Elon, N.C.-based T-ChIP™ [Textile Chemical Information Profile] is a new chemical hazard and risk assessment program designed to assist textile and textile chemical manufacturers by providing the latest human and environmental toxicological data on commercial textile chemicals. T-ChIP also conducts verifiable hazard and risk assessments and provides manufacturers a hazard and risk profile for a product’s individual ingredients beyond information provided in a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). The program is set to launch on January 22.
To provide clients with the most complete and reliable data, T-ChIP has partnered with Charlottesville, Va.-based SciVera LLC, creator of an extensive chemical toxicology database. SciVera will provide T-ChIP with the hazard assessment data for ingredients used in commercial textile chemicals.
“SciVera has created one of the most extensive and well respected chemical toxicology databases in the world,” said Dina Dunn, cofounder, T-ChIP. “Through our partnership with SciVera, we provide clients with cost-effective, reliable and thorough analyses using the very best and very latest information available. T-ChIP and SciVera do this work within a confidential framework that protects proprietary formulas and trade secrets, a service never before available in the textile industry.”
In order to protect intellectual property, chemical manufacturers can disclose a detailed list of ingredients found in their products using T-ChIP’s secure portal. T-ChIP then conducts a detailed analysis of those ingredients and generates a hazard/risk assessment report on a product for a client without revealing any proprietary formulation trade secrets.
“The launch of T-ChIP greatly simplifies the product chemical assessment process for the textile industry,” said Joseph Rinkevich, founder, SciVera. “In addition to providing an effective analytical and reporting function, T-ChIP is also a powerful chemical management tool. Each T-ChIP report provides textile manufacturers with a detailed understanding of the hazards and risks associated with their chemical compounds down to the component level, leading to safer processes at the facility and safer products for the market.”
According to T-ChIP, knowing more about the hazards and risks associated with using various textile chemicals can help a manufacturer manage chemicals responsibility, and in turn become a greener manufacturer that produces in a more sustainable manner. In addition, a detailed T-ChIP report allows manufacturers to share information with brands and retailers that are more commonly requiring chemical information from their suppliers.
January 21, 2014
T-ChIP™ Teams With SciVera, Program Available January 22
The Rupp Report: The Missed First Impression
Heimtextil, the International Trade Fair for Home and Contract Textiles, took place Jan. 8-11, 2014. The organizers said that this year’s show saw a significant increase in both visitors and exhibitors: nearly 67,000 visitors from 133 countries — compared to 65,835 visitors in 2013 — came to see the latest products and innovations from 2,718 international exhibitors — compared to 2,616 in 2013. The next Heimtextil in Frankfurt am Main will be held Jan. 14-17, 2015.
Positive Feedback …
The organizers claim that the show was a big success in spite of all recent troubles around the globe, “sending out a positive signal to the sector.” Of great importance is the fact that many leading European companies came back to Frankfurt as exhibitors. The numbers are quite impressive: according to a survey, 94 percent of visitors said they had achieved their target at the exhibition. On the other hand — and this seems to be more important — the exhibitors were pleased with the quality of the visitors. Seventy-nine percent of the exhibitors declared their satisfaction with the outcome of the fair.
… With A High Level Of Internationality
One of the main reasons for the ongoing success of Heimtextil is the still high level of internationality: more than 66 percent of visitors and 88 percent of exhibitors came from outside Germany. Growth was noted particularly from Scandinavia, Eastern Europe, South America and South Korea. Some halls were full of exhibitors from Asian countries including India and China, giving the feeling of being at an Asian show rather than at Heimtextil in Germany. It will be interesting to see if this last big textile show in Frankfurt — apart from Techtextil — will remain or go the same way as Interstoff did some years ago. Interstoff disappeared, and most of the important product shows moved to Asia.
Growing Market For Digital Textile Printing
One of the outstanding trends at this year’s Heimtextil was the shift toward digital textile printing. This was obvious by the increased number of exhibitors and innovations in that sector. Some producers of inkjet printers made presentations at Heimtextil for the first time, while some increased the size of their exhibition booths.
Hardly any other area of the finishing/printing sector has made such a giant leap in development in the last 10 years. From a very slow beginning, taking hours to produce a few square meters, the production speed has gone up dramatically. The advantages of new printing technology are more than obvious: Mainly, it reduces the massive costs of producing samples or even complete ranges of printed fabrics. In the 1970s, a full range of printed fabrics including some color samples was produced at costs of double-digit millions of dollars, not including all the greige fabrics that had to be used for the sampling material. If one added the costs of design, screens and roller engraving, it was virtually a dance on the wire to produce successful collections. By applying inkjet technology, most of these costs are eliminated, even the costs of greige fabrics. Modern design programs can even imitate the surface of the chosen fabric structure. Inkjet or digital printing is definitely a technology that will further grow, and the Rupp Report will certainly have an eye on that in the near future.
The Missed Opportunity
However, there is another thing that is hard to understand at an exhibition — and which was apparent at Heimtextil too, and not only at booths of exhibitors from outside Europe. Basically the target of a booth at an exhibition is to present the products of the exhibitor and eventually to sell something. Keeping in mind that another maybe 100 competitors are there too to sell comparable products, every bit of a chance should be taken to attract visitors to come into the booth, ask them questions and possibly sell them something. Wherever it is — at machinery shows like ITMA Asia + CITME, or at fabric-oriented shows like Heimtextil — one can see that very often the personnel in the booth don’t seem to be very keen to visit with people. Some are eating, some are chatting with their booth mates, some are playing with their cell phones, and some are not even there when they should be. The list could be extended with many more examples of how to prevent possible customers from entering the booth.
Handle With Care
How do these people handle their customers? Is it the same as if one is calling a company and has to wait for minutes just to get somebody on the phone? In every low-level management course, customer relations are at the top of the list. Companies are spending a lot of money to install smooth customer and after-sales service and to have an attractive website. But it seems that companies often forget that successful sales are all about people. And topping off an incomplete list of how to discourage customers is the language barrier. Asian companies especially have this problem. How on earth can they be successful if nobody in the booth speaks a word of a language other than Chinese, Urdu, Hindi or Japanese?
Today, quality is not an attribute of being successful but rather a prerequisite. And you never get a second chance for a first impression. So, if you, as a potential customer, are standing in front of a row of booths that are all selling more or less the same stuff, where would you go to buy something? In the booth where somebody’s eating, drinking or having fun with his cell phone? Or would you prefer to go to the booth where someone is looking at you with a smile and welcoming you to come in? There are a few important exhibitions that will take place in the near future; ITMA Asia + CITME is just one mentioned. The Rupp Report is curious to know how you, dear reader, handle this issue with your people and how you prepare your team for an important event. If you have something to say, or something to share with the community of the readers, please write to jrupp@textileworld.com.
January 21, 2014
Cotton Incorporated’s TransDRY® Features Polygiene Antimicrobial Finish
Cary, N.C.-based Cotton Incorporated is now incorporating Sweden-based Polygiene AB’s Polygiene® antimicrobial fabric finish into its TransDRY® moisture-management technology for cotton, which provides moisture-transferring and quick-drying properties while maintaining a garment’s comfort and softness and keeping the wearer cool.
Polygiene technology is based on silver salt derived from recycled silver and offers permanent odor control, according to the company. The bluesign®-approved treatment can be applied at any stage of production to a variety of textiles and surfaces, and can reduce the need for frequent laundering, Polygiene reports.
“Polygiene is a natural complement to our TransDry moisture management technology for cotton fibers,” said David Earley, senior director, supply chain marketing, Cotton Incorporated. “Its performance in both field and lab tests is exceptional and only enhances the inherent benefits of cotton. We believe clothing designers and consumers alike will see the benefits for everything from sports apparel to travel wear to daily items like button down shirts or even denim.”
January 21, 2014
Chomarat To Expand Anderson, S.C., Facility, Add 20 Jobs
Anderson, S.C.-based Chomarat North America — the regional division of France-based textiles and composites manufacturer Chomarat Group — is investing $10 million to expand its Anderson operations and add 20 jobs. The investment includes the addition of manufacturing space and new equipment.
Chomarat reports the expansion will entail both physical and technical changes into advanced composite reinforcements, and that it will enable the company to expand its business into new markets including industrial, automotive and aerospace, among other markets.
“It is an exciting time for Chomarat as we grow our legacy business and expand operations to support new markets,” said Brian Laufenberg, president, Chomarat North America. “The advanced composites business is quite healthy in this country, and particularly strong in South Carolina, where there is a long history of textile and reinforcements manufacturing. We are fortunate to have the opportunity to operate and grow our business in Anderson County.”
January 21, 2014
USAID, AAFA and ACTIF MOU Will Boost U.S.-Africa Apparel Trade
WASHINGTON — January 17, 2014 — The United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA), and the African Cotton & Textile Industries Federation (ACTIF) have entered into a memorandum of understanding to expand trade and investment linkages between the United States and sub-Saharan Africa in the cotton textile and apparel sectors.
Building on the momentum of President Obama’s Trade Africa initiative, this new alliance will promote Africa as a reliable sourcing destination for international buyers and explore opportunities to promote U.S. trade and investment in Africa. As ACTIF’s Chairman Jaswinder Bedi noted, “Africa is poised to make great strides in economic development in this decade with our combined GDP growing by 60 percent by 2020. This partnership with USAID and AAFA will ensure that both the United States and Africa participate in this growth story.”
With support from USAID, AAFA and ACTIF plan to expand and facilitate U.S.-Africa cooperation through the exchange of market and import/export policy information, guidance on requirements and best practices, and the promotion of joint solutions to address market constraints. “Sub-Saharan Africa is a growing player in the global apparel and footwear marketplace,” said AAFA Executive Vice President Steve Lamar. “Through this memorandum of understanding, AAFA is excited to work with USAID and ACTIF to facilitate increased trade and market access opportunities between the United States and Africa.”
President Obama has renewed the United States’ emphasis on spurring economic growth, trade, and investment in Africa, including promoting an enabling environment for trade and investment, regional integration, improved economic governance and expanded African capacity to trade. As America supports the development of Africa’s economic growth, it can generate new export markets and tap into a common market that could one day outpace India or China. USAID Principal Advisor for Africa Oren Whyche-Shaw remarked that the new USAID-AAFA-ACTIF partnership will “take advantage of growing opportunities in the global marketplace and create jobs and income on both continents.”
Posted January 21, 2014
Source: AAFA
Cooler. Dryer. More dynamic. A new generation of ADAPTIVE.
BAD ZURZACH, Switzerland — January 20, 2014 — 2013 was a successful year for HeiQ’s cornerstone technology. Champion launched several product ranges featuring ADAPTIVE as a key innovation. And now the Swiss-based company is taking dynamic cooling textiles to the next level of performance with ADAPTIVE 4.
ADAPTIVE, HeiQ’s intelligent textile technology, transforms ordinary garments into dynamic textiles that respond to the wearer’s needs. The rate of cooling and the evaporation of perspiration changes rapidly according to body temperature. The technology complements the skin’s natural moisture transport system, helping control cooling.
HeiQ is delighted to introduce the fourth generation of ADAPTIVE, which boosts significantly enhanced dynamic cooling properties resulting in an increase of perceived comfort and performance of the wearer. This latest product generation provides a one product solution to simplify the application process – a great benefit for textile manufacturers.
The ADAPTIVE product platform is one of HeiQ’s cornerstone technologies. It has been adopted by several global brands, including Champion, New Balance, KJUS and Scott Sports. In Q1 2013, Champion successfully introduced several product ranges treated with ADAPTIVE to the market. Sales of these ranges have smashed both forecasts and previous years’ figures after just a few months.
“The development of this intelligent, high-performance collection owes its success to our close collaboration with Champion. We worked hand in hand on the technology and product development, and enjoyed an open exchange of knowledge and ideas,” says Timothy James Skedzuhn, HeiQ’s Vice President of Global Brandforce.
HeiQ also provides marketing support for ADAPTIVE in the form of innovative Video Hangtags. These high-quality hangtags feature customizable QR codes. By scanning the QR code with their smartphone, the consumer is taken directly to an emotionally compelling explanatory video. The Video Hangtags are not just a means of providing technical information – they are also designed to capture the consumer’s interest and trust, and communicate the treated garment’s added benefits. New Balance has recently launched a range of running apparel treated with ADAPTIVE dynamic cooling technology for Spring/Summer 2014. The sportswear brand has also become HeiQ’s latest Video Hangtag partner, with garments featuring jointly-developed customized hangtags. What’s more, a dedicated website has been created to inform customers of the benefits of ADAPTIVE.
HeiQ’s marketing services support its brand partners by conveying a compelling story of innovation to consumers. HeiQ is proudly maintaining and expanding its ingredient brand partnerships. This has led to steady increases in sales, improved margins and a clear differentiation for HeiQ’s brand partners at the point of sale.
At ISPO 2014, HeiQ will present New Balance running apparel with ADAPTIVE alongside its revolutionary fluorine-free DWR technology BARRIER ECO, recently adopted amongst others by The North Face, R’adys, Vaude and Jack Wolfskin. This year’s ISPO is in Munich, from January 26-29. HeiQ will be pleased to welcome visitors at booth C2 / BN01.
Posted January 21, 2014
Source: HeiQ
Nederman LLC Receives Order For $14.4 Million
THOMASVILLE, N.C. — January 15, 2014 — Nederman LLC, the largest supplier and manufacturer of industrial filtration equipment in North America, has received an order from Gildan Yarns, LLC to supply a complete turnkey air filtration and air conditioning system to a new yarn spinning facility currently being built by the company in Salisbury, N.C. Gildan Yarns, LLC is a subsidiary of Gildan Activewear Inc., a leading supplier of quality branded basic family apparel, including T-shirts, fleece, sport shirts, socks and underwear. The order is worth $14.4 million.
The Nederman system will reduce dust levels in the new production facility and supply conditioned air to the yarn processing equipment to maintain high production levels. The order includes more than 30 automatic panel filters, fine dust filters, a complete hi-vacuum waste removal, a reclaim system and 19,685 ft. of ducts. It will reduce dust levels to meet OSHA regulations (Occupational Safety & Health Administration) stated by the United States Department of Labor and at the same time reduce the energy required by as much as 25% over conventional air conditioning supply systems.
Posted January 21, 2014
Source: Nederman
Epson Launches New SureColor F7170 Dye-Sublimation Printer
LONG BEACH, Calif — January 17, 2014 — Epson America today introduced its latest dye-sublimation printer designed for the roll-to-roll digital textile market — the new Epson® SureColor™ F7170. The SureColor F7170 joins the complete line of SureColor F-Series printers, including the F6070 and F7070, and integrates true roll-to-roll support for unprecedented levels of performance, reliability, and image quality for the fabric production and soft signage markets.
Designed exclusively by Epson, the optimized Epson MicroPiezo® TFP® print head and Epson UltraChrome® DS ink system enables the SureColor F7170 to deliver high-quality printing for a range of dye-sublimation applications with superior dot control, precise and repeatable performance and excellent longevity. A new highly accurate take up reel and substrate system delivers winding accuracy between zero and 19-inches on transfer paper rolls for a wide range of digital textile applications, including flags, banners, home furnishings, and apparel manufacturing. Built for increased productivity, the SureColor F7170 also features a high-capacity ink tank system with refillable bags to allow continuous printing through a full roll of media without running cleaning cycles and a new post-platen heater for faster drying times.
“The SureColor F7170 was designed to enable digital textile producers to increase productivity, minimize downtime and maximize profitability,” said Catalina Frank, product manager, Professional Imaging, Epson America, Inc. “The combined power of Epson’s MicroPiezo TFP print head technology with an advanced feature set and industrial-level performance enables customers to manage high-quality dye-sublimation printing across a range of applications all day, every day.”
The Epson SureColor F7170 offers a range of features, including:
- Precise Roll-to-Roll Feeding Technology: A new highly accurate take up reel and substrate system delivers winding accuracy between zero and .19-inches on transfer paper rolls; standard on the SureColor F7170, this robust take-up reel allows for maximum uninterrupted production runs with minimal maintenance downtime
- MicroPiezo TFP Print Head: One-inch wide, high performance print head with 360 nozzles per channel capable of handling ten separate ink channels; low vibration meniscus control for highly accurate dot shape and placement
- Epson UltraChrome DS Ink: The SureColor F7170 is designed to work exclusively with Epson UltraChrome DS Ink and no other inks or cartridges1; Epson exclusive dye-sublimation CMYK ink technology produces extreme color gamut with vibrant colors, intense blacks, sharp contours, and smooth gradations; provides extremely fast drying times, and with the new ink refill packs, offers a low total cost of ownership
- Wasatch SoftRIP: Wasatch SoftRIP TX enables users to start printing sellable output immediately out of the box with specialty features for textile printing
- Epson Transfer Media: The SureColor F7170 is fully compatible with Epson’s line of dye-sublimation transfer papers, including the new DS Transfer Production paper for high-volume customers (up to 575 feet per roll), as well as two other offerings – the DS Transfer Adhesive Textile for high-end cut-and-sew fabric and apparel production and the DS Transfer Multipurpose for transfer applications that use either soft or rigid surfaces.
Support and Availability
The Epson SureColor F7170 will begin shipping in summer 2014 through Epson’s select F-Series dealers. The SureColor F7170 offers a standard Epson PreferredSM Limited Warranty, a one-year program that includes toll-free advanced telephone access Monday through Friday and usually next business-day on-site service. For additional information, visit www.proimaging.epson.com.
Posted January 21, 2014
Source: Epson
European Chemical Agency Updates SVHC Candidate List
Hong Kong — January 16, 2014 — On 16 December 2013, 7 substances were added to the Candidate List of Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC) for Authorization by the European Chemical Agency (ECHA) (1). In December 2013, the multi-annual work program 2014 – 2018 (2) was adopted and ECHA expects to receive 30 proposals for identification as SVHC in 2014 and then 50 proposals annually for the following four years. The current list consists of 151 entries (3) which would be expanded over time until 2020, according to the roadmap for SVHC identification and implementation of REACH (4).
Obligations for EU Importers and Manufacturers under REACH
Under Article 33 of REACH, importers and producers of articles have to provide information on safe use of the products within 45 days upon request, if a Candidate List substance is present in the articles in a concentration above 0.1% (w/w). For SVHC present in the articles above a concentration of 0.1% (w/w) and in quantity over one ton per year, manufacturers or the importers of the articles have to submit a notification to ECHA according to Article 7 of REACH. The notification of SVHCs in articles shall be made within 6 months after its inclusion to the List. The notification deadline for the 7 SVHCs added to the Candidate List on 16 December 2013 is 16 June 2014.
SVHC Candidate List Update
7 substances were added to the SVHC candidate list on 16 December 2013. Three of the new candidate substances widely used as additives in plastic and rubber were included because of the reproductive toxicity category 1B (Repr. 1B). With the inclusion of dihexyl phthalate, the phthalate substance group now counts 12 entries. While trixylyl phosphate is used as flame retardant in plastic, imidazolidine-2-thione acts as an accelerator in the production of chloroprene rubber. There are three colorants on the list and are classified as Carcinogen category 1B (Carc. 1B). Direct Black 38 and Direct Red 28 are benzidine-based dyes mainly used for the dyeing of textile and paper. The inorganic pigment, cadmium sulphide, is also classified as equivalent level of concern (EQC) based on their specific target organ toxicity after prolonged exposure (STOT RE). Lead compounds now comprise 31 entries by including lead di(acetate), which is classified as toxic to reproduction category 1A (Repr. 1A).
The potential uses of the 7 SVHCs are summarized in Table 1 within the latest SafeGuardS bulletin.
References:
(1) ECHA updates the Candidate List for authorisation with 7 new substances of very high concern(SVHCs)
(2) Multi-annual work programme 2014 – 2018
(3) Candidate List of SVHC
(4) Roadmap for SVHC identification and implementation of REACH
Posted January 21, 2014
Source: SGS Consumer Testings Services
Teflon® Fabric Hose Extracts Harsh Chemical Fumes
WARSAW, Ind. — January 21, 2014 — A two-ply black Teflon® fabric hose with a silver heat-resistant fiberglass liner for the extraction of harsh chemical fumes such as acetone and methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) is being introduced by Flexaust, Warsaw, Indiana.
Flex-Lok® TCF Hose features double-ply construction with a black Teflon® coated fabric and a silver heat-resistant fiberglass liner mechanically crimped in a continuous process by a metal strip locked around a coated steel wire. Designed for extracting harsh chemical fumes, this hose offers good fatigue resistance and is highly flexible, while the metal strip acts as an external wear strip, making it ideal for use in reel & drop systems.
Available in 3” to 18” I.D. sizes and standard 25 ft. lengths, Flex-Lok® TCF Hose operates over a -60°F to 600°F range and its sealed exterior helps prevent the escape of hazardous fumes. A suitable replacement for hard pipe, this fume extraction hose can be custom made with up to a 20” I.D. Applications include a wide range of chemical and industrial processes.
Flex-Lok® TCF hose is priced according to size and quantity. Samples and price quotations are available upon request.
Posted January 21, 2014
Source: Flexaust
