DuPont And Aero Tec Laboratories (ATL) Announce Groundbreaking Collaboration In Racing Industry

WILMINGTON, Del.— October 16, 2024 — Today, DuPont announces a collaboration with Aero Tec Laboratories (ATL), a leader in safety fuel systems and flexible fluid containment technology, to bring long-term innovation to the racing industry. This collaboration begins with the launch of a new fuel bladder for Formula One cars.

DuPont™ Kevlar® EXO™ was first introduced to the life protection market in April 2023, enabling body armor with an unprecedented combination of flexibility and lightweight strength from an aramid fiber. In fuel bladders, it significantly enhances performance by providing superior resistance to impact and abrasion. This improvement in strength allows for the development of lighter yet highly reliable fuel bladder systems, meeting stringent FIA requirements while reducing overall weight by more than 20 percent. Kevlar EXO thus plays a crucial role in enabling the creation of high-performance products that prioritize safety and efficiency.

“The first time we tested Kevlar EXO, we knew it was going to be game changing. We have not seen any new innovation or technology like this in fuel bladders in decades,” said ATL CEO Giles Dawson. “With the weight savings Kevlar EXO enables, we are excited to see how we can further collaborate to bring even more innovative FIA-certified products to the industry. Our development focus for the 2026 regulations where every race car will utilize with fully sustainable fuel, this innovative new material has provided several benefits in our development efforts.”

Drawing on their combined knowledge and expertise in safety, design, racing industry certification, mechanical testing capabilities, and research and development, DuPont and ATL worked together to ensure the new fuel bladder complies with FIA safety standards. This successful collaboration has ultimately led to the transformation of the way F1 fuel bladders are constructed.

After the success of the initial program, DuPont and ATL plan to expand their collaboration to explore how they can apply the learnings from F1 fuel bladders to other racing industries such as NASCAR, IndyCar, and Le Mans.

“This collaboration goes beyond the fact that Kevlar EXO is DuPont’s biggest fiber innovation in more than 50 years. It also further proves the variety of game changing applications the material can have outside of military and defense, allowing us to take a front row seat in new industries,” said DuPont™ Global Commercial Leader for Kevlar® EXO™ Jill Clements. “The performance we’re seeing from Kevlar EXO has enabled us to look to new markets, applications, and industries, and we’re excited about what’s next.”

Posted: October 18, 2024

Source: DuPont

ORORO Heated Apparel’s® First-Ever Workwear Collection Delivers Utility, Safety, And Durability

LAS VEGAS — October 18, 2024 — ororo® — a heated apparel brand on the market rooted in bringing premium, timeless, and cost-effective heated outerwear — announced the launch of its first-ever Workwear Collection. The eight-piece collection perfectly blends versatility and durability through its carefully crafted designs, boasts improved heating technology to withstand the toughest environments, and includes the world’s first jacket with dual control and a dual source heating system.

Created to deliver the ultimate essentials for all-day warmth and comfort, the Workwear Collection blends heavy-duty designs with key safety elements for full weather and temperature protection. The designs incorporate approved outerwear for a variety of industries to ensure workers are meeting the highest standards of visibility requirements while providing the functionality, durability, and flexibility needed to transition throughout the day. The collection includes:

  • Men’s Bristol Utility Fleece Lined Pants
  • Scranton Men’s Insulated Heated Bomber Vest
  • Wayne Men’s Heated Pullover
  • Missoula SureWarm® Men’s Heated Jacket
  • Flagstaff Men’s Heated High-Visibility Jacket
  • Women’s Bristol Utility Fleece Lined Pants
  • Cheyenne Women’s 5-Zone Heated Canvas Vest
  • Cheyenne Women’s 5-Zone Heated Canvas Jacket

The Workwear Collection features a variety of jackets and vests, and introduces ororo’s new line of heated pants, designed for those who demand both durability and comfort. The Bristol Utility Fleece Lined Pants for men and women feature over seven functional pockets and weather-resistant fabric making it perfect for working outdoors. ororo also launched its first ANSI Type R Class 3 Compliant Flagstaff Men’s Heated High-Visibility Jacket featuring an upgraded 4-zone heating, waterproof protection, and 3M’s high-reflective tape to stay visible, dry, and warm in tough conditions. Among the designs is the world’s first jacket with dual control and dual source heating system — Missoula SureWarm® Men’s Heated Jacket — that works to control six different heating zones and extend working hours with two lightweight batteries.

“Job sites can be extremely harsh during the colder months of the year. We understand the importance of having key essentials to wear during the most difficult conditions. This collection of durable pieces is designed for all-day warmth and also features fashionable staples that can take you from work to happy hour. We want to continue offering all the best in heated apparel across your profession and life moments,” said CEO and Co-Founder of ororo Mark H.

Like all ororo products, the collection features the brand’s carbon fiber technology and strategically placed heating zones to bring unmatched warmth with the ability to offer up to 22 hours of warmth. All apparel from the Workwear Collection features at least three heating levels adjustable with the click of a button to keep you comfortable no matter the weather or temperature.

Posted: October 18, 2024

Source: ORORO Heated Apparel

Baffin Appoints Austin Sedlbauer As Lead Designer

STONEY CREEK, Ontario   — October 18, 2024 — Baffin, a supplier of cold climate footwear and apparel, is pleased to announce the appointment of Austin Sedlbauer as lead designer. This strategic addition comes as Baffin continues to solidify its reputation for quality and innovation in the industry, while expanding domestic manufacturing volume.

Sedlbauer joins Baffin after a successful tenure as lead designer at Cougar Shoes. With extensive experience in footwear design and a strong understanding of materials and consumer preferences, Sedlbauer is set to elevate Baffin’s already robust product line. His role will be pivotal in refining the brand’s design philosophy and ensuring that Baffin remains at the forefront of technical advancements and market trends.

Sedlbauer’s appointment is especially significant, as it marks a continuation of a legacy deeply rooted in the history of Baffin. In 1959, the founder of Baffin’s first manufacturing operation, Peter Hubner, honed his experience in shoemaking working with Sedlbauer’s grandfather, Walter Sedlbauer, at Susan Shoes, the company that would later introduce the Cougar brand. This collaboration established a tradition of craftsmanship and innovation that continues to shape the industry today. Sedlbauer’s connection to this heritage underscores Baffin’s ongoing commitment to quality and tradition.

“Welcoming Austin to our team is not just a strategic move; his historical ties reinforce our legacy,” said Mark Hubner, senior vice president at Baffin. “The experience and innovative vision he brings will lend a fresh perspective to our product offerings, strengthening our market position. We are excited to see how his leadership will drive technical advancements and elevate our design aesthetics as we look to the future.”

“I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to join Baffin, a true leader in the cold climate footwear industry,” Sedlbauer said. “It’s an honor to be part of a team that is deeply committed to innovation and quality. I look forward to collaborating with such talented individuals to create exceptional products that not only meet but exceed our customers’ expectations. Together, I believe we can take Baffin’s legacy to new heights.”

Sedlbauer will join the Baffin team immediately and will report out of the Stoney Creek headquarters.

Posted: October 18, 2024

Source: Baffin Ltd.

Freudenberg Expands Operations With New Manufacturing Plant In Morinda, Punjab

MORINDA, India   — October 18, 2024 — Germany-based global technology conglomerate Freudenberg Group has officially inaugurated two advanced manufacturing facilities in Morinda, covering a total built-up area of 40,700 square meters. These state-of-the-art plants are operated by Freudenberg-NOK India Pvt. Ltd. (FNI) and Vibracoustic India. The strategic move consolidates the company’s operations from its existing plants in Basma and Mohali, aimed at enhancing production efficiency and supporting Freudenberg’s long-term growth plans in India.

Inauguration of Morinda Plant

Freudenberg’s investment of more than 42 million euros in the Morinda facility marks the company’s largest financial commitment in India to date. The new plants are equipped to serve both domestic and international markets, reinforcing Freudenberg’s dedication to India’s “Make in India” initiative. The facilities will cater to key sectors such as automotive and industrial manufacturing, ensuring the company remains competitive by optimizing material flows and leveraging modernized equipment.

Speaking at the inauguration, Dr. Mohsen Sohi, CEO of Freudenberg Group, remarked: “Our investment in the new facilities in Morinda reflects Freudenberg’s strong commitment to the Indian market and the ‘Make in India’ vision. This expansion not only aligns with our global growth strategy but also boosts our ability to serve customers with greater efficiency, innovation, and quality. As we celebrate 175 years of Freudenberg’s legacy of excellence, we are proud to further strengthen our presence in India.”

Sustainability is a core focus of the new facilities. Energy-efficient machinery and eco-friendly practices, such as photovoltaic cells that supply 15 percent of the plant’s energy needs and water-recharging stations, have been incorporated to reduce the environmental footprint.

Sivasailam. G, managing director at Freudenberg Performance Materials India and director & CEO of Freudenberg Regional Corporate Center India, added, “The inauguration of our new manufacturing plants in Morinda showcases our long-term commitment to sustainable growth in India. By bringing our operations together in this advanced facility, we aim to create new job opportunities and nurture local talent. This investment helps us better serve our customers across different industries, offering high-quality products and solutions made in India for both domestic and international markets.”

Freudenberg’s expansion in Morinda is set to generate significant job opportunities, with plans to grow the local workforce by 20 percent, adding approximately 200 new positions. The site will also serve as a global engineering hub, attracting top talent from regional universities, particularly around Chandigarh.

Posted: October 18, 2024

Source: Freudenberg Group

ALTA™ Luxury Opens World Of Luxury Fabrics For Commercial And High-Traffic Use

BYRON CENTER, Mich.   — October 16, 2024 — A revolutionary new technology from Applied Textiles, ALTA™ Luxury, opens the world of luxury fabrics for high-traffic residential and hospitality applications. ALTA Luxury is a technology that engineers beautiful, high-end fabrics that enhances durability, making them more suitable for higher traffic commercial and residential projects.

Luxury fabrics, though beautiful, rich and inviting, can fail wear standards and fire code requirements and be difficult to clean. The ALTA Luxury technology extends the lifespan of the textile without changing the aesthetic — often making it better. ALTA Luxury keeps fabrics soft and enhances their texture and touch.

“Designers want luxury fabrics for higher traffic environments, whether that be a bustling boutique hotel lobby or luxurious residential living room,” said Applied Textiles Founder John Schroeter. “At Applied Textiles, we have considerable investment in the last third of textile production, which is everything off the loom — washing, steaming, tumbling, softening, texturizing, backing and lamination.”

Applied Lab, a division of Applied Textiles can also test and qualify these materials for their use and lifecycle. Treating a luxury fabric is important, and a certified texting facility like Applied Lab ensures fabrics pass FR codes and wear requirements.

ALTA Luxury opens a whole new world to designers looking to add luxury textiles to their projects. Fabrics once thought too fragile for commercial and high-use residential environments can now be engineered with the ALTA Luxury technology, enabling their use in most applications. This unlocks endless possibilities for designers to explore creativity without being constrained by fabric performance limitations.

ALTA Luxury uses an environmentally friendly water-based process to engineer fabrics to enhance performance after weaving or knitting. Fabrics benefiting from ALTA Luxury include natural fibers, velvets, chenilles, boucles, and pile fabrics that include complex patterns and rich textures. ALTA Luxury makes specifying natural fibers possible. Natural fibers, many of which were replaced by synthetics because of wear characteristics, are now able to be used in commercial and higher traffic areas.

ALTA Luxury not only helps textiles last longer, the process also provides superior repellency against spills and stains, according to the company.

With quick processing times and the ability to accommodate all order sizes, ALTA Luxury is designed to be flexible and easy to specify.

Applied Textiles is a textile testing and technology company. It does not make or sell fabrics; it makes them better and longer‐lasting with performance technologies and accredited lab testing.

Posted: October 18, 2024

Source: Applied Textiles

Spinnova Teams Up With Premium Bag Brand, ASK Scandinavia

JYVÄSKYLÄ, Finland  — October 17, 2024 — Spinnova and ASK Scandinavia collaborate to bring a naturally dyed handbag to the market in 2025. The visually striking yet practical work tote bag is made with fabric that contains 30-percent wood-based SPINNOVA® fibres and 70-percent cotton. The fabric has been dyed with Natural Indigo Finland’s natural dye, made from Paulig’s coffee waste. This is the first commercially available product containing SPINNOVA fibers colored with natural dyes. The bag will be available for pre-order at the end of 2024.

Spinnova collaborates with ASK Scandinavia, a Helsinki-based premium brand that creates timeless and design-driven bags, to create a limited-edition work tote bag inspired by Nordic design. The bag design will integrate ASK Scandinavia’s minimalist style while ensuring the bag meets the highest standards of durability and usability, making it a staple for daily use.

The bag combines three sustainable innovators: Spinnova’s pioneering technology and textile fibers, ASK Scandinavia’s versatile Nordic design, and Natural Indigo Finland’s innovative coffee waste-based dyes. Each contributor supports the comprehensive approach to product sustainability.

Spinnova’s fibers have 74-percent fewer CO2 emissions and 98-percent less water usage than conventional cotton*. ASK Scandinavia’s timeless designs and quality materials ensure the longevity of the product lifecycle. Natural Indigo Finland’s dyes are extracted from waste coffee grounds, which do not contain as many toxins as synthetic dyes. The dyeing time is shorter, and the same batch of dyes can be utilized multiple times.

“We are honored to collaborate with pioneers like Spinnova and Natural Indigo Finland, whose innovations are setting new standards in fashion. At ASK Scandinavia, we are committed to lowering the industry’s environmental impact by integrating next-gen materials that replace conventional, non-renewable resources. By combining Spinnova’s revolutionary fibre technology with natural dyes made from coffee waste, we’re demonstrating a forward-thinking approach to responsible design. This collaboration isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about proving how impactful partnerships can actively drive the shift toward a lower-impact fashion industry,” says Anette Cantagallo, director of Design and Sustainability at ASK Scandinavia.

“We are excited about collaborating with a timeless Nordic brand to launch a product in a new application category: handbags. Using natural dyes to create the bag’s color highlights the comprehensive sustainability approach considered during the design phase. We set out to explore the versatility of Spinnova’s fiber in different applications and dyeing methods, and are very satisfied with the result,” commented Shahriare Mahmood, chief product and sustainability officer at Spinnova.

A limited edition of the tote bags will be available for pre-order at the end of 2024 and in ASK Scandinavia’s online store in 2025. The bag design will be revealed at the product’s launch.

*Figures are based on projected, third-party emission calculation (2022) for the joint venture Woodspin’s factory in Jyväskylä, Finland. The figures include raw material supply, transportation of raw materials, and manufacturing of the product (cradle-to-gate). The ecoinvent dataset 3.9.1 has been used for the global average emissions of conventional cotton.

Posted: October 18, 2024

Source: SPINNOVA PLC

Biomaterials  Firm Modern Meadow Appoints Dr. David Williamson As CEO

NUTLEY, N.J.  — October 14, 2024 — Modern Meadow, a developer of sustainable materials, has announced that Dr. David Williamson will transition from president and COO to CEO effective October 14, 2024. Dr. Williamson has served in multiple roles within the company since 2015 and will now spearhead its next phase of growth. As CEO, Dr. Williamson will continue executing on the company’s strategic growth plan to create sustainable biofabricated materials that offer new levels of performance, sustainability and design possibilities.

With his extensive background in material science, biotechnology and production environments, Dr. Williamson will continue executing on Modern Meadow’s strategic growth plan to create sustainable biofabricated materials that offer new levels of performance, sustainability and design possibilities, like BIO-VERA.

“All of us at Modern Meadow have a passion for technology and innovation, and I am proud to lead us into our next chapter as we continue to advance our mission of commercializing transformative sustainable alternative materials, such as BIO-VERA,” Dr. Williamson said. “Modern Meadow is at a pivotal stage — one in which we are building on our major production milestone to produce 500,000 square meters per year of our BIO-VERA. This milestone highlights the market readiness and cost-efficiency of BIO-VERA, positioning Modern Meadow to meet increasing demand from original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), brands and premium tanneries that are actively adopting the material.”

Modern Meadow’s strategy includes:

  • Streamlining operations for increased efficiency
  • Expanding its European market presence
  • Supporting commercialization and brand adoption efforts by extending its operational runway.

The company will also continue to strengthen and expand the BIO-VERA brand by developing refreshed brand messaging, in close collaboration with its commercial partners, to bring the brand to life for consumers and industry alike.

Posted: October 18, 2024

Source: Modern Meadow

KARL MAYER Warp Preparation Announce Contracts In Conjunction With ITMA ASIA + CITME 2024

OBERTSHAUSEN, Germany  — October 17, 2024 — With its exhibition at ITMA ASIA + CITME, KARL MAYER warp preparation focuses on sustainability and efficiency and hits the bull’s eye. The exhibits are among the top talking points at the KARL MAYER GROUP stand. On display here will be a latest-generation beam warping machine with a unique working speed of  max. 1,200 m/min, the brand new CASCADE system for significantly reducing steam consumption, costs and environmental impact during sizing, and the equally new Smart Size Box – a sophisticated technology that makes a valuable contribution to the topic of predictive maintenance by monitoring the condition of wear components and thus aroused the curiosity of many visitors, including a delegation from Pinhua Garments Co.

Assistant Sales Manager Li Zhi (left) and Gabriel Chiu (right), Regional Sales Manager for China at KARL MAYER Warp Preparation Business Unit, with their guest from Pinhua Garments

The renowned company based in Shijiazhuang in north-eastern China specializes in the processing of recycled staple fibres and focuses on high efficiency and low water consumption. An ISOSIZE and an earlier generation KARL MAYER sizing machine are already in production in its warp preparation department. Pinhua Garments has now invested in another innovative warp preparation solution, a PROSIZE with VSB Size Box. With the signing of the contract, the state-of-the-art sizing equipment celebrates its premiere on the Chinese market.

At the trade fair, the experts from Pinhua Garments first learned about the possibilities of the Smart Size Box HSB and expressed great interest in this latest development for the sizing sector. The advantages of the advanced solution include less unplanned downtime and maintenance costs, and therefore more efficient, but also quality-assured production processes.  Like all PROSIZE Size Boxes, the Smart Size Box enables a cover factor of up to 100% at a maximum sizing speed of 160 m/min, with 200 m/min also possible as an option.

KARL MAYER PROSIZE

In addition to the Smart Size Box feature, the Size Box VSB was the subject of the exchange with Pinhua Garments Co. The innovative sizing equipment works with a highly efficient application technology that uses up to 10% fewer sizing additives compared to the immersion bath process. This saves costs, energy during desizing and waste water. In addition, the ability to control the yarn tension by the sizing system is an important advantage in view of the demanding processing of cotton. This performance convinced Pinhua Garments: The company ordered a PROSIZE with VSB Size Box.

Gabriel Chiu, Regional Sales Manager for China at KARL MAYER Warp Preparation Business Unit

“This investment is a reinforcing vote of confidence and I’m pleased to see our customer willing to grow with KARL MAYER through different generations and developments of machines,” says Gabriel Chiu, Regional Sales Manager at Warp Preparation Business Unit.

Posted: October 18, 2024

Source: KARL MAYER GROUP

Prominent European Apparel Manufacturer T-Shirt & Sons Boosts Production Capacity With Kornit Apollo

ROSH-HA`AYIN, Israel  — October 17, 2024 — Kornit Digital announced today that T-Shirt & Sons (TSS) — a European apparel manufacturer based in the United Kingdom and the Netherlands and serving some of the largest e-commerce and retail brands — has adopted Kornit Apollo to further its transition from traditional screen printing to digital production. This addition to its Kornit MAX systems enables TSS to significantly expand production capacity, improve speed, and enhance time-to-market — all while maintaining the highest standards of quality.

TSS serves some of the largest e-commerce and retail brands and has been a pioneer in print-on-demand services over the past decade, catering to online brands, high street retailers, and promotional businesses. By integrating Kornit’s MAX technology and the newly added Apollo platform, TSS has optimized its production processes to better meet the demands of the rapidly growing online market.

“Creativity, innovation, and automation are at the core of our business, allowing us to consistently deliver unmatched quality to leading brands worldwide,” said Adam Golder, T-Shirt & Sons. “The Kornit Apollo is a game-changer in on-demand production. It delivers exceptional results that speed up our time-to-market and optimize production runs. With the Apollo joining our existing fleet of MAX systems, we’re well-positioned to meet the evolving demands of our customers and scale our business even further.”

Ronen Samuel, CEO at Kornit Digital, added, “Manufacturers like TSS are transforming their operations to meet the needs of an increasingly demanding market. As a print-on-demand leader, TSS relies on both speed and quality for success. With the adoption of Apollo, TSS is not only streamlining its operations but also scaling production to new heights.”

Posted: October 18, 2024

Source: Kornit Digital

Natalia Scherbakoff Joins Orion S.A. As Chief Technology Officer

HOUSTON — October 17, 2024 — Orion S.A., a global specialty chemicals manufacturer, announced today that Natalia Scherbakoff has been appointed the company’s new chief technology officer.

Natalia Scherbakoff

She will succeed David Deters, who for nearly a decade led a global innovation program that made Orion a leader in developing sustainable materials, battery additives and other technology in the carbon black industry. Deters announced his retirement earlier this year and will remain with Orion through the end of 2024 to ensure a seamless transition.

Scherbakoff joins Orion from Trinseo, a specialty materials company, where she served as the vice president of Technology & Innovation, overseeing global research, development and technology innovation with sustainability and circular solutions being a key underlying focus. She also supported key growth initiatives as well as mergers and acquisitions. Scherbakoff was a member of Trinseo’s Corporate Environmental, Social and Governance Council.

“Natalia has broad global experience, a track record of moving ideas through the development process to successful product launches and commercial savvy. She combines strong people skills with a passion for driving innovation and achieving tangible outcomes,” Orion CEO Corning Painter said.  “She is arriving at an exciting time here at Orion, and I am looking forward to her building on the success we have had under David’s leadership in batteries, circular products, coatings and other customer applications.”

Before Trinseo, Scherbakoff was the vice president of Research Innovation & Product Lines at Plastic Omnium, a French automotive supplier now known as OPmobility. She also served as the general manager of Specialty Composites and the director of Global Innovation at Owens Corning, a building materials maker.

Scherbakoff is a non-executive board member at specialty materials producer Clayens NP and  is also a member of the Forbes Technology Council.

She holds a Ph.D. and M.Sc. in Macromolecular Science from Case Western Reserve University (U.S.), a Chemical Engineering degree from Mauá Engineering University (Brazil) and an MBA from Getulio Vargas Foundation (Brazil). She is fluent in English, French, Portuguese, Italian and Russian.

Posted: October 17, 2024

Source: Orion S.A.

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