drupa: Printing Industry Banks On Sustainability

CHICAGO — May 23, 2024 — Sustainability is a permanent fixture in the printing industry. This will also be reflected at the drupa 2024 trade fair — to be held May 28-June 7, 2024, in Düsseldorf, Germany — where sustainability will be a major topic. “Sustainability is a set theme in the print industry and forms an integral part of transformation,” said Sabine Geldermann, director drupa, Portfolio Print Technologies at Messe Düsseldorf.

Druckstudio GmbH was founded by Werner Drechsler in Düsseldorf 47 years ago. Since then, his company — now employing a staff of 50 — has delivered premium-quality offset, digital and packaging print products — but not only that: today’s owner-managed Druckstudio Gruppe is among the most eco-friendly print shops in the D-A-CH (Germany, Austria and Switzerland) region today; certified according to ISO standards for energy, environmental and quality management and awarded the “Blue Angel” seal of approval and the EMAS Certificate — two awards for particularly high environmental commitment.

For Werner Drechsler and the entire management team who has accompanied this process every step of the way since 2007, sustainability is more than a green ethical choice: “Ecological makes business sense. Quality, efficiency and the eco-friendly and energy-efficient production of printed products can go hand in hand,” stated Werner Drechsler, who has been running his printshop successfully since 1977.

Especially in times of rising energy prices and CO2 taxes, these early innovations are paying off. A PV system was already installed on the roof of the company building back in 2009 and has since produced almost 700,000 kWh of electricity. New, energy-efficient printing presses were purchased at regular intervals, heat recovery systems were installed and many other environmental measures reduced the relative energy consumption by some 35% compared to the reference year 2008.

Touchpoint Sustainability: VDMA focuses on sustainability  

Druckstudio Gruppe is one of the pioneers in the industry proving that green printing has become a success factor — a success factor that also pays off in business terms. This was also pointed out by Thomas Schiemann, managing director of VDMA’s Print and Paper Technology Association: “More sustainable processes and products especially when combined with digital solutions hold a very high potential for making processes more and more cost-effective.” The transformation in the paper and printing industry is therefore already heading towards the circular economy also thanks to the substantial cost savings to be expected in the long run.

What is already possible today will be demonstrated by the central trade fair forum Touchpoint Sustainability, which is organized at drupa by the VDMA, the Machinery and Equipment Manufacturers Association. In addition to a comprehensive stage program, a total of 30 companies will present pioneering best practices for sustainability in the printing and machinery industry. The spectrum of exhibitors will range from industry leaders such as Heidelberger Druckmaschinen, Koenig & Bauer, HP and Voith to specialized start-ups (Touchpoint Sustainability, Hall 14, Stand D60).

Environment. Conscious(ly). Printed: Education campaign by the Print and Media Associations

The environmentally friendly production of print products is an integral part of the industry. The facts speak for themselves: More than 80 percent of graphic paper in Germany is recycled to a high standard. In paper production, 90 percent of the water is reused. All print products account for less than 1 percent of the CO₂ footprint per person in Germany.

With facts like these, the German Printing and Media Industries Federation (“Bundesverband Druck und Medien” – BVDM) and its regional  associations have launched the campaign “Environment.Consciousl(ly).Printed”. It is designed to strengthen the perception of printed products as sustainable communication media: “With this campaign we want to raise awareness for the sustainability of printed products thereby also stealing the thunder on greenwashers. After all, there are often completely other reasons for foregoing print than the alleged ‘love for the environment’,” commented Kirsten Hommelhoff, managing director of the BVDM. At drupa, these associations will also be represented at the Touchpoint Sustainability.

For further information about drupa 2024, contact Messe Düsseldorf North America; E-mail: info@mdna.com; Visit www.drupa.com and www.mdna.com, www.drupa.de/de/Media_News/drupa_blog

Posted: May 23, 2024

Source: Messe Düsseldorf North America

SAVIO’S Next Destination: ITM 2024

PORDENONE, Italy — May 23, 2024 — Savio’s newest automatic winder Proxima Smartconer® and air-jet spinning machine LYBRA Smartspinner® will be presented at ITM 2024 exhibition, taking place in Istanbul, Turkey from 2024 June 4-8.

Industry leaders and key players will have the opportunity to get together in Turkey, the earth of Eurasian textile hub, to explore new business opportunities, forge worldwide connections, and showcase the latest products, services, and technologies in the textile industry.

Savio will display its latest product range solutions which testify Savio’s dedication to innovation technology and strong partnerships across the industry. We look forward to welcome you at Vandewiele Group booth in Hall 7 booth 710A for discovering more about our winding, twisting and air jet spinning innovations.

NEXT DESTINATION: PROXIMA Smartconer®

The new winding machine Proxima Smartconer is setting the benchmark in Savio automatic winding. We have combined the name Proxima with Smartconer: it stands for a high-tech winding machine, capable of perfectly adapting to demands of Connectivity, Industry 4.0 and Industrial Internet of Things.

Thanks to the innovations, spinners will get a machine featuring high-tech capabilities, thanks to a design with a strong focus on the main benefits for customer’s competitive advantage: high productivity, low energy consumption, premium yarn quality, automation, and data connectivity.

Proxima Smartconer has been designed with the foremost attention to the customer’s needs in the optimal utilization of a winding machine. Investing in equipment that enables to work faster and reduces manual and repetitive tasks, can increase both efficiencies and overall productivity. The same applies to a new equipment that does more of what is needed, faster, safer, with better quality but with less waste, less maintenance, and less resource usage.

SAVIO’S LYBRA Smartspinner®: WE SPIN DIFFERENT

With Lybra Smartspinner, we spin different with a versatile and smart machine. Savio’s air-jet spinning machine has been developed with an original spinning technology to serve our customers in specific applications of textile production: knitting, home textiles, sunshades. Air-jet spun yarn has a soft and smooth character, perfectly adapting to creating functional & fashionable fabrics.

With LYBRA Smartspinner, we want to offer our customer a versatile, flexible, cost saving and easy-to-use machine. Air-jet spinning offers to yarn manufacturers the opportunity to produce yarn at high production rates and low processing costs. The air-jet spinning technology use the same preparation of the conventional ring spinning. This processing works directly with slivers instead of roving, integrating three textile processes: roving, spinning & winding.

Space needs for air-jet spinning is 25 to 30 percent less than for ring-spinning equipment producing the same capacity, thereby reducing building costs. Also, a smaller area requires less climate control and reduced operating personnel. This results in further substantial savings, maximizing the return on investment.

Posted: May 23, 2024

Source: Savio Macchine Tessili S.p.A.

Textile Impact Company Syre Raises $100 Million Series A – Shortlists Vietnam And Iberia For First Gigascale Plants

STOCKHOLM — May 23, 2024 — Syre, the textile impact company initiated by Vargas and H&M Group which launched in March this year, today announces the signing of a $100 million Series A. The funding round was led by founding investor TPG Rise Climate who was joined by an additional investment from founder H&M Group as well as the following strategic partners:

  • Giant Ventures Giant backs purpose-driven founders solving the world’s biggest challenges, from climate and health to inclusive capitalism.
  • IMAS Foundation A purpose driven sister foundation to INGKA Foundation – the owner of Ingka Group, which owns and operates the majority of IKEA stores globally.
  • Norrsken VC Europe’s leading early-stage impact investor, with $450+ AUM and 50+ portfolio companies taking on the world’s biggest challenges while building massive businesses.
  • Volvo Cars Founded in 1927 and today one of the most well-known car brands in the world, aiming to become a fully electric car maker by 2030 and achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040.

“I am thrilled that some of the most ambitious investors globally have joined our quest to lead the great textile shift. It’s inspiring to see their commitment to drive the green transition of the textile industry, across our key target industry verticals apparel, automotive, and interior”, says Dennis Nobelius, CEO of Syre.

Joerg Metzner, Business Unit partner at TPG Rise Climate, commented: “We look forward to accelerating the decarbonization of the textile industry through Syre’s unique textile-to-textile recycling process. Pairing TPG Rise Climate’s capital and global business building capabilities with Syre’s world class team and proprietary technology creates a strong foundation for scaling the company across major manufacturing plants around the world in the coming years.”

The funding round will finance the construction of the blueprint plant in the U.S., which will be up and running later this year, as well as preparations to establish the company’s first two gigascale textile-to-textile recycling plants. Following its global site selection process, Syre has shortlisted Vietnam and Iberia as the locations for its first two plants. Both regions are strategically positioned within the textile supply chain and have a long history of a vibrant textile industry, with access to know-how, feedstock, and logistics as well as green energy. The specific site selection process now continues with the goal of starting the construction process in 2025.

This equity funding further allowed Syre to fully acquire the patented technology that is the centerpiece in the company’s textile-to-textile recycling solution. The technology has been developed over more than nine years by the North Carolina-based company Premirr, who demonstrated its leading capability to transform post-consumer waste into circular polyester in a very energy-efficient way that can be rapidly scaled globally.

“We completed a rigorous search and evaluation of 20+ polyester recycling technologies worldwide. That’s how we found Chris Luft and Matthew Parrott, founders of Premirr. Although the partnership agreement was entered into last year, it is now that Premirr is fully integrated into Syre, and I’m really proud to have the founders onboard as we continue to scaling the team and company,” said Dennis Nobelius, CEO of Syre.

Syre’s R&D hub will remain in North Carolina and further grow from there, close to the Research Triangle Park where the technology was originally developed.

Syre is a textile impact company on a mission to decarbonize and dewaste the textile industry through textile-to-textile recycling at hyperscale, starting with polyester. At unprecedented speed and scale, Syre aims at driving the green shift of the textile industry to a future where every textile fiber sees a new day. The company’s textile-to-textile recycling solution provides circular polyester with quality on par with virgin polyester, but with a superior sustainability performance. Founded in 2023, Syre is initiated by Vargas and H&M Group. The name translates to oxygen in Swedish and is a combination of sy (Swedish for sewing) and re (Latin for over and over again).

Posted: May 23, 2024

Source: Syre

Teijin Frontier Develops A New Breathable, UV-Blocking Polyester Material Replicating The Structure Of A Traditional Bamboo Blind

TOKYO — May 23, 2024 — Teijin Frontier Co. Ltd., the Teijin Group’s fibers and products converting company, today announced the development of a new, multifunctional and comfortable polyester material that combines high breathability and UV protection. This new product reproduces the structure of a traditional Japanese “Sudare” blind (bamboo blind), which allows breezes to pass through while blocking out sunlight.

As extremely high summer temperatures become increasingly common, Teijin Frontier developed this new polyester to meet market demands for materials with enhanced heat protection functions. Heat protection encompasses breathability, UV resistance and anti-stickiness. However, until now, breathability — achieved by gaps between fibers — and UV protection were thought to be mutually exclusive.

To solve this dilemma, the company created a structure with slit-shaped, highly breathable areas in either the warp or weft direction of the fabric. These three-dimensional gaps, similar to those in a bamboo blind, allow the material to deliver both excellent breathability and high UV blocking performance of 85 percent or more. The structure allows air permeability of 50㎤/㎠・s or more.

This new product also offers sustainability benefits through the incorporation of recycled polyester in part. Its structure and elastic fibers provide stretch performance, while an uneven surface caused by differences in thread shrinkage and its structure avoid stickiness. Moreover, to achieve the combination of functions, Teijin Frontier also adopt special high-shrinkage technology and dying finishing technology. This material offers potential for use in both fashion and casual clothing.

Teijin Frontier will begin promoting this product for the 2025 spring and summer fashion and casual clothing collections in Japan, aiming for sales of 250,000 meters in fiscal 2024 and 750,000 meters in fiscal 2027.

Posted: May 23, 2024

Source: Teijin Frontier Co. Ltd./The Teijin Group

Global Meeting Point Of Technical Textiles And Nonwovens Industry: HIGHTEX 2024

ISTANBUL, Turkey — May 23, 2024 — HIGHTEX 2024, a technical textile and nonwoven exhibition, will open its doors to visitors on June 4-8, 2024, at Tüyap Fair and Congress Center. HIGHTEX 2024 Exhibition, which will bring together the industry’s leading manufacturers, innovative technology companies and global buyers, will accelerate the technical textile industry thanks to new collaborations.

The countdown has started for HIGHTEX 2024 International Technical Textiles and Nonwovens Exhibition, Turkey’s first and only exhibition in its field. HIGHTEX 2024, which will be held between June 4-8, 2024, will host nonwoven products, raw materials used in production and the latest technologies in the field of technical textiles.

Address of Innovative Technologies and Latest Trends

Technical textiles and nonwovens will be integrated into more industries and living spaces in the future. HIGHTEX 2024 Exhibition will be an important platform for those who want to accelerate this integration process and shape the future of the industry. A wide range of products will be exhibited at HIGHTEX 2024, from medical textiles produced with advanced technology to high-performance materials used in the aviation and automotive industry, from hygiene products to innovative solutions developed for the agriculture and food industry. Especially the products to be presented in innovative areas such as smart textiles and geotextiles will be among the most remarkable elements of HIGHTEX 2024 Exhibition.

New Collaborations and Networking Opportunities

HIGHTEX 2024 will not only offer exhibitors the opportunity to showcase their products, but also create opportunities for co-operation and networking. Leading manufacturers and suppliers of the industry will come together with professional visitors. Thanks to the B2B meetings to be organised at the exhibition, companies will establish new and permanent commercial connections. Thanks to the machine sales and new investment decisions to be made during the HIGHTEX 2024 Exhibition, the technical textiles sector will gain a great momentum in the world and in Turkey.

HIGHTEX 2024 Exhibition Will Break Exhibitor and Visitor Record

HIGHTEX 2024 Exhibition, whose importance has increased even more with technical textiles taking up more space in every aspect of our lives, attracted great interest from companies. HIGHTEX 2024 Exhibition, which reached a record occupancy rate as a result of the demand from the leading manufacturers of the sector and new entrepreneurs, is expected to break both exhibitor and visitor records.  HIGHTEX 2024, which will host industry professionals not only from Turkey but also from all over the world, will be a global meeting point for the technical textiles and nonwovens industry. The exhibition will bring together thousands of visitors from many countries from America to Asia, Europe to Africa in Istanbul. Visitors to HIGHTEX 2024 will have the opportunity to discover innovative products, get information about the latest technologies from experts and develop strategies for the future.

Posted: May 23, 2024

Source: Teknik Fuarcılık INC.

Celebrating Excellence: Announcing The Finalists For The 2024 World Of Wipes Innovation Award®

CARY, N.C. — May 23, 2024 — INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, announced the three finalists for the World of Wipes Innovation Award®. The Award will be presented at the annual World of Wipes® (WOW) International Conference, June 17-20, at the Hyatt Regency Minneapolis in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

The three products vying for this Award are:

  • multi-purpose cleaning wipes from Kimberly-Clark Professional;
  • a bio-binder technology from OrganoClick; and
  • facial care wipes from Rockline Industries.

The winner will be announced on Thursday morning, June 20.

The three companies competing for the Award are: 

  • Scott® Xtreme Multi-Purpose Cleaning Wipes by Kimberly-Clark Professional:
    Scott® Xtreme Multi-Purpose Cleaning Wipes are great for tackling extreme cleaning tasks, like removing oil, grease, grime, paint, adhesives, caulk, and more, yet are gentle enough to clean hands.  Featuring a patented citrus cleaning solution, the dual-action cleaning fabric incorporates a textured side to increase scrubbing action for cleaning tough soils and a smooth side for wiping surfaces clean.  Scott® Xtreme Multi-Purpose Cleaning Wipes are truly a must-have for any DIY job and cleaning on-the-go.
  • OC-Biobinder® Lily1450 by OrganoClick: OC-Biobinder® represents a series of bio-based and biodegradable binders intended for the nonwoven and paper industry. They are produced from renewable raw materials and residual streams from the food industry and replace traditional fossil-based plastic binders. OC-Biobinder® is available with many different properties adapted to the production of home compostable nonwoven materials such as premium napkins, table cloths and wet wipes.
  • Facial Care Wipe with Glycine Amino Acid Complex by Rockline Industries: Rockline’s development of a facial wipe product containing a unique multifunctional complex of two glycines, a phospholipid compound and a blend of glycols allows for a multitude of skincare benefits as well as providing a self-preserving system for cellulosic nonwovens. Believed to be the first application of glycines in a wet wipe formulation, the product offers improved skin smoothness, elasticity, and hydration alongside an anti-aging claim.

INDA’s Technical Advisory Board selected the finalists based on the creativity, uniqueness, and technical sophistication employed in finding novel ways to expand the utilization of nonwovens. Categories considered for the award were wipes-related raw materials, roll goods, converting, packaging, active ingredients, binders, additives, and end-use products.

The 2023 World of Wipes Innovation Award winner was Indorama Ventures and Polymateria for their Nonwoven Wipe Using Biotransformation Technology. This innovative spunlace wipe utilized advanced biotransformation technology developed jointly by Indorama Ventures and Polymateria. Meeting the BSI PAS 9017 specification, this wipe in the event it becomes fugitive, and exposed to heat, sunlight, air and moisture will transform into a harmless, bioavailable wax at its end-of-life, eliminating microplastic pollution. Compatible with mechanical recycling and combatting ‘fugitive’ waste, this wipe represents a significant leap towards eco-friendly, sustainable nonwoven hygiene products.

Posted: May 23, 2024

Source: INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry

Champion® Athleticwear, Inventor Of The Hoodie, Unveils New Innovative Weighted Hoodie Prototype To Champion Mental Health

WINSTON SALEM, N.C. — May 22, 2024 — Today, Champion®, maker of authentic athletic apparel since 1919, revealed its newest product innovation prototype designed to champion mental health: the Champion Weighted Hoodie. Champion has a strong track record of innovation, from inventing the world’s first hoodie over 80 years ago, to manufacturing the first sports bra, and now championing wearable weighted products and adaptive apparel.

Champion has a strong track record of innovation, from inventing the world’s first hoodie over 80 years ago, to manufacturing the first sports bra, and now championing wearable weighted products and adaptive apparel. Photo – Business Wire

Inspiration for the product came directly from Champion consumers, as a 2022 brand survey of 19 to 35-year-olds revealed that more than 90 percent of those surveyed were interested in using a calming technique, and ultimately, were keen on seeing a weighted wearable product from Champion. Champion recognized a widespread need for products that aid in offering day-to-day, wearable relief, without compromising style.

“As a lifestyle brand born from sport, our purpose is to Champion a better tomorrow and support meaningful causes through innovation,” said Vanessa LeFebvre, Global president at Champion. “For me, the creation of the Weighted Hoodie prototype represents another step in our pursuit of crafting products with purpose that catalyze real impact. We are committed to listening to what our consumers and communities want and creating solutions through our products. The Weighted Hoodie is a perfect example of that, as mental health concerns and daily life stress is a consistent throughline in our community listening. The inspiration for this came not only from our consumers, but from witnessing people in our own lives using weighted products for comfort. We want people to speak about mental health and destigmatize the needs that these products can meet. Champion is committed to giving individuals the support they need with adaptive fashion.”

Weighing 8lbs, this machine-washable hoodie is quilted with micro glass beads and was designed to leverage the scientifically proven benefits of weighted pressure seen in weighted blankets, which may reduce symptoms of stress and anxiety among a host of other mental health and neurodivergent conditions. The hoodie was developed in collaboration with Thera – a small business founded by Jenny Rosenberg, who began manufacturing weighted wearable products during the pandemic. Photo – Business Wire

Weighing 8lbs, this machine-washable hoodie is quilted with micro glass beads and was designed to leverage the scientifically proven benefits of weighted pressure seen in weighted blankets, which may reduce symptoms of stress and anxiety among a host of other mental health and neurodivergent conditions. The hoodie was developed in collaboration with Thera – a small business founded by Jenny Rosenberg, who began manufacturing weighted wearable products during the pandemic. The prototype is also undergoing testing with leading mental health expert partners, including Dr. Kerri McBee-Black, head Adaptive Apparel Researcher and Professor at University of Missouri.

“While the benefits of weighted products for neurodivergent populations and those affected by certain mental health conditions have been widely studied, we’re finding that this category of adaptive clothing can actually serve a far larger population,” said Dr. Kerri McBee-Black, assistant professor and Helen Allen Faculty Fellow in the Textile and Apparel Management Department at the University of Missouri. “Feelings of ‘comfort, safety, and security’ are among the most common terms showing up in our research for the Champion Weighted Hoodie prototype, feelings that anyone can benefit from. My team and I are eager to continue evolving the functionality of weighted wearables, and also explore new avenues of accessible and adaptive apparel that can have a massive impact on the community at large.”

The Champion Weighted Hoodie will be available in stores and at Champion.com beginning in September 2024. Photo – Business Wire

In 2023, Champion unveiled its first global brand campaign, Champion What Moves You, which redefined the brand’s mission: to provide every Champion a canvas to pursue their passions and live their true purpose. For the brand, “Champion” is no longer a title or indication of winning — it’s a verb and a means to take action — rooted in creating with intention and moving the needle for important causes across communities. Mental health is no exception.

Developed in partnership with Thera, the Champion Weighted Hoodie features:

  • Weighted Pressure: Weighing in at a total of 8lb | 3.6 kg allover balanced distribution across arms, chest, back, and hood.
  • Glass Beads: This garment contains premium quality, non-toxic, odor free, machine washable, micro glass beads.
  • Machine Washable: Easy to clean and maintain.
  • Reversible: To provide multiple sensory experiences as well as extend wear options for the user. One side is textural and quilted, while the other is soft and smooth.
  • Stowaway Label Pocket: Designed as a solution for those with sensory label issues, as well as aiding in garment reversibility while not losing important legal and wash information.
  • Extra Long Cotton Drawcord: which can act as a focus agent for those with fidget, twirling, or other neurodivergent tendencies.
  • Champion Quality: Featuring Champion’s signature Reverse Weave Fabric, washed down for the perfect cozy vintage comfort the brand’s hoodies are cherished for. Also featuring the proprietary C Onion Quilt with built in layers perfectly containing and balancing weight evenly across the body and over time.

The Champion Weighted Hoodie will be available in stores and at Champion.com beginning in September 2024.

Posted: May 22, 2024

Source: HanesBrands

Trustrace Launches ‘Must Read’ Playbook For The Fashion Industry: ‘Unlocking DPP: The Why, What And How Of Digital Product Passports’

TrusTrace – Unlocking Digital Product Passports

STOCKHOLM — May 22, 2024 — TrusTrace, a global SaaS company with a platform for supply chain traceability and compliance in fashion and retail, today announced the launch of its third playbook entitled, “Unlocking DPP: The Why, What and How of Digital Product Passports.” Unveiled at the Global Fashion Summit in Copenhagen, the playbook offers an essential guide for fashion industry professionals grappling with the data collection and implementation of the widely anticipated Digital Product Passport, which will come into force in the European Union between 2026-2030. The book busts some common myths and misconceptions about the DPP, and offers a data protocol for brands to follow to start collecting DPP data and setting up their digital systems for DPP implementation.

Nicolaj Reffstrup, co-founder of GANNI, who provided key insights for the playbook, encourages brands to act now: “Digital Product Passports and corresponding legislation are coming for the industry — that’s something we should all be pleased about. We see it as an opportunity to heighten the level of information and transparency we offer consumers about products, but also as an opportunity to manage product data more efficiently, with the product afterlife in mind. It’s easy to see the hurdles and uncertainties, but we should all be excited about the data shift that will happen in the coming years. The quicker you prepare for compliance, the smoother the transition will be for you and your customer group. This guide is a great resource to get started on that journey and navigate the current uncertainties of legislation.”

By reading the guide, brands will gain:

  • A clear understanding of what the DPP is, why it’s set to become an essential part of business as usual, how it will work and when it will come into force.
  • Who and what is in scope for DPP, and guidance on how to prepare for it.
  • An overview of the data protocol to enable textile-specific product DPP data collection.
  • Useful first hand lessons from an end-to-end live DPP pilot for fashion products.
  • Expert insights to help guide pragmatic, senior level action on beginning DPP preparation.
  • An understanding of business opportunities that can be achieved with the DPP beyond simply a requirement to comply.

TrusTrace CEO and Co-Founder Shameek Ghosh commented: “As the industry shifts from minimal regulation to a significant surge in both the volume and intricacy of global laws, it’s clear that the potential for it to become overwhelming is palpable. The DPP is no exception, as its extensive data demands on a per-product basis will necessitate gathering and validating data that has historically been hard to access. Nevertheless, true visionaries can look beyond the immediate disruptions and challenges and recognize the potential this data holds. The possession of detailed supply chain data empowers brands to adopt a proactive stance, enabling them to maintain control rather than being caught off guard by the inevitable disruptions. DPPs serve as a critical element in constructing the data, insights, and infrastructure necessary to drive a truly circular economy, as well as unlocking novel business opportunities, but how to effectively create and implement them is not clear today. This is what we are aiming to clarify in this book.”

The guide, which has been authored by respected journalist Brooke Roberts-Islam, opens with ‘The Why’ of the DPP, breaking down the complex set of incoming EU legislation, and explaining why DPP is an essential tool for achieving the EU’s legally-binding commitment to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Crucially, the guide highlights the significant data gaps and how the DPP will address these by collecting and sharing circularity data.

‘The What’ section explains the three core components of the DPP: product data, unique identifiers and the required interoperable IT system (for decentralized data sharing). This section also offers a breakdown of who and what is in scope, along with the required data systems. ‘The When’ offers all brands an essential overview of the DPP timeline and requirements for textile products under the ESPR.

Finally, ‘The How’ provides brands with the essential steps to successfully collect data and implement a DPP scheme. The valuable insights in this chapter are derived from the pioneering Trace4Value project, a live DPP pilot led by TrusTrace to test an end-to-end DPP data and system infrastructure for textile products entering the EU market. The pilot cohort embedded DPP carriers with live data into selected Kappahl and Marimekko products, which launched on the market in early 2024.

Commenting on the Trace4Value project, Sandra Roos, vice president of Sustainability at Kappahl states: “The operational components and requirements of the DPP are poorly understood, which is why we joined the Trace4Value project. We learned invaluable insights — such as the need for DPP data fields shown to consumers to be standardized — among many others, and we’re proud to provide our perspective for this playbook, to contribute to making it a comprehensive resource on what’s required for compliance with incoming DPP legislation.”

Marimekko also highlights potential customer and commercial benefits of DPP: “In the future, DPP has potential to create customer value as a part of product storytelling and life cycle,” says Marjut Lovio, Marimekko Sustainability manager who has shared her sustainability and information technology perspectives within the playbook. “We believe this guide can help the industry in moving towards circular business models.”

Posted: May 22, 2024

Source: TrusTrace

Uster Presents FiberQ And RSO 3D At ITM 2024: Reducing Waste And Boosting Profits In Spinning

USTER, Switzerland — May 22, 2024 — Spinners seeking profitable investments for sustainable mill operations would do well to check out Uster FiberQ and RSO 3D. Both these systems offer attractive ROI. They also help spinners control the most expensive stages in the mill process, cutting waste and boosting profits.

Field tests show that comprehensive raw material management can save 0.5 to 2 percent of waste. Every spinner wants maximum profitability from yarn production, so this evidence should be examined seriously. All the details will be available at ITM 2024, where Uster experts will welcome visitors to Booth 714B in Hall 7. Here we present some of the compelling attractions of these systems. For example, if barré faults and quality consistency are major headaches, spinners are recommended to read on.

Manage the big cost factor

Uster FiberQ supports spinner’s daily processes.

Raw material accounts for 65 to 75 percent of the production costs for cotton yarn. Saving even a single percentage of waste here can be significant: a cost reduction of $255,000 (239,000 euros) per year, is typically achieved for a mill with 50,000 spindles, based on Ne 30 yarn with a price of $1.8 per kilogram of cotton. This savings potential can be tapped with Uster FiberQ — the complete solution for raw material utilization — supporting spinners’ daily processes, quality consistency, profitability and further growth.

Optimum sourcing and use of raw material needs to take account of inventory levels, required yarn quality, and cotton parameters. FiberQ software simplifies the process and integrated Uster Application Intelligence cuts through the complexity, unlocking maximum potential.

Uster FiberQ works with powerful software, analyzing fiber data from available inventories and creating consistent and reliable laydowns for optimum quality and performance. The basis is reliable raw material data, measured by Uster HVI1000. With FiberQ, the Uster fiber classification and analysis system is accessible through a subscription model.

Think Quality next level

FiberQ has three elements. It combines data-enabled software, cutting-edge hardware and textile expertise. So the global know-how and experience of Uster experts opens new perspectives for quality and profitability. Textile expertise brings all the capabilities of equipment, data and software tools into the mill context. Uster textile experts work with the mill’s own personnel to train them and help shorten the road from testing to real results.

The FiberQ quality promise is already proven in practice. Spinners report significant quality improvements. For example, no barré faults occurred after the FiberQ solution was installed. The overall IPI quality improvements showed a level of >25 percent and greater consistency was observed.

Potential in the most cost-intensive process

Many Uster customers are convinced that investing in quality equates to increasing profitability. Uster RSO 3D is another example of a secure investment in the mill’s future. It’s an intelligent combination of Uster Sentinel ring spinning optimization system, Uster Quantum 4.0 yarn clearers and a linked winding machine with spindle identification. It adds up to a unique preventive quality control for textile mills. These three dimensions of quality measurement in one system achieve the ultimate goals of process optimization and traceability.

Individual data for each spindle enables quality mapping throughout the ring spinning machine, and any poor quality production is indicated right there. Outlier cops are ejected through direct machine intervention, before winding. This significantly reduces winder stops and clearer cuts. The system also guides operators to the exact position where an issue is identified, enabling fast action for minimum losses — and maximum profitability.

Typically Uster

Spinners know they need to adopt innovative techniques and technologies to meet business challenges and ensure long-term sustainability and profits. Previously, quality management has been largely based on the experience of mill personnel, with available tools at the level of Excel files. This resulted in low utilization of data, because of the complicated and time-consuming processes — which even then could not offer best results.

Data-enabled software is the key to progress and success. Uster offers reliable measuring systems and powerful software, analyzing data from different sources for optimum yarn quality and performance, every day.

Posted: May 22, 2024

Source: Uster Technologies AG

Blue Point Stays Local With Acquisition Of National Safety Apparel (NSA)

CLEVELAND — May 21, 2024 — Blue Point Capital Partners is pleased to announce the recapitalization of National Safety Apparel (NSA), a Cleveland-based manufacturer of branded, high-performance personal protective equipment (PPE) and safety products for electrical, industrial and service applications. With a strong focus on the utility and electrical services sector, the company has a long history of providing equipment and apparel that comply with the most rigorous technical safety standards.

Throughout its nearly 90 years in operation, NSA has forged a legacy characterized by high-quality products, exceptional customer service and strong brands. Backed by extensive customer relationships, the NSA team is committed to manufacturing innovative, standard and custom products that emphasize safety, functionality and comfort as the utmost priorities in the high-risk, critical-use environments served.

“Blue Point’s experience in our industry and alignment with our culture made them the right choice for NSA as we explore new avenues for expansion in the safety products market,” said fourth-generation NSA Owner and CEO Chuck Grossman, who will remain in his leadership role. “Together, we will continue to scale the business while staying true to NSA’s mission — to ensure the protection of workers and help them return home safely every day.”

NSA’s double-digit annual growth for over a decade has established it as a leader in the landscape with the depth, resources and vision for continued success. With Blue Point’s support, the company will continue to drive organic growth with new product introductions, geographic expansion and strategic M&A.

“This partnership is a continuation of Blue Point’s history of partnering with local, family-owned businesses,” said Blue Point Partner Jonathan Pressnell. “NSA’s impressive performance and customer loyalty demonstrate their exceptional market position and quality products. The company is an excellent fit with Blue Point’s manufacturing and safety sector investing experience. Looking ahead, we plan to provide capital and operational resources to assist management in accelerating growth and driving efficiency, building on the impressive track record already established by the NSA team.”

NSA is actively seeking complementary partnerships with like-minded founders and owners of safety products businesses. Business owners interested in learning more may contact Blue Point Managing Director, Business Development Megan Kneipp at mkneipp@bluepointcapital.com.

Posted: May 21, 2024

Source: Blue Point Capital Partners

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