Hohenstein Institute: Invisibility During Daytime And Night-time Military Operations Can Be Tested

BOENNIGHEIM, Germany — October 12, 2015 — Camouflage plays a vital role in daytime and night-time military operations. The use of camouflage prints and special dyes ensures that people and equipment are hard to detect because they blend in with the surrounding terrain.

Since all bodies emit heat, known as infrared radiation (IR radiation for short), it is now possible with the help of thermal imaging cameras to “see” people even in complete darkness. In connection with this, the Hohenstein Institute in Boennigheim uses a spectrophotometer to test the chromaticity (colour saturation) and IR reflectance of various textile materials as used, for example, in desert or multi-terrain combat suits.

The institute has also developed textiles as part of a research project which provide effective screening against infrared radiation and are of interest for use in uniforms for the armed forces.

Daytime Operations: Improving The Optical Camouflage Effect
Military combat suits are usually made using the standard camouflage patterns of 3-5 colours in shades of brown and olive green. In daylight, these camouflage prints, when perfectly matched with the terrain, enable users to “melt” into the background and so protect them from being seen by the enemy. When white light such as sunlight falls on the uniform, certain parts of the light spectrum are absorbed and others reflected.

This is why the uniforms (and objects in general) appear multicoloured. Because the human eye can distinguish between over 350,000 different shades, colours have to be measured with a spectrophotometer. The colour measurement process investigates which parts of the white light are reflected by the sample of material that is being tested. These are measured statistically so that any deviations from the colour specifications can be identified. That is the only way to ensure that the colours in the camouflage pattern meet the technical requirements. The optical camouflage effect is tested when the textiles are new and after artificial ageing, using spectrophotometric colour measurement in accordance with DIN EN ISO 11664 and DIN 5033.

Night-time Operations: Effective Screening From Infrared Radiation
Night-time operations are a challenge not only for the soldiers but also for their clothing. Special materials ensure that the revealing infrared thermal radiation (IR radiation) produced by the warmth of the soldiers’ bodies is absorbed. That is why infrared-absorbing inorganic or organic pigments (special vat dyes) are
used for the camouflage prints on uniforms, to ensure that the wearers are largely “invisible” to the CCD sensors on night-vision devices. The Hohenstein Institute uses spectrophotometric reflectance measurements to test whether the maximum reflectance limits comply with the regulations (e.g. technical terms of delivery).

However, these dyes only cover short-wave infrared radiation. With the help of thermal imaging cameras which also capture long-wave infrared radiation, a person’s thermal signature can still be visible despite the special vat dyes. The Hohenstein experts wanted to counteract this effect and so as part of a research project (AiF-No. 15598) they developed some new materials. The textiles were impregnated or coated with chemical fibres containing indium tin oxide nanoparticles (ITO). ITO particles are transparent semiconductors that are familiar from their use in touchscreens and smartphones. The innovative textile finish ensures that the person’s thermal radiation is absorbed far more effectively, while the same level of wearing comfort is maintained.

Just how effectively the soldiers’ uniforms make them “invisible” during night-time operations can be tested by the spectrometric measurement of radiation absorption, reflection and transmission under DIN EN 410 that is carried out at the Hohenstein Institute.

Extensive Expertise Available To Support Military Users
In addition to its spectrometric testing of the effectiveness of camouflage materials for use in daytime and night-time operations, the Hohenstein Institute also offers other services that can be extremely useful to the armed forces in their work. These include testing the fit, skin-friendliness and comfort properties of items of uniform, since these have been shown to affect the mental performance of the soldiers. The institute also carries out testing for harmful substances in accordance with OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 and anti-insect protection testing, to prevent any risk to the soldiers’ health.

Posted October 16, 2015

Source: Hohenstein Institute
 

Alexiflam Chemistry Expands To Second Major Bedding Brand

Perth, Australia and Greer, S.C. — October 16, 2015 —  Alexium International Group Ltd. (Alexium) is pleased to announce that based on the fire retardancy (FR) performance, environmental friendly formulation and value proposition of its Alexiflam chemistry, a major bedding client has expanded the use of its Alexiflam treatments to a second U.S. national bedding brand under its corporate umbrella.

Total annual revenue to Alexium from these two U.S. national bedding brands is expected to be $5M per year, with revenue from this second brand to commence before the end of 2015. For customer marketing confidentiality reasons, the brand details will not be provided until products are in store.

“This second U.S. national major brand is strong reinforcement of not just the value Alexium chemistries bring to the bedding market, but their ease of use, as this second program was developed proactively by our customer with limited involvement from Alexium staff,” said Dirk Van Hyning, president, Alexium. “We anticipate our presence in this market segment will continue to grow from this solid foundation.”

Posted October 16, 2015

Source: Alexium
 

PANTONE Introduces New, Contemporary Light Booth For Accurate Color Identification


CARLSTADT, N.J. — October 14, 2015 — Pantone, an X-Rite company and the global authority on color and provider of professional color standards for the design industries, today introduced PANTONE 3 and PANTONE 5 Light Viewing Booths; new, contemporary light booth options that offer a controlled, consistent evaluation environment for the color identification process.
 
As color is susceptible to variances based on lighting, environment and visual perception, color evaluation under a variety of lighting conditions is essential for meeting specific manufacturing requirements and reducing metameric effects when two colors “match” under one set of lighting conditions, but fail in another. The PANTONE 3 and PANTONE 5 Light Viewing Booths help with adequate color identification early in the process, providing cost savings for production and optimizing time to market.
 
“As the provider of professional color standards for the design industries, Pantone understands how important a reliable and comprehensive process for visual evaluation is when making critical color choices,” said Barbara Senatore, Senior Color Specialist at Pantone. “Not only are the PANTONE 3 and PANTONE 5 Light Booths stylish and complementary to any workspace, they deliver non-failing daylight, store and home lighting options for adequate color identification, reducing the chance for errors and inconsistencies that can become costly problems in the product development phase.”
 
For designers across creative and manufacturing industries adding color evaluation to their production workflow, the PANTONE 3 and PANTONE 5 Light Booths are budget-conscious options that offer consistent, industry standard fluorescent illumination and neutral backgrounds for accurate color viewing.
 
Color evaluation under a variety of lighting conditions will lead to optimum results before reaching the retail market; testing and approval in the Light Booth test area, as well as outside, in a fluorescent-lit store, in the home and other natural settings is recommended to eliminate inconsistencies.
 
Nationwide Availability
The PANTONE 3 and PANTONE 5 Light Booths are available for shipping in the U.S. direct from Pantone via www.pantone.com and through authorized Pantone resellers globally. New model booths arrive pre-certified and fully assembled.
 
PANTONE 3 Light Viewing Booth

  • 3-lamp options deliver consistent, industry standard fluorescent illumination and non-failing daylight (D65 or D50 available)
  • Color evaluation under “A” Tungsten Halogen with either: D65 and TL84 or D50 with Cool White Fluorescent settings at time of purchase.
  • Neutral background for accurate color viewing (Munsell N7)
  • Simplified switch interface
  • New, contemporary design features durable, aluminum construction with powder-coated finish for strain and scratch resistance
  • Sized to fit well into most work spaces
  • Versatile, multi-voltage options (100, 115, 127, and 230 volts)
  • MSRP: Pantone 3 Light P3D65840 – $1,495
  • MSRP: Pantone 3 Light P3D50CWF – $1,495

 
PANTONE 5 Light Viewing Booth

  • 5-lamp options deliver consistent, industry standard fluorescent illumination and non-failing daylight (D65 or D50 available)
  • Color evaluation under “A” Tungsten Halogen, Cool White Fluorescent, Ultraviolet and TL84 with either: D65 or D50 settings at time of purchase.
  • New, contemporary design features durable, aluminum construction with powder-coated finish for strain and scratch resistance
  • Versatile, multi-voltage options (100, 115, 127, and 230 volts)
  • Sized to fit well into most work spaces
  • Lamp service indication light
  • Pantone 5 Light P5D65840 – $2,100
  • Pantone 5 Light P5D50840 – $2,100

 
Posted October 16, 2015

Source: Pantone
 

New Modules For Eurolaser Systems: Laser Cutting, Labelling, Printing In A Single Operational Step

LÜNEBURG, Germany — October 14, 2015 — eurolaser, the German laser system manufacturer, has expanded its product range with the addition of two new modules. Operators now have the opportunity to place adhesive labels on laser-cut parts and then print the labels individually afterwards. It is also possible to print directly on the material used. The new options are a well thought out addition to label the cut parts for additional process steps during production, thereby optimising traceability.

The new label module is a labelling system. It can be installed on laser systems as an option, and equipped with printed or plain labels as required. Different adhesive properties and label sizes provide a broad range of applications for this module. Parts can now be labelled for further processing. In an ideal scenario, this optimises the production process and reduces the error rate. Logo labels or bar codes can be applied to sales items directly on the processing table. For individual labelling with different contents, this module can be easily combined with the ink printer.

The ink printer module is a print head that is installed directly next to the laser head. It allows precise printing with a resolution of up to 600 dpi. In addition to label printing, it is also possible to print directly on various materials, even on non-absorbent surfaces. This option allows the high-contrast application of sewing marks, serial numbers or other data. Depending on requirements, there are special inks for different surfaces, which are quick-drying and have excellent wipe and abrasion resistance. The ink printer module is even compatible with commercially available ink cartridges.

As usual, the two new eurolaser modules can be upgraded to many laser systems and can be combined with other options.
 
Posted October 16, 2015

Source: eurolaser
 

The Rupp Report: Rieter ITMA 2015 Preview

Rieter writes, “In addition to the key issues for the competitiveness of spinning mills, the company is offering value-adding innovations at the ITMA 2015 such as Internet usage for optimizing the entire system, new machine generations for preparatory and end spinning as well as corresponding spare parts and after sales services.”
 
All three Rieter business groups are showing their product and service innovations for complete systems, spinning preparation and end spinning process under their trademarks Rieter, Bräcker, Graf, Novibra and Süssen.
 
SPIDERweb Mill Control System
The Rieter SPIDERweb Mill Control System is said to be “the only system on the market which uniformly covers the entire spinning mill from fiber to yarn and for all four spinning technologies – not only for new machines but also for older generations.” The system is configurable for individual requirements. It stores and monitors the quality and production of all Rieter spinning systems. Subsequent enhancements can be upgraded.
 
For the first time, Rieter is showing a mobile solution that “not only provides an overview of the data of the spinning mill, but also offers a configurable alarm function. With six new modules respectively functions, it opens the door to an Internet-based, intelligent spinning mill control.” Rieter reports the system offers the following advantages:
 
permanently monitored sliver and yarn quality
incorporated expertise
optimal allocation of operating personnel
support for systematic preventative maintenance
fact-based and quick reaction to deviations,
increase in plant availability and productivity. 
Rieter is presenting new After Sales service products at the ITMA such as audits for comprehensive system analysis and improvements. It offers spinning mill audits that identify feasible short-term opportunities for improvements and create measurable results for customers.
 
New Functions Of The High-Performance Card
The C 70 high-performance card claims to achieve excellent yarn quality at the highest production rates for all yarn applications. The carding gap is controlled by means of precise flats guidance and with the working width of 1.5 meters achieves the largest active carding area on the market.
 
New Package For Man-Made Fibers Processing
The new, very easily removable web bridge in a special package for the processing of man-made fibers is said to “allow trouble-free cleaning and an immediate restart of the card.” The second function in the package is the unique chute control with air pressure, which simplifies the processing of man-made fibers. This enables the C 70 card to achieve high carding performance with synthetic fibers and as a result, good running properties in spinning.
 
New Combing Set
The new combing set consists of a new combing preparation machine, E 36 OMEGAlap, which is able to feed six new E 86 combers. With an output of 540 kilogram per hour and therefore the supply of almost 25,000 ring spindles, Rieter claims that the set reaches the highest production output on the market. A new function simplifies setting and optimization of the noil rate. This is made possible by the new FlexComb circular comb from Graf.
 
Comber Conversions
For older generations of combers, Rieter offers conversion kits that improve the productivity and yarn quality and make a reduction of the noil rate possible. Rieter is demonstrating how quickly such a conversion can be realized and what economic advantages the customer can in consequence achieve.
 
New Double-head Autoleveller Draw Frame
All autoleveller draw frames from Rieter use the same dynamic autolevelling system for sliver uniformity, even at high delivery speeds of 1100 meters per minute. The ECOrized” suction system on the new RSB-D 24 double-head autoleveller draw frame claims to lower the energy consumption. On the other hand, older draw frame generations can also be retrofitted with the suction system. A new sliver sensor, patent pending, makes a high quality in sliver coiling already possible from the first meters following a can change.
 
Together with the SB-D 22 double-head draw frame without levelling, a double-head line is said to require 50 percent less space and therefore — compared with a line of single-head draw frames — also saves costs.
 
New Automated Rotor Spinning Machine
Rieter is presenting the new R 66 rotor-spinning machine which is said to make yarn production even more economical.  A higher yarn production per square meter is obtained with longer machines. Rieter now produces a length of up to 700 spinning positions possible. The new machine length should reduce the costs for the entire rotor spinning system.
 
New Spin Box
The new S 66 spin box is the heart of the new R 66 rotor-spinning machine. Compared with the S 60, the S 66 claims to achieve higher speeds for improved economy at the same yarn tenacity and yarn uniformity. The new replaceable CHANNELpass simplifies the optimization for different raw material. New functions also simplify operation and accelerate the replacement of technology components. The new electro-mechanical yarn traverse simplifies the setting of the winding angle for a wide range of applications, for reliable package flanks and good unwinding behavior.
 
With the ANTIstatic TWINdisc, the CHANNELpass, the clip-on opening roller or complete sets for box modernization, the Swiss manufacturer offers solutions that “allow a quick response to changed market requirements. Time and energy savings as well as production increases lead to a better return.”
 
Optimized Air-Jet Spinning Machine
With the J 26, Rieter extends the application range for air-jet technology and presents an additionally optimized machine.
 
With the processing of polyester, the challenge lies in the deposits of spinning finish and co-polymers. For this reason, Rieter now offers the option P 26, which it says significantly extends the time between the necessary cleaning operations. A new option is the application of six robots on the machine. This allows applications that imply a higher rate of ends down or quality cuts to be processed.
 
The majority of air-jet yarns are later processed to knitted fabrics that require a softer touch. To this end, new technology components and setting parameters were developed.
 
Yarn Clearer Option For Air-Jet Spinning
The Q 10 A yarn clearer in rotor spinning has been further developed for air-jet spinning. Based on an accurate monitoring of yarn structure, hairiness and yarn diameter, it interprets “not only the standard functions but also the yarn tenacity.”
 
Options For Compact Spinning
Now with 1,824 spinning positions, the K 46 Com4 compact spinning machine increases the production per square meter in the spinning mill. The system range enables optimal machine layout and process workflows from the fiber to the finished yarn, even with these long compact machines. Also a quality package for better yarn quality for the K 46 that leads to a significant improvement of the quality parameters CVm and IPI is available. It is said to be “an ideal supplement for spinning mills with high quality requirements.”
 
New Suction System For Long Machines
Rieter says that the energy consumption per kilogram of spun yarn from its compacting system with suction drum today already lies far below that of apron systems. The new double-sided suction system ECOrized for long compact spinning machines now claims to further reduce the energy consumption.
 
Optimized Ring-Spinning Machine
The G 32 ring-spinning machine is now available is a revised version with a maximum length of 1,824 spindles and with the innovative suction tube ECOrized. In addition, a quality package for improvement of the yarn quality, a flexible change between S and Z twist and a special package for the processing of polyester are available. The best fit for this package says Rieter, is the new traveller STARLETplus from Bräcker. Moreover, the reliability of the machine has been further improved.
 
Also the G 32 ring-spinning machine can now be retrofitted with the suction tube ECOrized. This also applies to the machines G 33, G 35, G 36. The conversion with the suction tube ECOrized claims to allow “sustainable energy and cost savings.”
 
At ITMA 2015, the Rieter Group will exhibit in Hall 2, Booth A106

October 13, 2015

Cotton Babies Awarded OEKO-TEX Certification for Cloth Diapers

The International OEKO-TEX® Association announces that Cotton Babies®, a leading manufacturer and retailer of cloth diapers and other natural parenting products, has been awarded its Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certification. This voluntary, third party certification indicates that Cotton Babies diapers have been tested according to the Oeko-Tex Standard 100 requirements that they not contain harmful levels of a multitude of chemicals. The Oeko-Tex Standard 100 covers more than 300 chemicals considered to be dangerous to a baby’s health such as residual pesticides, carcinogenic dyestuffs, phthalates, lead, heavy metals, and formaldehyde. The Oeko-Tex Standard 100 reflects the latest advances in textile chemistry, up to date medical knowledge, and the current state of textile product safety regulations such as the US CPSC’s Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA).
 
“The Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certification independently reinforces our quality control program and confirms that our award winning cloth diaper products are the best for parents who are looking for  natural products for their babies,” says Jennifer Labit, founder and CEO of Cotton Babies. “In our mission to encourage families to choose cloth diapers in order to prevent waste, save money, and control what is touching their babies’ skin, the Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certification is yet another point that validates our cloth diapers as a safe, smart, and responsible choice.”
 
“Textile product safety is a prime concern for parents these days, especially with regard to diapers which are in very close and prolonged contact with a baby’s sensitive skin,” says Ben Mead who represents Oeko-Tex in the US. “The Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certification reassures parents that Cotton Babies cloth diapers have been stringently tested for a long list of concerning substances. We are pleased to work with this exemplary company and support their commitment to providing safe and sustainable products for their customers.”
 
Cotton Babies cloth diaper products have been certified according to the Oeko-Tex Standard 100 at the Class 1 level, the most rigorous certification designed specifically for newborns through toddlers up to the age of three. In addition to testing for harmful chemicals at the strictest limit values, Oeko-Tex also tests for color fastness to ensure that dyes don’t dissolve in a baby’s mouth or rub off onto a baby’s skin.
 
Posted October 13, 2015

Source: Oeko-Tex Association
 

Safe Reflections Debuts ReflectYourGear™ Pedestrian Safety Products

ST. PAUL, Minn. — October 8, 2015 — Daylight hours are shortening for the rest of the year, and with that comes increasing threats to pedestrian safety. In the U.S., a pedestrian is injured in a traffic crash every eight minutes and, according to the National Safety Council, the chances of being struck and killed as a pedestrian increase 1,100 percent after dark.

That’s why reflective technology pioneers Safe Reflections introduced ReflectYourGear, a new initiative to help ensure outdoor and fitness enthusiasts sharing the road with cars are seen more clearly and from greater distances in the dark and in low-light conditions.

“Reflective material has been used in work wear for years to increase the visibility of people who are working near traffic,” said Chuck Gruber, CEO of Safe Reflections and founder of ReflectYourGear. “We must find a way to get this highly effective material on all people who spend time outdoors during low light hours. People just don’t know they should wear it, where they can get it, and how easily it can help them be seen by the driver of a car. That’s why we formed ReflectYourGear. It’s all about educating people on reflective, creating awareness of why they should be wearing it and then getting material into people’s hands so they can put it on the garments they own themselves.“

Starting with high-quality 3M Scotchlite Reflective Material, ReflectYourGear reflective material significantly increases drivers’ ability to see runners and cyclists in time to react and avoid an accident.

ReflectYourGear reflective material uses Safe Reflections Brilliant® Color Reflective, which means high-brightness reflective does not need to be conspicuously silver. Available in black, blue, red, bronze and a variety of colors, ReflectYourGear material is discrete on clothing during the day. The material was developed to reflect the light from headlights back towards the driver of a motor vehicle from any angle, greatly increasing the visibility of anyone who wears it.

“ReflectYourGear is the latest innovation from our 3M Scotchlite Reflective Material partner Safe Reflections,” said Kevin McGuigan, 3M Scotchlite Reflective Material Global Business Manager. “With their new adhesive technology and direct-to-consumer marketing approach, runners, cyclists, children and outdoor enthusiasts will now be able to add colorized reflective directly to virtually any garment or accessory making it easier than ever to be visible when walking or exercising during low light hours.”

ReflectYourGear’s self-adhesive reflective material increases peace of mind and confidence that outdoor enthusiasts are doing all they can to reduce the possibility of an accident – whether they’re walking, running or cycling at night. Backpacks, bicycle helmets, messenger bags, dog collars/leashes, warm-up apparel and footwear are all possibilities for enhanced visibility with either iron-on or taped product applications.

ReflectYourGear material can increase pedestrians’ ability to be seen from 500 feet away, ensuring drivers have plenty of time to see and react. A free pack of material is available now at www.ReflectYourGear.com (with free shipping and handling) by using coupon code “BeSeen.” Quantities are limited.

In addition to offering free samples, ReflectYourGear.com has detailed information and instructional videos about how placement of the material on a garment can improve both brightness and visibility, while increasing the safety of runners, walkers and cyclists while outside in the dark and in low-visibility light.

“70 percent of pedestrian fatalities occur during low-light or nighttime hours,” said Sharla Wagy, marketing manager for ReflectYourGear. “Adding high-brightness reflective material to garments and accessories can provide an enhanced level of visibility, and ReflectYourGear is dedicated to making the process easier than ever before.”

Posted October 13, 2015

Source: Safe Reflections
 

Sensient Raises The Bar For Sublimation Ink Performance With ElvaJet® Punch™

MORGES, Switzerland — October 12, 2015 — Sensient Imaging Technologies S.A. has launched a new range of digital sublimation printing inks for high performance decoration of polyester fabrics. The new range is suitable for fashion apparel, sportswear and flag & banner applications.
 
The ElvaJet® Punch range of digital textile inkjet inks is designed to achieve the highest quality sublimation polyester fabric printing using both coated and uncoated transfer papers, delivering unsurpassed color vibrancy and printing performance. Sensient has designed a specific set, ElvaJet Punch EP, for use on all types of Epson-based systems, including both Epson DX- and Epson TFP-based printers.
 
“ElvaJet Punch delivers the ultimate sublimation printing performance for polyester textile decoration,” comments Dr Christophe Bulliard, Sensient’s Marketing Director, “offering our customers maximum color performance combined with industrial reliability.”

Bulliard comments further: “With the recent acquisition of Xennia Technology, Sensient has expanded its product range and increased its innovation scope and power. ElvaJet Punch is the first fruit of that innovation, and we expect to launch further new products over the coming months.
 
“In benchmark testing against other market inks ElvaJet Punch shows superior color vibrancy and gamut, enhanced transfer efficiency from a wide range of coated and uncoated sublimation papers and exceptional jetting performance. The ink is also ideal for direct printing onto fabrics, with no image bleed and good print-through. Such a combination of benefits makes a compelling case for switching to this premium ink.”
 
Posted Ocotober 13, 2015

Source: Sensient Imaging Technologies
 

Unifi Expands REPREVE® Global Availability and Product Offerings

GREENSBORO, N.C. — October 7, 2015 — Unifi Inc., through its subsidiary Unifi Textiles (Suzhou) Co., Ltd. (UTSC), will expand global availability of REPREVE® recycled fiber with the assistance of Korteks, now a licensed manufacturer of Repreve in Turkey; and Sun Chemical, now a distributor of Repreve in Taiwan. These collaborations will greatly expand global distribution channels for Repreve, helping to shorten lead times and broaden options anywhere in the world customers do business. UTSC will also debut Repreve products with additional performance options at the Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics show in Shanghai, China.

Korteks, based in Turkey, is the largest European fully-integrated polyester continuous filament yarn manufacturer. Korteks will manufacture and sell Repreve recycled fiber in Turkey.

Established in 1957 and serving the fiber industry in Taiwan since 1970, Sun Chemical will be the only distributor of Repreve fiber in Taiwan and will work to meet the growing demand for Repreve in the area.

“Globally expanding our Repreve manufacturing capabilities highlights our commitment to the Repreve brand and allows us to better serve our customers worldwide,” said Roger Berrier, president and chief operating officer of Unifi Inc. “This expansion into new global markets underscores our dedication to remaining a leader in sustainable solutions and recycled products around the world.”

In addition to expanding global availability, Unifi continues to increase the versatility and offerings in Asia and Europe of its flagship product, Repreve, by combining more PVA performance benefits with sustainable options. UTSC will highlight several new product offerings at the Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics show, including Repreve with AUGUSTA® CL, which provides the natural look and feel of cotton and the superior performance of synthetics. UTSC will also debut a new, longer Repreve staple fiber that is ideal for wool blends; Repreve filament with cationic-dyeable and disperse-dyeable polyester blended for heather effects; and Repreve with REFLEXX®, a high stretch fiber for improved fit, comfort and performance. The company will continue to offer Repreve with SORBTEK®, a moisture-wicking management yarn, in both filament and staple fiber versions.

“We are focused on providing our customers with eco-friendly products with the added performance benefits that consumers expect in products they wear and use every day,” said Ed Wickes, president of UTSC. “Our goal is to be a global resource for our customers no matter where they choose to do business.”

Posted October 13, 2015

Source: Unifi
 

Bluestar Silicones Signs A Distribution Agreement With Grasim Industries

LYON, France — September 30th, 2015 — Bluestar Silicones enhances its distribution network in India and signs an agreement with Grasim Industries Ltd. for the distribution of its full range of silicone products. Grasim Industries Ltd. is a flagship company of Aditya Birla Chemicals Group, a leading chemical manufacturer of India.

With this partnership, Aditya Birla Chemicals becomes a major distributor for Bluestar Silicones in India, offering the full range of the group’s silicone products for the Indian markets.

“Our cooperation with Grasim Industries, an Aditya Birla Group company and a leading chemical player involved in diverse markets, is a huge step forward towards strengthening Bluestar Silicones presence in this emerging market. The local customers will have fast responses about our innovative products and full technical support from the large network coverage of Aditya Birla Group.” says Frederic Jacquin, CEO, Bluestar Silicones International.

Lalit NAIK, Sector Head of the Chemical Division of Aditya Birla Group, adds, “With more than 60 years silicones expertise, Bluestar Silicones is our ideal strategic partner thanks to its broad spectrum of silicones technologies. By partnering with Bluestar Silicones, we further enrich our offerings to satisfy the needs of our customers for overall solutions in fields of construction, textile, chemicals, agriculture, automotive and energy.”

This project unites a leading chemical manufacturer in India with key positions in many fields with one of the WW leaders in silicones having a strong specialties portfolio and extensive R&D capabilities. Leveraging this union will bring benefits to our Indian customers and give them easy access to the unique properties of silicone technology.

Posted October 13, 2015

Source: Bluestar Silicones
 

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