Clariant’s Halogen-free Flame Retardants Lock Safe Fire Protection For New Class Of Natural Oil Based, Renewable Polyurethane Foams

MUTTENZ, Switzerland — November 22, 2013 — Clariant, a world leader in specialty chemicals, is
supporting the use of Green Chemistry to create safer, fire retarded polyurethane (PU) foams for
the upholstery sector. Research by Green Urethanes Ltd, the provider of green solutions to the
global PU industry, confirms that manufacturers can use reactive halogen-free flame retardant
Exolit® OP 560 with this technology to develop low emission flexible foams that meet
internationally accepted flammability standard such as Cal TB 117 (California Technical Bulletin
117, a flammability test for upholstered furniture using a small flame).

In the furniture and bedding industries, large quantities of non-reactive flame retardants
are traditionally used to achieve flame resistance for flexible foams. These flame retardants,
which are merely physically mixed into the foam, can migrate out of the foam matrix and are
associated with adverse environmental and health consequences.

“Clariant’s Exolit OP 560 phosphonate liquid flame retardant addresses these concerns by
eliminating unwanted emissions. The grade chemically reacts into the PU foam polymer and therefore
does not migrate and remains fixed within a foam formulation, also resulting in reduced amounts of
volatile organic compounds (VOCs)” comments Adrian Beard, Clariant’s Head of Marketing for flame
retardants. The phosphonate’s high effectiveness and high polymer compatibility allows it to be
used at low dosage in the foam matrix, which adds to its overall sustainability. By applying Green
Urethanes’ unique processing characteristics, the amount of flame retardant required for flexible
foam to pass the smolder and open flame tests in California TB 117 is reduced by 80%. Further
benefits for PU applications include excellent ageing stability, low smoke density and smoke gas
corrosivity, and good recyclability.

Green Urethane’s Technology is already available in the US market and uses Natural Oil
Polyols(NOP) to produce a range of standard foams for the North American bedding and furniture
industries. These more natural foams are easier to produce, and provide better comfort and
durability than petrochemical based foams. They have a total bio-renewable content of approximately
35% by weight.

Jeff Rowlands, Director of Green Urethanes Limited comments: “By using these advances in
Green Chemistry, the original safety objectives of Cal TB 117 are still being met; but now with the
added assurance that it comes with long-term environmental protection from undesirable emissions.
These are positive developments for the upholstery sector and also provide a route to reducing the
environmental impact of all foam types including those made for uses which do not need to meet the
Cal TB 117 test criteria.”

Posted November 26, 2013

Source: Clariant

Miller Weldmaster’s T600 Extreme Shelter Saves Tent Makers Time And Money

NAVARRE, Ohio — November 11, 2012 —Miller Weldmaster has designed the T600 Extreme Shelter to
increase production and decrease labor for any tent manufacturer. With easy operation and larger
throat capacity, the T600 Extreme Shelter is built to handle the toughest production demands. From
tent tops to sidewalls, the versatile T600 Extreme Shelter comes with welding speeds of up to 30
meters per minute and accessories for overlap, pocket, and hem seam configurations.

The T600 Extreme Shelter can accept fabrics up to 2M (79″) wide to pass through its throat
without folding. Its long arm with inboard and outboard fabric pullers allow for easier fabric
handling and its Hot Air and Hot Wedge rotary heat seaming systems enable panel seaming and quick
finishing of product edges. The T600 Extreme Shelter can be customized to meet each tent maker’s
specifications and exact production needs.

Customers all over the world trust Miller Weldmaster for its strong attentiveness to their
needs, innovation in machine design, and comprehensive customer support. Over 3,000 Miller
Weldmaster machines have been installed in over 100  across the globe, a testament to the
company’s reputation.

Posted November 19, 2013

Source: Miller Weldmaster

The Rupp Report: How To Reduce Water Pollution In Yarn Dyeing

As the Rupp Report mentioned last week, the annual PCI Fibres Conference 2013 took place November
7-8, 2013, in Hong Kong. The event was an unlimited source of important information concerning the
global fiber and textile industry. As mentioned in the last report, “more information about this
conference will be available soon.” And here it is.

Water Shortage

One of the key future issues for the planet and its inhabitants is water. Based on a
forecast of the World Health Organization (WHO), the global population will further grow. India,
for example, will overtake China in some 10 to 20 years’ time, with an estimated 1.5 billion
people. This growth will further tighten the global supply of drinking water and also the supply of
water to be used for industrial purposes such as dyeing and finishing.

Legions of clever people are searching to find solutions for these imminent problems. The
textile industry also is challenged to provide solutions for its part in this sometimes vicious
circle. Ajay Sardana, assistant vice president and head of Global Customers & Market
Intelligence, from the India-based Aditya Birla Group, presented a possible solution for spun-dyed
viscose fibers to reduce water consumption, and, of course, effluent.

Sardana began his speech by saying that the textile industry is among the largest users of
chemicals and it is a highly water-intensive industry. He also proclaimed that the textile industry
is estimated to use more water than any other industry “and almost all water is heavily polluted.”
And, don’t forget, dyeing and finishing accounts for 80 percent of textile industry wastewater.

A Possible Solution

Sardana presented the idea of producing so-called spun shades — a process that conserves
water, lowers wet processing costs, and produces yarns with even colors and in a wide range of
colors. The registered brand name for the yarns is SpunShades. The pigment applied for the dyeing
is added to the viscose solution prior to the spinning of the staple fibers. Sardana claimed that
the fibers are very colorful and have a high fastness. After five years of trials, the colors still
have the same appearance. This pigment dyeing technology is said to eliminate the need for
subsequent dyeing of gray fibers. It should avoid environmental pollution at the customer’s plant
and provide high shade uniformity. The dyeing process is Azo-free, and the yarns carry the
Oeko-Tex® Standard 100 certification from BTTG Manchester.

Sardana presented an interesting table showing all the process savings from using SpunShades
Viscose:

RuppTableSardana

* Exchange Traded Products (ETP) total ownership costs can be divided between internal costs
related to the product and external costs.

Having in mind that cellulosic fibers play an even more important role in the future for the
global fiber consumption, this idea can be a possible solution to reduce water consumption and
wastewater.

India — A Giant …

After presenting this idea, Sardana gave a short but impressive overview of the Indian
textile industry. Indian textile and apparel exports have grown at a compound annual growth rate
(CAGR) of 10 percent from 2005 up until 2012. Most of this growth was generated by increased fiber
exports. Fiber exports only grew at a CAGR of 37 percent, and for yarns, it was a healthy 13
percent. On the other hand, India is still not able to export large quantities of finished apparel.
This fact was confirmed by Sardana’s figures, which show only a CAGR of 9 percent from 2005 to
2012.

The Indian textile industry, with 35 million employed people and a global market share of 4
percent, is a major player among the industry sectors of the country, generating 4 percent of the
national gross domestic product and accounting for 14 percent of Indian manufacturing. Its exports
of textiles and apparel are worth US$33 billion, which is the equivalent of 12 percent of the
country’s total exports.

… With Promising Opportunities …

The United States, the European Union and the United Arab Emirates are the biggest importers
of Indian apparel. Their combined share is 78 percent of total exports.

Sardana also gave an interesting insight about India’s competitors. China is the biggest
competitor in terms of textile products. However, he mentioned that the increasing unavailability
and rising costs of labor in China have created opportunities for other Asian apparel manufacturers
and exporters. On the other hand, Bangladesh, Vietnam and Sri Lanka focus mainly on apparel
products on a small scale. “These countries lack backward integration, unlike India,” he added.
Sardana is convinced that India is well-prepared to take its piece of the cake.

And he added some advice for his fellow citizens, that “India should increase its share in
apparel products and focus more on converting fibers, yarns and fabrics within the country rather
than focusing in exports of intermediate products.”

… And Ambitious Targets

The Indian textile industry is looking toward 2022 with ambitious goals to reach a turnover
of US$127 billion. To achieve this ambitious target, the industry needs to build a strong and
vibrant textile industry, which is technologically advanced and competitive on an international
level. Furthermore, it must generate large-scale employment through the entire production chain and
overcome its shortage of skilled workers. This goal also requires a more value-added and vertical
integration in the textile industry to enhance India’s global market share, which will result in
accelerated growth of textile exports from India.

Sardana is convinced that his country has huge potential to grow and prosper. However,
increasing competition from Asian neighbors, its limited infrastructure and the fragmented industry
structure are big challenges to overcome.

More information about this conference is still to come.

November 19, 2013

PGI Acquires Fiberweb

Charlotte-based nonwovens producer Polymer Group Inc. (PGI) has acquired Fiberweb Plc, a
London-based nonwovens and geosynthetics producer. PGI made an initial offer to purchase the
company in August (see
“PGI
Makes Offer To Purchase Fiberweb,”
TextileWorld.com, Aug. 27, 2013).

Fiberweb’s portfolio of filtration, building and construction, agriculture, healthcare,
technical fabrics, geosynthetics and hygiene products will complement PGI’s portfolio of nonwovens
for the hygiene, wipes, medical and industrial markets.

The acquisition expands PGI’s global presence and makes it the largest nonwovens manufacturer
in the world. The company now operates in 13 countries across North America, South America, Europe
and the Asia-Pacific region, and has approximately 4,000 employees.

“This is a milestone in our proud history and a critical moment for our industry,” said J.
Joel Hackney Jr., CEO, PGI. “PGI and Fiberweb are stronger together, and we are now well-positioned
to deliver on the industry’s growing demand for global scale, innovation and leadership.

“We are committed to investing and growing our presence in our key market segments as well as
those in which Fiberweb operates,” Hackney added. “We look forward to welcoming the Fiberweb team
as they join us in our mission of creating a safer, cleaner, healthier world for our families and
communities.”

November 19, 2013

H&V To Expand Virginia Plant, Add 17 Jobs

Hollingsworth & Vose Co. (H&V) — an East Walpole, Mass.-based provider of filter media,
battery separator materials and industrial nonwovens — will invest $6.1 million to expand
manufacturing capacity at its Floyd, Va., plant, and add 17 jobs.

H&V will add production capability for Technostat® and Technostat Plus electrostatic air
filter media used in applications including respirators; vacuum cleaners; automotive cabin air
filters; medical equipment filters; and residential and industrial heating, ventilation, and air
conditioning. H&V currently manufactures Technostat and Technostat Plus filter media only in
Europe.

“We are very pleased to continue to grow and invest in Floyd, Virginia,” said H&V
President and CEO Val Hollingsworth. “H&V has been operating there for nearly 40 years. We are
fortunate to have a lot of great people and we appreciate the support from Floyd County and the
State of Virginia.”

“This strategic expansion of our Floyd site will provide capacity to support the increasing
demand in North America for high performance synthetic filter media,” said Mike Clark, division
president, High Efficiency and Specialty Filtration. “This state-of-the-art production line will
produce H&V’s patented Technostat electret filter media, which provides high-efficiency
filtration with very low pressure drop.”

The Floyd site competed with H&V’s Hawkinsville, Ga., and West Groton, Mass., plants for
the project. H&V has manufacturing sites and research centers in the United States, Mexico,
Europe and Asia.

The new production line is expected to come online by the fourth quarter of 2014.

November 19, 2013

TenCate, DSM Offer TenCate Multi-light™ With Dyneema® Force Multiplier Technology

TenCate Advanced Armor — a division of the Netherlands-based Royal Ten Cate NV — and the
Netherlands-based fiber producer TenCate Advanced Armor have teamed to introduce TenCate
Multi-light™ inserts and vehicle armor solutions featuring Dyneema® Force Multiplier Technology.

TenCate Multi-light ultra-lightweight, flexible ballistic inserts offer protection against
both lead core and armor-piercing ammunition, and meet or exceed National Institute of Justice
(NIJ) level III and IV standards for multiple-hit protection.

DSM’s Dyneema Force Multiplier Technology combines advanced polymer science, innovative fiber
technology and unique uni-directional engineering to offer a high level of ballistic armor
protection for personal protection, vehicle armor and tactical gear. The material is thin and
lightweight and offers improved flexibility for soft-ballistic applications in addition to improved
multiple-hit protection.

“Current focus is on further reducing weight, increasing comfort and developing cost
efficient solutions,” said Steve Tanderup, managing director, TenCate Advanced Armor. “TenCate
Advanced Armour manages to combine those customer demands while increasing the level of protection.
Our cooperation with DSM is constructive and productive and the Dyneema Force Multiplier Technology
is a part of the innovation of the advanced armour solutions of TenCate. We intend to set a new
standard for ballistic armour protection in both personal protection applications like vests,
inserts, helmets, soft armor applications, and for vehicle armour. But also for next-generation
tactical gear that will be engineered around the future soldier programs. The application of the
Dyneema Force Multiplier Technology is an important part of this process.” 


TenCate and DSM Dyneema will co-market the product globally to defense and law enforcement
agencies.



November 19, 2013

Lang Ligon To Supply COMSAT Warpers To Norfab, Twitchell

Greenville-based textile machinery distributor Lang Ligon & Co. Inc. has added weaving
preparation, sectional warping and related equipment from Spain-based COMSAT to the product lines
it offers its customers in the United States and Canada.

The company recently sold COMSAT UNI EVO sectional warpers to Norfab Corp., a Norristown,
Pa.-based manufacturer of synthetic heat-resistant textiles; and to Twitchell Corp., a Dothan,
Ala.-based manufacturer of fabrics, vinyl extrusions and coatings for outdoor furniture, awning and
shade, industrial and other applications. The computer-controlled UNI warpers feature a completely
automatic advance determination system and can process a range of materials including cut or
continuous fibers with or without twist, in addition to glass, plastic and other materials.

Norfab selected the UNI warper after “years of research,” said Joe Bruderek, manager. “The
warper gives us the versatility we need for all our fabrics, fiberglass heavy fabrics to the Norfab
lighter-weight fabrics. The workmanship, commitment to the textile industry and the willingness to
customize ‘our’ warper are key reasons as well. We truly feel they produced a warper specifically
for us.” He also mentioned the service and spare parts COMSAT provides even for its older
machinery.  

“We visited several facilities which utilized COMSAT equipment and talked to management and
technicians at those locations,” said Tim Gilmore, manager, Twitchell. “To the person, they were
all very complimentary of the robustness of the equipment and the level of service supplied by
COMSAT after the sale. The warper seems to have all the capability that we need and yet is equipped
with a simple, straightforward control system that is easily understood by the operator.”

November 19, 2013

The Hosiery Association Announces It Will Close Its Doors

CHARLOTTE — November 13, 2013 — The Hosiery Association has issued a letter announcing it will
close its doors at the end of the year. The letter is reproduced below:

 

It is with mixed emotions that we share with you that The Hosiery Association’s (THA) Board
of Directors has voted to dissolve this 108 year-old organization effective December 31,
2013.  Economic volatility and increased globalization of the hosiery industry has caused
consolidation within the membership. Additionally, the membership demographics have changed. Some
companies have diversified the types of products they sell (both hosiery/non-hosiery). Most
companies have fewer employees and time for active involvement in association activities has become
more challenging. The requested needs and services within the current membership have become
decentralized.

 

All of these factors have caused a steep decline in THA’s membership over the last several
years resulting in a drop in revenue that has left the Association unable to sustain
itself.   While the decision was a hard one to make, we believe it is the right one given
the circumstances.   Change is not always easy, but it does often provide new
opportunities.

 

Many of you know that THA has been in talks with The American Apparel and Footwear
Association (AAFA) regarding opportunities for AAFA to serve THA’s membership in the future. 
As a result of our talks with them, AAFA is forming a Legwear Committee and has invited all current
THA member companies to become AAFA members.  

 

The ownership and management of THA’s sock/sheer sizing forms will be transferred to The
Hosiery Technology Center (HTC), now known as the Manufacturing Solutions Center (MSC) effective
December 1, 2013. The MSC has long been a champion for the hosiery industry and a valuable partner
to THA.  The MSC played a vital role in developing the sizing form programs and we are pleased
that it will continue this service which is invaluable to the hosiery industry worldwide. 

 

Lastly,  we’d like to thank you for your years of interest and support of THA and wish
you the best of luck.

 

Kind regards,

Rich Stober, Chairman, THA

and Sally Kay, President, THA

Posted November 19, 2013

Source: The Hosiery Association

 

TenCate Provides Colombian Army With TenCate Defender™ M For Aircrew

UNION CITY, Ga. — November 18, 2013 — TenCate Protective Fabrics has been chosen by the Colombian
Army Aviation Air Assault Division to deliver TenCate Defender™ M as the fabric of choice that will
be used to manufacture new, two-piece flight suits for its personnel. This adoption represents the
first major opportunity for TenCate Protective Fabrics to supply fabric to the Colombian Military
and to establish TenCate Defender M as a viable flame resistant (FR) fabric for military solutions
in South America.

The TenCate Defender M product portfolio has established a reputation for protection and
durability in recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan by supplying all deployed American troops
with FR combat uniforms. Many European and other armies around the world have performed wear tests
and have subsequently ordered TenCate Defender M products to protect their military.

Fabric innovation in action

Engineered as a versatile and comprehensive FR fabric, TenCate Defender M offers a variety of
styles and features that satisfy a wide range of applications. The best option for use in the
Colombian Army Aviation Air Assault Division flight suits emerged as TenCate Defender M 6.5 ounce
(per yard²) in a rip stop weave with anti-static properties in the Colombian Jungle Camouflage
print. The Air Assault Division found this version of TenCate Defender M best suited to its FR and
tactical needs.

Supply chain management

TenCate Protective Fabrics USA partnered with Complementos Industriales Ltda. in Cartegena,
Colombia, to arrange the shipment of approximately 50,000 yards of fabric for use in the
manufacture of the flight suits. TenCate Defense and Tactical Market Manager, John Blackmon, says:
“Complementos Industriales have been a huge resource in this effort. The manufacture of the flight
suits will be overseen by the Brigada de Apoyo Logístico and the actual production will be
conducted by the Batallón de Intendencia, also known as Las Juanas, which handles textile
operations for the Colombian Military”.

Continued expansion

TenCate Protective Fabrics looks forward to continued success in protecting militaries around
the world. Military Market Manager, Franklin Massey, who spear-headed the effort with John
Blackmon, says: “We are happy to offer TenCate Defender M to the Colombian military and we hope
that we can supply them with the full range of FR protection”.



Posted November 19, 2013

Source: TenCate Protective Fabrics

Fitesa To Expand Simpsonville Facility, Add At Least 32 Jobs

Fitesa Simponsville Inc. — a Simpsonville, S.C.-based designer and manufacturer of nonwoven fabrics
for hygiene, medical, and industrial specialty applications — is investing $50 million to expand
its Simpsonville facility and create at least 32 jobs.

The company will improve the infrastructure of its 190,000-square-foot plant and add
equipment to increase production capacity for its spunmelt nonwoven hygiene fabrics. According to
Fitesa, the fabrics offer softness, strength, barrier, abrasion resistance, extensibility and
sustainability; and are widely used in consumer goods such as baby diapers and adult incontinence
products.

“Our mission is to be the preferred choice for the supply of nonwoven fabrics to the global
hygiene industry, and to deliver high quality products with exceptional service and sustainable
processes,” said Ray Dunleavy, director of marketing, Fitesa. “We are pleased to continue to grow
our operations here in Greenville County, and appreciate the support of the Greenville Area
Development Corporation and South Carolina Department of Commerce in making this announcement a
reality.”

Fitesa began its Simpsonville operations in 1990 and currently employs 100 people at that
location. Dunleavy noted that Fitesa already has invested hundreds of millions of dollars to date
in its Simpsonville plant, and that it competed with Fitesa’s other U.S. plants — located in
Washington and Wisconsin — for the $50 million investment.Fitesa also has production facilities in
Mexico, Peru, Brazil, Sweden, Germany, Italy and China.

Fitesa expects to complete the expansion by November 2014.

November 12, 2013

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