Lower Costs Thanks To Future Ultra-Thin Carbon Fibres And Progress In Sorting Used Textiles Using NIR (Near Infrared) Sensors

AACHEN, Germany — December 11, 2023 — The Institut für Textiltechnik (ITA) of RWTH Aachen University can look forward to two award winners in 2023: In his master’s thesis, ITA master’s graduate student Flávio André Marter Diniz developed polyethylene (PE)-based carbon fibers that are two to three times thinner than usual and showed how the use of PE-based precursors can reduce the price of carbon fibers by 50 percent in the future. For his master’s thesis “Investigation of the stabilisation and carbonisation process for the production of ultra-thin polyethylene-based carbon fibres”, he was awarded the prize for the best diploma/master’s thesis in German textile mechanical engineering and prize money of 3,500 euros.

Annika Datko and Peter D. Dornier/Peter D. Dornier, Flávio André Marter Diniz and Professor Dr Thomas Gries – source: ITM/TU Dresden

In her Bachelor’s thesis, ITA Bachelor’s graduate Annika Datko showed how used textiles can be sorted by fibre composition using near-infrared (NIR) sensor technology and, on a laboratory scale, has an average mean error of only 4 percent. Sorting according to fiber composition to subsequently carry out fiber-to-fiber recycling is the most sustainable way to produce new fibres for new products from (used) textile fibers. For her work “Experimental analysis of the sortability of used textiles containing polyester using near-infrared spectroscopy on a laboratory and industrial scale”, she received the 3,000 euros prize for the best bachelor’s thesis from the German Textile Machinery Association.

The chairman of the Board of the Walter Reiners Foundation, Peter D. Dornier, presented the prizes at the Aachen-Dresden-Denkendort International Textile Conference in Dresden.

New manufacturing approach for more cost-effective carbon fibers

Carbon fibers are often used in growth areas such as wind turbines and pressure tanks due to their excellent properties. Unfortunately, they are very expensive due to high manufacturing costs and are not available in sufficient quantities. In his master’s thesis, Marter Diniz developed a new and cost effective manufacturing process by producing low-cost carbon fibers using a polyethylene precursor. Further advantages: the carbon fibers have an excellent surface quality without any noticeable structural deficits. In addition, Marter Diniz was able to reduce the time consuming sulphonation process by 25 percent.

These major advantages pave the way for a wider range of applications for carbon fibers in key industries such as wind power, automotive and aerospace.

New method for fiber-to-fiber recycling of used textiles can revolutionize textile recycling

Used textiles are currently sorted almost exclusively by hand. For fiber-to-fiber recycling — currently the most sustainable textile recycling option — it is important to sort textiles by fiber composition. This can-not be reliably done manually, i.e. by feel, especially with fiber blends. Annika Datko’s approach of using NIR for sorting used textiles is new. NIR sensor technology is already state of the art for recycling plastic waste, but is still in its infancy when it comes to sorting textiles.

How exactly it works: The textile sample is irradiated with NIR light. Based on the wavelengths of the reflected light and the light picked up by the detector, a material-specific spectrum is created that resembles a fingerprint. In her bachelor’s thesis, Annika Datko com-pared these spectra or fingerprints of textiles with different fiber components. She was able to prove that it is possible to differentiate between different fiber compositions using NIR and that it has a very low average mean error of just 4 percent on a laboratory scale.

Posted: December 11, 2023

Source: ITA – Institut für Textiltechnik of RWTH Aachen University

Texworld NYC And Apparel Sourcing NYC Unveil Next-Level Special Features For January Event

NEW YORK CITY — December 11, 2023 — Texworld New York City and Apparel Sourcing New York City, the largest sourcing event on the East Coast, is gearing up for a spectacular showcase of innovation, sustainability, and cutting-edge trends during its upcoming event on January 22-24, 2024. Building on the success of its previous edition. The January event is poised to provide an extraordinary experience for both attendees and exhibitors.

Trends and Education

Always an attendee favorite, The Texworld Trend Showcase, curated by New York-based trend agency DONEGER | TOBE, will be back on the show floor, offering insights into the Spring/Summer 2025 themes. Attendees can explore the curated segments through the Explore the Floor Tour led by Creative Director, Kai Chow.

In partnership with Material Exchange, Trend+ is a brand-new, exclusive tool that digitally enhances the Trend Showcase experience by allowing attendees the availability to gain deeper information on the product, order samples to be delivered express, and find easy directions to the booth of the suppliers who made the product. Material Exchange will also join the show floor with a ‘genius bar’, located near the showcase, to help visitors explore the digital showroom and order their samples.

“The trend area is compelling for visitors to Texworld, as it gives them insight into what’s happening in culture and inspires them with products that match the trends in the market, said Ben Felton, chief strategy officer of Material Exchange. Trend+ takes this experience to the next level, allowing visitors to scan each product, see detailed data on it, and order a sample, which will arrive to them by the time they get back to their desks. We’re really excited to be launching this with Texworld, bringing a new, first-of-its-kind innovation to the show”.

Further expanding the trend resources and educational aspect of the co-located event, Texworld New York City proudly announces a collaboration with Arsutoria, the prestigious Milan-based institution renowned for its contributions to footwear and leather goods education.

With a legacy dating back to 1947, Arsutoria brings its wealth of experience to New York, curating a trend area that will feature a captivating display of over 200 material samples from a range of companies. Delving into the global trends of shoes and bags, this showcase, focusing on leathers, textiles, soles, and accessories, is a testament to the intersection of tradition and innovation in the fashion industry.

Texworld New York City’s leading educational programs, including Textile Talks and the Lenzing Seminar Series, will return with insights from industry professionals. Esteemed show partner, Lenzing, will also bring back the Lenzing Pavilion in addition to their educational seminars. The pavilion will spotlight sustainable exhibitors, aligning with Lenzing’s commitment to eco-friendly practices.

Stay tuned for the full educational seminar schedule.

Printsource

Known for its exceptional showcase of innovative and trendsetting textile designs, Printsource New York will once again bring its wealth of creativity and expertise to the show floor. Designers, buyers, and industry professionals attending the January event can anticipate a tailored display of cutting-edge prints, patterns, and surface design inspirations. Printsource adds a vibrant and dynamic dimension to the event, further solidifying Texworld NYC’s position as the go-to destination for global sourcing.

Country Pavilions

Texworld New York City is proud to showcase the rich tapestry of textile innovation with the inclusion of the Turkey Pavilion this January. Known for its longstanding heritage in textile craftsmanship and its commitment to cutting-edge manufacturing practices, Turkey has established itself as a key player in the international textile market. Visitors to the Turkey Pavilion can expect to be immersed in a world of creativity and innovation. From high-quality textiles to intricate garment designs, the pavilion will provide a comprehensive overview of Turkey’s dynamic and evolving textile landscape.

“We are delighted to welcome the Turkey Pavilion to our winter event. Turkey’s rich history in textile craftsmanship and its contemporary approach to manufacturing make it an invaluable addition to our diverse showcase of global talent,” states Jennifer Bacon, vice president of Fashion + Apparel, Messe Frankfurt Inc.

As part of a forward-thinking initiative to empower the American supply chain, visitors can explore expanded domestic sourcing offerings inside the SEAMS Supply Chain USA Pavilion, a brand-new addition to the Local Sourcing segment of the event. The expansion, coupled with Texworld NYC’s new partnership with SEAMS, enhances the show’s ability to provide a dynamic platform for exhibitors and attendees alike.

More New Features

A new collaborative initiative between Texworld NYC and Material Innovation Initiative (MII), the Next-Gen Innovation Hub specialty area will provide buyers with insight and an array of innovative, high-performing, and sustainable fiber and material alternatives. MII is an industry leader in advancing the next-gen materials revolution by connecting science and big ideas; the collaborative Next-Gen Innovation Hub’s goal is to champion cleanliness, environmental responsibility, and cruelty-free innovation.

“At MII, we applaud Texworld for recognizing and understanding the need to act now in showcasing the next generation of material and fiber innovators,” states Nicole Rawling, Co-founder + CEO of MII.

“Sustainability must be at the forefront of every collection. We want to give brands the tools and inspiration they need to create a new model for beauty and wearability.” Thomasine Dolan, Director of Materials Innovation + Design, MII.

Registration for the co-located event is open.

To register or for more information, please visit us online: www.texworldnyc.com

Posted: December 11, 2023

Source: Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd.

Dimension-Polyant Receives ISPO Munich 2023 Textrends Award For Sustainable X-Pac® Fabric

PUTNAM, CT — December 11, 2023 — With hundreds of fabrics submitted for ISPO Munich’s 2023 Textrends awards, Dimension-Polyant, the world’s leading sailcloth producer and manufacturer of durable X-Pac® waterproof laminates developed for packs and bags, is proud to have impressed the competition’s stringent jury to receive a Top Ten award for its X-Pac RX30 laminate in the Soft Equipment Category.

Ready to tackle the outdoor elements, X-Pac RX30 is a 3-layer laminate made with a 100 percent post-consumer recycled 300 denier polyester face fabric and distinguishable X-PLY® fiber reinforcement technology for an innovative three-layer construction that’s rugged, flexible and 100-percent waterproof. The laminate features a lighter weight recycled polyester film backing to provide provides a sleek, technical appearance. The recycled polyester fiber and backing is made from discarded PET bottles sourced in the USA.

As with all X-Pac materials, the RX30 laminate is made in Dimension-Polyant’s Putnam, CT facility, which is 100-percent climate neutral. It carries Dimension-Polyant’s cleenTEC® seal, which guarantees it is 100-percent climate neutral by including recycled or bio-based components with the added sustainable measure of having climate offsets directly applied. Working with internationally-respected ClimatePartner, Dimension-Polyant calculates the total environmental impact of each cleenTEC fabric to offset its carbon footprint.

“Knowing how competitive the Textrends jury selection is, we are thrilled to have received an ISPO Munich 2023 Textrends Top 10 Award for our X-Pac RX30 — our most balanced construction for performance outdoor or urban backpack applications,” said Taylor North, head of Technical Fabrics, Dimension-Polyant. “The judges were impressed with the not only with the fabric’s sustainable content, but also its distinct look and distinctly soft, lux hand feel.”

ISPO Textrends celebrated its tenth anniversary at ISPO Munich 2023, which took place November 28-30. According to ISPO organizers, the show was the hotspot for the international sports business community with over 2,400 exhibitors.

Posted: December 11, 2023

Source: Dimension-Polyant

KARL MAYER GROUP Exceeds All Expectations With Market-Effective Innovations On Display At Its Site In Changzhou City

OBERTSHAUSEN, Germany — December 11, 2023 — The KARL MAYER GROUP is supporting its customers right now, in times of crisis and upheaval, with pioneering solutions for the development of their businesses. The global player recently demonstrated what these market-effective innovations look like at a product show during ITMA ASIA November 19-23, 2023 at its site in Changzhou City.

A whole range of brand new machines made their debut at the industry get-together, including a multifunctional RASCHELTRONIC® with maximum flexibility, a TEXTRONIC® Lace, whose products come closer than ever before to the coveted Leavers Lace standard, and two performance-optimized mid-range representatives from the tricot machine family, which were complemented by established machines with selected performance focuses. Furthermore, a double-needle-bar raschel machine for all-round use demonstrated the possibilities for producing a wide range of high-quality jacquard spacer textiles. In addition to the machines, there were innovative digital solutions that, among other things, revolutionize the production management of warp knitting mills and monitor the machine’s energy consumption, as well as Care Solutions offerings for all-round support at the highest level.

The diverse range of exhibits was very well received. KARL MAYER (CHINA) counted a total of 215 visitors, most of whom came from China, but also from India, Korea, Turkey, Taiwan and Indonesia. The great interest was surprising. “The product show exceeded all our expectations. There were more guests from China and abroad than ever before at comparable events at KARL MAYER (CHINA),” explains Rainer Müller. However, the President of Sales of the KARL MAYER Warp Knitting Business Unit is not only satisfied with the number of visitors.

“With a total of 10 machines on display, we were able to show that we are technological leaders in a wide range of end applications. Our sales managers and our R&D team received a lot of positive feedback from our customers during and after the performance demonstrations of the machines. Some of them were so impressed by what they saw that they started price discussions with us on site,” says Rainer Müller. The lace raschel machine was even sold on the spot.

Posted: December 11, 2023

Source: KARL MAYER GROUP

Gildan Activewear Announces Leadership Changes – Vince Tyra Appointed As President And CEO; Glenn Chamandy Leaving

MONTREAL — December 11, 2023 — Gildan Activewear Inc. today announced that Glenn J. Chamandy has left his position as president and CEO and director of the company. Vince Tyra has been appointed president and CEO, effective February 12, 2024. Craig A. Leavitt, a director of the company since 2018, will serve as interim president and CEO until Tyra assumes his new position.

“The board is confident that Vince is the right person to lead the company into the next stage of its evolution and growth. He has an extensive career as a global organization leader with experience as an apparel industry executive, an operator, an investor and transitioning founder-led companies. Vince’s diverse professional background will provide the necessary leadership skills to propel Gildan to even greater success,” said Donald C. Berg, chairman of the board.

“Over the span of his 40 year career, Glenn has been a forerunner in our industry, taking Gildan from a small family-owned business to a leading apparel company with over US$3 billion in revenues” Berg said. “We thank Glenn for his service and wish him well.”

The company remains fully focused on the Gildan Sustainable Growth strategy and its three key pillars: Innovation, Capacity-driven growth and ESG. As such, we look to continue leveraging our core strengths and reinforcing what we do best -large-scale, low cost, vertically integrated manufacturing.

Tyra stated: “I am looking forward to joining Gildan early in the new year. It is a truly iconic business with an unparalleled global reputation. I look forward to working closely with the Board and the senior executive team, and all of the extremely talented employees to leverage their knowledge and expertise so that we continue maximizing value for all of Gildan’s stakeholders.”

Throughout a career spanning leadership roles in the apparel and investment sectors, Vince has demonstrated an exceptional ability to drive growth and shareholder value, while building strong teams and key relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders.

Tyra brings to Gildan a deep understanding of the apparel industry from manufacturing processes to distribution and brand building. He led alphabroder where he spearheaded the transformation of the business through a merger and during his six years as CEO, he tripled alphabroder’s revenue, making it the industry leader. Before alphabroder, Vince was president of Fruit of the Loom, where he led a turnaround of the company culminating in its sale to Berkshire Hathaway.

Tyra also brings strong financial acumen. He was an operating partner at Southfield Capital, where he was a member of the Investment Committee. Most recently, he served at Houchens Industries as senior vice president of Corporate Strategy and Mergers and Acquisitions, leading the strategic growth of this $4 billion in revenue holding company, through investments in various industry sectors including consumer products and retail. He also served as the University of Louisville’s vice president and director of Intercollegiate Athletics, establishing a new culture of excellence and compliance, while orchestrating the rebuilding of this major NCAA athletics program.

“In my brief tenure as Interim President and CEO, it will be my privilege to work with this great team to ensure continued orderly operations of this highly profitable enterprise and ensure a successful transition for Vince as our new leader. Gildan is well positioned to build upon our strong market share and best in class capabilities,” said Craig A. Leavitt, board member and new Interim CEO.

Posted: December 11, 2023

Source: Gildan Activewear Inc.

Mohan Spintex: Fast-Growing Textile Company In India Invests In Machinery

From left to right: father, son, and daughter – Mr. Sudhakar Chowdary, Managing Director, V. Suhruth Chowdary, V. Sri Keyura (Mohan Spintex, Wolfgang Ruckh, Technical Director and Thomas Wiget, Area Sales Manager (Brückner)

LEONBERG, Germany — December 11, 2023 — Founded in 2005, Mohan Spintex India Ltd. (MSIL) is one of the fastest growing textile companies in India in the last decade. Sudhakar Chowdary, the young and dynamic managing director, has led Mohan Spintex with a vision through its exponential growth to become the second-largest textile company from Andhra Pradesh. By the turn of this decade the company will be without doubt among the top with a large global presence.

With 4,500 employees and a yearly turnover of $0.134 billion, Mohan Spintex’s product portfolio includes cotton, blends of cotton with polyester, viscose, modal, linen and lyocell fabric. The weaves include percale, satin, twill, damask stripe, pin stripe, dobby and jacquard. In the home textile segment Mohan Spintex offers a variety of products from flat sheets over mattress protectors to comforter shells. The company offers end-to-end solution for BCI cotton, organic cotton, Egyptian cotton and Supima cotton products. The Mohan group produces for leading Indian fabric & garment manufacturers such as Welspun, Himatsingka, Indo count, Mafatlal etc. while it also exports to leading fabric and garment manufacturers all over the world, mainly the United States, European Union and China.

The company attaches great importance to the quality of its products. This is reflected not only in an excellent machine park but also in the in-house laboratory, where the most modern testing equipment is located. Efficiency and effectiveness are key factors of Mohan’s success which translates in ISO certifications and 5S workplace organization. Mohan Spintex complies with sustainability and social certificates like GOTS, ÖKOTEX, Egyptian Cotton, WRAP, SEDEX and more.

For processing, Mohan Spintex has invested from 2018 to 2020 in world-class machinery for their finishing department which comprises now five machines in total. In 2020 the company installed two Brückner machines. The Brückner POWER-COLORTHERM continuous dyeing range is an oil-heated machine with 3,200 millimeter working width, one dyeing padder, one ECO-STEAM unit, an infrared dryer and respectively a cooling zone in the entry and the exit. The second machine is an oil-heated POWER-FRAME tenter with 8 chambers, horizontal transport chain and highest drying capacity.

The extremely homogeneous air volume and temperature distribution due to countered thermo zones and the proven split-flow air circulation system were decisive for the customer. The maintenance-friendly components, such as the virtually lubrication-free horizontal transport chain with combined clip and pin bar fabric transport and the width adjustment spindles, help to save production costs. Especially the exactly reproducible finishing results due to full automation as well as recipe management of the line are much appreciated.

Mohan Spintex appreciates the good reliability of Brückner’s 100-percent made in Germany machinery and the low power consumption as well as the technological advantage and the excellent after-sales service.

Vallabhaneni Sudhakar Chowdary, MD of Mohan Spintex, said: “We are very much satisfied for the investment made with Brückner because they delivered high quality technology and metallurgy. The Brückner CDR and stenter brings us energy savings. The machines are also delivering consistent quality fabrics with better productivity and less breakdowns. The cooperation with Brückner was excellent in terms of after sales service and spare parts.”

Posted: December 11, 2023

Source: Brückner Textile Technologies GmbH & Co. KG

The American Apparel & Footwear Association Unveils the 2024 American Image Awards Honorees

The 2024 AAFA American Image Awards Honoree Slate

WASHINGTON — December 7, 2023 — The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) announces inspiring honorees for its 2024 American Image Awards this spring in NYC. Celebrating excellence and influence across the fashion landscape, this prestigious event spotlights visionaries who have embodied Innovation, Stewardship, Leadership, and Global Impact.

A distinguished group of individuals and organizations who have made significant contributions across the fashion industry and in communities around the world, the 2024 honorees include:

Lizanne Kindler, executive chair & CEO, KnitWell Group, as Person of the Year; Carhartt, Inc. as Company of the Year; Wes Gordon, creative director, Carolina Herrera, as Designer of the Year; Pamela Coke-Hamilton, executive director, International Trade Centre, as Global Vanguard; Global Fashion Agenda, accepted by CEO, Federica Marchionni, as Eco-Steward of the Year; and Allan Ellinger, senior managing partner, MMG Advisors, as Trailblazer.

The gala — taking place at Gotham Hall in New York City on Tuesday, April 16, 2024 — will feature return emcee Segun Oduolowu, Boston Globe Today TV show host. The Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) Foundation will be the event’s longstanding charitable beneficiary.

Steve Lamar, president and CEO, AAFA reflected: “This year’s American Image Awards honorees have shepherded significant advancements throughout our industry — transforming the business through innovation and stewardship while accelerating traceability, transparency, and technology across their U.S. and global operations. We look forward to celebrating their accomplishments and ambitions.”

“Entering our 8th consecutive year as AAFA’s beneficiary partner, the CFDA and its Foundation are incredibly proud that with AAFA’s support we are able to foster critical initiatives bettering the American fashion industry at large,” said Steven Kolb, CEO, CFDA. “We thank AAFA for their continued focus and partnership of the CFDA Foundation, which is so crucial to our initiatives around health, safety, diversity, inclusion, and progress.”

Posted: December 10, 2023

Source: The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA)

The National Retail Federation (NRF): Import Cargo Peak Came Later Than Expected As Volume Kept Growing

WASHINGTON — December 8, 2023 — Inbound cargo volume at the nation’s major container ports should continue to slow in the final weeks of 2023 after reaching its peak later than expected this fall, according to the Global Port Tracker report released today by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates.

“We originally thought peak season would come in August but imports kept growing in September and again in October,” NRF Vice President for Supply Chain and Customs Policy Jonathan Gold said. “Whether it was merchandise for retailers or cargo for other businesses, that’s a good sign for the economy and for the holiday shopping season. NRF expects record-setting holiday sales this year and retailers are well-stocked to meet consumer demand.”

NRF is forecasting that 2023 holiday sales will increase between 3 and 4 percent over last year, in line with pre-pandemic growth rates, and will hit a record-setting total between $957.3 billion and $966.6 billion.

“The U.S. economy appears to be on a sustainable growth path as consumer demand remains buoyant,” Hackett Associates Founder Ben Hackett said, noting solid Black Friday weekend sales, strong corporate profits and continued growth of gross domestic product. “It would be natural to assume that any thought of a recession is behind us, but a significant number of economists and politicians remain skeptical. As always, time will tell.”

U.S. ports covered by Global Port Tracker handled a higher-than-expected 2.05 million Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units – one 20-foot container or its equivalent – in October, the latest month for which final numbers are available. That was up 1.3 percent from September and up 2.5 percent from October 2022 for the first year-over-year increase since June 2022.

By topping September’s 2.03 million TEU, October should turn out to be the peak of the holiday shipping season. With 1.96 million TEU, August had originally been expected to be the peak month. The peak historically came in October but has occurred in August or sooner for seven of the past 10 years after a series of port labor disputes prompted retailers to bring merchandise into the country early to avoid potential disruptions near the holidays. 2020 was the most recent year that shipping peaked in October.

Ports have not yet reported November numbers, but Global Port Tracker projected the month at 1.96 million TEU, up 10.5 percent year over year. December is forecast at 1.93 million TEU, up 11.5 percent year over year.

Those numbers would bring 2023 to 22.4 million TEU, down 12.4 percent from last year. Imports during 2022 totaled 25.5 million TEU, down 1.2 percent from the annual record of 25.8 million TEU set in 2021.

Year-over-year volume growth each month is expected to continue in 2024, with January forecast at 1.93 million TEU, up 6.6 percent year over year. February — historically the slowest month because of Lunar New Year factory shutdowns in Asia — is forecast at 1.77 million TEU, up 14.5 percent year-over-year. March is forecast at 1.75 million TEU, up 7.7 percent year-over-year, and April at 1.8 million TEU, up 1 percent.

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: December 10, 2023

Source: The National Retail Federation (NRF)

 

 

The VDMA Textile Machinery Association: Young Engineers Honoured In Dresden

Award winners with foundation chairman, foundation MD and professors – Photo TU Dresden

FRANKFURT, Germany — December 7, 2023 — As part of the Aachen-Dresden-Denkendorf International Textile Conference in Dresden, the Chairman of the Walter Reiners Foundation of the VDMA, Peter D. Dornier, presented awards to four successful young engineers. Two promotion prizes and two sustainability prizes were awarded in the Bachelor and Diploma/Master categories. Academic works in which solutions for resource-saving products and technologies are developed are eligible for the sustainability prizes.

A sustainability prize worth 3,000 euros in the Bachelor’s category was awarded to Franziska Jauch, Niederrhein University of Applied Sciences, for her Bachelor’s thesis on pigment digital printing in denim production.

The promotion prize in the Bachelor’s category, also worth 3,000 euros, went to Annika Datko, RWTH Aachen, for her work on determining the polyester content in used textiles.

Dave Kersevan, TU Dresden, was honored with a sustainability prize in the Diploma/Master’s category, endowed with 3,500 euros. The subject of his thesis was the development of a laboratory system for the production of needled carbon preforms.

This year’s promotion award in the Diploma/Master’s category, endowed with prize money of 3,500 euros, went to Flávio Diniz from RWTH Aachen. The subject of his Master’s thesis was the feasibility of manufacturing ultra-thin carbon fibres.

The award ceremony 2024 will take place in April at the VDMA stand at the Techtextil fair in Frankfurt.

Posted: December 10, 2023

Source: The VDMA Textile Machinery Association

Accelerating Circularity Receives $1.5 Million From The Walmart Foundation To Build Circular Systems

CAMPBELL HALL, N.Y. — December 7, 2023 — Accelerating Circularity’s mission is to catalyze new circular supply chains and business models to turn used textiles into mainstream raw materials. The organization believes that used textiles are “Too Good to Waste™” and the environmental impact of millions of tons of waste generation is too big to endure.

To date, through a previous grant from the Walmart Foundation awarded in 2021, ACP has done extensive work to demonstrate that textile to textile recycling is possible. ACP advanced a methodology that:

  • Mapped existing systems and identified gaps.
  • Modeled new circular supply chain systems for textile-to-textile supply networks.
  • Linked the newly identified supply chain systems to build markets.
  • Piloted trials at scalable levels to demonstrate textile-to-textile recycling in the US & Europe.
  • Developed Tools to facilitate future trials and expedite circular systems – e.g. Playbook “how to guide.”

This new grant is intended to build on earlier success and learnings with a three-pronged approach to continue to demonstrate the technical feasibility of textile-to-textile recycling systems.

The objectives include:

  • Tool Development based on the who/what/where/when/how identified in the Textile Waste Hierarchy to allow users to optimize the flow of used textiles through channels that have the highest circular potential or GHG reduction benefits.
  • Build Markets through commercialization of circular textile-to-textile recycling at standard production scale volumes for circular materials; development of additional circular fibers, yarns, and fabrics; and including strategic new geographies to establish sustainable circular supply chains that include all of North and Central America
  • Educate and engage brands/retailers and institutions on responsible disposal pathways for used textiles to reduce the amount of used textile moving through landfills.

“We are fortunate to have the support of the Walmart Foundation to do this next level of work and move closer to realizing our vision of a world in which textiles are no longer wasted,” said Karla Magruder, founder, and president of Accelerating Circularity. “We aim to broaden our engagement as we continue to build the business case for circularity and invite new industry collaborators to join us in this endeavor.”

To join ACP in testing the feasibility of scaling circular systems and building markets, please contact us at info@acceleratingcircularity.org.

To learn about tools like the Playbook, Reality Zone Directory, ACTR definitions, or Textile-to-Textile Primer, etc go to www.acceleratingcircularity.com/tools

Posted: December 7, 2023

Source: Accelerating Circularity

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