TRSA Pays Tribute To A Lifetime Of Achievement

ALEXANDRIA, Va.— May 23, 2024 — James Buik, president, and owner, Roscoe Co., Chicago, Ill., will be honored at the 111th TRSA Annual Conference & Exchange in September with the TRSA Operator Lifetime Achievement Award.

James Buik, president, and owner, Roscoe Co., Chicago, IL

The award pays tribute to exceptional personal service to TRSA and the industry as nominated by past linen, uniform and facility services award operator award peers and voted on by the TRSA Executive Committee. Winners have supported the association for decades, devoting their own time to association activities and facilitating their employees’ involvement in TRSA. Their teams have taken advantage of a wide range of TRSA activities, including certification, in-person and virtual events and benchmarking surveys.

Buik has been recognized for engagement in and personal leadership of TRSA and the Uniform and Textile Service Association (UTSA), which served the industry for 75 years and blended with TRSA in 2009. For TRSA, he was chair (2018-2020) and a member of the Executive Committee (2014-2022) and Board of Directors (2012-2014). For UTSA, he was chair (2005-2006) and executive (2003-2008) and board (1993-1995) member.

“I am humbled to be included on a prestigious list of previous award winners, to include my father Donald, and many industry friends and colleagues,” Buik said. “I have so many to thank, but especially my wife Teresa, who has supported and encouraged me throughout the journey.”

His dedication to furthering the industry’s best interests has been reflected in other volunteer leadership positions, as he currently chairs TRSA’s Environmental Committee and serves on the Government Relations Committee. He previously chaired the Strategic Planning Committee and was a member of the TRSA education and UTSA marketing committees.

“Jim’s leadership reflects a belief we share that when any operator makes a good impression on their customers, it serves us all well. The more you get to know him, the more you realize he really does have the industry’s best interests at heart,” said Jim Kearns, current TRSA board chair and COO, Alsco Uniforms, Salt Lake City.

In recent years Buik has empowered Roscoe staff to serve on four other TRSA committees, facilitated extensive Roscoe staff participation in TRSA professional development events and led the company in earning Clean Green and Hygienically Clean Food Safety certifications.

TRSA President and CEO Joseph Ricci commended Buik’s hospitality to TRSA groups seeking to visit Roscoe during professional development events such as the Production Summit and Plant Tours, Maintenance Management Institute and Next Generation Executives Roundtable. “Jim has upheld TRSA members’ longstanding tradition to welcome industry colleagues to view their teams and machinery at work,” said Ricci. “Roscoe’s company motto is ‘Take Pride.’ Jim and the Roscoe staff enjoy these opportunities to demonstrate their performance excellence. They realize the benefits of hosting a plant tour, including building teamwork and boosting morale by putting a local team on a national stage.”

The award presentation will take place during a September 26 dinner at the TRSA Annual Conference & Exchange, September 24-26, at the Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, Colo.

Buik joins 38 past recipients who received the award since its 1982 inception, the most recent of whom were:

  • 2023: Jim Vaudreuil, Huebsch Services, Eau Clare, Wis.;
  • 2022: Brian O’Neil, California Linen Services, Pasadena, Calif.;
  • 2020: Bob Brill, Republic Master Chefs/American Textile Maintenance, Los Angeles; 2019: Tom Watts, Prudential Overall Supply, Irvine, Calif.;
  • 2018: Steve Larson, Alsco Uniforms, Salt Lake City;
  • 2017: Ronald Croatti, UniFirst Corp., Wilmington, Mass.;
  • 2016: Steve Bryant, Wildman Uniform & Linen, Warsaw, Ind.;
  • 2014: Michael Potack, Unitex Textile Rental Services, Mount Vernon, N.Y.; and
  • 2013: Richard Senior, Morgan Services, Chicago, Ill.

Posted: May 30, 2024

Source: TRSA

The Legacy Of Ukranian Family-Owned Manufacturers

Legacy, innovation and philanthropy tell the tale of Ukranian hospitality design

TW Special Report

As the hospitality design industry had the opportunity to browse the HD Expo + Conference, one prominent Ukrainian theme emerged: the legacy of family-owned manufacturing. Among the participants who showcased their craftsmanship at the event are several Ukrainian manufacturers, each with a rich heritage and a commitment to excellence passed down through generations.

In an industry often associated with innovation and cutting-edge technology, the tradition of family ownership stands out, bringing a unique blend of heritage and expertise to the forefront. Ukrainian manufacturers like Tivoli, DONNA, WOWIN.UA, and PrimaLetto are shining examples of this tradition, deeply rooted in a passion for their craft and a commitment to delivering unparalleled quality to their customers.

Donna’s Konyky pouf and Suminagashi tables.

At the core of these family-owned enterprises beats a heart filled with pride and responsibility as each generation strives to uphold and build upon the legacy established by their predecessors. From Tivoli’s meticulously crafted wooden furniture, infused with the warmth and beauty of Ukrainian woodworking traditions, to DONNA’s original design products, which embody modernity while paying homage to nature and roots, these manufacturers epitomize the fusion of heritage and innovation. DONNA, a thriving family enterprise established in 2008 by Natalia and Oleksandr Donchenko, has garnered acclaim for its myriad successful interior projects. In addition to these endeavors, the DONNA factory has cultivated a legacy of crafting original design pieces, collaborating with renowned Ukrainian designers. Through exploration of forms, lines, textures, and cutting-edge technologies, we channel our creative vision into modern design, celebrating its inherent simplicity, authenticity, and profound connection to nature while continually innovating to bring forth distinctive interior accents.

PrimaLetto

PrimaLetto, specializing in providing customized solutions for residential and commercial spaces, brings a contemporary flair to traditional craftsmanship, creating upholstered furniture and fabric wall panels that reflect today’s consumers’ evolving needs and tastes. Its commitment to excellence is evident in every detail, from the design process to the final product.

WOWIN is a family-owned furniture manufacturing company established in 1997. Its team comprises experts in furniture production, industrial design, and lifestyle. It produces designer furniture in the Scandinavian style, designed and made in Ukraine for people who want to combine the traditional Scandinavian design with its style, ensuring functionality, reliability, and convenience. The furniture suits various industries such as B2B, Hospitality (HoReCa), and B2C. Since 2016, it has been designing and producing high-quality furniture for Scandinavia and Europe, including countries such as Denmark, Finland, Germany, Estonia, Holland, Lithuania, Belgium, Austria, France, Moldova, and Poland.

Our collection of upholstered furniture includes various products such as sofas, beds, armchairs, chairs, and poufs. Their passionate team of 200 employees is always ready to take on complex tasks, charged and inspired to deliver the best. Their production facility is in Stryi near Lviv, near the picturesque Carpathian Mountains.

Tivoli: A Family Manufacturing Story Of Resilience And Innovation Amidst Adversity

In the face of adversity, businesses across Ukraine have demonstrated remarkable resilience in the wake of the full-scale Russian invasion since February 2022. Tivoli Furniture Production is a testament to the unwavering spirit and innovative drive characterizing Ukrainian businesses during turbulent times.

Tivoli Factory

Established in the early 2000s by Vladyslav Lisovskyi and Alla Lisovska, Tivoli Furniture initially focused on crafting high-quality wooden chairs and tables. Through their dedication and meticulous craftsmanship, the couple nurtured their enterprise and significantly expanded its reach.

Today, they are joined by their daughters, Julia and Alla, who have taken proactive steps to elevate the business onto the global stage. Their efforts have led to expanding distribution networks across Europe, the USA, Canada, and Mexico while also contributing to enhancing the company’s product designs. The Lisovskyi family’s innovative designs have garnered domestic and international acclaim, earning worldwide recognition in major design exhibitions. This acknowledgment underscores their ongoing commitment to excellence and adaptability in adversity.

However, the journey has not been without its challenges. The invasion disrupted their operations, causing severe logistical disruptions and workforce shortages. With many Ukrainians fleeing or joining the fight to secure their future, the labor pool has significantly diminished, impacting production capacities. Moreover, recent complications at the Polish-Ukrainian borders, spurred by Polish strikes, have further tested their resilience, resulting in significant delays and disruptions in the supply chain crucial for their international clientele.

Right (left to right): Julia and Alla Lisovska

Despite these obstacles, the Lisovskyi family remains steadfast, seizing every opportunity to stabilize and grow their enterprise. Governmental support measures, international aid, and collaborative community efforts have provided a much-needed cushion against the adversities encountered during these times.

Tivoli’s story epitomizes resilience, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to maintaining the legacy of quality and craftsmanship that defines their products. As they navigate through these challenging times, their endeavors not only sustain their business but also significantly contribute to the stability and growth of the Ukrainian economy. The robust spirit of the Lisovskyi family and Tivoli Furniture Production continues to inspire, symbolizing hope and resilience in a time of uncertainty.

Additionally, the Lisovskyi family actively engages in philanthropic efforts through their family charitable foundation. Since the onset of the full-scale invasion, they have provided support in various forms, including sewing and sending pillows and blankets for refugees in Ukraine, purchasing a Mercedes Benz ambulance for medical defenders with the assistance of their European customers, and dispatching essential supplies such as medicine, food, and clothing from partners in the USA and Mexico to regions recently liberated in Ukraine. These initiatives highlight their commitment to humanitarian causes amid challenging circumstances.

Striha armchairs by Tivoli

Furthermore, Tivoli’s participation in the Ukrainian booth at the iSaloni exhibition in Milan, Italy, from April 16 to 21, underscores their dedication to promoting Ukrainian craftsmanship globally. As one of the ten Ukrainian design companies featured at the prestigious event, Tivoli attracted numerous visitors from different parts of the world. The iSaloni exhibition is renowned as a trend-setting furniture expo, shaping the trends in furniture design for the upcoming year.

Recent industry accolades, including the prestigious DNA Paris and European Design Awards for the Calm collection in 2023 and the Muse Design Award for Striha in 2024, testify to Tivoli’s innovation and design excellence. These accolades firmly establish Tivoli as a pioneering force in wooden furniture manufacturing.

May 30, 2024

Simplify Green Claim Verification And Certification With The SGS Green Mark

The SGS Green Mark, launched today, helps the retail industry meet rising demand for greener products

SGS recently launched its SGS Green Mark — the latest in the company’s solutions for brands, manufacturers and retailers looking to meet rising consumer demand for greener products.

TW Special Report

By launching the SGS Green Mark to enable brands, manufacturers, suppliers and retailers to meet rising consumer demand for greener products and services, SGS — a testing, inspection and certification company — has extended its portfolio of sustainability services.

Developed by SGS experts in consultation with industry leaders, the SGS Green Mark comprises seven single attribute claims, making it the most diverse environmental claim certification and verification scheme on the market.

As governments and regulators around the world look to scrutinize and tackle greenwashing, more and more companies are seeking third-party verification and certification of their environmental actions to demonstrate the validity of their materials and processes in the manufacturing and supply of a wide range of products from garments, fabrics, food service ware and plastic packaging to data cables, electronics and furniture.

Utilizing the SGS logo, which is recognized around the world, the SGS Green Mark demonstrates compliance with pre-defined standards relating to the following seven environmental attributes:

  • Hazardous substance assessed;
  • Recycled content;
  • PFAS-assessed;
  • Biobased;
  • PVC-free;
  • Industrial compostable; and
  • Biodegradability­.

Products are independently assessed in accordance with recognized standards and a technical review is conducted by an industry specialist to confirm the product claim is scientifically justified. Once compliance has been confirmed through rigorous assessment within SGS’s global network of laboratories, a product can display the fully traceable SGS Green Mark. This mark shows details of the environmental claim and assessment standard(s). It also displays a QR code to give consumers access to further information that verifies the claim’s authenticity.

Keith Hutchinson, deputy head, Connectivity & Products Global Certification at SGS, said: “We are extremely proud to launch the SGS Green Mark, driven by customers’ needs to build consumer trust, and are already progressing plans to extend the portfolio of seven attributes.

“For consumers, the single attribute claim makes it easier to understand and to align purchases more easily with their sustainability requirements. For businesses, it simplifies the process by making it more focused while helping to minimize the risk of greenwashing.”

Following the company’s piloting of the scheme, a range of companies from electronic and textile sectors have already gained the SGS Green Mark with consumers now benefiting from products displaying the SGS logo and QR code.

Eric Wang, Global Deputy Technical head, Softlines at SGS, said: “It is heartening to see our certification increasingly relied upon by manufacturers, brands and retailers to demonstrate the sustainability of their products and supply chains. Ultimately the SGS Green Mark enables a growing tide of environmentally conscious consumers to be better informed on the impacts of their purchases and to make greener choices.”

Charles Ly Wa Hoi, executive vice president, Connectivity & Products and Health & Nutrition, SGS, said: “We anticipate that the SGS Green Mark, with its independent third-party assessment,will become a market leading solution for environmentally responsible organizations around the world. As a recognized industry megatrend, sustainability remains at the heart of SGS’s vision and is expected to be a key driver to accelerate corporate growth and build even greater trust amongst clients and consumers over the coming decades.”

Sample SGS Green Mark for recycled content

The SGS Green Mark

The SGS Green Mark supports businesses and brands striving to enhance their sustainability effort and respond to rising consumer demands for greener products and services.

Based on recognized standards such as ISO/IEC 17065, ISO/IEC 17029, ISO 14065 and ISO 14021, the SGS Green Mark verifies that products have passed a range of assessments to meet specific and quantifiable environmental attributes and claims.

Customer Testimonials

“We are proud to have gained an SGS Green Mark for our innovative Magnif-ECO® recycled fiber. This signifies another step towards establishing a global reputation as a socially responsible company at the cutting edge of sustainable textile innovation.” — Arch Textiles Manufacture Corp.

“The SGS Green Mark (Hazardous Substance Assessed) certification of all OLED products for laptops in 2023 is a great achievement in the development of our eco-friendly technology and will provide consumers with better choices.” — Samsung Display

May 30 2024

Asahi Kasei Medical Completes New Assembly Plant For Planova™ Virus Removal Filters

DÜSSELDORF, TOKYO & NEW YORK  CITY — May 27, 2024 — Asahi Kasei Medical has completed the construction of its third assembly plant for Planova™ virus removal filters in Nobeoka, Miyazaki, Japan, and held its completion ceremony on May 24, 2024.

The completion ceremony on May 24

The bioprocess business of Asahi Kasei Medical comprises Planova virus removal filters and equipment used in the manufacturing process of biotherapeutic products such as biopharmaceuticals and plasma derivatives, biosafety testing services, and biopharmaceutical Contract Development and Manufacturing (CDMO) operations. It is one of the Asahi Kasei Group’s businesses to drive future growth.

Planova™ S20N (left), Planova™ BioEX (right)

Planova cellulose hollow-fiber membrane filters, developed specifically for removing viruses from biotherapeutic products, were launched in 1989, followed by Planova BioEX hydrophilic PVDF hollow-fiber membrane filters in 2009. Both product lines have earned wide recognition among pharmaceutical manufacturers for their outstanding contribution to the safety of biopharmaceuticals, and their adoption has expanded worldwide. A next-generation line of cellulose hollow-fiber membrane filters, Planova S20N, was launched in 2022 featuring robust virus removal capability and simplified operation and has been highly regarded among customers.

The new assembly plant for Planova™ filters

With heightened standards throughout the world for the viral safety of biotherapeutics and advances in the development of monoclonal antibodies and other biopharmaceuticals, global demand for virus removal filters is expected to continue growing. To further ensure stable supply, Asahi Kasei Medical has been proactively expanding production capacity for Planova including the 2019 completion of a new spinning plant for Planova in Nobeoka, Miyazaki, Japan, and the 2021 decision to expand its spinning plant for Planova BioEX filters in Oita, Japan, in addition to the assembly plant completion announced today.

Asahi Kasei Medical will continue to support biotherapeutics manufacturers by enabling them to safely and efficiently manufacture products that patients can trust through innovative and exceptionally reliable bioprocess consumables and equipment, as well as scientific support and biosafety testing services.

Posted: May 30, 2024

Source: Asahi Kasei Europe GmbH

Tintoria Finissaggio 2000: Innovative Textile Company Invests In The Latest Mahlo Development

SAAL ON THE DANUBE, Germany — May 29, 2024 — Tintoria Finissaggio 2000 is an important Italian companies in the textile finishing sector. Founded in 1973 in Masserano in the textile district of Biella, the company has developed into a highly valued contact point for Italian and international textile manufacturers. In its early days, Tintoria Finissagio 2000 initially concentrated on the processing of knits for sportswear, but then specialized in the processing, finishing and dyeing of fine fibers, particularly wool and cashmere. Today it offers the complete range of dyeing of all types of fibers, finishing, digital printing, lamination and membrane lining. These processes are used to give fabrics certain properties, such as color, pattern, softness, shine or waterproofness.

With over 100 employees, Tintoria Finissaggio’s company philosophy is based on three cornerstones: sustainable innovation, high human capital and first-class customer service. The latter is guaranteed above all by customized production and rapid response to new requirements. The company serves a wide range of customers in various industries, including fashion, home textiles, automotive and technical textiles.

At Tintoria Finissaggio 2000, customers benefit from the fact that all processes are handled under one roof, from design support to the finishing of fabrics, combining decades of experience with the new possibilities of lamination and digital printing. The dyeing plant in Masserano is a state-of-the-art facility that fulfills the strictest environmental standards – to name just one example. In general, Tintoria Finissaggio 2000 continuously invests in state-of-the-art technologies and production facilities in order to achieve high-quality results while ensuring sustainable production processes.

The upgrading of new equipment is therefore another part of the company strategy. Tintoria Finissagio 2000 also focused on innovation when equipping a new tenter frame. The company opted for the latest development from German machine manufacturer Mahlo GmbH + Co. KG: the Orthopac RXVMC-20 automatic straightening system.

The new straightening concept is specially designed for processing textiles with high distortion dynamics, i.e. textiles with highly variable distortion.  The automatic straightening system can eliminate these distortions in textile webs even faster and more precisely than any other system on the market. “We have paid particular attention to the straightening mechanism and its interaction with the probe system’s analysis electronics,” explained Mahlo Sales Manager Thomas Höpfl.

Two individually controlled and driven straightening modules with a total of three bow and four skew rollers ensure that bow and skew distortions are corrected in small steps. The control concept is also new. A scanner group at the infeed of the straightener detects distortions even before they reach the correction rollers. This means that the rollers are brought directly into position and the fabric is corrected from the very first centimeter. A scanner group at the outfeed also recognizes any residual distortion, which is then corrected on the second straightening module.

Just a few months after commissioning, it is clear that the decision in favor of the new Mahlo concept was the right one. The owners Dino Masso and Marco Bardelle emphasize: “We had high hopes for the new Orthopac RXVMC-20 straightening system from Mahlo and our expectations have been exceeded by far. The results have fully convinced us. Mahlo also offers outstanding customer service and provided us with excellent support and training during the first few weeks of using the new technology.”

Posted: May 30, 2024

Source: Mahlo GmbH + Co. KG

Loepfe Brothers Ltd. Appoints Markus Kleindorp As New CEO

WETZIKON, Switzerland — May 30, 2024 — Loepfe Brothers Ltd. has embarked on a new chapter with the appointment of Markus Kleindorp as the new CEO, ushering in a fresh era of leadership. Former CEO Ralph Mennicke’s departure prompts restructuring, including the addition of Gregor Stalder as CFO. With this seasoned team, Loepfe aims to maintain its excellence in the textile industry.

Markus Kleindorp – Loepfe CEO

Since the beginning of May, Loepfe Brothers Ltd. has been led by a new management team. The board of directors has appointed Kleindorp as the new CEO of Loepfe. Kleindorp brings a wealth of experience from his tenure within the Vandewiele Group and as the former CEO of MEMMINGER-IRO GmbH, offering deep insights into the textile industry.

After four years of dedicated service, the former CEO of Loepfe, Mennicke has decided to embark on new professional endeavors, signaling a change in leadership for the company. The board of directors acknowledges Mennicke’s resignation and extends gratitude for his contributions to Loepfe’s journey.

Furthermore, Loepfe is seizing this moment to restructure its management team, reinforcing it with an individual possessing extensive business expertise. We are delighted to introduce Gregor Stalder as the new CFO of Loepfe. Stalder is a proven expert in finance and has long-term experience in the position of a CFO.

With this accomplished leadership team in place, Loepfe is poised to continue its trajectory of excellence in the textile industry. We thank our stakeholders for their ongoing support and partnership as we embark on this exciting journey together.

Posted: May 30, 2024

Source: Loepfe Brothers Ltd. – part of the Vandewiele Group

Cinte Techtextil China 2024: Holding Strong Appeal For Visitors, With Multiple International Exhibitors Confirmed

SHANGHAI — May 29, 2024 — Standing as Asia’s leading technical textiles and nonwovens trade fair, Cinte Techtextil China is favored by domestic and international buyers due its proximity to APAC hotspots and wide-ranging product application areas. With four months until the show opens doors, multiple key exhibitors have already confirmed participation. In conjunction with a positive global outlook, key players are eager to congregate again at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre from September 19-21, to showcase innovations and connect with buyers from various sectors.

Cinte Techtextil China 2023 recorded a total of 15,542 visits from 52 countries and regions. Photo – Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd

Steered towards innovation and sustainability, the landscape of technical textiles and nonwovens is constantly evolving, creating opportunities for the industry in Asia and beyond. Recent studies show that the global markets of both sectors are anticipated to witness robust expansion in the years to come, fueled by technological advancement and growing demand in several sectors, such as automotive, construction and healthcare[1],[2]. Coupled with China’s and other Asian countries’ escalated efforts in going green, the outlook for innovative products remains positive. Notably, demand for lightweight carbon fiber in China is booming[3], due to sustainability-aligned applications such as wind turbine blades, reduced emissions from automobiles, and more, with R&D efforts being made globally to improve the fibre’s cost-efficiency and eco-friendliness.

As a hub for innovation exchange, Cinte Techtextil China will bring together upstream and downstream players from China and beyond, facilitating the value chain to redefine its future. Alongside numerous domestic suppliers, the upcoming edition will see a strong line-up of international exhibitors already confirmed. The growing list includes:

  • Andritz Perfojet SAS (France)
  • Comerio Ercole SpA (Italy)
  • Dilo Systems GmbH (Germany)
  • EMS-GRILTECH (Switzerland)
  • FMMG Technical Textiles Co Ltd (Italy)
  • Graf + Cie AG (Switzerland)
  • Groz-Beckert (Germany)
  • Picanol NV (Belgium)
  • Reifenhauser GmbH (Germany)
  • Trützschler Nonwovens & Man-Made Fibers GmbH (Germany)

The fair will closely align with Messe Frankfurt’s ‘Texpertise Econogy’ – the umbrella for the group’s sustainability activities at its more than 50 textile trade shows worldwide. New energy elements, such as battery and hydrogen, will appear at the Innovation Showcase Area, on top of other interactive fringe events which centre around sustainability.

With environmental protection as one of the top sourcing categories at the previous edition, products with medical, home, protection, and building applications rounded out the top five. By product group, in-demand sourcing categories included nonwovens; technology and accessories; woven fabrics, laid webs, knitted fabrics, braidings; composites; as well as coated textiles and bondtec. The show saw 15,542 visits from 52 countries and regions last year.

Catering to various key players in 2023, the well-known Groz-Beckert East Asia brought their latest innovative needling tools for the nonwovens sector. Speaking at the show, Mr Kabilen Sornum, Vice President Asia Pacific of Marketing & E-Commerce, commented: “While we are focusing on the China market, we have also seen buyers from the Middle East, Europe, Korea, and North Asia. Cinte Techtextil China is a more international fair – we can see that everyone is here, and the quality and innovation of buyers has improved greatly in the past three to four years. E-mobility and sustainability are two very clear trends.”

The fair’s product categories cover 12 application areas, which comprehensively span a full range of potential uses in modern technical textiles and nonwovens. These categories also cover the entire industry, from upstream technology and raw materials providers to finished fabrics, chemicals and other solutions. This scope of product groups and application areas ensures that the fair is an effective business platform for the entire industry.

Cinte Techtextil China will be held from 19 – 21 September 2024.

The fair is organised by Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd; the Sub-Council of Textile Industry, CCPIT; and the China Nonwovens & Industrial Textiles Association (CNITA).

[1] https://www.polarismarketresearch.com/industry-analysis/technical-textiles-market

[2] https://www.giiresearch.com/report/tbrc1435467-non-woven-fabrics-global-market-report.html

[3] https://www.fiberjournal.com/chinas-fast-growing-carbon-fiber-demand/

Posted: May 30, 2024

Source: Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd

Nominations Are Open For The 2024 Hygienix Innovation Award™

CARY, N.C. — May 30, 2024 — INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, has opened nominations for the Hygienix Innovation Award™. This Award recognizes a new product or technology in the absorbent hygiene, personal, pet, and wound care industries that expands the usage of nonwoven fabrics.

The Award will be presented at Hygienix™ 2024, November 18-21 at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel in Nashville, Tennessee. Nominations will be accepted through Monday, September 16 via www.inda.org/awards/hygienix-innovation-award.html.

Nominees will be selected from a broad range of new products or technologies that have been commercially available at most two years prior to Hygienix 2024. Eligible categories include, but are not limited to: raw materials, roll goods, converting, packaging, active ingredients, binders, additives, and end-use products.

Three finalists will present their innovations to industry leaders at Hygienix Tuesday, November 19. The winner will be announced Thursday, November 21.

Last year’s Hygienix Innovation Award was presented to Sequel for their Sequel Spiral™ Tampon. The Sequel Spiral™ Tampon features a proprietary spiral design that is engineered to be more fluid mechanically efficient, meaning it is designed to absorb more evenly and not leak before it’s full. In August 2023, the Sequel Spiral Tampon received clearance from the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a medical device.

To submit your nomination, visit: www.inda.org/awards/hygienix-innovation-award.html

For questions about the Hygienix Innovation Award, contact Vickie Smead, vsmead@inda.org,

Posted: May 30, 2024

Source:  INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry

Durst Group Is “Ready to Print” At drupa 2024

BRIXEN, Italy/  DÜSSELDORF, Germany — May 28, 2024 — The Durst Group, manufacturer of digital printing and production technologies, is presenting its latest solutions in the areas of large format printing, packaging, labels and software at drupa 2024 under the motto “Ready to Print”. The company is also showcasing its wide range of digital applications, including the additive manufacturing of technical ceramics, in Hall 16, Stand A41-1/2.

“We are looking forward to an extremely exciting drupa trade fair, which will certainly be groundbreaking,” said Christoph Gamper, CEO & co-owner of the Durst Group. “As digital print natives and technology leaders, we believe the time has come for digitalization in many areas, such as packaging, and are presenting corresponding end-to-end solutions that can also be seamlessly integrated into existing infrastructures and production processes as hybrid systems. With our Software & Solutions, we also support our customers in setting up and optimizing their digital workflow, thereby increasing their efficiency along the entire value chain.”

Overview of the exhibited printing systems:

Durst Packaging/Folding Carton – VariJET 106  

The VariJET 106 is the latest innovation from the Koenig & Bauer Durst joint venture, which will pave the way for the digitalization of industrial folding carton production. By using water-based inks, even primary packaging for food can be produced. However, the VariJET 106 is also a promising solution for applications in the pharmaceutical, cosmetics and tobacco industries for the economical production of short to medium runs and individualized packaging.

The VariJET 106 covers the B1 format and achieves a printing speed of 5,500 sheets per hour. The monthly print volume ranges from 500,000 to more than 1 million B1 sheets. Thanks to its hybrid design, several finishing units can be optionally integrated into the VariJET. In this way, the VariJET 106 becomes an end-to-end solution that enables economical and fast production of high-quality jobs.

Durst Packaging/Corrugated Printing – White ink for SPC 130

What was missing in industrial digital corrugated printing until now was the color white. The Durst Group is once again taking on a pioneering role in the industry and is launching a water-based white ink for the Delta SPC 130. The use of white with extremely high opacity on brown corrugated board opens up new design possibilities and enhances transport packaging. By overprinting white, a significantly improved image quality is achieved on almost all topliners and at the same time an exact match to spot colors. All inks and fluids used in the Delta SPC 130 meet the current and future requirements of the food industry.

Durst Packaging/Label Printing – KJet  

With the KJet, the Durst Group is launching a new hybrid solution for label printing. After the XJet, this is the second joint development with OMET. The KJet is an end-to-end solution that combines OMET’s dual servo flexo printing units with Durst’s state-of-the-art RSCi inkjet technology. In addition, modules for finishing and further processing such as cold foil stamping or die-cutting units can be integrated into the KJet. This flexibility opens up an enormously broad application portfolio for the KJet. The configuration of the KJet is tailored to the specific requirements of each customer.

Durst Graphics/Large Format Printing – P5 SMP™ 

With the P5 SMP, the Durst Group is expanding its successful P5 Large Format Printing portfolio for applications in the Sign & Display, POP/POS, Corrugated Packaging & Display and Industrial Decor sectors. The hybrid LED super-multi-pass printing system combines efficiency and productivity with maximum versatility. With a print width of 3.5 m and a maximum productivity of up to 2,000 m2/h, the P5 SMP achieves an annual capacity of 5 million m2, setting a new benchmark for high-volume digital printing. As a hybrid solution, the P5 SMP can process both roll and sheet material and has the versatile functions of the P5 platform.

Durst Graphics/Large Format Printing – Aleph Laforte 600 Paper 

With the acquisition of Aleph S.r.l. in 2023, Durst Group has expanded its position in the field of water-based and sustainable printing technologies. With the Aleph Laforte 600 Paper, an absolute highlight will now be presented at Drupa 2024, which was designed for poster and billboard printing. In its most powerful configuration, the printing system achieves an output of 1,000 m2/h and reaches a new level of quality in poster and billboard printing with six colors and 1,200 dpi.

Durst Software & Solutions – 360° End-to-End Portfolio

The importance of software has shifted significantly over the years. The Durst Group therefore founded the Software & Solutions business unit back in 2018. The company currently employs around 100 people in the area of software. This underlines the Durst Group’s commitment to proactively driving development at all levels. At drupa 2024, the Durst Group is presenting a wide-ranging software ecosystem: the spectrum ranges from web shops and online graphics editors to comprehensive workflow and analytics solutions and ERP/MIS systems. Artificial intelligence (AI) is also used in software development. One of the latest innovations in this field is Hawk Eye, which represents a breakthrough in terms of quality assurance in digital printing. Hawk Eye analyzes every single print image at full speed – and in real time.

Posted: May 28, 2024

Source: The Durst Group

Hyosung Appoints Andreas Puchert As European Marketing Manager Textiles

SEOUL, South Korea — May 28, 2024 — To support its continued business growth in Europe, Hyosung TNC has hired industry expert, Andreas Puchert, as its new European Marketing manager.

Based in Düsseldorf, Germany, Puchert has over 30 years’ experience in the textile, sports, fashion, and retail markets. Prior to joining Hyosung, he was director of Retailpraxis, a company that develops, produces, and distributes international fashion and sportswear brands with a strong emphasis on sustainability. He holds a degree in textile engineering. His previous experience includes executive positions at ellesse, Puma, C&A.

At Hyosung, Puchert will work with the company’s European marketing team in the promotion of Hyosung’s specialty fibers and fabrics to targeted brand and retail accounts. Additionally, he will manage joint development and promotional programs with key industry partners.

“Andreas brings enormous resources to our team,” said Claire O’Neill, European Marketing Director, Hyosung Textiles. “His tremendous understanding of European brand, retail and consumer needs, will help us further our global position as a major textile solution provider.”

With offices in more than 40 countries, Hyosung can locally support and interact with the international value chain. Together with Hyosung’s Fashion Design Center (FDC) Team who forecast trends and create fabric stories and samples in the context of global trends, Hyosung’s Global Brand Marketing Team supports brands and retailers with design concepts, textile, and product development, and facilitate the promotion of products made with Hyosung specialty fibers to consumers.

Posted: May 28, 2024

Source: Hyosung TNC

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