MILAN, Italy — March 11, 2024 — The Thermore group today announced the debut of its most dynamic stretch insulation in its five decades of innovation: Freedom. Made from 50-percent post-consumer recycled polyester, this unique and compelling insulation offers ground-breaking stretch while providing warmth across a multitude of uses including alpine sports, running, golf, commuter, fishing and hunting, cycling and a host of other active pursuits.
Dynamometer testing shows that the insulation — which comes in four levels of warmth, ranging from 60-150 grams per square meter — has incredible elasticity and recovers to 100 percent of its prestretch size time after time. It’s truly amazing! The ability to provide warmth while also allowing for a dynamic range of motion is what impels performance brands to utilize Thermore in their product lines.
The new Freedom insulation adds a higher level of comfort and functionality than what was previously attainable in the stretch category. It reaffirms Thermore’s place in the textile industry as a true innovator that is deeply rooted in performance and sustainability. The Freedom insulation is GRS certified. It’s machine washable, can be dry cleaned and is easy-care for the consumer- and very design friendly for product developers with its high resistance to fiber migration. This represents another step forward in Thermore’s ongoing dedication to commit to a sustainable product line. Thermore pioneered the use of recycled fibers in the 1980’s and has mastered the technology ever since.
SPARTANBURG, S.C. — March 12, 2024 — Since inventing the first fleece crafted from recycled plastic water bottles more than three decades ago, Polartec®, a Milliken & Company brand, and the premium creator of innovative and more sustainable textile solutions, has upheld its unwavering pledge to protect the environment. Polartec consistently goes above and beyond to make the goal of zero waste a reality – from using 100-percent recycled and plant-based materials, to delivering certified waste reductions and innovative technologies that reduce the impact of its activities. Now, with its new Beyond Begins Today initiative, Polartec aims to raise awareness around the important global themes of sustainability, diversity and positive change.
Beyond Begins Today is a multifaceted campaign featuring static and multimedia content, including short films released throughout the year via multiple touchpoints and channels — the first of which will be released on Earth Day 2024 to underscore the underlying premise that the future is what we make it. Polartec’s commitment to sustainable solutions go beyond the integration of increasingly advanced manufacturing methods or the ongoing exploration of novel fibers, and continued investments in sustainable materials development. This commitment extends to the fundamental belief that, if we change behaviors, we can change the narrative. For our Planet. For our People. For our Products.
“This important initiative reaffirms our belief that sustainability is fundamental to our past, present, and future endeavors to enrich the lives of those who wear our fabrics and to reduce our environmental impact,” said Eric Yung, managing director at Polartec. It is Polartec’s responsibility to safeguard all that matters deeply to us: Planet. People. Product. Beyond words, mandates and aspirations, we are taking action through innovation. Beyond Begins Today.”
Change starts with each of us. Our promise, therefore, is that every one of our product launches in 2024 will either reduce our impact on the planet, endure the test of time, or contribute to circularity processes. Beyond Begins Today looks at how Polartec fabrics are made to last, and made to be used and enjoyed from one generation to the next and beyond. It explores the innovative monomaterials, repurposed plastic and plant-based nylon membranes and fabrics that Polartec uses to set new standards for high performance materials and the ambitious climate-related objectives across the entire value chain that exceed existing mandates. This holistic strategy allows Polartec to stay at the forefront of its industry by producing top-notch textiles that champion environmental stewardship and pave the way for a more sustainable tomorrow.
“For over three decades, Polartec has proven time and time again that while durability, breathability and weather-resistance is non-negotiable, ensuring such performance does not need to come at the expense of our environment,” said Ramesh Kesh, SVP Milliken and Company & Business Manager Polartec. “Leaving the world better than when we found it is a collective responsibility we hold dear – because Polartec doesn’t just talk sustainability; we are sustainability.”
OBERTSHAUSEN, Germany — March 12, 2024 — In recent years, KARL MAYER has made a name for itself as a specialist in the field of wearables. The TEXTILE-CIRCUIT division of its TEXTILE MAKERSPACE has already produced a wide range of electrically conductive warp-knitted items for a wide variety of applications, including a sensor shirt, a gesture control system and a conductive charging station.
In order to drive the topic forward, the innovative textile machine manufacturer has signed a cooperation agreement with the Grabher Group and delivered an MJ 52/1-S to the specialist for high-tech textiles in Lustenau. Managing Director Günter Grabher officially inaugurated the key machine for project work in the smart textiles sector in May 2023.
MJ 52/1-S
The versatile machine is involved in various research projects, but is also available for new projects and tasks. The smart textiles competence team at KARL MAYER and Grabher is looking forward to supporting the ideas and work of interested parties also outside the research network with its know-how and the possibilities of the MJ 52/1-S.
A smart textile alliance is ready for new challenges
The possibilities of Grabher and KARL MAYER in promoting smart textiles projects are considerable. Both partners have their own expertise and capacities in this area: KARL MAYER with TEXTILE-CIRCUIT of its TEXTILE MAKERSPACE, Grabher with V-trion, a subsidiary that develops customized concepts for customers as a research institute. Grabher also uses a wide variety of textile machines and processes for its production and can therefore contribute its comprehensive technological expertise and network to project work.
The MJ 52/1 S is also an extremely flexible project machine. The 138″ model in gauge E 28 produces a wide range of warp-knitted fabrics and incorporates conductive material directly into the textile surface – exactly where it is needed and with the structure that is required. The basis for the tailor-made fiber placement is KARL MAYER’s string bar technology. The proven system for controlling the pattern guide bars ensures a fast, established textile production process and a high degree of pattern freedom.
Franziska Guth at Techtextil 2022.
“The potential of the MJ 52/1 S in the production of electrically conductive textiles is truly amazing. I’m always surprised at what we can do with it and what doors we can open for new applications,” says Franziska Guth, Product Developer for Textile Technology at KARL MAYER.
If you would like to know more about the possibilities and are looking for inspiration or support in the field of smart textiles, the passionate product developer for textile technology is the right person to contact at www.franziska.guth@karlmayer.com
NEW ZEALAND— March 12, 2024 — TMC Ltd., owner of Nuyarn® and Herculan® technologies, has appointed Tim Liao as International Footwear Account manager to support TMC’s continued growth and expansion in the footwear category.
With project management and engineering lead roles at renowned global brands such as Lululemon and Nike, Liao has played an instrumental role in the development and commercialization of world-class products worldwide.
Liao’s proven track record and deep understanding of the industry position him as a key driver of success in this exciting new chapter. Leveraging his extensive expertise in the footwear sector, Liao’s appointment as International Footwear Account Manager for TMC signifies a strategic move to capitalize on his expertise as Nuyarn and Herculan expand into the footwear segment. Liao will spearhead the growth of Nuyarn and Herculan brands in the footwear sector while supporting the application of the technology across apparel, accessories, socks, and other softgoods applications.
“With his background and expertise, Tim is perfect to lead our innovative brands into the dynamic footwear industry,” said Andy Wynne, CEO, TMC Ltd. “With keen insights into market trends and robust industry relationships, he reinforces our commitment to delivering innovative solutions for the entire industry, from head to toe.”
“I am thrilled to be part of the Nuyarn team. The opportunities for innovation and collaboration in this domain are vast, and I am eager to work alongside current and future partners to help shape the industry and bring innovative products to market,” said Liao.
The growing demand for natural performance fibers in apparel, footwear, accessories, and hardware applications positions Nuyarn and Herculan for strategic growth in these industries.
SAINT LOUIS, Mo. — March 12, 2024 — Baldwin Technology Co. will join Elmatex GmbH at Techtexil to demonstrate how its revolutionary TexCoat™ G4 precision spray finishing system eliminates chemistry waste on changeover, saves water and achieves faster speeds (resulting in lower energy required per square meter of fabric) through the stenter frame among its many sustainable advantages.
Techtextil will be held April 23-26 in Frankfurt, Germany. Baldwin is pleased to be partnering with Elmatex GmbH at its booth, Hall 12.0, Stand D63. Elmatex is a global distribution partner for leading manufacturers of machines, equipment and accessories, with expertise and experience specific to the textile and nonwovens industries.
Rick Stanford, VP global business development at Baldwin
Rick Stanford, Baldwin Technology’s vice president of Global Business Development, Textiles, will be on hand in the Elmatex booth to discuss TexCoat™ G4. The non-contact precision-spray technology helps textile finishers up their game by enabling consistent, high-quality finishing, with zero chemistry waste and drastically minimized water and energy consumption.
“We are pleased that Baldwin will be joining us in our stand at Techtextil,” commented Elmatex Managing Director Sören Klein. “Baldwin’s TexCoat and Plasma Pure technology are a perfect complement to our portfolio of top European textile machinery manufacturers. Visitors can come to the Elmatex booth and tick all of their boxes to meet their technology needs to produce in the most sustainable and environmentally friendly way.”
With a cost-sensitive global economy and an increased focus by brands and consumers on the environment, customers are placing a premium on sustainability in textile production. TexCoat G4’s non-contact spray technology offers numerous advantages compared to conventional methods of applying finishing chemistry.
With Baldwin’s innovative system, the chemistry is precisely distributed across the textile surface and is applied only where it is required, on one or both sides of the fabric. The non-contact technology eliminates chemistry dilution in wet-on-wet processes, allowing full control of maintaining consistent chemistry coverage rates. Plus, pad bath contamination is eliminated, and changeovers are only required when there is a change of finish chemistry.
TexCoat™ G4
More specifically, with Baldwin’s TexCoat G4, textile finishers can expect unprecedented tracking and control of the finishing process for consistent quality. Changeovers are easily and quickly performed thanks to recipe management, including automated chemistry and coverage selection. Furthermore, the system offers automated speed tracking, fabric-width compensation, and real-time monitoring to track system uptime, performance and chemistry usage, as well as active care alerts.
In addition, the TexCoat G4 system can process a wide range of low-viscosity water-based chemicals, such as durable water repellents, softeners, antimicrobials, flame retardants and more. Baldwin’s innovative technology utilizes the same chemicals used in the traditional pad bath, and no special auxiliaries are required. The recipe is adjusted by increasing the concentration and reducing the pickup by a corresponding amount, so that the same level of solids is applied.
Some applications, such as durable water repellents, are only applied on the face of the fabric, instead of the traditional method of saturation through dipping and squeezing. Drier fabric entering the stenter means lower drying temperatures and faster process speeds. Single-side applications also open up the opportunity to process back-coated or laminated fabrics in a single pass of the stenter, instead of two passes.
“Techtextil is an outstanding exhibition to meet with sustainably minded textile manufacturers that travel not only from Europe but from all over the world to see the latest in sustainable, environmentally conscious technology,” Stanford commented. “We will have our flagship product, TexCoat G4 on hand so that visitors can get a closeup look on why now is the time to transition from pad finishing to TexCoat precision spray.”
For more information, visit us at the Elmatex booth Hall 12.0, Stand D63 or online at baldwintech.com
MÖNCHENGLADBACH, Germany — March 12, 2024 — Monforts — which celebrates its 140th anniversary this year — continues to lead the field in finishing and coating technologies for technical textiles. The company is looking forward to many fruitful discussions on the scope of existing and new processes and applications at the forthcoming Techtextil show in Frankfurt from April 23-26.
Monforts European-built Montex stenters have earned their leading position for fabric finishing in the technical textiles field as a result of their robustness and lifetime, versatility, reliability, economy and ecology.
Monforts has many installations for technical textiles in Germany.
Existing customers include many manufacturers making geotextiles, automotive fabrics and other functional materials, while dedicated Montex lines have also been supplied to producers of airbags, flame retardant barrier fabrics and spacer fabrics.
Wovens, knits and nonwovens
Among recent installations, a line supplied to Albarrie in Ontario, Canada, is treating specialised needlepunched nonwovens up to 4mm thick for filter media and performance fabrics, while over in northern France, Dickson-Constant has installed a bespoke Montex line at its second plant, to meet growing demand for its range of well-known sun protection and outdoor upholstery fabrics.
Germany still enjoys the leading position in the production of European technical textiles, and GTA in Neresheim is now employing three wide-width Montex lines for the production of fault-free substrates for the digital printing market based on 100% polyester warp knits.
“I have to say that the Monforts after-service has been absolutely perfect and there has been no shortage of quality, expertise and service on which we have drawn,” says GTA Managing Director Andreas Niess.
As a leading contract finisher of technical textiles for the automotive, aerospace, home furnishings and workwear markets, Knopf’s Sohn has also recently installed a fully automated Montex stenter at its plant in Helmbrechts.
Dolinschek in Baden-Württemberg meanwhile manufactures an extensive number of technical products including automotive components, geotextiles and wallcoverings, but also those for more unusual applications such as inlays for extractor hoods, cut protection fabrics and even wool felts which are employed as insulation on wind turbines. Dolinschek has developed and commercialised its own proprietary dyeing machines, but for finishing technology relies on Monforts, and has installed a seven chamber Montex TwinAir stenter range.
Montex®Coat
Montex®Coat coating units are increasingly being integrated with Montex stenters.
Dolinschek has also installed a Montex®Coat coating unit in knife execution, enabling the coating of dimensionally stable knitted fabrics with polyurethane or acrylate.
The MontexCoat enables full PVC coatings, pigment dyeing or minimal application surface and low penetration treatments, as well as solvent coatings to be carried out. Its key technical applications include tents, tarpaulins and awnings, black-out roller blinds and sail cloth, automotive interior fabrics and medical disposables.
Other recent MontexCoat installations include a unit for providing an anti-slip and textured backing to upholstery fabrics with a stable and uniform foam via knife-over-roller coating at Altun Tekstil in Bursa, Turkey, and a combined MontexCoat and Montex stenter range for Scottish weatherproofing specialist Halley Stevensons at its plant in Dundee.
“The precise process control functions of the Monforts line give our technicians the confidence to make new products as well as finely tuning the energy requirements of existing products,” says Halley Stevensons managing director James Campbell. “We love the fact that we can record the energy used on each production batch and use this for continual improvements and efficiency savings. The touchscreen software is visual and easy to use, moving from one screen to another to check the various parameters of processing.”
Glimpse of the future
“It’s the sheer diversity of applications for technical fabrics that makes Techtextil always such an exciting show for us,” said Monforts Marketing Manager Nicole Croonenbroek. “You really get a glimpse of the future and there are always growing opportunities in a number of rapidly expanding markets, such as the current need for new energy storage and transportation, for example, or the electrification of vehicles, where advanced materials can solve newly-arising challenges. At Techtextil 2024 we will be exhibiting a further new development for advanced coating about which we’ll be providing further details shortly.”
Monforts is at stand C58 in Hall 12.0 at Techtextil 2024.
MÖNCHENGLADBACH, Germany — March 12, 2024 — From April 23-26, the Trützschler Group will be presenting its solutions at the Techtextil in Frankfurt, Germany. In hall 12.0. at booth C61, Trützschler Nonwovens will spotlight latest developments for the production of high-quality fiber-based nonwovens. Special focus will be on T-SUPREMA needle-punching lines and sustainable solutions for cellulose-based nonwovens.
T-SUPREMA in NCTC – pre-needler by Texnology
Techtextil 2022 was marked by the official announcement of the cooperation between Trützschler Nonwovens and Texnology. This year Trützschler is doing the next step with the inauguration of the T-SUPREMA needle-punching line in the technical center in Egelsbach. Anyone interested in textile recycling should visit Trützschler Spinning and our cooperation partner Balkan at booth C68 in hall 12.0. Visitors can also get comprehensive information on the latest Trützschler Card Clothing portfolio for the spinning and nonwovens sectors.
Pioneering nonwovens solutions
At the shared booth of Trützschler Nonwovens and the Italian company Texnology S.l.r., attendees can find in-depth information about T-SUPREMA. This concept is dedicated to achieving high product quality and system efficiency within the field of premium needle-punched nonwovens – serving as the fundamental component for applications like geotextiles, automotive textiles, filter media, and various industrial uses.
From left to right: Texnology: Alberto Baggio (Mechanical Supervision), Fabio Barausse (Mechanical Supervision), Nicola Olivo, Co-Owner; Trützschler Nonwovens: Peter Enning (Services), Alexander Koch (Installation and Start-Up), Emre Turan (Production), Raphael Klassen (Production), Bodo Heetderks (Director Technology).
Visitors can also gain insights into the T-ONE digital working environment and its role in ensuring sustained high nonwoven quality and process efficiency. T-ONE is an essential component of the T-SUPREMA line concept but is adaptable to any fiber or polymer-based nonwoven line.
In addition, Trützschler Nonwovens will focus on its wet-laid/spunlace (WLS) and carded/pulp (CP) lines for cellulose-based biodegradable wipes. Its collaboration with Voith aims to support the development of innovative and eco-friendly WLS and CP products.
Whatever the application: For optimum nonwoven quality and process stability our cards and roller cards are equipped with high-performance card clothings. Our Trützschler Card Clothing experts will be on hand to demonstrate the comprehensive range of our solutions and services.
Learn about complete solutions for the mechanical recycling and spinning preparation of textile waste from our experts.
Sustainable spinning preparation
The partnership with the Turkish company Balkan positions Trützschler as a pioneer in complete solutions for mechanical recycling and spinning preparation of textile waste. Visitors to Techtextil will be able to see at firsthand how Balkan’s cutting and tearing lines perfectly complement our product portfolio – and how the efficient coordination of our joint processes will make it easier for them to plan and implement spinning projects.
Our experts will share their knowledge on Balkan tearing lines as well as Trützschler blow room installations, the new Integrated Draw Frame IDF 3, and the intelligent card TC 30Ri for Recycling. The new flagship in carding converts secondary fibers from the shredded waste of textile surfaces into high- quality fiber slivers for new yarns. To realize the full potential of Trützschler’s recycling applications, customers can explore our proven Card Clothing solutions in this field.
See you in Frankfurt, Germany!
The Techtextil offers a great opportunity for people from across the textiles industry to talk to our Spinning, Nonwovens and Card Clothing experts. We are already excited to meeting you in Frankfurt, Germany, at hall 12.0., booths C68 (Spinning/Card Clothing) and C61 (Nonwovens/Card Clothing)!
The innovative competence center for coating and finishing of nonwoven, woven and weft meet the highest standards of quality and sustainability.
WEINHEIM, Germany — March 12, 2024 — Freudenberg Performance Materials Apparel Europe (Freudenberg) has reached a further sustainability milestone: The new Freudenberg Apparel Competence Center in Sant’Omero, Italy, successfully completed the 4sustainability® Chemical Management protocol (4s CHEM) recently and reached the Advanced Level. The aim of the protocol is to progressively eliminate toxic and hazardous chemicals and related risks throughout the production process. By complying with this, Freudenberg has once again shown its commitment to protecting people and the environment.
Competence center for interlinings dedicated to sustainability
Freudenberg opened its Apparel Competence Center in Sant’Omero in May 2023. The factory in Italy is an innovative competence center that coats and finishes nonwoven, woven and weft interlinings for apparel customers in Europe.
Freudenberg has now taken the next logical step: as part of a comprehensive audit, the Apparel Competence Center has implemented ZDHC guidelines in its production process. To achieve this, Freudenberg called in the experts from Process Factory, a consultancy that specializes in sustainability topics. With their support, Freudenberg’s Sant’Omero site has reached the Advanced level of the 4sustainability® Chemical Management protocol (4s CHEM), in line with the ZDHC Roadmap to Zero Program.
Implementation is controlled annually based on this protocol and offers companies in the fashion industry a high degree of reliability. It guarantees structured, fully transparent procedures, regular monitoring, and continuous control of Freudenberg’s production processes.
ZDHC stands for the highest standards for sustainable chemical management
By demonstrating its rejection of environmentally harmful chemicals and substances, the Apparel Competence Center shows that Freudenberg gives top priority to taking responsibility for people and the environment.
The aim of the Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals (ZDHC) Foundation and its globally recognized Roadmap to Zero Program is to eliminate the release of toxic chemicals in the textile and fashion industry’s supply chain based on the ZDHC Manufacturing Restricted Substances List (ZDHC MRSL).
By applying the 4s CHEM protocol, the production site in Sant’Omero is sending a clear signal to the fashion industry that Freudenberg products meet the highest quality standards and are also safe and environmentally friendly.
“The 4s CHEM implementation proves once again that we not only stand for premium quality, but also for products that meet the highest sustainability standards. In addition, it shows that we are serious about our responsibility for people and the environment,” said Christian Cavaletti, director of Operations Apparel Europe.
Sustainability as a company policy
Sustainable solutions are part of Freudenberg’s DNA. For example, the company continuously invests in advanced technologies to preserve resources and make its processes more sustainable. The Freudenberg Apparel House of Sustainability plays a central role in this. This holistic concept defines measures that contribute toward a sustainable future. By implementing and consistently applying the 4s CHEM protocol, the Freudenberg Apparel Competence Center in Sant’Omero has taken a further step towards reaching this goal.
RHEINMÜNSTER, Germany — March 11, 2024 — Stratasys will showcase its unique 3DFashion™ direct-to-textile 3D printing technology at Texprocess in Frankfurt, highlighting how textile printing companies can drive profitable growth and unlock new design capabilities on behalf of designers, and luxury brands.
In Hall 8.0, stand #D28, Stratasys will present its J850 TechStyle™ 3D printer, demonstrating the very latest in additive manufacturing plus exclusive direct to garment advanced capabilities. This provides manufacturers unparallelled opportunities to achieve intricate patterns and optical illusions unmatched by traditional methods. Stratasys will also showcase its new direct-to-garment tool, enabling existing garments to be enhanced with new designs. This process will therefore prolong their lifespan and reduce waste whilst creating personalized and customized pieces.
Stratasys J850 Techstyle
Stratasys will launch the commercial availability of the Original Urban Tattoo Collection, a collaboration with designer Travis Fitch, showcasing 3D designs inspired by body tattoos that can be 3D printed onto garments such as jeans and jackets. This collection not only transforms old garments into unique wearable art, but also promotes sustainability within the textile industry.
J850 TechStyle Direct to Garment Tool
The J850 TechStyle 3D printer’s versatility enables users to print directly onto semi-flexible or rigid materials, in a choice of over 600k colors available in both matte and glossy finishes. Its compatibility with various software tools allows users to adjust the height of 2D patterns, alter colors and textures, and convert them into 3D designs, resulting in top quality customized designs, further solidifying Stratasys’ position as an industry leader in 3D printing innovation.
WASHINGTON — March 11, 2024 — The rise in U.S. imports from five Asian apparel producing countries with ultra-low cost pricing structures and ties to China must be scrutinized closely to bring about a recalibration of U.S. trade policies and mitigate the damage to the vital domestic textile supply chain, National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO) President and CEO Kim Glas told the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC).
Glas testified before the USITC today as part of research the Commission is conducting on the export competitiveness of Bangladesh, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, and Pakistan. The findings will be included in a report titled “Apparel: Export Competitiveness of Certain Foreign Suppliers to the United States,” which the Commission will submit to the U.S. Trade Representative’s Office.
“While the domestic textile industry is a key contributor to the U.S. economy and critical part of the military and public health industrial base, our sector is facing a crisis of historic proportions as the result of rapidly deteriorating market conditions coupled with unchecked foreign predatory trade practices and diminished customs enforcement activities,” Glas said in her testimony. “Building up to and coinciding with the economic depression that our industry is now facing has been the ascent to top supplier status of the five countries that are the subject of today’s hearing.
“This is no coincidence, and it is imperative to understand and document what makes them so competitive, as well as how this growth has impacted domestic production and the larger Western Hemisphere production chain, to inform the necessary U.S. policy response and recalibration,” she added.
“Unethical cost reduction practices and predatory trade activities plague global textile and apparel production and markets,” Glas said, pointing to the Rana Plaza garment complex disaster in Bangladesh in 2013 that killed over 1,100 people and injured 2,500, as well the most recent U.S. Department of Labor’s List of Goods Produced by Child Labor or Forced Labor released in September 2023, which listed four of the five countries currently under review.
To reverse the current trajectory of this import surge and stop the damage to the U.S. textile industry, Glas recommended the following:
Reject proposals to expand Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) product coverage to textiles or apparel
Close the De Minimis tariff loophole
Dramatically ramp up customs and trade remedy activities
Address predatory trade behaviors with effective penalties to deter unfair practices
