Stratasys Unveils Direct-To-Garment Solution, Paving The Way For Personalized, Sustainable Fashion

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn., and REHOVOT, Israel — April 17, 2024 — In a bold move that redefines the future of personalized fashion and sustainability, Stratasys Ltd. today announced the launch of its Direct-to-Garment (D2G) solution for the J850 TechStyle™ printer, the newest offering in the Stratasys 3DFashion™ direct-to-textile printing technology. The first example of its application is an Urban Tattoo denim collection which will be revealed at the Texprocess exhibition in Frankfurt, Germany on April 23.

The D2G solution is ideal for customization and personalization by enabling the application of full color multi-material 3D print directly on fully assembled garments of various fabric types including denim, cotton, polyester, and linen. It allows fashion brands to facilitate personalized and bespoke designs for customers, including the ability to tailor 3D prints according to individual preferences, sizes, and styles.

“Many brands are limited in how much they can mass produce denim clothing, while maintaining a level of personalization that has meaning to the wearer,” said Zehavit Reisin, Senior Vice President Commercial Solutions, Stratasys. “We are giving brands the opportunity to do something remarkable, to bring more character to their clothing line, while pushing a more sustainable business practice that appeals to multiple audiences across the consumer spectrum.”

Available in two sizes, the D2G tray kits facilitate the personalization of garments ranging from jeans to jackets, enabling designers and manufacturers to adopt more sustainable practices by reducing material waste. The seamless workflow delivers ease of calibration and compatibility with various garment sizes, streamlining the production process and fostering the creation of unique, personalized apparel.

Demonstrating this innovation, the Urban Tattoo collection showcases the potential and the ease of direct-to-garment 3D printing. Working with noted designers Karim Rashid, Travis Fitch, Zlatko Yanakiev at Meshroom along with Foraeva Studio, this distinctive collection shows the transformation of ordinary garments into extraordinary pieces of wearable art, imbuing them with personal identity and meaning.

Like body tattoos, Urban Tattoos promote a deeper emotional connection, encouraging the upcycling of existing garments and contributing to a more sustainable fashion ecosystem. This aligns with Stratasys’ strategy for Mindful Manufacturing™. Stratasys has been able to create a new collection that will appeal to multiple brands that reach across diverse socio-economic backgrounds.

“With Urban Tattoos, we’re not just decorating a garment, we’re giving it more life and spirit,” said Naomi Kaempfer, Stratasys Creative Director. “By adding layers of stories and symbolism that resonate with the individuality of the wearer, these tattoos help consumers promote their identity, and celebrate their individuality. It is a testament to the transformative power of additive manufacturing technology in fashion.”

Posted: April 17, 2024

Source: Stratasys

INX Promotes Three To Vice President Positions

SCHAUMBURG, IL — April 17, 2024 — The Board of Directors at INX International Ink Co. have approved the promotions of three key executive managers to vice president positions. Anthony De Francesco, Alex Folloso, and Kim Hill have a combined 50-plus years of experience, and have led their teams to new levels of innovation, productivity, and industry excellence.

Anthony DeFrancesco

A logistics professional with over 10 years of experience, De Francesco has achieved many supply chain challenges since joining INX two years ago. Prior to being promoted to Vice President of Integrated Supply Chain, he reshaped key pillars including logistic operations, procurement, and supply planning. He also rightsized inventory without impacting service, and was instrumental in reshaping the company’s transportation footprint while reducing costs.

“Prior to being welcomed into the INX family, I was blind to the heart and soul behind the color I saw every day, he recalled. “I am humbled to say I am forever changed working alongside so many talented and likeminded individuals. Recalling a quote from Ghandi – ‘The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others’ – INX has brought out something in me that I just want to multiply and give back. My dedication to growing INX for the next generation is second to none, and I am both excited and grateful to contribute to our future.”

Alex Folloso

Folloso joined INX as a summer intern after he graduated from college 26 years ago. As the new Vice President of R&D Metal Decorating Technology, he is the driving force behind the company’s global metal decoration and rigid plastic ink development. He also leads the efforts for manufacturing and quality standardization at INX’s 2-piece and flat sheet metal decorating facilities. A recognized industry expert, he often attends events and frequently speaks on topics related to sustainability and food safety.

“This promotion means so much to me. I am honored, grateful, and excited to continue working with some of the best people in the industry,” he said. “I look forward to helping lead INX’s Metal division to be the best in the world. I thank the Board of Directors for considering my accomplishments for this role, and I want to thank all of my past and present INX colleagues who have helped and supported me.”

Kim Hill

Hill is a strong technical administrator who began her career at INX 19 years ago and has worked in all facets of the liquid ink division. The new Vice President of R&D Liquid Solvent Technology, she has expertise in raw material procurement, manufacturing, ink development, and sales in the United States, as well as with many foreign partners and subsidiaries. She also has contributed to developing control systems synthesizing INX’s in-house proprietary resin systems that are unique to the industry, and has earned the reputation as the go-to source to resolve issues and develop new technologies.

“I am honored to be recognized by INX leadership for my contributions and commitment to the company,” she remarked. “I consider myself fortunate to have worked with so many talented individuals at INX, Sakata INX, and with our global partners. It has been a pleasure to watch my colleagues grow in their careers, and I look forward to contributing to INX’s future success with new and innovative solutions for our customers.”

Posted: April 17, 2024

Source: INX International Ink Co.

New Product Launch Marks 25 Years Of The James Heal Titan Tensile Tester

HALIFAX, UK — April 17, 2024 — UK-based textile testing solutions provider James Heal has launched two new instruments in its tensile and compression testing range, marking 25 years of innovation since their first Titan universal testing machine was developed in 1999.

Having seen sustained growth in the market for personal protective equipment (PPE), particularly safety workwear, equipment and footwear, James Heal designed the Titan 25 to meet demand for quality testing products that require higher capacity tests. In addition, the company has experienced increasing demand in testing solutions for wider sporting, industrial and transportation applications, which also influenced the decision to develop higher capacity test instrumentation.

The brand-new Titan 25 is the highest capacity universal testing machine to join the range capable of tests up to 25kN, while the 10kN Titan 10 has been newly refined. Designed with the user at their core, the new instruments offer efficiencies through automation, quick change connections for tooling with compatibility across the range, upgraded software, plus enhanced safety features.

These versatile dual column instruments enable testing on larger specimens across a wide range of tensile and compression tests. Load cells from 100N to 25kN allow testing to as low as 2N giving laboratories maximum flexibility and return for their investment.

Simple to use, the new Titan testers have over 750 pre-loaded standard procedures in the TestWise software, with the option for users to customise and save their own standards. The software automatically sets parameters for each selected test, reducing set up time and eliminating user error.

Peter Goodwin, Technical Specialist at James Heal comments, “TestWise software is so easy to use that minimal training is needed, so lab technicians can start work straight away. Quick set up means improved productivity for the laboratory, enabling faster throughput of testing.”

The ever-popular Titan 5 single column 5kN tester meanwhile, has also benefited from the enhanced TestWise software and standards, with adapters available to make tooling compatible across the entire Titan range.

James Heal Commercial Director, Samantha Tissington adds, “Celebrating 25 years since the first model Titan1 debuted in 1999, we are extremely excited to be announcing the launch of these new universal testing machines at Techtextil. The new Titan dual column testers complement our extensive range of instruments that cover aspects of testing quality, durability and performance across a vast spectrum of products and industries, with applications no longer limited to just textiles for apparel and homewares, for example.

At James Heal we are immensely proud of the innovation and longevity of our instruments, with many still in operation over 20 years from being made, helped by regular servicing and calibration by our team of expert engineers who travel worldwide to keep our customers’ lab equipment in peak condition.”

Established in Halifax, West Yorkshire in 1872, James Heal design and manufacture premium quality textile testing instruments, which are exported globally, along with test materials and consumables for accurate, reliable testing.

Posted: April 17, 2024

Source: James Heal

Anthony Pappalardo Joins Herculite As Regional Sales Manager For Shade Products

EMIGSVILLE, PA — April 17, 2024 — Herculite Products Inc., an innovator in High Performance and Custom Fabrics with recognized brands such as Coastline Plus and Patio 500, is pleased to announce that Anthony Pappalardo has been hired as Regional Sales Manager covering the Midwest and Southeast to develop and grow relationships with End Product Manufacturers and related sales personnel for all Awning and Marine brands and to promote awareness, loyalty and consumption of our industry-leading awning fabric brands through our distribution partners.

Anthony Pappalardo comes to Herculite with experience developing and surpassing sales and marketing programs that grow sales revenues across national distribution channels. He has a background in sales, operations management, business and product development, OEM direct sales, and management in both B2B and B2C environments.

With 25 years of experience, Anthony avidly supports the industrial fabrics industry. He has served on advisory boards and participated in industry expert roundtable discussions.

Posted: April 17, 2024

Source: Herculite Products Inc.

Growth Of Technical Textiles Industry Increased Interest In HIGHTEX 2024

İSTANBUL, Turkey— April 17, 2024 — HIGHTEX 2024 Exhibition, which will bring together the world’s leading technical textile and nonwoven manufacturers and technology leaders with global buyers, will open its doors to visitors on 4-8 June 2024. HIGHTEX 2024, which attracts great interest from domestic and foreign companies, will host thousands of industry representatives and visitors from all over the world.

International Technical Textiles and Nonwovens Exhibition-HIGHTEX 2024, the first and only exhibition of its field in Turkey, will be held at Tüyap Fair and Congress Centrebetween 4-8 June next year. Preparations are underway for the HIGHTEX 2024, where nonwoven products, raw materials used in production and the latest technologies will be exhibited. HIGHTEX 2024, which has become more important as technical textiles take up more space in all areas of our lives, attracts great interest from companies. HIGHTEX 2024 Exhibition, which is expected to reach a record occupancy rate as a result of the demand from the leading manufacturers of the sector and new entrepreneurs, will accelerate the technical textile and nonwoven sector.

Global Technical Textiles Market Expected to Reach USD 272 Billion by 2030

Although the use of technical and textile words together is surprising to most people, ‘technical textile’ products are used extensively in various areas of our daily lives, from home to automobile, from clothing to agriculture, from highways to hospitals. So much so that the share of technical textiles in the traditional textile sector has reached 45-50%. Unlike the traditional textile and ready-to-wear sectors, technical textiles are seen as a sector that is constantly growing strongly and promising for the future. This is also reflected in the research results. According to a new report prepared by Grand View Research Inc.; the global technical textile market size is expected to reach 272.33 billion dollars by 2030, recording a compound annual growth rate of 4.7%.

The Latest Technologies in Technical Textiles to be Exhibited at HIGHTEX 2024

The high demand for HIGHTEX 2024 shows the strong growth of the sector, the future of the technical textile industry and the importance given to innovation. As a matter of fact; technical textiles and nonwovens will be integrated into more industries and living spaces in the future. HIGHTEX 2024 Exhibition will be an important platform for those who want to accelerate this integration process and shape the future of the industry.

At HIGHTEX 2024, which will bring together the leading manufacturers and suppliers of the sector with professional visitors; the latest products in many fields such as medical, automotive, aerospace, hygiene, agriculture, food, construction, smart textiles and geotextiles will be exhibited. HIGHTEX 2024 will not only provide exhibitors with opportunities for collaboration and networking, but also the opportunity to learn the latest trends, develop innovative products and strategies for the future.

Posted: April 17, 2024

Source: Teknik Fuarcılık INC.

Sympatex Presents Doped Dye Innovations At Functional Fabric Fair Portland

UNTERFÖHRING, Germany — April 17, 2024 — Sympatex, a global provider of sustainable membranes, exhibits its latest innovations at Functional Fabric Fair in Portland (booth 312), from April 17th – 18st, 2024.

Renowned for its commitment to environmental responsibility and high-performance materials, Sympatex presents a diverse range of sustainable solutions to meet the demands of transferring the linear textile industry towards a circular one. PFAS freedom also plays a decisive role for Sympatex.

Sympatex acknowledges the risks associated with PFAS and has been diligently working for years to strive for a ban on PFAS from all non-essential applications, both through technological advancements and public advocacy efforts.

The 100% PES waterproof Sympatex membrane has been PFAS-free since the company’s establishment in 1986, as well as the raw materials utilized. Since 2008, Sympatex has begun with a transition towards a fluorine-free C0 DWR, which has consistently demonstrated excellent water repellency and has undergone continual technical enhancement. In the brands’ commitment to delivering PFAS-free* products, Sympatex conducts annual tests in accordance with OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100, as well as random sampling throughout the year. As anticipated, recent test reports, as well as those from previous years, confirm the absence of PFAS residues in all Sympatex membranes.

With circularity as a mission, Sympatex introduces cutting-edge technologies designed to minimize environmental impact while adding further benefits on performance.

The booth is set to unveil three new products, a plain weave, a dobby and a twill, all sourced from e.dye®.

e.dye® is a solution dyed polyester color system with over 5,000 colors and a sophisticated color-matching process for garment textiles. Solution dyeing consumes up to 60% less water, uses up to 90% less chemicals and produces fewer CO2 emissions.

“Working together with e.dye® is a paradigm shift in textile dyeing”, said Kim Scholze, CSO Sympatex.

“Solution dyeing has become a prominent topic in the textile sector, driven by multiple compelling factors. To reduce environmental impacts during production, the advent of the new dyeing process signals a promising shift for the industry at large. In the quest for a more eco-friendly planet, solution dyeing exemplifies how technology can offer innovative solutions to meet the demand for leaving less traces on the planet. Therefore, we are very proud of our cooperation with e.dye®”, added Scholze.

“Because e.dye® actually puts the color inside the yarn, adding the new products to our portfolio gives us three major advantages. Saving water, producing less CO2, using less chemicals. Moreover, since the pigment becomes an inherent component of the yarn (in contrast to traditional processes where the yarn is produced and then colored), solution dyeing yields fibers with exceptional color fastness. These fibers resist bleeding or fading even with prolonged use or exposure to sunlight. Since there is no dyeing process, which has many different influencing factors on colour accuracy, reproducibility is guaranteed with dope dyed goods when reordering”, said Anja Palic, Product Management Sympatex.

Leveraging its expertise in eco-friendly production methods and materials, Sympatex showcases the new article Tokyo Fiber2Fiber Spring AS.

With Tokyo Fiber2Fiber Spring AS Sympatex presents a sustainable alternative to traditional bottle recycling with its innovative solution called Fiber2Fiber (F2F). The featured product comprises a 100% Fiber2Fiber first layer fabric. This groundbreaking F2F yarn is crafted from chemically recycled pre- and post-consumer waste, including discarded garments and cutting scraps. The development of this laminate, alongside other initiatives, underscores Sympatex’s commitment to closing the textile loop and promoting a circular economy. Tokyo Fiber2Fiber Spring AS is specifically tailored for use in functional garments within the outdoor and sportswear industry, offering both performance and sustainability.

By 2027, the European Commission is anticipated to enforce minimum quotas on the utilization of recycled plastic components in new products. These quotas are set to become obligatory for the plastics processing industry, with expected rates ranging between 15 and 30 percent. This regulatory shift will necessitate adaptation within the plastics processing sector to incorporate a higher proportion of recycled fibers in production. Consequently, there will be a significant surge in demand for premium-quality recycled plastic. This surge in demand prompts fabric manufacturers to explore alternatives to conventional polyester sourced from plastic bottles.

Functional Fabric Fair Spring is an exclusive sourcing destination tailored to those at the forefront of the outdoor, lifestyle and activewear industry for textiles, footwear and accessories. Explore cutting-edge materials that redefine the future of performance fabrics. This event showcases the latest products and technologies that will be available to hit the market, giving you a sneak peek into the trends shaping the 2025/2026 Spring season. Crafted by the industry for the industry. This is a trade-exclusive event that is open to verified designers, product, purchasing, material or sustainability managers and others.

Posted: April 17, 2024

Source: Sympatex Technologies GmbH

NCTO Statement On The House Ways And Means Passed De Minimis Measure

WASHINGTON, D.C. — April 17, 2024 — National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO) President and CEO Kim Glas issued a statement on today’s House Ways and Means markup of de minimis trade legislation, H.R. 7979.

Statement by NCTO President and CEO Kim Glas:

“We recognize Chairman Jason Smith (R-MO) and Rep. Greg Murphy (R-NC) and the Ways and Means Committee for highlighting China’s systematic abuse of U.S. trade laws in order to put American manufacturers and workers out of business and support its forced labor regime in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region under our current de minimis law. This is a crisis of disproportionate impacts that needs urgent comprehensive solutions.  Today’s markup is an initial step, but we underscore with urgency that a comprehensive solution is desperately needed now.  We are strongly committed to working with the committee and with members on both sides of the aisle to urgently close this disastrous loophole once and for all.

While we appreciate the start of this long-overdue conversation, we maintain that congressional action on de minimis must not result in half-measures that do not adequately address the complex aspects of this multifaceted issue and the many unique challenges it poses. Doing so risks leaving the door open to further abuse, as we know that China will continue to exploit any available means to destroy American industries and our social fabric.

We appreciate Chairman Jason Smith’s statement today on the bill and his work highlighting the impact of de minimis. We appreciate his commitment.  He notes ’the work doesn’t end here. I am committed to working with members on both sides of the aisle to ensure that we see this issue to the end and make all the necessary reforms to prevent de minimis shipments that violate our law or give an unfair advantage to foreign interests.’  We couldn’t agree more and are committed to doing everything possible to work with Chairman Jason Smith, Ranking Member Richard Neal (D-MA) and the entire committee to help fully address this once and for all.

In that regard, NCTO, which has long called for aggressive de minimis reforms, believes that the bill as introduced needs to be strengthened to comprehensively and effectively restructure this extremely flawed tariff waiver mechanism. Specifically, we do not believe the bill goes far enough in restricting China’s enormous privileges under de minimis. In addition, we strongly believe the bill, at the very least, should preclude de minimis treatment for trade-sensitive sectors, such as textiles and apparel, which according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection accounts for a full 50 percent of all de minimis entries.

America’s textile industry has shuttered a staggering 14 manufacturing plants in the past few months, citing the overwhelming and growing flow of direct-to-consumer, duty-free fast fashion products from Chinese e-commerce retailers like Shein and Temu as a major contributing factor.  Beyond exploiting U.S. manufacturing and our free trade partners, these products have also been shown to contain materials made with Uyghur slave labor. As a result, U.S. textile manufacturing is experiencing a historic economic downturn which can only be described as a five-alarm fire.  NCTO continues to call for real reform of the de minimis loophole with a comprehensive solution that is robust, effective, and enforceable.

China’s abuse of the de minimis loophole impacts not only American workers and consumers but has also displaced over 100,000 textile and apparel workers throughout the Western Hemisphere, where our free trade partners are forced to compete with China’s unfair de minimis access. This is in addition to concerns outside of U.S. manufacturing, where the de minimis environment is a hotbed of trafficking in illicit goods, illegal products, and other contraband, including deadly fentanyl and its precursors which contribute to approximately 80,000 U.S. fentanyl poisonings each year.

This is a critical moment for action.  We recognize many in Congress who have demonstrated leadership in highlighting and developing strong solutions to this existential threat, including Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee Ranking Member Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) whose own Import Security and Fairness Act would block all Chinese products from qualifying for de minimis benefits.  However, Congress must not let this moment—when comprehensive reform is within reach—slip by.  NCTO is fully committed to working with the House and Senate to strengthen this bill with the necessary updates and safeguards to fully end the abuse of the de minimis loophole by China and others.’’

Posted: April 17, 2024

Source: National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO)

LunaMicro AB Wins Techtextil’s 2024 Innovation Award

BORÅS , Sweden  — APRIL 16, 2024 — LunaMicro AB, a deep-tech startup developing a soft, flexible fabric pump that actively transports liquid sweat, has been awarded Techtextil’s 2024 Innovation Award in the “New Technology” category. This esteemed prize recognizes the potential of the revolutionary technology and showcases LunaMicro’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of innovation within the textile industry. The award ceremony will be held at the Techtextil trade fair in Frankfurt, Germany, on April 23rd, 2024, where the patented technology will also be exhibited.

“We are honored and very excited to accept Techtextil’s Innovation Award acknowledging our work in the textile industry. This recognition underscores the uniqueness and potential of introducing cutting-edge technology into textile products. Our technology offers groundbreaking active moisture management, enhancing user safety and comfort, while promoting sustainability by reducing the reliance on harmful ‘forever chemicals,'” said Nate Robinson, CEO and founder of LunaMicro.

The jury’s motivation points out that offering comfort is still a major objective of clothing and sometimes the presence of moisture can seriously deteriorate this comfort. LunaMicro’s innovative approach to moisture management is cited as the main motivation behind the award.

“We think that it brings smart textiles a step further and has a lot of potential in different fields,” says Dr. Jan Laperre, general manager of Centexbel and jury member for the Techtextil Innovation Award.

Compared to passive membranes normally used in waterproof garments, LunaMicro’s patented fabric pump technology removes moisture even when the outside environment is wet, and allows over 80 percent of a water-resistant garment to be made from recyclable materials such as natural rubber or polyester. Additionally, it diminishes the requirement for environmentally harmful “forever chemicals” such as halogenated polymers or PFAS. These improvements can dramatically improve the performance and sustainability of waterproof clothing and equipment.

LunaMicro would like to recognize contributions from development and production partners, namely Concordia Textiles NV, Science Park Borås and TST Sweden, and financing and business partners from the Swedish innovation system including LiU Invest, LEAD Business Incubator, Borås University Holding, Borås INK, Vinnova and Almi.

Posted: April 16, 2024

Source: LunaMicro AB

Covestro At Techtextil Frankfurt 2024: Raw Material Solutions For A More Sustainable, More Productive Textile Industry

LEVERKUSEN, Germany — April 16, 2024 — Polymer manufacturer Covestro is exhibiting a wide range of innovative material solutions for the textile industry at Techtextil 2024 in Frankfurt. Four different teams of experts are attending the show, with each presenting a selection of highlights from Covestro’s portfolio that can help textile manufacturers improve the productivity and sustainability of their operations and products.

Textile coatings

From more sustainable raw materials to textile recycling technologies, Covestro is supporting the coated textiles value chain in its sustainability transformation thanks to its waterborne INSQIN® technology. Exhibits on show at Techtextil include a new concept for automotive interior door panels, breathable vegan coatings for functional textiles, and a next-generation, partly biobased leather alternative made using apple waste.

Modern coatings

Covestro’s Desmomelt® U range of thermoplastic resins is a new class of aliphatic, non-yellowing polyurethane (PU) powders for adhesives, ideal for processing into filament or foil for digital printing applications. Desmomelt U will be showcased in an automated 2D-printed hot melt application for shoe uppers, where it can significantly reduce the number of processing steps in footwear production and make end-of-life disassembly of shoes easier.

Specialty films

With its Platilon® and Dureflex® film solutions, Covestro helps makers of sportswear and outdoor gear overcome the challenge of balancing processing efficiency, high performance, and consumer safety. The team will showcase the combined power of these thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) films in inflatable surfing kites and wings, enabling reliably excellent performance in this demanding application while meeting production requirements and safety certification standards.

Thermoplastic polyurethane

Durable, versatile, soft touch, and more sustainable, Covestro’s recyclable thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) Desmopan® is an innovative mono-material solution that brings strong mechanical and sustainability properties to a diverse array of applications. Techtextil visitors will discover the benefits of Desmopan® solutions in more circular truck tarps, attractive artificial leather, and high-performance yarns that help meet the demands of the fashion industry.

“With our wide-ranging selection of high-performance solutions, Covestro’s booth will be an essential destination for Techtextil visitors,” said Thomas Michaelis, head of Textile Coating in the Europe, Middle East, Africa and Latin America (EMLA) region at Covestro. “We’re excited to showcase our latest textile innovations in different markets and applications, and to connect with other industry players who share our ambition of enabling a more efficient, more sustainable textile value chain.”

Techtextil will be held at Messe Frankfurt from April 23 to 26, 2024. Attendees can find Covestro in Hall 11.0, Booth E76.

Posted: April 16, 2024

Source: Covestro

3M Sponsoring The 2024 Ultra-Trail Mount Yun By UTMB® Providing Leading Insulation And Moisture Wicking For Apparel And Accessories

ST. PAUL, Minn. — April 16, 2024 — 3M is sponsoring the 2024 Ultra-Trail Mount Yun by UTMB®, a trail race part of the UTMB World Series. The event encompasses four different races, with the UMY 100M (168K) starting from the Yellow River Hukou Waterfall Scenic Spot with all races being held between April 19 and 21 This race will span up to 166.4 kilometers and reach up to 6,996 meters in elevation, and depending on the course, competitors will have between eight and 48 hours to finish. The next set of races will start from Zhonghe Square in Mount Yun, and they include DMY 100K, MMY 50K, and the EMY 20K.

The DMY 100K will begin on Mount Yun, a famed site once visited by Laozi, the founder of Taoism. The trail running adventure takes competitors through an “emerald paradise with breathtaking natural scenery.”

The 2024 Ultra-Trail Mount Yun by UTMB is part of the UTMB World Series, a global event that describes itself as “the world’s ultimate trail running circuit that allows all runners to experience the UTMB adventure through the best, leading international events.” Races are held throughout the globe, and each one helps athletes qualify for the Dacia UTMB Mont-Blanc and the UTMB World Series Finals.

Aside from financial support, 3M has also contributed 3M™ Thinsulate™ Anti-Static Insulation (Type AS) to be adopted into race apparel. The scientific innovator has also supplied Scotchgard™ Protector to treat towels and shirts with moisture wicking properties.

3M Thinsulate Anti-Static Insulation (Type AS) is a mid-loft insulation utilizing anti-static fibers to help improve the anti-static property of finished garments. It features 30 percent recycled fiber made from post-consumer plastic bottles, and it delivers considerable warmth and excellent anti-static performance.

“The athletes competing in UTMB are among the most disciplined, awe-inspiring runners in the world,” said Melissa Blakely, 3M Thinsulate & Scotchgard Global Portfolio Director. “We’re thrilled 3M innovations are going to be there to help them perform at their best.”

3M Thinsulate Anti-Static Insulation is part of the wider family of 3M Thinsulate Insulation products. Introduced in 1978, 3M Thinsulate Insulation is a lightweight, breathable, thermal insulation originally used to keep skiers warm outdoors. Today, 3M Thinsulate Insulation harnesses the scientific and technological strengths of 3M to reimagine traditional insulation materials by utilizing products that are designed for performance and crafted from recycled material, resulting in synthetic insulation that provides excellent warmth, even after laundering.

The Scotchgard™ Protector moisture wicking treatment is a fabric protectant that is specially designed to wick moisture and resist stains, all while keeping fabrics soft and breathable.

3M Thinsulate Insulation reflects 3M’s focus on its strategic sustainability framework. 3M’s global HQ is powered by 100-percent renewable electricity, and over 50 percent of the company’s global electricity comes from renewable sources. 3M has also pledged $1 billion over 20 years to accelerate environmental goals, including achieving carbon neutrality across operations by 2050, with a 50 percent reduction of Scope 1 and Scope 2 market-based greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 (versus a baseline year of 2019); reducing water usage, indexed to net sales, by 25 percent across all facilities by 2030 (versus 2019); and reducing dependence on virgin fossil-based plastics by 125 million pounds by 2025.

 Posted: April 16, 2024

Source: 3M

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