Lenzing Continues To Invest In Modal Towards Technological Leadership

LENZING, Austria — November 8, 2017 — Lenzing Modal® branded fibers are an important part in Lenzing’s fiber portfolio. The fibers specialists stand out with 50 years of experience in the production and marketing of the fibers. By adapting the Modal production process, Lenzing is further underscoring its work towards technological leadership.

A further benchmark in Lenzing’s Modal production

“Specialization is a key element of Lenzing’s strategy. The share of specialty fibers at Lenzing should be increased to 50 percent of turnover by the year 2020. Lenzing Modal fibers and the MicroModal® branded fibers play an important part in this. Lenzing is and shall continue to be one of the technological leaders in the field of Modal production even after fifty years. We are working continuously on improvements to our processes and have set further benchmark in Modal production with the adaptation of our production steps,” Robert van de Kerkhof, CCO of the Lenzing group, explains.

The advantages of adapting the Modal production process are clear: Customers benefit from the very good processability which makes it easier to produce high-quality yarns. Different climatic zones, which can lead to problems with processing, play a less important role. Even different spinning technologies play a lesser role when processing the new Lenzing Modal® fibers. Moreover higher production efficiency could be reached in the spinning mill.. A patent has been filed for this new technology making Lenzing Modal® fibers universally applicable in the fiber processing industry.

Lenzing Modal fibers – a global success

For fifty years Lenzing Modal fibers have been a permanent feature in international collections in the fashion industry. Lenzing Modal® fibers are particularly successful with figure-hugging products such as day and night wear and homewear. Certification according to STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® Class 1 makes the fibers particularly well suited to baby and children’s clothing, which could be a future market for Lenzing Modal® fibers.

Edelweiss® fiber technology stands for innovative environmental technology

The Lenzing Modal fibers production is largely on beech wood and the fibers are bio-degradable. Thanks to the eco-friendly production at the site in Lenzing — with high recovery rates of process ingredients and very low air emissions — Lenzing Modal fibers are the “Edelweiss® fiber technology fibers”. Lenzing Modal fibers were awarded the EU-Eco Label AT/016/001.

Posted November 8, 2017

Source: The Lenzing Group

Beaulieu Yarns Awarded Prestigious FM Global “Highly Protected Risk” (HPR) Status For French Production Site

WIELSBEKE, Belgium — November 8, 2017 — Beaulieu Yarns, the global supplier of high-quality polyamide and polypropylene yarns, is pleased to announce the achievement of Highly Protected Risk (HPR) status for its French production site, Ideal Fibres & Fabrics Comines. Awarded by FM Global, HPR designation means a facility meets the highest industry standards for property protection.

FM Global, Beaulieu International Group’s (B.I.G.) industrial property and business interruption insurer for the past two years, offers a unique concept that supports the Group in reducing its exposure to loss and increases its business resilience. A dedicated worldwide team of engineers focuses on providing assistance and protection of its assets, helping the Group to achieve a higher level of risk protection.

The Ideal Fibres & Fabrics Comines site produces high quality yarns for a large variety of application and market segments including the automotive industry. It scored exceptionally well in its FM Global assessment which focused on aspects including fire protection, protection against natural hazard, mechanical breakdown of machinery and also cyber risks. 

Its overall risk mark of 76 ranks it within the top 25 percent of its industry for fire risk prevention and protection.

Commenting on the Award, Emmanuel Colchen, global sales director Yarns within BU Beaulieu Engineered Products, said: “This HPR yarn production site reinforces strongly our supply chain security and demonstrates our engagement towards our customers and partners. Our contingency planning and risk management are essential, well-considered elements within our long-term business strategy to demanding sectors such as Automotive and Commercial & Residential floor covering contracts.”

Ideal Fibres & Fabrics Comines is the second facility in the Group to attain HPR status, and the very first in Europe. Pinnacle Polymers LLC in the USA also achieved the HPR as a chemical plant, which is a rare achievement within the chemical business. Fire risk prevention is part of the Group’s broader risk management activities. B.I.G. is investing in increasing the level of protection at all B.I.G. plants in order to protect its business continuity.

The divisions of B.I.G. are also implementing a number of safety programmes to raise awareness of workplace safety and to maintain strong safety records. Karena Cancilleri, vice president BU Beaulieu Engineered Products, commented: “I am proud of Beaulieu Yarns for achieving the highly-regarded FM Global HPR Award and setting an example for the whole Beaulieu International Group. This positive step reflects the strong commitment of the Engineered Products division and the rest of the Group to improving safety and protecting our workplaces and our production facilities.”

Beaulieu Yarns received the HPR Award at a ceremony on November 7, 2017, attended by all staff, and representatives of B.I.G. Management, Beaulieu Yarns Management and FM Global Management.

Posted November 8, 2017

Source: Beaulieu International Group (B.I.G.)

AGC Chemicals Celebrates 100 Years Of Solving Customers’ Chemical Challenges

EXTON, Pa. — November 8, 2017 — AGC Chemicals, a wholly owned subsidiary of Asahi Glass Company, is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. Asahi Glass began the chemical business in 1917 to produce soda ash, a raw material in flat glass that had become difficult to import from England during World War I. Since then, AGC Chemicals has expanded its research, development and production to include chlor-alkali and urethane, gas and solvents, fluorochemical and life sciences products. AGC Chemicals Americas was formed in 2004.

Through its Chemistry for a Blue Planet Program, AGC Chemicals is committed to reducing the environmental impact of chemical production and use. This means the company works to ensure that its activities are safe for employees, customers and the public. At the same time, AGC Chemicals continues to solve customers’ challenges using high-quality environmentally compatible materials.

AGC’s fluorochemicals are used to make products that can resist harsh chemicals, extreme heat and severe weather conditions. For example, their plastic films are used as high-performance building materials, and their resins are used for paints and coatings that help buildings and bridges resist weathering for more than 30 years, among many other products and applications.

“This is an exciting time for AGC Chemicals in terms of developing new products and applications to meet our customers’ needs, while continuing to be a steward of the environment,” said Hiroo Mori, president of AGC Chemicals Americas. “Demand continues to grow for environmentally friendly chemicals that enhance the performance of products used in applications like architecture, automotive, aerospace, electronics, paper, textiles and other consumer materials.”

AGC Chemicals Americas manufactures, markets and sells fluoroproducts including Fluon® fluoropolymer resins, film and compounds, AFLAS® fluoroelastomers and AsahiKlin fluorinated solvents. The company also markets and sells specialty chemicals including LUMIFLON® FEVE resins, AsahiGuard® E-SERIES water and oil repellants, F-CLEAN® greenhouse films, Solesphere fine silica additives and various fluoro intermediates.

Posted November 8, 2017

Source: AGC Chemicals Americas Inc.

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UltraTech’s EverShield Fabric Coating Receives Approval For Use With Baby And Toddler Clothing

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — November 6, 2017 — UltraTech International Inc. was awarded an ECO PASSPORT certification for its superhydrophobic fabric coating, EverShield. The certification states fabrics treated with EverShield are safe for use with clothing, blankets and other materials produced for babies and toddlers. This level of certification (Class I) is the toughest, most stringent approval to receive.

EverShield is a Durable Omni Repellant (DOR) that deflects water, food, oil, and so much more. DORs have evolved from DWRs because DWR fabrics can only repel water. The fabric protection establishes a polymer coating that encases each fiber of the material, significantly increasing durability through a complex, protective matrix. The coating that is created maintains performance levels of long chain fluorocarbons while utilizing more acceptable six-carbon fluoropolymers.

EverShield uses an environmentally friendly formula utilizing C6 chemistry and is also water-based with no VOCs. Unlike some DWRs, EverShield treated fabrics can be washed at standard temperatures. No super-heated wash or drying cycles are needed to maintain superhydrophobicity or oleophobicity. Cooler water and cooler dryers means less energy consumption and lower operating costs. EverShield outperforms DWRs by repelling water in addition to oils, food products, mud, concrete, ice and other aqueous solutions.

Posted November 7, 2017

Source: UltraTech International

Cleantech Solutions International Enters Into Memorandum Of Understanding For The Potential Acquisition Of Shenzhen Xinsheng NewEnergy

HONG KONG — November 7, 2017 — Cleantech Solutions International Inc. today announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary, EC Power (Global) Technology Ltd. has entered into a memorandum of understanding with the shareholders of Shenzhen Xinsheng NewEnergy regarding a potential acquisition by EC Power of not less than 51 percent of Xinsheng.

Based in Shenzhen, China, Xinsheng’s primary business is designing and manufacturing lithium-ion aluminum case batteries. Utilizing advanced automated production equipment, Xinsheng has been delivering batteries for mobile phones and other digital equipment since 2008. Xinsheng’s daily production capacity is 300,000 units.

“Our recently launched mobile phone power charger rental business is scaling up quickly and we are moving forward with our plans to aggressively expand into other areas,” said Parkson Yip, COO of Cleantech Solutions. “So far, 20,000 portable power chargers are available for rent through major convenience store networks in Hong Kong and Macau, and demand has been increasing. We are preparing to expand our footprint into other types of retail outlets, including restaurants, hotels and shopping malls and are in discussions with potential partners to launch the service new regions around the world.

“The worldwide mobile phone users expected to grow from 4.8 billion in 2017 to over 5.0 billion in 2019 and we expect demand for on-the-go mobile phone charging to remain strong. We are impressed with Xinsheng’s production capabilities, advanced technology, and quality control processes. With quality and safety being top-of-mind for today’s mobile phone users, having control over the production of the chargers will allow us to confidently deliver products to the market. ”

Cleantech Solutions, through its affiliated companies, designs, manufactures and distributes a line of proprietary high and low temperature dyeing and finishing machinery to the textile industry. The company’s latest business initiatives are focused on targeting the technology and global sharing economy markets, by developing online platforms and rental business partnerships that will drive the global development of sharing through economical rental business models.

Posted November 7, 2017

Source: Cleantech Solutions International

Standard Textile Receives Innovative Technology Designation From Vizient For VESTEX® Apparel For Healthcare Workers

CINCINNATI — November 7, 2017 — Standard Textile has announced that VESTEX® Active Barrier1 apparel received a 2017 Innovative Technology designation from Vizient Inc., the largest member-driven health care performance improvement company in the country. The designation was based on direct feedback from hospital experts who interacted with Vestex at the Vizient Innovative Technology Exchange in Denver on September 14, 2017.

Vestex Active Barrier apparel is a unique combination of technologies that addresses the need for continuous-wear, comfortable healthcare worker garments intended to minimize the risks associated with unanticipated exposure to body fluids during routine use, by repelling fluid splatter and spills from the fabric. Vestex Active Barrier apparel has also earned the exclusive endorsement of the American Hospital Association.

Vestex fabric is breathable and it contains an EPA-registered antimicrobial agent2 shown in controlled conditions in laboratory and hospital settings to inhibit the growth of certain bacteria on the fabric.3,4 A peer-reviewed hospital-based study published in a leading medical journal showed reduced acquisition and retention of certain microorganisms on Vestex scrubs under the study conditions compared to conventional healthcare uniforms.

“For more than 70 years, Standard Textile has brought breakthrough technology to the healthcare industry,” said Norman Frankel, executive vice president/sales at Standard Textile. “Vestex provides healthcare worker-focused innovation, addressing the growing environmental risks to these essential stakeholders in the healthcare setting. Vestex Active Barrier fabric incorporates multiple technologies to help minimize those environmental risks while being comfortable and durable for everyday use.”

“We are honored that Vizient Inc. has recognized Vestex and look forward to expanding its adoption with Vizient members,” said Bill Bold, CEO of Vestagen Protective Technologies Inc., developer of Vestex.

“Hospitals and providers are looking for innovations that offer unique and cumulative benefit over other products available on the market today,” said Debbie Archer, director of procurement and Vizient Innovative Technology Program lead. “The feedback on Vestex Active Barrier by attendees at our Innovative Technology Exchange was strongly in favor of assigning this technology an Innovative Technology designation. Congratulations to Standard Textile on receiving this status.”

Vizient represents a diverse membership base that includes academic medical centers, pediatric facilities, community hospitals, integrated health delivery networks and non-acute health care providers and represents more than $100 billion in annual purchasing volume. Through its Innovative Technology Program, Vizient works with member-led councils and task forces to review potentially innovative products. If it is determined that a product is innovative, Vizient may award a contract outside of the competitive bid cycle.

1 – Neither liquid repellency nor antimicrobial tests are intended to assess the VESTEX active barrier apparel’s ability to meet personal protective equipment requirements. The ability of the fabric to reduce exposure to microorganisms or infections has not been studied.

2 – VESTEX garments do not protect users or others against disease-causing bacteria. Always clean the garment thoroughly after each use.

3 – Bearman, G., Rosato, A., Elam, K., Sanogo, K., Stevens, M., Sessler, C., and Wenzel, R. P., “A Cross-over Trial of Antimicrobial Scrubs to Reduce MRSA Burden on Healthcare Worker Apparel,” Infect. Control Hosp. Epidemiol., Vol. 33, No. 3, 2012, pp. 268–275.

4 – Hardwick, Matthew, Walsh, Thomas, and Cotton, Margaret, “Fabric Challenge Assays: New Standards for the Evaluation of the Performance of Textiles Treated with Antimicrobial Agents,” Pesticide Formulation and Delivery Systems: Innovating Legacy Products for New Uses on November 1–3, 2011 in Tampa FL; STP 1558, M. Bernards, Editor, pp. 1–14, doi: 101520/STP155820120184, ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA 2013.

Posted November 7, 2017

Source: Standard Textile

Recycled Plastic Bottles Transformed Into Denver Broncos Caps From New Era Using Repreve® Fiber

DENVER/GREENSBORO, N.C. — November 6, 2017 – The Denver Broncos just got greener! Today, New Era Cap — the official on-field hat of the National Football League (NFL) — announced the debut of its first-ever official NFL cap made with plastic bottles, thanks to the use of REPREVE® fiber. Starting on November 12, fans will be able to purchase the new, eco-friendly New Era caps at the Broncos Team Store at Sports Authority Field at Mile High during Broncos games. The Repreve-based caps will come in multiple styles, including the 9FIFTY® and 9TWENTY®. Retailing for $34.99 for the 9FIFTY and $24.99 for the 9TWENTY silhouette, each hat is made using four plastic bottles. Repreve is a branded, recycled performance fiber made from high-quality recycled materials, created by global textile solutions provider, Unifi Inc.

“We are thrilled to have two great partners in Repreve and New Era coming together to produce a unique and eco-friendly Broncos product for our fans,” said Darren O’Donnell, vice president of Business Development for the Denver Broncos. “These hats are well designed and represent our brand well.”

“The synergy between Repreve and New Era Cap represents one of incredible quality, performance, and a commitment to eco-friendliness,” said Mark Maidment, vice president, Creative for New Era Cap. “Not only does New Era Cap value environmental consciousness, but our consumers are also increasingly looking for products with a transparent sustainability story. We are excited to expand our eco-friendly product offering to the NFL with an exclusive launch with the Denver Broncos.”

The New Era 9FIFTY cap is the company’s classic snapback style with a structured front panel and a full crown; the visor is designed to be worn flat but can be curved for individualized styling. The 9TWENTY is a strapback hat with an unstructured, curved visor. Both caps reflect the unique styling New Era is known for, enhanced with an environmentally responsible twist because they are made with Repreve.

“We are excited to extend our relationship with New Era and the Broncos,” said Jay Hertwig, vice president of Global Brand Sales for Unifi Manufacturing Inc. “The collaboration will help us continue to spread the word that recycled plastic bottles can become high-performance products when they’re made with Repreve.”

Unifi is also teaming up with the Denver Broncos to envelop fans in eco-friendly messaging prior to and during the game. Repreve-focused messaging will run on stadium boards during the game, and on November 12 and November 19, Unifi’s custom-designed, interactive Repreve #TurnItGreen mobile tour will be at the stadium for fans to visit prior to kickoff and hear how their recycled plastic bottles can be transformed into high-performing gear.

Posted November 7, 2017

Source: Unifi Inc.

DuPont Teijin Films Introduces Flame Retardant Polyester Film

HOPEWELL, Va. — November 6, 2017 — A new class of flame retardant polyethylene terephthalate (PET) films from DuPont Teijin Films promises to help designers in the industrial, transportation, construction, electronics and label industries provide improved safety at low cost. The halogen-free, clear Melinex® FR2XX series of PET films combines the inherent polyester film properties with the VTM-0 flame rating certified by UL’s UL 94 flame classification testing.

“Traditional PET polyester films are well-known for their performance and reliability characteristics, and this new film type has combined those properties with the highly desired VTM-0 certification,” said Scott Gordon, business development manager, DuPont Teijin Films. “We have worked closely with key customers to develop a clear flame retardant film that meets the needs of several industry segments.”

Recent reports have predicted growth rates over 7 percent per year in flame retardant polymer usage, driven by more stringent fire safety requirements in the construction, automotive and other industries. Some commercial polymer film types offer inherent flame retardance, but often at a price point of up to 30 times higher than PET films. Meanwhile, most PET polyester films are known for their physical durability, chemical resistance and low water absorption, but with typical flame classification ratings at only the VTM-2 level. Consequently, PET polyester films have been used in a limited range of applications, or in some cases the PET polyester film’s flame retardance was achieved through the use of expensive specialty adhesives, or through halogen containing film additives which are no longer permitted in many industries.

The Melinex® FR220 film is the first clear halogen-free VTM-0 PET polyester film from DuPont Teijin Films. Typical applications include laminate structures for construction and transportation, battery labels, insulating materials for wire and cable, electronic office products, lighting and flexible printed circuitry.

Posted November 7, 2017

Source: DuPont Teijin Films

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