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
 

Crawford Composites Returns To Racing World With Crawford FL15

DENVER, N.C. — November 6, 2014 — Crawford Composites LLC, designer and producer of autoclaved composites for the U.S. racing industry, has unveiled the highly anticipated “Crawford FL15” race car, which is to be used exclusively in the newly announced “Formula Lites” racing series.  The car was unveiled at the Specialty Equipment Manufacturers Association (SEMA) show yesterday.
 
The new Formula Lites series, to be sanctioned by SCCA Pro Racing beginning in 2015, is the brainchild of Dennis McCormack, Ryan Arciero and Max Crawford. Created to fill a longtime void in the United States open-wheel market, the Formula Lites concept incorporates the latest technology, high-quality engineering and a price point that offers a modern racing experience at sensible purchase and operating costs.  Each FL15 is designed and manufactured to the latest F3 FIA safety specs, and the full carbon monocoque wraps a 2.4-liter, 16-valve Honda engine and a six-speed Hewland sequential gearbox featuring pneumatic paddle shifters — a feature every veteran or aspiring race driver should be using in today’s motorsports era.
 
Painted in an eye-catching bright red, the new Crawford FL15 incorporates state-of the-art components from some of SEMA’s most recognized names. The Formula Lites series has garnered corporate and technical partnerships from Pirelli, Honda/HPD, Eibach Springs, PFC Brakes, and Impact Race Products.  The Crawford FL15 also features Penske Racing Shocks, an ATL Racing Fuel Cell, Fiske Wheels, Aurora Rod Ends, and GEMS Performance Electronics.  Priced at just under $121,000 complete, the FL15 is slated to compete in a 12-race, six weekend SCCA Pro Racing Formula Lites championship series in 2015, with a final schedule expected to be finalized in the coming weeks.
 
“The unveiling of the Crawford FL15 is a very proud moment for Crawford Composites'” said Max Crawford, founder and president of Crawford Composites. “This race car is the culmination of an incredible amount of hard work, innovation and collaboration. We are proud to be associated with Dennis McCormack of High Performance Group and the new Formula Lites Series. We are also grateful to be working with such a strong partner like Honda on this new venture and very thankful to Pirelli for the opportunity to work with them and to showcase our newest race car at SEMA.”
 
Representing the Crawford Composites engineering and design team at SEMA is Max’s daughter – Senior Project Manager and Aerodynamicist Catherine Crawford.  “From an engineer’s standpoint, I’m excited that the car has adjustability for young drivers coming up the ranks, so they can learn what the changes do and how to relay that to their race engineer” said Catherine Crawford.  “The FL15 is a cost conscious car but has the best kit.  You get so much for your money.”
 
Max Crawford’s passion for racing has been the driving force behind Crawford Composites’ industry success for more than four decades.  Their customers include teams from the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, Nationwide Series, IZOD INDYCAR, Sports Car Club of America, World of Outlaws, American Le Mans Series, Vintage Racing, IMSA Tudor Series, and the World Endurance Championship. Crawford pioneered the introduction of autoclaved composite laminates for the U.S. race car industry and his company was the first American, privately owned, non-aerospace company to build a complete carbon fiber composite care in 1990, the Mazda RX7-92P, for competition in the IMSA series.

“The Formula Lites concept of designing a high performance single-seater race car at an affordable cost level was always going to be a challenge. Fortunately, our racing heritage has given us a wealth of partners who were able to embrace this concept,” says Crawford Composites Chief Designer Andy Scriven.
 
Scriven added: “Using manufacturers of tried and tested racing products, their input and collaboration allowed us to achieve the performance and cost criteria that gives Formula Lites its sound business model for the aspiring racer moving up to SCCA Pro level of racing. Key partners have been Hewland, with their renowned FTR gearbox, PFC for a complete braking solution, FIKSE with their lightweight wheels, Penske Shocks, Tilton driveline and hydraulic components, ATL Inc. fuel cells, Aurora bearings. The FL15 is the end result of these partnerships, and we’re proud to have all our partners represented by this car.”

Posted November 11 2014

Source: Crawford Composites
 

Huntsman Inaugurates New India Subcontinent Headquarters In Mumbai

MUMBAI, India — November 4, 2014 — Huntsman Corporation today inaugurated its new India corporate office, in Andheri, Mumbai. The 220,000 square feet, seven story building will initially house some 300 Huntsman associates, including over 100 technical staff spread across three floors of state-of-the-art laboratory and research facilities.

The ceremony was led by Peter R. Huntsman, President and Chief Executive of the Huntsman Corporation, and was attended by Huntsman officers, associates, customers, suppliers and other key stakeholders.

Commenting on the importance of the new headquarters to Huntsman’s ambitions in the Indian subcontinent, Peter R. Huntsman said “This opening is an important milestonein our continued growth and commitment to the Indian market. Our family and employees have been building a business in the Indian subcontinent for over 25 years and today enjoy a strong, profitable and growing organizationin excess of $500 million.  Our continued success will depend on the quality and creativity of our local associates and this site will enable better technical, customer service, and development opportunities going forward.  Many of our products and innovations are unique to the subcontinent’s needs. We look forward to seeing continued growth as this market expands.”

Paul Hulme, Huntsman Senior Corporate Officer for the region, said “We are looking forward to welcoming customers, suppliers and other business partners to the new premises. I am confident that the investment we have made in facilities and people will stand us in good stead for many years as we continue to develop strong strategic partnerships with our customers and continue to grow our business across all five of Huntsman’s business divisions.”

Huntsman has sales of approximately $500 million in the subcontinent, and has more than 1,000 associates based in the region. It has manufacturing facilities in Baroda and Ankleshwar in Gujarat, manufacturing textile chemicals and dyes and surfactants, and in Pune, manufacturing polyurethane systems.

Posted November 4, 2014

Source: Huntsman
 

First Edition Of Texworld Istanbul Fully Booked

FRANKFURT — November 4, 2014 — Texworld Istanbul, the long-awaited apparel fabrics and accessories fair both in Turkey and surrounding regions, is celebrating its premiere at Istanbul Lütfi Kırdar International Convention and Exhibition Center on 04-06 November 2014. With this fair, Messe Frankfurt, worldwide leader in textile fairs, has expanded its fair portfolio in Turkey. The trade fair is fully booked. 10 countries are represented by 115 exhibitors from China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Pakistan, South Korea, Taiwan and Turkey.
 
Texworld Istanbul includes all product groups that are part of Messe Frankfurt’s apparel fabric brand events around the world. The exhibitors will present cotton, embroidery and lace, knitted fabrics, wool and wool blends, silk and silky aspects, functional fabrics, linen, prints, design offices, accessories, fibers and yarns and denim. Therefore, the exhibitors at Texworld Istanbul reflect the entire market for apparel fabrics and accessories.
 
The Pakistan participation will present cotton and functional fabrics whereas the Taiwanese group will showcase blended fabrics, knitted and functional fabrics for leisurewear and sportswear. India, South Korea and Indonesia will display embroidery and lace, silk and silky aspects. Additionally, Turkey, South Korea and Taiwan will offer products for the knitwear sector. In addition, Taiwan, India and Pakistan will also present fibers and yarns in a separate product group area.
 
“The launch of Texworld Istanbul marks a very exciting point in the development of Messe Frankfurt in Turkey”, explains Detlef Braun, Member of the Executive Board of Management of Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH. “In the last ten years, our company has led the path for many Turkish textile professionals to a variety of international markets by offering high-quality fairs all across the globe. Now we are bringing the international fashion fabrics manufacturing base to Turkey.”
 
On the occasion of the official start of Texworld Istanbul, Messe Frankfurt and the Turkish Uludag Textile Exporters’ Association (UTIB) will commit themselves to further expand their successful cooperation. “Therefore, Messe Frankfurt and UTIB will sign a Memorandum of Understanding during the fair confirming the importance of our worldwide textile fairs for the Turkish textile and apparel industry,” says Braun.
 
Focus on Turkey, Middle East and the Gulf States, Central Asia, Russia, Eastern Europe and North Africa
Texworld Istanbul will assemble the entire line of professionals and buyers from all fields of the apparel industry: fashion brands, garment manufacturers, private label producers, textile retailers and wholesalers, mail-order companies, large scale retailing, chain stores, department stores, trading companies, agents, designers, buying offices, sales representatives, trend scouts, etc. Pre-fair online registration indicates the big interest from international and Turkish visitors.
 
Texworld Istanbul is targeting buyers and professional visitors from Turkey and from the surrounding regions, including the Middle East and the Gulf States, Central Asia, Russia, Eastern Europe and North Africa. “Istanbul is a very convenient location for all these countries, with several daily flight connections to all major business centers in those regions. This will add to the dynamic trade environment of Texworld Istanbul, which will be a new meeting point for Asian and global fashion fabrics manufacturers and their buyers from those fast-moving regions”, explains Tayfun Yardım, Deputy General Manager, Messe Frankfurt Istanbul.
 
Istanbul’s central location between Eastern Europe, Central Asia, Middle East and North Africa, enhances the importance of Texworld Istanbul. In addition, the easy access in terms of visa requirements from surrounding regions and the potential of unexplored apparel production markets in these regions contribute to the decision to organize a textile fair in Turkey.
 
Trend Forum and Seminar Program
During Texworld Istanbul, visitors have the opportunity to explore the Trend Forum which has been designed by Texworld’s Art Directors Louis Gerin & Gregory Lamaud. The Trend Forum will put on display selected fabrics and accessories from participating exhibitors. Six themes of influence have been disclosed in the “Impulse” trend book: Spontaneous Attraction, Brutal Poetization, Innocent Appropriation, Anonymous Quintessence, Abrupt Veins, dedicated to denim, and Fragmented Relics for accessories. The season’s colourways tend towards subtle hues, with subdued vivacity: “latent strength as a source of impulse” emphasises Louis Gérin. Interpreted in 44 shades with poetic names dreamt up by the passionate colourists.
 
There will be dedicated seminar sessions by Texworld’s Art Directors Louis Gerin & Gregory Lamaud as well as Peclers Paris presentations by Alexandre Fleveau & Maguelone Pare-Harroc. Vakko Esmod Istanbul Fashion Academy will give a seminar by Nadia Haouach & Dominique Boillot.
 
Prominent support for Texworld’s first edition in Istanbul
Elif Cığızoğlu, one of the most successful and prominent fashion designers in Turkey, has announced her support and excitement for having Texworld in Istanbul after Paris and New York, especially considering the importance of Istanbul in apparel design. “For many years I have visited Texworld in Paris to discover new fabrics which I use in my collection designs. I believe that Texworld Istanbul will contribute a lot for both fashion and textile sectors“, states Elif Cığızoğlu.
 
She is also happy to announce that there will be more joint efforts with Messe Frankfurt Istanbul for the upcoming show in April 2015.

Posted November 4, 2014

Source: Messe Frankfurt
 

Absorbent Product Industry Attendees Gain Insights at 2014 Conference

CARY, N.C. — November 4, 2014 — For industry professionals in absorbent products and personal care markets, the INSIGHT 2014 International Conference held Oct. 19-23 in Indianapolis, Ind., provided strong content and excellent industry marketing and intellectual exchange opportunities.

With a four-year record attendance of 360 delegates, the 36th annual INSIGHT program featured industry presentations spanning the absorbent product and personal care supply chain. Presentations included: new product approaches, testing methods, patent issues, segment growth and trends, research & development advances, and sustainability amid multiple receptions, tabletop displays and networking breaks to increase professional connections.

Attendees from across the nonwoven fabric and absorbent products industry heard insights on success driven by some of the leading industry companies such as:

  • BASF Corporation
  • CAMPEN Machinery A/S
  • Cellulose Converting Solutions, SpA
  • Dow Chemical
  • ExxonMobil Chemical Company
  • Glatfelter Falkenhagen GmbH
  • Herrmann Ultrasonics
  • Jacob Holm Industries
  • Kelheim Fibres, GmbH
  • Kimberly-Clark Corporation
  • Lenzing AG
  • SCA Americas
  • Tredegar Film Products
  • Texsus SpA

Highlighting the conference was the recognition by INDA, the Association of the Nonwovens Industry, of Jim Hanson, Principal and Director of Marketing Technology Service, Inc. with its prestigious INDA Lifetime Service Award.

“INDA is pleased and proud to represent the industry in recognizing Jim Hanson’s long and notable record of service to the absorbent products segment of the nonwovens industry. He has consistently demonstrated his best, both personally and professionally to advance the interests of the Nonwovens industry.  Jim’s pioneering studies and deep knowledge of product design, performance needs and market potentials for the consumer and institutional incontinence markets; also his publishing business and INSIGHT Conference achievements have been an important building block of the industry”, said Dave Rousse, INDA President. The INSIGHT audience acknowledged Hanson with a standing ovation.

INSIGHT, organized for the last time in 2014 by Marketing Technology Service, Inc. was acquired by INDA in May and will be combined with its VISION Consumer Products Conference in 2015.  Synergies of the combined conferences are expected to deliver greater value through more focused content and venues for deeper connections throughout the industry.

The 2015 INSIGHT + VISION Conference will be held in St. Petersburg, Florida, Oct. 26-29 and continue its dedication to the absorbent products and personal care markets.

Posted November 4, 2014

Source: INDA
 

JEC Group Announces The 2014 Winners Of The JEC Asia Innovation Awards

SINGAPORE — November 4, 2014 — This year, during JEC Asia – Composites Show and Conferences, to be held November 17-19, 2014, eight companies and their partners will receive an award for their composites innovations in a ceremony on November 17. The winners broach a wide expanse of domains. They were selected from the following categories: Raw Materials, Prepegs, Process, Automotive, Storage, Sustainability, Recycling and Compression Molding.

Moreover, 2 Singaporean key players will receive an Academic Award and a Life-Achievement Award. The awards will be attributed respectively to Republic Polytechnic for its involvement in developing technical expertise for the composites industry and to Prof. T.E. TAY for his contribution of outstanding scientific significance to the field of composites over his whole career.

In addition, 1 student Award will support tomorrow’s Composites Innovator as it will put forward a student final paper on the Composites field.

“The composites market is booming in Asia representing in 2013 not less than 50% of the world production and the JEC Innovation Awards aim to highlight innovative companies and processes among all the stakeholders. This year, we are very proud of the quality of the Innovation Awards Competition applications for their richness and the complexity of the processes they present” said Mrs. Frédérique Mutel, JEC Group President and CEO.

The jury of composites experts has selected the best composite breakthroughs, based on their technical interest, market potential, partnerships, financial & environmental impact and originality. The decision to give prominence to these projects was based on their atypical nature and various noteworthy aspects.

The JEC innovation awards ceremony will highlight 11 innovators on stage including an academic, a lifetime achievement and a student award, on Monday, November 17 at 4:00 pm at JEC Asia Composites Show And Conferences, Suntec Center, Singapore). The event has been reshaped into a brand new ceremony and will be open to media, exhibitors and visitors. The Innovation Awards Ceremony is sponsored by Aviation Week and JEC Composites Magazine.

  • Category: Raw Materials Winner

    • UHT Unitech Co., Ltd (Taiwan)
    • Name of Product or Process: High-Modulus PAN-based Carbon Fiber
  • Category: Prepregs Winner

    • Gurit (UK)
    • Name of Product or Process: Innovative Long-Shelf-Life Prepreg Systems
  • Category: Process Winner

    • Dongsung Chemical Co., Ltd (Republic of Korea)
    • Name of Product or Process: High Cycle Speed Molding Method
  • Category: Automotive Winner

    • KC Tech (Republic of Korea)
    • Partners: Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre with Boeing (UK), SsangYong Motor Co., Ltd. (Republic of Korea)
    • Name of Product or Process: Microwave Curing of a CFRP Acoustic Cover for Automotive Applications
  • Category: Storage Winner

    • German Aerospace Center – DLR (Germany)
    • Partners: Helmholtz Association (Germany)
    • Name of Product or Process: Innovative Composite Winding Technology for CNG Storage in the Automotive Industry
  • Category: Sustainability Winner

    • Lavender Composites (Australia)
    • Partners: Archer Cork Skateboards (Australia), Amorim (France), Sicomin (France), Bcomp® (Switzerland)
    • Name of Product or Process: Cork Composite Skateboard
  • Category: Recycling Winner

    • FRP Recycling Center, JRPS (Japan)
    • Partners: Japan Fuji Recycle Center (Japan), Goko Butsuryu Co., Ltd. (Japan), Sumitomo Osaka Cement Co., Ltd. (Japan)
    • Name of Product or Process: Waste FRP Recycling
  • Category: Compression Molding Winner

    • HOPE Technik (Singapore)
    • Name of Product or Process: Ultra-Thin Sheet Molding Compound Application
  • Category: Academic Winner

    • Republic Polytechnic
    • Name of Product or Process: Tapping into the Potential of Composite Materials for the Future at Republic Polytechnic
  • Category: Life Achievement Award Winner

    • Tong-Earn Tay, Head of the Department of Mechanical Engineering at NUS (Singapore)

Posted November 4, 2014

Source: JEC Asia
 

Trelleborg Boosts Offering With Acquisition Of Coated Fabrics Specialists

SPARTANBURG, S.C. — November 3, 2014 — Trelleborg’s engineered fabrics operation in the United States has acquired the assets and businesses of coated fabrics specialists, Uretek Archer LLC Group, comprising Uretek LLC and Archer Rubber Company LLC. This significant transaction will strengthen Trelleborg’s existing offering in rubber-coated fabrics, while broadening its range of urethane-coated fabrics.
 
Thomas Caldwell, Director of Sales and Marketing within Trelleborg’s engineered fabrics operation, said: “The demands placed on our coated fabrics vary depending on the application, but each solution has to meet challenging and stringent performance requirements. We place a lot of importance on constantly innovating and developing our product offering, to ensure that our materials can cater to even the harshest environments.
 
“It is this philosophy that drives our commitment to investment in specialist technology and expertise, which will enhance and grow our offering and meet our customers’ developing needs. Uretek Archer LLC Group has a strong level of technical knowledge, a keen focus on R&D and product development, as well as solid customer partnerships. We believe that together, we can strengthen relationships with raw material suppliers to build a stronger supply chain.”
 
Uretek specializes in lightweight laminated polyurethane and is a market leader in North America within this segment. Products are mainly used for inflatable applications in industries such as aerospace, medical and recreational.
 
Archer specializes in rubber-coated fabrics in North America. It is a market leader in butyl-coated-fabrics and some lightweight neoprene applications, for use in slides, rafts and life vests.
 
Caldwell continued: “The merged enterprise will allow us the opportunity to accelerate and build on significant innovations and broaden our material science, applications and products. In addition, the strong capital provided by Trelleborg will serve all product lines by supplying financial support for quality improvements, as well as preparing the next steps in technology development.”
 
Stuart Press, President at Uretek Archer LLC Group, said: “We are delighted to announce the integration of Uretek and Archer coated fabrics technology with Trelleborg’s. We are certain that our new joint expertise and industry connections will provide customers with an enhanced portfolio of urethane and rubber products to choose from, as well as exciting new, innovative technology. We look forward to merging the Trelleborg and Uretek Archer LLC Group businesses.”

Posted November 4, 2014

Source: Trelleborg
 

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