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

Techtextil 2017 Exhibitor Preview: Tanatex

EDE, Netherlands — April 10, 2017 — Forget about iPhones and APIs. The future of tech lies in textiles, or smart textiles, to be more exact. Now that new technologies allow manufacturers to add extra features to their clothes, curtains and car upholstery, technical textiles are the new normal. If there’s any secret of success, it lies in the ability to combine functionality with style and comfort. At the Techtextil International Trade Fair in Frankfurt, to be held May 9-12, Tanatex will introduce six textile solutions to help achieve just that. Can’t wait that long? Read on for a sneak preview!

No. 1: Tailormade solutions
As a textile professional, you deal with demanding customers daily, meaning you need to work on your added value non-stop. This is why our textile solutions all come with an expert that tailors them to your standards and machinery. This way, you get exactly what you need.

No.2: Performance improvers
Two top-shelf products don’t guarantee a perfect combination. If you work with several coatings, finishes and fabric types, you need crosslinkers and boosters that strengthen properties and avoid unwanted chemical reactions. Our experts know which ones you need to get the best out of each individual component. Just say the word and we’ll advise you!

No.3: Pure Performance
The magic of the end-product lies in the quality of the fabric. Our Pure Performance concept enables you to anticipate your customers’ wishes by improving stretch, elasticity, durability and shape recovery by forming a permanent and durable film around the fibre.

No.4: Storm Fit
Outdoor activities are wildly popular, boosting the demand for breathable apparel. We developed a way to transport sweat and high body temperatures without compromising the water-and wind-resistant qualities of your textiles. This way, users stay dry and comfortable under extreme weather conditions.

No.5: Insect proof
Insects can be real fun saboteurs, and in some areas, they even carry life threatening diseases. We developed a finish containing permethrin, that keeps away everything that bites, stings or even buzzes. Our Insect Proof finish can be added to any type of clothing, from fishing garment to army uniform.

No.6: Qi-tex
The way we dress influences the way we move. Our Qi-tex finish contains minerals that boost the wearer’s energy level, resulting in better balance and movements. The solution turns your textiles into performance optimisers; whether you add them to adaptive clothing for elderly people or to sportswear.

See you there!

Do you share our passion for textiles? Meet us at the Techtextil symposium! We’ll be in hall 3.0 at stand F80. Our product specialists will be happy to tell you all about our products and the way we collaborate.

Posted April 10, 2017

Source: Tanatex

ASTM International And Textiles Leader AATCC Partner Through Technical Standards Offering

W. CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa. — April 10, 2016 — Today, ASTM International and the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC) announced that they will bring together textiles standards and other offerings in one online platform.

This will help people and companies gain access to high-quality tools and resources from both organizations to improve durability of textiles, ensure quality colors, create in-demand products, and more.

Housed in the online platform ASTM Compass, the new package includes more than 125 AATCC test methods, procedures, and monographs in both PDF and HTML formats. It can be expanded to include ASTM International textile offerings including Section 7 of its Book of Standards as well as proficiency testing and training programs.  Alternatively, the AATCC package can be added to an existing Compass subscription of textile standards and other documents.

Subscribers will also have access in PDF and HTML to two AATCC compilations of provisional technical documents:

  • Concept 2 Consumer Technical Supplement A Compilation of Procedures and Guidelines, and
  • Moisture Management Technical Supplement Applicable to Apparel, Linens and Soft Goods.

Through Compass – an industry-leading, interactive, document platform – AATCC standards now feature:

  • ability to add notes and attach pertinent files within each standard;
  • interaction down to the section level;
  • bookmarking for easy retrieval;
  • ability to form project teams related to the standards;
  • an optional tool (SpecBuilder) to manage internal company specifications;
  • optional training modules and videos;
  • optional access to thousands of peer-reviewed papers; and
  • books in the ASTM International Digital Library.

Posted April 10, 2017

Source: ASTM International

New TeXtreme ® Website Launched

BORÅS, Sweden — April 7, 2017 — TeXtreme® has launched a new website to better facilitate the needs for its different target audiences. The new TeXtreme website comprises adapted information that connects their knowledge, technology and products for the composites industry.

“We work in close cooperation with our clients, giving them technical support, all the way from selecting the optimal reinforcement structure to making it work in the manufacturing process for the end product,” said Henrik Blycker, CEO, Oxeon. “The new website is one of our steps to meet the demands from the market and our customers’.”

The new website is based on a totally new technical platform and has a fully responsive design as well as new looks. All to give the visitor an easier access to information, both through stationary and mobile devices.

Andreas Martsman, vice president – Marketing & Sales, Oxeon, said: “When visiting trade shows around the world meeting composite professionals we see an ever-growing interest for TeXtreme spread tow reinforcements in many markets and an increased knowledge in its vast possibilities. For all of these persons we have made this investment, to get them specific information in order to help fulfill their needs faster”

Oxeon, the makers of TeXtreme, have more than 15 years of experience from optimizing advanced composite products and applying Spread Tow carbon reinforcements. The company possess a great knowledge in calculation, simulation and reinforcement optimization as well as making it work in production. TeXtreme Spread Tow reinforcements are a uniquely adaptable, safe and ultra light supportive solution for advanced carbon fiber composites. The usage of TeXtreme advanced carbon reinforcements will attain ultra light products that last.

Posted April 7, 2017

Source: Oxeon

New York-Based Lifestyle Retailer Footaction Opens Flagship Store In Toronto Eaton Centre

TORONTO/NEW YORK CITY — April 7, 2017 — Footaction, a New York-based retailer of apparel and footwear lifestyle brands, celebrates the grand opening of its Toronto flagship today. With 6,500 square-feet of premium retail space, the Toronto Eaton Centre location marks the brand’s first expansion outside the U.S.

Presenting a unique layout, the new Footaction store is organized largely by brand, rather than by product category, to enhance the customer shopping experience. Leading brands will each have their own concept shops with cross-category product offerings, including: Nike Kicks Lounge at Footaction, adidas Originals Collective at Footaction, and Puma Select at Footaction. This shop-in-shop layout will allow customers to easily navigate the best of the best, identifying coveted products more efficiently.

“We are thrilled to bring the Footaction brand into Canada. With this first store in Toronto Eaton Centre, we’re delivering an elevated retail experience to our customers and establishing ourselves as the go-to partner for the world’s leading athletic-inspired and lifestyle brands,” said Frank Bracken, vice president and general manager, Footaction Canada. “Footaction is best defined where streetwear and sneaker culture intersect — a space we’re confident will translate well for our Canadian consumer.”

In addition to partner concept shops, Footaction is rolling out elevated event and retail storytelling spaces in key North American cities called Capsule. Each space will be named after the city it represents — the first in Toronto being Capsule|416 by Footaction — taking cues from local street style, offering unique experiences for retail discovery, and featuring ever-changing and localized stories.

Footaction’s layout evolution and expansion into Canada is part of the company’s ongoing commitment to be the premier destination for style and sneaker culture offering the hottest sneakers, apparel and accessories. Featured brands from the Footaction Toronto store include Canadian brands Peace Collective, Herschel, and Naked & Famous Denim, as well as Jordan, Nike, adidas, PUMA, Levi’s, Champion and more.

Posted April 7, 2017

Source: Footaction

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