Cover Girl Chooses Safety Components’ WeatherMAX 3D

GREENVILLE, S.C. — October 20, 2017 — Covering complex, 3-D shapes requires an elastic fabric that won’t loosen over time. That’s why Tammy Hampton, owner of Cover Girl Marine Canvas and Upholstery, chose Safety Components’ innovative WeatherMAX 3D for a recent project. It delivers the flexibility she needed when fabricating a cover for a large marine outboard engine.

“I thought this project would be an ideal use for the fabric,” said Hampton. “It has the ability to fit right and look good. It’s really unique.” She had previously used it on a custom race car cover with great results.

Hampton has been working with the original WeatherMAX technical fabric since its introduction, so she understands the unique qualities that make WeatherMAX 3D perfect for difficult to fit applications. It’s UV- and fade-resistant, and 100-percent pigment solution-dyed for color consistency and durability. Soft and pliable, it’s water resistant, yet breathable.

“It needs a serged or overlap seam due to the stretch,” she notes, “but it’s really easy to work with.” WeatherMAX 3D expands up to 30 percent under tension, but when released, goes back to its original shape.

A rarity in the marine industry, Buford, Georgia-based Cover Girl Marine Canvas and Upholstery is woman-owned and women-run. It fabricates a complete range of boat coverings and upholstery. Multi-dimensional and continually diversifying, the company has a full e-commerce operation with its patented EZ-Xtend boat zipper for canvas that has shrunk over time. Its website is www.covergirl-marine-canvas-upholstery.com.

WeatherMAX 3D is made in the United States for long-lasting performance in extreme environments. The fabric is ideal for a wide range of applications that require durability and elasticity.

Posted October 20, 2017

Source: Safety Components

Saint-Gobain Is Pleased To Announce The Publication Of The First Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) For A PTFE Coated Architectural Membrane – SHEERFILL II

SOLON, Ohio — October 19, 2017 — An Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) is a comprehensive, internationally-harmonized report that documents the ways in which a product, throughout its lifecycle, affects the environment.

As the global leader in strong long-lasting architectural membranes, SHEERFILL has always been committed to working towards sustainability. As a result of our commitment, Sheerfill is the only PTFE coated architectural membrane that is Energy Star and Cool Roof Rated.

“Our company is committed to producing materials that meet the highest levels of both performance and sustainability. The release of this document allows us to be transparent with SHEERFILL users and project owners about the products they are using so that they, too, can reach their sustainability and quality goals,” Michael Lussier, Global Market Leader for SHEERFILL said.

Time and time again, real-life use has shown that Sheerfill Architectural Membrane provides up to 25 years or more of reliable service. The first installation of Sheerfill II has been in continuous use, since 1973, at the University of La Verne.

Sheerfill II is manufactured by Saint-Gobain, one of the world’s largest building materials company.

Posted October 19, 2017

Source: Saint-Gobain

Cone Denim White Oak Plant To Close; Greensboro Provides Support For International Textile Group’s Displaced Employees

GREENSBORO, N.C. — 10/18/2017 — With the announcement on Wednesday, October 18 that International Textile Group Inc. (ITG) will shut down operations at the Cone Denim White Oak Plant later this year, the City of Greensboro extends its continued support for ITG and its employees.

“We are saddened by today’s announcement. The City of Greensboro is committed to helping these employees and their families plan for their futures with the resources available at Guilford County Workforce Development,” said Mayor Nancy Vaughan. “This loss is regrettable, as Cone Denim has long been an important part of our City’s history and heritage. That will not change, especially as International Textile Group will retain its headquarters, community involvement, product development and other corporate and division activities in Greensboro. We remain optimistic about Greensboro’s employment prospects, as we chart an aggressive path toward new economic development with our regional partners.”

Guilford County Workforce Development offers a depth of resources to job seekers, including workshops, networking, job fairs, and training.

Posted 10/19/2017

Source: The City of Greensboro North Carolina

CAMX Announces Updates On Housing, Registration And Conference Program

ORLANDO, Fla. — October 19, 2017 — CAMX announces its list of exhibitors and conference program are now available for the rescheduled CAMX – The Composites and Advanced Materials Expo, taking place December 11-14, 2017, in Orlando, Fla. Housing and registration are open for attendees as well. Now in its fourth year, CAMX-The Composites and Advanced Materials Expo, co-produced by the American Composites Manufacturers Association (ACMA) and the Society for the Advancement of Material and Process Engineering (SAMPE), is North America’s premier event for composite products, solutions, networking, and advanced industry thinking.

CAMX is an all-encompassing event that connects and advances all of the world’s composites and advanced materials communities — research and development, engineering, manufacturing, service providers and end users.

“CAMX staff has worked tirelessly over the past month and a half to ensure that attendees get the same amazing experience they’ve come to expect every year,” says Heather Rhoderick, senior vice president of Events and Information at ACMA and CAMX show director. “We have had a strong turnout from our exhibitors and our speakers, and appreciate the industry support for our new dates. The number of people who were able to make their schedules work for the dates is a testament to how important CAMX is to our industry.”

On December 12, the conference program kicks off with the general session, sponsored by Owens Corning, featuring CAMX Live! — a dynamic series of presentations from three “disruptive innovators” in the industry — James Antonic, president/CEO of Composites Building Structures, Kurt Jordan, Oracle Team USA Designer, and Kerry Manning, Aerostructures engineer at Boom Technology, Inc. To learn more about the speakers’ backgrounds, click here.  CAMX offers eight tracks of programming, including: additive manufacturing; advances in materials; business, regulatory and workforce development, design, analysis and simulation; green and sustainability, manufacturing and processing technologies; market applications; and non-destructive evaluation and testing.

Details such for all education and technical paper sessions during the show, featured sessions and pre-conference tutorials, as well as an updated exhibitor list, floorplan and services provided by the exhibitors are all available online on the CAMX website. To get the most of CAMX, attendees can use the MyCAMX Planner to find and keep track of programming and exhibits or create their own calendar of events and list of exhibits to visit.  Appointments with exhibitors can also be requested, and searches can be conducted to identify the products and services of exhibitors.

Registration is now open for anyone who had not previously registered.  CAMX attendees can register as a student, a non-member, or a member of ACMA or SAMPE. All attendees can register through the CAMX website.  Additionally, housing is also open.  The Hyatt Regency will serve as the headquarters hotel.  Anyone planning to attend CAMX in December needs to make housing reservations.

Attendees and exhibitors can follow @the_CAMX, @ACMAcomposites, or @SAMPE for show updates, and are encouraged to post about their experience with the hashtag #CAMX17.

Posted October 19, 2017

Source: CAMX

SPESA To Host Executive Conference In Memphis, Tenn.

RALEIGH, N.C. — October 19, 2017 — SPESA will hold its 2017 Executive Conference at the Peabody Memphis Hotel in Memphis, Tenn., November 7-9.

According to Senior Advisor to Gerber Technology and SPESA Chairman Sam Simpson: “The Executive Conference has been designed to inform, educate, and update attendees on what the future holds for their businesses and the sewn products industry. Attendees will come from a variety of backgrounds including senior management, product development, sales and marketing, consulting, academia, and government. We have lined up experts on subjects critical to the textile and sewn products industry: ‘Executive Strategies to Improve Profits and Communications’, ‘Trade Update and NAFTA Re-Negotiations’, ‘Tax Reform: Preparing for the Future’, ‘A Policy Roadmap to Renew U.S. Manufacturing’, ‘Learning from the University Educators’, and ‘The Internet of Clothing’.

“The ‘Trade Update and NAFTA Re-Negotiations’ session will include perspectives from all the countries involved — U.S., Canada, and México.

“And a trademark of all SPESA conferences, we will have ample networking opportunities so attendees can have some one on one time with their colleagues. Yes… we are going to Elvis Presley’s Graceland Mansion and Entertainment Complex for an evening of networking fun.

“Our 2017 Executive Conference is designed to provide industry executives with wide-ranging perspectives on how they can succeed and grow in a fast-changing marketplace,” explained SPESA President Benton Gardner. “In addition to a great lineup of speakers and panelists, attendees will enjoy networking receptions, dinners, and general session networking breaks. We encourage all industry stakeholders to attend and share in this special event.”

Posted October 19, 2017

Source: SPESA

Nexgen Packaging Appoints Manuel Torres As Managing Director, EMEA Operations

WESTMONT, Ill./READING, England — October 19, 2017 — Nexgen Packaging — a full service provider of apparel identification products to retailers as well as to apparel, footwear and textile brands — today announced that Manuel Torres has joined the company as managing director of Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) operations. Torres joins Nexgen Packaging from Motorola Solutions where he was senior vice president and general manager for EMEA and has led the international growth of the business during his 25-year career with the company. Manuel also led the Latin America region and as well the Motorola Enterprise business (now part of Zebra Technologies) for EMEA and was active with customers, strategic direction, and field execution.

“Nexgen continues to achieve strong market share growth in North America by providing our customers with quality products, exceptional customer service, and industry-leading technology that brings visibility and efficiencies to supply chain operations,” said Andy Effron, Nexgen’s co-founder and CEO. “In Europe, we have seen promising early success with this model and are confident that under Manuel’s leadership we will rapidly move our business forward. I am very excited to have such an accomplished executive as Manuel join the Nexgen team.”

Jim Welch, president, Nexgen Packaging, added: “We are fortunate to have someone of Manuel’s caliber and character lead our efforts in EMEA. Manuel is a world-class leader, knows how to build high-performing teams and has a proven track record of establishing strategic relationships with customers. We all look forward to working with Manuel and establishing Nexgen’s leadership position in EMEA.”

“I am thrilled to be joining a team as well regarded in the industry as Nexgen,” said Torres. “Nexgen has created a unique offering for its customers by combining the most comprehensive portfolio of apparel identification products with industry leading manufacturing and supply chain software. I am excited about the opportunity to build and lead the team that will be responsible for bringing these solutions to customers in the EMEA region.”

Torres will be based in Madrid, Spain.

Posted October 19, 2017

Source: Nexgen Packaging

Kurskhimvolokno Starts Up New Trützschler Extrusion Lines For Industrial Yarn

EGELSBACH, Germany — October 19, 2017 — Within the frame of a strategic company modernization program, Kurskhimvolokno, a major Russian player in the polyamide industrial yarn industry, recently increased its capacity by more than 30 percent. Trützschler Switzerland was again selected again to implement the project. This repeat order of a larger number of Trützschler’s symTTec spinning positions confirms the long-term and successful cooperation between the two companies.

The industrial and technical yarns of the new extrusion lines fullfil the requirements of various high demanding end applications such as tire cord. The yarn’s tenacity can reach 88-90 cN/tex, the production runs smoothly with very high efficiency. The high quality of the product enables Kurskhimvolokno to strengthen its market share and to acquire new customers in Russia and abroad.

Posted October 19, 2017

Source: Trützschler Nonwovens & Man-Made Fibers GmbH

Dupont, INVISTA And Dupont Tate & Lyle Bio Products Showcase Latest Generation Of Durable Plant-Based Textile Solutions At A+A

WILMINGTON, Del. — October 19, 2017 — DuPont™ Sorona®, INVISTA’s CORDURA® brand, and DuPont Tate & Lyle Bio Products will be giving workwear brands a sneak peek of new developmental fabrics in the next chapter of a series of more innovative, enhanced sustainable textile solutions for workwear and outdoor wear at the A+A Show, Hall 9/E39, October 17-20, 2017, in Dusseldorf, Germany. Now, designers of apparel, footwear and gear will have even more options when looking for built-to-last durable fabrics that incorporate high performance materials across multiple layers.

Invista’s Cordura brand and DuPont Tate & Lyle Bio Products have been collaborating throughout the year to create next-generation eco-efficient textile solutions. The series combines long-lasting abrasion resistance and bio-based Susterra® propanediol coatings and membranes, inspiring consumers to embrace the Cordura brand ethos that Sustainability Begins With Products That Last™. At A+A, the brands will unveil an innovative new softshell fabric development integrating DuPont™ Sorona® bio-based, high-performance fiber technology.

“As the Cordura brand celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2017, it’s been the perfect time to reflect on five decades of cutting-edge durable fabric technology and collaborate with some very special partners,” said Cindy McNaull, Cordura brand and global marketing director. “Working with the talented teams at DuPont Industrial Biosciences and DuPont Tate & Lyle to help define the durable, eco-efficient solutions of tomorrow with our latest Cordura + Susterra + Sorona soft shell technology has been an amazing opportunity to bring together the rich heritage we all share and is certainly one of the highlights of our 50 x 50 ‘heritage meets innovation’ anniversary journey.”

Since the early 1900s, DuPont has been revolutionizing the world of fiber and polymers. From the first plastic-coated fabrics developed in the 1910s to groundbreaking fibers like rayon, and nylon 6,6, neoprene rubber fabric, and more, DuPont has spent over a century creating textile products that transform the way we live and workWith this latest collaboration, the DuPont Sorona brand, the DuPont Tate & Lyle Bio Products Susterra brand and Invista’s Cordura brand usher in the next chapter in textile innovation, combining long-lasting durability and bio-based, performance technologies.

“After decades of research and asking the right questions, DuPont scientists discovered a way to produce bio-based 1,3 propanediol — a building block with endlessly versatile potential,” explains Laurie Kronenberg, global marketing director, DuPont Tate & Lyle Bio Products. “It is this building block that was created using modern biotechnology that powers both the Sorona and Susterra brand solutions and enables high-performance, renewable, plant-based fibers, coatings and membranes.”

“Together, we are creating a legacy of innovative, eco-efficient textile solutions. DuPont Sorona fibers will be an excellent addition to the ‘Cordura + Susterra’ collaboration” states Renee Henze, global marketing director, DuPont Industrial Biosciences. “Sorona fibers define softness, with exceptional resilience and is built on the same bio-based science as Susterra propanediol making it a natural extension.”

To help make this idea a reality, the brands engaged authorized apparel fabric mill, Everest, to develop this durable bio-based Cordura fabric soft-shell solution. Everest’s soft-shell laminate features a durable Cordura Naturalle™ fabric on the outer face, a middle layer polyurethane bio-based membrane containing more than 25 percent renewable sourced materials by weight and a soft fleece backing. The integration of the lightweight Sorona® fiber-based fleece helps provide cozy warmth and soft hand feel for day-in, day-out comfort. The result is a fabric engineered to help keep you comfortable through all of life’s durable adventures with eco-efficiency in mind.

Posted October 19, 2017

Source: DuPont Industrial Biosciences

Launch of Refibra™ Denim Capsule Designed by Adriano Goldschmied

NEW YORK CITY — October 19, 2017 — Kingpins Amsterdam will see the launch of a denim capsule collection designed by Adriano Goldschmied and featuring new fabrics developed with Refibra™ branded lyocell fibers — one of the latest fiber innovations from Lenzing AG.

Adriano first began working with TENCEL® lyocell back in the mid-1990s with the launch of his AGoldE label. Because he is a strong advocate for sustainable practices in denim, Lenzing commissioned Adriano to design this 21st century capsule collection featuring fabrics from eight global premium denim mills, with design, production, and laundry processing taking place in his Los Angeles studio.

The Refibra fiber is the first commercial scale cellulose fiber featuring chemically recycled material. Made from a blend of pulps that include post-industrial cotton scraps and wood, this new generation of Tencel lyocell fiber represents the ‘Reduce, Reuse and Recycle’ process. The Refibra fiber recently achieved the Recycled Claim Standard, which certifies that all production processes in its entire supply chain adhere to the proper steps that ensure the final product’s integrity. A special manufacturing process makes it possible to identify the Refibra fiber in the finished garment.

Lenzing worked especially closely with Spanish mill Textil Santanderina during the initial development of this innovation. Other fabric mill partners showcased in this capsule include Advance Denim (China), Artistic Milliners (Pakistan), Blue Diamond (China), Candiani (Italy), Orta (Turkey), Prosperity (China) and Tejidos Royo (Spain).  Knitted fabric bases were supplied by Hallotex (Spain).

“Tencel fibers, in general have been part of my work and the innovation that I bring into design,” says Adriano Goldschmied, who has been designing denim since 1972.  “Now Tencel fibers is evolving to take a new level of sustainability with Refibra fibers. We need to open the minds of designers with sustainable innovations like this.”

“With the environmental challenges we are facing globally, Refibra fibers is one step towards reducing waste, “says Tricia Carey, Director of Global Business Development for Denim at Lenzing.  “Adriano has long been an advocate for product development in the denim industry with less impact on the environment, without compromising consumer demand for comfort and fashion. Working with Adriano and the Genious Group to develop this capsule in Los Angeles provides a remarkable entry of a new sustainable innovation into the denim market.”

The capsule with fifteen women’s and men’s styles can be viewed at Kingpins Amsterdam (October 25th and 26th), Kingpins New York (November 29th and 30th), and regional Lenzing offices.

Posted October 19, 2017

Source: Lenzing Fibers Inc.

EDANA — Innovation’s Toughest Question: What Are We Really Trying To Solve?

BRUSSELS — October 19, 2017 — With the Nonwovens Innovation Academy approaching, EDANA’s Scientific & Technical Affairs Director Marines Lagemaat caught up with keynote speaker Omar Hoek, executive vice president at Ahlstrom-Munksjö to discuss innovation in today’s connected world.

Marines Lagemaat (ML): You’re going to talk about innovation’s toughest question: what are we really trying to solve? Could you already reveal (part of) your viewpoint in a few lines?


Omar Hoek (OH): People try to find solutions based on their rationale and knowledge. Especially in the scientific world: you learn critical thinking methods and apply that in research and development.

In today’s connected world the opportunities and trends are driven by impulses, trends and technology that can change at the speed of light and overnight …. Are we prepared, structured and do we have the right DNA ready for that unstable mass and, do we want to lead or follow this trend?

ML: Innovation, in particular the process of innovating is difficult to manage, some companies use some form of stage gate process. What is your experience with such tools? Do they meet their purpose? Are there alternatives?


OH: Innovation processes “a la” stage gate, come from eras where we wanted control and research and actual innovation had a clear predictable target and we got “organized” around it for structural, budgeting and accountability purposes.

In today’s world we see a different type of innovation, fast pace vs slow, predictable vs random behaviour, existing versus new technology, with or without external partners etc. …
It gets very complex to make a one size fits all model for this type of innovation… but a mechanism that has its ear to the ground when a new trend-train is coming is an absolute must

ML: How can multinational companies like yours innovate and optimize the know-how that is available at different sites? Related to this, how can large companies share know-how between sites?


OH: In the historical material industry, sites where very much a standalone capability with their own eco-system and boundaries. In today’s world these doors have been opened and synergies happen between competencies centres as matter of survival. Multiple sites belong to a single business and cross virtual teams are established to deliver the desired outcome. Where people sit has become secondary.

In short: business targets become the true north, not necessarily the location and boss you report to. This requires strong strategic leadership and communication to make people believe and follow.

ML: Would you qualify innovation as a pull or a push process?


OH: That fully depends on nature of the organization. Stable, controlled and predictable innovation is most of the time a push process (sell what we can and control), whereas a pull process deals with all the uncertainties from failing and financial disaster to great success and victory – so a much broader spectrum.

A hybrid model where you fully anticipate consumer needs and have an organization dedicated to that (pull), but combined with the muscle of “all means” technology (push) spread through right channels and markets ….
You need to be so to say right and left handed… and that feels naturally uncomfortable.

ML: More often than not, companies try to answer the question ‘how can we create value for the consumer’ while finishing the sentence with the words ‘using our current assets’. This is very understandable, or are they missing great opportunities this way?


OH: Using current assets is the natural gravitation to the belief that it fits your existing competencies and using those won’t get anyone fired – isn’t it? Reality however is that many assets and technologies can be accessed through alliance, partnerships or acquisition.

What is much more important these days is that you have channel access, understand the language, identify the opportunity and develop solutions that ultimately need to be produced, ideally on the internal assets. But, if it is financially viable, why not look outside or invest in a new area?
Building a new innovation business should be led by the most senior and respectful leader in a company to disrupt and overcome challenges. Many companies make the mistake of giving a small project or a new innovation in the market to a young graduate student (seen as low risk) – imagine the natural struggle and failure ahead…

Posted October 19, 2017

Source: EDANA

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