NCTO, AFMA Announce Merger

The Washington-based National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO) has merged with the American Fiber Manufacturers Association (AFMA), Arlington, Va. The combined organization will be known as the National Council of Textile Organizations, and Auggie Tantillo will continue in his role of president and CEO.

“The NCTO merger with AFMA strengthens the U.S. textile industry’s ability to influence federal policy,” said William “Bill” McCrary Jr., chairman, NCTO, and chairman and CEO, Spartanburg-based William Barnet & Son. “It brings new members and financial resources to NCTO and extends the organization’s political reach. It also cements NCTO’s status as the voice of every facet of the U.S. textile production chain, a fact that will help NCTO to more effectively influence federal policies that affect U.S. textile investment, production and workers,” he added.

“AFMA’s merger with NCTO will allow U.S. fiber producers to keep the sector’s seat at the federal policy table,” said Mark Ruday, senior vice president, DAK Americas, Charlotte, N.C. “As a multi-billion dollar industry with tens of thousands of employees, it is critical that the U.S. man-made fiber sector stay engaged in Washington. Merging with NCTO will ensure the U.S. fiber manufacturers have an effective voice on policy matters affecting the sector.”

March/April 2018

Techtextil Moves To Raleigh In 2019

Atlanta-based Messe Frankfurt Inc. has announced the 16th edition of Techtextil North America will be held in Raleigh, N.C., in 2019. The location puts the event close to many globally-important textile companies, industry associations and educational resources — including North Carolina State University’s College of Textiles — as well as the Raleigh-Durham International Airport.

“We are thrilled to announce Raleigh as the Destination City for Techtextil North America 2019,” said Dennis Smith, president, Messe Frankfurt North America. “Not only is North Carolina an international hub for industry and innovation in textiles, but the city of Raleigh has become one of the fastest growing, more forward-thinking in the nation. Techtextil North America aims to provide a regional platform for the global textile industry to conduct business, and the concentration of companies, associations, and educational institutions in the area makes Raleigh the perfect location for our exhibitors and visitors to come together to do so.”

March/April 2018

Peter J. Hauser Bestowed With Olney Medal

Peter J. Hauser, a professor in the department of Textile Engineering, Science, Chemistry and Science (TECS), at North Carolina State’s College of Textiles, Raleigh, N.C., recently was awarded the Olney Medal by the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC), Research Triangle Park, N.C. The award recognizes “outstanding achievement in textile chemistry, or in polymer or other fields of chemistry that are of major importance to textile sciences and fibrous materials.”

Established in 1944 as a testimonial to Dr. Louis Atwell Olney, the Olney Medal is AATCC’s highest scientific award. Hauser was presented with a gold medal, a scroll and an honorarium at the recent AATCC International Conference. He also gave presentation called, “What Is Cationized Cotton And Why Is It Needed?” at the conference.

Hauser
Hauser

During his career, Hauser’s research focused on indigo dyeing, cationic bleach activators and atmospheric pressure plasma textile finishing, among other topics. Hauser has authored or coauthored 120 peer-reviewed papers, three book chapters, one book on chemical textile finishing and edited two books on textile wet processing, and is a long-time Textile World Technical Editor. Some 10 U.S. patents were issued to Hauser and his coworkers.

Hauser has been an AATCC member since 1977, and served as AATCC president from 2013-14, and was immediate past president and chair of the Appropriations Committee from 2015-16. He continues to serve on the association’s Foundation Board, as well as the Appropriations, Building and Grounds, Employee Benefits Committees, and various research committees.

“I have known Peter for many years and have followed his career at Milliken Research, Burlington Industries, The Virkler Company and now the College of Textiles,” said John Y. “Jack” Daniels, executive vice president, AATCC. “Throughout his professional career, Peter has been an active member and friend to AATCC.”

March/April 2018

Levi Strauss Announces F.L.X. Sustainability Program

San Francisco-based Levi Strauss & Co. (LS&Co.) has announced a new operating model — Project F.L.X. (future-led execution) — that focuses on a more sustainable supply chain and a cleaner jean. The company will transition to automated jeans finishing processes that will allow it to reduce the number of chemical formulations from thousands to a few dozen. The company previously had announced it was committed to achieving zero discharge of hazardous chemicals by 2020. In addition to eliminating the use of chemicals, it is anticipated that Project F.L.X. will reduce textile waste by better predicting market demands, and will save water.

NewsLevis
LS&T’s Project F.L.X. focuses on using laser finishing technology to reduce chemicals and water use and produce a “cleaner jean.”

“Thirty years ago, jeans were only available in three shades — rinsed, stonewashed and bleached,” said Bart Sights, vice president, technical innovation, and head, Eureka Innovation Lab, Levi Strauss. “We’re designing a cleaner jean for the planet and the people who make Levi’s® jeans, and we’re doing it on a scale that no one else has achieved to date.

LS& Co. has leaned on long-time partner Spain-based Jeanologia to help unlock the benefits of digitally enabled design and development.

March/April 2018

March/April 2018: Textile Activity At A Glance

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March/April 2018

Traceability And Sustainability In Yarn Manufacturing

Jim-Phillips-colorBy Jim Phillips, Yarn Market Editor

It wasn’t so long ago that consumers had only a few demands of the companies with which they chose to do business: they wanted a quality product at a reasonable price. Whatever the company did beyond that was none of their concern.

Then millennials came along and turned everything upside down. Today, to earn consumer trust, a company must treat its employees well, embrace diversity, be environmentally responsible, and offer complete transparency.

Traceability

Those industries that manufactured product components were not initially subjected to the same level of consumer scrutiny that befell retailers, food producers, big pharma and others. But that is now changing. The textile and apparel complex — from fiber, to fabric, to finished product — is among those industries from which consumers now are demanding social responsibility, including traceability and sustainability.

“Consumers now want to know where and how everything is sourced,” noted one supply-chain expert. “For organic products, fish, meats, plants, seeds and such, they want to know how it was planted or farmed, fertilized or fed, harvested or butchered. They want to know if any drugs or chemicals were used and for what reasons.”

For a long time, the focus was mainly on food and drugs, he said. Recalls of food products or counterfeit or tampered pharmaceuticals prompted widespread fear and demands for more information. From “farm to fork” became a common description of transparent traceability. “And now traceability is something every single manufacturer needs to be aware of,” said an industry observer. “If you make a product from cotton or wool, for example, at some point you are going to have to document every action that occurred, from the moment the seed was planted, or the sheep shorn. If you make a synthetic product, you will have to account for the origin and composition of every chemical and the environmental impact of every process. In the coming years, complete transparency in product origin is going to be the new normal.”

From the traceability perspective among yarn manufacturers, one company, Mount Holly, N.C.-based American & Efird (A&E), recently announced it is collaborating with Applied DNA Sciences Inc. Stony Brook, N.Y., to manufacture industrial sewing threads that incorporate anti-counterfeiting technology. “The (CertainT® anti-counterfeiting) program is an innovative solution for brands and retailers in their supply chain,” said Les Miller, A&E CEO. “A&E and Applied DNA Sciences together are creating new security applications for sewing thread. Our customers are increasingly more vigilant and security minded. DNA technology can protect a wide range of products, from luxury consumer brands to industrial applications where integrity of components is mission critical.”

Sustainability

Sustainability is another issue that is receiving considerable attention from governments, companies and consumers. Sustainability is, simply, the maintenance of critical and limited natural resources for future generations. Already, yarn companies are moving to become more environmentally responsible. For example, A&E has partnered with a major manufacturer of multifilament and nylon textured yarns, Greensboro, N.C.-based Unifi Inc., to introduce new industrial sewing threads — Perma Core® and Magic® — that feature Unifi’s 100-percent recycled polyester fiber, REPREVE® made from plastic bottles. Perma Core can be dyed, finished and delivered from any of A&E’s global manufacturing locations and is available across A&E’s global color range. Magic is sized appropriately for the athletic wear and performance apparel markets.

Sustainability in yarn manufacturing goes back further than just the spinners. For example, the Sustainable Cotton Project is a California farm-based program dedicated to changing the way cotton is farmed and traded. The project connects growers, manufacturers and consumers in order to develop a Cleaner Cotton™ supply chain in California’s Central Valley. The project works with innovative growers to produce a high-quality fiber without using the most toxic pesticides and herbicides in agriculture.

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March/April 2018

Atlanta Hosts Diverse Events

TTNACollocated U.S. editions of Techtextil and Texprocess will showcase the best of the technical textiles, nonwovens, traditional textiles and sewn products sectors in Atlanta.

TW Special Report

Techtextil North America 2018, the show representing the technical textiles and nonwovens sectors, returns to the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta for its 15th edition to be held May 22-24, 2018. The show will be collocated with the fourth edition of the sewn products event Texprocess Americas 2018, formerly known as SPESA Expo.

Techtextil North America is produced by Atlanta-based Messe Frankfurt Inc.; and Texprocess Americas is coproduced by Messe Frankfurt and Raleigh, N.C.-based Sewn Products Equipment & Suppliers of the Americas (SPESA).

“Each year, the collocation of Techtextil North America and Texprocess Americas provides a diverse offering of products, services and technologies that represent the entire value chain for technical textiles and sewn products,” said Dennis Smith, president, Messe Frankfurt. “We look forward to returning to Atlanta with an expanded show agenda, and even more features and networking opportunities for visitors to take advantage of.”

In an event first, on Wednesday, May 23, organizers will host a joint reception open to both exhibitors and attendees with the goal of encouraging further networking and interactions between all participants. Attendees are encouraged to purchase tickets — which cover food, drinks and entertainment — in advance as an add-on to all registration types. Availability is limited, and prices will increase on-site.

TTNASymposiaTechtextil North America

In 2018, the show again will assemble all vertical aspects of the technical textiles and nonwovens industries including research and development, raw materials, production processes, conversion, further treatment, and recycling.

Visitors will see a wide variety of product groups at Techtextil representing the entire value-added chain in the technical textiles and nonwovens sectors including fibers; yarns; woven fabrics; laid webs; braiding; knitted fabrics; nonwovens; coated textiles; canvas products; composites; adhesives and bonding; research; development; planning; consultation; technology; machinery; and accessories.

Techtextil North America exhibits are classified according to 12 application areas: Agrotech; Buildtech; Clothtech; Geotech; Hometech; Indutech; Medtech; Mobiltech; Oekotech; Packtech; Protech; and Sporttech.

This year, Techtextil North America will feature a High-Tex from Germany area where some 66 companies will gather on the show floor to highlight their high-performance textiles and fibers, as well as machinery. This area of the show floor will host its own set of lectures, demonstrations and multi-media presentations during the event.

TexprocessSymposiumTexprocess Americas

Texprocess Americas is promoted as the largest North American trade show displaying equipment and technology for the development, sourcing and production of sewn products.

Product groups and services covered include: computer software and information technology; contract manufacturing and sourcing; cutting, spreading and ancillary equipment; digital, screen, transfer printing and ancillary equipment; embroidery, monogramming and ancillary equipment; laundry, finishing and ancillary equipment; pressing, fusing, vacuum and ancillary equipment; product identification, labeling and ancillary equipment; sewing and ancillary equipment; other supplies and equipment; fabrics and materials; findings, trimmings, components and accessories; manufacturers; recycling and sustainability; services, associations, publications and academia; supplies; supply chain services; and warehousing, distribution and materials handling.

A Supply Chain USA pavilion will join pavilions featuring companies from Germany, Italy, Taiwan, Belgium and China on the Texprocess show floor.

In addition, Texprocess Americas will host a “20th Century Fox’s The Greatest Showman Costumes Brought To You By Gerber Technology,” exhibit, which will feature replicas of the costumes worn in the recent movie by actors including Hugh Jackman, Zac Efron, Michelle Williams and Zendaya.

Education

Visitors to Techtextil and Texprocess also may take advantage of several educational opportunities through its symposium sessions, Tech Talks and Graduate Student Poster Programs.

Presentations at this year’s Techtextil North America Symposium include “Technical Textiles: Enabling Future Mobility in Electric and Smart Cars,” “New Standards & Certifications: What Do They Mean for Textile Manufacturers and Consumers,” and “Novel Medical Textiles,” as well as two sessions on smart textiles.

An advisory council comprised of Margaret Bishop, Fashion Institute of Technology; Dr. Magali Brown, Nicca USA; Sam Buff, Textile Technology Center at Gaston College; Dr. Wei Gao, N.C. State’s College of Textiles; Ben Mead, Hohenstein Institute Americas; Dr. Behnam Pourdeyhimi, The Nonwovens Institute; and Dr. Gang Sun, University of California, Davis, worked to develop the Techtextil presentation sessions and will moderate the sessions.

The Texprocess advisory council includes: Mel Berzack, Sewn Products Equipment Co.; Yoram Burg, EFI OptiTex USA Inc.; Dr. Michael T. Fralix, Textile Clothing Technology Corp. and SoftWear Automation Inc.; Dave Gardner, SPESA; Ed Gribbin, Alvanon Inc.; Mark Hatton, American & Efird; Frank Henderson, Henderson Sewing Machine Co. Inc.; Kilara Le, LMI Consulting; Nina McCormack, DAP America Inc.; Sam Simpson, Gerber Technology Inc.; and Michael McDonald, SPESA.

Presentation titles from the Texprocess Americas symposium include “Fit, Sizing & Virtual Try-On Technologies,” The Cutting Room – Connecting the Value Chain for Every Textile You Touch,” and the bonus session “Industry Talent & Skills Gap Assessment.”

As always, the collocated shows will feature a graduate student poster program highlighting research performed by students enrolled at some of the top textile engineering and manufacturing programs in the country. The students’ work will be on display throughout the event, and live presentations will give students the opportunity to engage attendees and share their research.

Tech Talks will return to the Techtextil show floor, and be held on the Texprocess show floor for the first time. The Raleigh, N.C.-based Nonwovens Institute will host the complimentary daily mini sessions on the Techtextil side; while The Fashion Institute of Technology, New York City, in collaboration with Voice of Insiders will host Tech Talks on the Texprocess show floor.

“This year’s programming is packed with special features and events we think everyone will enjoy and really get a lot out of,” said Kristy Meade, show director. “Not to mention, our exhibitors are really bringing their A-game with product launches and new technology. We can’t wait to show everyone what we’ve been up to!”

Show hours are from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, and from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. on Thursday. Attendees are encouraged to register in advance to receive an early-bird discount. Prices for the exhibit halls and symposiums will increase for attendees who register on-site. Visitors need only purchase an exhibit hall badge for one of the shows to gain access to both Techtextil North America and Texprocess Americas. Attendees who purchase a one- or two-day symposium pass will receive a complimentary three-day pass for the show floor.

To learn more about Techtextil North America and Texprocess Americas as well as register, visit techtexilna.com or texprocessamericas.com.

March/April 2018

DuPont, Tate & Lyle JV To Increase Bio-Based Propanediol Production

DuPont Tate & Lyle Bio Products LLC, a joint venture between DuPont and Tate & Lyle, announced plans to expand production of bio-based 1,3 propanediol by 35 million pounds at the Loudon, Tenn.-based facility. The expansion, already underway, is anticipated to be complete by mid-2019.

Bio-based 1,3 propanediol is used in a variety of markets through the Susterra® and Zemea® brands. In addition, its Bio-PDO™ is a key ingredient for DuPont™ Sorona® high-performance polymers.

“Our continued growth is a testament to our ability to meet the performance requirements of demanding applications with our plant-based ingredients,” said Todd Sutton, president, DuPont Tate & Lyle Bio Products. “The versatility of the product has powered the Sorona fiber business growth as well as fueled the expansion for Zemea and Susterra propanediol.”

March/April 2018

Kelheim Earns USDA’s Certified Biobased Product Label

Germany-based Kelheim Fibres reports it has been awarded a Certified Biobased Product label from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The certification includes Kelheim’s DANUFIL®, GALAXY® and VILOFT® products, which now may display a USDA label highlighting their biobased origin. The USDA BioPreferred® Program administers third-party verification for the products.

“Our fibers are completely made of pure wood pulp,” said Horst Wörner, business manager, Kelheim Fibres. “They combine perfectly the advantages of a product from renewable raw materials with the possibilities of industrial production such as a consistent quality and tailor-made design for meeting the customers’ exact needs. A clear and correct labeling of biobased products helps to create awareness for the benefits of these articles.”

“We applaud Kelheim Fibres for earning the USDA Certified Biobased Product label,” said Kate Lewis, USDA BioPreferred Program. “Products from Kelheim Fibres GmbH are contributing to an ever-expanding marketplace that decreases our reliance on petroleum.”

March/April 2018

GE Aviation Adds Jobs At North Carolina Plants

GE Aviation Corp., Evendale, Ohio, has announced it will create 146 full-time jobs over the next four years at its facilities in Asheville, N.C., and West Jefferson, N.C. The Asheville plant was GE Aviation’s first plant to mass-produce CMC components for jet engines.

Salaries for the jobs — 15 in Ashe County and 131 in Buncombe County — will vary based on the position, but will average $48,214. GE will receive a performance-based grant from the One North Carolina Fund to help the expansion efforts.

“Our site continues to grow as we win components for our next generation of engines such as the GE9X and the CFM LEAP,” said Michael Meguiar, Asheville plant leader. “We continue to build on a great workforce, culture and community that supports advanced manufacturing jobs in western North Carolina.”

“GE Aviation and their North Carolina employees have a long history of accomplishment in our state, and this expansion will put even more people to work building the next generation of innovative products for the aerospace industry,” said Governor Roy Cooper.

March/April 2018

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