wang is a faculty member of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering at Wuhan Textile University in Wuhan, China. Wang also works at the Wuhan Engineering Center of Cleaner Production of Dyeing & Finishing and Functional Textile and the Graduate workstation (Hubei Daya), Wuhan Textile University, in Wuhan, China. Wang received a BS and MS from Wuhan Textile University.
Zengfeng Wei
Zengfeng Wei is a faculty member of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering at Wuhan Textile University in Wuhan, China. They also work at Hubei Province Key Lab of Biomass-fibers and Eco-dyeing & Finishing, and the Wuhan Engineering Center of Cleaner Production of Dyeing and Finishing and Functional Textile, in Wuhan, China. Wei received a BS from Huanggang Normal University (2014), and a MS and PhD from Central China Normal University (2019). In the past 5 years, they have presided over and participated in the completion of more than ten scientific and technological projects. They have published over ten SCI papers and granted more than ten invention patents.
Posted: November 22, 2024
Source: American Association of Textile Chemists & Colorists (AATCC)
SPARTANBURG, S.C. — November 25, 2024 — Global diversified manufacturer Milliken & Company today announced its investment and partnership with Tidal Vision, a global biomolecular technologies company unlocking the power of chitosan to develop scalable solutions for critical industries. This strategic partnership will accelerate the introduction of biodegradable chemistries across the markets that Milliken serves and is the latest in a series of investments made as part of Milliken’s ventures program.
