Moss Promotes Elissa Decker To Vice President, Global Procurement & Textile Development

Decker

FRANKLIN PARK, Ill. — November 12, 2024 — Moss Inc., a provider of high-quality graphics and tension fabric structures, is pleased to announce the promotion of Elissa Decker to the position of vice president, Global Procurement & Textile Development. In her new role, Decker will provide strategic leadership and direct oversight of the Moss global procurement organization. Her responsibilities will encompass the rationalizing and sourcing of raw materials, outsourced procurement manufacturing and services, and vendor diligence. Elissa will also lead the company’s development and maintenance of global procurement systems, policies, and reporting, ensuring governance and consistency across all regions.

“Our ability to secure the highest quality and widest range of raw materials is a key differentiator,” said Jason Popp, president and CEO of Moss.  “Elissa has an innate understanding of our core products, their performance characteristics and the associated global supply chains that deliver our raw materials to Moss around the world.”

Decker holds a bachelor’s degree in textile design from Philadelphia College of Textiles and Science and has been an instrumental leader at Moss for 16 years, significantly contributing to the development and procurement of core textile offerings. Her achievements in procurement are notable; she has spearheaded initiatives at Moss that led to substantial cost savings, quality enhancements, and the establishment of global supplier agreements.

“Our global procurement team members are so talented and I’m excited to lead this group through our next phase of growth at Moss,” Decker said.  “We will keep scouring the globe to get the best supply base for our customers.  The focus of our global procurement team is also on ensuring a robust supply chain with suppliers from multiple countries and sources for each of our core raw material categories.”

With Decker’s expertise spanning across textiles and substrates, aluminum, and OEM manufactured parts, her skills are well-suited to help drive Moss’s procurement strategy and material offerings to new heights, enhancing the company’s ability to deliver innovative and sustainable solutions for clients worldwide.

Posted November 12, 2024

Source: Moss Inc.

 

American Flock Association Announces New Leadership

CHERRYVILLE, N.C. — November 12, 2024 — Following last week’s annual meeting, the American Flock Association formally announced that Megan Rossomme, President of EIS Fibercoating, Inc., has been named Association Chairperson. Rossomme has served on AFA’s executive committee since 2019 and stepped into the chairperson role in September. AFA represents flock manufacturers and their suppliers in North America.

At the annual meeting, Rossomme named Eric Honkamp, Sales Manager for Cellusuede Products, Inc. of Rockford, Ill., as the association’s Vice Chair.

Rossomme said her focus on the AFA executive committee will include acting as a sounding board for the association’s management and working on projects that help industries throughout North America learn about flock and the flocking process.

EIS Fibercoating, which is ISO 9001 certified and located in Logansport, Ind., opened in the early 1980’s serving the North American auto industry. Automotive continues to be one of the company’s primary markets but under Rossomme’s leadership, EIS has expanded into a wide variety of other industry sectors.

“I have been connected to flocking my entire life,” said Rossomme. “I look forward to working with the rest of our AFA team, the majority of whom are also second generation, in continuing to promote both the value and beauty of flock.”

Cellusuede Products recently went through a major expansion with the acquisition of Engineered Fiber Technologies, Inc., (EFT) of Shelton, Conn. Founded in 1998, EFT specializes in making precision, short-cut fibers for technical markets. For example, carbon fibers made by EFT are used on the Mars Rover to help prevent fires.

“First, I want to thank Raj Shah, our outgoing Chairperson, for his years of service to the association,” said Steve Rosenthal, AFA’s managing director. “And we look forward to working with both Megan and Eric in their new leadership roles as the North American flock industry moves forward.”

Posted: November 12, 2024

Source The American Flock Association (AFA)

Active Apparel Group Secures B Corp Certification, Achieves Major ESG Milestone

CULVER CITY, Calif.   — November 12, 2024 — Active Apparel Group (AAG), manufacturer of performance apparel for the leisure/lifestyle and active market, has attained B Corp Certification, solidifying their role as one of a select few pioneers in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices for their industry, customers, and partners.

AAG achieved a score of 84.9 points on the rigorous B Impact Assessment (BIA), exceeding the 80-point threshold required for B Corp certification. This demonstrates Active Apparel Group’s dedication to workers, customers, community, and the environment, all part of the brand’s dedication to using business as a force for good.

The strongest areas represented in this score were Governance (17.6 pts), Workers (24.9 pts) and Customers (4.1 pts), which are significantly higher vs country, sector, and size benchmarks for similar B Corp certified companies.

“We’re proud to be recognized as a B Corp, which is a natural extension of our commitment to building a more sustainable and equitable business,” says Active Apparel Group CEO Henry Jones. “It sets us apart as a premium service provider and manufacturer in the global marketplace, assuring all stakeholders of our compliance with global best-practice standards. These standards also encourage continuous sustainable innovation, drive valuable operational efficiencies, and enhance our ability to attract and retain top talent.”

A highlight of Active Apparel Group’s certification was the achievement of hard-to-earn Impact Business Model (IBM) points for their practices in Toxin Reduction / Remediation. This recognition highlights AAG’s deep commitment to reducing harmful chemicals in their production processes through the use of 100% OEKO-TEX certified inks and responsible chemical management practices.

AAG already pays all workers a living wage. In 2023, an audit by third-party Bureau Veritas of AAG’s factory in China, Ningbo Longson Garments Co. Ltd (Longson), confirmed a 100% pass rate. Employees received wages exceeding the calculated living wage, 29% above the local minimum wage and 140% greater than the poverty line in Ningbo. Remuneration at this level remains a rarity in the manufacturing industry in China.

AAG has also committed to a structured approach in reducing its environmental impact across its global operations through an Environmental Management System (EMS). The EMS, built using the ISO14001 Standard Framework, incorporates key environmental policy commitments and has set targets and strategies to reduce the carbon footprint of its operations across China, Australia and the USA.

B Corp certification places AAG’s environmental, social, and governance practices in the company of a select few manufacturers in the performance apparel manufacturing industry, giving all AAG customers the confidence that they are partnering with a global leader in this space.

Posted: November 12, 2024

Source Active Apparel Group

KARL MAYER Warp Knitting Draws Positive Results At ITMA ASIA + CITME 2024

OBERTSHAUSEN, Germany  — November 11, 2024 — Warp knitting companies in Asia are also facing fundamental changes and challenges considering the tense global economic and geopolitical situation. During ITMA ASIA + CITME in October 2024, KARL MAYER showed how these can be mastered: with innovations that are primarily aimed at greater profitability, flexibility and sustainability.

The exhibition was a major crowd puller at the KARL MAYER GROUP stand in the Shanghai National Exhibition and Convention Center. Around 40% of all visitors with specific inquiries came from the warp knitting sector. The number of guests was significantly higher than at the previous ITMA ASIA + CITME, especially on the second and third days of the event, and all major customers were present.

Christof Naier, President of the Warp Knitting Business Unit at KARL MAYER, is delighted with the high level of response, but also with the quality of the exchange. “For the most part, we had very in-depth, goal-oriented discussions and conversations about many projects. Our customers are cautious but optimistic about the future,” says Christof Naier.

The visitors were particularly interested in the HKS 2-S presented in the new gauge E 44, its advantages in the production of sun protection clothing and the diverse textile and application show with its potential for more business.

In addition to the ITMA stand, a performance demonstration of selected machines at the in-house show accompanying the trade fair at KARL MAYER (CHINA) was also impressive, with two premieres. New in Asia and an attraction were the Elastomeric RE 4-1 with the 190” working width and E 36 configuration and the DM 6/2-6 EN, a double raschel machine with an excellent price-performance ratio.

Machines for markets with potential

With its efficiency and fine textile products, the HKS 2-S in E 44 brings new drive to the outdoor wear segment. At a maximum speed of 3,200 rpm, the high-performance tricot machine can produce up to 200 kg of fabric per day, extremely reliably and with the highest quality. The E44 articles in the HKS 2-S range are uniquely light, soft and supple, breathable and particularly suitable for use in sun protection clothing, i.e. for outdoor activities. Their UV protection factor more than doubles that of circular knitted fabrics with a comparable fabric weight. This is due to the dense surface structure.

The RE 4-1 is predestined for the extremely efficient production of highly elastic textiles. The machine offers an excellent price-performance ratio and therefore benefits that are particularly evident in the production of fine underwear items for the volume business thanks to the new 190” E36 combination.

With the DM 6/2-6 EN, KARL MAYER has further differentiated its range of double raschel machines and thus better tailored them to market requirements. With a speed of 850 rpm, the new machine works just as fast as its range neighbours, the RD 6/1-12 EN and RD 7/2-12 EN. However, thanks to a special technical focus on the production of lightweight 3D warp knitted fabrics, it is significantly cheaper. This makes the DM 6/2-6 EN a top production machine, especially when it comes to the highly efficient production of spacer fabrics for the luggage and furniture sector.

New textile developments with a focus on growth

KARL MAYER machines are not only extremely productive and reliable, but also open doors to new business with the right textile products, as demonstrated by a highly acclaimed textile innovation show at KARL MAYER’s ITMA stand in Shanghai. The most important highlight was certainly a chic sun protection outfit made from an E-44 fabric from HKS 2-S. However, inspiration and ideas for new articles and applications were also provided by the other exhibits, including functional, fashionable sportswear for the growing yoga trend and clothing fabrics with the look of typical cotton fabrics, an E40 warp knitted fabric as an outer fabric for thick down jackets, a comfortable casual wear outfit, lace with a uniquely high approximation to the Leavers Lace standard, a RASCHELTRONIC® article made of silk and stylish spacer fabrics for clothing and shoes.

Posted: November 12, 2024

Source: KARL MAYER Verwaltungsgesellschaft AG

Spinner Ibrahim Fibres Of Pakistan Expands With Trützschler TC 30Si Carding Machines

MÖNCHENGLADBACH, Germany  — November 11, 2024 — Ibrahim Fibres operates nearly 200 Trützschler cards, which is more than any other business in Pakistan. The leading yarn and Polyester Staple Fiber (PS) manufacturer has partnered with Trützschler for over two decades – and recently wanted to start processing long polyester and viscose fibers. It’s an unusual request that brings unique challenges. Our R&D team worked closely with the customer to find the optimal solution: Our TC 30Si carding machine.

From left to right: Gerold Gonska, Regional Sales Manager at Trützschler; Nico Sieben, Area Manager Pakistan at
Trützschler; and Zafar Iqbal, General Manager of R&D and New Projects at Ibrahim Fibres.

Pakistan is the eighth largest exporter of textiles in Asia and has the third largest spinning capacity in the continent. Ibrahim Fibres, located in Faisalabad, is a big contributor to that economic strength – and a powerful partner for Trützschler. The pioneering company produces a wide range of yarns for woven, and knitted fabrics. This includes various blends of cotton, viscose and polyester in different proportions and combinations with yarn counts ranging from Ne 8 to Ne 50. Ibrahim Fibres uses its own polyester via 240,000 spindles at four factories, mainly to produce poly-viscose and poly-cotton combed yarn. In total, the company manufactures 1,200 tons of PSF per day and consumes around 100 tons of its own materials per day. The remaining material is sold to other textile manufacturers.

Ibrahim Fibers is using the Trützschler Autoleveller Draw Frame TD 10 because of its high efficiency and its space-saving design with advanced self optimizing features.

Trützschler’s long relationship with Ibrahim Fibres is driven by a shared passion for continuous improvement, constant innovation and leading the push for more sustainability in the textile industry. “Our experience with Trützschler has been exceptional,” says Zafar Iqbal, General Manager R&D and New Projects at Ibrahim Fibres. “Their high-quality machines, advanced technologies, and 360-degree analyses, along with innovations like MY MILL have been pivotal in our zero-man spinning and Industry 4.0 initiatives. Their excellent after-sales service over the past twenty years has built our trust and satisfaction. We eagerly anticipate continuing this successful partnership and exploring new opportunities together.”

An unusual challenge

Teams from Ibrahim Fibres often approach Trützschler with fresh ideas and new expectations. They recently set the challenge of producing top-quality yarns from unusually long polyester and viscose fibers. These fibers are used for luxury textiles, high-performance fabrics, fine bedding and advanced nonwoven materials. The end products benefit from the fibers outstanding strength and durability. Often, people in the textile industry talk about the problems with processing short fibers. But long fibers also present difficulties because they have a tendency to wrap or clog carding elements. Their length also makes them more tightly bound, which means they are more difficult to open.

What was the answer to this unusual challenge? Collaboration! Experts from Trützschler worked closely with partners at Ibrahim Fibres to explore potential solutions. “Our technical teams regularly collaborate with Trützschler’s R&D department to enhance production using Industry 4.0 principles, Al, and the latest technology,” says Zafar Iqbal. “We’ve now developed a method for handling longer fibers that improves yarn consistency, end-product performance, and cost efficiency, while reducing waste. Our ongoing partnership with Trützschler continues to drive innovation and efficiency in our operations.”

TC 30Si is here to help…

Ibrahim Fibres wanted to process 51mm polyester with 51 mm viscose fibers. In line with these requirements, Trützschler engineers optimized the TC 30Si carding machine for processing long polyester and viscose fibers. This machine is specifically customized for man-made fibers and can process these fibers more effectively due to its larger drum diameter, which results in a 14 % extended carding length. The machine also has 35 % more active flats. It has one licker-in and its cylinder, doffer wire, flat tops and stationary flats are all designed for processing man-made fibers.

As a loyal customer for more than twenty years, Ibrahim Fibres now operates nearly 200 carding machines from Trützschler – and recently purchased another eighteen TC 30Si cards.

“We chose TC 30Si for its advanced features, such as its 1400 mm cylinder diameter, extended carding lengths, and the automatic T-GO gap optimizer,” says Zafar Iqbal. “These attributes support our Industry 4.0 goals by enhancing technology integration, data use, and operational efficiency, making it ideal for modernizing production and staying competitive in the textile industry.” And Ibrahim Fibres has even more reasons for choosing the TC 30Si: “It has user-friendly software and an intuitive Human Machine Interface (HMI), making it easy to maintain with minimal adjustments. This card boosts productivity and reduces energy consumption, while also improving consistency and reducing defects.”

Long fibers, long partnership

This shared success is the latest milestone in the long relationship between Trützschler and Ibrahim Fibres. It’s also a powerful example of how we work together to keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. Based on strong test results, the customer placed an order for eighteen TC 30Si carding machines in June 2024. In this way, the company can move ahead with its big ambitions for processing unusually long fibers – and move ahead with the next phase of its long partnership with Trützschler too.

Posted: November 12, 2024

Source: Trützschler Group SE

Herculite Products Has Been Recognized As One Of The Best Places To Work In Pennsylvania

EMIGSVILLE, PA  — November 11, 2024 — Herculite Products Inc., an innovator and manufacturer of high-performance and custom fabrics, is pleased to announce that the Central Penn Business Journal and Lehigh Valley Business have selected it as one of the Best Places to Work in PA for 2024.

This is the second year in a row that Herculite has been named one of the Best Places to Work in PA, which identifies, recognizes, and honors the best places of employment in Pennsylvania. Companies are ranked based on evaluating each nominated company’s workplace policies, practices, and demographics and an employee survey measuring the employee experience.

“We are honored to be recognized as one of the Best Places to Work in PA,” said Vice President of Human Resources Pamela Funk. “This award reflects our commitment to creating a positive, inclusive, and empowering environment for our associates. We believe that when we invest in our people, we create a workplace that not only drives innovation and success but also fosters a culture of collaboration, respect, and growth. We owe this achievement to our team of associates, whose hard work and commitment make this recognition possible. Together, we will continue to create a culture where everyone can succeed and find fulfillment in their careers.”

Herculite President and CEO Peter McKernan added, “I would like to congratulate all our associates for making this possible. It is a privilege to lead such a dedicated team.”

“This year’s Best Places to Work in PA have established a positive environment for innovative teams to thrive. These organizations put their employees first by innovating new benefits and programs,” said Suzanne Fischer-Huettner, managing director of BridgeTower Media/Central Penn Business Journal and Lehigh Valley Business. “We are pleased to join with the Best Companies Group to recognize this year’s winners.”

Posted: November 11, 2024

Source: Herculite Products Inc.

Heimtextil University Contest 2025 Attracts Creative Young Talents — Innovative Solutions For The Future

FRANKFURT AM MAIN, Germany  — November 11, 2024 — The winners of the Heimtextil University Contest 2025 have been announced: Kateryna Basiuk, Eszter Nagy and Birke-Katharina Weber impressed with their clever textile solutions on the topics of light, sound protection and colour. In 2025, the contest received around twice as many submissions as last year. The selected projects can be seen at the world’s largest trade fair for home and contract textiles from 14 to 17 January 2025 in Frankfurt.

What textile solutions does the next generation have in store? The Heimtextil University Contest showcases the innovative power of young talents and universities at an international level. This is well received: 44 students from twelve countries submitted consistently high-quality projects for the current edition. The number of submissions has almost doubled compared to the University Contest 2024. The applications came from Germany, Finland, France, India, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Pakistan, Sweden, Switzerland, Slovakia, Slovenia and Ukraine. The winners have the opportunity to present their projects and universities to an international audience free of charge at Heimtextil 2025 in hall 3.0 and benefit from the global reach of the platform.

Photo— Messe Frankfurt / Pietro Sutera

‘I am delighted that the Heimtextil University Contest has met with such a great international response. We can only solve transformations in networks that come together from diverse perspectives. That is why we are specifically promoting students and universities and focussing attention on them as drivers of innovation,’ says Bettina Bär, Director Heimtextil.

Heimtextil University Contest 2025 at a glance
In the international Heimtextil University Contest 2025, three winners asserted themselves with conceptually strong answers: Kateryna Basiuk (Lucerne University, Switzerland) is inspired by moth wings in ‘Silent Canvas’ and shows how recycled yarns work for aesthetically pleasing sound absorbers. Eszter Nagy (Aalto University, Finland) is focussing on the topic of light. Her ‘Lumen Collection’ centres on experimenting with woven textiles that navigate between light and space as membranes. And Birke-Katharina Weber (Weißensee Kunsthochschule Berlin, Germany) develops various possibilities for extracting sustainable dyes from mushrooms in her research project ‘MycoColors’.

The international expert jury is made up of six experts from relevant disciplines from academia and industry. This year’s members were: Svenja Bernhold, Laetitia Forst, Saman Khodabandeh, Tina Moor, Maarit Salolainen and Lutz Walter. Here you can find an overview of the jury members 2025.

The winners of the Heimtextil University Contest 2025

Kateryna Basiuk, Lucerne University, Switzerland – Silent Canvas

Knitting as a key technique to recreate sound-absorbing microstructures of moth wings
Photo — Kateryna Basiuk

In her project ‘Silent Canvas’, Kateryna Basiuk analyses how recycled yarns can be used for circular sound absorbers while improving their aesthetic and visual properties. She takes her inspiration from the sound-absorbing microstructures of moth wings. Her key technique for recreating these natural structures in recycled materials is knitting. The project addresses SDG 12.5, the reduction of waste generation through reuse. The work is part of a project of the Products & Textiles Research Group – HSLU Design, Film & Art.

Kateryna Basiuk: ‘Silent Canvas explores the relationship between aesthetics and acoustics through biomorphic design and recycled materials. Inspired by the structure of a moth’s wing and fuelled by a personal commitment to sustainable design solutions, I question traditional approaches and focus on new, circular processes. My journey began with a bachelor’s project at the Lucerne School of Art and Design in collaboration with the Product & Textile research group and has since led me deeper into the research field of sustainable textiles.’

Eszter Nagy, Aalto University, Finland – Lumen Collection

Membrane between light and space: Lumen collection from Membrane
Photo — Eszter Nagy

Sustainability and light: In her ‘Lumen Collection’, Eszter Nagy presents textiles woven from natural materials that navigate as membranes between light and space. Her two main pieces were created on the industrial machine at Aalto University, which has a cotton warp. The density and thickness of the yarn led Eszter Nagy to test multi-layered structures and fil-coupe to increase light transmission. During the design process, she tried out hand-woven structures and treated them in different ways: In ‘Lilla’, she weaves a two-layer structure with linen wefts that reveal their long floats in the fabric when light falls on them. ‘Duo’ is created as a single fabric with a double weave, which is later cut apart using the fil-coupe technique. The pattern is woven with wool, which fixes the position of the cut wefts after washing and drying. The two fabrics created in this way form reciprocal negative patterns which, when laid on top of each other as a curtain, create a playful effect.

Eszter Nagy: ‘With my architectural background, I have always been fascinated by natural light and how it creates different spatial atmospheres. The starting point of the Lumen collection is experimenting with transparent textiles that navigate between light and space as a membrane. Lumen is also intended to be woven only from natural materials to demonstrate the sustainable possibilities of transparent fabrics. With each piece, the boundary between inside and outside is either more strongly defined or removed.’

Birke-Katharina Weber, Weißensee Kunsthochschule Berlin, Germany – MycoColors

MycoColors: The colour of mushrooms as a sustainable alternative
Photo — Birke-Katharina Weber

‘MycoColors’ is dedicated to the colourful world of mushrooms: In her research work, Birke-Katharina Weber investigates innovative methods for extracting textile dyes from mushrooms, which have the potential to serve as an environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic dyes. Birke-Katharina Weber is researching different types of fungi and extraction processes in order to develop a wide range of sustainable colour options for the textile industry. Extractive processes for obtaining dyes from the fruiting bodies of existing fungal species and the controllable growth of mycelia in bioreactors are used for this purpose. Their aim is to create a constantly growing range of colours that can also be transferred to other materials.

Birke-Katharina Weber: ‘Our colourful planet has produced three large empires of organisms: flora, fauna and funga. Funga? In fact, the world of fungi is only partially visible to the eye in its diversity of form and function, but it is of fundamental importance for the formation and interaction of natural elements. Nowadays, it even offers numerous opportunities to stop the harmful and destructive dynamics of our industrial production methods.’

Posted: November 11, 2024

Source: Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH

ReHubs, AMI Join Forces To Collaborate On The Conference Program For The First Textiles Recycling Expo

BRUSSELS  — November 11, 2024 — ReHubs is pleased to announce that it has become a strategic partner for the Textiles Recycling Expo that is being launched by AMI in Brussels on June 4-5, 2025. This event will serve as a platform for industry leaders and stakeholders to come together to advance textile waste recycling.

The Textiles Recycling Expo will showcase innovative developments and industry leading exhibitors working towards solving the issue of textile waste. It will also boast a high-level conference featuring industry experts, innovators and stakeholders presenting valuable insights and perspectives on the textile recycling industry.

With extensive experience in organizing events for the global plastics industry, AMI is now expanding its reach with the Textiles Recycling Expo. Partnering with ReHubs – a partnership- based collaboration hub for textile-to-textile recycling in Europe – this alliance combines AMI’s event management strengths with ReHubs’ extensive network and commitment to accelerating textile recycling. ReHubs will contribute to supporting the development of the conference program, bringing valuable insights from within the industry.

ReHub’s Chris Deloof commented on joining forces with AMI: “ReHubs is delighted to collaborate with AMI on this Expo for textiles recycling. This event provides a unique opportunity for the entire textiles recycling ecosystem to come together, exchange knowledge, and advance the adoption of recycled fibers and circular business models.”

AMI’s Zied Chetoui commented on the value of collaborative action with ReHubs: “The Textiles Recycling Expo represents a crucial step forward for the industry as we work collectively to build a circular future for textiles and we believe collaborating on this event with ReHubs will bring significant value to the industry through empowering stakeholders from across the value chain.”

By joining forces, AMI and ReHubs are combining their strengths to create an event that fosters meaningful connections, knowledge exchange, and industry-wide impact. This will establish the Textiles Recycling Expo as a leading event for advancing textiles recycling in Europe.

Posted: November 11, 2024

Source: ReHubs / The Textiles Recycling Expo is organized by AMI

EDANA Hosts Groundbreaking Sustainability Forum 2024, Showcasing Pathways To A Greener Future For The Nonwovens Industry

BRUSSELS — November 8, 2024 — EDANA, the European Disposables and Nonwovens Association, concluded its annual Sustainability Forum yesterday at the prestigious KBR Royal Library of Belgium in Brussels. This year’s forum, themed “Building a Sustainable Future Together,” featured a series of keynote addresses, panel discussions, and collaborative sessions focused on environmental responsibility, corporate social responsibility, and circular economy innovations within the nonwovens sector. With an agenda that bridged policy and practice, the Forum highlighted the latest advancements and strategies aimed at tackling climate change, reducing waste, and enhancing sustainability practices.

Keynote Highlights

The forum featured two keynote speakers in the world of sustainability. First, Ana Rovzar, Founder of Polygon AR, opened the Forum with a keynote on the accelerating transition to clean energy. In her speech, she discussed the shift from conventional energy investments to renewables, noting a 50% growth in renewables in 2023 alone. “It is accelerating much faster than people think” she remarked, emphasizing that “real progress requires a united front from governments, businesses, and communities to remove regulatory and technological barriers”.

In another impactful keynote, sustainability expert Mike Barry, formerly of Marks & Spencer, stressed the importance of aligning corporate strategy with sustainability. “Citizens see climate change as a top priority, and companies must act boldly to reduce emissions, especially Scope 3”, he said. “Sustainability is now a vital part of brand identity, and consumers expect more transparency and commitment than ever”.

Innovative Industry Perspectives and EU Policy Impacts

The Forum’s sessions offered a unique blend of forward-thinking ideas and practical approaches to sustainability. EDANA’s own Sustainability and Technical Affairs Manager, Marta Roche Díez, reflected on the organization’s achievements over the past year and outlined future goals to drive sustainable innovation in the nonwovens industry. “Our vision for sustainability is an evolving roadmap, but we’re proud of the progress made and are committed to championing impactful changes” , underscoring EDANA’s commitment to environmental responsibility in collaboration with EU directives.

Brieuc Lits, Public Affairs Director at EDANA, examined the potential effects of the EU Green Deal on the nonwovens industry. “The EU’s shift towards balancing sustainability with competitiveness will shape not only policy but the very framework within which we operate”, he noted, emphasizing that the sector must adapt to stay competitive and aligned with regulatory expectations.

Lastly, Paolo Haeusermann, Senior Brand Director and Europe Sustainability Leader at Procter & Gamble, shared insights on advancing sustainability in absorbent hygiene products and emphasized the importance of these items. “We are talking about essential products in people’s lives”, he remarked.

Corporate and Product Sustainability: A Deep Dive

Several industry leaders shared insights on integrating sustainability at every level of business. Carsten Ruff from Nitto Advanced Film Solutions discussed the challenges and strategies of embedding sustainability in corporate culture, particularly in a multinational setting. “Sustainability is not a contradiction to industrial applications; it’s a powerful driver of innovation”, he observed.

Martijn Gipmans from Sphera Solutions highlighted the business value of transparency and life-cycle assessments (LCA). “LCA and transparent ESG reporting can catalyse both business growth and environmental progress”, he explained, stressing the importance of integrated sustainability assessments to reduce the carbon footprint of entire product portfolios.

Christophe Morel-Fourrier, Sustainability Leader for Hygiene, Packaging, and Converting Adhesives at Bostik, introduced the Archimedes tool as a strategic asset for Portfolio Sustainability Assessment. “Archimedes allows us to make transparent, informed decisions that align with our long-term sustainability goals”, he explained. He highlighted that this tool helps companies evaluate the sustainability of their product portfolios, empowering them to make impactful choices that support environmental goals.

The Path Forward: Advancing Circularity and Green Innovation

One of the most discussed topics was the industry’s transition toward a circular economy. Albert Hammerschmied from Freudenberg Performance Materials highlighted the importance of post-industrial waste in achieving circularity, particularly in the automotive sector. “The potential for nonwovens in the automotive circular economy is vast, but requires industry-wide collaboration”, he commented.

In a session addressing the future of sustainable practices in building insulation, Alexandre Butté of ANDRITZ Laroche emphasized the importance of sustainable materials and collaboration among stakeholders. “The building industry faces unique sustainability challenges, but with innovation and eco-friendly materials, we can bridge the gap between goals and achievable practices”, he said.

Building a Sustainable Health Sector

Danielle van Horzen, Global Marketing Manager for Hygiene and Healthcare at SABIC, discussed advanced recycling solutions in the healthcare sector. Addressing the challenges of medical waste recycling, she stated, “A significant amount of medical waste is not contaminated, offering us opportunities to create circularity in healthcare.” She pointed to the potential for advanced chemical recycling to enable circular models, helping to tackle the pressing issue of sustainable medical waste management.

The day concluded with a session on the circular potential within healthcare. Kristien Depraetere, Sustainability Coordinator at UZ Leuven, outlined sustainable practices in hospitals, from waste reduction to advanced recycling in medical waste. “Healthcare can lead by example in the transition to circularity, yet we need practical and legislative support to address unique industry challenges”.

Visit to the European Commission

The third day of EDANA’s Sustainability Forum 2024 concluded with an insightful visit to the European Commission, offering attendees a unique opportunity to engage directly with policymakers and gain firsthand insights into the EU’s sustainability agenda. Hosted at the Charlemagne Building, discussions centered on pivotal elements of the EU Green Deal, including the establishment of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), the scope and implementation of the Single-Use Plastics Directive (SUPD), and the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation.

Featuring presentations from prominent EU officials like Vicenzo Gente and Werner Bosmans, attendees delved into how these regulations are shaping sustainability strategies across industries. Bridging policy and practice emerged as essential, reinforcing the forum’s dedication to aligning industry actions with current EU regulatory frameworks. The session offered a strong conclusion to the event, reinforcing a shared commitment to a sustainable future in collaboration with EU leaders and regulatory bodies.

EDANA’s Commitment to a Greener Future

The Sustainability Forum 2024 underscored EDANA’s commitment to driving sustainable practices across the nonwovens industry. As companies, policymakers, and stakeholders join forces to combat environmental challenges, EDANA is positioned to support and accelerate these efforts.

Posted: November 8, 2024

Source: EDANA — European Disposables and Nonwovens Association

NRF: Import Cargo Could See Surge Ahead Of Potential Port Strike And Trump Tariffs

WASHINGTON — November 8, 2024 — Import volumes at the nation’s major container ports could be higher than previously expected for the remainder of this year as retailers face another potential East Coast/Gulf Coast port strike and tariff increases planned by President-elect Donald Trump, according to the Global Port Tracker report released today by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates.

“October’s strike lasted only three days but there’s the potential for a longer strike if a new labor contract is not reached after the contract extension runs out in mid-January,” NRF Vice President for Supply Chain and Customs Policy Jonathan Gold said. “That has retailers spending extra to bring in cargo early or continue shifting it to the West Coast to avoid any potential disruptions, much like they did earlier this year. And we’re hearing that some merchants will also move up shipments to avoid the costly tariff increases expected after Donald Trump returns to the White House. Neither of these developments is good for retailers, their customers or the economy.”

The International Longshoremen’s Association briefly went on strike at East and Gulf Coast ports in October after its contract with the U.S. Maritime Alliance expired. But longshoremen went back to work after the parties agreed to a wage increase and a contract extension until January 15. The parties are set to resume formal negotiations next week.

An NRF study released this week found that tariff increases proposed by Trump could drive up consumer prices by as much as $78 billion a year.

Hackett Associates Founder Ben Hackett said the potential for a January strike “can be seen in the continuing increases in U.S. imports from Asia, which have not fallen away as expected.” And worries over higher tariffs are a global concern, he said.

“We are witnessing elections around the world where discontent is leading to inward-looking policies that threaten trade with the almost certain potential for increasing tariffs,” Hackett said. “In the United States, this is particularly true with the election of Donald Trump but it is not much different in Europe, with the EU calling for tariffs to be applied to a growing number of products from China.”

U.S. ports covered by Global Port Tracker handled 2.29 million Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units – one 20-foot container or its equivalent – in September, although the Ports of New York/New Jersey and Miami have yet to report final data. That was down 1.3% from August but up 12.8% year over year.

Ports have not yet reported October’s numbers, but Global Port Tracker projected the month at 2.13 million TEU, up 3.7% year over year. November is forecast at 2.15 million TEU, up 13.6% year over year, and December at 1.99 million TEU, up 6.1%. That would bring 2024 to 25.3 million TEU, up 13.6% from 2023.

The numbers have not yet been revised to reflect this week’s election results but do take the potential port strike into consideration. October was previously forecast at 2.12 million TEU, November at 1.91 million TEU and December at 1.88 million TEU, and the total for 2024 was previously forecast at 24.9 million TEU.

January 2025 is forecast at 2.01 million TEU, up 2.5% year over year; February at 1.77 million TEU, down 9.3% because of fluctuations in the timing of Lunar New Year shutdowns at Asian factories, and March at 2.01 million TEU, up 4.4%.

Global Port Tracker, which is produced for NRF by Hackett Associates, provides historical data and forecasts for the U.S. ports of Los Angeles/Long Beach, Oakland, Seattle and Tacoma on the West Coast; New York/New Jersey, Port of Virginia, Charleston, Savannah, Port Everglades, Miami and Jacksonville on the East Coast, and Houston on the Gulf Coast. The report is free to NRF retail members, and subscription information is available at NRF.com/PortTracker

As the leading authority and voice for the retail industry, NRF analyzes economic conditions affecting the industry through reports such as Global Port Tracker.

Posted: November 8, 2024

Source: The National Retail Federation (NRF)

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