Wound Dressings Made From Bacterial Alginate

BOENNIGHEIM/ZWINGENBERG/KELHEIM, Germany — July 27, 2016 — In a joint project called AlBioTex, researchers at the Hohenstein Institute, B.R.A.I.N AG and Kelheim Fibres GmbH have successfully developed wound dressings made from bacterial alginate. The aim of the project was to develop a biotechnological process to produce alginate and then process it into fiber-based products for use in wound dressings. The soil bacterium Azotobacter vinelandii was used as a natural alginate resource. This means that the conventional, time-consuming process of obtaining the biopolymer from brown algae can be avoid- ed and replaced by a sustainable biotechnological process.

The organizations involved in the research partnership were the Hohenstein Institute für Textilinnovation gGmbH in Boennigheim (William-Küster-Institute for Hygiene, Environment and Medicine), the bioeconomy company BRAIN AG in Zwingenberg, the world’s leading manufacturer of special viscose fibers Kelheim Fibres GmbH, and the producer of highly specialized materials for medical engineering, rökona Textil-werk GmbH in Tübingen. Thanks to the interdisciplinary collaboration between the research partners, they have succeeded in mapping out for the first time a complete production and treatment process, from using biotechnology to produce bacterial alginate, right through to producing fibers and manufacturing textile materials.

Alginate is a biopolymer (polysaccharide) that consists of the glycosid-ically bonded monomers, guluronic and mannuronic acid. The range of industrial applications for the biopolymer is determined by the sequence and ratio of these two sugar components. Alginate is particularly suitable for use in wound dressings because of its excellent biocom-patibility, enormous liquid-absorption capacity and good healing properties.

The conventional alginate that is obtained from algae varies greatly in the composition of its sugar components, because of environmental factors. A time-consuming preparation process is required to obtain the ultra-pure and biochemically defined alginate that is needed for medical applications, for example. Using biotechnology to produce alginate, on the other hand, offers the option of synthesizing biopolymers which have defined properties and are of consistent quality for use in medical products.

Research work that began in 2013 has been able to establish, optimize and standardize the cultivation of the soil bacterium and the biotechnological process for producing and isolating bacterial alginates. By working specifically on optimizing the bacterium’s alginate biosynthesis, the researchers succeeded in improving the composition, and therefore the properties and yield of the alginate. This meant that they could make customized alginates that are particularly suitable for producing fibers for use in medical products. In a pilot production facility, the research partners were able to spin fibers from alginate and alginate-viscose, and turn them into innovative nonwoven materials and wound dressings within the established process. When the new wound dressings were tested in use, the alginate product that had been made using biotechnology was impressive for its liquid absorption capacity, which was significantly better than that of commercially available marine alginate-based wound dressings. The bacterial wound dressings absorbed up to 70 percent more liquid than marine-based dressings.

“The results that were achieved from this successful research project will form the basis for incorporating bacterial alginate in industrial production,” declared Dr. Guido Meurer, a member of the Management Board of BRAIN AG. “Now our next goal for the future is to identify other areas of application for bacterial alginate and so open up new sales markets for customized ‘special alginates’,” added Dr. Daniela Beck from Kelheim Fibers. “Until now it has been impossible, or very difficult, to vary and optimize the material properties of alginate. Thanks to biotechnology, there is now nothing to prevent the targeted use of alginate in specialist textiles,” said a delighted Prof. Dirk Höfer of the Hohenstein Institute.

Companies interested in alginate products made using this biotechnological process are invited to share in the success of the research partnership. There are a range of possible areas of application for which the technology could be licensed.

Posted July 27,2016

Source: Hohenstein Institute

ITW Dynatec Introduces Latest-Generation Gemini™ Hot Melt Hose

HENDERSONVILLE, Tenn. — July 2016 — ITW Dynatec recently introduced the latest version of its Gemini™ Hot Melt Hose. Designed to exceed the most exacting industry standards for materials, construction and performance, the next generation Gemini hoses are durable, highly adaptable, and represent a “best-total-value” for manufacturers representing a variety of industry sectors worldwide.

ITW Dynatec’s new Gemini™ Hot Melt Hose is currently the only product of its kind available with dual sensors and dual heaters. This unique configuration solves the problem of downtime and delays that frequently occur when traditional single-strand hot melt hoses fail during use.  These available features translate into more uptime, less maintenance, and more efficient operations.

The exclusive back-up heater and temperature sensor of the Gemini activates in the event of a hose failure. If the primary circuit fails, the system immediately alerts the operator to the failure. With the simple flip of a switch, the back-up circuitry can be activated to keep the unit up and running. This assures maximum uptime by switching on the second heater, allowing the hose to continue to function normally until the next preventative maintenance is performed.

ITW Dynatec’s industry research supports the need for advanced hose technology. Typical downtimes caused by traditional hose failures and changeovers can last as long as 45 minutes after troubleshooting, replacement part sourcing, removal of the failed hose, and installation of the replacement part.  Single-strand hoses also require pre-heating to the correct operating temperatures and then must be pressurized to fill the hose with the hot melt material. All these steps must occur before production resumes.

Brittany Ulrich, Global Marketing Manager for ITW Dynatec explains, “The Gemini Hot Melt Hose, with its dual sensors and heaters, has demonstrated a 66% reduction in downtime by eliminating the need to run hoses to failure. Reduced maintenance time translates directly into higher productivity and greater revenue for an operation.”

The next generation Gemini Hot Melt Hose is also designed with safety, versatility, and reliability in mind.  Each hose unit has multiple electrical ground channels for safe operation, and a maximum continuous operating temperature of 218°C (425°F). The heater wall-density is also optimized for the entire length of the unit to eliminate material char. This prevents slower moving material along the hose inner wall from charring, which can clog the filters and nozzles. Gemini hoses also have a maximum operating pressure of 86 bar (1250 Psi) at 218°C (425°F) and a minimum burst pressure of 344 bar (5000 Psi) at 218°C (425°F), for best-in-class strength and performance.

ITW Dynatec Gemini hoses are available in over 12 sizes to fit a broad variety of applications. Water-resistant models are also available. For more information, visit: http://www.itwdynatec.com/Products/AdhesiveHoses/GeminiHotMeltHoses.aspx

Posted July 26, 2016

Source: ITW Dynatec

Creative Ticking Partners With Devan Chemicals, Offers Thermic® QuickDry Technology

GASTONIA, N.C. — July 20, 2016 — Creative Ticking is pleased to announce an agreement with Belgium-based Devan Chemicals to offer the chemical company’s Thermic® QuickDry technology on any of the fabrics Creative Ticking manufactures. Creative Ticking’s mattress fabrics treated with Thermic QuickDry absorb excess heat and slows the rate at which skin temperature rises, allowing the sleeper to stay in the ideal “comfort zone” throughout the night.

Thermic QuickDry is a combination of thermoregulation and quick dry technologies designed to provide optimal sleep comfort. This cooling technology is unique in the market and allows thermoregulation to be achieved without affecting the hand of the fabric, thanks to Devan’s patented technology.

“We spent time studying the current cooling technologies available in the market and Thermic QuickDry stood out for performance and value,” said Scott Frisch, vice president of business development at Creative Ticking. “We want to be the leader in this category because we believe there is a large opportunity to bring cooling technology to all market sectors. This partnership is yet another way we can continue to provide performance inspired fabrics to our customers.”

Aside from comfort, cooling is routinely cited by consumers as the most important feature of a good night’s sleep. As such, many mattress manufacturers are looking for ways to make their products cooler and more responsive to an individual’s micro climate.

Posted July 26, 2016

Source: Creative Ticking

Teijin’s FASTENANO™ Polyester Hook-And-Loop Fastener Offers Extra-Soft Touch

TOKYO — July 24, 2016 — FASTENANO™, an extra-soft polyester hook-and-loop fastener developed and marketed in Japan by Teijin Limited, will now enter the global market.

Fastenano uses Teijin’s NANOFRONT® polyester nanofiber-pile fabric for its loop surface, as well as polyester raised fabric for its hook surface. While Fastenano achieves high adhesiveness when pulled in a horizontal direction, it separates easily when pulled in a vertical direction. The key is the Nanofront pile fabric’s high friction, which enables to twine effectively around the hook surface.

When the surfaces are separated, the ripping sound is much quieter than conventional hook-and-loop fasteners. The hook and loop surfaces both are very soft so they have a nice feel. In addition, their pliability enables them to be fashioned into various shapes.

Nanofront, the world’s first 700-nanometer ultra-fine polyester fiber used for Fastenano, features nano-sized bumps that increase its surface area by dozens of times compared to regular fiber, resulting in excellent slip resistance, softness, heat shielding, absorption, translucence and filtering properties.

Teijin is now developing Fastenano items that will do away with bothersome hooks and buttons, including bedclothes, sundries, furniture, apparels, uniforms and medical applications. Fastenano fasteners will go on sale in FY 2016.

Posted July 26, 2016

Source: Teijin

DyStar Invests In New Global Innovation Center At Nanjing Site

NANJING, China — July 25, 2016 — DyStar is setting up a new Global Innovation Center at its production site of DyStar Nanjing Colours Co. Ltd. It will incorporate state-of-the-art laboratories for Research & Development, Process Technology Development and up-scale labs for synthesis and finish of dyes and chemicals for its textile and industrial segments. A scale-up unit for small production will also be housed in the new facility. With a footprint of 3,000 square meters, the R&D center will focus on new molecules and chemicals development and is anticipated to be completed at the end of March 2017.

With these activities DyStar confirms its commitment to continuous innovation in products, services and manufacturing technologies in order to deliver environmental compatible products and minimize the impact on the environment of its operations. The plans for the new facilities are inspired by and dedicated to all the requirements of sustainable architecture and construction.

One of the key innovation targets for DyStar’s R&D is, to help customers to achieve new milestones in product and process excellence with regard to shorter and more economical dyeing procedures, reduced water and energy consumption and lower waste water and polluting effects.

In connection with the company’s growth strategy the activities of the Global Innovation Center will not only focus on the textile industry, but also look for new segments for its new products.

Posted July 26, 2016

Source: DyStar

EFI Reports Record Second Quarter Revenue Of $246 Million, Up 21 Percent

FREMONT, Calif. — July 25, 2016 — Electronics For Imaging Inc. (EFI) announced its results for the second quarter of 2016.

For the quarter ended June 30, 2016, the Company reported record second quarter revenue of $245.7 million, up 21 percent compared to second quarter 2015 revenue of $202.7 million. GAAP net income was $5.2 million or $0.11 per diluted share, compared to $7.7 million or $0.16 per diluted share for the same period in 2015. Non-GAAP net income was $26.7 million or $0.56 per diluted share, compared to non-GAAP net income of $22.9 million or $0.48 per diluted share for the same period in 2015.

For the six months ended June 30, 2016, the Company reported revenue of $479.8 million, up 21 percent year-over-year compared to $397.3 million for the same period in 2015. GAAP net income was $7.3 million or $0.15 per diluted share, compared to $13.0 million or $0.27 per diluted share for the same period in 2015. Non-GAAP net income was $52.9 million or $1.11 per diluted share, compared to non-GAAP net income of $44.4 million or $0.92 per diluted share for the same period in 2015

“The EFI team delivered a solid quarter despite the disruption caused by global events during the last week of the quarter,” said Guy Gecht, CEO of EFI. “At the same time, EFI’s market position at the drupa tradeshow validated both our strategy and product roadmap, and we’re particularly encouraged by the exceptional reception to our new Nozomi platform. The drupa momentum is feeding into the strength we are seeing in the Industrial Inkjet and Productivity Software segments which keep us on track to deliver our stated goal of $1 billion in revenues for the year.”
Posted July 25, 2016

Source: Electronics For Imaging Inc. (EFI)

Texas Organic Cotton Farmers To Receive Organic Leadership Award

WASHINGTON — July 25, 2016 — Thanks to a pioneering group of forward-thinking farmers, organic cotton production in Texas has expanded from virtually nothing in the early 1990s to over 20,000 acres in 2015, making the Texas High Plains the largest organic cotton-growing region in the United States.

In recognition of the group’s hard work and organic vision, the farmers of the Texas Organic Cotton Marketing Cooperative (TOCMC) have been selected to receive the prestigious “Organic Farmer of the Year” Leadership Award from the Organic Trade Association (OTA) in ceremonies in September.

“The farmers of the Texas Organic Cotton Marketing Cooperative represent the best characteristics of organic farmers — extraordinary vision, commitment to a cleaner agriculture, and a strong collective spirit,” said OTA CEO and Executive Director Laura Batcha. “OTA is thrilled to be recognizing these Texas organic cotton farmers for their significant contributions to the domestic organic cotton industry and to organic cotton production.”

Surviving floods, sandstorms, droughts and Texas politics

In 1993, Texas farmers formed the cooperative when they realized they were producing more organic cotton than the market could absorb. Banding together, they began efforts to develop markets and to avoid being at the mercy of cotton brokers and merchants. Many of these early pioneers still are involved in promoting organic farming and educating the public about organic practices.

It hasn’t always been easy. Over time, the cooperative has survived floods, sandstorms, hailstorms and droughts that destroyed as much as 70 percent of its crops some years. It has survived due to the farmers’ personal commitment to organic production, the strength in its cooperative membership structure, and its vision for cleaner agricultural system.

The cooperative began with 30 farm families producing 1,400 organic bales and 4,900 transitional bales from about 5,000 acres in 1993. In 2015, its 50 farm family members harvested 14,000 organic bales and 1,200 transitional bales on over 20,000 acres. They produce 80 to 90 percent of the organic cotton grown in the United States.

“Without the firm commitment of the farmers of TOCMC through thick and thin times, the essential fiber needed to make hundreds of organic cotton textile products would simply not have been there to keep the industry alive. This steadfast supply line has also helped keep thousands of American jobs intact as well as contributing toward a cleaner environment both physically and as a metaphor for positive change,” says Daniel Sanders, president of Spiritex.

Noting that TOCMC represents the only commercial growers of long staple certified organic cotton in the United States, Marc Chase, CEO of Native Organic Cotton, says, “These TOCMC farm families are the thin line guarding our top soil, air and water for generations to come.”

Jane Dever. professor and cotton breeder at the Texas A& M AgriLife Research Center in Lubbock, Texas, also points out their importance to growing and promoting organic cotton. “TOCMC farmer members successfully have advocated for the added value of organic fiber and seed feed to be recognized in U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Risk Management Agency crop insurance formulas and, with little assistance from traditional research and extension outlets, developed technical practices that allow organic cotton yield and quality to compete, and often, exceed, conventional yields in comparable water situations.”

“TOCMC farmers have been driving the organic cotton market for decades, succeeding in the face of adversity. They have quadrupled the amount of organic cotton under production in Texas, and educated countless companies in the U.S. and around the world about the value of growing cotton crops organically,” said Marci Zaroff, OTA Board Member and founder of Under the Canopy and MetaWear.

Jimmy Wedel, president of the Texas Organic Cotton Marketing Coop, and member of OTA’s Farmer’s Advisory Council, will be one of the farmers accepting the leadership award at the September 21 ceremony in Baltimore. “On behalf all the farmers who are a part of our Cooperative, I would like to thank OTA for recognizing our efforts and honoring us with this prestigious award. We have worked diligently for 23 years to maintain our integrity, be a reliable supplier, develop markets, and help educate our customers on the importance of using US grown organic cotton in their product line. Our farmer members and our staff have always held tightly to these principles, and we will strive to continue to do our very best,” says Wedel.

The farmers of the Texas Organic Marketing Cotton Cooperative will be awarded the Organic Farmer of the Year award as one of the leadership awards presented at the Organic Trade Association’s Annual Awards Celebration on Wednesday, September 21, in the kickoff event for Natural Products Expo East.

Posted July 26, 2016

Source: Organic Trade Association

Chomarat’s Coatings & Films Business Acquires New Technology For Automotive Sector

LE CHEYLARD, France — July 20, 2016 — Chomarat, a producer of engineered textiles and composite reinforcements, is expanding its Coatings & Films business. The company is investing in a new varnishing and finishing line for automotive coated materials, an addition that reinforces the industrial equipment already installed at the Chomarat France site.

“This €2.5 million investment is right in line with Chomarat’s global development strategy. The new line will start producing as early as the beginning of 2017, enabling us to consolidate and increase our penetration of the automotive market. In point of fact, varnishing is a key coating step in parts production that optimizes surface quality,” said Philippe Chomarat, the head of Chomarat Coatings & Films business.

Meeting Future Environmental Requirements
The deposition technology used on Chomarat’s new varnishing line focuses on optimizing the elimination of volatile organic compounds in the different chemical formulations. “By choosing to invest in this technology, we are anticipating the changes to REACH regulations,” emphasized Philippe Chomarat. The Company will be able to assist its customers and propose solutions over the medium term to eliminate the use of solvent-phase varnishes in the finishing of coated materials.

Offering New Design Possibilities
“Varnishing gives the part chemical resistance and mechanical characteristics like abrasion and flexural resistance. To be able to integrate tailored effects (matte, shiny or pearly, etc.) along with new qualitative features into the surface is a considerable advantage for designers,” explained Francisco de Oliveira, the head of Automotive Marketing at Chomarat.

OSKIN™, A Range For The Automotive Market
In this way, the Company is reinforcing its experience in interior automotive trim for dashboard, door panel and floor applications. Chomarat is also accelerating the development of thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) solutions, which are the defining feature of its OSKINTM range. “This new equipment will enable us to design and tailor parts that meet the excellence criteria in the automotive sector,” concluded Francisco de Oliveira.

Posted July 26, 2016

Source: Chomarat

The Third Round Of Competitive Funding Is Now Open Under The U.S. Manufacturing Innovation Fund

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — July 25, 2016 — The U.S. Manufacturing Innovation Fund — a collaboration between Walmart, the Walmart Foundation, and the United States Conference of Mayors— is dedicated to supporting the development of U.S. manufacturing, with the specific goal of making it more feasible and competitive to make consumer goods in the U.S.

In 2014, the U.S. Manufacturing Innovation Fund pledged approximately $10 million to applied research projects undertaken by 501(c) (3) institutions and public universities to address U.S. manufacturing challenges. A total of $6.84 million has been awarded to date.

During this third cycle, the U.S. Manufacturing Innovation Fund will prioritize innovation in manufacturing processes for textiles manufacturing including weaving, fabric dyeing, and cut-and-sew with an emphasis on sustainability. Letters of Intent are due August 25, 2016 and must be submitted online through our grant portal.  Please direct questions to WMFDRFP@walmart.com.

More information can also be found on this web page: http://corporate.walmart.com/article/walmart-us-manufacturing-innovation-fund

We will be hosting conference call on August 4th at 2 pm EST to answer any questions about the LOI.  The conference call number is 1-866-244-8528 and the passcode is 215025#.

Posted July 25, 2016

Source: Walmart Foundation

Hyosung Starts Up MIPAN® Nylon Production Facility In Vietnam To Better Serve Asian Market

SEOUL — July 25, 2016 — Hyosung — a producer of Nylon for intimate apparel, sportswear, and outdoor — has announced plans to startup new MIPAN® nylon manufacturing facility in Nhon Trach, Vietnam. The new facility is located in same area as Hyosung’s creora spandex and tire core facilities.

“We invested in Vietnam as the next step in Hyosung’s global nylon growth strategy and to better serve the Southeast Asian market,” said President BS Park. “The state-of-the-art facility is world class competitive to ensure fast and reliable service in the region. We also intend to meet customer needs for innovation with microdeniers, recycled, moisture management and other specialty items.”

“As sourcing from Vietnam continues to be important to brands and retailers, we wanted to provide expanded product offerings as we already produce creora® spandex in Vietnam.” Shared Ria Stern, Hyosung Textiles Global Marketing Director.

Hyosung will be exhibiting at the upcoming Outdoor Retailer Show where they will launch new freshgear™ odor neutralizing nylon and promote:

  • MIPAN Aqua X™ cool touch and moisture management nylon
  • MIPAN Robic™ & Robic Air™ high tenacity nylon for increased durability
  • MIPAN regen recycled nylon and Regen recycled polyester
  • Freshgear odor neutralizing  polyester
  • Askin™ cool touch, UV, and moisture management polyester
  • creora Color+  dyeable  elastane for deeper darker colours without grin through
  • creora Black solution dyed black elastane for increased power without grin through

Posted July 25, 2016

Source: HYOSUNG

1...1,6271,6281,629...2,510Page 1,628 of 2,510

Sponsors

Breaking News

Load more

Digital Issue

2025 Quarterly Issue Number I

View Latest Digital Issue

FEATURED ARTICLES

© Copyright 2017 Textile Industries Media Group, LLC.