American Textile Co. (ATC) Honored As Record Growth Continues

DUQUESNE, Pa. — September 19, 2024 — Pittsburgh-based bedding manufacturer American Textile Co. (ATC) was honored to accept the Home Excellence Leadership Award, presented by the Home Fashions Product Association (HFPA) at their annual scholarship gala in New York City on September 18. The award recognizes the company’s vision and culture of innovation, and was accepted by CEO and President Lance Ruttenberg, as well as Executive Vice President Blake Ruttenberg on behalf of the firm’s more than 1,000 global employees.

In presenting the award, the HFPA cited ATC’s extraordinary track record of bringing successful new innovations to the bedding market. It’s groundbreaking AllerEase® Brand allergen barrier fabrics have brought relief to tens of millions of allergy sufferers since its introduction over 20 years ago and continues earning consumer trust with its exclusive and patented innovations. Over that same time, the company has become one of the largest manufacturers of polyester filled bed pillows in the United States, posting record growth in recent years.

Commenting on the award, Blake Ruttenberg said: “We are deeply grateful to the HFPA for recognizing the contributions of our associates around the world. Their commitment to the success of our customers and dedication to delivering innovation that addresses real consumer needs is what makes our success possible.”

CEO Lance Ruttenberg continued: “In 2025, we will celebrate 100 years in business, yet it feels each day like we are just getting started. We are making record capital investments this year and next that will continue driving gains in efficiency, quality, and service levels to our customers. In addition, we are adding talent across our team from Operations to Merchandising. Talented people have been critical to our growth, and we will continue to push the accelerator as retailers embrace eCommerce, shipping efficiency, and sustainability across their business.”

ATC announced significant investments in their manufacturing infrastructure at the Home Textiles Market this week in New York City, including robotics and AI-enabled systems that speed production and deliver extraordinary consistency in product quality. In addition, the company is adding significant capacity in 2025 to handle increasing demand.

Posted: September 20, 2024

Source: American Textile Co.

NIKE Board Of Directors Announces Long-Time Nike Veteran Elliott Hill To Return As President And Chief Executive Officer John Donahoe To Retire From Nike

BEAVERTON, Ore.  — September 19, 2024 — The Board of Directors of NIKE Inc. announced today that Elliott Hill will become president and CEO of NIKE Inc., effective October 14, 2024. Hill will also become a director of the NIKE Inc. Board of Directors and a member of the Executive Committee.

Incoming NIKE Inc. President & CEO Elliott Hill

“I am excited to welcome Elliott back to NIKE. Given our needs for the future, the past performance of the business, and after conducting a thoughtful succession process, the Board concluded it was clear Elliott’s global expertise, leadership style, and deep understanding of our industry and partners, paired with his passion for sport, our brands, products, consumers, athletes, and employees, make him the right person to lead Nike’s next stage of growth,” said Mark Parker, executive chairman of NIKE, Inc. “Personally, I have worked with Elliott for more than 30 years and I look forward to supporting him and his senior management team as they seize the opportunities ahead.”

The board and John Donahoe have decided he will retire from his role as president and CEO and from the NIKE Inc. Board of Directors effective October 13. He will remain as an advisor to the company to ensure a smooth transition through January 31, 2025.

“I would like to thank John for his contributions to Nike as President and CEO, and as a board member. I would particularly like to recognize the role he played in leading the company during the COVID pandemic and his unwavering support for the investments Nike has made in our communities around the world,” Parker added.

“NIKE has always been a core part of who I am, and I’m ready to help lead it to an even brighter future. For 32 years, I’ve had the privilege of working with the best in the industry, helping to shape our company into the magical place it is today,” Hill said. “I’m eager to reconnect with the many employees and trusted partners I’ve worked with over the years, and just as excited to build new, impactful relationships that will move us ahead. Together with our talented teams, I look forward to delivering bold, innovative products, that set us apart in the marketplace and captivate consumers for years to come.”

Throughout the course of his career at Nike, Hill held senior leadership positions across Europe and North America and was responsible for helping grow the business to more than $39 billion. Before retiring in 2020, he was president – Consumer and Marketplace leading all commercial and marketing operations for Nike and Jordan Brand, including the P&L across the company’s four geographies. He retired from Nike in 2020. Hill is a graduate of Texas Christian University (TCU) and Ohio University and currently serves on the Board of Trustees for TCU.

“It’s been an honor and privilege to be part of this incredible company, and I’ll always value my time at Nike and the opportunity to lead the organization. I have great respect for Phil, Mark, Nike and its employees,” Donahoe said. “It became clear now was the time to make a leadership change, and Elliott is the right person. I look forward to seeing Nike and Elliott’s future successes.”

Posted: September 20, 2024

Source: NIKE, Inc.

Asahi Kasei Launches New Grade Of LASTAN™ Flame-Retardant Nonwoven Fabric

TOKYO, NEW YORK CITY & DÜSSELDORF, Germany  — September 19, 2024 — The Japan-based technology company Asahi Kasei is introducing a new material solution for enhanced EV battery safety. A flame-retardant and highly flexible nonwoven fabric, LASTAN™ is an outstanding alternative to conventional materials for thermal runaway protection. It can be utilized in top covers, busbar protection sleeves, and other applications within the EV battery pack.

New grade of LASTAN™ (Photo: Business Wire)

Although electric vehicles are becoming more common worldwide, battery safety is still a major concern for many car users. According to the latest “Asahi Kasei Automotive Consumer Survey,” 34 percent of non-EV owners in China see improved safety as a primary consideration in buying an electric vehicle. Against this background, global OEMs seek to further raise the safety of EV batteries, and the market for materials to prevent thermal runaway is expected to grow by some 15 percent annually from 2024 onward, with even further expansion of demand in the future (IDTechEX: “Fire Protection Materials for Electric Vehicle Batteries 2024–2034”).

In this context, there is increasing demand for materials in EV battery cover applications having excellent resistance against flames and particle blasts, as well as good electrical insulation properties. While mineral-based materials are generally used as protection against thermal runaway at present, such materials tend to be heavy and brittle. Being stiff, these materials are difficult to adapt to complex shapes, making processability an issue for automotive OEMs.

LASTAN is a non-mineral flame-resistant fabric made by air baking a special acrylic fiber at 200 to 300°C. It is characterized by high flame resistance and good electrical insulation, which are further improved by a special coating process that also augments abrasion resistance. This allows the material to provide effective protection against particle bombardment from venting gas. With these exceptional characteristics, LASTAN has been used for many years as an optimal material for failure prevention and safety in various industries.

Withstanding 1,300°C flames and impact of 200–500 µm particles

Even when a 1,300°C flame is applied, the temperature on the opposite side of LASTAN remains below 400°C. While a “limiting oxygen index” (LOI) value of 27 or higher is generally considered to indicate flame retardance, this material has an LOI value of 50 or higher. In UL94 flame retardance testing, LASTAN has obtained the highest rating of 5VA. No holes are formed in LASTAN even when it is exposed to a flame of 1,300°C for one minute.

In addition to its high flame resistance, LASTAN is resistant to high-pressure impact by particles of 200–500 µm. It also provides electrical insulating capacity of up to 3.5 kV at a thickness of 1 mm. LASTAN also features outstanding processability, being highly flexible while maintaining its performance characteristics in sheets as thin as 0.8 mm. This makes it easily processed with ordinary tools, contributing to a simplified manufacturing process.

Having integrated production of LASTAN currently in Japan, Asahi Kasei is considering production in the United States and other countries in the future. The company will exhibit the new LASTAN grade at the North American Battery Show October 7-10, 2024, in Detroit.

Posted: September 20, 2024

Source: The Asahi Kasei Group

PLASTICS Applauds Introduction Of Bipartisan Legislation To Modernize Recycling Infrastructure

WASHINGTON — September 20, 2024 — The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) applauds the introduction of the Accelerating a Circular Economy for Plastics and Recycling Innovation Act (H.R. 9676). This legislation introduced by Representatives Larry Bucshon (R-IN) and Don Davis (D-NC), aims to modernize the nation’s recycling infrastructure, spur innovation and reduce plastic waste.

“This legislation is a step in the right direction, and we applaud the leadership of Rep. Larry Bucshon and Rep. Don Davis for introducing a bill that recognizes the essential role plastic material plays in our daily lives and addresses comprehensive plastics recycling,” said PLASTICS President and CEO Matt Seaholm. “Modernizing the country’s recycling infrastructure and developing end markets for recycled material are critical to increasing recycling rates and ensuring that plastic waste stays in our economy and out of the environment. We look forward to working together with legislators in Washington to achieve our shared sustainability goals and ultimately get a bill to the President’s desk.”

The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) is the only organization that supports the entire plastics supply chain, including Equipment Suppliers, Material Suppliers, Processors, and Recyclers, representing over one million workers in our $519 billion U.S. industry. PLASTICS advances the priorities of our members who are dedicated to investing in technologies that improve capabilities and advances in recycling and sustainability and providing essential products that allow for the protection and safety of our lives. Since 1937, PLASTICS has been working to make its members, and the eighth largest U.S. manufacturing industry, more globally competitive while supporting circularity through educational initiatives, industry-leading insights and events, convening opportunities and policy advocacy, including the largest plastics trade show in the Americas, NPE: The Plastics Show.

Posted: September 20, 2024

Source: The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS)

 

Under The Motto “Master the Change”, The KARL MAYER GROUP Presents Innovations From KARL MAYER, STOLL And KM.ON At ITMA Asia + CITME 2024

OBERTSHAUSEN, Germany — September 9, 2024 — The KARL MAYER GROUP is looking forward to ITMA ASIA + CITME, October 14-18, 2024, at in hall 4 stand C27 at the Shanghai National Exhibition and Convention Center

The international textile industry has been changing rapidly, and not just since this year. Global crises and paradigm shifts characterize an environment with many uncertainties and turbulence. In this volatile market, the Chinese textile industry continues to report growth rates, particularly through exports. Despite its successes, the entire sector must overcome many challenges. Chinese manufacturers also need to proactively adapt to market dynamics, tap into new growth opportunities and achieve profitability despite increasing cost pressure. In addition, the issue of sustainability is becoming increasingly important and the shortage of skilled workers is making itself increasingly felt.

Under the motto “Master the Change”, the KARL MAYER GROUP presents innovations from its strong brands KARL MAYER, STOLL and KM.ON, which are focusing more than ever on the business requirements of their customers. Visitors can expect an exhibition of forward-looking solutions from the fields of mechanical engineering, digitalization, textile products, applications and customer support.

A wide range of warp knitting and flat knitting machines from the Group’s product portfolio and textile trends will also be on display at an accompanying in-house show at KARL MAYER (CHINA). The event in Changzhou starts the day before the trade fair opens. One highlight will be the opening of the new showroom of the KARL MAYER subsidiary in China with solutions from all areas of technology.

Paths to new market potential for warp knitting

For the warp knitting industry, there will above all be suggestions for more sales and new business. One highlight of the exhibition is an HKS 2-S in the new gauge E 44, which opens new doors in the outdoor fashion sector with its fine, lightweight yet dense textile products and high efficiency. The supple articles score points above all for their unsurpassed protective effect against UVA rays — as a result of their extremely close-meshed structure — and high breathability. This makes them extremely interesting for use in sun protection clothing.

The KARL MAYER stand also will be showcasing functional, fashionable products for sportswear items for the growing yoga trend and apparel fabrics with the look and feel of typical cotton fabrics. The warp-knitted alternatives are pleasant to wear thanks to the comfortable stretch, easy to care for and can be produced sustainably and highly productively due to the technology used. Another new and promising highlight on the KARL MAYER stand is the use of an E-40 warp knitted fabric as a top layer for thick down jackets.

In addition to clothing fabrics, shoe textiles are more popular than ever before. Breathable and stylish warp knits from a HKS 3-M ON PLUS and spacer fabrics from double raschel machines will be presented. The functional spacer textiles are also interesting as sustainable mono-material solutions for upholstery in car seats and mattresses and with jacquard for the fashion industry.

Visitors to the KARL MAYER stand can also look forward to a presentation of the latest Care Solutions offerings. The focus will be on the customer portal myKM.ON, which gives users access to the digital world of the KARL MAYER GROUP, and the brand new Energy Efficiency Solution (EES), which supports warp knitting companies on their way to lower electricity consumption and greater sustainability.

The accompanying in-house show at KARL MAYER (CHINA) will focus on the performance demonstration of selected machines, including the latest representatives of the three-bar HKS and TM series, a TM 2-SE in E 36, a MT 84/1/40 S and a RE 4-1 in E 36. In addition a new mid-range machine for the double raschel sector will be launched and the new Care Solutions products will also be presented.

Flexibility, speed and price awareness for the success of flat knitting mills in the commodity market

At ITMA ASIA + CITME, STOLL will be presenting machine innovations for success in the volume market with a focus on a good responsiveness to changing demand trends.

On show will be a CMS 703 ki knit and wear, which combines the unrivaled high flexibility of all STOLL “knit and wear” models with maximum efficiency and an extremely attractive price. The production repertoire includes finished articles as well as fully-fashion products. With a working width of 72″/183 cm, the usual size range of consumers can be ideally covered, especially in Asia.

Another exhibit with an excellent price-performance ratio and maximum flexibility is the CMS 503 ki L.  A working width of 50″ makes an unlimited variety of patterns possible for a wide range of full-fashion applications. Articles can also be produced in larger sizes, which are increasingly in demand in America, but also in Asia and Europe.

The ADF 530-32 ki FLEX is the leader in terms of production diversity among STOLL’s exhibits. The productive all-rounder can produce a unique range of different knitted items. Trousers, a dress, a top, a sweater and a fabric for upholstery applications – all these articles will be produced on the ADF 530-32 ki FLEX during the trade fair. This flexibility is made possible by the innovative, automatically adjustable comb gap control. Among other things, the innovative solution extends the gauge range of the classic STOLL multi-gauge spectrum and opens up new scope for incorporating different strength ranges into garments, for example to realise cuffs.

The exhibition for the flat knitting industry will be complemented by examples from the production repertoire of STOLL machines. The highlight of the textile innovation show is the presentation of the new STOLL Trend Collection NOCTURNO.

Further machine innovations will be on display at the in-house show at KARL MAYER (CHINA). Some of the models are part of the repertoire of the new showroom, are mainly manufactured at the Changzhou site and are also part of the STOLL range for the volume market, including various representatives of the CMS series, which cover a wide range of gauges from E3.5.2 to E20.

More efficient processes through digital solutions

At ITMA ASIA + CITME, KM.ON will be presenting innovative digital solutions for warp knitting and flat knitting companies. The Digital Production Management (DPM) – a game-changing solution for the shop floor organization of warp knitting companies that offers seamless monitoring and control of production processes in real time, creating the basis for optimizing operational processes – and the Quality Monitoring System (QMS), a revolutionary AI-based innovation for quality management on warp knitting machines, will be part of the trade fair lineup.

STOLL PPS powered by KM.ON enables greater efficiency in flat knitting. With the production planning tool for controlling, planning and optimizing production, reaction and throughput times can be shortened and delivery reliability improved – essential performance features in today’s highly dynamic markets.

For a faster workflow from idea to market launch, the innovative products of the CREATE family will be presented.

Lower costs and environmental impact during warp preparation

Customers from the warp preparation sector can look forward to solutions for greater efficiency and sustainability.

The highlights include a latest-generation direct warper, which impresses with a very good price-performance ratio. The beams produced are of the highest quality and enable maximum efficiency in their processing in the weaving mill. Another plus point is the high operational reliability of the machine. Behind the unique performance are sophisticated technical solutions, including an optimized pressure roller system without service-prone hydraulics.

With the new CASCADE system, customers can reduce steam consumption and thus costs and environmental impact during the sizing process. The basis for this is efficient energy recycling within the cylinder dryer, which is explained using illustrative material.

With the Smart Size Box, a technology has also been developed that monitors the condition of wear components and therefore makes a valuable contribution to predictive maintenance. as will be demonstrated at the trade fair.

To ensure high machine availability, a combined Care X-Tend and Connectivity Package will also be presented.

New pillars and more business through technical textiles

At ITMA ASIA, KARL MAYER’s Technical Textiles business unit will be presenting promising sales potential in the composites market with non-crimp fabrics made of glass and carbon fibers. The customized reinforcement textiles can be produced extremely efficiently and with the highest quality on KARL MAYER’s multiaxial warp knitting machines and used in a wide range of lightweight construction applications, as a digital media presentation will show. Conventional textile manufacturers who want to enter this new field of technology can also benefit from KARL MAYER’s experience and expertise.

The in-house show in Changzhou will also feature innovative weft insertion machines with an excellent price-performance ratio in the volume market. On display will be a 2nd generation TM WEFT for the production of lightweight warp knitted fabrics for outerwear and interlinings, as well as a newly developed machine that focuses on the production of lightweight glass fabrics for use in the construction industry, for example as plaster grids or crack tape, thanks to its special performance.

Posted: September 20, 2024

Source: KARL MAYER GROUP

SHIMA SEIKI To Exhibit At ITMA Asia + CITME 2024

WAKAYAMA, Japan — September 20, 2024 — Flat knitting technology company SHIMA SEIKI Mfg., Ltd. based in Wakayama, Japan, will be participating in the ITMA Asia + CITME 2024 exhibition in Shanghai, China in October. In line with its exhibition concept at ITMA 2023 and ITMA Asia + CITME 2022 held last year, Shima Seiki continues the concept for this year’s exhibition: “SHIMA SEIKI Reborn.”

The concept signifies the renewal of our passion and commitment to innovation, manifesting in physical form as the R-generation machines. At ITMA Asia + CITME 2024 visitors to the Shima Seiki booth will be presented with the latest flat knitting technology, in the form of new machines, new gauges and new features, including the long-awaited production version of the SWG-XR® WHOLEGARMENT® knitting machines based on the highly acclaimed prototypes at both Milan and Shanghai the previous year.

SWG-XR is the spiritual successor and ‘Reborn’ version of the original SWG®-X WHOLEGARMENT knitting machine which debuted at ITMA Milan in 1995. Featuring 4 needle beds and Shima Seiki’s original SlideNeedle™, SWG-XR is capable of producing high-quality fine gauge WHOLEGARMENT products in all needles, with 25 percent higher productivity and wider range of patterning compared with the previous- generation MACH2®XS flagship. Two SWG-XR machines will be shown in different knitting widths, one of which will be paired with the i-DYCS® “intelligent Digital Yarn Changer System” option for changing colors on the fly for up to 32 colors with the device alone.

In addition to machine technology, demonstrations will be held on Shima Seiki’s APEXFiz® subscription-based design software featuring the latest upgrades. Various web services as part of the Shima Seiki Online Services web platform will be presented as comprehensive digital solutions that enhance the APEXFiz user experience by streamlining and promoting sustainable production.

With a comprehensive display of its latest products and services, Shima Seiki technology at ITMA Asia + CITME 2024 will demonstrate smart, speedy and sustainable production that further secures its leading role as flat knitting solutions provider.

Exhibit Details

Exhibition: ITMA Asia + CITME 2024

Date: Monday, 14th – Friday, 18th October 2024

Hours:  9:00AM – 5:00PM (final day: – 4:00PM)

Location: National Exhibition & Convention Center (NECC) No. 168 East Yinggang Road, Shanghai, CHINA

Organizer: ITMA Services Pte. Ltd.

Booth No.: Hall 4, Stand F01

Booth Size: approx. 350 sq. meters

Products:

  • 2 New WHOLEGARMENT® knitting machines
  • 2 Current-model WHOLEGARMENT® knitting machines
  • 1 Prototype computerized knitting machine
  • 3 Design system/software

No.of Samples: approx.270

Posted: September 20, 2024

Source: SHIMA SEIKI MFG., LTD

High Investment To Boost etv’s Future Camouflage And Technical Printing Capacity

GESCHER, Germany— September 20, 2024 — More than 2.5 million euros was invested in a new coating tenter frame with a 3,200-mm-working-width, new calender with a 3,200-mm-working-width, and in a technical update of the Zimmer´s printing system — 10 colors, 2850 mm working width.

As a potential new player in the military fabric printing market, we are launching a capacity of 2,800,000 running meters up from 2025.

We process weights from 25 to 650 g/m² on the printing system and print on woven fabrics, nonwovens, films, and membranes.

The new equipment boasts the latest technology in rotary screen printing. etv’s modernized rotary screen printer will allow the manufacturer to process a complex range of technical textiles, from lightweight fabrics e.g., for waterproof or medical applications, to heavy weights for building & construction or home textiles.

Conductive prints, smart textiles have also been developed on the new system.

This new investment is etv’s strategic move to grow through new applications in a stagnant textile environment.

Dirk Tunney, etv’s managing director, said: “These investments are hugely important for our business. We expect noticeable new business from the second half of 2025.”

Posted: September 20, 2024

Source: etv/ETV EING TEXTIL-VEREDLUNG GmbH & Co. KG

VDMA Members At ITMA ASIA In Shanghai

FRANKFURT AM MAIN, Germany— September 20, 2024 — With 49 exhibiting member companies, ITMA ASIA + CITME, taking place October 14-19 in Shanghai, will see again a strong VDMA participation. German exhibitors make up the largest foreign presence at the trade fair.

The exhibiting VDMA members cover nearly all different machinery chapters with a focus on spinning and manmade fibers, nonwovens, weaving, braiding, knitting & hosiery, finishing & dyeing and textile processing. The heading of this year’s VDMA activities in Shanghai will be “smart technologies for green textile production.” The VDMA members are committed to reducing the consumption of resources in the textile value chain with highly efficient technologies. The goal is to utilize potential for resources, such as textile material, water, energy and chemicals, to minimize CO2 emissions. So, for VDMA members the show is an opportunity to reassert that they remain at the forefront of new ideas, products and technologies in the textile machinery sector.

With a view to the expectations for this year’s ITMA ASIA, Dr. Harald Weber, managing director of the VDMA Textile Machinery Association, said: “ITMA ASIA 2023 was the first edition of the show after the Covid pandemic. After years of lockdowns and travel restrictions, people could meet again, which made the event something special. In the meantime, the economic situation has deteriorated noticeably. But there is some light at the end of the tunnel. This makes the participation of VDMA member companies at ITMA ASIA 2024 even more important. The presence at the event is essential to ensure an exchange of information between machinery manufacturers and textile producers in Asia and to get ready for the sector’s restart.”

Throughout the last years, around 50 percent of the German exports of textile machinery and accessories went to Asia. Between January and July 2024, textile machinery worth about 580 million euros have been shipped from Germany to Asia, a decrease of 25 percent compared to 2023 due to the weak global economic situation. With 240 million euros, the biggest export market was again China, followed by India, Bangladesh, Uzbekistan, Pakistan and Vietnam.

The VDMA team in Shanghai is staffed again with colleagues from the VDMA headquarters in Germany as well as from VDMA China. With these joined forces, the team is well prepared to support the exhibiting member companies on site.

Posted: September 20, 2024

Source: VDMA Textile Machinery

Lenzing’s VEOCEL™ Builds Awareness In Combating Plastic Pollution Highlighted At UN’s SEA Of Solutions 2024

LENZING, Austria— September 20, 2024 — VEOCEL™, the flagship specialty nonwovens brand of Lenzing Group, highlighted its commitment to innovation and providing solutions to help address the global plastic crisis at the “SEA of Solutions 2024” (SoS) event organized by SEA circular — an initiative by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Coordinating Body on the Seas of East Asia (COBSEA) on September 18 in Bangkok, Thailand.

UN’s SEA of Solutions 2024

Since its launch in 2019, SoS has served as a platform for sharing best practices, fostering collaboration, and exploring solutions to address plastic pollution. Lenzing’s participation builds on longstanding efforts to provide cellulosic fibers for the nonwovens industry that are high quality, manufactured with high production standards with low emissions to air and water1, and minimize the reliance on synthetic materials. Guided by the company’s “Naturally Positive” strategy2   the VEOCEL brand has been pioneering the acceleration of systemic transformation by driving conversations around preventing plastic pollution and advancing effective end-of-life product solutions3.

On the theme of “Re-designing for a Circular Plastics Economy,” Norma Schönherr, Manager of Partnerships for Sustainability at Lenzing AG, Nonwovens, shared VEOCEL’s best practice examples to “Tackling Microplastics Pollution by Advancing to Cellulosic Fibers.” Schönherr emphasized how Lenzing’s VEOCEL fibers that are wood-based4, biodegradable and compostable5 can serve as a more responsible alternative to synthetic, plastic-based materials, particularly in applications such as personal hygiene and sanitary products.

VEOCEL fibers contribute to the circular economy which seeks to minimize resource depletion and maximize sustainability. For example, scientists at the prestigious academic research institute Scripps Institution of Oceanography (SIO) at the University of California, San Diego confirmed back in 2021 that VEOCEL Lyocell fibers completely biodegrade in sea-surface conditions in a remarkably short time6. The results of their experiments are striking; while the wood-based cellulosic fibers fully biodegraded within 30 days, both in sea- surface and sea-floor conditions, the petroleum-based fibers tested were practically unchanged after more than 200 days.

“At Lenzing, we are deeply committed to working closely with our value chain partners to advance sustainable solutions and help the industry progress on its sustainability roadmap,” said Monique Buch, executive vice president Nonwovens at Lenzing AG on their attendance at the event. “Our participation in the United Nations’ SEA of Solutions event this year underscores our dedication to tackling plastic pollution through collaboration and knowledge sharing among stakeholders around the world.”

The VEOCEL brand portfolio includes totally chlorine-free lyocell and viscose fibers, as well as high- performance hydrophobic fibers. All VEOCEL’s fibers originate from wood as a source, and do not fall under the plastic definition of the EU’s Single-Use Plastics Directive (SUPD)7 and thus provide a strong, functional alternative to synthetic fibers. Looking ahead, VEOCEL™ intends to expand its range of cellulosic fibers to cover more applications and industries and will continue to act as a catalyst for change for the nonwovens industry by providing a greater range of low-environmental impact alternatives to synthetic materials.

1 These results were calculated using the Higg Materials Sustainability Index (Higg MSI) tools provided by the Sustainable Apparel Coalition. The Higg MSI tools assess impacts of materials from cradle-to-gate for a finished material (e.g. to the point at which the materials are ready to be assembled into a product). However, this figure only shows impacts from cradle to fiber production gate. VEOCEL™ branded fibers’ LCA results are represented by TENCEL™/ECOVERO™ data based on Higg MSI database v3.7 (December, 2023).

2 To foster a sustainable global textile and nonwovens industry, Lenzing follows three strategic principles within the context of its “Naturally Positive” sustainability strategy, which focuses on greening the value chain, driving systemic change, and advancing the circular economy through partnerships with key industry stakeholders, such as Textile Exchange, Cascale, Canopy, Together for Sustainability, Renewable Carbon Initiative, and UN Global Compact.

3 With a process in place that factors in rapidly evolving regulatory requirements when developing and updating claims, VEOCEL™ provides QR-coded claims and a Claims webpage that offer value chain partners and conscious consumers more clarity on what its fibers offer.

4 Adhering to the company’s commitment to environmental protection and resource preservation, Lenzing procures wood and pulp only from certified or controlled sustainable sources. In its Wood and Pulp Policy, Lenzing is committed to procuring wood and pulp exclusively from non-controversial sources.

5 A range of LENZING™ Lyocell and Viscose fibers for nonwoven applications are certified by TÜV AUSTRIA to be biodegradable in soil, freshwater and marine conditions and compostable under home and industrial conditions.

6https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0048969721031314

7 Directive (EU) 2019/904 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 June 2019 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2019/904/oj

Posted: September 20, 2024

Source: VEOCEL™ is Lenzing Group’s flagship specialty nonwovens brand

YKK Rolls Out Revived Renewal Series Of Products That Lengthen Usage Life Of Textile Products

TOKYO — September 19, 2024 — YKK Corp. is now rolling out the revived renewal series of products as an initiative to lengthen the usage life of textile products.

Longer usage life and reuse of final products are becoming increasingly important in the fashion industry, and repair-oriented initiatives have been accelerating. These revived replacement elements to be newly launched for the VISLON® zipper are products that make it possible to repair VISLON zippers by attaching die-cast revived replacement elements using a special tool when elements have come off the zipper tape. Rolling these out along with the special tools will likely make repairs easier for each brand’s repair centers and significantly reduce repair time by making it possible to repair only the damaged element portion instead of conventional repairs that remove entire zippers from products and stitch new ones on.

Product Introduction (Revived Replacement Elements for VISLON®)

Zippers can be repaired by attaching die-cast revived replacement elements using a special tool to replace elements that have come off.

“Large volumes of apparel products are thrown away each year, and the resulting environmental impact is becoming a major problem,” said Terry Tsukumo, vice president, Product Strategy Division, Global Sales Headquarters, YKK Corp. “With YKK’s revived renewal series, YKK aims to streamline zipper repair work performed at brands’ repair centers and specialist repairers while striving to help bring about a circular society by enabling everyone to keep wearing their favorite clothing items for longer. YKK will continue adding to this series of products while aggressively working to tackle environmental problems throughout entire supply chains in the apparel industry.”

Product Introductions (other Revived Renewal Series products)

  • Revived Replacement Slider (coil zipper, size 3, reverse use) – Makes it possible to easily replace broken sliders without needing any special tools.
  • VISLON® with Revived Top Stop (size 5) – Employs specially designed top stops that make it easy to remove and repair sliders
  • Revived Replacement Puller for Racquet Coil zipper (size 8, front-side use) – Special body and puller structure make it possible to easily replace broken and damaged slider pullers

Posted: September 19, 2024

Source: YKK

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