ADLINGTON, United Kingdom — August 14, 2024 — Global military fabric printer, dyer and finishier, Pincroft, has announced an investment of over £1m for the purchase of state-of-the-art equipment for its factory in the United Kingdom that is set to increase the textile manufacturer’s camouflage printing capacity to over 8 million meters a year.
The new equipment boasts the latest technology in rotary screen printing, including a magnet combined system for uniform application across the width, digital synchronization for better accuracy, short setup times, automatic repeat settings, design memory, and faster reproduction of re-orders.
New Rotary Printer
It also includes a pre-bulk strike-off machine, which allows for preparation prior to the printing production process. This facilitates the development and verification of paste viscosities, colour concentration and magnet power adjustment.
Pincroft’s new rotary screen printer will allow the manufacturer to process a complex range of technical textiles, from lightweight fabrics for waterproof applications, to heavy weights for load carriage and equipment handling.
This new investment is Pincroft’s strategic move to continue its growth in the military fabrics segment and continue offering customers the best quality in camouflage textile printing.
Mike Collins, Pincroft’s Managing Director, says: “This investment is hugely important for our business. We expect delivery of the machine at the end of the year and aim to be ready for production at the start of 2025.”
LENZING, Austria — August 14, 2024 — The Lenzing Group, a leading supplier of regenerated cellulose fibers for the textile and nonwovens industries, has been awarded platinum status in the EcoVadis CSR rating. The rating comprehensively covers the four most important practices in the area of corporate social responsibility: environment, fair working conditions and human rights, ethics, and sustainable procurement.
For the fourth time in a row, Lenzing has been awarded platinum status by EcoVadis, a leading international provider of sustainability ratings for companies. This puts Lenzing in the top one percent of companies rated by EcoVadis worldwide. Lenzing achieved the greatest progress this year in the categories of sustainable procurement and ethics. Lenzing also outperformed the previous year in the areas of labor and human rights as well as certifications. Since its foundation in 2007, EcoVadis has developed into the world’s largest and most trusted provider of sustainability ratings for companies and has created a global network of more than 130,000
rated companies worldwide. The methodological framework evaluates companies’ policies, measures and activities, as well as their published reports on the environment, labor and human rights, ethics, and sustainable procurement.
CEO Stephan Sielaff, Lenzing AG – Photo: Franz Neumayr
“At Lenzing, we are working hard to make our industries even more sustainable and to drive the transformation of the textile business model from a linear to a circular economy model. This approach is firmly anchored in our strategy and corporate values. I am, therefore, particularly pleased about the highest rating from the internationally renowned organization and am proud that we as the Lenzing Group have now been awarded platinum status for the fourth time,” says Stephan Sielaff, CEO of the Lenzing Group.
In line with its “Naturally Positive” sustainability strategy, the Lenzing Group has set ambitious targets in each of its core strategic areas to further strengthen its transition from a linear to a circular economy model. Every year, Lenzing provides updates on its sustainability initiatives and the progress made in its annual sustainability report. This level of commitment and transparency was also positively emphasized by EcoVadis in its assessment. You can find out more about Lenzing’s sustainability goals, progress and other renowned rankings in the online
Sustainability Report 2023 at https://reports.lenzing.com/annual-and-sustainability-report/2023/.
CARY, NC — August 14, 2024 — INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, announced the conference program for Hygienix™ 2024, November 18-21, The Renaissance Nashville Hotel, Nashville, TN. This year’s theme, “Driving Absorbent Hygiene Product Innovation: Consumer Desires, Market Dynamics & Sustainability Solutions,” will provide insights into the latest industry advancements. The full program is now available on the Hygienix website, https://www.hygienix.org/index.html
Event highlights include:
Pre-conference webinars
“Non-PFAS Hydrophobic Technology for Polypropylene Nonwovens”
“Harnessing AI to Enhance Transparency and Trust in Brand Sustainability”
Workshops (Monday, November 18th)
“Fundamentals of Absorption Systems and Opportunities in Adult Incontinence”
“Innovations in Menstrual Care”
“Baby and Infant Care Market Dynamics”
Networking opportunities
Lunch Arounds with founders of successful hygiene start-ups
Lightning Talks – supercharged elevator pitches
Tabletop Exhibits of leading-edge absorbent hygiene suppliers
Receptions – three extended networking events
Presentation Preview
Absorbent Hygiene Insights, LLC, “Exploring the Performance of Polyaspartic Acid Superabsorbents in Hygiene Products”
China National Household Paper Industry Association (CNHPIA), “Latest Development of Disposable Hygiene Products Industry in China”
Glatfelter Industries (France) SAS, “Capitalizing on Capabilities to Support the Shifting Hygiene Industry”
Gottlieb Binder GmbH & Co. KG, “Synergy of Components – Upstream Advancements Offering Downstream Sustainability Opportunities”
Handas Consulting, “The Intersection of Nonwovens, Sustainability and the Environment: An African Perspective”
INDA, “UN Plastics Treaty Update”
INDA, “Business Not as Usual – The Impact of Reusables on the Absorbent Hygiene Market”
Curt G. Joa, Inc., “Efficient Material Utilization in Hygienic Incontinence Articles”
Joii Ltd., “Using Nonwoven Period Care Products and an AI-backed Mobile Application to Diagnose Heavy Menstrual Bleeding”
Kuraray Europe GmbH, “Connecting Consumer Insights with AHPs: Designing Elastics & Naturality”
The LYCRA Company, “From Farm to Fiber: Developing Elastane with 70% Renewable Content”
MyMicrobiome GmbH, “The Menopausal Skin Microbiome – What Do You Need to Know?”
Price Hanna Consultants LLC, “Shifting Sands in the Global Economy for Absorbent Hygiene Products”
Principle Business Enterprises, “The High Cost of Adult Incontinence”
RPK Consulting, “Shifting to Sustainability: Natural Fibers in Diapers and the Rise of Eco Brands”
Texol S.R.L., “Functional Substrates to Preserve Skin Microbiome”
SK Leaveo, “Comprehensive Sustainability in Hygiene Products: Exploring Biodegradable Alternatives and Circular Economy”
SPARK Solutions For Growth, “There’s an App for That! The New World of Incontinence Tech”
University of Pennsylvania, Division of Urology, “Latest Medical & Surgical Treatment for Incontinence”
ZymoChem, “The Final Frontier: A Bio-Based Source for Super Absorbents”
Hygienix Innovation Award™
A highlight of the event, the Hygienix Innovation Award™ will feature presentations from three finalists on Tuesday, November 19th. The winner, to be announced on Thursday, November 21st, will be recognized for their innovative contributions to absorbent hygiene products. Nominations are open until September 16th, 2024. Last year’s winner, Sequel Spiral™ Tampon, received FDA clearance in August 2023 and is expected to be widely available in 2024.
For more details on the program, registration, sponsorships, and tabletop exhibits, visit the Hygienix website: https://www.hygienix.org/
Posted: August 14, 2024
Source: INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry
LOS ANGELES And TAIPEI — August 13, 2024 — Shinkong Synthetic Fibers Corp., a polyester producer, has invested $10 million in Ambercycle’s first state-of-the-art commercial facility.
Shinkong Synthetics and Ambercycle came together for a signing ceremony in Taiwan. On the left is Chairman Eric T.Wu of Shinkong Synthetics and on the right is CEO of Ambercycle, Shay Sethi.
Shinkong’s contribution to the material science company’s facility will help expand global production capacity for its premium material made from end-of-life textiles. It builds on three years of collaboration that harnessed Ambercycle’s molecular regeneration technology and Shinkong’s extensive experience in the premium polyester market to jointly manufacture regenerated yarns and meet the growing demand for cycora® material.
“This investment signifies a crucial milestone in our endeavor to make circular materials widely available,” said Shay Sethi, co-founder and CEO of Ambercycle. “We are excited to deepen our partnership with Shinkong. This investment enables us to scale up to meet the growing demand of our customers and push the boundaries of sustainable textile production.”
Demand for decarbonized polyester is expected to reach approximately 7 million metric tons annually in 2026, up from 5 million metric tons in 2015, as more brands seek out circular materials to reach their sustainability goals.
“Recognizing Ambercycle’s leadership in circular solutions, we are eager to support their expansion,” stated Eric Wu, chairman at Shinkong Synthetics. “Investing in their new facility is not just a strategic move — it’s a commitment to pioneering a future with decarbonized polyester, which we see as critical to our business. This collaboration will further amplify our capacity to deliver high-performance, sustainable products to the global market.”
Ambercycle expects to commence operations at the new facility in 2026, further strengthening the partnership between both companies. This strategic expansion will significantly enhance their ability to support circularity and scale next-gen materials within the textile industry, aligning with global efforts to transition towards more decarbonized production practices.
NEW YORK CITY — August 8, 2024 — AmorSui, a modern personal protective equipment (PPE) brand dedicated to protecting people and the planet, announced today that it has raised $3.5 million in seed funding. AmorSui’s mission is to make PPE more sustainable, inclusive, and affordable over time, setting a new benchmark of quality in the medical supply sector. Investors include Gold House Ventures, The MBA Fund, and The Rev Up Fund to name a few.
AmorSui was founded by Ph.D. chemist Beau Wangtrakuldee following a chemical-spill accident where her PPE did not protect her. Her mission became designing better PPE with the wearer’s interest at heart to protect others from what she had experienced. While the company began with the goal of improving workplace safety through sustainable PPE it has grown to tackle the large carbon footprint associated with medical supplies. AmorSui achieves this by creating products that can be reused and are 100-percent recyclable at the end of their life.
“We are redefining what it means to be sustainable in the medical supply industry. With this funding, we are poised to not just meet the demand for safer and more eco-friendly products but also to lead the charge in transforming how the industry thinks about circularity,” said Dr .Wangtrakuldee.
The seed funding will be used to accelerate product innovation, expand market presence, and develop an AI-integrated net-zero medical supply marketplace. The company plans to increase brand awareness through community initiatives and retail partnerships. Additionally, AmorSui will expand its enterprise sales team to meet the rising demand for sustainable medical supplies in the corporate sector.
“Gold House Ventures originally met Beau through our in-house startup incubator and are proud to be one of AmorSui’s earliest investors. We are thrilled to re-up our investment in this round to help scale their approach to distributing sustainable and safe PPE,” said Megan Ruan, general partner at Gold House Ventures. “AmorSui’s marketplace model, which connects hospitals, labs, and governments with high-quality, eco-friendly protective products, represents a significant leap forward in both efficiency and environmental stewardship and fills an important gap in today’s healthcare landscape.”
The medical supply industry is heavily reliant on disposable products and faces growing scrutiny and demand for sustainable alternatives. AmorSui is poised to lead this transformation. The company’s innovative approach and dedication to the environment offer a progressive path forward, ensuring both people and the planet are protected.
To learn more about AmorSui and its mission to revolutionize the medical supply industry, visit https://amorsui.com/
SAMARKAND, Uzbekistan — August 13, 2024 —September 8-10, 2024, Samarkand, Uzbekistan, will host a joint conference of two major international textile federations: the International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF) Annual Conference and the International Apparel Federation (IAF) World Fashion Convention. The event, titled “Innovation, Cooperation & Regulation – Drivers of the Textile & Apparel Industry,” will focus on the key factors shaping the future of the industry, and is the first time the two federations have held their conference jointly.
The conference, which will officially open on September 7 with the ITMF board meeting, will gather more than 500 high-level representatives from international organizations, textile companies, brands, financial institutions, and retailers to discuss and address issues critical to the continued development and sustainability of the global textile and apparel industry.
Participants will hear from the President of the American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) Stephen Lamar, general director of the European Apparel and Textile Confederation (EURATEX) Dirk Vantyghem and representatives of numerous industry leaders, including Cotton Analytics (USA) and Indorama Corp. (Singapore). Participants will discuss topics including artificial intelligence, regulation, digitalization, ESG and supply chains.
Additionally, the conference will feature the ITMF Awards Session, where the winners of the ITMF Innovation & Sustainability Award 2024 and the ITMF International Cooperation Award 2024 will be announced.
This landmark event, organized in cooperation with Uzbekistan Textile and Garment Industry Association (Uztextileprom), marks a significant milestone for Uzbekistan, the historic center of the ‘Silk Road’. Last year, the country’s textile industry exported around $3.5 billion to more than 75 countries and is seeing significant growth today. By the end of 2026, the plan is to increase the amount of exports to $6.5 billion. This event affirms Uzbekistan’s growing role in the global textile supply chain and underscores the importance of international cooperation and dialogue in driving the industry’s future.
Registration for the event is now open online. To register and find additional information, please visit https://www.itmf-iaf-conference-2024-samarkand.org/ .
Posted: August 13, 2024
Source: Uzbekistan Textile and Garment Industry Association
UZWIL, Switzerland — August 13, 2024 — The Switzerland-based company Benninger, renowned for its innovative textile machinery, has introduced its latest marvel, the FabricMaster, to the Indian market. This soft flow machine is already making waves globally, with installations in Europe, the United States, Peru, Central America and Bangladesh. Now, it is set to transform the Indian textile industry, with production taking place at Benninger’s High Tech Fabrication facility in Pune.
Benninger FabricMaster – ready to be delivered to Amarnath Dyeing And Bleaching Works
The first FabricMaster in India has been operational for a year at Amarnath Dyeing And Bleaching Works Pvt. Ltd. The machine’s outstanding performance has led Amarnath to order a second unit, underscoring their complete satisfaction with its capabilities. This second machine is now ready to leave the Benninger Works in Pune, marking another milestone in the FabricMaster’s journey.
“This innovative technology transforms our production capabilities, setting new benchmarks in the industry. Our new machines will help us reach our goal of becoming the leader in quality fabric processing while caring about ecology. The machines will help us do so by enhancing our efficiency, reducing waste, and minimizing our environmental impact. This investment not only underscores our commitment to excellence but also to sustainable practices that benefit both our customers and the planet”, said Sudarshan Chandak, director at Amarnath Dyeing And Bleaching Works.
Excellent dyeing performance
The FabricMaster is designed to handle the most challenging dyeing tasks with ease. It excels in dyeing difficult lycra blends of cotton, rayon, nylon, and modal fabrics in open width form, without any rope marks or edge curling.
The FabricMaster ensures optimal dye penetration and color consistency achieving uniform fabric handling during the dyeing process. This is ensured thanks to the FabricMaster’s nozzle which can be precisely adjusted based on the weight of the fabric being dyed. Lightweight fabrics benefit from low liquor volume, while heavier fabrics are treated with increased flow. Furthermore, the internal fabric plaiter operates at varying speeds, accommodating different fabric types. Moreover, its automated add tank ensures accurate chemical addition simplifying chemical dosing and mixing.
Key factors are minimal consumption of water, steam, chemicals and dyestuff, to ensure right-first-time results with lowest waste. The FabricMaster boasts an optimized chamber design, resulting in the lowest liquor ratio among water-driven piece dyeing machines. The carbon footprint of the FabricMaster is designed to be the future industry benchmark for sustainability.
Why FabricMaster also stands out
FabricMaster – fast, versatile, and economic jet dyeing machine
The FabricMaster’s self-cleaning lint filter keeps the system running smoothly to enhance productivity. It monitors lint accumulation and automatically cleans itself, minimizing downtime and maintenance hassles. Furthermore, the FabricMaster’s high-capacity heat exchanger accelerates heating gradients, reducing cycle times.
After dyeing, unloading the fabric swiftly is crucial. The FabricMaster features a frequency-controlled unloading winch, ensuring efficient fabric removal without compromising quality. The fabric lift from the chamber to the reel is less than half that of competitors’ machines, improving fabric transport.
The FabricMaster is a testament to Benninger’s commitment to innovation and quality. As it continues to gain traction in the Indian market, it promises to revolutionize fabric dyeing processes, setting new standards for efficiency, quality and precision to textile dyeing processes.
PFÄFFIKON, Switzerland — July 30, 2024 — One year after an exceptional iteration of ITMA 2023, during which we had the honor of welcoming the President of the Democratic Republic of Uzbekistan, Stäubli, is pleased to share with you our product range at CAITME in Tashkent from 11-14 September, at booth F44-2 in the pavilion 4.
Stäubli’s cutting-edge weaving technology is invaluable to many industries, including fashion, home textiles, flooring, automotive, safety & protection, and manufacturing. Stäubli has been developing and producing high-quality systems for the weaving industry for over a century and holds a strong market position in textile machinery, a position earned through the continual pursuit of customer satisfaction.
Carpet weavers will discover about the extremely flexible ALPHA 580 UNIVERSAL carpet weaving machine, which enables carpet weavers to swiftly react to changing customer demands and market needs.
Visitors will discover how automated weaving preparation can optimize their overall process with:
Smooth weaving start-up thanks to the TIEPRO warp tying machine offering easy use and ensuring perfectly tied warps.
with SAFIR PRO automatic drawing-in machines, equipped with state-of-the-art AWC 2.0 technology, interpreting measured data through image processing and data analytics, using advanced algorithms and software and high-performance processors. AWC 2.0 gives mills expanded capabilities to produce innovative, outstanding, and unique designs.
Learn more about Stäubli’s renowned shedding solutions – including cam motions, dobbies, and the Jacquard machine PRO series, featuring:
Dobby and cam motion ranges for high-speed operations. Our dobby ranges, combined with the new e32g transmission, are a must-have for frame-weaving mills that demand maximum productivity. The S3200 dobby machines feature a fully integrated cooling system with optimized and regulated thermal control, enhanced temperature management, a new lubrication system, and the capacity to handle heavier loads.
The Jacquard machines from our PRO range features the innovative MX PRO module, controlled by NOEMI electronics architecture and the TC8 controller. This energy-efficient Jacquard installation promises weavers outstanding reliability and ease of use.
Finally, thanks to continual and focused research, Stäubli is in the position today to offer weaving machines for all types of technical textiles, especially heavy industrial textiles and reinforcement fabrics for lightweight applications.
FRANKFURT, Germany — August 12, 2024 — CAITME, taking place from September 11-14, in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, will see a strong participation of VDMA member companies. About 25 VDMA members will take part in the event. Among the numerous VDMA companies present at the trade fair with their own booth or through agents, 13 companies will be exhibiting in the area of the official German Pavilion, organized by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action and initiated by VDMA:
Brückner Textile Technologies
Erbatech
Georg Sahm
Groz-Beckert
Heusch
KARL MAYER STOLL Textilmaschinenfabrik
KURIS Spezialmaschinen
Lindauer DORNIER
Oerlikon Textile
Stäubli Bayreuth
STC Spinnzwirn
THIES
Xetma Vollenweider
At CAITME, VDMA member companies will showcase the most advanced technology for the textile sector. The exhibiting companies are at the forefront, especially in sustainability and digitisation of production processes.
With exports of textile machinery and accessories worth 85 million euros in 2023, Germany was once again the second biggest supplier to the Uzbek textile sector, surpassed only by China. Uzbekistan is one of the largest producers and exporters of cotton. In the cotton sector, Uzbekistan already has a fully integrated production chain. Almost the entire cotton fibre is spun in the country. The Uzbek government has pushed ahead with extensive economic reforms in recent years. The textile industry is one of the top investment sectors in the manufacturing industry. Besides cotton spinning, the textile sector is enlarging its capacities in the downstream production steps of the textile chain, such as fabric making, finishing and dyeing.
Dr. Harald Weber, managing director of the VDMA Textile Machinery Association, stated: “To compete globally in the textile industry, companies must prioritize technology updates. CAITME is a perfect platform to intensify the collaboration between our industry and the Uzbek textile sector and to set up new contacts.”
The German Pavilion will be located in Pavilion 4 of the Uzexpocentre in Tashkent. For more information, please check: https://caitme.german-pavilion.com/
Posted: August 12, 2024
Source: VDMA – German Textile Machinery Association
LONG BEACH, Calif. — August 8, 2024 — Rocket Lab USA Inc., a global supplier of launch services and space systems, today announced it has begun installation of the largest automated fiber placement (AFP) machine of its kind into the Company’s Neutron rocket production line in Middle River, Md. The AFP machine will enable Rocket Lab to automate production of the largest carbon composite rocket structures in history.
Rocket Lab’s automated fiber placement machine which will build large composite structures for the Neutron rocket. Photo – Business Wire
The custom-built 99 ton (90 metric tons), 39 ft tall (12-meter) robotic machine, American-made by Electroimpact in Washington, has just completed final acceptance testing with the manufacturer and installation has begun at Rocket Lab’s Space Structures Complex in Middle River, Md. The new machine will automate the production of all large composite structures of the Neutron launch vehicle including the panels that make up the 91 ft (28 meter) length interstage and fairing, 22.9 ft (7 meter) diameter first stage, and the 16.4 ft (5 meter) diameter second stage tank.
The autonomous machine can move up to 98 ft (30 meters) in length and lay down continuous carbon fiber composite at a rate of 328 ft (100 meters) per minute. The AFP machine also has a fully automated real-time inspection system that hunts for miniscule defects throughout the laminated carbon composite and alerts the machine operator of any issues before the machine begins laying down the next layer, providing additional assurance that these critical structures of the launch vehicle meet Rocket Lab’s high-quality standards required for reusable Neutron launches.
As Neutron’s carbon composite structures move into full-scale production, this autonomous machine is expected to introduce significant time-savings of 150,000+ manufacturing hours into the production process.
Rocket Lab founder and CEO, Sir Peter Beck, said: “As we build the world’s largest carbon composite rocket, it makes sense that we require a world-first carbon composite fiber placement machine. We’re combining our proprietary flight-proven carbon composite technology, additive manufacturing, and autonomous robotics to design and build large-scale aerospace components at a pace that will support not only Neutron’s launch cadence, but support Electron and carbon composites structures for our spacecraft customers too. We worked closely with our excellent partners at Electroimpact to create this robot and we’re thrilled with the results. It’s an innovative machine producing a next-generation rocket from one of the birthplaces of the aerospace industry in Baltimore, and we can’t wait to see its first carbon composite printed panels come off the production line soon.”
The AFP machine will also be leveraged to print smaller carbon composite Neutron structures, first stages of Rocket Lab’s Electron launch vehicle, and other flight-proven carbon composite structures for space including spacecraft structural panels and assemblies, solar panel substrates, carbon composite tanks and primary structures, and custom projects for the aerospace industry.
ADLINGTON, United Kingdom — August 14, 2024 — Global military fabric printer, dyer and finishier, Pincroft, has announced an investment of over £1m for the purchase of state-of-the-art equipment for its factory in the United Kingdom that is set to increase the textile manufacturer’s camouflage printing capacity to over 8 million meters a year.
