Technical Nonwoven Manufacturer Bondex Expands South Carolina Operations With $18.8 million investment

COLUMBIA, S.C.  — October 29, 2024 — Bondex, a technical nonwoven manufacturer, announced it is expanding its Edgefield County operations. The company’s $18.8 million investment will create 13 new jobs.

Part of Andrew Industries Limited, Bondex is an innovative nonwovens and specialty roll goods manufacturer founded in 1997. The company’s products serve growing demand across various markets, including filtration, automotive, laundry felt and more, for customers globally.

The expansion includes a new needlepunch line and increased production capacity for Bondex’s facility located at 2 Maxwell Drive in Trenton.

Operations are already online. Individuals interested in joining the Bondex team should visit the company’s careers page.

“At Bondex, we are proud to deepen our roots in Edgefield County with this expansion. This investment is a testament to our team’s dedication to innovation and to the growing demand for our high-quality products. Our reputation in the area as a great place to work is something we take seriously, and we’re excited to continue building that legacy by creating new opportunities for growth and employment. We look forward to advancing both our capabilities and the local community as we grow in South Carolina.” -Bondex President Brian Little

“Whenever a company decides to expand within our borders, it is a win for South Carolina. We celebrate Bondex’s investment in Edgefield County and applaud its continued commitment to doing business in our state.” -Gov. Henry McMaster

“Bondex’s expansion announcement showcases South Carolina’s commitment to supporting our existing companies. Congratulations to Bondex and Edgefield County on this $18.8 million investment that will create new job opportunities in the local community.” -Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III

“Edgefield County Council has worked tirelessly to ensure industry can be successful. Bondex has had several expansions over the last 10 years. This latest expansion is confirmation that they have been profitable and county council’s work is bearing fruit. Congratulations to Bondex and may they continue to be successful.” -Edgefield County Council Chairman Dean Campbell

“Bondex and Edgefield County have had a great relationship for many years. This expansion signifies they make a quality product that is sought after. We are excited about this and are glad we were able to help this expansion become a reality.” -Western SC Economic Development Partnership Chairman Gary Stooksbury

Fast Facts

  • Bondex is expanding its operations in Edgefield County, South Carolina.
  • The company’s $18.8 million investment will create 13 new jobs.
  • Bondex is a leader in technical nonwoven manufacturing.
  • The company is located at 2 Maxwell Drive in Trenton, S.C.

Individuals interested in joining the Bondex team should visit the company’s careers page.

Posted: October 31, 2024

Source: Office of the Governor of South Carolina

Keypoint Intelligence Announces German Sacristan’s Keynote At FuturePrint TECH Event

FAIRFIELD, N.J. — October 31, 2024 —  Keypoint Intelligence is pleased to announce that German Sacristan, Group Director, Production Printing, will present a keynote at the upcoming FuturePrint TECH event, taking place in Cambridge, UK, on November 6-7. His keynote, titled “Navigating the Future: Trends and Opportunities in Digital Printing Technologies,” will provide valuable insights into the latest advancements in digital printing across various sectors, including commercial print, labels, packaging, textiles, and wide-format printing.

German Sacristan

German Sacristan will focus on how digital printing is transforming traditional print processes and driving sustainability. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the opportunities and challenges presented by these evolving technologies.

Key topics will highlight:

  • Market Shift: Print volume consolidations within digital printing technologies and accelerated shift from analog to digital printing.
  • Value-Added Selling: Understanding which specialty printing products print buyers are interested in purchasing.
  • Automation: AI and robotics
  • Sustainability: Rising demand for eco-friendly materials and on-demand solutions.

“Digital printing technologies are evolving at a rapid pace, offering print buyers effective tools and strategies to better communicate with their customers. I look forward to sharing insights into the trends that are shaping the future of print and what PSPs can leverage to stay ahead,” said German Sacristan.

Frazer Chesterman, Co-Founder of FuturePrint, added, “German’s keynote will provide invaluable guidance on how the industry can adapt to the fast-changing digital landscape. His expertise is critical for businesses navigating digital transformation and sustainability challenges, both of which are key themes at FuturePrint.”

For more information or to register for the event, visit FuturePrint. https://www.futureprint.events/about

Posted: October 31, 2024

Source: Keypoint Intelligence

Apparel Manufacturer Crystal International Unveils Crystal Sustainability Vision 2030

HONG KONG — October 31, 2024 — Crystal International Group Limited (“Crystal International” or the “Group”) has announced the plan of its Crystal Sustainability Vision 2030 (CSV2030), spearheading sustainability in the garment manufacturing industry. Following through on its 5-year Global Sustainability Targets which has achieved a triumphant success after three cycles of completion, the Group is charting a bold course for a more sustainable future with the newly unveiled CSV2030. The ambitious plan builds on the initial success of sustainability performance over the past 17 years and outlines the goals for tackling a broader spectrum of sustainability issues by 2030.

As Crystal’s next sustainability milestone, CSV2030 encompasses 8 impact areas across nature, people and community, addressing emerging global sustainability challenges and solidifying the Group’s commitment to responsible manufacturing. The newly announced plan outlines targets associated with climate, circularity, water, biodiversity, wellness, equity, employee engagement, as well as community engagement and partnership. The tagline “Impact for Better”, which accentuates the high aspiration of the Group, signifies the resolution to create positive impact on various impact areas to weave a better future.

With reference to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), CSV2030 development has undergone rounds of stakeholder engagement, review of industry best practices and traits, as well as the holistic analysis of macro issues. During the transition, all Crystal factories will have their own specifically defined measures required to achieve within a clear timetable.

Commenting on the strong commitment, Ms. Catherine Chiu, Vice President of Corporate Quality and Sustainability, stated, “we gear up to tackle wider global sustainability issues by the end of the decade. To achieve this long-term ambition, we will join hands with industry peers to scale up in different areas in order to support our determination in the long run. We believe we could take sustainable fashion to the new heights”.

As a sustainability leader in the industry, Crystal International will strive to continuously progress towards the new vision at all levels. The Group will be revealing a series of multi-faceted communications, to signify the commencement of this remarkable milestone and to demonstrate its motivation. More details about CSV2030 can be accessible at https://www.crystalgroup.com/csv2030.

Crystal International Group Limited is a global apparel manufacturer. Founded in Hong Kong in 1970, with a diversified product portfolio categorized into six product types, namely Lifestyle wear, Sportswear and outdoor apparel, Denim, Intimate, and Knitted fabrics. Headquartered in Hong Kong, Crystal International operates a multi-country manufacturing platform with more than 20 production facilities spanning five countries, including Vietnam, China, Cambodia, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

Posted: October 31, 2024

Source: Crystal International Group Limited

Functional Contract Textiles: The Multi-Talents At Heimtextil 2025

FRANKFURT AM MAIN, Germany— October 31, 2024 — Functional, reliable and innovative – this is how the products for the contract sector are presented at Heimtextil in Frankfurt from 14 to 17 January 2025. Interior designers, architects and hospitality experts awaits a broad and international range of textiles, specifically for use in public buildings and facilities.

Decorative Furniture Fabrics

From 14 to 17 January 2025, Heimtextil will be the first stop for architects, interior designers and hospitality experts looking for contract textiles. Here, they find the entire spectrum of textile furnishings in one place and at the same time an informative comprehensive programme, design and trend inspiration. Top international exhibitors and innovative newcomers present their latest products for the contract business. The entire textile spectrum is covered – from wallpapers, curtains and sun protection, upholstery and outdoor fabrics, bedding, bed linen, bathroom textiles, mattresses and sleeping systems, fibres and yarns to carpets.

‘Contract textiles are the champions league of home textiles. They are subject to the highest demands in terms of quality, functionality, safety and design. Year after year, our exhibitors outdo themselves with innovative products and further developments in functionality. This makes it all the more important to stay up-to-date, discover the most promising innovations and explore the new possibilities’, explains Bettina Bär, Director Heimtextil.

Whether in offices, hotels, restaurants, hospitals or public transport – textiles are an essential part of furnishings and fulfil important tasks. They provide comfort, influence the room atmosphere and are also real all-rounders. Flame-retardant, antimicrobial, water-repellent, dirt-repellent, lightfast, sound-absorbing, cooling and many other functionalities characterise contract textiles. After all, fire protection, hygiene standards and extreme areas of application demand absolute reliability in their properties. Exhibitors with corresponding products can be found quickly in the Interior.Architecture.Hospitality FINDER. An additional signet makes the relevant exhibition stands noticeable at the trade fair.

Visitors can expect offers from Atenzza Outdoor (Spain), Aydin Tekstil, Barine (Turkey), Bedding House (Netherlands), Cabanes & Ortuno (Spain), Elastron Portugal, Englisch Dekor (Austria), Futura Leathers (Italy), Gebrüder Munzert, Höpke Textiles (Germany), Indetex (Belgium), Indorama Ventures Fibers Germany, Kücüker Tekstil (Turkey), Lameirinho (Portugal), Marburger Tapetenfabrik (Germany), Martinelli Ginetto (Italy), Mundotêxtil (Portugal), OBB Oberbadische Bettfedernfabrik (Germany), Têxteis J.F. Almeida (Portugal), Textil Blanca 1941 (Spain) and The Wallfashion House (Belgium) among others.

‘We are looking forward to showcasing our new products and innovative technologies at Heimtextil. These include a textile fabric with water-based silicone protection which is resistant to external influences as well as modern and functional curtain solutions which have been developed specifically for the contract sector. Interior designers, architects and hospitality experts also find customised offers for their specific project requirements’, states Sabine Danneberg, Global Contract Sales Director at Höpke Textiles.

‘With a focus on sustainability, skin sensitivity and support for regenerative sleep, our range goes beyond standard bedding. This makes it particularly relevant for the contract sector. The listing in the Interior.Architecture.Hospitality FINDER gives us additional visibility. We look forward to meeting our customers again at Heimtextil 2025 and convincing new interested visitors of our ‘sleep enhancers’, says Petra Schweigert, Managing Partner at OBB Oberbadische Bettfedernfabrik.

Architects, interior designers and hospitality experts can also look forward to a programme tailored to their needs. This includes lectures and guided tours on topics such as AI and sustainability as well as unique special presentations. Absolute must-sees are the Interior.Architecture.Hospitality LIBRARY in Hall 4.0, the Trend Arena in Hall 3.0 and the ‘among-us’ installation by Patricia Urquiola in Hall 12.0.

Heimtextil 2025 takes place from 14 to 17 January 2025.

Posted: October 31, 2024

Source: Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH

Indorama Ventures Collaborates To Launch World’s First Commercialized PET Bottles Using Bio-Paraxylene For Suntory

BANGKOK, Thailand — October 31, 2024 — Indorama Ventures Public Company Limited, a global sustainable chemical producer, as part of a supply chain collaboration with Suntory, ENEOS Corporation, Mitsubishi Corporation, Iwatani and Neste, will launch the world’s first bio-PET bottle for commercial scale, made from ISCC+ certified bio-paraxylene This collaboration marks a significant milestone in the journey toward sustainable packaging, introducing PET bottles derived from used cooking oil. PET bottles made from this technology can significantly reduce CO2 emissions of products.

From November onwards, the Suntory Group will successively introduce these bio-PET bottles for selected products in Japan. The collaboration will see the launch of approximately 45 million PET bottles for beverages made with this innovative material with further introduction for Suntory products to be considered in the future.

By combining the expertise and resources of industry leaders across the value chain, this initiative underscores the power of collaboration in addressing global sustainability challenges.

Mr. Yash Lohia, Executive President Petchem Special Projects

Mr. Yash Lohia, Executive President Petchem Special Projects, and Chairman of the ESG Council of Indorama Ventures, stated, “This exciting collaboration reflects the shared vision and responsibility of all partners involved to contribute to a more sustainable future. We are proud to work alongside industry leaders in this pioneering effort, which not only brings new possibilities to the packaging industry but also reinforces the importance of collaboration in driving meaningful change. And we are excited to see the fruits of the collaboration on the shelves soon as high-quality Suntory products.”

Each company brings unique capabilities to the table, ensuring the success of this breakthrough initiative. Within the global supply chain through cross-industry collaboration, Indorama Ventures the world’s largest producer and recycler of PET, took Bio-Paraxylene to create Terephthalic acid, then reacted it with monoethylene glycol to produce PET Resin.

Role of each stakeholder in this project

Mitsubishi Corporation Manage entire supply chain
Neste Produce bio-naphtha from used cooking oil in ISCC+ certified plant
Mitsui Chemicals, Inc. Produce intermediate material of bio-paraxylene using bio-naphtha in ISCC+ certified plant
ENEOS Corporation Produce bio-paraxylene from intermediate material in ISCC+ certified plant using mass balance approach*2
Indorama Ventures Produce PET resin by reacting MEG with PTA (TPA) produced with bio-paraxylene in ISSC+ certified plants
Iwatani Corporation Manage operation from production to delivery of PET resin
Suntory Group Form PET resin into PET bottles for its products

 This launch represents a major step forward in reducing the environmental footprint of PET production. The mass balance approach applied throughout the production process ensures that the bio-based materials are transparently and effectively integrated into the PET bottles.

As a partner in this initiative, Indorama Ventures remains committed to fostering a circular economy for the future of packaging through various avenues. The production of bio-PET resin aligns with Indorama Ventures’ long-term sustainability strategy and strengthens its commitment to providing environmentally responsible solutions to its customers.

Posted: October 31, 2024

Source: Indorama Ventures Public Company Limited

Syre (Sweden) Joins ITMF As Corporate Member

ZÜRICH, Switzerland — October 31, 2024 — Syre’s mission is it “to decarbonize and dewaste textiles, starting with polyester. By implementing true textile-to-textile recycling at hyperscale, we want to drive the transition from a linear to a circular value chain by putting textile waste to use, over and over again”. Syre’s objective is to “do this at an unprecedented speed and scale, with 12 production plants up and running at full speed and capacity by 2032, producing more than 3 million metric tons circular polyester, and in total +15 million metric tons CO2e abated”.

Earlier this year Syre won the ITMF Start-up Award 2024 which the company received on the occasion of the ITMF Annual Conference 2024 in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.

Mr. Christian Schindler, Director General of ITMF, stated that “for ITMF it is important that start-ups like Syre become corporate members of ITMF. Syre offers new solutions for the pressing need to recycle textile waste. Companies along the textile value chain see the necessity to make the industry circular. Textile-to-textile recycling is a core step to reach this objective. To scale and speed up circularity it is required to intensify collaboration across all segments. ITMF offers a unique industry network that comprises all segments from fiber producers via textile machinery manufacturers down to integrated producers of apparel and home textiles. ITMF also offers valuable information that helps start-ups to better understand the global textile market and dynamics.”

Ms. Stina Billinger, Sustainability & Public Affairs Director of Syre, commented that “by joining ITMF as a corporate member, Syre has the opportunity to connect with well-established textile companies from around the world. This access helps to better understand the global textile value chain and to learn from the expertise and experience of players with a long history in the market. Having access to ITMF’s conferences, workshops, webinars, and publications offers start-ups to have a comprehensive view of the industry and to connect with relevant players.”

For more information about the Syre, please go to https://www.syre.com/

For more information about ITMF, please go to www.itmf.org

Posted: October 31, 2024

Source: The International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF)

PRSA, the Plastics Recycling Show Asia 2024: trinamiX Presents Their Portfolio Of Versatile Plastic And Textile Identification Solutions To The Southeast-Asian Market

LUDWIGSHAFEN, Germany / SINGAPORE — October 31, 2024 — trinamiX GmbH, a provider of mobile spectroscopy solutions and subsidiary of BASF, will join the inaugural PRSA, the Plastics Recycling Show Asia 2024 in Singapore, to showcase their versatile plastics and textile identification technology to the Southeast-Asian market. From designing plastics packaging that is sortable, to quality control for in- and outgoing plastics, to cleaner sorting for improved recycling; mobile identification of plastic and textile types adds benefits across the supply chain. Visitors to PRSA can experience the trinamiX Mobile NIR Spectroscopy Solution at trinamiX booth #L44 from November 13-14, 2024.

On-the-spot identification and quality control of plastics with trinamiX Mobile NIR Spectroscopy Solutions © trinamiX GmbH

Adrian Vogel, Segment Lead Circular Economy at trinamiX GmbH, will give a talk about “How mobile NIR technology and smart data management can help in improving the waste management process” on November 13, 2024, at 04:35 pm at the PRS Asia conference. He is sharing insights about the growing demand for recycled plastics and how accessible identification technology and smart data management can help fulfill this demand. “I am looking forward to demonstrating how these advancements can not only improve recycling in areas that are lacking waste management infrastructure but also create economic opportunities for waste pickers and recyclers alike”, says Adrian Vogel.

trinamiX Mobile NIR (Near-Infrared) Spectroscopy Solutions: Accessible plastic identification

trinamiX enables flexible identification of plastics and textiles at the push of a button. The solution consists of a robust, mobile NIR spectrometer, an easy-to-use app backed by advanced cloud data analysis and a customer portal to manage results, download reports, and export data.
The plastic identification solution can reliably identify over 30 types of plastics including consumer plastics like HDPE, LDPE, PP, PET, PS, PVC as well as engineering plastics like PA, ABS, PC, PLA and quantify blends of PE and PP.
In textile identification, a wide range of fiber materials like acrylic, cotton, elastane, polyamide and its subclasses PA 6 and PA 6.6, polyester, polypropylene, silk, viscose and wool can be detected. In addition, textiles that are made from more than one material can also be analyzed.

To fulfill the specific requirement of recyclers, trinamiX offers a versatile solution that combines the advantages of multiple setups: Whether it is a handheld device that fits into a user’s pocket for quick checks, or a semi-automated setup which can be integrated into a sorting table with a sensor for automatically triggered scans.

Hard-to-differentiate plastics and textiles: multi-material films, PE/PP, compostable plastics and PA 6/PA 6.6

Hard-to-differentiate plastics and textiles, such as multi-material films and blends of polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP), pose significant challenges in recycling due to their mixed compositions. Compostable plastics, while environmentally friendly, can complicate sorting processes, especially when they resemble conventional plastics. Polyamides like PA 6 and PA 6.6 are often difficult to separate and recycle, further complicating waste management efforts. The sophisticated models of trinamiX Mobile NIR Spectroscopy Solution have been trained to identify all those materials, helping to close the loop on these materials as well.

Mobile quality control along the manufacturing and recycling process

Quality management in plastic production and recycling facilities is essential for producing high-quality products. A key element for efficient recycling of plastics is the sorting of mixed plastic waste into pure waste streams, as impurities can compromise the quality and integrity of the recycled products. From checking incoming materials to approving bales of sorted plastics or textiles, trinamiX makes quality control simple and easy. It also supports non-conformance management and the efficient management of complaints, reducing the risk of costly errors and delays.

trinamiX’s solutions not only enable companies to perform spot checks, but also to comprehensively document incoming and outgoing material flows, visualize and analyze them, thus creating comprehensive transparency for manufacturers and recyclers of plastics.

Design for recyclability

Packaging design has a significant impact on a product’s sortability, and therefore recyclability. If a container cannot be identified properly by NIR, it has high probability of ending up in a landfill. Packaging features like color, labels, additives and more can impact a packages ability to be identified. With trinamiX, brands can assess the impact of these features to provide insight into product recyclability early in the design process. By designing packaging with recyclability in mind, manufacturers can help to reduce the amount of plastic waste that ends up in landfills. This is a crucial step towards creating a more sustainable and circular economy.

Upcoming hardware expansion: trinamiX PAL Two

trinamiX will be presenting a new hardware for their Mobile NIR Spectroscopy Solutions at PRSA: the handheld spectrometer trinamiX PAL Two will be showcased with live demonstrations. The new hardware features an ergonomic design and can be operated single-handed. It has a built-in display to show measurement results directly on the device.

Posted: October 31, 2024

Source: trinamiX GmbH, a wholly owned subsidiary of BASF SE

Milliken & Company Introduces Milliken Assure™, A Non-PFAS Moisture Barrier For Use In Firefighter Turnout Gear

SPARTANBURG, S.C. — October 30, 2024 — Global diversified manufacturing leader Milliken & Company today announced the launch of Milliken Assure™, North America’s first non-PFAS, non-halogenated, flame-resistant moisture barrier for firefighter turnout gear. The new fabric is UL certified and exceeds NFPA 1971-2018 requirements.

Milliken Assure Moisture Barrier

“Milliken is committed to providing firefighters with cutting-edge fabrics to help them work comfortably, safely, and efficiently,” said Marcio Manique, SVP of Protective Fabrics at Milliken. “We see moisture barriers as the missing piece in the fire service market when it comes to high-performance, non-PFAS turnout gear fabrics. Our expertise in eliminating PFAS chemistry from textile products makes us well-suited to take on this challenge.”

To ensure the highest quality product, Assure exceeds the requirements of the NFPA 1971-2018 standard, successfully passing a more stringent testing process for moisture barrier performance than the newly published NFPA 1970-2025 standard.

Two of the most difficult tests to pass for a non-PFAS moisture barrier are the Light Degradation Resistance test and the Viral Penetration Resistance test, as outlined in the NFPA 1971-2018 standard. There is a modification to the Light Degradation test and an alternate Liquid Barrier test allowed in place of Viral Penetration Resistance in the NFPA 1970-2025 standard. Assure passed both of the more challenging tests.“Getting a non-PFAS solution that meets the highest possible standards to our first responders as quickly as possible is everyone’s goal,” said Manique. “Milliken is proud to lean on our centuries-long expertise in textile manufacturing and do our part to get this product to the market in support of that effort.”

Milliken works with all fire service garment manufacturers and not only provides fabrics for structural turnout gear, but also for station wear, wildland, technical rescue, and EMS. With the introduction of Assure, Milliken is the only textile manufacturer in the United States to offer outer shells, moisture barriers, and thermal liners.

Assure is available for specification and purchase now. For more information, visit contact.milliken.com/assure

Posted: October 30, 2024

Source: Milliken & Company

Selenis And Syre In Strategic Partnership To Establish A Textile-To-Textile Recycling Plant In North Carolina

CEDAR CREEK, N.C. — October 30, 2024 — Selenis, a global supplier of high-quality specialty polyester solutions and Syre, the textile impact company hyperscaling textile-to-textile recycling, announced today the strategic partnership to establish a textile-to-textile recycling plant in Cedar Creek, North Carolina, USA, to be operational in mid-2025.

Selenis and Syre are both at the front-end of innovation within advanced recycling technologies that deliver a mission to decarbonize and dewaste the textile industry. The coming together of the two companies will combine new technologies in depolymerizing and polymerizing for textile-to-textile recycling all in one place, allowing for a cost efficient, industrial scale operation.

The plant, which will deliver volumes up to 10,000 metric tons of circular polyester annually, is scheduled to be operational in mid-2025, with the aim of making its first commercial sales to customers later that year.

“The partnership is a strong statement in driving innovation in advanced recycling technologies that deliver real-world sustainability solutions and importantly a positive impact on the LCA of final products. We are excited about this journey with Syre as it also allows us to further invest in the US market with existing asset expansion and bring the benefits of new technologies closer to customers” says Duarte Gil, Chief Executive Officer at Selenis.

Syre launched in March this year with a mission to establish multiple textile-to-textile gigascale plants producing circular polyester across the globe, reducing CO2e emissions by up to 85% compared to the production of oil-based virgin polyester.

“This is truly an important milestone on our journey to drive the great textile shift, with more than two years of planning now moving into action. We call this establishment a Blueprint Plant since the work there will lay the foundation for Syre’s continued global expansion, with the process being mirrored and scaled up in our upcoming gigascale plants globally” says Dennis Nobelius, CEO at Syre.

The strategic partnership agreement will see the existing Selenis production plant in Cedar Creek, North Carolina, USA expand as Syre builds an adjoining new plant to form a continuous production flow, covering processes from pre-processing depolymerization to polymerization and PET-chips production.

“When scouting locations for our plants, we have to carefully balance critical factors such as renewable energy, infrastructure, cost, and access to feedstock. I am really excited to partner with the Selenis team, having a similar sustainability direction and ambition to drive green transformation at scale”, says Dennis Nobelius, CEO at Syre.

“As the two companies move through this exciting journey in tackling the impact of textile waste and the problems that it creates, together we have a vision of an innovation hub for textile recycling, parallelled with R&D investment, with the specific focus on being leading recyclers supporting the textile industry in becoming more sustainable – creating a unique space where pre-poly, depoly and polymerization happen all in the same site” says Eduardo Santos , Head of Corporate Strategy at Selenis.

Posted: October 30, 2024

Source: Syre

OCSiAl Opens First European Graphene Nanotube Production Facility To Drive Advanced Textiles And PPE

LEUDELANGE, Luxembourg — October 29, 2024 — OCSiAl, a global creator of graphene nanotube technology, has opened its first European production facility. The facility, located in Serbia will produce TUBALL™ nanotubes and nanotube-based products, marking a significant step forward in integrating nanomaterials into various industries. More than 1,500 companies worldwide, including manufacturers of personal protective equipment (PPE) and industrial textiles, already use graphene nanotubes in their production lines.

“This facility’s strategic location in Serbia will enhance the supply of cutting-edge nanotube solutions across Europe, Asia, and the US,” said Konstantin Notman, OCSiAl Group CEO. “The facility will produce 60 tonnes of graphene nanotubes per year, with plans to double production by launching a second synthesis unit within the next year.”

The 10,000-square-meter Serbian facility includes a graphene nanotube synthesis unit, dispersion and concentrate production lines, a research hub, and quality control laboratories. Over the past five years, sales of nanotube concentrates have tripled, driven by rising demand. To support this growth, the facility includes a production line with a capacity of up to 200 tonnes of easy-to-apply nanotube concentrates with various polymer carriers for ESD-safe PPE and multifunctional textiles used in the medical, automotive, and construction industries.

At ultralow dosages, nanotubes add electrical conductivity to various fabrics and polymers without compromising flexibility, strength, color, or chemical resistance. This enables valuable features like ESD protection, thermal controls, dust repellency, and touch-screen compatibility, meeting international PPE standards. Nanotube-enhanced textiles are ideal for both technical and traditional applications, offering chemical and hazard protection for workwear. Industrial gloves with standard liners without conductive yarns maintain resistance to microbial attack, abrasion, alkalis, and hydrolysis while also providing enhanced durability, reliability, and a special soft-feel effect. Protective workwear, heated clothing and construction elements, car seats, and hospital bed coverings all benefit from improved performance and offer cost savings for manufacturers.

“TUBALL™ nanotubes are a game-changing material that enhances physical properties across up to 50% of global materials markets. Their unique characteristics and ability to fundamentally change materials, coupled with their potential impact on Net Zero initiatives, make them a critical component in transforming material technologies worldwide,” said Peter Cuneo, OCSiAl’s Chair of the Board of Directors.

To meet growing demand, OCSiAl operates a strong global network of 10 licensed production partners and 25 distributors in more than 50 countries. OCSiAl’s strategic plans are focused on further production expansion across the globe, including the construction of a production facility in Luxembourg as the next step.

Posted: October 30, 2024

Source: OCSiAl Group

 

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