SENNINGERBERG, Luxembourg — February 23, 2017 — Orion Engineered Carbons S.A., a worldwide supplier of specialty and high-performance carbon black, today announced that it will expand production capacity at its Norcarb Engineered Carbons AB plant in Malmö, Sweden. Debottlenecking of a line will provide additional specialty carbon black to supply the growing fibers, wire & cable and adhesives & sealants markets.
“The expansion of capacity in Malmö is one more step in Orion’s rapid realignment of our portfolio toward higher value added specialty and technical rubber applications,” said Jack Clem, Orion’s Chief Executive Officer. “Products from Malmö will primarily support our customers in Europe, the Middle East and Asia-Pacific. This action is a reflection of the high confidence of our customers in Orion’s products and technical support capabilities.”
MONTREAL — February 8, 2017 — Gildan Activewear Inc. today announced that it has completed the acquisition of the American Apparel® brand and certain assets from American Apparel LLC (American Apparel). On January 10, 2017, Gildan emerged as the winner in the court supervised auction to acquire the American Apparel brand and certain assets, subject to approval by the bankruptcy court and other customary closing conditions.
Lenzing’s Future Black — Today, Tomorrow, Forever Denim Capsule Collection includes styles featuring Lenzing Modal® BLACK/polyester/spandex fabric.
Spun-dyed Lenzing Modal® BLACK fiber offers a sustainable solution for permanently black jeans and other apparel.
By Janet Bealer Rodie, Contributing Editor
Austria-based Lenzing AG developed modal fiber in the 1960s as a regenerated cellulosic fiber that offers improved tenacity. The raw material for Lenzing Modal® comes from sustainably managed beech wood forests in Europe certified by the Geneva-based Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification. The fiber is produced at Lenzing’s integrated pulp/fiber complex in Austria using on-site-produced biomass process energy and chlorine-free cellulose. Ninety-five percent of process chemical byproducts from modal production are recovered for reuse.
Lenzing Modal Color, one group within the Lenzing Modal product line, offers some 10 colors of spun-dyed — or solution-dyed — fiber, in which pigment is added to the dope prior to extrusion, to produce a fiber with completely integrated color that does not wear off or wash off. Primary among those colors is Lenzing Modal BLACK, and Lenzing worked with supply chain partners to develop fabrics featuring the black fiber, first to address consumer demand for permanently black jeans, and now also for other wovens and knits for the wider apparel market. The company launched its Future Black — Today, Tomorrow, Forever Denim Capsule Collection at Kingpins Amsterdam in October 2016, and is showing an expanded range of fabrics at Première Vision in Paris in February 2017. Because of increased consumer interest in sustainability, Lenzing is emphasizing Modal Black’s environmental benefits.
“We got a great response to the collection at Kingpins,” said Tricia Carey, director of global business development, Lenzing. “We have been making this fiber for several years, but we didn’t highlight so much the sustainability aspect earlier, and consumers now are really looking for information about sustainability.”
Lenzing reports that using Lenzing Modal Black in fabrics lowers the environmental impacts of production by 50 to 65 percent. In addition to sustainability-related factors noted above, spun-dyed Modal Black fiber uses only 20 percent of the pigment required in conventional dyeing. Furthermore, production of fabric containing the fiber requires half the energy and water needed for conventional fabric production and has a 50-percent lower carbon footprint. Water effluent also is reduced.
The company reports production cost savings range from 20 percent for electricity and 62 percent for heat, to 64 percent each for water usage and treated wastewater, and 90 percent for chemical usage.
Fabrics include 100-percent Modal Black as well as blends with cotton or polyester. “Even in denim there are some interesting possibilities with solution-dyed black polyester because you don’t have to dye the fabric at all,” Carey said. “Another possibility is using the fiber in heathers,” she added.
“And you can bring this into ‘see now, buy now’ instant fashion. When you can condense the steps of the supply chain, it helps efficiency from the time standpoint.”
Lenzing Modal Black is currently featured in Gardena, Calif.-based Level 99’s forever black and white denim collection, and Canada-based Dish and DU/ER’s Never Fade women’s pant style.
For more information about Lenzing Modal® BLACK, contact Tricia Carey +212.944.7896; t.carey@lenzing.com.
Gastonia, N.C.-based Champion Thread Co. recently made a number of appointments. Matt Poovey was promoted to president replacing his father Bob Poovey who will continue as CEO. Patrick “PJ” McCord was hired as vice president of sales. McCord is charged with running the sales organization and developing strategies for profitable growth. In addition, Jim Lee has been promoted to vice president of Business Development responsible for developing expansion and growth strategies in the textile, consumer goods and industrial markets.
LeeParry
Helen Parry has joined England-based MagnaColours® as managing director replacing Tom Abbey who now is executive chairman.
Germany-based Südwolle GmbH & Co. KG, a member of the Südwolle Group, has named Robert Seibold managing director, Finance; and Stéphane Thouvay, managing director, Product Management & Innovation. Südwolle’s Management Board now consists of
Seibold and Thouvay along with Technology & Production Managing Director Manfred Heinrich and Distribution/Sales Managing Director Hans-Georg von Schuh.
Tsocos
Hudson, N.C.-based Outdura named Gloria Tsocos design manager. She joined the company’s contract fabric division in 2015.
Minneapolis-based AmeriPride Services has named Dave Rotman vice president of Marketing and Supply Chain. In addition, Leo Smith was promoted to vice president of Customer Operations; and Andrew Steiner was promoted to senior vice president of Canadian Operations.
Battle
England-based Cygnet Texkimp has named Warren Battle vice president of sales for its Greenville, S.C.-based Cygnet USA operation.
Meridian Specialty Yarn Group Inc. (MSYG), Valdese, N.C., has named Ed Carroll vice president of Finance and Amy Isenhour sales and marketing manager.
Frank Liao has joined Velcro Companies as president of the Asia-Pacific region. He is based in Shanghai.
Greensboro, N.C.-based Textile Network Concepts (TNC) has released a database of 2,494 international companies that buy para-aramid fiber, pulp/ floc, filament or paper. This in-depth marketing tool is supplied in an easy-to-use excel file format and can be searched using a variety of parameters including region, purchasing country, segment and purchasing form among other parameters. TNC reports it also can provide similar marketing tools for other technical fibers.
Employees from Rockline Industries presented a 2016 Rockline Partnership Recognition Award to representatives from Suominen.
Sheboygan, Wis.-based Rockline Industries has released its eighth annual Sustainability Report, which outlines the company’s 2016 performance relative to its newest set
of environmental sustainability goals to achieve by 2020. In other company news, Rockline gave a 2016 Rockline Partnership Recognition Award as a Best in Class Supplier and Partner to Helsinki-based Suominen. This is the second time Suominen has received this award.
American Roller Co., Union Grove, Wis., has a redesigned website located at americanroller.com. The company reports the mobile friendly site is easier to navigate and includes more in-depth content, including videos, about the companies capabilities.
Lawrence, Mass.-based Polartec has introduced MtnLogic, a top-of-the-mountain apparel brand designed in cooperation with world class alpine climbers and guides from RMI Expeditions. Polartec reports this collection is different because the design process began with examining needs instead of trends or price point.
The Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry (INDA), Cary, N.C., has released the “Global Nonwoven Wipes Industry Outlook,” a report that forecasts excellent growth in the global and regional nonwovens wipes markets over the next four years. The report offers production data for North America, Greater Europe, Asia, South America, the Middle East and North Africa. The 137-page report is available to both INDA members and non-members. INDA also is soliciting nominations for its World of Wipes Innovation Award®, which will be handed out at the World of Wipes® (WOW) International Conference to be held June 12-15, 2017, at the Gaylord Opryland Resort in Nashville, Tenn. Nominations may be made online at inda.org/events/wow17 until February 20, 2017.
Germany-based Karl Mayer has expanded its online Webshop Spare Parts service to customers in China. Now clients in this country can order from the approximately 300 stored and current spare parts, including pattern discs and chains that were recently added to the offerings, online. According to the company, parts listed on the site are available for immediate dispatch.
Switzerland-based OEKO-TEX® has joined the Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals (ZDHC) Program.
Top Value Fabrics recently introduced Shockwave fabrics designed for activewear applications.
Carmel, Ind.-based Top Value Fabrics has added Shockwave fabrics to its line of polyester/spandex fabrics for activewear applications. The 92-percent polyester/8-percent spandex space-dye jersey fabric was developed for use in attention-getting activewear.
Effective January 31, 2017, a new law went into effective in New York City that licenses and sets standards for commercial and on-premise laundries serving hotels, hospitals, restaurants and other businesses within the city. The Textile Rental Services Association (TRSA) coordinated with government officials to mitigate the regulatory impact.
Germany-based Freudenberg Performance Materials has launched a new site for its Evolon® fabric, where visitors can learn detailed information about Evolon microfilament fabric and the benefits offered by the product. Located at evolon.freudenberg-pm.com, the website is available in English, German and French.
Germany-based Brückner Trockentechnik GmbH & Co. KG reports it has sold a Power-Frame tenter to Thailand-based Nan Yang Textile Group, a producer of cotton yarn and knit fabrics and garments. Nan Yang will use the tenter in its heat-setting operations and it cited the high drying performance in conjunction with homogeneous air flow and temperature distribution as factors influencing its buying decision.
Italy-based Santex Rimar Group has entered into a distribution agreement with Turkey-based Has Group, which it hopes will add new competencies, experience and value-added solutions to the Santex Rimar portfolio.
Stefano Gallucci (left), CEO, Santex Rimar Group, with Tamer Hasbay, president, Has Group
“Has Group is a manufacturing excellence with relevant know-how in textile finishing process and inter alia in stenter machines production,” said Stefano Gallucci, Santex Rimar Group CEO. “From today on it will globally leverage on Santex Rimar Group distribution network, sales and marketing expertise. With this agreement of premiere distribution, we will streamline our combined technical capabilities and expertise to build value-added
solutions for customers throughout the world.”
“We are pleased to announce the globalization of Has Group together with Santex Rimar Group,” said Tamer Hasbay, Has Group president, “Has Group will continue to take care of Turkey as well as in the neighboring countries but the new global structure will allow us to pursue profitable markets, build on our core strengths, accelerate our research and development activities and have a common quality platform for all our product lines.”
Klüber Lubrication has introduced Klübersynth FB 4 Series ultra-fine filtered spindle and hydraulic oils. According to the company, oils in the series — developed to lubricate the rolling bearings of high-speed machine tool spindles and to be used in hydraulic systems and components such as servo valves — can extend component life thereby reducing operating costs. The polyalphaolefin oils are of purity class 15/13/10 and meet the requirements of ISO 4406.
“The three oils in the Klübersynth FB 4 Series, ISO VG grades 32, 46 and 68, help reduce wear caused by fine dirt particles in the lubricant, and can lengthen component life due to a higher purity of the oil,” said Bill Watson, regional director of marketing and engineering for Klüber Lubrication NA LP. “A fully synthetic base oil also helps extend oil change intervals and improve total cost of ownership in a hydraulic system.”
Arkema’s technical polymers business, King of Prussia, Pa., has added Kynar® fluoropolymer powder coatings to its collection of technical polymer powders that includes
Rilsan® Fine Powders.
According to the company, the new Kynar PVDF powder coatings may be used to protect small metal chemical storage tanks, high purity manufacturing components, valves, pumps, ducts and other chemical handling or mining equipment that comes into contact with acids, halogenated chemicals, petrochemicals, continuous abrasion or continuous exposure to temperatures of up to 95°C. Kynar Flex® 2850 PC and Kynar ADX Flex 281 may be used in spray and dip coating options as well as in primerless applications when used with Arkema’s patented Kynar ADX technology.
“Until now, our flagship polyamide 11 powder coatings have enabled us to become the industry benchmark for heavy duty durability, impact resistance and flexibility,” said Adrien Lapeyre, global market manager for Arkema’s technical polymer powders. “We now add extreme chemical resistance and inertness to our list of features.”
The Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla., will host the inaugural InPrint USA show.
The industrial print technology exhibition established in Europe hosts inaugural show in the United States.
TW Special Report
InPrint is an exhibition for industrial print technology for manufacturing that, according to the organizer — Mack Brooks Inc., a subsidiary of the England-based Mack Brooks Exhibition Group — has become a key marketplace in Europe for state-of-the-art functional, decorative and packaging printing in industrial production. The show has developed a reputation as a place to see unique, cutting-edge technologies, as well as product launches from leading brands in specialty, screen, digital inkjet and 3-D printing solutions.
Building on the success of the European edition and the current growth and interest in industrial and digital printing, organizers are bringing the event to the United States this year. The Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, Fla., will host the inaugural InPrint USA show April 25-27, 2017. The exhibition aims to “provide access to technology that solves the complex problems facing the packaging, decorative, automotive, additive manufacturing and 3-D industries in the United States,” according to the organizer.
“Through our industry research and exhibitor focus groups, we found that there was an opportunity for a new platform in the U.S. highlighting the emerging technology happening in the industrial print sector,” said Melissa Magestro, executive vice president, Mack Brooks Exhibitions Inc. “There are several successful printing shows already happening in the U.S., but we are marketing to an entirely different audience. InPrint USA is a more specialized, focused show aimed at manufacturers who need complex, customized, cooperatively designed system solutions in order to generate new possibilities and revenue in industrial production.”
Defining Industrial Printing
Show organizers define industrial printing as “using print technologies within the process of manufacturing.” Industrial printing differs from conventional document or graphic printing — where the items mostly are used for promotional purposes — in that during the manufacturing process, ink or another substance is transferred onto a product for decorative or functional reasons. The applications and industries are broad — from electronic applications, to packaging and 3-D printing — and the fast-growing textile digital printing market is included in this mix. Digital textile printing technologies may offer manufacturers the ability to customize print runs with frequent design changes at a lower cost compared to traditional textile printing technologies.
According to branch experts at Boston-based IT Strategies, the industrial print market currently is valued at more than $100 billion; and the digital and inkjet market is predicted to grow a cumulative average of 36 percent by 2020.
Exhibitor, Visitor Profiles
InPrint USA 2017 exhibitors will present their innovative equipment and industrial printing solutions in five technology categories:
Specialty;
Screen;
Digital;
Inkjet; and
3-D.
Within these five categories, show attendees will find the following equipment, tools and services on display: machinery and printing systems; integrated and customized parts and systems; printheads, screens and other special parts; inks, fluids and chemicals; materials and substrates; hardware and software solutions; pre-press devices; equipment for processing and finishing including cutting, pressing and molding; services for the industrial sector; and research, consultants, trade associations and trade publications. The technologies will cover printing on metal, plastics, foils, textiles, glass, ceramics, wood and other substrates.
Similar to the 2016 edition of InPrint Milan, InPrint USA will offer networking opportunities to find the right partners for collaboration and problem solving.
Show organizers report most of the visitors come from the manufacturing sector including industrial print specialists, production managers, research and development heads, technical directors, and designers. Other attendees come from industrial print companies that produce decorative or functional print solutions for integration into a larger manufacturing process; from original equipment manufacturers, integrators, component manufacturers and developers searching for partners and technologies; and from traditional print companies such as commercial and graphic art print houses looking for new revenue streams.
According to Mack Brooks, InPrint USA is relevant for professionals from a wide variety of industries including: additive and advanced manufacturing; aeronautics and aerospace; appliance and equipment manufacturing; architectural; automotive; ceramics and glass; consumer products manufacturers; credit and gift cards; decals, labels and name plates; furnishing and interior décor; medical; packaging and containers; pharmaceutical goods; product finishing and quality control; surface imaging; and rapid and regular prototyping.
Educational Opportunities At InPrint USA 2017
InPrint USA’s educational sessions feature industry experts in three key printing areas — functional, decorative and packaging. The sessions comprise four main events — the Showcase Theater, IMI Inkjet Tech Talks, the TCM Decorative Surfaces Conference and the Global Industrial Inkjet Conference.
The Showcase Theater, hosted by exhibiting companies, will focus on innovations in inkjet technology and inks for industrial printing applications. The challenges of growth in the sector will be considered.
The IMI Inkjet Tech Talks are designed to complement the other content presented during InPrint USA and will cover key technology areas including inks, printheads and technology integration.
The TCM Decorative Surfaces Conference will focus on the use of digital printing for decorative materials such as wood paneling, laminate flooring and vinyl tiles.
The Global Industrial Inkjet Conference spans all three days of the show, and will offer attendees news and insights on the market opportunities and challenges in the industrial inkjet arena. Organizers hope the conference “will provide a bridge between opportunity and reality for any business — manufacturer, developer or integrator.
Collocated Event
InPrint USA 2017 will be collocated with ICE USA 2017 — the International Converting Exhibition targeting the paper, film, foil, nonwovens and other flexible web-materials segments. In its fourth edition, the trade show brings together attendees from around the globe to see the latest in machinery, technology and manufacturing solutions first-hand. Registered InPrint USA visitors also will gain free admission to ICE USA.
“InPrint USA is Collocated with the International Converting Exhibition — ICE USA — which already delivers an audience of packaging converters, but we are also actively identifying targets in textiles, printed electronics, and décor who are wanting to learn more about industrial print solutions,” said Magestro.
At InPrint Milan 2016, France-based Ardeje demonstrated the InfinityA1000R digital printing module that enables customized shoe decoration using ultraviolet ink.
Registration
InPrint USA 2017 is open to the trade only. Attendees who register before April 1 qualify for an early-bird discount and will pay $40 for an exhibit hall pass. After April 1, the fee increases to $60 including for on-site registration. The TCM Decorative Surfaces Conference, including a three-day exhibit hall pass, is $95; and the Global Industrial Inkjet Conference pass is $249, which also includes the exhibit hall pass for all three days.
The show floor is open Tuesday and Wednesday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. and there will be a reception on the floor from 3 p.m. until 5 p.m. both days. On Thursday, the show is open from 10:00 a.m. until 3 p.m.
“According to all research, inkjet for textile is growing at approximately 20-percent every year,” said Frazer Chesterman, co-founder of InPrint. “This is because there is strong demand from retailers and consumers for smaller batch production that has a high frequency of change. Added to this, new digital technology is maturing at a rate that can meet this demand from an engineering and a chemistry stand point, and once pigment ink is a proven option, then the options of being able to print onto different textiles will accelerate growth even further. InPrint is a show focused on development of technology for growing industrial print applications such as textiles and the only exhibition where visitors can learn of the latest technological options and meet experts that can advise and solve any problems a visitor may have.”
“Heidelberg supports the launch of the InPrint Show USA 2017 and we look forward to the impact and value it creates for industrial inkjet technology,” said Jason Oliver, senior vice president, digital print solutions, Germany-based Heidelberg. “At InPrint 2015 we showcased Heidelberg’s innovative direct to shape technology and generated a huge amount of attention and interest. We expect the same kind of response in the U.S. as the marketplace is significant both in its size and its innovative culture, and we believe that our innovative technology will suit the fast developing nature of the market. InPrint is an event that is needed in order for us to connect our technology and ideas to the right kind of people, those focused on industrial print.”
Make plans now to attend this inaugural event.
For more information about InPrint USA 2017, please visit inprintshow.com/usa/.
