Fluid Systems® Nanofiltration Products From Koch Membrane Systems Return

WILMINGTON, Mass. – September 18, 2017 — Koch Membrane Systems (KMS) is pleased to announce the return of the FLUID SYSTEMS® nanofiltration (NF) and reverse osmosis (RO) product lines.

“Professionals around the world have relied on Fluid Systems products to deliver consistent, high-quality filtration,” says Taylour Johnson, water and wastewater product manager. “We see these products as an important addition to our extensive product portfolio, allowing us to provide municipal and industrial clients a total treatment solution with reuse potential.”

The Fluid Systems NF and RO products are available in standard 8” FRP hard overwrap configuration (8040) in standard and high area construction, and are listed under ANSI/NSF Standard 61. The Fluid Systems line includes multiple products engineered to serve in potable water and industrial water applications including:

  • TFC® SW: High rejection seawater RO membranes for treatment of high TDS industrial streams and seawater desalination;
  • TFC HR: Robust high-rejection and low-fouling brackish water RO products for consistent operation when treating industrial streams and wastewater effluents; and
  • TFC SR: Low energy NF products for water softening, seawater sulfate removal and organics removal.

In addition to NF and RO elements, KMS offers a line of standard systems, which includes a high recovery option.

Fluid Systems was an early pioneer in RO technology. Since 1967, when it developed and patented the first spiral wound element, the Fluid Systems brand has been an innovation leader in the membrane filtration world. From the first cellulose acetate RO membrane ever installed commercially, to the first multi-leaf spiral wound element, to the introduction of the first thin-film composite membrane (TFC — now a trademark recognized as a worldwide industry standard), Fluid Systems continuously delivered premier advanced solutions to the filtration market. In 1998, Fluid Systems became a part of Koch Membrane Systems, one of the world’s largest water treatment and membrane filtration companies.

Posted September 18, 2017

Source: Koch Membrane Systems (KMS)

Veteran Brand Executive Brings Fresh Insights And Strategies To Apparel And Fashion

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — September 18, 2017 — Focused on building brands and growing businesses, EPIC Brand Management Group LLC leverages a wide range of brand management and digital marketing experience to deliver fresh insights, winning strategies, and results-driven services for apparel and other fashion-related brands and supply chains. 23-year industry veteran Kevin R. Williams founded and leads the new firm as president and CEO.

According to Williams: “Many companies are challenged to understand what makes and keeps brands viable in today’s fast-changing omnichannel business environment. Perhaps more than ever before, I see significant demand for professional consulting around brand building. We launched EPIC Brand Management to share our expertise and help apparel, textile, and other businesses better recognize where and how to position their brands for growth. I am pleased that we have been able to hit the ground running in this endeavor.”

Other services provided by EPIC include strategy development and implementation of e-commerce, digital/internet marketing, merchandising, business development, forecasting, budgeting, and other skills required for success in a highly competitive market.

“Our passion is for strategically building brands and seeing our clients succeed,” added Williams. “We believe that our deep industry experience in strategic planning, marketing, sourcing, finance, and other critical processes uniquely qualifies us to drive measurable results for our clients. This broad range of capabilities differentiates us from those marketing firms that offer traditional branding and marketing services.”

Prior to founding EPIC Brand Management, Kevin most recently served as Vice President of Marketing for CovilleBrands and Coville Inc. In addition to an earlier tenure at Coville, Kevin also operated two independent marketing and sourcing consultancies and is the current president of the American Apparel Producers Network (AAPN), a leading industry organization.

Posted September 18, 2017

Source: EPIC Brand Management Group

Jesse Daystar Appointed First Chief Sustainability Officer For Cotton Incorporated

CARY, N.C. — September 15, 2017 — Sustainability is a major focus in businesses across all industries. From agriculture to retail, companies across the globe are working to reduce environmental impacts. Cotton Incorporated, the research and promotion company for U.S. cotton producers and importers, extends its commitment to sustainability of cotton across the supply chain by appointing Dr. Jesse Daystar, vice president and Chief Sustainability Officer.

“Dr. Daystar brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to this newly created role, which will oversee and coordinate our internal and external sustainability efforts,” says Berrye Worsham, president and CEO, Cotton Incorporated. “As our company’s sustainability programs continue to gain momentum, Dr. Daystar will be a valuable resource for the company and the cotton industry.”

Daystar is well-versed in the complexities of sustainability research, particularly as it relates to cellulosic fibers, including cotton. His research has appeared in scholarly journals and his consulting work has led to the development of sustainability and chemical engineering tools, and certifications for clients including the United States Department of Agriculture, Department of Energy, Eastman Chemical, and Piedmont biofuels.

Daystar’s experience includes sustainable chemical process development and efficiency management program development with the National Council for Air and Stream Improvement, Mead WestVaco, Pesco-Beam Environmental Solutions, and Kemira Chemical. Before joining Cotton Incorporated, he held the position of assistant director at the Duke Center for Sustainability and Commerce at Duke University, where he also taught. He earned a doctorate in forest biomaterials from North Carolina State University.

Posted September 18, 2017

Source: Cotton Incorporated

Standard Textile Provides Necessities To Hurricane Victims

CINCINNATI — September 18, 2017 — With a longstanding history of helping organizations in need, Standard Textile, a global leader in the healthcare and hospitality textiles industry, has contributed critical items of need to Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma victims with separate donations to both the American Red Cross, Matthew 25: Ministries, and the Texas Diaper Bank.

With its longstanding commitment to servicing the community at a grassroots level, Standard Textile has made significant donations to help shelters and individuals with a variety of products from sheets and towels to incontinence pads and diapers.

“When national disasters like Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma strike, it’s crucial to understand the urgency of need for basic necessities,” said Gary Heiman, president and CEO of Standard Textile. “At Standard Textile, we react preemptively, and we fulfill the needs of items that are often overlooked, like towels and incontinence products.”

As Disaster Responder Program Members for the Red Cross, Standard Textile donated towels to shelters for the victims of the devastating floods onset by Hurricane Harvey in Texas and parts of Louisiana.

When disaster strikes and survivors seek refuge in Red Cross shelters, a towel may be one of their first possessions following displacement from their homes. A clean towel and basic toiletries go a long way for everyone. In response to a low level of towel stock, last month Standard Textile increased the Red Cross’ towel inventory tenfold to furnish 40 prestocked shelter trailers in preparation for disaster relief wherever it may occur. The trailers were created by the Red Cross this summer in anticipation of hurricane season.

Standard Textile had the opportunity to act proactively by helping the Red Cross prepare for disaster relief and coincidentally, supplied their depot in Texas with two container loads of towels at the beginning of August, just weeks before Harvey formed off the coast of Texas.

Standard Textile also provided a significant donation of towels, sheets, blankets, and apparel for the relief efforts of Matthew 25: Ministries, an organization that accepts monetary donations and product donations of misprinted, slightly damaged, over-stocked or gently used supplies from corporations, organizations and individuals nationwide to provide relief for the needy around the globe.

Additionally, Standard Textile donated diapers and incontinence products for infants and disabled adults misplaced by the hurricane to the Texas Diaper Bank, which aims to meet the basic needs of vulnerable babies, children with disabilities, and seniors.

Standard Textile has a longstanding reputation for giving back on both a local and national level. The company supports a number of organizations, including Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, The Jewish Federation of Cincinnati, the University of Cincinnati Foundation, Boatsie’s Boxes, the United Way, and the American Red Cross.

“At Standard Textile, we emphasize the importance of helping communities, from foundations in the Cincinnati area to relief organizations nationwide,” said Heiman. “As a company, our mission is to provide comfort and quality to all who use our products, and we extend that value to assisting individuals in need.”

Heiman’s dedication to corporate giving has been recognized by The American Heart Association and Ernst & Young, among other organizations.

Posted September 18, 2017

Source: Standard Textile

Baldwin Acquires PC Industries To Expand Capabilities In Print Inspection Solutions

ST. LOUIS — September 18, 2017 — Baldwin Technology Co. Inc. is pleased to announce that it has acquired the assets of PC Industries (PCI) in a transaction that closed on September 13, 2017.

Headquartered in Gurnee, Ill., PC Industries is a leading manufacturer of state-of-the-art vision inspection systems for the printing, converting, packaging, pharmaceutical and security printing industries. Founded by Jack Woolley in 1975, PC Industries’ highly regarded brand of products is complementary to Baldwin’s offerings. PCI’s talented team members, consistent history of superior product development, and service and support make the company a natural add-on acquisition for Baldwin.

“We are very excited to be joining the Baldwin team and the broader BW Forsyth Partners family, and we look forward to continuing our progress of becoming the global market leader for high-speed print quality inspection,” commented Jack Woolley, CEO of PC Industries.

“The integration of PC Industries’ will add scale to our broader vision business by opening up new customer opportunities and enhancing our ability to provide further capabilities to our existing customers,” said Brent Becker, CEO of Baldwin. “Baldwin’s global sales and service platform will allow PC Industries to tap into new markets and serve customers who may have been beyond its scope. The combination of their expertise in print quality data gathering and our expertise in process control will enhance our opportunities to provide the next level of fully automated closed loop process control.”

PC Industries is Baldwin’s fourth acquisition since joining the BW Forsyth Partners’ family of companies in 2012. In 2014, Baldwin acquired Web Printing Controls and, in January 2017, Air Motion Systems. Earlier this month, they completed the acquisition of Ahlbrandt Systems GmbH. Baldwin will continue to seek add-on acquisitions, with a focus on companies that manufacture process-automation equipment, components and consumables for the printing, packaging and other industrial segments around the world.

Posted September 18, 2017

Source: Baldwin Technology

Allertex Of America, Ltd. To Be Exclusive Agency For The Schott & Meissner Company In The U.S. And Canada

CORNELIUS, N.C. — September 18, 2017 — Allertex of America Ltd. has signed an agreement with Schott & Meissner to be its exclusive agency in the U.S. and Canada starting October 1, 2017.

Schott & Meissner headquartered in Blaufelden, Germany and established in 1986, offers machinery for the nonwoven and composite industry.

In addition to the top seller like the TopCon Series and the corresponding end of line equipment, Schott & Meissner also focuses on high-speed applications used in the field of hygiene products and the growing composite market which is served by the Schott & Meissner double belt press – Thermofix-Technology.

Allertex of America is now able to offer complete turnkey airlay lines though its representation of both Schott & Meissner and Laroche.

“Our agreement with Schott and Meissner represents the perfect addition to our range and provides U.S.-based nonwovens manufacturers with a reliable technological advantage,” said Alistair Deas, CEO, Allertex.

Allertex of America, based in Cornelius, N.C., is looking forward to a professional partnership and is at the customer’s disposal  for sales information, service and technological support.

Posted September 18, 2017

Source: Allertex of America

RISE® Conference Connects Product Developers With Emerging Technologies And Stimulates Future Business Ideas

CARY, N.C. — September 18, 2017 — Technology scouts and product developers attending INDA’s seventh edition conference on Research, Innovation & Science for Engineered Fabrics (RISE®) left fortified with the valuable solutions, new ideas and connections they discovered at the recently concluded Sept. 12-14 event in downtown Raleigh, N.C.

The conference attracted just over 140 technical professionals to connect with, and learn from industry experts, scientists and R&D specialists on leading-edge topics in future manufacturing, moisture management, 3-D nonwoven structures, wetlaid nonwovens, advanced materials, biomaterials, machinery, corporate R&D hurdles and other topics with the potential to change the future of nonwovens and engineered fabrics.

“I found the content of the 2017 RISE conference to be stimulating in terms of innovative ideas for future business opportunities. Whether you were looking for high-tech materials, such as programmable fabrics or potential sustainable solutions to meet customer needs and organizational targets — RISE offered new thinking,” said Russ Johnson, head of New Business Development & Strategic Marketing, Freudenberg.

“RISE is a great technical conference where product developers and nonwovens scientists come together in one place to share their innovation stories. The balanced number of researchers from academia and industry creates a good mix of applied research and fundamental science-based knowledge. It keeps me up-to-date with the major research trends and directions,” said Dr. Mohammad Hassan, senior application scientist, Fibers & Microfibers Technology, Eastman Chemical Co.

“RISE gives me an excellent view of the extensive research in the industry to see what’s next for our products. Nowhere else can we see sustainability perspectives for all three components of our products. The presentation on trends in 3-D nonwovens, seeing the directions and applications of IP patents was timely, invaluable and flawless,” said Vishal Narvekar, principal research engineer, Cardinal Health.

Presentations that inspired new ideas included such concepts as leaving one’s “comfort zone” and rewarding curiosity; trending patent indicators in higher loft nonwovens; transforming fibers into devices for fabric applications in audio and social media; repurposing non-food milk as natural binding fibers; technologies for affordable water desalination; impregnating nonwovens with chemotherapy medicine to combat brain cancer and improving softness and consistency in nonwovens with ultrasonic welding.

Special features of RISE included a poster session detailing discoveries and innovative applications from The Nonwovens Institute’s postdoctoral students and a two-hour guided tour of the newly unveiled 40,000 square foot facility for spunmelt and hydroentangling at The Nonwovens Institute at the Centennial Campus of North Carolina State University in Raleigh.

“The RISE poster session offered industry professionals an excellent opportunity to meet over 20 talented graduate students and explore new processes, structures, coatings, polymers, and applications in their poster presentations,” said Dr. Behnam Pourdeyhimi, Klopman Distinguished professor, associate dean for Industry Research & Extension, Executive Director, The Nonwovens Institute.

Dave Rouse, INDA president, commented, “This RISE Conference offered outstanding content to stimulate and foster innovation in engineered materials. The downtown Raleigh location was enjoyed by all. If you are a product developer in engineered fabrics, this is the conference you should not miss.”

RISE Innovation Award Presentation

The RISE® Innovation Award was presented to PurPod100™ Compostable Pods made by Club Coffee LP for their certified 100-percent compostable pod for the single-serve coffee process.

“We are truly honored to receive this year’s RISE Innovation Award. Millions of consumers are enjoying a great cup of coffee “guilt-free” in our 100-percent compostable PurPod100 format every day, and we are proud to see industry experts recognize the sustainable nonwoven filter innovation that makes every cup possible,” said Claudio Gemmiti, senior vice president of Innovation and Strategic Growth at Club Coffee.

The next and eighth edition of the Research, Innovation & Science for Engineered Fabrics (RISE) conference will be in September 2018.

Posted September 18, 2017

Source: INDA

Gap, Nike, Levi’s Among Retailers Joining Initiative To Tackle Climate Change

NEW YORK CITY — September 18, 2017 — As Climate Week begins in New York, six top apparel companies announced that they are joining the Science Based Targets initiative. Gap Inc., Nike, Levi Strauss & Co., GUESS, EILEEN FISHER Inc. and VF Corp. committed to set emission reduction targets consistent with global efforts to limit warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius. The new companies join other fashion brands that that have already committed to set science-based targets, including H&M, ASICS, Kering, PUMA, Walmart, Inditex, Woolworths Holdings Ltd., Marks and Spencer, and One Jeanswear Co.

More than 300 companies, including 15 from the apparel sector, have committed to set ambitious emissions reduction targets through Science Based Targets initiative, a partnership between CDP, WRI, WWF and the UN Global Compact. Businesses who commit have two years to develop science-based targets, which are then reviewed by the initiative’s team of experts. So far, 71 science-based targets meeting the initiative’s strict criteria have been approved. The initiative is also one of the We Mean Business coalition commitments.

“By joining the Science Based Targets initiative, these companies are positioning themselves as leaders in the apparel sector,” said Cynthia Cummis, WRI’s Director of Private Sector Climate Mitigation and member of the Science Based Targets initiative steering committee. “The fashion industry is known for innovation and these companies are using that spirit to tackle climate change. For apparel brands, up to 90 percent of emissions come from the value chain, and companies share many of the same suppliers, so setting ambitious value chain targets will open up a great deal of opportunity for collaboration, innovation and efficiency across the industry.”

“We believe that the private sector has a critical role to play in the transition to a low-carbon economy. By joining the Science Based Target initiative, we’re strengthening our commitment to tackling climate change and working collaboratively, building on the progress we’ve made in our owned and operated facilities,” said Melissa Fifield, senior director of Sustainable Innovation at Gap. “We look forward to working with the SBTi to align our future emissions reduction targets with sound climate science.”

“Levi Strauss & Co. knows that transitioning to a low-carbon future is vital to the health and well-being of the people who make and wear our iconic products,” said Anna Walker, Senior Director, Global Policy and Advocacy, Levi Strauss & Co. “That’s why we are committing to set science-based targets in reducing our own emissions as well as emissions throughout our value chain. By doing so, LS&Co. and our communities will continue to thrive for the next 160 years and beyond.”

In addition to reducing emissions from their operations, companies that join the Science Based Targets initiative are required to set ambitious “scope 3” value chain targets when these emissions are significant. This is important because to date, most apparel companies have not been measuring and managing emissions upstream and downstream of their operations, where most of their emissions lie.

Quantis, a company that specializes in environmental sustainability services and solutions, is working with ClimateWorks to develop a more comprehensive view of the apparel industry’s footprint. A preliminary estimate, based on apparel production volumes and calculated with emission factors from Quantis’ World Apparel and Footwear Lifecycle Database, shows that the greenhouse gas emissions of the global apparel sector may amount to a significant 5% percent of total emissions. This is comparable in impact to the total emissions of the aviation sector or to the total GHG emissions of Russia.

So far, two fashion companies have approved targets:

  • Kering, French luxury goods company and owner of Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent, Balenciaga and other lines, commits to reduce emissions from upstream transportation and distribution, business air travel, and fuel and energy use by 50 percent per unit of value added by 2025, from a 2015 base-year. In addition, the company commits to curb emissions from purchased goods and services by 40 percent per unit of value added within the same timeframe.
  • Marks & Spencer, the British multinational retailer, commits to reduce absolute emissions from operations 80 percent by 2030, and has a longer term vision to achieve 90 percent absolute emissions reductions by 2035, from a 2007 base-year. In addition, the company commits to reduce value chain emissions by 13.3 megatonnes of CO2 between 2017 and 2030.

Setting science-based targets is an opportunity for apparel sector companies to ensure they are doing their part to protect consumers and supply chains from the consequences of climate change. For example, scientists fear climate change could cut the global cotton supply by 30-45 percent by the end of the century.

The Science Based Targets initiative is currently working with the apparel sector to develop sector-specific guidance for setting science-based targets. The guidance aims to create clarity and consistency for the sector and reduce barriers for apparel companies seeking to set science-based targets.

Shona Quinn, Sustainability Leader with Eileen Fisher, said: “Many of us don’t want to face the impacts of a warmer and wetter world.  Yet it is a necessity for businesses with a long-term vision. Eileen Fisher joined the Science Based Targets initiative to understand the best ways to align our business goals with climate science — with the ultimate hope of helping the apparel sector contribute to a stable climate.”

“VF Corporation has started the process of setting Science Based Targets as a way to guide our carbon reduction efforts and demonstrate leadership on the very real issue of global warming,” said Letitia Webster, Vice President of Global Corporate Sustainability for VF. “Our relentless focus on innovation extends from product development to our environmental stewardship initiatives, and we know that setting ambitious goals aligned with current climate science will push our company to the forefront of innovative solutions that have lasting benefits.”

“As a large business with a unique scale and reach, we have a responsibility to go beyond simply cutting our emissions,” said Anna Gedda, H&M’s Head of Sustainability. “We have to work to meet the needs of the planet which means setting an example in our own operations, driving change along our whole value chain, and leading the transformation of the whole industry. We work with Science Based Targets so that we know we live up to our commitment: a climate positive value chain by 2040.”

“In 2015, prior to the 2015 Paris Climate Conference (COP21), ASICS committed to set targets for CO2 emissions reduction based on the Science Based Targets (SBT) initiative,” said Joji Yoshimoto, General Manager of CSR Sustainability Department at ASICS. “Our long-term targets will be in line with what scientific evidence has proved is necessary to prevent the worst impacts of climate change and we want to take our responsibility to minimize climate change impact to our business, our customers and society as a whole.”

“We’ve cut emissions in our own operations by 70% in the past 10 years,” said Carmel McQuaid, Head of Sustainable Business at Marks & Spencer. “We’re proud of the achievement but still have much more to do, for example working with the thousands of farms and factories that supply us to help them tackle climate impacts. Setting a Science Based Target gives us the confidence that we’re on the right path and helps us verify our performance against stretch goals.”

Posted September 18, 2017

Source: WRI

Primaloft Inc. Announces New Sales And Marketing Leadership For Asia-Pacific

LATHAM, N.Y./XIAMEN, China/MUNICH Germany, — September 11, 2017 — PrimaLoft, Inc. has announced the addition of a new member to the Asian-Pacific team. Clark Jin (Jin Lukai) took over the new role of Sales & Marketing Manager for the APAC region, effective September 11, 2017.

Jin has more than 18 years experience in managing sales, marketing and merchandising in functional textiles and ingredient branding with companies like Kufner Textile, W.L.Gore, Itochu Corp. and Smart Garment. As a truly passionate textile specialist and outdoor/ski/fashion enthusiast, his experience covers outdoor performance apparel, as well as fashion in various functions throughout the Asian region. Building on his Bachelor degree in Japanese culture, he developed his intercultural management skills in global companies with leadership roles for several Asian countries. He will work out of his office in Beijing and will report to Managing Director Europe & Asia Jochen Lagemann

“Clark has the experience, strategic acumen, network and reputation in our industries, as well as the intercultural and interpersonal skills to successfully lead our regional sales teams and develop growth strategies for a broader positioning of our brand in this important region,” says Jochen Lagemann, Managing Director Europe & Asia of PrimaLoft. “We are pleased to have his talent within our organization and look forward to his leadership in his new role.”

Posted September 18, 2017

Source: PrimaLoft

Americhem Increases Prices For Color And Additive Products

CUYAHOGA FALLS, Ohio — September 15, 2017 — Americhem Inc., a global provider of color and additive solutions for polymeric products, has announced a global price increase for all color and additive products effective October 1, 2017.

This increase is a result of inflationary adjustments on raw materials, energy, freight and packaging costs.

Americhem account managers will be in contact with customers to discuss the implementation of this price increase.

Posted September 15, 2017

Source: Americhem

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