Universal Fibers® Will Exhibit At Domotex Asia With New Additions To Their Product Line-Up

TAICANG, China — May 14, 2024 — Universal Fibers is excited to welcome back global customers and industry partners to its Domotex Asia/Chinafloor exhibit space for this year’s show.

Universal Fibers is thrilled to be exhibiting at Domotex Asia/Chinafloor, highlighting their revolutionary carbon-negative product, Thrive® matter. The company’s showcase at the event will spotlight not only its latest product innovations but will also highlight its commitment to fostering positive impacts and partnerships within the industry.

Universal Fibers has long been recognized as a leader in innovative, sustainable fiber solutions, and its latest achievement with Thrive matter represents a significant leap forward in environmental stewardship. With substantial impacts in carbon reduction, Universal Fibers is setting new standards for sustainable product manufacturing in the flooring industry.

“Our participation in this year’s Chinafloor show holds special significance as we unveil Thrive matter,” said Roger Seow, vice president of International Sales at Universal Fibers. “We are excited to visit with our partners and the public to showcase the strides we’ve made in new innovations. As well as connecting with the A&D community, these shows allow us to survey our audience and benchmark our progress on new innovations.”

Visitors to the Universal Fibers booth can look forward to an interactive experience that illustrates the company’s commitment to collaboration. From informative displays on their carbon-negative product innovations to a celebration of the positive impacts of their initiatives, attendees will be actively involved in learning firsthand about Universal Fibers’ dedication to environmental responsibility.

“We believe in the power of collaboration to drive meaningful change,” added Neal Shi, marketing manager for Universal Fibers China. “Our exhibit at Chinafloor will demonstrate the capabilities of our latest products and underscore the importance of working together towards our next innovation.”

Be sure to visit our exhibit at Domotex Asia, Tuesday, May 28- Thursday, May 30, in booth 6.1A20. For more information about Universal Fibers and their participation in the Chinafloor Show, please visit www.universalfibers.com/contact-us

Posted: May 14, 2024

Source: Universal Fibers, Inc.

Heberlein Technology AG, Supplier Of Air Interlacing And Air Texturing Jets, On Display At ITM 2024

WATTWIL, Switzerland — May 14, 2024 — Unique technology for creating advanced technical textiles with exquisite characteristics will be featured at the upcoming ITM in Turkey. Heberlein, supplier of air interlacing and air texturing jets, plans to amaze visitors to the event with critical components — such as the latest PolyJet-TG-3 — that can influence both yarn properties and processes.

Advances in high-performance yarns have produced versatile alternatives to traditional raw materials in a number of industries and applications. Customized filament yarns now meet specific needs in diverse sectors, such as automotive, aviation, maritime, medical, and construction. And the Swiss-made key components from Heberlein are at the forefront of these developments, bringing optimum new technology to the core of filament yarn innovation.

PolyJet-TG-3 – new generation of spinning jet

For producers of demanding technical yarns, magnification of the yarn evenness with a PolyJet-TG-3-HP405A/WO70 (TopAir) looks stunning. The new generation of jets impresses with an unmatched even and uniform interlacing density as well as with strong, reliable knots for high tenacity yarn (HT and HMLS). Heberlein’s latest PolyJet-TG-3 achieves more than 12 knots per meter with 1100f98dtex and 1670f98dtex. Yarn parameters of tensile strength, elongation, and elasticity show smaller variations, for ultimate quality benefits, as well as improved unwinding behaviour of the bobbins.

Typical Heberlein benefits come with all these components. High-performance air interlacing jets for technical yarns offer a unique quick-release system, so jet packs can be exchanged within seconds, with just a single 180° turn. They also feature a compact, space-saving design and a roll bar to protect the ceramic surfaces.

TexJet-ATY – exploit the full market potential of ATY

TexJet-ATY

TexJet-ATY is the innovative air-jet providing options for a wide variety of yarns and optimization possibilities for ATY production. The latest series meets the needs of virtually every ATY producer: the air-jet’s unrivaled compact design can produce an impressive range of volumes, covering capacities, overfeeds, texturing and compactness — and is also applicable for PP yarns. Polypropylene yarns, used for instance for carpet backing, can be processed in application ranges from 150 dtex up to 3,000 dtex with maximum 30 percent overfeed. It delivers a higher output of first-grade yarn. In the production of very fine to coarse textured yarns made of polyester, polyamide, and polypropylene, improvements are visible to the naked eye. Yarns are regularly formed with evenly-distributed loops.

AirSplicer-3 Flex for high-strength technical fibers

AirSplicer-3 Flex

Yarn splicers produce a tear-resistant, homogeneous splice of material without knots. All they need is compressed air. Heberlein’s AirSplicers produce first-class splices for a wide range of applications for technical fibers where extreme strength characteristics are needed.

Synthetic multifilament yarns, aramid, carbon, or glass can all be spliced with AirSplicer-3 Flex. The range covers from 500dtex up to 30,000dtex depending on the material. This flexibility results from its innovative width-adjustable design and is ideal for technical and textile multifilament yarns. In one single device, the new splicer replaces two former units, namely AirSplicer 40-2 and 70-2.

Heberlein looks forward to meeting visitors at ITM 2024 in Istanbul in hall 7 at booth 708A, where any questions about jets and splicers are welcome. Heberlein experts will be especially keen to explain the benefits of the unmatched yarn evenness achieved by the new generation of spinning jets.

Posted: May 14, 2024

Source: Heberlein Technology AG

NCTO Issues Statement On Biden Administration’s Section 301 Tariff Report, Maintaining Penalty Tariffs On Finished Textiles And Apparel Imports

WASHINGTON, DC — May 14, 2024 — National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO) President and CEO Kim Glas issued a statement today regarding the Biden administration’s announcement on the U.S. Trade Representative Office’s four-year statutory review of Section 301 tariffs.

As part of the USTR’s final report, the administration will maintain penalty tariffs on finished textiles and apparel imports from China and increase tariffs on certain imports of personal protective equipment (PPE).

Statement by NCTO President and CEO Kim Glas

Kim Glas

“It was critical that the administration maintain penalties duties on finished textiles and apparel imports from China and increase tariffs on certain imports of personal protective equipment (PPE), and that was an appropriate and foundational decision. However, we believe an opportunity was missed to address China’s continued dominance in the U.S. textile market and to counter the devastating impact of its predatory and illegal trade practices on domestic textile manufacturers and workers.

“Given rapidly deteriorating market conditions, we ask the administration to help level the playing field to further increase tariffs on finished textile and apparel and certain inputs, as the industry is facing severe economic headwinds due to China’s dumping of products on our market that are flooding the world stage and displacing critical U.S. investments.

“The domestic textile and apparel industry is an integral part of the military and public health industrial base, and a key supplier of critical PPE items that are essential to our national health security. Regrettably, China’s unchecked foreign predatory trade practices coupled with a lack of customs enforcement and misguided trade policy proposals have created an unstable market dynamic that is threatening the future of domestic textile manufacturing.

“The flood of under-valued, subsidized and illegal imports from China is undercutting the competitiveness of domestic textile manufacturers, 17 of which have closed in the past several months – including three announcements over the last few days.  Furthermore, we need the administration and Congress to immediately close the de minimis loophole that is further undermining all trade enforcement efforts and astonishingly rewarding the Chinese with duty free access to the U.S. market regardless of 301 tariffs.

“While the Section 301 tariffs on finished textile and apparel imports help to partially counter China’s unfair trade advantages, subsidized Chinese textile and apparel inputs, including those made from slave labor in Xinjiang where 20 percent of global cotton is produced and where man-made fibers like rayon have been tied to forced labor, continue to undermine this vital industry.

“Furthermore, China has been dropping its prices since the tariffs took effect to convince sourcing agents to stay loyal despite the risks. According to U.S. import data, the dollar value per square meter equivalent of textiles and apparel from China fell an astounding 34 percent over from $1.21 per SME in 2018 to $0.80 for the most recent 12-month period ending March 2024.

“According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, China has increased its textile and apparel shipments to the U.S. by a stunning 20.5% during the first quarter of 2024. Over the same period, our most critical coproduction partners in the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) and Dominican Republic-Central America- Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR) regions are down 45.2% and 4.6% respectively. The Western Hemisphere is down an incredible 31.9% so far this year.

“The message is clear: China continues to take Western Hemisphere market share as they flood the world stage directly and indirectly, with subsidized and often illegal exports of textile and apparel products.

“We commend the administration for substantially increasing tariffs on certain Chinese imports, including electric vehicles, solar products and batteries, as part of their review. This moment calls for an increase in tariffs on finished textile and apparel imports. We recognize there are many sectors suffering at the hands of China’s illegal and predatory activity, and the substantial increase in penalty tariffs on these imports by the administration was warranted—just as they are in the U.S. textile sector.

“To have maximum and meaningful impact for the vital American textile industry, the administration must consider dramatically increasing tariffs on finished textile and apparel imports from China, similar to the levels announced in certain sectors today.  Ramping up tariffs on finished textile and apparel imports would help equal the playing field and restore this industry’s competitiveness and address China’s predatory behavior destroying critical jobs in this strategic industry that supplies lifesaving products for our U.S. military and our PPE industrial base.”

Posted: May 14, 2024

Source: The National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO)

Patrick Clysdale Joins Direct Sales Team At Herculite Products

EMIGSVILLE, Pa. — May 13, 2024 — Herculite Products is pleased to announce that Patrick Clysdale has been hired as the Southeastern Regional manager for the Direct Sales Team. Herculite is excited to expand its sales team to support and continue the strong growth of the southeastern market.

Patrick Clysdale

Clysdale will manage our Direct Sales team’s southeastern region, which includes automotive, custom-engineered solutions, healthcare, agriculture, and tent and structure customers. Herculite strives to be the most responsive, supportive, and educated sales force in the industry, and Clysdale’s addition to our team will help us continue to achieve that goal.

Clysdale comes to Herculite with nearly 10 years of experience in B2C sales support and more than four years in B2B distribution. Clysdale was a collegiate baseball player and brings a strong history of teamwork and competitive skills to the Herculite Direct Sales Team. Clysdale lives in Florida and enjoys spending quality time with family, including his 10-month-old daughter. 

Posted: May 13, 2024

Source: Herculite Products Inc.

Beaulieu International Group Unveils Brand-New Experience Center At Flanders Flooring Days

WIELSBEKE, Belgium — May 13, 2024 — The third edition of Flanders Flooring Days (FFD) has officially kicked off! This four-day event — to be held May 13-16 — is a collaborative initiative among Flemish flooring companies opening their doors to customers or prospects worldwide. Beaulieu International Group (B.I.G.) has been involved since the very beginning of the concept and is indispensable yet again. Moreover, this year, Beaulieu is presenting a unique experience by seizing Flanders Flooring Days as an opportunity to unveil their state-of-the-art Experience Center to the public for the first time.

Ultimate experience

During the Flanders Flooring Days, everyone is invited to discover the wide range of solutions offered by Beaulieu, all under one roof. Whether it’s cushion vinyl, hard flooring, event carpets, or artificial grass, each option can be explored in a unique way. And the offerings don’t stop there. Beaulieu also presents its Engineered Solutions such as Fibres and Technical Textiles, as well as its Upholstery activities, and Beaulieu Polymers, will also shine in the Experience Center. “At this Center, visitors will have the opportunity to touch, discover, and experience all our solutions. The aim is for visitors to leave here with even more ideas than they came in with,” said Matthias Blomme, Group Marketing Manager at Beaulieu.

Tangible solutions combined with digital impressions

Each solution offered by Beaulieu is housed in a dedicated corner, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in that specific application. However, the Experience Center is structured in such a way that visitors can seamlessly stroll from one solution to another, enabling them to discover that combining multiple solutions can lead to even more inventive and creative projects. “We’ve opted for tangible solutions combined with digital experiences and impressions,” continues Matthias Blomme. “For example, you can test and experience our Act Sports sports turf in our 180° sportsbox, but also explore our sustainable landscaping grass solutions. Or you can unleash your creativity within our immersive box, where you can instantly visualize your designs on digitally printed cushion vinyl flooring of Beauflor. Furthermore, you’ll be able to fully grasp the sustainability narrative of our event carpet Rewind® and discover that BerryAlloc offers much more than just an impressive range of unique and innovative solutions in laminate, parquet, high-pressure flooring, strong wood floors, and vinyl planks & tiles in fantastic designs. The corner dedicated for BerryAlloc goes beyond product offerings. With tools as Myfloorstyle, a new content platform that answers all questions about flooring and interior design, and Harmony Lab, an innovative interior design concept created in collaboration with renowned color experts, we show everyone the full picture!”

Sustainability across all solutions

With the purpose of Beaulieu being Shaping sustainable living together, it’s not surprising that sustainability takes center stage in this Experience Center and during these Flanders Flooring Days. Beaulieu aims to build a better future by reducing our environmental footprint, caring for our people and communities, and conducting business in a transparent, ethical manner. And this commitment is evident in everything we do.

In the landscaping artificial grass section, there’s a strong focus on eco-backings, which improves recyclability by utilizing yarns and backing from the same polyolefin material family. These solutions require up to 50-percent less backing material while maximizing stability and durability, shown in products like Iska Eco, Forestland Eco, Wildflower Eco, Mystique Eco, and Elite Eco.

Meanwhile, Beauflor introduces the Twilight collection: our cushion vinyl rolls with a 40-percent lower carbon footprint compared to our conventional heterogeneous CV flooring for residential applications. It sets a new standard for our industry.

And by utilizing Rewind at events or exhibitions, you’re opting for the most sustainable flooring solution available; no water usage, latex-free, and eliminating excessive energy consumption. It’s also 100 percent recyclable and flawlessly transforms into pure mono-recyclate, ready for a new life.

And let’s not forget about our Fibres with their Sustainable Fibres Program and Technical Textiles, whose products are a benchmark in various markets. They provide solutions with proven sustainability-enhancing benefits in agrotextiles, geotextiles, backings, and industrial fabrics.

Creative and sustainable hub

The sustainability ambitions of Beaulieu are also reflected in the construction of the building itself. Thanks to geothermal technology for both cooling and heating, with 60 boreholes each approximately 90 meters deep, an exceptionally low ecological footprint is ensured, perfectly aligning with Beaulieu’s sustainability goals set for 2030. With a total of 3.700 square meters, of which 1.600 square meters are exclusively reserved for the Experience Center, it’s hard not to be captivated by this impressive architectural structure. This creative hub is not only a unique experience for visitors, but also all employees can fully enjoy the benefits of this brand-new space. At the heart of the building lies the “Place Beaulieu”, a versatile space where everyone can meet, co-create, innovate and work together.

Posted: May 13, 2024

Source: Beaulieu International Group

UCMTF’s Members On Display At ITM 2024

PARIS — May 13, 2024 — UCMTF was founded in 1921. It’s the representative body for French Textile Manufacturers of textile equipment which is what means “Union des Constructeurs de Machines Textiles Français.”

Innovation and service are embedded in the DNA of UCMTF’s members. They are long term technology & sustainability partners of their customers. Most of them are small or medium-sized companies, even if international groups are also part of. Specialty equipment which can be custom made are part of the range of solutions offered by them. They are future-oriented developing solutions for hemp textile and/or reaching greener processes, such as natural dyeing.

ITM  2024 is a great opportunity to meet in person, at the highest level, to find and offer the best solutions. Of course, there are some main trends: sustainability, raw materials, energy and water savings, recycling, digitalization, cloud computing, artificial Intelligence, cost efficiency etc. Another main trend for UCMTF members is act as a local partner wherever the customers are located.

UCMTF’s MEMBERS WHO WILL WELCOME YOU AT ITM 2024

AESA Monitoring systems allowing remote control and energy optimization

AESA Air Engineering, worldwide specialist of the air conditioning for textile factory, is entering full speed the new digital world, offering the latest generations of monitoring systems allowing remote control and energy optimization.

Automation from the room condition to the waste collection, waste separation, and conditioning, Flexicontrol for optimized power consumption adjusted to required conditions. Monitoring allowing preventive maintenance through predictive analysis and alarm system, AESA focuses on predefine pattern for optimizing the room control system and anticipation of the room fluctuation and optimizing consumption through inverter drive system.

DOLLFUS & MULLER Meets New Dyers and Finishers

Dollfus & Muller is constantly improving the compacting felts for knit finishing with major evolutions in order to serve better the dyeing houses. It brings a special care to the fabrics thanks to its smoothest surface, has an excellent guiding and the best compacting rate.

Dollfus & Muller sanforizing palmer felts are ideal for Denim producers.  Furthermore, Dollfus & Muller manufactures durable printing dryer belt qualities. These printing dryer belts are the most durable ones specially designed for pigment printing of bed sheeting. They offer exclusive open mesh belts specially designed for the production of fine fabrics, scarves, flags. These belts have special non marking surfaces which can avoid the particles on the back side. Dollfus & Muller has the widest range of printing dryer belts and the strongest dryer belts. Dollfus & Muller manufactures also transfer printing felts. These felts are resistant against the heat and dyestuffs insuring a perfect transfer of colorants on the fabrics.

SUPERBA KR1 Knotting Module will generate Great Interest

To meet all its demands, Superba is offering a wide range of machines and new textile processes. Already the leader in heat-setting with saturated steam under pressure thanks to their well-known TVP3, Superba is offering a new automation solution for bobbins handling & packing with the KR1 knotting system. As human operators are increasingly difficult to recruit, and jobs are changing, it enables to automate all bobbin knotting stages throughout the production.

In addition, labeling and palletizing were offered; the customers were attracted by the combination with quality control options and data management. It enables Superba to diversify in new markets such as Tire Cord, Polyester DTY, Artificial Turf, Technical Textiles and more…On top of that, one of the current satisfactions is the enthusiasm generated by the automation system, and especially with the KR1 knotting module. As human operators are increasingly difficult to recruit, and jobs are changing, it enables to automate all bobbin knotting stages throughout the production. In addition, labeling and palletizing were offered; the customers were attracted by the combination with quality control options and data management. It enables Superba to diversify in new markets such as Tire Cord, Polyester DTY, Artificial Turf, Technical Textiles and more…

Posted: May 13, 2024

Source: UCMTF – Union des Constructeurs de Machines Textiles Français

Drupa Cube With Over 50 Sessions: Global Economist Vicky Pryce To Open High-Profile Program

CHICAGO, IL— May 13, 2024 — Visitors interested to learn about megatrends in international business, innovations in smart packaging and strategies for the circular economy will find information in the drupa cube where thought leaders will present and discuss the future of the printing and packaging industry and the trends that impact it. With more than 50 sessions, the drupa cube will be the central conference forum at the drupa 2024 trade fair, taking place from May 28-June 7, 2024 in Düsseldorf, Germany.

The cube will open on the first day of drupa at 11:15 am with a keynote from Vicky Pryce, a respected international economic analyst. She will examine global economic trends and future forecasts. She will provide insights into the economic challenges and opportunities facing us and discuss how companies of all sizes can remain adaptable and develop and maintain a growth mindset in uncertain times. Vicky is Chief Economic Advisor at the renowned Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR) and Professor at BCU and King’s College London.

Business Boosters: New approaches to processes, sales and marketing

For insights into business development and management, the Business Booster sessions at  the cube are “must attend” events. In his presentation about the printing industry in the digital age, Ogawa, president and CEO of Epson, will provide his unique insights into the present and future of the industry and talk about the growing importance of sustainable solutions. He will describe how Epson’s culture, history and mindset are at the forefront of the next print revolution.

New industry standards in automation will be the core theme for Gershon Alon, head of Software Solutions, HP Indigo. In the cube, he will talk about the future of automated print production. With complex, labor-intensive processes, limited capacity and long delivery times, Gershon Alon will address the need to automate the entire production line beyond the press.

Thirty years ago, software had a different status than it does today, where it is practically impossible to exist without an online presence. Bart van der Horst, CEO of iChannel, will explain  in the drupa cube how to reliably manage and scale a business against the backdrop of the Digital Age.

Dscoop Executive Director Peter van Teeseling will lead a session highlighting the full potential of communities for business. The focus will be on strategies for effective networking and building partnerships in the printing industry for future mutual success.

How to attract and retain staff will be the topic of Charles Jarrold, CEO of the British Printing Industries Federation, looking at the core elements of an effective apprenticeship program and key learnings from the BPIF’s experience.

Marcus Timson co-founder of FuturePrint, will speak in the drupa cube about the crucial role storytelling can play in business growth and how compelling narratives can help build trust for companies and inspire action from customers. Frazer Chesterman, the other co-founder of FuturePrint, will also host a Business Booster session on how to generate ideas and launch new innovations.

Enrico Barboglio, general manager at ACIMGA, and Sara Alexander, Marketing & Communication manager Flexible Packaging at Bobst, will focus on the role of substrates in marketing. The session is geared  in particularly at print professionals who want to support brand owners in their search for new approaches and innovative ideas.

Kellie Northwood, CEO of Australian Visual Media Association, will explain how print and packaging suppliers can increase market share and revitalize sales as a “trusted advisor” and consultant to their clients.

Circular economy and sustainability: from carbon footprint to environmental standards

In the cube’s circular economy/sustainability sessions, experts will provide practical, actionable advice on the biggest issue of our times. On the first day, for example, Mark Fabisch (Bertelsmann), Lisa Faratro (CPI) and Beatrice Klose (Intergraf) will discuss how best to calculate the carbon footprint of print products.

Yujing Pan, an expert Product Compliance in Asian markets at Enhesa, will discuss the environmental regulations and compliance landscape with environmental and product standards for printing and packaging production in Asian countries. The focus on regulatory requirements will be continued by Jonathan Graham, Chairman of the Sustainable Green Printing Partnership, who will host a panel (including Yujing and keynote speaker Dr. Calvin Lakhan) to discuss strategies for effectively navigating environmental regulations.

“Smarter Labelling” will be the topic of Dr Calvin Lakhan, Doctor UFL/York University Canada. In this workshop he will examine how clear and informative product labelling can influence consumer behavior, particularly with regard to sustainability and waste management. Calvin’s keynote presentation, also in week 2 of drupa, will address the language that we use to communicate sustainable values and how cultural differences in understanding and attitudes should influence our approach.

In the panel “Fit for Recycling – How Ink Enables The Circular Economy”, Ewald Rempel, Technical Application Director Packaging Solutions EMEA at Sun Chemical, and Alina Marm, Head of Global Sustainability & Circular Economy at Siegwerk, will discuss the crucial role of inks and coatings for recyclable packaging.

Trends and Forces: Business in the new environment

The cube sessions on the topic of “Trends and Forces” will offer insights into the most important drivers – whether economic, digital or demographic which enable innovative business models and opportunities for companies to grow and develop further. One session not to miss will be with Henrik Müller-Hansen, founder and CEO of Gelato. He will highlight new growth opportunities for manufacturers in the age of the creator economy. Gelato, a software company from Norway, enables local production through the world’s largest on-demand production network, connecting over 130 production sites and 50 transport companies in 32 countries. With this backdrop and a background in IT, he will explain the importance of agility, speed, personalization and sustainability, driven by the growing importance of e-commerce and platforms such as TikTok, YouTube and Instagram, and how these factors are changing the print industry.

Print & Packaging Futures: From sustainable printing inks to printed electronics

The Organic and Printed Electronics Association (OE-A) will be in the drupa cube with many inspiring presentations. This industry association will provide insights into printed electronics technologies and intelligent packaging. In his panel “Technologies and Applications” on June 6, MD Dr Klaus Hecker will highlight the latest trends and technologies in flexible and printed electronics, covering topics such as energy storage, IoT smart labels and advanced printing techniques. Gerhard Domann of Fraunhofer ISC will present the latest results of the EU-funded CircEl-Paper project in his session “Progress Towards Manufacturing of Paper-based Printed Circuit Boards”. Lee Hui, President of E Ink in the Netherlands, will explain how ePaper displays will revolutionize the role of packaging.

The drupa cube will also feature forward-looking presentations for the packaging sector, including Noam Zilbershtain, VP & General Manager, HP Indigo & Scitex. The audience can expect a visionary perspective on the enormous potential of digital printing and its transformative capabilities.

Dr. Vroni Walter, Head of Innovation and Applications at Epple Druckfarben, will delve into the topic of sustainable printing inks.  Dr. Peter Wülfert from Sun Chemical and Dr. Evert Delbanco from Siegwerk Druckfarben will give an overview of the global regulations for printing inks on food contact materials (FCM) and explain how they are working to ensure safety when printing food packaging.

The drupa cube program will feature an English-language program on all days of the trade fair – except on Sunday. On 2 June, the German-language conference “Change your Media World”, organized by f:mp, the German association for media production, will take place.

The full drupa cube program and day by day agenda is available at www.drupa.com/en/Program/Forums/drupa_cube

For further information about drupa 2024, contact Messe Düsseldorf North America; Visit www.drupa.com and www.mdna.com.

For hotel and travel information, contact TTI Travel, Inc. E-mail: info@ttitravel.net; www.ttitravel.net

Posted: May 13, 2024

Source: Messe Düsseldorf North America

Techno Sport Becomes The First Brand In India To Join bluesign

ST. GALLEN, Switzerland — May 13, 2024 — Techno Sport — an India-based, online sportswear brand — became the first brand in India to join bluesign as a system partner.

Their product category varies from Men’s T-shirt, Gym Vests and Jackets, to women’s tights and pants to kids’ shorts and track pants. Techno Sport ensures not only the functionality of the products but also offers a wide range of colors and styles for you to choose from.

Sunil Jhunjhunwala, managing director, Techno Sportswear India Pvt. Ltd., said “bluesign® is a gold standard for more sustainable textiles. From fiber to finished product, they collaborate with brands, manufacturers, and chemical suppliers to create safer workplaces and textile products that have a minimal impact on the environment and people” He further said “We are very excited to sign up with bluesign for their system partnership which will make our brand the first to sign in India. We feel proud to be among the 150 global brands that are part of the bluesign SYSTEM PARTNER network.

“Joining the bluesign® SYSTEM empowers us to prioritize sustainability and environmental responsibility, showcasing our commitment to continuous improvement in environmental performance,” Jhunjhunwala continued. “By accessing the expertise of bluesign, we shall benefit from their rigorous evaluation of processes and materials, ensuring compliance with stringent environmental and safety standards throughout the textile supply chain. This collaborative approach will not only streamline our operations but also drive innovation, enabling us to stay ahead while reducing our environmental footprint.”

Daniel Rufenacht, CEO, bluesign technologies ag, said: “With all the global shifts going on in India with its long history in textile production now can go beyond being a price sensitive market, but rather evolving into a well reputable and responsible player in sustainable and clean textile production. We are happy to have Techno Sports on board and appreciate their decision in becoming a sustainable brand and leading this journey.”

Katharina V Mayer, director CRM, Sub Indian Continent, said: “Bluesign is a full-service solutions system for the textile value chain with a focus on sustainable chemistry. Thorough on-site assessments, input stream management, and active chemical change management, the Bluesign team uses a holistic approach together with their system partners, including brands, manufacturers, and chemical suppliers, to implement develop unique solutions to improve environmental performance, working conditions, and by reducing resource consumption to create the highest level of safety for people, planet, and consumers whilst causing the minimum of impact. We are delighted to have Techno Sports as our bluesign system partner and will encourage more brands to join us ”.

Bluesign, in its ongoing initiative to provide value proposition and sustainable solutions to the global textile supply chain also launched their new service known as the IMPACT services for the Indian markets.

Posted: May 13, 2024

Source: bluesign technologies ag

INDA And AFS Announce Partnership For The FiltXPO™ 2025 Conference Program

CARY, N.C.  — May 13, 2024 — INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, and AFS, the American Filtration & Separations Society, are pleased to announce they are entering into a strategic partnership to create the FiltXPO™ 2025 Conference Program. FiltXPO, the International Filtration Conference & Exhibition, will co-locate with IDEA®25 from April 29 to May 1, 2025, in the Miami Beach Convention Center, Miami Beach, Florida.

The theme for FiltXPO 2025 is “The Future of Filtration: Advancing Technology, Performance & Sustainability.” The two-day FiltXPO conference program will feature technical insights into filtration innovations and technologies from industry professionals worldwide. INDA and AFS will issue a call for abstracts in the next few weeks.

“The INDA and AFS partnership is an exciting combination. AFS’ expertise in the filtration market sector is key to producing a world-class FiltXPO conference program. We appreciate their technical insights and ability to bring together a diverse slate of speakers discussing filtration research and science. We look forward to working with AFS,” said Tony Fragnito, INDA President and CEO.

“We feel this is a great opportunity to provide premium content and expand AFS’ reach. AFS’ ability to plan a first-rate conference, combined with INDA’s ability to organize a well-respected show like FiltXPO, will create an exceptional experience for filtration professionals. We are pleased to partner with INDA and will release more information about the program in the coming months,” said Connie Rhea, Executive Director, AFS.

To reserve a booth, register, or sign up for sponsorships, visit https://www.filtxpo.com/.

Posted: May 13, 2024

Source: The Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry (INDA) / The American Filtration & Separations Society (AFS)

Dairen Chemical Corp. Joins The LYCRA Company And Qore® In The Development Of Renewable LYCRA® fiber

WILMINGTON, Del. — May 8, 2024 — The LYCRA Co. — a global developer of  innovative, sustainable solutions for the apparel and personal care industries — announced today that it has signed a letter of intent with Dairen Chemical Corp. (DCC) to convert QIRA® — the next generation of 1,4-butanediol (BDO) — into low-impact PTMEG, the main ingredient in patented bio-derived LYCRA® fiber. Dairen will be the first company in the world to mass produce this low-impact bio-PTMEG at scale.

(left to right): The LYCRA Co. presents the Green Partner Award to DCC Shean-Tung Lin of DCC; Fu-Chu Huang of DCC; Simon Chuang of The LYCRA Company; and Steve Stewart of The LYCRA Company. Photo – Business Wire

In September 2022, The LYCRA Co. and Qore® announced they were joining forces to enable the production of bio-derived LYCRA fiber made with QIRA. Now, DCC joins this distinctive collaboration, converting QIRA into bio-PTMEG. This unique PTMEG will make up the renewable portion of LYCRA fiber, accounting for 70 percent of the fiber’s content. It is being made exclusively for The LYCRA Company to its stringent specifications. With its low-impact allyl alcohol process, DCC has pioneered a technology that creates the lowest-impact PTMEG available, which is cleaner and has a lower carbon footprint than product produced with natural gas or coal.1

The LYCRA Co., Qore, and DCC are united by a shared commitment to R&D, health and safety, sustainability, and conservation. To mark this event, Steve Stewart, The LYCRA Company’s chief brand and innovation officer, presented DCC with a Green Partner Award. The award acknowledges DCC’s ongoing sustainability efforts and commitment to creating low-impact products.

“Our collaboration heralds a brand-new era of environmentally conscious production activities, fueled by our shared commitment to reducing carbon footprints and developing world-leading eco-friendly solutions,” said DCC’s Chairman Lin Shean-Tung. “Sustainability is not merely a trend, but an imperative for the future of our planet. We are honored to receive the Green Partner Award and embark on this journey alongside The LYCRA Company, advancing sustainable practices in the industry.”

Available in early 2025, patented bio-derived LYCRA fiber made with QIRA will be the world’s first renewable spandex available on a large scale. By using annually renewable dent corn, an initial screening calculation indicates that the carbon footprint of LYCRA fiber potentially could be reduced by up to 44 percent2 compared to LYCRA fiber without bio-derived materials. Further, the fiber will offer equivalent performance to traditional LYCRA fiber, making it an easy replacement for mills, brands and retailers.

“We are excited to collaborate with DCC to bring bio-derived LYCRA fiber made with QIRA to market and realize our shared vision for a more sustainable value chain,” said Stewart. “Given the combination of using bio-derived input from corn, plus conversion at a state-of-the-art QORE facility run on wind power, and transformation to PTMEG using DCC’s low-impact process, we anticipate the potential for additional reductions as we go into production.”

For many years, Dairen has demonstrated its sustainability efforts in raw materials management, waste elimination, process enhancement, innovations, and more. It has also achieved significantly lower carbon emissions in its product offerings than its competition.

“Sustainability has evolved from fulfilling requirements to being a competitive advantage,” said Simon Chuang, vice president of global sourcing and procurement at The LYCRA Co. “We’re committed to selecting, promoting, and expanding our business with supply partners like DCC who embrace and drive meaningful sustainability efforts.”

1Estimate from Cradle-to-Gate Screening PCF for a representative DAIREN PTMEG manufacturing facility, year 2023, prepared by DNV Business Assurance Co., Ltd.
2

Estimate from Cradle-to-Gate Screening LCA for a representative LYCRA® fiber manufacturing facility, June 2022, prepared by Ramboll Americas Engineering Solutions, Inc.

Posted: May 10, 2024

Source: The LYCRA Company

(Reflects Correction by The LYCRA Company)

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