Aramid Fiber Adopted For AQUOS Zero Smartphone

TOKYO — December 25, 2018 — Teijin Ltd. announced today that Technora black, the company’s strong and flame-retardant para-aramid fiber, has been selected for use in the back panel of the newest AQUOS zero, SHARP’s flagship smartphone model, which was released on December 21.

The new AQUOS zero, which weighs just 146 grams, has a plastic back panel reinforced with Technora black and a frame made of magnesium alloy. It will be the world’s lightest smartphone in a class of 6-inch screen and a battery capacity rated above 3,000mAh which supporting waterproof (over IPX5).

Teijin’s Technora para-aramid fiber is eight times stronger than steel as well as highly heat- and shock-resistant, making it an ideal material for broad applications ranging from rope, timing belts, racing car seats and car hoods to spacecraft. Technora black is increasingly being adopted for outdoor use, such as firefighting clothing and yacht sails, owing to its weather-resistance driven from its color by adding black pigments to Technora in spinning process.

Aramid fiber reinforced plastic is expected to contribute to the development of advanced, extra-high-speed mobile devices due to its light weight, electric insulation and dielectric constant property for minimized electromagnetic interference. Technora black is especially suitable for smartphones thanks to its weather resistance and attractive appearance, in addition to its many core features.

Going forward, Teijin will continue to introduce highly functional materials and solutions in diverse fields, to be a company that supports the society of the future as a long-term vision.

Posted December 26, 2018

Source: Teijin Group 

Tukatech And Lefty Production Co. Unveil State-Of-The-Art TUKAcenter

LOS ANGELES — December 23, 2018 — Tukatech, a global apparel technology solutions provider, and Lefty Production Co., a top full package service provider, have collaborated to open a state-of-the-art TUKAcenter in downtown Los Angeles. Tukatech Founder Ram Sareen joined Marta Miller, founder of Lefty Production, in a commemorative ribbon cutting ceremony of their new laser cutter and to officially launch “Lefty Production Co. Los Angeles TUKAcenter.”

“Lefty Production Co. is a one-stop shop design house, apparel and accessories manufacturer. We work with designers, fashion brands, and retailers of all varieties and sizes, and Tukatech’s software and hardware solutions benefits all of them. Our highest priority is ensuring our clients get the best possible products and the best possible service, on time. Tukatech helps us achieve our goals and delight our clients. We couldn’t ask for a better technology partner,” said Miller.

Lefty Production will continue to offer full-package services, such as design, product development, and cutting/sewing, utilizing the most advanced Tukatech solutions. As part of the new offerings, the facility offers complete pattern-making, grading and marker-making using TUKAcad and SMARTmark, virtual sampling using TUAK3D (eliminating physical samples), sample cutting with the TUKAcut laser cutter, production cutting and sewing, and cloud collaboration and asset management with TUKAcloud. The factory is centrally located in the downtown Los Angeles Fashion District and open to fashion businesses of all sizes.

“The purpose of our TUKAcenters is to allow smaller manufactures, independent fashion designers, freelance pattern-makers, graders, marker-makers or anyone else who wants to design clothes to walk in and allow fashion industry experts to assist and guide the way,” explained Sareen. “Marta has done an amazing job in providing services to the industry and we feel that this partnership will allow her business to excel and give her customers an amazing experience.”

Posted December 24, 2018

Source: Tukatech

Indorama Ventures, Alpek, S.A.B. de C.V., And Far Eastern Investment (Holding) Ltd’s Joint Venture Receives FTC Approval To Acquire M&G’s Corpus Christi PTA-PET Production Facility

BANGKOK, Thailand — December 24, 2018 — Indorama Ventures Public Co. Ltd. (IVL), a global chemical producer, announced that its joint venture has received all regulatory clearance required from the United States Federal Trade Commission (FTC) for the proposed joint asset purchase of M&G USA Corp. and its affiliated debtors.

On March 21, 2018, Indorama Ventures, Alpek, S.A.B. de C.V., and Far Eastern Investment (Holding) Ltd., entered into a joint venture agreement to acquire M&G’s Corpus Christi plant through Corpus Christi Polymers LLC. The acquisition also includes certain M&G intellectual property, and a desalination/boiler plant.

The Corpus Christi plant will have nominal capacity of 1.1 million and 1.3 million metric tons per year of PET and PTA, respectively. The three JV parties will each receive one-third of the capacity of PTA and PET produced. Each of the partners will procure raw materials independently, while also independently selling and distributing their corresponding PTA and PET. The plant is the largest in North America with state of art technology and is a vertically integrated PTA-PET production facility.

Aloke Lohia, group CEO of Indorama Ventures commented: “The FTC’s regulatory clearance represents an important milestone and a giant step towards serving the growing market needs of Recyclable PET for many years to come. With the approvals in place, we look forward to assist and fast track the construction and create hundreds of jobs to workers with this project.”

Posted December 24, 2018

Source: IVL

Stora Enso Partners With H&M Group And Inter Ikea Group To Industrialize Treetotextile

STOCKHOLM, Sweden — December 21, 2018 — TreeToTextile AB is a joint venture between H&M group, Inter IKEA group and innovator Lars Stigsson since 2014, with the aim of developing new textile fibers in a sustainable way at attractive cost levels. Today TreeToTextile announces that Stora Enso will join this partnership, and also support the industrialization of TreeToTextile’s production process by setting up a demonstration plant at one of its Nordic facilities.

“We are excited to welcome our new partner, Stora Enso, and to share more of the innovative work that we are doing at TreeToTextile. With the help of our new partner, we will be entering an industrialization phase. The new fiber that we have developed is both sustainable and produced at a lower cost,” said Annica Karlsson, chairman of the board, TreeToTextile AB.

The four partners have an equally big stake in TreeToTextile and share the belief of a strong market for a fiber with good sustainability performance at attractive cost levels.

TreeToTextile’s process takes renewable forest raw material and regenerates the cellulose into a textile fiber. This production process uses less energy and chemicals, allowing for a much more sustainable and cost-efficient process compared to conventional technologies and fibers.

The technology has been tested in a pilot line in Sweden and is now to be scaled up with the construction of a demonstration plant at one of Stora Enso’s Nordic facilities. Inter IKEA group and H&M group plan to use the fiber in their products, but the aim is that the entire industry should benefit from this sustainable fiber since it can be used in conventional supply chains.

“We’re very happy to join this partnership and contribute to a more sustainable textile production. Stora Enso produces dissolving pulp for textiles based on renewable and fully traceable wood from sustainably managed forests. It will be exciting to participate in the industrialization of this technology at one of our facilities to meet growing demand,” said Markus Mannström, executive vice president of the Stora Enso Biomaterials division.

“We welcome Stora Enso to this partnership. For us, TreeToTextile is a long-term investment as we strongly believe it will contribute to offering our customers even more sustainably produced products at affordable prices,” said Erik Karlsson, investment manager for Sustainable Fashion at H&M group’s investment arm CO:LAB.

“With Stora Enso as a partner we now add industrial knowledge and deep competence within the cellulose field. This, together with existing consumer and textile knowledge as well as an entrepreneurial spirit, brings us one step closer to our goal of introducing a new sustainable low-cost fibre for the many people,” said Lena Julle, category area manager Textiles at IKEA of Sweden.

“It’s fantastic to see how the idea of utilizing forest resources for a more sustainable textile has developed from lab stage to a commercially viable product in just a few years,” said inventor and entrepreneur Stigsson.

Posted December 24, 2018

Source: H&M GROUP

NIKE Names G. Scott Uzzell President And CEO Of Converse

BOSTON — December 21, 2018 — NIKE Inc. announced today that effective January 22, 2019, G. Scott Uzzell will become president and CEO of Converse Inc. Uzzell comes to Converse from The Coca-Cola Co. where he most recently served as president, Venturing & Emerging Brands Group (VEB).

Uzzell joins Converse at an exciting time as the brand sets the stage to move into new spaces by reconnecting to its heritage in sport.

“Scott’s unique blend of experience driving both strategic business growth and strong brand development is well-suited to help unlock the full potential of the Converse Brand and lead its next phase of growth globally,” said Michael Spillane, president, Categories and Product, NIKE Inc.

As head of Coca-Cola’s VEB Group, Uzzell led the identification and development of a portfolio of high-growth brands for The Coca-Cola Co., including Honest Tea, ZICO Coconut Water, Fairlife Milk and Suja Juice, contributing to new revenue streams for the company.

Uzzell began his career within sales and marketing for companies such as Procter & Gamble, Coca-Cola and Nabisco, before returning to Coca-Cola in 2000 in the Strategy & Planning division. Since then, he has held a number of leadership positions across its business including McDonald’s U.S. Division, Global New Business Development, Global Marketing, ZICO and VEB.

In addition, Uzzell serves on the boards of State Bank and Trust Co.; Fairlife LLC; and Suja Juice Co. Uzzell is also a member of the Florida A&M University Foundation Board as well as a member of the Executive Leadership Council (ELC).

Uzzell will report directly to Michael Spillane, president, Categories and Product, NIKE Inc. Uzzell replaces Davide Grasso who has decided to retire at the end of this calendar year.

Posted December 24, 2018

Source: NIKE

Durst, Koenig & Bauer Enter JV For Digital Printing Production Lines

BRIXEN, Italy — December 21, 2018 — Durst, a manufacturer of advanced digital printing and production technologies, has entered into a 50/50 joint venture (JV) with printing press manufacturer Koenig & Bauer for the joint development and marketing of single-pass digital printing systems for folding carton and cartonboard corrugated industry.

As technology leader in inkjet printing, Durst bundles this expertise with the market presence and excellent mechanical engineering of the Koenig & Bauer Group, which, with more than 5,700 employees, is one of the world’s major suppliers of packaging and banknote printing.

In future, fully automated production lines will be developed in the joint venture and distributed worldwide. The digital transformation is also in the packaging industry, as the ever-changing requirements can no longer be met with conventional production technologies. Unlike in the graphics industry, an inkjet press alone is not enough, but there is a need to integrate different peripheral systems into a fully automatic production line. The new partner company will be based in Germany and will also manage the service and ink business in close cooperation with the global network of both companies.

“Durst and Koenig & Bauer is really a ‘perfect match’ because combining our strengths will drive digitalization in the packaging industry,” said Christoph Gamper, CEO of Durst Group. “Both companies are similar in their culture and strategic direction, and both are technology leaders in their fields. With the partnership, we are even more strongly positioning ourselves as a high-end systems supplier to the industry.”

Claus Bolza-Schünemann, CEO of Koenig & Bauer AG, said: “We look forward to the joint innovations and further development of future-oriented digital printing solutions for folding carton and corrugated board printing, which offer our customers added value. For folding carton printing, the modular concept of the VariJET enables the combination of digital inkjet printing with off-set printing and inline finishing options. Durst is the ideal partner for these goals because of its existing know-how and experience with inkjet and its high-quality solutions.”

Posted December 21, 2018

Source: Durst

SPGPrints Ready To Showcase “All You Need In Printing” On One Of The Largest Booths Of ITMA Barcelona 2019

BOXMEER, The Netherlands — December 20, 2018 — With the year 2019 — the year of ITMA Barcelona — coming closer, it’s more than time for a sneak preview of what to expect at the SPGPrints ITMA booth. At ITMA 2019, SPGPrints will showcase the latest innovations in both conventional and digital textile printing for the fashion and the home-furnishing industry. But don’t take our word for it, come to see for yourself at ITMA June 20-26, 2019, in Barcelona.

Looking for either a conventional or digital textile printing system, SPGPrints is your go-to all you need in printing partner that can help you find all the essentials you need. At one of the largest booths of ITMA Barcelona 2019, you’ll be able to see the latest conventional and digital printing solutions as well as get the opportunity to visit the brand new rotary screen and digital ink technology center to assist you in finding the right equipment for your printing process.

In terms of conventional printing systems, SPGPrints will take the opportunity at ITMA Barcelona 2019 to showcase its latest generation of laser engraving equipment and the nine color PegasusEVO rotary screen printer.

On top of that, we wouldn’t be SPGPrints if we would not perform live demonstrations of our digital textile printing solutions at our booth. At ITMA Barcelona, you get the chance to witness a live demo of our PIKE single-pass digital textile printing machine but in a different format than we did ever before. Of course, our multi-pass digital textile printing machine, the JAVELIN, will be on showcase too.

SPGPrints would like to welcome both their loyal customers as well as newly interested people to their 1500m2 stand at ITMA Barcelona to see for themselves how SPGPrints can be their all you need in printing partner while enjoying a typical Spanish happy hour. See you in Barcelona.

Posted December 21, 2018

Source: SPGPrints

Mimaki Announces Digitally Printed Design Collaborations To Be Showcased At Heimtextil 2019

AMSTERDAM — December 21, 2018 — Mimaki Europe, a manufacturer of inkjet printers and cutting systems, today announces its collaboration with more than 10 inspirational world-leading designers for Heimtextil 2019 — to be held January 8-11, 2019, in Frankfurt, Germany. Mimaki will present on Stand J81, Hall 3.0. Under the theme of ‘The Fusion of Innovation and Design’ and celebrating digital print within all elements of art, interior design and fashion, Mimaki commissioned work from designers including Sigrid Calon and Claire Vos (Studio Roderick Vos), will be showcased throughout the Mimaki booth and used to demonstrate the power of digital print to increase the creative process.

Seeing printed applications on a diverse range of textiles, fabrics and interior materials, visitors will learn how they too can use advanced Mimaki technology to drive design innovation and profitability. From designers including Anousjka Röben displaying shoes; creative studio Deux d’Amsterdam showing a unique kimono designed specifically for Mimaki and Heimtextil, all designs were digitally printed by Textiles & More (T&M). The Mimaki stand will showcase a printer for almost every type of textile application, with additional digitally printed textiles applied to design classics in the ‘Pode’ range from Leolux, and feature walls utilising photography from Arjan Benning also being displayed.

“Heimtextil is always a really good show for us. For 2019, we’re excited to share the results of our collaboration with these amazing designers and to demonstrate what’s possible with our comprehensive range of printers,” said Mark Sollman, Mimaki Application manager EMEA.

“From entry-level printers to production workhorses, each Mimaki system delivers premium quality print and profit-enhancing productivity. What’s more, using our wide range of inks, a huge variety of substrate applications now becomes available too. So, whether you’re a designer seeking to push the creative boundaries of textile printing, or a brand looking to increase your productivity and lower your environmental footprint, a visit to the Mimaki stand is a must,” continued Sollman.

Heimtextil visitors will experience Mimaki’s broad portfolio of printing solutions, split into three distinct areas including interior design, fashion and art. In the art section, the UCJV150-160 inkjet printer with environmentally-friendly UV-curable inks, will be used to produce wallpaper. Textiles will be printed in both the interior design and fashion areas, with the ultra-productive TS55-1800 sublimation transfer inkjet printer focusing on upholstery. Using a belt-conveying solution, the TX300P-1800B entry-level direct-to-textile system will also be printing onto stretchable fabrics used in fashion.

Claire Vos, introduced by Textiles & More (T&M) and a graduate of Design Academy Eindhoven, studied her craft in Italy, Switzerland and Indonesia before settling in the Netherlands. With a contemporary graphical industrial flavour to her work, many of Vos’s products are produced using Mimaki printers for Textiles & More. Her work, shown under the theme of ‘The Dressing Room’, will be shown at Heimtextil through Mimaki-printed upholstery including chairs and cushions.

Bringing vivid colour and fine graphical elements into her work, Sigrid Calon is a visual artist. At Heimtextil, the detail and vibrancy of Calon’s art will be brought to life by a 2×2 metre artwork utilising Mimaki’s latest printhead technology delivering smooth gradations and sharp and precise details. Examples of Calon’s work will also be shown in various materials, produced by Mimaki advanced print technologies including UV and 3D printing.

“Quite simply, fabric diversity means that designers no longer have to compromise,” states Sollman, “Whether it’s for the fast paced and ever-changing high-street marker or for more bespoke pieces, substrate availability is paramount for all fashion today.”

Danna Drion, senior marketing manager EMEA, Mimaki Europe, concluded: “We’re absolutely delighted to be showcasing this collection of talent at Heimtextil — it perfectly demonstrates what can be achieved when you mix design excellence with high quality digital printing from Mimaki technology. Of course, we will also show the business case that supports these projects too — profit generating print solutions that enable innovation and business growth.”

Posted December 21, 2018

Source: Mimaki

Celebrating The Legacy Of Harvey S. Firestone On The 150th Anniversary Of His Birth

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — December 20, 2018 — December 20 marks the 150th anniversary of the birth of Harvey S. Firestone. This milestone coincides with the 30th anniversary of when Bridgestone merged with Firestone, a union that cemented Bridgestone’s position as the world’s largest tire and rubber company. Best known as the founder of Firestone Tire and Rubber Co., Harvey Firestone was a fourth-generation farmer who advanced to the forefront of early 20th century industrialism, with notable contributions across mobility, motorsports, retail service, agriculture and infrastructure.

Firestone is considered one of the key American thought leaders of his time and counted many others including Henry Ford, Thomas Edison and John Burroughs as close friends. From early life on his family’s farm in Columbiana, Ohio, to becoming the founder of one of the largest tire brands in the world, Firestone remained rooted in delivering innovative products, providing exceptional customer service and maintaining a positive working environment for his employees — ideals that Bridgestone continues globally to strive for today.

Posted December 20, 2018

Source: Bridgestone Americas, Inc.

Auria Solutions Shanghai Co. Ltd. Breaks Ground For New Facility In Wuhan, China To Produce Automotive Carpet For Multiple Manufacturers

WUHAN, China — December 20, 2018 — Today, Auria Solutions Shanghai Co. Ltd., held a ground breaking ceremony at the sight of its newest location in Wuhan, China. Auria Solutions Shanghai Co. Ltd. is a joint venture between global tier-one automotive supplier Auria Solutions Ltd. and Shanghai Car Carpet Plant Co., Ltd., a Shanghai Shenda company.

Once completed, the new plant will create approximately 100 new jobs in the region. The 22,500 square meter facility will produce automotive carpeting for Chevrolet and Buick models produced and sold in China. The company is among the largest producers of vehicle flooring systems, acoustical components and fiber-based decorative trim components for the Chinese automotive market.

“The new Auria Solutions Wuhan facility delivers on our on-going commitment to support our customers’ needs through strategic growth and investment in the region and around the world,” said Shenda Chairman Yao Minghua. “We look forward to delivering the world class quality and delivery our customers have come to expect from Auria.”

In addition to carpet manufacturing, the new facility also will have in-house product and material testing & validation capability.

Construction of the new facility will begin in early 2019 and series production is scheduled to start in the plant by the end of the same year.

Auria Solutions is a global supplier of automotive acoustical, thermal, aerodynamic and fiber-based products. Formed in 2017 as a joint venture between Shanghai Shenda and IAC Group, Auria is built on a 100-year transportation industry heritage. The company, with financial headquarters in Coleshill, England, and operational headquarters in Southfield, Mich., Shanghai, China, and Dusseldorf, Germany, operates 28 manufacturing and 10 technical facilities in 11 countries and employs nearly 7,000 people worldwide.

Posted December 20, 2018

Source: Auria

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