EURATEX Welcomes The EU Customs Reform Package And Calls For Swift Action On The De Minimis Exemption

BRUSSELS — July 15, 2024 — The European Textile and Clothing industry (EURATEX) welcomes the proposed reforms to the EU’s customs system, emphasizing the need for a modernized framework that addresses the challenges of the digital age and fosters a level playing field.

“Customs play a critical role in safeguarding fair competition within the EU Single Market and ensuring that products meet our environmental and safety standards,” stated Dirk Vantyghem, EURATEX Director General. “We recognize the need for a reformed system adapted to the 21st century, particularly considering the growth of e-commerce and the increasing complexity of regulations.”

EURATEX highlights key priorities for a successful reform:

  • Phasing Out De Minimis Exemption: EURATEX strongly supports abolishing the €150 import duty exemption for small consignments. This exemption has been exploited by e-commerce companies, creating unfair competition for European manufacturers. EURATEX urges immediate action to eliminate this loophole, rather than waiting until 2028.
  • Harmonization and Streamlining: The organization calls for a unified customs regime across the EU, with simplified procedures and reduced administrative burdens for businesses, especially SMEs. This includes avoiding duplication of efforts and ensuring seamless interoperability between different customs information systems.
  • Data Security and Transparency: EURATEX emphasizes the importance of robust data security measures within the proposed EU Data Hub. Clear regulations on data access, ownership, and cybersecurity safeguards are essential. Open collaboration between industry and policymakers is crucial in designing the Data Hub for optimal functionality.
  • Effective Implementation of Trust & Check Trader (T&CT):The T&CT status offers potential benefits for companies through features like self-assessment. However, EURATEX raises concerns about practical implementation, particularly for SMEs struggling to obtain existing Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) statuses. Providing support for SMEs in obtaining this status is crucial.
  • Interoperability and Data Sharing: EURATEX emphasizes the importance of the EU Data Hub’s interoperability with various IT systems. Also, a uniform central IT network facilitating national and other legal requirements would be a significant step forward.
  • Structured Dialogue with Stakeholders: The establishment of the EU Customs Authority (EUCA) is seen as a positive development for coordinating customs enforcement across the EU. EURATEX recommends a dedicated dialogue between the EUCA and stakeholders, including industry representatives, to improve overall coordination and effectiveness.

Posted: July 15, 2024

Source: The European Textile and Clothing industry (EURATEX)

63rd Dornbirn Global Fiber Congress & 4th Innovation Days — September 11-13, 2024, Dornbirn, Austria

VIENNA, Austria — July 15, 2024 — The 63rd Dornbirn GFC 2024 is characterized by the energy transition and presents innovative solutions for the textile industry. The presentations on the main topic “Energy Solutions” during the three-day congress will start with a plenary lecture on the opening day.

The energy transition: a burden to industry or a chance for energy innovations?

Rudolf Zauner, VERBUND AG expert for renewable energies, will start the opening day of the Dornbirn GFC with a plenary lecture on this question. With further decarbonization, the transition from fossil fuels to carbon-free and renewable energy sources, energy innovations and sector coupling for further and systemic solutions are moving into focus. Rudolf Zauner presents innovative energy solutions from Verbund AG and discusses what can be achieved when the worlds of industry, energy suppliers and start-ups meet and how the competitiveness of industry can be maintained.

Franz Zöchbauer, Verbund AG said about the participation at the Dornbirn GFC: “As a leading company in energy technology, we recognize the importance of innovation and sustainability in the global textile industry. By supporting this conference, we are investing in the future of fiber innovation, which aligns with our own ambitions to drive ecologically sustainable and energy-efficient solutions.”

Energy Solutions: These innovations represent a significant step towards a sustainable future.

On Friday, September 13, the topic of energy solutions will be explored in depth in a block of lectures in Hall C in collaboration with Institute for Textile Technology of RWTH Aachen University (ITA) and there industrial partners. This session highlights the intersection of nature, technology, and sustainability. Prof. Thomas Gries, director of ITA, said: “These innovations represent a significant step towards a sustainable future. By integrating natural principles and advanced technologies, we can address some of the most pressing energy challenges of our time.” Details of the presentations are listed in the main program: www.dornbirn-gfc.com

The European policy and regulatory landscape for the textile industry has been fundamentally changing!

The Dornbirn GFC also offers the visitors the latest information on the EU’s plans for new regulations and provisions for the fiber industry. Cornelia Mohor, from the European Commission, will provide information on this topic as a plenary speaker at the Dornbirn GFC on Wednesday, September 11: ”A package of EU policies and upcoming regulations are redefining how textile products are made, sold and consumed in the EU. A review has been launched of the EU Textiles Labelling Regulation. Textile fibers and fiber innovations are an important topic of this planned review“.

Update about Dornbirn GFC 2024:

Visitors will have the opportunity to attend 125 specialist presentations over the three days of the congress. In 2024, the classification of the presentations was revised so that even more specialist areas in the field of fiber innovations are now covered: Biopoymers, Biomaterials, High Performance, New Technologies, Natural Fibers, Surface Treatment, Raw Materials, Nonwovens and Circular Economy and Recycling.

The support of new sponsors offers the Dornbirn GFC further opportunities to expand the offer for visitors and to maintain the international platform for the future. Thanks go to the following companies: Verbund AG, Vienna (AUT), Heraeus Precious Metals GmbH & Co. KG, Hanau (GER) and MP Corpo- rate Finance GbmH, Vienna (AUT). Matthias W. Gluth: “The current booking situation shows us that the interest of visitors in the Dornbirn GFC remains unbroken. We highly appreciate this, especially in light of the current challenging economic situation. A special thanks goes to all the speakers who, through their expertise and high standards, form the foundation of a professionally outstanding congress.”

Combined ticket:

  • Dornbirn GFC, live in person in Dornbirn, from September 11 – 13, 2024
  • Dornbirn GFC online on demand from September 16 – 30, 2024 (Presentations as videos and the presentations for download as pfd files)
  • Information + Programme: www.dornbirn-gfc.com

Posted: July 15, 2024

Source: Austrian Fibers Institute

Monforts, Uniferro Join Forces At Febratex Textile Machinery Exhibition Taking Place In Blumenau, Brazil

MÖNCHENGLADBACH, Germany — July 15, 2024 — Having recently secured significant major orders in Central and South America, finishing machinery specialist Monforts will exhibit at the upcoming Febratex textile machinery exhibition taking place in Blumenau, Brazil, from August 20-23, along with Uniferro, its new regional partner.

This new alliance follows the well-earned retirement of Herbert Erdmann of the service agency Euro Texteis, who has worked tirelessly with Monforts over more than 30 years to secure a leading position in the region for Montex tenter dryers, Thermex dyeing ranges and associated finishing technology.

After sales and service

With offices in Sao Paulo and Ceara and sub-agents across Brazil, Uniferro has been active in the textile industry for over 50 years. “Our focus has always been on providing our customers with the best technology, so we work only with high quality brands and we are very pleased to now partner with Monforts,” said Uniferro owner Fabrice Meyer.

Monforts Montex tenters and Thermex dyeing ranges are industry standard for the fabric finishing industry, providing many advantages in terms of production throughput and especially in achieving energy efficiency and savings.

“Investment in new technology and capacity expansions are very important to our customers in Brazil, who are looking to stay ahead of the competition in terms of sustainable, high quality production,” says Monforts Regional Sales Manager Achim Gesser. “We find that they carefully assess the benefits of each advanced new technology in order to thrive in a sector that is constantly changing and as a result, have adopted ongoing strategies of continuous investment.”

coaTTex

At Febratex, Monforts will introduce its very latest coaTTex coating unit exclusively dedicated to air knife and knife-over-roller coating. For single-sided application with paste or foam, the versatile coater is suitable for both incorporation into existing finishing ranges as well as installation with new Monforts Montex tenter systems.

A wide range of coatings can be applied to fabrics for providing functions such as waterproofing, liquid and gas protection and breathability, in addition to foam lamination and black-out coating.

Denim hub

Brazil remains a buoyant hub for textile manufacturing with a particular strength in the denim dyeing and finishing sector and many Monforts Thermex hotflue dyeing systems are already operational in the region, reaping the benefits of the Econtrol® process.

Econtrol is a continuous process for the dyeing of woven cotton and cellulosic fabrics, especially denim, in which reactive dyestuffs are fixed into the fabric in a one-step dyeing and drying process with a controlled combination of steam and air. The entire pad-dry process takes just two-to-three minutes.

“Differentiation is the key in the highly-competitive denim fabrics industry, whether through the successful incorporation of new fibers, accommodating new fabric constructions or exploring the many options for how to treat them at the finishing stage, to gain a market advantage,” Gesser said. “Our lines allow users to be extremely versatile and respond quickly to market demand, while also allowing very short production runs.”

Energy savings

Because finishing is a particularly energy-intensive part of the textile production chain, it is exactly where convincing results can be achieved, he adds, and Monforts has developed a wide range of energy-saving. These included a range of heat recovery systems, such as the Universal Energy Tower and the ECO Booster. Both can also be retrofitted to existing ranges to make production more resource-efficient and economical, yet without having to invest in a new machine.

“Energy costs tend to be high in Brazil and can account for up to 70 percent of production costs for our customers, so there is great demand for ways of saving money,” Gesser said. “Cutting energy usage also helps in terms of global warming and reducing carbon footprint, of course, so these latest technologies are a win-win for fabric finishers. As we look forward to a promising partnership with Uniferro in Brazil, we would like to extend our thanks and best wishes for the future to Herbert Erdmann for his hard work over the years.”

Monforts and Uniferro look forward to meeting customers old and new at Febratex, in Hall 5, at stand 27.

Posted: July 15, 2024

Source: A. Monforts Textilmaschinen GmbH & Co. KG

INDA, NWI Announce Collaboration Agreement To Foster Continuing Education Of The Nonwovens Industry

CARY/RALEIGH, N.C. — July 15, 2024 — INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, and The Nonwovens Institute (NWI), are excited to announce a collaboration agreement to provide continuing education to the nonwovens industry.

This agreement expands upon the ongoing partnership between INDA and NWI, whereby the two organizations have successfully presented training programs, covering the full spectrum of the nonwovens value chain from raw materials to processes to products.

Under terms of the agreement, INDA and NWI will develop and present a full roster of training courses, featuring a combination of classroom learning supported by hands-on activities in NWI’s world-class nonwoven production and testing labs on the Centennial Campus of North Carolina State University. The two organizations will also work together to explore additional educational programming to serve the needs of the nonwovens industry as they evolve over time.

“This collaboration agreement represents a significant next step in the partnership between INDA and NWI, as we build upon our training course offering to ensure it is meeting the needs of the nonwovens industry now and going forward,” said Matt O’Sickey, director of education and technical affairs at INDA. “We are also committed to pursuing new avenues to expand the knowledge base of professionals working in areas related to nonwovens.”

“As we enter into this new phase of our partnership, NWI and INDA are excited to leverage our diverse perspectives and industry contacts to create an unmatched training and education program,” said Tom Daugherty, deputy director at NWI. “This will ensure the nonwovens industry remains competitive and is equipped with the latest skills. With the pace of change in our industry heightened due to the rapid rise of such mega trends as sustainability and machine learning, we believe continuing education in nonwovens is more important than ever — and NWI and INDA are well positioned to serve the needs of our industry in this regard.”

The current roster of INDA/NWI training courses include:

  • Elementary Nonwovens
  • Intermediate Nonwovens
  • Fiber and Filament Extrusion Fundamentals
  • Meltblown Technology
  • Nonwoven Bonding Fundamentals
  • Nonwoven Fabric Property Development and Characterization
  • Nonwoven Product Development and Innovation
  • Spunbond Technology

Course registration is open to INDA/NWI members and non-members. The INDA/NWI Short Course Value Pack program enables companies to purchase a block of registrations, which can be used by any combination of employees to register for any combination of training courses, at a discounted rate. Value Packs are available in bundles of 5, 10, 15, and 20 registrations, with discounts ranging from 10 percent to 25 percent, depending on the size of the Value Pack. For more information about the Value Pack program, visit https://thenonwovensinstitute.com/short-course-value-pack/.

For more information about upcoming INDA/NWI training courses, visit https://www.inda.org/training/.

Posted: July 15, 2024

Source: INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, and The Nonwovens Institute (NWI)

Indo Count Industries And Shreeram Cotton Industries Sign MoU To Propel Regenagri Cotton Project Forward

MUMBAI, India — July 12, 2024 — Indo Count Industries Ltd., home textiles manufacturer, and Shreeram Cotton Industries, a ginning unit and ICS based in Gujarat known for producing premium Sankar-6 cotton, have taken a significant step forward in sustainable agriculture by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to launch the Regenagri Cotton Project.

MOU signing for Regenagri cotton

This collaboration brings together two companies committed to transforming agricultural practices with a focus on sustainability and resilience. The Regenagri project aims to empower farmers by providing them with the knowledge and tools needed to thrive in an evolving agricultural landscape, ensuring that farming systems work harmoniously with nature while maintaining economic viability.

Regenagri, short for Regenerative Agriculture, encompasses holistic farming systems designed to enhance ecosystem biodiversity, improve soil health, and boost water and air quality. By uniting the expertise and resources of Indo Count Industries and Shreeram Cotton Industries, the project aspires to drive positive change across the agricultural sector, fostering community well-being alongside environmental sustainability.

“We are thrilled to announce this partnership by signing the MOU,” said K K Lalpuria, CEO and executive director of Indo Count Industries. “Regenagri underscores our shared commitment to advancing sustainable agriculture practices that benefit both farmers and the environment.”

Natubhai Panchani, partner of Shreeram Cotton Industries, added: “We believe that by working together, we can achieve significant progress towards building a more sustainable future for agriculture. The Regenagri project will leverage the strengths of both organizations to develop scalable solutions that can be implemented across diverse agricultural regions.”

By fostering collaboration and innovation, the Regenagri Cotton Project aims to serve as a model for industry-wide transformation towards regenerative practices. This partnership marks a significant milestone in the journey towards a more sustainable and resilient agricultural future.

Posted: July 12, 2024

Source: Indo Count Industries Limited, (ICIL)

Registration Is Open For RISE® 2024 – Research, Innovation And Science For Engineered Fabrics

CARY, N.C. — July 11, 2024 — Registration is open for RISE® 2024 (Research, Innovation & Science for Engineered Fabrics). Industry leaders will convene to discover cutting-edge nonwoven research and advancements, October 1-2, James B. Hunt, Jr. Library, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, N.C. The theme for this year’s event is “Sustainability Solutions: Manufacturing More with Less.”

The RISE program will focus on these key topics:

  • Disruptive Innovation & Enabling Technology
  • Advancements in Natural & Bio-Based Fibers
  • Sustainability in Chemistry
  • Energy Efficiencies in Machinery
  • Advanced Recycling Techniques & Methods
  • In the News: Legislation & Regulation

Prior to RISE, continuing the program begun last year, there will be complimentary webinars featuring technology advancements and innovations. More details and topics will be announced at a later date.

The program highlights for RISE include:

  • RISE® Innovation Award – three finalists will compete for the Award with the winner being announced Wednesday afternoon, October 2nd. Nominations may be submitted through July 29th via the INDA website: https://www.inda.org/awards/rise-innovation-award.html
  • The Nonwovens Institute will host a tour of their $65 million-plus, 60,000 square-foot facilities featuring state-of-the-art equipment, pilot lines, and analytical laboratories on Tuesday, October 1st. An RSVP is required and space is limited.
  • A Welcome Reception on Tuesday evening, October 1, at the Lonnie Poole Golf Course.
  • Graduate Student Poster session with their latest research during the Welcome Reception.
  • New to RISE: The Nonwoven Bonding Fundamentals course which will provide a detailed overview of the major fabric bonding processes used to make nonwovens. More details are available here: https://www.inda.org/training/advanced-training.php#NBF
  • An 18-hole Golf Tournament, Monday, September 30, Lonnie Poole Golf Course, with a start time of 12 p.m. Space is limited and registration is required.

TiHive won the 2023 RISE Innovation Award for their SAPMonit technology. TiHive’s innovation, SAPMonit – a technology breakthrough, inspects millions of diapers weekly. SAPMonit delivers lightning-speed inline inspection of superabsorbents’ weight and distribution, optimizes resources, detects flaws, and accelerates R&D. SAPMonit utilizes advanced see-through cameras, high-speed vision algorithms, and secure cloud integration, revolutionizing industry norms. SAPMonit has great potential for sustainability, cost reduction, and enhanced customer satisfaction.

For more details or to register, visit: https://www.riseconf.net/

Posted: July 11, 2024

Source: INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry

Blue Point-Backed NSA And Tri-Star Glove Are A Tailor-Made Fit

CLEVELAND — July 10, 2024 — Blue Point Capital Partners and its portfolio company National Safety Apparel (NSA) are proud to announce its acquisition of Tri-Star Glove (TSG), a manufacturer of personal protective apparel, primarily serving the automotive, foundry, fabrication and glass end-markets. TSG is NSA’s 14th acquisition since 2012 and the first investment since partnering with Blue Point less than two months ago.

Indiana-based Tri-Star Glove, founded in 2000 by industry veterans Rod Townsend and Eric Moll, provides consistent, high-quality and sustainably designed products. With comprehensive safety apparel expertise, TSG works with end-users to identify hazards in the workplace and engineer custom solutions to specific threats, strategically using thoughtful design and materials to enhance safety.

“Tri-Star has developed a reputation for manufacturing outstanding personal protective apparel that spans a variety of project types and serves a diverse group of customers,” said NSA CEO Chuck Grossman. “Through this partnership, we will continue providing premium PPE products to our customers, leveraging our combined experience and industry knowledge.”

“NSA is a market leader and acquirer of choice in the safety solutions space,” shared Tri-Star Glove President Rod Townsend. “Eric and I are proud to be joining NSA’s portfolio of companies with Blue Point’s support, as we sincerely feel this team will honor our combined 93 years of industry experience with a commitment to advancing Tri-Star’s business and its employees.”

TSG has expanded from solely manufacturing high-performance gloves for the domestic automotive space into a more diverse customer base, manufacturing personal protective apparel for the industrial safety markets, including welding, glass and molten metals. The hand protection market boasts the highest year-over-year growth compared to other adjacent safety segments, making this an ideal fit for NSA’s expansion.

“NSA’s rich history of M&A expansion and integration, combined with Blue Point’s manufacturing and safety sector investing experience, make this an exciting acquisition in the early stages of our partnership,” said Blue Point Partner Jonathan Pressnell. “We are here to support the management team with value-added operational resources and help maintain this momentum as we continue to collaborate and evaluate organic and M&A opportunities.”

NSA is actively seeking additional partnerships with like-minded founders and owners of PPE manufacturing businesses. Business owners interested in learning more may contact Blue Point Managing Director, Business Development Megan Kneipp at mkneipp@bluepointcapital.com.

Posted: July 10, 2024

Source: Blue Point Capital Partners

HanesBrands Appoints Sharilyn Gasaway To Board Of Directors

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — July 10, 2024 — HanesBrands, a global supplier of iconic apparel brands, today announced that Sharilyn Gasaway has been appointed to the company’s board of directors. Gasaway’s term runs through the 2025 annual meeting of stockholders, and she will serve on the Audit Committee.

HanesBrands announced that Sharilyn Gasaway has been appointed to the Company’s board of directors. Photo – Business Wire

Gasaway brings experience from her time at Alltel Corp. where she was executive vice president and CFO, and for several years served as controller. At Alltel, Gasaway was part of an executive team that spearheaded the company into the largest private equity buyout in the telecom industry at $32 billion and transitioned the wireless communications company through a merger with Verizon. Gasaway is a board director currently at Genesis Energy and JB Hunt Transport Services Inc. She has also served on the board of directors for Waddell and Reed Financial Inc.

“Sharilyn will play a critical role as we focus on accelerating debt reduction, consistent growth, and cash flow generation,” said Steve Bratspies, CEO. “Sharilyn’s strategic transformation capabilities will strengthen our efforts as we position our business on the optimal path for financial performance and shareholder value.”

“Sharilyn’s leadership experience and extensive background in driving positive change while simultaneously executing strategic growth initiatives adds another level of expertise to our board,” said Bill Simon, chairman of the board. “Sharilyn is a valuable addition to a group of directors who are passionate about elevating our global iconic brands and positioning HanesBrands for long-term success.”

A licensed CPA, Gasaway earned her bachelor’s degree from Louisiana Tech University in accounting and attended the executive development program at The Wharton School.

Posted: July 10, 2024

Source: HanesBrands 

Electrospinning Solutions Specialist Vivolta B.V. Accelerates Growth Strategy With Appointment Of Didier Deltort To Supervisory Board

WAALRE, The Netherlands — July 10, 2024 — Vivolta B.V., a contract development and manufacturing company specializing in electrospinning solutions for the medical industry, announces the appointment of Mr. Didier Deltort to its Supervisory Board of Directors.

Deltort is currently a senior advisor at several venture capital and private equity firms, with more than 30 years of experience in leading healthcare technology innovations and businesses globally. He brings significant expertise to Vivolta based on an impressive career including senior leadership roles at GE Healthcare, Boston Scientific, Zimmer Biomet, and HP Inc.

During his 14 years at GE Healthcare, Deltort held senior positions across Europe, the Middle East, and the United States, including senior vice president and general manager of Global Monitoring Solutions and managing director of GE Healthcare Finland. He has extensive experience in diagnostic imaging product segments and patient monitoring solutions for acute care settings. As EMEA president at Zimmer Biomet, he oversaw the marketing, sales, and distribution of its comprehensive orthopedics, spine and dental product ranges as well as robotic surgery solutions. Prior to Zimmer Biomet, he served as senior vice president and general manager of Global Healthcare Solutions and Partnerships at Boston Scientific. Most recently, Deltort was the Global president of HP Inc.’s Personalization & 3D Printing division.

Deltort holds a master’s degree in biomedical engineering from the Université de Technologie de Compiègne, France.

Rudy Mareel, Chairman of Vivolta’s Supervisory Board, commented: “Didier’s extensive experience in medical devices and technology will be invaluable to Vivolta’s acceleration, as we continue to co-develop and manufacture electrospun medical products with our Medtech partners. We welcome Didier to the Board and look forward to benefiting from his insights and contributions.”

Deltort added:“Having spent many years working on innovative healthcare technologies, I recognize the transformative potential of Vivolta’s unique medical electrospinning solutions, particularly their fully automated MediSpin production platform. This integrated approach could revolutionize numerous textile-based and regenerative applications in the Medtech industry. I am looking forward to collaborating with Vivolta’s Management and Board to achieve significant clinical and commercial milestones.”

Posted: July 10, 2024

Source: Vivolta B.V.

South Korea And Germany Cooperate In The Field Of Industrial Digitalization And Renewable Energies

AACHEN, Germany — July 10, 2024 — Dongshin University from Naju in South Korea and Institut für Textiltechnik (ITA) of RWTH Aachen University, Germany, will cooperate in the field of industrial digitalization and renewable energies in the future. A cooperation agreement was signed on July 9 by Professor Dr. Chun-Shik Kim and Professor Dr. Thomas Gries. Professor Dr. Kim is an expert on German-Korean economic cooperation, ADEKO board member and former advisor to the Deputy Prime Minister, Professor Dr. Gries is ITA director and Rectorate Representative of RWTH Aachen University for Korea. The cooperation marks the culmination of 15 years of ITA activities in Korea. The fruits of this cooperation are the SmartTextronics Centre and the city partnership between the cities of Aachen and Ansan.

Professor Dr Chun-Shik Kim and Professor Dr Thomas Gries sign the cooperation agreement (from left to right) Source – ITA

Dongshin University in Naju, South Korea, is a renowned university specializing in innovative research and practice-oriented education. It specializes in engineering, information and communication technology and renewable energies. The university is known for its international co-operation and its contribution to regional and global development.

RWTH Aachen University is one of the leading technical universities in Europe and offers excellent research and teaching opportunities. Institut für Textiltechnik (ITA) of RWTH Aachen University is one of the largest institutes at RWTH Aachen University and is internationally recognized for its outstanding research achievements in the field of textile technology and for its industrial cooperation. RWTH Aachen University maintains close co-operation with international partners and promotes global networking in science and research.

Posted: July 10, 2024

Source: Institut für Textiltechnik of RWTH Aachen University

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