Q-Lab Acquires Arizona Desert Testing LLC

WESTLAKE, Ohio — February 22, 2024 — Q-Lab, a global leader in weathering and corrosion lab equipment and outdoor exposure testing, is pleased to announce that it has acquired Arizona Desert Testing LLC (AZTEST). AZTEST performs benchmark outdoor desert exposure testing, with a focus on automotive interior materials. Q-Lab has operated a virtually-identical Arizona testing business to AZTEST for decades, and the two companies share a long history of mutual respect and collaboration. This represents the largest acquisition in Q-Lab’s 68-year history.

The combined business will be called Q-Lab Arizona Desert Testing, and will be located at AZTEST’s current site in Wittmann, Ariz. This facility is currently being expanded to add Q-Lab’s existing equipment, people, and operations from Q-Lab’s current site, in nearby Buckeye, AZ. Q-Lab Arizona Desert Testing will be one of the world’s premier sites for Arizona benchmark testing of automotive interior materials, paints & coatings, and architectural materials. The site will make Q-Lab the top provider of Automotive Interior Material (AIM) box testing in the world.

“We are thrilled to join forces with AZTEST. The new combined organization instantly triples our scale, and furthers our testing capabilities, capacity, and ability to service customers at fair prices all over the world,” said Harlan Reid, Q Lab Testing Services managing director. “We’re much greater than the sum of our parts. This is a true 1+1=3.”

Joe Robbins III, AZTEST’s former co-owner, added: “When it came time to find a new owner for our business, Q-Lab was a perfect fit and we didn’t consider anyone else. Our team is extremely excited to continue the long legacy we’ve built at AZTEST. I’m also personally excited to help the Q-Lab team during this transition.”

Posted: February 22, 2024

Source: Q-Lab Corp.

Archroma Inspires Mills And Brands At EXINTEX 2024 With Super Systems+ For Enhanced Economic And Environmental Sustainability

PRATTELN, Switzerland — February 22, 2024 — Archroma, a global leader in specialty chemicals towards sustainable solutions, is focusing on innovations that deliver both economic and environmental sustainability at this year’s EXINTEX textile industry fair in Puebla, Mexico.

“The Mexican textile industry has made great strides towards sustainability to capture global demand for eco-friendly fashion and textiles, but balancing economic growth and environmental stewardship can be a challenge, especially for small and mid-sized enterprises,” Fernando Hernandez Espinosa, vice president Americas, Archroma Textile Effects, said.

“With this in mind, EXINTEX 2024 is the ideal platform for Archroma to introduce our new Super Systems+ solutions to Mexican brands and mills. Delivering on our ‘Planet Conscious+’ vision, these innovative solution sets can help you optimize your productivity, add value to your products and create a positive impact on the environment,” he continued.

Super Systems+ are powerful end-to-end systems that combine fiber-specific processing solutions and intelligent effects. Drawing on the industry’s broadest product portfolio, the Super Systems+ suite encompasses wet processing solutions that deliver measurable environmental impact from sizing to finishing; durable colors and functional effects that add value and longevity to the end product; and cleaner chemistries that eliminate harmful or regulated substances.

Breakthrough technologies for Super Systems+ solutions at EXINTEX 2024 include:

  • DIRESUL® EVOLUTION BLACK for iconic black denim. This eco-advanced sulfur black dyestuff creates unique shade and wash-down effects with an overall impact reduction of 57% compared to standard Sulfur Black 1 liquid.*
  • DENISOL® PURE INDIGO 30 LIQ for authentic blue denim. This aniline-free** pre-reduced indigo produces coveted denim colors with the same performance and efficiency as conventional indigo dye, but in a more planet-friendly way.
  • AVITERA® SE GENERATION NEXT for cellulosic fibers and blends. This revolutionary technology enables significant resource savings, superior chlorine fastness and an improved cost-to-performance ratio for dark and extra-dark shades.
  • EarthColors® for warm shades on cellulosic-based fibers. This patented Archroma technology creates high-performance bio waste-based dyes from non-edible food and agricultural waste, conserving natural resources and embracing circularity.
  • ERIOPON® E3-SAVE for processing polyester and its blends. This next-generation all-in-one auxiliary combines pre-scouring, dyeing and reduction clearing in a single bath to achieve substantial savings of water, energy and time.
  • Fluorine-free DWRs for sustainable rain- and stain-resistance. Archroma has the industry’s most extensive portfolio of durable water repellents (DWRs), allowing it to achieve the right functionality for the end use while optimizing production and staying ahead of consumer expectations and regulatory change.

Meet the Archroma team at EXINTEX 2024

Established more than 30 years ago, EXINTEX has grown into Mexico’s most important textile trade fair and one of the most significant textile exhibitions in Latin America, attracting participants from more than 430 countries worldwide.

Visit Archroma at Booth 2618-2622 at the Centro Expositor Puebla for EXINTEX 2024 from February 27 to March 1, 2024.

* Ecotarrae lifecycle analysis.
** Below limits of detection according to industry standard test methods.

Posted: February 22, 2024

Source: Archroma

Saurer Technocorder TC2 With Brilliant Innovations At Techtextil Frankfurt 2024

KEMPTEN, Germany — February 21, 2024 — Techtextil is the leading international trade fair for technical textiles and nonwovens. This year, it will again draw large numbers of industry experts to Frankfurt April 23-26, 2024. As a regular participant, Saurer Twisting Solutions is delighted to be welcoming customers and experts from all over the world to its Booth B52 in Hall 12. The focus is the two-for-one twisting machine TechnoCorder TC2 with brilliant innovations and valuable customer benefits.

Saurer TechnoCorder TC2 for opening up new markets for industrial yarns

The Saurer TechnoCorder TC2 is a high-performance machine for twisting single and multiple yarns from a multitude of supply materials in a very wide range of count materials. The further development of the TechnoCorder TC2 is never-ending and thus offers Saurer customers significant competitive advantages.

Even more flexibility with the TechnoCorder TC2?

That’s a definite yes since the options for flexible use of the TechnoCorder TC2 (PreciWinding and Oiling device) are complemented by the two new option fine yarn count pot and special equipment for coarse yarn counts. Those new additions expand the processible yarn count range of the gauge 670 even further and enable our customers to broaden their product range.

Fine yarn counts – we have what you need!

The new fine yarn count pot lowers the processible minimum yarn count range to 110 dtex which results in customer being able to produce sewing yarns, for example.

Coarse yarn counts give you a headache? We have the remedy for that!

Our new special equipment for coarse yarn counts for the gauge 670 can provide significant advantages when processing coarse yarns. The yarn count range can be expanded to a maximum of 33000 dtex thanks to a balloon limiter ring. Furthermore, the product range can be broadened with ease.

Further innovations and additional advantages

Our newly developed ball yarn brake does not only prevent the accumulation of yarn debris in the brake chamber, but also enables the customer to adjust the brake settings within mere seconds. This also results in a reduction of the set-up time as well as the cleaning requirements. Furthermore, the machine’s availability and productivity are enhanced at the same time.

The Saurer exhibition team is looking forward to welcoming customers and visitors at the Techtextil 2024 and to informing them about the advantages of the
TechnoCorder TC2 in person.

Posted: February 22, 2024

Source: Saurer Technologies GmbH & Co. KG

RISE® 2024: Call For Presentations And Award Nominations

CARY, N.C. — February 22, 2024 — INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, announced a call for presentations and award nominations for the RISE® (Research, Innovation & Science for Engineered Fabrics) Conference. RISE will be held October 1-2, 2024, at the James B. Hunt, Jr. Library, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, N.C. RISE is a two-day conference presenting new research and science that drives innovation and product development. The theme for this year’s event is “The Other Sustainability Story: Extended Use and Reduced Consumption.”

Nonwoven professionals are encouraged to submit their technical abstracts by Friday, April 12, 2024. Presenting at RISE is an opportunity to share ground-breaking work with industry leaders looking for new technologies, processes, and materials. Topics being considered are raw materials, equipment and processing, product-related technologies, and applications. For a more detailed list of topics, visit https://www.riseconf.net/papers.html.

Abstracts may be submitted via the RISE website, https://www.riseconf.net/papers.html. The deadline for submissions is April 12, 2024. For questions about abstract submissions, contact Deanna Lovell, dlovell@inda.org.

RISE® Innovation Award

In addition, INDA is requesting nominations for innovative nonwoven products and technologies for the RISE® Innovation Award. INDA will consider categories such as raw materials, roll goods, converting, packaging, active ingredients, binders, additives and end products for nominations. This Award recognizes innovation in areas within and on the periphery of the nonwovens industry, utilizing advanced science and engineering principles to develop solutions to problems and advance the usage of nonwovens.

Three finalists will be chosen to present their innovations to technology scouts, scientists, researchers, and industry professionals on Tuesday, October 1st. Nominations may be submitted via the INDA website, https://www.inda.org/awards/rise-innovation-award.html. The Award submission deadline is July 29, 2024. For questions about the Award, contact Vickie Smead, vsmead@inda.org.

Last year, the RISE® Innovation Award was presented to TiHive for their SAPMonit technology. TiHive’s innovation, SAPMonit – a technology breakthrough, inspects millions of diapers weekly. SAPMonit delivers lightning-speed inline inspection of superabsorbents’ weight and distribution, optimizes resources, detects flaws, and accelerates R&D. SAPMonit utilizes advanced see-through cameras, high-speed vision algorithms, and secure cloud integration, revolutionizing industry norms. SAPMonit has great potential for sustainability, cost reduction, and enhanced customer satisfaction as it avoids hundreds of tons of plastic waste per year per machine.

Posted: February 22, 2024

Source: INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry

Hyosung Presents New Fall/Winter 25/26 Textile Trends

SEOUL, South Korea — February 22, 2024 — To continually deliver creative innovation and sustainable textile solutions across the entire value chain, Hyosung’s  Fashion Design Center (FDC), an interactive fashion studio that spans the U.S., Europe, and Asia surveying progressive brands and retailers researching consumer insights, has released its forecasted FW 25-26 Textile Trend report, which provides a vision of the key materials major apparel brands will be incorporating into their collections next year.

The global climate change and cost of living crisis is a key influence in FDC’s FW 25-26 Textile Trend report. It’s supported by the back to nature movement where consumers are doing what they can to protect the earth by choosing apparel made with natural/bio-based textiles.

According to Gary Oh, team/general manager, Hyosung FDC, consumers are seeking long-lasting, multi-function apparel made with planet-friendly materials to reduce harmful carbon emissions, and thermally-regulated products to help lower home energy expenses.

With this insight in mind, FDC predicts the three following themes for apparel made with Hyosung’s broad range of CREORA® and certified sustainable regen brands of spandex, performance nylon and polyester yarns.

  • Minimal for Future: Consumers will be more mindful of choosing seasonless, genderless and ageless apparel that can be used for multiple purposes; thermal-regulating pieces for saving energy; and apparel made with blends of natural fibers blended with bio-based synthetics, which are detailed in the theme’s three sub-trends – All-Round Basics, Thermal Resilience, and Nature Power.
  • Well-Being Theory: Soft surroundings and comfort-feeling that helps to enhance wellness is in the spotlight for the FW 25/26 season. Apparel with barely-there feel along with refined textures will be popular as reflected in the theme’s Body-Hugging Softness, Comfy Stretch, and Reimagined Ribs sub-trends.
  • Conscious Preparation: Consumers continue to enjoy time in nature for all the lovely benefits it provides. Thus, they need earth-friendly, multi-functional apparel that can withstand whatever shifting weather conditions Mother Nature decides to bring on. Sub-trends within this theme include The Sweat Life, Mindful Explorer, and Lightweight Adventure.

More detailed information on FDC’s FW 25/26 Textile Trends will be presented in a weekly Trend Byte series featured on the Hyosung Performance Textiles Creativity Inspired blog beginning February 21, 2024.

Posted: February 22, 2024

Source: Hyosung

North Sails Unveils Spring/Summer Collection And New Logo, Celebrating Sustainable Iterations Of Its Classic Designs

LONDON — February 22, 2024 — North Sails, the international sailmaker, watersports and lifestyle clothing brand, launches a brand-new logo that brings together its brands, and the new SS24 apparel collection that is another step in its Ocean Positive journey.

Spring/Summer 2024

Drawing inspiration from the timeless cuts and enduring designs that define North Sails, the SS24 collection pays homage to the brand’s heritage. Inspired by Newport, the location of the historic North Sails loft and epitome of East Coast sailing elegance, this collection showcases vibrant outerwear, lightweight summer knits, and upcycled beachwear. Crafted with contemporary fabrics, each piece effortlessly combines form, function and maximum comfort.

Demonstrating its ongoing commitment to becoming an Ocean Positive brand, North Sails introduces more recycled, upcycled, and organic fabrics across the collection. Highlights include the 100% recycled Reversible Sailor Jacket for both man and woman (recycled memory polyamide and shiny big ripstop), Horizon Pro Hybrid footwear made from recycled nylon and water-based suede, and the recycled 3-layer Commuter Trench from North Tech.

By repurposing surplus materials and incorporating innovative technologies like REPREVE® Our Ocean™ fibre, the collection is another important step in putting sustainability at the heart of the brand’s products. Over 90% of the collection’s face fabrics and padding are sourced from sustainable materials, and the garments’ tighter weaves reduce microfibre shedding and water pollution.

Unveiling the new North Sails logo

Demonstrated in its new logo, North Sails lives at the intersection of wind and water. It marks a fundamental shift for the North family of businesses, which is bringing together Sailmaking, Apparel and Action Sports into a united, unified brand.

The new logo embodies a legacy of innovation and pioneering ethos that defines the brand’s DNA, helping its communities and athletes to drive high performance and look beyond the horizon. This iconic emblem not only reflects the brand’s commitment to sustainable innovation, but also encapsulates its enduring spirit of exploration. Across Sailmaking, Apparel and Action Sports, wind and water endure as fundamental elements of the North Sails identity, fostering connections among diverse communities on and off the water.

Posted: February 22, 2024

Source: North Sails

STFI Presents Lightweight Construction Innovations At JEC World

CHEMNITZ, Germany — February 22, 2024 — At this year’s JEC World, Sächsisches Textilforschungsinstitut e.V. (STFI) will be presenting highlights from carbon fiber recycling as well as a new approach to hemp-based bast fibers, which have promising properties as reinforcement in lightweight construction. Visit us at the joint stand of the Saxony Economic Development Corporation and talk to our team of lightweight construction experts.

Green Snowboard

At JEC World in Paris from 5 to 7 March 2024, STFI will be showcasing a snowboard from silbaerg GmbH with a patented anisotropic coupling effect made from hemp and recycled carbon fibers with bio-based epoxy resin. In addition to silbaerg and STFI, the partners Circular Saxony – the innovation cluster for the circular economy, FUSE Composite and bto-epoxy GmbH were also involved in the development of the board. The green snowboard was honored with the JEC Innovation Award 2024 in the “Sport, Leisure and Recreation” category.

VliesComp

The aim of the industrial partners Tenowo GmbH (Hof), Siemens AG (Erlangen), Invent GmbH (Braun- schweig) and STFI united in the VliesComp project is to bring recycled materials back onto the market in various lightweight construction solutions. The application fields “Innovative e-machine concepts for the energy transition” and “Innovative e-machine concepts for e-mobility” were considered as examples. On display at JEC World in Paris will be a lightweight end shield for electric motors made from hybrid nonwovens — a mixture of thermoplastic fiber components and recycled reinforcing fibers — as well as nonwovens with 100-percent recycled reinforcing fibers. The end shield was ultimately manufactured with a 100-percent recycled fiber content. The tests showed that, compared to the variant made from primary carbon fibers using the RTM process, a 14-percent reduction in CO2 equivalent is possible with the same performance. The calculation for the use of the prepreg process using a bio-resin system shows a potential for reducing the CO2 equivalent by almost 70 percent.

Bast fibre reinforcement

To increase stability in the plant stem, bast fibres form in the bark area, which support the stem but, in contrast to the rigid wood, are very flexible and allow slender, tall plants to move in the wind without breaking.A new process extracts the bast bark from hemp by peeling.The resulting characteristic values, such as tensile modulus of elasticity, breaking strength and elongation, are very promising in comparison with the continuous rovings made of flax available on the market.The material could be used as rein- forcement in lightweight construction. At JEC World, STFI will be exhibiting reinforcing bars that have been processed into a knitted fabric using a pultrusion process based on bio-based reinforcing fibres made from hemp bast for mineral matrices..

Posted: February 22, 2024

Source: Sächsisches Textilforschungsinstitut e.V. (STFI)

Filo61: Lenzing And The Versatility Of Cellulosic Fibers

BIELLA, Italy — February 22, 2024 — Cellulosic fibers are characterized by their versatility and wide range of potential applications. They are making inroads in a wide range of different sectors either in their 100% form or blended with other fibers. The main areas for use are in underwear, denim, shirts and bed linen. However, cellulosic fibers are also making a comeback in carpets and upholstery fabrics. In some cases, they are the answer to the demand for “plastic free” packaging.

As part of the” Dialoghi di Confronto” of the 61st edition of Filo, Carlo Covini – Business Development Lenzing AG – illustrates the exceptional characteristics of cellulosic fibers in the talk “Versatility of cellulosic fibers – A wide range of applications”.

The appointment is at Allianz MiCo-Milano, Filo Networking Area

  • Thursday 29 February 2024, at 12 (noon)

Thanks to their biodegradability, fibre such as TENCEL are an ideal partner for natural fibers, bestowing a greater softness on cotton, limp, hemp and wool. In accessories, they are paired with silk and cashmere. While for some years now their market conquest has also included footwear where these fibers feature strongly in uppers, shoelaces and insoles as well as in the form of short fibers used on the inside of soles to enhance the shoe’s “grip” when in contact with ice. Applications extend to technical and protective clothing blended with other fibers, frequently of the synthetic kind or which offer specific performances, and coated or laminated fabrics to improve the comfort and moisture management. New developments are noticeable in blends with mechanically recycled fibers: here the lyocell fiber is an ideal partner due to its silkiness and resistance to breaking and improves the hand and performance of yarns.

The 61st edition of Filo takes place on the 28th and 29th of February 2024 at Allianz MiCo – Milan (via Gattamelata 5).

Posted: February 22, 2024

Source: Filo

Mahlo OnStage: EXINTEX In Mexico

SAAL ON THE DANUBE, Germany — February 21, 2024 — Mahlo GmbH + Co. KG, a global leader in advanced measurement and control systems for the textile industry, is proud to announce its participation in the EXINTES Trade Show in Puebla, Mexico, scheduled February 27-March 1. This prominent event serves as a platform for industry players to showcase innovations, forge partnerships, and explore emerging trends in the textile sector.

Mahlo Orthopac RVMC

At Exintex, Mahlo will be collaborating with its longstanding agency, Bluetec, to introduce a comprehensive range of automation and control systems tailored to enhance sustainability and efficiency in textile production processes. With decades of expertise and a commitment to excellence, Mahlo remains at the forefront of driving technological advancements that support the textile manufacturing landscape.

Mexico holds a significant position in the global textile industry, with a rich heritage in textile production and a rapidly growing market. The country’s strategic location, skilled workforce, and favorable trade agreements make it a prime destination for textile investments. As the industry continues to evolve, Mahlo remains dedicated to supporting Mexican textile manufacturers with state-of-the-art solutions designed to optimize operations and minimize environmental impact.

“We are thrilled to participate in Exintex alongside our esteemed partner, Bluetec, as we showcase our latest innovations to the vibrant Mexican textile market,” said Thomas Höpfl, Head of Sales at Mahlo GmbH + Co. KG. “At Mahlo, we understand the importance of sustainable and efficient production practices, and our automation and control systems are engineered to empower manufacturers with the tools they need to thrive in today’s competitive landscape.”

Visit Mahlo GmbH + Co. KG at hall E2 – G2 / booth 706 – 811 at Exintex to learn more about their renowned solutions and how they are shaping the future of the textile industry.

Posted: February 22, 2024

Source: Mahlo GmbH + Co. KG

Florida Firefighter Launches Fire-Resistant Apparel Company Offering Firefighters Affordable, Hassle-Free Uniforms

FILO Apparel supplies fire-resistant firefighter uniforms and clothing for men and women PFAS-free Nomex®.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — February 21, 2024 — Embarking on a personal mission to supply firefighters with safe, convenient, more affordable uniforms, Florida Federal Firefighter/EMT-turned-entrepreneur Sean Conant announced the launch of a new line of fire-resistant clothing: FILO Apparel.

Jacksonville, Fla.-based firefighter Sean Conant was so frustrated with the experience of shopping for his uniforms, he decided to launch his own apparel company to make dressing for the job easier for firefighters.

“At FILO apparel, our goal is to make dressing for the job easier for firefighters,” said FILO Co-founder and Vice President of Sales Sean Conant, who has served as a firefighter and first responder for 18 years. “The company was born out of frustration when shopping for my own uniforms. My annual uniform stipend barely covered a couple pairs of pants and a shirt, and I had to wait a month or more for them to arrive. Then they had to be tailored to fit correctly. I decided our first responders deserve better.”

Conant partnered with long-time friend Dan McLaughlin to create a hassle-free uniform brand that puts firefighters first. FILO stands for “First In, Last Out,” a familiar firefighter creed signifying every first responder’s commitment to risk their lives to save others.

FILO Apparel’s direct-to-consumer uniforms cost up to 56 percent less, on average, than conventional firefighter uniform suppliers. FILO also offers free shipping, faster delivery times, free inseam tailoring for pants, and customizable name tapes and badge holders.

FILO specializes in PFAS-free Nomex fire station pants, shirts and shorts for both men and women. PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl Substances, is a group of more than 10,000 synthetic, indestructible chemicals found in some Nomex® products and they are extremely hazardous. Studies show exposure to PFAS can result in liver damage, thyroid disease, developmental issues, reduced fertility, high cholesterol, obesity, hormone suppression, and cancer.

“Firefighters have enough to worry about on the job; they shouldn’t have to wonder if their uniforms are going to create debilitating health issues,” Conant said. “As we were sourcing materials and developing our manufacturing operations, it was extremely important that we use safe, PFAS-free Nomex.”

Notably, FILO’s line of women’s fire-resistant pants and shirts are among its most popular items, as women firefighters search for alternatives to the boxy, ill-fitting styles of conventional brands that design with men in mind.

“When I tell you these are the best women’s Nomex pants I’ve tried on, I mean it,” said Jackie Krych, a firefighter/paramedic in Ohio. “I’ve been really struggling to find a fit that looks professional but feminine, and these pants meet both of those needs! I was able to comfortably sit, squat, crawl, and move in the FILO Nomex which I couldn’t do in the previous brands I’ve tried.”

Posted: February 21, 2024

Source: FILO Apparel

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