Germany-based DyStar Textilfarben GmbH & Co. Deutschland KG is raising the prices of its
textile and leather dyes and auxiliaries. Customers will be alerted by their respective DyStar
sales organization. The company cited sharply rising energy costs and exceptional volatility in the
raw material market in announcing the price increases, which it described as “substantial.”
June 24, 2008
The Northern Textile Association (NTA) has sharply criticized a proposed federal flammability
standard covering upholstered furniture, charging that the US Consumer Product Safety Commission’s
(CPSC’s) proposal is “arbitrary and capricious” and would severely penalize fabric manufacturers.
In formal comments filed in connection with the CPSC’s rule-making process, NTA President
Karl Spilhaus called for a number of changes in the proposed standard.
“We believe that the proposal is incomplete in that it did not address several key issues
that are critically important to reduce furniture flammability incidents,” Spilhaus said. “The
upholstery fabrics sector in the United States has changed drastically over the past five years,
and the proposal does not appear to acknowledge these changes as it included out-of-date and
inaccurate information in its analysis and overlooks several other promising options for addressing
the problems.”
Among the options, he cited the need to recognize the growth and popularity of Reduced
Ignition Propensity (RIP) cigarettes that reduce the probability of igniting upholstered furniture.
According to the Coalition of Fire Safe Cigarettes, 76 percent of the US population is now or soon
will be better protected by RIP cigarettes. In addition, Spilhaus called for “more meaningful”
methods for testing fabric flammability than those proposed by CPSC.
The CPSC has recommended three options for fabrics that do not pass flammability tests. The
agency says fabric can be re-engineered, it can be treated with flame retardants, or a barrier can
be used between the fabric and padding. Fabric manufacturers believe those options would have an
adverse impact on the quality, style and cost of upholstered furniture.
In a separate letter to the Office of Management and Budget, Spilhaus stressed what he says
is a “lack of test data to clearly substantiate a mandatory standard.” He charged that the CPSC has
produced little small-scale and large-scale testing to support assumptions made in the proposed
rule. He also claimed there would be considerable costs involved in the proposed testing and record
keeping.
June 17, 2008
Europe is under fever, soccer fever — the 2008 UEFA European Football Championship is underway.
Sixteen teams are fighting for the cup to be the best national team in Europe. Some squads are
already out of the tournament. It is very interesting to see that not only the teams with the best
individual players survive in this very tough tournament. Team spirit is the key word for success.
The most promising teams to win the cup are those that play just like the perfect choreography of a
ballet. This event is another perfect example that the winning team needs to have a team spirit
with team players, not individuals only.
Service
The same thoughts can be applied to textile industry. What is a successful salesman without a
perfect team in the back office? I just met the chairman of a big company, and he told me no one is
allowed to accept an order without being sure that the order can be delivered on time.
Despite written agreements, cell phones and e-communications with all the included
eventualities, every relationship takes place between people. Textile machinery producers must not
only develop competence in this area, but also create a level of trust that will make them a
preferred supplier in their respective areas. It is services to the manufacturing industry that
constitutes the decisive factor. And this means people before all else.
Team Spirit
It’s easy to imagine the following situation: you are invited to visit a big company and its
production halls. Instantly, you realize the spirit of the company: does the boss know the names of
his people? How do the people react when he appears? Do they look right into his eyes? Do they say
hello in a positive way, or do they bow and scrape?
Get The Feeling
Years ago, any job advertisement asked for experience and knowledge only. Today, the first
question is: Are you a team player? Nobody can afford to have selfish people. So, how do you care
for the team spirit of your staff? Are they allowed to argue? Are they allowed to have their own
ideas and opinions, and even fight for it? Or do you treat them like slaves? Information means
motivation. Motivated people with a team spirit are the biggest asset of a company.
Do you know the 99 job killers by heart? Why do people respect lawyers, doctors and priests?
Because they listen to you. So listen to your people and build up a true team spirit, for the sake
of the people and — last, but not least — to be successful in the ever-so-competitive markets.
Get A Grip
The next opportunity to get a grip and show the team spirit of your staff is not far way. It’s
the ITMA Asia and CITME 2008 in Shanghai. Only with motivated people can you win the game. A
driving chain is only as good as the weakest link.
Oh yes, by the way, my team — the Swiss squad —already is out of the tournament because
sometimes team spirit is not enough, it needs quality too. But that is another story.
June 17, 2008
Frankfurt-based DyStar Textilfarben GmbH & Co. Deutschland KG has added two new reactive dyes
to its Realan® EHF range for wool dyeing, bringing the total number of dyes in that range to 11.
Realan Brilliant Red EHF produces bright red shades, while Realan Brilliant Blue EHF is a
greenish-blue dye used for trichromatic combinations. According to DyStar, the addition of the two
dyes to the Realan EHF range enables improved color constancy under any light source. The company
also reports the dyes’ compatibility and fiber coverage result in good reproducibility and
fastness.
In addition, according to Brian Connolly, global business development management for wool
dyes, DyStar, effluent loading from dyehouses is reduced, and the dyes comply with Oeko-Tex 100
standards including articles for infants.
June 17, 2008
Spartanburg, S.C.-based Milliken & Company was recently named to The Ethisphere Institute’s
2008 World’s Most Ethical Companies List. Ethisphere, a New York City-based think-tank dedicated to
driving and reinforcing profitable ethical business practices, presented the award at the “Driving
Profit Through Ethical Leadership” conference, sponsored by Ethisphere and Forbes.
“This recognition highlights one of the core philosophies of Milliken, a belief that doing
the right things for the right reasons ultimately achieves the best results for our customers,
communities, associates and shareholders,” said Milliken CEO Joe Salley. “We are honored to have
the ethical actions of all of our associates recognized.”
The extensive evaluation process to determine the finalists involved researchers and analysts
reviewing more than10,000 leading companies worldwide, considering aspects such as codes of ethics;
litigation and regulatory infraction histories; investment in innovation and sustainable business
practices; companies’ activities to improve corporate citizenship; and more.
“We applaud Milliken & Company as one of the companies honored this year because they
have developed impressive and meaningful ethical business practices, making them true standouts
within their industries,” said Ethisphere Institute Executive Director Alexander Brigham. “By their
actions, they are forcing their competitors to follow suit, or fall behind and truly embodying the
notion that ethical business practices are more profitable in the long run.”
The 2008 list of the World’s Most Ethical Companies is featured in the Q2 issue of
Ethisphere™ Magazine.
June 17, 2008
The Cary, N.C.-based Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry (INDA) has announced it will
present the INDA Lifetime Achievement Award to the late Cos Camelio. Camelio, who retired last year
from his position as INDA technical director, recently passed away at age 67.
Camelio began his career in nonwovens in 1964 as a shift supervisor and management trainee
with Chicopee, at the Chicopee Falls, Mass. location. After holding various positions there, he
joined Freudenberg Nonwovens in 1983 as vice president of manufacturing, and subsequently served as
COO and President.
During his six-year tenure as technical director of INDA, Camelio worked with INDA’s sister
organization, Brussels-based EDANA, the International Association Serving the Nonwovens and Related
Industries, to bring standard test methods into conformance.
He also worked with EDANA to develop the Flushability Guidelines, which are premiering at the
World of Wipes 2008 conference this week. (See ”
Industry Groups Develop Flushability Guidelines,”) In addition, Camelio
participated on ISO and ASTM standards committees, was partially responsible for the programs at
INDA technical conferences, and served as chairman of a number of INDA committees.
“Cos Camelio was truly one of the pioneers in the development of the global nonwovens
industry,” said Rory Holmes, president, INDA. “This is a well-earned honor for a wonderful and
talented man who devoted his entire professional life to the advancement of the industry
worldwide.”
The Lifetime Achievement Award will be given to Camelio’s wife, Phyllis, in a special
ceremony this summer. Camelio also will be recognized formally at IDEA10 in April 2010 in Miami
Beach, Fla., and will be inducted into the Nonwovens Industry Hall of Fame.
June 17, 2008
Dallas-based Market Center Management Company (MCMC), an international market center and tradeshow
management company, has announced plans to launch GlobalTex, a new international textile show to be
held in Los Angeles. Endorsed by the Textile Association of Los Angeles, GlobalTex will be held
twice a year at the Los Angeles Convention Center, with the first two shows scheduled for April
21-23, 2009, and October 13-15, 2009.
MCMC plans for GlobalTex to be the largest apparel fabrics and materials show in the United
States. “We are extremely pleased to offer a premier international textile show,” said MCMC
President and CEO Bill Winsor. “Our goal is to launch a show larger than any textile event in the
United States and expand the show to 1 million square feet over the next five years.”
GlobalTex will present sourcing needs, including fabric, trimmings, supplies and technology
for the apparel trade. Specially organized seminars and events will be offered in addition to the
exhibition. Technology to be presented will include computer systems, software and equipment.
June 17, 2008
Thermostatic Industries Inc., Huntington Park, Calif. — a distributor of high-temperature-resistant
textiles representing a number of major brands — has received a contract from St. Paul, Minn.-based
3M Co. to produce and distribute the complete range of 3M Nextel™ high-temperature woven ceramic
textiles.
Thermostatic also uses Nextel fabrics in fabricating customized products — such as fabric
seals, ropes and textile gaskets — for specific applications. Depending on the application and
composition, the products are designed to function at continuous temperatures of 2,000°F or higher,
making them suitable for applications in industries such as aerospace and automotive.
June 17, 2008
Cambridge, Mass.-based Tagsys USA Inc. — a radio frequency identification (RFID) equipment maker —
has announced that Spain-based Bóboli — a children’s apparel manufacturer — is piloting an RFID
deployment program to track and manage its products. Bóboli manufactures more than 2 million items
per year that are offered in 30 owned stores and franchises in Europe, the Arab States, the Far
East and the Americas.
The initial test will involve a Tagsys ultra-high-frequency (UHF) tunnel, which quickly will
scan and read the RFID-tagged contents of Bóboli’s inbound and outbound warehouse shipments. The
scanned items will then be checked against the packing slip to confirm the content’s accuracy. This
process is expected to cut five days off the amount of time items remain in Bóboli’s distribution
center, and in the long run will allow the company to quickly and accurately refill store inventory
and verify product availability.
According to Tagsys, Bóboli is the first Spanish-brand apparel producer to install an RFID
item-level tracking system. “This is a strategic bet for our brand to keep up with our rapid
expansion, while reducing our operational costs and staying a step ahead of our competitors,” said
Bóboli Operations Director Domingo Garrido.
The pilot program will be tested on 10 percent of Bóboli’s production inventory, and plans
are being made to expand full RFID deployment for all items and eventually a final store-level
phase, in which products will be tracked from manufacturing through point-of-sale.
Cetemmsa, a Spain-based technology center, has specified the project’s guidelines and will
manage the implementation, and also will supply technical support and training to Bóboli’s staff.
Pasadena, Calif.-based Avery Dennison will provide the hangtags that will integrate with Tagsys’
UHF tags.
June 17, 2008
Two Tirupur, India-based apparel manufacturers — Poppy’s Knit Wear Pvt. Ltd. and S.P. Apparels Ltd.
— have replaced their existing computer-aided-design (CAD) systems with TUKAcad digital
pattern-making, grading and marker-making systems supplied by Tukatech, a Los Angeles-based
provider of product development solutions for the apparel industry. The companies also have
installed SMARTmark and Net-Q, Tukatech’s advanced marker-making software.
Poppy’s manufactures knitted and woven garments for clients including Sara Lee Underwear,
Polo Ralph Lauren, Hanes, Domino’s, Red Devil Clothing, and other apparel makers. According to
Tukatech, Poppy’s has seen a 27-percent increase in cutting room production efficiency and has
saved more than 10 percent on fabric consumption since installing the Tukatech systems.
S.P. Apparels manufactures apparel for clients including George, Tesco and Disney. According
to S.P. Apparels, using Tukatech’s SMARTmark software has helped the company reduce consumption,
connect its factories, and save fabric.
June 17, 2008
