Superior Linen Supply Recertified Hygienically Clean

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — February 16, 2018 — Kansas City, Mo.-based Superior Linen Supply has again achieved Hygienically Clean Healthcare certification, reflecting their commitment to best management practices (BMPs) in laundering as verified by on-site inspection and their capability to produce hygienically clean textiles as quantified by ongoing microbial testing.

The laundry was first certified in 2014. Recertification confirms the organization’s continuing dedication to infection prevention, compliance with recognized industry standards and processing healthcare textiles using BMPs as described in its quality assurance documentation, a focal point for Hygienically Clean inspectors’ evaluation. The independent, third-party inspection must also confirm essential evidence that:

  • Employees are properly trained and protected;
  • Managers understand regulatory requirements;
  • OSHA-compliant; and
  • Physical plant operates effectively.

To achieve certification initially, laundries pass three rounds of outcome-based microbial testing, indicating that their processes are producing Hygienically Clean Healthcare textiles and diminished presence of yeast, mold and harmful bacteria. They also must pass a facility inspection. To maintain their certification, they must pass quarterly testing to ensure that as laundry conditions change, such as water quality, textile fabric composition and wash chemistry, laundered product quality is consistently maintained. Re-inspection occurs every two to three years.

This process eliminates subjectivity by focusing on outcomes and results that verify textiles cleaned in these facilities meet appropriate hygienically clean standards and BMPs for hospitals, surgery centers, medical offices, nursing homes and other medical facilities.

Hygienically Clean Healthcare certification acknowledges laundries’ effectiveness in protecting healthcare operations by verifying quality control procedures in linen, uniform and facility services operations related to the handling of textiles containing blood and other potentially infectious materials.

Certified laundries use processes, chemicals and BMPs acknowledged by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation, American National Standards Institute and others. Introduced in 2012, Hygienically Clean Healthcare brought to North America the international cleanliness standards for healthcare linens and garments used worldwide by the Certification Association for Professional Textile Services and the European Committee for Standardization.

Objective experts in epidemiology, infection control, nursing and other healthcare professions work with Hygienically Clean launderers to ensure the certification continues to enforce the highest standards for producing clean healthcare textiles.

“Congratulations to Superior Linen Supply on their recertification,” said Joseph Ricci, TRSA president and CEO. “This achievement proves their ongoing commitment to infection prevention and that their laundry takes every step possible to prevent human illness.”

Posted February 16, 2018

Source: TRSA

Gore Innovation Center Enriches Silicon Valley Startup Community With Collaborative Partnerships And Events

SANTA CLARA, Calif. — February 15, 2018 — W. L. Gore & Associates (Gore) recently unveiled its expansion in Silicon Valley with an 11,000-square-foot co-innovation space and lab. Focused on helping startups achieve breakthroughs at scale, the Gore Innovation Center in Silicon Valley combines Gore’s material science expertise with innovative companies that have the hunger, momentum and collaborative ideas necessary to disrupt the Aerospace, Automotive, Digital Health, Consumer Electronics, Fabrics, Industrial and Medical industries.

“The Gore Innovation Center is a place for experimenting with new ideas, pushing boundaries and bringing together diverse talents to deliver transformative solutions that improve lives,” said Linda Elkins, co-leader, Gore Innovation Center. “Gore has built a reputation for solving complex technical challenges in the most demanding environments, bringing deep knowledge and foundational materials to Silicon Valley to drive ideas forward and build prototypes to create value for all partners.”

Gore offers its rich material science expertise honed over 60 years of exploring and implementing successful applications — from implants in the human body, to clothing worn on expeditions to Mt. Everest, to electronic cables transmitting signals from Mars. The Gore Innovation Center recently signed a joint development agreement and cash investment with digital health startup Kenzen. Gore engineers and scientists are working hand in hand with Kenzen to develop a comprehensive wearable monitoring system employing biosensor data and predictive modeling to anticipate avoidable injuries. By incorporating Gore’s advanced materials, Kenzen will enhance the comfort, reliability and durability of these on-skin applications.

Additionally, the Gore Innovation Center — W. L. Gore & Associates’ first remote innovation center — hosts events to foster technology innovation and collaboration within the Silicon Valley community. Upcoming events include:

  • LightSpeed Accelerator Pitch & Innovation Showcase — In partnership with LightSpeed Innovations, an accelerator formed to mentor and invest in aerospace tech startups, this non-traditional pitch event will be held on Feb. 23 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Gore Innovation Center. The event will start with 10 pre-selected aerospace startups, then move into one-on-one, company-investor meetings. Innovation leaders will also host a discussion on investment and innovation industry trends.
  • Digital Health Innovation Day 2.0 — Bringing together the Silicon Valley digital health community to educate and inspire startups and innovators, Digital Health 2.0 takes place on March 22 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Gore Innovation Center. Featuring a keynote that explores digital health obstacles followed by engaging industry discussions, the agenda includes thought leaders from Kenzen and Bonbouton, as well as Gore scientists and engineers. Participants will explore digital health challenges and solutions to product development obstacles.

Paul Campbell, an expert in corporate innovation and a serial entrepreneur, recently joined Gore to bring his world-class innovation management experience to its innovation center. Campbell joins co-leader Linda Elkins in working to find new products, technologies and business models where Gore materials can uniquely add value.

“Having spent over a decade creating innovation programs and incubation centers for Fortune Global 500 companies, I am thrilled to share Gore’s rich history of deep science and innovation with Silicon Valley startups,” Campbell stated. “The Gore Innovation Center, with a prototyping lab and co-working space, offers startups the chance to collaborate with Gore scientists and peers on advanced material science challenges.”

Posted February 15, 2018

Source: W. L. Gore & Associates

Datacolor® Introduces Handheld Color Matching Tool – ColorReader

LAWRENCEVILLE, N.J. — February 15, 2018 — Datacolor®, a global leader in color management solutions, announced today the launch of ColorReader, its second portable color identification and matching tool. The new device complements Datacolor’s professional color matching device, ColorReaderPRO, and is targeted at a wider audience for an affordable price of 99 euros excluding VAT. ColorReader provides accurate and fast color selection, enabling professionals and homeowners to identify the colors of paint and everyday objects.

“We hear time and time again from designers, homeowners and painters who’ve spent a lot of time and money trying to find the perfect paint to match their color inspiration — whether it be a decorative throw pillow or even a piece of artwork. In the end, they settled for a color that still wasn’t quite right,” said Susan Bunting, product marketing manager, Datacolor. “Therefore, we set out to develop the latest product in our line of color management solutions. We wanted an easy-to-use color identification tool that is affordable for all.”

Smaller than a deck of cards, ColorReader is an ultra-portable, Bluetooth® connected color selection device that works in conjunction with the ColorReader mobile app to precisely identify colors based on the NCS® 1950 and RAL® Classic, Design and Effect color standards. Users can create and manage color palettes by saving and sharing paint colors.

“With more than 45 years of industry expertise and a shared passion for color, Datacolor understands just how important it is for paint and design professionals to be confident with color,” Bunting continued. “As the most accurate device in the market, ColorReader has the potential to improve brand loyalty and increase sales.”

With industry-leading color matching performance, ColorReader saves users valued time and money by matching color instantly and accurately, removing the subjective guesswork that comes with traditional fan decks — a key differentiator for professionals looking to grow their businesses.

Posted February 15, 2018

Source: Datacolor

Twelve Locations Honored For Buying American And Supporting American Makers

ARCANUM, Ohio — February 15, 2018 — All American Clothing Co., whose mission is to support U.S. families and jobs by producing high-quality clothing in the United States, has released a list of its “Top 12 Most All American Towns and Cities.”

Using data from where it shipped the most products in 2017, All American Clothing selected the top three locations in four different population categories that ranged from small towns with approximately 1,000 residents to large cities with up to 500,000 residents.

The 12 Most All American Towns and Cities include:

  • Dayton, Ohio;
  • Falls Church, Va.;
  • Langhorne, Pa.;
  • Levittown, Pa.;
  • Long Bottom, Ohio;
  • Morro Bay, Calif.;
  • Patchogue, N.Y.;
  • Sarasota, Fla.;
  • St. Louis, Mo.;
  • St. Peterburg, Fla.;
  • Tinley Park, Ill.; and
  • Woronoco, Mass.

“Buying our clothing energizes and revitalizes jobs all across our great country,” said BJ Nickol, cofounder and president, All American Clothing Co., “From the small family businesses that make some of our apparel and accessories to the companies that make our boxes, host our website, and help with the marketing. We created this list to honor and thank those that bought our products and supported U.S. production.”

All American Clothing’s list of top towns and cities also includes historical events and facts, showing how each location contributed in unique ways to the country’s culture, as well as local, well-respected American makers who call those areas home. Some of the makers featured include Langhorne Carpet Co., By the Bay Gallery, Bruske Products, and Esther Price Candies.

All American Clothing plans to continually highlight communities and other makers that are committed to supporting American-made goods and production.

Posted February 15, 2018

Source: All American Clothing

OrganoClick Launches OrganoTex® Textile Impregnation For Consumers

TÄBY, Sweden — February 14, 2018 — OrganoClick has for several years supplied biodegradable industrial impregnation products for textiles under the brand OrganoTex®. OrganoTex will now be launched as a textile impregnation product for consumers used for making garments and fabrics water repellent. The products will be sold as a spray-on product that is applied by hand or as a Wash-In product that is applied in a washing machine. The sales towards consumers will be made through resellers within sport, outdoor and fashion retail, with Swedish Naturkompaniet as the first reseller.

OrganoTex Spray-On and Wash-In has been developed during several years and have been designed to give good water repellancy, yet being biodegradable. The product is based on OrganoClick’s patented and awarded technology for modification of textile fibers and and is totally free from the problematic perfluorinated compounds (PFAS), cyclic siloxanes and isocyanates that is often used in textile impregnations. Several of these chemicals is thought to be cancerogenic and hormone disruptive, as well as bioaccumulative in nature.

”We are very proud that we after several years of research and development, now can launch an eco-friendly, safe textile impregnation for consumers with high functionality,” said Mårten Hellberg, CEO OrganoClick AB. “With Naturkompaniet as our first reseller on the Swedish market, we reach exactly the group of environmentally conscious outdoor loving consumers that has a great need of water repellent garments but also want to take care of the environment. We will now continue to roll out the product to other resellers during the year.”

Naturkompaniet is a leading Swedish outdoor retailer with more than 30 stores in Sweden and is a part of the Fenix Outdoor group which also own brands such as Fjällräven and Tierra. OrganoTex Spray-On and Wash-In will be sold in all stores from April 2018.

Posted February 15, 2018

Source: OrganoClick AB

Mimaki USA Announces Tiger-1800B Digital Textile Printing System

SUWANEE, Ga. — February 14, 2018 — Mimaki USA, a manufacturer of wide-format inkjet printers and cutters, today announced the availability of Tiger-1800B printing system in the Americas. The Tiger-1800B printer is a purpose-engineered, high production digital inkjet printer capable of direct-to-textile or transfer dye sublimation output. It can deliver large-scale production at manufacturing sites and small-scale production at on-demand sites, making it the ideal printer for digital textile applications.

The Mimaki Tiger-1800B brings operational efficiencies and reliability to large companies that are currently using analog screen-printing processes — or multiple, smaller digital units —  to produce high volume textile runs for internal vertical markets sold via business-to-business or business-to-consumer avenues. The Tiger-1800B printer enables these businesses to overcome quality, cost and time to market issues by offering more efficient operations, higher resolution printing, consistent quality for repeat orders, and reduced operating costs.

The 74.8-inch Tiger-1800B digital textile printer includes an adhesive belt transport system with belt washing technology and in-line heat drying unit for an all-in-one process for direct-to-textile printing. It includes a built-in PC with software for easy and efficient printer operation.

High efficiency for all production runs

The Tiger-1800B printer is a production model featuring 16 print heads in a staggered array for the direct-to-textile model (or 8 print heads for the transfer dye sublimation model), resulting in very high print speeds of up to 4144 square feet per hour. Usable quality can be achieved even at these high print speeds to meet volume demands, or to quickly produce shorter-run projects such as for regional or seasonal fashion requirements.

High print speeds are complemented by a sophisticated textile transport system. Stable textile transport is achieved through twin pressure roller shafts attached to the edge of the transportation belt. Textiles are uniformly transported onto the belt through the rollers.

Wrinkle and Media Jam sensors detect textile wrinkling or creasing early in order to minimize potential damage to the print heads from collisions with raised or jammed textiles.

Technologies for improved performance and productivity

The Tiger-1800B model includes a number of technologies and automated processes for consistent quality output and productivity.

A belt washing mechanism that prevents stains on fresh fabric from ink remaining on the belt. It is equipped with two squeegees to prevent splash-back, and two heaters to dry and re-activate the belt surface.

To ensure optimal print head maintenance, cleaning liquid is automatically applied to each wiper before and after head cleaning. This liquid enhances the head cleaning process and reduces daily maintenance time by ensuring a clean wiper.

The Tiger-1800B printer features Variable Dot Printing where variable ink droplet sizes — small, medium and large — are precisely placed. Smaller droplets create smoother gradients and quartertones, while large droplets produce uniform solids.

A standard Degassing Module reduces clogging by removing air bubbles in the ink, and an Ink Circulation ensures stable ink supply by constantly circulating the ink.

Optional high production upgrades

Options for the direct-to-textile model include:  Roll Media Centering Unit featuring a feeding unit with a centering device and tension bar; a Jumbo Roll Unit; a Plaited Unit; and a Drying and Take-Up Unit for high density printed fabrics. The dye sublimation model includes the Jumbo Roll Unit as a standard feature.

Posted February 15, 2018

Source: Mimaki USA

Suominen Initiates A New Growth Investment At Its Green Bay, Wis., Plant

HELSINKI, Finland  — February 15, 2018 — Suominen, a global nonwovens company, has decided to initiate a new growth investment project worth of approximately 6 million euros at its production plant in Green Bay, Wis. The investment involves installation of new carding machinery representing the latest technology on an existing spunlace production line. It will improve the capabilities of the plant and further supports Suominen in the development and supply of new innovative products that make lives better, according to our purpose.

Once upgraded, the production line will, for its part, improve Suominen’s capability to supply high value added nonwovens for home care, personal care and workplace wipes as well as for hygiene applications, all categories where Suominen seeks to grow. Moreover, the investment offers more efficient supply of nonwovens for baby wipes for Suominen’s customers.

“The investment again demonstrates that we are serious about growth, in line with our Changemaker strategy,” said Nina Kopola, president & CEO. “This is a clear upgrade to Suominen’s current production technology base, expanding our product offering globally and increasing our production capacity. In the long run, we can increase the share of nonwovens with high value added coming out of the Green Bay plant.”

Posted February 15, 2018

Source: Suominen

Rooted In Germany, At Home In China: Mahlo And Monfongs Hold Symposium In Shantou

SAAL AN DER DONAU, Germany/SHANTOU, China — February 12, 2018 — In January, Germany-based machine manufacturer Mahlo GmbH + Co. KG and China-based Monforts Fong’s Textile Machinery Co. Ltd (Monfongs) organized an expert meeting for textile producers held in Shantou City, on the eastern coast of Guangdong, China. Round about 200 partners and customers, mainly from the province, accepted the invitation and enjoyed a day of instructive presentations on reaching the full potential of their machinery.

Both companies wanted to broaden the participants’ — mostly service technicians — understanding of how to create the best possible outcome with their machines, whether it is with maintenance or additional equipment. Members of Monfongs greeted the audience and gave lectures on the importance of service and maintenance in the morning.

Famacont PMC: ideal for knitwear industry

In the afternoon, Mahlo took the stage. Following the welcoming address by Mahlo’s Sales Director Thomas Höpfl and Joseph Tsai of Mahlo’s sales and service agent Shanghai Kuantex, Jimmy Rong from Kuantex introduced the process control system Famacont PMC-15 that determines the thread density by means of a non-contacting, optoelectronic or imaging process. The instrument is of immense value for Guangdong’s vast knitting industry. For a simple reason: knitwear is sold by weight, so a consistent product is highly important. In the production process, however, knitted goods are under substantial mechanical influences that entail stretching and by that result in a reduced basis weight. The PMC sensor at the inlet measures the course density and compares it to a pre-set specification. Corresponding to that, the computer sends a signal to the overfeed roller which regulates the fabric in-feed of the stenter machine. This way, the elongation of the fabric is compensated at the best possible rate. Another sensor at the outlet measures and visualizes the final result. Jimmy Rong explained to the audience, how they can get a better performance out of their existing machinery by installing a Mahlo Famacont PMC and hence increase the product quality and customer satisfaction. Similar is the outcome when using a Mahlo weft straightening machine which was also introduced to the audience. Subsequent to the presentations was enough time for questions and discussions.

In the course of the day it became clear how experienced Mahlo’s local service technicians are with the devices, according to Höpfl: “They can maintain the machines trustworthy and attend to many problems, which is a big advantage for our clients. Because shorter downtime means minimum production loss and higher profits in the end.” The successful symposium was closed by an evening dinner with participants and business partners that provided chances to intensify customer relationships and business contacts.

Posted February 15, 2018

Source: Mahlo GmbH + Co.

NetComposites And ACMA Announce New Dates For Global Composites 2018

ARLINGTON, Va. — February 15, 2018 — Global Composites, a new international Composites industry conference jointly hosted by NetComposites and the American Composites Manufacturers Association (ACMA), will take place at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, June 27-28, 2018.

“We are excited to host Global Composites in June with NetComposites,” said Tom Dobbins, president, ACMA. “The focus of the event remains to provide our industry leaders from all market segments and areas with key global insights that will impact our entire industry.

“From opportunities in different market segments, manufacturing and technical issues, and business and management issues such as workforce development, attendees will gain a wealth of knowledge from the timely topical content and programming,” Dobbins added. “ACMA is pleased to continue its mission to provide leader’s in the composite industry opportunities to gain knowledge on industry trends and access to experts for networking and learning. The partnership with NetComposites for this conference will provide thought leadership on a global level that industry executives can use to grow and improve their businesses.”

Global Composites will explore the industry from a worldwide perspective, looking at high growth areas such as the United States, China, Brazil and the Middle East. The conference will examine the global supply chain with particular focus on carbon and glass fiber manufacture and resin production. It will also look at emerging technology trends from around the world and highlight global market information.

Gemma Smith, NetComposites communications director, added: “We’re really pleased to be working with the American Composites Manufacturers Association on what we are sure will be a great event that addresses real global issues and innovations. We are looking forward to providing a platform for companies worldwide to network and find new business partners, and ultimately progressing the composites industry.”

Posted February 15, 2018

Source: American Composites Manufacturers Association (ACMA)

MagnaColours® Updates Range With New Migration Eliminator

BARNSLEY, England — February 15, 2018 — MagnaColours®, manufacturer of water-based screen-printing inks, has launched a new anti-migration blocker. MagnaPrint® Migration Eliminator V2 is designed to prevent the bleeding of inks throughout the printing process, and was officially unveiled at the recent ISS Long Beach show.

The product is a development on a previous Migration Eliminator created by Magna, and boasts superior bleed blocking of PVC and phthalate free water-based inks, for use on polyester and polycotton blend fabrics.

Helen Parry, managing director, MagnaColours®, said: “Magna are at the forefront of innovation of water-based inks and products. We pride ourselves on creating inks that meet the needs of screen-printers, so that they continue getting the very best results, and don’t need to resort to using chemical-based inks. Part of this is ensuring that we continue to innovate and improve on what’s already out there, including our own product range.”

“This new product builds upon our existing Migration Eliminator, providing greater performance benefits, and its launch has been welcomed by the industry. This is just one way we’re ensuring that our products perform as well as, if not better than plastisol inks, meaning there’s no reason not choose water-based.”

As well as its superior blocking performance, Migration Eliminator V2 is slow drying, making it easier to print with, and it provides a softer handle than the previous version. When printing with the new ink, screen-printers will benefit from improved coverage, opacity, flexibility and wash fastness.

Magna showcased the new ink at the recent ISS Long Beach event, using it to print a range of designs on their stand. At the show, they also launched their new EDGE ink, and their revolutionary new initiative, Make the Switch, which aims to help make the transition to using water-based inks simple and painless for screen-printers.

Posted February 15, 2018

Source: MagnaColours®

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