Avient Introduces Versaflex™ TF Adhesive TPEs For Textile Fabrics

SHANGHAI — March 11, 2024 — Avient Corp., a provider of specialized and sustainable materials solutions and services, is proud to introduce its new Versaflex™ TF Adhesive Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE) solutions for adhesive films in laminations with nylon and polyester textile fabrics. These new solutions help textile fabric laminations to be soft, stretchable, and breathable, enabling a uniform thickness and overall appearance in athletic apparel such as sportswear and underwear.

Avient Introduces Versaflex™ TF Adhesive TPE Solutions for Athletic Textile Fabrics

Versaflex TF Adhesive TPEs offer easy processing and shaping, resulting in a strong adhesion between the TPE adhesive film and high-elastic fabrics. These solutions can support the strength and elasticity of the fabric for superior shape recovery of up to 99 percent after 300 percent elongation over 1 minute while also providing excellent washability in various washing machines and modes at temperatures up to 60°C. This new TPE technology can provide a cost-effective alternative to TPU adhesive films and traditional glue.

“We are seeing a steady increase in the demand for fitness clothing, as people are becoming more health-conscious,” said Matt Mitchell, director, Global Marketing, Specialty Engineered Materials at Avient. “This trend has created a need for functional and comfortable fabrics that are also visually appealing. With the new Versaflex TF Adhesive TPEs, manufacturers can create close-fitting bodywear textiles that offer consumers a more comfortable exercise experience. Additionally, this technology caters to the growing market for seam tapes.”

All Versaflex TF Adhesive TPEs comply with the OEKO-TEX(R) 100-2 standard, do not include plasticizers, and contain lower VOCs than traditional adhesive solutions. Available in colored or transparent applications, they also show good resistance to discoloration, fading, or hazing. Applications include elastic strips for bodywear and seam tapes for sportswear. They are currently manufactured in Asia and are commercially available globally.

Posted: March 11, 2024

Source: Avient Corp.

Toray Develops Revolutionary Ion-Conductive Polymer Membrane For Batteries That Could Dramatically Extend Vehicular Cruise Ranges

TOKYO — March 11, 2024 — Toray Industries Inc. announced today that it has developed an ion-conductive polymer membrane that delivers 10-fold the ion conductivity of predecessors. This new offering could accelerate the deployment of solid-state batteries,1 air batteries,2 and other lithium metal batteries, greatly expanding the cruising ranges of electric vehicles, industrial drones, urban air mobility systems, and other transportation modes.

A transition to electric mobility is increasing demand for lithium-ion batteries delivering higher energy densities. Efforts are accordingly under way to develop lithium metal batteries whose anodes enable the highest theoretical energy capacity.

The challenge of lithium metal is its high surface reactivity and the stability issues associated with its dissolution and precipitation morphology during charging and discharging cycles. One notable drawback is the growth of lithium dendrites3, which can cause short circuits. Metallic lithium anodes in batteries employing solid electrolytes pose similar hurdles, and have yet to see practical applications.

Toray developed polymer membranes offering ion conductivity through hopping conduction. This mechanism enables lithium ions to traverse between interacting sites within polymer membranes, effectively jumping across sites. The membranes remain non- porous. This breakthrough leveraged the company’s expertise in molecular design technology, particularly with aramid polymers4, which it refined over many years.

Figure 1: Positioning of conventional microporous membrane and new membrane

Toray estimates that enhancing the hopping site5 structure and designing a new polymer with more hopping sites has delivered the highest ionic conductivity in the 10-4 S/cm range for a hopping-conductive polymer film.

Figure 2: Hopping conduction

Toray confirmed that the polymer film functions effectively as a protective film on lithium metal surfaces to overcome the issues mentioned earlier, and should extend the service lives of batteries using lithium metal lithium anodes.

Joint research with Professor Nobuyuki Imanishi of the Graduate School of Engineering at Mie University verified the achievement of 100 charge-discharge cycles for the first time in a dual component lithium-air battery employing this polymer membrane as a separator.

Toray will accelerate research to swiftly establish technology for deployment on solid-state, air, and other advanced batteries.

Part of the development work for the new membrane was through a project funded by the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO). Toray plans to present its technology at the 91st Annual Meeting of the Electrochemical Society of Japan, which is from March 14 through 16 this year.

Toray will keep leveraging its core technologies of synthetic organic and polymer chemistry, biotechnology, and nanotechnology to innovate materials in keeping with its commitment to delivering new value and contributing to social progress.

Glossary

  1. A solid-state battery uses solid electrolytes instead of the liquid or polymer that lithium- ion batteries employ. The inflammable electrolytes of solid-state batteries enhance safety. Another benefit is that charging is faster.
  2. A lithium-air battery is light and offers high capacity. It employs a lithium metal anode and an oxygen cathode. A organic electrolyte anode and aqueous electrolyte cathode structure is under consideration.
  3. Lithium dendrites are branch-like lithium crystals that grow when charging batteries. Dendrite growth can degrade battery performance and cause short circuits.
  4. An aramid (aromatic polyamide) is a high-performance polymer offering superb heat resistance and rigidity. Toray is the world’s only company to commercialize aramids, through its mictron® film brand. A common application is data storage tapes, which taking advantage of its outstanding rigidity for mass-produced films. Another use is as a circuit material for thin films because its heat resistance ranks second only to that of polyimide.
  5. A hopping site refers to specific atoms or atomic groups in polymer chains serving as a transit point for lithium ions to undergo hopping conduction in a polymer membrane.

Posted: March 11, 2024

Source: Toray Industries Inc.

Pindler Releases Timeless Indoor/Outdoor Drapery Fabrics For Spring 2024

MOORPARK, Calif. — February 22, 2024 — “This sophisticated grouping of classic, timeless designs and modern elements is perfect for use both inside and out, while offering superior performance and maintaining drapability,” said Pindler’s Design Director Sarah Williamson.

According to Houzz’s 2024 design trends predictions, “Designers are elevating these indoor-outdoor spaces with stylish finishes, materials, furniture and decor, allowing for a seamless connection between indoors and out.” These new fabrics are right on trend.

Each addition to Pindler’s portfolio captures the company’s commitment to excellence and innovation. Pindler’s Exclusive Platinum Indoor/Outdoor Collection is specially spun to emulate a fine linen look that maintains lightfastness.

The company’s seven new patterns come in stunningly subtle shades of blue, green and white. The fabrics are available online, as well as at Pindler’s 16 corporate showrooms and seven agent showrooms across the U.S., and two agent showrooms in Canada.

Posted: March 11, 2024

Source: Pindler

INDA, The Association Of The Nonwoven Fabrics Industry: Nonwoven Professionals Are Invited To Present At IDEA®25

CARY, N.C. — March 11, 2024 — INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, announced a call for abstracts for IDEA®, April 29-May 1, 2025, Miami Beach Convention Center, Miami Beach, Fla. IDEA attracts thousands of nonwoven professionals from all functional areas spanning the entire supply chain. The deadline to submit abstracts is Friday, June 7, 2024.

The theme for IDEA25 is “Nonwovens for a Healthier Planet” highlighting nonwoven advancements in sustainability. Abstracts are being accepted via the INDA website: https://www.inda.org/idea25-call-for-presentations/

Product developers, designers, engineers, technical scouts, and marketing professionals accountable for their product’s environmental impact will attend IDEA. Presentations will focus on responsible sourcing, innovations in sustainability, and end-of-life solutions for nonwovens and its related industries.

A few examples of topics for consideration are:

Responsible Sourcing

  • Natural Fibers (Cotton, Hemp, Bamboo, Banana, Wood Pulp, Regenerated Cellulose, Wool, Fur, Chitin, Feathers)
  • Polymers (Biopolymers, Regenerated and Recycled polymers, Unconventional and Alternatives to Traditional Polymers)
  • Sustainable Chemistries (finishes, lubricants, adhesives, and additives)

Innovations In Sustainability

  • Process Improvements with Sustainability Impact (reduced waste, reduced energy, reduced water consumption)
  • Product Design Improvements with Sustainability Impact (lightweighting, designs for end-of-life, “good enough” design)

End-Of-Life Solutions

  • End-of-Life or Next-Life Considerations (compostability, biodegradability, recycling, advanced recycling and circularity)
  • Presenting is an opportunity for technical professionals to showcase pioneering research, innovative solutions, and expert insights with technology scouts.

Abstracts must be submitted via the INDA website by June 7, 2024: https://www.inda.org/idea25-call-for-presentations/

For questions about the submission process or categories, contact Deanna Lovell, dlovell@inda.org.

Posted: March 11, 2024

Source: INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry

Hexcel And Arkema Achieve The Realization Of A First Thermoplastic Composite Structure Demonstrator At JEC 2024

STAMFORD, Conn. — March 11, 2024 — This achievement stems from the strategic partnership between Hexcel and Arkema. The high-performance thermoplastic composite structure was designed and manufactured using HexPly® thermoplastic tapes. These aerospace-grade materials are developed from Arkema’s Kepstan® PEKK resin and Hexcel HexTow® AS7 and IM7 carbon fibers.

The demonstrator project was carried out as part of the collaborative project known as HAICoPAS. The primary goal of HAICoPAS is to optimize the design and production process for unidirectional composite tapes made from high-performance thermoplastic resins and continuous carbon fibers. Additionally, the project aims to develop a more efficient tape placement technology and a novel continuous and dynamic in-situ welding (ISW) assembly system with real-time quality control. Ultimately, the objective is to produce composite parts that can replace metallic materials (such as steel, aluminum, and titanium) in aircraft structures, achieving both cost competitiveness and high production rates.

The work of the project partners has successfully overcome the technological barriers identified at the beginning of the project, including:

  1. The development, implementation, and characterization of carbon/thermoplastic (C/PEKK) tapes.
  2. The creation of an automated deposition process for consolidation outside of autoclaves.
  3. The establishment of the ISW welding technology for assembly.

The definition of elementary parts intended to form the assembled components of the HAICoPAS demonstrator was carried out in close collaboration with an industrial advisory committee comprising Airbus, Safran, Daher, Hutchinson, and ATC. The final version of the aeronautical demonstrator, made from composite tapes and assembled using ISW technology, is currently on display at the JEC World Innovation Planets exhibition in the Mobility section.

This innovative demonstrator was successfully developed within the framework of the collaborative project “HAICoPAS” (Highly Automatized Integrated Composites for Performing Adaptable Structures). The HAICoPAS project is a collaborative initiative led by Hexcel and Arkema, along with their industrial partners (Ingecal, Coriolis Composites, Pinette Emidecau Industries (PEI), and Institut de Soudure). Additionally, a consortium of university laboratories, spearheaded by CNRS and comprising the PIMM (CNRS – Arts et Métiers ParisTech – Cnam) and LTEN (CNRS – Université de Nantes), played a crucial role in this endeavor. The Structuring R&D Project for Competitiveness (PSPC) received support from Bpifrance as part of the Investment for the Future Program and was endorsed by the Polymeris competitiveness cluster.

Posted: March 11, 2024

Source: Hexcel Corporation

Texcyle Adopts Sustainability With Bio-Elastane In The Socks Industry

RAJASTHAN, India — Texcyle, a pioneering Indian sock supplier, officially launches into the global market, proudly introducing the first-ever use of Bio-Elastane in the production of socks. Founded in 2023 by Raunak Hasnani, an ambitious entrepreneur with a passion for revolutionising the sock industry, Texcyle is committed to producing 100-percent organic socks and partnering with brands dedicated to sustainable and ethical practices.

Socks that are kind to the feet and the planet

Texcyle’s mission goes beyond just providing socks; it aims to eliminate greenwashing claims in the fashion industry by offering a transparent and eco-friendly manufacturing process. The company’s unique selling point lies in its dedication to a low carbon footprint, top-notch quality, and customization services.

The socks produced by Texcyle are crafted from a combination of Organic Cotton, Recycled Polyester, and revolutionary Bio-Elastane, making them pioneers of low carbon footprint socks. The company ensures a sustainable manufacturing process from start to end by sourcing ethical and certified materials. Texcyle has also taken a bold step towards sustainability by eliminating all virgin plastic packaging for shipping and distribution, replacing it with eco-friendly alternatives such as recycled paper, cotton, and compostable plastic.

Texcyle operates on a B2B model, collaborating with eco-conscious retailers, sustainable fashion brands, and companies committed to promoting ethical practices. The company provides custom sock design services, allowing businesses to incorporate their identity while adhering to their sustainability goals.

“What sets Texcyle apart is our unwavering commitment to sustainability, quality, and customization,” said Raunak Hasnani, CEO of Texcyle. “We’re not just selling socks; we’re selling a vision of a greener, more sustainable fashion world. We invite businesses who share our vision to join us in this journey.”

Texcyle’s dedication to ethical practices and environmental sustainability makes it standout in the socks industry. The company aims to inspire positive change by collaborating with like-minded businesses and individuals who prioritize clean sourcing.

By choosing Texcyle, brands are not only sourcing socks but also doing their share of responsibility. Join the Texcyle movement for a greener future.

Posted: March 9, 2024

Source: Texcyle

The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) Announces Board Of Directors Leadership For 2024-2025 Term

WASHINGTON— March 8, 2024 — The American Apparel & Footwear Association announced the renewal of its Board of Directors leadership and the addition of 15 new and re-elected Board members.

The following individuals were confirmed as AAFA’s Board of Directors leadership for the 2024-2025 term:

  • Josue Solano, BBC International – chair;
  • Halide Alagöz, Ralph Lauren Corp. – vice chair;
  • Katherine Gold, Goldbug Inc. – treasurer;
  • Joe Preston, New Balance Athletics, Inc. – secretary; and
  • Ted Dagnese, lululemon athletica – past chair.

The following individuals were elected and re-elected to the Board of Directors:

Newly elected:

  • Peter Charles, Chief Supply Chain Officer, Tapestry Inc.;
  • Sarah Clarke, Chief Supply Chain Officer, American Eagle Outfitters Inc.; and
  • Sarah Hurzeler, COO, Dorfman Milano.

Re-elected:

  • Halide Alagöz, Ralph Lauren Corp.;
  • Ted Dagnese, lululemon athletica;
  • Bill Ells, Vibram USA;
  • Katherine Gold, Goldbug Inc.;
  • Rick Horwitch, Bureau Veritas Consumer Products Services;
  • Sid Howard, Amann Group;
  • David Miller, Minnetonka Moccasin Company Inc.;
  • Allison Murphy, TTI Global Resources;
  • Josue Solano, BBC International; and
  • Deborah Weinswig, Coresight Research Inc.

The new AAFA Board of Directors also includes two Board member posts that were appointed on March 6:

  • Shawn Curran, chief supply chain officer, Under Armour Inc.; and
  • Sarah McMullin, vice president, Owned Brand Product Operations Apparel and Accessories, Target Corp.

“I’m repeatedly remined of the value of the AAFA Membership through everyday challenges and the breadth of support provided as we empower our employees and industry partners. I look forward to shaping the next year of aspirations as we continue to convert new hurdles into opportunities for continuous improvement,” shared Josue Solano, AAFA chair and CEO of BBC International.

“Josue is a leader in every sense of the word, and I have no doubt he will continue to help recruit and retain new inspirational leaders onto the board and membership at large,” said Steve Lamar, president and CEO of the American Apparel & Footwear Association. “Ted Dagnese’s leadership over the last term has been integral, and we are thrilled that he is able to remain at the officer table as past chair.”

As the 2024 AAFA Executive Summit concluded on March 7, AAFA was touched by the response to delivering the Lifetime Achievement Award to Thomas G Travis, Founder and Counsel to Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg, P.A who received a standing ovation. The recognition was for his unparalleled contributions to the association and the industry, with specific accolades for his counsel on trade and customs programs that have benefitted millions of people including consumers, retailers, brands, and workers worldwide.

Posted: March 8, 2024

Source: The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA)

National Retail Federation (NRF): Import Cargo Returning To Normal After Red Sea Disruptions

WASHINGTON— March 8, 2024 — With the supply chain adjusting to ongoing Houthi rebel attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea, inbound cargo volume at the nation’s major container ports remains on track to show year-over-year increases through the first half of 2024, according to the Global Port Tracker report released today by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates.

“Retailers continue to work with their partners to mitigate the impact of disruptions from the Red Sea and Panama Canal restrictions,” NRF Vice President for Supply Chain and Customs Policy Jonathan Gold said. “Cargo has been rerouted and goods are arriving where they are needed and in time to meet consumer demand despite the ongoing challenges. Retailers have been impacted by costs and shipping delays, but they are working to minimize any impact on consumers.”

Carriers are avoiding the Red Sea and the initial surge in shipping prices and delays is subsiding, Hackett Associates Founder Ben Hackett said. Some cargo that previously traveled from Asia via the Red Sea and Suez Canal across the Atlantic to the U.S. East Coast is now going around the Cape of Good Hope instead. There has been an uptick in cargo shipped across the Pacific to the West Coast. And some ships are traveling across the Pacific and through the Panama Canal to reach the East Coast.

“Despite the shipping disruptions cause by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea, the global trade of consumer goods, industrial materials and bulk commodities continues to flow relatively smoothly,” Hackett said. “Fear of an inflationary impact due to the raised cost of transportation should be alleviated by now. Retailers and their carrier partners are adjusting to the re-routings and new schedules, which add new costs but those can be partially offset by not having to sail up the Red Sea and not having to pay Suez Canal transit costs. This will continue until there is a resolution and freedom of navigation through the Red Sea and Suez Canal.”

U.S. ports covered by Global Port Tracker handled 1.96 million Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units – one 20-foot container or its equivalent – in January, the latest month for which final numbers are available. That was up 4.7% from December and up 8.6% year over year.

Ports have not yet reported February’s numbers, but Global Port Tracker projected the month at 1.9 million TEU, up 22.7% year over year. March is forecast at 1.77 million TEU, up 8.8% from last year. February is traditionally the slowest month because of Lunar New Year factory shutdowns in Asia but the timing of the holiday and its impact on cargo and year-over-year comparisons varies. April is forecast at 1.84 million TEU, up 3.1% year over year; May at 1.94 million, up 0.5%; June also at 1.94 million TEU, up 5.7%, and July at 1.99 million TEU, up 3.8%

The first half of 2024 is expected to total 11.5 million TEU, up 7.8% from the same period last year. Imports during 2023 totaled 22.3 million TEU, down 12.8% from 2022.

Global Port Tracker, which is produced for NRF by Hackett Associates, provides historical data and forecasts for the U.S. ports of Los Angeles/Long Beach, Oakland, Seattle and Tacoma on the West Coast; New York/New Jersey, Port of Virginia, Charleston, Savannah, Port Everglades, Miami and Jacksonville on the East Coast, and Houston on the Gulf Coast. The report is free to NRF retail members, and subscription information is available at NRF.com/PortTracker

Posted: March 8, 2024

Source: National Retail Federation (NRF)

Archroma Introduces ALBAFIX® ECO PLUS, A Unique State-Of-The Art Wet-Fastness Improver For Long-Lasting Colors Without Compromise

PRATTELN, Switzerland — March 8, 2024 — Archroma, a global leader in specialty chemicals towards sustainable solutions, has developed a new wet-fastness improver that helps brands and mills produce durable clothing, towels, linens and other textile products with long-lasting colors without compromising on quality or introducing hazardous chemicals.

ALBAFIX® ECO PLUS is a next-generation fixing agent that delivers the strongest possible wet-fastness for all reactive dyes on cotton and other cellulosic fibers and polyester-cotton blends. It will not change the shade of the dyed fabric or negatively impact light-fastness. The breakthrough product also avoids production challenges — such as foaming, acid hydrolysis and migration problems during drying — to promote efficiency and quality output.

Crucially, ALBAFIX ECO PLUS complies with global eco-standards and initiatives, including Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), bluesign® and the Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals (ZDHC) Roadmap.

“With ALBAFIX ECO PLUS, brands and mills can achieve the strongest possible wet-fastness on cellulose fibers without the drawbacks associated with traditional fixing agents for reactive dyes. This innovation makes it possible to produce high-quality garments and textiles that last longer because they won’t fade, stain or bleed when exposed to laundering. At the same time, they comply with current and anticipated industry sustainability standards, enhancing consumer confidence and helping brands verify their green claims,” said Anish Paliwal, Market Segment director, CEL & Blends, WO Casual, Formal & Home Textiles. “This is all part of our newly launched Super Systems+ that help textile and apparel brands, retailers and mills positively impact their economic and environmental sustainability, and reflects Archroma’s commitment to delivering a more sustainable ecosystem.”

ALBAFIX ECO PLUS is suitable for jet applications, and for other dyeing and washing equipment with vigorous liquor circulation, and can also be applied by exhaustion, by padding or from the last bath of the soaping process after dyeing or printing.

Like ALBAFIX ECO, the latest addition to the ALBAFIX family has a positive influence on chlorine-fastness. When applied with double fixing, it achieves the same high performance on polyamide and PA/Elastane fabrics, as it does on cellulosic fibers. This makes it ideal for the production of swimwear, as well as sportswear and outdoor clothing.

Posted: March 8, 2024

Source: Archroma

The International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF): Dietz-Motoren (Germany)  Joins ITMF As Corporate Member

ZÜRICH, Switzerland — March 8, 2024 — Dietz-Motoren is a producer of custom-defined electric motors, fans, and blowers that is also supplying textile machinery companies. It was founded in 1922 and employs 270 persons.

Christian Schindler, director general of ITMF, stated: “ITMF welcomes Dietz-Motoren as a new corporate member of ITMF. This shows that ITMF is not only an informative platform for fiber, textile, apparel, home textile, textile chemical, or textile machinery companies but also for producers of important machinery components. ITMF’s publications, statistics, and surveys help players along the entire textile value chain to better understand the dynamics of this long and complex value chain. ITMF also offers a unique platform for industry leaders from affiliated industry segments to meet in-person.”

Marrin Degenhardt, Key Account manager of Dietz-Motoren GmbH, pointed out that: “ITMF is the only global organization that brings together the entire textile value chain. Being part of such a platform and network will help us to identify opportunities and risks and hence develop our business strategy accordingly. We are looking forward to participating in ITMF activities.”

Posted: March 8, 2024

Source: The International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF)

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