Unlocking Athlete Potential

Garments featuring Rheon Labs’ RHEON™ energy-absorbing super polymer help
athletes perform at the top of their game.

By Rachael S. Davis, Executive Editor

Rheon Labs® originated with a National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) project. Dr. Dan Plant was investigating alternatives for a foam-based material that would not explode in space when he discovered materials that behave in a non-Newtonian way, changing their behavior depending on the forces applied. After the discovery, Dr. Plant worked with a team of engineers, scientists and designers at Imperial College London for 15 years to refine the material.

The technology is known today as energy-absorbing super polymer RHEON™.

The ingredient technology is soft and flexible in its natural state, but stiffens when subjected to force. As the material intelligently strengthens in response to changes in movement, it can control the energy of any amplitude or frequency from small vibrations to life-threatening impacts, according to the company.

Dr. Plant’s interest in the world of sports engineering led him to first explore sport applications for RHEON. Supported by university partners, Rheon Labs’ Head of Design Olga Kravchenko has explored algorithmic design for more than a decade. This work helps the company generate data to create products based on an athlete’s motion. “Our technology has combined years of biomechanical research with complex chemistry in a way that will unlock a new world of athlete potential and shape a new era of performance,” said Simon Huntsman, director of Apparel at Rheon Labs. “RHEON has a unique chemistry which means it can be formed into almost endless formats,” Huntsman added.

“In apparel, RHEON film is simply heat-pressed onto base textiles to give them responsive properties. RHEON has worked primarily with synthetic knits and wovens in the early stages of our apparel category, however we have seen few compatibility issues with a range of fabrics so far. The first step of any project is to run compatibility tests on the brand’s textiles, to identify how RHEON can be applied to be most effective.”

Adidas recently launched an Adizero Control x RHEON collection featuring garments designed for elite-level runners. The garments help “athletes reduce wasted energy and maximize their running performance” by reducing unwanted muscle movements known as shearing. Computer modeling was used to determine the best positioning for strips of Rheon to best support the most important muscle groups when running. According to Rheon Labs, early test results show the material has the potential to control up to four times more energy than typical elastane-based fabrics.

This is the second Adidas apparel collection to feature RHEON. The Techfit Control x RHEON collaboration, launched earlier this year focused on tops and full-length leggings for high-intensity gym workouts and weight training.

The company believes there are almost endless applications and possibilities for the technology including vibration-dampening saddles, responsive sports bras or ballistic vests. “Adidas were very early to show interest in the RHEON material technology,” Huntsman noted. “As an ingredient brand, having partners that share our vision for the potential of RHEON is one of our key factors in deciding who we partner with. The products you see today are just the first step of that journey.”

For more information about RHEON™, contact Ross Flew, head of Sales Operations at
Rheon Labs, ross.flew@ rheonlabs.com; rheonlabs.com.

November/December 2023

Champion® Athleticwear Unveils New Reverse Weave Iconic Styles With CiCLO® Technology To Reduce Microplastic Pollution

WINSTON SALEM, N.C. — November 29, 2023 — Today, Champion® Athleticwear, the iconic lifestyle brand born from sport in 1919, announced its newest innovation: Eco Future Reverse Weave with CiCLO® technology, a patented and science-based solution that allows synthetic textiles to behave more like natural fibers when they enter the environment.

Champion has a rich history of addressing athlete and consumer problems head-on through product innovation. With an understanding that knowledge and consumer needs are constantly evolving, Champion is using cutting-edge design and technology to craft with purpose and create a better tomorrow.

Champion® Athleticwear, the iconic lifestyle brand born from sport in 1919, announced its newest innovation: Eco Future Reverse Weave with CiCLO® technology, a patented and science-based solution that allows synthetic textiles to behave more like natural fibers when they enter the environment. Photo: Business Wire

More than 60 percent of today’s textiles are made with plastic-based synthetic fibers like polyester and nylon, which remain indefinitely in the environment because they are not inherently biodegradable. By incorporating CiCLO technology, the Eco Future Reverse Weave reduces plastic textile fibers in the environment by giving polyester an eventual expiration date. The collection also features dyes with ingredients derived from nature, including pomegranate, annatto fruit and terminalia chebula fruit. The new collection lets fans feel even better about purchasing their favorite hoodie knowing that they can reduce microplastic pollution caused by the shedding of synthetic textiles reducing the impact on our environment.

“As we continue to innovate and evolve, Champion is dedicated to creating solutions through products that will ensure a better tomorrow for our planet and the people living on it,” said Vanessa LeFebvre, president of Global Activewear at Champion. “Through our partnership with CICLO, we aim to be a catalyst for positive change in the fashion industry, driving conscious choices, responsible actions and continuous improvements, while providing every Champion a canvas to live their true purpose.”

The product launch comes on the heels of Champion’s first global brand campaign, “Champion What Moves You”, which redefines what it means to Champion by shifting the brand name from a title or indication of winning, toward a means to take action and create something with real impact.

The Eco Future Reverse Weave with CiCLO includes crewnecks and joggers. The collection will be available in-store and on Champion.com beginning December 6.

Posted: November 29, 2023

Source: HanesBrands

Polygiene Launches Textile-Protection Polygiene ShedGuard™ Innovation Project

MALMÖ, Sweden — November 29, 2023 — On November 29, at the prestigious ISPO trade show, Polygiene launched a new innovation project, Polygiene ShedGuard™.

Designed to minimize micro-fiber loss and improve resistance to fabric wear during washing, Polygiene ShedGuard extends textiles’ expected lifespans, ensuring customers benefit from longer-lasting products. By facilitating the production of more durable textiles, Polygiene is putting its Mindful Living® philosophy into practice by encouraging the transition from consumables to durables and a more sustainable approach to product design and delivery.

The Polygiene ShedGuard innovation project is in the latter stages of development, with final testing and refinement due to take place in conjunction with selected Polygiene partners during 2024.

An effective, long-lasting solution

Polygiene Shedguard consists of a unique blend of polymers that form a film around the fiber bundles. The film prevent microfibrils from separating, splitting, and tearing away from the fabric structure.

Our research shows that Polygiene Shedguard reduces microfiber loss by up to 70 percent. At the same time, it benefits manufacturers and consumers by:

  • Reducing wear from fabric abrasion.
  • Prevents the release of fiber fragments into the surrounding environment.
  • Enhances the performance of other Polygiene technologies, such as Polygiene StayFresh™, Polygiene StayFreshBIO™ and Polygiene OdorCrunch™, by locking in their antimicrobial and odor-control properties for even longer.

Polygiene’s ShedGuard voted Best Product

Polygiene ShedGuard has been recognized as the Best Product at ISPO Textrends in the Performing Finishes category. This event showcases the latest and most innovative garments, accessories, fabrics, fibers, and components for the sports and outdoor industries. The award is given twice a year and highlights the upcoming trends in the textile and apparel sectors, predicted by industry experts two years in advance. Participants are evaluated by an international panel of judges, and the winners are presented at the ISPO Munich and OutDoor by ISPO Textrends exhibition.

Polygiene ShedGuard and Polygiene StayFreshBIO at ISPO

The Polygiene ShedGuard innovation project is launching on November 28 and 29 at the ISPO trade show. The Polygiene team is in attendance and able to answer questions concerning Polygiene ShedGuard, Polygiene StayFreshBIO or any of our other products.

Posted: November 29, 2023

Source: Polygiene Group™

Trützschler Card Clothing Z-Wire: Outstanding Web Forming At High Speeds

NEUBULACH, Germany — November 29, 2023 — Speed is exciting – but it can be challenging too. In nonwovens production, for example, hydroentangling lines can hit production speeds of up to 300 meters per minute (m/min) at the winder. That creates difficulties for carding and web forming. Now, innovators at Trützschler Card Clothing have created the solution to this high-speed problem. It’s called Z-Wire…

Every company in every industry is constantly pushing for more efficiency and productivity. For nonwoven textile producers, that means high-speed production lines that achieve excellent quality within a faster timeframe. Trützschler’ s Z-Wire clothing for worker, stripper and doffer rollers empowers our customers to move forward with their ambitions for speed, efficiency and quality. It has serrated contours to make sure fibers are continuously held in position, even at high production speeds. The fibers are then released at exactly the right moment to be transferred and orientated. This controlled transfer from roll to roll enables uniform web formation, while fiber fly is minimized, the risk of fiber migration is reduced and the operational reliability of the line increases.

These advantages make the Z-Wire the perfect fit for Trützschler Nonwoven ́s NCT. The optimized interaction between machine and clothing enables maximum performance from high- speed cards. As a result, the Z-Wire is now successfully established on the market worldwide.

Feedback from our customers

Our customer TWE has shared direct feedback about how the Z-Wire performs in real-world production situations. TWE was founded in 1912 and is a proven specialist in innovative nonwovens solutions worldwide. The company processes a wide range of fibers such as viscose, polyester and polypropylene in fineness of 1.7 to 17 dtex. It has an annual fiber throughput of 1.85 million kilograms. TWE uses the Trützschler Z-Wire at its site in Emsdetten, Germany.

Andreas Wolbring, Head of Production TWE

“We use the ZDAB2 wire for worker and stripper rollers on several plants — and we are completely satisfied,” said TWE Head of Production Andreas Wolbring. “We achieve higher production speeds compared to the standard wires. The worker rollers, for example, operate at a production speed of 200 m/min. There is also less contamination because there are no grooves on the sides. Since we started using Z-wires, our production has become much more efficient.”

Posted: November 29, 2023

Source: Trützschler Card Clothing GmbH — Subsidiary of The Trützschler Group SE

World-Changing Topics & Personnel Changes – Change Colloquium At The Institute Of Textile Technology (ITA) Augsburg GmbH

AUGSBURG, Germany — November 29, 2023 — It is now official – the baton of leadership of the Institute of Textile Technology Augsburg has been passed from Prof. Dr. Stefan Schlichter to Prof. Dr. Mesut Cetin. During the festive changeover colloquium, impulses were given, extensive discussions were held, and congratulations were offered.

Congratulations on the change of leadership: Prof. Cetin, Prof. Gries, Prof. Schlichter

The event was opened by the Mayor of Augsburg, Eva Weber, and the President of Augsburg University of Applied Sciences, Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Gordon Thomas Rohrmair. Ms. Weber, who as Head of Economic Development and Deputy Mayor encouraged and always constructively supported the founding of the company at the time, praised the innovations and investments of the “new player” ITA Augsburg, which has positioned itself perfectly in the ecosystem between the Innovation Park, Technology Center, University and Augsburg University of Applied Sciences (THA). Prof. Rohrmair emphasized the close cooperation between ITA and THA and referred to the showcase project “Recycling Atelier”, which makes a relevant contribution to the establishment of sustainable textile process chains in an industry-oriented manner.

Prof. Schlichter outlined the historical development of the ITA, which has been dedicated to sustainability in the field of textile materials since 2014. He presented the three central research fields of ITA: Web Based Composites (sustainable fibre composite concepts), Recycling Atelier (recycling of apparel textiles) and Artificial Intelligence (AI to support textile production chains). The initial objective of the ITA was the reuse of carbon fibres and CFRP components produced with high energy consumption in new textile structures. The research work, which has been ongoing for almost 10 years, has been crowned with success and has led, among other things, to the establishment of this class of materials in industry and research. The increasing relevance of the textile circular economy led to the founding of the “Recycling Atelier” in 2022. The model workshop was presented as an important industrial research project that covers all process steps of textile recycling and is supported and used by industry-leading companies. The close interlinking of digitalization, artificial intelligence and sustainable process design plays an increasingly relevant role, which led to the establishment of the third research field “Artificial Intelligence”.

As the new head of the institute, Prof. Cetin brought fresh impetus and presented innovative approaches in the field of mechanical recycling of used textiles. Against the backdrop of unstable international supply chains, he emphasized the need to make the German industrial landscape more resilient. He sees the circular economy as an opportunity to secure the supply of raw materials and revitalize the textile industry in Germany. In addition, current research projects at ITA were presented, including “Design-4-Recycling” for the component production of wind turbines and “AI-supported pile optimization” in nonwoven production. The cooperation with the ITA Group and Augsburg University of Applied Sciences as well as the integration of AI in the production of nonwovens were emphasized as decisive steps for the future. In addition, the development and research work is always carried out with the involvement of the know-how and infrastructure of the entire ITA Group, emphasized Professor h.c. (MGU) Dr.-Ing. Prof. Gries, head of the ITA Group during the concluding panel discussion.

With a broad network of research and industry, we are taking big steps towards an environmentally friendly, cycle-oriented future. Interested parties, from SMEs to large corporations, are cordially invited to visit the ITA Augsburg at any time.

Posted: November 29, 2023

Source: The Institute Of Textile Technology (ITA) Augsburg gGmbH

Origify From Bosch Gives Sneakers And Other Products A Digital Fingerprint As Protection Against Counterfeiters

The label attached to the shoe shows that this pair of sneakers can be authenticated via the Origify app. ©Bosch Origify

STUTTGART, Germany — November 29, 2023 — Sneakers from various manufacturers are coveted collector’s items and investments. Certain models are even traded for five-figure sums. These expensive cult models have long been counterfeited on a massive scale – turning a supposedly good purchase into an expensive flop for some customers and damaging the image of the manufacturer. Even the authenticity features on the product or packaging are counterfeited and it can even take acknowledged experts a few minutes to authenticate a product such as a pair of rare and therefore valuable sneakers.

With Origify, Bosch offers a solution that provides luxury products with a digital fingerprint as early as the production or packaging phase. For this purpose, each individual product is optically recorded, i.e. photographed, in a standardized manner during production. The suitable areas of the product are defined when the technology is set up and are then automatically captured during production. The image is then converted into a binary and non-manipulable data record of just a few kilobytes, which is stored in a secure cloud.

Authenticity check via app

Once registered, these products, such as a pair of sneakers, can be checked in just a few seconds in future. All you need is a suitable smartphone and the Origify app or a manufacturer app that is connected to the Origify database via an interface or a software development kit. For a pair of shoes, the app provides a mask of the area to be photographed. If the cell phone is aligned accordingly, Origify’s technology can compare in a moment whether the features correspond to the data record stored during production.

The Origify app specifies the defined image section, which is compared with the data set stored by this shoe. ©Bosch Origify

This even works if small parts of the surface have changed due to storage or use. However, if a shoe or other product shows signs of heavy use that have affected the surface, the technology no longer enables reliable identification. “The core of our technology is an optical system that records unique distinguishing features that are imperceptible to the eye, even during ongoing mass production, converts them into a data set that cannot be manipulated and thus enables the identification and traceability of a product via an app. This is possible for many products from a wide range of sectors — shoes, glasses, watches, and jewelry and many more,” says Oliver Steinbis, who is responsible for the project within the Bosch Group.

Initial recording as part of quality assurance

Bosch offers its own Origify camera module for the initial recording of a product during production or packaging. Companies that already work with image-based processes in quality assurance can also use these systems for recording, depending on their requirements. It takes just a few seconds to convert the image into a binary data set, which is then automatically stored in the secure cloud. “For us as a Group, one of the development principles was that the technology can also be integrated into industrial processes in order to record products in large quantities in a cost-efficient manner.

Scan process with a sneaker: A suitable smartphone with the Origify app is all you need. ©Bosch Origify

Manufacturers benefit in several ways from the system, which does not require any intervention in the products, marking or the attachment of NFC chips. The app functionalities for authentication by retailers, customers or other authorized persons can be integrated into existing manufacturer apps for retailers or end customers via our software development kit,” says Oliver Steinbis, describing the features of Origify. The technology offers added security for end customers, retailers, and the manufacturers themselves – in addition to authentication, the supply chain or OEM producers who manufacture goods on behalf of a major brand can also be better monitored.

Posted: November 29, 2023

Source: Origify from Bosch

Ocean Lanka: Weaving a Sustainable Future Beyond Fabric

Ocean Lanka invested in installing solar power at its Malwana Facility in the Biyagama Exporter Processing Zone

MALWANA, Sri Lanka — November 29, 2023 — From a commitment to sustainable waste management, the transition to renewable energy and environmental protection, the phrase “sustainable manufacturing” is not unfamiliar to Ocean Lanka.

Founded in 1996, the Company, which has been in operation for over twenty years, is not only Sri Lanka’s largest weft-knitted fabric manufacturer but is also the first within the textile and apparel industry of Sri Lanka to enter into a system partnership with Bluesign®. Working with international brands, the Company has maintained a steadfast commitment to environmental responsibility. The rhythmic hum of looms within the facility not only symbolizes craftsmanship, but also signifies Ocean Lanka’s dedication to providing a sustainable model for many industries worldwide. Partnering with certification bodies like the Global Organic Textile Standard, Better Cotton Initiative and Global Recycled Standard, the Company has initiatives set out for water and energy management as well as biomass consumption by over 3 percent in its operations over the next five years.

Ocean Lanka’s Holistic Approach to Waste Management

In an industry that generates over 92 million tonnes of waste annually, Ocean Lanka’s journey toward circularity begins at the point of waste generation. The facility employs a comprehensive waste categorization system for eleven main areas in accordance with strict guidelines. Generating 275,00 kilogrammes of fabric waste annually, when the volume surpasses the storage capacity, the administrative team initiates an auction for registered waste fabric buyers listed with Ocean Lanka. The entire lot is then sold to the highest bidder as is excess cardboard, paper and polythene. “Before exceeding the capacity, the team needs to consider the time required for calling tenders and selling to prevent the overflow of fabric,” says Compliance Manager Anuruddha Weerasekera.  “Additionally, the team must ensure that suppliers have the necessary licenses for fabric disposal. They are also responsible for maintaining a record of waste fabric disposal within the facility, summarizing the information monthly in terms of weight in kilograms.”

Ocean Lanka’s Innovative Water Conservation Efforts

Ocean Lanka, in collaboration with the Open University of Sri Lanka, is actively working on developing eco-friendly technologies and innovative processes to reduce or recycle wastewater from dyeing operations. The facility currently consumes 7,000 cubic meters of water daily for the fabric dyeing process, posing a significant financial burden. At times, the existing effluent treatment facility struggles to adequately handle the wastewater from the dyeing department.

Effluent Treatment Plant at Ocean Lanka

Notes Weerasekera: “We are exploring practical approaches that can be employed for textile wastewater treatment and reuse, aiming to conserve water resources and minimize pollution discharged into the environment. One option we are considering is the reuse of textile pretreatment liquor or wash liquor in the scouring and bleaching of cotton fabric.”

Pioneering Sustainability Initiatives in Energy Conservation and Renewable Resources

Aligning with its goals to reduce water, electricity and biomass consumption, Ocean Lanka has also embarked on several energy conservation projects initiated in 2019, demonstrating significant progress. This includes transitioning from CFL to LED lamps and enhancing boiler systems for more efficient biomass energy production. The Company has also invested half a billion Rupees in installing solar power at its Malwana Facility in the Biyagama Exporter Processing Zone, covering 250,000 square feet and generating 3,800 units per 1 MW daily. This ambitious initiative aims not only to harness solar energy for efficient power generation but also to establish a sustainable financial model over twenty years.

Over one thousand hectares in Opatha Estate, Ratnapura dedicated to sustainable fuelwood harvesting

Efforts are also being made towards sustainable fuelwood cultivation to meet thermal energy requirements. Over one thousand hectares in Opatha Estate, Ratnapura will be dedicated to cultivating a special species of bamboo and Gliricidia Sepium to supply 100 MT of firewood annually. This will meet Ocean Lanka’s fuelwood demand. “We don’t want to depend on external sources for firewood to fuel our biomass boilers,” explains Weerasekera.  “Cultivating our own firewood not only enhances traceability in our raw material sources but also benefits the community and the environment. We collaborate with smallholders in the estate to produce bamboo and purchase it from them. So, it’s a win-win for all.”

Beyond Factory Walls: Ocean Lanka’s GHG Policy

Ocean Lanka not only invests in operational sustainability but also actively works towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions, aiming to create a prosperous and resilient low-carbon future. The Company, guided by its GHG Policy, seeks to implement short, medium, and long-term projects aligned with relevant Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) pillars. These projects involve transforming energy generation, adopting cleaner manufacturing processes, exploring wind turbine options and administering the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Policy for major processes.

Several initiatives have been launched to achieve targets, among which is the implementation of carbon-neutral agriculture within its facility. One is a reforestation programme aimed at restoring fauna and flora in select green cover. Over 16 hectares has been dedicated to developing a model forest to promote effective forest management and stewardship practices, resulting in the planting of over 25,000 saplings over the past few years. Now, over 60% of these saplings have grown into young and healthy trees with a height of over 8 feet. Additionally, the Company collaborates with the NGO “Rainforest Trust” to preserve virgin forests in several locations across the island, extending its commitment to environmental protection beyond its walls.

“Ocean Lanka is not just weaving fabric; we are weaving a sustainable future,” concludes Weerasekera. “Our commitment goes beyond our factory walls, embracing holistic initiatives from waste management to energy conservation, renewable resources and carbon neutrality. Through collaboration, innovation and a steadfast dedication to environmental responsibility, we aspire to set a model for industries worldwide, demonstrating that sustainability is not just a goal but a journey towards a better, greener future.”

Posted: November 29, 2023

Source: Ocean Lanka

ACG Nyström And The Swedish Textile Machinery Association (TMAS) Back Creative Identity In Ukraine

ACG Nyström reports solid success in embroidery machine sales with the latest Tajima TMEZ models.

STOCKHOLM, Sweden — November 29, 2023 — As a member of TMAS — the Swedish Textile Machinery Association — ACG Nyström reports solid success in embroidery machine sales with the latest Tajima TMEZ models in Denmark, Norway, Sweden — and perhaps a little surprisingly, also in Ukraine.

The Tajima TMEZ range of single and multi-head embroidery machines is rapidly introducing intelligent thread management (I-TM) to the market, enabling virtually anyone to quickly and easily become an embroidery specialist.

“With I-TM, each individual design is analyzed, with automatic detection of the fabric thickness, and exactly the right amount of thread needed is precisely supplied for the job,” explains ACG Nyström sales engineer Richard Carlsson. “This eliminates the need for manual thread tension adjustment, making it much easier for non-skilled operatives to obtain consistent results. The age-old problem of pulling on designs is also a thing of the past with the TMEZ machines, so all the operator needs to master is accurately positioning the fabric through the machine.”

A digitally controlled presser foot for secure fabric stability further reduces fabric fluttering, he adds, and is especially effective when working with very thick or thin fabrics, or folds of material. Fluttering can occur when a material is lifted up during embroidery, causing skipped stitches, mis-trimming and reduced quality stitching.

The TMEZ machines are fully enabled for ease of operation by Tajima DG by Pulse – the strongest embroidery software on the market.

Adding value

ACG Nyström, which marked its 100th anniversary in 2021, is a complete supplier of CAD/CAM solutions for adding value throughout the garment manufacturing processes – from product development, technical design and cutting, sewing and welding to refining with embroidery and textile printing. Its knowledge of technical production systems and processes, built up over many years of close collaboration with customers and partners, has given the company a unique role as the link between the world’s leading machine manufacturers and the garment assembly industry.

“Our services and products are provided to a wide range of companies, from individual traders to multi-nationals, and we commit to helping them implement the most efficient and profitable overall solution in the areas of product development, garment assembly and labelling,” says ACG Nyström CEO Thomas Arvidsson.

The latest Tajima embroidery machines, he adds, are proving a game changer – especially in today’s fast moving environment when bigger companies are changing staff regularly and need expert assistance in getting machines up and running quickly and easily.

Active in Ukraine

Despite Russia’s ongoing assault on its country, ACG Nyström Ukraine, which was founded in 2005 and is based in Lviv, 70 kilometres from the Polish border, reports that its customers are currently extremely active and a number of new embroidery machines have been installed in the west of the country over the past year.

“Some of our customers have also been forced to leave their businesses in the east of the country and have now successfully relocated in the west, where it is relatively calm, although we are still very scared,” says ACG Nyström Ukraine managing director Halya Andrushkiv. “Keeping busy also helps to keep everybody’s minds off the situation here.”

While military badges have been one growth area, there also remains much activity in branded corporate apparel and there has meanwhile been a huge revival of interest in vyshyvankas – the elaborately embroidered shirts and dresses traditionally worn in the country.

Vyshyvankas

Since Ukraine restored its independence in 1991, the wearing of vyshyvankas has greatly increased in popularity as an expression of positive national pride and identity.

New embroidery machine installations by ACG Nyström Ukraine have been boosted by the success of vyshyvanka sales around the world.

Traditionally, each region of the country established its own unique designs and vyshyvankas are adaptable enough to be worn in many styles, having been adopted by major Ukrainian brands who have successfully promoted them globally.

Vyshyvanka Day is now a national holiday held on the third Thursday of May each year, and has become a symbol of resistance against Russian aggression.

This year, many celebrities joined in to support the cause, wearing tailor-made vyshyvankas, designed by the Ukrainian embroidery brand Etnodim and others. Some of the stars wore shirts with patterns specific to the regions where their ancestors lived – Liev Schreiber’s, for instance, came from Odesa and Barbara Streisand’s from Ternopil.

“Ukrainians are now united across the country in wanting to express their national identity,” said Andrushkiv. “Vyshyvankas were traditionally associated with religious holidays such as Christmas and Easter, which were, of course, frowned upon by the USSR, as was any sign of Ukrainian identity. After 1991 they returned, and now, of course, they represent freedom for us more than ever before. And their popularity has now spread around the world.”

Supported by its parent company in Sweden, ACG Nyström Ukraine is enabling this growth worldwide, via the latest Tajima embroidery techniques and associated software.

Design possibilities

“Traditionally, all of the embroidery was by hand, and the rich designs, colours and textures have been refined over many centuries,” said Andrushkiv. “Now, with the latest Tajima technology and software solutions backed by ACG Nyström’s expert services, any traditional design – as well as new ideas for motifs reflecting today’s situation – can be recreated or further developed for mass market designs. Our expertise can streamline and ensure premium quality in the development of all finished product ideas.”

“Throughout our company, including in Ukraine, TMAS provides us with valuable support in the promotion of our services,” says Thomas Arvidsson. “There are many synergistic benefits from open discussions and co-operations with other Swedish textile technologists and TMAS members are all at the forefront of digitalisation and automation. We are happy to provide all assistance we can to Halya Andrushkiv and ACG Nyström Ukraine.”

Posted: November 29, 2023

Source: ACG Nyström / The Swedish Textile Machinery Association (TMAS)

Elkem’s Collaborative REPOS Project Awarded 2023 European Chemical Industry Council (Cefic) Circularity Commendation

OSLO Norway— November 29, 2023 — Elkem is pleased to announce that the European Chemical Industry Council (Cefic) selected the company as one of 26 companies and national associations to feature in its 2023 European Responsible Care® Awards Gallery. Elkem’s collaborative Resourcing Silicones Polymers (REPOS) project was the only initiative that received commendation in the category of Circularity. It is aimed at developing eco-designed depolymerization chemistry to reduce silicone waste. The innovative depolymerization process can be conducted at ambient pressures and low temperatures, which enables a circular lifecycle and lower environmental footprint for silicone-based polymers and oils created from post-industrial and post-consumer waste.

Innovation for such a sweeping change to the silicones value chain will require collaboration, with implications for industrial, customer and consumer users of silicones. Its success will help meet societal expectations for circularity as well as industry and regulatory objectives to increase the recycled content of products. Aside from a growing need to develop a more circular end of life management of silicone waste such a recycled silicone can reduce the carbon footprint by 60 to 70 percent compared to traditional linear process. Elkem is partnering with two labs of the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS): Catalysis, Polymerization, Process and Materials (CP2M) and Ingénierie des Matériaux Polymères (IMP), as well as two specialized local companies: Activation, Processium, on the project, along with the Axelera competitiveness cluster.

“While end-of-life silicone recovery at a massive scale is not yet achieved we believe, as part of our company commitment to shaping a more sustainable future, that Elkem must invest in innovation that develops a holistic approach to the principles of Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle for our products and our customers who use them,” said Sean Duffy, vice president sustainability. “Our collaborative research through project REPOS seeks to create a flexible, selective, and efficient process to harvest the value of silicone waste and enable development of a service offering that will become a “must have” in years to come.”

Reflective of Elkem’s three-pillar strategic climate roadmap to reduce process emissions, support the Green Transition and develop circular economies using eco-design approaches, there are two distinct recycling loops that are in-scope for project REPOS:

  1. Monomer Production Loop — to depolymerize waste silicone products to create silicone monomers that can seamlessly integrate back into the manufacturing process.
  2. Added-Value Product Loop — to transform remaining oligomers not suitable for monomer use into innovative, high-value products.

The three-year collaborative project unites the relevant stakeholders in the LPSE (Lyon Polymer Science and Engineering) consortium, and is supported by BPI France and Region Auvergne Rhone Alpes, combining forces for the required diverse expertise. The 2023 Responsible Care® award recognizes the rigorous development efforts required to successfully demonstrate the technical feasibility of depolymerizing various silicone waste streams at low temperatures. Key achievements include:

  • Submission of three patent applications for different catalytic depolymerization chemistries.
  • Publications on depolymerization chemistry enabling reversion to D4 (cyclic methyl siloxane) monomer.
  • Integration of new technologies within Elkem and the start of pilot trials for chemically recycled oils at Elkem Silicones site in Saint-Fons, France.

The next phase of REPOS will focus on piloting and scaling up these new technologies for industrialization.

“The need to transition is at its most urgent, and the obstacles have never been greater. The initiatives exhibited in this year’s Responsible Care Awards show industry’s united front and the absolute will to transform. Congratulations to all; companies and associations, large and small organisations, from all over Europe. We need leaders like these, paving the way and inspiring others on the journey.” said Marco Mensink, director general, Cefic.

Transitioning to climate neutral while staying globally competitive represents one of the biggest challenges the European chemicals industry has ever faced. Elkem is serious about doing its part to make that transition possible and expedient.

Posted: November 29, 2023

Source: Elkem ASA

Freudenberg Performance Materials Launches New Technical Textiles Website For South America

WEINHEIM, Germany — November 29, 2023 — Freudenberg Performance Materials is launching americadosul.freudenberg-pm.com, a website dedicated to the South American markets. For decision makers in the apparel, shoe and other technical industries, information on the regional presence of one of the world-leading suppliers and its portfolio of technical textiles and textile technologies is now just a few clicks away.

Every market served by Freudenberg Performance Materials in the South America region has a presence on the new website americadosul.freudenberg-pm.com with a dedicated page detailing all products and applications. Players in the apparel industry, for example, can find out more about the company’s interlining solutions for fashion, activewear and workwear. Shoe and leather goods manufacturers will also find useful information about the company’s capabilities in their sectors. The website also presents other applications for technical nonwovens, such as automotive interior and e-mobility solutions, cable tapes and battery separators for the energy market, nonwovens for fiber-reinforced composites, weed control, etc.

Information about technologies

Another important section of the website provides in-depth descriptions of the materials and technologies offered by the company, including nonwovens, wovens, knits, composites, as well as Dripstop® condensation control technology and Evolon® microfilament textile technology.

Contacting the South American team is easy

Contacting Freudenberg Performance Materials through the new website is quick and easy, either by using the contact form, or by reaching out to the local offices in Brazil and Colombia; full contact details are available on a dedicated page. The offices in Brazil and Colombia serve customers all over South America.

Posted: November 29, 2023

Source: Freudenberg Performance Materials Holding GmbH

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