Purcell: A Renewable Cellulosic Composite Material Can Replace Established GRP Construction Components

DENKENDORF, Germany — May 4, 2016 — Considerable amounts of glass-fiber reinforced plastics (GRP) are used in many constructions and construction components. But although 250,000 tons of end-of-life GRP waste materials are currently produced annually, no practical solution has been found that would enable true recycling of GRPs. At the moment the only technically applicable concept entails thermal processing and the use of the remaining glass-fiber waste products after pyrolysis as an additive to cement. There is definitely no recycling, in the true sense of the word.

The urgency of the recycling problem is being accelerated by statutory regulations, which force manufacturers to take their products back.

Substitution of GRB construction components

Because there is still no evidence of a real solution for true recycling of GRP materials in the future, the new research project at the ITCF Denkendorf aims towards finding a substitute for these materials. A new, pure, recyclable composite material of pure cellulose presents an alternative. This should ensure a safe, stable and affordable supply of raw materials for the GRP manufacturing industry.

The biopolymer cellulose is used both as a high-strength reinforcing fiber and as a matrix component. In this way, a pure, chemical composite made of cellulose — known as Purcell — is generated, which can be completely recycled by means of technologies that already exist. The purity of the Purcell composites thereby guarantees a technologically simple recycling process.

The laboratory samples that have already been produced indicate that the Purcell composites have a comparable range of properties, compared to GRPs and that they are already achieving the mechanical parameters of thermoplastic GRP plates, the so-called organic sheets.

Because the new composite materials are made of 100-percent renewable cellulose, both local wood and local reinforcing fibers such as hemp and flax can be used as a source of the raw material.

The aim of this development is for the new composite materials to achieve all of the technical parameters of standard GRP composite materials. Only in this case will it be possible to substitute GRPs with Purcell. Although the Purcell lab samples almost match the properties of GRPs, the range of requirements still has to be extended in terms of larger samples. This up-scaling is a technical challenge, which still needs to be tackled.

Simple manufacturing process

The manufacture of this new material originated from ITCF’s development work on the environmentally friendly manufacture of cellulose fibers from ionic liquids (IL). During this work, we were able to produce highly concentrated solutions of the poorly soluble cellulose, due to the addition of the new ionic liquids. Due to the highly variable setting options of the flow properties of these liquids, we came up with the idea of applying these spin masses as matrix components in composite materials. As reinforcing fibers, technical cellulose tire cord fibers and natural fibers such as cotton, flax and hemp were used.

The structure of the Purcell composite materials is technologically very easy to implement: Textiles are coated with the highly concentrated cellulose IL solution. Depending on the desired final thickness of the composite, an appropriate number of layers are applied. Thereafter, the prelayers of the composite are pressed and the IL is rinsed out with water. Drying and consolidation of the composite takes place in a hot press. The IL is distilled out of the rinsing water for reuse. When pressing the prelayers, the reinforcing fibers are dissolved superficially, thereby bonding them inseparably to the cellulose matrix. This is what gives the material its surprisingly good mechanical composite properties.

One has complete freedom with regard to the design possibilities by adjusting parameters of the composite. For instance, the composite body can be coated with a cellulose matrix layer on one side. This compact cellulose layer is extremely resilient and easily processable (painting, top- coat etc.)

The renewable raw material offers significant advantages due to its comprehensive recycling cycle. The Purcell plates are cleaned, shredded, dissolved in an ionic liquid and once again applied as a matrix. The compostability of the waste products that cannot be reused has not yet been tested, but it is a known fact that cellulose composts well. Based on these system- dependent properties, no waste is generated in the end-of–life state. In terms of costs, cellulose raw materials are also very competitive.

The cooperative Purcell project between the ITCF and the ITV is funded by the Ministry of Finance and Economy, Baden-Württemberg under the category of “Technological Protection of Resources”.

Posted May 9, 2016

Source: Institute of Textile Chemistry and Chemical Fibers of the German Institute of Textile and Fiber Research

DyStar® To Acquire Specialty Chemical Businesses From Emerald Performance Materials

SINAGPORE — May 07, 2016 — DyStar LP, the U.S. subsidiary of DyStar Global Holdings (Singapore) Pte. Ltd, announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire five specialty chemical units — the Specialties, Polymer Additives, and Nitriles business groups — of Emerald Performance Materials LLC, a U.S.-based company and manufacturer and marketer of specialty chemicals for consumer and industrial markets that is majority owned by affiliates of American Securities LLC.

In a separate transaction, DyStar LP will sell the Polymer Additives and Nitriles businesses to Jiangsu Sinorgchem Technology Co. Ltd., a subsidiary of Sinochem Group, a state- owned Chinese company with core businesses in the energy, agriculture, chemicals, real estate and financial service.

Upon completion of the dual transactions, DyStar LP will retain the specialties businesses, which adds three new manufacturing sites to DyStar’s U.S. business platform.

“We are enthusiastic about the growth that the combination will foster,” said Ruan Weixiang, the Chairman of DyStar group. “This high quality acquisition will significantly strengthen DyStar’s position in the chemical industry and we are uniquely positioned to take advantage of the new revenue growth and synergy opportunities. We are confident that the business will be a good opportunity for DyStar to grow in future.”The acquisition adds a broad product portfolio that services many multi-national consumer goods brands to DyStar’s global product line which services multi-national retail brands. On a combined basis, the company is expected to:

  • Expand the new business groups to DyStar’s global business reach
  • Leverage DyStar’s strong procurement platform to reduce costs
  • Synergize the technical know-how across all businesses

DyStar’s employees will welcome Emerald’s team of experts. Like DyStar’s employees, the employees and management teams of Emerald’s business lines have a strong focus on innovation and quality. The DyStar team is looking forward to working with their new colleagues and combining their knowledge to bring the company to a new level of success.

Lazard served as the exclusive financial advisor, Allen & Overy served as the legal advisor to DyStar LP, and Weil Gotshal & Manges LLP served as the legal advisor to Emerald in connection with the acquisition by DyStar LP of these specialty chemical units from Emerald.

Posted May 8, 2016

Source: DyStar Global Holdings (Singapore)

Progressive Business Media And Exposition Development Company, Inc. Launch Home Furnishings Manufacturing Solutions Expo

GREENSBORO, N.C. — May 2, 2016 — Progressive Business Media (PBM) and Exposition Development Company Inc. (EDC) have announced the launch of the Home Furnishings Manufacturing Solutions Expo (HFMSE), a trade show showcasing solutions for home furnishings manufacturers. HFMSE will be the only trade show of its kind in the United States serving the $150 billion home furnishings industry. HFMSE will take place June 7-8, 2017, at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta. The expo will provide attendees with innovative and timely solutions for their home furnishings business including manufacturing equipment and innovative machinery, warehousing, technology, financial and logistics services.

“Domestic on-shoring of furniture manufacturing has become a real growth opportunity for many manufacturers due to several factors including increased costs for overseas labor, logistics and transportation, as well as the need to shorten lead times in an increasingly customized manufacturing process,” said Matthew Slaine, CEO, PBM. “Technology has allowed equipment to create efficiencies that make building and assembling furniture domestically, faster, better and less expensive. Recent research shows consumers will pay as much as 32-percent more for a custom sofa and 88 percent want it delivered in less than four weeks.”

“We are very excited to partner with Progressive Business Media to develop a leading show serving the home furnishings manufacturing supply chain. By combining our trade show expertise with PBM’s market leading brands and industry knowledge, we look forward to being able to deliver an invaluable business platform to both buyers and sellers,” commented Stephanie Everett, COO & partner, EDC. “EDC’s team also has significant experience in various manufacturing and textile industries that will only add to the value of the launch and development of HFMSE,” added David Audrain, CEO & partner, EDC.

In addition to the exhibitors and demonstrations, HFMSE will feature an education component, sponsored by the American Home Furnishings Alliance (AHFA).

“We are looking forward to providing the education part of the show,” said Andy Counts, CEO of the AHFA, noting that the group is now exploring subjects that will be timely and meaningful to attendees. “It is a natural fit to have AHFA members and Solution Partners Group members exhibiting. We also want to provide education on the regulatory environment and provide some solutions in that area.”

“I am looking forward to helping to build this opportunity for the industry. This is something I know will benefit an ever more complicated global supply chain for the home furnishings industry,” said Kevin Castellani of PBM.

Posted May 8, 2016

Source: Progressive Business Media/Exposition Development Company Inc.

SASA Polyester Sanayi A.Ş. Enters Second Phase Fiber Production Project

ADANA, Turkey — April 28, 2016 — The Board of Directors of Sasa Polyester Sanayi A.Ş. decided on April 28th, 2016, that a second-phase fiber production project with the value of approximately $110 million are started in order for the company to increase its present production capacity and market share. The developments in relation to the topic will be shared with the public.

The project will realize an increase of 200,000 tons per year in the present production capacity of the company, and will contribute to the financial turnover about $230 million per year in the economic conditions of the crude oil barrel price is between the range of $40 and $50.

Following the completion of the project, in year 2019, total fiber capacity Sasa will reach the level of 510,000 tons per year.

Posted May 6, 2016

Source: SASA Polyester Sanayi A.Ş. 

Olbo & Mehler Presents Basalt Textiles At Techtextil North America

FULDA, Germany — May 6, 2016 — Olbo & Mehler presented at Techtextil North America a textile production technique made with RFL treated basalt allowing to operate with temperatures up to 700°C (1346 °F) and at the same time has high resistance to chemicals. This customized textile earned an Inova Textil award in 2015 in the category Fabrics.

Olbo&Mehler participated in Techtextil North America as part of the company’s  strategy to invest in the U.S. market, through which it hopes to increase its market share. “After a deep study of north American market, we decided to focus our marketing strategy in three main market segments; mobiltech, indutech and buildtech,” said Alberto Tavares, CEO, Olbo & Mehler. “We believe that these segments should grow between 4 and 5 percent per annum in the next three to five years and are aligned with our business strategy.“

Olbo & Mehler was one of ten companies selected from 350 to participate in the press tour at Techtextil North America.

The company was born in Germany in 1930, but in 2014 focused its plant in Vila Nova de Famalicão, in north of Portugal.

The company strategy is centered on two pillars — innovation and continuous improvement. As a result of this strategy, the company has been able to achieve significant improvements in our key financial indicators in 2015. EBITDA improved 14 pp together with a significant Working Capital and Net Debt reductions give Olbo & Mehler confidence to continue and reinforce its strategy.

Posted May 6, 2016

Source: Olbo & Mehler

Women’s Workwear Company Adds Unique Farm/Garden Overalls To Line

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. — May 4, 2016 — Rosies Workwear for women has developed two new products that have both versatility and professional grade features. These updates were implemented from years of input from loyal customers around the country and are now available online.

First, they have expanded their line of industrial work wear to include a new option that has durable features built for daily work around soil and damp conditions. This new overall comes in a smoke-gray color and is the most sophisticated and high-tech work garment in the Rosies line. The professional upgrades include a water resistant finish, and high use areas such as knees and clipper pockets have been reinforced with nylon.

The next addition to the line is a take on the classic denim overall that still maintains the Rosies Workwear features, such as kneepad pockets and lots of pocket space. It has a lighter feel than any other garment in the line and also has a feminine cut. These are ideal for doing farm or garden work outdoors. Sharon Moore, Rosies owner and founder, says, “Denim is my new favorite because it is so soft and comfortable to wear. Anyone who has a favorite pair of jeans will like these. They give you that lived-in feel.”

Both overalls are available now at www.rosiesworkwear.com. They come in women’s sizes 4-24, as well as a petite and plus size. The water-resistant professional overall is $75 and the lightweight denim sells for $70.

Posted May 6, 2016

Source: Rosies Workwear

Aurora Expands Operations, Hires New Sales And Management Staff

YORKVILLE, Ill. — May 4, 2016 — Aurora Specialty Textiles Group Inc. (ASTG) announces additions to the company’s senior management and sales staff. ASTG recently invested in a new, streamlined, state-of-the-art U.S. manufacturing textile plant and the new hires reflect the company’s expansion as it adds new capabilities, which includes ultra-wide width coating and finishing, and enters new markets.

John Schuster, a former Business Unit Director for GMT, has been named director of plant operations. In this capacity, Schuster will have responsibility for manufacturing, shipping and receiving, purchasing, inventory control, maintenance and plant engineering. He holds a Bachelor’s of Science in materials and ceramics engineering from Iowa University and a Six Sigma Black Belt. In addition, Schuster is a student of the Toyota Production System and Management Principles of Operations Excellence Program.

Eric Lahoy has been hired as Print Media, Western Region Sales Representative. Lahoy brings 15 years of proven wide format digital print industry experience, specializing in inks, coatings, as well as selling a broad range of printable media. He holds an Associate Degree in Electronics Engineering Technology from DeVry University and will be responsible for expanding Aurora’s position in the wide and grand format markets in California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, Oregon and Washington.

Posted May 6, 2016

Source: Aurora Specialty Textiles Group, Inc. (ASTG)

American Apparel Campaign Utilizes Crowdsourcing To Expand Product Line And Company Mission

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — May 4, 2016 — American Apparel — a manufacturer, distributor and retailer of branded fashion-basic apparel — is using crowdsourcing to find “Made in the USA” accessories to sell in its retail and online stores.

“Cutting and sewing 100 percent of our garments in America is at the core of our DNA. We want to continue to support manufacturing in the US by giving small businesses the opportunity to thrive and succeed,” said Cynthia Erland, senior vice president of marketing, American Apparel. “We are very excited to launch our Made In crowdsourcing campaign by soliciting ideas for third-party accessories and small home goods made in America and giving these vendors the opportunity for distribution in our stores and online globally.”

The Made In campaign is an open call for ideas and proposals for American Apparel to purchase and sell certain types of goods that are “Made in the USA” (including leather goods, canvas goods, footwear, jewelry, paper goods, fragrances, and small home furnishings). Vendors submitting proposals should ensure that their proposed products are “Made in the USA,” and retail for $100 or less. Vendors must also ensure that they can produce and deliver 500 units to the company’s distribution center within a 30-day period.

To submit a proposal, vendors should make a 90-second video discussing their proposed products and submit the video by June 17th, 2016. Terms and conditions, and specific instructions for submitting the video, can be found at  www.americanapparel.com/madein.

American Apparel will review each submission, with an eye towards what resonates with the spirit and DNA of American Apparel. American Apparel will determine which proposals (if any) are of interest by June 30, 2016, and will contact the selected vendors to discuss the terms for a future business relationship.

This is not a contest, and there are no “winners” or “prizes” associated with this campaign.

Posted May 6, 2016

Source: American Apparel

Canadian Linen And Uniform Service Appoints New General Manager At Vancouver Branch

TORONTO — May 2, 2016 — Canadian Linen and Uniform Service, a textile rental services and supply company in North America, today announced the appointment of Kris Groom to the position of general manager at the Vancouver branch. Groom most recently served as GM of the company’s Victoria branch and will now have fiscal and operational oversight over the Vancouver processing facility and affiliated service centers.

“Kris has consistently demonstrated his talents and leadership by engaging his teams, achieving results and driving accountability,” said Naiem Nairouz, senior vice president, Canadian Operations, Canadian Linen. “His work in our Victoria has contributed to the growth and stability of the branch and I know he will become a valuable asset to the Vancouver branch.”

Groom has been with the company for 15 years and has also held roles as Service Center Manager and Sales Manager. As service center manager, he managed the company’s Kamloops service center and successfully grew the operation from seven to 10 routes. Groom and his wife Kirsti are relocating to Vancouver with their daughter Tessa.

Posted May 6, 2016

Source: Canadian Linen and Uniform Service

Italian Textile Machinery Roadshow In Iran

MILAN, Italy — May 2016 — A total of 26 Italian textile machinery manufacturers will be taking part in the forthcoming Roadshow in Iran organized by the Italian Trade Agency (ITA) and supported by the Ministry of Economic Development. The gradual elimination of international sanctions will allow Italy’s textile machinery industry to recover market share lost in recent years.

The textile machinery roadshow in Iran will kick off on May 22, and until May 30, a total of 26 Italian manufacturers — of which 23 are Association of Italian Textile Machinery Manufacturers (ACIMIT) associated members — will be taking part in a series of technology symposia programmed in some of the country’s major cities  including Teheran, Yazd, Isfahan and Mashad. This mission, organized by the ITA and ACIMIT with the support of Ministry of Economic Development, will allow Iranian textile manufacturers to measure their know-how with some of Italy’s primary producers of textile machinery, and become acquainted with the most up-to-date solutions for the different steps involved in the textile production process.

“In recent years, international sanctions have delayed the modernization process required for local industry to continue to be competitive in a global context,” said Raffaella Carabelli, President, ACIMIT, “In 2004, Iran was ranked among the top ten markets for Italian exports in the sector. After years of complete stagnation, our businesses have begun to do steady business in Iran. I’m confident that this roadshow will contribute to allowing us to recoup lost time.”

In 2015, Italian exports towards Iran amounted to 8 million euros. Iranian demand is spread out over all types of production, but Italian finishing and spinning machines are the primary exports.

“Italy’s textile machinery industry is a world leader for the quality of the technology proposed,” comments president of ACIMIT. “We now have the possibility of returning to a market that has a great tradition, with even more success than in the past and with very interesting prospects. Thanks also to the support of Ministry of Economic Development and the Italian Trade Agency, our sector will take on the role of a strategic partner in Iran’s textile industry.”

ACIMIT member roadshow participants:

  • Autefa Solutions Italy
  • Marzoli Machines Textiles
  • Beta Machinery
  • Mesdan
  • Bianco
  • RF Systems
  • C.P.S Tes
  • Rite
  • Corino Macchine Tessili
  • Roj
  • Fadis
  • Santex Rimar Group
  • Ferraro
  • Savio
  • Itema
  • Smit
  • JTS
  • SSM Giudici
  • Laip
  • Stalam
  • Loris Bellini
  • Unitech
  • Mario Crosta

Posted May 6, 2016

Source: ACIMIT

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