PRATTELN, Switzerland — February 14, 2024 — Archroma today introduced Super Systems+. These powerful end-to-end systems combine fiber-specific processing solutions and intelligent effects to help textile and apparel brands, retailers and mills positively impact their economic and environmental sustainability.
Figure 1
“The textile industry is being confronted with critical industry shifts, like resource savings and circularity, and the need for brands to find a new way to bring their products to life while remaining competitive and maintaining article aesthetics and functional performance,” Dhirendra Gautam, vice president, Product Marketing and Strategy, Archroma Textile Effects said. “Super Systems+ represents a major milestone, drawing on the industry’s most extensive product portfolio as well as our most innovative tools and programs. It reflects our ‘Planet Conscious+’ vision of delivering a deeper commitment to innovation and partnership for the textile industry. With a sharper focus on consumers and the environment, we want to deliver a more sustainable ecosystem.”
Archroma’s Super Systems+ suite encompass wet processing solutions that deliver measurable environmental impact; durable colors and functional effects that add value and longevity to the end product; and technologies that eliminate harmful or regulated substances. It will allow brands and mills to achieve their desired level of sustainability through measurable resource savings and cleaner chemistries (Please see Figure 1 ).
Kerim Oner, Director of Strategic Marketing, shared, “Empowering a sustainable tomorrow, our Super Systems+ portfolio of solutions harnesses the power of cutting-edge technologies. Embracing eco-friendlier innovation, our offerings pave the way for a future where efficiency meets environmental consciousness, reducing processing time and conserving water and energy, all while achieving economic sustainability.”
Breakthrough products and technologies that are be used in Super Systems+ solutions include: AVITERA® SE for significant resource savings, an improved cost-to-performance ratio for cotton and its blends and superior chlorine fastness; DIRESUL® EVOLUTION BLACK for unique shade and wash-down effects on black denim and an overall impact reduction of 57%*; aniline-free** DENISOL® PURE INDIGO 30 LIQ for authentic blue denim; ERIOPON® E3-SAVE all-in-one auxiliary for resource-intensive polyester dyeing that significantly reduces processing time and conserves water and energy; and PHOBOTEX® NTR-50 LIQ for bio-based, PFAS-free, formaldehyde-free and crosslinker-free durable water repellence.
With the industry’s most extensive product portfolio and a comprehensive global footprint, Archroma has the expertise and drive to lead the textile and fashion industry towards a more sustainable future. “Planet Conscious+” is a roadmap that will support textile brands and mills in charting their sustainability journey. It signifies Archroma’s augmented commitment to sustainability, progress and the positive evolution of the textile industry.
Super Systems+ is a core pillar of the “Planet Conscious+” vision. Super Systems+ are already available for popular end-use segments, from denim to performance wear, and casual wear to home textile. Discover our range of Super Systems+ solutions here — https://www.archroma.com/markets/super-systems
*As determined by Ecoterrae, a leading Spain-based sustainability consulting firm, through a Life Cycle Analysis (UNE-EN ISO 14044:2006) at the synthesis stage, using the ReCiPe 2016 Impact calculation methodology.
**Below limits of detection according to industry standard test methods.
CONNOVER, N.C. — February 14, 2024 — Shima Seiki USA will demonstrate its newest knitting equipment and software at the Manufacturing Solutions Center (MSC) at Catawba Valley Community College from March 5-7.
The three-day show will include demonstrations of Shima Seiki flatbed knitting machines, which have the versatility of manufacturing a variety of products from gloves to different types of apparel as well as other textile products. In addition, there will be demonstrations of Shima Seiki’s Apex software system which includes 3D virtual sampling, pattern CAD functions, and knitting machine programming capabilities.
There is no fee to attend this event. Contact Shima Seiki USA at jackie@shimaseikiusa.com for information and to schedule a private appointment during the show.
The MSC is located in Conover, N.C. To learn more about the MSC visit and the services it provides, visit www.manufacturingsolutionscenter.org.
Phani Nagaraj (left) and Todd Glogovsky (right) in front of Asahi Kasei Plastics North America in Fowlerville, Michigan.
FOWLERVILLE, Mich. — February 14, 2024 — Asahi Kasei Plastics North America (APNA) is pleased to announce that Todd Glogovsky, president and COO will retire after a distinguished career in the plastics industry on April 1, 2024. Todd will continue to provide guidance and support to ensure a smooth transition for the organization until March 31, 2025.
Phani Nagaraj, vice president of Commercial Sales, will succeed Glogovsky as president. Phani’s extensive background in P&L management, product management, marketing, technology, and sales at LANXESS and Dyantect Manufacturing Inc., as well as his successful tenure as vice president at Asahi Kasei Asaclean Americas, uniquely positions him to lead APNA into a new chapter.
“Phani Nagaraj’s leadership with the Asaclean group has been marked by a strong track record of year-over-year profitability,” Glogovsky stated. “His strategic vision and dedication have consistently driven growth and innovation within the organization, which paved his career path.”
Nagaraj shared his vision for the role, emphasizing his commitment to consolidating engineering plastics, 3D printing filaments, and purging compounds under one roof. This diversified portfolio comes after the merger between Asahi Kasei Plastics North America and Asahi Kasei Asaclean Americas in April of 2023 and the announcement of selling 3D printing filaments in November of 2023.
“It is a privilege to have the opportunity to lead a company that makes such a large impact in the plastics community,” Nagaraj said. “We aim to continue streamlining our operations, being customer centric, introducing innovative technology, and ensuring our position as a leader in the industry. There are many exciting activities to come.”
APNA extends its gratitude to Todd Glogovsky for his exceptional leadership and welcomes Phani Nagaraj as the new President, ushering in a promising future for the company.
Posted: February 14, 2024
Source: Asahi Kasei Plastics North America, Inc. (“APNA”)
SPARTANBURG, S.C. — February 14, 2024 — For the sixth year, diversified global manufacturer Milliken & Company was included on America’s Best Midsize Employers, a list curated by Forbes and Statista. In 2024, the America’s Best Midsize Employers honor recognizes 400 leading organizations employing between 1,000 and 5,000 people based in the U.S. across 25 industry categories. Milliken is one of 17 manufacturing and engineering companies and the only organization headquartered in South Carolina.
Milliken & Company lands on the 2024 America’s Best Midsize Employers list.
Statista conducted an independent survey of more than 170,000 U.S. employees and analyzed both direct and indirect evaluations to arrive at the final honoree list. Milliken’s inclusion speaks to its broader efforts to build and maintain a reputation as an employer of choice in manufacturing.
“At Milliken, we know that success is rooted in the engagement of our people. Together, we’re creating a culture that encourages teamwork and promotes respect,” says Milliken President and CEO Halsey Cook. “We’re thrilled to be recognized for our efforts to make a positive impact in the lives of our people, and on the world around us.”
In the past year, Milliken has implemented a number of associate-centric programs to bolster the growth potential of each associate, including LEAD Programming, which provides four different developmental tracks for associates based on their roles, the Aspire to Management Program (AMP), a one-year leadership development program for production associates who aim to move into manufacturing management roles, and the company’s Milliken Performance Specialist (MPS) Certification program designed to train associates in operational excellence. In addition, Milliken continued to invest in its diversity and inclusion initiative through its CEO Speaker series, along with its mainstay DEI programming and ongoing support and communication resources for managers.
ROCHESTER, N.H. — February 13, 2024 — Albany Engineered Composites (AEC) will be exhibiting in Hall 6, Booth K24 at JEC World in Paris, France, the largest international composites event from March 5-7, 2024.
At JEC World 2024, Innovation Planets showcases composite innovations with unique properties and possibilities. AEC has been selected to showcase our Composite Wing Box Rib produced using our proprietary 3D woven technology in a high-rate, industrialized application for the Airbus Wing of Tomorrow program. This part achieves a significant weight savings in comparison to metallic versions of the application, which allows for improved fuel efficiency and emissions reduction.
The part also achieves a single, unitized structure of out-of-plane stiffeners and flanges. AEC designed and fabricated this innovative structure using our proprietary 3DCS design suite and weaving systems that produce this complex integrated structure in a single preform and one-shot resin transfer mold process. This design allows for efficient, high-rate production necessary to meet the projected production volumes required for next-generation, single-aisle commercial aircraft, which also supports the aviation industry goal of emissions reduction.
AEC is a collaborative partner with innovative solutions to reduce weight, improve aircraft performance, including fuel efficiency, and bring those innovations to market quickly and affordably. We have 1.5 million sq. ft. of manufacturing space at nine sites in four countries. AEC’s world-class talent, technology and commitment to operational excellence allows us to execute industry-leading on-time delivery and quality.
AEC will also be displaying other state-of-the-art aerospace components and assemblies manufactured across our facilities in the U.S., Germany, France and Mexico. Our high tech products on display demonstrate AEC’s wide variety of industry leading composite processes and technologies.
Come meet our team and see our exciting capabilities.
DENVER — February 13, 2024 — VF Corp., a global supplier of branded lifestyle apparel, footwear and accessories, today announced the appointment of Caroline Brown to the company’s board of directors, effective February 14, 2024. This appointment follows constructive engagement with VF’s shareholders, including Engaged Capital LLC (Engaged Capital). VF also intends to appoint to the board another independent director in the near term mutually agreed with Engaged Capital, and will give priority to considering the candidates who have been identified by Engaged Capital (the Additional Director). VF expects Brown and the additional director will be nominated at VF’s 2024 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and at the conclusion of the Annual Meeting, VF’s Board will comprise 13 directors, including no more than 11 of VF’s current directors.
Brown is an accomplished executive, director, investor and advisor with more than 30 years of experience at global companies in the apparel and fashion sector.
From 2019 to 2023, she was a managing director at Closed Loop Partners, a New York City-based investment firm and innovation center focused on the development of the circular economy, where she led the firm’s fashion practice. Brown previously served as CEO of Donna Karan International (DKI) and DKNY from 2015 to 2017. During that time, she led a transformation of DKI, elevating product design, modernizing brand identity, overseeing organizational structure realignments and supply chain consolidations. She led the company through the sale from LVMH to G-III Apparel Group. Prior to DKI, Brown was president of Carolina Herrera, a luxury fashion house owned by PUIG, where she led evolution in product development, brand architecture and international expansion. Prior to that, she served as the U.S. CEO of Akris Inc., a Switzerland-based luxury fashion brand. Brown began her career at Giorgio Armani, where she spent more than a decade in marketing and communications leadership roles.
Brown has served on numerous boards of innovative companies in the fashion industry including EILEEN FISHER, Browzwear, Dimpora, By Rotation, For Days, and others. She is a member of the MIT Sloan Sustainability Initiative Advisory Board and is an advisor to the Martin Trust Center for Entrepreneurship at the MIT Sloan School of Management.
“We are excited to welcome Caroline to the VF Board,” said Chair of the VF Board Richard Carucci. “Caroline is highly respected in the apparel industry, with a proven track record of turning around, scaling and transforming global brands, and her insights will be valuable as the company continues to execute its Reinvent strategy.”
“I’m honored to be joining VF’s Board and look forward to working with management and my fellow directors at this important moment for the company,” Brown said. “Having worked on the leadership and investment sides of the apparel and fashion industry, I recognize the tremendous potential of VF’s portfolio of beloved brands. I believe VF has what it needs to return to strong and sustainable profitable growth, and I look forward to capitalizing on my experience to help the company deliver enhanced value for shareholders over time.”
This appointment is another step in VF’s continuous refreshment of the board. With this appointment, VF has added four new directors to its Board within the past two years (five following the appointment of the additional director), expanding the board’s experience in footwear and apparel, retail, design, technology and sustainability.
Carucci added: “We appreciate the constructive input provided by Engaged Capital over the past several months and look forward to continuing our dialogue with Engaged Capital and other shareholders as we continue improving the company’s performance.”
Glenn W. Welling, founder and CIO of Engaged Capital, said: “We are excited that the Board has added Caroline Brown, who will bring a wealth of apparel experience to the boardroom. We look forward to continuing to work collaboratively with Caroline and the rest of the Board on the appointment of the Additional Director. We believe these appointments will help support Bracken Darrell and the management team as they lead the turnaround of this iconic portfolio of brands.”
COYOL, Costa Rica — February 14, 2024 — Freudenberg Medical — a global contract design and manufacturing (CDMO) partner to the medical device and biopharma industry with facilities in key industry hubs across the Americas, Europe and Asia — announced it is to establish a second manufacturing site in Costa Rica. With this $25 million investment the company is expanding its technologies to deliver increasingly complex products to its global customer base.
Freudenberg Medical CEO, Dr. Mark Ostwald, at the groundbreaking ceremony in Costa Rica. Photo: Business Wire
“We are proud to be one of the first global CDMO partners in Costa Rica, having established our first production facility here more than 12 years ago,” said Dr. Mark Ostwald, CEO of Freudenberg Medical, during the groundbreaking ceremony for the new facility. “This expansion strengthens our strategy of being close to our customers and offering them efficient solutions along the entire device lifecycle — including cost-effective manufacturing capabilities on a large scale.”
Freudenberg Medical’s new facility will become operational in the beginning of 2025. It will be dedicated to the assembly of high-volume minimally invasive catheters for electrophysiology, vascular and structural heart therapies and other medical devices that require high-precision manual assembly. In the first phase, the new facility will cover 50,000 square feet and house three ISO 7 cleanrooms. Within three years of opening, a further 50,000 square feet will be added, quadrupling Freudenberg Medical’s total footprint in Costa Rica.
The new facility will be in close proximity to the company’s existing 30,000 square feet manufacturing facility in the Coyol Free Zone. During 2025, the existing facility will become Freudenberg Medical’s specialized Costa Rica site for primary processing technologies including molding and extrusion of thermoplastics for medical applications while assembly operations will be moved to the new facility.
“The investment in this new site underlines Freudenberg Medical’s confidence in Costa Rica as an integral part of our global growth strategy,” said Róger Gómez, vice president/general manager of Freudenberg Medical in Costa Rica. “In the next three years we will triple the number of employees from the current 300 to over 900 team members. Committed to diversity and inclusion, we offer equal opportunities to all.” The two-story building will be barrier-free to meet the needs of people with impairments.
The new facility will be built to the highest environmental and energy efficiency standards. A company-owned PV solar power plant will generate the energy needed to operate the site. “This is another important step towards our goal of becoming a climate-neutral company by 2045,” said Dr. Tilman Krauch, CTO of the Freudenberg Group. “Since the beginning of our company 175 years ago, we have taken responsibility for the communities in which we are at home, as well as for our environment and a sustainable future.”
ADLINGTON, England — February 14, 2024 — Military fabrics manufacturer Carrington Textiles revealed a cutting-edge technology for the defense market called Stealth, designed to revolutionize thermal signature management via a highly conductive textile technology for superior thermal shielding in the battlefield.
Stealth is engineered with patented fabric technology that manages dynamic energy waves for mission critical security and protection, mitigating the thermal signature of a soldier from sensors used in the modern battlefield.
Stealth, created in collaboration with advanced materials company Noble Biomaterials, delivers broad-spectrum SWIR/MWIR/LWIR thermal signature management in a lightweight, durable fabric.
Stealth utilises Noble’s CIRCUITEX® SIGMA technology, which is designed to mitigate thermal detection in military environments.
Army soldier in military camouflage uniform, helmet, with face hiding behind mask and glasses, running out from fire. Infantry rush with fire support, commando attack and breakthrough on battlefield
Paul Farrell, Carrington Textiles sales director, said: “Initial feedback from wearer trials of this pioneering concept in military field training exercises and in camp observation, concluded that with Stealth the thermal signature of a soldier was mitigated completely at different distances, with the material being near indistinguishable from the surrounding terrain, regardless of viewing angles.”
Noble Biomaterials’ Chief Commercial Officer Joel Furey added: “Our patented CIRCUITEX technology is designed to protect soldiers and equipment from detection by advanced sensors. We are proud to provide allied war fighters an operational advantage in combat situations.”
The new Stealth concept will be exclusively showcased at Carrington Textiles’ stand at Enforce Tac 2024, taking place from February 26-28 at the Nüremberg Exhibition Centre in Germany, in hall 7, stand 340.
COSTA MESA, Calif. — February 13, 2024 — Liberated Brands (Liberated) today announced that beginning in Fall 2024, Spyder skiwear produced by Liberated will be per and polyfluorinated substance (PFAS) free. With this initiative, they will also introduce new innovations in waterproof materials and durable water repellent (DWR), delivering outdoor enthusiasts unparalleled protection against the elements.
In a pivotal move, Liberated deployed an initial assessment of its Spyder products, which resulted in a multiple-season plan to phase out PFAS from its branded skiwear. Spyder is one of the world’s most recognizable outdoor and active lifestyle brands, and this initiative leads the industry forward as Liberated works with its fabric partners to refine its raw material selection and commercialization procedures, ensuring the top quality of material performance and compliance.
“We are extremely proud to announce that Spyder skiwear produced by Liberated will now be PFAS-free,” said Brady Collings, general manager of Spyder at Liberated, the brand’s core operating partner across North America, Europe, Japan and Australia. “This decision is a big deal for the active and outdoor industry and we’re proud to be at the forefront. We look forward to taking the next step in providing high-quality products that are better for our consumers and the environment.”
“At Liberated, we believe in technology and innovation, and recently we’ve focused that energy on lessening the impact that our Spyder products have on the planet,” said Bryhn Ireson, vice president of Product of Spyder at Liberated. “This move to PFAS-free materials is a big step in that direction.”
Since its inception, Spyder has put the needs and experiences of its consumers at the forefront of every decision. The brand’s commitment to innovation is further underscored by its integration of advancements like EXO Shield, GridWeb, Shell Fleece and other groundbreaking technologies. With a hyper-focus on product testing and innovation, Liberated looks forward to introducing PFAS-free Spyder-branded skiwear and its new materials innovations in Fall 2024.
Messe Frankfurt’s Techtextil and Texprocess shows will highlight sustainability with economy and ecology in mind.
TW Special Report
After altering its schedule because of pandemic-created delays to an even-year schedule from its previous odd-year schedule, Germany-based Messe Frankfurt GmbH’s flagship Techtextil and Texprocess trade fairs return to the Messe Frankfurt Fairgrounds in Frankfurt, Germany, this year.
Scheduled April 23-26, 2024, the biennial shows will gather approximately 1,600 exhibitors from around 50 countries. Visitors will see first-hand the latest solutions and products for technical textiles, as well as machinery and services for making garments, among other offerings.
“The sectors are undergoing a rapid process of change,” said Olaf Schmidt, vice president, Textiles and Technologies, Messe Frankfurt. “Participants at Techtextil and Texprocess will have the opportunity to stay in tune with the times, to present innovations to an audience of experts from all over the world and to find new solutions and business partners.”
Techtextil 2024
Techtextil will organize exhibits into 11 different product groups: research, development, education, consulting; technology and processes; fibers and yarns; woven fabrics, laid webs, braidings, knitted fabrics; nonwovens; coated textiles; composites; Bondtec (surface and bonding techniques); functional apparel textiles; associations; and media.
As always, Techtextil offers a classification system for exhibits, which are organized according to 12 application areas:
Agrotech — horticulture and landscape, gardening, agriculture, forestry and animal husbandry;
Buildtech — membrane construction, lightweight and solid structures, civil engineering, industrial construction, temporary constructions, interior construction, earthworks, hydraulic engineering and road construction, and agriculture construction;
Clothtech — functional apparel, clothing and shoes;
Geotech — road construction, civil engineering, and dam and waste site construction;
Mobiltech — cars, ships, aircraft, railway and space travel;
Oekotech — environmental protection, recycling and waste disposal;
Packtech — packaging, protective covering systems, sacks, big bags and container systems;
Protech — personal safety and property protections; and
Sporttech — sport and leisure, activewear, outdoor equipment, sports equipment and outfits, and sports footwear.
The application areas are illustrated by graphic icons displayed on exhibitor booths to organizers help visitors find the suppliers they need in an efficient manner.
Techtextil exhibitors will be located in halls 9.1, 11.0, 11.1, 12.0 and 12.1.
“Techtextil, and especially the event in Frankfurt, as the leading trade fair for technical textiles and nonwovens, has shown in recent decades that it brings business partners together in one central location— not only from Europe, but from all over the world,” said Oliver Spöcker, director, Workwear & Protective Wear, Global Commercial director, FR Fibers at Lenzing AG, Austria. “We are looking forward to meeting the entire textile world again in Frankfurt at Techtextil 2024 and to holding personal meetings with business friends and partners. The Lenzing Group will continue to bring the idea of sustainability in the fiber industry to the world of technical textiles. Techtextil offers us an ideal platform for this.”
Texprocess 2024
Texprocess, the International Trade Show for Processing Textile and Flexible Materials, will showcase the latest machines, plants, processes and services for the production of garments, and textile and flexible materials.
This year, Texprocess covers 16 product groups that encompass the entire value creation chain including CAD/CAM (2D/3D/4D); CMT (Cutting, Making, Trimming); Knitting Technology; Embroidery Technology; Sewing Technologies and Materials; Joining and Fastening Technologies and Materials; Textile Treatment; Printing Technologies; Finishing; Digitalisation and Automatisation; Sustainable Technologies; Quality Control and Certification; Intralogistics; Packaging and Transport Logistics; Information Technology; Research, Development, Education, Consulting; Media; and Associations.
Texprocess exhibits will be housed in Halls 8.0, 9.0 and Gallery 0.
Sustainability Emphasis
Sustainability continues to be a focus for the collocated events, as well as Messe Frankfurt as an organization. Last year, in order to more strongly emphasize sustainability at its events, the group introduced the term “econogy,” which combines the ideas of economy and ecology into one word. This umbrella concept will inform and direct information, discussion, education and networking at all of the more than 50 global textile trade fairs in Messe Frankfurt’s “Texpertise Network” creating synergies among events and activities.
“The complexity with regard to social, economic and ecological change in the entire textile value chain continues to increase, which makes it all the more important today to offer orientation for our textile trade fairs, to make innovative approaches by the exhibiting companies visible and to promote the exchange of knowledge among all stakeholders along the textile value chain,” Schmidt emphasized when Messe Frankfurt introduced the econogy concept.
The idea will be used at Techtextil and Texprocess in various ways. The Econogy Finder — a directory of certified suppliers of sustainable products— will be available to visitors; Econogy Talks will provide a platform to exchange ideas and information related to sustainable solutions; and Econogy Tours at Techtextil will introduce visitors to exhibitors of sustainable products. In addition, special exhibit areas and curated displays will spotlight natural and biomaterials, reusable materials and recycling technologies, among other products.
The KneTex bandage developed by researchers at The Hochschule Nieder-rhein University of Applied Sciences.
Education, Awards And Other Attractions
Techtextil and Texprocess offer a myriad of interesting learning and networking opportunities during the show.
Visitors may register for the Techtextil Forum and/or Texprocess Forum to learn from experts in the industry on a variety of topics. Check the event websites for a full program schedule with featured speakers and topics as the events draw closer. The Techtextil Forum will take place in Hall 9.1, and the Texprocess Forum will take place in Hall 9.0.
“Textile Production” and “Functional Materials” start-up areas at Techtextil and the “Textile Processing Technologies” start-up area at Texprocess will offer young entrepreneurs the opportunity to share their business concepts, network, and attract business partners and investors.
Techtextil will host the “Performance Apparels on Stage” show to highlight the multifunctionality of textiles used in the garment industry; while Texprocess will shine a light on sustainable denim production in the Denim Hub and Denim Talks.
For the first time in 2024, Texprocess also will feature an Emerging Markets area and Emerging Markets lounge. Organizations from countries with development potential in textile processing will be invited to participate and the lounge will function as a meeting spot for visitors and exhibitors to chat and develop business ideas.
During the show, awards also will be presented to outstanding inventions and products at the Techtextil Innovation Awards and Texprocess Innovation Awards. Winners are selected from all entries by two panels of experts and represent the “future at a glance,” according to Messe Frankfurt.
“We are proud to once again present the very latest innovations — the result of unrivaled research, products and technologies of the textile manufacturing and processing industry — at the coming Techtextil and Texprocess trade fairs,” said Sabine Scharrer, director Techtextil and Texprocess. “For our visitors, the Techtextil and Texprocess Innovation Awards are genuine highlights. Every two years, these innovations give a perfect demonstration of the future-oriented direction being taken by the industries in fields of development, such as efficiency, ultra-new materials, coatings and sustainable production, which incentivizes the market and illustrates the innovative power and spirit of the industries.”
Open Hours, Ticket Sales
Both shows are open from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. April 23-25, and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on April 26. A ticket grants visitors access to both Techtextil and Texprocess. Single-day tickets and four-day passes are available with advanced purchases qualifying for a discount.
For more information about Techtextil and Texprocess and to register, visit techtextil.messefrankfurt.com and texprocess.messefrankfurt.com.