Alexiflam FR Treated Samples Sent To The United States Marine Corps

PERTH, Australia/WASHINGTON — November 7, 2016 — On the heels of meeting with senior personnel at United States Marine Corps Systems Command to discuss next generation flame retardant military uniforms, Alexium International Group Ltd. is pleased to announce that it recently furnished the Marines samples of Corps approved uniform fabric treated with Alexium’s environmentally friendly flame retardant chemistry along with independent testing data.

These samples will now be evaluated by technology and procurement specialists at the Infantry Combat Equipment (ICE) division of the Marine Corps, which has the task of ensuring the uniforms worn by the Marines are safe and effective.

“Much like the consumer market, the military market has reacted to the serious health risks, both to personnel and the environment, of using dangerous, outdated flame retardant chemistry,” said Alexium CEO Nicholas Clark. “When we met with the Marines, they immediately requested data and samples of their preferred fabric treated with our innovative FR chemistry, and we are pleased to deliver on that request and to have our product evaluated against the most stringent specifications. With our continued work with the Army, working closely with the Marine Corps is a natural step for Alexium to take, and I have every confidence that after evaluation, Alexium will play a vital role to help protect these brave men and women who serve,” added Clark.

Marine Corps Systems Command and the Army’s Program Executive Office – Soldier have been collaborating to develop, test and deliver ever-better capabilities for Marines and Soldiers. These acquisition professionals are tasked to ensure uniforms and personal protective equipment are safe and effective. This effort is ongoing, and flame resistant uniforms and protective materials was listed as a top priority for this group in September, and Alexium has been well received since the initial discussion began.

Alexium President, Dirk Van Hyning, added: “Expanding our efforts with the United States military has always been a goal of Alexium, and this advances that effort in a significant way. Alexium first targeted producing an eco-friendly FR nylon-cotton twill product for the Marines over two years ago and our significant progress toward a finished, ready-to-go uniform fabric was clear to the Marines, as evidenced by the request for data and samples Alexium has provided. This is an exciting complementary effort to our work with the Army.”

Posted November 7, 2016

Source:Alexium International Group

Tianhai Athleisure Solutions Introduces Customized Lace And Jacquard Knits At Performance Days In Munich November 16th And 17th With Creora® Fresh Spandex

GUANGZHOU, China — November 5, 2016 — Tianhai Athleisure (TAS), a new division of leading Chinese lace manufacturer Tianhai Lace, will introduce a new Design-to-Garment platform: D2G with creora® Fresh spandex at the upcoming Performance Days trade show in Munich November 16 and 17.

D2G, a design-to-fit jacquard program, is a very flexible and versatile body-mapping system in which pattern repetitions can be engineered to any garment’s shape or size. It enables brands to develop exclusive patterns for tops and bottoms, including finishing details (hem, waist, neckline, etc.). D2G by TAS requires close cooperation with a customer’s designers and technical staff as each and every fabric will be unique for the intended garment.

The fabrics can be engineered to offer various levels of compression with creora® spandex where needed. The resulting body-mapped garments will have fewer seams while providing breathability and comfort along with tailored high performance functions. Additional functionality can be incorporated to provide moisture management, thermal or cooling benefits and with creora® Fresh, odor neutralization.

“With D2G, the possibilities for creativity, innovation and differentiation are unlimited,” says Bob Wong, project manager of the new TAS division. “We see patterned knits as a niche to fill in a market dominated by more basic fabrics. Our technology makes it possible to engineer a garment in ways that were previously not possible with engineered compression plus performance like with creora® Fresh, odor neutralizing spandex”

Posted November 5, 2016

Source: Hyosung Textiles Division

Fiber Producer Teijin Completes Land Acquisition For Business Expansion in United States

TOKYO — November 4, 2016 — Teijin Ltd. announced that it has completed the purchase of approximately 1.8 million square meters (about 440 acres) of commercial land in Greenwood, S.C.

Teijin plans to establish a highly-efficient carbon fiber production site for automotive and aircraft applications on the acquired land to meet diversified demands and create some 220 jobs with $600 million worth of investment around 2030.

The Teijin Group is leveraging its core strengths in integrated high-performance materials and healthcare. Through this investment, Teijin will accelerate its global expansion in integrated high-performance material businesses by utilizing its trilateral hubs in Japan, the United States and Europe. Teijin will continue to evolve, aiming to become a company that supports future society.

The Teijin Group is implementing a solutions-oriented business model by combining and integrating materials, healthcare and IT technologies as part of its long-term management vision. To realize this strategy, Teijin focuses on developing integrated high-performance material businesses for automotive and aircraft applications and has been examining an appropriate footprint in North America. The company has also agreed to a full acquisition of Continental Structural Plastics Holdings Corporation (CSP), a leading automotive composite supplier in North America, which is scheduled to be completed in December 2016.

Posted November 4, 2016

Source: Teijin Group

Sawgrass’ SubliJet-IQ Pro Photo XF Inks Deliver Extended Print Display Permanence More Than Three Times Longer Than Silver Halide Prints

SHEFFIELD, England — November 4, 2016 — Sawgrass’ SubliJet-IQ Pro Photo XF inks for Epson 7890 and 9890 SubliJet professional solutionshave earned a print display permanence rating of 64 years from Wilhelm Imaging Research (WIR)when used to imprint ChromaLuxe high-definition photo panels. Designed for and used by fine art and professional photography printmakers, these inks deliver prints that last more than three times longer than those made on silver halide photo paper with other types of photographic ink.

“Sublimated prints on ChromaLuxe HD photo panels are becoming more and more popular in the fine art and high-end photography markets, with several high-profile exhibits recently celebrated in the US, Europe and Asia,” said Patrick McGinnis, Sawgrass’ director of Product Marketing. “For many printmakers, offering extended print display permanence is a top concern, as the quality and lifespan of the images are incredibly valuable to their customers. Our SubliJet-IQ Pro Photo inks have long been used for sublimating these prints, and we wanted to provide a solution that would greatly lessen the impact light can have on the longevity of a print.”

Sawgrass worked with ChromaLuxe to develop XF inks for increased UV stability, image longevity and performance on ChromaLuxe media. This eight-cartridge set features three black inks — KXF, LkXF and LlkXF — which add extended longevity to prints, in addition to enhanced skin tones, neutral blacks and detail that fine art and photographic prints demand.

Wilhelm Imaging Research, the world’s leading independent print permanence testing laboratory, conducted comprehensive, multi-factor print permanence tests under standard interior light conditions on ChromaLuxe high-definition photo panels. The results found extended colorfastness and image permanence of 64 years and more than three times that of prints made on silver halide photo paper.

When displayed, unframed prints made with the latest generation of ChromaLuxe aluminum photo panels are far more stable and longer lasting than Kodak Endura or other current silver-halide papers, including silver-halide prints framed under UV-absorbing acrylic or glass or when face-mounted to UV-absorbing acrylic.

“Very complex interactions take place between sublimation inks and the ink receptive polymer coatings of dye sublimation prints, both during the short, high-heat image transfer step involved in making the prints and, very gradually over time, during the long-term display and storage of the prints,” said Henry Wilhelm, Director of Research at WIR “What a print looks like when it emerges from the heat press tells you nothing at all about how long it will last. You can consider permanence — or the lack thereof — to be the invisible factor in sublimation printing.

“In terms of how long your prints will last, sublimation on metal photo panels is a new and rapidly advancing technology, and all aluminum photo panels — frequently referred to in the marketplace simply as ‘Metal Prints’ — are by no means the same,” Wilhelm continued. “If your lab is using untested products, both you and your customers are flying blind.”

Earlier this year, Sawgrass released a formulation of SubliJet-HD Pro Photo XF inks for the Virtuoso 25” 8-Color HD Product Decorating System.

The complete SubliJet-IQ Pro Photo XF solution includes unique color profiles for Windows and Mac OS drivers, as well as popular rip software. All color profiles are optimized for superior image quality in a wide range of applications, including interior signage, fine art and photographic reproduction or high-volume production of personalized gifts and promotional products.

Posted November 4, 2016

Source: Sawgrass

Saurer Presents A Full Range Of Innovations At ITME India 2016 With A Focus On Make In India

WATTWIL, Switzerland — November 3, 2016 — Saurer Group’s E3 (triple added value) – philosophy of innovation and sustainability was devel- oped with a clear customer focus. Highest productivity, maximum raw material utilization and excellent yarn characteristics are key success factors for today’s textile producers. The Saurer Group is the only full range supplier in the world offering complete automation from roving with an interspersed transport system to ring spinning and up to linked winding, leading in twisting applications, setting standards in yarn processing components, having the fastest shuttle embroidery machine and revolutionizing the rotor spinning technology. But being the partner of choice along the entire textile value chain, requires innovative products but also proximity to customers. The newly inaugurated Saurer manufacturing facility in Karjan, is producing highest quality ring spinning machinery and components. The ZinserImpact 72 made in India will be shown for the first time at ITME along with Saurer’s full range of innovative prod- ucts.

Saurer is present with its machinery brands; Schlafhorst, Zinser, Allma, Volkmann, Saurer Embroidery and Components brands; Accotex, Daytex, Fibrevision, Temco, Texparts in Hall 1, booth H1B12C11.

Schlafhorst and Zinser

Ring spinning machines from Zinser: a new level of efficiency in the commodity segment

At a length of 2,016 spindles, the Zinser 72 ring spinning machine breaks the 2,000 barrier and sets new standards for efficiency in the commodity segment. The machine is super-long, super-economical and extremely user-friendly. It lowers production costs by up to 11 percent and has a footprint that is up to 21 percent smaller compared with shorter rival machines. The new both-end TwinSuction system, combined with the sensor-controlled OptiSuction yarn break suction system, achieves an energy saving of up to 66 percent during suction.

The ZinserImpact 72 compact spinning machine is equipped with the self-cleaning Impact FX unit and guarantees top productivity, maximum process reliability and optimal raw material utilization.

The new ZinserSpeed 5A roving frame consumes 20 percent less energy. With a 220mm gauge the roving frame is also up to 17 percent shorter than its legendary predecessor. The new automatic doffer features a doffing time of less than two minutes, guaranteeing maximum efficiency in terms of productivity. The RoWeLift bobbin transfer station uses a 1:1 transfer to deploy the roving bobbins in roving bobbin transport systems featuring flexible configuration for targeted and non-contact feed to the ring spinning machines.

Zinser is the only supplier offering excellent opportunities for the highest possible degree of automation in the ring spinning mill, adapted to individual customer requirements.
With the ZinserSpeed 5A roving frame, the Zinser 72 ring spinning machine and the Autoflow automa- tion solution, Zinser paves the way for its customers to attain maximum process reliability.

At INDIA ITME 2016 in Mumbai, Zinser will be using its exhibition booth to present the ZinserImpact 72 compact spinning machine in combination with the Autoconer 6.

Autoconer 6: the benchmark for winding efficiency and intelligent automation

The Autoconer 6, now with E3 label, sets new benchmarks regarding energy, economics and ergo- nomics, due to intelligent sensor technology and smart process control. This has been proven since his market launch in numerous installations. Innovations such as LaunchControl, SmartCycle and SmartJet boost productivity by up to 6 percent compared with the previous model. The new Eco-Drum-Drive system, SmartCycle and the intelligent vacuum control system “Power on demand” reduce the energy consumption on the Autoconer 6 by up to 20 percent. Unique in the winding machinery market are its features, such as auto calibration of the splicer feeder arm, Energy Monitoring and intelligent doffer functions like SmartJet and TubeCheck. This makes winding more ergonomic and independent of personnel. The machine maintains its considerable lead in value creation with the Autoconer package, remaining the benchmark for quality and added value in downstream processing, both for commodity applications and for the very sophisticated demands of high-end applications. Schlafhorst offers customized technology solutions, incl. the new, flexible SmartSplicer-family. Suitable for every automation requirement, various features are available for perfectly automated and individually designed process flows for every spinning plant, from the manually operated machine type RM to the direct link to the ring spinning machine with type V.

Rotor spinning machines from Schlafhorst: the production platforms of the future

The new Autocoro 9 with its individual spinning position technology sets new records for energy consumption, productivity, economic efficiency, ease of operation and quality in the fully automated machine segment. It is a strong driver of optimized textile value creation in the textile process chain: 25 percent lower energy consumption, 19 percent reduction in spinning costs, proven rotor speeds of 180,000 rpm, take-up speeds of 300 m/min and a 60 percent lower servicing outlay are just some of its outstanding performance features. The new semi-automatic BD 7 is also in a league of its own, It produces extremely economical packages in Autocoro quality up to 320 mm in diameter. Up to 10 percent less energy consumption, extremely fast take-up speeds of 230 m/min on all lengths of machine and improved use of available space reduce spinning costs and increase the profitability of spinning mills in the semiautomatic segment.

Plant Operation Centre – Real time production monitoring

Spinning mills using Saurer Schlafhorst and Zinser Plant Operation Centres (POC) monitor their production and quality data to improve efficiency. Thanks to the real time data from all machines linked with POC, the customer receives an all-time information transparency to ensure perfectly timed interventions for an increased productivity and yarn quality.

Customer Support: SUN – SERVICE UNLIMITED

With the innovative SUN – SERVICE UNLIMITED service concept, Schlafhorst and Zinser offer their customers support in their day-to-day operations that is unmatched by any other manufacturer. Over 500 service staff in 20 service stations and 3 technology centers advise customers all over the world with regard to productivity and quality increases as well as energy conservation. With their unique know-how they help customers to master textile-technological challenges and to gain a lead over their competitors. The e-commerce platform SECOS 2.0 guarantees minimum response times in the delivery of original spare parts. And in SUN-PLAN Schlafhorst has developed a new service concept that is unique within the industry: Individual service at a fixed price.

Allma Volkmann — Allma and Volkmann show their innovations at India ITME 2016

As the world’s leading manufacturers of twisting and cabling machines, Allma and Volkmann will be presenting innovative products and solutions in the following segments: staple fibre yarns, carpet yarns, tire cord, industrial yarns and glass filament yarns.

FusionTwister – always one step ahead

With the FusionTwister, Volkmann is presenting its two-for-one twisting machine for staple fiber yarns with the best price performance ratio. The FusionTwister is worldwide known for its high reliability as well as best twist quality and productivity due to spindle geometry for special applications, increased spindle synchronization, optimum package build-up und high-class yarn guiding elements. Reduction in energy consumption of up to 40 percent is ensured by the energy-optimized spindle and yarn balloon geometry. Further customer benefits include high flexibility, low space requirement, low set-up times, less noise emission and reduced maintenance and erection time.

Volkmann offers with the two-for-one twisting systems for manufacturing of staple fiber twists an optimum in variability and flexibility with considerably reduced energy consumption. And there is more: the name Volkmann stands for dedicated employees, top quality and an infrastructure for all requirements from research and development to customer service.

An attractive comprehensive package is available with a range of service oriented toward customer needs — from project planning to a service guarantee with original part availability for all machine generations.

CableCorder CC4 – twist & save with E3 technology

With its future-oriented technology, the CableCorder CC4 cabling machine, which has been awarded the Saurer E3 label, offers energy savings of up to 50 percent in the tire cord cabling process. Since energy represents by far the most significant cost factor in the overall cabling process, this promises revolutionary production cost savings for manufacturers of tire cord. The reduction in energy consumption also results in a lowering of the heat load in production facilities, which in turn leads to a lowering of air conditioning costs. The higher economic efficiency is also increased by up to 50 percent fewer yarn breaks, improved quality and high machine efficiency. The added value for machine operators consists of lower noise emissions in the production facility and reduced operating times thanks to user-friendly machine handling. An innovative enhancement of the machine to the production of 2-ply tire cord is the option for producing also 3-ply tire cord in a single-stage process.

Saurer Embroidery

Saurer Embroidery is the world market leader in embroidery production systems. Here a wealth of experience extending back over many generations is coupled with up-to-date knowledge for the textile future. Fashion is moving at an ever increasing pace, to match the customer’s requirements and exceed their expectations is the key philosophy of Saurer Embroidery. At ITME in India Saurer Embroidery will show the latest innovations for a flexible and efficient embroidery production.

Epoca 7 – the innovative embroidery system with highest level of productivity and performance

In addition to energy savings of up to 5 percent, our customers can benefit from a 20 percent increase in productivity. The Epoca 7 achieves an embroidery speed of up to 700 rpm, and is therefore up to 18 percent faster than the previous generation. Apart from an increase in production speed, additional functions have been optimized and improved to achieve an overall performance increase of up to 20 percent.

Embroidery quality and technology for all market requirements: Innovative solutions lead to unparalleled adjustment options and top quality production at the touch of a button. This is guaranteed by new technologies on the needle side, such as individual thread guide activation, the newly developed thread delivery and the flat yarn path with gentle yarn treatment. The new electronic thread monitors detect yarn breaks more quickly and more precisely. The new precise thread cut ensures trouble-free production of high-quality embroidery.

The long service life of the Epoca 7 is based on modular and reliable components that are designed for high speed and minimal wear. This guarantees reliability to satisfy the highest expectations.

EmStudio – the embroidery software

The EmStudio CAD/CAM system integrates all the work steps on a single platform. Starting with drawing, punching and visualization, other functions also include production optimization, analysis of the operating data and archiving of the designs. With the new iSed – the intelligent Saurer editor – production and quality can be easily and efficiently optimized.

Saurer Components

Saurer Components is presents its excellence in filament as well as staple fiber processing at this year’s ITME in Mumbai. We are looking forward to presenting you new possibilities, innovations and our range of E. products.

Combined excellence for Staple Fibre Spinning – Saurer Accotex and Saurer Texparts are key component suppliers for staple fibre spinning. The latest coup is the Combined Excellence of Accotex Accosmart Sandwich Cots with the Drafting Systems from the Texparts PK 2600 Series. The combined excellence results in improved yarn quality, the competitive advantage for our customers.

What enables the combined excellence? The contact-surface between cot and yarn predominantly determines the yarn quality. The Accosmart concept reacts on the weighting arm load with an enhanced contact area. The PK SE Series featuring EasyDraft, independently working single elements with no load variation, allows the individual setting of 5 different load stages. By combining the PK SE Series with Accosmart, customers can achieve the ideal clamping line pressure in order to improve yarn quality.

Quality control at its best – Saurer Fibrevision is proud to announce that the Microscan 2 the innovative cable free instrument for on-line measurement of spin finish oil & entanglement will be presented at the ITME for the first time in India.

Monitoring Excellence for T&I – Fibrevision Fraycam 2 the next generation of the well-established Fraycam combines the extremely accurate Fraytec FV2 broken filament sensor with a high speed camera to enable advanced broken filament characterization. The Fraycam is available as stand-alone system or integrated with the Fraytec FV2 system, the improved version of the Fraytec the Industry Standard for Broken Filament Monitoring.

Bearing Excellence – Beside the High Speed Separator Roller VR50300 for yarn speeds up to 5,500 m/min introduces Saurer Temco its latest Twist Stopper generation a full metal solution for stable running behavior and longest bearing life.

Excellence in Shrinkage – Daytex® Shrinkage Belts outstanding resistance under heavy loads and in regard to heat and chemicals the exceptional long life in all applications are the key factors to ensure customers the best quality for all different shrinkage applications.

Leading the industry for more than 50 years has been achieved by outstanding product quality combined as a base for constant shrinkage results.

E. – Saurer Components answer to added value or in other words premium components with outstanding features in the field of energy savings, economic advantages or ergonomic solutions. Come and learn more about E. products.

Posted November 4, 2016

Source: The Saurer Group

Smart Factory Solutions From Sedo Treepoint At INDIA ITME 2016

MENGERSKIRCHEN, Germany — October 28, 2016 — Experience the latest technologies and systems from Sedo Treepoint GmbH at INDIA ITME 2016.

Governmental initiatives like Industry 4.0 and Make in India will transform the industry dramatically. As tomorrow starts now, textile workshops soon need to adopt. Sedo Treepoint will show its latest smart solutions to start integrated manufacturing already today.

The new Sedomat+ line comes with a lot new features. Additionally the new modular SedoIO remote input series makes machine automation more flexible and economical.

Our new production planning simulation tools SedoExpert will optimize production output and takes company organization to a new level. The integration of continuous and discontinuous machines as well as printing will give unexpected benefits.

To be much more sustainable in the dyeing and finishing with a minimum effort, Sedo Treepoint will present innovative strategies. By using our color management and energy management tools, water savings greater than 25 percent could be achieved, for example.

For all customers working in Indigo applications, Sedo Treepoint’s new sister company Sedo Engineering will present a revolutionary way to produce “Leuco” indigo on demand.

Posted November 4, 2016

Source: Sedo Treepoint

STEPS Selects NILIT® Black Diamond Nylon 6,6 Yarns

MIGDAL HAEMEK, Israel — November 2, 2016 — Steps Footsocks makes invisible socks to provide seamless, no-slip comfort underneath today’s footwear fashions. Although no one but the wearer sees them, Steps still pays particular attention to the aesthetics of their invisible socks so that they are as beautiful on the foot as they are under a shoe.

Steps Footsocks recently chose NILIT® Black Diamond nylon 6,6 yarns to provide shimmer and shine to a special line of invisible fashion socks.  Nilit Fibers designed Nilit Black Diamond nylon yarns especially for high fashion legwear and intimate apparel products. Made with Nilit black dope-dyed nylon 6,6 paired with a special, shiny yarn, the combination creates a dazzling yarn effect that is soft to the touch. Nilit Black Diamond is dyeable and reversible offering innumerable options for product designers.

“Nilit Black Diamond was a brilliant choice for Steps,” says Karin Hems, Steps marketing director. “Beautiful, soft, and durable, Nilit Black Diamond nylon yarns give our designers endless ways to add glimmering elegance and glamourous 3-D effects to our new sparkling invisible socks.”

In addition to designing a full range of invisible socks, Steps is also committed to environmentally responsible operations. Its programs include the use of organic cotton and paper products from FSC certified sources. Steps’ production facilities use energy-efficient LED lighting, solar energy, and the latest in sustainable water treatment technology.

“Steps is a true innovator and we are very proud that our Nilit Black Diamond yarns meet their exacting standards for performance and fashion,” says Pierluigi Berardi, Nilit global marketing director. “Our partnership with Steps has resulted in the development of many beautiful, responsibly manufactured invisible sock products that appeal to consumers all over the world.”

Nilit Black Diamond is available in several yarn counts both with and without elastane.

Posted November 3, 2016

Source: NILIT®

2nd Annual HYGIENIX™ Event Is Industry Hit Drawing More Than 525 Participants From Absorbent Hygiene And Personal Care Markets

CARY, N.C. — November 2, 2016 —  The absorbent hygiene and personal care markets gave strong and enthusiastic support to INDA’s 2nd annual HYGIENIX™ Conference. The event drew over 525 leading professionals from around the globe and across the supply chain to Orlando, Fla., to advance their business with the newest and latest developments in this important, growing and largest of the nonwovens segments.

The HYGIENIX conference October 24-27 at the Loews Portofino Bay Hotel featured some of the world’s most notable thought leaders and innovators from organizations that are revolutionizing the absorbent hygiene and personal care industry. They spoke on Consumer Needs, Market Statistics and Trends, Material and Technology Advancements, Haptics for a Competitive Advantage, and Disposable Product End of Life Options. The Keynote presentation from Bruce Lavash, Research Fellow, The Procter & Gamble Company, focusing on consumer research insights and adventures, was well received.
“HYGIENIX 2016 exceeded my expectations with presentations that provided a diverse range of high quality marketing, consumer insights, and technical topics. Usually, I take away one or two findings, but this year I took away many more critical findings due to the high international presence, valuable program content, and representation from a diverse set of attending companies,” said John F. Poccia III, Associate R&D Director, Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc.

One key finding came from Brad Kalil, Director of Market Research & Statistics, INDA. Kalil advised that “capacity growth has rebounded in North America after the Great Recession significantly impacted new capacity in 2012 through 2014 (only 110,000 metric tons), with a net capacity of 77,000 metric tons added in 2015 (2.7 percent annual growth), and forecasts at least 148,000 metric tons will be added in 2016, (4.9 percent annual growth).”

Bill Pedersen, Global Business Unit director Disposable Products, Tietex International Ltd., said: “Attending the Hygienix Conference allowed for three days of learning and out of the box thinking. Plus, the numerous informal discussions and meetings with suppliers, customers, and prospects provided a cost effective way to do business in the absorbent hygiene and personal care markets,”

An event highlight included the presentation of INDA’s prestigious Hygienix Innovation Award™ to Sustainable Health Enterprises, (SHE) for “Go! Pads”, a banana fiber-based, low-cost feminine pad that sustainably delivers affordable and much needed hygiene for women and girls in Rwanda. “This year’s winner demonstrates the best-of-the-best for creatively expanding the use of nonwovens into a new application providing quality-of-life benefits for a group that greatly needs it. This combination of indigenous fibers and ingenuity is a great example of innovation in nonwovens making lives better,” said Dave Rousse, INDA’s President.

The other finalists for the award were: Kimberly-Clark Corp.’s Kleenex® Exfoliating Cushions for facial cleansing; and H.B. Fuller’s Conforma™ Adhesive for disposable underwear.

HYGIENIX also highlighted 54 tabletop displays representing the latest in products and processes from industry leaders and entrepreneurs. The displays were held in conjunction with two evening receptions attended by hundreds of professionals looking for new partnerships and collaborators.

“The conference format was both educational and informative, plus it provided time and the right environment for us to network and develop precisely those contacts we were seeking,” said Peter Littley, Business Development Director, Norkol Inc.

“As a second year attendee to HYGIENIX, my expectations were countless and rewarded. I made valuable connections with entrepreneurs and exchanged technical knowledge which will inspire new ideas for the future. HYGIENIX 2015 was excellent and 2016 was even better!!” remarked  Jenny Day, Corporate Research & Engineering, Kimberly-Clark Corporation.

The next HYGIENIX Conference will be held November 6-9, 2017, at the Renaissance Austin Hotel in Austin, Texas.

Posted November 3, 2016

Source: INDA

World Textile Service Congress Unites Hundreds To Spark Industry Growth

BRUGES, Belgium — November 2, 2016 — Linen and uniform launderers and suppliers from across the globe gathered in Bruges, Belgium, October 5-7, 2017, at the World Textile Services Congress (WTSC) which convened for the first time in 15 years. Nearly 90 executives from more than 50 laundry companies arrived from 12 different countries along with 14 sponsoring suppliers combining for a total of nearly 200 participants to review political, economic and social conditions affecting the industry worldwide.

While delegates were prompted to recognize what makes their businesses and homelands unique, more often they related to each other’s experiences, noting issues they face at home that extend across borders; enabling executives to share strategies for fulfilling common business opportunities.

WTSC presenters discussed these widely observed textile services trends:

  • The industry has yet to thoroughly document the value of its services, indicating the need to reverse perceptions of the business as a commodity;
  • Corporate consolidation of textile services operators continues to decrease their numbers and increase larger chains’ market share, but niches remain for independents;
  • Immigration creates costly public burdens but remains a fertile source of employees;
  • Better analysis of launderers’ databases can improve customer service and drive additional revenue; and
  • More plant processes can be automated to increase operating margins.

These themes emerged from the start when former European Commission President Herman Von Rompuy delivered the keynote address. Attendees continued to recognize similarities when geographic and product market trends were portrayed in panel discussions and Belgian launderers discussed their operations as they opened their doors for participants’ visits on the final day of the Congress.

Belgium contributed the largest segment of launderer attendees, followed by the United States, Germany and the United Kingdom. Also represented: Australia, Canada, Finland, France, Italy, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. Event organizers were the European Textile Services Association (ETSA), FBT (Belgian national association of textile services) and TRSA (international, based in the United States).

One delegate, Santtu Jokinen, senior VP, Western and Central Europe, Lindstrom Oy, Helsinki, Finland, attested to the WTSC’s value for personal interaction. “It’s always beneficial to meet with industry colleagues and suppliers and visit laundries other than ours. To be part of a broad international audience is icing on the cake,” he said.

Bernald Leone, director, Is A Laundry Srl, Rome, Italy, viewed the Congress as an opportunity for launderers to portray worldwide unity for their critical economic cause. “Without us, it’s impossible for businesses such as hospitals, hotels and restaurants to work. I know that Italy doesn’t recognize this importance and I feel I need to be here not just for our company but for all the laundries in Italy,” he said.

Providing the greatest financial support for the WTSC among suppliers were event partners Christeyns (laundry chemistry) and Lapauw International (laundry machinery), both Belgium-based. The next sponsorship tier, supporting keynote speakers, was filled by Jensen (machinery) and Ecolab (chemistry).

The remaining 10 (classified as gold level sponsors) were equipment makers Alliance International, Electrolux, Kannegiesser and Pellerin Milnor; mat manufacturers Kleen-Tex, Millennium, Milliken and Mountville Mills; IT provider ABS Laundry Business Systems; and garment distributor Van Moer (Dickies).

Philip Rebry, FBT president and CEO, Rapid Industry NV, Belgium, welcomed attendees. Executives from textile services companies who spoke to the Congress during panel discussions:

  • Mia Decaestecker, FBT board member; CEO, Malaysse, Belgium;
  • Brian Keegan, senior VP, AmeriPride Services, United States;
  • Juha Laurio, ETSA chair; President/CEO, Lindström Group, Finland;
  • Nagore Marco, group risk manager, Berendsen, United Kingdom;
  • David Potack, TRSA Chair; senior VP, Unitex Textile Rental Services, United States;
  • Chris Sander, CEO, Johnson Service Group, United Kingdom; and
  • Martin Swierzy, managing director, Alsco Berufskleidungs-Service, Germany.

Belgian laundry operators who opened their facilities near Bruges for delegate tours were Aneca, CleanLease, De Reu, Dumoulin, Klaratex, Malysse, Rapid Industry and Sint-Michiel.

Sponsors participating on panels were:

  • Charles Betteridge, VP, Christeyns, Germany;
  • Sam De Boo, VP and general manager, Ecolab Europe, Switzerland;
  • Jesper Jensen, CEO, Jensen Group, Switzerland; and
  • Martin Kannegiesser, owner and CEO, Herbert Kannegiesser, Germany.

The last Congress took place in October 2001 in London, also staged by an international coalition but led by the U.K.’s Textile Services Association (TSA). Rebry dedicated the 2016 edition to Murray Simpson, the TSA chief executive who campaigned for the event’s revival, but lost his life in an auto accident in 2014. Organizers expressed confidence that the next Congress would be no more than several years from now in a location to be determined.

Posted November 3, 2016

Source: TRSA

SGIA Partners With AATCC To Host Digital Textile Printing Conference

FAIRFAX, Va. — November 3, 2016 — AATCC and SGIA have joined forces to offer a unique educational conference — Digital Textile Printing: The Future is Now, December 6–7 at the Sheraton Imperial Hotel in Durham, N.C.

This two-day program will feature the industry’s most well-known and respected experts presenting topics essential for those involved in digital textiles. Conference attendees will leave with a wealth of understanding and inspiration to take back to their respective jobs. This robust event will feature new technology, color management, product performance, testing, design and much more. Topics and speakers include:

  • Digital Textile Printing Technology Overview — Johnny Shell, Specialty Graphic Imaging Association (SGIA);
  • Which Ink Do I Use? — David Clark, Huntsman;
  • Fabric Printing: Color 101 — Dave Brewer, Image Options;
  • Now that You’ve Printed the Fabric, What Next? Digital Finishing Pitfalls and Opportunities — Steve Aranoff, Mikkelsen Converting Technologies;
  • How to Know the Inks and Other Chemicals Will Meet Your Customers Sustainability Objectives — Ben Mead, Hohenstein Institute USA and OEKO-TEX USA; and
  • Quality Assurance for Printed Textiles — Diana Wyman, AATCC.

View the full program details and start planning your trip to North Carolina.

Posted November 3, 2016

Souurce: AATCC and SGIA

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