The Miniaturization Revolution: LXR® Ultrashort Pulse Laser Platform Ushers In A New Era Of Microfabrication Across Industries

KINGSTON UPON HULL, England — July 24, 2024 — The relentless march of miniaturization continues to transform our world. From delicate medical devices navigating the human body’s intricate pathways to revolutionary components in next-generation electric vehicles and beyond, ever-smaller, ultra-precise components are driving innovation at an unprecedented pace. At the forefront of this revolution stands Luxinar’s LXR® ultrashort pulse laser platform, a tool that shatters the boundaries of what’s possible in microfabrication.

The miniaturization revolution – Luxinar’s LXR® ultrashort pulse laser platform

The LXR ultrashort pulse laser platform isn’t just about shrinking existing technologies. It empowers the creation of entirely new micro-components, propelling advancements far beyond our current imagination. Imagine intricate microfluidic channels with minimal flow resistance, enabling groundbreaking breakthroughs in medical diagnostics and drug delivery. Picture next-generation batteries with enhanced energy density and faster charging times, thanks to revolutionary microfabricated components. This is the future that the LXR unlocks, a future where miniaturization fuels groundbreaking advancements across diverse sectors.

The secret weapon behind the capabilities of the LXR lies in its exceptional and remarkably stable beam quality, measured by a factor called M². While a perfect score of 1 represents the theoretical ideal, the LXR ultrashort pulse laser platform achieves an M² even better than 1.2. This translates to a laser beam with an incredibly tight focus and minimal divergence, even over long distances. Crucially, this exceptional quality remains unwavering throughout operation, ensuring consistent and reliable results — a hallmark of success in high-precision micromachining.

The benefits of unmatched beam quality

The exceptional beam quality of the LXR ultrashort pulse laser platform translates into a multitude of advantages for microfabrication applications:

Unmatched precision: Achieve features in the submicron range with near-perfect edges, ideal for delicate medical devices, intricate microfluidic channels, and any application demanding the utmost precision.

Sharper cuts, cleaner results: The minimal beam divergence ensures clean cuts with minimal heat-affected zones, crucial for working with sensitive materials prone to damage from excessive heat.

Material versatility unleashed: Machine a wider range of materials with confidence, including those susceptible to heat damage. The combination of the LXR®’s short pulse duration and exceptional beam quality minimizes heat transfer, allowing for precise and delicate machining.

The bedrock of robust manufacturing: The unwavering stability of the LXR®’s beam quality is a game-changer. In high-precision microfabrication, consistency reigns supreme. With a beam that maintains its exceptional characteristics throughout operation, you can achieve reliable and repeatable results, every single time. This stability minimizes production waste and ensures consistent quality control, forming the bedrock for a robust and reliable manufacturing operation.

The LXR® ultrashort pulse laser platform advantage: Where precision redefines what’s possible

While achieving a perfect M² of 1 represents the theoretical ideal, the LXR ultrashort pulse laser platform pushes the boundaries by achieving an M² even better than 1.2. This translates to an even tighter focus and the potential for creating even smaller features compared to many other commercially available lasers with a slightly higher M², typically around 1.3. Imagine the difference between wielding a standard etching tool and a nanoscale scalpel — that’s the kind of advantage the LXR ultrashort pulse laser platform offers in high-precision micromachining applications.

Real-world examples: Unleashing the power of precision

Let’s explore the tangible difference exceptional beam quality makes in microfabrication. Compared to lasers with an M² of 1.3 (which are still very capable tools), the LXR ultrashort pulse laser platform offers:

Drilling microscopic holes: The LXR ultrashort pulse laser platform can achieve hole diameters closer to 4 microns with minimal edge roughness, ideal for creating intricate microfluidic channels with minimal flow resistance. Lasers with an M² of 1.3 might achieve a slightly larger diameter (around 7 microns). This translates to a significant reduction in size and potentially improved flow characteristics for microfluidic devices.

Cutting ultra-thin metal sheets: The LXR® ultrashort pulse laser platform delivers a kerf width potentially closer to 8 microns with minimal heat distortion on the surrounding metal, perfect for delicate medical device components requiring high structural integrity. Lasers with an M² of 1.3 might produce a slightly wider kerf width (around 12 microns) and introduce a touch more heat. This translates to cleaner cuts with less material waste and minimal heat impact on the surrounding material, crucial for maintaining the structural integrity of delicate medical device components.

The takeaway: A new dawn for microfabrication

The Luxinar LXR ultrafast laser platform isn’t just another advancement in laser technology; it represents a quantum leap in microfabrication. With its unmatched precision, material versatility, and unwavering stability, the Luxinar LXR platform empowers manufacturers to push the boundaries of what’s possible. This translates to a future filled with groundbreaking innovations across various industries — from next-generation medical devices that heal the human body with unprecedented accuracy to revolutionized energy storage solutions that power our world more efficiently. The possibilities are truly limitless, and the Luxinar LXR platform is the key to unlocking them. Imagine microscopic robots performing delicate surgeries, ultra-thin solar panels seamlessly integrated into buildings, and next-generation electronics with unimaginable processing power – these are just a glimpse of the future that the Luxinar LXR platform helps usher in. The stage is set for a new era of microfabrication, and the Luxinar LXR platform stands as the conductor, orchestrating a symphony of miniaturisation that will redefine our world.

Posted: July 24, 2024

Source: Luxinar Ltd

Innovation On Display: Cinte Techtextil China Bids ‘Willkommen’ To Returning German Pavilion And Inspiring Fringe Events

SHANGHAI — July 24, 2024 — Known for its quality products and advanced technology, the German flag is a reputable brand of its own in the fields of technical textiles and nonwovens. The German Pavilion, a highly regarded platform at one of Asia’s leading industry trade fairs, is confirmed to return from September 19-21 at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre. For the first time since borders reopened, industry leaders gathering under the banner will bolster the fair’s innovation and sustainability with a comprehensive showcase, from raw materials to machinery, complemented by diversified fringe events across the fairground.

Located in a prime area of the International Hall, the German Pavilion is set to draw crowds with its reputable products and technology. Assembling under the pavilion this year will be some new and returning German exhibitors, having made their names in the sub-categories of automotive nonwovens, industrial-use monofilaments, weaving machinery, and many more. After confirming their participation, Hansa Industrie-Mixer, J.H. Ziegler Nonwovens and New Materials, Lindauer Dornier, Monosuisse, andPerlon will showcase their expertise together with other highlighted exhibitors, including:

Autefa Solutions – A full-service provider for turnkey nonwoven lines and machines, the company offers machines for fibre opening and blending, carding, crosslapping, needle punching, spunlace, thermobonding, amongst others. At the fair, the company will showcase technology spanning 10 application areas.

Emtec Electronic – The company develops specialised test devices for the nonwoven and textile industries. An innovation said to quantify handfeel, its TSA Tactile Sensation Analyzer objectively measures the softness, smoothness and stiffness of textiles and nonwovens, as well as their recovery and elongation.

Neuenhauser Group – The Neuenhauser Textile division provides fully-automated cleaning systems, transport automation solutions, winding technology, high-performance can coilers and weaving machine accessories. With decades of experience, the Group will debut at the fair with various innovative Agrotech, Buildtech, and Geotech solutions.

Reifenhauser Enka Tecnica – One of the world’s leading specialised providers of spinnerets and precision components to the man-made fibre industry. The company manufactures a broad spectrum of spinnerets and spin packs for all spinning processes, as well as premium jet strips for hydro-entangling with extra-long service life.

Reifenhauser Reicofil – A well-known provider of spunbond, meltblown and composite lines for nonwoven applications in the hygiene, medical, filtration and industrial sectors. Offering a wide range of machinery at the show, the company is developing technical solutions for sophisticated and sustainable applications, with a strong focus on machine intelligence and energy efficiency.

New fringe events to further advocate innovation and sustainability

At this year’s fair, AiDLab[1] (the first research platform focusing on AI and design integration) will present its cutting-edge AI-based Textile Inspection System (AiTIS). A world first, AiTIS automatically and accurately detects material defects in nonwovens (especially for mask making), and various textiles, reflecting the collaborative efforts of AiDLab and a Hong Kong healthcare brand. At the event, Professor Calvin Wong, CEO & Centre Director of AiDLab, will introduce the system. This will be followed by a panel discussion and Q&A session with independent consultant Mr Eric Sham and moderated by AiDLab’s Mr Barry Tai, including insights on how advanced technology is reshaping the textile industry landscape.

Going beyond innovation, the fringe programme will also for the first time include Econogy Talks[2] and sustainability tours to reflect Messe Frankfurt’s commitment to a sustainable future. Fairgoers can also visit the Innovation Showcase Area for outstanding industry achievements, with the focus this year on cutting-edge technology, green development and high-end applications. Product submission is now open.

The fair’s product categories cover 12 application areas, which comprehensively span a full range of potential uses in modern technical textiles and nonwovens. These categories also cover the entire industry, from upstream technology and raw materials providers to finished fabrics, chemicals and other solutions. This scope of product groups and application areas ensures that the fair is an effective business platform for the entire industry.

Cinte Techtextil China will be held from September 19-21, 2024

The fair is organized by Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd; the Sub-Council of Textile Industry, CCPIT; and the China Nonwovens & Industrial Textiles Association (CNITA).

Posted: July 24, 2024

Source: Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd

World’s Largest Sailcloth Producer, Dimension-Polyant, Launches New Planet-Friendly X-Pac® Vx21 Ocean Edition Laminate

PUTNAM, Conn. — July 24, 2024 — Continuing its ongoing effort to transition the production of its globally trusted, durable X-Pac® waterproof laminates for packs and bags to more sustainable materials, Dimension-Polyant is excited to introduce its latest earth-friendly innovation – X-Pac VX21 Ocean Edition (OE).

The face fabric of new X-Pac VX21 OE four-layer laminate is constructed with GRS-certified, 100-percent recycled regen™ Ocean made from discarded fishing nets strengthened by Dimension-Polyant’s patented X-PLY® fiber reinforcement technology made with 100-percent post-consumer recycled PET. A lightweight taffeta backing, also made with 100-percent recycled post-consumer PET, provides enhanced stitch holding. As with all X-Pac materials, VX21 OE is made in Dimension-Polyant’s 100 percent carbon neutral plant.

“X-Pac has earned an industry reputation for long-lasting strength and durability so it’s critically important that every material that goes into the construction of our laminates passes this test – whether it be made from recycled materials or not,” said Taylor North, head of Technical Fabrics, Dimension-Polyant US. “We have been waiting for just the right 100-percent recycled material that meets our durability standards and sustainability story to help us develop the next phase of our best-selling VX21 laminate and regen Ocean nylon met our demands.”

New X-Pac VX21 OE is the first four-layer laminate for packs and bags to launch with regen Ocean nylon, developed by sustainable textile solutions provider, Hyosung TNC. According to an independent 3rd party Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) conducted by Hyosung, the manufacture of regen Ocean reduces CO2 emissions by 73 percent, fossil resource use by 76 percent, and water consumption by 98 percent as compared to conventional nylon.

X-Pac VX21 OE joins other X-Pac fabrics carrying Dimension-Polyant’s cleenTEC® seal, which guarantees it is 100-percent climate neutral by including recycled or bio-based components with the added sustainable measure of having climate offsets directly applied. Working with internationally- respected ClimatePartner, Dimension-Polyant calculates the total environmental impact of each cleenTEC fabric to offset its carbon footprint.

“We’ve had tremendous interest in the new laminate and the sustainable story that goes along with it,” North said. “We look forward to sharing news about a few forthcoming brand adoptions a bit later this year.”

X-Pac VX21 OE is currently available in black, and will soon be offered in white, artic grey, and sea green this fall. Dimension-Polyant will be presenting its new VX21 OE along with its broad portfolio of high-performance X-Pac laminates at Performance Days Munich, October 23-24, 2024.

Posted: July 24, 2024

Source: Dimension-Polyant 

World Emblem Launches Flexbroidery™:  More Cost-Effective And Sustainable Than Traditional Direct Embroidery

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — July 24, 2024 — Emblem and patch manufacturer, World Emblem, has announced the launch of Flexbroidery™, a new product that provides a more cost-effective and sustainable solution than traditional direct embroidery.

Flexbroidery patches add intricate detail and raised texture to colors for a more vibrant look, and can be applied in-house with low-melt heat seals. The patented product was designed by World Emblem to streamline production and reduce expenses for clients, including offering unlimited color selection without additional charges. Another advantage of Flexbroidery is the ability for customers to stock and hold their products, eliminating the need for shipping garments.

“Thanks to its convenient heat pressing application method, Flexbroidery opens up a new realm of possibilities for achieving an embroidered appearance without threads, hoops, or machinery,” said Randy Carr, president and CEO of World Emblem. “From corporate branding to personal projects, Flexbroidery patches are built to last, making them an ideal choice for uniforms, accessories, and apparel.”

World Emblem brings brands to life by utilizing the latest equipment and state-of-the-art technology to manufacture customized emblems and multi-textured products including Flexbroidery. The company has plants in Georgia, Texas, California, and Mexico, enabling it to offer clients faster production and delivery times than overseas manufacturers.

Posted: July 24, 2024

Source: World Emblem

3Z Brands Unveils Plans To Break Ground Adding 250,000 Square Feet To Factory In Phoenix

PHOENIX, Ariz. — July 24, 2024 — 3Z Brands , a vertically integrated manufacturer, wholesaler, retailer, and direct-to-consumer distributor of award-winning sleep products, unveiled today plans to break ground on a 250,000-square-foot expansion of its state-of-the-art facility in Glendale, Ariz. This new development will create additional manufacturing capacity, setting the company up for long-term growth in the United States.

“We are excited to embark on this monumental expansion of our Dream Factory, which will bring us nearly 900,000 square feet of mattress manufacturing space,” said John Merwin, CEO, 3Z Brands. “As demand for our award-winning products continues to grow, this expansion reaffirms our commitment to quality craftsmanship and ongoing improvement, enabling us to meet the needs of our U.S. consumers and fuel future business growth. We look forward to utilizing this new space to bolster our manufacturing capabilities and better serve the changing demands of our customers, partners, and retailers.”

Construction will begin in August on the northwest corner of the 43-acre lot in Glendale. The new capacity is intended to support the business’s foam-pouring operations and position the company for sustained growth. 3Z has tapped Arizona-based Brydant Real Estate to spearhead the project in conjunction with Deutsch Architecture Group, which will serve as the architectural design team. The expansion is expected to be completed in 2025.

Tim Dilworth, COOof 3Z Brands added: “This investment underscores our commitment to innovation in the mattress manufacturing industry. We look forward to leveraging this expansion to elevate our house of brands further and deliver unparalleled value to our customers and partners nationwide.”

3Z Brand’s $72 million Dream Factory and corporate headquarters have been operational since March 2022. The company recently completed the construction of its foam pour line, which features an elite pouring system, outdoor gantry, chemical storage, and a top-of-the-line horizontal splitting looper machine. Since breaking ground on the facility in 2021, 3Z has hired over 300 employees, including over 200 production employees in the local Phoenix area.

Posted: July 24, 2024

Source: 3Z Brands

Trützschler’s Next-Generation Carding Machine TC 30i: Achieving Up To 40-Percent Higher Productivity While Reducing Energy Consumption By Up To 18 Percent

MÖNCHENGLADBACH, Germany — July 24, 2024 — Trützschler’s next-generation carding machine entered the market in January 2024 – and it’s now convincing yarn manufacturers across the textile industry worldwide. The machines have achieved excellent results during tests with customers in Türkiye and in other countries. It achieved up to 40-percent higher productivity while reducing energy consumption by up to 18 percent.

Impressed by TC 30i. From left to right: Burak Ateş (Owner Mayfil Tekstil), Osman Kutlutürk
(Regional Service Manager Trützschler Temasa) and Önder Bilir (Factory Manager Mayfil Tekstil).

Higher productivity, less energy consumption

Mayfil Tekstil is a leading company in the Turkish textile industry for the production of textured yarn. It is headquartered in Nilüfer/Bursa. Founded in 2005, it has grown rapidly by prioritizing customer satisfaction. In 2022, Mayfil invested in a modern vortex airjet spinning facility that can produce up to 35 tons per day. And the company was keen to take a close look at the TC 30i for man-made fibers to explore its potential to drive progress toward Mayfil’s ambitious growth plans. In February 2024, Mayfil Tekstil conducted tests with the TC 30i. The next-generation carding machine produced 140 kg/h viscose, which is more than 40-percent higher than the 95 kg/h Mayfil produces with the current benchmark. The new carding machine also decreased electricity consumption by 18 percent. Based on these results, Mayfil is purchasing further TC 30i cards.

The blended yarn specialists at Göl Iplik Şeremet Tekstil Sanayi ve Ticaret A.Ş.: From left to right: Erdinç Şeremet (Deputy Chairman of the Board of Directors) and
Mümin Tarlak (Deputy General Manager).

Results confirmed

Göl Iplik Şeremet Tekstil Sanayi ve Ticaret A.S., located in Inegöl Bursa, operates three factories that deliver a variety of high-quality products, with a specialization in blended yarns. Investment in modern equipment and pioneering new products that expand its portfolio are at the heart of Göl Iplik’s success across almost four decades.

Göl Iplik also tested the TC 30i for man-made fibers in early 2024. This Trützschler customer took a close look at the TC 30i during rigorous viscose trials. The TC 30i achieved a 40-percent higher productivity rate with the same level of quality, while consuming 15-percent less power. Göl Iplik now intends to include the TC 30i in its future investment strategy.

Promising feedback

The TC 30i is still a newcomer in the textile industry — but its reputation is growing rapidly as spinning companies around the globe experience its range of smart features and functions. Its contributions to productivity, quality and resource efficiency are convincing. More and more companies around the world are now ordering our TC 30i. We are happy to convince more customers worldwide.

Diagram: For producing man-made fibers, the TC 30i achieves significantly less yarn imperfections when the production volume increases.

Benefits of the TC 30i:

  1. Best quality from any raw material: High levels of productivity and yarn quality thanks to 35 % more active flats, the longest carding length in market and the T-GO automatic carding gap optimizer.
  2. Operator-independent performance: Consistent results without relying on manual operators thanks to automatic, real-time optimization of the carding gap with T-GO.
  3. Value-adding waste handling: Innovative waste suction system collects and separates different types of waste. More than 50 % of card waste can be reused or sold to third parties for an attractive price.

Posted: July 24, 2024

Source: Trützschler Group SE

Raoul Farer Joins The Wilson College Of Textiles And The Nonwovens Institute At NC State University

RALEIGH, N.C. — July 23, 2024 — North Carolina State University’s Wilson College of Textiles and The Nonwovens Institute (NWI) are excited to announce the appointment of Dr. Raoul Farer, to the roles of professor in the Wilson College and executive deputy director at NWI.

Farer will serve as professor in the Wilson College of Textiles’ Department of Textile Engineering, Chemistry and Science (TECS). As executive deputy director with NWI, Farer will join the institute’s leadership team, working closely with Dr. Behnam Pourdeyhimi and Tom Daugherty to manage the implementation of NWI’s strategic vision.

Farer joins TECS and NWI following a 24-year career with Freudenberg Performance Materials with various assignments in Germany, Spain and the United States. Farer brings extensive knowledge in textile technologies with a specialization in nonwovens.

During his time with Freudenberg Performance Materials, Farer held roles of progressive responsibility, covering research and development, production, operations, management, and technology. He has intricate knowledge and specialized experience in numerous nonwoven technologies, including wet laid, dry laid, meltblown and spunbond, as well as various nonwoven bonding technologies, including thermal bonding, chemical bonding, hydroentanglement and needlepunching.

Throughout his career, Dr. Farer has led and championed investments in new equipment and upgrades in technology to improve the uniformity of nonwovens, optimize and modernize technologies to help reduce energy consumption, and allow for increased usage of recycled materials. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Farer and Freudenberg partnered with NWI and NC State to build a full-scale FDA-approved face mask production facility in Durham, North Carolina, while at the same time he was tirelessly championing the successful merger of Freudenberg with the nonwovens manufacturer Low & Bonar in Asheville, N.C.

Farer has also served on NWI’s Industrial Advisory Board (IAB), most recently as chair of its Executive Committee (2022-2024).

“Raoul brings immense value as a leader and faculty member with extensive industry experience,” said Dr. David Hinks, dean of the Wilson College of Textiles. “I look forward to the new insights and innovation he will bring to NWI, to our students, and across NC State. We are eager to welcome him back as a two-time alumnus with a deep knowledge of both Wilson College and the NWI. I’m excited to see the transformation of student lives his new role will enable.”

Farer began his journey in textiles and nonwovens in the early 1990s, earning his Bachelor of Science in Textile Engineering at Philadelphia University in 1994. Farer then served as a research assistant and teaching assistant at NC State, while earning a Master of Science in Textile Management and Technology (1996) and a Ph.D. in Fiber and Polymer Science (1999). During this time, Farer also participated in NWI’s fundamental nonwovens research program, studying novel dispersion technologies for wetlaid nonwovens and the formation of 3D meltblown structures via a robotic system.

Farer has published numerous peer-reviewed papers related to his research in the areas of fiber science and nonwovens, and he has sponsored several students working through NWI’s fundamental nonwovens research program.

“Having worked with Raoul from the time he was a student researcher at NC State and watching him progress in his career with Freudenberg Performance Materials, I am thrilled to have him join us here at NWI,” said Pourdeyhimi. “I look forward to working with Raoul once again and seeing NWI continue to grow with the benefit of his contributions.”

“Returning to my alma mater and NWI is a dream come true,” said Farer. “After a long career in industry at one of the world’s leading nonwovens manufacturers, I couldn’t be more excited about the opportunity to give back to the students, NWI, the Wilson College of Textiles and NC State. Nonwovens have been my passion from the moment when I first took an introductory course as an undergraduate student. I feel very fortunate to be able to join the teams at NWI and TECS and look forward to helping our students learn and grow in their journeys toward becoming future researchers and innovators and to further strengthen our industry partnerships to help build the NWI of the future.”

Posted July 23, 2024

Source: NWI

From Retailers To Farmer Organizations, Better Cotton Council Welcomes New Appointments

GENEVA, Switzerland — July 22, 2024 — Better Cotton, the world’s largest cotton sustainability initiative, has announced the appointment of two new co-chairs and five new members to its Council.

Alan McClay, CEO at Better Cotton, said: “I’m excited to welcome our new co-chairs and members to the Better Cotton Council. Their experience, insights and perspectives will be invaluable as the council continues to evolve to best serve Better Cotton, its affiliated farmers and diverse network of members and partners. I look forward to the discussions we have to come.”

Evronas/Better Cotton. Location: Istanbul, Türkiye, 2024. From left to right: Bob Dall’alba of Australian Food & Fibre, Pierre Chehab of LDC (Outgoing), Ashok Hegde of OLAM Agri, Amit Shah (Independent), Liz Hershfield (Independent), Alan McClay of Better Cotton, Tamar Hoek of Solidaridad, Marc Lewkowitz (Independent), Vicente Sando of FONPA, Bill Ballenden of LDC, Elodie Gilart of M&S, Dr Shahid Zia of the Lok Sanjh Foundation, Doug Forster of J.Crew Group, and Rajan Bhopal of PAN UK.

The new co-chairs are Bill Ballenden, a newly elected member and the Head of Sustainability and Innovation at Louis Dreyfus Company (LDC) Cotton, and Tamar Hoek, Senior Policy Director for Sustainable Fashion at Solidaridad. Together, they will execute the duty of chair, acting both as internal and external ambassadors for Better Cotton and ensuring policy decisions are presented to the council and appropriately considered.

In a joint statement, Ballenden and Hoek said, “We are delighted to be working together as a team in order to support Better Cotton and work with the Better Cotton Council, as sustainability and traceability in the cotton value chain become increasingly important. The fact that we have a different role within the chain but share the same passion for cotton and sustainability, will allow us to efficiently serve the membership, the Council and the entire cotton value chain from farm to fabric.”

Better Cotton has also welcomed representatives from Marks & Spencer, J.Crew Group, leading Pakistani spinner Nishat Chunian and Mozambican farmer body FONPA, to its council, who join with a retroactive start date of 1 June 2024.

In addition to Bill Ballenden, other newly elected members of the Better Cotton Council include:

  • Doug Forster, Chief Sourcing Officer at J.Crew Group, has been instrumental in streamlining the company’s supplier guide and has extensive experience driving sustainability initiatives at numerous apparel firms.
    • “At J.Crew Group, our sourcing of Better Cotton is key to our goal to have 100% of our cotton sourced sustainably by 2025. Cotton is our largest volume material, representing nearly 70% of our fiber footprint, and we are committed to sourcing cotton that benefits both people and planet.”
  • Elodie Gilart, Senior Sustainability Manager at Marks & Spencer, currently leads the company’s raw materials and circularity strategy for clothing and home products.
    • “Cotton is the main material in our portfolio. Better Cotton has therefore been a key partner for us since we joined as a pioneer member back in 2009. Since then, we have achieved our cotton conversion target for all garments in 2019 and see this partnership as essential to progressing to the next level of our strategy, focusing on traceability and the acceleration of impact at the farm level.”
  • Nadia Bilal, Managing Director of Spinning at Nishat Chunian, supports strategic raw material planning, market trend analysis and project management at the company, which is among the top ranked employers in Pakistan’s textile sector for women’s empowerment.
    • “Nishat Chunian Limited has been a trusted partner of Better Cotton from its beginning. In my new role as a council member, I look forward to engaging with all stakeholders for capacity building in upstream supply chains to make them more robust and transparent.  I am passionate about regenerative agricultural practices and making technology more accessible for cotton growers and ginners in Asia. Going forward, I will support Better Cotton for all sustainability initiatives, promoting innovation, inclusivity and the circular economy to drive sustainability within the global cotton industry and help make our planet a better place.”
  • Vicente Sando, Executive Coordinator at FONPA, Mozambique’s National Forum of Cotton Farmers, has a wealth of experience in agricultural development and advocacy.
    • “FONPA as an organisation representing mainly small farmers. Our contribution as a member of the Better Cotton Council is to work towards an inclusive, transparent, collaborative, and sustainable value chain that supports a decent work for cotton farmers.”

Better Cotton has also announced the re-election of Rajan Bhopal, International Project Manager (Supply Chain) at PAN UK, and Shahid Zia, Executive Director at the Lok Sanjh Foundation to its council.

With these newly elected members come the departure of three members from the Council. Gerson Fajardo of Walmart; Pierre Chebab of Louis Dreyfus Company (LDC); and Kevin Quinlan, Independent, have completed their tenures and now left the council.

The Better Cotton Council, which is the subject of a biennial nomination and election process, comprises a select group of members which sit at the centre of the organisation and are responsible for its strategic direction. Council members represent retailers, brands, manufacturers, suppliers, producers, and civil society across the cotton industry.

Together, council members shape the approach that ultimately enables Better Cotton to fulfil its mission: to help cotton communities survive and thrive, while protecting and restoring the environment.

Posted: July 23, 2024

Source: Better Cotton Council 

A Promising New Method Uses Light To Clean Up Forever Chemicals

KYOTO, Japan — July 23, 2024 — A room-temperature method to decompose perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) using visible LED light offers a promising solution for sustainable fluorine recycling and PFAS treatment. Researchers at Ritsumeikan University achieved a 100 percent breakdown of perfluorooctanesulfonate — a type of PFAS — in just eight hours and an 81 percent breakdown of Nafion — a fluoropolymer — in 24 hours. This innovative approach can recover fluorine from waste PFAS, reducing the need for new fluorine production.

Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), nicknamed “forever chemicals,” pose a growing environmental and health threat. Since the invention of Teflon in 1938, PFASs and perfluorinated polymers or PFs have been widely used for their exceptional stability and resistance to water and heat. These properties made them ideal for countless applications, from cookware and clothing to firefighting foam. However, this very stability has become a major problem. PFASs do not easily break down in the environment, leading to their accumulation in water, soil, and even the bodies of humans, where they are known to cause carcinogenic effects and hormonal disruptions. Today, these chemicals can be found in drinking water supplies, food, and even in the soil of Antarctica. Although there are plans to phase out PFAS production, treating them remains challenging as they decompose only at temperatures exceeding 400°C. As a result, certain amounts of products containing PFASs and PFs end up in landfills, potentially creating future contamination risks.

Perfluoroalkyl substances and fluorinated polymers are efficiently decomposed into fluoride ions under ambient conditions by irradiating visible LED light onto semiconductor nanocrystals. The decomposition is driven by cooperative mechanisms involving light-induced ligand displacement and Auger-induced electron injection, utilizing hydrated electrons and higher excited states.

Now, a room-temperature defluorination method proposed by researchers at Ritsumeikan University could revolutionize PFAS treatment. Their study, published in the journal Angewandte Chemie International Edition on 19 June 2024, details a photocatalytic method that uses visible light to break down PFAS and other fluorinated polymers (FPs) at room temperature into fluorine ions. Using this method, the researchers achieved 100 percent defluorination of perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) within just 8 hours of light exposure.

“The proposed methodology is promising for the effective decomposition of diverse perfluoroalkyl substances under gentle conditions, thereby significantly contributing towards the establishment of a sustainable fluorine-recycling society,” said Professor Yoichi Kobayashi, the lead author of the study.

The proposed method involves irradiating visible LED light onto cadmium sulfide (CdS) nanocrystals and copper-doped CdS (Cu-CdS) nanocrystals with surface ligands of mercaptopropionic acid (MPA) in a solution containing PFAS, FPs, and triethanolamine (TEOA). The researchers found that irradiating these semiconductor nanocrystals generates electrons with a high reduction potential that break down the strong carbon-fluorine bonds in PFAS molecules.

For the photocatalytic reaction, the researchers added 0.8 mg of CdS nanocrystals (NCs), 0.65 mg of PFOS, and 20 mg of TEOA to 1.0 ml of water. They then exposed the solution to 405-nanometer LED light to initiate the photocatalytic reaction. This light excites the nanoparticles, generating electron-hole pairs and promoting the removal of MPA ligands from the surface of the nanocrystals, creating space for PFOS molecules to adsorb onto the NC surface.

To prevent photoexcited electrons from recombining with holes, TEOA is added to capture the holes and prolong the lifetime of the reactive electrons available for PFAS decomposition. These electrons undergo an Auger recombination process, where one exciton (an electron-hole pair) recombines non-radiatively, transferring its energy to another electron, and creating highly excited electrons. These highly excited electrons possess enough energy to participate in chemical reactions with the PFOS molecules adsorbed on the NC surface. The reactions lead to the breaking of carbon-fluorine (C-F) bonds in PFOS, resulting in the removal of fluorine ions from the PFAS molecules.

The presence of hydrated electrons, generated by Auger recombination, was confirmed by laser flash photolysis measurements, which identified transient species based on the absorption spectrum upon laser pulse excitation. The defluorination efficiency depended on the amount of NCs and TEOA used in the reaction and increased with the period of light exposure. For PFOS, the efficiency of defluorination was 55 percent, 70–80 percent, and 100 percent for 1-, 2-, and 8-hour light irradiation, respectively. Using this method, the researchers also successfully achieved 81 percent defluorination of Nafion, a fluoropolymer, after 24 hours of light irradiation. Nafion is widely used as an ion-exchange membrane in electrolysis and batteries.

Fluorine is a critical component in many industries, from pharmaceuticals to clean energy technologies. By recovering fluorine from waste PFAS, we can reduce reliance on fluorine production and establish a more sustainable recycling process. “This technique will contribute to the development of recycling technologies for fluorine elements, which are used in various industries and support our prosperous society,” concludes Prof. Kobayashi.

Reference: Title of original paper: Multiphoton-driven Photocatalytic Defluorination of Persistent Perfluoroalkyl Substances and Polymers by Visible Light
Journal: Angewandte Chemie International Edition
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/anie.202408687

Posted: July 23, 2024

Source: Ritsumeikan University

Jadel Baptiste Joins Organic Dyes And Pigments LLC As Technical Director

Jadel Baptiste

LINCOLN, R.I. — July 23, 2024 — Organic Dyes and Pigments LLC (ORCO) announced that Jadel Baptista has joined the company as Technical director.

In this newly created position, Baptista will have overall responsibility for driving innovation and new product development and providing technical leadership for the company.

Baptista brings to ORCO more than 30 years of technical experience, having held positions as Technology manager at Evonik Corp., R&D manager at Chromaflo Technologies and for the past 10 years as Technical director at DCL Corp.

Baptista holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry from PUC-SP Brazil and lives in Cranston, R.I., with his wife and four children.

Posted: July 23, 2024

Source: Organic Dyes and Pigments LLC

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