Hollander Sleep Products Announces Acquisition Of Pacific Coast Feather Company

BOCA RATON, Fla. — June 9, 2017 — Hollander Sleep Products, a manufacturer of high-quality man-made-filled bedding products, today announced that it has acquired Pacific Coast Feather Co. (PCF), a manufacturer of down and down-alternative products. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

The newly-formed company will retain the corporate name of Hollander Sleep Products. Combined, Hollander and PCF bring a deep heritage of product innovation recognized throughout the retail and hospitality industries. These two companies offer a rich heritage and will create a stronger, more dynamic organization, ideally positioned to serve retailers, consumers and hospitality and institutional customers with a more complete variety of high-quality, innovative bedding solutions.

“This transformative acquisition marks a significant milestone in our company’s extensive history, and our combined company creates the undisputed leader in utility bedding in North America. The acquisition provides us with a stronger presence in key product categories, as well as access to new distribution channels, and will bring together two complementary companies to create a diverse and dynamic product portfolio consisting of high-value private label and strong national brands,” said Mark Eichhorn, CEO, Hollander Sleep Products. “This is an exciting time for both Hollander and PCF, and for all of our partners. The combination will form a stronger company through a focus on innovation and quality, as well as manufacturing efficiencies, and will provide improved value for customers and consumers alike.”

“We’re very pleased to be joining the Hollander team and helping to create an even greater company,” said Joe Crawford, Chief Executive Officer of Pacific Coast Feather Company. “Bringing together two century-old, American-made companies with unique yet complementary expertise will result in an unequaled resource for the industry.”

PCF CEO Joe Crawford will serve as President of PCF reporting to Hollander CEO, Mark Eichhorn. Further operational and organizational details will be determined throughout the integration process.

Posted June 12, 2017

Source: Hollander Sleep Products

Milliken Names Jennifer K. Harmon As Vice President, Specialty Interiors, Performance & Protective Textiles Division

SPARTANBURG, S.C. — June 12, 2017 — Milliken has named Jennifer K. Harmon as its new vice president of the specialty interiors business, which is part of the company’s Performance & Protective Textiles Division.

Harmon, who was previously vice president of design and interim vice president of sales at True Textiles Inc., will be responsible for leading Milliken’s growth in the market of specialty interiors textiles which includes both the commercial and residential market.

With more than 25 years of leadership experience in the textile industry, she brings a combination of business management and textile design and development skills to the business. At True Textiles, she was instrumental in developing innovative platforms for product offerings to better reach the target audience to grow sales. Prior to True Textiles, she worked for a variety of market leaders, including Tietex International, Victor Studio, Chatham and US Woven Labels.

Harmon earned an MBA from Montreat College and a BS in Textile Technology with a Design Concentration from North Carolina State University.

Jeff Price, President of Milliken’s Performance & Protective Textiles Division, said: “Our advances in the interiors textiles market and the increasing demand from our customers led us to look for an addition to our team who would fit in with our ethos of innovation and exceptional service, and it is very fortunate that we were able to find someone of Jennifer’s caliber to fulfill this position. I’m confident that she will play a key role in leading our team to provide and implement high quality solutions for our clients.”

Posted June 12, 2017

Source: Milliken

RadiciGroup Presents Sustainability And Performance: High Quality Fashion Yarn

BERGAMO, Italy — June 12, 2017 — In the new book Neo-Materials In The Circular Economy – Fashion, RadiciGroup presents its reduced environmental impact product range.

Solution-dyed polyester, recycled polymer polyester and bio-based polyamide are some of the kinds of low environmental impact yarns produced by RadiciGroup specifically for the fashion industry. The fashion world is finally addressing sustainability and looking for materials that are not only beautiful and strong, but also sustainable.

The RadiciGroup product portfolio meeting these new market requirements is described in the recently published book Neo-materials in the Circular Economy – Fashion, available now in bookshops in both Italian and English versions. The book is edited by Marco Ricchetti in collaboration with Blumine S.r.l. and the Italian sustainable fashion social network Sustainability-lab.

The section about the Group, “RadiciGroup and the Future of Synthetic Fibres”, written by Aurora Magni, appears in the first chapter of the book and can also be read on the RadiciGroup website (click here). Moreover, the book as a whole offers numerous in-depth articles to provide an overall picture of the direction of the fashion industry.

“RadiciGroup can play a leading role in the fashion value chain as the ideal upstream supplier,” said Oscar Novali, business area manager of RadiciGroup Comfort Fibres. “RadiciGroup has long been well-equipped to satisfy the most diverse market needs for the supply of both small and large quantities of materials, including reduced environmental impact products. Over the years, our competence has expanded and we’ve invested in new technologies and up-to-date production plants, which set us apart from our competitors and make sustainability a competitive advantage.

Our over 75 years of experience in the fibres industry and our vertically integrated polyamide production allow us to claim that we’re one of the best-qualified producers on the market.”

Novali concluded: ”Furthermore, many of our production units are already ISO 14001-certified, or soon will be, and, for over a decade now, we’ve reported on our business activities and published a Group Sustainability Report, aiming for transparency and information sharing with all our stakeholders.”

The book starts from an analysis of materials, divided into three large areas (renewable, non- renewable and recyclable), then discusses topics, such as fibre sustainability, water usage and the use of chemicals, and concludes with an overview of the sustainability initiatives promoted by brands, both big and small.

“Raw materials have a decisive impact on the degree of sustainability of the final products,” stated Aurora Magni, president of Blumine. “In recent years, many fiber manufacturers have invested in research and experimentation in order to realize aesthetically attractive, high performance products that are consistent with the sustainable values of the circular economy. Together with product innovation, it is also important to implement monitoring and checking procedures in order to weigh the CO2 emissions of the various materials and opt for those resulting in the least environmental impact. This is the approach RadiciGroup has chosen, with the firm belief: ‘if you don’t measure it, you can’t improve it’.”

Posted June 12, 2017

Source: RadiciGroup

Construction Professionals Meet The Composites Industry Next Week In Architectural Iconic Chicago For Innovative Building Solutions In New U.S. Event

ATLANTA — June 12, 2017 — JEC Group has announced it will launch an event entirely dedicated to the current and future developments of Composites Materials in Building & Construction, showcasing Innovations that have been changing the way end-users, such as architects or designers, construct buildings and infrastructures. “We are increasingly concerned with the challenges that the Construction Industry faces,” said Frédérique MUTEL, JEC Group President & CEO. “The Civil Society have growing demands in terms of aesthetic and functionality, whereas the common concerns of sustainability, durability, recyclability or again safety are leading to rethink the way we build today. Composites Materials have all the necessary properties to answer these needs.”

6 Conferences – 28 International Speakers

Over the three days, renowned speakers from America, Europe, Asia and Africa will present the trends and development in the Building & Construction Industry. Various topics will be addressed, such as Construction: A Segment Filled with Possibilities, Durability of Composite Materials in Construction, Ensuring Safety While Maintaining Performance in Buildings and Infrastructure, Composites as a Worthy Alternative to Traditional Materials in Buildings and Infrastructure, Developing Building Codes and Guidelines: Is Standardization an Attainable Goal? Or again a conference jointly organized with TechTextil North America: Connecting Technical Textiles and Composite Materials in the Building and Construction Fields.

The event is excited to propose the keynote speech of Mr. Mark Goulthorpe, Architect and Professor of the MIT Department of Architecture and Head of the new Design Stream in the SMARCHS program.

Networking Opportunities and Innovation Discoveries

On the show floor, exhibitors from around the world will propose their many solutions to overcome the challenges facing the Construction, Building and Infrastructure Industry. Also, attendees can take part in the Architectural Composites Tour organized in partnership with the Illinois Institute of Technology to visit 4 composite buildings in the campus.

JEC Group will also present its newest publication: The Book “The future of building: The growing use of composites in construction and architecture”.

The Future of Composites in Construction will also be the stage of the 2017 JEC Innovation Awards dedicated to Building and Construction, celebrating the 6 winners in this category.

Posted June 12, 2017

Source: JEC Group

Hohenstein Institute: Making The Cooling Effect Of Textiles Measurable

BÖNNIGHEIM, Germany — June 8, 2017 — In recent years there has been a steady increase in the demands made on the properties of function, sports and workwear textiles. In order to achieve a cooling effect, special textile constructions are developed, which increase the sweat evaporation and thus the cooling of the body.

But how can the cooling effect of intelligent textiles be measured?
There are already various methods to characterize such properties. Until now they are not linked to thermophysiological methods and models, which are capable to objectively determinate comfort levels. The desire here is for a practical method that not only takes account of physical measurement data, but also the resulting cooling effect observed in controlled wearer trials in a climate chamber.

This process is however very time-consuming, while also requiring a large group of test subjects, so ultimately leading to higher product prices. In short: A level of effort that is neither affordable, nor feasible for small and medium-sized enterprises.

Making measurement data comparable

With the WATson heat loss tester Hohenstein Institut für Textilinnovation (HIT) has now developed a new physical measuring method for determining the cooling performance of textiles – heat release tester WATson. Until now there is no correlation of the data obtained using WATson with actual wearer trials and thermophysiological models.

The textiles industry however needs such an evaluation system for the goal-oriented development of cooling textiles – in other words a system capable of measuring the quality of a cooling process, e.g. temperature range, duration, impact on the heat / humidity balance of the wearer.

With these requirements in mind, HIT then embarked on a research project to develop a thermophysiological evaluation system for the textiles industry. The aim here is for the new evaluation system to compare the results of the WATson heat loss tester
with data from experiments on subjects in a climate chamber under different ambient conditions.

Structure of research project

  • Characterization of cooling textiles with the heat loss tester;
  • Performance of monitored wearer trials in a climate chamber examining different cooling textiles and a variety of ambient conditions (temperature, humidity, wind etc.);
  • Examination of the cooling effect of textiles under consideration of different parts of the body; and
  • Examination of the cooling effect of textiles with different levels of physical exertion.

Following analysis and correlation of the data from the various work stages, the intention is to provide industry with an efficient thermophysiological system for the evaluation of cooling textiles using WATson.

Benefit for the textiles industry

German manufacturers of cooling textiles benefit directly from the evaluation system developed on this project aimed at the objective determination and assessment of the cooling performance of textiles. This project is of major economic benefit to Germany’s textile industry, as companies will only succeed in improving their competitive ability if their products actually offer the functionality required by customers.

Acknowledgement: IGF-project 18929
under the auspices of the Research Association Forschungskuratorium
Textil e.V., Reinhardtstraße 12-14 10117 Berlin, was sponsored via the AIF as part of the programme to support “Industrial Community Research and Development” (IGF), with funds from the Federal Ministry of Economics and Energy (BMWi) following an Order by the German Federal Parliament.

Posted June 12, 2017

Source: Hohenstein Institute

Kingbird Introduces High Tenacity Polyester Yarns In North America & Europe

ZHEJIANG, China — June 12, 2017 — Kingbird, a manufacturer of yarns and threads based in China, today introduced high tenacity polyester yarns in the North American and European Markets. These are multifilament polyester sewing threads manufactured from the best quality raw material to guarantee stable and high-speed stitching.

“All our clients in North America and Europe can now access our super low shrinkage, low shrinkage and normal shrinkage, high tenacity polyester yarns,” said Jessica Lee, Kingbird’s Product Manager. “Kingbird’s high tenacity polyester yarn is popular for its toughness, exemplary chemical resistance and durability, hence, suitable for functional and technical applications. We are glad to be among the few companies that export world class high tenacity yarns that conform to the ATC, BSCI, Oeko-Tex Standard 100 and SGS requirements.”

Features of Kingbird High Tenacity Polyester Yarns

After years of R&D alongside many tests, Kingbird has finally introduced high tenacity polyester yarn with the following key features:

Varying denier: Kingbird deniers vary from 210 to 4000 den. Clients can therefore order for these polyester yarns depending on their unique requirements.

High performance: Kingbird has incorporated high manufacturing techniques aiming to produce superior and reliable high tenacity polyester yarns. The yarns are popular for low elongation, unmatched toughness, durability and abrasion resistance.

They come in twisted, intermingled or multi-compact options, depending on the intended application.

A multi-filament yarn: Kingbird high tenacity polyester is a multi-filament yarn. The number of filaments varies from 24 to more than 192.

The filament cross-section has about 5 to 7 vertices, tenacity of 60 to 80 cN/Tex and a titer between 1 and 7. Kingbird technical team can change these to meet your specific needs.

Hot air shrinkage varies between 4 and 10 percent, while stretch recovery is about 250 to 400 cN/Tex.

With the high-tech manufacturing capability, Kingbird has unlimited options of high tenacity polyester yarns with high strength, durability and great foldability.

Kingbird has invested and sources for the best raw materials across the world that meet specific needs of all its OEM clients and distributors.

Applications

Kingbird high tenacity polyester yarns are designed for a range of applications such as knitting, weaving and braiding. Some practical applications include making special footwear, furniture, luggage and many outdoor products.

Posted June 12, 2017

Source: Kingbird

Full Commercialization, Testing and Profiling Complete For Aurora’s New Expressions Canvas Line

YORKVILLE, Ill. — June 12, 2017 — Today, Aurora Specialty Textiles Group Inc. announced that the roll-out of its entire Expressions Canvas product line is complete and fully commercialized.

Ample inventories are now in stock and in addition to finalizing extensive field testing, profiling for HP Latex (300 and 3000 Series) printers and Epson SureColor printers is complete. Free, downloadable online profiles for HP Latex (300 and 3000 Series) printers and Epson SureColor printers are available for Expressions through the Aurora website.

Treated with a new proprietary coating developed by Aurora, Expressions has been engineered to maximize print output and throughput with today’s newest digital printing equipment. The entire line is cross compatible with the latest generation of latex, solvent/eco-solvent and UV printers without sacrificing quality or productivity.  In addition, independent testing confirms that Expressions has the industry’s leading print output with regard to outstanding color reproduction and broadest color gamut.

The Expressions line includes the full range of gloss levels designed to meet the majority of the canvas market’s printing needs and includes: Expressions Matte, Expressions Satin, Expressions Semi-Gloss and Expressions Gloss.

The entire line is available and in stock through Aurora’s Yorkville, Ill.-based warehouse in widths up to 122 inches in standard roll lengths of 50 yards. Aurora produces Expressions in the United States, and customized roll widths and roll lengths are available on demand.

“Expressions was formally introduced to global markets last September at SGIA 2016 and in the months that have followed has become a favorite of printers who report improved color output, increased printer throughput and decreased ink usage,” said Mark Shaneyfelt, director of Print Media Sales and Marketing at Aurora. “With all four gloss levels fully commercialized and in stock, the Expressions line is now up and fully operational. In addition, the outcome of a recent competitive analysis confirms the multiple benefits our customers can expect from Aurora’s Expressions line of canvas.”

Independent trials conducted in the summer of 2016 by Color Concepts in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA, demonstrated that Expressions Semi-Gloss — when tested against three leading, respected, commonly used, high quality canvas brands — outperformed the competition in the following critical areas:

  • Superior performance across multiple platforms, allowing Print Service Providers (PSPs) the ultimate flexibility in procuring and inventorying one canvas to meet all of their printing needs.
  • Broadest color gamut, making Expressions the premium canvas of choice for discerning customers looking for optimal color output.
  • Fastest print speeds for commercial quality – Expressions consistently demonstrated the ability to achieve commercial print quality at 6 to 8 passes, compared to other premium canvas brands, which required 10 to 12 passes to achieve similar quality. The ability to run at high-speed modes increases productivity by as much as 40% and reduces ink costs.

Expressions is also OBA-free, demonstrating very good archival properties without sacrificing whiteness.  Expressions is made from a premium high-quality poly/cotton fine Oxford weave (2-over-1), which is 35% cotton/65% polyester.

The line is produced in North America with the latest, state-of-the-art technology and has proven product consistency across multiple platforms. With Expressions, printers with multiple printer platforms can buy one canvas without sacrificing print quality on any of the devices.

Posted June 12, 2017

Source: Aurora Specialty Textiles Group

ASTM International Geosynthetics Committee Presents Top Annual Award To C. Joel Sprague

W. CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa. — June 12, 2017 — ASTM International’s Committee on Geosynthetics (D35) will present its top annual award — the Award of Merit — to C. Joel Sprague, of TRI/Environmental, in Greenville, S.C. The prestigious award, which includes the accompanying title of fellow, is ASTM’s highest recognition for individual contributions to developing standards.

The committee is honoring Sprague for outstanding contributions to the committee and the geosynthetics industry in the areas of standards development, manufacturing audit protocols, and harmonization of testing standards. Sprague has been a member of ASTM International since 1986, and he has previously received the Award of Appreciation (2000), the GTJ Outstanding Article Award (2003), and the Richard S. Ladd Standards Development Award (2004).

Sprague is senior engineer and southeast region manager with TRI/Environmental. He previously held positions with Sprague & Sprague Consulting Engineers, Nicolon Corp., Hoechst Celanese Corp., and Duke Power Co.

In addition to ASTM International, Sprague is a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers’ GeoInstitute, the IGS North America, and the International Geosynthetic Society, as well as, the National Society of Professional Engineers.

Posted June 12, 2017

Source: ASTM International

Kiian Digital Digistar HI-PRO Achieves ECO PASSPORT Certification

NOVEDRATE, Italy — June 12, 2017 — Digistar HI-PRO — one of Kiian Digital’s renowned sublimation transfer inks — has achieved ECO PASSPORT certification. This enables it to be used in the production of sustainable textiles and those required to achieve STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX®.

ECO PASSPORT by OEKO-TEX® certification is a two-step process:

  • Screening and chemicals compliance with the Restricted Substance list (RSL) STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® as well as those chemicals which are listed in: STeP OEKO-TEX® Manufacturing Restricted List (MRSL); the list of Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC) detailed in the regulation of the European Union R.E.A.C.H. and ZDHC Manufacturing Restricted List (MRSL).
  • Analytical verification testing for contaminants and impurities present in the chemical components performed by an OEKO-TEX® member institute laboratory.

Only by passing this process can you achieve ECO PASSPORT certification.

“Kiian Digital, once again, demonstrates the dedication to develop its product portfolio with respect for the environment. The ECO PASSPORT enables customers to meet the criteria of sustainable textile production”, points out Marco Girola, Marketing Specialist JK Group.

ECO PASSPORT certification is the most recent achievement by Kiian Digital. The nonstop commitment to develop cutting-edge solutions is the key to our success. Certification programs add value by ensuring transparency and ongoing review of restricted chemicals release in the textile production value chains.

“This is a differential for those who choose the Kiian Digital brand. The certifications also increase the chances for printers to become partners for the leading brands who are asking – as integral part of their supply agreement – the compliance credentials of products used in their processes minimizing health and environmental risks” adds Alessandra Borghi, Kiian Digital – Sales Director.

Digistar HI-Pro certification number is: 17EP00002.

Kiian Digital product portfolio is tested for:

  • Nike RSL (Restricted Substance List)
  • ADIDAS A01 (Restricted Substance List)
  • CLEAR TO WEAR (Restricted Substance List)
  • ECO PASSPORT

Posted June 12, 2017

Source: Kiian Digital

Greycon Expands In ASEAN Region

LONDON — June 12, 2017 — Greycon is expanding its global reach into the ASEAN region by employing more consultants local to their customers. One of the most recent additions to Greycon’s expansion is Indonesia where Greycon has appointed Mario Laksmana as the new sales manager for the ASEAN region.

Greycon has been winning new business with major players in Thailand and India like Cosmo Films, SRF, Trident Paper, Siam Kraft, by combining knowledge and skills with local resident experts. Greycon has made this possible by developing and growing over the last 30 years to establish itself in key global locations with over 500 sites in 40 countries.

“After hearing about Greycon’s reputation and success in the industry, I was excited to be part of an innovative company and help to expand the business throughout the ASEAN region,” said Laksmana. “I am looking forward to seeing what the future holds at Greycon. Forging new relationships and building on old ones.”

Mario has been associated with business development and consultancy, providing end-to-end IT Solutions for various industries. Starting in 2011 he has been concentrating on Enterprise Systems & Software Business for the manufacturing industry through joining recognised ERP companies like SAP and INFOR, with Supply Chain Management as part of his interest.

Greycon’s strength is in providing a suite of solutions that understand the complexity of roll-base and flat-sheet material production. There are currently 2000+ planners worldwide using Greycon systems every day. This number is continuously rising as is Greycon’s presence in the global market.

Posted June 12, 2017

Source: Greycon

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