Toray Partners With Elevated Materials To Repurpose Carbon Fiber Prepreg Waste, Advancing Sustainability Efforts

TACOMA, Wash. — July 16, 2024 — Toray Composite Materials America Inc., a manufacturer and supplier of carbon fiber and prepreg materials, announces the execution of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) adding Elevated Materials as a provider of repurposing services for its Tacoma, Wash., facility. Under the three-year agreement, Elevated Materials will repurpose Toray scrap prepreg materials, including slit-edge and full-width prepreg sheets.

Upcycling scrap prepreg material. Source: Elevated Materials

Elevated Materials’ mission is to eliminate carbon fiber waste in the aerospace industry. Since its founding, the company has successfully diverted 200,000 pounds of carbon fiber waste through its innovative upcycling process. Elevated Materials transforms this waste into press-cured carbon fiber sheets, plates, and blocks, which have applications in various industries, from sports equipment to manufacturing accessories and drones.

The agreement between the two companies is a testament to their shared commitment to prioritize sustainable solutions in response to the planet’s growing environmental challenges. Their focused efforts aim to make a positive ecological impact by reducing waste, conserving resources, and decreasing pollution.

“Collaborating with the Toray team on tough sustainability challenges has been a rewarding experience. Their expertise and collaborative spirit have been instrumental in pushing the boundaries of what we can achieve in sustainable composite materials. Together, we are making significant strides towards a more sustainable future,” said Ryan Olliges, founder and CEO of Elevated Materials.

The MOU is a significant and strategic step towards supporting Toray’s sustainability vision. This vision includes achieving net zero emissions by 2050 and managing resources sustainably.

“Our commitment to repurposing waste material underscores our dedication to sustainability and innovation. With this initiative, we are reducing our environmental footprint and setting a new standard for responsible manufacturing,” said Jeff Hawkey, senior vice president of operations at Toray. 

Posted: July 17, 2024

Source: Toray Composite Materials America Inc.

Auria Announces Appointment of QiuMing Yang as President and CEO as Brian Pour Steps Down

SOUTHFIELD, Mich. — July 16, 2024 — Auria, a supplier of highly engineered systems for automotive acoustics, textiles and cargo management for gas and electric vehicles, today announced the appointment of QiuMing Yang as the new president and CEO, effective July 22, 2024. Yang succeeds Brian Pour, who is stepping down after leading the business for the past seven years since its inception.

QiuMing Yang, president and CEO, Auria, effective July 22, 2024

Yang has served as Auria’s executive vice president and managing director for Asia/RSA operations since the company’s formation in 2017, in which time he has expanded the company’s customer base, while adding five new manufacturing facilities in the region. Yang will be based in the company’s operational headquarters in Southfield.

“We are fully confident that Qiuming Yang’s thorough understanding of the business and his impressive career achievements make him ideally suited to seamlessly transition to the president and CEO role. We congratulate Yang on this well-deserved appointment!” said Board Chairman Zhijun Lu.

Yang said: “I am honored for the opportunity to lead this great company and our talented employees. It has been a privilege to work alongside Brian, and I am excited to continue building upon the foundation and momentum established under his leadership. As we continue driving towards our ambitious financial targets and sustainability standards, I know that the future is bright for Auria!”

Pour said: “Auria has been an important part of my life over the last 7 years. I am filled with pride for what we, as a team, have achieved together. Together, we have transformed Auria from a startup joint venture to a global leader in automotive soft trim and acoustic systems. I’ve worked closely with Yang for 20 years at Auria and its legacy companies and have complete trust and confidence that Auria will continue to build on its success and thrive under his leadership.”

Lu said, “On behalf of the entire Board of Directors, we would like to thank Brian for his exceptional leadership and the invaluable impact he made on Auria. He was instrumental in building Auria into the company that it is today and setting the organization on a path for continued success. We wish him much success in his future endeavors.”

A full biography of QiuMing Yang is available on Auria’s website.

Posted: July 17, 2024

Source: Auria

The Textile Gateway: Re-Energizing The Textile Industry By Connecting Students

MINOT, N.D. — July 17, 2024 — The FabricLink Network (FLN) announced the launch of TheTextileGateway.org to help reenergize the textile industry. The website connects the textile industry to students from elementary school to universities. A challenge is that most young students aren’t thinking about textile careers, in part because they lack sufficient education about the opportunities.

“The mission of The Textile Gateway is to educate and inspire students at all levels about textiles; promote career paths in the industry; and, serve as a catalyst for future innovation,” explained Tom Swantko, director of the Gateway program. “The Gateway is vitally needed to help develop the next generation of leaders, innovators and skilled workforce.”

Outreach to elementary and high school students is a primary focus. The Gateway provides students in every grade through high school with a wealth of age-appropriate resources designed to engage and inspire. Outreach is also provided to students in colleges and universities. The Gateway aids students by bridging the gap between academic studies and real-world applications. You’ll find an array of resources, and gain access to industry professionals who share their knowledge and insights through articles, videos and live events.

Students will learn about textile industry workforce development programs. Swantko explains, “We are looking to partner with workforce programs that provide internships, apprenticeship, skills-training programs, or offer scholarships to students. The Gateway is an ideal partner to direct students to these opportunities.“

Steve Schiffman, president and CEO, Advanced Textiles Association (ATA), agreed, stating:  “We are very excited to partner with the Textile Gateway and support their education and outreach programs. Workforce development in the textile industry is a critical initiative and one that requires collaboration between textile-related trade associations, and other like-minded organizations/partnerships.”

David Parkes, founder and CEO, Concept III Textiles, concurred: “For the Textile/Apparel industries to present mature ideas and innovations in the future, we need TheTextileGateway.org as a platform where high schools, and entry-level college students can have exposure to the many careers and exciting opportunities these industries provide.”

Family & Consumer Science (FACS) programs and Career and Technical Education (CTE) curriculums for middle and high schools often lack resources for textiles. So, little is being done to educate young students about textiles and its many career paths. Swantko added: “We’ve met with administrators involved with FACS/CTE programs, who are excited to hear about what we’re doing and want to know how they can help. There is a real opportunity to promote the textile industry through schools across the USA.”

This is a platform where teachers can interact, share ideas and lesson plans, connect online with the industry, or arrange school visits. Ann Dietchman, supervisor of Family & Consumer Science Education (FCSE), for North Dakota’s Department of CTE (Career and Technical Education), is eager to work with TTG, and sums up the program in this way:  “The Textile Gateway program brings exciting opportunities for our students taking textile and clothing classes, by linking education to the textile/apparel business world.  This resource has long been needed for our FCSE programs.”

Posted: July 17, 2024

Source: FabricLink Network (FLN) / TheTextileGateway.org (TTG)

Cygnet Texkimp Supplies Versatile Filament Winding Cell To TWI’s Materials Integrity Centre

CHESHIRE, England — July 17, 2024 — Composites technology company Cygnet Texkimp has supplied a multi-mode filament winding cell to TWI’s Materials Integrity Centre in Middlesbrough, England.

The technology will be used to develop, validate and commercialize new composite materials and parts, including high-performance pressure vessels and pipes for the aerospace, nuclear and hydrogen markets.

TWI is a membership-based global research and technology organization offering R&D support and engineering, materials and joining technologies at 18 sites worldwide, delivered by more than 800 scientists, engineers, consultants and support staff. Its Materials Integrity Centre is a state-of-the-art laboratory and world-leading test facility part funded by the European Regional Development Fund to provide specialist materials and engineering support to businesses in the North East of England.

Cygnet Texkimp supplies filament winding cell to TWI 2024

The cell delivered by Cygnet Texkimp consists of a filament winding machine, driven fiber unwinding creel and pneumatic mandrel extraction technology. It is designed to run in a number of modes and can be modified to accommodate different resins and materials, with an adaptable wet-out system and wet winding capability to trial and optimize new resin formulations.

The machine can wind four tows simultaneously and each tow has its own tension control unit and dancer arm to regulate tension. This, coupled with a bespoke fiber handling and delivery system, enables accurate winding at higher tensions and speeds. The machine developed for TWI is currently capable of winding dry fibers and towpregs at tensions in excess of 100 Newtons, but with simple modifications, and depending on the fiber being wound, can be engineered to produce much higher tension in the region of 200 to 300 Newtons.

Mihalis Kazilas, Business Group manager of TWI’s Materials Performance and Integrity Group said: “The new centre combines the industrial expertise of TWI in the area of non-metallics testing and evaluation with the academic excellence of Teesside University in net-zero technologies. Together, TWI and Teesside University will support local businesses and enterprises in the development of new products and services that will contribute to the growth objectives of the Tees Valley Social Economic Plan.”

Amir Khamsehnezhad, Section manager at TWI’s Polymers & Composite Services Section, said: “The filament winder is a key piece of equipment that will help TWI deliver research and manufacturing projects on composite pipes and tanks. The equipment is already playing a role as part of a bid for the European Space Agency (ESA) to develop SMART manufacturing technology.”

Gareth Davies, International sales manager at Cygnet Texkimp, explains how the machine’s engineering makes it ideal for TWI’s R&D programmes: “A crucial feature of this highly versatile, multi-mode winding cell is the ease with which it can be modified and customised by TWI, giving the organization and its partners a very flexible resource to carry out effective product development and optimization.

“As with all our machines, the way the fibers are handled and guided through the cell is critical to the quality and performance of the end product. Because this machine has been designed to look after the fibers throughout the process, TWI and its partners can achieve higher production speeds and fiber tensions, which in turn leads to lighter, thinner parts.”

Posted: July 17, 2024

Source: Cygnet Texkimp

Rieter Places 700 Autoconer X6 Winders At Shanghai Digital Intelligence World Industrial Technology Group Co., Ltd. (DIW)

WINTERTHUR, Switzerland — July 16, 2024 — On July 16, 2024, Rieter and Shanghai Digital Intelligence World Industrial Technology Group Co. Ltd. (DIW) have signed a purchase contract for more than 700 of the company’s winding machines Autoconer X6. This represents the largest order in the history of Rieter China. The agreement also strengthens the strategic partnership between the two companies that aims to develop state-of-the-art spinning operations and achieve unprecedented levels of quality, productivity and efficiency.

(Back row) Thomas Oetterli, CEO Rieter Group (left); Roger Albrecht, Head of Business Group Machines & Systems (Front row, from left to right): Liu Yifang, Vice Chairman, Shanghai Digital Intelligence World Industrial Technology Co., Ltd.; Michael Hubensteiner, Country Managing Director Rieter China; Michael Wang, Senior Vice President, Rieter Sales China

DIW has placed an order for more than 700 of Rieter’s winding machines Autoconer X6. The winding machine serves as the final quality assurance in the ring spinning and compact-spinning process and is key to the performance of subsequent process steps. With its outstanding productivity, intelligent process automation, excellent splicing and winding quality, the Autoconer X6 is widely recognized in the market. The order will help DIW strengthen the vertical integration of its operations and accelerate its growth strategy in the cotton spinning industry, further underpinning its leading position in global markets. This order follows the initial batch placed in March 2024, when Rieter and DIW signed their first strategic partnership to develop intelligent yarn manufacturing technology that utilizes digitization and automation to minimize conversion costs and maximize value for customers.

Liu Yifang, vice chairman, Shanghai Digital Intelligence World Industrial Technology Group Co., Ltd., said: “This partnership is a win-win for both companies. With our vertically integrated manufacturing operations, we are building some of the world’s most advanced spinning operations which will ideally position us for growth in this industry. Together we will further enhance the overall operational efficiency of DIW, creating a major player in cotton spinning.”

Michael Hubensteiner, Country managing director Rieter China, said: “With its high- performance winding machines, Rieter will help DIW meet its steadily growing demand and requirements for higher operational efficiency. The renewed cooperation will further amplify our shared strengths, position us to capture growth opportunities together and enable long-term and stable cooperation between Rieter and DIW.”

Posted: July 16, 2024

Source: Rieter Holding Ltd.

Trelleborg Announces Engineered Coated Fabrics Investment Exceeding $30 Million In North Carolina

RUTHERFORDTON, N.C. — July 10, 2024 — Global engineered polymer group Trelleborg has announced a greenfield development for its engineered coated fabrics operations in Gateway West Commerce Park in Rutherford County, N.C.

The site, part of Rutherford County’s development vision for advanced manufacturing, will be Trelleborg’s second major facility in the area and is expected to cement Trelleborg’s position both as an industry leader and as a major local employer.

In addition to investments in state-of-the-art production capabilities Trelleborg will further invest in ensuring that the building and its operations are at the forefront of sustainability. The initial investment exceeds $30 million.

“By investing in sustainability as well as capacity, we will be better positioned to meet our customers’ needs and have a positive impact on our local community,” said Steve Brockman, president of Trelleborg Engineered Coated Fabrics. “Our new facility will be built to achieve LEED certification, and our operations will be carbon neutral and emit zero emissions. This investment helps us expand our use of bio-based polymers and recycled raw materials, aiding Trelleborg and our customers in meeting their product circularity targets.”

“I would like to thank Trelleborg for its continued investment and commitment to our community” said Rutherford County Board of Commissioners Chairman Bryan King. “As one of the county’s top employers, and a valued partner in community initiatives, this expansion underscores Trelleborg’s dedication to Rutherford County. “

“Trelleborg was the first corporate sponsor of our new Engineering Technology and Workforce Development Building and is a key partner in our international student exchange program,” added Dr. Margaret Annunziata, Isothermal Community College president. “We have a long history working with Trelleborg and are so excited about this new investment and its close proximity to our college.”

Brockman continued, “Our partnerships with local governments and Isothermal Community College have been instrumental in our decision to locate the new facility here. We have collaborated with Isothermal Community College for over twenty years. This new facility will strengthen our collaboration with the college and other local stakeholders, ensuring we continue to build a skilled workforce and drive economic development in the region. We hope our investment will expand career opportunities within the local community and attract further investments from other multinational companies.”

Trelleborg expects to break ground on the new facility in Q4 2024 and start production in Q1 2026.

Posted: July 16, 2024

Source: Trelleborg

Crystal International’s First-Ever Modernization Centre Amplifies Intelligence With Digitalization

HONG KONG — July 15, 2024 — Crystal International Group Ltd. has been widely adopting cutting-edge automation and technology throughout the operations at the forefront. To accelerate automation solutions and bolster innovation, Crystal International invests in and newly establishes its first-ever Modernization Centre in Vietnam, achieving manufacturing excellence with combined expertise.

Crystal International amplifies digitalization throughout the operations.

With the presence of key brand customers at the grand opening ceremony, the two-floor Modernization Centre serves as Crystal’s innovation hub of automated machine development and manufacturing. Following the inauguration of the centre, the group aims to further modernize all aspects of manufacturing process including cutting, value-added process, sewing, and finishing, through digital and automated solutions. The centre also heavily integrates advanced data analytics systems into operations, underlining the group’s commitment to continuous innovation.

The Modernization Centre with testing and piloting is where the innovation sparks.

The Modernization Centre consists of two main areas, one is a smartLAB where machine development and manufacturing, robotic development, as well as custom-making testing and simulation are taken place. Another area showcases various automated applications and digitized techs, including machine modifications and enhancements, robotic loading and unloading, fabric handling and auto-assembly. Going beyond, the team is planning to expand the centre to allow for developments to be piloted in a production environment that will be equipped with the latest technologies, in order to expedite the scaling up.

Leveraging automated solutions, the company spends 15% less time to make a basic t-shirt since 2020.

In addition to the demonstrated techs at the Modernization Centre, the group also deploys digitalization along the entire manufacturing process, such as digitized printing techniques, auto-sewing, automated heat transfer, auto-ironing, and auto-folding. Artificial intelligence is utilized during inspection, prototyping, and sorting processes. All advanced modernization initiatives help the company to streamline the operation and earn a winning edge.

Crystal International is resolute in the pursuit of digitalization and manufacturing excellence. This new step is imperative for the Group’s digital transformation journey. To stay competitive in light of the evolving expectations from brand customers, the Group is paying tremendous effort in developing innovative solutions and leveraging our strength, which boost operational efficiency and productivity.

Process digitalization is strengthened at different manufacturing processes.

Building on the success of the Modernisation Centre in Vietnam, the team will work closely with different factories to apply and upgrade process digitalization. Crystal International will continue to unleash the power of innovation and automation, with a view to becoming a smarter, more intelligent enterprise globally.

Posted: July 16, 2024

Source: Crystal International Group Limited

Alchemie Technology Launches New Taiwan Office And Expands Executive Team

CAMBRIDGE, England — July 15, 2024 — Alchemie Technology, a clean-tech digital textile dyeing company headquartered in England, has today announced the opening of a new Taiwan office. This strategic expansion allows Alchemie to better serve its customer base in Taiwan by providing local support for servicing and commissioning. Taiwan is a major textile hub in the Asia-Pacific region, with its industry placing a strong emphasis on R&D to foster innovation in new materials and textile technologies.

In addition to the new Alchemie Taiwan operations, the company has ambitious plans to establish operations in Bangladesh and Turkey for cotton dyeing, as well as in Central America and Portugal for both polyester and cotton. These expansions will further enhance Alchemie’s global footprint and its ability to deliver sustainable textile solutions worldwide in the fight to significantly reduce the environmental impact of textile dyeing and finishing processes.

Despite significant strides, the fashion industry still faces substantial challenges in meeting its environmental, social and governance (ESG) targets. Upstream production accounts for over two-thirds of the industry’s carbon emissions, and the fashion sector is responsible for an estimated 10% of global carbon emissions. The world’s most influential fashion companies continue to rely heavily on fossil fuels for manufacturing, with a troubling lack of progress and action toward decarbonizing their supply chains.

Earlier this year, Alchemie launched its Endeavour low-carbon digital textile dyeing production and officially opened its first in-market production and demonstration facility in Taiwan, dedicated to dyeing woven polyester. Both initiatives represented significant milestones in Alchemie’s scaling-up journey. Alchemie’s Endeavour digital dyeing production process reduces the carbon footprint of dyeing by up to 85 percent, eliminating up to 95 percent of wastewater and decreasing the required amount of chemicals by up to 30 percent.

Following the establishment of its Taiwan operations, Alchemie has expanded its executive team with the addition of Ryan Chen as COO Asia. Ryan brings over 20 years of experience in the textile industry, covering roles from first-line production to global innovation management. In 2015, he founded JouJouFish, earning the Eco-Performance Award in 2018 and helping the brand achieve ISPO Gold Winner status in 2020. He also co-founded Green Theme Technology in 2017 and JSRTex Group in 2020.

Dr. Alan Hudd, founder and CEO of Alchemie Technology, said: “Ryan’s extensive experience and dedication to sustainability align perfectly with our mission to revolutionise textile dyeing and finishing processes. Under his leadership, we are confident in our ability to scale operations and make a substantial positive impact on the environment.”

Posted: July 15, 2024

Source: Alchemie Technology

AATCC Foundation Announces Graduate Scholarship Recipients

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. — July 15, 2024 — AATCC Foundation scholarships and fellowships provide thousands of dollars per year to students studying in textile-related fields. Fellowships are available exclusively to graduate students while several scholarships are open to both undergraduate and graduate applicants.

In addition to direct funding for tuition, all Foundation scholars receive free registration for the AATCC Textile Discovery Summit in October and one year of complimentary AATCC membership to help them connect with industry professionals and launch a career in textiles. To support future generations of textile scholars and help empower an informed future, donate to the AATCC Foundation at www.aatcc.org/foundation/#donate.

The application for 2025-2026 scholarships opens November 1. The application for research support grants opens today, July 15. Visit www.aatcc.org/foundation/#grants for more information about funding for your undergraduate or graduate research.

Grady, Hauser, Houser, Daniels Fellow

This is a $5,000 fellowship for PhD candidates in Fiber and Polymer Science at the North Carolina State University Wilson College of Textiles.

  • Morgan Gilbert, North Carolina State University, Ph.D., Fiber and Polymer Science

Darsey Family Scholar

This is a $2,500 scholarship for undergraduate or graduate students in a textile- and/or fashion-related program.

  • Dengyu Luo, North Carolina State University, Ph.D., Textile Technology and Management

Kanti and Hansa Jasani Family Textile Scholars

Indian students attending a U.S. university are eligible for one of three $1,000 Jasani scholarships. This scholarship is open to graduate as well as undergraduate students.

  • Mukta Mirlekar, North Carolina State University, Ph.D., Fiber and Polymer Science
  • Gunashekar Kalluri, North Carolina State University, Masters, Textile and Apparel, Technology Management
  • Prateeti Ugale, North Carolina State University, Ph.D., Fiber and Polymer Science

More Scholars

This year, AATCC Foundation is providing scholarships to about 29 students at 10 universities in programs ranging from fashion design to materials engineering. Learn about other 2024-2025 scholarship recipients at www.aatcc.org/foundnews.

Posted: July 15, 2024

Source: AATCC Foundation

EURATEX Welcomes The EU Customs Reform Package And Calls For Swift Action On The De Minimis Exemption

BRUSSELS — July 15, 2024 — The European Textile and Clothing industry (EURATEX) welcomes the proposed reforms to the EU’s customs system, emphasizing the need for a modernized framework that addresses the challenges of the digital age and fosters a level playing field.

“Customs play a critical role in safeguarding fair competition within the EU Single Market and ensuring that products meet our environmental and safety standards,” stated Dirk Vantyghem, EURATEX Director General. “We recognize the need for a reformed system adapted to the 21st century, particularly considering the growth of e-commerce and the increasing complexity of regulations.”

EURATEX highlights key priorities for a successful reform:

  • Phasing Out De Minimis Exemption: EURATEX strongly supports abolishing the €150 import duty exemption for small consignments. This exemption has been exploited by e-commerce companies, creating unfair competition for European manufacturers. EURATEX urges immediate action to eliminate this loophole, rather than waiting until 2028.
  • Harmonization and Streamlining: The organization calls for a unified customs regime across the EU, with simplified procedures and reduced administrative burdens for businesses, especially SMEs. This includes avoiding duplication of efforts and ensuring seamless interoperability between different customs information systems.
  • Data Security and Transparency: EURATEX emphasizes the importance of robust data security measures within the proposed EU Data Hub. Clear regulations on data access, ownership, and cybersecurity safeguards are essential. Open collaboration between industry and policymakers is crucial in designing the Data Hub for optimal functionality.
  • Effective Implementation of Trust & Check Trader (T&CT):The T&CT status offers potential benefits for companies through features like self-assessment. However, EURATEX raises concerns about practical implementation, particularly for SMEs struggling to obtain existing Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) statuses. Providing support for SMEs in obtaining this status is crucial.
  • Interoperability and Data Sharing: EURATEX emphasizes the importance of the EU Data Hub’s interoperability with various IT systems. Also, a uniform central IT network facilitating national and other legal requirements would be a significant step forward.
  • Structured Dialogue with Stakeholders: The establishment of the EU Customs Authority (EUCA) is seen as a positive development for coordinating customs enforcement across the EU. EURATEX recommends a dedicated dialogue between the EUCA and stakeholders, including industry representatives, to improve overall coordination and effectiveness.

Posted: July 15, 2024

Source: The European Textile and Clothing industry (EURATEX)

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