The drupa Imaging Summit: Making The Future Of Printing Visible And Successful

CHICAGO, IL — May 20, 2024 — On May 30 and 31, 2024, The drupa Imaging Summit will address current topics relating to the printed image, its technologies and business cases. Topics such as the future of photographic innovations, image creation with artificial intelligence, the priority of sustainability issues or the clarification of what image quality means for printing will be highlighted. Top-class speakers will give around 20 keynotes on the topics of technology, business, sustainability, innovation and artificial intelligence as well as the special relationship between images, image data and print.

The drupa Imaging Summit will start on May 30 at 11:00 am with “Image Generation via Artificial Intelligence: Tools & Workflows” by Andreas Jürgensen (founder of AI Imagelab | ai-imagelab.de). In his talk, he will answer questions such as: What is the current state of AI-generated images? Which programs are currently relevant – and which ones should you keep an eye on? And in which applications will they become relevant?

At 11:30 am, “Picture This: How AI is Revolutionizing Imaging” by Dennis Oberfeld (Customer Engineer Google Cloud) will discuss Google’s powerful AI solutions and how they are streamlining workflows and producing stunning results. He will also talk about upscaling, watermarking and provide practical tools for businesses and creatives alike.

Dr.-Ing. Björn Schwarzbach (Managing Director/COO ORWO NET GmbH) will  follow with an overview of how AI is being used in image labs today and in the future, and the innovative business potential it offers with his talk “From Pixels to Print: Leveraging AI for Enhanced Photo Product Quality and Efficiency” at 12:00 pm.

At 12:30 pm, the lecture “AI Unveiled: Navigating Past, Present, and Future in Photo Print Innovation”, will be presented by Sarah Lefebvre (Director of Marketing EyeQ Imaging Inc). She connects the present-day applications of AI to real-life use cases and the impacts they have on the printing industry and will explore the intersection of innovation and practicality at the forefront of AI technology.

The next speaker will be Adrian Rohnfelder (Founder AI Imagelab) at 1:30 pm, who will talk about “The influence of Artificial Intelligence on future print products”. In this highly illustrated and entertaining presentation, he will outline possible print products of the future as a result of the new generative AI possibilities: Changes through AI support for existing products, key social media drivers such as pets and selfies for a flood of AI-generated images and possible consumer wishes for 2D, 3D and 4D printing.

At 2:00 pm, Google Manager Dennis Oberfeld will talk about “Transform at Speed: The Power of Cloud for Digital Innovation”. He will explain how Google Cloud empowers businesses to transform and innovate at an unprecedented pace.

The next presentation “Expanding the expressive capabilities through FUJIFILM’s imaging technology” by Katsuyuki Takada (Head of Ink Development for Inkjet Printers FUJIFILM Business Innovation Co., Ltd.) will start at 3:00 pm. FUJIFILM has developed a new technology to print structural colors using inkjet. This decoration method does not use pigments or dyes. It develops a fine structure that reflects specific wavelengths of light on a substrate by printing. The technology that enables this natural structural color through digital printing has been praised as a technology that greatly expands the possibilities of expression. Katsuyuki Takada will also introduce the audience to the latest technology in metallic colors such as gold and silver.

At 4:00 pm, Stephan Hankammer (Prodekan Alanus Hochschule für Kunst und Gesellschaft, Bonn) will speak about “How do we make companies regenerative?” He is co-founder and scientific director of the Institute for Regenerative Economy (REGWI), professor for sustainable corporate management, innovation and entrepreneurship at the Alanus University of Arts and Social Sciences in Alfter near Bonn, head of the B.A. program Sustainable Economy, and thought leader for interdisciplinary business approaches to a sustainable regenerative economy.

The next talk will be “Sustainability in the printing industry: From a holistic approach to changing actions” by Henning Ohlsson (founder of Ohlsson Consulting) at 4:25 pm. He was Director Sustainability for Epson Europe, overseeing all ESG (Environment, Social, Governance) activities across EMEA. In 2020, Henning was ranked 9th in the top 100 global CSR influencers compiled by Assent Compliance. Today, he leads a network and think tank of international sustainability consultants.

At 4:45 pm, Andreas Peter Asel (Market and Business Development Manager Circularity Epson Europe) will address the important topic of “Closing the Resource Loop in the Printing Industry”. Andreas is building the new material recycling segment for the printing industry in Europe and driving environmentally conscious solutions. He is a well-known keynote speaker with a proven track record at international conferences.

At 5:10 pm, Jerome Cochet (Co-Founder & MD goodcarbon GmbH) will explain “How to confidently deliver on your net zero and nature positive commitments through high quality carbon credits”. He has a strong business and marketing background, having previously worked for McKinsey & Co and Zalando, where he founded Zalando Marketing Services.

The first day of the drupa Imaging Summit will conclude with a Sustainability Panel with all the  speakers at 5:40 pm and an Imaging and Printing Networking Evening at 6:00 pm.

The second day of the drupa Imaging Summit  will start on May 31 at 11:00 am with the topic “Photographer meets Print Service Provider” by Jochen Kohl (Managing Director of K2 Studio and Studio 911 and Head of Marketing ILFORD EU). He will provide interesting answers to questions such as how do photographers see their images and how much is this influenced by digital presentation media alone? And how does the print service provider see it?

Peter Hytrek, CEO of DINAX, will speak at 11:30 am about “Ease of use: The key to environmental savings and success in the print business”. Especially in the POS and in-house areas, printing is often done by inexperienced users. Mirage from DINAX is the key to achieving outstanding results with ease and confidence.

At 12:00 pm, Viesus CEO Servi Pieters will highlight the key aspects of “Prints enhanced in the blink of an AI”. He will offer a behind-the-scenes look at the algorithms used by leading names in the photo printing industry to minimize suboptimal prints. Largely unknown to the public, Viesus’ AI technology works as an invisible yet powerful force, enhancing millions of images every day with unmatched precision and consistency.

The topic ”How XR will evolve and potentially change our lives” will be presented by Vijay Kishan Rao (Vice President of VCX-Forum e.V. and Mobile Product Manager at Vodafone) at 12:30 pm. With XR, Pervasive Computing and AI, there will be a shift where the interaction between humans and digital entities will take a quantum leap towards an intuitive, inclusive and immersive experience.

“Sustainable Photography with Nikon’s Z System” will be the topic of Daniel Ziegert (Manager Professional & Educational Business Nikon Europe BV) at 1:30 pm. Hel will explore the innovative features of Nikon Z cameras and lenses and their role in creating value-added products. Investing in high quality Nikon equipment leads to stunning visuals and promotes sustainable practices.

Why are photos taken with a smartphone so brilliant? The presentation “Computational Photography: More than a single image” by Dietmar Wüller (CEO Image Engineering, President of the VCX Forum) at 2:00 pm will provide the answer. How is it possible that these small cameras are now able to deliver the same and sometimes even better image quality than regular consumer cameras? The answer is “computational photography”. Dietmar will explain some of these methods and give an overview of the current technology.

Heidemarie Hinger (Product and Business Development Manager Hahnemühle FineArt GmbH) will reveal the secrets of sustainable paper production in her talk “Sustainable Paper: Nurturing Creativity, Preserving Nature” at 2:30 pm. She will highlight  eco-friendly printing practices and success stories that prove that art and environmental protection go hand in hand.

The drupa Imaging Summit will be accompanied by the photo exhibition “1253 m” by photographer Ralf Baumgarten. The exhibition will show photos from the last German coal mine “Prosper Haniel” at a depth of 1253 meters. The exhibition was photographed with two analog Canon F-1 cameras from the 1970s. As part of drupa, the exhibits will demonstrate the visual power of perfectly printed photographs. The DNA of photography as a print medium is to capture decisive moments and bring them to life for the viewer.

For further information about drupa 2024, contact Messe Düsseldorf North America; E-mail: info@mdna.com; Visit www.drupa.com and www.mdna.com.

Posted: May 20, 2024

Source: Messe Düsseldorf North America

Policy, Data And Field-Level Impact In Focus For Better Cotton Conference In Istanbul

GENEVA, Switzerland — May 20, 2024 — Better Cotton will host its annual conference June 26-27 in the cotton-producing country of Türkiye, renowned for its textile manufacturing. Taking place at the Hilton Istanbul Bomonti Hotel & Conference Center, the event will bring together more than 200 industry stakeholders — both in-person and online — representing all stages of the supply chain. Registration is still open and available.

A focus on ‘Accelerating Impact’ unites the four themes: Putting People First, Driving Change at Field Level, Understanding Policy & Industry Trends, and Reporting on Data & Traceability. Sessions will explore the sector’s most compelling issues and developments, including regenerative agriculture, decent work responsibilities across the supply train, traceability and sustainability legislation.

Antonie Fountain, managing director at VOICE Network, will serve as the conference host, while keynote speakers will come from three continents and various disciplines.

  • Aarti Kapoor, founder and executive director of human rights agency Embode, will kickstart the first theme, ‘Putting People First’
  • Lewis Perkins, president of the Apparel Impact Institute (Aii), will lead discussion for the ‘Driving Change at Field Level’ theme
  • Dr. Vidhura Ralapanawe, executive vice president for Innovation and Sustainability at global apparel manufacturer Epic Group, will introduce the theme ‘Understanding Policy & Industry Trends’
  • Tülin Akın, founder of Turkish farmer social enterprise Tabit, will lead on the event’s final theme, ‘Reporting on Data & Traceability’

Better Cotton Farmers will feature throughout the programme, connecting stakeholders directly with cotton farming communities, including representatives from Turkey, India, Mozambique, Pakistan, Tajikistan and the United States.

The ‘Putting People First’ theme will cover the social side of cotton farming — from promoting sustainable livelihoods to ensuring decent work. Conversations will explore ideas around farmer remuneration as well as the role producer organisations can play in supporting this mission.

‘Driving Change at Field Level’ will delve into a number of topics, from women’s empowerment and farmer financing mechanisms to regenerative agriculture and cross-commodity collaboration. A timely discussion on carbon markets will get things underway, as panelists debate the pros and cons of such frameworks and whether they’re fit to accommodate millions of the world’s smallholder cotton farmers.

On day two, attention will turn to ‘Understanding Policy & Industry Trends’ as sessions consider the changing legislative landscape which continues to impact the fashion and textile sectors. Panel discussions will touch upon how stakeholders can prepare for emerging regulations, and how performance claims can support company sustainability goals.

The event’s final theme, ‘Reporting on Data & Traceability’, will consider the crucial role of data in driving improvements both at the field level and within cotton supply chains. Better Cotton will provide insights into its 2023 India Impact Report results, as well as the latest information relating to traceability.

Across the two-day event, there’ll be a plethora of organisations from across the cotton sector and beyond attending to offer their insights.

Participants include:

  • Marks & Spencer
  • WWF
  • IDH
  • Solidaridad
  • International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD)
  • 2050
  • World Agroforestry
  • Olam Agri

There will be ample opportunity to network, including a welcome reception on Tuesday 25 June to kickstart an engaging couple of days. A networking dinner and the Better Cotton Member Awards will be hosted 26 June on a cruise along the Bosphorus to take in the city sights and Istanbul’s rich history.

Registration is available via https://bettercottonconference.org/ and we look forward to convening the industry.

A huge thank you to our event sponsors: USB Certification, Gildan, Cotton Incorporated, Artistic Milliners, Louis Dreyfus Company, Ortablu, Spectrum, Kipas Textiles, Supima, Cotton Brazil, Source Intelligence, San JFS, Global Organic Textile Standard Türkiye, Koton and RBDC.

Posted: May 20, 2024

Source: Better Cotton

Registration Now Open For AATCC Textile Discovery Summit

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. — May 20, 2024 — AATCC is excited to announce that the 2024 Textile Discovery Summit will be held October 6-8 in the historic district of Savannah, Ga. With a focus on A Path Forward Through Innovation, this year’s conference will be a groundbreaking event for the textile industry.

Attendees of the Textile Discovery Summit will have the opportunity to engage in educational presentations, stimulating networking receptions, insightful breakout sessions, and witness the latest advancements in textile technology at the exhibitor showroom. Furthermore, participants will be able to enjoy a golf challenge on The Westin’s 18-hole PGA Championship course and an evening boat cruise along the Savannah River on Sunday, October 6.

Join the NC170 session, “Research Personal Protective Technologies for Current and Emerging Occupational and Environmental Hazards,” on Sunday, October 6, from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. This session addresses the critical need for effective Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) across industries such as firefighting, healthcare, military, and more. NC170 aims to bridge the gap in research and innovation of PPE, promoting R&D of materials and product designs, and developing consensus standards for PPE to ensure the safety, welfare, and competitiveness of our nation. With speakers from leading universities sharing their research in PPE, attendees will gain valuable insights into the advancements and future of protective technologies. Admission to the NC170 session is included with Summit registration, providing a unique opportunity to learn and engage in this important field.

The 2024 Textile Discovery Summit is open to all individuals who wish to participate. Whether you are an industry professional, researcher, or textile enthusiast, this event offers a unique platform to gain insights, foster collaboration, and stay informed about the latest developments in the field. For comprehensive program details, accommodation information, sponsorships, tabletop reservations, or registration, please visit www.aatcc.org/summit/.

Posted: May 20, 2024

Source: AATCC

The National Cotton Council (NCC) Statement On Farm Bill House Legislation

MEMPHIS, Tenn.— May 17, 2024 — The National Cotton Council applauds House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn “G.T.” Thompson for producing a Farm Bill that significantly increases the support levels for cotton producers, who have been weighed down by the recent rise in on-farm production costs.  This legislation also gives growers more affordable options for their risk management strategies, makes important improvements in the marketing loan program, and restores critical support for our domestic textile manufacturers.

The NCC urges this legislation to move forward in a bi-partisan manner with our industry committed to working with the leadership of the House and Senate to ensure final passage in 2024.

Posted: May 17, 2024

Source: The National Cotton Council (NCC)

Manufacturing Solutions Center (MSC) Presents Free “Developing Your Apparel/Textile Product In The Us” Webinar On June 6

CONOVER, N.C.— May 17, 2024 — The Manufacturing Solutions Center (MSC) at Catawba Valley Community College is partnering with the NC Small Business Center Network to present a free webinar, “Developing Your Apparel/Textile Product in the US,” on June 6 at noon.

MSC Resource Library Manager Tanya Wade will lead this session which will cover how entrepreneurs and businesses can proceed with developing and producing a textile or apparel product here in the United States.  Topics will include domestic material sourcing options and strategies for working with manufacturers as products move into the production stage.

There is no cost to attend, but pre-registration is required.  Visit www.manufacturingsolutionscenter.org for more information and to register.

Posted: May 17, 2024

Source: The Manufacturing Solutions Center (MSC)

Cotton Incorporated Celebrates The Benefits Of Authentic Cotton Denim For 151st Birthday Of Blue Jeans

CARY, N.C. — May 16, 2024 — Cotton Incorporated encourages consumers to commemorate the 151st anniversary of the birth of blue jeans, an iconic symbol of American fashion and innovation. One way to participate is recycling cotton denim, and learning more about circularity of cotton and it uses beyond fashion. So, on this special occasion, we encourage readers to participate in our nationally recognized Blue Jeans Go Green ™ program.

On this day in 1873, the landscape of apparel was forever changed when the first blue jeans were patented. “The invention of blue jeans marked a pivotal moment in the history of fashion,” said Andrea Samber, director of Brand Partnerships, Cotton Incorporated. “From their humble beginnings as functional work attire to becoming a global fashion staple, blue jeans have captured the imagination of people across generations and cultures.”

In addition to celebrating the rich history of blue jeans, Cotton Incorporated highlights the Blue Jeans Go Green program, which collects denim to be recycled in creative ways – from building efforts, pet bed inserts, thermal food packaging, and more. Since its inception, the Blue Jeans Go Green™ program has diverted millions of pounds of denim from landfills and provided insulation for over 2,000 homes across the United States. Over 5,200,000 pieces of denim and 2,630 tons have been recycled through the program.

“Through the Blue Jeans Go Green initiative, we can extend the lifespan of denim while providing sustainable solutions for communities in need,” Samber said. “It’s a testament to the enduring impact of blue jeans beyond the realm of fashion.”

Since 2006, more than 100 brands and retailers have collaborated with the program.

The Blue Jeans Go Green program is just one of the ways consumers can close the loop on cotton sustainability. Denim recycling is possible because it’s made from cotton, which is a sustainable, natural fiber. Through resale, renewal and upcycling, consumers can help keep the lifecycle of cotton going.

Well-made cotton apparel is durable, making it a perfect match for the blossoming secondhand market where it can be reused repeatedly. Textiles made of 100 percent cotton can be recycled and may be used to create new products. After it can no longer be reused or recycled, cotton products can be discarded. Cotton can degrade in industrial compost, wastewater, salt water and freshwater environments, and it also degrades faster than manufactured cellulosic fibers like rayon and oil-based synthetics, according to Cotton Incorporated’s Cotton Circular Lifecycle.

As we celebrate the 151st birthday of blue jeans, Cotton Incorporated invites individuals to join us in supporting the Blue Jeans Go Green initiative. By recycling old denim, you can contribute to environmental sustainability and the community.

For more information about Cotton Incorporated, the Blue Jeans Go Green™ program, and how to get involved, please visit https://bluejeansgogreen.org/

Posted: May 16, 2024

Source: Cotton Incorporated

UNIFI®, Maker Of REPREVE®, Announces Seventh Annual Champions Of Sustainability Award Winners

GREENSBORO, N.C. — May 16, 2024 — UNIFI Inc. (together with its consolidated subsidiaries,UNIFI), the maker of REPREVE and producer of in recycled and synthetic yarns, today announced its seventh annual REPREVE Champions of Sustainability Award recipients. These annual awards celebrate the industry pioneers who have recycled over 40 billion plastic bottles into new products through REPREVE.

UNIFI applauds the following partners as leading stewards of sustainability:

  • NIKE and Rothy’s® are recognized with the Milestone Award for having respectively transformed 3+ billion and 100+ million post-consumer plastic bottles through the use of REPREVE
  • Under Armour® is honored with a Special Recognition Award for its commitment to REPREVE in the sustainable performance wear space by recycling 165+ million post-consumer plastic bottles
  • Lovesac is honored with a Special Recognition Award as a sustainable leader in the home furnishings industry, having transformed 80+ million post-consumer plastic bottles
  • Inditex received the Global Brand Award for giving second lives to 360+ million post-consumer plastic bottles through REPREVE fibers and yarns
  • Serta Simmons Bedding (SSB) is recognized as a Rising Star for its widespread use of REPREVE® in sustainable bedding

“Our partners share our vision for a brighter, better, more sustainable future,” said Eddie Ingle, Chief Executive Officer of UNIFI, Inc. “We are very pleased to celebrate the 2024 REPREVE Champions of Sustainability who lead their respective industries forward with their commitment to environmental responsibility. UNIFI looks forward to continued innovation and positive impact alongside our extraordinary partners.”

Since 1971, UNIFI has spearheaded textile industry innovation. With the 2007 inception of REPREVE, the Company has recycled over 40 billion plastic bottles into recycled fiber for new apparel, footwear, home goods, and other consumer products. By giving discarded resources fresh purpose as recycled high-performance materials, UNIFI empowers brands to be better and encourages people to want better.

The 2024 REPREVE Champions of Sustainability awards will be presented to 37 brand and retail partners that have transformed 10 million or more recycled plastic bottles and 64 textile partners that have transformed 50 million or more recycled plastic bottles through the use of REPREVE® performance fibers.

“Partnership is the bedrock of progress,” said Chad Bolick, Vice President of Brand Sales. “Our brand partners help us create a better tomorrow by making sustainable choices today with REPREVE® recycled fiber. Together, we are evolving industry standards and inspiring transformation.”

A full list of the 2024 REPREVE Champions of Sustainability honorees is available by visiting repreve.com/champions-of-sustainability. For more information on UNIFI, the makers of REPREVE, please visit www.unifi.com.

Posted: May 16, 2024

Source: UNIFI, Inc.

FixDye To Produce Recycled Dope-Dyed Filament Yarn With rPET Flakes On Systems Of Oerlikon Barmag Huitong Engineering

REMSCHEID, Germany — May 16, 2024 — The recycled polyester yarn manufacturer FixDye has opted for the polycondensation system manufacturer Oerlikon Barmag Huitong Engineering (OBHE) to increase its production capacities.

Oerlikon Barmag Huitong Engineering’s polycondensation systems stand for the best downstream performance and a reduced environmental footprint.

The company, based in Huai’an, China, is thus expanding its production capacities in melt preparation, the production stage upstream of the spinning mill. This will not only allow FixDye to better influence yarn quality, but also to keep an eye on the supply chain of its products, regardless of external influences. This is an unbeatable advantage when it comes to the ambitious goals of the circular economy.

The plant with a capacity of 3 x 180 tons per day of recycled bottle flakes for textile filament yarn is a clear commitment to the sustainable textile industry. From mid-2025, it will mainly produce FDY and POY/DTY for the European and US markets. The yarns produced are spun-dyed for ecological reasons, zero water dyeing method.

Becomes textile yarn again: recycled bottle flakes

With its sustainability concept, FixDye is a pioneer in the textile industry. Certified by numerous recognized institutes such as GRS, BSCI and OEKO-TEX, the company produces everything from recycled melts to textile surfaces for well-known international textile and sporting goods manufacturers. “In the medium term, FixDye also wants to offer materials produced using the Textile-2-Textile recycling process,” explains Ivan Ye, CMO of FixDye. “Confidence in the reliability of the highly efficient systems and the sustainable, energy-saving concept were the decisive aspects in choosing OBHE as the supplier of the polycondensation system,” adds General Manager Kevin Wang.

Posted: May 16, 2024

Source: Oerlikon Polymer Processing Solutions Division

INDA Releases 2024 Nonwovens Supply Report

CARY, N.C. — May 16, 2024 — INDA, the Association of the Nonwovens Fabrics Industry, announces the publication of the eleventh edition of the annual North American Nonwovens Supply Report.

Based on extensive research, producer surveys and interviews with industry leaders, this report provides a comprehensive view of the North American supply of nonwoven materials including the key metrics of capacity, production and operating rates, and regional trade through 2023.

“INDA provides valuable data and actionable industry information to enhance decision making in our capital-intensive industry. This report is the most complete and accurate portrayal for both rolled goods and other nonwoven materials produced in North America. These supply and demand balance metrics are essential for strategic planning and business investment decisions,” said Tony Fragnito, INDA president.

The Executive Summary from annual Supply Reports, the quarterly INDA Market Pulse and monthly Price Trends Summary are provided to INDA members on a complimentary basis as part of their membership. The data gathered for this annual report serves as the foundation for both the biennial Global Nonwoven Markets Report to be published in October 2024 and the biennial North American Nonwovens Industry Outlook, which was published in October 2023.

Findings from this year’s Supply Report include:

  • North American capacity continues to increase with investments being made across all processes and for a variety of end-uses. Production output is shifting and has slowed down in 2023 to reflect larger machine installations just now coming on-line.
  • In 2023, the capacity of nonwovens in North America reached 5.713 million tonnes, an increase from the previous year of over 230,000 tonnes.
  • Many new nonwoven production lines were installed in 2023, but mostly in the long-life sectors which shows a positive move towards sustainable goals across the board.

“Similar to 2023, we had quite an impressive producer response from the industry. The markets are shifting to adjust to competitive pressure within the global supply chain. This report highlights significant metrics describing the changes and the reasons behind them,” said Mark Snider, Chief Market and Industry Analyst.

Posted: May 16, 2024

Source: INDA, the Association of the Nonwovens Fabrics Industry

Trevira CS Makes Its Debut At Clerkenwell Design Week In London

HATTERSHEIM, Germany — May 17, 2024 — The Trevira CS brand is celebrating its debut at Clerkenwell Design Week (CDW), which takes place in London from May 21-23 2024. The brand is particularly targeting interior architects, interior designers, and contract furnishers to present its innovations on sustainability. Trevira CS stands for flame retardant fabrics that have been tested for fire safety. They also offer numerous sustainable properties.

The London borough of Clerkenwell is home to more creative businesses and architects per square mile than anywhere else in the world, making it one of the most important design hubs in the world. To celebrate this rich and diverse community, Clerkenwell Design Week has created a unique opportunity to showcase the world’s leading interior design brands. With more than 600 events in over 160 showrooms, more than 11 curated exhibitions, stunning installations, talks and a supporting program, CDW has established itself as the UK’s leading design festival. The Trevira CS stand is part of the “German Collection – home to German Contemporary Design”, which brings together a leading selection of renowned German brands. It can be found at 1 Sekforde St., London EC1R 0BE.

Unlimited possibilities

In addition to their inherently flame retardant properties, Trevira CS fabrics are characterized by their variety of designs and areas of application. The Trevira CS portfolio available on the market offers a veritable treasure trove of high-quality fabrics that can be used to create sophisticated interiors – in hotels and restaurants, in the care sector, in working environments, in means of transportation or in public buildings. Here, but also in private homes, the fabrics also impress with their easy care properties.

On duty outdoors

On duty outdoors: Flame retardant, spun-dyed, UV-stable Trevira® filament yarns

The product range of flame-retardant Trevira® filament yarns now also includes 30 spun-dyed, UV-stable yarns, which are particularly suitable for outdoor use in fabrics in the hospitality sector and on cruise ships due to their high light fastness and UV resistance. They also score points for their sustainable properties, as the fabrics made from them can be produced in a more environmentally friendly way than textiles made from conventional yarns. The use of spun-dyed yarns is easy on the environment, as dyeing processes for yarns and fabrics are no longer necessary, meaning that fewer resources such as energy, water and chemicals are required. The durability of the textiles is also given under outdoor conditions: permanent color strength, no fading, UV stabilization for long-lasting durability.

The Trevira CS sustainability concept: sustainable in many ways

The Trevira CS brand pursues various approaches in order to achieve the best possible sustainability balance over the life cycle of the product, from the fiber/filament through to recycling options for textiles that can no longer be used. Various recycling methods are used, from mechanical to chemical recycling.

Recycling solutions

Trevira CS fabrics are also available in recycled versions. They consist of fiber and filament yarns that are obtained in various recycling processes. Fabrics made from these yarns can obtain the Trevira CS eco trademark. The prerequisite for this is a recycled content of at least 50%.

The Trevira CS eco textiles available on the market today go far beyond the initial basic articles in terms of design, look and feel. Almost all fabric qualities are available: light, transparent curtain fabrics, flowing, shiny decorative fabrics, materials in natural looks, flat woven fabrics and velvets for use as upholstery fabrics. Articles for interior sun protection are also available in Trevira CS eco quality.

Mechanical recycling: Use of bottle flakes and agglomerate

Flame retardant Trevira® filament yarns are produced using recycled PET bottles and contain 50% post-consumer recycled material.  Recycled fibers are obtained using an agglomeration plant and in further process steps from recyclable materials from production and consist of 100% recycled material (post-industrial recycling). These flame-retardant, recycled Trevira products are GRS (Global Recycled Standard) certified.

Advanced / chemical recycling: The next generation of flame retardant fabrics

The long-term goal in the development of sustainable products is to enter a closed-loop economy. Chemical recycling opens possibilities for approaching this goal.

Indorama Ventures has launched an innovative Trevira CS product development in which flame-retardant fibers and filament yarns are made from chemically recycled raw material. The products are made from 100% recycled material. Currently, PET material from the packaging industry is used here, which is not suitable to be re-used in the manufacture of bottles/packaging material.

Chemical recycling involves depolymerization, a sequence of chemical reactions in which the polymer chains are broken down again into their original components, i.e. the monomers. The raw material obtained from the recycling process is comparable to the original material and can be used again in high-quality products.

The greatest advantage, however, lies in the potential that this approach unlocks for the future. Today, the chemically recycled raw material used to produce flame-retardant Trevira® fibers and filament yarns is obtained from PET waste from the packaging industry, but in principle it could come from almost any other recycled PET material, even from textiles.

With these first steps, the path to a circular economy is underway – waste can be avoided and resources conserved. In future, it may be possible to use chemical recycling to obtain raw materials for new textiles from textile waste.

Back to a new life: The Trevira CS take-back program

Used Trevira CS fabrics can be returned and recycled as part of the Trevira CS take-back program. This applies to textiles from the pre-consumer sector such as unsold remnants, discontinued items, offcuts, defective goods, etc. as well as textiles that have reached the end of their useful life (post-consumer).

The Trevira CS fabrics are collected at the recycling company ALTEX Textil-Recycling GmbH & Co. KG and undergo a mechanical recycling process. The final products are nonwovens, which are used in various sectors for example for insulation and soundproofing. Of particular interest is their use as acoustic systems, for example in the form of sound-absorbing wall coverings, free-standing partitions, ceiling suspensions or decorative objects.

The take-back system offered is a program for Trevira CS fabrics only (i.e. Trevira CS, Trevira CS flex, Trevira CS eco). Proof that the fabric in question was manufactured from flame retardant Trevira® fibers and filaments or the products of the further processing stages (spinners, texturizers, etc.) is provided by presenting the Trevira CS trademark approval. This confirms that the fabric has passed the fire test indicated in the trademark conditions and has been approved for the Trevira CS trademark.

At ALTEX, nonwovens with a basis weight of 600 – 3,000 g/sqm can be produced for a wide variety of applications. One project is the production of a flame-retardant nonwoven for use in an acoustic panel. For this purpose, torn fibers from Trevira CS fabrics are used, which are processed into the corresponding nonwovens if applicable by adding new fibers and/or low-melt fibers. It is important to adapt the function, thickness and strength of the nonwoven to the corresponding area of application. If the resulting nonwoven is covered with Trevira CS or Trevira CS eco fabrics, the result is a new, attractive, functional product that helps to avoid waste and conserve resources.

Posted: May 16, 2024

Source: Trevira CS, a brand of the Indorama Ventures Public Company Limited (IVL) owned company Indorama Ventures Fibers Germany GmbH

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