ANDRITZ To Supply Needlepunch Line For Heavy Nonwoven Fabrics To Sioen, Belgium

GRAZ, Austria — June 21, 2024 — International technology group ANDRITZ has received an order from Sioen Technical Felts to supply a complete needlepunch line for its production plant in Liège, Belgium. The new line will enable Sioen to produce heavy fabrics in a single step.

Complete ANDRITZ needlepunch line. Image: ANDRITZ

Sioen’s Liège plant specializes in the production of technical fabrics used mainly in industrial applications such as pipe lining (CIPP), acoustics, and filtration. The ANDRITZ equipment will allow the customer to produce fabrics of more than 3,500 gsm in a single step, using different types of fibers (recycled PET, OxPan, bicomponent,…) and finenesses. Normally two or three layers have to be needled off-line in a second step to achieve such a fabric weight.

The single-step process results in a higher quality end product by minimizing the risk of delamination, i.e. the separation of layers during use. It also increases productivity by reducing the need for fabric handling.

The ANDRITZ DF-4 needleloom, which can operate in double and single stroke modus, gives Sioen high flexibility to process fabrics with different mechanical charasteristics. Operators can easily switch modes via the remote-control touch screen. The line will be equipped with ANDRITZ’s latest fabric weight profiling technology, ProWin™, to ensure maximum weight evenness.

Start-up of the new needlepunch line is scheduled for Q1 2025.

Sioen Technical Felts is part of Sioen Industries, a global leader in technical textiles and protective clothing headquartered in Ardooie, Belgium. Established in 1960 as a family venture, the company has continuously expanded its business driven by consistent innovation.

Posted: June 21, 2024

Source: ANDRITZ GROUP

ITMF Global Textile Industry Survey (GTIS): Continued Stagnation, Casts Shadow On Year-End Expectations

ZÜRICH, Switzerland — June 21, 2024 — The May 2024 ITMF Global Textile Industry Survey (GTIS) indicates a continued stagnation in the textile business climate, with a marginal improvement of the economic situation due to more companies deeming business “satisfactory”. On the other hand, business expectations have stagnated in positive territory for a year, reflecting optimism rather than actual improvement, as the entire supply chain suffers from a lack of orders and high costs that affect profit margins.

The balance between “good” and “poor” order intake has improved slightly, and expectations for order intake in six months are trending upwards. Since summer 2023, order backlog has fluctuated around two months on average, rising slightly from 1.9 months in March 2024 to 2.1 months in May, though it is too early to interpret this as a positive trend. The reported average capacity utilization rate increased marginally to 71% in May 2024, after declining from a peak of 80% at the end of 2021. Survey participants expect better capacity utilization in six months.

Graph 1: Business situation [World]:

Source: 8th-26th ITMF Global Textile Industry Survey (26th: 17-27.05.2024)

Weak demand remains the main concern since September 2022, though its importance has decreased in the last six months. Other concerns include high raw material prices, geopolitics, high energy prices, and a lack of workers and talents. Globally, 58% of respondents did not experience any order cancellations in May 2024, slightly down from 59% in March. Africa and Europe had relatively low order cancellations, while the Americas experienced more, with spinners and finishers/dyers/printers reporting the highest levels.

Graph 2: Business expectations [World]:

Source: 8th-26th ITMF Global Textile Industry Survey (26th: 17-27.05.2024)

In May 2024, 59% of companies reported average inventory levels. North America registered the highest levels among regions, and spinners among segments. Inventories at brands and retailers remain high but are slowly decreasing. The prolonged negative business cycle often forces companies to produce at a loss or lower capacity utilization, with no significant change expected in 2024.

Posted: June 21, 2024

Source: International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF)

Freudenberg Launches Complete RCY 99xx Series rPET Shirt Interlinings

HONG KONG — June 7, 2024 — Freudenberg Performance Materials Apparel (Freudenberg) is proud to announce the global launch of the complete RCY 99xx series recycled polyester (rPET) shirt interlinings. This innovative product line serves as a sustainable counterpart to Freudenberg’s renowned 95xx series, which has been a staple in the industry for over twenty years.

A Legacy reimagined: From 95xx to RCY 99xx

RCY 99xx series rPET shirt interlinings

The 95xx series, celebrated for its unique bi-elastic properties, has earned its place as one of Freudenberg’s most sought-after shirt interlining ranges worldwide. Cherished by customers across the globe, the 95xx series has consistently delivered on quality and performance.

Sustainability meets innovation: Introducing the RCY 99xx series

Now, taking a leap towards sustainability, Freudenberg introduces the complete RCY 99xx series. Crafted from rPET, these bi-elastic interlinings are designed to complement an array of contemporary fabrics, including pure cotton, T/C, flannel, oxford, cotton & linen blends, seersucker, jersey and all types of stretch knits. The RCY 99xx series not only preserves the natural handfeel, texture, and shape of these fabrics but also infuses a fresh creative dimension into shirt design.

The RCY 99xx series boasts an impressive weight range of 30-150 g/m2, offering versatility for a diverse spectrum of shirt styles, from men’s casual shirts and women’s blouses to polo shirts, sports shirts, and even denim shirts. This adaptability ensures that designers and manufacturers have the flexibility to meet the evolving demands of the market while upholding sustainability principles.

Responsible products every season

Designed to support customers to achieve their sustainability mission, Freudenberg’s Apparel House of Sustainability(HoS) is at the forefront of driving sustainable innovation and brings forth latest solutions in every garment manufacturing season. The RCY 99xx series, emerging from HoS’s Recycled General Interlinings category, exemplifies Freudenberg’s unwavering pledge to innovation with a sustainable impact.

Posted: June 18, 2024

Source: Freudenberg Performance Materials

JEC Forum Southeast Asia Successfully Connects Over 200 Industry Leaders

PARIS — June 18, 2024 — The inaugural edition of JEC Forum Southeast Asia, held on June 11-12, 2024, concluded with resounding success, bringing together over 200 participants from 23 countries for two days of focused networking, collaboration, and knowledge exchange. Organized by JEC in partnership with the Thai Composites Association (TCA), the event served as a valuable platform for key stakeholders in the composites industry across Southeast Asia.

“JEC is thrilled to have brought the successful formula of our business meetings events to Southeast Asia,” reflected Anne-Carole Barbarin, Regional Events Director at JEC. “The event’s strong turnout and engagement underscore the region’s rapid growth and the timeliness of convening industry leaders to explore collaboration and innovation in composites.”

“The Thai Composites Association is proud to have partnered with JEC to bring this important event to Southeast Asia,” said Dr. Natchai Naviroj, President of Thai Composite Association. “JEC Forum Southeast Asia provided a valuable platform for local companies to connect with regional and international partners, fostering collaboration and driving innovation within the composites industry. We look forward to continuing this successful partnership and building upon the momentum generated by this event.”

Building connections, fostering innovation

JEC Forum Southeast Asia facilitated over 300 pre-arranged business meetings, creating significant opportunities for suppliers and buyers to connect and explore new business partnerships within the region.

Industry experts share insights

The Forum featured a dynamic program addressing the most pressing issues and exciting opportunities facing the composites sector in Southeast Asia. With a focus on innovation and sustainability, attendees participated in insightful sessions, engaging panel discussions, and exclusive networking events.

The program included keynote presentations from industry leaders like BMW Cars or CTC (an Airbus Company), who provided valuable insights into the transformative impact of composites in the automotive and aerospace sectors. Additionally, panel discussions explored key topics such as Sustainability contributions of composites in the automotive industry, The role of composites in drones, R&D and collaboration in composites or Building the future with composites in architecture.

Exclusive Composites Tour

Following the Forum, attendees had the opportunity to participate in an exclusive Composites Tour on June 13th. This tour provided firsthand access to leading composites facilities in the region, including Cobra International, Qarbon Aerospace, and Carbon Magic (Thailand) Co. Ltd.

JEC Forum Southeast Asia proved to be a resounding success, fostering valuable connections, driving knowledge exchange, and propelling the composites industry forward in Southeast Asia. The event provided a unique platform for stakeholders to collaborate and explore the immense potential of composites in this dynamic region.

Posted: June 18, 2024

Source: JEC Group/Thai Composites Association (TCA)

Dilo Temafa Successfully Sells Line Extension To Eco-Technilin

BERGISCH GLADBACH, Germany — June 17, 2024 — Dilo Temafa, a specialist in machinery and equipment for fiber preparation and natural fiber processing, is pleased to announce the successful sale of a line extension to Eco-Technilin. The machines will complement an existing flax fiber preparation plant in France to enable higher fiber quality.

Eco-Technilin, a renowned producer of sustainable materials, has chosen our machines to expand its production capacity and increase its efficiency. The plant expansion is specifically designed to efficiently clean flax scutcher tow and meet the high demands of modern manufacturing, while increasing process stability and plant availability.

Lin-Cleaner and Lin-Comb Shaker (TEMAFA)

Dilo Temafa has been active in the field of natural fiber extraction for more than thirty years and has supplied numerous systems for the processing of bast fibers, e.g. flax and industrial hemp. The fibers obtained are used in various industries, including the construction, automotive, nonwovens and textile industries, and make a major contribution to minimizing the ecological footprint.

Posted: June 18, 2024

Source: Dilo Temafa/DiloGroup

CARBIOS And TOMRA Textiles Join Forces To Scale Circularity Of Polyester Textiles

OSLO, Norway & CLERMONT-FERRAND, France — June 18, 2024 — CARBIOS, a pioneer in the development and industrialization of biological technologies to reinvent the life cycle of plastic and textiles, and TOMRA Textiles, a tech venture set up by sorting technology leader TOMRA, announce the signing of an agreement to collaborate on establishing an efficient stream in Northern Europe from textile waste collection, sorting and preparation to recycling using CARBIOS’ enzymatic depolymerization technology at its first commercial plant currently under construction in Longlaville, France.

The monomers obtained will be used to produce recycled polyester (r-PET) fiber, closing the loop for polyester textile circularity.

The innovations from both TOMRA Textiles and CARBIOS contribute to addressing critical gaps in the value chain and significantly increase textile-to-textile recycling from its current rate of 1 percent. By accelerating a circular economy for polyester, a sustainable alternative to incineration or landfill is made available.

TOMRA Textiles is on a mission to close the gap in textile circularity, by contributing to designing and scaling textile sorting plants. Under this partnership agreement, TOMRA Textiles will explore specific, tangible measures to enable the preparation of post-consumer polyester waste for biorecycling according to CARBIOS’ specifications.

CARBIOS’ biorecycling technology involves breaking down polyester fibers into their basic components using enzymes, which are then used to produce high-quality recycled PET materials such as fibers for the textile industry. The breakthrough collaboration with TOMRA will redirect the challenging PET fraction of polyester textile waste towards biorecycling, showcasing a mutual dedication to pioneering recycling solutions for a circular economy.

Emmanuel Ladent, CEO of CARBIOS, said: “CARBIOS is taking the lead in forming an efficient value chain for textile circularity and actively engages with global industry leaders such as TOMRA to shape the future of sustainable textiles.”

Posted: June 18, 2024

Source: CARBIOS / TOMRA Textiles

CEMATEX Appoints Alex Zucchi As New President

ZURICH, Switzerland  — June 14, 2024 — CEMATEX, the European Committee of Textile Machinery Manufacturers, today announced the appointment of Alex Zucchi as its new president. Zucchi was elected at the General Assembly held on June 14, 2024.

Zucchi has been active in CEMATEX, having been involved in the ACIMIT delegation since 2015. He is the immediate past president of ACIMIT, and continues to be a staunch advocate of the sustainability cause, including promotion of the ACIMIT green label and the recycling of textile machinery. Currently, he is the managing director and partner of Ferraro, a manufacturer specializing in finishing machinery.

Following Zucchi’s election, the General Assembly expressed its gratitude to the outgoing president, Ernesto Maurer, who led the association with enthusiasm and professional competence for four years. Maurer will continue to be involved in CEMATEX as its vice president.

In his first comments as the new president of CEMATEX, Zucchi said: “It is a great honor to be appointed and I would like to thank the Assembly for the trust placed in me. I would also like to express my gratitude to former president Ernesto Maurer for his accomplishments during his tenure to strengthen the role of CEMATEX on the international scene.”

Posted: June 18, 2024

Source: CEMATEX, the European Committee of Textile Machinery Manufacturers

ZIMMER AUSTRIA Reorganizes Operations In USA And Canada — Partners With FI-Tech

KUFSTEIN, Austria — June 11, 2024 — ZIMMER AUSTRIA is excited to announce strategic changes in its sales and service structure for the United States and Canada. These changes aim to bolster the company’s presence and effectiveness across Northern America.

Partnering with FI-Tech, we anticipate a significant enhancement of our market presence through the reorganization of our sales network.

This strategic move, which involves expanding our local team significantly, will not only strengthen our sales capabilities but also improve our service to existing customers’ installations. This enhancement comes at a crucial time and is expected to provide additional leverage in a challenging market environment.

We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the ZIMMER Machinery Corp. Team, especially Franziska Basalone and Gerald Abele, under the exemplary leadership of Roland Zimmer, for years of successful collaboration. We wish Roland and his team all the best in their personal and professional future endeavors.

FI-Tech Inc., established in 1972 by C.L. Basset, is now led by his sons Todd and Jeff Basset. Serving as a crucial link between machinery and plant manufacturers from both Europe and the United States, and their users, FI-Tech Inc. has evolved into a leading service partner for industries related to textiles. The company enjoys the trust of customers and suppliers alike, with a portfolio that includes some of the most renowned brands in the textile and carpet machinery industries from Europe and the United States. This trust and expertise made FI-Tech Inc. the ideal choice to spearhead our expansion into the US and Canadian markets.

Posted: June 18, 2024

Source: ZIMMER AUSTRIA

Westex®: A Milliken Brand Hosts Live Flash Fire Event For Safety Professionals

SPARTANBURG, SC — June 17, 2024 — Last month, Westex®: A Milliken Brand hosted safety professionals from many US-based oil and gas companies for a one-day educational event featuring a live flash fire demonstration.

Taking place at Industrial Rescue Instruction Systems in Beaumont, TX, the event featured three speaker presentations, including:

  • The Science of Fire and Fabric presented by Scott Francis, senior technical sales manager at Westex. This in-depth presentation reviewed the fundamentals of how fire is formed, the way it reacts to certain fiber types and what to look for when sourcing flame-resistant (FR) fabrics for personal protective equipment (PPE) programs.
  • An Inside Look at a Burn Unit presented by Jamie Heffernan, burn program manager at William Randolph Hearst Burn Center. An informative review of the realities of treating and rehabilitating burn victims. Jamie reviewed the principles of first aid for burn incidents and provided first-hand accounts of treating and caring for trade workers who have experienced life-threatening burns.
  • Just a Second Ago: The Brad Livingston Story presented by Brad Livingston, flash fire survivor and speaker. In this powerful testimony, Brad shared his personal recount of the flash fire that put him in a coma for two months and took the life of his coworker and friend. His motivational speech gave participants an unparalleled view on the dangers and resulting consequences of ignoring safety requirements in favor of shortcuts.

Additionally, participants had the opportunity to watch eight live flash fire demonstrations. Each demonstration featured different garments made with Westex FR fabrics, as well as non-FR examples, and it included a post-burn review from Westex experts.

“This event was an incredible opportunity to connect with safety professionals. There’s so much that goes into choosing the best FR garments for your workforce and having a chance to provide these professionals with context and insight that will make their jobs easier in the future is unparalleled,” said Josh Moody, vice president of protective apparel at Milliken & Company.

Posted: June 17, 2024

Source: Milliken & Company

Nautilus Defense Makes World-Leading Advancement In Electronic Textile Technology

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — June 17, 2024 — Nautilus Defense, a global developer of advanced textile-integrated systems, has demonstrated a critical advancement in the field of electronic textiles. Nautilus announced that it has successfully demonstrated the world’s first direct die attach of chiplets to embroidered conductive yarns at a 180µm pitch, a space between yarns that is as thin as a single hair. This technological milestone is an important step toward the scalable manufacture of leading-edge sensor systems that look and feel like the fabrics people wear every day.

UVA-developed chiplet directly attached to 2D textile network at a 180µm pitch. Image courtesy of Nautilus Defense

“Textiles are simultaneously one of the most ubiquitous, impactful, and unassuming technologies developed in human history. With support from IARPA and collaborations with private industry and higher education, Nautilus is advancing the state of the art in textile-integrated sensor systems,” said Jim Owens, CEO of Nautilus Defense. “We are proud to be a pioneer in the rapidly evolving advanced textile industry. The technological advancements we are making at Nautilus will strengthen our national security, create new economic opportunities in our region, and accelerate strategic research initiatives across a range of industries.”

Nautilus, through its participation in IARPA’s Smart Electrically Powered and Networked Textile Systems (SMART ePANTS) initiative, is developing novel textile-electronics integration technologies that will enable the development and domestic manufacture of innovative products for national defense, medical, aerospace, and other applications. Nautilus has partnered in the SMART ePANTS program with industry and academic leaders including:

  • GE Aerospace;
  • TRX Systems;
  • Centeye;
  • Anthro Energy;
  • Arachne Labs;
  • The University of Virginia; and.
  • The University of Michigan

“Nautilus Defense’s newest technology– developed right here in Rhode Island– is a testament to the state’s longstanding leadership in manufacturing and textiles,” said U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, who convened the Rhode Island Textile Innovation Network to guide growth of the state’s textile industry in the twenty-first century. “I applaud the entire Nautilus team for their pioneering work to strengthen our nation’s defense capabilities.”

Nautilus was founded in 2013 and has grown to become a global leader in the development and production of advanced textile-integrated systems. The company is headquartered in Pawtucket, Rhode Island which is widely accepted as the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution and was one of the pioneering cities of America’s textile industry.

Posted: June 17, 2024

Source: Nautilus Defense

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