IVL Acquisition Of Cepsa Business In Spain Complete

BANGKOK, Thailand — April 8, 2016 — Indorama Ventures Public Co. Ltd. (IVL) has completed the acquisition of 100 percent of the purified isopthalic acid, polyethylene terephthalate (PET and Purified Terephthalic Acid (PTA)) assets of Cepsa Química S.A., a subsidiary of Compañía Española de Petróleos S.A.U. (“CEPSA”) in Guadarranque-San Roque, Cadiz, Spain. The company will be renamed Indorama Ventures Química S.L.U. The acquisition makes Indorama Ventures a world-leading producer of Isopthalic Acid, a key chemical additive in the manufacture of PET for packaging as well as consolidating our strategy in Europe.

“The acquisition provides Indorama Ventures with a stronger base in Europe and will allow us to simplify logistics costs in the region,” said Aloke Lohia, Group CEO, IVL. “The addition of the key chemical, isopthalic acid, provides us with a high value-added business that is a good fit in our international strategy.

“Our Spanish assets will complement Indorama Ventures’ existing portfolio in Europe with consolidation of PTA and PET assets and with addition of PIA, a high value add business. We see some debottlenecking opportunities at the plant that will increase efficiency,” Lohia added.

“We have a great team onboard now, and I would like to take the opportunity to welcome both the employees and customers of Cepsa and look forward to working closely with them going forward.

Posted April 8, 2016

Source: Indorama Ventures Public Company Limited (IVL)

Rockline Industries Celebrates 40th Anniversary

SHEBOYGAN, Wis. — April 7, 2016 — Rockline Industries, a manufacturer of coffee filters and private label wet wipes, is celebrating its 40th anniversary in April.

In 1976, the Rudolph family entered the coffee filter business and later expanded into other consumer products including wet wipes in the 1980’s.  Forty years later, the company is still family owned and has grown to over a 2,000-person organization with state-of-the-art domestic and international manufacturing locations with customers across the globe.

Rockline credits its people and relationships for company success

“We have benefitted from the good fortune of having strong relationships with extraordinary people who work with us as associates, customers and suppliers,” said Randy Rudolph, president. “We’ve never lost sight of what really matters. We are deeply thankful for everyone that works closely together and contributes valuable talent, time and ideas.”

In addition to its people and relationship-focused culture, the emphasis at Rockline continues to be on innovation. The company was the first to develop a wet wipe refill package, the first in the U.S. to introduce pop-up folded wipes, and the first private-branded company to develop a truly flushable moist toilet tissue.

“We are committed to continuous support of our customers with cutting-edge products, faster speeds to market and environmental sustainability,” said Rudolph.

Rockline will celebrate its anniversary throughout April with company celebration events.

Posted April 8, 2016

Source: Rockline Industries

Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) Wins Civil Action against Mattress Companies; Files FTC Complaint Regarding False “Organic” Claims In Apparel and Mattress Sectors

WASHINGTON — April 7, 2016 — It was a major win for consumers faced with a “Wild West” of textile products being mislabeled and/or falsely advertised as “organic.” On March 21, GOTS won a civil action in the US District Court of Virginia against defendants Serta Simmons Bedding, Delta Enterprises Corp., and Dreamwell Ltd., alleging unauthorized uses of the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certification trademark on sleeping mattresses, particularly infant mattresses. The civil suit (Global Standard gemeinnützige GmbH v. Serta Simmons Bedding, LLC et al, Eastern District of Virginia Case No. 1:15-cv-01486) was promptly resolved with a permanent injunction prohibiting unauthorized uses of the GOTS certification trademark.

A week later, on March 30, GOTS filed a complaint with the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) documenting the widespread inaccurate and misleading use of the term “organic“ by US companies and marketers in connection with textile products.

 

“The lawsuit and FTC complaint should send a clear message to the textile sector that unauthorized and unsubstantiated claims that textile products are ‘organic’ or GOTS-certified will not be tolerated,” stated Herbert Ladwig, GOTS  Managing Director. “To serve our certified operations and provide fair competition in the market for certified organic goods, we welcome market participants to notify both us and the FTC of any perceived misuses of the term organic or the GOTS logo.”

In 2011, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Organic Program (NOP) released a Policy Memorandum addressing the labeling of textile products containing organic ingredients (such as organic cotton, organic wool, and organic linen). The memo clarifies that only textile products produced in full compliance with the NOP regulations may be labeled as NOP certified organic and display the USDA organic seal. However, as most of the NOP’s permitted inputs are not applicable to textile processing, NOP labeling is likely unachievable for most garments and textile products that use a variety of dyestuffs and auxiliary agents.

“As a practical alternative, NOP’s policy memo explicitly confirms that textile products produced in accordance with GOTS, such as apparel, mattresses, or socks, may be sold as ‘organic’ in the US, without reference to NOP certification or the USDA organic seal,” Ladwig states.

In the complaint to the FTC, GOTS requests the agency make clear to marketers that in the absence of government organic textile standards, private and globally applicable standards with third-party certifications have been developed that are recognized by certain federal agencies. Such global standards – in contrast to mere national ones – are more suitable anyway to industries which are – as the textile industry is – organized globally. The organization also urged FTC to expressly acknowledge GOTS, refer to NOP’s Policy Memorandum on Textiles, and monitor and enforce use of the term “organic” on textiles that are not certified under either NOP or GOTS. Such steps would significantly help prevent misleading organic claims and ensure consumer confidence in the term “organic.”

Posted April 7, 2016

Source: Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)

HanesBrands To Acquire Champion Europe, Uniting Champion Brand Globally

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — April 7, 2016 — HanesBrands — a marketer of everyday innerwear and activewear apparel under world-class brands in the Americas, Europe and Asia — today announced that it has entered into a definitive purchase agreement to acquire Champion Europe, which owns the trademark for the Champion brand in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

Hanes has agreed to acquire the privately held Champion Europe, based in Italy, in an all-cash transaction. The purchase price will be 10 times actual calendar 2016 earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, subject to adjustment for cash, debt and working capital. Champion Europe expects 2016 net sales of more than €190 million, operating profit of approximately €15 million, and EBITDA of approximately €20 million.

The acquisition, which is subject to certain closing conditions, is expected to close midyear 2016. Hanes intends to take advantage of its strong balance sheet to fund the acquisition with debt, consistent with its previously communicated capital allocation strategy.

Champion Europe designs, sources and sells Champion athletic apparel wholesale to retailers and directly to consumers via company-owned retail stores. The company’s largest wholesale markets are Italy, Greece, Spain and Scandinavia, while the company operates approximately 130 retail stores in Italy and Greece.

Champion in Europe will be run as a division of the company’s global Champion organization. Sauro Mambrini, chief executive officer and president of Champion Europe, will remain with HanesBrands to oversee Champion Europe operations.

“This acquisition coupled with the recent purchase of the Champion business from our licensee in Japan will unite the Champion brand globally and will give us a powerful platform for growth on every continent,” said Hanes Chief Operating Officer Gerald W. Evans Jr. “Sauro Mambrini and the highly capable management team of Champion Europe will be a great addition to our organization.”

Champion Europe is a leading designer, marketer and distributor of athletic apparel and accessories across Europe, Africa and the Middle East. Champion’s distinct brand image, which dates to its founding in Rochester, New York, in 1919, is defined by an American athletic heritage and a reputation for providing innovative and durable products for male and female athletes and teams throughout the world for a wide variety of sports.

“Champion is a great brand that resonates with consumers worldwide,” Mambrini said. “In Europe, we have built a business that reflects the Champion heritage from the United States and then optimizes a natural affinity for Italian apparel design. Our team is eager to join the global Champion team, which will benefit the business in every market served and increase the potential for expansion into new markets.”

After the acquisition closes, Hanes will update its 2016 financial guidance to reflect the closing timing, the outlook for Champion Europe, and any currency considerations.

“This is a great time to do an acquisition,” Hanes Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Richard A. Noll said. “Our overall business is trending as expected; our recent acquisitions are performing well; we have a vision for Champion as a global brand; and we feel good about delivering double-digit earnings growth in 2016 and for many years to come.”

Posted April 7, 2016

Source: HanesBrands

Zamasport Chooses Lectra Fashion PLM

PARIS — April 7, 2016 — Lectra — a provider of integrated technology solutions dedicated to industries using fabrics, leather, technical textiles and composite materials — is pleased to announce that Italian apparel manufacturing company Zamasport has chosen Lectra Fashion PLM to improve its product development processes for luxury brand collections.

Founded in 1966, Zamasport has built a sturdy reputation for its expertise in developing entire collections of the high-end range, from creating the first prototype of a garment up to its production. Initially designing and distributing knitwear through its brand Callaghan, the company eventually branched out into manufacturing, becoming a crowd favorite among luxury brands. Today, the company develops more than twenty collections per year for premium brands. Due to its success and globalization, Zamasport finds itself facing demands for higher-volume orders to be delivered on time while maintaining high quality standards.

“We are a very dynamic company and our top priority right now is to gain momentum and flexibility in order to fulfill our clients’ demands. Simulating product development cost estimates in advance will save us a huge amount of time. To do so, we need a comprehensive system where accurate information from different divisions can be aggregated and shared. We have been a Lectra customer for over twenty years, so Lectra Fashion PLM came naturally as the first choice to us. We have experienced firsthand the effectiveness of Lectra’s design, marker-making and automated cutting solutions and in-depth expertise, which gave us the perfect fit and quality of our garments. This drew customers to us in the first place. We are happy to work with a trustworthy and reliable partner such as Lectra,” says Amedeo Cioffi, General Manager Zamasport.

Zamasport will implement Lectra Fashion PLM in their product and collection development process. Specifically made for the fashion industry, this user-friendly solution will serve as a collaborative platform for all teams involved in the design-to-production process. The teams will be able to communicate and share accurate information in real time, enabling them to hasten their decision-making process. As a result, fabric waste, overlapping tasks and errors will be avoided, dramatically reducing time to market.

“Zamasport is a world-class manufacturer catering to leading luxury brands. The professionalism of its staff is reflected in their desire to keep up with the evolving needs of its clientele. Given our longstanding partnership and level of mutual trust, we are excited to embark on this new chapter with Zamasport,” says Fabio Canali, Managing Director Lectra Italy.

Posted April 7, 2016

Source: Lectra

AATCC Offers High Efficiency Detergent 

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. — April 7, 2016 — Standard testing requires standard materials. Now, AATCC offers a standard laundry detergent specifically for use with high-efficiency (HE) washing machines.

HE Detergent for HE Machines

AATCC Standard Reference HE Liquid Detergent is designed for use in HE washing machines. Since 2010, AATCC Monograph 6, Standardization of Home Laundry Test Methods (www.aatcc.org/test/methods/m6), includes specifications for HE washing machines, in both front-loading and top-loading platforms. Several test labs have adopted HE machines, to reduce water and energy use, to reflect consumer preferences, or simply because HE machines are more readily available.

These machines use significantly less water than traditional agitator machines, and a different cleansing action. This requires a different detergent. HE detergents, including the new AATCC HE detergent, allow complete cleaning with reduced suds. The American Cleaning Institute explains that excess suds are not just an inconvenience; they can reduce cleaning performance, extend wash time, and leave residue on washed specimens. All these factors can lead to false or inconsistent test results. Over time, excess suds can even cause damage to the washing machine.

Representative Formula

AATCC HE detergent also has all the advantages of AATCC’s other standard detergents. It is formulated to have the cleaning power of an “average” consumer HE detergent. This means the results you see in the lab are likely to match the results an end-product consumer sees at home. No false passes from using a high-end detergent in the lab.

Consistent Production

The recipe is the same for each lot of AATCC HE detergent. Standard detergent is one less variable to worry about during testing. You can count on closely-monitored consistency—every season, in every location. No need to worry about the impact of new formulas, scents, or additives on you test results.

Optical Brightener Options

For colorfastness testing, the optical brighteners present in most detergents can interfere with specimen evaluation. AATCC standard reference detergents without optical brightener (WOB) let you assess color change due to the test procedure, without the added influence of brighteners. This makes it easier to determine whether a particular dye or process is suitable for your product. AATCC detergents are also available with brighteners for general appearance evaluations or other tests where it may be important to replicate the end-product consumer’s laundering experience.

Cost-effective Solution

Because HE detergent is more concentrated, you get more for your money. Each 3.5-gallon bucket of AATCC HE detergent is enough for more than 300 loads. Traditional AATCC standard reference powder contains about 165 doses per bucket.

Posted April 7, 2016

Source: AATCC

Avgol To Showcase New Nonwovens Innovations At IDEA16

TEL-AVIV, Israel — April 7, 2016 — Avgol, a global leader in the manufacture of nonwoven fabric solutions, will be showcasing its innovative range of products for the hygiene market at one of the industry’s premier exhibitions, IDEA16.

The event takes place at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, USA, May 2-5, 2016, and Avgol will be on Booth 1206.

Visitors to the booth will be able to see Avgol’s new range of nonwoven fabrics for the baby diaper, adult incontinence and feminine hygiene sectors which have been designed with softness, skin care and fluid management front of mind.

Shane Vincent, vice president, global sales, Avgol, said: “We have developed a comprehensive range of ultra lightweight spun-melt nonwoven fabrics which are suitable for a variety of applications and reflect our passion for delivering quality products which contribute positively to the life and wellbeing of millions of babies, mothers and senior citizens around the world.

“Exhibiting at IDEA16 provides us with a great opportunity to meet our new and existing customers face to face to find out more about the challenges they are faced with in the sector. Events like this are the perfect way to engage and ensure that we are developing solutions which respond to market and consumer needs to give us that competitive edge.”

Avgol supplies manufacturers and brands in 25 countries worldwide from its manufacturing sites in Israel, United States, China and Russia. Its fabric designs incorporate hydro-entanglement and bi-component technologies to deliver high performing, soft-touch products.

IDEA 16 is organised by INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, and will welcome more than 450 exhibitors from 70 countries. It is the leading event for companies in the nonwoven and engineered fabrics sectors and includes a programme of speaking events, which will cover the latest developments in the industry.

Posted April 7, 2016

Source: Avgol

Klüber Lubrication To Feature Synthetic High-performance Gear Oil For Weaving Machines At Techtextil North America

LONDONDERRY, N.H. — April 7, 2016 — Klϋber Lubrication, a worldwide manufacturer of specialty lubricants, will highlight Klübersynth 80 KV, a synthetic high-performance gear oil for weaving machines in booth #2411 during Techtextil North America, May 3-5, 2016, at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta.

Klübersynth 80 KV is a high-performance gear oil that enables longer maintenance intervals at high production speeds in modern weaving machines. The oil is exclusively recommended for the lubrication of gears, bearings and other sliding friction points in R9500 weaving machines from ITEMA. As a result, these weaving machines attain an optimum service life, extending oil change intervals to every 20,000 operating hours, leading to lower operating costs and higher efficiency.

Based on polyglycol base oil, Klübersynth 80 KV offers operators reduced maintenance costs due to high scuffing load strength and good wear protection, preserving gears and other lubricated components against scuffing during peak loads. The gear oil also provides excellent viscosity-temperature behavior that leads to higher operational reliability, even at elevated or high machine temperatures.

Posted April 7, 2016

Source: Klϋber Lubrication

Texprocess Americas’ Symposium Program Highlights Prove To Be A Must Attend Event

ATLANTA — April 6, 2016 — Leading industry experts come together at Texprocess Americas to address the latest in product development, technology, and what the future looks like for the sewn products industry. The Texprocess Americas Symposium is being held May 3-5, 2016, at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta.

Texprocess Americas is co-located with Techtextil North America and JEC Americas. The trifecta of these three shows bring together the full spectrum of technical textiles, nonwovens, sewn products and equipment, technology and composites into one central location.

In addition to the eight symposium sessions offered, three bonus sessions will be available for visitors who have purchased a symposium pass. Those sessions are presented by IAF, Fedustria vzw and a joint session by Techtextil North America, Texprocess Americas and JEC Americas.  Visitors can expect to connect with potential new partners, learn about exciting new technologies and discover how they can grow their business while partaking in the Texprocess Americas Symposium.

Texprocess Americas Symposium Sessions:

Automation and Robotics – present and future trends in Product Development

Our industry is dynamically evolving. In manufacturing and through automation, we anticipate reduction in the need to outsource. Processes involving robotics will soon be considered the way to go in advanced product development. Our panelists will discuss, present, challenge and set your hopes and plans straight regarding what’s available, what’s coming and the effect this will have on our industry in the coming years.

Moderator: Yoram Burg, Optitex, USA

Long and Short Term Future of Technology in Apparel

During this session you will learn what brands and retailers need to know, what to look for, and how to choose the right technology for their business. Join the discussion on what the panelists believe their successes and failures have been.

Moderator: Ram Sareen, Tukatech

Creating a Competitive Advantage with an Integrated Cutting Room

An integrated cutting room – which includes marker making, spreading and cutting operations – have a profound impact on a company’s margins. Now the integrated cutting room can be a source for your competitive advantage through the integration of custom equipment, advanced hardware, innovative software, and advanced production systems. The end results are lower cost structures, less errors/mistakes as data is seamlessly transferred between functions instead of being input manually, better quality, and reduced speed to market. Work orders; therefore, are managed more effectively and processed more efficiently allowing for a greater value for your end customer.

Moderator: Dave Gardner, SPESA

Reshoring. Is it for real or still just talk?

Industry leaders from throughout the Sewn Products Supply Chain will participate in a facilitated discussion regarding their company’s Domestic success.  Topics discussed will include:

  • Current challenges and how to overcome them
  • Opportunities within the domestic marketplace
  • Profitability
  • Importance of supply chain integration
  • Role of technology
  • Keys for success moving forward

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how companies are doing more than just talking about Reshoring but are actually making it a strategic part of their business.

Moderator: Will Duncan, Will Duncan and Associates

3D Evolution: ​Using 3D in the apparel fit process

We have all seen 3D visualizations of garment designs, heard about avatars, and read how many physical samples this new evolution in technology will save. But is it true or just hype? How does it work to aid in the fit process? How do companies compare? Join us for a panel discussion on “fit” and what each technology can offer. All panelists were given the same parameters of fit problem and Avatar type, to present so you can easily compare across offerings, and see where this technology might fit into YOUR process.

Moderator: Pat Trautman, Global Garment Engineering

Wearables: Current Applications and Future Possibilities

A discussion with product developers, researchers and ‘mad scientists’ regarding the current and future state of wearable technology within our industry. Topics will include:

  • Wearable solutions, concepts and products
  • Challenges in design and production
  • Regulatory and standardization issues
  • Opportunities for the industry
  • Changing our ways of thinking to accommodate wearables

Learn more about what is happening in wearable technology and some of the challenges and opportunities these types of products bring to the industry and consumers

Moderator: Kilara Le, Independent Consultant

Advancements in Sewing Room Technologies

Needles, Thread, Sewing Machines, Automation, and Accurate Costing are important and necessary for the sewing industry of today and tomorrow!  Attend this session to learn about the latest developments in each of these areas and how they can be used to successfully operate a modern sewing factory in the fashion industry.

Moderator: Mike Fralix, [TC]2

Welding and Stitch-Free Seam Technologies for Industrial and Apparel Products (Joint Session with Techtextil North America)

Industrial fabrics and apparel with a seamless construction are gaining in popularity. Stitch-free seam technology – welded or bonded – are two different concepts. Welding is the process of joining pieces of synthetic fabrics with various methods: hot air, hot wedge, RF, ultra-sonic, plunge, laser, and impact. Bonding, on the other hand, can be performed on two pieces of fabric by placing a heat activated material (adhesive) between them. Stitch-free seaming technologies are extensively used in performance apparel, sportswear, and fitted active wear. Technical outerwear is becoming less bulky and more form-fitting while retaining the latest advances in waterproof and breathable capability.

Moderator: Traci Evling, JTE Machine

The 2016 Symposium has been developed by prominent industry experts to provide a platform for presenters to interact with attendees after each session.

Advisory Council Board Members:

  • Dave Gardner: SPESA
  • Yoram Burg: Optitex USA
  • Ram Sareen: Tukatech
  • Mike Fralix: [TC]2
  • Will Duncan: Will Duncan and Associates
  • Kilara Lee: Independent Consultant
  • Traci Evling: JTE Machine

For the full list of speakers and to Pre-Register for Texprocess Americas 2016, please visit www.texprocessAmericas.com

Texprocess Americas is Co-Produced by SPESA.

Posted April 6, 2016

Source: Messe Frankfurt Inc.

BASF Binder Helps Produce First Automobile Roof Frame Made Of Natural Fiber

LUDWIGSHAFEN, Germany — April 6, 2015 — Together with the International Automotive Components Group (IAC), a global leading supplier to the automobile industry, BASF has developed the worldwide first roof frame for cars that is entirely made of natural fiber. The Acrodur® 950 L binder by BASF ensures the necessary loading capacity and heat resistance of the lightweight component. As an alternative to phenolic resins, the water-based and low-emission binder strengthens the natural fibers and thus enables an environmentally compatible, dimensionally stable and, above all, lightweight solution for car roof frames.

The IAC FiberFrame lightweight component is used for the first time in the new E-class of Mercedes-Benz. Cars fitted with the roof frame have been available from dealers in Europe since the beginning of April 2016.

Reduced fuel consumption through lighter roof frames

“Natural-fiber roof frames based on Acrodur 950 L are around 40 percent lighter than roof frames made from metal. Hence, we help car makers achieve their sustainability targets because lighter vehicles consume less fuel and have lower carbon emissions,” explains Thorsten Habeck, Head of Marketing for Dispersions for Fiber Bonding at BASF.

IAC, one of the worldwide leading manufacturers of car interior systems, has developed the innovative lightweight concept and produces the roof frame based on Acrodur 950 L. “It was easy to integrate the BASF binder into our production system. The natural fiber components that are strengthened with Acrodur are ideal to mold; they are environmentally friendly and save time during the production of the composites,” says Fritz Schweindl, Director Advanced Engineering at IAC, adding “Furthermore, the product is low in emissions, which means that it is safer to work with.”

Acrodur binders ideal for high-quality lightweight applications in the furniture and automotive industry

Acrodur binders are used to strengthen natural fiber mats that are further processed into molded parts. Not only is Acrodur environmentally compatible, it also ensures the simple and unproblematic processing, assembly and molding of semi-finished products as well as properties perfectly fitting to the material. The binders are used for the production of high-quality lightweight applications in the furniture and automotive industry.

Posted April 6, 2016

Source: BASF

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