INDEX™ 2017 Exhibitor Preview: Americhem Europe

MANCHESTER, England — MARCH 16, 2017 — Americhem Europe Ltd., a global provider of colour and additive solutions for synthetic fibers, will feature a full range of its mBrace™ softening additives at the Index™ 17 global nonwovens exhibition to be held April 4–7 at the Palexpo SA in Geneva. These products offer a span of use rates, processing options and degrees of softness for nonwoven products throughout the world.

“Our product offerings in the mBrace line can be divided into two groups,” said Dhru Mantheni, nonwovens development specialist for Americhem. “The first group allows you to achieve softness levels by reducing the coefficient of friction (slip) while the other developmental group imparts a cottony textile feel. At higher use levels, the first group of mBrace products can also carry additional functionality, such as antistatic and hydrophilic. We have developed products which are thermally stable and allow the user to deliver a soft touch without impacting other material properties.”

The mBrace line has evolved since its introduction in 2013. Nonwovens producers have long sought added softness for their materials, particularly in applications that will have human skin contact. mBrace was Americhem’s answer to this demand and the current range of options has emerged to suit the many different end uses in the market today.

“Our original mBrace offering allows you to alter the level of softness by the amount of the additive used,” Mantheni continued. “For the best softness properties, we recommend a use rate of one to three percent. When used at four to five percent, the manufacturer can impart antistatic properties, as well as hydrophilicity, in addition to a soft feel.”

The second group of mBrace products are based on a widely accepted industry technology. Concentration level of the thermally stable additive within the masterbatch as well as target use rate can be customized to fit a customer’s specific requirements. This added flexibility helps to ensure optimum softness is achieved while eliminating any impact to processing conditions.

“Since mBrace is now a family of products, the portfolio offers increased flexibility to tailor the additive product to meet our customers’ needs,” stated Robert Baldy, market manager for Americhem, nonwovens. “If the customer values certain properties over others or even if they are trying to achieve multiple functionalities with one masterbatch, Americhem’s innovative solutions can provide them with exactly what they need.”

The mBrace brand continues to grow to meet customer needs. Americhem is currently developing an mBrace product that offers a cottony haptic. All mBrace products offered in Europe are REACH compliant and can be provided in a variety of packaging options.

Learn more about Americhem’s mBrace additives for nonwovens at Index 17, booth #4179. Visit with Americhem product experts and view the range of options mBrace offers.

Posted March 16, 2017

Posted: Americhem Europe Ltd.

OUTLOOK™ Plus Latin America 2017 Keeps Its Promises

SAO PAULO – March 16, 2017 – The two global nonwoven trade associations, EDANA and INDA, closed the second edition of OUTLOOK™ Plus Latin America conference in São Paulo, Brazil, thanking participants for their overwhelming support, which encourages them to consider a bright future for this event. With a comprehensive conference programme and networking activities to encourage interaction, participants confirmed the event as an indispensable opportunity to bring the global industry together at the heart of Latin America.

Opening the conference, keynote presenter Dr. Welber Barral, outlined with clarity the challenges and opportunities for foreign direct investment in Brazil. Barrall outlined the hurdles, from customs tariffs to bureaucratic formalities, and advised patience and persistence with optimism for gradual improvement.

Presentations on market, product, and technology intelligence for hygiene and personal care were the focus of the first two days. Market leaders in the nonwoven and film markets for these products also shared their vision of the future. The regional demographic and consumer trends of relevance to the industry were highlighted throughout the conference. A session on the third and final day was dedicated to the use of nonwovens in healthcare and infection prevention applications and future opportunities.

More than 270 participants joined the conference and more than 25 companies took the opportunity to promote their products and services through tabletop exhibits.

“This is a great conference for us and a good time for Ontex as we now have operations in Brazil. We learned a lot about the country, the markets and the hygiene products serving them,” said Bart Waterschoot, Group Sustainability and Scientific Affairs Manager, Ontex.

“Many of the speakers confirmed the previous conference’s description of exciting market opportunities, acknowledging the impact of the economic downturn but also illustrating the resilience of the Latin American markets, and their variety, which is well understood by participants in the supply chain.” said Richard Company, Managing director, Clopay Brazil.

“EDANA is pleased to cooperate with INDA in helping the industry to make the best of those opportunities and together to continue to cater to the networking needs of all industry participants across the supply chain,” said EDANA’s chair Martin Rapp, Senior Vice-President & Composite Fibers Business Unit President, Glatfelter.

INDA and EDANA would like to thank ABINT for helping promote the conference.

Posted March 16, 2017 

Source: INDA & EDANA

Alsco-San Jose Earns Hygienically Clean Healthcare Certification

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — March 15, 2017 — Alsco Inc.’s San Jose, Calif. facility has earned Hygienically Clean Healthcare designation, reflecting their 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.

The certification confirms the laundry’s dedication to compliance and processing healthcare textiles (HCTs) using BMPs as described in its quality assurance documentation, the focal point for laundry plant 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, Alsco 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 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 (CMS), Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI), American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and others. Introduced in 2012, Hygienically Clean Healthcare incorporates 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 Alsco on their 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 March 15, 2017

Source: TRSA

 

DRT Introduces New Resins

DAX Cedex, France — March 15, 2017 — With the recent acquisition of the historical market player Pinova Inc., DRT provides new ranges of products. They will be introduced to the European markets during the European Coatings Show in Nuremberg. FORAL® and VINSOL® are two of these new ranges. Foral are refined wood rosins that are the palest and most highly stabilized rosins commercially available. They are mainly dedicated to adhesives and marine paints applications. Vinsol is a range of natural resins extracted from pinewood stumps and refined through a special process. Vinsol is produced exclusively by Pinova Inc. and targets the coating, construction and concrete manufacturing markets.

Since its creation, DRT has used plant-based resources derived from the forest industry. The research of alternatives to fossil based products is the motto of the company. With its bio-based resins, DRT supplies more than 20 industrial sectors from the adhesive to coating and road marking industries. These products offer a sustainable alternative to petroleum-based ingredients. With their proven performances and cost-effectiveness, these products allow numerous industries to take a green shift. As explained by Benjamin Léger, DRT’s marketing manager for Chemical Intermediates: “Our goal is to provide technical and economic solutions. The acquisition of the American Pinova Inc. allows us to expand our ranges of resins so as to better answer the market’s expectations. Foral is a tangible example of the kind of stabilized resins sought after by our customers today”.

If DRT distinguishes itself with its products, the company is also known for its eco-responsible approach. Environmentally friendly, ethical, innovative: these are the distinctive features at the roots of the company.

Posted March 15, 2017

Source: DRT

ITMA 2019 Online Space Application Opens In May

BRUSSELS — March 15, 2017 — ITMA, the world’s largest textile and garment technology showcase, will continue its focus on innovation for its upcoming edition in Barcelona in June 2019, with the main theme of the show: Innovating the World of Textiles.

Fritz P. Mayer, president of CEMATEX, the European Committee of Textile Machinery Manufacturers, which owns the ITMA exhibition, explained: “The increasingly high level of automation and digitisation in combination with real time data tracking and interconnection has spawned the 4th industrial revolution and the emergence of smart factories. ITMA is a unique showcase of live machinery demonstrations and innovative solutions that boost productivity and profitability.

“For this latest edition of ITMA, we have chosen to focus the industry’s attention on innovation which creates a competitive advantage for manufacturers. Sustainable innovation that drives growth for the textile and garment industry will continue to be emphasised at the exhibition.”

As many leading textile machinery and raw material manufacturers, and service providers look forward to the exhibition to launch or promote their latest innovations, the organizer of ITMA 2019, ITMA Services, has already been receiving numerous inquiries for participation.

A.E. Roberts, chairman of ITMA Services, said: “ITMA was last held in Barcelona in 2011. We expect strong response when the exhibition returns to the city after eight years. A host of exciting highlights and knowledge-sharing activities have been planned which give added value to exhibitors and visitors alike.”

ITMA 2019 is expected to feature more than 1,500 exhibitors from 45 countries spread over 100,000 square meters of net exhibition space. It will be held from June 20-26 at Fira de Barcelona, Gran Via venue.

Online space application will open on May 4, 2017. Interested participants can visit www.itma.com to find out more about the show, including the sector allocation plan, exhibition schedule and attractive space rental package. For participation inquiries, please email: application@itma.com.

The last ITMA exhibition, held in Milan in 2015, featured exhibits from the entire textile and garment making value-chain spread over 108,268 square meters of net exhibition space. It drew the participation of 1,691 exhibitors from 46 countries and visitorship of almost 123,000 from 147 countries.

Posted March 15, 2017

Source: CEMATEX & ITMA Services

Simparel Names Former Uniform Services Executive As Strategic Accounts Director

NEW YORK, NY — March 15, 2017 — Simparel, Inc., the innovator in next-generation information technology for the fashion and consumer goods industries, announces the appointment of Michael Ross to the position of Strategic Accounts Director. Based near Atlanta, Georgia (USA), Ross brings 25 years of executive-level operations and uniform services facility management experience to his new role where he will market the Simparel® SFC (Shop Floor Control) and other end-to-end business solutions to manufactures, brands and vertical retailers across the Southern US, Midwest US, and Central America.

“We are pleased to welcome Michael to the Simparel team,” said Senior Vice President John Robinson.

“With the rapid success of our real-time production control solutions, we recognized the importance of bringing his extensive industry expertise and operations experience to lead the charge with our manufacturing solutions. We are confident that these and other strengths will make Michael a valuable partner to our current and future clients.”

Ross previously held the position of Group Manager/Vice President of Operations at Aramark Uniform Services. He also served in a variety of general management positions with Omni Services and as owner of AWD for 5 years. He holds a BA in finance and public administration from the University of Akron and an MBA from St. Francis University.

“I am excited to join Simparel at a time of such opportunity,” said Ross. “When I saw the value their systems can bring to the manufacturing, industrial laundry, distribution and many other production processes, I knew I wanted to a part of that success. I look forward to sharing the opportunities for improvement with leading and growing companies across the diverse sewn products industry.”

Posted March 15, 2017

Source: Simparel, Inc.

eVent® Fabrics Is Now A bluesign® System Partner

LEE’S SUMMIT, Mo. — March 14, 2017 — eVent fabrics — which created the first fully waterproof and air permeable membrane technology for apparel, footwear and accessories — has become a bluesign® system partner. bluesign® system partners include textile manufacturers, brands and chemical suppliers, united in their commitment to responsible action through the application of the bluesign system.

A comprehensive bluesign audit at eVent’s manufacturing facility in Lee’s Summit, Mo., confirmed that the company’s membrane manufacturing operations apply the bluesign system and meet high standards for worker safety, responsible use of resources, and that the company is continuously improving its environmental performance.

As a bluesign system partner, eVent fabrics is committed to reducing its impact on people and the environment. The bluesign system, based on Input Stream Management, ensures that approved chemical products and raw materials are used in all steps of the manufacturing process and that substances posing risks to people and the environment are eliminated. On-site inspections verify the proper application of chemical products and raw materials in controlled processes and ensure the responsible use of resources to guarantee the highest level of consumer safety.

“We’re excited about this important achievement and what it means for not only our organization but our customers and consumers around the world,” said Chris Ferraro, General Manager for eVent fabrics. “Becoming a bluesign system partner is one of many steps we are taking to continually improve our sustainability practices, streamline operations and bring innovative membrane solutions to the market,” added Ferraro.

eVent fabrics wholly manufactures waterproof and windproof membranes used in consumer products in the United States at its facility in Lee’s Summit. eVent membranes are distributed to textile specialists around the globe, which, in turn, create finished laminated textiles chosen by apparel, footwear and accessories brands.

Posted March 14, 2017

Source: eVent fabrics

IFAI Expo 2017 Announces Expanded Advanced Textiles Program

ROSEVILLE, Minn. — March 14, 2017 — The Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI) has announced an expanded Advanced Textiles (AT) program for its annual Expo, scheduled for September 26-29, 2017, in New Orleans.

The program will feature additions to the annual Advanced Textiles Conference as well as programming bonuses and a new Smart Fabrics Program.

“The Advanced Textiles industry is vitally important to the future of the textile industry as a whole,” IFAI President/CEO Mary Hennessy said. “Our emphasis on Advanced Textiles at IFAI Expo is growing and will continue growing for the foreseeable future.”

Here’s an outline of anticipated 2017 programming:

Advanced Textiles Conference — Beginning on September 26, the Advanced Textiles Conference will offer four tracks. This year, tracks in military, medical, testing and smart fabrics are planned, with the latter two tracks being part of their own programs.

Smart Fabrics Program (IFAIexpo.com/Smart) — This new program is designed to channel the excitement around smart fabrics into new product development while also:

  • Giving attendees access to experts, materials and education
  • Facilitating new partnerships, discussions and ideas
  • Showcasing innovative suppliers to the e-textiles market
  • Creating common understandings among industry segments

This will be accomplished through the Advanced Textiles Conference’s Smart Fabrics Track, which explores all types of technology in the industry, and the E-Textiles Workshop located on the Expo show floor. This workshop will be a central meeting and networking area for participants to gather and learn about mutual needs.

E-Textiles Workshop — This new addition to the Expo AT lineup includes several new elements including Beginners’ Kits, which will allow those new to the field to assemble simple e-textiles devices with expert guidance right in the workshop; a Hackathon/Design Challenge for more advanced participants, plus the following:

30-minute, expert-facilitated market discussions, specific to e-textiles markets, during show floor hours (topics to include apparel, bio/medical, health/fitness, military, aerospace, automotive, packaging, virtual reality, and home)

“Ask the Experts” — scheduled on Wednesday, September 27, this two-hour question-and-answer session will feature experts in electronics, materials, testing and product development fielding questions in a live audience setting.

Testing Program (IFAIexpo.com/Testing) — Once again in 2017, IFAI Expo will offer a Testing Program, in cooperation with the North Carolina State University College of Textiles, this year supported by the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC). It will feature two certificate options plus demonstrations and Q&As for new market segments. The program includes:

The Testing Demo Zone — Will be open to all participants during show floor hours. Lab and equipment experts will help participants learn to choose the right testing methods, interpret results, ask the right questions, and learn where to find additional resources. This includes testing Q&A sessions devoted to special topics including home, medical, military, aerospace, automotive, antimicrobials and nonwovens.

Testing Track — Also part of the Advanced Textiles Conference, this Tuesday-Wednesday event features presentations from NCSU and industry experts, to help improve attendees’ decision-making based on textile properties and better understanding of standard test procedures. Completing this track and lab requirement earns the participant the NCSU Textile Testing Essentials Certificate – which can be used as credit toward NCSU’s Textile Technology Certificate Program.

Intro to Testing Seminar  – A free course for all participants, offered Wednesday and Thursday in the Testing Demo Zone, teaching the basics of textile testing. Completed course work and lab time will earn the attendee a Certificate of Participation from NCSU and AATCC.

Mentor Meetings (IFAIexpo.com/Mentor) — IFAI Expo 2017 will also feature new Mentor Meetings, dedicated to connecting attendees with independent experts. Mentors in product development, intellectual property, knitting, environmental law, nonwovens, supply chain, e-textiles, advanced textile development, design, wet processing, comfort, protection, fire retardancy and other sectors will be available for 30-minute meetings to answer questions and give confidential advice about how to proceed in today’s market. These meetings are open to any participant or exhibitor at IFAI Expo 2017.

Posted March 14, 2017

Source: IFAI

Manufacturers Value Lectra’s Fabric Cutting Room: 3,000 Vector® Sold In 10 years

PARIS — March 14, 2017 — Lectra has announced the recent sale of its 3,000th Vector in 10 years The Vector range has revolutionized the automatic cutting room for fabric, enjoying immediate success with fashion, automotive and furniture manufacturers. Today, Vector is the undisputed reference for the fabric cutting room, reflected by the 15-percent rise in sales for Vector in 2016.

Manufacturers’ enthusiasm for Vector, in both developed countries and emerging economies, is due to a range of competitive advantages. Vector’s record machine availability — more than 98 percent — plus its overall performance minimizes the cost per piece, bringing profitability to operations for Lectra customers. In addition, Vector’s cutting precision and the capacity to produce pieces without spaces equates to significant gains in materials, saving hundreds of thousands of dollars each year for manufacturers.

A series of decisive innovations for Vector have ensured that Lectra continues to help customers reach their increasingly ambitious objectives for operational excellence. Since 2007, Vector has made true technological leaps, pushing the boundaries for speed, quality and reliability. The new generation of Vector, launched in 2012, established new standards for productivity and controlling performance which remain unrivalled today. At the end of 2016, two new models joined the Vector family: Vector iQ, whose cutting device enables a 10% rise in productivity, and VectorAuto iX6, which specializes in synthetic fabric cutting for seats and car interiors.

Vector owes its reliability to the multiple sensors with which it is equipped. Launched with 120 sensors, today Vector has 180 sensors to implement preventive and predictive maintenance. Vectors installed across the world communicate in real time with Lectra’s five international call centers, where experts can immediately intervene remotely.

“A pioneering solution in the Internet of Things, Vector was the first cutting solution on the market connected to the Internet and which used a system of predictive maintenance. The Vector range fully answers Industry 4.0 concepts and its innovative services are a major asset for the cutting room of the future,” underlines Daniel Harari, Lectra CEO.

Posted March 14, 2017

Source: Lectra

IFAI Winter Events Attract Record Attendance

ROSEVILLE, Minn. — March 14, 2017 — The annual Marine Fabricators Conference and Tent Expo 2017 both drew record attendance figures, according to event organizers.

The Marine Fabricators Conference, sponsored by The Industrial Fabrics Association International’s (IFAI’s) Marine Fabricators Association, attracted 266 attendees and 34 exhibitors to the Marriott Hotel, Jacksonville, Fla., January 19-21, 2017.

Mike Erickson of Canvas Designers, Riviera Beach, Fla., received the MFA Hall of Fame Award; while David Huntington of River Custom Canvas, Clayton, N.Y., took home the Don Racine Award for winning the event’s annual “Tools, Tips and Tricks” competition for a marketing tag he places on his company’s work.

Attendees were treated to three days of events and education, as well as the annual Marine Fabricators Awards.

The next week, 627 attendees, including 53 exhibitors, gathered at the Renaissance Orlando (FL) Hotel at SeaWorld for the biennial Tent Expo 2017. The gathering was sponsored by IFAI’s Tent Rental Division.

At Tent Expo, attendees received education, tours of 22 different displays, equipment demonstrations and networking opportunities with fellow industry professionals.

“We’re very pleased with the turnout, as well as with the number of registered exhibitors, at our winter events,” said IFAI President/CEO Mary Hennessy. “The Marine Fabricators Association and the Tent Rental Division do a great job helping advance the industry in their respective sectors and we are proud of the job they do.”

The 2018 Marine Fabricators Conference is scheduled for January 25-27, 2018 at the Savannah (GA) Hyatt Regency Hotel, while Tent Conference 2018 will take place January 18-19, 2018, at the Sheraton Mesa Hotel in Mesa, AZ.

Posted March 14, 2017

Source: The Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI)

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