Aid By Trade Foundation And African Cotton And Textiles Industries Federation Conclude Strategic Partnership

NAIROBI, Kenya/HAMBURG, Germany — May 10, 2016 — Since 2013, the Aid by Trade Foundation (AbTF) cooperates with the African Cotton and Textiles Industries Federation (ACTIF) to promote the sustainable cotton and textile industry in Sub-Saharan Africa. To strengthen their cooperation, AbTF and ACTIF now announce their strategic partnership for more value addition in the African cotton and textile industry. The two organizations have set themselves the goal to increase productivity, competitiveness and sustainability of cotton production and to strengthen the textile production in Africa together.

“The Aid by Trade Foundation and its Cotton made in Africa (CmiA) initiative is the most important program for sustainable cotton production in Africa. With the sustainable and certified CmiA cotton we can lay a reliable foundation for our business which aims to build up an integrated textile value chain on the African continent suitable for the domestic as well as international textile market”, says Jaswinder Bedi, Chairman of ACTIF. With their cooperation both partners go a step further in their aim to strengthen Africa’s role within the cotton and textile sector worldwide. As more and more retailers and suppliers are pursuing the development of the textile market in Sub-Saharan Africa or are already moving parts of their production to the African continent – like e.g. H&M, PVH, Tchibo or Bestseller – AbTF and ACTIF cooperate to respond to the increasing demand for sustainable cotton and textile products made in Africa.

“We are pleased about the cooperation with ACTIF, which fits well with the optimism in the African textile sector. Our partner is an expert and promoter of regionally and vertically integrated textile supply chains on the African continent. Together, we offer retailers and brands that are looking for sustainable and traceable textiles from Africa, a simple solution – from raw material to finished product”, concludes Tina Stridde, Managing Director of the Aid by Trade Foundation.

Posted May 10, 2016

Source: Aid by Trade Foundation (AbTF)

Back To School With Uster® Quality University

USTER, Switzerland — May 10, 2016 — Leading spinners are being invited to go back to school in a unique concept to promote high-level independent analysis of the problems facing the industry in the years to come. USTER® Quality University offers a platform for discussion of the complex procedures involved in the profitable production of quality yarns.

When top spinning mill owners and directors come together with the leading manufacturer of quality testing and monitoring systems, expectations are bound to be high. And the three-day Uster Quality University events always live up to that prospect, with a carefully-planned program of discussions designed to share expert knowledge on the major issues facing yarn producers.

Sales talk is strictly off the agenda, so those expecting a series of product presentations from the Uster representatives are the only ones likely to be disappointed. Uster Quality University has maintained this policy since the inaugural event in China in May 2009, determined to deliver valuable practical information to assist participants in their future business operations.

The typical format involves about 25 invited guests — owners and top managements from the host country’s foremost spinning mills. They are joined by selected specialists from major downstream customers, as well as Uster experts — a unique alliance of knowledge focused on the textile industry’s challenges.

Key topics are covered in detail, via presentations, workshops and discussions. Participants gain valuable knowledge based on real experiences: for example, a mill which saves $20,000 in a single year simply by reducing its average level of yarn clearer cuts by one in a 600,000-spindle mill. That’s the kind of information which is sure to impress. The use of the word University in the event title is also pertinent, as the learning process will remind many participants of their own higher education studies in previous years.

Shared knowledge brings valuable insights

Attendees at Uster Quality University will each benefit in different ways, but one factor is always common to everyone: an appreciation of the amazing collective know-how within the group, and the deep insights gained by sharing it. Outside the university sessions, almost all the participants will be competitors in their business activities. Yet they will also be aware that all of them, mill owners and directors, face similar problems, which the mutual education process can only help to solve.

“The value for our customers is that they become aware about the important issues and curious on their implications,” said Thomas Nasiou, new CEO, Uster Technologies. “When focusing on managing a spinning mill with quality in mind — which is not strictly about quality or only about productivity — we share best practices on how to do it sustainably and with consistency. The pragmatic approach to discuss challenges together has been proved correct as well as providing an open platform — something the participants haven’t enjoyed since their own university days.”

Inspiring the industry’s future leaders

A deliberate objective of Uster Quality University is to attract younger participants from the top management of spinning mills, the ones who will shape the future of the industry. This was evident at the recent edition of the university, held in Goa, India, in February 2016. This was attended by 25 mostly new mill directors and promoters from all over the country. The theme was ‘Roadmap to the Future of the Spinning Industry in India’ — designed to inspire the next generation of industry leaders, by setting out performance, quality and economic recommendations. A series of workshops and presentations focused on how to work within the heritage of India’s historic textile sector and adapt to the demand of modern global competitiveness.

The Uster Quality University concept is widely praised in feedback from spinners and most are eager to return for future sessions. This aspect was demonstrated recently at the first Uster Quality University to be arranged specifically for alumni — those who attended earlier editions. There was a high demand for places at this event, held in Suzhou, China, in March 2016. Nasiou emphasized in his opening speech that Uster always appreciates close cooperation with the spinning mills: “We will continue to listen and take every chance to learn about issues and needs in order to provide practical help and guidance to yarn producers and to create value as a company,” he said.

Uster power attracts the big names

The Uster Quality University is now well-established in both China and India. In future, Uster would like to open this platform to more spinners and will consider requests from other markets, to provide additional opportunities to discuss the future of their home textile industry.

“We are proud that Uster is respected as a neutral, trusted and knowledgeable partner by the spinners, and by some of the biggest global names among the downstream customers for textiles. The fact that these groups are ready and willing to take part in Uster Quality University is confirmation of its value as an independent source of vital intelligence for spinning mills and of the power of USTER in bringing this concept to fruition,” said Nasiou.

Posted May 10, 2016

Source: Uster Technologies Ltd.

Apparel Industry Veterans Introduce Hi-Tech Natural Clothing Line Ably

SEATTLE — May 9, 2016 — Apparel industry veterans Raj Shah and Akhil Shah, along with Stanley Hainsworth, former creative director at NIKE, Lego and Starbucks, announced the launch of a clothing line, Ably. Ably is activated by a proprietary, patent-pending technology called Filium™, which allows natural fabrics to be WhateverProof. The applications and implications around performance and sustainability are significant.

People prefer to wear natural fabrics. The challenge, however, for active people has been a lack of performance with natural fabrics, like cotton, wool or silk. They stain easily, become heavy with sweat and take a long time to dry. That fact gave birth to synthetic fabrics and brands like Dri-Fit™, Silverescent®, and others. The problem with synthetic fabrics is sustainability — they take hundreds of thousands of years to break down in a landfill — and smell. They stink. Even after they’re washed. Synthetic fabrics often make the claim that they wick away sweat from the body. That is good in theory, but in practice anyone that has worn a synthetic fabric when exercising knows that wicking actually does the opposite; the clothing feels like a wet towel uncomfortably sticking on their body when they sweat. Which, ultimately, makes them sweat more.

Ably’s clothing line activated by Filium lets the wearer enjoy the benefit of a natural fabric while repelling everything. Filium-activated clothes have been tested on professional athletes, travelers, weekend warriors, moms and their toddlers. The athletes experienced less chafing; the travelers packed considerably less; the weekend warriors didn’t worry about offending their teammates with the smell of their shirts; and moms simply brushed away potential stains. The result is fewer loads of laundry.

“We’re excited about the increased performance across so many applications of wearers,” said Raj Shah, co-founder of Ably and co-creator of Filium technology. “But ultimately, we are excited for the long-term ramification for the planet. We don’t use nanoparticles or harmful chemicals that break down and leach into your skin or the environment. Less washing, less packing, longer use. Typically, clothes don’t lose performance and looks because you wear them. They breakdown because of how much you wash them.”

Posted May 9, 2016

Source: Ably/Filium

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)

1...1,7771,7781,779...2,632Page 1,778 of 2,632

Sponsors

Breaking News

Load more

Digital Issue

2026 Quarterly Issue Number I

View Latest Digital Issue

FEATURED ARTICLES

© Copyright 2017 Textile Industries Media Group, LLC.