BRÜCKNER On TECHTEXTIL Frankfurt: 75 Years Of Tradition And Innovation

LEONBERG, Germany — APRIL 15, 2024 — This year, the German family-run company is celebrating its 75th birthday. Today, more than 6000 BRÜCKNER lines around the globe produce textile products of all kinds. The product range of the textile machinery manufacturer is at least as diverse as the end products manufactured on it. BRÜCKNER’s customers include manufacturers of industrial textiles, nonwovens, textile floor coverings, artificial turf, glass fabrics and, of course, classic apparel textiles.

Industrial textiles

In the field of coating and finishing industrial textiles, the world market leader offers the right unit for almost every process. Whether full-bath impregnation for aqueous media, one-sided full-surface or dot application of latex and acrylate pastes, foam or paste application via various roller and squeegee systems or the application of laminating adhesive – BRÜCKNER has a solution for every process. Numerous customers worldwide are very satisfied with their BRÜCKNER lines for coating or laminating abrasive cloth, airbags, roof membranes, blackout material, billboards, geotextiles or tarpaulins. In addition to the application units and coating lines, the portfolio also includes the right drying systems.

Nonwovens

These include, for example, the thermofusion ovens of the SUPRA-FLOW product line, which are mainly used in the nonwovens industry. Among other things, high-loft nonwovens for mattresses, insulation, comforters or upholstery, as well as lightweight nonwovens for the hygiene industry such as ADL nonwovens, topsheets or backsheets can be finished on the air-through thermofusion ovens. BRÜCKNER also offers air-through dryers for scrubbing nonwovens, kitchen towels, operating table covers, paper napkins and feminine hygiene products as well as high-speed spunlace lines for wipes, wet wipes and wet laid nonwovens. The POWER-FRAME stenter with proven split-flow technology is used for the thermal treatment of needle felts, high-temperature filters or geo- and agro-nonwovens. It is usually at the heart of the finishing process for classic garment textiles and is also ideal for drying and heat-setting after digital printing.

Floor coverings

Brückner Carpet Line

Discover our expertise in coating, laminating and drying textile floor coverings for yourself. The DUO-THERM dryer deserves special mention here. It is the perfect solution for thermal treatment processes that require temperature separation between the upper and lower air. Like all BRÜCKNER lines, it can be heated with different media: Gas (direct or indirect), thermal oil, steam in low or high pressure versions, electric heating or various hybrid versions. Just recently, a BRÜCKNER line for drying single-sort floor coverings was equipped with a fully electrically heated DUO-THERM dryer. By operating this dryer with green electricity, the long-standing BRÜCKNER customer was offered the possibility of CO2-neutral production of tufted carpets.

Textile expertise made easy

Brückner ExperTex

The new ExperTex simulation tool is a calculation program that makes it possible for the first time in the world to digitally simulate textile drying, heat-setting and curing processes. In addition to the pure process simulation, a comprehensive calculation of consumption data (e.g. electrical and thermal energy required, production costs or the CO2 footprint) is integrated. The active process is automatically perfected using an optimization menu. The innovative algorithm simulates, analyzes and optimizes the entire range of possible setting parameters depending on the specified process, either for maximum production output or to reduce energy consumption. The new ExperTex program is browser-based and intuitive to use.

Visit BRÜCKNER at the TECHTEXTIL in hall 12.0, stand B54.

Posted: April 15, 2024

Source: Brückner Trockentechnik GmbH & Co. KG

SHIMA SEIKI To Exhibit At Techtextil Frankfurt 2024

WAKAYAMA , Japan — APRIL 15, 2024 — Textile technology solutions provider SHIMA SEIKI Mfg. Ltd., Wakayama, Japan, along with its Italian subsidiary SHIMA SEIKI ITALIA S.p.A., will be participating in the Techtextil exhibition in Frankfurt, Germany, this month.

MACH2 XS153

On display will be SHIMA SEIKI’s MACH2 XS153 15L computerized WHOLEGARMENT flat knitting machine and SDS -ONE APEX4 3D design system.

MACH2 XS features 4 needle beds and SHIMA SEIKI’s original SlideNeedle™, capable of producing high-quality fine gauge WHOLEGARMENT products in all needles. There is great potential for WHOLEGARMENT® knitting in the field of technical textiles, where most items are produced by woven or circular- and warp-knitted textiles using specialized industrial materials that are in many instances very costly. Textile production usually involves knitting or weaving a square fabric or sheet from which 2D patterns are cut and sewn together to make the final product, during which precious material is wasted. In sharp contrast, the WHOLEGARMENT knitting process can produce a complete item in 3D without the need for sewing or linking, and no material wasted.

Through WHOLEGARMENT knitting technology, Shima Seiki therefore offers a sustainable, economical and smarter alternative to current manufacturing processes for technical textiles. In addition, because WHOLEGARMENT® knitting can produce one product at a time, it is possible to perform on-demand production for customized items such as for patient care in the medical field. Examples in technical textiles and industrial materials using flat knitting technology by MACH2 XS and other computerized flat knitting machines in Shima Seiki’s lineup will be on display. These include Shima Seiki’s original samples as well as those by users and other partner companies.

SDS -ONE APEX4

Shima Seiki’s SDS -ONE APEX4 3D design system will be available for demonstrations as well.

Of particular interest should be its ultra-realistic simulation capability that realizes virtual sampling. When countless variations must be evaluated before arriving at a final design, virtual product samples can be used to streamline the decision-making process by minimizing the enormous amount of time, cost and material normally associated with producing actual samples for each variation. When approved, the same data can be converted to machine data for immediate knitting, significantly reducing lead times.

Posted: April 15, 2024

Source: Shima Seiki

YKK Adopts Low-Carbon Aluminum For Use In Zippers

TOKYO — April 15, 2024 — YKK Corp. is pleased to report that it will begin purchasing alloy wires that utilize low-carbon aluminum, with the aim of making a staged transition from conventional aluminum alloy zippers to eco-friendly zippers which use low-carbon aluminum.*

YKK, together with Sumitomo Electric Industries Ltd. and Sumitomo Electric Toyama Co. Ltd., both based in Japan, agreed to a contract pertaining to the use of low-carbon aluminum. Beginning in FY2024, YKK will begin purchasing alloy wires that utilize low-carbon aluminum for use as materials in aluminum alloy zippers, and gradually expand their application.

YKK has adopted the YKK Sustainability Vision 2050, its sustainability goals for achieving climate neutrality by 2050, and set targets under the five themes of climate change, material resources, water resources, chemical management, and respect people. YKK has been working to achieve 10 of the SDGs which are related to each of these themes. For the theme of climate change, under the 1.5°C target recognized by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), YKK is striving to cut greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions within the company and across the YKK supply chain, with the goal of reducing Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 50 percent (compared to 2018) and Scope 3 emissions by 30 percent (compared to 2018) by 2030. The adoption of low-carbon aluminum as a material for zippers is one of YKK’s initiatives to achieve the reduction target for Scope 3 emissions.

YKK will continue to work together with customers and suppliers to reduce GHG emissions through the development and expansion of eco-friendly products and technologies and accelerate its efforts to bring about a sustainable society.

“Up to this point, YKK has been working to reduce GHG emissions by increasing the use of recycled materials and plant-based materials in textile materials for zippers and switching to eco-friendly products,” said Terry Tsukumo, vice president of the Product Strategy Division, Global Sales Headquarters, YKK. “In addition to this, low-carbon aluminum is a new YKK initiative to reduce the environmental impact of metal materials used for zippers. We will continue to work with our business partners to reduce our environmental impact throughout the supply chain.”

YKK Digital Showroom

Information about YKK’s sustainability initiatives and its eco-friendly products can be viewed at the YKK Digital Showroom.

https://ykkdigitalshowroom.com/

State of Progress Toward the YKK Sustainability Vision 2050

YKK’s sustainability goal is to achieve climate neutrality by 2050. YKK is working on five themes — Climate Change, Material Resources, Water Resources, Chemical Management, Respect People — and 10 SDG goals related to each of these, and each year reports on its state of progress in the YKK Integrated Report, “This is YKK.”

https://www.ykk.com/english/corporate/csr/eco/report/index.html

Sustainability and the YKK Philosophy of the Cycle of Goodness®

YKK is constantly pursuing the creation and realization of a sustainable society through its business. At the core of all our corporate activities is the philosophy of YKK founder Tadao Yoshida, the “Cycle of Goodness®.” The idea that “no one prospers without rendering benefit to others” clearly expresses the YKK Group’s corporate philosophy of continuing to prosper together with society, customers, related industries, and employees, and is highly compatible with sustainability.

Tadao Yoshida repeatedly shared the essence of this corporate philosophy with employees in a variety of ways. His words “business is like building a bridge,” which are connected to the “Cycle of Goodness®,” can be understood in terms of the SDGs, as he believed that unless we benefit society as a whole, we will not be able to prosper ourselves. The words “manufacturing like clear spring water” and “trash can be a great resource if it is utilized with ingenuity” are linked to environmental consideration, and the words “the strength of a forest is better than a big tree” are linked to respect for human rights and individuality. The circumstances and background today differ significantly from the time when our founding president spoke these words, but a philosophy that is highly compatible with sustainability has nevertheless been at the core of YKK’s management since those early days. It continues to be inherited at the company even today, 90 years later.

https://www.ykk.com/english/shared/pdf/corporate/csr/eco/report/This_is_YKK_part02.pdf

[1] Low-carbon aluminum: The aluminum smelting process requires a large amount of electricity and emits different amounts of carbon dioxide depending on the power source used. The low-carbon aluminum to be used by YKK produces less than four tons of carbon dioxide for each ton of aluminum ingots produced, because renewable energy is used as the power source. The use of renewable energy significantly reduces carbon dioxide emissions when compared to the use of fossil fuel-based electricity sources, such as thermal power generation.

Posted: April 15, 2024

Source: YKK Corporation

Avient To Showcase World’s Strongest Fiber™ And High-Performance Engineered Fibers At Techtextil 2024

AVON LAKE, Ohio — APRIL 15, 2024 — Avient Corp., a provider of specialized and sustainable materials solutions and services, announced it will showcase its high-performance engineered fiber solutions and advanced protective materials portfolio next week at Techtextil, an international trade fair for technical textiles and nonwoven fabrics held in Frankfurt.

Fiber-Line™ composite yarns and Dyneema® fibers can be used to add strength and enhance protection in consumer applications, including workwear.

These highlighted solutions include composite fabrics and textiles that offer high strength-to-weight ratios, stiffness, resistance to corrosion and impact, dimensional stability, and more. These can be used across a broad range of industries and applications, from protective clothing and workwear to synthetic ropes to wires and cables, helping reduce weight and material consumption while enhancing performance.

Additional show highlights include: 

  • Dyneema®, the world’s strongest fiber™ – With its unique combination of low weight and immense strength, Dyneema® is a critical component in ultra-light outdoor gear, protective apparel, and footwear that takes performance and comfort to new heights. Dyneema fibers are widely used by designers fortheir precision-engineered properties to create the lightweight, durable, and high-performance articles that today’s consumers desire.
  • Fiber-Line™ Engineered Fibers – These high-performance synthetic fibers are used in diverse products and industries. With expertise in fiber selection, processing capabilities, and a broad spectrum of end products, Fiber-Line offers uniquely customized solutions that enhance the inherent properties of synthetic fibers. The Fiber-Line portfolio includes custom-formulated composite yarns for high-performance consumer applications, water-blocking yarns, reinforced polymer fibers, strength members for ropes and cord structures, reinforcement yarns, industrial yarns, and wire harness yarns for applications in industrial, oil and gas, and fiber optic markets.

Avient is exhibiting in hall 9.1, booth A60, at Techtextil in Frankfurt am Main, Germany, from April 23-26, 2024.

Posted: April 15, 2024

Source: Avient

Remarks By Ambassador Katherine Tai At The 2024 NCTO Annual Meeting

WASHINGTON — APRIL 11, 2024 — Following is a transcript of Ambassador Katherine Tai’s remarks at the 2024 National Council of Textile Organization’s (NCTO’s) annual meeting:

“Good morning, everyone.  Thank you, Kim and Norman, for the kind invitation and the warm introduction.

I am so glad to be with all of you in person this year.  NCTO and our textile industry are very important to this Administration and to our economy, and it is my pleasure to be here to share that message with you directly.

Congratulations on NCTO’s 20-year anniversary.  I am amazed by your dedicated staff, and I am grateful for Kim’s leadership.  I also want to acknowledge past-President Auggie Tantillo who I know is here today.

Many of the companies represented in this room were here at the founding of the association 20 years ago.  Through difficult times, you persisted and prevailed—your workers and your communities continue to be the foundation of our economy.

Many of you regularly meet with me or my staff.  Thank you for taking the time to travel to Washington to share your views and concerns.

A priority of mine as the U.S. Trade Representative has been to put the “U.S.” back into USTR.  This means that USTR will not sit around and wait for our workers and other underserved stakeholders to come find us—we are coming to you, meeting you where you are, where you work and raise your families.

Some of you know that I have been fortunate to visit several textile research and manufacturing facilities in the last few years.

I visited Aurora Specialty Textiles in Illinois, Milliken & Company in South Carolina, and American & Efird in North Carolina.  I also went to North Carolina State University’s Wilson College of Textiles—maybe Wilson College’s excellence has something to do with NC State’s magical run in the March Madness tournament this year.

Just a few weeks ago, I returned to North Carolina, this time to Burlington, and toured Glen Raven’s facility.

These visits have been enormously meaningful for me for several reasons.

I get to see first-hand your cutting-edge technologies and how you are using green production processes to shrink the industry’s carbon footprint.

But perhaps more importantly, they are valuable because I get to witness your resilience and innovative spirit, and learn more about your businesses and the workers and communities they support.

One of the stories that came out of the pandemic was how our textile manufacturers were told your industry is not that strategic.  In fact, you had been told this for a long time.

But we all know how false and shortsighted this narrative was.

During the height of the pandemic, it was your industry that was able to step up quickly, to repurpose your capabilities to produce essential equipment—like surgical masks and medical-grade gloves.

Companies that would normally be competing with each other worked together to deliver for the country.

This effort was heroic, and not only do I think we all owe you much gratitude, but I also think this is exactly the reason why our trade policy should be used to build resilience in sectors like yours, and not undermine you.

I know the challenges you all have faced in the last several decades and are continuing to face today.  We saw so much production leave the United States, in part because of our trade policies.

Plants shuttered, and many of your companies and workers suffered.  This also had devastating effects for your broader communities and many small businesses that are part of your communities.  When people lose their jobs, or cannot earn a living wage, the effects ripple out far and wide.

I am here to tell you that I hear you, the President and the Vice President hear you, and we are on your side.

This is why we are taking a new approach to trade, one that puts working families first and strives for resilience and durable growth.  One that addresses and advances the interests of all parts of our economy and does not pit Americans against Americans.

One that considers the impact of our policies on rural and disadvantaged communities, including those in which many of you operate.

Our approach is also based in fairness and fair competition, because we know how the People’s Republic of China’s unfair trade practices have wreaked havoc on your industry.

A lot of our work with our trading partners revolves around this issue, but we are also using our trade tools to defend your industry.

As many of you know, we are in the middle of the statutory four-year review of the PRC Section 301 tariffs, and I hope we can announce the outcome of that review soon.

I know that many of you submitted comments for the review, and I value your input.

One thing we learned from the pandemic is how vulnerable we are by over relying on products and inputs from distant shores, especially from economies that do not share our values.  We are actively working to reduce this reliance, including by incentivizing U.S.- and regionally-based production.

This is why USTR recently published a public notice seeking broad input on supply chain resilience.

This is much more than just moving goods around.

It is about proactively strengthening domestic manufacturing.  It is about creating strategic arrangements with trusted partners and with regional partners.

We want your input so that we can work together to develop innovative trade tools to advance supply chain resilience.  Written comments are due by April 22, and requests to testify at our first public hearing are due tomorrow, April 12.

We are also holding field hearings in St. Paul, Minnesota, and in New York City, along with a fully virtual hearing, so I encourage all of you to participate.

An important aspect of our work on supply chains is to collaborate with trading partners to incentivize a race to the top through stronger coordination and alignment on labor and environmental protections.  This is really important to design a system that can adapt and rebound with agility and to drive lasting, inclusive prosperity.

We are enforcing the labor rights provisions in our existing trade agreements to empower workers.  We are also addressing unfair competition based on the exploitation of workers—using all of the tools of our trade policy to combat forced labor in global supply chains.

This looks like working with allies like Japan to set up a task force to address this issue.  This also looks like fully enforcing the Section 307 forced labor import ban, and working with other federal government agencies to make sure that we are not importing goods made with forced labor from the PRC.

I want to emphasize that all of this requires close cooperation with all of you, and I truly appreciate NCTO’s support in these efforts.

This is how we can address today’s most pressing challenges and build durable growth by lifting up more diverse voices across our societies, especially those of underserved communities.

This is also how we can work with other countries to build our middle classes together, and not pit them against each other.

I know some NCTO members are participating in Vice President Harris’ Call-to-Action Initiative, and I want to thank you for that.

This is an important part of our Administration’s work to create meaningful economic opportunity in El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras.  To date, this initiative has galvanized more than $5.2 billion in private sector commitments in northern Central America.

Let me tell you why this is important for Americans and working communities here—these investments and sourcing commitments will help increase economic opportunities in these countries, and promote greater near-shoring and support American jobs that provide the yarns and fabrics that go into Central American apparel production.

We want to work with all stakeholders to bring more production back to this hemisphere, while also strengthening regional supply chains and supporting good-paying jobs in the United States and Central America.  This is how we grow together; this is how we incentivize a race to the top for our people.

We have several dedicated workstreams on this at USTR, including the CAFTA-DR Textiles and Apparel Supply Chain Directory and a joint project with Customs and Border Patrol, where we can continue to work together with all of you to promote regional manufacturing and sourcing, support supply chain resiliency, build capacity, and raise labor and environmental standards in our region.

I know enforcement against illicit trade is important to you, and USTR will continue to work with our CBP colleagues to address your concerns.

On yarn-forward rules of origin, I know how important those are to you and for the success of our trade partnership with the region.  We understand that your investment and business decisions depend on the existing rules of origin remaining stable and secure.

I can assure you that this Administration remains committed to leveraging and safeguarding the strong yarn-forward rules of origin for apparel under the CAFTA-DR.

NCTO has been an important partner as we write the next chapter of U.S. trade policy.  I know that we will continue our collaboration in the months ahead.

I understand your interest in renewing the Miscellaneous Tariff Bills program and the impact of de minimis on some manufacturers and retailers.  We are closely following any Congressional action on this matter.

Thank you for the opportunity to share my thoughts with you, and congratulations again on your 20th anniversary.  I look forward to the next 20 years and to continuing to work with you to craft a trade policy that works for all Americans.”

Posted: April 11, 2024

Source: U.S. Trade Representative Press Office (As Prepared for Delivery)

BUFF® Joins 1% For The Planet With Bestselling CoolNet UV® 

SANTA ROSA, Calif. — April 11, 2024 — BUFF®, a producer of headwear and neckwear for outdoor enthusiasts, has announced its continued commitment to the environment by joining 1% For The Planet with one of its most loved products, CoolNet UV®.

Since the very beginning, BUFF has proudly supported organizations that help safeguard the future of the planet such as Protect Our Winters and The European Outdoor Conservation Association (EOCA). Joining 1% For The Planet allows BUFF to take another step in the right direction by working alongside like minded companies with a common goal: supporting people and nature. The initiative connects eco-conscious brands with impactful organizations to make a real difference through social and environmental action.

“From day one, BUFF has been committed to choosing the responsible path, whether producing 90 percent of our products in-house or becoming B Corp certified — our goal is to continually improve and be the best that we can for our consumers, retailers, employees, and the planet,” said David Camps, BUFF CEO. “Donating 1 percent of sales from our best-selling CoolNet UV to environmental non-profits is another step towards continued improvement.”

CoolNet UV is designed for warm weather activities, delivering UPF 50 for protection against harmful UV rays. Made with 95-percent recycled materials in BUFF’s Barcelona Headquarters, the HeiQ cooling technology and POLYGIENE antimicrobial technology keeps users fresh and protected during high intensity activities.

BUFF’s commitment to 1% For The Planet supports the work of four leading non-profit organizations whose values and purposes align with their own:

  • B Corp: A global movement that empowers companies to be a force for good through social and environmental performance standards. In 2023 BUFF announced its B Corp certification with a score of 105.7, well above industry average.
  • Protect our Winters: A partner of BUFF since 2018, this global organization aims to inspire people from all backgrounds to protect the places we play from climate change — through education and giving a voice to the outdoor sports community.
  • Surfrider Foundation: In collaboration with the Surfrider Foundation, BUFF is helping to drive change, boost awareness and inspire others to be ocean activists. This powerful activist network is tackling pollution, the effects of climate change, threats to marine ecosystems and beach accessibility issues.
  • EOCA: For over a decade, BUFF has been supporting The European Outdoor Conservation Association (EOCA) which funds grassroots projects that make a tangible difference to threatened wild areas, species and habitats.

Posted April 11, 2024

Source: BUFF

National Council Of Textile Organizations (NCTO) Chairman Norman Chapman Delivers 2024 State Of The U.S. Textile Industry Address

WASHINGTON — APRIL 11, 2024 — National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO) Chairman Norman Chapman delivered the trade association’s State of the U.S. Textile Industry overview at NCTO’s 20th Annual Meeting on April 11.

Chapman’s speech highlighted the severe economic challenges confronting the U.S. textile industry that have been exacerbated by predatory trade behavior and customs fraud that is harming this vital and strategic domestic supply chain. He also highlighted NCTO’s effective advocacy efforts that resulted in a long list of accomplishments to counter some of the damaging illegal trade practices and bolster the industry.

“While the domestic textile industry is a key contributor to the U.S. economy and a critical part of the military and public health industrial base, our sector is facing a crisis of historic proportions as the result of rapidly deteriorating market conditions coupled with unchecked foreign predatory trade practices and diminished customs enforcement activities, Chapman stated in the speech. “At the end of the day, some key fundamentals for the U.S. textile industry remained sound, while others weakened. While we expect to see ongoing challenges this year, which will test our resolve, we know collectively as an industry this will not weaken our resilience or our innovative spirit.”

Please see a link to his full remarks as prepared for delivery.

Chapman is president and CEO of Inman Mills, a leading South Carolina manufacturer of yarns and woven fabrics for military, mattress and commercial products, including fire-retardant products.

NCTO’s annual meeting was held April 9-11, 2024 at The Watergate Hotel in Washington.

Posted: April 11, 2024

Source: National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO)

Active Apparel Group Embraces Toxin Reduction, Uses OEKO-TEX 100 Certified Water-Based Inks For Apparel Printing

CULVER CITY, Calif.  — APRIL 11, 2024 — As part of a broader initiative to reduce environmental impacts and keep ahead of evolving global chemical regulations, Active Apparel Group (AAG), manufacturer of performance apparel for the leisure/lifestyle and active market, is embracing water-based OEKO-TEX 100 Class 1 Standard Printing Inks in their manufacturing process.

Common and inexpensive inks used in the global manufacture of apparel contain a wide range of toxic chemicals, including phthalates, petroleum-based co-solvents, PVC, and other volatile organic compounds. AAG’s initiative to use OEKO-TEX approved, water-based inks creates benefits for factory workers, people living local to these factories, consumers, and everyone downstream. The benefits of water-based inks are numerous.

“Reducing toxic chemicals from the manufacturing process is the right thing to do for our employees, for people living close to our manufacturing facilities, and for anyone buying the apparel that we manufacture,” said Daniel Hawker, CEO of AAG. “Moving away from toxins also allows us to keep ahead of increasingly stringent environmental regulations, allowing our customers to stay profitable in a quickly changing global marketplace.”

AAG offers a range of printing methods to address a variety of customer needs, including:  digital printing, screen printing, and heat transfers for on-garment logos and care instructions. OEKO-TEX certified water-based inks are used for all of its digital printing and for the majority of its screen printing. These non-toxic water-based inks offer a socially and environmentally better alternative to the more commonly used Plastisol inks.

Making a sizable environmental impact, the printing service of AAG’s business is significant. Digital printing averages 25,000 meters per month with screen printing averaging 60,000 garments per month.

The use of water-based inks requires a skilled production team and training of employees is ongoing. AAG currently employs 30 people at its printing operations in Ningbo, China.

OEKO-TEX 100 Class 1 Standard Printing Inks are a specialized category of printing inks (typically used in textiles and fabrics) that comply with the stringent OEKO-TEX 100 certification, ensuring they contain no harmful substances and are safe, even for the most sensitive skin. Compared to industry standards, these inks offer substantial environmental benefits by significantly reducing the risk of allergens and harmful chemicals leaching into the environment.

Posted: April 11, 2024

Source: Active Apparel Group (AAG)

Pertex® Launches New Brand Identity: “Pertex. Weaving high-performance fabrics for outdoor people since 1979”

PADIHAM, England — APRIL 10, 2024 — Pertex, the creator of high-performance fabrics for outdoor apparel and equipment, has launched a new brand identity and strategy. The new identity draws from foundations as the experts in weaving lightweight fabrics from ultra-fine yarns. It combines technical elements of fabric construction with a heritage and ethos rooted in the outdoors, summarized by the strapline “Pertex. Weaving high-performance fabrics for outdoor people since 1979.”

The identity launches for Spring 2024 across all Pertex communications. It includes a completely redesigned on-product branding program which allows Pertex brand partners to clearly differentiate their product with premium, functional benefits.

A new consumer facing website features detailed information, graphics, and animations, underlining the innovation behind Pertex fabrics and giving consumers insight into the unique performance advantages. It also invites users to explore the history, responsibility, and ethos of the brand to form deeper connections though shared values and perspectives.

“Pertex was born from the combination of creative ingenuity with deep technical knowledge. For 45 years we have been developing fabrics which equip people to experience the joy of the outdoors in all the elements,” said Andy Laycock, Pertex Brand director.

“This new brand identity allows both us and our partners to effectively communicate the performance of Pertex fabrics and to tell the story of the brand. It provides a distinct and unique positioning for Pertex to thrive, even in today’s demanding environment,” Laycock added.

A campaign to introduce the identity will through April, across Pertex digital channels, encouraging people to explore the branding through the new Pertex.com website.

Posted: April 11, 2024

Source: Pertex

Techtextil Frankfurt: The ITA Group To Present A  Range Of Research On Sustainability And Recycling

AACHEN, Germany — APRIL 11, 2024 — At Techtextil in Frankfurt, Germany, the ITA Group will be presenting its entire range of research on sustainability and recycling at the Elmatex joint stand in Hall 12.0 D63 from April 23-26, 2024:

  • The BIOTEXFUTURE innovation area is gaining speed and is presenting most of the exhibition items at its own stand and at the stand of ITA Institut für Textiltechnik of RWTH Aachen University. Specifically, these are the projects BIOBASE, BIOTURF, CO2TEX, DEGRATEX and LIGHTLINING projects.
  • BIOTURF, CO2TEX and BIOBASE will also be presented at the joint bioeconomy stand of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) in Hall 2, Stand A35, at the Hannover Messe (22-26 April 2024) in Hannover, Germany, which is taking place at the same time.
  • ITA will also be presenting a more wear-resistant hemp polishing disc at Techtextil in Frankfurt am Main.
  • The Recycling Atelier ITA Augsburg gGmbH presents its core competence as the first model factory for mechanical textile recycling.
Hemp Polishing Disc

Please find below a brief overview of the individual exhibits:

  1. BIOBASE – Interior textiles made from biopolymers

As part of the BIOBASE project, funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research, interior textiles made from biopolymers have been developed together with Krall+Roth Produktions GmbH. In order to investigate the substitution potential of different biopolymers, an established, petroleum-based product is being modelled with polymers based on renewable raw materials. Therefore, commercially available bio-based polymers have been selected, melt-spun into filament yarns, then air-texturised and further processed into fabrics. The manufacturing processes and machine settings along the textile value chain had to be adapted to the respective material behaviour of the biopolymers. Using this process, fabrics made from four different (partially) bio-based polyamides were successfully realised for the interior sector. Please find further information here – https://biotexfuture.info/projects/biobase/

  1. BIOTURF – Bio-based artificial turf without microplastic granulate infill

The aim is to develop an artificial turf structure made of bio-polyethylene (PE) that does not differ chemically from petroleum-based PE in terms of its essential properties. The mono-material structure should enable high-quality material recycling – an important starting point for the subsequent recycling of the product. In addition, the new artificial turf structure will not require the addition of infill granules, thus solving the current microplastic problem of artificial turf pitches. Please find more information here – https://biotexfuture.info/projects/biobase/

  1. CO2TEX – Lifestyle compression stocking with TPU yarns that contain CO2, among other things

Elasticity is the ability of a textile to stretch or recover when required. This has a direct effect on functionality. Currently, elasticity in textiles is almost exclusively provided by so-called “elastanes”.

Elastanes are elastic filament yarns that are usually made from fossil-based elastomeric polyurethanes. The estimated production volume is around 1.22 million tonnes per year. The elastomeric character requires the use of dry spinning technologies for yarn production, which leads to challenges such as low production speeds and therefore comparatively expensive yarns.

In addition, potentially hazardous and environmentally harmful solvents must be used – an appropriate occupational safety concept is therefore essential. At the end of the product life cycle, dry-spun elastanes impair recycling because the individual components of the textile cannot be separated with technically and economically justifiable effort.These challenges can be solved by using elastic, bio-based or CO2-containing TPU filament yarns.

In the CO2Tex project, TPU yarns were developed on industrial melt spinning systems using polymers with a renewable content of up to 18 per cent by weight. With elongations of up to 600 per cent, diverse and innovative applications can be developed, such as the lifestyle compression stocking exhibited here – https://biotexfuture.info/projects/co2tex/

  1. DEGRATEX: Degradable geotextiles

The aim of DEGRATEX is to develop bio-based, degradable solutions for geotextiles for short-term applications such as the temporary stabilisation of earth structures or vegetation protection. The materials fulfil their function until they can be taken over by natural components such as soil-stabilising or ground-covering plants.

As part of the project, various materials and textile structures for these applications are being researched and the effects of the degradation process on the surrounding environment are being scientifically assessed. In addition, the project aims to develop assessment and decision-making tools for the use of degradable geotextiles. The results will make it possible to replace conventional geotextiles with bio-based and degradable product solutions within a technically and ecologically sensible framework. In this way, material structures can be used resource-efficiently in applications, provide added value from a technical and functional point of view and reduce the use of petrochemical plastics for use in nature. Please find more information here – https://biotexfuture.info/projects/degratex/

  1. Hemp polishing disc

Currently, polishing discs are generally made of cotton, for more abrasive polishing processes they are made of sisal, for example. For ecological reasons, the cotton polishing disc will be replaced by a more wear-resistant hemp polishing disc. For this purpose, cotonised – i.e. cotton-like – hemp is used. The wear resistance is ensured by a stronger material removal behaviour, which polishes the components faster. This saves time in the polishing process and therefore money. Please find more information here – https://www.ita.rwth-aachen.de/cms/ita/das-institut/aktuelle-veranstaltungen/ita-auf-der-techtextil/~bgdaxr/hanfpolierscheibe/?lidx=1

  1. LIGHT LINING – Aerogel fibres and textiles

The ITA has succeeded in developing a cost-effective and industrially scalable manufacturing process for insulating textiles made from 100 percent aerogel fibres. Cellulose aerogel textiles are not only sustainable, but also very flexible and drapable compared to conventionally rigid or brittle aerogel products, which means that they can also be processed on conventional textile machines. The development at ITA promises a new, globally unique, sustainable, highly efficient insulation material that combines the advantages of textiles (flexibility & good processability) with those of aerogels (very low weight & very good thermal insulation). Please find further information here – https://biotexfuture.info/projects/lightlining/

Recycling Atelier ITA Augsburg gGmbH

The Recycling Atelier is a centre for research and development along the entire textile production chain for textile recycling. The bundling of the most important processes enables holistic and comprehensive research that has not existed in this form to date. Together, the partner network is looking for answers to the scarcely practised textile recycling and the missing triad of technical meaningfulness (downcycling), economic benefit (lack of profitability) and ecological meaningfulness (CO2 footprint).

Under the title “Walk4Recycling”, the Recycling Atelier now presents products made from post-consumer recycled materials. A new flat-knit jumper, teddy bears and a fleece bag have been produced from used textiles (worn knitwear) with the help of the strong partner network. The ring yarn used for the jumper consists of 65 per cent recycled cotton and 35 per cent new polyester. This high proportion of post-consumer recycled material is an innovation for a ring-spun yarn of this fineness, as today mainly coarse rotor yarns for lower-quality textiles are spun from these materials. The dyeing and decolouring process, which is essential for the fashionable reuse of textiles, is demonstrated using the teddy bear as an example. The non-woven bag shows the potential to close further circles. The fibre remnants from the ring yarn production of the jumper and teddy were collected for this purpose. The fibre remnants were processed with regranulated LooPET fibres to create a nonwoven fabric. This gives the cotton fibres a further life cycle.

Come and see us – we look forward to your visit

Posted: April 11, 2024

Source: ITA – Institut für Textiltechnik of RWTH Aachen University

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