BANGKOK — July 1, 2024 — Indorama Ventures, a global sustainable chemical producer, today announced it secured a new 7-year loan totaling $200 million from the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to help fund the continued growth of the company’s strategic sustainability programs in India, Thailand and Indonesia, and promote a circular economy as the world’s leading PET recycler.
PET Bottles Bales
The loan from the IFC, which is a member of the World Bank Group focused on private sector development in emerging markets, provides a long tenor and flexibility to convert into a sustainability-linked facility based on mutually agreed sustainability targets in the future. The funds will be used to finance sustainability initiatives that bolster Indorama Ventures’ leading strategic footprint in PET recycling. These also include enhancing efficiency at the company’s existing recycling facilities at Nakhon Pathom and Rayong in Thailand, launching a state-of-the-art plant in Karawang in Indonesia, and establishing new recycling plants in India. Additionally, the financing will reimburse costs incurred in 2023 and 2024 for sustainability projects.
Yash Lohia
Mr. Yash Lohia, Chairman of the ESG Council at Indorama Ventures, said, “Our continued collaboration with IFC is an important part of our ongoing investment in sustainability, allowing us to expand our recycling capabilities and make a meaningful impact on the environment and communities in key emerging markets. As a global leader in the chemical industry, Indorama Ventures is dedicated to setting new benchmarks for sustainable practices and promoting a circular economy worldwide.”
Jane Yuan Xu, Country Manager for Thailand and Myanmar at IFC, said, “We are delighted to partner once again with Indorama Ventures. This loan exemplifies IFC’s commitment to fostering a circular economy and enhancing waste management in emerging markets. Together, we aim to leverage recycling as a powerful tool in managing plastic waste and advancing broader sustainability and climate change goals.”
Indorama Ventures maintains a sustainable and diversified financing strategy, including an inaugural $300 million industry-first Blue Loan in 2020, which comprised a $150 million senior loan from IFC and parallel loans of $150 million from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Deutsche Investitions-und Entwicklungsgesellschaft (DEG).
CHATEAUNEUF LES MARTIGUES, France — July 1, 2024 — Sicomin, the formulator of high-performance epoxy resin systems including the market leading GreenPoxy® bio-resin range, is delighted to announce its latest collaboration with carbon composite recycling leader Fairmat. The two French specialists in sustainable composites have joined forces to create an optimized internal stiffener for a new state of the art body scan scale.
With immediate effect, Sicomin will supply production volumes of FireGreen 37 fire-retardant bio-epoxy that Fairmat will use to press mold a 100% recycled CFRP chip structural reinforcement plate.
Fairmat uses advanced mechanical processes, robotics and AI, to repurpose high-value, carbon fiber waste streams from leading composite industry OEMs and Tier 1s including Hexcel. For this product, Sicomin FireGreen epoxy resins are combined with the recycled carbon composite materials in an automated molding process to create a lighter and more structurally efficient internal stiffener for the digital body scan scale.
Fairmat Chips for Pick and Place
Fairmat has selected FireGreen 37 resin for the new component after validating its performance in the new production process. Sicomin resins have demonstrated remarkable compatibility with the recycled carbon composite produced by Fairmat, enabling fast wet-out of the pre-cured chips that are robotically positioned into the component mould before press curing. Sicomin also provide quality control documentation that integrates with Fairmat’s Fairtrack Manufacturing Execution System (MES), allowing the rapid, energy efficient conversion of prepreg carbon waste into traceable, lightweight, second-generation carbon fiber materials with validated mechanical performance.
Fairmat Stiffener
FireGreen 37 is a halogen free, fire-retardant bio-epoxy that combines exceptional fire performance with a sustainable formulation, featuring 25% plant-based carbon content. It is an intumescent epoxy resin system optimized for laminating and press molding processes and is available with a range of hardeners permitting fast production cure cycles.
“Sicomin is proud to support leading innovators Fairmat with a locally sourced, next generation, epoxy solution. We have supported Fairmat with a range of specialist epoxy materials and are delighted to work with them on production volumes of FireGreen 37,” comments Marc Denjean, Global Sales Manager, Sicomin. “Together, Fairmat and Sicomin are committed to providing a second life for recycled carbon fiber materials by repurposing these products and delivering innovative, performance driven, market solutions.”
STOCKHOLM, Sweden — July 1, 2024 — To meet rising demand for its fully automated and digitised fabric and part handling solutions, Eton Systems – a member of TMAS, the Swedish textile machinery association – has just moved into modernised new premises in Borås.
The company was founded in 1967 in Borås – widely known as Sweden’s textile city and home to worldwide brands and companies, as well as the prestigious Swedish School of Textiles – as a result of future-looking research and development at shirt maker Eton Shirts.
Eton Shirts, founded in 1928 and still also headquartered in Borås, was very early to realise the benefits of streamlining its production processes, minimising downtime and better utilising factory space. Its internal R&D led to the world’s first overhead unit production system (UPS).
Today, Eton Systems UPS technologies have a positive impact on the productivity of thousands of production lines for a range of industries. Designed to increase value-added time in production by eliminating manual transportation and minimising handling, the individually addressable product carriers are now fully managed and controlled by the company’s advanced software.
Roots and heritage
“We’re very happy that we have been able to realise our plans and site our new premises with advanced technologies here in Borås, staying true to our roots and heritage,” says Eton Systems CEO Jerker Krabbe. “Digitalisation and the push for more sustainable, shorter and less expensive supply chains are currently making manufacturing in high-cost countries within Europe more attractive and our technologies are very much a part of making reshoring a feasible option for our customers. It’s fantastic that we can still undertake projects like this in Sweden in order to grow for the future.”
10,000 pieces daily
Kinnarps, one of the largest providers of high quality workspace solutions in Europe, has retained all of its production in Sweden, and is thriving with the assistance of Eton Systems.
At the Kinnarps fabric upholstery plant for office chairs in Skillingaryd, customers are able to choose from over 250 different fabrics for their designs and collections, or to provide their own, in addition to selecting from a range of bases, springs and wheels.
With the installation of a full Eton UPS system, the lead-time from order to finished product from the Skillingaryd plant was cut from nine-to-ten days to just five days, due to a reduction in set-up times and other preparatory operations at individual work stations – a distinct competitive advantage.
On a daily basis, the Eton overhead system is loaded with more than 10,000 pieces, each with their own identification codes, enabling them to be fully tracked as they move sequentially through the phases of production. An automatic buffering system enables all products to be moved to each stage of the production process easily and just in time.
Kinnarps also appreciates Eton’s latest software, which provides an overview of every single unit produced and has led to a significant reduction in waste.
Full control
With annual sales of SEK 4.5 billion and a workforce of 1,700 people, Kinnarps is operational in over 40 countries and the concentration of its production in Sweden enables it to retain full control over its entire manufacturing chain, as well as ensuring decent working conditions for all of its employees.
“The advantage of this were particularly evident during the pandemic, when the transport chains caused major problems for companies with production in distant countries,” says Thomas Wilsson, manager at the Skillingaryd plant. “In addition, we don’t need to take a gamble on getting a big order and if our order intake increases, we can scale up our own manufacturing process relatively quickly. It also gives us great flexibility. If a product needs to be changed, we just do it and don’t need to wait until existing stock has sold out. If we want to make updates, improvements or efficiencies, we can react much faster.”
Sustainability is naturally high on the Kinnarps agenda but the company stresses that it is essential to create interior design solutions and furniture that are suitable for use over a long period of time.
“Sustainable interior design is as much about the present as the future,” says Kinnarps Global Range Director Jenny Hörberg. “When choosing interior design and furniture, it is important to take the entire life cycle into account. It’s also about choosing furniture with carefully selected materials that are designed and prepared for renewal, to maximise the life span and create conditions for sustainable circularity.”
“We help our customers make sustainable and circular choices from the beginning that provide the conditions for futureproof environments,” adds Global Sales Director Dan Molander. “Based on needs analysis, we create customer-unique, ergonomic and flexible solutions, designed for today’s individuals and activities, but which are also ready to meet future needs and challenges. Through furniture and concepts that can be updated, renewed and renovated, we enable adaptable interior design solutions that can be developed to meet changing needs and last for a long time.”
Blueprint
“Every year, more than ten million tons of furniture is thrown away in Europe and smart companies like Kinnarps are at the forefront of pushing the furniture industry to take responsibility for how it is designed, manufactured and transported to create the conditions for sustainable interior design,” says TMAS Secretary General Therese Premler-Andersson. “Working with our member Eton Systems, Kinnarps has created a blueprint for how things should be done at its operation in Skillingaryd. Like Kinnarps, Eton Systems, in opening its new Borås HQ, is also committed to expanding sustainable manufacturing here in Europe.”
Posted: July 1, 2024
Source: TMAS, the Swedish textile machinery association
MUMBAI — June 27, 2024 — SOIE, (pronounced as SWA), a lingerie brand from Ginza Industries Ltd. is thrilled to introduce a new range of activewear meticulously designed catering to all levels of physical activities and sports, from low to high impact, enhancing performance with ultimate style.
SOIE Activewear
The latest collection features an array of leggings, sports bras, crop tops and cycling shorts in modern prints and basics, all crafted with advanced moisture-wicking properties to ensure quick drying and unparalleled comfort. The collection is suitable for an all-season wear and can be worn for indoors as well as outdoors panning across all sporting activities like Tennis, Badminton, Basketball, as also for daily gym routines from cardio to extensive workouts, including Zumba, Pilates and the works. What’s more, designed with care and extending that much needed comfort, SOIE’s new activewear collection is a sure style statement for leisure outdoor activities like Cycling and Jogging and a perfect fashionable fit for that Marathon Run.
SOIE’s new activewear collection features versatile designs and soft fabrics for ultimate comfort. Meticulously designed to cater to the diverse needs of fitness enthusiasts, it features inclusive sizing for every body type offering a perfect blend of functionality with style.
Whether you’re sweating it out at the gym, hitting the pavement for a run, or finding your zen in a yoga session, SOIE’s activewear is engineered to elevate performance with utmost comfort. Innovative designs and high-quality materials ensure fitness enthusiasts focus on workout, feeling confident and comfortable with every move. Thoughtful details, and a Sporty look enhance exercise experience, offering luxury, exceptional functionality, and confidence with modern activewear.
The Choicest Printed and Basic products are:
Sleeveless Activewear Crop Top-AT-6
High Waist Ankle Length Sports Leggings with Pockets-AT-4
Seamless Quick Dry High Compression Butt Lifting Sports Leggings AT-21
High Waist Knee Length Printed Sports Shorts with Pocket AT-8
SOIE Activewear
For more products visit: https://soie.in/collections/activewear
LENZING, Austria — June 28, 2024 — The Supervisory Board of Lenzing Group, a leading supplier of regenerated cellulose fibers for the textile and nonwovens industries, has appointed Rohit Aggarwal as a new member of the Management Board of Lenzing Group. He will assume responsibility for the fiber division during the third quarter. After the departure of Stephan Sielaff, Aggarwal will take over the position of CEO of Lenzing Group.
Rohit Aggarwal
Rohit Aggarwal is a strategic business economist and global leader in the industry with several decades of experience in leading positions in the textile and chemical industry. He has a sound understanding of the strategic development of international markets and the establishment of efficient management teams through global management positions in Europe, the USA and Asia. Thanks to his experience in the global textile and fiber market, he is well versed with Lenzing’s core business in all its facets, both in terms of content and geography.
Stephan Sielaff
Stephan Sielaff, CEO of Lenzing Group, will leave the company at the latest when his contract expires at the end of March 2025 and devote himself to new tasks.
Cord Prinzhorn, Chairman of the Supervisory Board at Lenzing Group: “First and foremost, I would like to thank Stephan Sielaff, who steered the company through an extraordinarily challenging phase, marked by multiple crises, with a steady and tireless hand. With Rohit Aggarwal, we have gained an international leader with profound knowledge of the textile markets, from raw materials to the processing of environmentally friendly fibers. On behalf of the entire Supervisory Board, I am pleased that we have successfully appointed Rohit Aggarwal as a member of the Managing Board for the fiber division, and subsequently as Chief Executive Officer of the Lenzing Group.”
Stephan Sielaff: “The last, very eventful years have been characterized by incredible energy and change at Lenzing. These massive efforts and the resulting developments are just beginning to pay back. I am convinced that they have laid the foundation for an outstanding future for Lenzing. It fills me with pride and gratitude to have played my part in a fantastic company with great employees.”
“I am very much looking forward to the new role and the opportunity to strengthen Lenzing as a leading player in the sustainable fiber industry in the coming years. Building on the strong foundation already in place, it is my privilege to be working alongside the team at Lenzing to further expand the business and grow its iconic brands to their full potential,” says Rohit Aggarwal, Member of the Management Board and designated CEO of the Lenzing Group.
EVANSVILLE, Ind. — June 25, 2024 — Berry Global Group, Inc. and Glatfelter Corporation announced today the achievement of an additional regulatory milestone in the proposed transaction involving the combination of a majority of Berry’s Health, Hygiene and Specialties segment to include its Global Nonwovens and Films business (“HHNF”) with Glatfelter. In addition to the previously announced expiration of the required waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino (HSR) Antitrust Improvements Act, the parties have now received all other approvals and clearances under competition and foreign direct investment laws which were conditions to the consummation of the transaction.
As previously announced on February 7, 2024, Berry and Glatfelter entered into a definitive agreement under which Berry will spin-off and merge its HHNF business with Glatfelter in a Reverse Morris Trust transaction. The transaction will create a leading, publicly-traded company in the specialty materials industry.
The transaction is expected to close in the second half of calendar 2024 and is subject to approval by Glatfelter shareholders and completion of the remaining customary closing conditions.
Posted: June 30, 2024
Source: Berry Global Group, Inc. and Glatfelter Corporation
ZÜRICH, Switzerland — June 27, 2024 — As frequent visitors of the ITMF and IAF annual conferences have come to expect, industry experts will share the cutting edge of the developments that currently define the textile-apparel industrial complex. The unique collaboration of the textile industry federation ITMF and the apparel industry federation IAF allows the organizers to give a full supply chain picture. At a time when collaboration across the entire chain is indispensable to meet the many challenges, this is a great asset.
Collaboration is also a central theme of a session featuring Inditex, Epic Group and International Finance Corporation (IFC, part of the World Bank Group). The speakers will focus on decarbonization and show how a collaborative approach across the supply chain can achieve the real progress that our industry needs.
The apparel and textile industries are rapidly becoming more regulated, heightening the pressure to create real and significant environmental and social improvements. In a unique, global regulation session, representatives of the American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA), the China National Textile & Apparel Council (CNTAC), the European Textile & Apparel Industry Federation (EURATEX), and the Japan Textile Federation (JTF), will explain the shape that regulation will take in their countries and regions in the coming years.
These topics and several more about fibers, digitalization, AI, etc. will be discussed in the ancient city of Samarkand, Uzbekistan, a country with a rapidly growing textile and apparel industry, attracting interests from across the world. This convention will be a unique industrial gathering of leaders from across the entire textile and apparel supply chain, from all parts of the world.
Posted: June 27, 2024
Source: International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF)
LENZING, Austria — June 27, 2024 — Lenzing Group is pleased to announce the appointment of Kit Ping Au-Yeung as the Executive Vice President of Commercial Textiles with immediate effect. This strategic leadership appointment highlights Lenzing’s continuous commitment to strengthen its integral leadership roles and fuel the growth of its core textile businesses. Kit Ping succeeds Florian Heubrandner, who will take on a new role as Executive Vice President of Filament to reinforce the expansion of Lenzing’s global filament business.
Kit Ping Au-Yeung, Executive Vice President of Commercial Textiles
In her new role, Kit Ping will be leading the expansion strategy and development of Lenzing’s textiles business, which comprises of fiber offerings under the flagship TENCEL™ and LENZING™ ECOVERO™ brands. With decades of experience working with partners across the textile value chain, Kit Ping will continue to foster the development of Lenzing’s textile business through driving innovative fiber and application solutions for customers, and ultimately bring benefits to consumers. Prior to joining Lenzing, Kit Ping held several regional and global commercial and operational leadership roles at Coats Group, as well as more recently at Amann Group. Her experience will add value to Lenzing’s core business, affirming Lenzing’s dedication to driving a positive impact across the industry ecosystem.
Stephan Sielaff, Lenzing Chief Executive Officer
“We are thrilled to welcome Kit Ping as our Executive Vice President of Commercial Textiles,” said Stephan Sielaff, Chief Executive Officer of Lenzing. “Kit Ping’s vision is perfectly aligned with Lenzing’s commitment to enabling fiber production with a lower environmental impact. Kit Ping will play a pivotal role in driving our core textile business forward, as we see tremendous growth opportunities in this sector. We are confident that the business will continue to succeed under Kit Ping’s leadership.”
“I am excited to be a part of Lenzing at this historical moment as the textile business takes a big leap towards a more sustainable future. Lenzing is not only a company which pioneers fiber innovation, but also an essential collaborator who empowers and supports value chain partners to embrace more circular business practices. My goal is to strengthen what we’ve been committed to and inspire more partners to join us in building a brighter future together for our industry and beyond in the decades to come.” said Kit Ping.
Florian Heubrandner, Lenzing Executive Vice President of Filament Business
From 1 July 2024 onward, Florian Heubrandner will focus on driving the strategy and expansion of Lenzing’s filament business with his established expertise in the value chain. He will work alongside Lenzing’s Research and Development and Engineering teams to establish filament as a separate business with a strong focus on innovation and growth.
“Florian has been a driving force in steering the transformation of our business into a global raw materials brand for textiles that is trusted by our customers and the industry. With his new role, we believe he will be able to bring Lenzing’s filament business to the next level,” added Mr. Sielaff.
NEUMÜNSTER / REMSCHEID, Germany — June 27, 2024 — Caitme is considered one of the largest trade fairs for the textile industry in Central Asia. At its trade fair appearance in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Oerlikon Polymer Processing Solutions will be focussing on customer- and market-oriented complete solutions from a single source. From 11 to 14 September 2024, the machine manufacturer’s experts will be providing information about their sustainable machine and system technologies at the Textima Export Import GmbH stand in Hall 4, Stand F44 at the UEC Uzexpocentre.
The WINGS family from Oerlikon Barmag covers almost every process; standard, high-titer or micro yarns, polyester or polyamide, POY or HOY, 10-, 12-, 20- or even 24-thread.
Oerlikon Polymer Processing Solutions offers complete solutions ranging from polycondensation plants to texturized yarns, accompanied by automation and digital solutions. The supply of all process steps from a single source ensures a harmonised technology that guarantees the high quality of the yarn produced.
“The Uzbek market continues to develop well. The country has been known for decades for very good products in the cotton sector. However, market players are increasingly recognising the advantages and necessity of synthetically produced yarns and fibres. With our product portfolio, we offer precisely the technologies that the Uzbek textile industry needs to meet its requirements in the coming years,’ explains André Wissenberg, Head of Marketing, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs. “It is important to us that we always make a contribution to sustainability with our technology solutions. Be it by increasing energy efficiency with each new generation of machines or by processing new materials,’ Wissenberg continues. Oerlikon is proud of the fact that the company has been offering innovative solutions for the textile industry under the e-save sustainability label for 20 years and has saved over 15 million tons of CO2 thanks to the machines and systems developed and installed on the market during this time.
Sustainable processes for POY and FDY production
POY yarns are the raw material for a wide range of fashion, sports, functional and home textiles. They are then textured and, at around 40%, make up the largest proportion of manmade fiber yarns produced worldwide. Oerlikon Barmag’s WINGS POY technology guarantees outstanding yarn quality with high productivity and energy efficiency. With its particularly gentle yarn path, WINGS ensures that the yarn remains as high-quality as it was when it left the spinning mill. The minimized deflection angle has a positive effect on yarn evenness, yarn tension, CV% values and thus on dyeability. A perfect package structure ensures excellent further processing properties in downstream processes such as texturing.
Fully drawn FDY yarns are processed into textile surfaces without further finishing. They are used wherever textiles need to fall smoothly or glide. Oerlikon Barmag’s WINGS concept for the FDY process stands for optimised production processes, low waste rates and energy consumption reduced by around 30 percent with the highest yarn quality. The technology can be used in the FDY process for polyester and polyamide.
DTY yarns – uncompromising quality and maximum flexibility
Texturized yarns can be used for a wide range of applications. They are used in clothing, home textiles, the automotive industry and many other areas. Oerlikon Barmag offers a wide range of different DTY machine configurations for the efficient and sustainable production of high-quality texturized yarns from various polymers, from polyester and polyamide to polypropylene, PLA and PTT. The modular DTY machines, equipped with sophisticated components, expertise and proven technology, enable the production of texturized yarns for excellent further processing in downstream processes at optimum OPEX costs.
Sustainable production of staple fibers with EvoSteam
The revolutionary Oerlikon Neumag EvoSteam staple fiber process is bluesign® verified.
The EvoSteam process from Oerlikon Neumag stands for both resource-efficient staple fiber production and excellent fiber quality. It offers impressive savings in energy, water and raw material consumption as well as a reduction in operating costs (OPEX) and the CO2 footprint.
New bicomponent BCF yarn for the carpet market
Quality, efficiency and performance – with its latest development in the field of bicomponent yarns for carpet production, Oerlikon Neumag is meeting the carpet market’s demand for new innovative BCF yarns. ‘The new BICO BCF yarn is characterised by a richer and higher volume while at the same time significantly reducing the consumption of raw materials in carpet production,’ explains Oerlikon Neumag BCF Sales Director for Uzbekistan Arnd Luppold. At the exhibition stand, interested parties can see sample yarns and carpets, find out more about the product range and have in-depth discussions with the experts about the advantages of BICO BCF yarn in various applications.
Posted: June 27, 2024
Source: Oerlikon Polymer Processing Solutions Division / Oerlikon Group
ATLANTA — June 27, 2024 — Sara Blakely, the inventor and founder of Spanx, is giving full scholarships to send 1,000 girls across the country to Camp Invention® this summer.
“My hope is that this gift will inspire the next generation of female leaders and industry disruptors. Only 13% of primary patent holders are women, and when I started Spanx, that number was even lower… it was only 6.8%,” Blakely said. “We need more products and ideas generated from the feminine perspective. Women have so many gifts to bring into the world… imagine if their full potential could be realized. I’m so excited to partner with the National Inventors Hall of Fame to send young girls to Camp Invention this summer so they too can have the confidence to dream up ideas and solve problems for the world.”
In addition to the financial gift, each girl will also receive a “lucky” red backpack. “I started Spanx with my lucky red backpack from college. It was with me every step of the way. The lucky red backpack is a symbol of starting small while dreaming big and that everything you need is right there on your back. It’s even hung on the wall and framed at Spanx HQ as an inspiring symbol,” Blakely said.
For more than three decades, Camp Invention, a program of the National Inventors Hall of Fame® in partnership with the United States Patent and Trademark Office, has developed confidence and problem-solving skills for girls and boys through authentic, hands-on STEM activities inspired by its Inductees. Camp Invention promotes STEM learning; builds leadership, perseverance and resourcefulness; and encourages entrepreneurship — in an exciting and engaging environment.
“The National Inventors Hall of Fame pays it forward through our education programs, competitions and events,” said National Inventors Hall of Fame CEO Michael Oister. “We are appreciative of Sara Blakely’s donation, specifically to support girls’ access to invention education and hands-on STEM activities. Our mission is to provide more underserved children the opportunity to experience our programs, develop their own innovative mindset, and benefit from hands-on, problem-based learning, which will boost their interest and confidence in exploring STEM fields.”
Local programs are facilitated and taught by certified local educators. Annually, Camp Invention programs benefit more than 118,000 children and partner with 2,500 schools and districts across the nation. Educators and school districts can partner with Camp Invention by visiting invent.org/camp.
Posted: June 27, 2024
Source: Sara Blakely / National Inventors Hall of Fame
BANGKOK — July 1, 2024 — Indorama Ventures, a global sustainable chemical producer, today announced it secured a new 7-year loan totaling $200 million from the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to help fund the continued growth of the company’s strategic sustainability programs in India, Thailand and Indonesia, and promote a circular economy as the world’s leading PET recycler.
