US Congressman Tours New Wide-Width Manufacturing Operations At Aurora Specialty Textiles Group In Yorkville, Ill.

YORKVILLE, Ill. — February 17, 2017 — U. S. Representative Randy Hultgren (Ill. 14th Congressional District) toured the new textile manufacturing operations at Aurora Specialty Textiles Group (ASTG) in Yorkville, Ill., on Friday, February 10, 2017.

The visit included a question and answer session with several members of the plant’s senior management staff and a tour of the plant’s new 124,000 square foot manufacturing operations led by Dan LaTurno, president of ASTG. The tour also included ASTG’s new ultra wide-width coating operations.

“It was a distinct honor to host Congressman Hultgren today and display our world-class textile processing operation,” said Dan LaTurno, president of ASTG. “We at Aurora strive every day to prove that a successful textile operation can operate in North America. Thanks to Meridian’s continued support and investment in next generation textile technologies, our mission to double our sales by 2021 is well within reach.”

Founded in 1883 on the west side of the Fox River in Aurora, ASTG operated solely as a bleaching operation before adding finishing, dyeing and coating capabilities by the late 1950’s. Today, the company provides a wide range of coating, finishing and dying capabilities to the global textile industry and manufactures a wide range of printable textiles designed to work optimally with the latest digital print technologies.

Up until about a year ago, the company maintained operations solely in the Aurora plant. But seeing new opportunities emerging — and the need to invest in new equipment and technology to support ultra wide-width coating — company leadership decided to invest in a new plant and equipment. At the same time, they felt it important to maintain operations within commuting distance of the existing plant and began looking for facilities nearby. With the move to Yorkville, ASTG also began adding new employees, while training existing employees to operate a new generation of textile equipment.

The new plant features the EHWHA ultra wide-width coating and finishing line, which works easily with a broad range of woven and non-woven materials up to 134” wide.  The EHWHA enhances Aurora’s ability to serve both current and new customers.

Today, Aurora is poised to move into a leader position in several new, expanding textile markets.

Said Rep. Hultgren: “Every time I visit one of the many flourishing manufacturers in the 14th District, I am amazed by the innovation that’s taking place right here in Illinois. I am proud of Aurora Specialty Textiles Group’s rich history of manufacturing and continued job creation and expansion in the Yorkville area.”

“We must continue to support our manufacturers and their ability to expand and hire more workers through smart legislation,” he added.

Posted February 16, 2017

Source: Aurora Specialty Textiles Group

Madaline — New Nonwoven Product From Mogul

LÜLEBURGAZ, Turkey — February 16, 2017 — Madaline is a Mogul nonwoven product destined to be a trend setter. Just consider a nonwoven fabric that can be treated like a traditional textile, having similar touch and drape and the capability to be stitched without fraying. In addition to its similarity to woven fabrics, Madaline also possesses superb filtration and barrier properties — like a meltblown with the strength of a spunbond.

Madaline uses state-of-the-art and patented bico technology to extrude unique filament designs and thereafter subjects them to high pressure water jets to simultaneously shear, fibrillate, entangle and consolidate microfilaments into a fabric.

Madaline’s microfilaments are up to 100 times thinner than a human hair and are the key to Madaline’s unique properties. The fabric’s dense structure provides very good barrier and filtration properties and, thanks to its microfilaments, has good moisture management capability. It is absorbent, quick to dry and breathes well. Madaline is washable and has very good and complementary properties of thermal insulation, wind resistance and ultraviolet protection.

Madaline’s advanced attributes make it uniquely applicable for use in processes such as finishing, dyeing, printing, cutting and stitching just like traditional textiles. This new fabric provides a very smooth hand, close to traditional textiles, with excellent dying and printing capability and is strong and durable and shows no ’Velcro’ effect.

Mogul’s Madaline technology employs polyester and polyamide to form two different filament shapes; ‘Hybrid Mixed Media’ or ‘Multi-Lobal’ which provide:

  • Higher tensile and tear strength (create a rip-stop);
  • Higher permeability;
  • Lower energy costs; and
  • No delamination as in multiple beam systems.

Madaline  fabrics can be used for a wide range of applications such as;

  • Clothing (outdoor performance wear, jeans, sports and leisure wear, uniforms, work-wear);
  • Home textiles;
  • Industrial use;
  • Digital large format printing media for signs, advertising and printed labels;
  • Mattress covers (anti allergy and dust mite proof);
  • Medical (scrubs apparel, wipes);
  • Dry wipes and towels (sports towels, industrial special cleaning cloths);
  • Filtration;
  • Technical packaging (scratch-free);
  • Sun shield (tents, awnings, shelters, vehicle covers) and window blinds;
  • Substrate for coating and synthetic leather backing;
  • Wall coverings;
  • Automotive applications (interior covers); and
  • Acoustic insulation for vehicles and buildings

Posted February 16, 2017

Source: Mogul Nonwovens

Lenzing Launches The TENCEL® Branded Denim Shop On ShopStyle

LENZING, Austria — February 16, 2017 — Lenzing reaches further into the consumer market with a dedicated denim e-commerce shop featuring the campaign: “Know What You’re Made Of: Comfort Starts Inside.”

The TENCEL® Branded Denim Shop launches February 15th on ShopStyle, which reaches nearly 600,000 shoppers and influences $1 million in retail spending each month. Featuring more than 50 denim styles that include the super-soft Tencel lyocell fiber, the shop showcases denim partners Bella Dahl, DL1961, Level 99, Mavi, NYDJ, and the Blue Shirt Shop. The Tencel Denim Shop will be highlighted on ShopStyle’s homepage and through a prominent blogger campaign with supportive editorial and advertising on POPSUGAR, Refinery29, Fashionista, and Sourcing Journal.

“This shop connects directly with consumers who are seeking distinctively comfortable denim products, featuring brilliant new spring styles from prominent US and European brands,” said Tricia Carey, director of Global Business Development for Denim, Lenzing. “Tencel fibers are the ideal addition for denim breathability and softness — this campaign highlights those attributes and appeals to consumers interested in making educated buying decisions.”

Denim with Tencel fiber brings comfort, nature, and technology into one product. Tencel fibers are derived from wood pulp and is produced in closed-loop manufacturing processes at Lenzing facilities in the United States, the United Kingdom and Austria.

The Lenzing Group is globally recognized as a leader in sustainable manufacturing practices. In fact, Canopy Planet Society, the Canadian environmental organization, recently rated Lenzing as number one in the world for wood procurement. This recognition reinforces the many other awards, labels, and certifications Lenzing has earned for its environmentally and socially responsible operations and products.

Posted February 16, 2017

Source: Lenzing

Springs Window Fashions Acquires Mariak Industries

MIDDLETON, Wis. — February 16, 2017 — Springs Window Fashions LLC (Springs) is pleased to announce the acquisition of Mariak Industries Inc. and Patrician Window Coverings, manufacturers of window covering products in the United States. Mariak will continue to be led by President Leo Elinson and will remain headquartered in Rancho Dominguez, Calif. and Houston. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Founded in 1986, Mariak offers an extensive selection of residential and commercial window coverings as well as an array of products and services for interior design customers. Patrician Window Coverings is one of the largest private label wholesale fabricators in the United States.

“Leo Elinson and the Mariak team have built a tremendous business, with a 30-year track record of high quality craftsmanship, extensive product selection and competitive pricing,” said Scott Fawcett, president and CEO of Springs. “We look forward to building on Mariak’s successful go-to-market strategy over the long-term and are excited to welcome Mariak and Patrician to the Springs family.”

Leo Elinson of Mariak, stated: “The natural synergy, collaboration, and support that will be created from a partnership with Springs will allow Mariak and Patrician to grow exponentially, while maintaining our successful business model of providing the highest quality of product craftsmanship, competitive pricing, and prompt delivery. We look forward to this new partnership with great enthusiasm and excitement.”

Springs Window Fashions, the Best Experience Company, supplies leading retailers and distributors with a complete line of blinds, shades, specialty treatments and window hardware. Bali® and Graber® are brands of Springs Window Fashions. Based in Middleton, Wis., the company has facilities in nine locations in the United States and Mexico and employs approximately 7,000 associates.

Posted February 16, 2017

Source: Springs Window Fashions

Unifi Teams Up With Professional Sports Franchises To Spread Environmentally Responsible Message

GREENSBORO, N.C. — February 15, 2017 —  Unifi Inc. has announced its collaboration with seven professional sports teams, including those from the NBA and NHL. The collaboration involves engaging crowds in messages aimed at environmental responsibility, as well as the launch of the REPREVE® Ultimate Sports Fan Experience, a sweepstakes series consisting of once-in-a-lifetime experiences with multiple franchises, including the Dallas Mavericks, Portland Trail Blazers, Boston Bruins, Detroit Red Wings, Anaheim Ducks, Minnesota Wild and New Jersey Devils. As part of the sweepstakes, lucky winners will receive a variety of unique prizes including on-court/ice passes, VIP tickets, pre-game bench access, locker room tours, autographed team goods and player meet-and-greets. In addition, each stadium will be enveloped in recycling messaging, showing fans that Repreve makes it easy for them to be a catalyst for positive environmental change.

The Repreve Ultimate Sports Fan Experience is part of Unifi’s national Repreve #TurnItGreen mobile tour, in which the Company travels the nation with a custom-designed, interactive trailer to educate the public about the importance of recycling and showcase the high-quality Repreve-based products that can be made when fans recycle their water bottles. The tour makes stops at sports stadiums and live music festivals across the country to raise awareness about how individuals can help make the earth a healthier place by choosing products made with recycled materials like Repreve. Unifi’s Repreve fiber is used by many well-known brands across auto, home and apparel industries, including Ford, The North Face, Volcom, Fossil and Pottery Barn.

“Only 32 percent of plastic bottles are recycled in the United States, which is a statistic Unifi is working diligently to change,” said Jay Hertwig, vice president of global brand sales, marketing and product development for Unifi. “Through the Repreve Ultimate Sports Fan Experience and the #TurnItGreen tour, we aim to rally people’s passion for sports, and help spread that passion toward taking better care of our environment. Because so many performance sports brands use Repreve in their products, it’s a great opportunity to connect fans with environmentally responsible practices and top-quality merchandise, as well as show them that they can make a positive impact on our environment just from buying recycled products.”

Each of the sweepstakes entry periods will last for one month; the first started Feb. 13 with the Portland Trail Blazers, and closes on March 12. Fans can view the entire series and enter their favorite team’s sweepstakes by visiting www.repreve.com.

Posted February 15, 2017

Source: Unifi

Global Outlook For Hygiene Absorbent Products And Key Raw Materials In 2015, 2016 And 2021

WEST CHESTER, Pa. — February 15, 2016 — Price Hanna Consultants of the United States has recently published a February 2017 report on the world outlook for hygiene absorbent products and the key raw materials of nonwovens, fluff pulp, airlaid cores, superabsorbents and hygiene films. Since 1993, Price Hanna has prepared thirteen in-depth reports analyzing the markets for absorbent products in key countries/regions throughout the world and the important materials used in them. The last global hygiene report was released in February 2015. This updated study now published by Price Hanna Consultants details the prospects for absorbent products in the key global markets of North America, Western Europe, the Pacific Rim, Central and South America, the Middle East, Central and Eastern Europe, China, India, Africa and the rest of Central Asia. The report contains unit volume market estimates for 2015 and 2016 and projections for 2021 for 46 individual countries and all geographic regions. The 2015 global and regional market share positions and volumes of the leading absorbent products competitors are estimated.  The study includes 2015 and 2016 estimates and 2021 forecasts of the consumption of key raw materials used in absorbent products — cover stock, superabsorbents, fluff pulp, airlaid cores and hygiene film — by product category and region.

The global consumption of hygiene absorbent products — disposable diapers, child pants, feminine hygiene and adult incontinence products — grew to almost 590 billion units in 2016.  Due to rapid market penetration and growth in the last several years, China is now the largest volume market for hygiene absorbent products. Volume in the emerging markets collectively is substantially larger than the combined markets for these products in North America, Western Europe and Japan. Growth rates for the next five years in the undeveloped and developing markets of Asia and Africa will continue to exceed the global average growth of this industry. These regions provide significant market penetration and volume growth opportunities for absorbent product market participants and their suppliers. The study details the five year market outlooks in each major country market and geographic region. Demographic factors, such as declining birth rates and increases in elderly populations, are assessed in the projections of the potential market sizes for hygiene absorbent products.

Posted February 15, 2016

Source: Price Hanna Consultants

New CORDURA® Brand 50th Anniversary Microsite Celebrates Its Rich Heritage And Future Durable Innovations

WICHITA, Kan. — February 15, 2017 — For five decades, INVISTA’s CORDURA® brand has been shaping the world of military gear, workwear and outdoor apparel. Throughout 2017, the brand will be celebrating its 50 year love affair with durability with the launch of its new anniversary microsite — cordura.com/50Years — designed to showcase the brands, mills, collaborations, and innovations that have been a part of its durable journey.

Since 1967, the Cordura brand has been working with industry leaders who have helped sculpt and evolve fiber and fabric technologies, pushing the boundaries of innovation. The passion and experience that its valuable authorized mills, brand customers and collaborative partners dedicate day in and day out have helped build its reputation for high quality, durable fabrics.

“As we celebrate our 50th anniversary, we want to honor those who have been with us along the way,” said Cindy McNaull, global Cordura brand and marketing director. “Our new cordura.com/50Years microsite allows us to not only tell our own story, but is also a platform for others to share their experiences and memories as we nod to our durable heritage and look forward to fifty more years of innovation together.”

The new microsite features real-time news and stories including an exciting 50 @ 50 innovation spotlight detailing the brand’s new technology launches, cutting-edge collaborations and major milestones in its anniversary year. The microsite also invites brands, mills, consumers and media partners to leave their own long-lasting legacy by sharing durable memories, experiences, and favorite products through the decades.

Posted February 15, 2017

Source: INVISTA’s CORDURA® brand

Kelheim Fibres Breaks New Ground In Innovation Management — Viscose Fiber Expert Practices Open Innovation

KELHEIM, Germany — February 15, 2017 — By organizing a competition for new ideas on the subject “100% cellulose fibres – re-thought” viscose fiber manufacturer Kelheim Fibres has broken new ground in innovation management. The competition was part of the start-up contest “Plan B – Biomass. Business. Bavaria“ organized by Biocampus Straubing under the patronage of the Bavarian State Secretary for Economic Affairs Franz Josef Pschierer.

“In R&D we don’t just rely on receiving ideas for new products or new applications in our dreams, but we proceed in a focussed and methodical way”, said Walter Roggenstein, R&D manager, Kelheim Fibres. “For us, this competition in cooperation with Biocampus Straubing was an attempt to boost our innovation process and to open it to beyond the boundaries of our company.”

Matthew North, commercial director, Kelheim Fibres, added: “The competition was not only about specific ideas — we have seen completely new conceptual approaches and we have gained contacts in industry sectors and application areas formerly unknown to us. And by opening the process to outsiders we could avoid the risk of operational blindness.”

Kelheim was extremely pleased with the results of this experiment, particularly with the broad spectrum of ideas: More than 20 different proposals — ranging from very simple, clearly defined application ideas to visionary future products — were submitted. Equally varied were the people behind these ideas, from school pupils to experienced tradespeople to academics.

The winner of the competition, Dr. Jürgen Pettrak from “Straubinger Entwässerung und Reinigung” (local wastewater authorities), was rewarded with prize of 2,500 euros. His idea focused on the use of filters made of functional viscose fibers during a fourth clarification stage in wastewater treatment plants to filter out the increasing amount of endocrine substances found in wastewater. These endocrine substances find their way into into the water due to the growing use of drugs in human medicine as well as in large-scale farming and, if not filtered out, they may finally affect our genetic material.

But Kelheim Fibres was also excited by the other proposals, which concern the use of viscose fibres in environmentally sound yet at the same time tailor-made wound care, in semi-finished products with printed electrical circuits, eco-friendly felt pens, panels of pressed straw for construction applications and an idea for a regional marketing for regionally produced fibre products. These ideas were awarded further prizes.

“We will not put these great suggestions away in a drawer,” promises Walter Roggentein. “I am convinced that some of these ideas will lead to projects and finally to new products. For us, the success of this competition will lead to a further opening-up of our innovation process – on the inside as well as on the outside.”

Posted February 15, 2017

Source: Kelheim Fibres

Middle East’s Fast-Fashion Retailer Splash Partners With Dow To Bring Long-Lasting Freshness To Apparel

DUBAI — February 15, 2017 — Splash, a fast-fashion retailer, is partnering with Dow Microbial Control — a business unit of The Dow Chemical Company — to offer its customers a range of apparel products using Dow’s patented SILVADUR™ technology, which features built in odor protection and longer lasting freshness. Splash currently operates over 220 apparel stores and 55 brand stores across the Middle East.

Splash Basics offerings will be treated with Dow’s patented SILVADUR™ technology, which inhibits the growth and minimizes the presence of unwanted odor-causing bacteria that are prominent on consumer goods. When these nuisance bacteria land on fabric surfaces, SILVADUR’s technology intelligently releases silver ions which neutralize them on contact, enabling the apparel to stay fresher longer.

“Over more than 20 years, Splash has earned a reputation as a trend-setter in the apparel industry in the Middle East,” said Raza Beig, CEO, Splash and ICONIC, and director of the Landmark Group. “As an industry pacesetter, we recognize the growing trend toward more hygienic lifestyles among our consumers. It is our goal to meet their needs by offering products in our stores that feature freshness protection and control odors.”

“The relationship between Splash and Dow is an excellent example of how industry leaders, working together, can benefit the marketplace,” said Karel Williams, global strategic marketing and brand director for Dow Microbial Control. “The growing desire of consumers to control odors in apparel has changed their priorities when they purchase products as they focus more on making savvy investments that feature intelligent freshness protection, which enables consumers to wear them more and wash them less. Leading retailers like Splash understand that meeting the consumer need for odor control will both increase value and build customer loyalty.”

Posted February 15, 2017

Source: Dow Microbial Control 

INDEX™ 17 Exhibitor Preview: Autefa Solutions

FRIEDBERG, Germany — February 2, 2017 — Following the slogan for this year’s INDEX, “Connecting you with nonwoven solutions”, company Autefa Solutions is ready to take up the challenge. Nowadays Nonwovens producers are looking for new energy saving and advanced technologies especially in the field of disposables.

The Autefa Solutions V‐Jet is a new hydroentanglement system which saves up to 30% of the hydraulic energy required for the Spunlace process. The patented jet‐strip design enables a pressure reduction while keeping the product quality constant in comparison to a standard jet‐strip. The Spunlace process is optimized with the Square Drum Dryer SQ‐V, which has significantly better energy efficiency and drying performance than a common Drum Dryer – at the same footprint.

The Crosslapper Topliner CL 4004 SL is characterised by a high infeed speed of up to 130 m/min and a precise weight distribution. These advantages are very important especially for lightweight applications in spunlace lines. The lapping of the web layers is continuously monitored, which minimizes rejects and saves material.

For the production of flushable wipes Autefa Solutions and Campen Machinery plan and realizes complete hydro laced airlaid process lines. The concept hits the specific need for medium and small size Airlaid production solutions.

There is also a growing interest in high speed through air thermobonding lines for hygiene products such as acquisition and distribution layers (ADL). These materials are used in baby diapers, sanitary napkins and adult incontinence products. The key strengths of the Autefa Solutions belt dryers are uniform airflow and the precisely adjustable temperature distribution, the ability to maintain loft or to create high densities. André Imhof, CEO Autefa Solutions Austria explains: “The customer today is more demanding and requires best possible Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). The High productivity, the flexibility for various nonwovens products with low maintenance costs will increase the demand for top quality machines from Autefa Solutions.”

For the needle nonwovens process, Autefa Solutions presents the Needle Loom Fehrer Stylus ONE, a machine for all needling applications. StylusONE covers the needs of the market for a reliable and economic machine. With a performance of max 1200 strokes/min the Needle Loom StylusONE distinguishes itself through productivity, guaranteed longevity and maintenance free gear boxes.

Autefa Solutions delivers turn‐key lines as well as individual machines for nonwovens manufacturing.

Application fields are the production of artificial leather, filter products as well as paper‐machine felts, automotive felts, geotextiles, floor coverings, felts for insulation and nonwovens for the hygiene industry.

The product range includes fiber preparation machines, nonwovens cards, aerodynamic web forming machines (Airlay), crosslappers and needle looms. The product range additionally includes equipment for thermobonding, drying as well as cutting‐, winding‐ and festooning‐ technology.

Posted February 14, 2017

Source: Autefa Solutions

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