Pulcra And Devan Unveil DEVAN REPEL, A New Brand In The Water Repellency Market

RONSE, Belgium — November 27, 2023 — In a world where water-repellent textiles play an important role in various industries, Pulcra Chemicals, a global leader in sustainable chemical solutions, has joined forces with its subsidiary, Devan Chemicals, to introduce DEVAN REPEL: a new brand in the water repellency market. The first product in that range, DEVAN REPEL ONE, is a durable water repellent for Polyester and blends developed on the scientific foundation of the companies’ chemical and textile technology know-how.

DEVAN REPEL ONE, the new water repellent takes a smart step forward by combining cutting-edge chemistry with eco-conscious principles. This solution offers a range of interesting benefits:

Superior Performance: The technology offers outstanding water repellency performance, ensuring that textiles remain dry. Whether it’s rain and outdoor wear, outdoor furnishing, shower curtains or multiple technical textiles, the new solution can handle it, making it a strong choice for industries where water resistance is paramount.

Flexibility: The versatility of this technology is another key advantage. It can be applied to a wide range of materials, with especially good results on polyester and its blends, offering flexibility for various applications across industries.

Enhanced Sustainability: This technology is free from perfluorinated compounds (PFCs), and free from isocyanates.

Longevity: Products treated with this water repellency technology are protecting from the elements for a longer lifespan.

Performance, particularly on effect durability, can be boosted to meet different requirements with new DEVAN EXTENDER GEN3. This extender is free of Isocyanate, Butanone-oxime and 2-dimethylpyrazole.

“This collaboration underscores our shared commitment to delivering value to our customers,” said Thomas Bremer, global head of SBU Textile at Pulcra Chemicals and managing director of Devan. “By combining Pulcra’s extensive chemical expertise with Devan’s textile technology know-how, we are excited to bring a high performing, cost-effective product to the market.”

Whether it’s keeping outdoor enthusiasts dry in a downpour, ensuring athletes stay comfortable during intense workouts or enhancing the functionality of tents, DEVAN REPEL ONE does the job.

The development of DEVAN REPEL ONE is a joint to Devan and Pulcra’s dedication to innovation and sustainability. By continually pushing the boundaries of textile technology, Devan and Pulcra are helping to create a more comfortable and sustainable world.

Posted: November 27, 2023

Source: Devan Chemicals NV

CIEL Textile’s Companies In India Join The Reverse Resources Platform

EBÈNE, Mauritius — November 27, 2023 — CIEL Textile has taken another step forward in its commitment to responsible business practices. Three of its companies in India — namely, Aquarelle, Tropic, and Laguna — have entered into a partnership with Reverse Resources (RR). This key partner, recognized by the leading textile industry players, uses digital tools to promote traceability and transparency, unlocking the value of textile waste. CIEL Textile’s factories join the RR platform regrouping more than 600 stakeholders across the textile value chain, actively contributing to the circular economy through the exchange of data and streamlining of the textile waste supply chain.

“This partnership perfectly aligns with our sustainability strategy,” shared Eric Dorchies, CEO of CIEL Textile. “At CIEL Textile, our target is to divert 90 percent of our waste towards recycling by 2025 and 100 percent by 2030. In this context, we have successfully initiated a waste classification process, and this partnership seamlessly integrates with our objective,” he said. “Beyond its innovative features, Reverse Resources’ platform champions a key element in our approach: traceability. By transparently tracking our materials, we can identify opportunities to improve efficiency throughout a product’s lifecycle, ultimately reducing its environmental impact. We firmly believe that traceability and transparency are essential in ensuring the credibility and compliance of any responsible textile manufacturer.”

Nin Castle, co-founder, lead of Recycling and chief project officer at Reverse Resources, added: “It is fantastic to see how forward-thinking manufacturing groups like CIEL Textile are, understanding that their textile waste is actually a resource and taking active steps to support the emerging textile-to-textile recycling industry whilst offering unique circular production processes to their customers.”

Reverse Resources’ digital platform connects various stakeholders in the chain, including manufacturers, fashion brands, waste handlers, sorters, and recyclers. Through a comprehensive mapping of textile waste flows, these stakeholders can track waste materials from their initial use to their transformation into new resources, enabling them to make more informed decisions. This visibility offers manufacturers valuable insights into their textile waste, empowering them to engage with service providers offering optimal recycling solutions, while recyclers gain access to traceable textile waste that adheres to their technical specifications.

For fashion brands, the RR tool enables visibility and traceability of the textile waste generated within their supply chain. This empowers brands to identify recycling opportunities and obtain third-party verification for closed-loop recycling activities.

Reverse Resources collaborates with a diverse range of stakeholders, including renowned brands and industry associations, such as the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), to improve the social and environmental compliance of textile waste management within the industry. Dorchies further added on the importance of multi-party collaboration, saying: “At CIEL Textile, we firmly believe that only collective efforts will enable responsible waste management and a seamless transition to a circular economy. We remain committed to maintaining lasting relationships with our partners. We invite others to join us in this initiative, working together to collectively shape a more sustainable and responsible future for the fashion industry.”

Posted: November 27, 2023

Source: CIEL Textile

India ITME Society Welcomes Business Delegates & Dignitaries From 38 Countries To Nairobi, Kenya For ITME Africa 2022

NAIROBI, Kenya — November 27, 2023 — India ITME Society, a 44 year old non-profit apex industry body from India will host business & textile engineering exhibition for the first time in Nairobi, Kenya from November 30 – December 2, 2023, at KICC. This highly anticipated textile machinery exhibition shall comprise of machinery and accessories providing manufacturing solutions from fiber to fashion. This most awaited congregation of Technology & business has created a palpable buzz across the globe & will be inaugurated by H.E Namgya C. Khampa, high commissioner of India in Kenya and Hon. Dr. Juma Mukhwana – principal secretary, State Department for Industrialization- Ministry of Trade and Industry, Kenya.

The largest number of exhibitors are from India with 60 companies and the second largest participation is from China with more than 25 companies. Italian Textile Agency with 13 companies are actively promoting Italian machinery manufacturers to connect with African nations who are looking to develop & modernize Textile factories through ITME Africa 2023 platform. All in all 120 companies from 11 countries shall exhibit to the business visitors from Kenya and other African Nations.

So far, the Visitor registration has crossed 36 countries across Middle East, Africa, South-east Asia who are looking at connecting with Kenya as well as with other visiting delegates. Major Textile mills & Industry representatives from India form the highest overseas visitor delegation with 153 Indian companies including prominent ones such as Reliance Industries Ltd., Vardhman Polytex Ltd., Sutlej Textiles & Industries Ltd., Batik House, Colourinn Industries Pvt Ltd., Ambica Jute Mills Ltd., Harikrushna Textiles, Indokem Ltd., Kohinoor Exports, followed by Ethiopia, Germany, Bangladesh, Austria, Tanzania & South Africa respectively.

To facilitate interaction among all delegates the organizer India ITME Society has curated multiple interactive sessions at the event. Financial solutions for Investments, JV’s & Capital good sourcing from India, will be explained by Exim Bank of India & Bank of Baroda, at Special session on November 30 immediately after the opening of the Exhibition.

Apart from Business opportunities, this three-day Technology & engineering exhibition shall also provide best opportunities for Researchers & students to attend Technical Seminars on Textiles Technology & Cotton.

A technical presentation will be made on Cotton: Good Practices of cultivating quality cotton fibre | Importance of Physical properties of cotton in textile industry will be made by Dr. Asha Rani, Secretary cum Chief cotton breeder- SIMA CDRA on December 1, 2023, at Lenana Hall, KICC from 10.00 am onwards.

Other Esteemed speakers at ITME Africa Technical Sessions

From India

  • Ramanadane, CEO Global Operations, LMW
  • Hitesh Wadher, Vice President (International Business & B2B), Head of Marketing, Neochem Technologies Pvt. Ltd.
  • Arun Varshney, VP & Business Head- Textiles, Color Jet India Ltd
  • Updeep Singh, – Textile Expert & Industry Leader
  • Rajeev Johari, C.E.O. – Global Operations, Lux Industries Ltd – J.M. Hosiery Division
  • Naveen Joon, Resident Representative East Africa, Exim Bank India.
  • Vinay Kumar Rathi, Bank of Baroda

Eminent speakers showcasing rising potential of the Textile Industry in Kenya are:

  • Richard Cheruiyot, Board Chairman, Export Processing Zones Authority (EPZA)
  • Jas Bedi- Chairperson – KEPSA | Chairman- Kenya Export Promotion & Branding Agency | Managing Director-Bedi Investments Limited (BIL)
  • Professor Thomas Kipkurgat, Managing Director, Rivatex East Africa Limited
  • Benjamin Chesang, Manager, Research, Planning and Innovation- Export Processing Zones Authority (EPZA),
  • Richard Davies Deputy Director – Technical Specialist – Gatsby Africa, Textiles & Apparel.

Italian Textile Engineering Expertise shall be presented by Mr. Roberto Cortinovis, Area sales Manager, Business Unit Warp Preparation, Karl Mayer Rotal S.r.l.

This gathering of technocrats & industry leaders from 38 countries under one roof hosted in Kenya by India

ITME Society is Supported by Ministry, Government Organizations & many Domestic & Internationals Associations as below:
Supporting Govt organizations & Associations from host Country Kenya

  • Ministry of Investment Trade & Industry, Republic of Kenya
  • Export Promotion Zones Authority (EPZA)
  • Kenya Investment Authority (KenInvest)
  • Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA)
  • Fashion Agenda Africa (FAA)
  • Gatsby Africa
  • Kenya National Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KNCCI)

Supporting Govt organizations & Associations from India

  • Ministry of External Affairs, Govt of India
  • Ministry of Textiles, Govt of India
  • The Bureau of Indian Standards, (BIS) Govt of India
  • Textile Machinery Manufacturers’ Association (TMMA)
  • Indian Textile Accessories & Machinery Manufacture Association (ITAMMA)
  • Textile Association of India (TAI)
  • Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI)

Supporting organizations from across Africa & other countries

  • Botswana – Botswana Textile & Clothing Association (BTCA)
  • Ghana – Association of Ghana Industries (AGI)
  • Poland -Indo Polish Chamber of Commerce & Industries (IPCCI)
  • Turkey – Textile Machine & Accessory Industrialists Association (TEMSAD)
  • Uzbekistan – Uzbekistan International Business Development Association (UIBDA)
  • Egypt – Egyptian Cotton Association (EGA)
  • Uganda – Tradelink Chamber Uganda

Register now https://ems.india-itme.com/#/visitorregistration/1 to visit, explore, network and expand your world to the multitude of opportunities paving way to your future prosperity.

Posted: November 27, 2023

Source: India ITME Society

HeiQ Welcomes Robert van de Kerkhof To Its Board Of Directors

Robert van de Kerkhof

ZÜRICH — November 27, 2023 — HeiQ, supplier of materials innovation and hygiene technologies, is pleased to announce the appointment of Robert van de Kerkhof as non-executive director, with effect from January 1, 2024, to the board of HeiQ plc and as chairman of the Environmental, Occupation, Health & Safety and Sustainability Committee. van de Kerkhof will also be appointed to the board of HeiQ AeoniQ Holding AG (in Switzerland), a subsidiary of HeiQ plc.

Van de Kerkhof has more than 30 years of experience in general management and sustainability leadership and extensive knowledge of the textiles industry, including cellulosic fiber technology. He founded PEPPER-i2, an advisory company specializing in sustainability and circularity. Robert also serves as the chief sustainability officer and as a Board Member of Lenzing AG, a position he has held since 2014. Robert will be leaving Lenzing and its Board on December 31, 2023.

Van de Kerkhof joins HEIQ AeoniQ™ with the firm belief that the novel HEIQ AeoniQ man-made cellulosic fibers (MMCF) are one of the most promising solutions to transform the textile industry, now the second-most polluting in the world, into one of the most sustainable, by rendering fossil fuel-based fibers like polyester obsolete.

Van de Kerkhof has also held senior positions as president of the Austrian Fiber Institute, president and board member of CIRFS – the European Man-made Fibres Association, and chairman of the ReHubs Business Council for Euratex, which is the voice of the European Apparel and Textile Industry. These roles further demonstrate his strong leadership experience and expertise within the textiles industry.

Esther Dale-Kolb, non-executive director and chair of HeiQ plc, commented: “I would like to welcome Robert to the HeiQ board as Non-Executive Director. His extensive experience and proven track record in leadership, sustainability, and innovation align well with HeiQ’s vision for the future.”

“I am delighted to be joining the Board of HeiQ,” van de Kerkhof said. “I am confident that the company is on the right course, and I look forward to helping it advance its commitment to delivering innovative textile solutions that positively impact the industry. In particular, I firmly believe the company’s novel HeiQ AeoniQ MMCF fibers are one of the most promising solutions to decarbonizing the textiles industry and achieving a path to net zero for brands.”

Posted: November 27, 2023

Source: HeiQ Materials AG

Kraig Biocraft Laboratories Strengthens Spider Silk Production Operations With Sericulture Experts From India

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — November 27, 2023 — Kraig Biocraft Laboratories Inc. (Kraig Labs), the biotechnology company focused on the development and commercialization of spider silk, today announced its continued investment into building its world-class team with the addition of leading sericulture consultants from India. Before joining Kraig, these individuals spent more than 30 years in senior-level positions overseeing all aspects of India’s silk production on a national scale.

The first of these experts is currently at Kraig’s R&D headquarters for 30 days of hands-on work with the team to provide onsite training for technical staff, strengthen its rearing operation fundamentals, and support the field testing of our production operations.

Following the overhauling of U.S. operations and providing production-oriented training with its U.S. staff, the company plans to bring these technical experts to review and overhaul its overseas operations and facilities. The primary focus is to improve production yields and increase throughput.

Kraig Labs assembled this team of outside production experts to address all aspects of spider silk production, including new strain development and purification, optimizing and selection of ideal hybrid breed pairing, disease prevention and screening, construction and management of rearing facilities, and large-scale production.

“We believe that building the best team means assembling the absolute best people, in both gene engineering and production. I am delighted to welcome some of the best minds in silk production from around the world to support our operations in the U.S. and overseas,” said Kraig Labs COO Jon Rice. “We are already implementing significant changes in our U.S. operations based on their recommendations, and I look forward to integrating their expertise into our production operations as we prepare for Spring field trials.”

The company is actively developing numerous pure-line silkworm strains utilizing its recombinant spider silk technology. One key area of focus for work at Kraig Labs’ overseas production operations with these new experts will be testing and creating the optimal pairing of these pure-line strains to produce ideal hybrid cocoons and spider silk.

Posted: November 27, 2023

Source: Kraig Biocraft Laboratories, Inc.

Heimtextil 2024: Fully Booked Carpets & Rugs Hall With High Growth In Suppliers Of Machine-Woven Carpets

FRANKFURT AM MAIN, Germany — November 27, 2023 — The global carpet industry is on the move — in the direction of Frankfurt. The new Carpets & Rugs hall at Heimtextil now boasts around 100 manufacturers and brands, including a strong increase in suppliers of machine-woven carpets such as Merinos Hali, Oriental Weavers Group, Ragolle Rugs, Universal XXI, Verbatex and the Belgian association Fedustria and its members. With the high response, the exhibiting companies are sending out clear signals for the new platform, where they will also present sustainable concepts alongside their new products.

New designs, pioneering product developments and major industry trends are the focus of the new Carpets & Rugs Hall 5.1, which has been fully booked since the last wave of registrations in the fall. The latest increase in exhibitors comes primarily from the machine-woven carpet sector. At the forefront are market-leading suppliers from Belgium – one of the most traditional textile countries that stands for sophisticated quality in the carpet industry. Ragolle Rugs, Verbatex and the Fedustria association and its members are just some of the new entrants. Other global brands such as the top player from Turkey Merinos Hali San and Universal XXI, Spain’s largest retailer and manufacturer, are also sending out clear signals for Heimtextil’s ambitious plans: “With Carpets & Rugs, we are establishing a fixed annual date for the industry. This is why it was crucial for us right from the start to showcase the diverse range within the fitted carpet segment and to attain a well-balanced mix of products. We’re delighted that we managed to accomplish this so effectively from the beginning,” said Bettina Bär, director, Heimtextil.

Global meeting place for trends and design

From the industry’s point of view, Heimtextil’s USP as a global platform for trends and design is particularly convincing. Banu Kepekci, managing director of Merinos’ sales subsidiary Medipa, emphasized: “As one of the world’s leading manufacturers of machine-woven carpets, we are open to new platforms with serious potential. Heimtextil in Frankfurt has historically been a household name for the carpet industry. All color and design trends of tomorrow are presented here. We can therefore ideally show our existing and future customers that we have already recognized these trends and implemented them in our new products.”

The Oriental Weavers Group is also planning to exhibit a diverse range of products at Heimtextil, including traditional, modern and contemporary styles. Rashad Ibrahim, Export manager of OWG subsidiary Mac Carpet, sees great added value for trade visitors: “The concept of the segment is very special for us as manufacturers as well as for buyers. It enables us to present our entire carpet range in one place. This makes it easier for interested parties to compare our various products. For buyers, Carpets & Rugs is therefore a one-stop shop for all their carpet needs.”

In addition, Carpets & Rugs is ideally integrated into the overall Heimtextil offering via the centrally located Hall 5.1. Whether DIY store, furniture store, carpet retailer or concept store: trade visitors to Heimtextil 2024 will benefit from the entire spectrum of textile interior design — from yarns and fabrics to finished products such as bed linen, blankets, cushions, curtains, wallpaper and carpets for every need.

Megatrend sustainability drives the carpet industry

In addition to new products and product development, the megatrend of sustainability in particular is driving the carpet industry. Companies are investing noticeably in concepts. Banu Kepekci reported: “Our carpets are made partly from recycled PET bottles and partly from our own recycled polyester yarn. We have also switched our packaging lines to polybags made from recycled material and started installing photovoltaic systems on our warehouses and production halls. These reduce our carbon footprint by up to 50 percent.”

Across all manufacturing countries, the United Nations’ SDGs are becoming the focus of the industry, with an increasing number of companies aligning their sustainability strategies with them. Rashad Ibrahim from the Oriental Weavers Group explained: “Our products are known for their high quality, beautiful design and competitive prices. We are committed to sustainable production practices and only use environmentally friendly materials.” To promote SDG 12 “Sustainable consumption and production patterns”, for example, the company has implemented several measures, including effective waste management based on the 3R principle (reduce-reuse-recycle).

Global contact point for all qualities

Sustainability, design, quality and variety: at Heimtextil 2024, Hall 5.1 will be an essential stop for anyone interested in the entire range of fitted carpets: from handmade and custom-made qualities to machine-made woven carpets and dirt-absorbing mats and runners.

India is the focus nation in the area of hand-woven carpets. In addition to the diversity of Indian craftsmanship, the presentation also reflects the focus on sustainability and CSR. In 2024, companies including Heritage Overseas, Mittal International, The Rug Republic, Vini Decor, Rugs Inc, Rugs in Style and the Indian association Carpet Export Promotion Council will be exhibiting here. Many well-known Indian names can also be found among the manufacturers of rugs and floor mats. These include Classic Coir Factory, Floor Decor, Fibre World and Tufko International.

In addition to the aforementioned companies Ragolle Rugs, Verbatex, Merinos Hali and the Oriental Weavers Group (Oriental Weavers, Mac Carpet, Egyptian Fibres Company), other global brands such as Nikotex Carpets from Greece and the Italian manufacturers Fini Cop and Royaltex represent the range of machine-woven carpets.

Heimtextil 2024

At Heimtextil from January 9 to 12, 2024, more than 2,600 manufacturers and brands offer a concentrated and therefore efficient market overview of the global trends in the home and contract textiles industry. In addition to the globally unique range of exhibitors, the worldwide industry meeting place will once again score points this year with indispensable highlights: from Heimtextil Trends 24/25 to the visitor and content programs Interior.Architecture.Hospitality and SLEEP to the focus on sustainability, which now bears the new title ‘Econogy’. All exhibitors and highlights are available online and are updated on an ongoing basis: https://heimtextil.messefrankfurt.com/frankfurt/en.html

Heimtextil

International Trade Fair for Home and Contract Textiles. Heimtextil will be held from 9 to 12 January 2024.

Posted: November 27, 2023

Source: Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH

ECOSENSOR™ By Asahi Kasei Advance: Redefining Technical Textiles For A Sustainable Future At ISPO

TOKYO — November 28, 2023 — ECOSENSOR™, a Japanese fabric producer and a division of Asahi Kasei Advance, is thrilled to announce its participation in the esteemed international technical textile show, ISPO – Munich, where it will unveil three special features. This prestigious event will take place in Munich, bringing together industry professionals and enthusiasts from around the world to explore the latest advancements in performance textiles. The vision that lies behind ECOSENSOR is bold and ambitious. This ideal concept turns real in a versatile collection of eco — high-tech fabrics that embody new generation values of design, innovation and responsibility.

Among the innovations of the new SS25 collection, it’s worth to mention:

PFC-FREE Super DWR Fabric: Next-Level Water Resistance

ESS1 – 72286-YSWC-NB – 100% Rec. PA

ECOSENSOR proudly introduces its cutting-edge PFC-FREE Super DWR fabric, a game-changer in the world of water-resistant textiles. This innovative fabric matches the highest standards for durability and water repellency, surpassing the performance of conventional C0 fabric treatments. Through the utilization of this advanced C0 treatment technology, ECOSENSOR has achieved exceptional water resistance, making it the preferred choice for outdoor enthusiasts and performance-driven brands.

[TECHFACT] The Bundesmann Method has revealed an outstanding Rate 4 result for ECOSENSOR’s PFC-FREE Super DWR fabric. Notably, this result is achieved even when subjected to a more challenging test method than the standard spray test (JIS L 1092 Rain test A – ISO9865). In addition, the fabric has undergone the JIS L 1092 Spray test (ISO4920), achieving an Rate 4 rating.

Lightweight 3-Layer Fabric: Combining Performance and Sustainability

ESS1-79031-RL3LR12-C – 100% Rec. PA

In line with its commitment to sustainability, ECOSENSOR introduces a remarkable lightweight 3-layer fabric that boasts exceptional performance features. Crafted with a 12d face fabric, a 7μ membrane, and a 12d recycled nylon tricot backer, this fabric represents a breakthrough in waterproof and breathable solutions.

This 3-layer fabric not only delivers top-notch performance but also demonstrates ECOSENSOR’s dedication. With the lightest backer in our collection for waterproof breathable membrane and recycled face and backer fabric, this fabric embodies the brand’s eco- conscious values without compromising on performance.

Bemberg™ Knitted Fabrics: A Circular Economy Approach

ESS2-13495 – 90% Rec PE 10% Bemberg™

ECOSENSOR is proud to unveil its range of knitted fabrics made with Bemberg™, showcasing the brand’s unwavering commitment to sustainability and circular economy. Bemberg is a cellulosic fiber derived from cotton linters.

Not only, Bemberg is innovative and responsible, but it also delivers a luxuriously soft touch, making it ideal for various applications. In addition, the fabric’s inherent moisture control properties give comfort for wearers during any activity.

Yuji Ishidate, manager, Marketing Division, at ECOSENSOR™

“We are delighted to showcase our latest advancements in technical textiles at ISPO,” said Yuji Ishidate, Marketing Division manager, ECOSENSOR. “Our PFC-FREE Super DWR fabric and lightweight 3- layer fabric embody our solid commitment to innovation and sustainability.”

Visit ECOSENSOR’s booth at ISPO Booth 104 – B1 hall to experience firsthand the excellence of PFC-FREE Super DWR and the lightweight 3-layer fabric.

Posted: November 27, 2023

Source: Asahi Kasei

MAS Holdings Secures 16 Presidential Export Honours Including Overall Exporter Of The Year For 2021/2022 And 2022/2023

President Ranil Wickramasinghe handing over the “Exporter of the Year” Award for 2021/22 to Chelan Goonetilleke, CEO – MAS Active and M Deepani Kumari, Team Member – Sewing at MAS Active.

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka — November 27, 2023 — MAS Holdings announced the resounding accomplishment of its subsidiaries, MAS Active Trading (Pvt) Ltd. and MAS Intimates (Pvt) Ltd., at the distinguished Presidential Exports Awards for 2021-22 and 2022-23. In recognition of the company’s contribution to Sri Lanka’s export sector, MAS Active (Active and KREEDA divisions) secured Sri Lanka’s overall Exporter of the Year Award for two years 2021-22 and 2022-23. Alongside these two most coveted awards, together, MAS Active and MAS Intimates, secured a total of 16 awards at the event. This recognition of MAS’ contributions to Sri Lanka’s export sector solidifies the company’s standing as an industry leader and critical player in the nation’s economy.

A Remarkable Double Triumph – MAS Active Trading (Pvt) Ltd.

President Ranil Wickramasinghe handing over the “Exporter of the Year” Award for 2022/23 to Ziyan Zahir, CEO – MAS KREEDA and Buddhini Gayanthi, Team Member – Sewing at MAS KREEDA.

MAS Active (Active and KREEDA divisions), celebrated a remarkable victory in addition to the two Overall Exporter Awards for both years, winning the Overall Market Diversified Exporter of the Year, the Best Performing Exporter in Emerging Markets, and a Merit Award in the Apparel Sector – Large Category for 2021-22.

Continuing its winning streak MAS Active secured the awards for Contributor to Sustainable Development in Exports, Innovative Export Product of the Year, Best Performing Exporter in Emerging Markets, and the Best Exporter Award in the Apparel Sector – Large Category for 2022-23.

Pioneering Excellence – MAS Intimates Pvt Ltd.

During the 2021-22 cycle, MAS Intimates demonstrated unparalleled excellence in the export domain. The company not only secured the Overall Award for Net Foreign Exchange Earner of the Year but was also awarded as the Best Exporter in Product Diversification and was recognized as the Contributor from the Regions to the Export Supply Chain as well as the Best Exporter in the Apparel Sector – Large Category.

Building on this success, MAS Intimates continued its outstanding performance in 2022-23. The company secured the Overall Award for Net Foreign Exchange Earner of the Year and was recognized as Contributor from the Regions to the Export Supply Chain. Adding to the accolades, MAS Intimates received a Merit Award in the Apparel Sector – Large Category, further solidifying its standing as a key player in the global export market.

These victories collectively underscore MAS’ position as an undisputed leader in Sri Lanka’s export landscape. As a global apparel and textile manufacturer with a diverse portfolio of brands, MAS Holdings continues to set industry benchmarks and plays a pivotal role in the economic development of Sri Lanka and the wider apparel industry.

Posted: November 27, 2023

Source: MAS Holdings

Uster Technologies Issues Practical Guidance In Its New Sustainability Bulletin

USTER, Switzerland — November 27, 2023 — Definitions, standards and specific industry knowledge…Uster Technologies covers the whole story of recycled textile materials in its application report Sustainability Bulletin No. 1. The publication is part of Uster’s commitment to support the use of recycled materials along the entire textile value chain.

Many consumers today already expect recycled materials to be used in the clothing and home textiles they purchase – and this is clearly pushing innovation throughout the industry. However, there is a degree of uncertainty about what this trend means for yarn producers, both economically and technically. The first Uster Sustainability Bulletin outlines the challenges and presents the solutions.

Starting positions and results

Upstream in textile processing, spinners are often asked to produce yarns with recycled materials, with comparable quality to those from new fiber. “The use of mechanically recycled fibers in spinning has specific quality considerations. Such fibers have a higher short-fiber and nep content and may often be colored, particularly if post-consumer material is used,” says Gabriela Peters, Head of Product Management Laboratory Systems at Uster Technologies and one of the bulletin’s authors. It is also true that recycled yarns have limitations in terms of yarn fineness. But thermo-mechanically and chemically recycled fibers and filaments are thought to present fewer processing challenges, as they are expected to have similar processing behavior to new fibers and filaments from synthetic and viscose materials.

The Sustainability Bulletin is focused on the more problematic recycled raw material. For example, it deals with the potential difficulties in the various process steps in spinning. The aim is to bring clarity and understanding about mechanically recycled materials and provide ideas on how they can be processed.

Studies have shown that yarns and fabrics produced from recycled fibers may be better for applications where the strength of yarns and fabric is less critical, but where control of unevenness, imperfections, and handle properties is required. Consequently, recycled fibers are most suitable for manufacturing casual clothes such as T-shirts, sweatshirts, and sleepwear. In China, tons of denim jeans trousers are already made of mechanically recycled fibers.

The guardian of quality

Uster Technologies sees its role as knowledge provider, setting definitions and standards, to accelerate this ongoing industry transformation. As a long-term trusted supplier of quality control systems to the textile manufacturing industry, Uster assists the industry by evaluating test results.

This helps to guide spinners on the current possibilities for dealing with recycled material in its many forms.

The Uster Statistics benchmarks will be helpful in the requirement to measure, control, and improve the quality. The new edition, launched at ITMA 2023, includes for the first time a section for recycled yarn. The Uster Statistics 2023 edition also features an extended range of fiber data, supporting sustainability goals. It’s a fact that an ideal fiber mix – with or without recycled content – must also meet quality requirements for minimal waste.

Uster understands its function as a kind of neutral arbiter, reporting what quality can be expected when processing different recycled materials. Uster know-how on using recycled raw material is collected in the Sustainability Bulletin No. 1 and ready to download free of charge at www.uster.com/sustainabilitybulletin.

Cooperation for a sustainable future

Using recycled materials effectively and efficiently will be a key to success in future years. To achieve acceptable results and profitability, all sections of the textile chain will need to cooperate and learn from each other, to avoid collective failure. “At Uster Technologies, we firmly believe it’s a great opportunity for textile manufacturers to lead this momentous industry transformation, as recycled fibers are the raw material of a sustainable future to be processed into new products,” says Peters.

Posted: November 27, 2023

Source: Uster Technologies AG

SAi Promotes Eyal Friedman To Lead International Sales Team

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — November 23, 2023 — SA International (SAi), a provider of software design and production solutions for the signmaking, digital printing, textile and CNC machining industries, announced the promotion of Eyal Friedman to senior vice president and managing director of International Sales, replacing Sarit Tichon who is retiring.

Eyal Friedman has been with SAi for over 23 years, serving most recently as vice president of Product Management and previously as vice president of Technical Services.  In his new role, Friedman will direct the efforts of sales teams in China, Europe, India, Latin America, Japan, and Australia, in addition to overseeing the Product Management team.

Eyal Friedman, senior vice president and Head of International Sales at SAi

“Eyal comes with a wealth of experience and passion for the industry and has demonstrated exceptional leadership in our company”, said Mikki Webb, SAi president and CEO.  “I’m confident that he will continue to achieve our objectives and further strengthen our teams’ dynamics and goals.”

Don Feagan, chairman of SAi’s board of directors, said, “We wish Sarit all the best in her new direction, and we congratulate Eyal on his important and significant promotion. Eyal is ideally suited to manage SAi’s international business and is greatly respected by equipment manufacturers, resellers and customers alike for his deep technical knowledge and understanding of the market.”

Posted: November 23, 2023

Source: SA International (SAi)

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