New James Heal Touchscreen Technology Lights Up ITMA Asia

Halifax, United Kingdom — October 17, 2016 — James Heal, a leading manufacturer of premium quality Textile Testing Instruments and Consumables worldwide, is set to showcase for the first time its innovative new touchscreen-based user interface at the ITMA Asia Exhibition in Shanghai (21st-25th October 2016).

The revolutionary new Touchscreen User Interface (TUI), currently being rolled out across the complete James Heal core Testing Instrument range, has been designed to dramatically improve the efficiency and productivity of Textile Testing Laboratories by delivering the best in user-intuitive design and functionality.

James Heal will be showcasing three Testing Instruments with the new touchscreen-based user interface at ITMA Asia, including its flagship Martindale Abrasion and Pilling Tester, the Impulse Random Tumble Pilling Tester and the GyroWash Colour Fastness Tester. The instruments will be accompanied by several touchscreen demonstration units for visitors to familiarise themselves with the software and experience for themselves how simple and intuitive it really is.

Commenting on the new touchscreen user interface, Andrew Hemingway, Commercial Director said: “Working closely with our in-house team of textile technology experts, and collaborating with some of the most influential Textile Testing Laboratories across the world to understand the critical challenges that they face, the James Heal Design and Innovation team has been able to come up with a touchscreen controller that not only dramatically enhances the overall user experience but, even more importantly, supports Laboratory Managers in maximising productivity. With intuitive, simple and clear navigation, and a ‘homescreen’ that displays all the key information a user would need, we believe that this latest James Heal innovation will make a dramatic difference to the way laboratories use textile testing equipment.”

Housed inside a robust, damage-resistant and water-resistant cover glass display, the software can also be set to nine different languages including English, Chinese, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Hindi, Bengali and Turkish, adding further appeal to many of the world’s leading textile testing markets.

In preparation for the official launch at ITMA Asia, the Touchscreen User Interface has been undergoing months of rigorous reliability testing, pushing the software and hardware to its limits to ensure that it stands up to even the most demanding of laboratory environments. This process included issuing instruments fitted with the touchscreen user interface to five of the highest-profile and most demanding UK textile testing laboratories for beta testing. The technology performed flawlessly throughout, easily exceeding reliability and beta testing requirements and delivering outstanding feedback from the beta test sites for its performance and reliability.

“At James Heal we are continuously looking at ways to provide value-add to our customers by providing innovative solutions that not only help to solve their most critical challenges but also enhance the user experience. The new Touchscreen User Interface typifies this philosophy perfectly. We are delighted to be presenting it to the industry for the first time at ITMA Asia and look forward to giving visitors the opportunity to experience first-hand just how impressive this latest innovation is”, adds Hemingway.

Visitors to ITMA Asia are invited to visit the James Heal stand (Hall 5, Stand F16) to see and experience the new Touchscreen User Interface and consult with our team of experts at the exhibition stand.

Posted October 18, 2016

Source: James Heal

At Saurer, E3 Means Zero Waste

ÜBACH-PALENBERG, Germany — September 30, 2016 — Energy, raw materials and personnel – each of these resources costs money, is in short supply and therefore needs to be used economically and efficiently. The desire to minimise resource consumption has caused all sectors to rethink their priorities. Sustainability is in demand and the new target in the textile industry and elsewhere is: zero waste. With its E3 strategy, Saurer has been moving consistently in this direction for some years:

The target of zero waste in the winding process is realised by the Autoconer 6 more effectively than any other automatic winding machine. It consumes up to 20 % less energy than its predecessor, reduces yarn waste and saves on compressed air. The Autoconer 6 is the result of a development philosophy that began with the Autoconer 338 – the systematic reduction of resource consumption in each new model.

With its E3 concept, Schlafhorst consistently exploits potentials to achieve feasible savings. The key variables on the route to zero waste are: volume of yarn waste, energy consumption, compressed air consumption and personnel input. The E3 development philosophy of Saurer also has the aim of saving resources in downstream processes.

Zero yarn waste

Operating cycles in winding processes cause waste, which is particularly annoying as the waste material consists of valuable yarn. Schlafhorst has therefore reduced the number of cycles through a reliable yarn pick-up system, avoidance of tension breaks and economical yarn clearing that concentrates on the clearer cuts that are absolutely necessary. The suction nozzle of the new Autoconer 6 has been optimised to improve the yarn pick-up. In addition to the Autotense FX, each Autoconer now also has a TensionControl system to prevent tension breaks in the basic machine version. Separate, independent search of the upper and lower yarn end as well as the innovative SmartCycle system have made the cycle sequences much more intelligent and frugal. Thanks to the precision of the upper yarn sensor, which was first introduced in the Autoconer 338, cycle times are much shorter. The sensor ensures that the length of yarn removed is as short as possible, thereby reducing waste by up to 40 %. Over the roughly 20 years since its market launch, that adds up to several tonnes of yarn waste saved.

The second way of preventing yarn waste is to increase the precision of the length measurements. The Ecopack FX guarantees a length deviation of significantly less than ±0.5 %. It is no longer necessary to wind on reserve lengths. This means there are no longer any residual packages in downstream processes.

Residual bobbins in the winding process can be avoided with the Autotense FX yarn tension control system, which prevents yarn breaks and ensures that the yarn is efficiently unwound right down to the last metre of yarn.

The zero waste concept would not be complete without having the possibility of reusing valuable yarn residues, which can therefore be collected separately from dust in the Autoconer.

Schlafhorst always considers the complete textile process chain and has succeeded in preventing waste in downstream processing. With its FX technologies, in particular PreciFX, the Autoconer is able to produce packages that are optimally prepared for downstream processes. This does away with rewinding processes, e.g. during dyeing, that cause yarn loss.

Zero energy waste

When it comes to energy consumption, it is the drive system that offers the greatest potential for making savings. Schlafhorst has for years been a pioneer in the use of state-of-the-art motor and drive technologies and has continually improved the efficiency of the Autoconer. The direct drum drive of the Autoconer 338 and the introduction of single drives on the Autoconer 5 were important milestones on this path. In the new Autoconer 6, maximum performance efficiency is ensured thanks to the Eco-Drum-Drive system, high-slide energy-saving bearings and motors that meet the IE3 standard.

Vacuum production is another important factor in the energy budget of a winding machine. In the earlier Autoconer 338, the sensor control system reduced energy consumption. Thanks to SmartCycle, SmartJet and the intelligent “Power on Demand” principle, the Autoconer 6 works with a significantly lower vacuum requirement than other automatic winding machines, while maintaining maximum process stability.

Progressively shorter cycle times have reduced the energy consumption of successive Autoconer generations.

The most effective way of achieving savings, though, is to eliminate energy consumption entirely by doing away with complete process steps. Thanks to the process-optimised package design enabled by PreciFX, there is no longer any need for rounding-off before the dyeing process or for the rewinding of hard packages to dye packages and vice-versa. Finally, with optimally structured packages the energy-intensive dyeing process itself becomes more efficient through an optimised liquor ratio and maximum capacity utilisation of the dyeing equipment.

Zero wastage of compressed air

Compressed air is mainly used for cleaning the machine. With an open design, in which all areas are easily accessible, Schlafhorst has succeeded in significantly reducing the cleaning requirements. The amount of energy used in removing dust from the bobbins has been greatly reduced in the Autoconer. Modern control systems now offer further savings. When cleaning the winding positions, the new MultiJet regulates the frequency and strength of the blowing pulses according to the level of contamination. This has led in practice to a 10-15 % saving in compressed air depending on the settings.

Since the splicing system also requires large volumes of compressed air, it needs to be optimally configured. Schlafhorst supports this objective with an extremely flexible system, although the quality of the splicing always takes priority over the compressed air savings.

The Autoconer 6 also helps to make compressed air savings in downstream processes. Thanks to the optimised unwinding behaviour of Autoconer packages, compressed air consumption on AirJet weaving machines has been reduced by around 3 % in a model practical application.

Sensitising personnel to the idea of zero waste

Zero waste cannot, however, be achieved by technical means alone. It is vital to sensitise personnel to the idea of zero waste since numerous production parameters have an influence on resource consumption. The new Energy Monitoring system of the Autoconer 6 supports personnel in the task of ensuring efficient operation. It measures and displays energy and compressed air consumption online during operation. This direct feedback helps personnel to specifically optimise consumption.

Zero waste – sustainability and efficiency

The Autoconer 6 offers an array of technological solutions that bring the industry a step closer to the target of zero waste. And Schlafhorst continues to work intensively on this issue since the various aspects of resource consumption are increasingly significant factors in purchasing decisions and have immense importance for the day-to-day use of textile machinery.

Posted October 18, 2016

Source: Saurer

SANTEX RIMAR GROUP Is Focused On Customers At ITMA ASIA 2016

TRISSINO, Italy — October 17, 2016 — On the occasion of ITMA ASIA 2016 SANTEX RIMAR GROUP, one of the leading players in the world market of machine manufacturers for weaving, textile finishing, nonwovens, technical textiles and green solutions, will participate with all Group’s brands unified to strengthen the new mission of being the only reference partner for different solutions.

SANTEX RIMAR GROUP has reached the perfect balance of deep knowledge, design and high quality throughout the production process to build a strong, long lasting and mutually beneficial relationship with customers, together with whom we share visions about developments, processes, productions, materials and fabrics.

“With almost 30,000 machines installed worldwide we are constantly visiting customers and listening to them. Our goal is to provide custom solutions in terms of quality and sustainability in order to enable them to build stronger relationships also with their customers: our customers’ success is our success” said Stefano Gallucci, SANTEX RIMAR GROUP CEO, and concludes: “Santex Rimar Group is flexible, integrated, sustainable and above all, expert on customers”.

The Group keeps on investing in Qingpu (Shanghai) based production site to fulfil the demand of such an important market like China. Also thanks to the local management, Chinese productions are continuously growing and improving and machines’ level upgraded. The strong commitment to China has been confirmed also with the establishment of New Smit China, under the lead of Mr. Rock Luo, to strengthen customers’ support.

As a technology partner for knitted, woven fabrics, nonwovens and green solutions the Group started as different companies that in 2015 have evolved into SANTEX RIMAR GROUP: Cavitec and Isotex lead the technical textiles machinery market; Santex and Sperotto Rimar produce machines for textile finishing; Solwa provides eco-friendly machinery for water treatment, food dehydration, agribusiness sector and industrial waste management. With the entrance of SMIT, the Group has recently become a solution provider also in the weaving sector.

Santex Rimar Group’s Weaving division will be present together with textile finishing division which will be present with Decofast machine under Sperotto Rimar brand.

It will be possible to see some fabrics treated by Santasynpact, Sanfor and Compacting process machine under Santex brand.

Technical Textile division will be present with Cavimelt P+P, the latest solution under Cavitec brand for coating and laminating, while Isotex which is working on a partnership with Covestro on water based solvent free synthetic leather, will be present with a Coating Head.

Posted October 18, 2016

Source: SANTEX RIMAR GROUP

Karl Mayer Rotal Unveils Expanded Production Facility

MEZZOLOMBARDO, Italy — October 17, 2016 — Since it began operating as a local supplier of machines at the end of the 1960s, KARL MAYER ROTAL has become a global producer of high-tech warp preparation machines, and is set on course for further expansion. At the beginning of this year, the production facilities at the company’s headquarters in Mezzolombardo were extended by 3,100 square meters (m2), and the company’s site now covers an area of 9,000 m2. Turnover has been quadrupled over the past five years.

The turnover of his company has since increased to €40 million. The 45 million-euro-level is likely to be passed in 2016 and this is generated mainly by exports. Karl Mayer Rotal achieves roughly 80 percent of its profits overseas, mainly in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Turkey, but business has also started to pick up on the domestic market again. The revenue is generated by selling sizing and dyeing machines for the denim sector and with sales activities for the whole Karl Mayer Group.

In the recent expansion, which was completed in June of this year, were invested €2.7 million. The project was the reason why Karl Mayer Rotal decided to invite its customers to an open house event at its modern site. The event was held June 24-25, and was the perfect opportunity for the visitors to view the production facilities, to look at the latest technology in sectional warping, indigo dyeing and sizing, and to exchange information — an invitation that a large number of Italian manufacturers accepted. A total of 146 representatives from 50 companies attended the open house event for the warp preparation customers in Mezzolombardo, and their interest in the company and machines on show generated positive feedback for the organizers. “We are really delighted with the event,” said Sales Director Guiseppe Moretti. “The open house event was extremely popular and sent out a clear message to the market. It showed Italian manufacturers, who have always been some of the most important customers for the textile industry, how seriously the Karl Mayer Group takes their requirements.”

And the guests were also very satisfied with their visit. Many of them did not even know that Karl Mayer operates on such a modern and important site in Italy. Many customers were also able to pick up new suggestions and ideas for developing and expanding their businesses.

Strengthening the production location and position on the market by making the right sort of investments

Investing in expanding the plant has strengthened the company’s position on its international markets and has also increased awareness of Italy as a production location. “With this investment, the Karl Mayer Group has confirmed its long-term commitment to the growth of Karl Mayer Rotal”, said Enzo Paoli, managing director.

The reason for the sustainable success of the company is its focus on research and innovation, its highly qualified workforce — a total of about 80 people are currently employed in the company — and its state-of-the-art production facilities. These enable the high, company-specific quality objectives to be met, and this is an important argument in favour of buying its products. “We are operating on a highly competitive market,” explained the managing director. “Quality is the key to success here, especially in new business segments.” Denim dyeing is one of the areas that Karl Mayer Rotal has tapped into over the years. This company has become a global pioneer with high growth ambitions in the lucrative textile sector. The extension of the site in Mezzolombardo has also gone hand in hand with expansion of the activities of Karl Mayer in the denim sector. “We are expecting approval for a big order in the denim sector soon. Karl Mayer Rotal’s modern production facilities have given us a real edge on the market,” explained Dieter Gager, sales director, Karl Mayer’s Warp Preparation Business Unit.

Posted October 18, 2016

Source: KARL MAYER

ITMA Asia + CITME 2016 Exhibitor Preview: Colorjet

NOIDA, India — October 15, 2016 — After having installed a massive number of digital printing machines in India, India’s biggest digital printer manufacturer, ColorJet Group now looks to expanding its footprint in the South Asian markets by participating at ITMA Asia to be held in Shanghai in hall 5.1, booth H5E04.

Colorjet Group which also operates a manufacturing facility in China offers digital textile printing machines with efficient engineering and innovative technologies. By participating at ITMA Asia, the Group expects to repeat its success in the Indian market in other countries like Vietnam, Philippines, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Indonesia, while also making deeper inroads into China.

After launching the METRO textile digital printer at ITMA 2015 in Milan, where the printer received rare reviews, ColorJet Group is now showcasing its high speed direct to fabric printer, the METRO at ITMA Asia.

The Metro achieves production speed of up to 362 sq. metres per hour, and is upgradable up to 16 print heads for achieving the top speed. The high speed is achieved through specially designed jetting controls to optimise print heads performance, to match the high jetting frequency.

Compatible to work with all types of inks like reactive, disperse and pigment, the METRO weaves magic on a variety of fabrics. It can print on any kind of fabric, ranging from 0.1mm to 30mm including cotton, polyester, silk, viscose, wool, nylon, acetate and various blended fabrics.

Automatic temperature control enables print heads to deliver the same print results, while specially integrated VPC technology, ensures smooth flow of inks for uninterrupted production runs. Visitors will be able to witness how the Metro has been synchronised and engineered specifically to produce the best results with reactive inks.

“Since its launch at ITMA 2015 in November 2015, the METRO has made inroads in to our home market in India, as well as other countries like Australia, parts of Africa, UAE, Sri Lanka, etc,” Mr Pawan Gupta, CEO at ColorJet Group said.

“With awesome scalable properties, this printer can suit all the needs of the textile printing business and ensures the least payback period and is capable of meeting the ever changing requirements,” he added.

“Our machines have minimalistic downtime since we ensure that multi-point quality checks are done at every stage of manufacturing. Creating customer delight is our top priority and we do not leave any stone unturned in achieving the same,” Mr Gupta concluded by saying.

Posted October 18, 2016

Source: Colorjet Group

Alvanon’s Ed Gribbin Serves As Speaker And Moderator At Duel SPESA Events

NEW YORK CITY — October 17, 2016 — Alvanon president and global fashion business authority Ed Gribbin will address attendees at the SPESA Advancements in Manufacturing Technologies Conference 2016, Wednesday afternoon, November 2, and act as moderator at the SPESA Executive Conference, November 3-5, Marriott San Antonio Riverwalk Hotel.

Gribbin’s presentation, titled “Why Speed To Market Matters… And What You Can Do To Get Faster,” will take a discerning look at how retailers, brands and designers can earn sustainable customer engagement by cutting the time of design to finished product in half.

“The fashion industry is under intense competitive pressure both from within and from online disruptors, such as Amazon.” Gribbin says. “Manufacturers and suppliers alike have an incredible opportunity to be an integral part of the solution, and grow their businesses in the process, by embracing and facilitating speed to market strategies.”

Gribbin’s talk will explore needs for disruptive thinking, innovation and the willingness to take risk as part of the solution.

The SPESA Executive Conference

Gribbin will moderate a series of presentations covering current issues and trends including domestic and regional manufacturingat the three-day SPESA Executive Conference.

“Attendees will hear inspirational and business-building stories, and be kept up to date on increasingly significant industry issues, such as reshoring,” Gribbin says.

Alvanon, the global apparel business expert, is an active supporter of reshoring at traditional fashion manufacturing hubs, such as New York City, London and Hong Kong.

A sampling of SPESA Executive Conference presentations includes:

Keynote address by Lee Ellis, Colonel (Ret.) – US Air Force, “Leading with Honor: Leadership Lessons from the Hanoi Hilton.”

  • “How a Two-Time Olympic Rower Built a Made-in-America Business Known Worldwide,” by John Strotbeck, CEO – Boathouse Sports
  • “Local for Local – Under Armour’s Vision for the Future of Manufacturing,” By Jamie Dunbar, Vice President Lighthouse Apparel – Under Armour
  • “Localization: Industry Reshoring and Resurgence,” by Mary Lynn Landgraf, Senior International Trade Specialist U.S. Dept. of Commerce, Office of Textiles & Apparel (OTEXA).

Posted October 18, 2016

Source: Alvanon

Creative Ticking Invests In Product Development And Design With New Hires From North Carolina State University Textile Program

GASTONIA, N.C. — Oct 17, 2016 — Creative Ticking, a Beverly Knits company headquartered in Gastonia, N.C., continues to expand its research, development and design team with three North Carolina State University alumni, Cindy Rice, McCall Moore and Chelsea Lloyd. Utilizing the extensive knowledge and expertise of graduates from the globally recognized NC State College of Textiles, Creative Ticking enhances its commitment to technical development and design innovation.

Cindy Rice joined the Creative Ticking team in 2015 as a product designer, and was recently promoted to lead product designer. Cindy will not only be responsible for managing the design group, but will also work closely with the technical staff to develop new looks and styles across all the Creative companies. She graduated from the NC State College of Textiles with a degree in Fashion and Textile Design, and a concentration in Textile Design and Circular Knitting.

Chelsea Lloyd has been hired for the position of process engineer and will be optimizing the quality and efficiency of systems throughout all areas of quality control. Chelsea attended NC State and studied Textile Technology. She gained experience both infield and in the classroom with a curriculum based on the materials and technologies involved in the designing, manufacturing and selling of all types of textile products ranging from classical textiles to advanced technical textiles.

McCall Moore was also added to the team as a product designer. McCall will work closely with the technical staff to develop new looks and styles across all the Creative Ticking companies. Another graduate of NC State, McCall studied Fashion and Textile Design with a concentration in the latter. Within her major, she took multiple knitting courses, as well as design and color classes that will assist in the work she will be doing at Creative Ticking.

“We are lucky to have a fantastic textile program so close to home,” said Scott Frisch, vice president of business development. “Creative Ticking is committed to creating one-of-a-kind fabrics that truly perform, and continuing to expand our customer offerings. We cannot wait to utilize the local talent and see where it takes our team.”

Chelsea, Cindy and McCall will report to Scott Frisch, and will be based out of Creative Ticking’s headquarters in Gastonia, N.C.

Posted October 18, 2016

Source: Creative Ticking

Teijin Wins Ecobalance Award For Customer Benefit Model

ARNHEM, the Netherlands — October 17, 2016 — Teijin has been honored with the EcoBalance Award for Best Business Practices at the 12th Biennial International Conference on EcoBalance in Kyoto for its Customer Benefit Model. This model makes it possible to show the intrinsic sustainable character of aramid in its function, providing a clear picture of the potential benefits across the entire value chain.

The EcoBalance Award for Best Business Practices honors the most outstanding practices in terms of scientific value and significance, as well as the practical significance of studies in business. The jury of the EcoBalance conference recognized the practical significance of Teijin Aramid’s Customer Benefit Model in business and as decision support. “The Customer Benefit Model of Teijin Aramid really supports sustainable decision making and communication in a reliable way and justifies sustainable business cases,” says Martin Baitz, member of the jury at the 12th Biennial International Conference on EcoBalance in Kyoto and Director of Thinkstep. “Teijin defined a function-related Customer Benefit Model over the life cycle and commissioned established verifiers to enable double checking. This enables them to identify hotspots, allowing suppliers and customers to focus on the relevant aspects without running the risk of greenwashing or ignoring aspects.”
With the tire case as an example of the Customer Benefit Model, Teijin presented the possibility to create a win-win situation for both tire manufacturers and customers/end users when reinforcement of the carcass of a tire is performed with an aramid/PET hybrid. Heidi Beers, eco efficiency specialist from Teijin Aramid: “Comparison of the function over the total value chain leads to fair comparisons. If you only compare the impact (eco profile) per kg of reinforcement material, you can draw the wrong conclusions. Functional thinking takes the whole life cycle into account. This approach is embedded in our TUV-certified Customer Benefit Model.” A reinforcement of the tire carcass with an aramid/PET hybrid is 33% better for the environment and is significantly cheaper than a carcass with rayon.

Teijin Aramid uses eco efficiency models to quantify the environmental value of applying aramid in applications. These models are translated into the ‘Customer Benefit Model’, which has been co-developed with Ecomatters, making it possible to calculate Twaron’s real contribution in a specific solution. The Customer Benefit Model provides a clear picture of the potential benefits – both financial and ecological – across the entire value chain.

Eco Efficiency at Teijin Aramid started in 2008 by building a network of sustainability frontrunners from universities and the industry. This soon led to several pilots together with BASF and Utrecht University.  The development started by using the financial and ecological added value of eco efficiency to support business cases at Teijin Aramid. This gradually led to the development of the Teijin-specific Customer Benefit Model, which is used within the Teijin Group to showcase the intrinsic sustainable character of, among other things, aramid-reinforced conveyor belts, reinforced thermoplastic pipes and carbon-fiber-reinforced concrete.

Posted October 18, 2016

Source: Teijin Aramid

Advanced Antimicrobial Additives Designed For Flexible Polymer Applications

BURGDORF, Switzerland — October 18, 2016 — The global antimicrobial market is growing due to a public demand for hygiene and a rising awareness for contamination and infections. SANITIZED AG latest innovation is a highly effective product for long-lasting antimicrobial protection for flexible polymer applications. The Sanitized® antimicrobial solutions will be presented at Plastics & Rubber in Indonesia (November 16-19) at Booth B-507, Hall B1.

Companies that use biocidal products to protect polymers and textiles from bacterial and fungal growth were faced with many changes in recent years. Regulatory developments limit the available types of biocides. For example, OBPA was the mostly used biocide to protect PVC and other plastics. Producers now need to find alternatives since OBPA was withdrawn from the sale in the EU in January 2013. The commonly used alternatives like DCOIT, BBIT, zinc pyrithione or IBPC have different limitations related to the various flexible polymer applications.

Especially outdoor applications have increased requirements regarding the antimicrobial effectiveness after UV and water exposure. In addition, an additive should have no effect on yellowing after UV exposure. The used alternatives weaken this. But these are key requirements such as sufficient heat stability for the application process, initial discoloration as well as compatibility with other additives in the formulation.

SANITIZED AG developed a new product Sanitized® PL 14-32 as a highly effective and long-lasting antimicrobial protection for flexible polymer applications. Besides thermal stability and compatibility with most formulations, Sanitized® PL 14-32 provides water resistance as well as high UV resistance and no yellowing after UV exposure. It protects the material against unwanted effects of microbes, like bacteria, mold, mildew, yeast and algae – all of which can cause material destruction, unsightly stains, cross contamination, odor development and biofilm formation. Beside thermal and color stability, the antimicrobial efficiency was checked in several formulations. The product is supported under the EU`s Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR) and the active substances are approved under the US EPA.

Posted October 18, 2016

Source: SANITIZED AG

RadiciGroup: Twelve Years Of Commitment To Sustainability — Always Looking Ahead To Reach New Important Goals

BERGAMO, Italy — October 18, 2016 — The Group has published its Sustainability Report 2015: investments of over EUR 30 million to support Group company competitiveness. Commitment to improving production plant efficiency and environmental performance. Continuous communication with stakeholders. More hours of training and education for employees. Effort and action towards a sustainable supply chain. Parent company Radici Partecipazioni achieves ISO 9001:2015 certification.

A content rich Report that gives a faithful picture of RadiciGroup’s industrial activities by providing data, figures and results on economic, social and environmental sustainability. The 2015 Sustainability Report of Radici Partecipazioni SpA and associated companies was officially presented this past 10 October at the parent company’s Bergamo headquarters in the presence of some of the company’s main stakeholder groups.

The Report was draw up in accordance with the “Global Reporting Initiative – Version 4 Core Level”. External assurance was provided by the certification body Certiquality.

The reporting perimeter of this 2015 Report includes data from 21 companies. Seventy people were engaged in the preparation of the Report and 27 performance indicators (quantitative and qualitative) have been included.

In 2004, the Group published its first sustainability Report. In the years since then, many of the commitments taken on by RadiciGroup have been put into practice: in 2015, the Group generated sales revenues in excess of EUR 1 billion and net total value added (the amount redistributed to all the stakeholders) of over EUR 183 million.

“In these twelve years,” said Angelo Radici, president of RadiciGroup, “our Group has noticeably changed its strategic vision, progressively putting sustainability at the centre of its activities. Greater attention has been paid to both internal and external stakeholders, the environmental impact of products and processes has been reduced, industrial plants have become more advanced, and there is a more open attitude towards innovation and a strong commitment to employee training and
education. These have been our main success stories and they remain our ongoing challenges.”

As better explained in the Report, RadiciGroup has noticeably reduced the environmental impact of its activities: in the three-year period 2013-2015, the consumption of primary energy from fossil sources was reduced by 14.3%, while the use of renewable source energy increased by 4.2%. Seven Group companies (situated in Italy, Brazil and Germany) use 100% renewable source energy.

On the environmental performance front, during the same 2013-2015 period, the Group reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 21.6% and pollutant emissions by 60.5%, thus continuing its journey on the virtuous path of mitigating the environmental impact of its corporate activities – a journey the parent company and its subsidiaries started many years ago. Only in 2015, investments to support the competitiveness of RadiciGroup companies were EUR 30 million, of which EUR 2.5 million on environmental issues alone, specifically for the introduction of Best Available Techniques, energy efficiency improvement, emission reduction, research and development, and product and process improvement.

“The results achieved are certainly good reasons for satisfaction,” Angelo Radici continued. ”It is, however, opportune to look beyond our initial objectives and raise the bar to constantly keep up with a rapidly evolving world.”

Other key elements dealt with in depth in the Report are employee training (+15.8 %), which always constitutes a strategic asset for the development of human resources, and the constant commitment to realizing products with limited environmental impact, developed in accordance with the European Product Environmental Footprint guidelines, as well as the principles of eco-design and the circular economy.

Also important is the effort the Group is spending for the development of a sustainable supply chain, both upstream and downstream, which can be achieved by keeping two words in mind: knowledge and collaboration. Knowledge of its own business activities, its suppliers and customers, and constant communication and collaboration with both of these two stakeholder categories. Implementation of corporate procedures, monitoring of supplier selection criteria taking into consideration sustainability aspects, and signing of a Code of Conduct by suppliers and customers: these are the elements that have helped to give a clearer direction to RadiciGroup’s path towards a sustainable supply chain.

Finally, it is worth stressing that Radici Partecipazioni SpA, the Group parent company, obtained ISO 9001:2015 certification. It is the first of the Group companies to be certified in accordance with the new edition of the ISO standard, which includes key changes relating to the definition of the organization context and emphasis on risk-based management.

Posted October 18, 2016

Source: RadiciGroup

1...1,7181,7191,720...2,629Page 1,719 of 2,629

Sponsors

Breaking News

Load more

Digital Issue

2026 Quarterly Issue Number I

View Latest Digital Issue

FEATURED ARTICLES

© Copyright 2017 Textile Industries Media Group, LLC.