New Global Network For Absorbent Hygiene Sector Launched

BRUSSELS —  April 11, 2017 — AHP (Absorbent Hygiene Products) Global is a newly created global network of industry associations representing the absorbent hygiene sector by providing a platform to share information and resources. Initiated by EDANA, the international association for nonwovens and related industries, the network brings together 10 national and international industry associations representing producers of absorbent hygiene products. Together, members of the network represent producers of baby diapers, tampons, pads and adult incontinence products, covering most of the world’s markets. In addition to international organisations such as EDANA and INDA, and regional associations like CASIC representing Latin America, the network brings together national associations from China, France, Japan, Russia, Turkey, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Pierre Wiertz, General Manager of EDANA, said: “Although associations diverge in their nature and the scope of products they represent, they all seek to represent the interests of their members in regulatory affairs and media relations. Industry associations often face issues already confronted by their colleagues in other parts of the world and today we have launched a platform that can leverage this experience, to share information, learn from each other’s experience and build on our mutual strengths.”

Pierre Conrath, external relations and sustainability director at EDANA, commented: “In the context of global supply chains and the extremely fast evolution of policies and market trends, it is only natural that industry associations supporting this sector join forces to make the most of opportunities and develop common solutions to challenges. Beyond the exchange of information,  I hope the network will enable many projects that would otherwise not have been possible and contribute to a more consistent and predictable environment for companies operating in this sector.”

Meeting for the first time in Geneva just before INDEX 2017, the world’s largest nonwovens exhibition, members of the AHP Global network discussed current challenges in the hygiene industry and explored opportunities for cooperation. In addition to facilitating the sharing of scientific and regulatory information, AHP Global creates unprecedented combined resources and expertise, opens up potential for common and consistent approaches and positions, and supports regular and efficient networking between industry associations.

AHP Global is made up of the following associations:

  • China — China National Household Paper Industry Association (CNHPIA);
  • France — French Association of producers of single-use products for health, hygiene and wiping (Group’Hygiène);
  • International – International association serving the nonwovens and related industries (EDANA);
  • International — Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry (INDA);
  • Japan   — Japan Hygiene Products Industry Association (JHPIA);
  • Latin America – Latin American Cosmetics, Toiletry and Perfumery Association (CASIC);
  • Russia — Association of Perfumery, Cosmetics and Household Chemistry Manufacturers (APCoHM);
  • Turkey — Cosmetics and cleaning products association (KTSD);
  • United Kingdom — Trade organization for UK manufacturers of disposable nappies, feminine hygiene products and continence care products (AHPMA); and
  • United States — Center for Baby & Adult Hygiene Products (BAHP).

Posted April 11, 2017

Source: EDANA

Klopman Celebrates 50 Years And Focuses On New Records

FROSINONE, Italy — April 11, 2017 — Forty million meters of fabric manufactured last year, a distance equivalent to the earth’s circumference; a plant as big as ten football pitches in Frosinone; customers spread over 64 countries; more than 400 employees; a turnover of more than 120 million euro; one in three workwear garments in Europe made using its own fabrics; and a colour range of over 4,000 shades. These are the striking numbers of Klopman, a European leader in workwear fabrics celebrating 50 years of activity and today one of the major manufacturing companies of central Italy.

Klopman’s history began in 1967 when the US fabrics businessman Bill Klopman developed the first polyester and cotton blend fabric for workwear to be industrially washed. After laboratory testing, the best blend combination was obtained: 65-percent polyester and 35-percent cotton, which is very much in use today.

Hailed since its inception with great enthusiasm by the US Laundry Association, Bill Klopman’s fabric has been continuously improved over the years and the production plant in Frosinone now has some of the world’s most advanced weaving systems. The company also boasts the most important quality certifications available, with over 4,000 process controls taking about two seconds to verify all parameters, based on a sophisticated electronic mapping system.

Acquired in December 2016 by the French textile company TDV, Klopman had already embarked upon a global expansion plan in 2014 with the opening of a production site in Jakarta to serve the Asian market directly. Klopman is now ready to grow further with a 15 million euro development plan for the next five years.

From the automotive industry to healthcare to the armed forces, a large number of companies use Klopman fabrics, which are available in over 130 different styles, even designed exclusively according to customer needs.

Klopman’s Research & Development department has now developed a new range of flame-retardant fabrics – K-Flame – designed to guarantee the utmost protection from heat, flame and welding, as well as offering antistatic and electric arc protection. K-Flame is the latest fabric innovation in the market, combining protection, comfort and durability, even in hot climates.

“50 years is a very important milestone for a company and Klopman is celebrating its anniversary in good shape, ready to achieve other important goals thanks to human skill and technical assets possessed by very few in the world,” stated Alfonso Marra, Klopman’s CEO. “Our company represents excellence in the Italian manufacturing industry and operates worldwide. Our intention is that our headquarter in Frosinone, Italy, becomes more and more an economic and social reference point. Klopman’s example demonstrates that attention to its own people and to customers, together with constant innovation in terms of processes and products, is the best way to approach an increasingly competitive and globalized market.”

Posted April 11, 2017

Source: Klopman

Lectra Delivers Industry 4.0 To Athletic Footwear Market With VectorFootwear Launch

PARIS — April 11, 2017 — Lectra is rolling out revolutionary digital technology at the forefront of Industry 4.0 to transform traditional cutting rooms into state-of-the-art digitalized domains for athletic footwear.

When compared with traditional die presses, Lectra’s VectorFootwear not only guarantees that manufacturers and brands are compliant with Industry 4.0 principles, it also provides major gains, including fabric optimization, maximum flexibility, optimized productivity and performance, as well as improved quality and operational excellence.

“Lectra’s Industry 4.0 credentials are revolutionizing manufacturing, in particular for the labor intensive athletic footwear market today. Firmly rooted in digitalization and automation, VectorFootwear enables shorter time to market, to produce more pairs of shoes per hour and to handle more types of fabric; and successfully meets growing technical challenges,” underlines Céline Choussy Bedouet, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, Lectra.

Connected to Lectra’s call centers, VectorFootwear’s 180 embedded sensors and counters allow predictive maintenance to avoid costly downtime. With up to 98-percent uptime, VectorFootwear is one of the most reliable cutting solutions on the marketplace.

VectorFootwear can replace between four and eight die presses depending on the model. Compared to traditional die press production, Lectra’s digital solution saves up to 6 percent in fabric by minimizing the gap between cut parts, combining several nestings together and cutting with accuracy.

Complementing VectorFootwear, Lectra has launched a nesting solution dedicated to footwear: DiaminoFootwear. In just a few minutes, it processes the optimal placement for fabrics in order to maximize material consumption. Fully automated, it also allows for quick and accurate cost simulations for fabric purchases.

In addition, Lectra’s professional service team provides support to ensure change management during the manufacturing process.

Posted April 11, 2017

Source: Lectra

SPGPrints Shows Cost-Efficient, High-Performance Rotary Screen And Digital Textile Printing Solutions At Indo Intertex 2017

BOXMEER, Netherlands — April 11, 2017 — SPGPrints will highlight the long-term savings and reliability of its reusable nickel rotary screen printing solutions plus the high performance of its inkjet technology for textile printing, at Indo Intertex 2017. The company will exhibit in conjunction with its regional distribution partner, PT. Nutek Kawan Mas (Hall A, Stands 63 / 130, 19-21 April, Jakarta International Expo, Kemayoran, Indonesia).

SPGPrints offers a fully controllable, efficient rotary screen process, with solutions covering every step in the workflow. The nickel electroformed NovaScreen® and RandomScreen® screens are capable of faster print speeds and achieve even paste transfer with relatively low squeegee pressure, resulting in improved paste yields.

The NovaScreen, available in mesh counts from 135 to 245 holes per inch, combines high resolution with high open area, thanks to a unique mesh and hole shape.

The RandomScreen features an irregular hole distribution that eliminates moiré that can be caused by clashing patterns. With a 125 mesh and 79µm hole size, the screen contributes to paste savings, especially when printing pigment.

Thanks to their strength, NovaScreen and RandomScreen screens can withstand the rigours of relatively fast production speeds, handling and multiple re-engraving cycles. As a result, SPGPrints’ textile rotary screen customers in Indonesia report being able to re-use the company’s screens for several different designs, thereby saving consumable costs. New water-based stripping technologies that contain no corrosive chemicals can extend the life of SPGPrints’ screens further and provide a lower-risk, environmentally responsible way of stripping.

Additionally, SPGPrints offers digital imaging solutions for fast rotary screen preparation, with a fast return on investment. SPGPrints’ smartLEX 7043 direct laser exposing system, with its unique multi-beam diode technology, combines long life, economical use of energy, high productivity and resolutions of up to 2540dpi. Using an intuitive Smart-GUI, smartLEX 7043 exposes screens between 300mm and 3500mm length, in exposing cycles as short as 12 minutes.

Information on SPGPrints’ digital printing solutions will be available from SPGPrints and Nutek personnel at both stands. SPGPrints’ digital printing machine offerings include its high productivity, fixed-array PIKE® printer, capable of printing up to 13 million linear metres per year, and its scanning head JAVELIN® printer for outputting up to 2 million linear metres annually.

Both printers feature SPGPrints’ unique Archer® technology. With nozzles 4mm from the substrate, a wider range of substrates can be run, and the chance of print head damage is reduced. Using only six colours, Archer technology enables a gamut wider than the HD-gamut of other digital textile printing solutions. In addition, SPGPrints’ ‘Archer Print Head Program’, provides a two-and-a-half-year guarantee on the print heads in combination with the use of accredited inks.

SPGPrints has invested significantly in the development of digital inks that ensure unattended printing, with unrivalled quality and runnability.

The PIKE and JAVELIN printers may be configured for use with acid, disperse and reactive inks, all manufactured by SPGPrints. These inks are 100 per cent compatible with Archer technology used in these printers, based on the Fujifilm Dimatix Samba print heads.

SPGPrints manufactures inks that are specially formulated for the leading industrial print heads and fabrics, through its NEBULA, QUASAR and FLARE ink ranges.

“SPGPrints’ solutions are well-suited to the Indonesian market with its high use of cotton, rayon and polyester fabrics,” says Yuwenta Hendrika, managing partner, Nutek Kawan Mas. “The company’s dedication to innovation and technological development, as well as its commitment to local markets have given SPGPrints a leadership position in global textile printing.”

Ronald Meuffels, senior area sales manager at SPGPrints, comments: “In a market that is increasingly characterised by fast-turnarounds, price-sensitivity, and online sales, the ability of textile printers to respond as quickly as possible with the highest quality at the right price is essential. SPGPrints offers the latest solutions for the entire workflow, whether digital or conventional. Its worldwide service, support and applications expertise makes it an ideal partner in challenging times.”

Posted April 11, 2017

Source: SPGPrints

Americhem China Named High-Tech Enterprise

SUZHOU, CHINA — April 11, 2017 — Americhem (Suzhou) Co. Ltd., a global provider of color and additive solutions for polymeric products, has been granted the status of High-Tech Enterprise by the government of the People’s Republic of China. The company will maintain the distinction for the next three years.

“We are proud to have earned this prestigious award,” said Stanley Teoh, vice president and managing director for the Asia Pacific region. “This reflects positively on our people in China who have worked toward this honor for some time.”

Some of the requirements for the High-Tech Enterprise status include that a company has core intellectual property rights in China, conducts research and development (R&D) activities, and maintains that the technical staff be at least 30 percent of the entire organization. R&D staff must total 10 percent and at least 60 percent of the R&D expenses must be incurred in China.

The High-Tech Enterprise status grants the awarded company reduced tax rates. Americhem plans to reinvest their tax savings back into R&D, both internally and externally, through technical collaboration with local universities.

“This is a very exciting time for our employees and for our plant itself,” continued Teoh. “Having celebrated our 10th anniversary in business in China in 2016, we continue to capitalize on our achievements and continue to grow in the region.”

Additionally, Americhem Suzhou has recently been designated as an alternate manufacturing site for Underwriters Laboratories (UL) for the two North American plants of Americhem’s sister company, Infinity LTL Engineered Compounds. This means that the company’s engineered compound products are manufactured in accordance with UL’s requirements. UL provides safety-related certification, validation, testing, inspection, auditing, advising and training services to a wide range of clients including manufacturers.

Posted April 11, 2017

Source: Americhem

Koch Membrane Systems’ Konsolidator Implemented In Large Waste Treatment Plant in England

WILMINGTON, Mass. — April 11, 2017 — Koch Membrane Systems (KMS), a producer of membrane filtration technologies, announced in conjunction with Oates Environmental Ltd. the recent opening of the Carr Crofts Waste Treatment Facility and Waste Transfer Station, a new waste treatment plant in Leeds, England.

With the implementation of KMS ultrafiltration technology and the KONSOLIDATOR tubular system, Oates Environmental Ltd. became the first centralized wastewater treatment company allowed to mix hazardous and non-hazardous wastes, and treat them together. The Konsolidator system provided sufficient filtration performance to handle the complexity of processing a variety of difficult-to-process waste water streams, resulting in effluent compliant with local regulations.

The facility has the capacity to treat up to 200,000 liters per day of combined hazardous and non-hazardous effluent waste streams, such as oil and water from vehicle wash downs, cutting fluids, emulsified oils, inks and dyes, pigments and paints, leachates, paper and pulp washings and more. The onsite transfer station has an additional storage capacity for hazardous and non-hazardous wastes of nearly 400 tons and 250 tons respectively.

“The KMS Ultrafiltration System Konsolidator proved to be an ideal solution, providing a cost-effective alternative to conventional chemical and physical waste water treatment,” said Francis Tebbutt, facility and technical manager of Oates Environmental Ltd. “In the past, the use of various chemicals and flocculants for conventional treatment resulted in a very expensive and labor-intensive process producing large amounts of sludge, which needed to be removed for offsite disposal.”

Posted April 11, 2017

Source: Koch Membrane Systems

Crown Health Care Laundry Completes System-Wide Hygienically Clean Certification

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — April 10, 2017 — With the recent certification of facilities in Pensacola, Fla., and Selma, Ala., to Hygienically Clean Healthcare standards, Crown Health Care Laundry Services now holds this designation company-wide. The achievement reflects its commitment to best management practices (BMPs) in laundering as verified by on-site third-party inspection and their capability to produce hygienically clean textiles as quantified by ongoing microbial testing.

Earlier this year, the Pensacola-based operation achieved Hygienically Clean Healthcare certification in its Quitman, Ga., and Columbia, Miss., facilities.

The certification confirms the laundries’ dedication to compliance and processing healthcare linens and garments using BMPs as described in its quality assurance documentation, the focal point for TRSA inspectors’ evaluation of critical control points that minimize risk. The independent, third-party inspection must confirm essential evidence that:

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

In addition, the Crown Health Care Laundry facilities passed three rounds of outcome-based microbial testing, indicating that their processes are producing Hygienically Clean Healthcare linens and garments and zero presence of harmful bacteria. To maintain their certification, laundry plants must pass quarterly testing including yeast and mold detection 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 linen and uniform service operations. The Hygienically Clean standard provides for two inspections every three years. OSHA compliance is closely examined, particularly toxic and hazardous substance handling rules governing 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. Introduced in 2012, 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 TRSA launderers to ensure the certification continues to enforce the highest standards for producing clean healthcare textiles. With 100+ years as the textile services industry’s leading business association, TRSA’s expertise in laundry BMP development is unmatched.

“Congratulations to Crown Health Care Laundry on their system-wide certification,” said Joseph Ricci, TRSA president and CEO. “This achievement proves their dedication to building their customers’ confidence that their laundry takes every step possible to prevent human illness.”

Posted April 10, 2017

Source: TRSA

Ship & Shore Environmental Introduces Hydroflare Produced Water Evaporator

Long Beach, Calif. — April 10, 2017 — Ship & Shore Environmental Inc. today announced the introduction of Hydroflare, a first-to-market technology developed in partnership with Hydrozonix, a water quality management company. The companies have joined forces in response to recent demand for a viable, efficient and long-term solution for managing water sourcing and wastewater treatment in hydraulic fracturing. This new technology evaporates and treats the “produced water” that oil and gas companies generate in the fracking process.

“The number of hydraulic fracturing (fracking) shale oil and gas wells in the US, and worldwide, continues to increase. Discharge of water from the fracking process to the ground creates many environmental problems. In addition, demands on fresh water supplies are mounting, as is the need to process the large volumes of produced wastewater. Companies in the oil and gas industry are under increasing pressure to control the produced water and field gas, so we partnered with Hydrozonix to develop a technology that finally provides a solution. And no solution like Hydroflare exists on the market today,” said Anoosheh Oskouian, President & CEO of Ship & Shore Environmental Inc.

The United States has vast reserves of oil and natural gas which now are commercially reachable as a result of advances in horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing technologies. But as more hydraulic fracturing wells come into operation, the stress on surface water and groundwater supplies grow more demanding. Withdrawing large volumes of water used in the process requires up to one million gallons (3,780 cubic meters) of fresh water per wellhead to complete the fracking process alone.

In addition, the injection of produced water into disposal wells has negatively affected some areas. There have been recent incidents where the injection has induced earthquakes in Oklahoma and Ohio. As a result, some areas have placed restrictions on the injection of produced water into disposal wells. This has led to a lack of capacity and high disposal prices for produced water.

Hydroflare alleviates all of these issues. The new technology takes natural gases produced by the fracking process and uses it to provide energy to evaporate this produced wastewater. Ship & Shore Environmental and Hydrozonix have created a revolutionary solution that is long-term and efficient.

Poste April 10, 2017

Source: Ship & Shore Environmental

J.McLaughlin Opens New Location In Memphis

NEW YORK CITY — April 10, 2017 — J.McLaughlin, a classic American clothing and accessories brand for women and men, is expanding its retail fleet with a new location in Memphis, Tenn. One of several new stores the brand is opening in the south this year, this is the second location in Tennessee and the 116th store to open nationwide.

“We have seen tremendous success in Nashville and know that Memphis will be a great new home for J.McLaughlin,” said CEO Mary Ellen Coyne. “The customer here has responded positively to our product offering. We are excited to add this charming destination to our roster and introduce the community to our unique shopping experience. The location nods to the J.McLaughlin DNA and brand heritage though its personalized boutique-like shopping environment.”

As part of its overall national retail expansion plan, J.McLaughlin made the decision to expand its presence in the south. This spring stores will open in Lexington, KY; Southern Pines, N.C., and Reston, Va. To coincide with these opening J.McLaughlin has planned a marketing and social media strategy to help shine a light on locations throughout the region. The March 2017 catalog was shot on location in Charleston, S.C., and the launch of this campaign will be followed by several in-store events to kick off the southern expansion.

The design of the Memphis store features all of the elements that classify the special J.McLaughlin aesthetic, an inviting feeling with distinctive details, furnishings and décor. The store was designed with classic shutters and unique wallpapers in keeping with the vibe of the south and the Memphis community.

“The design of the stores was simple. We wanted to bring a taste of the local lifestyle inside while keeping the main focus on our signature product offerings while delivering a seamless customer experience,” Coyne said.

“The store will house a curated selection of our collection. We are thrilled to debut a new line of performance pieces including statement skorts, athletic leggings and track jackets in our Acadia fabric great for an active lifestyle. The assortment should blend nicely with the lifestyle of the resident customer,” says Creative Director and Co-Founder Kevin McLaughlin.

The 2,300 square foot store is located at Laurelwood Shopping Center and will feature a full assortment of women’s and men’s clothing and accessories.

Posted April 10, 2017

Source: J.McLaughlin

Techtextil 2017 Exhibitor Preview: Archroma

REINACH, Switzerland — April 10, 2017 — Archroma will display its broad portfolio of solutions for textile mills and nonwoven manufacturers at Techtextil 2017, in Frankfurt, Germany, May 9-12.

Featured highlights at the show will include:

  • Color, with high-performance Printofix® TF pigment preparations;
  • Fire protection, with Archroma’s non-halogenated Pekoflam® range;
  • Repellency & release, from PFOA-free* C6 chemistry Nuva® N to its Smartrepel® Hydro range that is not based on fluorine; and
  • Coating package solutions, combining Appretan®, Lurapret® and Texapret® polymers together with Archroma’s color and finishing specialties.

“These products reflect Archroma’s commitment to delivering responsible products and solutions, and underscore our key principle as a company that we continuously challenge the status quo in the deep belief that we can make our industry sustainable,” stated Miquel Vila, Head of Technical Service, Brand & Performance Textile Specialties, EMEA.

At the booth, Archroma will highlight in particular the following solutions and innovations:

Color
Archroma will be displaying its Printofix TF high-performance pigment preparations for outdoor applications. These are mainly suited for synthetic fabrics that are specifically developed for sunshades, camping tents, umbrellas and industrial applications where other dyes cannot meet the very high requirements of light and weather fastness. Printofix TF pigment preparations are easy to handle and allow the creation of colors that can resist light, weather, ozone or heat.

Fire Protection
Archroma made a commitment back in 2011 to use only non-halogenated technologies for its global range of Pekoflam products. This range is ideally suited to help customers face today’s ecological challenges and fulfill ever stricter safety regulations, regardless of the application.

The company’s non-halogenated portfolio includes select products that are assessed for compliance to labels such as GOTS or OEKO-TEX(1) Standard 100 and that are in line with today’s global requirements for industrial and consumer safety.

Repellency And Release
Archroma’s innovative next-generation fluorochemical alternative is PFOA-free* C6 Nuva N supporting the switch away from long-chain fluorotelomer products that may contain PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid). These products provide long-lasting and excellent repellency and release effects, are easy to handle and non-sensitive regarding compatibility with other finishing chemicals. They allow covering the full spectrum of repellency and release needs in technical textile applications.

Smartrepel Hydro, meanwhile, is Archroma’s nature-friendlier protection that keeps cotton, polyester and polyamide textiles dry. The unique technology offers exceptional, durable water repellency and is not based on fluorine. Smartrepel Hydro produces a soft hand feel and outstanding breathability – perfect for any weatherproof garment.

Coating Package Solutions
Polymer-based coating technology can be used to apply functional additives on the surface of fabrics. Archroma’s portfolio of water-based, solvent-free polymers – Appretan, Lurapret and Texapret – allow handle and surface adaptations, from soft to hard, elastic to rigid, hydrophilic to hydrophobic, heat sealable to highly durable, impermeable to breathable, with low or no formaldehyde content.

They also can be combined with finishing specialties, such as Pekoflam fire retardants, Nuva N and Smartrepel release and repellence solutions, and Sanitized(2) antimicrobial products. These products allow for more sustainable, tailor-made coating solutions for applications such as technical textiles, automotive, nonwoven, personal protective equipment and sportswear.

With its diverse selection of advanced, sustainable and customizable solutions, Archroma is ideally positioned as the system supplier of choice for textile mills and nonwoven manufacturers.

As Miquel Vila puts it: “Visit us at Techtextil to learn more about products that offer cutting- edge functionality while also being safer and more environmentally friendly. It’s our nature!”

*Below limits of detection

Posted April 10, 2017

Source: Archroma

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