Apparel Sourcing Paris Will Welcome 400 Exhibitors, Including More Than 100 Newcomers

PARIS — September 3, 2015 — The 9th Apparel Sourcing Paris trade fair, due to take place from Monday 14 to Thursday 17 September 2015 at Paris Le Bourget, promises to be out of the ordinary. More than 400 exhibitors from all over the world are expected, among which 100 newcomers will represent Bangladesh, China, South Korea, Hong Kong, India, Pakistan, Turkey and Vietnam.

Michael Scherpe, CEO of Messe Frankfurt France, said: “Registrations for the trade fair have broken a new record, passing the 400-exhibitor level, which represents a 40-percent rise in attendance, compared to the 289 exhibitors in September 2014. The event is consolidating its position as Europe’s premier world garment sourcing event.”

Visitors to Apparel Sourcing Paris appreciate the added value of quality and originality. Knits are showing the strongest growth, with more than 35 new manufacturers, such as Anjuman Garments (Bangladesh), BLR Knits (India), Thai Son S.P (Vietnam), Sanyang Cashmere Textile (China) and others, who are focusing on highly diverse collections of circular and cut and sewn knits for men, women and children. Unstructured garments continue to develop, with 29 businesses, among which are Kimberley Apparels Ltd. (Bangladesh), Monarch International (Hong Kong) and Thien Nam JSC (Vietnam), to name but a few.

As for sleeved pieces, in high demand from winter purchasers, the segment will welcome 25 new manufacturers, among them Apex International (India) and New Zeenat Textile Mills (Pakistan). Among the newcomers in sportswear, very fashionable collections by Kreateks Tekstil (Turkey) and Alphabeta (South Korea) are waiting to be discovered.

Accessories always attract more exhibitors. Newcomers such as Ningbo Kingshi (China) and Rashish (India) are aiming to attract buyers with traditional, fashionable pieces in quality finishes.

The dedicated Shawls&Scarves section numbers three newcomers among its 21 exhibitors: Porostar (China), K.U.M. (India) and Shengzou First Garment & Necktie (China). The collections on offer will be highly market- oriented, displaying particular skills, such as hand embroidery, vegetable dyes and digital printing. The extent of the product ranges, from simple cotton to baby cashmere, is noteworthy.

Made to measure deserves a special mention as a it is still a strong trend in sourcing for customised dresses and unstructured garments at competitive prices, because consumers are becoming more and more demanding, searching for original products worthy of old-fashioned tailoring, without abandoning their existing budget. From bespoke R&D to an industrial scale, this solution provides European brands and designers with an attractive developmental focus.

Made to measure had a modest debut at last year’s fair and is coming back in force, represented by seven companies: Ai Xin Dao, Dalian Faric Garment, Ningbo LS Lace, Ningbo EJJ Knitting Garment, Sendi, Shanghai Leads Enterprise and Wujiang Silk Garment.

On the whole, the manufacturers at this event will be offering collections intended for the entry-level and midrange women’s and children’s market. In the case of men and accessories, there will be many premium collections on offer alongside more affordable collections – a sign that brands and buyers are now increasingly making up their collection purchases at attractive prices and with more sophisticated, more expensive pieces.
 

Brands are now putting their faith in elaborate limitededition collections as lead products.

Vietnam Will Have The Kudos Of A Dedicated National Pavilion
A first! The fair will feature a national pavilion for the Vietnam Textile and Apparel Association (VITAS), with ten exhibitors: Babeeni, Diep Duong, Garment 10 Corporation, Hai Phong Xhan, Hoa Tho Textile, International Fashion, Lewave, Resources Garment, Thai Son S.P. and Thien Nam Investment & Development JSC.

They will be offering accessories, casualwear, unstructured garments, bottom pieces, business wear, formal wear, children’s wear and denim for men, women and children, mainly targeting entry-level and mid-range buyers. Hand embroidery aimed at OTC and top-of-the range brands deserves a special mention. Many brands are being attracted to Vietnam because of the quality and the sourcing solutions which the country and its businesses can offer thanks to free trade agreements with Europe (Eurasian Economic Union – EAEU).

In other respects, Vietnam has become the world’s fourth-largest exporter of textile products on the basis of its first-quarter figures: US$ 12.18 billion and a year-onyear rise of 8.2% in exports to the EU, according to the Vietnam National Textile and Garment Group (Vinatex). To better appreciate the enthusiasm for Vietnam, a seminar on “the Vietnamese textile and clothing sector: a prosperous, competitive industry” led by Jean-François Limantour , a specialist in both sourcing and Vietnam, is scheduled for Wednesday 16 September at 10.15 hrs.
 

Outstanding Program Of Seminars And Fashion Shows
The trade fair has a full programme, featuring four seminars and numerous fashion shows to reveal the specialities of exhibitors from participating countries.

The seminars on sourcing, apart from the above-mentioned one on Vietnam, will feature two other highly interesting topics: “European garment sourcing in 2015: suppliers, products and markets” and “Garment sourcing management and alternative strategies for industrial offers.” They will enlighten visitors, particularly product and supply chain managers, on the decisions to be taken to optimise sourcing.

On the subject of corporate responsibility, the association Wellmade will present “Trends in sustainable development”, which will provide professionals with information on new innovations and the development of certification.

The fashion shows, a showcase for skills, will allow visitors to evaluate the exhibitors’ products, shown off to their best effect by the artistic director responsible for the programme. Seminars concentrating on countries and types of product are scheduled during the four days. For example, on Tuesday, the theme will be China, unveiling the flagship products of manufacturers from the Shaoxing region. Vietnam and Pakistan will have their turn on Wednesday.

In the case of accessories, two fashion shows will be dedicated to the products featured in Shawls&Scarves, on Monday and Thursday. Visitors will discover the latest developments by manufacturers of shawls and
scarves.

The couturier Eymeric François will show his Black Desire collection on Wednesday at 15.00 hrs to mark fifteen years of his fashion house.As for young designers, the finalists in the 2015 Frankfurt Style Award competition will reveal their creations at midday on Monday.

Posted September 8, 2015

Source: Messe Frankfurt
 

French Textile Machinery Association’s President Interview 2015

COURBEVOIE, France — August 28, 2015 — UCMTF groups 30 specialty textile machinery manufacturers, often world leaders on their specific markets. Their total annual consolidated turnover of 1 billion Euros ($1.1 billion) makes France the sixth textile machinery exporter. They are particularly strong in long fiber spinning, yarn twisting, heat setting, jacquard and dobbies, carpet systems, dyeing and finishing, felts and belts for finishing processes, nonwovens, air and recycling processes.

Interview of Bruno Ameline, president, and Evelyne Cholet, secretary general, UCMTF.
 
M. Ameline, can you tell us about your experience with the textile industry?
 
Ameline: I graduated with a master degree from a renowned engineering school in France, Ecole Centrale and started my professional career in aeronautics. I had no prior connections with the textile industry when I joined the NSC group, a family controlled company listed on the Paris stock exchange in 1999 to become its Chairman and CEO.

In 2004, I was elected President of UCMTF.

During these years, I have discovered the fascinating world of textiles. Textile is a technology almost as old as mankind, but still today, it reinvents regularly itself and stands at the spearhead of many high-tech developments. When I think of apparel, I am fascinated by the creativity of designers, by the high quality standards requested by the end-markets, by the fast and flexible logistics achieved by producers and distributors. When I think of home textiles or carpet manufacturing, I am fascinated by the inventiveness of some carpet clusters.

Technical textiles which pave the way to so many new applications and growing at a fast rate are also an impressive sector. Needless to say, I am fascinated by the textile machinery sector, by the ever-increasing productivity of the machines, their reliability, the level of safety now achieved for their users, the automation devices (which can be equally compared to those in aeronautics, I can tell!), and more recently the energy consumption concerns which trigger the latest innovations.  I am also fascinated by key industry events like the ITMAs, which attract the whole textile planet for 8 days on the same spot!

I really look forward to a great future for this industry.
 
Yes, but in Europe the textile industry has shrunk. Has this industry any future in this continent?
 
It all started with apparel manufacturing, which is labor intensive and which grew a large textile industry in Europe in the 19th and 20th centuries. Textile production then moved to lower labor cost areas and closer to the mass user markets — meaning Asia — although it had become more capital intensive with automation. But many innovations and creativity still originate from Europe. Look at the most prestigious brands in apparel, the designers are based in such places as Paris, London or Milano. Look at technical textiles. In this sector European and American firms are still the most innovative ones and the production is still mostly on their shores. Look at the textile machinery, the most innovative companies — and many of the largest — are from Europe and ITMA Europe the largest textile equipment event worldwide.

Some companies do relocate in Europe or America to improve their customer’s service and take advantage there of some cost differentials like the low cost of energy and the quality of manpower. I do not think that relocation will be a major trend but I believe that the downsizing of the textile industry in Europe has come to an end and that the European textile machinery will continue to play the leading role.
 
How are the French textile machinery manufacturers doing in this context?
 
In 2015, in most application sectors we are back to the best levels achieved before the 2008-2010 crisis, many of our companies have achieved record sales and order intakes but there is a lack of visibility in some major markets.

The economic uncertainty and financial turmoil which we are currently observing in China may lead to a real slowdown. It is hard to tell whether the slowdown will accelerate, if it will be a soft landing or whether growth and investments will rebound.

I am more positive about India, the modernization of the textile industry is crucial for its future but investments decisions are slower than we did imagine.

Other Asian markets stay active and the investment mood is still positive in many markets like Indonesia, Thailand, or South Korea. However, the competitive devaluation of the Yuan, if amplified, may create a big challenge to these economies.

The Turkish market has been very active so far thanks to the long term managerial strategies of our Turkish customers but the 2015 economic slowdown, the current political uncertainty with the upcoming elections in November and the sharp decrease of the Turkish currency create some clear signs of attentism.

Iran is the real short term opportunity for the European textile equipment. Modernization is urgent, the entrepreneurs are in the starting blocks, the projects are well advanced, since the Geneva agreement on the upcoming raising of international sanctions. But financial circuits will take time to regularize. Soon, we will probably have more visibility on this promising market.

The US economy is clearly growing, the shale gas and oil resources have created a real gain on American production costs, financing is abundant hence USA should be a positive market for our machines. It is actually the case for some of our members active in specific applications like technical textiles, carpet manufacturing or recycling but, as I already said, I do not think relocation will be a major trend in apparel textiles.

Key markets in South America like Brazil or Argentina are globally severely hurt by their lingering economies and political instability. We are particularly disappointed by the Brazilian market.

Markets like Western Europe, Eastern Europe or Central Asia are doing quite well but are not large enough to compensate for a sluggish China, should the market there decline significantly.

All together, I am positive for 2015 as we currently enjoy buoyant order backlogs, but I feel concerned about a possibly stagnant 2016.
 
What do you expect from ITMA in Milano?
 
ITMA 2015 is clearly a must-attend event, particularly in the context of slowing markets. Technical innovation — a genetic attribute of ITMAs in Europe — is a strong lever to activate sales.

Up to now, nearly 104 000 square meters of exhibiting space have been booked; this is already 20 percent more than for the last ITMA in Barcelona. During the last 4 years, the number of equipment manufacturers may have shrunk because of consolidation, but they are all stronger and willing to exhibit their knowhow with increasing presence and larger booths… There will certainly be many innovations unveiled and an emphasis on energy, water and raw materials savings. ITMA’s 2015 motto is “master the art of sustainable innovation”, sustainability is certainly a major decision parameter for investing. The French machinery manufacturers have already made inventive inroads into sustainability and we include this ingredient into all our new projects and R&D programs.

In Milano, a record number of visitors are expected from all over the world, they will represent an astonishing number of companies with investments projects.

I believe that the choice of the city where ITMA takes place is of essence for the success of the show. The venue is chosen among European cities which offer the best expo center, travelling and hosting facilities and, it is very important, the greatest attraction power. Milano certainly meets all these qualifications.
 
Why should ITMA visitors come to the French manufacturers’ booths?
 
Primarily to discover each individual company’s innovations. Innovation is in our DNA. Remember Joseph Marie Jacquard, the most well-known textile machinery inventor, he was French! Frenchmen also invented the steam-powered automobile, vaccines, the high-speed train, the supersonic commercial airplane, computer chips on payment cards and much more! France sometimes has a reputation of great new ideas, poorly marketed. This has largely changed, as our textile equipment companies are SME’s run by entrepreneurs not by engineers. Innovation is now derived mainly from down-to-earth partnerships with our clients.

Even if SME’s, the French equipment manufacturers have set up very effective networks to offer the best service to most remote customers’ locations. We support our clients wherever they operate. We do it through our own local service teams, warehouses, agents or distributors.

For the spare parts, our members have been pro-active in opening local warehouses in important markets to deliver the much awaited parts without transportation or customs delays, hence offering a high level of service.

We work with our clients to help them to introduce new products on their markets, to have reliable and cost efficient production processes. This gives us a real competitive advantage.
 
Copycats are a danger to European manufacturers, how do you deal with this issue?
 
We absolutely need to protect our intellectual property; it may be our most important asset. Within our association, we have established an active working group on this strategic topic. We will sue the counterfeiters very aggressively. We have strong arguments: our patents, our brands. Most of our customers understand that the “real machine” and original parts is in their long term best interest. We have become very strict concerning the use of counterfeited parts as we cannot guarantee a machine which uses counterfeited parts.

Each company, national associations, the Cematex and the machinery show organizers have to work together on this sensitive issue. In this war against copycats we receive more and more support from the governments, the international bodies and the judiciary systems.
 
How does your association help its company members?
 
We meet very regularly and speak very openly about our strategies, projects and concerns. As we offer equipment for complementary processes, we can team up to offer complete lines when our customers want to have one company responsible for its project.

UCMTF Promotion Committee under the chairmanship of our Vice-President International, Christian Guinet, is very active to promote our offer worldwide. Every year UCMTF organizes customer seminars in two countries.

In April 2015, we were invited by Ilkhoom Khaydarov, the Uzbek Minister in charge of the textile industry and Chairman of the Board of the state joint-stock company for the light industry, to organize conferences in Tashkent and Bukhara. These were very well attended by the Uzbek textile companies.

In June 2015, we organized 4 conferences in Iran, in Tehran, Kashan, Ispahan and Yazd.  In order to describe and present more precisely our offer, and for us to understand better the Iranian customers’ needs and, to really have direct contacts with them, we decided not to make a big event in one place but four regional ones.

Our Promotion Committee also initiated in 2014, during one of such seminars, cooperation with the Russian textile industry. Serguei Rasbrodin, President of Soyuzlegprom, M. Christian Guinet and Mrs. Evelyne Cholet, Vice-President International and Secretary General of UCMTF, signed a Memorandum Of Understanding on April 21, 2015 in Moscow.  

How would you wish to conclude?

Worldwide, textiles manufacturers face an array of challenges: open new markets, design new products, produce them in a reliable, cost effective and sustainable way. In order to sail in today’s fast changing environment, they need reliable partners such as providers of innovative industrial solutions and cutting-edge technologies.

The French equipment manufacturers are well positioned to be such partners, they have a recognized expertise in finding solutions for critical projects, whatever their scope, whatever their geographic localization. The quality of our client relationships stems also from the high stability of our teams, allowing them to go well beyond the purely technical.
 
We will welcome all interested parties on our booths at ITMA in Milano.

Posted September 1, 2015

Source: UCMTF
 
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Invista And Aurizon Announce The Joint Development Of Ultrasonic Bonding Equipment And Stretch Fibers For The Construction Of Stretch Laminates

WILMINGTON, Del. — September 1, 2015 — INVISTA — a producer of polymers and fibers, and owner of the LYCRA HyFit® brand sold into the hygiene industry — and Aurizon Ultrasonics — a supplier of ultrasonic processing equipment to the hygiene industry — are pleased to announce that they are cooperating on a new joint development project. 
 
This project will focus on the collective development of novel ultrasonic bonding equipment and novel stretch fibers for the construction of stretch laminates, without the use of hot melt elastic attachment adhesives. The desired outcome of this collaboration is a step-change advancement allowing hygiene producers to improve product fit and comfort without the cost and complexity of glue.
 
“Invista is excited to explore the combination of Aurizon’s cutting edge capabilities in ultrasonic bonding with our market leading research and development team that has delivered continuous innovations to our Lycra HyFit fiber offering,” says Scott Blackadar, Invista, global vice president. “We believe that step change innovations in diaper design and cost reduction will result from this joint effort.”
 
“We are thrilled to join efforts with Invista, the market leader in stretch fibers, to further advance next generation stretch materials for the hygiene market,” says Greg Benrud, Aurizon, president. ”Aurizon’s current technology to ultrasonically secure elastics in nonwovens without the need for adhesives can enable lower material costs, increased operational efficiency, and improved product comfort and performance. We believe this collaboration will provide an opportunity to leverage the strengths of both companies and accelerate further development of exciting new materials and processes for our customers.”
 
“We look forward to collaborating with Aurizon and discovering the potential synergy between our new fiber innovations and Aurizon’s high speed rotary ultrasonic bonding technology,” said Blackadar.

Posted September 1, 2015

Source: Invista
 

YiwuTex 2015 In Full Swing: Advocating For A Green And Sustainable Production Mode Leading Automation And Transformation For The Textile Industry

HONG KONG — The 16th China Yiwu International Exhibition on Textile Machinery, (YiwuTex 2015) is going to meet the demand of the trend and help textile enterprises to realize transformation and to enhance competitiveness. The show will be grandly held from November 20-December 3, 2015, at the Yiwu International Expo Centre, with an exhibiting area of more than 15,200 square meters (m2).
 
YiwuTex is a specialized show which mainly focuses on knitting and hosiery industry. It targets advancement, energy-saving and automation technology, providing a one-stop platform running through knitting and garment industry. After its 16 years’ development, it has now grown up to be an important support for Zhejiang textile industry.
 
Keeping Pace With The Market Trend For Insights
According to the statistics from China’s General Administration of Customs, in 2014 the export value of China’s textile products reaches 1.83 trillion renminbi, with an increase of 4.06 percent by last year. And the knitwear export value climbs to $81.73 billion, accounting for 44 percent of the total textile export value. Knitting industry occupies an increasingly important position in China’s textile industry, and knitted products almost win the global market for its excellent clothing performance.
 
With the improvement of textile technology, many high-end suppliers are adopting the application of knitted products as a better solution. In order to cater the market changes, the key for China’s manufacturing transformation is focusing on the technological automation and integrated production, especially for the textile industry.
 
YiwuTex 2015 is dedicated to showcase the latest automated textile machinery, focusing on the trend of textile industry and promoting a green and sustainable production mode, thus helping enterprises to grasp current business opportunities and to remain in a leading position in the industry during the transformation and reshuffling period.
 
YiwuTex 2015 presents the new textile technology applications in knitting and garment, medical hosiery, seamless underwear, functional sportswear, interior auto parts, footwear, home textile and many other sectors.
 
Concurrent Events For A Glimpse Of Future Development
A series of events and forums will be held concurrently during the show period to share hot topics of the industry and to analyze the latest design trends. It is a combination of theory with visual display, for buyers to experience the hottest topics of fashion in the events.

• Fashion Extravaganza
The organizing committee is joining hands with fashion designers from PR China, Hong Kong and Taiwan, to share the latest application of textile technology and latest design trends by dynamic shows and products displays.

• Knitting Collections Wardrobe
Designed by our renowned exhibitors, a knitwear collection will be displayed onsite to showcase the best knitting technology.

• Forums on the Latest Trends

  • Lingerie and Knitted Apparels Fashion Trends
  • Functional Sportswear Development and Application Seminar
  • Knitting Technology Application and Trends in Shoe Vamp
  • Intelligent Management and Technology in Industry 4.0 Manufacturing Era
  • Wastewater Treatment and Environmental Protection
  • Brand Strategy and Integrated Marketing Used in E-commerce Business Model

 
A Strong Organizing Committee
YiwuTex 2015 is sponsored by the Zhejiang Provincial Government; organized by Zhejiang Province Economic and Information Commission, Department of Commerce of Zhejiang Province, Science and Technology Department of Zhejiang Province, Municipal Governments of Related Cities, Yiwu Municipal Government and Adsale Exhibition Services Limited; supported by China Camber of International Commerce Yiwu Chamber of Commerce, Yiwu City Hosiery Industry Association, Yiwu City Braiding Industry Association, Yiwu City Seamless Knitting Association, Yiwu City Zipper Industry Association, Yiwu City Garment Industry Association, Yiwu City Glove Industry Association, as well as Pujiang County Knitting, Printing and Dyeing Industry Association.
 
YiwuTex 2014 covered an exhibiting area of 15,200 m2, featuring more than 200 leading international exhibitors from 10 different countries and regions. It accommodated over 530 sets of machineries and equipment, which attracted 9,130 important buyers from 29 countries and regions and more than 10 professional associations and enterprise delegations to attend.

Posted September 1, 2015

Source: Adsale Exhibition Services Ltd.
 

The Rupp Report: There Is Another Movie In The Air

Some weeks ago, the Rupp Report, “How To Present Yarn Production In New Media Channels,” discussed a film that was produced by the Switzerland-based Rieter Group. The last paragraph of the editorial solicited reader feedback and comments.
 
And, as is typically the case, the Rupp Report received some feedback. In this case, feedback arrived from another Switzerland-based company: Uster Technologies AG, who claimed it was earlier than Rieter in releasing its own movie.
 
Undisputed Leader In Fiber Testing
The long history of Uster’s statistics have led to the global textile industry — at least in the cotton fiber business — using the same language and applying the same standards, namely HVI and AFIS, for fiber testing. Instruments for testing fiber, such as the USTER AFIS PRO 2, are considered essential tools. However, users also need evidence that the data provided is not only accurate, but also can be matched, compared and benchmarked against measurements from others with the same instrument type.
 
The reasons for producing a movie about fiber testing are obvious — results are only of value if the tests are performed properly. So the purpose of the film is to educate.
 
Producing quality cotton yarns is not that easy, so it’s vital that test procedures and instruments used must be accurate and reliable to have any value in today’s demanding textile marketplace. Accuracy, in this context, means conformity with global standard measurements, within accepted tolerances. For spinners, fiber test results influence choices about which raw material to select and how to process it. Machine settings, production rates and waste levels are all dependent on key fiber parameters being measured and reported as accurately as possible. And, at the end of the day, so is profit.
 
Benefits
Quality in yarns depends on a multiplicity of factors, and spinners face the challenge of understanding and interpreting those factors to achieve the best quality/productivity balance. The independent tests carried out on a regular basis by Germany-based ICA Bremen prove the value of AFIS® as the most reliable way of helping mills get the balance right, through the most accurate fiber testing technology available.
 
David McAlister, product manager fiber testing within Uster Technologies, highlights the AFIS advantages: “With less variation and greater accuracy over the most critical fiber properties, AFIS has proven superiority. Mills definitely need this accuracy, to help ensure their machine settings are correct, to target the most appropriate production rates and to minimize damage to their valuable fiber raw material. Along with the improvements in product quality, spinners will also benefit from a reduced level of waste — another vital economic aspect for any mill — and avoid the risk of off-quality product or returns from customers.” McAlister is the movie presenter, who shows in just over 3 minutes what’s AFIS is all about.
 
ICA Bremen Round Trials
Objective, independent analysis of test performance is the best guarantee of effective results, and the world-renowned cotton authority ICA Bremen offers a regular program of methodical sampling to fulfill this need. The ICA Bremen Round Trials are conducted three times a year, involving as many as 200 textile laboratories worldwide. Each lab tests a sub-sample of material, the master-sample being tested by ICA, to compare test results from various instrument types. The labs return their results to ICA under a code number, to preserve anonymity. The statistics are evaluated and a report circulated to the participating labs, enabling them to match their test performance against the general pattern.

In this way, the Bremen Round Trials provide a regular check on the accuracy and reliability of instruments used by participants. In the case of Uster, the major instruments involved in the trials are the HVI test system for cotton fiber classification and the AFIS process optimization tool.
 
Comparisons In Key Parameters
The Bremen Round Trials covering the latest Uster AFIS PRO 2 instrument enable independent comparisons with the only major competing product in this category, the Premier aQura 2™ from India-based Premier Evolvics Pvt. Ltd. The trials include more than 50 laboratories using AFIS and about 10 using the aQura 2. The AFIS can test a wider range of parameters than its competitor, so results from the trials are best compared over the two key parameters common to both instruments.
 
Nep content is the first quality parameter covered in the trials. According to the tests, for AFIS, the results show fairly stable variations in nep measurement, at an average of about 14 percent, while the figure for the aQura 2 is around 23 percent. The second fiber parameter, short fiber content, again shows the AFIS with a lower level of variation, at 15 percent, against about 22 percent for the competitor. The Bremen Round Trials claim to provide convincing independent evidence of the accuracy of the AFIS, underlining its capability for optimum compatibility of results between different individual instruments.
 
Was The Film Successful?
Of course, it is desirable if the success of a communication piece can be measured. The Rupp Report wanted to know if facts are available, and they are. The analysis of the AFIS video statement campaign was that Uster received 10 articles in print media. On top of that the company noticed 23 online clippings, plus the readership of over 1.1 million people. The major markets that are interested in this kind of quality improvement could certainly show some trends. Surprisingly or not, Indian spinners showed the greatest interest with a share of 19 percent, followed by Turkey and Pakistan with 19 percent each.
 

Country %
India 29
Turkey 19
Pakistan 19
Asia 9
Germany 9
Egypt 5
USA 5
Croatia 5
Total 100

 
This list is quite astonishing. It shows that countries like India, Turkey or Pakistan are very much focused on quality.
 
Do It Again
The last question was obvious: Would you do the AFIS campaign again, would it be worth to be repeated? Yes, said USTER, because it reached double the number of readers — online and in print — in the AFIS campaign compared to the campaign for the USTER QUANTUM 3. The AFIS campaign most likely received a much higher number of online clippings and advertisements because of the video accompanying the information.
 
Every professional spinner understands the importance of testing cotton fiber quality. It’s the basis for critical decisions which impact on yarn quality and, ultimately, the mill’s ongoing profitability. The film about the USTER AFIS PRO 2 fiber testing instrument shows exactly the way to do it.
 
September 1, 2015

Noble Biomaterials Receives bluesign® Certification For Its XT2™ Anti-Odor Technology

SCRANTON, Pa. — September 1, 2015 — Noble Biomaterials, manufacturer of antimicrobial and anti-odor technologies for performance fabrics announced it has received bluesign® Product Line Approval for its XT2™ technology. Through a comprehensive biocidal product review process, Noble demonstrated that the XT2 product line meets bluesign requirements for durability, adherence, efficacy, and low human toxicity, among other quality and safety performance measures.
 
“This next milestone in our partnership with bluesign demonstrates our continued commitment to sustainability,” said Jeff Keane, CEO, Noble Biomaterials. “As a leader in odor management, it’s our mission to not only deliver the performance and durability consumers expect, but also align with environmental and social impact best practice.”
 
XT2 employs a proprietary process to provide permanent anti-odor protection that does not wash off or wear out, allowing consumers to play more and stink less. XT2 fibers are completely dyeable providing brands with flexibility in design and the freedom to meet end user wants and needs.
 
bluesign is widely recognized as the benchmark for addressing the environmental, health, and safety impacts of textile manufacturing. Noble has been a bluesign® system partner since 2013, meeting stringent standards for production management practices in raw materials, wastewater, air emissions, waste management, hazards management, safety, and chemical use. Periodic audits and regular reporting of progress toward improvement goals is a key component of the bluesign system.
 
Noble Biomaterials’ commitment to pursuing sustainable paths for its technologies, facilities, and operations is firmly grounded in its core values. Noble works to address additional sustainability issues including recovery and recycling of silver — both internally and working with several partners — addressing sourcing, production, and product end-of-life. In addition to its commitment to the bluesign system, Noble also produces a number of filament and fabric products that are OEKO-TEX® certified.
 
Posted September 1, 2015

Source: Noble Biomaterials
 

National Safety Apparel® Acquires Tecgen® Brand From Invista

CLEVELAND — September 1, 2015 — National Safety Apparel (NSA), a manufacturer of safety apparel, has acquired the TECGEN® brand of technologically advanced safety apparel designed for use in a wide range of industries including petrochemical and electrical power, from INVISTA Ashburn Hill LLC.

The acquisition of the Tecgen brand further increases National Safety Apparel’s portfolio of premium flame resistant (FR) brands. Tecgen brand products will be promoted to National Safety Apparel’s distributor‐partners in conjunction with existing brands like ArcGuard®, Carbon Armour™, Arc H2O™, and CARBONCOMFORT™. The addition of the Tecgen brand further validates NSA’s commitment to building a house of PPE brands for their customers.

Chuck Grossman, President & CEO of National Safety Apparel is quoted as saying “This acquisition further strengthens NSA’s position as the leader in high‐performance FR garments. We continue to look for strategic acquisitions that complement our organic growth in the protective clothing markets that we serve. “

Anthony Green, INVISTA’s Global Business Director of FR apparel, said “the timing was good for National Safety Apparel to acquire the Tecgen brand assets. This adds a strong brand to their growing portfolio. INVISTA will continue to focus our capabilities on developing innovative technology based solutions for workwear, military and consumer applications where performance and protection create value for our customers.”

Posted September 1, 2015

Source: National Safety Apparel
 

Suominen Extends Its Growth Investment Program To 60 Million Euros; Specifies The Value Of Its Investment At The Bethune Plant

HELSINKI, Finland — September 1, 2015 — Suominen, a global manufacturer of nonwovens, announces it has decided to extend its growth investment program to approximately 60 million euros because of the promising growth prospects in the high value-added nonwovens. Earlier, Suominen had stated that the company will spend 30-50 million euros in growth investments during the strategic period of 2015-2017.

Additionally, Suominen specifies the total value of its investment in a new wetlaid line at the Bethune plant in South Carolina. The total value of the investment project, including both equipment and facilities, will be close to 50 million euros. Suominen has selected Andritz as the main supplier and integrator of the project.

“With the investment at Bethune plant, Suominen will take the wetlaid technology to a totally new level in its industry,” said Nina Kopola, president and CEO, Suominen Corp. “The new manufacturing line will be tailor-made, based on our unique nonwovens technology expertise, enabling us to supply our customers with exclusive, best-in-class nonwoven products for wiping, medical or hygiene applications. This is perfectly in line with our strategic intent to achieve product leadership. As the demand for nonwovens with higher value added is forecasted to grow at an attractive pace, I am pleased that we are able to intensify our growth investment program which supports our target to achieve the above-industry-average growth in our net sales”,

The new line is anticipated to be installed during the second half of 2016.

Posted September 1, 2015

Source: Suominen
 

Clariant’s New VAMax™ Catalysts Improve The Economics Of The Vinyl-acetate Monomer Production Process

MUNICH, Germany — August 25, 2015 — Clariant has announced the successful expansion of its selective oxidation catalyst portfolio with its new VAMax™-series catalysts, which offers high-activity for Vinyl-Acetate Monomer (VAM) producers.

VAM is produced by reacting ethylene and acetic acid with oxygen in the presence of a catalyst. It is an essential building block for various polymer and co-polymer derivatives, which find broad applications in the manufacture of paints, adhesives and performance plastics for the automotive and construction industries. Global VAM consumption is expected to reach nearly 8-million tons by 2020, growing at a CAGR of +4.4 percent.*

Clariant’s VAMax series of catalysts have demonstrated consistent and outstanding performance in commercial scale production of VAM over extended run-lengths. An attractive aspect of VAMax is its high activity characteristic. This can allow a VAM producer seeking to increase production to achieve higher yields on the basis of the same scale of production equipment. In consequence, this makes new plant projects more attractive by helping reduce the specific investment amount required per metric tonne of VAM capacity. Clariant’s high activity catalysts can further be a viable option for de-bottlenecking existing VAM plants, as well.

Catalysts within the VAMax series can be matched to meet the specific requirements of diverse VAM plants. Because of this, Clariant can work with VAM producers to find the most suitable catalyst solution depending upon their economic and technical needs.

Stefan Heuser, Senior Vice President & General Manager BU Catalysts, Clariant, said: “Our new VAMax product line gives our VAM producing customers new options to increase production without added infrastructure expense.”

*Grand View Research, “Global Vinyl Acetate Monomer (VAM) Market Analysis And Segment Forecasts To 2020,” January 2015

Posted September 1, 2015

Source: Clariant
 

Stoll Enters Into A Partnership With Shang Gong Group

REUTLINGEN, Germany — August 29, 2015 — The well-known German flat knitting company Stoll has announced a partnership with Shanghai based Shang Gong Group (SGG) which is focusing on sewing and textile welding. Together the two renowned companies strive to develop innovative solutions along the textile value chain. Both companies share the vision of Industry 4.0 in the textile industry and of new fields for technical textile applications.

Stoll emphasizes that all current corporate values — including innovation, quality, service, support and responsiveness — will remain key priorities. This partnership supports future growth and sustainability and is the basis for further expansion of products and solutions. Stoll will benefit from additional know how and an even broader presence in Asia.

SGG is a strong international partner who deeply understands the textile industry. With its famous German brands Dürkopp Adler, Pfaff Industrial and KSL Keilmann SGG also has a significant footprint with considerable operations in Europe. In addition SGG can facilitate deeper access to the Chinese respectively Asian markets.

Shang Gong Europe (SGE) – the Germany based subsidiary of SGG – will join H. Stoll AG & Co. KG as a limited partner with a minority share by means of a capital increase. Also SGE will have one member in Stoll’s supervisory board while the Stoll family will keep the dominate majority in the company. The formal partnership will become effective after clearance by the relevant merger control authorities.

Posted September 1, 2015

Source: Stoll

 

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