UCMTF’s Members On Display At ITM 2024

PARIS — May 13, 2024 — UCMTF was founded in 1921. It’s the representative body for French Textile Manufacturers of textile equipment which is what means “Union des Constructeurs de Machines Textiles Français.”

Innovation and service are embedded in the DNA of UCMTF’s members. They are long term technology & sustainability partners of their customers. Most of them are small or medium-sized companies, even if international groups are also part of. Specialty equipment which can be custom made are part of the range of solutions offered by them. They are future-oriented developing solutions for hemp textile and/or reaching greener processes, such as natural dyeing.

ITM  2024 is a great opportunity to meet in person, at the highest level, to find and offer the best solutions. Of course, there are some main trends: sustainability, raw materials, energy and water savings, recycling, digitalization, cloud computing, artificial Intelligence, cost efficiency etc. Another main trend for UCMTF members is act as a local partner wherever the customers are located.

UCMTF’s MEMBERS WHO WILL WELCOME YOU AT ITM 2024

AESA Monitoring systems allowing remote control and energy optimization

AESA Air Engineering, worldwide specialist of the air conditioning for textile factory, is entering full speed the new digital world, offering the latest generations of monitoring systems allowing remote control and energy optimization.

Automation from the room condition to the waste collection, waste separation, and conditioning, Flexicontrol for optimized power consumption adjusted to required conditions. Monitoring allowing preventive maintenance through predictive analysis and alarm system, AESA focuses on predefine pattern for optimizing the room control system and anticipation of the room fluctuation and optimizing consumption through inverter drive system.

DOLLFUS & MULLER Meets New Dyers and Finishers

Dollfus & Muller is constantly improving the compacting felts for knit finishing with major evolutions in order to serve better the dyeing houses. It brings a special care to the fabrics thanks to its smoothest surface, has an excellent guiding and the best compacting rate.

Dollfus & Muller sanforizing palmer felts are ideal for Denim producers.  Furthermore, Dollfus & Muller manufactures durable printing dryer belt qualities. These printing dryer belts are the most durable ones specially designed for pigment printing of bed sheeting. They offer exclusive open mesh belts specially designed for the production of fine fabrics, scarves, flags. These belts have special non marking surfaces which can avoid the particles on the back side. Dollfus & Muller has the widest range of printing dryer belts and the strongest dryer belts. Dollfus & Muller manufactures also transfer printing felts. These felts are resistant against the heat and dyestuffs insuring a perfect transfer of colorants on the fabrics.

SUPERBA KR1 Knotting Module will generate Great Interest

To meet all its demands, Superba is offering a wide range of machines and new textile processes. Already the leader in heat-setting with saturated steam under pressure thanks to their well-known TVP3, Superba is offering a new automation solution for bobbins handling & packing with the KR1 knotting system. As human operators are increasingly difficult to recruit, and jobs are changing, it enables to automate all bobbin knotting stages throughout the production.

In addition, labeling and palletizing were offered; the customers were attracted by the combination with quality control options and data management. It enables Superba to diversify in new markets such as Tire Cord, Polyester DTY, Artificial Turf, Technical Textiles and more…On top of that, one of the current satisfactions is the enthusiasm generated by the automation system, and especially with the KR1 knotting module. As human operators are increasingly difficult to recruit, and jobs are changing, it enables to automate all bobbin knotting stages throughout the production. In addition, labeling and palletizing were offered; the customers were attracted by the combination with quality control options and data management. It enables Superba to diversify in new markets such as Tire Cord, Polyester DTY, Artificial Turf, Technical Textiles and more…

Posted: May 13, 2024

Source: UCMTF – Union des Constructeurs de Machines Textiles Français

Drupa Cube With Over 50 Sessions: Global Economist Vicky Pryce To Open High-Profile Program

CHICAGO, IL— May 13, 2024 — Visitors interested to learn about megatrends in international business, innovations in smart packaging and strategies for the circular economy will find information in the drupa cube where thought leaders will present and discuss the future of the printing and packaging industry and the trends that impact it. With more than 50 sessions, the drupa cube will be the central conference forum at the drupa 2024 trade fair, taking place from May 28-June 7, 2024 in Düsseldorf, Germany.

The cube will open on the first day of drupa at 11:15 am with a keynote from Vicky Pryce, a respected international economic analyst. She will examine global economic trends and future forecasts. She will provide insights into the economic challenges and opportunities facing us and discuss how companies of all sizes can remain adaptable and develop and maintain a growth mindset in uncertain times. Vicky is Chief Economic Advisor at the renowned Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR) and Professor at BCU and King’s College London.

Business Boosters: New approaches to processes, sales and marketing

For insights into business development and management, the Business Booster sessions at  the cube are “must attend” events. In his presentation about the printing industry in the digital age, Ogawa, president and CEO of Epson, will provide his unique insights into the present and future of the industry and talk about the growing importance of sustainable solutions. He will describe how Epson’s culture, history and mindset are at the forefront of the next print revolution.

New industry standards in automation will be the core theme for Gershon Alon, head of Software Solutions, HP Indigo. In the cube, he will talk about the future of automated print production. With complex, labor-intensive processes, limited capacity and long delivery times, Gershon Alon will address the need to automate the entire production line beyond the press.

Thirty years ago, software had a different status than it does today, where it is practically impossible to exist without an online presence. Bart van der Horst, CEO of iChannel, will explain  in the drupa cube how to reliably manage and scale a business against the backdrop of the Digital Age.

Dscoop Executive Director Peter van Teeseling will lead a session highlighting the full potential of communities for business. The focus will be on strategies for effective networking and building partnerships in the printing industry for future mutual success.

How to attract and retain staff will be the topic of Charles Jarrold, CEO of the British Printing Industries Federation, looking at the core elements of an effective apprenticeship program and key learnings from the BPIF’s experience.

Marcus Timson co-founder of FuturePrint, will speak in the drupa cube about the crucial role storytelling can play in business growth and how compelling narratives can help build trust for companies and inspire action from customers. Frazer Chesterman, the other co-founder of FuturePrint, will also host a Business Booster session on how to generate ideas and launch new innovations.

Enrico Barboglio, general manager at ACIMGA, and Sara Alexander, Marketing & Communication manager Flexible Packaging at Bobst, will focus on the role of substrates in marketing. The session is geared  in particularly at print professionals who want to support brand owners in their search for new approaches and innovative ideas.

Kellie Northwood, CEO of Australian Visual Media Association, will explain how print and packaging suppliers can increase market share and revitalize sales as a “trusted advisor” and consultant to their clients.

Circular economy and sustainability: from carbon footprint to environmental standards

In the cube’s circular economy/sustainability sessions, experts will provide practical, actionable advice on the biggest issue of our times. On the first day, for example, Mark Fabisch (Bertelsmann), Lisa Faratro (CPI) and Beatrice Klose (Intergraf) will discuss how best to calculate the carbon footprint of print products.

Yujing Pan, an expert Product Compliance in Asian markets at Enhesa, will discuss the environmental regulations and compliance landscape with environmental and product standards for printing and packaging production in Asian countries. The focus on regulatory requirements will be continued by Jonathan Graham, Chairman of the Sustainable Green Printing Partnership, who will host a panel (including Yujing and keynote speaker Dr. Calvin Lakhan) to discuss strategies for effectively navigating environmental regulations.

“Smarter Labelling” will be the topic of Dr Calvin Lakhan, Doctor UFL/York University Canada. In this workshop he will examine how clear and informative product labelling can influence consumer behavior, particularly with regard to sustainability and waste management. Calvin’s keynote presentation, also in week 2 of drupa, will address the language that we use to communicate sustainable values and how cultural differences in understanding and attitudes should influence our approach.

In the panel “Fit for Recycling – How Ink Enables The Circular Economy”, Ewald Rempel, Technical Application Director Packaging Solutions EMEA at Sun Chemical, and Alina Marm, Head of Global Sustainability & Circular Economy at Siegwerk, will discuss the crucial role of inks and coatings for recyclable packaging.

Trends and Forces: Business in the new environment

The cube sessions on the topic of “Trends and Forces” will offer insights into the most important drivers – whether economic, digital or demographic which enable innovative business models and opportunities for companies to grow and develop further. One session not to miss will be with Henrik Müller-Hansen, founder and CEO of Gelato. He will highlight new growth opportunities for manufacturers in the age of the creator economy. Gelato, a software company from Norway, enables local production through the world’s largest on-demand production network, connecting over 130 production sites and 50 transport companies in 32 countries. With this backdrop and a background in IT, he will explain the importance of agility, speed, personalization and sustainability, driven by the growing importance of e-commerce and platforms such as TikTok, YouTube and Instagram, and how these factors are changing the print industry.

Print & Packaging Futures: From sustainable printing inks to printed electronics

The Organic and Printed Electronics Association (OE-A) will be in the drupa cube with many inspiring presentations. This industry association will provide insights into printed electronics technologies and intelligent packaging. In his panel “Technologies and Applications” on June 6, MD Dr Klaus Hecker will highlight the latest trends and technologies in flexible and printed electronics, covering topics such as energy storage, IoT smart labels and advanced printing techniques. Gerhard Domann of Fraunhofer ISC will present the latest results of the EU-funded CircEl-Paper project in his session “Progress Towards Manufacturing of Paper-based Printed Circuit Boards”. Lee Hui, President of E Ink in the Netherlands, will explain how ePaper displays will revolutionize the role of packaging.

The drupa cube will also feature forward-looking presentations for the packaging sector, including Noam Zilbershtain, VP & General Manager, HP Indigo & Scitex. The audience can expect a visionary perspective on the enormous potential of digital printing and its transformative capabilities.

Dr. Vroni Walter, Head of Innovation and Applications at Epple Druckfarben, will delve into the topic of sustainable printing inks.  Dr. Peter Wülfert from Sun Chemical and Dr. Evert Delbanco from Siegwerk Druckfarben will give an overview of the global regulations for printing inks on food contact materials (FCM) and explain how they are working to ensure safety when printing food packaging.

The drupa cube program will feature an English-language program on all days of the trade fair – except on Sunday. On 2 June, the German-language conference “Change your Media World”, organized by f:mp, the German association for media production, will take place.

The full drupa cube program and day by day agenda is available at www.drupa.com/en/Program/Forums/drupa_cube

For further information about drupa 2024, contact Messe Düsseldorf North America; Visit www.drupa.com and www.mdna.com.

For hotel and travel information, contact TTI Travel, Inc. E-mail: info@ttitravel.net; www.ttitravel.net

Posted: May 13, 2024

Source: Messe Düsseldorf North America

Techno Sport Becomes The First Brand In India To Join bluesign

ST. GALLEN, Switzerland — May 13, 2024 — Techno Sport — an India-based, online sportswear brand — became the first brand in India to join bluesign as a system partner.

Their product category varies from Men’s T-shirt, Gym Vests and Jackets, to women’s tights and pants to kids’ shorts and track pants. Techno Sport ensures not only the functionality of the products but also offers a wide range of colors and styles for you to choose from.

Sunil Jhunjhunwala, managing director, Techno Sportswear India Pvt. Ltd., said “bluesign® is a gold standard for more sustainable textiles. From fiber to finished product, they collaborate with brands, manufacturers, and chemical suppliers to create safer workplaces and textile products that have a minimal impact on the environment and people” He further said “We are very excited to sign up with bluesign for their system partnership which will make our brand the first to sign in India. We feel proud to be among the 150 global brands that are part of the bluesign SYSTEM PARTNER network.

“Joining the bluesign® SYSTEM empowers us to prioritize sustainability and environmental responsibility, showcasing our commitment to continuous improvement in environmental performance,” Jhunjhunwala continued. “By accessing the expertise of bluesign, we shall benefit from their rigorous evaluation of processes and materials, ensuring compliance with stringent environmental and safety standards throughout the textile supply chain. This collaborative approach will not only streamline our operations but also drive innovation, enabling us to stay ahead while reducing our environmental footprint.”

Daniel Rufenacht, CEO, bluesign technologies ag, said: “With all the global shifts going on in India with its long history in textile production now can go beyond being a price sensitive market, but rather evolving into a well reputable and responsible player in sustainable and clean textile production. We are happy to have Techno Sports on board and appreciate their decision in becoming a sustainable brand and leading this journey.”

Katharina V Mayer, director CRM, Sub Indian Continent, said: “Bluesign is a full-service solutions system for the textile value chain with a focus on sustainable chemistry. Thorough on-site assessments, input stream management, and active chemical change management, the Bluesign team uses a holistic approach together with their system partners, including brands, manufacturers, and chemical suppliers, to implement develop unique solutions to improve environmental performance, working conditions, and by reducing resource consumption to create the highest level of safety for people, planet, and consumers whilst causing the minimum of impact. We are delighted to have Techno Sports as our bluesign system partner and will encourage more brands to join us ”.

Bluesign, in its ongoing initiative to provide value proposition and sustainable solutions to the global textile supply chain also launched their new service known as the IMPACT services for the Indian markets.

Posted: May 13, 2024

Source: bluesign technologies ag

INDA And AFS Announce Partnership For The FiltXPO™ 2025 Conference Program

CARY, N.C.  — May 13, 2024 — INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, and AFS, the American Filtration & Separations Society, are pleased to announce they are entering into a strategic partnership to create the FiltXPO™ 2025 Conference Program. FiltXPO, the International Filtration Conference & Exhibition, will co-locate with IDEA®25 from April 29 to May 1, 2025, in the Miami Beach Convention Center, Miami Beach, Florida.

The theme for FiltXPO 2025 is “The Future of Filtration: Advancing Technology, Performance & Sustainability.” The two-day FiltXPO conference program will feature technical insights into filtration innovations and technologies from industry professionals worldwide. INDA and AFS will issue a call for abstracts in the next few weeks.

“The INDA and AFS partnership is an exciting combination. AFS’ expertise in the filtration market sector is key to producing a world-class FiltXPO conference program. We appreciate their technical insights and ability to bring together a diverse slate of speakers discussing filtration research and science. We look forward to working with AFS,” said Tony Fragnito, INDA President and CEO.

“We feel this is a great opportunity to provide premium content and expand AFS’ reach. AFS’ ability to plan a first-rate conference, combined with INDA’s ability to organize a well-respected show like FiltXPO, will create an exceptional experience for filtration professionals. We are pleased to partner with INDA and will release more information about the program in the coming months,” said Connie Rhea, Executive Director, AFS.

To reserve a booth, register, or sign up for sponsorships, visit https://www.filtxpo.com/.

Posted: May 13, 2024

Source: The Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry (INDA) / The American Filtration & Separations Society (AFS)

Dairen Chemical Corp. Joins The LYCRA Company And Qore® In The Development Of Renewable LYCRA® fiber

WILMINGTON, Del. — May 8, 2024 — The LYCRA Co. — a global developer of  innovative, sustainable solutions for the apparel and personal care industries — announced today that it has signed a letter of intent with Dairen Chemical Corp. (DCC) to convert QIRA® — the next generation of 1,4-butanediol (BDO) — into low-impact PTMEG, the main ingredient in patented bio-derived LYCRA® fiber. Dairen will be the first company in the world to mass produce this low-impact bio-PTMEG at scale.

(left to right): The LYCRA Co. presents the Green Partner Award to DCC Shean-Tung Lin of DCC; Fu-Chu Huang of DCC; Simon Chuang of The LYCRA Company; and Steve Stewart of The LYCRA Company. Photo – Business Wire

In September 2022, The LYCRA Co. and Qore® announced they were joining forces to enable the production of bio-derived LYCRA fiber made with QIRA. Now, DCC joins this distinctive collaboration, converting QIRA into bio-PTMEG. This unique PTMEG will make up the renewable portion of LYCRA fiber, accounting for 70 percent of the fiber’s content. It is being made exclusively for The LYCRA Company to its stringent specifications. With its low-impact allyl alcohol process, DCC has pioneered a technology that creates the lowest-impact PTMEG available, which is cleaner and has a lower carbon footprint than product produced with natural gas or coal.1

The LYCRA Co., Qore, and DCC are united by a shared commitment to R&D, health and safety, sustainability, and conservation. To mark this event, Steve Stewart, The LYCRA Company’s chief brand and innovation officer, presented DCC with a Green Partner Award. The award acknowledges DCC’s ongoing sustainability efforts and commitment to creating low-impact products.

“Our collaboration heralds a brand-new era of environmentally conscious production activities, fueled by our shared commitment to reducing carbon footprints and developing world-leading eco-friendly solutions,” said DCC’s Chairman Lin Shean-Tung. “Sustainability is not merely a trend, but an imperative for the future of our planet. We are honored to receive the Green Partner Award and embark on this journey alongside The LYCRA Company, advancing sustainable practices in the industry.”

Available in early 2025, patented bio-derived LYCRA fiber made with QIRA will be the world’s first renewable spandex available on a large scale. By using annually renewable dent corn, an initial screening calculation indicates that the carbon footprint of LYCRA fiber potentially could be reduced by up to 44 percent2 compared to LYCRA fiber without bio-derived materials. Further, the fiber will offer equivalent performance to traditional LYCRA fiber, making it an easy replacement for mills, brands and retailers.

“We are excited to collaborate with DCC to bring bio-derived LYCRA fiber made with QIRA to market and realize our shared vision for a more sustainable value chain,” said Stewart. “Given the combination of using bio-derived input from corn, plus conversion at a state-of-the-art QORE facility run on wind power, and transformation to PTMEG using DCC’s low-impact process, we anticipate the potential for additional reductions as we go into production.”

For many years, Dairen has demonstrated its sustainability efforts in raw materials management, waste elimination, process enhancement, innovations, and more. It has also achieved significantly lower carbon emissions in its product offerings than its competition.

“Sustainability has evolved from fulfilling requirements to being a competitive advantage,” said Simon Chuang, vice president of global sourcing and procurement at The LYCRA Co. “We’re committed to selecting, promoting, and expanding our business with supply partners like DCC who embrace and drive meaningful sustainability efforts.”

1Estimate from Cradle-to-Gate Screening PCF for a representative DAIREN PTMEG manufacturing facility, year 2023, prepared by DNV Business Assurance Co., Ltd.
2

Estimate from Cradle-to-Gate Screening LCA for a representative LYCRA® fiber manufacturing facility, June 2022, prepared by Ramboll Americas Engineering Solutions, Inc.

Posted: May 10, 2024

Source: The LYCRA Company

(Reflects Correction by The LYCRA Company)

Indorama Ventures Reports Improved Quarterly Performance; Progresses Its IVL 2.0 Plan To Emerge Stronger From The Industry Downturn

BANGKOK, Thailand — May 10, 2024 — Indorama Ventures Public Co. Ltd. (IVL), a global sustainable chemical producer, reported an improved quarterly performance as the prolonged destocking trend showed further signs of easing. During the quarter, the company progressed its IVL 2.0 evolved strategy to enhance earnings quality and transform its business to emerge stronger from the downturn in global chemical markets.

Indorama Ventures’ reported Adjusted EBITDA1 [1] of $366 million in 1Q24, a 32% increase QoQ and a 2% decline YoY. Sales volume grew 3% QoQ as the widespread customer destocking that sapped demand through 2023 shows signs of a gradual recovery across all sectors, partially offset by a winter freeze in the U.S. The result was supported by lower utilities costs in Europe, Red Sea-related supply chain disruptions that benefited the company’s import parity advantages, and favorable shale gas economics that bolstered profitability in the U.S.

Indorama Ventures expects the recovery in volumes to continue through 2024, albeit at a gradual pace as destocking normalizes and the approaching summer supports demand. However, the overall landscape for the global chemical industry remains challenging due to excess capacity builds, as well due to persistent inflation and high interest rates which weigh on industry spreads and continue to impair profitability, especially across the polyester value chain. Our HVA segment ‘Indovinya’ is progressing well into the second quarter post the easing of destocking and anticipating a healthy 2024.

The company’s experienced management remains intensely focused on managing costs, optimizing competitiveness, and maintaining high liquidity. Indorama Ventures’ diverse geographical footprint is a key advantage in the current low-margin environment, allowing its businesses to maintain their strong market premium, supported by protection from trade and non-trade barriers.

In 1Q, the company made headway with its IVL 2.0 three-year plan to leverage its global leadership position and forge a new era of opportunity amid significant structural changes in chemical markets. Under the evolved strategy, which the company outlined at its annual Capital Markets Day in March, Indorama Ventures is optimizing assets, reducing debt, and focusing on generating free cash flow to deliver enhanced shareholder returns. Today, 70% of the company’s revenue has deployed the SAPS/4HANA ERP and is using the infrastructure to enhance digital procurement, sales excellence, and integration of supply chains across the business. The company believes these AI tools will improve productivity and costs, as well as release working capital in line with its modernization strategy.

Mr. Aloke Lohia, Founder and Group CEO of Indorama Ventures

Aloke Lohia, Group CEO of Indorama Ventures, said, “The first quarter of 2024 marked a new era for Indorama Ventures as we saw a modest recovery in demand and embarked on our IVL 2.0 plan with renewed vigor as a significant pivot in our business strategy. After a period of introspection in 2023, we are encouraged by the gradual easing of destocking in 1Q, but we are under no illusions about the challenges that still confront the industry. We continue to double down on managing costs and improving competitiveness. As we take the first steps in implementing our evolved strategy, I expect that our cautious optimism will gather pace through 2024 as we continue to see volumes recover.”

As part of IVL 2.0, the company is optimizing 7 sites, including the ongoing evaluation of its PTA/PET operation in the Netherlands. It has also made significant progress in its program to refinance $1.1 billion of debt within the first half of 2024 to ensure ample liquidity. Recent capital raisings include a $255 million ‘Ninja loan’, a THB 10 billion debenture, a $100M bi-lateral loan, and this week’s successful close of a $500 million syndicated loan – achieved at lower-than-average spreads compared to previous issuances.

To unlock value, Indorama Ventures is preparing its packaging and surfactants businesses for IPOs. From 1Q24, the Indovinya segment (previously named ‘Integrated Oxides and Derivatives’) is focused on developing its attractive downstream surfactants operations as a separate segment. The segment’s Intermediate Chemicals business, consisting of shale base integrated Ethylene MEG, MTBE and merchant Purified EO assets, have been moved under the Combined PET (CPET) segment where they are a natural fit.

Segment Performances

In 1Q24, CPET segment (including Intermediate Chemicals) posted Adjusted EBITDA of $249 million, a 34% gain QoQ and 4% YoY as supply chain disruptions and a consequent spike in global ocean freight rates supported high prices and margins, and as Western markets benefited from lower energy costs. The Indovinya segment reported a stable Adjusted EBITDA of $70 million, impacted by the winter freeze in the U.S and a mini turnaround at a PO/PG plant. The Fibers segment achieved a remarkable 73% increase in Adjusted EBITDA to $39 million QoQ, and 2% YoY, as destocking waned across all three business verticals and drove an 8% QoQ increase in volume.

[1] Adjusted financials are before inventory gain/(loss) and extraordinary items. Details are given in the Management Discussion and Analysis (MD&A)

Posted: May 10, 2024

Source: Indorama Ventures Public Company Limited (IVL)

Kornit Digital Set To Feature New Business Growth Opportunities For Commercial Printers At drupa 2024

ROSH HA’AYN, Israel — May 8, 2024 — Kornit Digital Ltd. — a worldwide market supplier of sustainable, on-demand digital fashion and textile production technologies — announced today the company is spotlighting at drupa 2024 the significant new business opportunities now made possible by digital garments — unlocking unlimited business growth and new revenue streams for any graphic design or print-on-demand business. From May 28-June 7 at Hall 4/B35 in Messe Düsseldorf, attendees will see Kornit’s holistic on-demand portfolio — enabling commercial printers to boost revenues, drive margins, and significantly expand offerings by embracing direct-to-garment technology.

As the direct-to-garment marketplace rapidly shifts towards on-demand models, digital production seamlessly aligns with existing commercial printer operations. Digital textiles integrate easily with already existing production workflow expertise, enabling lucrative growth opportunities for commercial printers given the high margin nature of garment printing.

Alongside its vibrant drupa 2024 technology showcase, the Company is additionally offering an invitation-only VIP tour of its new Experience Center located in Düsseldorf — demonstrating real-world success customers are experiencing today with Kornit’s on-demand, sustainable digital production technology. Exclusive tours and customer engagements will feature presentations by Kornit senior leadership and customers — showcasing how companies can most effectively build revenues leveraging Kornit direct-to-garment and direct-to-fabric technology.

On display at the Kornit Experience Center is the breakthrough Kornit Apollo direct-to-garment platform for high-throughput, automated digital textiles, allowing producers to shorten lead times, improve margins and build new business channels in short-to-medium run production. Fueled by a proprietary automation system, the platform integrates smart drying, concurrently managing multiple garment types with an ability to produce up to 400 garments per hour. Based on patented Kornit MAX technology, the solution is already producing real-world results at some of the world’s leaders in custom apparel, including Mad Engine Global and Augusta Sportswear.

Also featured at the Experience Center is the Atlas MAX PLUS, offering increased productivity of up to 150 garments per hour. Featuring Smart Curing, Rapid Size Shifter pallets and autonomous calibration, the solution takes smart production to new heights with production flexibility, consistency, and the highest quality. The company will also highlight the Kornit Presto MAX for next-generation digital fabric decoration on demand. The enhanced solution offers breakthrough capabilities for transforming virtual concepts into brilliant custom fabrics — supplementing best-in-class digital efficiency and quality with industry-first brilliant white printing on colored textiles.

Featured at the drupa exhibition is the Atlas MAX POLY with integrated Kornit Orion Smart Dryer — proven to drive growth across print-on-demand businesses. The solution is rapidly transforming professional and recreational sportswear, teamwear and licensed gear, and is the most efficient specialty system for polyester decoration — covering blends, tri-blends, and other synthetic fabric combinations. Pushing the limits of design, it delivers vibrant prints using innovative neon inks while supplying retail-grade quality and durability.

Taking pixel-to-parcel garment delivery to new heights is the KornitX Global Fulfillment Network, designed to optimize operational efficiency, eliminate supply chain bottlenecks, and ensure products are readily available to meet customer demands. The solution connects brands, retailers, and digital platforms to a high-quality production network — providing rapid replenishment and trend adaptability for direct-to-garment production. Revolutionary pixel-to-parcel monitoring and control fully integrates the end-to-end workflow for a seamless experience.

To experience the endless possibilities and new business growth made possible by the world of digital garments, don’t miss Kornit Digital at drupa 2024. The future of digital production is here at Hall 4/B35 at the world’s largest print expo.

Posted: May 9, 2024

Source: Kornit Digital LTD.

Indorama Ventures Achieves ‘AA’ Rating From MSCI For Its ESG Journey

BANGKOK  — May 9, 2024 — Indorama Ventures Public Co. Ltd., a global sustainable chemical company, announced that MSCI awarded the company an upgraded ‘AA’ from ‘A’ rating, ranking it in the ‘Leader’ category for its Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) performance towards achieving its ongoing sustainability goals and commitments.

Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI), a leading provider of research-driven indices and analytics, ranked Indorama Ventures among the top 12 percent of 57 global companies in the commodity chemicals sector. This upgraded rating illustrates Indorama Ventures’ performance to exceed industry peers while minimizing its environmental footprint.

Yash Lohia

Yash Lohia, chairman of the ESG Council at Indorama Ventures, said: “We are immensely proud of our upgrade to an ‘AA’ MSCI ESG rating, which not only highlights our dedication to sustainable operational excellence but also aligns with our purpose of reimagining chemistry together to create a better world. This recognition is a testament to our unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship, ethical governance, and social responsibility.”

The MSCI ESG Ratings play a pivotal role in guiding investor decisions and offer insights into how well companies address key long-term ESG risks and opportunities compared to their industry peers. These ratings range from AAA (highest) to CCC (lowest), providing a transparent, data-driven benchmark that helps guide investment decisions based on sustainability criteria.

Posted: May 9, 2024

Source: Indorama Ventures Public Company Limited (IVL)

Full Speed Ahead For Durak Tekstil: Turkish Developer Of Industrial Sewing And Embroidery Threads

BURSA, Turkey — May 9, 2024 — Durak Tekstil, Turkish developer of industrial sewing and embroidery threads, is currently making plans for a new and expanded factory at its base in Bursa, as well as opening a regional office in North America next year.

A continuous focus on R&D and the launch of some very highly-differentiated products is driving the success of this third-generation family-owned company which was initially founded in 1971 to provide Turkey with fishing net twine — at that time 100 percent imported.

Durak then expanded into the production of rayon and polyester embroidery threads before successfully diversifying into a wide range of niche and specialized markets, while growing an international customer base. This growth has been accompanied by continuous investment in the latest advanced production technologies.

Yigit Durak: “Research and development remains the bedrock of our business.”

“We now manufacture around 350 separate products and our portfolio is constantly being updated,” said Yigit Durak, third-generation member of the company’s board, who brims with enthusiasm when detailing his company’s developments. “It’s our focus on research and development which I believe really sets us apart as a company. Deep know-how of the technical possibilities of our machines and processes is enabling us to continue to bring new products with advanced functionalities to the market.”

Centreless Duma

Among winning products is Duma®, a centreless pre-wound under-bobbin made from strong continuous polyester filaments which is available in various sizes and thanks to careful selection of raw materials and the use of unique lubrication methods retains its exact tension from beginning to end.

Duma® centreless pre-wound under-bobbins hold more yarn to significantly reduce machine down times.

“The precise winding method with Duma keeps the variation in length to under one degree, so that a bank of bobbins can be changed at precisely the same which enables very concrete savings to be made,” Durak explained. “Because of the lack of center and the compaction of the yarn, we get three times the amount of product on each bobbin and the result is a high reduction in the times required for changes. We have calculated that over the course of a shift, this is achieving what could normally be produced on twelve advanced machines with just ten.”

Working on a similar principle is the Duraless® hollow core thread, and both have a melting points of 260ºC and soften at between 220-240ºC. A very high heat tolerance is achieved compared to conventional sewing threads when the shrinkage rate at 150ºC is calculated to be less than 1%. The threads show high resistance to most mineral acids, are unaffected by bleaching and micro-organisms and do not deteriorate in washing and dry cleaning.

Functionality

Other innovations focus on functionality, including the new SilverPro conductive thread for smart textiles and wearable technologies, luminous Milky Way, Redolent scented thread, the Fire-Safe range of meta-aramids and para-aramids and the Cut Safe range manufactured from various combinations of UHMWPE, glass fibre and elastane.

“Despite many obstacles in 2023, we managed to grow the business and this year anticipate further growth of around 30% and now export to over 100 countries,” Durak noted in conclusion. “Research and development remains the bedrock of our business and our entire 300-strong team in Bursa holds regular brain-storming sessions to fully explore new concepts and ideas. The success stories are fully certified and patented prior to launch and today approximately 20-25% of our total turnover is provided by technical threads. This will only increase in the future.”

Posted: May 9, 2024

Source: Durak Tekstil

Milliken & Company Developing Flame-Resistant Fabrics For Artemis Astronauts

SPARTANBURG, S.C. — May 9, 2024 — Global diversified manufacturing leader Milliken & Company announced it is working to design and manufacture flame-resistant (FR) undergarment fabric for NASA’s Artemis missions. Artemis III will be the first U.S. crewed Moon mission in more than 50 years, planned for launch no earlier than 2026.

Milliken is collaborating with global professional services firm Jacobs through the JSC Engineering, Technology & Science (JETS) II contract with NASA to develop a next-to-skin textile that will be used in the clothing worn while astronauts operate space vehicles during the lunar landing mission.

NASA is working with U.S. industry to develop the Human Landing System (HLS) to take astronauts to the lunar surface as part of the Artemis campaign. HLS vehicles will operate in environments with increased flame-resistant requirements due to elevated oxygen levels that increase the risk of fire. Milliken was selected as the supplier to develop and manufacture flame-resistant fabrics.

“Milliken views this project as an opportunity to support an American commitment to further space exploration, science and research that will positively impact future generations,” said David Smith, executive vice president at Milliken and president of Milliken’s Textile Business. “We are proud to do our part to help keep NASA astronauts safe during the Artemis missions.”

The first phase of the project began in the summer of 2023 and focused on manufacturing planning and material evaluation. Milliken leveraged its FR, knitting and finishing expertise as well as its chemical analysis, material testing and its Rapid Prototype Center capabilities to complete a comprehensive analysis of NASA’s historic materials.

“This project feels tailor-made for Milliken — it’s the perfect marriage of the FR capabilities of our Westex® brand and the knit fabrics expertise from our Polartec® brand,” said Ramesh Kesh, senior vice president of Milliken’s Textile Business. “Combine that with our manufacturing excellence and deep bench of patented research scientists and we feel incredibly aligned to support NASA on this development.”

In the project’s second phase, Milliken and Jacobs are finalizing prototypes and manufacturing the new textile for final delivery to NASA. This phase is expected to be complete by fall 2024.

Posted: May 9, 2024

Source: Milliken & Company

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