Hexcel Transitions Winter Sports Prepreg Production To Sustainable HexPly® Nature Range

STAMFORD, Conn. — September 16, 2024 — Hexcel announces the successful transition of its winter sports industry production to the new HexPly® Nature bio-derived product range. This significant move includes the full conversion of HexPly M78.1-LT prepregs to the more sustainable HexPly Nature version, reflecting the company’s ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability and innovation.

Since the early 1970s, when it manufactured the first composite skis at industrial scale, Hexcel has been a trusted partner to the winter sports industry. Today, Hexcel supplies a comprehensive portfolio of products, including HexPly prepregs, Polyspeed® laminates, and Modipur® polyurethanes, to industry leaders such as Elan, Fischer, Kästle, Stöckli, Tecnica Group (Blizzard and Nordica brands), and Völkl.

A member of The Winter Sports Sustainability Network (WSN), Hexcel has long been at the forefront of environmental sustainability efforts in the industry. HexPly Nature Range is the result of a multi-year development initiative, during which Hexcel collaborated closely with its customers to ensure the new bio-derived prepregs met the rigorous OEM qualification and production standards while maintaining exceptional performance on the slopes.

“At Tecnica Group, we pride ourselves on delivering high-performance skis that meet the rigorous demands of our customers and the environment,” said Alberto Zanatta, chairman of Tecnica Group. “Partnering with Hexcel to incorporate its Nature range of bio-derived prepregs into our series production process has been seamless. Hexcel’s advanced composite technology and commitment to sustainability have enabled us to transition smoothly without compromising the performance or consistency of our skis in series production and out on the mountain. This choice is perfectly compliant to the Action Plan for carbon footprint reduction and products’ circularity the Group is taking towards a more sustainable future.”

The HexPly Nature Range version of M78.1-LT prepreg offers the same high quality and consistency as its predecessor, as well as rapid curing, robust handling, and outstanding adhesion to aluminum, wood, and thermoplastics. Hexcel provides a variety of HexPly M78.1 standard products, from lightweight fleeces for bonding to heavier weight glass fiber reinforcements, tailored to ensure an excellent cost/performance ratio. Additionally, Hexcel has developed superior carbon fiber-based prepregs for high-performance ski applications.

Posted: September 16, 2024

Source: Hexcel Corp.

Herculite® Products to Showcase New Ecommerce Platform at Advanced Textiles Expo 2024

EMIGSVILLE, Pa. — September 16, 2024 — Herculite Products Inc., an innovator and manufacturer of high performance and custom fabrics, will be exhibiting at Advanced Textiles Expo in booth 1226. This year, it is excited to introduce its latest innovation, Herculite OnDemand. It is a comprehensive e-commerce platform that offers a wide range of healthcare, tent and performance fabrics. Customers can place orders, check order status, view shipments and tracking information, as well as access their past orders and invoices 24/7.

Herculite product experts will be on hand to discuss recent performance textile innovations, product manufacturing capabilities, and collaborative design processes. There will be samples of Architent® Beyond Coated, a specially formulated thermoplastic fabric for tents and structures. Herculite will also showcase its Greenguard Gold certified materials, including Weather-Chek Awning and Shade, Sure-Chek Linen Curtain, and Architent StarFree Tent Fabrics.

The Advanced Textiles Expo 2024 will be held from September 24-26, 2024, with education from September 23-26 at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, Calif.

Posted: September 16, 2024

Source: Herculite Products Inc.

Naia™ From Eastman At NY Home Market Week, Continues To Drive Sustainability Through Collaboration At The Fiber Innovation Center

NEW YORK CITY — September 16, 2024 — Naia™ from Eastman is proud to feature at NYC Market Week in the Lenzing Group’s NYC Showroom, celebrating the third anniversary of the Fiber Innovation Center. Alongside partners like TENCEL™ Fibers by Lenzing, 37.5® Technology, UNIFI®’s REPREVE®, and CiCLO® Technology, Naia is demonstrating how collaboration can lead to responsible innovation in the home textile sector.

During the week in New York, Naia Renew’s deluxe applications, from bedding and pillows to duvets and towels are in the spotlight. Known for its luxurious softness, durability, and environmental credentials, Naia Renew is produced using 60 percent sustainably sourced wood pulp and 40 percent certified recycled content*. This unique fiber combines performance with sustainability, providing a solution that reduces landfill waste and minimizes carbon footprints while maintaining the premium quality expected by consumers.

Visitors attending the home-textile event at the Fiber Innovation Center can see how Naia Renew’s versatility benefits both manufacturers and consumers. Recent successes include a new fabric blend of 70 percent TENCEL and 30 percent Naia in the Chinese home textile market, offering premium performance with a reduced environmental impact. Naia Renew also partners effectively with other technologies, such as UNIFI’s REPREVE and CiCLO Technology, to enhance biodegradable development and create truly circular home textiles.

Naia™ Loungewear Bedding

“We aim to provide sustainable options that maintain the high standards of quality and comfort consumers expect while promoting environmental responsibility,” said Chad Doub, Global Segment Market manager at Eastman. “Through collaborations, we are advancing circularity and driving responsible change in the home textiles industry.”

The Fiber Innovation Center, located at the Lenzing Group’s NYC Showroom (530 7th Ave Ste 808), presents an exciting opportunity for brands and buyers to discover innovative, sustainable solutions and explore the future of eco-conscious home textiles.

*Naia™ Renew recycled content is achieved by allocation of recycled waste material using GRS certified mass balance process.

Posted: September 16, 2024

Source: Eastman

Sapphire Mills And XLANCE Srl – Pioneering Sustainable Stretch Fabrics For Workwear

LAHORE, Pakistan and VARALLO POMBIA, Italy — September 16, 2024 — Sapphire Mills is excited to announce its collaboration with XLANCE S.r.l., an Italy-based producer of polyolefin-based stretch yarn. This partnership aims to revolutionize workwear by merging Sapphire Mills’ textile expertise with XLANCE® fiber’s sustainable stretch technology, delivering exceptional durability and comfort.

XLANCE® Fiber: A Revolutionary Approach to Sustainable Stretch

XLANCE fiber represents a groundbreaking alternative to traditional spandex (TPU), offering superior performance while being environmentally friendly. Produced through a clean, eco-conscious process, XLANCE fiber avoids the use of harmful chemicals, ensuring a lower environmental impact. The fiber’s unique properties enable garments to retain their stretch and fit longer, reducing waste and promoting a circular economy.

A Collaboration Rooted in Innovation and Durability

The primary objective of this collaboration is to introduce XLANCE fabrics as a distinct range dedicated to enhancing the durability and sustainability of workwear and launderable garments. Sapphire Mills has been one of the select few mills capable of fully capitalizing on the exceptional stretch properties of XLANCE fiber, making this partnership a natural evolution in their shared commitment to innovation.

Exceptional Features Tailored for Workwear

Fabrics made with XLANCE fiber will offer exceptional thermal and chemical resistance, with their stretch properties remaining uncompromised even at temperatures up to 220°C and during exposure to aggressive washing and sanitizing chemical agents. Proven to maintain integrity and comfort after 50 washes at 75°C and drying at 155°C, these fabrics are ideal for industrial laundry settings. Their long-lasting stretch ensures comfort and fit over time, reducing the need for frequent replacements.

“In the workwear market, we see continuous influence and crossover from the apparel and sportswear sectors. As a result, more users are seeking workwear that is both stylish and comfortable. XLANCE fiber is the perfect solution to meet these requirements, enabling the industry to engineer unique and innovative products,” said Costantino Colnaghi, CEO of XLANCE.

Commitment to Sustainability and Market Impact

This collaboration highlights both companies’ commitment to sustainability and innovation. By incorporating XLANCE fiber, Sapphire Mills is enhancing its workwear fabrics and aligning with global sustainability trends, with significant impact expected in rental garments, industrial laundries, medical, HORECA and military sectors.

“Our partnership with XLANCE S.r.l. marks an exciting step forward in enhancing our workwear fabrics with sustainable stretch technology. By incorporating XLANCE fiber, we’re elevating the durability and comfort of our products, staying true to our commitment to quality and innovation.” said Yousuf Abdullah, CEO, Sapphire Mills

Both companies are aiming to set the standard for high-quality, durable, and sustainable elastic yarn in workwear. This partnership is a key step in advancing stretch workwear fabrics and driving future textile innovations.

Posted: September 16, 2024

Source: Sapphire Mills / XLANCE Srl

Stefan Lux, The New Managing Director Of KM.ON GmbH

OBERTSHAUSEN, Germany — September 16, 2024 — As of September 1, 2024, Stefan Lux has taken over as the managing director of KM.ON GmbH. The computer science graduate has taken over the role from Carla Janz, the KM.ON head of Human Resources, who served as interim director after the departure of Maximilian Kürig. He will also lead the KM.ON Business Unit of the KARL MAYER GROUP.

Stefan Lux brings a successful and varied professional background to the role.

After successfully completing his degree in Technical Computer Science at the Technical University of Dresden, he gained extensive experience as a product manager for semiconductors and digital solutions in the consumer and automotive markets at various companies. Fourteen years later, Lux joined Kässbohrer Geländefahrzeug AG (PistenBully), where he established and managed a new business unit for digital solutions. In this position, he was responsible for developing and implementing the global sales and marketing strategy as well as the product roadmap.

Over the past three years, Lux has headed up the IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things) division at WIKA Alexander Wiegand SE & Co KG. There, he built a new business unit and doubled turnover by developing and implementing a holistic product and sales strategy that ranges from wireless sensors to cloud-based applications as digital software solutions (SaaS).

As managing director of KM.ON GmbH, Lux will take over responsibility for the strategic direction and operational leadership of the company. His expertise in building and launching business units, his management experience and his in-depth knowledge of digital solutions and technologies will make a decisive contribution to the further development of KM.ON GmbH and the reliable achievement of its strategic goals.

Posted: September 16, 2024

Source: KARL MAYER GROUP

TRSA Celebrates 59th Annual Executive Management Institute Commencement

HYATTSVILLE, Md. — September 16, 2024 — The Textile Rental Services Association (TRSA) proudly hosted the 59th annual commencement of its Executive Management Institute (EMI) on August 15. The event, held at a conference center near the University of Maryland, celebrated the achievements of 26 graduates from this four-year educational program. Nearly 170 students from all four classes, along with faculty, staff, and guests, attended the ceremony.

The Year IV graduates represented a diverse group of executives from national, regional, and independent commercial laundries across North America, as well as several supplier-partner company representatives. TRSA President & CEO Joseph Ricci presented the graduation certificates, followed by reflections from Brian Kimmel of Kimmel Corp., Upper Sandusky, Ohio. Kimmel praised his fellow graduates as “great ambassadors from this industry” and expressed his gratitude for being part of the program.

Kimmel also acknowledged the contributions of Year IV faculty members Dan Gonder and Eric Kurjan. He highlighted Kurjan’s emphasis on the importance of developing skills for individual and company success, quoting Kurjan’s advice on finding the right team players who are “hungry, humble, and smart.”

The camaraderie and openness among the students were evident throughout the program. Kimmel noted, “The trust that we have with each other, it’s real. We have some lifelong friends, and it took four years to build.”

The commencement program featured fewer speeches and skits compared to previous years, with the Year IV group standing out with a parody of “Family Feud.” Kimmel and fellow graduate Emily Hauber of CITY Clean and Simple, Oelwein, Iowa, entertained the audience with their humorous take on the EMI experience.

Jim Underwood, Year III instructor, paid tribute to the late Les Frankfurt, a Holocaust survivor and psychology professor who co-founded EMI Year III. Underwood emphasized Frankfurt’s lasting impact on the program and the importance of caring in leadership, a sentiment echoed by Kimmel in his closing remarks.

TRSA President & CEO Joseph Ricci concluded the ceremony by recognizing the dedication of the EMI faculty, who volunteer their time and expertise to support the program. Ricci emphasized the long-term growth and development that EMI fosters, stating, “You are the future of this industry. Your employers invest in you because they believe in your potential.”

Posted: September 16, 2024

Source: The Textile Rental Services Association (TRSA)

Lectra Announces A Strategic Partnership With Six Atomic

PARIS — September 16, 2024 — Lectra announced today a strategic partnership with the Singapore-based company Six Atomic.

As a player in the fashion, automotive and furniture markets, Lectra contributes to the Industry 4.0 revolution by providing software, cutting equipment, data analytics solutions and associated services to brands, manufacturers and retailers.

Founded in 2020, Six Atomic develops and sells SaaS solutions based on Artificial Intelligence, particularly generative intelligence, to streamline and accelerate the garment design and development process for the fashion market.

Through its technologies and approach to garment design, Six Atomic aims to automate time-consuming and low added value product development tasks. Six Atomic’s solutions empower fashion brands to better leverage their patternmakers’ expertise and underutilized data assets — particularly by enabling the creation of modular pattern libraries, and rapid pattern grading. This comprehensive approach enhances team collaboration and efficiency throughout the garment ideation and development phases, reducing the time required to finalize collections.

“We are delighted to partner with Lectra, a key player in the fashion industry that aligns with our vision for product development in the Industry 4.0 era,” declared Taime Koe and Marc Close, co-founders of Six Atomic. “Lectra’s experience, global presence, and customer base will enable us to accelerate the time-to market of our solutions.”

“Six Atomic is an innovative company that combines Artificial Intelligence expertise with a deep understanding of fashion design and product development processes,” said Maximilien Abadie, chief strategy officer and chief product officer of Lectra. “The teams at Six Atomic and Lectra will work together on developing technological innovation for fashion companies.”

This strategic partnership involves the acquisition of a minority stake of about 18 percent in the capital of Six Atomic, through a capital increase of $2.5 million. Lectra has options to gradually increase its stake in Six Atomic to support its development.

Posted: September 16, 2024

Source: Lectra

Isaac Dabah, CEO Of Delta Galil Industries, Honored By Bizportal With Special Business Achievement Award

CAESAREA, Israel — September 16, 2024 — Delta Galil Industries Ltd. — the global manufacturer and marketer of branded and private label intimate, activewear, loungewear and denim apparel for ladies, men and children — today announced that its CEO, Isaac Dabah has been honored with a special award by Bizportal, Israel’s premier digital financial news platform. Dabah received the award in recognition of Delta Galil’s strong business growth under his leadership at Bizportal’s annual economic conference in September.

“I’m honored to receive this award and share this recognition with all of our employees who demonstrate such dedication and resilience even during challenging times,” Dabah said. “At Delta Galil, we are steadfastly committed to our customers and stakeholders, to pursuing innovation in design and production, and to supporting local communities worldwide, all of which have been key to our business success over the years.”

Dabah was one of five prominent Israeli business leaders who were honored by Bizportal. According to Avishay Ovadia, Bizportal’s editor-in-chief, Dabah was selected for the honor based on his entrepreneurial spirit, innovative initiatives and record of success leading Delta Galil’s successful growth trajectory over many years.

Posted: September 16, 2024

Source: Delta Galil Industries

 

Indo Count Acquires Fluvitex USA, A Pillow & Quilt Manufacturing Unit, To Expand Global Footprint

MUMBAI — September 16, 2024 — Indo Count Industries Ltd., a global bed linen player, today announced a strategic move to strengthen and grow its Utility Bedding segment.

Indo Count Global (ICG), a 100-percent U.S. based subsidiary of Indo Count has acquired Fluvitex USA Inc., a part of Masias Invest S.L., a Spain-based textile machinery firm since 1944. Fluvitex is a Pillow & Quilt manufacturing company based in Columbus, Ohio, with an annual production capacity of 5 million Pillows of different types and 1.5 million quilts. Fluvitex’s strategic location allows efficient distribution across the USA and Canada with a revenue potential of more than $50 million.

ICG has signed a definitive agreement for acquiring 81 percent stake of Fluvitex USA from its promoter shareholder – Masias Invest S.L., with an exclusive option to purchase the remaining 19 percent stake within the next 5 years, i.e. by September 30, 2029. The acquisition is funded by internal accruals and debt.

Mohit Jain, executive vice chairman, commented: “Acquiring Fluvitex is a critical move as it allows Indo Count to establish a fully integrated Utility Bedding business in the USA. Fluvitex’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facility and its strategic location will significantly enhance our ability to serve North American customers with a broader product range. This, along with the recent Wamsutta brand acquisition, represents a key milestone in Indo Count’s strategy to build a globally comprehensive Bedding portfolio.”

The acquisition is a pivotal step in Indo Count’s journey and is a stepping stone to establish a manufacturing footprint in the USA, thus enabling the Company to offer a diverse range of bed linen products, including pillows, quilts, decorative pillows and other.

Posted: September 16, 2024

Source: Indo Count Industries

Polartec Wins 2024 R&D 100 Award For Power Shield™ Pro

SPARTANBURG, S.C.— September 13, 2024 — Polartec, a Milliken & Company brand and the creator of innovative and sustainable textile solutions, is proud to announce that its Power Shield™ Pro fabric, which incorporates Biolon™* plant-based nylon, has won the prestigious 2024 R&D 100 Award in the Mechanical/Materials category. This global competition, now in its 62nd year, recognizes revolutionary scientific and technicological innovations from 16 countries. Winners are selected by an expert judging panel of 56 well-respected industry professionals from across the world.

Building on the performance legacy of Polartec® NeoShell™ – a 2012 R&D 100 Award winner – Polartec Power Shield™ Pro is a planet conscious** weather protection shell fabric technology, made with Biolon nylon. The highly durable, extremely breathable non-PFAS monolithic membrane construction provides 20/20 breathable waterproof protection (20k mm water resistance (ISO 811) / 20k g/m2/24hrs breathability (JIS L1099, B1). As a result, it stops rain and snow getting in, while allowing body moisture to escape. Made to withstand wear and tear for resilience you can rely on, its 48 percent plant-based content also lowers carbon footprint by up to 50 percent and reduces reliance on fossil fuels without impacting human food sources.*▲ All of which proves that expedition-grade weatherproof performance can be achieved with more sustainable practices.

Indeed, Polartec Power Shield Pro is a first-of-its-kind weather protection made from renewable, non-GMO plant-based nylon and an innovative non-PFAS membrane. In addition to being soft, flexible and highly versatile, it offers exceptional durability while delivering a 50-percent lower carbon footprint than virgin nylon 6,6, the gold standard against which other nylons are measured. In addition, its chemical free composition is created in a bluesign® certified facility, ensuring its more responsible and sustainable manufacturing. And by mimicking the strength and pliability of traditional nylon, Power Shield Pro ensures long-lasting protection in addition to setting a new benchmark for environmentally-friendly performance fabrics.

Ramesh Kesh, senior vice president – Government & Defense and Polartec at Milliken & Company, said, “We are honored to receive such a prestigious award. Power Shield™ Pro exemplifies our commitment to pushing the boundaries of sustainable textile innovation. This recognition highlights that with the right technology, we can deliver high-performance materials that are also environmentally responsible while advancing eco-engineering trends that will define the future of our industry.”

“Power Shield Pro not only advances weather protection but does so while significantly reducing environmental impact,” said Karen Beattie, director of Product Management at Polartec. “Our dedication to sustainability doesn’t stop with raw materials. The Power Shield Pro membrane technology is based on molecular diffusion, ensuring high durability and extending the life of garments. This ultimately helps reduce the need for frequent replacements, further lowering the carbon footprint of outdoor apparel.”

* Biolon™ is a trademark of Milliken & Company.

**The Biolon™ nylon plant-based content within Power Shield™ Pro reduces reliance on fossil fuels and lowers carbon footprint by up to 50% compared with virgin Nylon-6,6.

*▲ Biolon™ plant-based inputs account for about 45-48% of the nylon in our fabrics and membranes, which lowers carbon footprint and reliance on fossil fuels by 50%, without impacting on human food sources.

©2024 Polartec, LLC. Polartec® is a registered trademark of MMI-IPCO, LLC. Biolon™ is a trademark of Milliken & Company.

Posted: September 13, 2024

Source: Polartec, a Milliken & Company brand

Sponsors