AAPN Active In Increasing Textile, Apparel Industry “AIQ”

AnzovinoNew AAPN President and Haggar Chief Sourcing and Merchandising Officer Tony Anzovino discusses recent AAPN meeting, issues impacting the industry.

TW Special Report

The Atlanta-based Americas Apparel  Producers’ Network (AAPN) recently named Tony Anzovino — chief sourcing and merchandising officer at Dallas-based Haggar Clothing Co. — its 2018-2019 president.

An apparel industry veteran with almost 20 years of experience in manufacturing, sourcing and technical development, Anzovino has led product development, sourcing and licensing teams at Haggar since 2012. He has served on the AAPN Executive Board since 2015, and was vice president before he took the helm as president this year.

Following the recent AAPN Annual meeting in Miami, Anzovino agreed to sit down with Textile World and share his views on issues affecting the industry.

Textile World: What is the concept of “AIQ” that recently has entered the AAPN conversation?

Anzovino: AIQ or Apparel Intelligence Quotient is a person’s proficiency in, or knowledge of, the apparel and textile industry. We all have it — some more than others. There are no set of exams to test AIQ and it relies on some formal education but mostly depends on experience.

TW: How does it relate to a traditional IQ definition and can that definition be applied to AIQ?

Anzovino: A traditional intelligence quotient (IQ) is a total score derived from one of several standardized tests designed to assess human intelligence. The following traditional IQ definition, as compiled from various authors, can be applied to AIQ. Intelligence is a combination of the ability to:

  • Learn, which includes all kinds of informal and formal learning via any combination of experience, education, and training;
  • Pose problems, which includes recognizing problem situations and transforming them into more clearly defined problems; and
  • Solve problems, which includes solving problems, accomplishing tasks, fashioning products, and performing complex projects.

This definition of intelligence is a very optimistic one. It says that each of us can become more intelligent through study and practice, access to appropriate tools, and learning to make effective use of these tools. Intelligence can be defined in the following ways:

  • Practical intelligence — the ability to do well in informal and formal educational settings, adapting to and shaping one’s environment, and street smarts;
  • Experiential intelligence — The ability to deal with novel situations, effectively automate ways of dealing with these situations so they are easily handled in the future, and think in novel ways; and
  • Componential intelligence — the ability to process information effectively, whic includes metacognitive, executive, performance, and knowledge-acquisition components that help to steer cognitive processes.

Now apply these definitions to the examples of individual components of a career within our industry including textile production; design, product development and technical design; merchandizing and retail; manufacturing; sales and marketing; and sourcing and planning and you see that high AIQ people possess expert understanding in several of these areas, and are fluent in the balance — finding the common “thread” in all categories.

Understanding the global apparel market and having the ability to make sound retail decisions, knowing how to evaluate quality and determine commercially acceptability are all trademarks of high AIQ.

TW: Contempora Fabrics Inc.’s President Ron Roach had the idea to create the recent AAPN Carolinas’ Mill Tour as a way to educate his customers and prospects about the U.S. textile supply chain. Is that AAPN’s path to support AIQ?

Anzovino: Absolutely. It’s clear that tech, automation and efficiency are present in the U.S. textile manufacturing environment. At every stop we saw hard-working, dedicated and passionate people looking to produce the best quality product they can — and succeeding at making world-class textiles in the United States.

The tour consisted of AAPN members from Target, Patagonia, VF, VF Workwear, Columbia, Lacoste, Academy Sports, Haggar, Full Beauty Brands, and Superior Uniform Group, as well as the AAPN team and Ed Gribbin, CEO, Gribbin Strategic LLC and senior advisor, Alvanon.

First stop on the trip was Unifi Inc.’s REPREVE® plant in Yadkinville, N.C. It is the largest producer of continuous filament poly yarns in the western hemisphere. The amazing thing about this plant is that it’s all done using recycled water bottles.

Next up was Contempora Fabrics in Lumberton, N.C. This is an employee owned, ESOP, company so everyone we met with was an owner! It is a circular knitter, knitting both tubular and open-width knit jerseys, interlocks and specialty fabrics in poly — which is 70 percent of its business — cotton, blends and more, specializing in active products.

Next we visited Carolina Cotton Works Inc., a family-owned dyeing and finishing facility in Gaffney, S.C. This stop really showed that there are opportunities in this hemisphere to be faster. To quote their head of sales: “to get speed, you need smart,” and “to get speed, you need inventory.” This could be yarn, greige, finished fabrics, etc.

After Carolina Cotton was Parkdale Mills Inc. in Gaffney, a company celebrating its 101st year! The mill produces enough cotton to make 5 million T-shirts each week using automatic sorting, mixing, cleaning of the cotton from bales of different grades to create a uniform quality — 24/7/365. Like Unifi, they are a shining example for the world in sustainable textile production.

Last, but not least, we visited American & Efird (A&E) in Mt. Holly, N.C. A&E has been in the textile industry for more than 120 years and has facilities all over the world. It tests and manages more than 100,000 colors in its library and has the ability to match any colors that are not.

That level of exposure to the industry at work adds tools and intelligence to the AIQ toolbox.

TW: As president of AAPN, what were your biggest takeaways from the recent meeting in Miami?

Anzovino: Speed continues to be the main topic of concern. We discussed that there cannot speed without trust — and ownership. Someone has to make an investment in something in order to be fast — fiber, fabric and trims for example, and have open capacity. This is all about being truly transparent.

The robots, cobots and AI are coming — really they are already here. It’s not about what we think is going to happen in the next two to three years, but what will actually happen in the next 10 years.

Of course, being more direct to the consumer is the constant conversation. How do we create a more direct path from the designer to the consumer? What if the consumer is also the designer?

Will we have local for local manufacturing? Will the robots and tech allow for custom garments to be produced on demand locally?

These were some of the biggest takeaways from the meeting.

TW: What has been the effect of a changing retail environment on apparel companies, and Haggar’s approach to the market changes?

Anzovino: We’re fortunate to have tenured retail partners who believe in our product innovation and quality. They have allowed us to bring our assortment to the U.S. consumer in both their brick and mortar environments as well as their ecommerce sites.

TW: Is the much talked about reshoring trend real?

Anzovino: There’s some reality to it but it’s becoming more of a NEAR-shoring trend. The amount of technology in the hemisphere is amazing — and growing — as is the capacity. There are huge investments happening in Guatemala and Honduras, as well as the United States on the textile side of things. The trade-off on speed with reshoring is the cost of the product to the consumer versus the cost of the product coming in now from Asia. Near-shoring brings production back to the hemisphere with shorter lead times at more affordable costs.

TW: What do you see in the future for U.S. apparel, Haggar and the sourcing environment?

Anzovino: Continuing to understand our customer’s needs and work diligently to bring the best quality and innovation to them. As with all apparel companies, we’re looking at interpreting trends and bringing them to our retail partners and the end consumer. Driving consumer demand — building the best quality and most innovative product — is our goal.

May/June 2018

Techtextil North America And Texprocess Americas 2018 Suggest A Bright Future For The Technical Textile, Nonwovens And Sewn Products Industries

ATLANTA — May 31, 2018 — Cooling fabrics, smart light technology, recycled fibers, 3D body scanning, and cloud connected smart machines were just some of the highlights during the 15th edition of Techtextil North America, and fourth Texprocess Americas that took place May 22-24, 2018, at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta. The co-located events brought together the latest innovators in technical textiles, nonwovens, textile machinery, sewn products, equipment, and technology.

The events brought 567 Techtextil North America and Texprocess Americas exhibitors representing 32 countries, while total attendance grew to 8,292, roughly a 4-percent increase* over the 2016 events. Country pavilions included Italy, Texclubtec, Belgium, China, Taiwan, High-Tex from Germany, and SEAMS Made in USA. The co-located events once again returned strong numbers, and continue on their path of consistent growth in the quality and amount of visitors and exhibitors over the past editions.

“It was clear that everyone, both visitors and exhibitors, could feel the energy and excitement on the show floor,” stated Dennis Smith, president & 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. ”

Educational Program 2018

With 18 paid symposium sessions, including two bonus Lunch N‘ Learn sessions, being held throughout the first and second day and complimentary sessions taking place on the show floor, the co-located events were buzzing with visitors and speakers discussing new technology, game-changing research and cross-industry collaborations. Among the topics presented, smart textiles, wearables and the future of the technology that powers them proved to be top of mind for many attendees. In addition, how automation, robotics and connected machines are contributing to the industry‘s evolution made an evident impression on both visitors and exhibitors alike.

“This year’s symposium was definitely worth our company’s time and money. It has been really interesting to learn about the communication between the industries and how they are working together to make sure there are no blind spots,” said Sharon Tedesco, symposium attendee from Abigail & Company in Cottonwood, Calif.

“The focus on Industry 4.0 – the communication between the fabrics, the machine, the human, the CAD, the entire system – has been really interesting and informative.”

Attendee Statements

USA: Miguel Ferrer, president, Kiko Sewing Machine Co., attends the show every year, usually with clients in-tow: “The show never ceases to amaze me. 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.”

Nicaragua: Francisco Diaz, visiting on behalf of Hansae International, said: “We come to see the newest innovations that are coming out in the garment industry and learn how we can use them in our factories. This year’s show was definitely worth the trip.’

Exhibitor Statements

USA: Joel Elam, sales engineer, Card Clothing & Services Inc., stated: “This show has been very solid. The first day we had many contacts come into the booth from all over the world. It has been a very positive show – a beautiful layout with lots of new equipment, products and a lot of interest from visitors in what’s next for the textile industry. For us, this has been a very positive experience.”

USA: Daniella Ambrogi, vice president, Marketing, Lectra, stated: “This show is a great opportunity for us to showcase our new technology. This year has been a busy show and we’ve had a great turnout of visitors. We are happy to be here.”

Germany: Rene Gotolle, training manager, ZSK Technical Embroidery Systems, said: “We started with the show many years ago exhibiting in Frankfurt. But Atlanta has become really important for us because we make so many connections with different companies across industries, so we always make sure to be here.”

USA: Dave Gardner, managing director, SPESA and the co-Producer of Texprocess Americas, said: “The 2018 edition of Texprocess Americas was phenomenal … a collaboration of suppliers and manufacturers who came together to showcase and experience the latest innovations and trends influencing today’s sewn products industry … SPESA expects Texprocess Americas 2020 to be even bigger and better as the industry continues to embrace the latest advances to increase production and speed.”

Techtextil North America 2019

The sixteenth edition of Techtextil North America, the only trade show in the Americas dedicated to technical textiles and nonwovens, will take place February 26-28, 2019, in Raleigh, N.C.

Techtextil North America and Texprocess Americas 2020

Techtextil North America/Texprocess Americas, 
Atlanta, Georgia May 22-24, 2018.

Messe Frankfurt Inc. is pleased to announce the show dates for Techtextil North America and Texprocess Americas which will take place May 12-14, 2020 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta.

*Percent increase based on total number of attendees from Techtextil North America and Texprocess Americas only. 2016 attendance number used for comparison excludes JEC Americas attendees.

Posted May 31, 2018

Source: Messe Frankfurt Inc.

Web Industries’ $8 Million Investment Puts Eight-Color Flexo Printing, 60-inch OD Spooling, Precision Slitting Of Flexible Materials Under One Roof

MARLBOROUGH, Mass. — May 31, 2018 — Web Industries Inc. has announced the completion of an $8 million investment that puts eight-color flexographic printing, 60-inch OD web spooling and precision slitting of flexible materials in a single facility. The 18-month construction and equipment installation project gives manufacturers of personal and home care products a shorter supply chain advantage, faster throughput in their manufacturing processes, greater speed to market, opportunities for product differentiation and a single point of supplier accountability.

Web Industries’ expanded capabilities include the processing of flexible materials for baby diapers, adult incontinence and feminine care products, as well as a myriad of materials used in flexible packaging, industrial textiles and medical applications.

According to Vice President of Corporate Development Kevin Young, the move was made in response to increased demand for multi-color flexible materials and growing preferences among manufacturers for spooled flexible fabrics.

“A research project commissioned by Web Industries and conducted by an independent marketing analytics company revealed emerging branding needs for multi-color graphics on certain personal and home care products and growing recognition of spooling advantages in manufacturing processes,” Young said. “Our investment puts us ahead of the curve among formatters of nonwoven and flexible materials. To our knowledge, no other converter has multi-color printing, up to 60-inch OD wide-web spooling capabilities and precision slitting in the same facility.

“In terms of our customers’ business efficiency, wide-web spooling enables them to process slit materials up to 25 times as long without interruption compared to pad rolls. This increases throughput, reduces material handling and splicing needs, and the potential for human error.

“Our new eight-color printing capability will be of particular interest to diaper producers co-marketing with entertainment brands to produce logos and graphics that delight toddlers, and to feminine hygiene and adult incontinence product manufacturers wanting to convey an extra dimension of quality to end users.”

Young adds that Web Industries’ open materials sourcing practices allow customers to work with a format solutions provider that is indifferent to the material supply chain.

“We can work with multiple streams of materials,” he says, “whereas vertically integrated businesses only provide their own nonwoven materials. We believe this is restrictive and our customers benefit from our strategy of being material agnostic. This is a benefit no other nonwoven materials formatter can offer.”

The Investment

Web Industries’ investment covers a 50,000 square-foot purpose-built climate-controlled manufacturing and warehousing expansion at its Ft. Wayne, Ind., operation. The facility houses two 8-color flexographic presses to provide water or solvent-based print. It also houses a propriety-designed wide-web spooler capable of transverse winding slit materials on spools up to 50 inches wide and 60 inches in OD, with slit widths up to 12 inches. All three assets have superior web handling capabilities including tension control for specialized lightweight, extensible materials, as well as for converting heavy-gauge and multi-layered materials.

In addition to housing equipment for printing, slitting and spooling, the facility also warehouses large volumes of materials to support Web Industries’ high-speed operation and fast turnover of orders. “Maintaining warehoused materials is part of Web industries’ supply chain benefit,” Young explained. “Looking ahead, sufficient space exists to accommodate additional equipment as our business continues to grow.”

Posted May 31, 2018

Source: Web Industries Inc.

Marla A. Ryan Appointed CEO Of Destination Maternity

MOORESTOWN, N.J. — May 30, 2018 — Destination Maternity Corp. today announced that the company’s Board of Directors has appointed Marla. A. Ryan to the position of CEO, effective immediately. Ryan replaces Melissa Payner-Gregor, who served as an interim CEO since January 2018 and director of the company since August 2009. Payner-Gregor is exiting the company to pursue other opportunities.

“I am honored to take on the leadership of Destination Maternity and its iconic brand portfolio including Motherhood and A Pea in the Pod,” Ryan said. “It is an exciting time for the Company as we embark on important efforts to unlock Destination Maternity’s full potential, with a focus on performance and improving shareholder value. I look forward to working closely with the board and all our employees to implement a comprehensive and attainable business plan geared toward accelerating revenue growth, rationalizing expenses and improving our profitability.”

The newly appointed independent chair of the Board of Directors, Anne-Charlotte Windal, said: “The entire Board is confident in Marla’s experience and ability, and will work closely with her to drive growth, increase sales and help return the Company to its historic success and profitability. We believe that Marla is the ideal leader to drive immediate change at Destination Maternity.”

Ryan brings more than 25 years of experience in branded apparel and retail, as well as extensive experience consulting to Fortune 500 companies. Ryan is also the founder and CEO of Lola Advisors LLC, a business consultancy working in the apparel, beauty and wellness sectors. Prior to founding Lola Advisors LLC, Ryan was employed by Lands’ End from 2009 through 2017, most recently serving as senior vice president of Retail. In this role, Ryan managed the Retail business unit, including Lands’ End shops at Sears, retail and outlet stores, and served as a member of the Executive Leadership Team. From 2009 to 2012, Ryan held various senior positions at Lands’ End, including senior vice president of Global Omni-Merchandising and vice president of Retail. From 2002 to 2009, Ryan served in various senior positions at J.Crew Inc., including vice president of Crewcuts, J.Crew’s children’s apparel division. Prior to that, she served in various merchandising and management roles at Brooks Brothers, American Eagle, Abercrombie & Fitch and The Gap Inc.

Posted May 31, 2018

Source: Destination Maternity Corporation

Wexco Prevents Early Septic System Failures Caused By Microscopic Bits Of Synthetic Fabric

MILACA, Minn. — May 31, 2018 — Some people may not think twice about whether microscopic bits of synthetic fabric are being flushed out of the washing machine and into the septic system every time you wash a load of clothes. However, those tiny fibers add up, and over time, they can clog drain pipes and septic drain fields, eventually causing early septic system failures. Fortunately, Wexco Environmental has introduced the Filtrol 160, the first washing machine lint trap capable of capturing microscopic fibers and keeping them out of the septic systems.

The Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) already requires washing machines in commercial buildings to have lint traps, and residential building codes in some states are beginning to require similar devices. Still, homeowners don’t always realize the damage microscopic synthetic fibers can have on their septic systems until they’re faced with costly repair fees.

“Synthetic fibers don’t break down in the septic system, no matter how small they are,” explained Wexco Founder and President Brian Koski. “Nowadays, 60-percent of clothing is made from synthetic material. Each time that clothing is washed, microscopic bits slough off through the washing machine drain and into the septic system. Eventually it causes real problems.”

Although some washing machines have built-in lint filters and a few after-market washing machine lint traps are available, none of them filter out the smallest particles. The Filtrol 160, on the other hand, is the only in-line washing machine filter that can actually catch microscopic particles and keep them out of septic systems.

And it doesn’t stop there. The Filtrol 160 also filters out hair, microplastics, pet hair, concrete particles, metal shavings and sand–all of which, like fabric fibers, can accumulate in a septic drain field, drastically reducing its ability to help filter the wastewater that is deposited in the septic tank.

“I just dug up and relocated a dry well that my washer empties into because it was completely blocked with roots and lint, primarily lint. I…bought [the Filtrol 160] to prevent the lint problem,” wrote one customer who purchased the Filtrol 160 on Amazon. “Judging [by] the amount of lint it accumulates, I would say it is doing a very good job.”

Filtrol 160 is so effective, it has been recognized by Patagonia, 5 Gyres, Adventure Scientists, Plastic Pollution Coalition, Sea Shepherd and others as a leading solution in the fight against microfiber pollution. After all, it’s not just septic systems that benefit from reducing the amount of microscopic fibers flushed out by washing machines: so do groundwater and waterways. In fact, Koski and his team recently donated Filtrol 160 filters to four vessels in the Sea Shepherd’s fleet in an effort to reduce microplastics in the oceans.

Posted May 31, 2018

Source: Wexco

Teijin Develops New DELTAPEAK Two-In-One Sweatsuit Fabric

TOKYO — May 31, 2018 — Teijin Frontier Co. Ltd., the Teijin Group’s fiber and products converting company, announced today that it has developed a new line in the DELTAPEAK series — a two-in-one sweatsuit fabric that combines water-repelling and sweat-absorbing properties — for autumn/winter 2019.

Although existing sweatsuit fabrics are already used widely for sports outerwear, there is demand for extra-functional materials that are more stretchable, sweat-absorbent, quick-drying and lightweight. The new DELTAPEAK fabric, which is based on 4 dimensional bulky DELTAPEAK launched in 2017, offers a unique combination of water-repellency for outer surfaces and water-absorbency for inner surfaces. This next-generation sweatsuit fabric repels light rain and mud as well as prevents sweat stains — a two-in-one blend of outer-surface water repellency and inner-surface water absorbency — for superior all-around comfort.

Teijin Frontier’s versatile new fabric also tolerates repeated washing thanks to its kneaded water-repellent yarn and advanced micro-crimping.

Special features of new DELTAPEAK two-in-one sweat-suit fabric

  • Repels rain and mud;
  • Prevents sweat stains;
  • Water-repellency withstands repeated washing; and
  • Highly water absorbent and quick drying.

Core features of 4-dimensional bulky DELTAPEAK

  • Lightweight and useful bulkiness;
  • Soft touch and luxurious appearance;
  • High cushioning, resiliency and elasticity for comfort; and
  • Low drape with beautiful shape.

Going forward, Teijin Frontier expects to combine its new fabric with other multifunctional materials for enhanced sportswear, fashionwear, uniforms and more. In addition, an eco-friendly version combined with fluorine-free water-repellent polyester fiber and recycled polyester fiber is now under development.

Annual sales are expected to reach 200,000 meters by the fiscal year ending in March 2021.

Posted May 31, 2018

Source: Teijin Group

Comprehensive Quality Solutions For Nonwovens: Uster Technologies Now Covers Fabric Inspection As Well As Contamination Control

USTER, Switzerland — May 31, 2018 — The market for nonwoven products is forecast to continue its growth trend, through both rising world population and the development of innovative products. EDANA — the European Disposables and Nonwovens Association — also sees per capita consumption almost doubling to 1.62 kilograms (kg) in 2020, compared to 0.96 kg in 2009. Demand is especially strong in hygiene, personal care and medical applications — but these end-uses are among the most challenging for producers, with rigorous quality standards typically specifying zero tolerance for defects larger than 1 millimeters. So, manufacturers aiming to capitalize on this attractive business potential will need to adopt prudent strategies for the removal of contamination and assuring the quality levels their customers require.

This is the background to USTER’s expansion of its technology range, with reliable control of contamination before the raw material reaches the fabric-making processes — and now with the ultimate safeguard of automated checking of the finished fabric at the final inspection stage. This is a comprehensive quality solution, ideal for spunlacing — the process most widely used for medical and hygiene products — but also effective for many other nonwovens manufacturing routes.

Quality managed, right from the start

Effective detection and elimination of natural and synthetic contamination is best achieved right at the start of manufacturing, when the fiber raw material is in loose stock form. For this, the USTER® JOSSI VISION SHIELD fiber cleaning system applies sophisticated sensors and latest-technology spectroscopes to pinpoint even the smallest particles of foreign matter in the cotton or man-made fiber raw material. All kind of synthetics and even the finest scraps of white polypropylene – otherwise difficult to pick out – are efficiently removed with the Uster Jossi Vision Shield.

Customers in super-sensitive application use two or even three Uster Jossi Vision Shield units in a row, for total confidence that the last and most minute fragment of contamination will be detected and eliminated.

Uster extends nonwovens coverage

Many common and troublesome defects in nonwovens production are unrelated to contamination problems, and can often be detected only at the final stage of fabric manufacture. These include overlap, undrawn filament and fiber bunching. Now, Uster Technologies is expanding the quality control options for the nonwovens industry with a two-stage approach: the Uster Jossi Vision Shield deals with contaminants at fiber opening, as mentioned. Additionally, defects of other types can be eradicated at the end of the production line, following Uster’s successful acquisition of EVS, as announced on April 25, 2018. The deal adds a range of fabric inspection solutions to Uster’s quality control systems.

The EVS fabric inspection system is ideal for nonwoven applications, with its display of defect images showing type, size, and location in the fabric web. The system draws a real-time defect map covering the full width or one slit — and real-time alarms are an important benefit to production staff. Software advantages include a video album to store and maintain quality records, and grading of inspected webs or slits according to predefined customer criteria. All reports can be exported to any computer in a common database format.

The typical configuration of the fabric inspection solution includes two camera lines, with both transmitted and reflective illuminations to cover the whole range of defects. Each inspection line is equipped with multiple cameras and covers the entire width of the web. The ideal number of cameras depends on the required resolution level of the defects.

Keeping vision in the focus

Acquiring EVS and integrating the company’s products into the USTER range is a move following USTER’s strategic goals. USTER aims to offer the textile industry instruments and systems to manage and improve quality from fiber to fabric. EVS is a global leader in the field of automatic optical inspection in production and quality control of fabrics and webs, since 1992. Innovative systems improve product quality and increase production efficiency and quality — for other applications as well as nonwovens — in hundreds of installations worldwide.

Nonwovens producers can see the complete offer of Uster Technologies at ANEX 2018 — one of the largest nonwovens fabric exhibitions — in Tokyo, Japan from June 6 to 8, 2018. The solution to eliminate defects at the beginning of the production line will be presented at the USTER booth 2041. The fabric defect inspection systems will be introduced at the booth 1806 representing EVS. In October at ITMA Asia + CITME 2018 in Shanghai, EVS will be part of the USTER booth for the first time.

Posted May 31, 2018

Source: Uster Technologies AG

Durst Unveils New Strategies And Developments To Customers At Durst Tech Days 2018

BRIXEN, Italy— May 31, 2018 — Durst, a manufacturer of advanced digital printing and production technologies, unveiled the latest technology developments in large format print, service and software at the successful Durst Tech Days held May 18-19.

Over two days at the Durst headquarters in Brixen, South Tyrol, Italy, and its other manufacturing site in Lienz, East Tyrol, Austria, guests were told that sales of its new award-winning technology, the P5 platform, are building so fast that delivery times are now up to 10 weeks. Hot on the heels of winning the European Digital Press Association (EDP) Award for P5, which was presented to Durst CEO Christoph Gamper during FESPA, Durst reported first results from the successful P5 field-test at Panorama in Spain. Panorama printed around 24,000 sqm in the first month alone and everything is progressing well.

For the Durst Tech Days at Brixen the focus was on roll-to-roll printing systems, software and preventive maintenance concepts; at Lienz there were demonstrations of Durst P5 and Durst Water Technology for flatbed printing on the agenda. Tailored presentations were held over the two days.

Unveiled for the first time were:

  • The Rho roll-to-roll wide-format portfolio of 3 and 5 meter printing systems with UV LED curing technology and with the newly issued UV LED ink.  The new model will be the Durst Rho 512R LED.
  • Industrial soft signage took a close look at the successful Rhotex 325 fabrics and dye-sub printer with higher productivity and greater paper selection. Visitors were shown how performance has increased by 40% in standard production and told there have been around 50 installations since the launch in October 2016.
  • Latest Durst Analytics software offering preventive service and maintenance via remote monitoring of the most important machine parameters.
  • Important updates in Durst Water Technology – first announced two years ago – with the award-winning Durst WT 250 now achieving industrial production in flatbed printing.
  • A roadmap and strategy for Durst’s Professional Services Division as well as workflow updates and new ink announcements.
  • Confirmation that Durst will be unveiling new family members of the P5 and other developments at the SGIA show.

In another step forward, first plans have been unveiled whereby print service providers can benefit from Durst’s world-class technology without making a large initial capital outlay. The idea involves Durst investing in print businesses through a rent-first concept for up to four years. Those who qualify for the scheme will be offered a top-maintained pre-owned machine through a “full service contract”.

Christoph Gamper, Durst CEO, said: “The Durst Tech Days were created to give our customers an exclusive preview to our latest technologies and thinking. Designed to address every day production needs and meet ever-changing market demands, the innovations promote efficient, cost effective and optimum operation.”

Barbara Schulz, executive vice president, Global Sales, added: “New developments, to be effective, need to be put in context. Customers want to understand how they will work in their own production environment to maximize their investment. Durst Tech Days were created to allow them successfully to do just that.”

Posted May 31, 2018

Source: Durst

Updated Wipes Flushability Guidelines To Help Consumers, Municipalities

CARY, N.C. — May 31, 2018 — INDA and EDANA, the leading global trade associations representing consumer wipes manufacturers and supply chains, announce publication of an update to their strict guidelines for labeling of non-flushable wipes and for assessing the flushability of disposable nonwoven wipes.

New Labeling Guidance for Non-Flushable

Wastewater operators across America and Europe are facing challenges associated with clogs due to various causes, such as aging infrastructure, “fatbergs” — coagulations of fats, oils, and grease — and the improper flushing habits of many consumers. Numerous findings, most recently the 2017 Water UK Study, show consumers are flushing too many products not designed to be flushed. A 2016 NYC Study found that 98 percent of what was collected from wastewater treatment plant screens consisted of non-flushable items, including:

  • baby wipes;
  • non-flushable paper such as paper towels;
  • feminine hygiene products including tampons and pads; and
  • household cleaning wipes.

To help consumers and communities reduce the burden to their wastewater infrastructure, INDA and EDANA are introducing the updated Code of Practice: Communicating Appropriate Disposal Pathways for Nonwoven Wipes to Protect Wastewater Systems, Second Edition, 2017 (Code of Practice for labeling). This new edition requires that non-flushable wipes display the “Do Not Flush” symbol on wipe packaging such that it is viewable on shelf at the point of purchase and visible each time a wipe is removed from its dispenser package. Pilot programs conducted by wastewater organizations in cooperation with INDA have demonstrated that focused consumer awareness campaigns can reduce the improper flushing of baby wipes by ~50 percent.

“The prominent ‘Do Not Flush’ symbol on non-flushable products like baby wipes will help raise awareness of the importance of why these products should be thrown in the trash – not flushed,” said Pierre Wiertz, General Manager of EDANA.

Enhanced Flushability Criteria for Defining Flushable Products

Flushable wipes are designed to be compatible with household pipes and with municipal and home wastewater collection and treatment systems. Flushable wipes are designed to stay strong in use, have a mechanism to weaken after flushing, and degrade biologically in wastewater treatment systems. However, baby wipes, cleaning wipes and other non-flushable wet wipes maintain their strength after being flushed and can be a leading cause of clogs.

The new Edition Four of the Guidelines for Assessing the Flushability of Disposable Nonwoven Products serves as a resource for manufacturers and brand owners to ensure their flushable wipes are compatible with existing wastewater infrastructure. Edition Four updates certain test methods and criteria for passing. These tests are grounded in significant research and testing carried out by INDA members and technical experts with extensive input from wastewater professionals.

“This update enhances the Guidelines for flushable products to ensure continued compatibility with wastewater infrastructure,” said Dave Rousse, President of INDA. The Guidelines include seven flushability assessment tests related to performance in pipes, pumps, and both household septic systems and municipal wastewater treatment systems. Products may only be labeled “flushable” if they meet the demands of all seven tests.

Edition Four of the Guidelines and the new Code of Practice for labeling are available to download at no charge from both the EDANA and INDA websites. Full and individual test methods are free to INDA and EDANA members and available for a fee to nonmembers.

Posted May 31, 2018

Source: INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry & EDANA

Bridgestone Americas Expands Fuel-Efficient Tire Line

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — May 30, 2018 — Bridgestone Americas Inc. today announced the expansion of its flagship Ecopia tire line with the release of the next-generation Ecopia H/L 422 Plus tire for crossovers, SUVs and minivans. Engineered for long-lasting performance and improved fuel-efficiency,* the all-new Ecopia H/L 422 Plus tire offers a comfortable ride, backed by a 70,000 mile limited treadwear warranty.**

The Ecopia H/L 422 Plus tire is the newest offering in the Bridgestone Ecopia powerline of tires. With more than 100 sizes, the Ecopia powerline simplifies the tire buying experience by providing a comfortable, secure tire solution for more than 65 million vehicles on U.S. roads since 2010.

“With its exceptional ride comfort, extended wear life and improved fuel efficiency,* the Ecopia H/L 422 Plus tire is a smart tire choice,” said Erik Seidel, president, consumer replacement tire sales, U.S. and Canada, Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations. “This newest offering has allowed us to create a true powerline that is a go-to solution for dealers as they work to meet their customers’ needs.”

The next-generation Ecopia H/L 422 Plus tire is engineered with an optimized tread pattern to give drivers a secure, comfortable ride in all-season conditions. A unique tread block design offers increased traction and improved braking performance on wet roads.*

The Ecopia H/L 422 Plus tire is available in 27 sizes, covering more than 60 percent of the crossovers, SUVs and minivans on the road today.

*Versus the Bridgestone Dueler Ecopia H/L 422 tire.

**Certain conditions and limitations apply. See Bridgestone representative or warranty manual for details.

Posted May 30, 2018

Source: Bridgestone Americas Inc.

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