Picanol Celebrates Historic Milestone With Production Of 400,000th Weaving Machine In Ieper, Belgium

IEPER, Belgium — October 2, 2023 — Weaving machine manufacturer Picanol achieved a new milestone last week with the production of its 400,000th weaving machine in Ieper, Belgium. This is a new high point in the company’s rich history of production, which started in Ieper. The very first Picanol weaving machine was produced in 1936, based on a design by Spanish engineer Jaimé Picañol, after whom the company was named. The 400,000th weaving machine, an OmniPlus-i Connect airjet weaving machine, leaves the home base in Ieper this week on its way to a customer in India.

“We are extremely proud of this achievement, which once again highlights our position as the global leader in weaving machines. Over the past decades, we have continually pushed our boundaries, always working in close partnership with our customers. At the same time, we have always remained true to our core mission — to design and manufacture innovative, high-tech weaving machines. The experience gained in the production, to date, of 400,000 weaving machines is also the best guarantee to our customers, worldwide, that Picanol produces the very best weaving machines on the market. This is, therefore, also the moment to thank all of our employees who have contributed to this milestone achievement over the past decades. It is purely due to their commitment and dedication that Picanol has grown into the world leader it is today,” explained Johan Verstraete, vice president, Weaving Machines.

A pioneer in weaving machine technology

A constant focus on innovation, combined with continuous improvement of products and processes continues to ensure Picanol’s capacity to surprise the market, time after time, with high-quality, innovative weaving machines. Indeed, since producing its first weaving machine in 1936, Picanol has introduced more than 20 new generations of weaving machines to the market, and recently also its new digital platform PicConnect. Sustainability Inside, Driven by Data, Smart Performance, and Intuitive Control are the basic principles applied in the development of every new weaving machine. In June, Picanol successfully participated in ITMA 2023 in Milan. This is the world’s most important, quadrennial, textile machinery fair at which, among other innovations, the new Ultimax rapier weaving machine was presented.

Today, Picanol is the technological leader in both airjet and rapier weaving machines, with production taking place in Ieper and Suzhou (China). Driven by an ongoing commitment to R&D, weaving machine speeds have evolved dramatically. The first (shuttle) weaving machine achieved a speed of approximately 140 wefts per minute. Today, the latest rapier weaving machine, the Ultimax, is able to reach industrial speeds of more than 800 wefts per minute. The OmniPlus-i Connect airjet weaving machine excels at speeds of up to 1,350 wefts per minute in weaving mills, which makes this machine the fastest airjet weaving machine in the world.

Picanol’s weaving machines are used daily in some 2,600 weaving mills, spread across more than 100 countries. Various fabrics are woven on these high-tech machines: clothing (e.g. denim, shirt fabric, sportswear, etc.), interior textiles (e.g. sheets, curtains, terry cloth, etc.) and technical fabrics (e.g. airbags, parachute fabric, canvas, car tire cord fabrics, etc.).

Posted: October 2, 2023

Source: Picanol Group

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

TOKYO — October 4, 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, Performance Days, 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

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.

[TECH FACT] 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

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 polyamide 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

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.

“We are delighted to showcase our latest advancements in technical textiles at Performance Days,” said Yuji Ishidate, manager of Marketing Division at 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 Performance Days E12 to experience firsthand the excellence of PFC-FREE Super DWR and the lightweight 3-layer fabric.

Posted: October 2, 2023

Source: Asahi Kasei Advance

LEONHARD KURZ, ARBURG To Present Efficient Production Technologies For Recycled Plastics At FAKUMA 2023

FÜRTH, Germany — October 2, 2023 — October 17-21, 2023, FAKUMA in Friedrichshafen will shed light on all aspects of the future-relevant topic of plastic. Plastics manufacturers and processors from all over the world will present innovative and durable high-tech solutions for a wide variety of sectors at the trade fair, from the automotive sector to the packaging industry and construction. The questions of how manufacturing and decoration processes can be optimized, which sustainable raw materials can be used, and which technologies bring us closer to a real circular economy are increasingly being addressed.

LEONHARD KURZ has been working on the further development of machines, the optimization of processes, and improved materials for decades in order to minimize the consumption of resources and promote the reuse of plastics. The thin film specialist from Fürth was the first company in the plastics industry to develop a take-back system for production residues in the graphics industry. The Post-Industrial Recycling (PIR) compound RECOPOUND®, which is produced by recycling PET transfer carrier residues, can be processed in injection molding on standard machines and finished using advanced hot-stamping and insert-molding technologies.

KURZ takes on a pioneering role

“To increase the recycling rate of plastics even more, more waste needs to be recovered and recycled. KURZ is the first company in our industry to take this fundamental requirement for sustainability fully into account,” explained Martin Hahn, head of Application, Technology & Innovation at KURZ’s Business Area Plastic Decoration,  and adds: “As part of an integrated system, RECOPOUND not only represents closed-loop progress in the entire finishing industry, but as a high-quality raw material it also offers decisive advantages for the competitiveness of our customers, as we will show you at FAKUMA 2023 together with ARBURG.”

At the ARBURG stand 3101 in Hall A3, KURZ and ARBURG will be conducting a live demonstration of the insert molding technology by manufacturing and finishing a toolbox. The great advantage of insert molding is that the carrier material can be deformed more than with the classic in-mold decoration process and, in contrast, partial areas can also be decorated. This makes this process particularly well-suited for the production of highly profiled components. The upper corners of the case are partially decorated on site using insert molding. In addition, the ARBURG logo on the shell is given a brushed and metallized finish via hot stamping. This allows visitors to experience not one, but two efficient KURZ processes.

Exploiting added value, tapping into potential

In the joint project between KURZ and ARBURG, several components are manufactured from RECOPOUND. The raw material for the new components is obtained entirely from industrial residual materials. The recycled material has robust mechanical properties and, thanks to its gray color scheme, is a good match for the overall concept, which reflects the ARBURG colors. In general, RECOPOUND is ideally suitable for the production of stable and robust products and can be decorated without restrictions. If virgin plastics in products are completely or partially replaced by RECOPOUND, CO2 consumption can be reduced by up to 40 percent compared to production with new material.

With ARBURG, KURZ has found the right partner to implement the project. With its automated ALLROUNDER 920 H, the well-known machine manufacturer and system supplier offers a tailor-made injection molding system that works quickly, efficiently, and precisely and can be adapted to individual customer requirements.

At FAKUMA 2023, it will be combined with a specially adapted BINTEC installation unit from the KURZ subsidiary BAIER. The special version for inline working with part fixing and part control, works hand in hand with the ARBURG injection molding system.

In addition to demonstrating production live on site, visitors to both the ARBURG and KURZ stands can learn about insert molding, hot stamping, and the use of recycled plastics. More information about KURZ’s trade fair presentation and solutions is available on the KURZ website for FAKUMA 2023.

Posted: October 2, 2023

Source: LEONHARD KURZ Stiftung & Co. KG

Sympatex Makes Use Of The Holistic Trade Fair Concept Of Performance Days

UNTERFÖHRING, Germany — September 29, 2023 — October 4-5, 2023, membrane manufacturer Sympatex invites you to Performance Days Munich. The brand is using the new trade fair concept to showcase innovations in both the textile and footwear sectors (Textile booth: Hall A6, Stand B10 ; Footwear booth: Hall A5, Stand S06).

The ecological footprint of a garment depends very much on the choice of material. Membrane manufacturer Sympatex is convinced of this and is therefore expanding its product portfolio every year to include laminates made from fibre2fiber recycling. Sympatex invites visitors to its two trade fair stands to see what adjustments are already possible today to reduce the impact on the planet.

Interesting for everyone, because the entire textile and outdoor industry is called upon to reduce its footprint immensely within the next few years.

“A circular economy is the most effective solution for reducing the ecological footprint, along with product longevity, conscious consumption and, of course, the elimination of certain chemicals such as PFAS,” said Dr. Rüdiger Fox, CEO of Sympatex.

“Our focus here is on polyester. As a fiber, polyester has many advantages. Polyester fabrics are very durable and can be recycled in a closed-loop system. The production of polyester, especially recycled polyester, uses less water than many other fibers, and by working closely with our suppliers we can ensure that production is done in the most sustainable way possible,” Dr. Fox added.

At the same time, a circular economy only works if everyone participates. The implementation is complex. Companies that previously acted separately from each other must now cooperate. Sympatex is demonstrating that this is possible in various pilot projects. The membrane manufacturer has been working for years to drive change in the industry. For example, Sympatex is explicitly dedicated to the topics of design-to-recycle, digitalization, recyclability through monomaterial, the development of a product portfolio based on recycled textiles, water and CO2 savings and the use of bio-based contents.

“We strive for innovation projects, cooperation and trend-setting collaborations that ideally accelerate our efforts towards a circular economy. This year’s motto of the fair “From Membranes to Carbon Story” is certainly particularly exciting for us. Now that the use of PFAS is finally banned. We cordially invite you to join us in the exchange. It is particularly wonderful that we can show our expertise in both segments, textiles and footwear, this year,” said Kim Scholze, CSMO Sympatex.

Performance Days Munich offers an ideal platform for industry experts, brands and retailers to network and collaborate. Sympatex welcomes all participants to engage in meaningful discussions about the future of sustainable performance apparel.

“Choosing the right ingredients is vital for successful recycling,” explained Lisa Polk, Circularity expert at Sympatex.

That is why Sympatex has developed an Eco Design Guide to pass on this knowledge to all brand partners.

Performance Days Munich is the place to be for designers, product, sourcing and material managers interested in the latest trends and innovations in the textile and footwear industry. The Performance Days always coincide with the seasonal sourcing schedules in April/May and October/November, offering sustainable fabrics for sportswear, workwear, sporting event and athleisure collections. Free entry for trade fair visitors.

Posted: September 29, 2023

Source: Sympatex Technologies GmbH

NCTO Commends Bipartisan Group Of Senators For Calling On President Biden To Crack Down On China’s Predatory Trade Practices And Help The U.S. Textile & Apparel Industry

WASHINGTON — September 29, 2023 — National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO) President and CEO Kim Glas issued a statement today, applauding the actions of a bipartisan group of senators who are raising alarm about the impact of China’s predatory trade practices on the U.S. textile and apparel industry and calling on President Joe Biden to lead a multi-agency effort to substantially step up enforcement and develop a strategic plan to combat it.

In the letter to President Biden, the senators warned that without immediate and improved enforcement against these predatory trade practices, the U.S. textile and apparel sector faces a “coming disaster.”

The letter, led by U.S. Senators Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) and Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), was also signed by Senators Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), J.D. Vance (R-Ohio), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.).

NCTO President and CEO Kim Glas, said: “I want to thank Senator Tillis and Senator Brown for leading these efforts and strongly commend the bipartisan group of senators for taking the lead in calling on President Biden and the administration to take urgent action to address a wide range of illegal trade practices that are severely impacting the U.S. textile and apparel industry.”

“The industry is being overwhelmed by a multitude of compounding factors, including a lack of effective customs enforcement, unfair trade practices fueled by a loophole in U.S. trade law known as ‘de minimis’ shipments, import fraud undermining our free trade agreements (FTAs) and their rules of origin, and forced labor in our supply chains making their way into the United States and through other markets,” Glas said.

The senators’ letter calls on the administration to take the following specific actions:

  • Step up enforcement of forced labor subsidized textiles and apparel flooding into our FTAs;
  • End duty-free treatment for clothing made with forced labor under de minimis; and
  • Review all executive authorities to hold China accountable for its predatory trade practices.

“To maintain the industry’s operations and competitiveness, the administration must take immediate steps to increase its enforcement activities and crack down on systemic abuse that is undermining the very fabric of our domestic textile supply chain and its workforce,” Glas added.

Posted: September 29, 2023

Source: National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO)

USAID Awards NC State $2 Million For Training Program

The United States Agency For International Development (USAID) recently awarded North Carolina State University’s (NC State’s) Wilson College of Textiles a $2 million, two-year grant to fund development of a technical textile training program. The program, named Hilando Oportunidades —spinning opportunities —aims to develop skilled workers for the textile industry while transforming the lives of young people in northern Honduras. The goal is to train at least 1,500 Hondurans in yarn spinning, knitting, dyeing and finishing, and apparel production.The grant brings together the Wilson College, Gaston College and Catawba Valley Community College with the Universidad Technológica Centroamericana (UNITEC) in Honduras.

The program will employ the technology of Shimmy, an industrial startup company that offers app-based training. Melissa Sharp, associate director of the Zeis Textiles Extension (ZTE) at the Wilson College will lead the project. She notes that the program comes with trackable credentials, issued through Credly and maintained by NC State, that will provide third-party proof of skills obtained through the program.

“Through Hilando Oportunidades,Wilson College and our partners have the rare opportunity to transform the lives of thousands of Hondurans by providing pathways to better employment and brighter futures while simultaneously enabling a sustainable regional textile supply chain with key allies that also drives economic prosperity here in North Carolina,” said Wilson College of Textiles Dean David Hinks.

“UNITEC is delighted that Honduras is receiving support from USAID and our partners to promote the development of skilled labor to support and strengthen the country’s textile industry,“ said UNITEC CEO Rosalpina Rodriguez.“Academic quality and social responsibility are fundamental pillars of UNITEC, and we will bring our full experience in these areas to train Hondurans with the necessary skills and knowledge to build successful careers in the textile industry.”

September/October 2023

Santoni Shanghai To Buy Terrot

The Italy-based Lonati family-owned and founded Santoni Shanghai Knitting Machinery Co., China, has announced plans to acquire Terrot GmbH, a Germany-based producer of circular knitting machines. The transaction is pending approval from Chinese regulatory authorities. The acquisition is part of Santoni Shanghai’s long-term vision to create an ecosystem that reshapes and consolidates the circular knitting industry.

“The integration of Terrot, which also includes the well-known Pilotelli brand, will bring an immediate and extraordinary boost to our products portfolio,”said Gianpietro Belotti, CEO of Santoni Shanghai.“Terrot’s incredible technical capabilities, extensive product range and vast experience in serving customers all over the world will enable us to better achieve our shared aspirations. We are very excited about this partnership and look forward to working with Terrot as we move towards establishing a pioneering industry ecosystem, realizing our mission to providing customers with an utterly new knitting experience.

“We see our machines not simply as isolated units of production, but rather as parts of a holistic and integrated ecosystem,” Belotti added.“Each part of this ecosystem is inter-connected with the entire industry chain, bolstered by our recent advances in digitalization and our century long expertise. The new synthesis will offer now the largest range of technical solutions available in the market, which we believe will enable us to satisfy the needs of all the investment levels. Through our partnership with Terrot, we are one step closer to fulling our vision of innovatively consolidating the entire industry.”

September/October 2023

Nufabrx® Brand Acquired By Tallayne

Shortly after announcing Nufabrx® joined forces with Enventys Partners to establish HealthWear® — a patented smart-technology platform aimed at delivering medicine, health and wellness to consumers via clothing — it was publicized that Charlotte, N.C.-based Tallayne has agreed to purchase the Nufabrx brand and its retail unit from the parent company Textile-Based Delivery Inc. Nufabrx/Textile-Based Delivery was founded by Jordan Schindler who conceived of the idea to use textiles as a delivery mechanism while he was a student at the University of Washing-ton. The Nufabrx brand offers compression braces infused with pain relief ingredients that continue to dose medication into the body over time and are reusable. The move will accelerate expansion of the brand and increase product availability across the United States. Tallayne is known for working with early stage, innovative brands to prepare them for commercial success.

“My involvement with Nufabrx since 2018 has strengthened my belief in the potential of its technology, brand, and the exceptional leadership demonstrated by Jordan Schindler,”said Glenn Normoyle, Tallayne founder. “This acquisition opens doors to even greater opportunities as we proactively work to grow awareness following its initial success.”

“The Nufabrx brand was our first line of products available in the commercial market, its consumer success has led to the development of many new health and wellness products coming soon,”said HealthWear CEO and Nufabrx Founder Jordan Schindler.“The sky is the limit on potential use causes and partner collaborations at this intersection between pharmaceuticals and apparel. We’re extremely excited to see where the team at Tallayne takes the brand!”

September/October 2023

President Biden Visits Textile Manufacturer In Auburn, Maine

Auburn Manufacturing Inc. (AMI), Mechanic Falls, Maine, recently hosted President Joe Biden at its plant in Auburn, Maine. The company produces fire- and heat-resistant materials for the defense industrial base, as well as primary metals, power generation and aerospace industries. AMI has been actively involved for years with the Department of Commerce, Customs and Border Protection, and now the current administration to shine light on China’s unfair trade practices.

President Biden was the first sitting president to visit Auburn since 1912. During his visit to AMI, the president praised employees’ work ethic and commitment to the community, while also pledging further support for domestic manufacturers such as AMI.

“The AMI team is incredibly humbled to have hosted an event of such magnitude, collaborating with the White House on behalf of American manufacturing writ large,”said Kathie Leonard, AMI president and CEO. “President Biden’s visit to Auburn is truly a historic event, reminding all Americans that Maine is on the manufacturing map and that domestic manufacturers like us will never stop working hard and fighting back against even the fiercest competition. We look forward to even brighter days ahead for manufacturers across America.”

“We are thrilled and sincerely appreciative of President Biden’s visit to this industry”said Kim Glas, president and CEO of the Washington-based National Council of Textile Organizations.“President Biden’s economic agenda and focus on domestic manufacturing supply chain resiliency, which he highlighted here today, helps bolster this vibrant U.S. textile industry, which has made major investments in state-of-the art manufacturing facilities, produced $65.8 billion in output in 2022, and employed 538,000 workers. Auburn Manufacturing —a leading producer of fire-and-heat resistant materials, a major supplier to the U.S. military, and a women-owned certified business — exemplifies the U.S. textile industry’s innovative spirit, diversity, and importance to the U.S. economy.”

September/October 2023

Comprehending The Scope Of ITMA Technology

By Jim Borneman, Editor In Chief

Innovative textile machinery has been re-crated and shipped on, booths have been carefully disassembled, and exhibitors and attendees have returned home to process the events of a successful ITMA 2023.

The European Committee of Textile Machinery Manufacturers (CEMATEX) hosted 1,709 exhibitors from 47 countries in a net exhibition space of 118,300 square meters while some 111,000 visitors from 143 countries made their way through the halls. All now attempt to absorb what they witnessed at the “world’s showcase for textile machinery.”

By most accounts, ITMA 2023 was lauded a great success by exhibitors and attendees alike. Now digesting the many new innovations becomes the focus of the work at hand. “How will these new technologies impact my manufacturing capabilities?” “What investments could be real game-changers?” and “How does my company evaluate the impact and opportunity of new technologies and their underlying trends?” are just some of the questions that will be considered.

Post-ITMA analysis is never an easy task, but this ITMA has thrown some real gasoline on the technology fire as the industry faces so many challenges of improving efficiencies, going greener, and maybe rethinking entire business models.

Textile World editors get to help with this matter at hand, lending a hand in exploring the many developments offered by this year’s ITMA exhibitors.

The coverage won’t be perfect, but over the next several issues, TW editors will explore sector-by-sector the latest advances in textile technology and the opportunities they present to the industry.

In addition to the regular TW staff, various professors and researchers from North Carolina State University’s Wilson College of Textiles have offered their expertise in providing TW ’s readers insights and analysis into observations of technology presented at ITMA 2023. TW is grateful for their many insightful contributions and their continuing work at the university.

That said, the one major take-away is the sheer volume of new ideas and technology presented at ITMA — some incremental, some very new — all have a place in the changing business environment U.S. textile manufacturing faces.

And the opportunity for investment comes at a great time. Or does it? Well, timing is
in the eye of the beholder, but there is an appetite for new investment and investment that helps tell a company’s story. That story may be a reshoring investment, a green technology investment or even a startup. But of late, most of the investment news has been about expansion and refitting — both ripe for having a look at a new, possibly more efficient ways of producing textiles.

Collaboration is key. Many of the contacts made at ITMA will lead to trial work, product development and new process testing, as well as proof-of-concept projects.

ITMA is never a one-and-done story, — more like a spike in the process, a catalyst for moving forward and looking for new opportunities that capitalize on existing core competencies that need to be renewed and refreshed. It is a shot in the arm that can help stimulate and show businesses a new way or maybe a better way to achieve a textile manufacturing success story.

September/October 2023

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