Walmart U.S. Manufacturing Innovation Fund Awards Nearly $3 Million To Six Universities

WASHINGTON — January 23, 2017 — Walmart, The Walmart Foundation and The U.S. Conference of Mayors recently announced this year’s U.S. Manufacturing Innovation Fund grant recipients at the 85th Winter Meeting of the U.S. Conference of Mayors in Washington.

Six leading research and academic institutions were awarded a total of nearly $3 million in grants by the Fund for their work focused on innovations in textile manufacturing. The Fund focuses on the development of domestic manufacturing with a specific goal of making it more feasible, sustainable and competitive to make consumer goods in the U.S. The Innovation Fund has now provided a total of $10 million in grants since launching in 2014. This is the third and final round of grants for the Innovation Fund.

The grant recipients were selected for their ability to address two key challenges that currently present barriers to increased domestic manufacturing. These challenges are

  • Reducing the cost of textile manufacturing, including home textiles and apparel, in the U.S. by addressing obstacles throughout production
  • Improving common manufacturing processes with broad application to many types of consumer products

“Advancing the production or assembly of consumer products in the U.S. is the number one goal of the Innovation Fund,” said Kathleen McLaughlin, president of the Walmart Foundation and chief sustainability officer for Walmart. “As these projects come to fruition over the next few years, we hope the research not only enables cost-effective solutions for manufacturers, but also improves the sustainability of the U.S. textile industry.”

“America’s cities are the economic engines of this nation and America’s mayors know the importance of economic growth and job creation in their cities,” said Tom Cochran, CEO and executive director of The U.S. Conference of Mayors. “The final round of innovation projects we launch today, like those we’ve launched over the past two years, are specifically designed to grow manufacturing in our cities and to fuel the economic growth this nation depends on.”

The 2017 Walmart U.S. Manufacturing Innovation Fund grant winners are:

  • Washington State University to establish an environmentally friendly process to recycle cotton waste by fiber regeneration using a wet spinning technique.
  • North Carolina State University to create a universal and sustainable commercial textile dyeing method that doesn’t use salt or alkali; doesn’t produce effluent; and produces more than 95 percent savings of both energy and water.
  • Clemson University for development of sustainable polyester fibers that achieve a high level of water and oil repellency.
  • Oregon State University to develop a sustainable, cost-effective dyeing and printing of smart fabrics process.
  • Texas Tech University to support research on various aspects of textile manufacturing, dyeing efficiency and specialty finishes.
  • University of Massachusetts Lowell to develop magnetic dyeing technology to address the technical and environmental issues of current dyeing techniques.

Support for the Innovation Fund is part of Walmart’s broader commitment to help revitalize U.S. manufacturing. In January 2013, Walmart announced a commitment to buy an additional $250 billion in products that support U.S. jobs by 2023.

These commitments represent a significant investment that will help accelerate the pace of U.S. manufacturing. By making production in the U.S. more cost-effective and efficient, the global retailer believes it can bring American consumers more American-made products and ultimately create jobs in communities across the country.

Posted January 24, 2017

Source: Walmart Foundation

NCTO Congratulates President Trump, Thanks President Obama

WASHINGTON — January 20, 2016 — The National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO) congratulates President Donald Trump on his inauguration as the 45th President of the United States of America.

“NCTO congratulates President Trump on his inauguration,” said NCTO President & CEO Auggie Tantillo. “The U.S. textile industry is eager to partner with him to stimulate American jobs, production and exports.

“From fibers to finished fabrics, American companies make the highest quality and most innovative textiles in the world. Given a level playing field, U.S. textile industry is primed for expansion,” Tantillo added as he noted the sector’s comeback from the 2008 financial crisis despite intense competition from Asian suppliers that often benefit from state subsidies and cents-on-the-hour wage rates. Since the end of the recession in mid-2009, U.S. textile production has grown by 21 percent.

“NCTO also would like to thank President Obama for his service to our great nation. U.S. textile manufacturers are grateful for his administration’s work to improve the industry’s competitiveness,” Tantillo said.

Pointing out that President Obama created and funded a fiber and textile manufacturing innovation center, the Advanced Functional Fabrics of America (AFFOA), and that his administration opened a direct and very sincere line of communication with NCTO on sensitive policy matters, Tantillo remarked, “The U.S. textile sector had a legitimate and impactful seat at the policy table in recent years, a privilege greatly appreciated.”

Posted January 23, 2016

Source: NCTO

TNC Global Announce The Release Of A New In-Depth Marketing Tool For The Global Para-Aramid Market

GREENSBORO, N.C. — January 20, 2017 — Textile Network Concepts’ (TNC’s) international team has compiled an extensive database that includes 2,494 international companies that purchase para-aramid fiber, pulp/floc, filament, or paper.

In an easy to use excel file — users of the database can quickly and confidently perform statistical analysis of the various para-aramid markets by clicking on any parameter. The parameters include Region — North America, Asia Pacific, Japan, EMEA, and Latin America — Purchasing Country, Segment — Industrial, Protective Apparel — Business Segment — Fiber Optic Cables, Ballistics, Industrial Felts, etc. — Product Form, and Name of the company purchasing para-aramid and the estimated volumes. If a client wishes, the file can also be customized to include additional parameters.

Joey Fields, TNC Global, stated: “This para-aramid study is the most exhaustive of its kind to date and we are proud to supply it to the international textile field. The study was researched and prepared by highly experienced technical textile professionals through legal, honest, and ethical means.”

For a sample of the excel file please click here.

TNC Global can also provide similar marketing tools for other technical fibers like meta-aramid, UHMWPE, PBO, etc.

Posted January 23, 2017

Source: Textile Network Concepts

Santex Rimar Group And Has Group: Further Growth In Textile Machinery Business

TRISSINO, Italy/ISTANBUL, Turkey — January 23, 2017 — Has Group joins Santex Rimar Group in a worldwide agreement of premiere distribution bringing new competences, sound know-how and long-term experience expected to become new significant value-added solutions for Santex Rimar Group portfolio.

Santex Rimar Group keeps growing with the aim of providing the largest and most comprehensive offering of the textile business in order to deeply understand and fulfill global customers’ needs during the whole production process. With this goal, different know-hows and cultures are united under high standards of quality, efficiency, advanced technology and reliability for customers.

“Has Group is a manufacturing excellence with relevant know-how in textile finishing process and inter alia in stenter machines production. From today on it will globally leverage on Santex Rimar Group distribution network, sales and marketing expertise” said Stefano Gallucci, Santex Rimar Group CEO who concludes: “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”.

Posted January 23, 2016

Source: Santex Rimar Group

Three New Monforts Units Set To Double Bed Linen Output For India’s Himatsingka Linens

KARNATAKA, India — Januray 23, 2016 — India’s Himatsingka Linens —a division of Himatsingka Seide Ltd., and a producer of bed linen products — is adding three new Monforts machines to the existing line-up of four Monforts units as the company embarks upon an expansion that will double its output of bed linen, entail a backward integration into spinning, and see its first foray into terry toweling.

The latest Monforts includes a 10 chamber Montex 6500 stenter, a Monfortex 8000, and a Thermex CDR with E-Control; all three units feature a fabric working width of 3,200 millimeters.

The three new machines are all German-built and are being installed by Monforts’ representative for India, ATE Enterprises Private Ltd.

A vertically integrated home textiles company that is engaged in spinning, weaving and finishing of textiles, Himatsingka manufactures, retails and distributes bedding, bath, drapery, upholstery, and lifestyle accessory products.

Its portfolio of brands includes Calvin Klein Home, Barbara Barry, Bellora, Kelly Wearstler, Beekman 1802, Pimacott, Atmosphere and Esprit.

The company operates manufacturing facilities in India, and retail and distribution businesses across North America, Europe and Asia. Its bed linen unit is located at Hassan, in Karnataka, and its drapery and upholstery unit is at Bengaluru, also in Karnataka.

Executive Director Vasudevan Veeraraghvan said that the group is doubling its existing sheeting capacity from 23 million meters per annum to 46 million meters.

The company will also be installing for the first time 211,000 spindles as part of its backward integration into spinning, and the entry into the terry towels sector will see it setting up a capacity for 25,000 tons per annum.

“Installation for the new Monforts machines will be completed by the beginning of 2017, and we plan to quickly reach full production capacity,” said Vasudevan.

“We are a long-time Monforts user, and our company culture includes Monforts.

“Our company is solely in the export sector, and we produce high quality branded products. That means we require the best technology.

“Certainly, competition is always very intense, and although our products are price sensitive they are very much in the fine, high quality segment of the markets.”

At the bed linen mill the new units will join two eight chamber Montex 6500 units — one of the units featuring a Montex Thermex condensation unit with two curing chambers being positioned on top of the stenter. There is also a Monfortex 7000 model Sanforiser and a Montex Thermex CDR E-Control dyeing range, both with 3200 mm fabric working width.

Expansion of sheeting capacity will enable the company to make printed products, which will enhance its fashion bedding shares in the market, and also help Himatsingka to enter into the basic bedding segments where it is currently not present.

Posted January 23, 2016

Source: A. Monforts Textilmaschinen GmbH & Co. KG  

Hexcel Showcases Composite Innovations Including New HiMax™ Multiaxial Reinforcements For Enhanced Ski Design And Manufacture At ISPO MUNICH 2017

STAMFORD, Conn. — January 23, 2017 — Hexcel is promoting its leading range of composite materials for skis, snowboards and other high performance winter sports equipment at ISPO MUNICH in February. To enable the creation of extremely lightweight components with no compromise in performance, technologies on display include: HexPly® M78.1, a fast-curing prepreg system offering ski manufacturers greater production flexibility and HiMax™ engineered multiaxial reinforcements.

A key supplier to the winter sports market for more than 40 years, Hexcel understands the unique requirements of this fast moving industry, where the drive for higher performance means manufacturers must continuously develop improved designs exploiting the latest technological advances. Hexcel’s innovations in epoxy resins, carbon fiber fabrics, prepregs, laminates and polyurethane systems are enabling the manufacture of lighter, stronger and more durable skis and snowboards to answer the needs of world class competitors, as well as the demanding sporting enthusiast.

At ISPO this year, Hexcel will introduce the latest addition to its HexPly prepreg range, which has been developed to help ski manufacturers reduce production cycle times.

HexPly M78.1 features a fast-curing hot melt epoxy resin matrix and is available with carbon, glass or aramid fiber reinforcements. It is designed for applications where short cycles at around 110°C are required. The prepreg cures in 7 minutes at 120°C, yet it has a long storage out life of 2 weeks at room temperature, meaning there is often no need for freezer storage, saving time and energy. HexPly M78.1 is a low tack system making it easy to handle. It also provides excellent adhesion to auxiliary and core materials including aluminum, wood, thermoplastics and elastomers. Customers are finding that this new system provides greater flexibility in ski manufacture, enhancing the process and the quality of the final product.

Following the acquisition of Formax in January 2016, Hexcel’s composite materials portfolio now includes the HiMax™ range of multiaxial fabrics. HiMax reinforcements are produced on state-of-the-art multiaxial machines in Leicester, England, and a selection of products will be on display at ISPO for the first time. Hexcel’s fiber spreading capability allows the development of ultra-lightweight carbon multiaxials that offer significant weight advantages for manufacturers of skis and other sporting equipment, where every extra gram of weight is critical in improving performance. With multiaxial reinforcements the fibers can be placed in different axes to optimize the performance of the finished laminate.

HiMax carbon multiaxials are available in a wide range of fabric styles with weights per ply from as low as 50 grams per square meter, fiber orientations from 22.5° through to 90° in up to four layers, and a wide range of fiber types from 3k upwards. Hexcel’s Research & Technology team collaborates closely with customers to develop fabrics optimized for their individual application and processing technique. A recent project involved the creation of a bespoke range of carbon triaxial reinforcements for a custom freeride ski brand, helping the customer deliver a product with a lightweight, soft flex and reactive ride whilst retaining strength and durability.

Hexcel will exhibit on Booth 344, Hall A4, in the Ski exhibit area at ISPO MUNICH sports exhibition in Germany February 5-8, 2017.

Posted January 23, 2017

Source: Hexcel

Hollister Debuts New Line Of Performance Denim With COOLMAX® All Season Technology And LYCRA® Fiber

WILMINGTON, Del. — January 16, 2017 — Hollister recently introduced a new line of performance jeans for guys and girls that incorporates INVISTA’s COOLMAX® ALL SEASON technology and LYCRA® fiber for year-round comfort and lasting fit.

One of the most relevant trends in the denim category today is to integrate performance fibers for added functionality. Hollister is taking a leading position in the performance arena with their Advanced Stretch Jeans with Coolmax All Season technology. The fabric moves moisture away to keep the body cool and dry on hot days, and has insulating fibers for added warmth when it is cool. These benefits come from the fiber structure, so they are permanent and don’t wash out.

“At Hollister, denim is a part of our DNA and we continue to find ways to enhance the assortment. Our goal with the innovative Coolmax All Season technology is to provide products that fit the needs of our customer’s on-the-go lifestyle,” said Kristin Scott, Brand President of Hollister Co.

“We believe pairing one of the hottest teen denim brands and with one of the coolest fabric technologies available on the market today will resonate with consumers,” remarked Dave Trerotola, President of Invista Apparel and Advanced Textiles. “Our research shows that among ingredient brands in the cooling space, the Coolmax brand is the most likely to positively influence purchase intent.”

In conjunction with launch of the new product line, Hollister and Invista have created an exciting, new multi-channel social media campaign to showcase the benefits of the jeans. Digital illusionist and YouTube star, Zach King, appears in a video via this link https://coolmax.com/en/News-and-Blog/2017/01/Zach-King promoting the magic of jeans with Coolmax All Season technology. Teen influencers will be featured in shareable content, and others can join in the fun by using the hashtag #HollisterCOOLMAX.

Posted January 17, 2017

Source: Hollister

Reebok Introduces Sublite Cushion Tactical Line Of Lightweight, Responsive Duty Footwear

ST. LOUIS — January 16, 2017 — Warson Brands, official licensee of Reebok for duty and uniform footwear, has introduced the new Reebok Sublite Cushion Tactical line of tactical footwear designed for law enforcement and first responder professionals. The Reebok Sublite Cushion Tactical incorporates Sublite foam midsole technology to maximize cushioning while minimizing weight. The Sublite dual density foam midsole provides unparalleled lightweight cushioning for comfort and responsiveness.

The Reebok Sublite Cushion Tactical line will be featured at Warson’s booth at SHOT Show 2017, January 17-20, Sands Expo Center, Las Vegas, Booth 10179.

Posted January 17, 2017

Source: Warson Brands

AmeriPride Services Donates $160,000 To Greater Twin Cities United Way

MINNEAPOLIS — January 17, 2017 — AmeriPride Services today announced a donation of more than $160,000 to the Greater Twin Cities United Way. Through its annual golf tournament and other vendor, employee and corporate donations, it has increased its annual local donation to the United Way by 185 percent over the past five years.

“Our dedication to the communities where we live and work is steadfast,” said Bill Evans, President and CEO at AmeriPride. “And our steady, year-over-year improvement is a testament to our company leadership, our employees, and the company values that we all live by every day. Giving back to the community and striving to be people you can count on is a part of our DNA.”

This year’s campaign included a golf tournament at Rush Creek Golf Club in Maple Grove and other fundraising activities, volunteering and payroll deduction program. In addition to employee involvement and a corporate donation, many of AmeriPride’s vendors and strategic partners also support the events through prize and monetary donations and participation in the tournament.

This campaign was a part of the company’s annual ‘Day of Service’ in which employees from across North America volunteered or donated money, goods and services to local organizations. In the first two years of this program, more than 1,800 employees contributed more than 10,000 hours of volunteer work and approximately $1.2M in monetary and product donations.

More details on these efforts can be found in the company’s Corporate Responsibility Report, which outlines key programs and initiatives AmeriPride is implementing across the company.

Posted January 17, 2017

Source: AmeriPride Services

SPGPrints Promotes Digital Textile Printing At Colombiatex 2017

BOXMEER, Netherlands — January 17, 2017 — SPGPrints will present the quality, productivity and cost-reducing capabilities of its comprehensive ink-jet printing solutions for textiles at Colombiatex de las Américas 2017, January 24-26 in booth 868, at the Plaza Mayor Medellín Convenciones y Exposiciones, Medellín, Colombia. The company also will highlight its rotary screen technologies including digital imaging systems and nickel screens at the exhibition.

SPGPrints’ digital textile offering covers every step in the workflow. This includes printing systems, inks and a global support network, providing technical support and consultancy.

SPGPrints’ PIKE® single-pass printer and JAVELIN® scanning printer set the standard for digital textile printing, and can be used with a variety of inks and dryer configurations to suit individual businesses. The Pike is a full-production machine that is already economically attractive at three to four million metres per year, with a potential capacity of more than 10 million meters per year. The Javelin, which received its first Latin American showing at Febratex 2016, has a potential productivity of up to two million metres per year, and is designed for companies that might be taking their first step into digital, or that wish to add to an existing digital capability. Besides the standard width of 1.85m, Javelin is also available in a 3.2m printing width to cater for the home furnishing market.

Both printers use SPGPrints’ Archer® technology, a universal inkjet platform designed to evolve with the developing print head technology. This means that an investment in Pike of Javelin will last for years, and can be retrofitted with newer print heads once available. Currently, both Pike and Javelin are equipped with Fujifilm Dimatix Samba print heads to produce sharp lines, precise geometrics, smooth gradations and solid blotches, by firing variable drops (2pL to 10pL) to achieve the perfect image. Print heads are 4mm from the substrate so risk of damage to them is eliminated. Additionally, a wide range of fabrics may be printed.

Understanding the economics of digital printing is an important part of the readiness of a company to move into digital, but those companies that have understood it, are already taking leadership positions.

“A proof of this is that amid the economic and political challenges in Latin America, the digital textile market continues to grow — and at a fast pace” said Jorgen Lindahl, senior areas sales manager (digital textiles) at SPGPrints. “As printers have been increasingly adopting digital technology as they and their customers, especially in the fast-fashion sector, realised the enormous potential for supply-chain cost reductions, and lower risk.”

“With digital, you are not printing garments to sell, but ones that have already been sold,” Lindahl continues. “Printing on-demand also means that companies can carry less stock, warehousing costs are dramatically cut, and there are much faster times-to market. All these things reduce risk – which makes working with a printer with digital capabilities more attractive. While these benefits are ideal for fast-fashion houses, similar benefits are enjoyed at the higher end of the market with easier and more affordable production of shorter runs and limited editions.”

Specially formulated digital inks with superior density and color gamut

SPGPrints develops and manufactures its own inks at its ink plant in Boxmeer, the Netherlands. Offering the widest color gamut, and superior density, the digital inks range continues to expand in response to market demands, and are specially formulated for consistency, runnability, reliability and trouble-free use.

SPGPrints’ Pike and Javelin inks are designed for the unique conditions of these printers. In addition, the company offers a full range of NEBULA® inks, specially formulated for any printing equipment using Kyocera print heads.

The SPGPrints Nebula Sublimation ink set combines bright, sparkling colours with the deepest black available in the market. These inks are idea for printing with polyesters. The sublimation inks add to the Nebula range that includes Nebula Direct Disperse inks, Nebula Reactive HD inks, and the new Nebula Acid HD inks. Nebula Acid HD inks meet all industry standards for color and water-fastness, and the specifications for all major swimwear manufacturers.

Screen solutions for improved performance

SPGPrints continues to develop solutions for screen printers to enable them to streamline their workflows while printing textiles of unparalleled quality.

In the pre-printing stage, SPGPrints’ digital laser technologies for imaging screens have proven to deliver advances in resolution and image sharpness, repeatable results, faster production and reduced operational costs.

Direct laser engraving is a single-step, dry process that eliminates costly consumables such as film, ink or chemicals, and time-consuming processes like exposing and washing. With minimal process steps, the chance of human error is greatly reduced.

For wet-process screen imaging workflows, SPGPrints offers laser exposing systems. These use exclusive multi-beam diode technology, which combines long lifetime, high productivity and resolutions of up to 2540dpi. The entire workflow remains the same as other exposure technologies such as film or ink-masking.

SPGPrints’ electroformed seamless nickel screens are renowned for their strength, durability, stability at high print speeds, and the potential for high mesh-counts.  Manufactured in Brazil, fast deliveries are assured.

SPGPrints NovaScreen® screens offer the optimum in print quality and productivity for printing all kinds of fabrics, ranging from cotton, polyester and viscose, to silk, rayon and heavy materials like car upholstery. The high mesh count with streamlined bridges between specially shaped holes maximizes paste transfer. The most recent addition to the NovaScreen program, Mesh 245, features an exceptionally high mesh count, allowing exceptionally smooth tonal degradations, fine linework and smaller dots, thereby widening the scope for creativity in geometric pattern and shirting design.

“SPGPrints has long supported the Latin American market through SPGPrints Brazil, its sales and support facility in Piracicaba,” Lindahl concluded. “Whether for digital printers, inks or screen solutions, we see this as a key market for us, and look forward to working with companies and brands here to introduce our latest technologies and continue the tradition of quality and innovation that we have found in Latin America.”

Posted January 17, 2017

Source: SPGPrints

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