MUNICH, Germany — September 18, 2024 — The integration of Style3D | ASSYST and KM.ON software CREATE DESIGN is now available. Apparel companies can utilize the integration of software for 3D fashion design and knitwear design in their collection creation process, thereby significantly reducing time-to-market for knitwear and saving costs.
By integrating the two programs, designers and product developers can design and visualize fully fashion knitwear patterns in the KM.ON software including complex knitting techniques such as Cable, Aran, Pointelle, Jacquard or Intarsia, work with digital yarns and directly transfer them to Style3D Studio with a jointly developed plugin.
Image source: Style3D | ASSYST
In Style3D Studio, the knitwear designs can be simulated in 3D on an avatar, including styling, animations, and style sharing by QR code or link. The AI rendering module in Style3D Studio also enables digital photo shoots for eCommerce, showroom, and other promotion.
The joint solution from KM.ON and Style3D | ASSYST provides companies with the opportunity to visualize and produce their collections more efficiently.
The software integration is available from Style3D Studio 7.0 and Style3D Studio 7.1 and in the CREATE DESIGN software at all release levels.
MÖNCHENGLADBACH, Germany — September 24, 2024 — A collaboration that unites Monforts’ renowned dyeing and finishing equipment, BW Converting’s revolutionary Baldwin TexCoat G4™ digital spray technology and Archroma’s advanced chemistries towards sustainable solutions is charting the course for the future of sustainable textile finishing.
Baldwin’s TexCoat G4™ integrated into Monforts’ stenter frame applying Archroma’s fluorocarbon-free durable water repellent
Together, the three companies will support dyeing and finishing manufacturers, a critical part of the textile supply chain, in their development projects, boosting the quality and performance of their finished products, while at the same time maximizing the productivity and resource utilization of the finishing application process.
Kicking off the partnership in the second half of this year, Monforts will install BW Converting’s full-width Baldwin TexCoat digital spray unit on a tenter frame at its Advanced Technology Center (ATC) at its headquarters in Mönchengladbach, Germany.
“Our ATC already houses two full Montex tenter finishing lines engineered to accommodate an extremely diverse range of processes, in addition to a Thermex range for the continuous dyeing of denim and other woven fabrics, a full color kitchen and a number of lab-scale systems for smaller batch trials,” explained Monforts Junior Technologist Saskia Kuhlen.
“It enables our customers to test their own textiles and technical fabrics under fully confidential, real production conditions and using the results from these trials we are also able to make recommendations for improving many fabric finishes. The new TexCoat installation will make an important contribution to what we can achieve.”
TexCoat G4 revolutionizes the traditional water- and energy-intensive pad-dry-cure finishing process by precisely applying chemistry including softeners, antimicrobials, durable water repellents, flame retardants, resins and most other water-based chemicals across the textile surface only where it is required, on one or both sides of the fabric. The system can therefore reduce water, chemistry and energy consumption by up to 50 percent compared to traditional pad application processes.
Monforts Advanced Technology Center
The TexCoat G4 installation brings together the surface functions, fabric transport and thermal processing technology of Monforts tenter frames with Archroma’s specialty chemicals, applied with TexCoat’s contactless precision, to achieve optimum absorption and maximum efficacy, exceeding the performance of traditional pad applications.
“Archroma’s commitment to advancing sustainability solutions for technical textiles has led to a pivotal partnership with Baldwin, where the benefits of contactless precision spray combined with our innovative solutions have helped textile manufacturers achieve greater energy and water savings,” said Michael Schuhmann, Global Marketing Segment manager for Technical Textiles, Archroma Textile Effects. “We are thrilled to take the partnership to the next level with the integration of a renowned equipment expert. Together, we will bring the best of our expertise in sustainable technologies to our customers around the world.”
“Baldwin has enjoyed a great relationship with Monforts and Archroma over the last few years,” added Rick Stanford, Baldwin’s vice president of Business Development for Textiles “Individually, we are working hard to assist our customers to achieve their sustainability and environmental targets but this is the first time the three companies have committed to working together with a focus on bringing transformative change to the dyeing and finishing space. It will result in significantly lower energy, chemical and water consumption with increased productivity and higher quality. We strongly believe that this partnership will be greater than the sum of its parts.”
Beyond textile finishing, Monforts, Baldwin and Archroma will work together to develop a versatile offering that will include coloration concepts and in the not-too-distant future the partners additionally plan to expand their collaboration to continuous spray dye applications developed by Baldwin.
Posted: September 25, 2024
Source: A. Monforts Textilmaschinen GmbH & Co. KG / Archroma / BW Converting
ST. PAUL, Minn. — September 24, 2024 — 3M™ Thinsulate™ was created for outdoor sports in extreme cold. Since then, we have partnered with over 2,000 clients, witnessed the development of top global fashion, outdoor, and protective gear brands, and brought warmth to individuals, families and communities. Jerry Hess, who is the founder of Lake of the Woods and is one of the partners of 3M Thinsulate.
“I’ve been in the footwear business for almost 50 years. Grew up in Wisconsin, hunting with my older brothers as a little kid in a pair of leather, work boots, with no insulation, 2 pairs of socks and subzero temperatures, freezing miserably.” In a video created by 3M Thinsulate, they continue to show how thermal insulation traps air inside the shoe and all over the foot, and how Jerry incorporated 3M Thinsulate in all of his products. Jerry said, “We’re able to utilize the testing facilities at 3M and use it in our marketing to show via thermography the performance of footwear with Thinsulate and footwear without Thinsulate.”
In addition, Jerry states that the, 3M Thinsulate brand on footwear enhances its value and the consumer recognition for the quality of that product.
Watch the full 3M and Jerry Hess Footwear Video and witness the extraordinary blend of tradition, technology, and triumph.
WEINHEIM, Germany — September 24, 2024 — Freudenberg Performance Materials is expanding its business in coated technical textiles (Mehler Texnologies). The technical textiles specialist is acquiring major parts of the Heytex Group from the private equity investor Bencis Capital Partners. The acquisition covers the core business of Heytex with three production locations (Germany and China) and all headquarter related functions, including Sales and R&D.
The Heytex Group is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of high-quality and functional technical textiles. The company with an international presence is headquartered in Bramsche, Germany. In 2023, the parts of the Heytex Group to be acquired by Freudenberg Performance Materials generated sales of roughly 100 million euros with a workforce of some 400 employees. The transaction is subject to approval by the antitrust authorities.
“The acquisition of major parts belonging to the Heytex Group complements our business in coated technical textiles ideally: we are expanding our technology platform, our market exposure and R&D capabilities. This will lead to leveraged innovative solutions for our customers. At the same time, we are gaining access to new, attractive product segments and strengthening our capabilities in the field of coated technical textiles,” said Dr. Andreas Raps, CEO of Freudenberg Performance Materials and member of the Executive Council of the Freudenberg Group. Heytex operates worldwide and is a perfect match for Freudenberg, because its success is based on foundations such as innovation, customer orientation and outstanding quality.
BRAMSCHE, Germany — September 24, 2024 — Private equity investor Bencis Capital Partners is selling the core business of the Heytex Group with three production sites — two in Germany and one in China — and all central functions, including sales, research and development and administration, to Freudenberg Performance Materials (FPM). FPM is active in the market for coated technical textiles, as Heytex is, under the Mehler Texnologies brand. In 2023, the relevant part of the Heytex Group generated sales of around EUR 100 million with approximately 400 employees. The transaction is subject to the approval of the antitrust authorities.
The merger under one roof will enable the new group to strengthen its technology platform and market presence, expand research and development capacities and benefit from each other.
Hans-Dieter Kohake, CEO Heytex Group. Image: Heytex
“The Bramsche, Neugersdorf and Zhangjiagang sites will play a key role in the future direction due to their good investment status, as well as the new synergies and expanded resources,” said Hans-Dieter Kohake, CEO of the Heytex Group.
As part of its strategic orientation, Freudenberg is deliberately focusing on the two German and Chinese sites of the Heytex Group, which are ideally suited to the company’s goals and focus. The sites will make a significant contribution to the further development and expansion of the new Group’s market leadership.
The Pulaski (USA) and Nijverdal (Netherlands) sites of Heytex will remain with the current shareholder Bencis Capital Partners and will continue to operate independently.
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. — September 24, 2024 — The AATCC Foundation Student Research Support Grant Program provides financial assistance for undergraduate and graduate students pursuing textile-related projects. Students may submit proposals now for funding to be awarded January 2025. Applications must be submitted by October 15, 2024, to be considered.
The application is a simple online form including a description of the proposed project and the student’s resume. Please note that the applicant’s major professor or advisor is encouraged to write a supporting cover letter that addresses the importance of the problem or implications of the research and the student’s ability to conduct the proposed research.
Priority is given to research related to test method development, evaluation of textile performance in actual use situations, and correlations between these two. Grants range from $500 to $4,000. Grant recipients may also request an additional reimbursement of up to $500 for travel and/or registration to present the research project at a technical conference. Additional guidelines, application, and submission details are available on the AATCC Foundation webpage.
AATCC Foundation requests the faculty advisor and student to complete the Student Research Support Project Report Form shortly after the project has been completed, but no later than December 31; this form should be sent to India Hansen.
Funding decisions are made by a panel of academic and industry professionals from across the textile industry. Previously selected projects have ranged from tissue engineering to digital printing. As AATCC’s mission states, the aim is to “empower an innovative, informed, and sustainable future.” AATCC Foundation grants can do this by supporting and sharing a broad spectrum of textile research.
MIDLAND, Mich. — September 24, 2024 — To support the textile industry’s continued need for high-performing water repellent fabrics, Dow has announced the launch of DOWSIL™ IE-9100 Emulsion for durable water repellent (DWR) finishing, the latest addition to the Dow Ecolibrium™ Brand portfolio.
An 81-percent bio-based silicone-organic hybrid[1] formulation honored with both the R&D 100 Award and the SEAL Sustainable Product Award, DOWSIL™ IE-9100 Emulsion is designed to match the water repellency performance of fluoro-containing emulsions, making it an excellent choice for high-performance outerwear fabrics, including athleticwear, outdoor garments and equipment, personal protective equipment, and footwear.
DOWSIL IE-9100 Emulsion offers formulators and brand owners key performance advantages expected of performance apparel and technical textiles, including the ability to tailor the level of water repellency to match the specific end-use needs. It also boasts excellent water-based stain protection and color fastness as well as good tape adhesion and logo printability. It can be applied across a wide range of fibers, both natural and synthetic, and helps maintain the breathability of fabrics and membranes to maximize comfort. Additionally, it is compatible with standard manufacturing processes, allowing for ease of use for finishing mills and is certified OEKO-TEX® ECO PASSPORT.
“Improving fabric performance and working towards greater sustainability across the supply chain are two of the biggest drivers of innovation in the textile industry. That’s why we engineered this versatile Ecolibrium™ Durable Water Repellent Technology to support brand owners in meeting these goals,” said Isabelle Riff, Dow Marketing Leader, Textiles EMEAI.
“From outdoor furniture to sneakers,” added Yusuke Kuwana, Dow Marketing leader, Textiles Asia, “we look forward to tapping into the power of our new DOWSIL™ IE-9100 Emulsion to help textile formulators throughout the industry explore new possibilities in performance apparel and technical textile development.”
On October 10 at 10 a.m. CEST / 4 p.m. CST, Isabelle Riff, along with Yusuke Kuwana and Jacob Milne, Dow Scientist, Textiles, will present the specifics of this new product during a dedicated webinar titled “Advancing textiles’ durable water repellency with silicone hybrid, bio-based technology.” Those interested in attending are invited to register here.
NEW YORK CITY — September 23, 2024 — Accelerating Circularity, a nonprofit dedicated to transforming the apparel industry by creating business models and supply chains for manufacturing more sustainable fabrics, is proud to announce its Commitment to Action at the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) 2024 Annual Meeting. This commitment, titled “Building Circular Systems,” aims to transform the textile industry by building scalable systems where materials are continuously repurposed and reused, rather than just being recycled once or discarded. This approach, known as circularity, tackles the need to reduce the environmental impact of textiles by keeping materials in use longer, ultimately reducing waste and conserving natural resources.
Currently, 92 million tons of textiles end up in landfills each year, while another 116 million tons of new fibers are produced. This wasteful cycle harms the environment, contributing to pollution and the depletion of natural resources. As discarded textiles decompose in landfills, they release harmful gasses into the environment. Additionally, manufacturing new textiles consumes large amounts of water, energy, and chemicals, further damaging the environment.
Accelerating Circularity’s commitment will focus on three key initiatives:
Building a market for recycled textiles: Accelerating Circularity will collaborate with brand, retail and manufacturing partners across the U.S. and Europe to recycle 325 tons of used textiles, including 150 tons of cotton, 100 tons of polyester, and 75 tons of other fibers. The goal is to create a strong market where recycled textiles are used to make new products that people want to buy.
Creating a used textile mapping tool: A comprehensive map, the platform will outline the entire recycling ecosystem by pinpointing collectors, sorters, processors, recyclers, fiber producers, yarn spinners, fabric mills, and product manufacturers who can repurpose used textiles into new fibers. It will streamline the recycling process for textiles from various sources — including fabric mills, brands, retailers, and consumers — by identifying the most efficient and environmentally sustainable pathways for converting these materials into new products.
Educational resources: Educational materials will be developed to help brands and consumers understand how to responsibly dispose of and recycle textiles.
Founded in 2019, Accelerating Circularity has proven the power of collaboration through its strategic partnerships. One example is its work with Goodwill Industries, supported by a $1.2 million grant from the Walmart Foundation. This initiative focused on creating new business models for processing the large volumes of donated clothing Goodwill receives each year.
In addition, Accelerating Circularity has brought together key players from across the textile supply chain, including major companies like global textile firm Giotex, Canada-based used clothing collector Bank & Vogue, Gastonia, N.C.-based yarn manufacturer Parkdale Mills, denim innovator Cone Denim, and fiber science company UNIFI. Together, they have developed and tested circular textile systems that not only create new materials but have led to finished products currently available at Target. More products are expected to his stores in the coming weeks, including Wrangler denim jeans, to be sold at Walmart.
It’s important to note that circularity goes beyond traditional recycling. While recycling typically involves reprocessing materials to create the same or similar products, circularity encompasses a broader system where materials are used and reused for as long as possible, reimagining them into new forms, and only recycling as a last resort. This approach minimizes waste and reduces the need for virgin resources, making it a more sustainable solution.
The commitment will launch at CGI on September 23 and is set to be completed by March 2026. During this time, Accelerating Circularity will leverage their relationships and foster new alliances with major brands, retailers, and recyclers to build the use of circular systems, creating new market opportunities and helping companies reduce their environmental impact.
“I’m honored to lead this important initiative to change the textile industry,” said Karla Magruder, president and founder of Accelerating Circularity. “Our work, amplified by the Clinton Global Initiative, will help us make a difference by reducing waste and pollution and promoting sustainability worldwide. We invite businesses, organizations, and individuals to join us in this effort and help create a more sustainable future for textiles.”
WATERTOWN, Conn. — September 23, 2024 — Every October, the International Trade Administration, the U.S. government and manufacturing industry leaders join forces to celebrate National Manufacturing Month and the importance of American manufacturing innovation to our modern society. One Connecticut manufacturer of a patented fire-suppressant product line designed to extinguish lethal battery fires will illuminate the largest industry event in North America. Specifically, Packaging and Crating Technologies (PACT®) in Watertown, Conn. will present its newest solution against lithium-ion battery fires — the TR Envelope™ — at The Battery Show in Detroit, Michigan from October 7-10, 2024. The annual convention is the only gathering geared to both battery and EV tech businesses.
Members of the Packaging And Crating Technologies (PACT) team will showcase the manufacturer’s newest innovations made with its patented PACT® Thermo Shield™, fire-suppressant wrap to control lithium-ion battery explosions at The National Battery Show in Detroit, Michigan from October 7-10, 2024. The annual convention attracts more than 19,000 engineers, technologists and industry leaders across the automotive, medical and aerospace industries.
“We are honored to be invited to this highly-advanced, high-tech forum to showcase our critical, life-saving solutions for lithium battery fires – a problem that continues to increase exponentially every day as more electronic-powered devices enter the marketplace,” said Rodger Mort, president of PACT LLC. “We are uniquely positioned to discuss and display how to safely ship and recycle these dangerous batteries that are used to power e-bikes, scooters and hand-held electronics, while unveiling our latest safety solutions.”
Mort notes that besides hand-held devices, like cell phones, laptop computers, tablets, Bluetooth headsets and headphones, computer accessories, digital cameras, e-readers, game controllers, smartwatches, baby monitors and smoke/fire/carbon monoxide detectors, the most hazardous items containing lithium batteries today are electric bikes, scooters, hoverboards, unicycles and electric cars, especially when left charging unattended.
“What makes these volatile batteries so dangerous is a process called thermal runaway in which the lithium-ion battery cell enters an uncontrollable, self-heating state caused by high temperatures, shaking or puncturing,” adds Mort. “Thermal runaway can result in the ejection of toxic gas, shrapnel and particulates, as well as smoke and fire, which can cause death to humans and destruction to the environment.”
Mort explains that the 19,000+ engineers, business leaders, and innovative thinkers across the automotive, medical and aerospace industries attending The National Battery Show will learn about the company’s extensive line of products, including:
PACT Thermo Shield™, a thin, lightweight, paper packaging material consisting of moisture-enhancing ink that controls thermal runaway (TR) by creating a vapor cloud when a lithium battery cell begins to burn and emit gas. The Thermo Shield wrap immediately cools the internal environment of the package below 780ºC, while limiting oxygen around the package to prevent the battery temperature from hitting 820°C, at which point, lethal and explosive chlorine carbides and acids can form.
TR Sleeve™ , a crucial safety solution for E-mobility equipment, like EVs, E-buses, E-bikes, E-scooters, and other modern devices in which a layer of Thermo Shield is wrapped around each battery cell to mitigate TR between them, thus serving as a heat and flame barrier. TR Sleeve stands at the forefront of safety, sustainability, and efficiency in battery technology and produces a greener and more cost-effective future for the increasing use of lithium-ion batteries.
TR Envelope™, is the newest, customizable format of Thermo Shield, which safely transports and stores recyclable smaller devices such as cell phones, pagers, smartwatches and A-D batteries.
Mort also notes that the company’s newest product in development – the PACT Lion-X ™ Fire Extinguisher, is still undergoing testing requirements but is targeted to be available by end of the year. The pre-mixed, water-based solution quenches lithium-ion fires upwards of 1,600 F degrees within 30 seconds, while eliminating the release of toxic gases into the environment and is the first of its kind on a global scale.
In honor of National Manufacturing Month, PACT will be hosting a Public Open House on Thursday, October 3, 2024 between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. at its company headquarters, located at 1100 Buckingham Street in Watertown, CT, to get a sneak peek on how its innovative products are made.
“We’re so excited to introduce our latest inventions that reduce lithium battery fires on both the national stage, as well as locally in our own state,” concludes Mort. “If we can save even one life, while preventing property damage and personal injury, we’ve done our job”
ROME, Italy — September 24, 2024 — INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, based in Cary, N.C., and EDANA, the Voice of Nonwovens, headquartered in Brussels, have announced the signing of a Letter of Intent (LOI) in Rome to explore a strategic alliance.
(l to r) Tony Fragnito, President & CEO, INDA; Mikael Staal Axelsen, CEO, Fibertex Personal Care, EDANA Board Chair; Mark Thornton, Vice President, The Procter & Gamble Company, INDA Board Chair; and Murat Dogru, General Manager, EDANA
This marks a significant step toward leveraging their combined expertise and resources to address global challenges and drive new opportunities in the nonwovens industry.
As the nonwovens industry evolves, both associations recognize the need for a unified approach to navigate complex international markets. The potential alliance aims to deliver several key benefits:
Enhance the scope and value to members: The increased integration of resources will enable both organizations to deliver greater value to members, offering an expanded range of educational programs, enhanced networking opportunities, and access to a wider breadth of industry insights.
Joint advocacy and representation: The alliance will amplify both organizations’ collective voice, enhancing their ability to advocate for members’ interests at local, regional, and global levels, ensuring that their needs and concerns are effectively addressed.
Operational synergies: The alliance will create efficiencies, strengthen the collective talent pool, and optimize the use of financial resources to better support member and industry initiatives.
Innovation and growth: The alliance will drive joint initiatives and projects that foster innovation, enhance industry leadership, and support the long-term growth and sustainability of the nonwovens industry.
“This Letter of Intent underscores our commitment in exploring how we can better serve the nonwovens community and tackle industry’s evolving challenges,” said Murat Dogru, general manager of EDANA.
(l to r) Murat Dogru, General Manager, EDANA; Mikael Staal Axelsen, CEO, Fibertex Personal Care, EDANA Board Chair; Mark Thornton, Vice President, The Procter & Gamble Company, INDA Board Chair; and Tony Fragnito, President & CEO, INDA
“Our purpose is to ensure that our members are well-positioned to thrive in a dynamic global environment. Reflecting on the Treaty of Rome signed decades ago, we hope that the signing of this Letter of Intent in Rome will pave the way for even greater achievements.”
INDA President and CEO Tony Fragnito added: “This potential alliance represents an opportunity to combine our strengths while openly engaging on the global issues affecting the industry. Better coordination will enhance our ability to serve the industry and our members while retaining our regionally focused support and representation.”
The organizations will conduct a thorough due diligence process over the coming months to evaluate the strategic benefits and operational efficiencies of a potential alliance. Both associations remain dedicated to advancing their members’ interests and exploring new growth avenues within the nonwovens industry.
Further updates will be shared as discussions progress.
Posted: September 24, 2024
Source: INDA, Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry
MUNICH, Germany — September 18, 2024 — The integration of Style3D | ASSYST and KM.ON software CREATE DESIGN is now available. Apparel companies can utilize the integration of software for 3D fashion design and knitwear design in their collection creation process, thereby significantly reducing time-to-market for knitwear and saving costs.
