U.S. Polyester Producers Applaud U.S. International Trade Commission’s Affirmative Preliminary Determination On Imports Of Fine Denier Polyester Staple Fiber From China, India, Korea, And Taiwan

WASHINGTON — July 14, 2017 — The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) made a unanimous preliminary determination today that unfairly-traded imports of fine denier polyester staple fiber (fine denier PSF) from China, India, Korea, and Taiwan are causing injury to U.S. producers. The preliminary injury determination means that the antidumping duty cases against imports from China, India, Korea, and Taiwan, along with the countervailing duty cases against China and India, will proceed.

Three major U.S. polyester fiber producers — DAK Americas LLC (DAK), Nan Ya Plastics Corp., America (Nan Ya), and Auriga Polymers Inc. (Auriga) — filed petitions with the ITC and the U.S. Department of Commerce (Commerce) on May 31, 2017, alleging that dumped imports of fine denier PSF from all four countries, and subsidized imports of fine denier PSF from China and India, are causing material injury to the domestic industry.

Imports of fine denier PSF from the four subject countries increased by nearly 68 percent between 2014 and 2016. The import surge was driven by low import prices that undersold the domestic industry, causing U.S. producers to lose significant sales and profits.

“We are pleased with the results of the ITC’s preliminary finding. This affirmative decision is a critical first step in providing relief to the domestic industry harmed by the flood of unfairly-traded imports of fine denier PSF from China, India, Korea, and Taiwan,” said Paul Rosenthal, of Kelley Drye & Warren LLP, counsel to the petitioners.

The product covered by the petition is fine denier polyester staple fiber, which is a synthetic staple fiber of polyesters measuring less than 3.3 decitex (3 denier) in diameter.  Fine denier PSF is generally cut in lengths of less than five inches (127 mm). Fine denier PSF is similar in appearance to cotton or wool. It is typically converted either to yarn for weaving or knitting into fabric or to a nonwoven textile prior to the end-use application.  Woven applications include the production of textiles such as clothing and bedding linens, for example.  Nonwoven applications include the production of household and hygiene products such as cleaning wipes, baby wipes, and diapers.

The petitioning companies are DAK Americas LLC, Nan Ya Plastics Corp., America, and Auriga Polymers Inc., represented by Kelley Drye & Warren LLP.

Posted July 17, 2017

Source: Kelley Drye & Warren LLP

Bunting® Magnetics Co. Appoints Bill Wagner CFO

NEWTON, Kan. — July 17, 2017 —  Bunting® Magnetics Co. today announced the appointment of Bill Wagner to the company’s executive leadership team as the CFO. Wagner brings two decades of experience to Bunting Magnetics, including an extensive background in accounting and finance in the manufacturing sector.

Wagner will oversee financial reporting, budgets, accounting and human resources for all Bunting Magnetics divisions: Bunting Magnetics Co. (Newton, Kan.); Bunting’s Magnet Materials Division, including its e-commerce site buymagnets.com (Elk Grove Village, Ill.); Magnet Applications, Inc. (DuBois, Pa.); and Bunting Magnetics Europe (Berkhamsted, England, including the company’s recent acquisition of Master Magnets Ltd. in Redditch, England).

“Bill will be an invaluable asset and contributor to our exceptional management team,” said Bob Bunting, president & CEO, who made the announcement. “He brings the financial management and background Bunting Magnetics needs as we continue to advance the global growth, profitability and strategic acquisitions of our company.”

Based in Newton, Wagner draws on more than 20 years of experience in accounting, budgeting, forecasting and analysis. Most recently, he was CFO at Physicians Development Group/Axiom Healthcare, a developer/operator of world-class senior healthcare facilities. His experiences also reaches into manufacturing as the Assistant Corporate Controller for Spirit Aerosystems, a manufacturer of aerostructures for both commercial and defense customers. There, Bill managed all accounting functions for the Wichita, Kan., site as well as consolidations for the entire company including its worldwide locations.

“Bunting Magnetics has outlined a significant strategic growth plan, including new products, programs, growth markets and acquisitions,” Wagner said. “I look forward to helping the 60-year global company continue to build its business and expand its leading worldwide position in magnetics and magnetic products,” he added.

Posted July 17, 2017

Source: Bunting Magnetics Co.

Hohenstein Group: Do Textiles Need To Travel Around The World Three Times Before We Can Wear Them?

BÖNNIGHEIM, Germany — July 17, 2017 — With their idea of breathing new life into worn-out truck tarpaulins and making them into weatherproof, one-of-a-kind bags for individualists in the big city jungle, the graphic designers, Daniel and Markus Freitag, truly reflected the spirit of the times in 1993 and have written an impressive success story since then. In this interview, they talk about why they have both also been supplying textile products since 2014 and what Hohenstein exactly does with these fabrics.

How do bag manufacturers come up with the idea of producing textiles?

Actually, for the same reason why we started producing messenger bags from truck tarpaulins — our own requirements. In 1993, there were no appropriate bags for us to transport our designs on a bicycle, keeping them safe and dry. So, we spontaneously made some ourselves. Robust, long-lasting and sustainable. Can used items be utilized purposefully in a different context? What does a product need to look like, so that it doesn’t leave anything harmful at the end of its lifecycle? We have always been dealing with such questions. And when we were searching for new workwear for our employees and understood how the global textile industry handles resources, the environment and its workers in some cases, it quickly became clear that we would prefer to take the matter of clothing into our own hands.

What does ideal clothing look like for you?

We asked ourselves: It must also be possible without wasting resources, endless transport routes and excessive use of chemicals? The textiles should be manufactured at fair conditions nearby and be suitable for wearing in the factory, as well as for having a beer after work. Once they have been worn out, it should be possible to throw them on the compost, where they can biodegrade without any residues, with a clear conscience.

How were you able to reduce these high demands to a single common denominator?

In order to meet these requirements, we went back to the beginning of the natural development chain: to the fiber. To be able to guarantee the biodegradability of our textiles, once they have been worn out, we searched for natural and renewable resources, which are available in our latitudes. So, the choice fell on the cultivated plants, linen and hemp, which thrive magnificently along the Atlantic coast, do not require much water and fertilizers and textile fibers have already been gained from their raffia for a long time. For lighter fabrics, Modal is also used — this is obtained from local beech trees in Austria. In Lombardy, we found a weaving mill, which is able to produce our trouser fabric according to our own ideas, and our garments are ready-made in Poland. Overall, it took five years from the original idea until we were able to deliver the first completed garments — including a strict test of the shirts and trousers in our own factory and numerous self-wearing tests.

In which way did Hohenstein help you with the product development?

During the development of F-ABRIC, we conducted our own composting tests on our factory roof garden. When it then came to the product launch, we searched for an institution, which could competently and independently provide evidence that our textiles are 100-percent biodegradable after unscrewing the metal buttons and the soil is
not polluted with harmful substances after their decomposition. The experts of the Hohenstein Group offered a customized tool for our requirements, with its standardized soil-burying tests to determine the biodegradation.

And how long do your textiles need until they decompose into soil again?

The tests in Hohenstein concluded that our textiles are almost completely decomposed after six months. They passed the eco-toxicological tests that were conducted. As
our products are made of natural fibers, the Hohenstein experts recommended a soil- burying test to us under open land conditions. Burying in a laboratory would also have been conceivable, but it was important to us for the natural climate change over half a year to flow into the investigations.

Are you satisfied with the test result?

Yes, as we worked towards completely degradable and non-harmful textiles right from the start, we naturally also anticipated this good result. But we did not think that the decomposition process would be so quick. So far, there has not been any recognized international standard for the degradability of textiles, therefore, the biodegradation tests in Hohenstein can be an important instrument for textile companies, when it comes to scrutinizing the last step of the product cycle.

Posted July 17, 2017

Source: Hohenstein Group

Microban® Attains Administrative Action Against Greenchem International Co., Ltd. For Fraudulent Use Of Its Aegis® Trademark Registrations

HUNTERSVILLE, N.C.  — July 17, 2017 — Microban® International Ltd. today announced Greenchem International Co. Ltd. wrongfully obtained the use of its AEGIS® Environmental Management Inc. — a subsidiary of Microban International — trademarks in Taiwan, while serving as a distributor of the Microban AEGIS® Product.

The Taiwan Intellectual Property Office of Ministry Economic Affairs of Taiwan declared that Greenchem International Co. Ltd. unlawfully continued to use the AEGIS brand in sales and marketing materials after Microban terminated its distributor agreement in 2013, and to this current day. The administrative action to cease use and return all AEGIS and AEGIS Microbe Shield® back to Microban was issued by the Taiwan Intellectual Property Office of Ministry of Economic Affairs of Taiwan.

“This is another important victory in trademark fraud for all global apparel and footwear supply chains. This type of behavior hurts the rightful owners of trademarks whether it be product components or the finished product itself,” said Lisa Owen, senior business director, global textiles for Microban. “There are vendors who claim to offer like or similar technology that does not meet regulatory requirements. In addition, these fraudulent products are often backed by poor product quality, testing and quality control practices that are provided to millions of end customers. These falsifications hurt the business of true trademark owners as well as many brand reputations for those who fall prey to this kind of misrepresentation.”

Microban has always prided itself on the quality of its products, and continues to maintain the integrity of the brand. AEGIS comes from only one place and that is Microban and its’ authorized distributor network. During its distributorship with Microban, Greenchem International Co. Ltd. secured several fraudulent trademark registrations for the AEGIS trademarks in certain Asian territories — specifically China and Taiwan.

This is the second jurisdiction in key textile markets where Microban has recovered its marks from the Greenchem entities in Shanghai with action in China and Taiwan with action in Taipei.

Last year, the Putuo District Court order declared that Greenchem Fine Chemicals Ltd. unlawfully continued to use the AEGIS brand in sales and marketing materials after Microban terminated its distributor agreement in 2013, and throughout the investigation. During its distributorship with Microban, Greenchem Fine Chemicals Ltd. secured several fraudulent trademark registrations for the AEGIS trademarks in certain Asian territories. Greenchem Fine Chemicals Ltd. was ordered to immediately discontinue its use of the AEGIS trademark registrations.

Taiwan’s Greenchem International Co., Ltd. and Shanghai’s Greenchem Fine Chemicals Ltd. are no longer authorized distributors of AEGIS products, and are not permitted to sell any products produced by AEGIS Environmental Management, Inc. or Microban Products International. Microban does not stand behind the quality, efficacy or regulatory compliance of products obtained from either of these entities.

AEGIS Environmental Management Inc. is the lawful owner of the AEGIS, AEM and AEGIS Microbe Shield trademarks, both in the U.S., Europe and Asia. For more than 30 years, AEGIS has been an odor control technology for apparel and footwear, and Microban is the sole owner of its antimicrobial product registration in the U.S., Canada, Europe and China.

Posted July 17, 2017

Source: Microban® International

Noble Biomaterials Teams Up With The Lenzing Group

SCRANTON, Pa. — July 17, 2017 — Noble Biomaterials Inc. has partnered with the Lenzing Group to introduce a range of new high-performance textiles made with Noble’s silver-based anti-odor technology.

The cooperation will offer activewear brands a more natural textile alternative to polyester often used in technical knits. Lenzing’s sustainable fibers, powered by the anti-odor benefits of Noble’s silver-based technology, provide an optimum textile blend for active-lifestyle applications that can be washed less frequently and maintain freshness.

“Lenzing and Noble share a rich history in fiber and textile development, and a deep commitment to sustainability,” said Joel Furey, founder and CCO, Noble Biomaterials. “We also share a vison of consistently innovating new textiles and technologies that improve people’s lives every day.”

Noble has a heritage of developing specialized yarns, advanced materials and cutting-edge technologies for consumer, healthcare and military applications. The company continues to blend its legacy textile knowledge with progressive scientific techniques and manufacturing practices. Its XT2® technology use the properties of silver to provide long-lasting odor protection. Unlike topical finishes or treatments, the silver is inherent and permanent to the yarn and will not wash out or wear off — lasting the life of the product.

Noble’s commitment to sustainability is firmly grounded in its core values and is reflected in its technologies, facilities, and operations. The company engages in numerous sustainability initiatives, including recovery and recycling of silver, addressing sourcing, production, and product end of-life. In addition to its commitment to the bluesign® system, Noble’s products are OekoTex® certified.

Lenzing will introduce a new collaborative fabric collection with Noble anti-odor technology at Texworld, July 17-19 at the Javits Center in New York City. At the trade show, Noble will participate in a Lenzing-hosted seminar series called Performance & Preferred Fibers on Wednesday, July 19th at 1:00pm. Additionally, representatives from Lenzing and Noble will be attending the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market, July 26-29, in Salt Lake City to present their latest textiles and technologies.

Posted July 17, 2017

Source: Noble Biomaterials, Inc.

ASTM International’s Committee On Geosynthetics Honors Y. Grace Hsuan With L. David Suits Award

CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa. — July 14, 2017 — Y. Grace Hsuan, professor, at Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pa., has received the L. David Suits Award from ASTM International’s committee on geosynthetics (D35).

The committee recognized Hsuan for her dedication to the geosynthetics industry. She has been an ASTM International member since 1993.

Hsuan, a civil, architectural, and environmental engineering professor at Drexel University, received her bachelor’s degree and Ph.D. in Materials Science from Imperial College, University of London.

Aside from ASTM International, Hsuan is an active member of the Society of Plastics Engineers.

Posted July 14, 2017

Source: ASTM

 

 

Black Yak And Hyosung Textile Fibers Introduce Cool & Fresh Garment Collection At Outdoor Retailer Show Salt Lake City July 26-29

SEOUL, South Korea — July 14, 2017 — South Korea’s leading outdoor brand Black Yak Hyosung recently partnered to collaborate on new technology development to offer innovative apparel to support Black Yak’s global growth strategies in activewear.

“Black Yak is targeting growth globally and we partnered with Hyosung who is a leader in innovative fibers to support our continuous development” said Woon Suk Jung, president, Black Yak. “Black Yak has traditionally been a mountaineering outdoor brand. Our first initiative in this partnership was to create new COOL & FRESH garments made with Askin polyester and creora® Fresh spandex as our consumer is going from mountaineering to other, more leisure activities.”

Askin polyester is a unique cross-section polyester fiber for cooling, moisture management and UV protection that is built into the yarn. creora Fresh spandex is odor neutralizing with higher power for compression performance and freshness.

“We expect the combination of Hyosung’s innovative fiber technology and Black Yak’s leading brand power to offer synergistic value to consumers ,” shared Hyun Joon Cho, chairman and CEO, Hyosung Corp. “Hyosung will continue to strive to deliver new innovations as an integrated textile company to enhance value to our partners like Black Yak.

Posted July 14, 2017

Source: Hyosung

Hygienically Clean Healthcare Recertification To Ames Linen Service

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — July 14, 2017 — Ames Linen Service, Cortland, N.Y., has achieved Hygienically Clean (HC) Healthcare certification for the second time, reflecting its commitment to best management practices (BMPs) in laundering as verified by on-site inspection and their capability to produce hygienically clean textiles as quantified by ongoing microbial testing. Ames’ facility received the certification initially in 2014, one of the first dozen laundries across North America to earn the designation.

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

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

Certified facilities pass three rounds of outcome-based microbial testing, indicating that their processes are producing Hygienically Clean Healthcare textiles and zero presence of yeast, mold and harmful bacteria. To maintain their certification, laundry plants must pass quarterly testing to ensure that as laundry conditions change, such as water quality, textile fabric composition and wash chemistry, laundered product quality is consistently maintained.

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

Hygienically Clean Healthcare certification acknowledges laundries’ effectiveness in protecting healthcare operations through testing and inspections that scrutinize quality control procedures in textile services operations related to the handling of textiles containing blood and other potentially infectious materials.

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

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

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

Posted July 14, 2017

Source: TRSA

DuraFiber Technologies Announces Next Steps For U.S. Plants

HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. — July 13, 2017 — DuraFiber Technologies — a global supplier of high-tenacity polyester fibers, engineered fabrics, sewing threads and advanced materials — today announced that it has taken the next steps to prepare its production facilities in Salisbury, N.C., Shelby, N.C., and Winnsboro, S.C., to be idled if a buyer is not identified by September 11, 2017. Today’s actions follow a series of initiatives to lower production costs in response to increased competition in the textile industry, as well as a thorough review of strategic alternatives, including potential asset sales.

DuraFiber’s international operations in France, Germany, and Mexico are unaffected by this announcement and will continue to operate as usual.

Chief Executive Officer Frank Papa stated: “While today’s announcement is a difficult one to make, increased labor, energy, transportation and raw material costs — in addition to continued market pressures — have strained DuraFiber’s finances to a point that is no longer sustainable. Our team will work diligently to ensure a smooth transition for our employees, customers, and suppliers during the next 60 days, even as we continue to pursue strategic alternatives to keep these plants open.”

DuraFiber employs approximately 800 workers at its Salisbury, Shelby, and Winnsboro plants and 1,800 employees globally.

Posted July 13, 2017

Source: DuraFiber Technologies

Teijin Invests In Its Twaron Capacity In Dutch Production Facility

ARNHEM, the Netherlands — July 13, 2017 — Teijin Aramid announced it is going to expand its aramid production capacity for its Twaron super fiber. It will invest in new spinning technology at the Twaron facility in Emmen, the Netherlands, starting up in the first quarter of 2019.

The demand for Teijin’s high-performance para-aramid fiber Twaron is increasing and the new spinning technology will enable the organization to increase the production capacity and meet the market demand. Teijin Aramid is constantly investing in its technology to create innovative aramid products and solutions together with its customers. In the past years, 5 percent of the annual revenue has been invested into R&D activities.

Twaron, Teijin Aramid’s super fiber, is used more often and in more advanced products in different industries. Gert Frederiks, CEO & President of Teijin Aramid stated: “This investment underscores our ambition to produce and deliver sustainable and cost efficient products to the market and reinforces our position as global market leader. It will enable us to meet the growing market demand and simultaneously implement the latest technology.” The spinning capacity expansion is planned to start in the first quarter of 2019.

The new technology also results in further automation of the spinning process which is a huge improvement in the amount of physical work for operators. This is in line with Teijin Aramid’s plans to further automate production and improve HSE (Health, Safety, Environment) aspects.

As of April 1, 2017, Teijin has merged all its aramid activities into one global business unit. Since then, Teijin Aramid is responsible for all aramid and polyethylene products the company is producing, developing and selling. Therefore, the Teijin Aramid organization now has aramid production facilities in Thailand (Teijinconex neo), Japan (Teijinconex and Technora) and The Netherlands (Twaron and Endumax).

Posted July 13, 2017

Source: Teijin

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