Increasing Amount Of Clothing And Textile Recycling Is The Goal Of The “Clothes The Loop” Campaign

BEL AIR, Md. — November 15, 2014 — “Clothes the Loop” is the theme of the first-ever statewide campaign to promote clothing and textile recycling . The Secondary Materials and Recycled Textiles Association (SMART) joins The New York State Association of Reduction, Reuse, and Recycling (NYSAR3) and the Council for Textile Recycling (CTR) in announcing the launch of “Clothes the Loop NY” on America Recycles Day, Saturday, November 15th. Throughout New York, municipalities are initiating an outreach campaign that encourages New York State residents to “Clothes the Loop” by recycling their unwanted clothing and household textiles, and not put them into the trash.

“By engaging local municipalities to promote clothing and textile recycling, NYSAR3 is making a great step forward in educating the public about the importance of keeping used clothing out of landfills,” says Jackie King, Executive Director of SMART. “On America Recycles Day it is especially important to educate people that clothing and other household textiles are highly recyclable. 95% of all clothing, even items that are stained, torn, are out-of-date, or seem to be worn out, can be recycled.”

SMART is the international trade association of the for-profit textile and used clothing recycling industry, while the Council for Textile Recycling works to bring together all aspects of clothing recycling including manufacturers, retailers, consumers, academicians, and municipal employees.

According to NYSAR3, each year, New York State residents dispose of some 1.4 billion pounds of recoverable clothes and textiles, with an estimated market value over $200 million.  NYSAR3 estimates that some 9,600 jobs would be created across the state if that material was dropped off for reuse and recycling.  Across the country, only 15% of recyclable clothes and textiles are actually recovered; 85% ends up in the trash.

“As part of this statewide campaign, communities across New York are launching special events and programs to urge residents  to stop putting clothing and other textiles into the waste stream and start sending all unwanted clothing and other textiles into the reuse/recycling stream. Residents can do that by dropping off all textile products at a charitable organization, or by using clothing collection bins—they should NOT be placed in curbside recycling containers,” says David Lupinski, President of NYSAR3.

“Both non-profit charities and for-profit recyclers often work in conjunction to keep this valuable resource out of the waste stream.”  Lupinski added that “More recycling means more jobs.  In this case, we could create more than 9,000 new jobs across the state in the not-for-profit and private sectors through the recovery of clothing and textiles that are currently trashed.

SMART estimates the average person throws away 70-pounds of used clothing annually; of those 70-pounds, 95% could have been reused or recycled. Industry officials say only clothing that is wet (mildewed) or has been contaminated with a solvent such as gasoline, paint, or odorous cleaner cannot be recycled.

According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s most recent report on municipal solid waste (2012), 14.33 million tons of waste is generated annual that is exclusively clothing and other household textiles.  Of that amount, only 15.7% or 2.25 million tons is recycled.1

In the same study, the EPA calculated the impact the current level of recycling has on reducing greenhouse gases (GHGs) in the United States. The EPA report indicates the 2.25 million tons of textiles are currently recycled annually; is the equivalent of removing 1.2 million cars from America’s highways.  This is more than 5-times the impact of recycled yard trimmings (170 thousand cars removed); is more than 4-times the impact of glass recycling (210 thousand cars removed); more than plastic recycling (670 thousand cars removed); and is nearly equal to the impact of aluminum recycling (1.3 million cars removed).2

SOURCES:
1 Table 1, Page 7. Municipal Solid Waste Generation, Recycling, and Disposal in the United States: Facts and Figures for 2011.

2 Table 5, Page 12. Municipal Solid Waste Generation, Recycling, and Disposal in the United States: Facts and Figures for 2011.

Posted November 18, 2014

Source: SMART
 

The Rupp Report: The Chinese Cotton Situation (ITMF Conference Part 3)

As reported in the Rupp Report over the past few weeks, the textile industry gathered in Beijing from October 16-18, 2014, at the International Textile Manufacturers Federation’s (ITMF’s) annual conference. Keeping in mind that the event was in China, the attendees expected some clarification about the somewhat strange cotton stock situation in China, and they were not disappointed. As already reported also, the openness and the clear words of the Chinese speakers were remarkable.
 
Cotton Purchase Policy
Gao Fang, head of the China Cotton Association (CCA), presented an accurate China cotton market analysis and outlook of the purchase policy of China for cotton during the 2011-13 seasons. Fact is, China still is holding a stock of more than 10 million metric tons (mt) of cotton. This is equivalent to the total annual Chinese cotton consumption. Gao’s four main targets to change this situation in a foreseeable time are:
 

  • Decreased acreage and smaller production;
  • Enlarged difference between demand and supply;
  • Adjustment of the cotton policy; and
  • Consequent transformation between the old and new system. 

She mentioned that the reserve cotton purchase transaction volume has reached nearly 16 million tons, with around 16.5 million tons of actual warehouse delivery during the 2011-13 seasons. From November 2013 until August 2014, the reserve cotton release target has reached 13.11 million mt, with an actual transaction of 2.645 million mt, 20.2 percent by transaction rate, comprised of 2.491 million mt of domestic cotton and 0.163 million mt of imported cotton. This is approximately 80 percent of national cotton production. In contrary to the turbulent and volatile situation on the global cotton markets, the China National Bureau of Statistics says that the price difference in the domestic cotton market was less than 10 percent during the time period.
 
Reduced Acreage
Acreage will be reduced by some 9.34 percent down to 4.23 million hectares, according to Gao. The consequence of this action is India could become the largest cotton grower in the world. Gao estimated the domestic cotton consumption for the next season at some 8.5 million mt.
 
However, a stock of 10 million mt is normal for China, and the stock’s only purpose is to stabilize the market so recent past volatilities with cotton prices will not occur again. Up-to-now, every cotton fiber farmed in China was sold to the government. Gao gave an interesting explanation why there are two different cotton prices: There are 40 million cotton farmers in China and the government bought their crops at above market prices to help stabilize the market. The price was determined in 2011 at 19,800 renminbi (RMB) (US$3,236). Then the financial crisis occurred, and the global price of cotton fell. The price set by the government — which is much higher than the current global cotton price — is not good for Chinese spinners, Gao said, and it will be changed in the future.
 
Extensive Imports
The enlarged price difference between domestic and global cotton was distorted by the gap between the domestic prices being supported by reserve purchase, and consequently the international price was falling largely.
 
It goes without saying that the 2012 and 2013 seasons cotton import volumes were among the highest in history resulting in negative consequences — decreased cotton consumption and increased imports of cotton yarn. The high domestic cotton yarn price brought up by a high cotton price, encouraged extensive cotton yarn imports, which peaked in these seasons.
 
Another factor of the reduced cotton consumption regarding the overall fiber consumption, is the fact that also in China man-made fibers are gaining ground in many applications, existing as well as new ones. It is a fact that China is responsible for more that 50 percent of the global man-made fiber production. The man-made fiber production increased steadily.
 
Revised Cotton Policy For 2014 Season
Interesting to hear was the fact that the temporary cotton reserve purchase was closed and a “Xinjiang cotton target price reform trial” was launched. There will be no subsidy when the average price is higher than 19,800 RMB/mt during the price collection period. On the other side, subsidies will be triggered when the average price is lower than 19,800 RMB/mt during the price collection period. Gao is convinced that “the market will dominate the domestic cotton prices and the price gap home and abroad will narrow down, and a cotton demand recovering increase is expected.
 
Another measure taken was to suspend reserve cotton releases from September 2014 until March 2015. The only exception, Gao mentioned, “is when the demand could not be met on a large scale.”
 
According to the CCA statistics, the acreage for the 2014 season will be 4.23 million hectares. This is a decrease of 9.35 percent. On a year-to-year change the different regions are planned to produce the following acreage:
 

Region Million hectares %        
National 666 -5
Xinjiang 459 +7
Yellow River 97 -26
Yangtze 95 -23

 
Throughout the 2011 to 2013 seasons, the maximum price was 20,010 RMB/mt (US$3,270), the minimum price 16,992 RMB/mt (US$2,777). During the same time, she explained, the international market price change was 1/3 more than the domestic one. In 2011 the seasonal average price was 19,113 RMB/mt (US$3,123); in 2012 season 19,136 RMB/mt (US$3,127) and in 2013 18,625 RMB/mt (US$3,044).
 
The supported Chinese cotton reserve purchase cotton yarn price with some 32 yarn counts cotton yarn prices during 2011 to 2013 seasons was at an average price of 25,800 RMB/mt (US$4,216), then 25,914 RMB (US$4,231), and finally 26,034 RMB/mt (US$4,247). Gao mentioned that from June 2012 until the closure of the reserve purchase, the international cotton price changed between 80-100 cents per pound.
 
New Pricing System
Gao explained that in the future the cotton prices should be based on the markets and that spinners should be the buyers and not the government. From September 2014 until March 2015, the Chinese government will not influence the cotton prices Gao assured the breathless listening audience. However, she added with a smile, if the cotton prices climb too high, the government probably will release some raw material from the existing 10 million mt to balance the prices.
 
Gao is convinced that the market will dominate the domestic cotton price, and the price gap between the domestic and international markets will narrow, and the cotton demand increase is expected to reach 8.5 million mt. Already by October 15, the CC Index 3128B declined to 14,797 RMB/mt (US$2,418), this is a 23.8 percent decrease since the end of March. On the other hand, Zhengzhou cotton futures major contract settlement price was at 13,620 RMB/mt (US$2,226), this is another decrease of 14.72 percent for the same time period.
 
And Now?
There probably is only one thing to bear in mind: What happens if the Chinese government starts to release some cotton that is up to three years old? Will the color and the quality still be comparable and the same as the newly harvested cotton?
 
November 11, 2014
 

Statement of the International Cotton Advisory Committee 73rd Plenary Meeting

WASHINGTON — November 7, 2014 —The International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC) met in Thessaloniki, Greece, from November 2 to 7, 2014 for its 73rd Plenary Meeting since the establishment of the Committee in 1939. Participation was 401, including representatives from 33 member governments, 9 international organizations and 19 nonmember governments.

Government policy continues to distort the world cotton market: The Secretariat reported that world cotton consumption in 2014/15 is projected to be below production for the fifth consecutive season and that stocks will reach record levels. Prices were falling and the temptation for countries to intervene in defense of their growers was increasing. The timing and manner of the liquidation of these stocks would help define the fundamentals of the world cotton market over the next several years. Within the last year, changes had occurred in the cotton policies of a few cotton-producing countries. More intervention would only postpone adjustments and lead to increased challenges for participants in the cotton value chain in the long run. Members noted that the statistics and economic studies provided by the ICAC were important to making the cotton market more transparent.

Promoting demand for cotton: The importance of ensuring the growth of cotton consumption was emphasized in various presentations from diverse sectors of the textile chain. Two World Café Sessions were dedicated to creatively discuss how to best promote the cotton as a brand. ICAC member countries noted the importance of promoting demand for cotton and endorsed efforts to encourage consumption. Cotton had many competitive advantages and was highly valued by consumers. In recent years, high cotton prices had damaged the competiveness of the product. Prices were now coming down and cotton had become more competitive with man-made fibers. However, competitive pricing was not enough and more proactive promotion actions were required. Cotton is in competition was with man-made fibers, not other cottons. ICAC member countries were urged to promote the use of cotton, especially in their internal markets. The International Forum for Cotton Promotion of ICAC should remain closely involved with this work. The Task Force on Commercial Standardization of Instrument Testing of Cotton of ICAC stressed the importance of accurate instrument testing of cotton as a trading tool, since its application would be a further step in improving cotton’s market share.

Measuring sustainability: The Committee received a report from its Expert Panel on the Social, Environmental and Economic Performance of Cotton Production (SEEP) on “Measuring sustainability in cotton farming systems: Towards a guidance framework.” This report, whose Executive Summary had been reviewed by the Committee at the previous Plenary Meeting, was now in its final stages of preparation for publication. It provided a comprehensive set of sustainability indicators that were designed to be used in the context of cotton cultivation, but could also be usefully applied to other crops. Following recommendations made at the 72nd Plenary Meeting, pilot testing of the indicators was being undertaken in Australia and in projects run by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. In addition to monitoring such tests, the SEEP would now evaluate other sustainability assessment tools that affected the world cotton sector.

National programs of responsible cotton production: Presentations were made to the Committee from various countries explaining actions taken to produce sustainable cotton. It was suggested that countries must work together through mutual exchange of information to expand these important programs in order to ensure a healthy future for cotton.

Cotton Identity Programs: The Task Force on Cotton Identity Programs had expanded its report presented at the previous Plenary to include five programs. The Chair reported that about 1.1 million tons of cotton had been produced under the five identity programs in 2012/13. However, side-by-side comparisons of identity cotton programs could be misleading since each program had different objectives. The updated report will be made available on the ICAC website after final editing. Members of the Task Force considered that they had fulfilled their mandate and that their work was concluded. The Committee thanked the Task Force members for their efforts. Some ICAC members expressed concern at the possibility of Cotton Identity Programs promoting one origin or type of cotton at the expense of others.

Contract sanctity: The Plenary hosted a panel discussion on the question of measures that could be introduced to reduce disputes in cotton trading. Panelists noted the importance of contract sanctity to a healthy cotton supply chain. Member governments were reminded of their responsibility, under the New York Convention of 1958, to ensure that arbitration awards were duly recognized by their judicial systems. The concept of contract sanctity centers on the understanding that parties must honor their contractual obligations. The high volatility of cotton prices in 2010/11 put contract sanctity under stress and, although the number of disputes had declined considerably in the recent past, no grounds for complacency existed. The panel noted that the problem of contract sanctity extends further up through the value chain, as weavers, garment manufacturers and retailers also feel free to renege on their commitments. To avoid future disputes over delivery, the panel proposed the universal application of hedging practices to cope with price volatility and the resulting contract defaults, thereby providing insurance against the risks of volatility. Although the Panel stated that this issue primarily concerned the private sector, it could also have repercussions at the government level, especially during the negotiation of free trade agreements. Therefore, the Panel recommended the exploration of mechanisms, such as compulsory insurance, to guarantee the execution of contracts and thereby contractual protection for the industry. Additionally, the establishment of a world yarn contract would assist in offering further protection.

Price volatility: Members of the Private Sector Advisory Panel (PSAP) conducted an extensive discussion of factors affecting the volatility of cotton prices. The high volatility of prices in the recent past had damaged the competitiveness of cotton vis-à-vis competing fibers. They requested that the ICAC Secretariat continue to investigate volatility and provide information and analysis on its causes.

Prerequisites for textile industry growth: Many Committee members desired to add value to their crop by further processing their production. This issue was the subject of extensive analysis and debate. In the case of smaller countries, one promising possibility was the creation of regional collaboration arrangements to establish economies of scale and exchange experiences. The key factors in the success of the industrial processing of cotton and the attraction of foreign direct investment changed as one moved downstream along the supply chain. In the initial stages, such as spinning and weaving, low labor and electricity costs were crucial. Government policies could also play a considerable role. At later stages in the supply chain, such as garmenting, low labor costs continued to be important but other factors, such as participation in free trade agreements, could be decisive.

Completion of the Doha Round: The Committee received a report on cotton from a staff member of the World Trade Organization in the Doha Development Agenda (DDA) and relevant developments at the Bali Ministerial Meeting. The report highlighted the longstanding request of the “C4” group for an end to direct subsidies that distort production and trade in cotton. The Committee noted the production of a specific document on cotton and other outcomes involving agriculture reached at that meeting. It was further noted that the deadline for the adoption of the Protocol of Amendment had passed without any convergence of members. ICAC Members reiterated that cotton is an integral part of the DDA and that there can be no successful conclusion of that agenda without an agreement on cotton. The Committee restated the importance of trade policy as a key factor in promoting world economic growth and development, and voiced support for the WTO’s role in promoting free trade.

European Union membership: ICAC members reaffirmed their interest in the accession of the European Union to the Committee. Negotiations during the previous twelve months had made progress in narrowing the range of options to be explored, but some difficult issues remained to be resolved. Some ICAC members noted that the Private Sector Advisory Panel had urged governments to ensure that the multiple voices from the private sector continue to be heard by the ICAC. Despite the unresolved issues, ICAC members were confident that a mutually satisfactory solution could be found that would allow the EU to accede to the ICAC.

74th Plenary Meeting: ICAC members welcomed and gratefully accepted the invitation of India to
host the 74th Plenary Meeting in 2015.

75th Plenary Meeting: ICAC members welcomed and gratefully accepted the invitation of Pakistan to host the 75th Plenary Meeting in 2016.

76th Plenary Meeting: ICAC members welcomed and gratefully accepted the invitation of Mozambique to host the 76th Plenary Meeting in 2017.

Appreciation for the hospitality of Greece: The Committee thanked the people and Government of Greece for their hospitality in serving as host of the 73rd Plenary Meeting. Delegates commented on the warmth of friendship and the quality of the venue provided for the plenary meeting.

Posted November 11, 2014

Source: ICAC
 

Safe Reflections Invests In Oakdale Facility

ST. PAUL, Minn. (Nov. 11, 2014) – Safe Reflections, a global technology leader in providing reflective apparel solutions to the occupational safety, consumer active wear and military training markets, has completed construction of its new facility in Oakdale, Minn., increasing its production capacity by nearly 50 percent and creating 13 new jobs in 2014.

The new facility boasts 39,000 square feet of new office, production and R&D space, anchored by an indoor night demonstration facility that allows naked-eye observations of reflective materials at a variety of distances and angles. The facility lets customers see how their clothing designs perform in different light conditions and highlights the performance of Safe Reflections’ exclusive glass bead reflective technology.

In the last few weeks Safe Reflections has already had five current and potential customers visit their new facility, including VF Imagewear. “We were fortunate to be the first group to visit Safe Reflections in their new facility, a spacious and aesthetically beautiful work space with specific areas dedicated to development, testing, rolled goods production and marketing,” said Sandra LeNoir, merchandise manager of customization for VF Imagewear, a Safe Reflections customer.

Safe Reflections’ proximity to 3M, its main supplier of reflective material and one of its top customers, was a key consideration for Safe Reflections to renew its commitment to U.S.-based manufacturing and the Twin Cities economy. Safe Reflections employs 51 people at its new Oakdale facility – up from 34 employees one year ago – and is on track to create three additional jobs by year-end.

“For more than 21 years, Safe Reflections has set the standard of quality and innovation in the reflective apparel marketplace. Our new plant allows us to continue that tradition and meet the rapidly increasing demand we’re seeing from our military, occupational safety and sportswear customers,” said Chuck Gruber, President and COO for Safe Reflections. “We are committed to U.S. manufacturing and demonstrating to other producers the advantages of maintaining and expanding U.S. production.”

“The global market for reflective material used for garments is rapidly growing,” Gruber said. “Having the resources for continued innovation is critical to the success of our business, and we are thrilled to have a new facility that will benefit Safe Reflections, the global market for reflective textiles, and the Twin Cities manufacturing economy.”

Posted November 11, 2014

Source: Safe Reflections
 

Top Value Fabrics Introduces Dye Sub Performance Textiles For Brilliant Printing

CARMEL, Ind. —November 5, 2014 — Dye Sub Performance Textiles from Top Value Fabrics provide a brilliant printing platform for superior banners, exhibit graphics, theatrical displays, banner stands, lightbox frame systems and advertising displays.

TVF’s Dye Sub Performance Textile line includes the following fabrics: Tri Poly, Triple White, Display Fabric, Heavy Knit and Ultra White Blockout. The fabrics are available in widths from 60 to 126 inches, and meet NFPA 701 FR specifications. After imaging, the media provides outstanding color consistency, excellent image sharpness and a wide color range.

“Our Dye Sub Performance Textile line debuted at the SGIA Expo in Las Vegas and was met with tremendous interest,” said Jeff Nonte, Print Media Program Manager. “The media in this line is uncoated, and is constructed specifically for printers who require a high-end look and feel with dye sub transfer-only ink compatibility and pricepoint. These fabrics are an excellent fit for printers who use transfer technology for upscale applications.”

Posted November 11, 2014

Source: Top Value Fabrics
 

ASTM International Announces Leadership Succession Plan

WEST CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa. — November 5, 2014 — The future leadership of ASTM International was decided recently at the October meetings of the ASTM board of directors in Seoul, South Korea. A unanimous decision was enthusiastically announced to have Katharine E. Morgan, current ASTM vice president of technical committee operations, succeed ASTM president James A. Thomas.
 
“Having been informed by Jim Thomas of his intention to retire, the executive committee of the board set out on a search for candidates whose passion for ASTM would again result in excellent stewardship of the Society,” says Thomas A. Schwartz, 2014 chairman of the ASTM board of directors. “Kathie is precisely that individual, with her instinctual knowledge of the workings of ASTM technical committees, the industry sectors they represent, as well as the global standardization landscape.”
 
Morgan came to ASTM in 1984 as a staff manager and soon assumed roles of increasing responsibility in standards development at ASTM, rising to her current post in 2007. She holds a Bachelor of Science in chemical engineering and a Master of Business Administration. Outside ASTM, Morgan is a member of the American National Standards Institute’s Organizational Member Forum; the Council of Engineering and Scientific Society Executives; the International Consumer Product Health and Safety Organization; the Society for Standards Professionals; and the Standards Council of Canada’s Standards Development Organization Advisory Committee.
 
To ensure a smooth transition for ASTM’s members and customers, Morgan will assume the position of ASTM executive vice president on March 1, 2015. She will work closely with Jim Thomas during a time of transition up to his retirement on Feb. 1, 2017.
 
“Since assuming the presidency in 1992, Jim Thomas’ leadership has had an enormous positive impact on ASTM and its stakeholders. Jim is a respected ambassador, advocate and a voice not only for ASTM, but also for strategic standardization as a whole. We wish Jim and Kathie well, and appreciate their deep dedication to the future of ASTM,” says Schwartz.
 
Posted November 11, 2014

Source: ASTM International
 

C&A Foundation Calls For Greater Collaboration For A Fair And Sustainable Apparel Industry

ZUG, Switzerland & PORTLAND, Ore. — November 11, 2014 — “Let’s work together to find innovative solutions to the deeply-rooted problems of the apparel industry,” said Leslie Johnston, Executive Director of C&A Foundation, addressing the participants of the Textile Exchange Conference in Portland.  The call was made during an event to launch the new global strategy of C&A Foundation, a private foundation affiliated with the global clothing retailer C&A.

“The apparel sector touches over 150 million people every day in some of the poorest countries in the world.  It provides men and women with formal employment and has tremendous potential to be a force for good,” Johnston said.  “Yet the industry has developed in a way that is no longer sustainable and the challenges are great.  Together, we can change the way the industry works, but it won’t happen overnight.  C&A Foundation is committed to fostering change in the long-term.”

In order to better leverage its experience, networks and long-time partnerships C&A Foundation –– which builds on a long history of private and corporate philanthropy –– recently consolidated its efforts under one global strategy.  This new strategy, which Johnston outlined in her presentation, rests on three pillars:

Product, by helping smallholder farmers transition to more sustainable fibre;

Supply, by supporting factory owners to improve the environmental impact of their operations; and

Lives, by working to improve livelihoods across the apparel supply chain.

“We are one of many committed organisations working in this field, but we are working to empower other stakeholders to better address challenges so that, collectively, we can have more meaningful results,” explains Johnston.  “Specifically, we are focusing our initial efforts on two areas: sustainable cotton and improved working conditions.”

Sustainable Cotton – In 2009, C&A co-founded CottonConnect, a social enterprise working to help smallholder farmers transition to more sustainable cotton farming.  Since its creation, CottonConnect has expanded its activities to support more than 20 retailers to source cotton from over 130,000 farmers across India, China and Pakistan, who have since reduced their chemical input and water use.  As a shareholder and donor to the organisation, C&A Foundation supports CottonConnect in transitioning conventional farmers to certified organic cotton, ultimately improving their incomes and livelihoods.

Improved working conditions – C&A Foundation designed and piloted the Sustainable Supplier Programme (SSP), an initiative aimed at improving productivity in garment factories, deepening worker dialogue and ultimately channelling some of the ensuing value back to workers.  In the spirit of its open source approach, the foundation is currently sharing the results of the programme – both positive and negative – with other stakeholders.

“We are inspired by the number of platforms and actors working for a fair and sustainable apparel industry.  We hope to use our resources and convening power to help our partners to do even more,” says Johnston.  “For me, this is about human dignity and what we can do together to improve livelihoods across the supply chain.”

Posted November 11, 2014

Source: C&A Foundation
 

Call For Papers For 13th International Wool Research Conference And AATCC Sustainability Symposium

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. — November 6, 2014 — AATCC will partner with Zhejiang Sci-Tech University (ZSTU) in Hangzhou, China in conducting the 13th International Wool Research Conference (IWRC 13th) and AATCC’s Sustainability Symposium, to be held June 10-12, 2015 in Hangzhou.
 
Based on the theme of “Innovation, Ecology and Quality: The Pathway to the Wool Future,” the three-day IWRC conference will cover invited keynotes, oral, and poster presentations. Individuals are invited to submit original papers related to the science and engineering of wool fibers. Topics of interest include:

  • Wool structure and analysis techniques
  • Raw wool processing technology
  • Wool spinning and weaving science and technology
  • Dyeing and finishing for wool fibers, textiles, and apparel
  • Design and manufacturing technology for wool apparel
  • Fabric care technology for wool apparel
  • Eco-textile chemicals
  • Environmental treatment and waste reclamation
  • Science and engineering related to wool (hair cosmetic chemistry and leather)

 
AATCC’s Sustainability Symposium, also hosted by ZSTU, will be held in parallel with the IWRC. With the theme of “Innovation, Sustainability, and Quality: The Pathway to the Future,” individuals are invited from industry, academia, and research institutes around the globe to submit original papers related to:

  • Novel eco-textile materials
  • Eco-friendly textile composites and industrial textiles
  • Green dyeing and finishing chemicals and processes
  • Pollutions control and waste treatment
  • Non-water medium dyeing and finishing
  • Smart textiles
  • Digital printing and 3D printing
  • Fundamental research and characterization techniques
  • Textile recycling technology

 
Abstract submissions should be submitted no later than February 1, 2015. 

Posted November 11, 2014

Source: AATCC

 

VDMA: Garment And Leather Technology Association On Course For Success

MUNICH, Germany — November 4, 2014 — German garment and leather technology manufacturers are enjoying continued success, increasing year-on-year sales by 22.5 per cent in real terms in the period January to September 2014. In real terms, orders received in the first nine months of 2014 were 13.1 per cent up on the previous year, with domestic business recording a 4.7 per cent year-on-year increase in real terms and foreign business a 15.4 per cent increase in real terms. “In the current turbulent international climate, these excellent results confirm the global success achieved by the German garment and leather technology industry”, explained Elgar Straub, Managing Director of the Garment and Leather Technology Association within the VDMA at the General Assembly of the VDMA Garment and Leather Technology Association in Düsseldorf on 15 October.

Within the VDMA, the Garment and Leather Technology Association encompasses sewing and garment machinery, shoe and leather technology, laundry and textile cleaning machinery and machinery for processing technical textiles. Exports by the German garment and leather technology industry rose 5.8 per cent in 2013, from Euro 839 million in 2012 to Euro 888 million in 2013. Of particular note are exports in the sewing and garment technology sector, which grew by 14.7 per cent from Euro 406 million in 2012 to Euro 466 million in 2013.

The main buyers of German garment and leather technology in 2013 were the USA, India and Turkey.

Industry 4.0
In the garment industry and also other textile-processing sectors, factors such as flexibility in production and optimising costs and speed play a key role. These are just some of the factors that drive Industry 4.0. For example, IT solutions are already being increasingly used throughout the entire garment production value chain. They are an important driver of innovation as they continuously optimise the value creation process.

Texprocess 2015
The extremely favourable trends within the sector are creating high expectations for the third Texprocess in 2015. The leading international trade fair for the processing of textile and other flexible materials will be held in Frankfurt from 4 to 7 May 2015. A key focus at Texprocess will be IT and its significance for the garment industry. Topics such as Industry 4.0, 3D virtualization and RFID are of interest to the entire value chain and are assuming great significance, not least because of the flexibility and speed within this industry.

Posted November 11, 2014

Source: VDMA
 

Kelheim Fibres Introduces First Viscose Fibre With Permanently Incorporated Infrared-heat Reflection

KELHEIM, Germany — November 5, 2014 — Kelheim Fibres GmbH is extending its range of speciality products by a newly developed viscose fiber that reflects infrared (IR) radiation.

The human body — like any other matter with comparable temperature — releases a large part of its energy via thermal radiation. This radiation is mainly composed of infrared light. It leads to a loss of energy and therefore to a cooling of the human body. The newly developed viscose fiber with incorporated IR-reflecting particles can significantly reduce this process: Thermal radiation emanating from a body is reflected by the particles incorporated in the viscose fiber and sent back to the body, so reducing the cooling of the person.

In addition to this thermal retention function, the wearer of such a textile also benefits from the typical properties of a viscose fiber such as wearer comfort, softness and skin friendliness. This is achieved by the intrinsic quality of the treatment: in contrast to a subsequent finish with additives based on titanium oxide, the mineral IR-reflecting particles are incorporated into the fiber’s core, preserving the typical fiber properties. The effect is permanent as the additive cannot be washed out.

First test results of the new fibers that have already been successfully manufactured on a pilot scale, show significant temperature effects in comparison to a standard viscose fiber. This opens up a multitude of possible fields of applications: Used in functional underwear, the thermal effect can increase the well-being of the wearer even at low temperatures. In functional sportswear, the new fiber can lead to improved performance and a faster regeneration of the athlete, thanks to improved blood circulation. Along with textiles, different nonwoven applications could benefit from the IR-reflecting fiber, as for example warming shoe inserts.

“Comfortable feel-good clothes and functional special clothing are just two obvious applications for our new IR fiber,” said Dr. Nina Köhne from Kelheim Fibres’ R&D team. Dr. Daniela Bauer, added: “We would be happy to adapt the fiber exactly to the demands of other applications depending on our customer’s specific needs. In the past, individual development partnerships often have proven very fruitful and we are glad when our customers reach out to us with their new ideas.”

For the next step, the Bavarian fiber specialists are planning physical and physiological textile tests.

Posted November 11, 2014

Source: Kelheim Fibres
 

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