Spinning With An Air Jet

Since the invention of the spinning mule, or mule jenny, in 1779 by Samuel Crompton, the textile
machinery industry has worked to develop faster and more reliable and flexible spinning
technologies. Air-jet spinning is the latest answer in this endeavor.

Over decades and centuries, ring spinning became the cornerstone of spinning, accompanied by
open-end or rotor spinning. Both technologies have their own fields of end-uses, and ring spinning
has been boosted further with the development of compact spinning, resulting in much less yarn
hairiness thanks to its reduced, or compact, spinning triangle. In the 1990s, a new technology
appeared on the market: air-jet spinning, the so-called Vortex technology from Japan-based Murata
Machinery Ltd. In October 1997, Murata revealed its development of the Murata Vortex Spinner (MVS),
an air-vortex spinning frame for cotton.


Over time, Murata established a niche market for these special yarns and claimed success for
the technology. Modifications to the Vortex technology in the late 1990s resulted in significant
changes in yarn structure compared with first-generation yarn structures. These modifications
enabled twist to be imparted more effectively to the outer surface of the yarn, which,
consequently, increased yarn tenacity. They also made it possible for the first time to process
shorter staple lengths, such as 100-percent cotton, in addition to man-made fibers and blends. In
September 2008, Murata introduced Vortex yarns at the Expofil yarn fair in Paris. Murata
communicated that “the functionality and fashionable features of the Vortex yarns met the
expectations of the textile professions around the world.” Nevertheless, as spinning is a
conservative industry, the technology wasn’t, and isn’t yet, that successful compared to ring or
rotor spinning, but Vortex yarns maintain their place in a niche market.

Rieter1

In ComforJet® spinning, the fiber is spun in the spinning nozzle.


Rieter Air-jet Spinning


In 2003, the Rieter Group, Switzerland, challenged the markets by introducing its own air-jet
spinning technology, beginning with the development of the J 10 air-jet spinning machine. The
technology’s market launch has continued since June 2008. The main development criteria included,
to name just a few: high productivity; flexible, simple machine settings; ease of operation; and
low downtimes for maintenance and lot changes. These criteria determined the machine concept and
the individual components.

At the heart of Rieter’s second-generation J 20 air-jet spinning machine is a spinning unit
driven by individual motors, without central gears and driving shaft, across the entire machine
length. Individual spinning positions can be switched off, and the rest of the machine continues
production. Such spinning unit settings as drafts, bobbin speed, winding tension, cross-angle and
spinning pressure are performed centrally via the machine operator panel. Also, in evaluating
machine data, flexibility is the top priority. Separate production and shift reports are available
for each article.

In Rieter’s air-jet spinning technology, a fiber arc is created by means of an air current,
and the yarn produced in this way is taken off via a fixed spindle. The twist factor in the
covering yarn corresponds more or less to that of a ring-spun yarn. The air-jet-spun yarn structure
consists of core fibers without significant twist and covering fibers with a genuine twist, which
ultimately produces the corresponding yarn tenacity. The specific yarn structure results in yarn
tenacity between that of a ring-spun yarn and that of a rotor-spun yarn. According to Rieter, the
very high yarn tenacity of a compact yarn cannot be achieved by any other spinning system. The
air-jet system virtually totally integrates the fibers into the yarn strand and into the
simultaneous, complete twisting of the fibers.

Due to their yarn structure, air-jet-spun yarns display good yarn elongation values equaling
those of ring-spun yarns, depending on yarn count and raw material. The elongation in air-jet-spun
yarns is also reflected in the yarns’ good processing behavior.

Rieter2

The J 20 air-jet spinning machine has 120 spinning units and is equipped with four robots,
with two on each side of the machine.


Hairiness, Abrasion And Wear Resistance


Compared to yarn spun using other spinning processes, air-jet-spun yarn displays the lowest
hairiness. The spinning process and the yarn structure obtained as a result create new,
complementary possibilities in downstream processing of the yarn. The advantages of low hairiness
range from cost savings in the knitting process to unique advantages in the textile product in
terms of abrasion, wear resistance, pilling and washfastness.

Yarn abrasion is directly related to yarn hairiness and the integration of the fibers in the
yarn strand. One advantage of air-jet-spun yarn is clearly apparent: Lower abrasion will result in
significantly less soiling and less fiber fly during downstream yarn processing, thereby extending
cleaning intervals on the machines. The abrasion resistance of the yarns is a further important
criterion in subsequent downstream yarn-processing stages and the yarn’s serviceability properties
in the textile fabric.

Rieter3


The spinning units on the J 20 air-jet spinning machine are configured in an open
duo-drafting arrangement that is suitable for spinning all fiber types.


A Second Generation


A number of innovations incorporated in the J 20 air-jet spinning machine allow it to achieve
delivery speeds of 450 meters per minute (m/min). By comparison, normal ring-spinning delivery
speeds are 15 to 27 m/min, and rotor spinning speeds are 130 to 250 m/min. The Rieter air-jet
spinning machine has a construction similar to that of a rotor spinning machine. Between the drive
frame and the end frame, there are six sections, each with 20 spinning positions, for a total of
120 positions, compared to five sections on the J 10 machine — making the J 20 the longest air-jet
spinning machine in the world, according to Rieter. In addition, there are four robots — two on
each side — in operation for the formation of yarn piecings, bobbin change and cleaning.

Yarn produced by the J 20’s spinning unit features high strength and a low number of
imperfections. The duo-spinning unit’s drafting arrangement can be precisely and reproducibly set.
Controlled fiber guiding results in good yarn quality and a low number of quality cuts and natural
thread breakages. Operator involvement is significantly reduced. Furthermore, bobbin tension can be
set over the entire bobbin, which, in tandem with the image interference device, ensures perfect
bobbin building, Rieter reports. The J 20 machines are equipped with the USTER® Quantum Clearer 2
yarn clearer that can include, per customer requirements, capacitive or optical sensor and optional
foreign fiber detection.


Automation


As mentioned above, the J 20 is equipped with four robots, with two on each side of the
machine. In addition to cleaning the spinning position and automatically piecing the yarn after a
thread break or a clearer cut, the robot changes full bobbins and threads up the empty tubes. It
also features a fan that cleans fiber-fly from the spinning positions. The robot is based on
rotor-spinning automation technology. The entire piecing process is electronically controlled. The
machine is designed so that both machine sides are optionally entirely independent of each other.


Blends


The duo-spinning unit expands the J 20’s field of application, and it can process viscose,
Modal® and blends of these fibers with cotton. Ideally, a somewhat coarser and shorter cotton fiber
can be chosen for raw material blends on economic grounds. A corresponding reduction in noil can be
achieved when combed cotton is used.

During development of the machine, care was taken to enable as many fiber materials as
possible to be processed using the same top roller cots.


Drafting


The drafting arrangement technology adopted for the air-jet spinning machine has been adapted
to high speeds. In order to achieve the extremely high drafts, the 3-over-3 drafting arrangement
was further developed to a 4-over-4 arrangement, allowing a gentle fiber drafting in three stages.
The robust arrangement features a unique, patented traversing system. The feed sliver and the yarn
produced as a result are laterally traversed — thus extending the lifecycle of the top rollers,
cots and aprons threefold, which considerably reduces long-term maintenance and spare parts costs
and ensures consistent yarn quality over time, Rieter reports.


Lower Energy, Space Needs


For most applications, Rieter claims that the air-jet spinning technology consumes less
energy per kilogram of produced yarn than other spinning processes. Shutdown of individual spinning
units thereby pays off. During development, the dimensions of the J 20 were also considered, to
ensure that the machine could be installed in existing spinning rooms.

Space needs for the J 20 are 25-percent less than for ring-spinning equipment producing the
same capacity, thereby reducing building costs. Also, the smaller area requires less climate
control, resulting in further substantial savings.


New Markets


The new air-jet spinning technology produces new yarns with new yarn characteristics, and
opens new market opportunities for spinning plants. Yarn formation is achieved by turbulence with
an airflow in a spinning nozzle, which creates a quite different yarn structure. Yarn produced by
the J 20 is marketed under the ComforJet® brand.

Since ITMA 2011, Rieter has begun marketing the J 20 worldwide. The company claims that “the
J 20 is a production miracle with smallest space requirements. With its high operating speed of up
to 450 m/min and 120 spinning units, the J 20 air-spinning machine heads the productivity scale.”

This technology is certainly an attractive alternative to all other existing spinning
processes. However, its market acceptance will show if this assessment is true.

March/April 2012

ITMA Technology: Quality Counts

Just as the machinery manufacturers that exhibited in Barcelona, Spain, at ITMA 2011 demonstrated
innovation and advances in automation, the suppliers of testing and quality control equipment also
presented improved products to the textile market.



Adaptive Control Solutions Ltd., United Kingdom, provides automated controls for the
entire textile wet process from preparation through coloration to finishing and inspection. The
company’s instrumentation provides a virtual image of the various process steps. One element of its
system is the use of Raleigh, N.C.-based Huemetrix Inc.’s technology to sample dye baths to measure
concentrations of individual dyes at any stage of dyeing. The ultimate goal is to have interactive
self-adjusting process controls at every step of wet processing to maximize productivity while
reducing energy, water and overall costs.

Datacolor, Lawrenceville, N.J., introduced the Viewport™, a light box outfitted
with a digital camera to provide high-precision digital images with a calibrated display. Included
software analyzes the images and computes color differences to allow approval and archiving of
sample data. This Web-based technology also allows suppliers and their customers to view the
samples simultaneously, which facilitates rapid decision making.



James Heal, United Kingdom, formerly James H. Heal & Co. Ltd., has rebranded
itself simply as “James Heal” and developed a new brand identity along with redesigning products to
emphasize the new brand. At ITMA 2011, in addition to the newest Martindale 900 Series for abrasion
and pilling testing, the company showcased the TruBurst burst-strength tester, the Elmatear digital
tear-strength tester, the completely redesigned TruFade lightfastness tester and the Titan
universal strength tester. Heal’s well-known line of testing materials was also redesigned as part
of the rebranding.

Quality

James Heal’s Martindale 909 abrasion and pilling tester features nine testing stations and
can be used to test specimens according to a number of international standards.

An innovation in light boxes was introduced by
Just Normlicht GmbH, Germany. The JUST LED Color Viewing Light provides adjustable
illumination through light-emitting diodes. The JUST LED colorControl system can simulate any
lighting environment and includes controlled ultraviolet content for viewing fluorescent samples.
Preprogrammed light sources can be stored and recalled when needed. A proprietary LED calibration
method provides consistent light quality.

Mahlo GmbH & Co. KG, Germany, exhibited a full range of online sensors to
provide real-time measurements of process parameters during continuous processes. Weight per unit
area can by determined with beta radiation by the Gravimat DFI or with X-rays by the Gravimat FMX.
Moisture content is measured using microwaves by the Aqualot AMF/HMF or using near-infrared
radiation by the Infralot IMF. Concentrations of specific organic compounds can also be determined
using the Infralot IMF unit. Web thickness can be determined using the Calipro DML non-contact unit
or the Calipro DMP air cushion contact device.

Pleva-Cintex, comprising
Pleva GmbH, Germany, and
Cintex AG, Switzerland, displayed a series of new and improved online sensors.
Fabric moisture levels can be determined with the traversing microwave heads of the AF120-Box and
RF110-Box systems. Online pick or course counts as well as width measurements can be made with the
Dual Structure Detector SD2C. Fabric temperature sensors TDS95 have been connected in a new
configuration to allow fast response times in measuring fabric temperatures online. The new RR-WB
device was designed to measure moisture levels in open-width goods.



Q-Lab Corp., Cleveland, presented its line of lightfastness and weathering testers.
The Q-Sun B02 Xenon Lightfastness Tester, designed to meet ISO 105 B02 test specifications,
features a rotating specimen rack and offers optional water spray; and measures spectrum,
irradiance, relative humidity, chamber temperature and black standard temperature. The Q-Sun light
stability and weathering testers offer affordable xenon arc testing, can operate around the clock,
and are completely automated and easy to install and use, Q-Lab reports.

SDL Atlas, Rock Hill, S.C., introduced a series of enhancements to its Ci series
Weather-Ometer line. The WXView data acquisition system allows remote access control of the unit.
An improved sealed lamp, temperature measurement system, and specimen holder all contribute to
improved efficiency and ease of operation.

X-
Rite, Grand Rapids, Mich., and its subsidiary
Pantone LLC, Carlstadt, N.J., exhibited several new developments in the color
measurement field. The CAPSURE™ portable spectrophotometer enables designers to capture that
“perfect” color anywhere and match it to one of 10,000 Pantone® colors. The NetProfiler 3 software
package allows online or local calibration of spectrophotometers as well as comprehensive report
generation. Newly designed calibration tiles are economical enough to be replaced once a year to
guarantee accurate calibrations over time. The ColorMunki is used to calibrate computer monitors to
ensure accurate color reproductions on screen.



Getting It Right In The Yarn

Uster Technologies AG, Switzerland, has been developing and manufacturing yarn testing
equipment since 1948, when it introduced its first yarn evenness testing instrument. The company
introduced its USTER® Statistics yarn and fiber benchmarks in 1957, and has revised them
continually to provide up-to-date standards for the measurement of yarn evenness.

The Uster Tester 5 is the company’s newest-generation yarn evenness tester, and, according to
Uster, is the fastest and most accurate instrument on the market. The tester is available in
several iterations for both staple and filament yarn.

For staple yarn, the Uster Tester 5 equipped with OH module to optically measure hairiness
can be used with the Uster Zweigle HL400 yarn hairiness tester, which operates at a speed of 400
meters per minute (m/min). Other modules and sensors are available to measure diameter variation,
determine unevenness and imperfections, measure temperature and humidity, and provide other
functions. The tester is available in two models for staple yarn: Uster Tester 5-S400, which runs
at a speed of 400 m/min; and Uster Tester 5-S800, which runs at 800 m/min. The results generated by
these testers can be checked against the Uster Statistics benchmarks.

Quality2

The USTER® Quantum 3 yarn clearer, installed on the winding unit, collects data on the
running yarn and recommends clearing limits to realize specified yarn quality.

The Uster Tester 5-C800 for filament yarn runs at a speed of 800 m/min and can be used with
the Uster Tensorapid tensile testing system, the latest version of which is the Uster Tensorapid
4-C featuring a purpose-designed software package.

The Uster Quantum 3 yarn clearer, the latest version of the company’s Quantum clearers,
offers what Uster calls “Smart Clearing Technology” including powerful capacitive, optical and
foreign matter sensors that together with the state-of-the-art processing electronics enable the
system to reveal the whole yarn body. The instrument collects data on the running yarn in two
minutes and recommends clearing limits to realize the specified yarn quality. The unit interfaces
with Uster Quantum Expert 3, a system that compares clearing settings at any winder and provides
synchronization across similar yarn lots.

March/April 2012

Techtextil North America 2012 Exhibitor Preview: HeiQ

ZURCHERSTRASSE, Switzerland — February 24, 2012 — Textiles are generally thought of as static and
passive. But what if they could respond to the environment around them? Imagine a fabric capable of
perceiving changing conditions and adapting its functionality accordingly. Now it’s reality —
thanks to Adaptive, a revolutionary textile effect by the Swiss company HeiQ.

This innovation marks a milestone in the evolution of smart fabrics. Textiles treated with
Adaptive can effectively read and respond to the wearer’s body temperature and moisture levels. As
a result, these garments offer dynamic moisture control and thermoregulation, leading to improved
comfort.



How it works: the functionality

This pioneering, patent-pending technology is based on a unique hydrofunctional polymer whose
moisture transport properties change in response to temperature. This enables Adaptive to transport
and release moisture at higher temperatures, offering enhanced cooling and keeping the skin dry. At
lower temperatures, the fabric absorbs moisture but the wicking effect is reduced, resulting in
increased insulation.



How it feels: the comfort factor

There is nothing new about running gear that offers passive moisture management when it comes
into contact with perspiration. But what if the same clothing can sense when the wearer’s body
temperature goes down and reduce its evaporation capacity in response? The benefits for the
consumer are clear. Better thermoregulation increases comfort and, as a result, performance
capacity. Specifically designed for skin-contact materials, Adaptive is ideal for sportswear,
underwear, socks and hosiery. However towels and bed linen can also benefit from this unique
functionality.



Test Adaptive at Techtextil

Why not try it for yourself? From April 24 until April 26, 2012, you can experience this
innovative textile effect first-hand at HeiQ’s and Bolger & O’Hearn’s booth (1446) at
Techtextil North America 2012 in Atlanta, GA. In addition, the Swiss company will also be
showcasing two other innovative product platforms: Pure and Barrier. Pure leverages the
antimicrobial properties of pure natural silver to provide textiles with long-lasting freshness.
Barrier makes fabric exceptionally water-repellent and dirt-resistant, thanks to its unique micro
structured surface.

Posted on March 12, 2012

Source: HeiQ Materials AG

TenCate Protective Fabrics Wins Order For Shropshire Fire & Rescue In U.K.

ALMELO, the Netherlands — March 6, 2012 — TenCate Protective Fabrics has won an important order
from the British producer FlamePro (UK) Ltd, for the delivery of inherently heat and flame
resistant materials for the structural fire fighter clothing for Shropshire Fire & Rescue
Service in the U.K. This seven-year contract employs a new lightweight system, the TenCate
Tecasystem™ Millenia 450, in the construction for more than 1200 fire service outfits. The first
300 outfits are expected to be handed over in June 2012.

The fire brigade in Shropshire, England, has been looking for new developments in the market
in order to improve the current personal protection systems. The specification required a durable
fire fighting suit with less maintenance costs and better protection against the risk of heat
stress. Heat stress is caused by the body’s inability to maintain its average core temperature in
arduous and stressful situations. Heat stress can cause fire fighters to lose consciousness or even
worse, suffer a heart attack.



Lightweight protection

Producer FlamePro has developed a new FlamePro® fire fighting suit based on advanced TenCate
materials. TenCate Tecasystem™ Millenia 450 is the lightest, strongest protection system available
in the market that meets the strict requirements of the European Norm EN 469/AC: 2005, level 2. It
consists of an outer fabric in combination with a thermal and moisture regulating intermediate
layer and a thermal liner. Each layer has been developed with its own functionality. As an
integrated system, the layers are fully compatible with each other.



Comfortable and durable

Kevan Whitehead, end-use market manager of TenCate Protective Fabrics, explains: ‘Shropshire
fire fighters will benefit from a light and comfortable fire fighting suit yet still be protected
in the extreme conditions experienced in a raging inferno. In addition to fighting fires, fire
fighters also turn out to a wide variety of other emergencies including road traffic collisions,
hazardous materials and terrorist incidents. These various situations require multifunctional
clothing that is lightweight, comfortable, strong and protective.’

The new fire suit has a unique design wherein any damaged parts — such as the fluorescent
visibility stripes — can be easily replaced. Conforming to the requirements of this English fire
brigade, the concept suits have been subjected to wearability and washing tests. In addition, some
members of the brigade visited TenCate Protective Fabrics in Nijverdal, the Netherlands. In the
laboratory they became acquainted with various types of material and their performance, including
availability in the market. They were also shown a comparison between the materials of the current
fire suit and the new lightweight protection system from TenCate.

Subsequently, Shropshire Fire & Rescue Service carried out a controlled programme of
testing designed to measure the amount of energy expended whilst carrying out a series of tests.
These tests were performed using five serving fire fighters (two female and three male) and the
tests and analysis of results were carried out by an experienced consultant. The tests were carried
out over two successive days to allow a comparison to be made between the existing fire suit and
the new protection system based on TenCate Tecasystem™ Millenia 450. The research demonstrated
that, compared with the existing garments, the new fire suit requires 25 per cent less body energy,
offers good protection against the danger of heat, and offers greater comfort and freedom of
movement.

Posted on March 16, 2012

Source: TenCate Protective Fabrics EMEA

NShield™ Antimicrobial Masterbatches Provide Superior Processing And Long-Lasting Effectiveness To Synthetic Fiber And Plastic Products

CUYAHOGA FALLS, Ohio — Feb. 28, 2012 — Americhem Inc., a global provider of custom color and
additive solutions, has introduced nShield™ antimicrobial masterbatches that inhibit the growth of
odor-causing bacteria in synthetic fiber and plastic products.

nShield antimicrobial masterbatches are highly effective at low levels against a wide range
of microorganisms in a variety of applications, including apparel, filtration, synthetic turf,
automotive interiors and other plastic products. The product can be customized in order to suit
each manufacturer’s specific requirements, including antimicrobial concentration, use rate and
other functionalities.

“Developed in response to hygiene concerns, antimicrobial agents have already proven
effective in enhancing the freshness of end products across a wide array of industries,” said Vaman
G. (VG) Kulkarni, Ph.D., director, business development, Americhem. “The success of our
antimicrobial agents in textiles throughout the past few years has led us to officially introduce
the technology and offer it to our customers as nShield.”

These masterbatches become an integral part of the fiber or plastic article and render
durable antimicrobial properties which restrain bacteria from proliferating and control odor.
Because it is engineered into the end product, nShield’s antimicrobial effect is non-migratory
resulting in premium durability. nShield antimicrobial agents also resist discoloration and
degradation caused by bacteria for long-lasting aesthetic appeal.

An extra value to manufacturers, nShield enhances performance throughout the manufacturing
process. It has excellent spinning and processing characteristics for higher yields and lowered
pack pressure because of the dispersion quality. nShield also provides higher thermal stability
that will not cause decomposition at nylon 6, nylon 6,6 or PET spinning temperatures, allowing for
superior processing and optimal manufacturing efficiency.



Posted on March 16, 2012

Source: Americhem Inc.

TSG Consolidates Plant Operations

North Wales, Pa.-based commission fabric finisher TSG Finishing LLC has begun consolidating
operations in an effort to improve its commission finishing operations. The company will close its
Synfin Industries plant in North Wales and move production to its four plants in North Carolina,
which comprise Synthetics Finishing, Longview Machinery and Combeau Industries. According to TSG,
the consolidation, which it expects to complete by the end of the summer, will not impact its
customers. The company’s headquarters will remain in North Wales.

“The consolidation will coordinate efforts within our organization and ensure that we meet
our customer demands at the highest level of efficiency and flexibility to which our customers have
become accustomed over the years,” said Jeffrey S. Goldman, president and COO, TSG. “This
consolidation will also allow us to utilize our significant assets and technology over a broader
customer base and serve a wider variety of industries more efficiently because our plants will be
located in closer geographic proximity to one another.” 

TSG Finishing has been in business for 111 years and is owned by the fourth and fifth
generations of the family that started the company in Baltimore.



March 13, 2012

Dow Corning Introduces DWR-7000 Soft Hydro Guard

Midland, Mich.-based Dow Corning Corp. has launched a silicone-based emulsion that it reports
provides good water repellency and improved softness to most textile substrates and particularly
cellulosics and blends.

According to Dow Corning, DWR-7000 Soft Hydro Guard has demonstrated durability after 30 home
launderings — performance that is equal to or better than that offered by traditional
fluorocarbon-based water-repellent finishing systems on the market. The emulsion contains no
fluorine, solvents, or alkylphenol ethoxylates (APEO).

“Leading brand apparel companies are looking for innovative water repellency technologies
that can provide eco-friendly solutions for their garments without sacrificing comfort,” said
Joanna Giovanoli, marketing manager, Dow Corning Textiles. “With the help of Dow Corning DWR-7000
Soft Hydro Guard, the brands are able to create apparel designed for wet weather. In contrast to
current fluorocarbon technologies, silicon-based emulsions contain no fluorine, solvents or APEOs.
Silicones used in this product exhibit no adverse toxicological effects or evidence of
bioaccumulation and have no effects on soil-living species or on crop growth.”

The company reports the finish also offers good stability and compatibility with most textile
auxiliaries; and does not require heat reactivation or additional performance extenders, softeners
or lubricants. Targeted applications include sports and recreation apparel.



March 13, 2012

INDA Accepting Nominations For Various Awards

The Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry (INDA), Cary, N.C., is accepting nominations for
the 2012 World of Wipes (WOW) Innovation Award™, the second annual Research, Innovation &
Science for Engineered Fabrics (RISE) Durable Product Award, the Lifetime Service Award, the
Lifetime Technical Achievement Award, and the 2013 Visionary Award.

The 2012 WOW Innovation Award recognizes innovative technology within the entire wipe value
chain, including raw materials and ingredients, roll goods, machinery, packaging, and finished
products. Products may be nominated by e-mailing a short abstract of the product to Helena Lee
hlee@inda.org, and sending her a product sample at 1100 Crescent
Green, Suite 115, Cary, N.C., 27518. The deadline for nominations is April 20, 2012. The award will
be presented during the 2012 WOW International Conference, to be held June 5-7, 2012, in Chicago.

The RISE Durable Product Award recognizes commercially available consumer or industrial
products made using nonwoven fabric and/or technology. Categories suitable for nominations include
raw material, roll goods, converting, packaging, active ingredients, binders, additives and end
products. Nominations should be submitted by July 13, 2012, at
inda.org/events/rise12/RISE2012DurableAwardNominationForm.pdf.
The award will be presented during the RISE 2012 Conference, to be held Oct. 22-25, 2012, in
Baltimore.

The Lifetime Service Award and the Lifetime Technical Achievement Award recognize
contributions to INDA and the nonwovens industry as a whole during the recipient’s career.
Nominations should be submitted by July 13, 2012, at
inda.org/HallofFame/LifetimeServiceAwardNomination2012.pdf;
and
inda.org/HallofFame/LifetimeTechnicalAchievementAwardNomination2012.pdf.
The awards will be presented during the RISE 2012 Conference.

The 2013 Visionary Award recognizes innovative consumer end products that incorporate
nonwoven fabrics or use nonwovens technology during the manufacturing process. Products may be
nominated via INDA’s website,
inda.org; or by emailing an explanation of the product to Helena
Lee
hlee@inda.org, and sending her a product sample at 1100 Crescent
Green, Suite 115, Cary, N.C., 27518. The deadline for nominations is Oct. 5, 2012. The award will
be presented during the VISION 2013 Consumer Products Conference, to be held Jan. 29-31, 2013, in
Orlando, Fla.



March 13, 2012

Naturally Advanced Announces Key Developments In Production Of CRAiLAR

VICTORIA, B.C. and PORTLAND, Ore. — March 13, 2012 — Naturally Advanced Technologies Inc. (“NAT” or
the “Company”) (TSXV: NAT) (OTCBB: NADVF), which produces and markets CRAiLAR(r), a natural fiber
made from flax and other bast fibers, announced key developments this week toward advancing its
first full phase of production in order to supply its CRAiLAR fiber to global partners.

Step Change Increases Capacity, Opens Opportunity for Third-Party Manufacturing

In 2011, the Company embarked on a yearlong effort to optimize production of its CRAiLAR
technology. The resulting process improvements effectively reduce the enzymatic process time by 40
percent, thereby significantly reducing the overall CRAiLAR fiber cycle time. This reduction in
process time significantly increases production capacity in each planned manufacturing facility.
More critically, the CRAiLAR optimization allowed NAT to evaluate third-party manufacturing
partners for that process, which will further increase overall production volume and accelerate
growth of its flagship product, CRAiLAR Flax fiber.

“This milestone is the culmination of the last year’s efforts of our innovations team, led by
Jason Finnis, our CIO,” said Ken Barker, CEO of NAT. “Intended as a strategic initiative that would
maximize the volume capability of our first facility this year, it’s now apparent that the
improvements in efficiency and resultant economics of our CRAiLAR process allows us to consider
third party manufacturing as a critical option in our expansion plans.”

Partnership Inked with Tintoria Piana

As a result of this optimized process, Tintoria Piana entered into an agreement to execute
the CRAiLAR enzymatic process exclusively for NAT, augmenting the Company’s plans for manufacturing
capacity. The agreement calls for Tintoria to commence production in Q2 2012. Tintoria’s history in
textiles dates to 1582 in Biella, Italy. The privately held, family-owned business has dyed fiber
for the traditional apparel business for more than 60 years, and operates principally out of
Cartersville, Georgia in North America.

“This move would be consistent with most other branded global industries, where outsourced
manufacturing allows for faster expansion of the technology proposition and resulting brand message
for our partners, while significantly reducing the capital requirements to scale up to meet
demand,” Barker added.

New Facility Leased in Florence County, South Carolina, Governor Nikki Haley Welcomes
Company to the State

Additionally, NAT plans to open a facility in the 143,500 square foot Delta Mills Cypress
plant on Old River Road in Pamplico, South Carolina. An initial USD $8 million investment that will
create 25 jobs is expected as part of the Company’s establishment of production facilities there.
Flax, grown as a winter crop in Florence and surrounding counties, will be processed out of NAT’s
new facility in Pamplico, S.C.

“We are constantly working to bring investments and jobs to all areas of our state, but it’s
always exciting to see a company invest in one of South Carolina’s rural areas. We celebrate
Naturally Advanced Technologies decision to locate in Pamplico and create 25 new jobs,” said South
Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley.

NAT finalized plans this week for a long-term lease with an option to purchase the building,
and its full execution is contingent upon tax and job creation incentives in review with Florence
County. A first hearing took place on February 16 and a second is scheduled for March 15. A final
environmental and incentives review is scheduled for hearing on April 19 and would complete the
process. The South Carolina Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved a set aside
grant for $263,500 for building upfit and job development credits, which will be available when
hiring targets are met.

“South Carolina has a strong history in the textile, advanced materials and agribusiness
sectors, and today’s announcement builds on all three. Every one of these jobs will have an impact
in Pamplico and we appreciate Naturally Advanced Technologies’ decision to do business in South
Carolina,” said Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt.

“On behalf of the State of South Carolina, I would like to congratulate Naturally Advanced
Technologies for their commitment to Florence County. As the State Senator and a resident of
Florence County, I am thrilled to see another new capital investment and an increase in jobs. This
company has enormous growth potential here in South Carolina,” said state Senator Hugh K.
Leatherman.

NAT’s 2011 business activities included purchasing agreements with HanesBrands,
Georgia-Pacific and Brilliant Global Knitwear, along with development agreements with Levi Strauss
& Co., Cintas, Carhartt, Ashland, Westex, and Target. The first commercial result, with Hanes,
received recognition this month.

“We are proud to see our investments and hard work beginning to pay off in the form of the
production of CRAiLAR for commercial use. We’re particularly excited that Hanesbrands, our first
production partner for CRAiLAR, is being recognized this month for its sustainability efforts by
the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and that it cited the use of our flax fiber in its
EcoSmart socks, which will be available at retail in April.”

“We thank the State of South Carolina, Florence County, and all those who helped to establish
the Company’s presence in South Carolina,” said Barker. “The establishment of our first full-scale
production facility, alongside our new partnership in neighboring Georgia through Tintoria, gives
us a foothold in one of the most important agricultural and manufacturing regions in North America.
We look forward to further establishing our commercial, agricultural and civic partnerships there.”

For additional information contact the Florence County Economic Development Partnership at
843-676-8796 or
www.fcedp.com.



Posted on March 13, 2012

Source: Naturally Advanced Technologies Inc.

USTR Kirk Welcomes Rise In Export-Supported Jobs Here At Home

WASHINGTON — March 12, 2012 — United States Trade Representative Ron Kirk today applauded new
numbers from the U.S. Department of Commerce showing that jobs supported by U.S. exports increased
by 1.2 million between 2009 and 2011. The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR)
is responsible for developing and coordinating U.S. international trade policy and overseeing trade
negotiations with other countries. 

“The President’s National Export Initiative is paying off for American companies and for
American workers,” said Ambassador Kirk. “More exports of Made-in-America goods and services and
agricultural products are supporting more jobs for our people here at home. USTR will keep working
to open world markets for U.S. exporters and to keep them open through robust enforcement, while
coordinating with our partners across the government to keep those export successes — and homegrown
jobs — coming.”

In 2010, President Obama announced his NEI goal of doubling U.S. exports by the end of 2014
to create more good-paying jobs. Through the NEI, the Administration is increasing trade advocacy
and export promotion efforts, removing barriers and expanding access to markets, and enforcing
trade rules. More information on the numbers released by the Department of Commerce today can be
found here:
http://www.trade.gov/press/press-releases/2012/jobs-supported-by-exports-031212.pdf. 

Posted on March 13, 2012

Source: USTR

1...2,0472,0482,049...2,631Page 2,048 of 2,631

Sponsors

Breaking News

Load more

Digital Issue

2026 Quarterly Issue Number I

View Latest Digital Issue

FEATURED ARTICLES

© Copyright 2017 Textile Industries Media Group, LLC.