Applied DNA Sciences And Wakefield Inspection Services Announce Collaboration To Expand Textile And Apparel Business

STONY BROOK, N.Y., July 1, 2014 — Applied DNA Sciences, Inc. (APDN), a provider of DNA-based security and product authentication solutions, is pleased to announce that it has signed an agreement with Wakefield Inspection Services (“WIS”) for a collaboration to provide global supply chain, traceability and security-driven solutions to customers using SigNature(R) T DNA marking and DNA authentication services. Operating in over 60 countries around the world, WIS is a trusted industry leader in the textile business for providing independent quality assessments and inspections with incomparable standards for accurate, objective and quality verification and reporting services.

Applied DNA Sciences’ SigNature T DNA platform ensures traceability of textile raw materials from point of origin to finished product. The identity of textiles is thus assured throughout the supply chain. Combined with the services of WIS, textile customers will gain worldwide access to the consultation, training, documentation, and enhanced inspection services required to ensure a seamless implementation of the program.

The products and services offered by both companies will give textile customers confidence that raw materials are inspected, marked, tested and forensically authenticated from the point of origin.

“With Applied DNA Sciences, we will map out the most cost-effective processes and procedures for ensuring that the SigNature T DNA marker in fiber, yarn or fabrics can be securely obtained and authenticated throughout virtually any textile supply and logistic chain. Our international reputation in controlling textile quality and supply makes our collaboration with ADNAS a good fit,” said Greg Wakefield, Director, WIS.

The agreement establishes a cost-effective, end-to-end implementation solution that ensures traceability of SigNature T DNA marked fiber, yarn or fabric from the field to the forensic lab. It begins with proven, scalable
methods that allow ginners and wool scourers to incorporate and authenticate the SigNature T DNA marker with little impact to existing processes at the raw fiber stage of cotton and wool production. In addition, Applied DNA Sciences’ patented fiberTyping(R) testing for cotton, will ensure the identity of the feedstock. As part of this collaboration, Applied DNA Sciences and WIS will target key customers and markets for joint commercial development, with a focus on value-added, cost effective solutions.

“Consumers will continue to buy products made from trusted sources. They are acutely aware when a product does not look or feel good after one or two washings, and they are increasingly aware of the damage from “leaky” supply chains. Consumers ultimately decide if they buy from the same retail outlet, or not. It’s all about quality, integrity and trust. WIS is among the best channels for our approach to the industry,” stated Dr. James A. Hayward, President and CEO, Applied DNA Sciences.

Posted July 1, 2014

Source: Applied DNA Sciences
 

Retailers Call for Action On TPA And Smarter Enforcement Of Trade Rules

ARLINGTON, Va. — June 25, 2014 — The Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) today emphasized the need for Congress to renew Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) as quickly as possible and also highlighted the need for smarter enforcement of trade rules, as the Senate Committee on Finance held its hearing,”Trade Enforcement: Using Trade Rules to Level the Playing Field for U.S. Companies and Workers.”

“A successful trade agenda requires renewal of Trade Promotion Authority as soon as possible. TPA enables U.S. negotiators to open markets to U.S. goods and secure robust enforcement rules in our free trade agreements. Moreover, effective enforcement of trade rules depends on the United States having smarter and more timely rules to enforce,” said Stephanie Lester, vice president, international trade at RILA. “A modernized TPA will go a long way toward ensuring the best possible outcomes in pending and new U.S. trade negotiations, ensuring America remains competitive in the globalized economy.”

In addition to the passage of TPA legislation, RILA advocates for smarter enforcement of existing rules, such as more timely duty collections.  The current “retrospective” antidumping and countervailing duty (AD/CVD) assessment system regime creates a substantial lag time for duty collections of more than three years, disadvantaging U.S. companies. A “prospective” AD/ CVD assessment system in the United States would improve duty collections and enforcement, decrease supply chain uncertainty, enhance U.S. manufacturing competitiveness, and more effectively prevent unfair trade.

“It is time for the U.S. to join the rest of the world and adopt a ‘prospective’ regime for AD/CVD duty collections,” Lester continued. “The needless risk and uncertainty caused by the U.S. Government’s ‘retrospective’ regime undermines U.S. competitiveness and has allowed unfair trade to occur for years. The ‘retrospective’ system harms American businesses and jeopardizes jobs; collecting duties up front would efficiently and effectively level the playing field for U.S. companies and workers.”

A “prospective” collection of duties has repeatedly been recommended by both the Government Accountability Office (GAO) and the Commercial Operations Advisory Committee (COAC). A prospective system is less complex and uses fewer resources, and eliminates unfair trade before it occurs. Adopting this system is an efficient way of ensuring the market is fair for U.S. companies and their workers.

Posted July 1, 2014

Source: Retail Industry Leaders Assocation
 

PolyOne Wilflex Screen Printing Inks Receive Key 2014 Regulatory Certifications

KENNESAW, Ga. — July 1, 2014 — PolyOne Corp., a premier global provider of specialized polymer materials, services and solutions announced today that it has received several sustainability-related compliance and regulatory product certifications for Wilflex™ Textile Printing Inks. As part of the “PolyOne Sustainable Solutions” portfolio, Wilflex ink solutions are recognized as compliant with major non-profit, regulatory, and legislative directed requirements.

“At PolyOne, we are committed to helping customers grow their business with safe and environmentally sound solutions. We have worked very hard to develop a solutions portfolio that meets both marketplace requirements and applicable regulatory requirements to help customers succeed in today’s rigorous regulatory climate,” said Scott Craig, general manager for PolyOne Wilflex Inks.

Wilflex screen-printing inks are formulated to meet compliance standards, and are supported by an effective system of controls to ensure consistency lot after lot. PolyOne Wilflex maintains comprehensive procedures for raw material review to support compliance programs.

These certifications enable printers to meet regulatory and quality specifications, creating value for customers without sacrificing production performance. New for 2014, Wilflex has expanded testing to include full test reports for Oasis™ Waterbase ink portfolio including formaldehyde, APEOs (alkyl phenol ethoxylates), heavy metals, and other non-preferred substances. Additionally, Wilflex expanded test reports for lead and phthalate within the Epic™ non-phthalate ink portfolio. Wilflex inks have passed third party testing for 2014 product compliance and regulatory standards, including:

  • Oeko-Tex Standard 100 (Eco-Passport)
  • CPSIA 2008
  • Brand-owner driven Restricted Substance List “RSL” requirements

Posted July 1, 2014

Source: PolyOne Corp.
 

Downlite Becomes First Responsible Down Standard (RDS) Certified Company In China

MASON, Ohio — June 30, 2014 — After going through extensive audits conducted by Control Union, Downlite, a major down and feather processor and supplier of performance fills, is the first company to earn the Responsible Down Standard (RDS) certificate in China – which constitutes the largest down supply chain in the world.

RDS was developed by The North Face in partnership with Control Union, a respected global certification body, and Textile Exchange for research, writing, and stakeholder review, of which Downlite was an integral contributing party. RDS certification, which traces the entire down supply chain from farm to control standards, ensures companies that the down in their products comes from ethically treated geese.

“Responsibly-sourced down has always been part of our DNA, which is why we’ve embraced the RDS since its inception,” said Chad Altbaier, VP Sales and Business Development, Downlite. “Because 80% of the world’s down comes from China, we prioritized Control Union’s audit of our high-quality goose down supply chain here first. Downlite is positioned to offer significant volumes of RDS certified white and grey goose down with a broad spectrum of qualities for the F15 and S16 apparel and sleeping bag seasons.”

Altbaier further commented that RDS certification audits for Downlite’s European supply chain are underway and with certification expected shortly thereafter.

Posted July 1, 2014

Source: Downlite
 

ITMA ASIA + CITME 2014 Concluded On Successful Note

SHANGHAI — June 27, 2014 — The five-day ITMA ASIA + CITME 2014 concluded successfully at the Shanghai New International Exhibition Centre on 20 June 2014. It received enthusiastic response, attracting visitorship of around 100,000 from 102 economies – an increase o f 7 per cent over the attendance recorded at the 2012 show.

Some 80 per cent of the visitors were from China. Over twenty per cent of the visitors were from overseas, the top economies being India, Japan, Chinese Taiwan, South Korea, Indonesia and Turkey.

Charles Beauduin, President of CEMATEX, said: “Most of our exhibitors were delighted with the high-quality trade visitors. The success of the show reinforces the reputation of ITMA ASIA + CITME as the most effective business platform in China and indeed the whole of Asia.”

The combined show is owned by CEMATEX, together with its Chinese partners – the Sub-Council of Textile Industry, CCPIT (CCPIT-Tex), China Textile Machinery Association (CTMA) and China International Exhibition Centre Group Corporation (CIEC). It is organised by Beijing Textile Machinery International Exhibition Co Ltd and co-organised by MP Expositions Pte Ltd.

The total gross exhibition area at ITMA ASIA + CITME 2014 exceeded 150,000 square metres and spanned 13 halls, making it the largest combined show to date. There were almost 1,600 exhibitors from 28 economies taking part in the five-day show.

Mr Wang Shutian, President of CTMA, explained, “The 2014 exhibition showcased a comprehensive range of technologies from around the world. ITMA ASIA + CITME has now emerged as the must-visit event for Asian buyers sourcing a wide range of solutions to help them be more competitive. Hence, the products on display included those that boost automation and energy-saving features.”

In terms of exhibit space, Chinese exhibitors top the list, boosted by rapid increase in Chinese textile machinery manufacturing capacity and development. They were followed by participants from Germany, Japan, Italy and Switzerland. The biggest exhibit sector was spinning, followed by washing/dyeing/bleaching/printing/finishing, knitting and weaving.

Thanks to the successful staging of the 2014 exhibition, interest is high for the next show. The 2016 exhibition will be held at the new National Convention and Exhibition Centre in the Hongqiao business district of Shanghai from 24 to 28 October 2016.

Posted July 1, 2014
 
Source: CEMATEX, CCPIT-Tex, CTMA and CIEC

Cone Denim Announces VaraBlue™ – The Evolution Of Color

GREENSBORO, N.C. — June 16, 2014 — Cone Denim, a global leader in denim innovation, is excited to announce VaraBlue™ color denims. Developed under the direction of Cone’s R&D incubator, Cone® 3D, VaraBlue fabrics are engineered to achieve unlimited color options using a unique garment dyeing procedure that simulates the look of traditional denim. VaraBlue denims are produced out of Cone Denim’s historic White Oak plant in North Carolina.

“VaraBlue offers a unique color story,” says Kara Nicholas, vice president product development and marketing. “Its ‘Ready to Dye’ garment approach gives tremendous versatility in developing most any color in small quantities. It’s like a blank canvas with unlimited color and wet processing options and offers great flexibility in keeping pace with market shifts & color trends.”

Using a specially developed yarn-treatment process, the warp yarns are pre-treated so that the dyes used in the garment dye process adhere to the warp yarns only, leaving the untreated filling yarns natural and thus creating denim with yarn dye and ring dye effects. VaraBlue color denims can be laundered in similar ways that indigo denims are processed including stonewashing, hand-sanding, enzyme washing, and lasering. Another advantage is VaraBlue’s sustainable dye process that lowers energy consumption, requires less water, and reduces waste from the process, providing both eco-benefits and overall cost savings.

VaraBlue fabrics are targeted for both men’s and women’s jeans and are offered in three fabric styles that include SGene® stretch, rigid non-stretch, and comfort stretch. VaraBlue denim is currently available for sampling and can be seen at Cone Denim’s booth at Kingpins New York July 22 and 23.

“These new denims speak to the consumer on many levels and offer wide market appeal beyond its color evolution,” says Nicholas. “With VaraBlue you can achieve clean sexy modern or authentic vintage washes that mimic traditional indigo with highs and lows on seam abrasion, color chip off, fading, and ring dye effect. We’re excited to expand Cone’s sustainable denim offerings and add to our collection of Made in the USA denims.”

Posted June 24, 2014

Source: Cone Denim
 

Batson, Cormatex Together Form Powerful Nonwovens Team

GREENVILLE, S.C. — June 17, 2014 —  Louis P. Batson Company is pleased to announce our recent agreement with Cormatex (Prato, Italy) to be their marketing and sales agent in the United States.

We pride ourselves on only representing the best and Cormatex is definitely not an exception to that commitment. Never have we been able to offer a more comprehensive line of machinery for the production of nonwoven products.

Established in 1938, Cormatex is a forward-thinking, innovative company equipped to work closely with manufacturers to design and engineer complete needle punch, thermobonding and airlaid production lines.

Of special note is the Cormatex Lap Formair with airlay technology that produces nonwoven products by recycling various types of industrial waste materials. Using aerodynamic technology, it is capable of replacing traditional mechanical processes requiring a carding machine and cross lapper. The Lap Formair features a pressure control system capable of producing a fiber batt that is perfectly blended as well as perfectly even length-wise and across the machine width.

The Lap Formair and Lap Formair H can be combined in the same line to produce nonwoven structures with horizontal and vertical fiber orientations with varying densities and blend compositions.

In addition, Cormatex roller top cards feature flexible configurations in order to process most kinds of natural or synthetic fiber (both raw or regenerated) for perfectly blended and even webs.

And, their crosslappers have patented PROFILE systems for expert control of fiber laps at production speeds of 150 meters/minute and widths up to 15 meters.

Application areas include automotive, geotextiles, filtration, thermal and acoustic insulation, protective clothing and building materials.

Posted June 24, 2014

Source: Louis P. Batson
 

53rd Dornbirn Man-Made Fibers Congress: Communicating The Future Of Man-made Fibers

VIENNA, Austria — June 16, 2014 — The 53rd DORNBIRN MAN-MADE CONGRESS (DORNBIRN-MFC) is setting new accents in a globalized world where the communication network is accelerating and intensifying enormously any changes and cycles. These challenges in the field of finance and economy are becoming the decisive factors for success of the European man-made fiber industry. They influence the rhythm of innovation (time to market), the efficiency (resources, consumption of raw materials, energy, sustainability, recycling etc.) and the competitiveness (price per unit, USPs). This will lead to new systems of interdisciplinary cooperation. Life cycle analyses of the whole processing chain will gain momentum.

The plenary session on the opening day will start with a presentation of Mr. Weninger, President of the AUSTRIAN MAN-MADE FIBERS INSTITUTE, followed by welcome addresses of the province of Vorarlberg, a lecture of CIRFS/Brussels on the topic of “The European Man-made Fibers Industry – Global Challenges and Institutional Changes”. Afterwards the Paul Schlack/Wilhelm Albrecht Prize will be awarded. The company Bionic Strategy/Swisttal (D) will deliver a speech on the topic of “The Re-enchantment of the World – Survival Strategies with Brands as Modern Storytellers in an Engineered World”. After a short break EDANA/Brussels will hold a presentation about the challenges and opportunities of the globalnonwovens industry, and OECD, Industrial Microbiological Services a presentation about the “Determining the Efficiency of Antimicrobial Treated Textile”.

Additional Topics Enlarge the Advance in Knowledge
With some 100 lectures from European and international experts we are trying to deliver in 2 1⁄2 days an overview about the diversity of the man-made fibers world. Due to the high quality of the lectures it is practically impossible to present all of them in a condensed form. For a precise picture we kindly ask the participants to consult our programme folder or our homepage www.dornbirn-mfc.com (where last minute changes will be displayed as well).

A novelty within the individual lectures are the main themes “Global Strategies for a Change (Market Specials / New Business Models)” where some examples of decisive factors for success will be presented as well as “Key Technologies” with latest findings in the fields of finishing, coating, machine construction and joint developments between industry and academic research. Further main themes will be “Fiber/Filament Innovations”, “Nonwovens/Filtration”, “Automotive”. The individual lectures will be partially accompanied by introductory presentations on various main topics.

DORNBIRN-MFC the Communication Platform for Cost-conscious Participants
In view of our Leitmotifs for 2014: Innovation, Efficiency and Competitiveness, we have also carefully checked our own cost-position without touching the quality claim of our event. At this occasion we want to thank all our sponsors for their full support of this ambitious target.

Make Use of this Unique Communication Platform
Experience more about the latest trends of the international man-made fibers world and widen your advantage of increased know-how by networking with more than 800 participants from 30 countries.

Simply register online for your participation under www.dornbirn-mfc.com.

We will be pleased to see you again!

Posted June 24, 2014

Source: Austrian Man-Made Fibers Institute
 

Ahlstrom Expands SMS Technology Within Its Medical Sterile Barrier Systems Offering

Ahlstrom, a global high performance fiber-based materials company, extends its range of Sterile Barrier Systems (SBS). Ahlstrom Reliance® Tandem’s extended range now offers sterile barrier systems designed for light to heavy medical instrument trays.

The expanded portfolio consists of grades ranging from a light 35 gsm to heavy 85 gsm, in four main colors: green, light blue, medium blue and deep blue. “The variety of weights allows our customers to better meet hospitals’ needs. The expanded range can be used to wrap light packs all the way up to heavy instrument sets,” states Product Manager, Mark Berman.
The Ahlstrom Reliance® Tandem range utilizes Ahlstrom’s most advanced SMS (spunbond-meltblow-spunbond) technology, in combination with our wetlaid and crepe technologies, to provide the optimal combination of sterile barrier systems for sequential wrapping. Sequential wrapping or interleaving combines two Ahlstrom SBS wrap sheets. The two sheets, when used together, offer a higher degree of flexibility in terms of performance, technology, and cost.

Posted June 24, 2014

Source: Ahlstrom
 

Giti Tire To Establish Chester County Manufacturing Plant, Create 1,700 Jobs

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Giti Tire, the 10th largest tire company in the world, will establish its first North American manufacturing facility in Chester County. The company plans to invest $560 million and create 1,700 new jobs over the next decade in order to meet the growing demand of the North American market.

The company announced its plans today during an event at the GATEWAY Conference Center in Richburg, where state and local officials – including Gov. Nikki Haley and Singapore’s Ambassador to the U.S. Ashok Kumar Mipuri – joined to celebrate Giti’s location decision.

Based in Singapore, Giti Tire will produce both passenger and light truck tires for the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) and replacement markets in the Chester County plant. The new facility, which will be located on the Carolinas I-77 Mega Site, will combine manufacturing and distribution activities, with total building area estimated to be 1.8 million square feet.

During the first phase of production, the plant’s capacity is expected to be five million tires annually. Giti Tire plans to further increase production capacity in response to future market demand and conditions. The Chester County facility represents Giti’s ninth manufacturing plant in its global system.

The company’s decision to locate in South Carolina was driven by a number of factors, including the area’s workforce and training opportunities through the technical college system, proximity to major transportation infrastructure and deep-water port facilities in Charleston, market access to the growing Southeast region and the state’s business-friendly environment.

readySC will be assisting the company with the recruiting and training of its initial workforce.

“This significant investment represents our strong commitment to customers in North America,” said Enki Tan, executive chairman of Giti Tire Group. “This is a key milestone for Giti Tire and an important part of our growth strategy worldwide. Existing business and strong demand for Giti Tire’s passenger and light truck tires in North America has made this significant investment in South Carolina possible.  Giti Tire would like to thank Governor Haley, Secretary Hitt, the state and people of South Carolina, Chairman Roddey and the Chester County community for welcoming us.”

“Chester County is an excellent location for Giti Tire, offering extensive and efficient infrastructure network including interstate highways, rail, close proximity to airports and a major metropolitan area to support the company’s needs and growth for many years to come,” said Lei Huai Chin, managing director of Giti Tire Group.

“This is another huge win for our state and Team South Carolina,” said Gov. Nikki Haley. “We are the nation’s tire capital, and Giti’s decision to come to our state is another great sign that our economic development efforts are paying off for the hardworking people of South Carolina. We celebrate Giti Tire’s $560 million investment that will create 1,700 new jobs in our growing tire industry.”

“Today we welcome South Carolina’s fifth OEM tire manufacturer, which further bolsters our state’s reputation as a manufacturing powerhouse and the nation’s tire capital. We look forward to a long and successful partnership with Giti Tire in our state,” said Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt.

“SC Ports Authority welcomes Giti Tire to South Carolina,” said Jim Newsome, president and CEO of the South Carolina Ports Authority. “We look forward to handling their import-export needs through the Port of Charleston and continuing to support our state’s growing tire industry.”

“Today’s announcement is a great example of what happens when we all work together to bring jobs and manufacturing back to the U.S.,” said Ryan Peterson, Walmart’s vice president of automotive. “We applaud Giti Tire and Governor Haley, and we are excited to bring quality, affordable tires to our customers that will also help us meet our goal to spend an additional $250 billion on domestically manufactured products over 10 years.”

“Once again, Chester County has proven its dedication to grow and prosper economically,” said R. Carlisle Roddey, Chester County supervisor and chairman of Chester County Council. “We celebrate the company’s decision to invest and create new jobs in Chester County. This announcement marks an important milestone in the history of Chester and we are extremely excited to be selected as the new location for Giti Tire. We have no doubt that Giti Tire will see much success in Chester County! ”

“We are pleased to welcome our new partner to the Chester County business community,” said Brian Singleton, chairman of the Chester Development Association. “Giti Tire is known worldwide for their industry leadership and commitment to producing the highest quality products available in the marketplace today. This significant investment in a North American production facility means they are serious about expanding their global brand and continuing to lead the industry for many years to come. We are elated  that they chose Chester, South Carolina and are anxious to work with them building this new world class tire manufacturing operation.”

Posted June 24, 2014

Source: Giti Tire
 

Sponsors