Axens, IFPEN And JEPLAN Announce The Start-Up Operation Of Rewind® PET Industrial Unit In Japan For The Chemical Recycling Of PET

RUEIL-MALMAISON, France — October 26, 2023 — Axens, IFPEN and JEPLAN entered into a partnership in 2020 to develop and license an innovative recycling process, called Rewind® PET, that can be used to recycle all types of waste Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), especially those difficult to recycle mechanically. With the support of the French Environment and Energy Management Agency (ADEME), this collaboration has resulted in the construction, commissioning and recent start-up of their Rewind® PET semi-industrial unit, which modifies and expands JEPLAN’s existing Kitakyushu Hibikinada Pilot (KHP) demonstration plant, in Kitakyushu-city, Japan. The production capacity of the Rewind® PET semi-industrial unit keeps the same capacity of the KHP demonstration plant before modifications, at one thousand tons per annum (1 KTA).

(Left) Exterior view (Right) An event was held at the industrial unit on October 24th to celebrate its launch. From the left : Patrick Sarrazin, Executive Vice President of Axens, Cécile Barrère-Tricca, Chemistry for Industry Business Unit Director of IFPEN, Masaki Takao, Representative Director, President, and CEO of JEPLAN.

The aim of this unit is to show future industrial customers how the innovative PET recycling process, developed by the three partners, can be integrated into their own production and recycling facilities. This is a key step for the three partners in view of the commercialisation (licensing) by Axens, which is intended to start by the end of 2023 once the process has been fully validated. The Rewind® PET process will produce a high-quality, virgin-like, recycled PET, suitable for all PET applications including food contact packaging or textiles. An event was held at the semi-industrial unit on October 24th to celebrate its launch.

An innovative process for the chemical recycling of PET

The innovative Rewind® PET process involves a continuous depolymerization of PET by glycolysis, followed by a deep purification of the obtained monomer, BHET (Bis(2-Hydroxyethyl) terephthalate). Its major advantage for manufacturers lies in its ability to separate all additives and colorants to restore a pure BHET monomer, which can easily be polymerized again in existing (or new) polymerization plants. It can be used to process all types of waste PET, including coloured and opaque bottles, multilayer trays, packaging film and polyester textiles. This innovation is the result of more than 10 years of development at Axens, IFPEN and JEPLAN, and of the synergy established by the three partners for over three years now. It will greatly help the PET industry meet its targets for the integration of recycled materials, complementing mechanical recycling. This will also contribute to reaching Europe’s target of 30% recycled content in PET-made packaging by 2030.

Promoting a circular plastics chain

The Rewind® PET process is part of Axens and IFPEN’s global strategy in the field of the plastics circular economy, with the development of several chemical and physical recycling processes designed to complement mechanical recycling in order to achieve the ambitious targets for the incorporation of recycled material in many industrial sectors, starting with packaging and textiles. It is a powerful response to the challenges of ecological transition faced by manufacturers and brand owners looking for reliable, long-term solutions to adapt their industrial facilities.

The start-up operation of the Rewind® PET semi-industrial unit represents a crucial stage in the partnership between JEPLAN, IFPEN and Axens. It will provide a tangible demonstration of the benefits and efficiency of Rewind® PET for all stakeholders of the circular economy of plastics, from the waste management companies to the PET producers and brand owners of the packaging and textile sectors.

Axens is responsible for marketing and licensing the Rewind® PET process. The Rewind® PET semi-industrial unit will enable future clients to check the robustness and reliability of the process, while meeting the most stringent quality, integration and economic viability requirements. In order to support its clients in developing their PET-recycling projects, Axens will offer a comprehensive package including basic design, performance guarantees, the supply of proprietary equipment, and technical assistance for the start-up and operation of these clients’ own industrial units.

Masaki Takao, Representative Director, President, and CEO of JEPLAN, said “JEPLAN’s KHP demonstration plant was completed in 2017. To make this “bottle-to-bottle” and “clothes-to-clothes” PET chemical recycle technology useful to society, we needed to further expand the scale of our business, which required us to collaborate with partners. We are very happy to have met such encouraging partners as IFPEN and Axens, and to have been able to start this demonstration of Rewind® PET thanks to the responsiveness of each company.”

Pierre-Franck Chevet, President of IFPEN, said “We are delighted to be working, alongside our partners and thanks to our synergies, to develop Rewind® PET, an innovative technology for chemical recycling PET. This successful demonstration marks the culmination of ten years of R&D efforts at IFPEN. Our commitment to this partnership reflects our drive to meet the needs of industry and society in terms of promoting circular economy and reducing plastic waste.”

Jean Sentenac, CEO of Axens, explains “This semi-industrial unit illustrates the full potential of the Rewind® PET process for PET industrial players of the packaging and textile sectors. The Axens teams will put in all their energy and expertise to support them in their transition to a circular economy, from the project study stage right through to an optimized and profitable operation. We’re proud to be involved in a project like this and to be responsible for marketing it.”

Posted: October 26, 2023

Source: The Axens Group

Heberlein: Advantages Of Yarn Intermingling For Weaving And Warp Knitting

WATTWIL, Switzerland — October 26, 2023 — Heberlein, a supplier of air interlacing and air texturing jets, has also applied its expertise to develop a unique air-saving solution for a smooth and efficient weaving process. The Heberlein WarpJet-KV needs up to 38% less compressed air compared with other jets. First-hand information is available at the upcoming ITMA Asia (Hall 8.1, Stand A43) – and the key details are presented here.

High-speed weaving and warp knitting processes demand yarns with smooth surfaces for efficient processing. Special procedures to achieve the required yarn quality include air interlacing and sizing. With sustainability in mind sizing is less favoured, since the sizing agent has to be removed after weaving using water and creating high pollution loads.

The art of air interlacing

To develop a novel interlacing system, Karl Mayer, the leading manufacturer of preparation systems for warp knitting and weaving, turned to Heberlein. As a reputable name in filament yarn processes, Heberlein’s competencies in air jets made it an ideal partner. Their collaboration in 2015 started to innovate a completely new air interlacing system that gives considerable economic advantages in warp preparation and the subsequent fabric production sequences.

A process creating reliable intermingling points has several benefits, as the weaving machine no longer stops through shedding issues with filament openings or friction from broken filaments. So, the weaving process runs at higher speeds, also enabling size application to be reduced.

Heberlein’s high-precision components can be used when the process needs maximum efficiency and yarn strength. The WarpJet-KV can increase the intermingling points to 60 to 90 per metre – about triple the usual number, to suit individual requirements in the weaving process. Common speeds from 4,500 to 5,000 m/min in the spinning process usually allow 15/30 nips per metre, which might be sufficient for a smooth weaving process. However, many mills prefer to be on the safe side, especially when using yarns of ≤ 75 denier and DPF ≤ 1.0 – so they opt to install the Heberlein intermingling device.

Less air, more profit

The other key aspect is the air pressure needed to guarantee an increased number of intermingling points to assure filament cohesion, especially with fine yarns. During air interlacing, an air blast physically intermingles the individual filaments of a multi-filament yarn with one another.

Saving compressed air in the air interlacing process results in less energy costs. This is proven with the Heberlein WarpJet-KV. Tests at the same machine with 1,536 threads – and using the same level of air pressure – show that compared with a standard jet the WarpJet-KV allows savings of 307 and 491 m3/h. Comparing the air pressure needed for the same amount of intermingling points (FP/m) the savings add up to 38%. Thanks to advanced technology by Heberlein, the diameter of the jet’s air orifice is smaller and requires less air while producing the same number of knots.

Use at 0,8 bar Saving Use at 1,2 bar Saving
Standard jet

(Ø 1,2)

 1.2 m3/h 2.07 m3/h
Heberlein HP113A, W11.0

(Ø 1,1)

 1.0 m3/h 0.2 m3/h 1.74 m3/h 0.33 m3/h

Never too early for profitable investment

In warp knitting, the demands are stringent and complex. Uncompromised yarn quality with highest production efficiency at lowest cost – with the premise of sustainable production – is fundamental. That makes it an ideal time for a retrofit with a proven solution: the Heberlein WarpJet-KV. The figures show interlacing performance up to 10 to 30% higher than competitor jets, based on the same air consumption and stability requirement of intermingling points. Air consumption can be 13 to 40% lower for the same number of intermingling points.

Karl Mayer machines can be retrofitted to install Heberlein’s WarpJet-KV with a modification of the main air connection. The modular design of the jets allows up to 64 yarns to be interlaced in a single unit. Depending on the application, customers benefit from the easy exchange of the JetPack and – typically with Heberlein jets – maintenance, cleaning and replacement are easy.

Posted: October 26, 2023

Source: Heberlein AG

Freudenberg Launches Sustainable, Low-Level BPA Thermal Insulation Products

WEINHEIM, Germany — October 26, 2023 — Freudenberg Performance Materials Apparel (Freudenberg), a provider of innovative technical solutions in the apparel industry, is pleased to launch two advanced thermal insulation products made from low-level Bisphenol A (BPA) recycled PET fibers (rPET) into the global range of comfortemp®, Freudenberg’s thermal insulation brand. The introduction of DOWN FEEL WA 150LB and FIBERBALL WB 400LB underscores Freudenberg’s commitment to innovation and sustainability.

Freudenberg´s comfortemp® DOWN FEEL WA Series© Freudenberg Performance Materials

The additions of DOWN FEEL WA 150LB and FIBERBALL WB 400LB to the comfortemp® global range serve as high-quality and ecologically-minded alternatives to down, enhancing the comfort and sustainability of your garments. DOWN FEEL WA 150LB is an extremely-lightweight, loose fiber thermal insulation with a super-light loft, while FIBERBALL WB 400LB uses clusters of extra-fine fibers to offer optimal breathability, maximum comfort, and minimal clumping after washing and drying.

GRS-certified and OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 Class I certifications

Both products are crafted using Freudenberg’s advanced technology, utilizing 100% GRS-certified rPET fibers, customizable to your desired fill levels. Additionally, these new products not only comply with but significantly surpass the stringent OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 Class I certifications (the strictest requirements, suitable for babies). While OEKO-TEX® categorizes low-level BPA as less than 100 parts per million (ppm), these new products contain less than 1 ppm BPA, a testament to Freudenberg’s unyielding standards.

Freudenberg´s comfortemp® FIBERBALL WB Series© Freudenberg Performance Materials

“Our commitment to customers and sustainability aligns with market expectations for safer, responsible products while maintaining quality and performance,” said Merry Chen, Head of Global R&D and Product Compliance, Freudenberg Performance Materials Apparel. “The DOWN FEEL WA 150LB and FIBERBALL WB 400LB products exemplify this commitment, providing innovative thermal insulation that prioritizes performance and customer well-being as we grow our House of Sustainability.”

House of Sustainability The House of Sustainability (HoS) is Freudenberg Apparel’s initiative to support customers in creating a more sustainable apparel industry. With over 500 innovative solutions, the HoS offers a comprehensive range of applications to shape a sustainable future. The DOWN FEEL WA 150LB and FIBERBALL WB 400LB products bring the latest innovations from the HoS to customers and deliver responsible products in every manufacturing season.

Another Highlight in the European product line: HO 80xR

In addition to DOWN FEEL WA 150LB and FIBERBALL WB 400LB, Freudenberg has also added HO 80xR into its comfortemp® European range and HoS in this manufacturing season. This new thermal insulation is made of recycled polyamide 6 from plastic waste, including fishing nets, carpet flooring, and industrial plastic. With 70% recycled polyamide fibers, this thermal insulation makes garments’ life sustainable. Designed to be recycled and reused over and over again, it embodies our environmental commitment and circular design principles.

DOWN FEEL WA 150LB and FIBERBALL WB 400LB are available globally and more low-level BPA thermal insulation options are available in Asia. HO 80xR is available in Europe.

Posted: October 26, 2023

Source: Freudenberg Performance Materials Holding SE & Co. KG

Sympatex Supports Focus Topic Of Funtional Fabric Fair Portland: Sustainable Membrane Innovations In Textile And Footwear

UNTERFÖHRING, Germany — October 26, 2023 — Functional Fabric Fair Fall 2023, is taking place November 1-2, at the Oregon Convention Center in Portland. Membrane manufacturer Sympatex invites to discover innovations in textile and footwear sectors (Booth 813). Dr. Rüdiger Fox, CEO Sympatex, supports as a speaker on the main stage, November 2, 11.30 AM.

There is growing pressure to improve responsible sourcing practices and reduce the environmental footprint. Associated with it, ingredient sourcing is on focus, because the ecological footprint of a garment depends very much on the choice of material.

Membrane manufacturer Sympatex is therefore expanding its product portfolio every year to include laminates made from fibre2fiber recycling. Sympatex invites visitors to its stand (Booth 813) to see what adjustments are already possible today to reduce the impact on the planet. The brand has also developed an Eco Design Guide to pass on this knowledge to all brand partners. Interesting for everyone, because in Europe, the EU Green Deal is incorporating Product Environmental Footprints.

Dr. Rüdiger Fox, CEO Sympatex, will dive into the topic at the main stage on November 2, 2023, 11.30 AM – 12.15 PM. The discussion takes place under the title: The recycling “Bottle”neck – why fibre-to-fibre is the only viable option to serve our recycling commitments”. The session will also offer insights into the most recent European legislation plans for the industry in terms of sustainability and a glimpse into new technologies for an emergent fiber-to-fiber recycling industry.

“More and more brands are committing to ambitious recycling targets for their synthetic raw materials. In particular for the most valued raw material polyester, most rely in their approach on supply chains based on PET bottle recycling, which is actually the easiest recycling process. This can only be a very short term solution, because bottle recycling will soon no longer be available as a raw material source for the textile industry. It is therefore an economic and strategic imperative to put all energy on closing the textile loop – and embrace design standards to support this process at best (Design4Recyclability).”, says Dr. Rüdiger Fox, CEO Sympatex.

“Performance Days and Functional Fabric Fair powered by Performance Days have played a significant role in educating the outdoor industry. Sympatex apprecciates this very much. We strive for cooperation, knowledge exchange and education to accelerate our efforts towards a circular economy. This year’s motto of the fair “From Membranes to Carbon Story” is particularly exciting for us. Now that the use of PFAS is finally banned. Therefore, we support the trade fair concept of Performance Days all year round, in all three cities, Munich, New York and Portland.”, says Kim Scholze, CSMO Sympatex.

The new section to the show is the greater attention around Footwear. Sympatex will present its latest innovation, called Sorrento non-woven. The company could eliminate polyurethane foam to reduce CO2 emissions by 10% and water consumption by 15%.

Sympatex will be on site with the new team member Marc Estor. Marc Estor is employed as Global Sales & Business Development Footwear.

Marc Estor, Global Sales & Business Development Footwear, Sympatex

“From my apprenticeship in one of the first running stores in Germany until today, everything has revolved around shoes. Thanks to my various leadership functions with strong brands, I have been able to successfully get to know a broad spectrum of the footwear industry and successfully implement different approaches to brand positioning and go-to-market strategies.”, says Marc Estor, Global Sales & Business Development Footwear, Sympatex.

“With the new challenges in the footwear industry, especially in terms of CSR and innovation, I am happy that I can now contribute to the footwear industry for the brand Sympatex, which stands for sustainability, which will significantly reduce the footprint in the industry. I am looking forward to this challenge and invite everyone to join me on the path of change. What was right in the past does not have to be right in the future.”, Estor adds.

Dedicated to outdoor and active apparel, the fall Portland edition will feature innovative textiles and footwear for the Autumn/Winter 2025 season alongside informative expert-led talks.

The fair is open – free of charge – to verified designers, product, purchasing or material managers looking to source fabrics and accessories for outdoor, sportive performance and lifestyle apparel. Don’t miss this chance to reconnect with the apparel community in person.

Posted: October 26, 2023

Source: Sympatex Technologies GmbH

MycoWorks’ Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony Celebrates Its Next-Gen Material Fine Mycelium™ Production Facility In South Carolina

UNION, S.C. — October 25, 2023 — MycoWorks celebrated the opening and start of production at its first full-scale Fine Mycelium™ facility in Union, S.C., with a ribbon-cutting attended by South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster, as well as other government officials, community leaders, brand partners, and supporters. The world-class manufacturing plant gives MycoWorks the capacity to scale-up to meet demand for their luxury leather-like material Reishi™. Produced with the company’s patented technology for partners including Hermès and Ligne Roset, MycoWorks’ new plant has already made a significant impact by spurring new investment in Union’s storefronts, housing, and employment portfolio.

Union, S.C. to Lead in U.S. Biomaterials Manufacturing

On Tuesday, South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster joined MycoWorks Chief of Culture Sophia Wang, COO Doug Hardesty and CEO Matthew Scullin to celebrate the opening of the biomaterials company’s Fine Mycelium factory in Union, S.C with a ribbon cutting ceremony. Photo courtesy of MycoWorks.

Situated in the Upstate region’s thriving manufacturing corridor, local officials expressed excitement for MycoWorks’ new facility and are welcoming the opportunity for Union to bring this new industry to fruition. With MycoWorks’ technological advancements to the materials sector and its commitment to bringing competitive jobs to the region, the first-of-its-kind facility is positioning South Carolina to lead the biomaterials industry, reshoring luxury textile manufacturing to the United States. In celebration of this industry-first achievement, attendees had the opportunity to witness the factory’s cutting-edge technology and learn about the diverse applications of MycoWorks’ biomaterial Reishi™.

Built on-time and on-budget, the 136,000 sq. ft. factory is the world’s largest mycelium production operation. For the leather industry, MycoWorks’ Union facility is a breakthrough in supply chain management, providing full predictability, transparency, and provenance of high-quality natural materials while remaining efficient and low-impact. Marrying the latest technological advancements with old world craftsmanship, the team in Union will be creating a product of the highest standards and will be the first-movers in an industry on track to be world-changing.

“I was proud to join with MycoWorks to celebrate the grand opening of their new Union facility,” said Governor Henry McMaster. “It’s great to add a biomaterials manufacturer to South Carolina’s expanding range of products and services, and we look forward to the opportunities this investment will bring to students and technicians across the state.”

MycoWorks’ choice to open its first-commercial scale manufacturing plant in Union signals its long-term commitment to outreach, employment and education, going beyond standard manufacturing practice to build a supportive and empowering work-environment with rewarding benefits.

MycoWorks is actively recruiting from education and training networks in the state

With support from readySC at SC Technical College and EmployersNetwork, the biomaterials company has continued to recruit top-tier technician talent from the region. MycoWorks hopes to empower college and high school students to innovate through engineering and manufacturing with ongoing outreach to networks including USC Union, Spartanburg Community College,and Union County Schools. The biotech company’s team of operation and manufacturing leaders hail from the consumer goods, automotive, food, pharmaceutical, and biotechnology industries, and are excited to show a new generation of changemakers how creative materials science can be.

MycoWorks to bring high-quality jobs with competitive benefits

The biotech company was awarded a $30 million allocation of the federal government’s New Markets Tax Credits (NMTC), flagging the grant’s support to bring high-quality jobs to Union County. To date, MycoWorks has employed over 150 employees at the newly-opened facility, of which 90 percent are technicians being trained to manage the company’s proprietary technology, Fine Mycelium™.

At full capacity, the facility will employ nearly 400 people in its operations. Dedicated to the personal and financial growth of their employees, each new full-time hire at MycoWorks is granted incentive stock options through the company’s Employee Incentive Stock Option Plan. The grants vest over a four-year period and employees may begin purchasing their equity after one year of service, a new and welcome benefit to the South Carolina team at MycoWorks.

Local Support has Reshored American Textiles Back to the State
Fostered by the state’s economic incentives and strong support provided by South Carolina Department of Commerce and the Union County Development Board, MycoWorks chose Union’s tight-knit community for their eagerness to elevate the region’s global manufacturing profile and clean business portfolio. MycoWorks’ facility derives 98 percent of its power from nearby solar and hydroelectric plants provided by the renewable electric provider Lockhart Power.

“At MycoWorks we believe our success comes from the creativity and expertise of our team,” said Doug Hardesty, Chief Operating Officer. “Our outreach to the region is critical to our success.  Our partnerships with the Upstate educational ecosystem and the leadership in South Carolina will enable us to bring continued training and high quality jobs.”

Tuesday’s ribbon-cutting celebration enabled MycoWorks supporters and community stakeholders from across government, business and education to celebrate the grand achievement towards growing the future of materials in Union County, S.C.

As a token of appreciation to the community, MycoWorks has made a donation to the Junior League Charity, a women’s leadership organization supporting community impact initiatives.

To learn more about employment opportunities at MycoWorks, visit https://www.mycoworks.com/careers

Posted:October 25, 2023

Source: MycoWorks

Milliken Invests In Sustainable Carpet Maintenance Company

SPARTANBURG, S.C. — October 25, 2023 — Global diversified manufacturer Milliken & Company has invested in Orak, a Paris-based carpet maintenance and flooring reuse company, as a strategic sustainability enabler for its floor covering business. The relationship marks the beginning of a new generation of sustainable floor covering solutions, and it is set to change the way the industry thinks about waste and its approach to the circular economy.

Milliken invests in a Paris-based carpet maintenance and flooring reuse company, Orak.

Orak’s Optimal Karpet line of upcycled premium carpet tile has quickly become the leading solution for carpet customers seeking to reduce the carbon footprint of their construction and renovation projects. With Milliken’s investment and partnership, Orak will improve and expand its product offerings to a broader range of customers by managing all the stages in the life of clients’ carpets to guarantee excellent quality reuse. As Orak’s exclusive industry partner, Milliken’s customers will receive access to Orak’s inventory of upcycled carpet tile, all of which aligns with Milliken’s N/XT Life™ circularity program.

As one of the first 50 companies in the world to set net-zero targets verified by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), Milliken has a proud record of providing its customers with sustainable products and solutions. Halsey Cook, president and CEO of Milliken & Company, states: “Orak shares our commitment to providing innovative, effective, and sustainable solutions to our customers. At Milliken, we understand the significance of prioritizing sustainability in all our operations. This partnership with Orak is just one of the many ways we are collaborating with key partners to create a positive impact for humankind.”

“We are honoured to join with Milliken in this next phase of our business development,” adds Nicolas Lohéac, founder and CEO of Orak. “Milliken shares our vision and desire to reshape the future of our industry and create a new generation of sustainable floor covering solutions.”

“Our team is committed to advancing sustainability and accelerating the circularity conversation within our industry, which is why we are excited to support Orak,” concludes Patrick Keese, president of Milliken’s Floor Covering Business. “Together, we will bring customers efficient, cost-effective and, most importantly, impactful flooring solutions that fulfill carefully crafted design specifications.”

Posted: October 25, 2023

Source: Milliken & Company

New Datatex Offices In Coimbatore And Lahore

ZUG, Switzerland — October 25, 2023 — Datatex, a global supplier of IT solutions for the textile industry, is strengthening its presence in the Indian and Pakistani markets.

Present in India since the early 2000s with a network of partners and resellers, Datatex landed directly in the country in 2017 with the opening of the large Bangalore office, which now employs more than sixty people. Datatex’s expansion on the Indian market continues today – in October 2023 – with the opening of a new office in the city of Coimbatore, which will report directly to the Indian headquarters in Bangalore and will help to better serve the growing number of Indian textile industries that have chosen the NOW ERP by Datatex solution to manage their IT system.

In Pakistan, Datatex, already present in the country through partner companies, now lands directly with the opening of a new office in the city of Lahore, with a dedicated team that will be able to closely follow Pakistani textile companies, offering solutions and technical support for digitization and innovative IT management of production processes.

Textile fashion is now the largest segment of Pakistan’s manufacturing sector, employing more than 15 million people and accounting for 70 percent of exports.

India is now one of the world’s largest producers and exporters of textiles and is already the fourth largest exporter of textiles in the world (after China, Bangladesh and Vietnam). India’s textile sector currently employs more than 45 million people and is strongly supported by the government, which has announced the construction of seven new textile industrial mega-parks (PM-MITRA) in 2023, the allocation of nearly 500 million euros in the 2023-2024 budget (22.6 percent more than last year), and the launch of a development program (SAMARTH) to train more than one million new workers for the sector over the next three years. It is estimated that India’s textile production will reach a GDP of $250 billion and exports of $100 billion by 2025.

Datatex now has a global presence with offices in the USA, China, India, Pakistan, Turkey, Italy, Israel, Switzerland, Serbia and Germany.

Posted: October 25, 2023

Source: Datatex Ag

Revolutionizing Textile Pre-Treatment And Bleaching: Introducing The Hydra Machine

BARCELONA — October 25, 2023 — In a revolutionary leap for textile manufacturers, TVE ESCALE thrilled to introduce the state-of-the-art Hydra Machine, a groundbreaking solution designed to transform the pre-treatment and bleaching processes for woven fabrics.

Traditionally, textile pre-treatment and bleaching have relied on continuous lines, but the Hydra Machine has redefined the landscape. This patented semi-continuous process machine is meticulously engineered to deliver extraordinary results, with a specific focus on:

  • Efficient Pre-Treatment: The Hydra Machine streamlines the pre-treatment process for woven fabrics. It’s capable of autonomously and automatically executing various techniques to achieve optimal results, all while minimizing resource consumption.
  • Superior Bleaching: With unparalleled precision, Hydra ensures that the bleaching process meets the highest industry standards, resulting in fabrics that are not only brilliantly white but also eco-friendly.
  • Water and Energy Savings: The Hydra Machine is a game-changer in resource conservation. It slashes water usage by up to 50%, a reduction of steam consumption by up to 35% and the electricity consumption is reduced by more than 30% in comparison to the continuous lines, setting new industry standards for sustainability.
  • Cost-Efficiency: While traditional continuous lines may boast higher production volumes, they often come with significantly higher costs. In stark contrast, Hydra offers remarkable cost savings, with machinery and infrastructure expenses reduced by over three times.
  • Scalability: For high-volume manufacturers, the Hydra Machine is fully scalable. Manufacturers can easily expand their production capacity by adding more units, ensuring a seamless and efficient workflow.

An astonishing fact is that the total water consumption for desizing, scouring, and bleaching is reduced to a mere 5-6 liters per kilogram with the Hydra process.

TVE ESCALE believes that Hydra sets the new industry standard for pre-treatment and bleaching of woven fabrics. By adopting this state-of-the-art technology, manufacturers can unlock enhanced production efficiency, reduced costs, and minimal environmental impact; all while achieving extraordinary results in pre-treatment and bleaching processes

Posted: October 25, 2023

Source: TVE ESCALE

Serge Ferrari Group Launches Custom Anniversary Color At Advanced Textiles Expo

DEERFIELD BEACH, Fla. — October 25, 2023 — Serge Ferrari Group, a designer, developer, and manufacturer of innovative composite fabrics, is proud to officially launch a new custom anniversary color for its best-selling exterior solar protection fabric at the Advanced Textiles Expo on Nov. 1-3, 2023, in Orlando, Florida. To celebrate 25 years of Soltis Proof 502, Serge Ferrari Group is presenting this industry-leading waterproof membrane fabric in Revival Blue. Attendees are invited to visit booth #917 to learn more about the Soltis Proof line and other exterior solar protection materials from Serge Ferrari Group.

Soltis Proof 502 is a waterproof, durable, lightweight, and easy-to-clean fabric that delivers superior flexibility and strength to allow creative freedom of shape and size for various outdoor applications. This cutting-edge fabric is ideal for awnings, pergolas, shade sails, light structures, and fixed shading systems.

“Serge Ferrari Group now proudly offers Soltis Proof 502 in Revival Blue, addressing the current urban renewal trends and the resurgence of textile innovation within the awning industry,” said Jeff Dellinger, Business Development Manager, Marine, Solar & Distribution, Serge Ferrari North America. “In an ever-evolving urban landscape, we recognize that urban design keeps pace with our evolving human needs. Revival Blue serves as a symbol of our cities’ ongoing evolution and their ability to adapt to changing times.”

In addition to Revival Blue, the Soltis Proof 502 range is available in 40 other colors, which offer a unique, satin finish and a modern, high-end look suited for commercial and residential applications. Serge Ferrari Group’s patented Précontraint technology guarantees exceptional durability and dimensional stability for Soltis Proof 502. This technology prevents tearing or stretching, while the company’s meticulous pigment selection and thicker yarn crest coating outperform competing products. Proven through rigorous testing, this membrane fabric provides year-round comfort against heat and the elements, offering 100% UV ray protection (UPF 50+). Soltis Proof 502 is GREENGUARD Gold certified and comes with a 10-year warranty. For more information about Soltis Proof 502, please visit www.sergeferrarigroup.com/us.

Posted: October 25, 2023

Source: Serge Ferrari Group

Gaston College Fiber Innovation Center Receives $1.2M In Equipment Donations

DALLAS, N.C. — October 25, 2023 — The Gaston College Fiber Innovation Center, a world-class facility focused on the future of the textile industry, has received a $1.2 million equipment donation from Truetzschler, a German textile machinery manufacturer, building upon its anticipated opening next year.

“Truetzschler is excited to be a part of the new state-of-the-art Fiber Innovation Center at Gaston College and proud to show our commitment to the textile industry for the future,” said Greg Duncan, VP of Sales, Spinning at Truetzschler.

The donated equipment features technology that is focused on circularity and reducing the carbon footprint of fiber and textile production. Once finished, the facility in Belmont, North Carolina, will be the only facility in the world where scientists, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders can take a fiber idea and convert it to a textile product under one roof. Features of the innovation center include a new polymer development lab, a fiber extrusion line, and yarn preparation capabilities thanks to the Truetzschler donation.

“Thanks in part to our longtime partnership with Truetzschler, the Fiber Innovation Center will help revolutionize the textile industry as we know it,” said Stephen Sharp, VP of Fiber Innovation at Gaston College. “The current process for developing innovative textile solutions is expensive, timely, and highly fragmented. With this center, and through Truetzschler’s gracious donation, textile innovation can occur from conception to completion, all here at Gaston College.”

For over 75 years, Gaston College’s Textile Technology Center has provided technical assistance and support to the textile industry in North Carolina and around the world. While the industry has evolved, the Center has remained committed to helping companies and entrepreneurs meet new and emerging needs for developing and testing advanced fibers and fabrics.

The Textile Technology Center and Fiber Innovation Center allow students to get hands-on experience with the latest technology and equipment used in research and development, testing, and production processes for the textile industry.

Just last year, Gaston College, along with the U.S. Department of State, North Carolina State University, and Catawba Valley Community College, announced a partnership with Honduran-based Central American Technological University. Through this partnership, Gaston College is providing space to educate and train thousands of students for the next generation textile workforce to meet the rising demands of nearshoring and onshoring in Honduras, Central America, and the United States.

Posted: October 25, 2023

Source: Gaston College Fiber Innovation Center

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