INDA: Nominate Your Products Now For The 2025 IDEA® Achievement Awards

CARY, N.C. — October 21, 2024 — INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, in collaboration with Nonwovens Industry Magazine, is now accepting nominations for the 2025 IDEA® Achievement Awards. Industry professionals in the nonwoven and engineered materials sectors are invited to submit their innovative products — or those of their clients — for consideration.

The IDEA Achievement Awards honor groundbreaking innovations introduced since IDEA22, recognizing excellence in six categories. Winners will be announced during IDEA25, which will be held at the Miami Beach Convention Center, Miami Beach, Fla., from April 29 to May 1, 2025.

Award Categories:

  • Raw Materials – Best new raw materials introduction
  • Nonwoven Product – Best new nonwoven fabric introduction
  • Short-Life – Best new short-life product introduction
  • Long-Life – Best new durable product introduction
  • Equipment – Best new equipment introduction

Sustainability Advancement – Recognizing sustainability and/or circularity advancements in raw materials, nonwoven fabrics, processes and equipment, and end-use products.

Entries must be submitted by December 16, 2024 for consideration. Finalists in each category will be selected by INDA’s Technical Advisory Board, with the top three in each category moving forward. Voting will take place on the Nonwovens Industry website, allowing industry professionals to determine the winners. Additionally, the recipient of the Entrepreneur Award will be chosen exclusively by Nonwovens Industry Magazine.

For detailed criteria and eligibility information, visit: https://www.inda.org/awards/IDEA-Achievement-Award.html

To nominate a product, visit: https://www.nonwovens-industry.com/idea-reg-achievement-awards

2022 IDEA Achievement Award Winners:

Equipment:

  • Herrmann Ultrasonics, Inc.: Elastic Thread Anchoring (ETA) Sonotrode

Raw Materials:

  • Rem Brands, Inc: ODOGard

Short-Life Product:

  • LifeSavers LLC: LifeSavers Wipes

Long-Life Product:

  • MANN+HUMMEL GmbH: Nanofiber Cabin Air Filter

Sustainability Advancement:

  • Glatfelter Corp. and Blue Ocean Closures: Fiber-based Screw Caps

Nonwoven Product:

Suominen Corporation: HYDRASPUN® Aquaflo

Entrepreneur:

  • Doug Brown, President of Biax-Fiberfilm/5K Fibres

IDEA25 will feature hundreds of exhibitors showcasing the latest innovations in nonwoven and fiber technologies, along with a dedicated, multi-day Sustainability in Nonwovens Conference. Attendees can also participate in “Nonwoven Essentials,” a series of expert-led training sessions designed to enhance industry knowledge and expertise.

For full details on the IDEA Achievement Award criteria and eligibility, visit: IDEA Achievement Awards.

Posted: October 21, 2024

Source: INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry

technotrans And enesty Form Strategic Partnership: A Symbiosis Of Technology Leaders

MEINERZHAGEN/HARTHA, Germany — October 21, 2024 — technotrans and enesty are combining their expertise in tailor-made thermal management systems for the plastics processing industry. The partnership includes mutual integration and marketing of each other’s products: technotrans will now rely on the water distribution systems of German market leader enesty GmbH, while enesty will incorporate technotrans’ temperature control units and cooling systems into its orcinus brand. This collaboration will involve close networking between the global sales teams of both companies. Customers will benefit from integrated complete solutions that optimise processes, reduce cycle times, and ensure high energy efficiency. At the same time, technotrans and enesty are strengthening their market presence and creating a clear competitive advantage in the growing market for application-specific system solutions.

Strategic partnership of technology leaders: Jonathan Franke, Commercial Managing Director of enesty GmbH (left), and Nicolai Küls, Head of the Plastics Division & Managing Director of technotrans solutions GmbH in Meinerzhagen.

“With this partnership, the two best products on the market come together to create a win-win situation for all involved. technotrans and enesty complement each other perfectly in terms of technology, enabling us to offer customers unique, tailored solutions for their applications,” says Nicolai Küls, head of the Plastics Division & Managing Director of technotrans solutions GmbH in Meinerzhagen. Jonathan Franke, Commercial managing director of enesty GmbH, highlights the sales benefits: “We benefit enormously from technotrans’ international presence and its extensive sales network. Especially in countries where we are not yet represented, this partnership opens up great opportunities for us.”

As part of the collaboration, technotrans will in future rely on enesty’s water distribution systems, marketed under the orcinus brand, and promote them alongside its own products. In return, enesty will integrate technotrans’ compact temperature control units and innovative cooling systems into its orcinus system — a cutting-edge complete temperature control solution, specially designed for injection molding. The optimal coordination of thermal management and water flow control offers users numerous advantages in terms of productivity and energy efficiency. Within the system, it improves cooling efficiency and heat exchange during the injection molding process, significantly reducing cooling and cycle times, and thereby lowering CO₂ emissions per produced component. This mutual technological complement allows both partners to focus more strongly on their core competencies.

Tailor-made complete solutions from a single source

The strategic partnership is based on long-term collaboration without a fixed end date. In the future, customers will be able to access comprehensive thermal management systems through contacts at both technotrans and enesty, receiving everything from a single source. Initial joint projects have already been successfully completed, with many more to follow. Both companies also plan to make joint appearances at international trade fairs to present their synergies and product portfolios to a wider audience.

“technotrans and enesty are united by deep technical expertise and years of application experience. This results in unbeatable complete solutions that combine process optimisation, energy efficiency, and operational reliability,” says Küls.

Posted: October 21, 2024

Source: technotrans solutions GmbH

Minna Rouru Appointed Chief People & Communications Officer At Suominen

HELSINKI — October 21, 2024 — Minna Rouru, M.Sc. Social Sciences, has been appointed chief people & communications officer at Suominen. She will be a member of Suominen’s Executive Management Team and report to President and CEO Tommi Björnman. Rouru will start in her new role by February 2025 at the latest.

Minna Rouru

Rouru joins Suominen from KONE Corp., where she has worked as vice president, People & Communications, Global Functions. She has extensive experience in human resources management and change leadership in Asia, America, and Europe.

“I am delighted to have Minna Rouru joining Suominen. Minna combines strong international HR experience with business and communications acumen. I trust in her ability to continue building the Suominen culture, as well as promoting the competence of our work community. She will also be a valuable addition to our Executive Management Team,” said Tommi Björnman, president and CEO of Suominen.

Posted: October 21, 2024

Source: Suominen Corporation

Society Of Dyers And Colourists Unveils Digital Textile Collection Archive

BRADFORD, England — October 21, 2024 — The Society of Dyers and Colourists (SDC) has launched its groundbreaking digital Textile Collection archive, a comprehensive online resource that opens the doors to centuries of textile dyeing and printing history. For the first time, this newly unveiled collection is now easily accessible to researchers, professionals, and enthusiasts around the world.

Featuring more than 50,000 artifacts, journals, and books — such as the Turkey Red Collection and handwritten dyers’ notebooks recording the transition from natural to synthetic dyes — the archive is being meticulously catalogued by the SDC’s historical collections officer, Shelley Hollingdrake.

“We are only at the beginning of this exciting journey, but the new website already allows us to engage with our community in a truly meaningful way,” Hollingdrake said. “From 19th-century dyes to scientific equipment, the collection offers a unique glimpse into the evolution of color science and its global impact. It’s incredibly rewarding to share the rich history of textile dyeing with a wider audience.”

Compiled in honor of the Society’s 140th year in operation this year, the interactive archive not only highlights the artistry and science of the past but also provides an invaluable tool for modern-day research and education. The collection can be explored online at collections.sdc.org.uk.

In addition to the digital launch, the SDC is preparing to host the 43rd International Conference on Dyes in History and Archaeology (DHA43) from 23-25 October 2024 at Leeds’ Cloth Hall Court, where the collection will be showcased in person. With 24 presentations on the history of color, the conference will spotlight the importance of archives like the SDC’s in advancing both academic research and industry practice.

Posted: October 21, 2024

Source: The Society of Dyers and Colourists (SDC)

ACIMIT: Italian Textile Machinery At Expotextil Peru

MILAN— October 21, 2024 — Expotextil, the most relevant trade fair for the textile and clothing sector scheduled in Peru, will be held in Lima, November 7-10. A delegation of Italian textile machinery manufacturers will also be present at Expotextil. Within the pavilion organized by Italian Trade Agency and ACIMIT, the Association of Italian Textile Machinery Manufacturers, 14 Italian companies will exhibit, including the following 11 ACIMIT members: Color Service, Danti, Dettin, Ms Printing Solutions, Ferraro, Flainox, Ima, Salvadè, Santoni, Ugolini, Willy.

In Peru the textile and clothing industry is one of the driving sectors of the national economy. The Country is the world’s leading producer of alpaca fibers (over 80% of global production of this fiber is produced in Peru). Cotton cultivation and processing are also significant, particularly in the northern part of the Country. In 2023, Peru exported textile and clothing products worth a total of $1.87 billion, marking a 19.6% increase compared to the previous year.

“In a context of a needed technological renewal for Peruvian textiles,” said Marco Salvadè, president of ACIMIT, “the Italian attendance at Expotextil is strategic. The local textile industry needs to renew its machinery and raise the quality of its processes to stay competitive. Italian technology offers Peruvian companies suitable solutions for more efficient and resource-saving production.”

Over the years, the Peruvian textile industry has already benefited from partnerships with Italian textile machinery manufacturers. Peru is the second-largest market in South America for Italian manufacturers. In 2023, Italian textile machinery exports to Peru reached a value of around 18 million euros. In the first six months of 2024, Italian sales amounted to approximately 8 million euros.

Posted: October 21, 2024

Source: The Association of Italian Textile Machinery Manufacturers (ACIMIT)

DuPont And Aero Tec Laboratories (ATL) Announce Groundbreaking Collaboration In Racing Industry

WILMINGTON, Del.— October 16, 2024 — Today, DuPont announces a collaboration with Aero Tec Laboratories (ATL), a leader in safety fuel systems and flexible fluid containment technology, to bring long-term innovation to the racing industry. This collaboration begins with the launch of a new fuel bladder for Formula One cars.

DuPont™ Kevlar® EXO™ was first introduced to the life protection market in April 2023, enabling body armor with an unprecedented combination of flexibility and lightweight strength from an aramid fiber. In fuel bladders, it significantly enhances performance by providing superior resistance to impact and abrasion. This improvement in strength allows for the development of lighter yet highly reliable fuel bladder systems, meeting stringent FIA requirements while reducing overall weight by more than 20 percent. Kevlar EXO thus plays a crucial role in enabling the creation of high-performance products that prioritize safety and efficiency.

“The first time we tested Kevlar EXO, we knew it was going to be game changing. We have not seen any new innovation or technology like this in fuel bladders in decades,” said ATL CEO Giles Dawson. “With the weight savings Kevlar EXO enables, we are excited to see how we can further collaborate to bring even more innovative FIA-certified products to the industry. Our development focus for the 2026 regulations where every race car will utilize with fully sustainable fuel, this innovative new material has provided several benefits in our development efforts.”

Drawing on their combined knowledge and expertise in safety, design, racing industry certification, mechanical testing capabilities, and research and development, DuPont and ATL worked together to ensure the new fuel bladder complies with FIA safety standards. This successful collaboration has ultimately led to the transformation of the way F1 fuel bladders are constructed.

After the success of the initial program, DuPont and ATL plan to expand their collaboration to explore how they can apply the learnings from F1 fuel bladders to other racing industries such as NASCAR, IndyCar, and Le Mans.

“This collaboration goes beyond the fact that Kevlar EXO is DuPont’s biggest fiber innovation in more than 50 years. It also further proves the variety of game changing applications the material can have outside of military and defense, allowing us to take a front row seat in new industries,” said DuPont™ Global Commercial Leader for Kevlar® EXO™ Jill Clements. “The performance we’re seeing from Kevlar EXO has enabled us to look to new markets, applications, and industries, and we’re excited about what’s next.”

Posted: October 18, 2024

Source: DuPont

ORORO Heated Apparel’s® First-Ever Workwear Collection Delivers Utility, Safety, And Durability

LAS VEGAS — October 18, 2024 — ororo® — a heated apparel brand on the market rooted in bringing premium, timeless, and cost-effective heated outerwear — announced the launch of its first-ever Workwear Collection. The eight-piece collection perfectly blends versatility and durability through its carefully crafted designs, boasts improved heating technology to withstand the toughest environments, and includes the world’s first jacket with dual control and a dual source heating system.

Created to deliver the ultimate essentials for all-day warmth and comfort, the Workwear Collection blends heavy-duty designs with key safety elements for full weather and temperature protection. The designs incorporate approved outerwear for a variety of industries to ensure workers are meeting the highest standards of visibility requirements while providing the functionality, durability, and flexibility needed to transition throughout the day. The collection includes:

  • Men’s Bristol Utility Fleece Lined Pants
  • Scranton Men’s Insulated Heated Bomber Vest
  • Wayne Men’s Heated Pullover
  • Missoula SureWarm® Men’s Heated Jacket
  • Flagstaff Men’s Heated High-Visibility Jacket
  • Women’s Bristol Utility Fleece Lined Pants
  • Cheyenne Women’s 5-Zone Heated Canvas Vest
  • Cheyenne Women’s 5-Zone Heated Canvas Jacket

The Workwear Collection features a variety of jackets and vests, and introduces ororo’s new line of heated pants, designed for those who demand both durability and comfort. The Bristol Utility Fleece Lined Pants for men and women feature over seven functional pockets and weather-resistant fabric making it perfect for working outdoors. ororo also launched its first ANSI Type R Class 3 Compliant Flagstaff Men’s Heated High-Visibility Jacket featuring an upgraded 4-zone heating, waterproof protection, and 3M’s high-reflective tape to stay visible, dry, and warm in tough conditions. Among the designs is the world’s first jacket with dual control and dual source heating system — Missoula SureWarm® Men’s Heated Jacket — that works to control six different heating zones and extend working hours with two lightweight batteries.

“Job sites can be extremely harsh during the colder months of the year. We understand the importance of having key essentials to wear during the most difficult conditions. This collection of durable pieces is designed for all-day warmth and also features fashionable staples that can take you from work to happy hour. We want to continue offering all the best in heated apparel across your profession and life moments,” said CEO and Co-Founder of ororo Mark H.

Like all ororo products, the collection features the brand’s carbon fiber technology and strategically placed heating zones to bring unmatched warmth with the ability to offer up to 22 hours of warmth. All apparel from the Workwear Collection features at least three heating levels adjustable with the click of a button to keep you comfortable no matter the weather or temperature.

Posted: October 18, 2024

Source: ORORO Heated Apparel

Baffin Appoints Austin Sedlbauer As Lead Designer

STONEY CREEK, Ontario   — October 18, 2024 — Baffin, a supplier of cold climate footwear and apparel, is pleased to announce the appointment of Austin Sedlbauer as lead designer. This strategic addition comes as Baffin continues to solidify its reputation for quality and innovation in the industry, while expanding domestic manufacturing volume.

Sedlbauer joins Baffin after a successful tenure as lead designer at Cougar Shoes. With extensive experience in footwear design and a strong understanding of materials and consumer preferences, Sedlbauer is set to elevate Baffin’s already robust product line. His role will be pivotal in refining the brand’s design philosophy and ensuring that Baffin remains at the forefront of technical advancements and market trends.

Sedlbauer’s appointment is especially significant, as it marks a continuation of a legacy deeply rooted in the history of Baffin. In 1959, the founder of Baffin’s first manufacturing operation, Peter Hubner, honed his experience in shoemaking working with Sedlbauer’s grandfather, Walter Sedlbauer, at Susan Shoes, the company that would later introduce the Cougar brand. This collaboration established a tradition of craftsmanship and innovation that continues to shape the industry today. Sedlbauer’s connection to this heritage underscores Baffin’s ongoing commitment to quality and tradition.

“Welcoming Austin to our team is not just a strategic move; his historical ties reinforce our legacy,” said Mark Hubner, senior vice president at Baffin. “The experience and innovative vision he brings will lend a fresh perspective to our product offerings, strengthening our market position. We are excited to see how his leadership will drive technical advancements and elevate our design aesthetics as we look to the future.”

“I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to join Baffin, a true leader in the cold climate footwear industry,” Sedlbauer said. “It’s an honor to be part of a team that is deeply committed to innovation and quality. I look forward to collaborating with such talented individuals to create exceptional products that not only meet but exceed our customers’ expectations. Together, I believe we can take Baffin’s legacy to new heights.”

Sedlbauer will join the Baffin team immediately and will report out of the Stoney Creek headquarters.

Posted: October 18, 2024

Source: Baffin Ltd.

Freudenberg Expands Operations With New Manufacturing Plant In Morinda, Punjab

MORINDA, India   — October 18, 2024 — Germany-based global technology conglomerate Freudenberg Group has officially inaugurated two advanced manufacturing facilities in Morinda, covering a total built-up area of 40,700 square meters. These state-of-the-art plants are operated by Freudenberg-NOK India Pvt. Ltd. (FNI) and Vibracoustic India. The strategic move consolidates the company’s operations from its existing plants in Basma and Mohali, aimed at enhancing production efficiency and supporting Freudenberg’s long-term growth plans in India.

Inauguration of Morinda Plant

Freudenberg’s investment of more than 42 million euros in the Morinda facility marks the company’s largest financial commitment in India to date. The new plants are equipped to serve both domestic and international markets, reinforcing Freudenberg’s dedication to India’s “Make in India” initiative. The facilities will cater to key sectors such as automotive and industrial manufacturing, ensuring the company remains competitive by optimizing material flows and leveraging modernized equipment.

Speaking at the inauguration, Dr. Mohsen Sohi, CEO of Freudenberg Group, remarked: “Our investment in the new facilities in Morinda reflects Freudenberg’s strong commitment to the Indian market and the ‘Make in India’ vision. This expansion not only aligns with our global growth strategy but also boosts our ability to serve customers with greater efficiency, innovation, and quality. As we celebrate 175 years of Freudenberg’s legacy of excellence, we are proud to further strengthen our presence in India.”

Sustainability is a core focus of the new facilities. Energy-efficient machinery and eco-friendly practices, such as photovoltaic cells that supply 15 percent of the plant’s energy needs and water-recharging stations, have been incorporated to reduce the environmental footprint.

Sivasailam. G, managing director at Freudenberg Performance Materials India and director & CEO of Freudenberg Regional Corporate Center India, added, “The inauguration of our new manufacturing plants in Morinda showcases our long-term commitment to sustainable growth in India. By bringing our operations together in this advanced facility, we aim to create new job opportunities and nurture local talent. This investment helps us better serve our customers across different industries, offering high-quality products and solutions made in India for both domestic and international markets.”

Freudenberg’s expansion in Morinda is set to generate significant job opportunities, with plans to grow the local workforce by 20 percent, adding approximately 200 new positions. The site will also serve as a global engineering hub, attracting top talent from regional universities, particularly around Chandigarh.

Posted: October 18, 2024

Source: Freudenberg Group

ALTA™ Luxury Opens World Of Luxury Fabrics For Commercial And High-Traffic Use

BYRON CENTER, Mich.   — October 16, 2024 — A revolutionary new technology from Applied Textiles, ALTA™ Luxury, opens the world of luxury fabrics for high-traffic residential and hospitality applications. ALTA Luxury is a technology that engineers beautiful, high-end fabrics that enhances durability, making them more suitable for higher traffic commercial and residential projects.

Luxury fabrics, though beautiful, rich and inviting, can fail wear standards and fire code requirements and be difficult to clean. The ALTA Luxury technology extends the lifespan of the textile without changing the aesthetic — often making it better. ALTA Luxury keeps fabrics soft and enhances their texture and touch.

“Designers want luxury fabrics for higher traffic environments, whether that be a bustling boutique hotel lobby or luxurious residential living room,” said Applied Textiles Founder John Schroeter. “At Applied Textiles, we have considerable investment in the last third of textile production, which is everything off the loom — washing, steaming, tumbling, softening, texturizing, backing and lamination.”

Applied Lab, a division of Applied Textiles can also test and qualify these materials for their use and lifecycle. Treating a luxury fabric is important, and a certified texting facility like Applied Lab ensures fabrics pass FR codes and wear requirements.

ALTA Luxury opens a whole new world to designers looking to add luxury textiles to their projects. Fabrics once thought too fragile for commercial and high-use residential environments can now be engineered with the ALTA Luxury technology, enabling their use in most applications. This unlocks endless possibilities for designers to explore creativity without being constrained by fabric performance limitations.

ALTA Luxury uses an environmentally friendly water-based process to engineer fabrics to enhance performance after weaving or knitting. Fabrics benefiting from ALTA Luxury include natural fibers, velvets, chenilles, boucles, and pile fabrics that include complex patterns and rich textures. ALTA Luxury makes specifying natural fibers possible. Natural fibers, many of which were replaced by synthetics because of wear characteristics, are now able to be used in commercial and higher traffic areas.

ALTA Luxury not only helps textiles last longer, the process also provides superior repellency against spills and stains, according to the company.

With quick processing times and the ability to accommodate all order sizes, ALTA Luxury is designed to be flexible and easy to specify.

Applied Textiles is a textile testing and technology company. It does not make or sell fabrics; it makes them better and longer‐lasting with performance technologies and accredited lab testing.

Posted: October 18, 2024

Source: Applied Textiles

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