Prince William Unveils Circ® As One Of 15 Finalists For The Earthshot Prize

NEW YORK CITY — September 19, 2023 — Today, at an event in New York City, Prince William and The Earthshot Prize announced Circ® as one of the 15 Finalists for the 2023 Earthshot Prize, a prestigious global environmental award that celebrates and champions innovators focused on solving our most pressing global climate challenges.

Circ and the 14 other innovators honored as Earthshot Finalists represent six continents and were chosen from more than 1,100 nominees. Each of the Finalists will be in the running to receive one of five £1 million prizes awarded at the third-annual Earthshot Prize awards ceremony in Singapore later this year.

Circ’s innovative recycling technology is addressing the fashion industry’s carbon footprint – which accounts for 10 percent of global carbon emissions. The fashion industry diverts 92 million tonnes of textiles to incinerators or landfills each year, and less than one percent of textile waste is recycled into new clothing. Further, the production of new clothing is resource-intensive with cotton production using 3.3 million acres of land and six billion cubic meters of water annually, and polyester production requiring the use of 70 million barrels of oil each year.

Circ is the only platform to successfully separate polycotton blended textile waste and recover both cellulosic and synthetic fibers. The company’s patented hydrothermal process turns polyester fibers in polycotton into a liquid, completely separating them from cotton fibres. Preserving and separating the polyester without damaging the cotton allows both materials to be reused in the production of new textiles, while also reducing carbon emissions substantially.

“At Circ, we’ve put our heart and soul into our technology because we see innovation as a crucial component to addressing key drivers of the climate crisis. So, to have our work recognized by The Earthshot Prize is deeply validating,” said Peter Majeranowski, CEO of Circ. “With the support of the fellowship program, we look forward to the opportunity to further our impact and continue to support solution-oriented change within the fashion industry.”

Founded by Prince William in 2020, The Earthshot Prize aims to discover and help scale the world’s most innovative climate and environmental solutions to protect and restore our planet. The Prize is centered around five ‘Earthshots,’: simple but aspirational goals to ensure our communities, oceans and ecosystems can thrive together in harmony for generations to come: 1) Protect & Restore Nature; 2) Clean Our Air; 3) Revive Our Oceans; 4) Build A Waste-free World and 5) Fix Our Climate.

In addition to their eligibility for the £1 million prize, all Finalists will receive mentorship, resources and technical support from The Earthshot Prize Fellowship Program, a year-long programme for each cohort of 15 Finalists to accelerate the growth of their groundbreaking solutions. That support includes access to the Prize’s robust network of influential businesses, investors, and climate experts, including The Earthshot Prize’s Global Alliance of Partners, which is comprised of some of the world’s largest businesses, donors, investors and environmental organizations committed to climate action.

The five Winners of this year’s Prize will be selected by Prince William and the prestigious Earthshot Prize Council, a global body of activists, experts, and influencers championing urgent and innovative action to protect the climate and our natural environment. The Earthshot Prize Council is chaired by The Earthshot Prize Board of Trustees Chair, Christiana Figueres DBE, architect of the Paris Agreement.

The Earthshot Prize Council Members include: Prince William, Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah, Cate Blanchett, Sir David Attenborough, Ernest Gibson, Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim, Indra Nooyi, Jack Ma, Luisa Neubauer, Naoko Yamazaki, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, and Yao Ming.

The Earthshot Prize awards ceremony will take place on November 7 in Singapore. It will air around the world via broadcast partners to be announced in due course.

This year, for the first time, the awards ceremony will be accompanied by a series of events as part of Earthshot Week. Beginning Monday 6 November, the week will see global leaders, businesses and investors convene in Singapore to explore exciting opportunities with The Earthshot Prize Winners and Finalists, aimed at accelerating their solutions and bringing about tangible action to repair the planet. Members of the public will also be invited to experience local activations centered on the 2023 cohort of Earthshot solutions.

For more information about The Earthshot Prize 2023 Finalists, please visit www.earthshotprize.org.

Posted: September 21, 2023

Source: The Earthshot Prize

Jeff Crisco Has Been Appointed President Of Asheboro Elastic Corporation (AEC Narrow Fabrics)

Jeff Crisco

ASHEBORO, N.C. — September 18, 2023 — AEC Narrow Fabrics announces that Jeff Crisco has been appointed President of Asheboro Elastic Corp. (AEC Narrow Fabrics), effective immediately.

The company also announced the planned retirement of Charles Adams, CEO at the end of 2024. Adams will retire after 10 years of dedicated service and leadership to the company. Over the coming year, Adams will work closely with Crisco to ensure a smooth transition and provide support as a strategic advisor following his retirement.

Crisco began his career at AEC in 1994 and most recently held the position of Vice President. During that time, he has cultivated long-term relationships within the many industries that AEC serves, spanning from interpersonal client-based connections to those created with vendors and industry counterparts. Those networks helped shape the path for success and sustainability of the company. As President, Crisco is responsible for overall strategy and direction.

“AEC has been a staple in Asheboro, NC, and greater Randolph County since 1986. We boast long-term employee retentions and are pleased that we have established such a loyal customer base. I am honored to be named President and look forward to the continued path towards growth and excellence, locally and abroad. AEC is poised for a great future!” -Jeff Crisco

AEC has earned its global reputation as a versatile and complete source for high-quality narrow fabrics matched with superb service. With manufacturing facilities and research and development operations in the United States and Central America, AEC’s infinite possibilities address both elastic and narrow fabrics for the apparel, automotive, bedding, industrial, medical, military, and manufacturing industries.

Posted: September 21, 2023

Source: Asheboro Elastic Corporation (AEC Narrow Fabrics)

Pindler Gets Cozy Just In Time For Fall With Curated Lodge & Menswear Looks

MOORPARK, Calif. — September 20, 2023 — When the first leaf turns red and there’s a slight nip in the air, there’s only one thing to do. Put away the sunscreen and bring out the cozy blankets for fall.

Pindler has curated two looks — Menswear and Lodge — in honor of autumn. These meticulously curated assortments pay homage to the season of cable knit sweaters and pumpkin spice with warm, cozy and substantial textiles to make you feel bundled up as the weather turns cold.

The Menswear look features timeless designs like houndstooth, tweed, herringbone, paisley and woolen check. Unassuming yet enduring, these classic, masculine fabrics lend themselves to tailored lines and add an element of durability and nostalgia to interior designs.

Practical and bold, this look combines earthy tones with elevated textures to invoke the best of what it means to be a modern gentleman.

These warm and comforting selections are available in classic color palettes like charcoal and stone, lakeland and golden and camel and stone.

These Lodge looks conjure memories of forest cabins and mountain chalets. Come in from the cold with these fabrics that are essential to any autumn retreat.

Bold colors mimic the red and orange sunset of a fall sky while geometric patterns pay homage to exquisite native textiles. Folksy prints create a warm and vibrant effect that echoes the iconic, enduring landscapes of the American West. Black and neutral selections mimic the pebbles under a crisp, clear mountain stream while the colors of saddle and denim evoke memories of morning trail rides followed by afternoons around a stone hearth with hot apple cider.

These nature-inspired designs are available in palettes ranging from clay and mink to stone and pebble. They also come in woodland and saddle or autumn and denim.

Fall is the season to come inside. Make the most of the autumn chill with the Lodge and Menswear looks.

These curated Menswear and Lodge looks are available online, as well as at Pindler’s 16 corporate showrooms and nine agent showrooms across the U.S., and two agent showrooms in Canada.

Posted: September 20, 2023

Source: PINDLER

Biotech Company MycoWorks Begins Production At The World’s First Commercial-Scale Fine Mycelium™ Plant In Union, South Carolina

UNION, S.C. — September 20, 2023 — Today, biotechnology company MycoWorks begins production at its world-class manufacturing facility in Union, S.C. Now capable of scaling-up to meet luxury industry demand, the company is set to grow millions of square feet of its leather-alternative material produced with the company’s proprietary technology, Fine Mycelium™. This patented technology produces Reishi™, a biomaterial with unparalleled hand-feel, strength and durability — on par with calfskin leather, the industry gold standard.

With partners including Hermès and General Motors, MycoWorks’ progression into commercial-scale manufacturing is a sign of maturation for the biomaterials industry that the company continues its leadership in materials science. Per MycoWorks’ market sizing, there are serious challenges facing the $164 billion leather market and $28 billion luxury leather market such as supply chain constraints and inferior product alternatives. Since 2010, demand for luxury leather increased 251 percent, while high-end hide production declined by 22 percent due to falling beef and dairy consumption. MycoWorks, and its hallmark material Reishi, are answering these challenges with the world’s first full-scale alternative leather factory, a revolution in the production of high-quality natural materials for the luxury industry.

The opening of the 136,000 sq. ft. factory also marks the world’s largest mycelium material operation, a major step for the use of mycelium– the “root structure” of mushrooms. Starting first with leather, MycoWorks’ Fine Mycelium technology can later be expanded into other applications. The plant was made possible through a $125 million Series C funding round in 2021 from Prime Movers Lab, SK Networks, Mirabaud Lifestyle Impact & Innovation Fund, DCVC Bio, Novo Holdings and several strategic customers and investors. With construction beginning in 2022, the project was delivered on-time and on-budget, running the same tray-based mycelium growth system successfully piloted in its California plant yet scaled to 100x the volume.

“As MycoWorks continues to lead in biomaterial innovation, we are thrilled to open this first-of-its-kind facility in South Carolina. This reality is thanks to our team of experienced manufacturing leaders and engineers from the consumer goods, automotive, food, pharmaceutical, and biotechnology industries who have adapted robotic equipment and systems to handle our unique tray-based biomaterials process. In turn, they have enabled the first high-quality mycelium material product at scale, a feat which has never been accomplished until now,” says Doug Hardesty, MycoWorks COO. “We thank the city and citizens of Union for welcoming MycoWorks into its community.”

MycoWorks’ facility uses state of the art robotics, digital analytics, and AI resources to achieve high-caliber quality and supply chain systems for the company’s customers in an entirely new manufacturing process. Using automated guided robots (AGRs), the company has automated 80 percent of its process, enabling MycoWorks’ to reduce handling costs but maintain expert interactions where they are critical for quality assurance, achieving both high quality and low-cost production.

For the leather industry, MycoWorks’ Union, S.C., facility is a breakthrough in supply chain management, providing full predictability, transparency, and provenance of high-quality natural materials while also reducing waste. Grown-to-spec, Fine Mycelium can be customized for thickness, weight and mechanical properties, allowing for an unprecedented level of control of a natural material, previously impossible via traditional agriculture.

Luxury fashion and automotive brands have eagerly awaited this opening to move collection design from prototyping and capsules to full-scale adoption. To date, Fine Mycelium™ has already been applied with great success to product categories from luxury handbags and footwear to vehicle interiors and home furnishings.

For Union, S.C. — population 30,000 — MycoWorks’ investment is reshoring production from an industry that primarily sources from Europe. Union has had a long history in textile manufacturing, and as the region is already home to leading automotive manufacturers, Fine Mycelium™ will allow other industries in the area and globally to closely collaborate on development. This centralization of biotechnology and manufacturing has long been a goal of South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster, a dedicated supporter of bringing cutting-edge science and technology to the state.

“We are thrilled to welcome MycoWorks to Union and have been eagerly awaiting the start of production,” said Governor Henry McMaster. “We are already seeing the growth that this opening is bringing to the immediate and greater communities in the area, including more jobs, housing, storefronts, and overall investments. MycoWorks is a fantastic addition to our portfolio of energy-efficient plants, and we look forward to their long-term impact in South Carolina.”

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

Posted: September 20, 2023

Source: MycoWorks

PolyQuest To Acquire Baker Transportation

WILMINGTON, N.C. — September 20, 2023 — PolyQuest Inc. announced today that it will acquire Baker Transportation Inc. (BTI) and should close on this transaction October 1, 2023.

Baker Transportation has grown dramatically since its formation in 1987 and is one of the most dependable asset-based regional carriers in the southeastern United States. Based in Lake City, S.C., Baker is uniquely positioned adjacent to the I-95, I-20, and I-26 corridors which allows seamless access to domestic US distribution routes, as well as the ports of Wilmington, N.C., Charleston, S.C., and Savannah, Ga.

“Although PolyQuest will continue buying freight services from existing freight vendors, the Baker acquisition promotes extreme flexibility in tailoring freight and logistics solutions for both PolyQuest’s and Baker Transportation’s current business partners,” advised John Marinelli, CEO of PolyQuest.  “Billy and Leila Baker, along with their sons Michael and Justin, have an excellent reputation in the industry. They will continue to oversee all the transactional aspects of this business and remain fully committed to the existing Baker Transportation customer base today and into the future. Once the transaction is completed, the new entity name will be Baker Transportation, LLC.”

Michael Baker, vice president of Operations at Baker Transportation, commented: “Over the past 20 years, PolyQuest has been a loyal customer of ours at Baker Transportation. We are excited about what the future holds for our customers and employees and our continued growth in the transportation industry. Our primary focus over the last four decades has been to provide safe, dependable, and quality service. These core competencies will remain unchanged.”

Posted: September 20, 2023

Source: PolyQuest, Inc.

Nonwovens Manufacturer Sandler Repositions Corporate And Employer Brand

SCHWARZENBACH/SAALE, Germany — September 21, 2023 — The comprehensive brand relaunch underlines the course set by the nonwovens maker for a sustainably successful future.

Shaping Sandler – under this motto, Sandler has completely revamped its brand presence in recent months. Now, the refined corporate and employer branding is celebrating its premiere, giving a new look to more than 140 years of expertise in nonwovens production. The color scheme and design elements reflect the goals, values and commitment of the nonwovens manufacturer. A newly formulated purpose positions Sandler as a partner for products that make everyday life more comfortable.

Along with the new brand, the company is also presenting a redesigned website where users can learn about the Sandler Group, career opportunities with the nonwovens manufacturer and Sandler nonwovens and solutions for their specific industries. The coming months will see a continuous refinement of the site, offering a journey into the Sandler product and brand world under the new domain www.sandler-group.com.

Sandler is also implementing the new look for its corporate and employer brand on its social media channels and is looking forward to engaging in conversation with users about the new brand identity, careers at Sandler, topics that move the industry, and about enthusiasm for products that make life more comfortable – with every single fiber.

Posted: September 20, 2023

Source: Sandler AG

BOTE Adds New Waterproof Belt Pack To Highwater Collection

MIRAMAR BEACH, Fla. — September 20, 2023 — BOTE today introduced the latest addition to its lineup of waterproof bags and packs — the Highwater Belt Pack. Fully waterproof and submersible, the new pack allows adventurers to keep gear and essentials dry and close at hand for quick and easy access.

Constructed from nylon seam-welded construction, this waterproof hip pack/sling features two TRU® Zip waterproof compartments for stashing phones, keys, and other accessories. Strategically placed MOLLE loops, D-Rings, and cam straps allow users to conveniently attach additional equipment to the pack’s exterior. Whether wearing it around the waist or slinging it across the back, the Highwater Belt Pack offers versatility to suit individual preference and adventure style.

Available today in four captivating color options — Black, Seafoam, Verge Camo, and Native Bombardier — the Highwater Belt Pack can be purchased online at boteboard.com, BOTE retail stores, and select specialty retail shops. MSRP: $99

This exciting addition to BOTE’s Highwater bag range complements the lineup of ultra-durable and waterproof packs, including the Backpack, Duffel, Tote, Slingpack, and the recently introduced Hitchhiker Sling.

BOTE Highwater Belt Pack Specs:

  • Product Dimensions: 10.5″ W x 6.5″ H x 9.75″ D
  • Main Compartment Dimensions: 10″ W x 6″ H x 3.5″ D
  • Front Pocket Dimensions: 6″ W x 5.5″ H
  • Weight: 0.8 LBS
  • Capacity: 3.6L
  • Construction: 100% Waterproof Nylon
    • 2x TRUZIP® Zippers
    • 2x YKK Interior Zippers & mesh pocket

Posted: September 20, 2023

Source: BOTE

Texpasa: First In Finishing In Guatemala

LEONBERG, Germany — September 20, 2023 — Texpasa is a family business whose roots go back to 1978. Through various historical stages such as yarn spinning, circular, and flat-bed knitting, Texpasa has evolved into a state-of-the-art company that knits, dyes, and finishes a variety of textiles for the apparel market. In addition to its first plant in Guatemala City, Texpasa completed its second plant in 2020 at the Michatoya Industrial Park in Palin incorporating knitting, dyeing, and finishing facilities. The original factory is being consolidated into the new facility and the Brückner stenters, the first of which has been in operation since 2007, are currently being moved to Palin with the support of Brückner technicians.

David Franco, maintenance manager of Texpasa, is highly satisfied with the support of the service team: “Brückner builds high-quality machines and offers excellent service. We have known this since the purchase of our first stenter. The support during the relocation of the machines from Guatemala City to Palin also shows us that Brückner is a service partner we can rely on even in the case of big challenges. The machines were carefully dismantled and packed with Brückner’s support. They arrived in good condition and are being reassembled and put into operation without any problems.”

Brückner tenter at Texpasa

A total of seven Brückner tenter frames with vertical chains will be operating in the Michatoya plant from the start of 2024. The latest POWER-FRAME stenter with 10 bays was put into operation in 2022. All Brückner tenters in the Michatoya Industrial Park are counter-construction. Thus, the heating and ventilation elements change the dryer side every 1.5 meters, which leads to an absolutely uniform air admission, i.e. a very homogeneous air quantity and temperature distribution over the entire fabric web width. They offer the highest possible drying performance and process control matched to the fabric quality thanks to the technically mature and proven split-flow ventilation system. This is extremely important for the major sports and leisure brands in which Texpasa supports. Robust and low-maintenance chains, chain bars, and pin bar carriers stand for long service life and low wear. The finishing results are exactly reproducible and overdrying of the fabric during machine standstill is excluded by the air bypass system. Minimal air pressure losses and high-quality insulation result in the lowest possible electrical and thermal energy consumption and thus in low production costs.

Sustainability is important to Texpasa in numerous aspects: The company has allocated capex into sustainable and reusable green energy, e.g. photovoltaics, and biomass, and has planted together with partners 60,000 trees in a biomass forest for the future, thus reducing the CO2 footprint. Another sustainability building block is the wastewater treatment center, with a capacity of up to 100 cubic meters of water per hour. After treatment, the water meets or exceeds all purity regulations.

From left to right: Axel Pieper and Regina Brückner (CEO Brückner), Francisco Solares (GM and Vice President of Texpasa), Juan Niemann (Brückner representative in Guatemala)

Francisco Solares, GM and Vice President of Texpasa puts it in a nutshell: “The Brückner machines perfectly fit our demanding sustainability concept. The quality of the finished fabric is excellent and the stenters impress with energy efficiency and low production costs. We appreciate very much that Brückner accompanies us as an innovative supplier of high-quality textile finishing lines and reliable service partner”. Brückner appreciates this long-standing customer, too: Regina Brückner, CEO says: “As a traditional and highly innovative family-owned company, we attach great importance to sustainability both in our production facilities and in our products. Texpasa is a very good example of how investing in the future, sustainability, and environmental protection can go hand in hand. We are very pleased about this long-standing cooperation and wish Texpasa continued success.”

Posted: September 20, 2023

Source: Brückner Trockentechnik GmbH & Co. KG

62nd Dornbirn GFC Global Fiber Congress Success

Dornbirn GFC 2023

DORNBIRN, Austria — September 20, 2023 — With more than 550 participants from more than 30 countries, the Dornbirn GFC 2023 was a great success. 125 presentations on the main topics of fiber innovation, recycling, circular economy, sustainability, nonwovens, technical textiles, sports and apparel were presented to the professional audience.

Organizational direction and development

The successful GFC Organisation is very lean and operational lead by Friedrich Weninger as Managing Director and operational ad well as executional driven by Sonja Spöcker.

As Friedrich Weninger gave already in the past signals to step back from his role and responsibilities the upcoming two to three years, there was the proposal made and approved by all the necessary decision- makers of the Austrian fiber institute to Start a recruitment process and look for a successor to orchestrate a soft hand-over process the upcoming years. During the search and selection process Andreas Dorner was appointed in summer 2023 by all necessary stakeholders of the Austrian fiber institute to start first as a Co- Managing Director and during the hand over process taking over lead the next two to three  years

Dornbirn GFC takes up the challenges of the textile industry

Left to right: Robert van de Kerkhof, Lenzing AG, Friedrich Weninger, Austrian Fibers Institute, Andreas Dorner, Lenzing AG

“The challenges currently facing the fiber industry require fundamental changes in the value chains. We see new strategic partnerships being formed to take advantage of new opportunities around innovation, circular economy and new business models.
The 62nd edition of the Dornbirn GFC shows once again that it is the perfect place for such new partnerships”, said Robert van de Kerkhof, chief sustainability officer of Lenzing AG and president of the Dornbirn GFC. Fritz Weninger, managing director of the Dornbirn GFC added: “That is why we are proud that leading representatives from politics, the energy sector, but also from many companies and start-ups from the entire fiber value chain will come together for three days to exchange ideas on how to accelerate our progress in greening our industry.”

To discuss the challenges of the textile industry in a controversial way, to be inspired by interesting expert presentations from international speakers, and to arrive at sustainable and scientifically based solutions together in the end – this is what the Dornbirn GFC has established itself as a networking platform for over decades.

“For us, it is the conference of the year, where hundreds of ideas for shaping a green future for our industry can become reality.” With this statement Andre Wissenberg, Oerlikon, confirmed the importance and task of the Dornbirn GFC in the textile network.

The opening morning plenary presentation by Dirk Vantyghem, Euratex, Brussels, entitled “The EU Sustainable Textiles Strategy – its impact on the global textile ecosystem” concerns another challenge for national and international producers and suppliers. The European institutions are making rapid progress in implementing the EU textile strategy in legislation. European textile companies are committed to investing in sustainability, developing new circular business models and producing high quality textile products as required by the new legislation. However, for this to happen, companies need a clear and coherent regulatory framework and a level playing field for all companies.

3rd Dornbirn GFC Innovation Days

“The Dornbirn GFC is a great opportunity for innovators to meet the decision makers in the fiber and textile industry. The congress with its focus on innovation and research offers an inspiring environment for high-quality contacts.” The statement from Bjol Frenkenberger, MIR could not be more apt. The young company was one of the participants of the 3rd Dornbirn GFC Innovation Days.

A total of 25 international innovators presented their company and innovations in a lecture in the 4th lecture hall of the Dornbirn GFC. The meeting point of the participants with the professional audience was the Foyer of the Dornbirn Kulturhaus. Forward-looking discussions took place at the respective “touchpoint” of the innovators and new contacts could be generated.

The Innovation Days will take place again at the 63rd Dornbirn GFC 2024. Registration for participation will be possible within the framework of a “Call for Papers” until the end of the year.

Dornbirn GFC Online on demand 2023

Technically it is again possible to offer an online on demand version of the Dornbirn GFC 2023. During the Dornbirn GFC, the presentations will be recorded and will be available online afterwards. The experiences of the last years have shown that this possibility is gladly accepted by the audience. However, the difference to visiting the Dornbirn GFC on site is obvious here. The online platform serves information only.

Personal contacts and the chance to expand one’s network cannot be covered by this format. The visitors of the Dornbirn GFC, who were present on site in Dornbirn, enjoy the access to the online version and can watch the presentations afterwards or catch up on missed opportunities during the Dornbirn GFC.

Dornbirn GFC Online-On-Demand from September 18 – September 30, 2023:

  • Dornbirn GFC 2023 Opening Ceremony
  • Awarding of the Paul Schlack Prize
  • Plenary lectures
  • Presentation of the 3rd Dornbirn Innovation Days participants
  • Selected lectures from industry, universities and research institutes
  • Discussion rounds with the speakers
  • Videos of the lectures
  • Download of lectures

For visitors of the Dornbirn GFC online on demand the ticket is bookable on: www.dornbirn-gfc.co

Paul Schlack Prize 2023 Award Ceremony

The Paul Schlack/Wilhelm Albrecht Prize 2023 was awarded to the following innovative dissertations:

Henriette Grellmann, convinced the jury with the title: “Technological development of textile-based actuator and sensor structures for complex deformable adaptive fiber-elastomer composites” resp. The dissertation deals with the development of textile-based actuator and sensor systems for adaptive fiber-elastomer composites.

The 2nd honorary prize was awarded to Tim Höhnemann, DITF (German Institutes for Textile and Fiber Research), Denkendorf. The dissertation entitled: ” Generation of monofilaments with defined cross- sectional shape from polymer melt – Correlation of die layout, polymer morphology and process parameters with the bending behavior” was selected by the expert jury.

The award ceremony was organized and conducted by Frédéric van Houte, CIRFS.

Young Scientist Award powered by Lenzing AG

A jury of experts from the fiber industry and Lenzing AG nominated the 2 winners of the Lenzing AG Young Scientist Award from numerous applications. On the opening day, the prize money of € 5,000 per winner was awarded at the gala evening at Messe Dornbirn.

“Comparing Modal with Recycled Modal”, is the title of the dissertation by Nina Sirén, student at Aalto University. The study compares pre-consumer modal with modal recycled using the Ioncell® process. It examines production methods and estimated resource consumption as well as mechanical properties, namely orientation, tensile strength, elongation and abrasion. Nina Sirén is looking for an internship as part of her studies.

Clara Davis impressed with the paper titled “Advanced Overcoming Bacterial Nanocellulose for New Applications. This study explores the potential of using bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) as a tree-free feedstock for regenerated cellulose fibers. By optimizing production conditions, purification methods, and dissolution/regeneration processes, the study addresses the challenges and highlights the unique properties of BNC with the goal of promoting its use as sustainable bio-based fibers in the textile industry.

Outlook into the future

The Managing Director of the Austrian Fibers Institute gives an insight into the future of the Dornbirn GFC, “The early focus on sustainability, circular economy and recycling made the Dornbirn GFC a very relevant idea and network generator for the fiber and textile industry. The holistic approach by integrating “startups” or even “cross-industry” is now bearing fruit.

Through cooperations and alliances the Dornbirn GFC is gaining more and more traction on a global level. One example is the Dornbirn GFC ASIA. Others will follow, and we see a bright future ahead. As a CEO of a major fiber manufacturer once said, “Come to Dornbirn, this is the best place to learn.”

Information on the 63rd Dornbirn GFC 2024

Call for Papers 2024:

Directly after the Dornbirn GFC, preparations for the 63rd Dornbirn GFC 2024 and the 4th Innovation Days will start. The core topic will continue to be the important area of fiber innovation. According to experience, the interest in the topics of circular economy, recycling and sustainability is unbroken in the submissions. Nonwovens and technical textiles will again play a role at the Dornbirn GFC 2024. The package of topics will be presented in the “Call for Papers” by the end of October. Presentations can then be submitted, as usual, until the end of the year.

Date of the 63rd Dornbirn GFC 2024:

The congress will take place in Dornbirn at the Kulturhaus from September 11 to 13, 2024.
2023 we especially thank the loyal sponsors for their cooperation and support.
A special thank you goes to the city of Dornbirn and the state of Vorarlberg for the good cooperation.

Posted: September 20, 2023

Source: Dornbirn Global Fiber Congress (GFC)

Members Of TMAS – The Swedish Textile Machinery Association – Will Be Attending ITMA Asia + CITME Exhibition — November 19-23 2023

TMAS secretary general Therese Premler-Andersson

STOCKHOLM, Sweden — September 20, 2023 — Key members of TMAS – the Swedish Textile Machinery Association – will be taking part in the forthcoming ITMA Asia + CITME exhibition taking place from November 19-23 2023 at the National Exhibition and Convention Centre in Shanghai, China, with back-up from TMAS representatives, local support staff and agents.

“There is no escaping the fact that China remains the Number One textile manufacturing centre worldwide,” said TMAS Secretary General Therese Premler-Andersson. “We are very optimistic about the appetite for investment now, because China’s recovery from the pandemic has been so prolonged. Despite talk of losing market share in garment production to neighbours including Vietnam and India, China has a number of advantages — a massive domestic market and a highly developed infrastructure and supply chain network. Factories in China cover every possible product needed in the garment industry — from zips to buttons, to textiles and threads. There is a wealth of domestic producers and we still see big potential for further growth.”

Weaving

In the area of weaving, for example, 93 percent of the 114,000 new looms delivered in 2022 went to Asia, according to the latest figures from the International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF), with China the top destination, followed by India.

As a result, TMAS members like Vandewiele Sweden AB (Hall 3, stand D01 in Shanghai) and Eltex (Hall 3, stand A01) have a huge market to address that has been established over many decades.

Vandewiele Sweden AB benefits from all of the synergies and accumulated know-how of the market-leading Vandewiele Group, supplying weft yarn feeding and tension control units for weaving looms to the majority of weaving machine manufacturers. It also retrofits its latest technologies to working mills to enable instant benefits in terms of productivity and control.

Yarn and sewing thread monitoring

With nearly 70 years of expertise in yarn sensor technology, Eltex of Sweden AB has consistently been at the forefront of new product development. Catering to the high-tech transformation of China’s textile manufacturing industry, Eltex has rolled out a suite of intelligent solutions built on a proven robust quality framework. Its EYE and EyETM systems are capable of accurately and efficiently monitoring the movement and tension of more than 1,000 yarns simultaneously. These systems are suitable for various applications and fibre types, including warping, winding, multiaxial weaving and new material applications.

The Eltex EyE™ monitoring yarn tension on a warping creel.

In addition, Eltex sewing tension monitors, such as the ETM422, have been increasingly well-received by customers. This high-precision device can monitor the tension of sewing threads in real time, effectively improving the quality and safety of sewn products. Particularly in China’s rapidly growing automotive manufacturing sector, the ETM422 has seen widespread use to meet the industry’s escalating demands for product safety and quality.

All of these devices and systems are smart, digitalized and capable of seamless integration with higher-level factory systems, enhancing intelligent manufacturing capabilities.

Dyeing and finishing

“Digitalisation, automation and AI have become the key enablers for sustainable gains across the entire textile industry and so much has been achieved in the past few years, especially in terms of automation,” says Premler-Andersson. “One area in which TMAS members are really making a difference right now, is in replacing water and energy-intensive technologies for the dyeing and finishing processes with new digital technologies.”

The TexCoat G4 non-contact spray technology for textile finishing and remoistening, for example, will be showcased in Shanghai by Baldwin at stand C22 in Hall 5. It not only reduces water, chemicals and energy consumption, but also provides the flexibility to adapt to a customer’s requirements in terms of single and double-sided finishing applications. The TexCoat G4 can reduce water consumption by as much as 50% compared to traditional padding application processes.

“We have already seen government policies encouraging factories to reduce their water usage and waste using tax incentives and grants and we expect more to come,” Premler-Andersson observes in conclusion. “This will take time, and China’s market in particular has been geared for many years to large volume production, but Swedish machinery innovators are there to support what is an inevitable transition. We are looking forward to fruitful discussions at ITMA Asia + CITME.”

Posted: September 20, 2023

Source: TMAS – The Swedish Textile Machinery Association

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