OEKO-TEX® Awards New Certification For Leather Goods That Have Been Tested For Harmful Substances

ZURICH, Switzerland — December 19, 2017 — Beginning in 2017, producers and suppliers of leather goods can have their products certified to be tested for harmful substances by the International OEKO-TEX® Association. The basis for the certification is the new Leather Standard by Oeko-Tex, which was launched during the annual meeting of the General Managers of the Oeko-Tex institutes in Ostend, Belgium at the beginning of November. Formed in 1992 and celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2017, the Oeko-Tex Association, in response to the latest developments in the textile, leather goods, and footwear market, is adding the leather sector to its extensive testing and certification system that has focused so far on textile products and accessory materials.

In the future, the International Association for Research and Testing in the Field of Textile and Leather Ecology (Oeko-Tex) will use the new Leather Standard product label to distinguish products that meet the strict requirements of the Leather Standard by Oeko-Tex criteria catalogue. The test criteria and limit values in many cases go far beyond applicable national and international standards. The Leather Standard by Oeko-Tex therefore contributes to a high and effective level of product safety and reliability from the consumer’s perspective and lets manufacturers of leather goods in all stages of production distinguish their products to show that they have been tested for harmful substances, providing a reliable decision-making tool for consumers who purchase leather products.

The Oeko-Tex Association is pleased to have obtained the Research Institute of Leather and Plastic Sheeting (Forschungsinstitut für Leder und Kunststoffbahnen – FILK) in Freiberg, Germany and the Test and Research Institute Pirmasens (Prüf- und Forschungsinstitut Pirmasens e.V. – PFI), who are highly acclaimed as specialists in the leather industry, as additional partners for leather goods testing. Together with six other Oeko-Tex institutes that have been established for many years now, the two new establishments, FILK and PFI, will also carry out testing and certification according to the Leather Standard by Oeko-Tex beginning next year.

“We are delighted to see our network of eighteen Oeko-Tex institutes growing steadily and that we managed to obtain such experience and renowned expertise in the field of leather goods production with our two new members. Ultimately, our greatest concern is ensuring consumer protection and environmentally friendly production throughout every area of textile and leather processing,” says Georg Dieners, General Secretary and CEO at Oeko-Tex.

Posted December 19, 2016

Source:  OEKO-TEX®.

Haggar Announces Strategic Licensing Agreement With Bernette Textile Company For Men’s Sweaters

DALLAS — December 19, 2016 — Haggar Clothing Co. announced today that it has entered into a licensing agreement with Bernette Textile Co. for men’s sweaters. The agreement includes exclusive rights for Bernette to design, produce and sell men’s sweaters in the United States. The initial collection is expected to launch with major national retailers, in Haggar stores and on haggar.com in fall 2017.

Michael Stitt, Haggar CEO, said: “As Haggar celebrates our 90th year, our partnership with Bernette Textiles further strengthens our product portfolio. Bernette’s mission, vision and history align with ours, and both companies are committed to delivering the highest quality apparel, innovation and exceptional value for the consumer. We are excited to have Jeff Siskind and his team on board.”

“Licensing Haggar sweaters is a natural fit for Bernette,” said Jeff Siskind, Bernette Textile Co. president. “Since our inception 75 years ago, sweaters has been the mainstay of the Bernette business. Partnering with Haggar, a brand that has led the apparel market through innovation and dependable high quality product, is consistent with our business model. We are thrilled by the opportunity to market and represent Haggar, an iconic heritage brand.”

Bernette also has licenses with Coleman, The American Outdoorsman, US Polo Assn, Tricots St Raphael and ArgyleCulture.

Posted December 19, 2016

Source: Haggar Clothing Co.

Hyosung Partners With Best Pacific Textiles To Launch New Cool & Fresh Fabrics With Mipan® Aqua x™ And creora® Fresh™ At Outdoor Retailer Show

SEOUL, South Korea — December 19, 2016 — The Best Pacific and Hyosung strategic cooperation was designed to offer activewear brands and retailers a concept to meet consumer needs for confident performance with moisture management, ultraviolet (UV) protection, comfort, fit and freshness from odor neutralizing technologies.

The new fabric collection includes the following combination of technologies:

  • Mipan® Aqua x™ cooling, UV and moisture-management nylon with creora® Fresh™ spandex odor neutralizing elastane;
  • Freshgear® odor neutralizing polyester with creora Fresh elastane; and
  • Aerowarm®, hollow core polyester for warmth without weight, and creora Powerfit™ elastane

“We are focused on delivering newest innovations in fabrics, elastics, and seamless garments to active and outdoor customers” said Kevin Zan, General Manager of Sports Division of Best Pacific Textiles “The partnership with Hyosung allows us to deliver customer oriented solutions integrated in our collection of various offerings”

“Consumers want versatility in their garments and want to be able to work out, stop at the grocery store, or run an errand all with comfort and confidence” shared Ria Stern, global marketing director, Hyosung Textiles. “We worked with Best Pacific to develop this collection of fabrics in various weights to go from performance underwear, sports bras, base layer applications”

Posted December 19, 2016

Source: Hyosung

Klüber Lubrication Offers Ultra-Fine Filtered Synthetic Spindle And Hydraulic Oil

LONDONDERRY, N.H. — December 19, 2016 — Klüber Lubrication, a worldwide manufacturer of specialty lubricants, offers Klübersynth FB 4 Series, an ultra-fine filtered synthetic spindle and hydraulic oil that extends component life and reduces operating costs.

Oils in the Klübersynth FB 4 Series are designed to lubricate rolling bearings of highspeed machine tool spindles. They can also be used in hydraulic systems and components, including dirt-sensitive servo valves where cleanliness standards and/or classes are predetermined by the manufacturer.

“The three oils in the Klübersynth FB 4 Series, ISO VG grades 32, 46 and 68, help reduce wear caused by fine dirt particles in the lubricant, and can lengthen component life due to a higher purity of the oil,” explains Bill Watson, regional director of marketing and engineering for Klüber Lubrication NA LP. “A fully synthetic base oil also helps extend oil change intervals and improve total cost of ownership in a hydraulic system.”

Klübersynth FB 4 Series are PAO oils of purity class 15/13/10 in accordance with ISO 4406.

Posted December 19, 2016

Source: Klüber Lubrication

What Are The Wipes Industries Most Innovative Products & Technologies? — Submit Your Nominations Now for Prestigious World of Wipes Innovation Award®

CARY, N.C. – December 19, 2016 – INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, is accepting nominations for the prestigious World of Wipes Innovation Award®. The Award recognizes and rewards a product or technology innovation within the entire wipes value chain that expands the use of nonwoven fabrics and demonstrates advancements in creativity, novelty of approach, uniqueness, and technical sophistication. Online nominations are accepted www.inda.org/events/wow17 until February 20, 2017.

Nominees will be selected from a broad range of industry categories including raw materials, roll goods, machinery, converting, packaging, lotions, active ingredients, binders, additives, and end products.

Three finalists will be chosen to present their innovation to the industry at the 11th annual World of Wipes® (WOW) International Conference, June 12-15, 2017, at the Gaylord Opryland Resort in Nashville, Tenn.

The winner of the Award will be announced Thursday morning, June 15, at the conference before hundreds of industry professionals and media editors. Last year’s conference attracted more than 400 registrants to discuss wipes business, gain information from over 25 relevant presentations, and interact during receptions, breaks, and organized dinners.

“Everyone who is anyone in the wipes industry will be on hand to see the next generation of technical advancements compete for the World of Wipes Innovation Award,” said Dave Rousse, INDA President. “This is an enormous recognition opportunity for new products introduced in the past year. We look forward to seeing another extraordinary slate of nominees for this Award.”

Last year’s World of Wipes Innovation Award was presented to Tec Laboratories for their Tecnu Bites & Stings Medicated Itch and Pain Relief Wipes. Prior winners include Clorox:  ScrubSingles Kitchen pads (2015), Sertun™ Rechargeable Sanitizer Indicator Towels, from ITW Professional Brands (2014), TapeMark, Snapplicator™ (2013) and Sani Professional® Table Turners® No-Rinse Sanitizing Wipes (2012).

The 2017 World of Wipes (WOW) International Conference features premium content in the areas of consumer research, business and market intelligence, packaging, regulatory intelligence, safety and testing, substrates, sustainability, and flushability. The preliminary program for WOW 2017 will be announced mid-January.

The extremely popular “Dine with an Industry Thought Leader” returns to WOW 2017 where participants dine in small groups with a notable industry leader of their choice to discuss prominent industry and business issues. Other exceptional networking opportunities include three receptions, world-class tabletop displays, and numerous coffee breaks.

Posted December 19, 2016

Source: INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry

Messe Frankfurt North America Celebrates Its 25th Anniversary

ATLANTA — December 15, 2016 — German trade show company Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH together with its North American subsidiary Messe Frankfurt Inc. based in Atlanta and known as Messe Frankfurt North America is celebrating its 25th anniversary. As the sole subsidiary in North America, the U.S.-based regional office has upheld the standards and traditions that continue to carry and spread the Messe Frankfurt name.

“We are proud to have served the North American market for many years, but to be celebrating a 25 year milestone with a U.S. based regional office is an honor and we hope to continue to bring value to the Exhibition and Events industry while continuing to serve US, Canadian and Mexican exporters and buyers that attend our events overseas,” said Dennis Smith, president and CEO of Messe Frankfurt North America. ”We cannot achieve such a successful milestone without the commitment and duty of our talented staff in Atlanta, Mexico City and Alberta, strategic partners, industry association supporters and association partners, government agencies, local convention and visitor bureaus, event vendors and the many venues that we operate from in the US, Canada and Mexico”.

Messe Frankfurt North America currently organizes 10 trade shows in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Texworld USA, International Apparel Sourcing Show, Home Textiles Sourcing Expo and Boulevard Pret-a-sale are all held at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York. The Centro Citibanamex in Mexico City are the hosts for INA PAACE Automechanika Mexico City. NACE Automechanika Chicago is held at McCormick Place in Chicago and Texprocess Americas together with Techtextil North America are held at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta. Waste & Recycling Expo Canada and Municpal Equipment Expo Canada rotate between the International Center in Toronto and the Palais des Congres in Montreal in alternating years. All of the venues listed above have contributed to the success of Messe Frankfurt North America’s shows by providing outstanding support and service not only to the organizer’s staff, but also to the exhibitors and attendees of the shows.

“Thirty years ago, Messe Frankfurt began organizing trade shows outside Germany,” said Detlef Braun, member of the Executive Board of Messe Frankfurt. “With 30 subsidiaries now to our name, we are one of the top international players in the event business. And Messe Frankfurt North America has been representing both the tradition and the success of the company and its customers in exemplary fashion for 25 years. This not only applies for our trade shows on the North American continent but also for thousands of American customers whom Messe Frankfurt North America helps every year to tap into international markets at 138 trade shows around the globe.

“We have a highly motivated, efficient and very likeable team here in Atlanta – with superb expertise in organizing both trade shows and marketing activities offline and online. I have seen this for myself, having met many of the team in person. And I am proud that our hard work over the past 25 years has enabled us to establish a good position on the US market. This does not mean that we intend to rest on our laurels — quite the opposite, in fact: our position as the world’s highest-grossing trade show organizer with its own exhibition grounds is an impetus for further outstanding performance. I have the utmost faith in this and would like to thank you all for your sterling work to date. Let us look to the future with confidence.”

The continued success and future of Messe Frankfurt North America would not be possible without the unwaivering support of the exhibitors and attendees of the trade shows and events, the cities and venues the shows are hosted in and the 100+ industry associations, government agencies and various organizations.

Posted December 16, 2016

Source: Messe Frankfurt North America

Industrial Digital Textile Printing: Epson Announces Two New Innovation Hubs in Como, Italy

MILAN, Italy/TOKYO — December 15, 2016 — Seiko Epson Corp. has announced two new hub sites dedicated to the development of new industrial digital textile products. The Innovation Research Lab, focusing on ink technology R&D, has been created by Epson together with For.Tex. The Printing Research Center, in collaboration with F.lli Robustelli, a major player in production engineering for textile printers and recently acquired by Epson, will aid future development of Epson inkjet core technology dedicated to textile printing.

The two new sites join Epson’s established Textile Solution Center in Como, Italy. With the opening of these facilities, Epson, For.Tex and F.lli Robustelli have realized their vision to create a worldwide hub for the digital textile printing industry based in Italy.

“We are delighted to announce the establishment of the Innovation Research Lab and The Printing Research Center in Como,” said Sunao Murata, chief operating officer, of Epson’s Professional Printing Operations Division. “These state-of-the-art R&D facilities symbolize Epson’s strong commitment to accelerating the development of digital textile inkjet printing both in the Como region and the rest of the world.”

The Digital Textile Printing Industry

In 2014 alone, approximately 31 billion square meters of fabric was printed worldwide, of which approximately 2-3 percent was produced using digital technologies*1. 2015 represented a landmark year for the digital textiles market which, according to WtiN Intelligence, print volume is expected to increase by about 17 percent year on year until 2019*2.

The use of digital technologies for printing drawings, patterns and visual effects on textiles and other surfaces is well established and is growing quickly, replacing traditional analogue technologies in several areas. Digital technologies used in industrial volume production create a challenge for inks and auxiliary chemical compound manufacturers. However, thanks to technological innovation, the digital printing market is constantly evolving with customers requesting products capable of supporting the complete manufacturing cycle and that ensure quality, productivity and reliability without compromise.

The Innovation Research Lab

With the aim of researching and developing new inks for industrial digital printing on a wide array of materials, the Innovation Research Lab is equipped with state-of-the-art technologies and is staffed with a team of highly-skilled technologists and researchers (chemical engineers, chemical analysts, lab technicians, etc.). The Lab is committed to research that will increase industrial ink performance and sustainability on behalf of Epson.

The Printing Research Center

The Printing Research Center, located in F.lli Robustelli’s head office, will aid product development of inkjet core devices, ensuring the continued development of the highest quality textile printers for Epson.

Commitment to innovation and excellence

Epson, F.lli Robustelli and For.tex have been collaborating since 2003, when they launched the Monna Lisa digital textile printer. In 2014 the Textile Solution Center (TSC) was established as the world’s first hub for the development and promotion of digital fabric printing with the aim of increasing quality, productivity and reliability of digital printing technologies*3. The center, created with an overall investment of 2 million euros, brings the entire industrial production process under one roof and provides invaluable support to textile businesses, young designers, fashion schools and institutes. This 3,000-square-meter facility provides a unique opportunity to reproduce the industrial process of digital fabric printing, from pre-treatment and actual printing to steaming, washing, drying and finishing.

*1 Provost Ink Jet Consulting Ltd., 2015

*2 World Textile Market Outlook, 2016

*3 According to For.Tex research (as of April 2014)

Posted December 16, 2016

Source: EPSON

New MD For MagnaColours® To Spearhead Growth Plans

BARNSLEY, England — December 14, 2016 — Leading manufacturer of water-based textile inks, MagnaColours®, has appointed Helen Parry as managing director, as the business continues to grow. Existing Managing Director Tom Abbey will now be taking the role of executive chairman, allowing him to focus on business strategy and direction. Having occupied various leadership roles over the past fifteen years, Helen is incredibly well placed to lead and support the existing management structure in an exciting phase of growth.

Helen spent eight years at Vivimed (formerly James Robinson Ltd.), where she helped in exponentially growing their range of speciality dyes, resulting in them being awarded the “Queen’s Award for Innovation”, something that MagnaColours have also had the honor of receiving.

More recently, Helen held the position of managing director at Sawgrass Europe, a subsidiary of Sawgrass Technologies, where she was instrumental in delivering exceptional growth results over her three years with the company.

With a longstanding background and expertise in printing, Helen explained that she is eager to start a new challenge. She said: “It’s rare to come across an opportunity with such a fit for your experience and personality. I’m very excited to join the Magna team as it continues to grow and I look forward to helping them to realize ambitions to increase the presence of their innovative inks, worldwide. This is an important time for the business and the textile printing industry as a whole. I’ll look forward to working alongside Tom and the team to ensure MagnaColours continue to lead the way.”

Tom Abbey continued: “Helen is joining MagnaColours as we continue to grow our reach and reputation for quality and innovation. Her experience in the industry and management means that she is perfectly positioned to help drive our growth plans. I will still be very much involved in the day to day running of the business and its processes in my new role, and we are delighted that Helen is joining the team.”

MagnaColours recently launched an improved range of water-based textile inks, which combine technical performance with the highest environmental standards. The business has launched a mission to deliver the impossible with its MagnaLabs proposition, taking a scientific approach in order to produce superior results.

Posted December 16, 2016

Source: MagnaColours®

Synalloy Chemicals Launches FlameQuest Barrier Solutions First Quarter 2017

RICHMOND, Va. — December 14, 2016 — Tony Jones, executive vice president of Sales and Marketing for Synalloy, has announced major changes in the availability and promotion of Synalloy’s line of flame protective barrier treatments.

Jones explained: “We developed some proprietary and patented technology used to produce highly effective flame barriers aimed primarily toward the mattress and home furnishings industries. Because this protective treatment system can radically impact performance of treated items at low cost, our company has recognized the need to market this technology more broadly. With this new emphasis, we elected to position our Barrier Solutions as part of our FlameQuest fire retardant family of products.”

Warren Stedham, business development executive with Synalloy, offered details of Barrier Solutions:

“Barrier Solutions is a marriage of coating technology with advanced fire retardant chemistry. Depending on the performance requirements, we select chemistry from our FlameQuest product line.  We then marry this protective chemistry to a selected coating chemistry. Because our FlameQuest line has both micronized powders and sub micro dispersions we can formulate to meet most any requirement. We do all the heavy lifting, what the customer sees is a ready to apply coating that delivers foolproof performance.”

Mike Junkins, global product manager for Synalloy, said: “We will begin work immediately to expand this technology into different markets where we already sell our FlameQuest line. We fully expect our barriers to quickly find application in technical textiles, protective apparel, automotive, appliance insulation, aircraft, and other markets. To gain added value with just an application of our barrier is exciting news to manufacturers. FlameQuest Barrier Solutions will be marketed through the Synalloy Chemicals sales force and by our national network of affiliated specialty companies and distributors.”

Posted December 16, 2016

Source: Synalloy Chemicals

New INDA Report Forecasts Excellent Global Growth For Wipes Industry

CARY, N.C. — December 15, 2016 —  A new report published by INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, forecasts excellent growth in the global and regional nonwovens wipes markets through the next four years.

According to the Global Nonwoven Wipes Industry Outlook, 2016, the wipes market is one of the fastest growing and most-dynamic nonwoven sectors. INDA is responding to the business need for a single global segmented wipes report intended for decision makers involved in the nonwovens wipes industry supply chain, from raw material and machinery suppliers to converters, and brand owners to investors.

The in-depth report provides a view of the production data for nonwoven wipes for each major region of the world including: North America, Greater Europe, Asia, South America, Middle East and North Africa, and the rest of the world.  In addition, the report provides a regional view across 31 nonwoven wipes segments within North America and six segments within the South American region.

Among the highlights of the report:

  • Global nonwoven wipes markets rank second in tonnage, accounting for 13 percent of all nonwovens produced, and is the second-fastest growing end use after transportation.
  • In North America, wipes are the second largest end-use category accounting for 14 percent of the nonwoven fabric consumed.
  • In South America, wipes accounted for 2 percent of the production in 2015, with baby wipes leading growth for the overall wipes category.

“This report is a ‘must have’ for business planners in — or thinking of getting into — the nonwoven wipes industry. This comprehensive report consolidates into a single document the wipes industry data from three of our overall nonwoven industry reports.  This consolidation puts in one place the best sector data available to enhance decision making in this growing area,” said Dave Rousse, INDA President.

INDA’s report is based upon primary research, secondary research, economic data and INDA’s internal databases. Dozens of extensive interviews and surveys were conducted within a wide range of industry participants including suppliers, producers, converters, and brand owners throughout the supply chain. INDA compiled the wipes data from three INDA triennial reports:

  • North American Nonwovens Industry Outlook, 2013–2018
  • Worldwide Outlook for the Nonwovens Industry, 2014–2020
  • South American Nonwovens Industry Outlook, 2015-2020

The 137-page report is available for purchase from INDA at www.inda.org and includes an executive summary, a listing of 62 figures, and 20 tables. The cost is $2,500 for INDA members and $3,250 for nonmembers.

Purchasers of INDA’s Global Nonwovens Wipes Industry Report will receive an updated Wipes section from the North American Nonwovens Industry Outlook, 2016-2012, to be published in the third quarter of 2017.

Posted December 16, 2016

Source: INDA

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