U.S. Air Force Selects The Latest Integris Composites Innovation

TYSONS CORNER, Va. — October 3, 2023 — Integris Composites USA announced that the U.S. Air Force 582nd Helicopter Group has placed the first major order for its Cratus™ Wave ballistic armor introduced a year ago.

“This patented body armor ballistic insert is thinner than other commercial stand-alone Level III inserts and offers the added benefit of reducing heat stress,” said Andrew Bonham, president of Integris Composites USA.

“Come visit us at Booth 2153 at the AUSA 2023 Annual Meeting and Exposition, Oct. 9–11 in Washington, D.C.

“We’ll be demonstrating active and passive survivability innovations for aircraft, naval vessels, vehicles. We’ll also show structural composites that simultaneously protect and form the housing for optronics and other technologies,” Bonham said.

“Many armor developers in government and private sector contractors are currently evaluating the Cratus Wave,” said David Cordova, chief commercial officer. “We’re delighted that personnel in the three squadrons of the 582nd Helicopter Group will have this lighter buoyant personal protection.”

A Global Reputation

Cratus Wave uses Trauma Reduction Technology, the latest innovation in the history of the global company. Last month the 25-year-old business changed its name from TenCate Advanced Armor to Integris Composites. The innovation has received a U.S. patent and the product has been certified by the U.S. National Institute of Justice (NIJ).

“This Air Force purchase underscores our reputation as the premier resource for high-performance body armor,” Cordova said. “We have become the leading resource for the world’s most advanced military organizations. It’s a legacy we will continue even as we expand our armor and survivability capabilities into other applications.

“We’ve produced the strongest lightweight solutions for defense, aerospace and other industries for decades. We will continue our innovation as Integris. Our lightweight composite materials provide the most advanced strength-to-weight ratio for a range of applications.”

Posted: October 4, 2023

Source: Integris Composites USA Inc.

Wacker Chemical And The PIE Innovation Center Team Up For Workforce Development

The Wacker Commons is a 14,000-square-foot multi-purpose space with a seating capacity of 1,100 people, situated in Cleveland and serving the Bradley County area. It is the outcome of a strategic partnership between the PIE Innovation Center and Wacker Chemical Corporation. The facility hosts various events, including athletic competitions, college and career fairs, and conferences, and showcases business and industry opportunities. The Wacker Commons is named in honor of Dr. Alexander Wacker, the founder of WACKER.

CLEVELAND, Tenn. — October 3, 2023 — Today, Wacker Chemical Corp. and the Partnerships in Industry and Education (PIE) Innovation Center announces a naming ceremony renaming the Conclave portion of the center to the Wacker Commons. The Wacker Commons is an event center for Cleveland and the Bradley County region. Wacker Commons is a 14,000-square-foot multi-use space with a seating capacity for 1,100 people. The PIE Innovation Center was transformed from a textile manufacturing plant into a planned regional educational facility that addresses the growing need to improve student preparation for post-secondary careers and workforce opportunities. The space supports various events, including athletic competitions, college and career fairs, and conferences, and showcases opportunities for business and industry.

“Companies choose to invest in Tennessee because of our skilled workforce, strong business climate, and quality of life,” said Tennessee Governor Bill Lee. “Wacker has furthered their commitment to Tennessee with a significant investment in the PIE Innovation Center, which creates more opportunity and a pathway to success for students in Bradley County and beyond.”

“We applaud Bradley County Schools and its partners for having the foresight to repurpose this facility in a way that creates long-term value for the community, especially students seeking careers in technical education,” said Wacker Chemical Corporation President & CEO David Wilhoit. “We are proud to have our company name associated with this symbol of innovation. Through our collaboration, the Wacker Commons will support the community and the Center’s goal to create an innovative student experience through strategic collaboration that offers hands-on learning in STEM professions for many years.”

The entrance to the redesigned multipurpose venue was updated with a mural-style wall painting highlighting Wacker Chemical Company’s history, images of collaborating team members, and a state-of-the-art touchscreen monitor. The monitor allows visitors to access information describing the company, information helping students understand potential career choices, and a QR code for users to access career opportunities with Wacker Chemical Co., including operations in Charleston, Tenn.

“The partnership between the PIE Innovation Center and Wacker is unique and highly regarded. We are thrilled to officially announce and celebrate the renaming of the Wacker Commons located at the PIE Center. Wacker is a treasured friend and partner. We are grateful for their continued support, collaboration, and generosity. The history and success of Wacker will be proudly displayed in the lobby for the community to enjoy,” said Dr. Linda Cash, director of Bradley County Schools.

Posted: October 4, 2023

Source: Wacker Chemical Corp.

Delta Apparel Receives Unsolicited Offer To Purchase Its Salt Life Business

DULUTH, Ga. — October 2, 2023 — Delta Apparel Inc. — a provider of core activewear, lifestyle apparel and on-demand digital print strategies — today announced that it has received an unsolicited offer to purchase its Salt Life business unit and its Board of Directors has engaged Baird as the company’s financial advisor.

Bob Humphreys, chairman and CEO, commented: “Our Board of Directors and management team are committed to maximizing value for Delta Apparel shareholders, and we believe it is in their best interests to conduct a thorough review of strategic options for our Salt Life business given the widespread interest in it. The Salt Life team has done an excellent job in taking what was essentially a small regional brand with a primarily wholesale business when we acquired it in 2013 and growing it into a highly profitable business with over $60 million in revenue, a consumer base stretching across the United States and internationally, and a variety of new go-to-market strategies, product categories and revenue channels. Today, Salt Life products are offered in over 1,700 wholesale doors across 48 states and direct-to-consumer via a growing eCommerce site as well as 25 branded retail stores spanning the U.S. coastline from California to Florida to New York.”

There can be no assurances as to the timing, terms or structure of any potential transaction or that a transaction will consummate. Any decision with respect to a potential transaction or other strategic alternative remains subject to approval by the Delta Apparel Board of Directors. Delta Apparel does not intend to comment on the above-referenced process or disclose additional developments until its Board of Directors approves a specific transaction or otherwise concludes its review of strategic alternatives.

Posted: October 4, 2023

Source: Delta Apparel Inc.

The Microfibre Consortium (TMC) And ZDHC Foundation Unite To Combat Microfiber Release

LONDON/AMSTERDAM — October 2, 2023 — The Microfibre Consortium (TMC) and ZDHC Roadmap to Zero Programme (ZDHC) have joined forces to release a snapshot guidance that sets out to help tackle microfiber loss in the textile industry.

Microfibers, tiny particles which are lost during the textile lifecycle, have been identified as an environmental threat. Microfibers can be of cellulosic, man-made cellulosic or synthetic origin. TMC and ZDHC have co-developed guidance aimed at empowering supply chains, brands, and retailers to take effective measures against all microfiber pollution.

“Microfiber emissions are a persistent pollutant, and a global threat to both nature and people,” said Payal Luthra, Global Apparel and Textiles lead, WWF. :But solutions exist. TMC and ZDHC are taking the lead in outlining concrete, no-regrets steps that brands and suppliers can follow today to mitigate fiber fragmentation and emissions during production. WWF urges the apparel and textile industry to follow this clear guidance, because we need immediate, coordinated action to tackle this enormous challenge to our planet’s health.”

Key features of the action plan outlined in the document include:

  • Communication and build awareness, such as sharing the guidance;
  • Reduced formation, such asrequest/research to reduce process times; and
  • Reduced emissions in effluent, such as making sure TSS is reviewed and meets ZDHC foundational wastewater requirements.

“Microfiber pollution has a proven environmental impact on water systems and ecosystems. The actions described in the guidance are all quick wins that the textile industry can implement now, there is no need to wait to take action in reducing the environmental impact of microfibers in your supply chain” said Janne Koopmans, head of Collaboration with ZDHC.

Dr. Kelly Sheridan, research director of The Microfibre Consortium, adds, “Mitigating microfibre pollution will only be possible through concerted collective action, using a portfolio of approaches. The actions we have outlined can be adopted by the supply chain today, which will have an immediate impact on protecting our environment and taking responsibility as an industry.”

The full guidance can be found on The Microfibre Consortium website and on ZDHC’s website.

Posted October 3, 2023

Source: The Microfibre Consortium

Sustainability And Industry Innovation In Focus At Recent CINTE Techtextil China 2023

SHANGHAI — October 3, 2023 — Since the rapid growth brought about by the pandemic, the technical textiles and nonwovens markets are stabilising towards a new normal — one in which technological innovation, sustainable development, and intelligent manufacturing are the most sought-after qualities. Held from September 19-21, 2023, at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre, the fair amplified this new industry direction, both through its fringe programme and across the booths of the 40,000 square meter show floor.

With a nearly one-third increase from 2021, 467 exhibitors representing 13 countries and regions engaged a significantly international visitor flow, numbering 15,542 total visits from 52 countries and regions. Suppliers showcased up-to-date products for multiple application areas, with various equipment, technical textiles and nonwovens for agriculture, automotive, protective apparel, and medical and hygiene especially prevalent.

Speaking at the fair’s close, Wilmet Shea, general manager of Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd., had an optimistic outlook for the future of the sector: “Sustainability and innovation often go hand-in-hand, and walking through the various halls, zones, and pavilions these past few days the evidence for this was widespread. With environmental protection more important than ever, and buyers across application areas increasingly sourcing eco-friendly solutions, our exhibitors were well-placed to meet that demand. This fair is consistently at the leading edge of technological progress, and with the global and domestic markets showing signs of improving further, we are already looking forward to what we can offer at next year’s edition.”

With many overseas exhibitors making a comeback, this year’s fair was marked by the return of the Taiwan Pavilion and the 40-exhibitor strong European Zone. Beyond the international areas, domestic pavilions were organized by Beijing Guanghua, China Hang Tang Group, Funing, Jiujing, Shenda, Tiantai, Xianto, and Xiqiao, showcasing nonwovens for various sub-sectors, including filtration and medical. Valuable insights were exchanged at multiple fringe events, including the 11th China International Nonwovens Conference, the Advanced Technical Textiles Industry Chain Synergistic Innovation Development Forum, various events covering marine textiles and rope netting, and the “Kingsafe Dangs” National University Students’ Nonwovens Development and Applications Showcase. Visitors, meanwhile, were pleased with the innovation on show across the entire platform.

Exhibitors eager to reconnect with domestic and global collaborators

“At this edition we are showcasing our latest innovational textile tools for the nonwovens sector, and while we are focusing on the China market, we have also seen buyers from the Middle East, Europe, Korea, and North Asia,” said Kabilen Sornum, vice president Asia Pacific, Marketing & E-Commerce, Groz-Beckert East Asia. “This is a more international fair — China is open to the world again, and we can see around us that everyone is here, and the quality and innovation of buyers has improved greatly in the past three to four years. E-mobility and sustainability are two very clear trends.”

“Cinte Techtextil China helps us quickly reach target customers and expand in the Chinese market, while being in the European Zone helps reinforce our branding,” said Jenny Zheng, Strategic Sales, J.H. Ziegler Nonwovens and New Materials (Huzhou). “The new-energy vehicle industry’s rapid development means more opportunities for automotive interior accessories. Recycled and bio-based materials have become more important for sustainability and improved product performance. Technological advancement, customisation, and intelligent and high-end development are also future trends.”

“Itema manufactures weaving machines that can be fine-tuned to produce almost every kind of fabric, with our technical textiles division covering all of the different segments, from geotextiles to a variety of coatings,” said Sabrina Brignoli, Marketing & Communications Specialist, Itema S.p.A. “One recent innovation is carbon fibre paper, produced using a machine that can weave flat fabrics. At Cinte Techtextil China 2023 we have received more qualified leads than in previous years, and compared to 2018 there has been a big increase in demand for technical textiles from our customers, especially regarding coating, fiberglass, and carbon fiber.”

“At this edition we have launched some innovative halogen-free flame retardant solutions, hoping to attract new customers,” said David Wang, Coated Fabric China sales manager, Stahl Coatings and Fine Chemicals (Suzhou). “In addition, many of our downstream customers also attended the exhibition, so this platform also provides us with a convenient place for communication. We hope to contribute to the industry’s environmental development and reduce carbon emissions, and this platform can help us to convey the message to the industry.”

“This fair has played a positive role in our business and product promotion for many years,” noted Steven Liu, sales manager, Sanitized (China) Ltd. “Our antimicrobial products are deeply related to sustainable development — end consumers have higher demands for safety, hygiene, functionality and sustainability of textile products, and this aligns with our company’s direction. This was our third time participating in the fringe program, and every time we have been able to find new potential customers.”

Purpose-driven buyers sourced up-to-date products

“This is my first time visiting Cinte Techtextil China, and I am here specifically looking for a high-strength polyethylene yarn for application in the aerospace industry,” said Philip van Leersum, general manager, DIT B.V. “We export across Europe and everywhere around the world, from Finland, to China, Taiwan, Indonesia, India, and the US. The market is growing after the pandemic, for example the aerospace industry experienced a downturn but has since rebounded.”

“Our company mostly exports bags with functional characteristics to Europe, for military, firefighting, medical, and more, and this fair is our most important sourcing channel,” said Du du Lee, purchasing, Dongguan Ever Strong Bags & Caps Manufacturing. “The protective fabrics displayed by IBENA and other exhibitors are highly compatible with our needs, and we will continue to connect with these companies. This is a unique platform that brings together all aspects of different, highly-specialised technical textile products and technologies.”

Fringe program inspired innovation and cooperation

“Hohenstein is a leading textile research, testing and certification organization from Germany and the founder of OEKO-TEX®,” said Charles Nie, business director, Hohenstein Textile Testing (Shanghai). “This highly specialized fair allows us to reach new upstream and downstream customers across the entire technical textiles industry, and it’s very helpful for us to target the non-manufacturing industry. Speaking at the Innovation Development Forum increases the audience’s awareness of our organization, and is a big reason this fair is so attractive — it offers new insight, business exchange and knowledge sharing.”

“I was glad to participate at the “Kingsafe Dangs” University Students’ Showcase, which has a great educational significance for students to apply textbook knowledge to real-life applications,” said Ni Yangsheng, president, China Textile and Apparel Education Society. “At the same time, it allows us to better evaluate students’ learning, and we can adjust our talent training models to better suit their career paths. The participation of leading enterprises means they can establish closer relationships with the universities and support education development.”

The fair’s product categories cover 12 application areas, which comprehensively span a full range of potential uses in modern technical textiles and nonwovens. These categories also cover the entire industry, from upstream technology and raw materials providers to finished fabrics, chemicals and other solutions. This scope of product groups and application areas ensures that the fair is an effective business platform for the entire industry.

The fair is organized by Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd; the Sub-Council of Textile Industry, CCPIT; and the China Nonwovens & Industrial Textiles Association (CNITA). The next edition of Cinte Techtextil China will take place from September 19-21, 2024, at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre.

Posted: October 3, 2023

Source: Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd; the Sub-Council of Textile Industry, CCPIT; and the China Nonwovens & Industrial Textiles Association (CNITA)

 

RISE® 2023 Delivered Material Science Innovations To Business Leaders — TiHive Wins RISE® Innovation Award For Their SAPMonit Technology

CARY, N.C. — October 3, 2023 — Business leaders, product developers, and technology scouts convened at the RISE® (Research, Innovation & Science for Engineered Fabrics) Conference, Sept. 26-27, Raleigh, NC for two days of valuable insights in material science, process and sustainability innovations. RISE is co-organized by INDA and The Nonwovens Institute, North Carolina State University.

Industry, academic, and government experts shared their expertise in these key areas:

  • The future of nonwoven manufacturing
  • Real-world applications and advances in filter media
  • rPolymers and sustainability
  • Innovative strategies and circular solutions
  • Advancements in sustainable nonwoven applications
  • Market statistics and data trends

A highlight of RISE was a poster presentation of fundamental nonwovens research by The Nonwovens Institute’s graduate students. As an added value, The Nonwovens Institute offered RISE participants a tour of its world-class facilities located on the Centennial Campus of North Carolina State University, featuring the most extensive set of lab- and pilot-scale equipment found anywhere including all the nonwovens platform and testing technologies.

RISE® Innovation Award Winner

TiHive won the 2023 RISE Innovation Award for their SAPMonit technology. TiHive’s innovation, SAPMonit – a technology breakthrough, inspects millions of diapers weekly. SAPMonit delivers lightning-speed inline inspection of superabsorbents’ weight and distribution, optimizes resources, detects flaws, and accelerates R&D. SAPMonit utilizes advanced see-through cameras, high-speed vision algorithms, and secure cloud integration, revolutionizing industry norms. SAPMonit has great potential for sustainability, cost reduction, and enhanced customer satisfaction as it avoids hundreds of tons of plastic waste per year per machine.

The RISE Innovation Award finalists included Curt. G. Joa, Inc. for their ESC-8 – The JOA® Electronic Size Change, Fiberpartner Aps for their BicoBio Fiber, and Reifenhäuser REICOFIL GmbH & Co. KG for their Reifenhäuser Reicofil RF5 XHL.  Together, these finalists’ innovations have the potential to reduce plastic waste by millions of kgs.

DiaperRecycle won the 2022 RISE® Innovation Award for its innovative technology to recycle used diapers into absorbent and flushable cat litter. By diverting used diapers from households and institutions, and separating the plastic and fiber, DiaperRecycle strives to decrease the climate-changing emissions of diapers from landfills.

2023 INDA Lifetime Technical Achievement Award

Ed Thomas, President, Nonwoven Technology Associates, LLC, received the 2023 INDA Lifetime Technical Achievement Award for his decades of nonwoven contributions to the growth and success of the nonwoven industry.

RISE 2024 will be held October 1-2, 2024 at the James B. Hunt Jr. Library at North Carolina State University in Raleigh, NC.

Posted: October 3, 2023

Source: INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry

The Nonwovens Institute (NWI) Announces Its Newly Expanded Filtration Testing Lab With ISO 17025 Accreditation

The Nonwovens Institute’s newly expanded Filtration Testing Lab

RALEIGH, N.C. — October 3, 2023 — The Nonwovens Institute (NWI) is excited to announce its newly expanded Filtration Testing Lab, featuring services for facemasks and respirators, along with filter media for automotive, HEPA and HVAC applications. Importantly, NWI’s Filtration Testing Lab is A2LA Accredited for ISO 17025*, enabling it to meet NIOSH requirements for testing materials used in respirators, and it is outfitted with equipment to perform ASTM F2299 testing for the measurement of Particle Filtration Efficiency (PFE) at 0.1 microns.

Testing equipment available in NWI’s Filtration Testing Lab includes:

  • PALAS MFP-3000-S fractional aerosol filter test;
  • Two TSI 8130 machines for filtration efficiency;
  • Two TSI 3160 machines for filtration efficiency;
  • Two offline charging and discharging units;
  • Two environmental chambers for aging and conditioning masks and filter media;
  • TSI Portacount respirator fit tester;
  • Testex TN 139 synthetic blood tester;
  • Testing apparatus for the measurement of fluid resistance for surgical masks; and
  • Prototyping facility to produce masks per NIOSH Standard Test Protocol.

NWI’s Filtration Testing Lab is managed by Amy Minton, who has more than 20 years of experience in administering a wide variety of analytical, physical and filtration test methods for nonwoven materials.

“NWI’s Filtration Testing Lab is an important addition to the Institute’s impressive nonwoven fabrication and testing capabilities,” said Minton, who also manages the NWI Analytical and Physical Testing Lab. “Having an ISO 17025 accredited lab for the testing of nonwoven filter media allows us to serve the needs of nonwovens companies who are targeting the fast-growing filtration market. ISO 17025, our decades of testing experience, and our strict adherence to GMP and Standard Operating Procedures provides our industry partners assurance that the tests they conduct at NWI will be executed with the highest level of quality and accuracy.”

Why test your filter media at NWI?

  • Decades of in-house material testing experience;
  • A2LA accredited for ISO 17025;
  • ISO 9001 accredited;
  • ASTM F2299 testing capability;
  • Strict adherence to GMP and SOPs;
  • Highly competitive pricing model; and
  • Quick turnaround times.

ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited test methods include:

  • TEB-APR-STP-0059: N95;
  • TEB-APR-STP-0058: N99;
  • TEB-APR-STP-0057: N100;
  • TEB-APR-STP-0056: R Series;
  • TEB-APR-STP-0051: P Series;
  • ASTM F3502;
  • ASTM F1862;
  • ASTM F3407;
  • ASTM F1980;
  • ASTM F2299;
  • BS EN 14683:2019 Annex C; and
  • 16 CFR Part 1610.

In addition to NWI’s Filtration Testing Lab, NWI offers a fully equipped Analytical and Physical Testing Lab with more than 60 tests available for nonwoven materials. NWI also offers lab- and pilot-scale capabilities for Fiber Spinning, Meltblown, Spunbond and Hydroentangling, Staple/Carded Nonwovens, among others.

NWI will be exhibiting at FiltXPO 2023, October 10-12, Navy Pier in Chicago. Visit us at Booth No. 826 to learn more about our Filtration Testing Lab and capabilities.

* The Nonwovens Institute’s ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accreditation is administered by A2LA. Accredited test methods are shown in the list above. Certificate No.: 6402.01.

For more details about NWI Filtration Testing Lab, visit https://thenonwovensinstitute.com/filtration-testing-lab/.

For more details about NWI’s Fabrication and Testing capabilities, visit https://thenonwovensinstitute.com/fabrication-testing/.

October 3, 2023

FIBRE52™ Achieves ZDHC Certification

HOUSTON — October 3, 2023 — After months of rigorous testing, Fibre52’s cotton Prepare for Dye (PFD) and dye biochemistries have been certified by ZDHC and are now on the ZDHC list of approved chemistries.

Achieving certification involved testing Fibre52’s chemistries to the ToxFMD Screened Chemistry standards required by ZDHC. This included testing of both products and residuals to prove that Fibre52’s chemistries are non-toxic, environmentally safe and fully comply with ZDHC guidelines.

With Fibre52’s ZDHC certification, mills and brands around the world now have a sustainable alternative to the traditional PFD and dye processes that use harsh chemicals, high heat and vast amounts of water. Fibre52 produces a superior cotton product, while using up to 70 percent less water and up to 40 percent less energy.

“We aim to be an industry leader by offering a net-neutral, bio-friendly chemistry that’s combined with an easy-to-adopt process for preparing and dyeing cotton,” said Laura Thornquist, president of Fibre52. “By aligning our practices with ZDHC’s guidelines, Fibre52 is playing a role in reshaping the global textile and fashion industry toward greater sustainability.”

Fibre52 is a revolutionary, environmentally safe process that prepares cotton for a perfect dye job without harsh chemicals. This is especially important for brands and mills that require ZDHC validation in order to comply with government regulations related to the chemistries they use and validation of  their sustainability claims.

Established in 2015, ZDHC — which stands for Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals — is dedicated to working with brands, suppliers, solution providers and chemical suppliers to eliminate harmful chemicals from the global supply chain. ZDHC is based in the Netherlands.

Posted October 3, 2023

Source: Fibre52

Official Launch Of ReHubs Europe: European Industry Moving Fast Forward On Textile Waste Recycling — Chris Deloof Appointed As Executive Director

BARCELONA — October 3, 2023 — At a kick off meeting hosted by Mango, EURATEX and 20 incoming members proudly presented ReHubs Europe, a new international non-profit organization poised to give a boost to the textile recycling. The launch follows three years of intense preparation, and the publication of a Techno-Economic Study, which analysed the business case, cost and environmental benefits for upscaling textile waste recycling in Europe.

ReHubs Europe will gather key players from the textile value chain — textile manufacturers, fashion brands, collectors and recyclers, chemical industry, technology providers — who welcome the ReHubs joint ambition to recycle 2.5 million tons of textile waste by 2030. This requires up to 250 industrial projects across Europe, covering different types of fiber-to-fiber recycling.

ReHubs Europe is the industry’s response to the upcoming EU legislation, which sets compulsory collection and sorting of textile waste, by 2025. To manage this, we need to upscale our recycling capacity, and we need different players from the value chain to work together.

Chris Deloof will lead ReHubs Europe as executive director. Deloof has a long-standing experience in the textile sector and is a passionate advocate for cross-industry collaboration. Moreover, Deloof is deeply committed to driving the transition towards a circular economy, which aligns seamlessly with ReHubs Europe’s mission.

“As ReHubs Europe’s Executive Director, I’m thrilled to be part of this alliance,” Deloof said. “I consider it a privilege to work alongside the captains of industry and fashion that are joining ReHubs Europe, building tomorrow’s circular textile industry together.”

Euratex President Alberto Paccanelli expressed his satisfaction on the launch of ReHubs Europe: “This initiative proves that we are committed to taking our industry forward towards a new circular business model, even during today’s difficult times. I am particularly happy to see all segments of our textile value chain joining forces; ReHubs Europe will give a fresh boost to the textile industry in Europe. I also thank Robert van de Kerkhof (Lenzing) and Mauro Scalia (EURATEX) for all the work they have done to achieve today’s landmark.”

ReHubs Europe will operate from Brussels, in close partnership with EURATEX. Membership is open to any companies who wish to invest in textile waste recycling in Europe.

Posted: October 3, 2023

Source: EURATEX

Heberlein, Supplier Of Air Interlacing And Air Texturing Jets Launche A New Range Of Advanced Performance DTY Interlacing Jets

SwissJet housing

WATTWIL, Switzerland — October 3, 2023 — Heberlein, a supplier of air interlacing and air texturing jets, has launched a new range of Advanced Performance Drawn Texturized Yarn (DTY) interlacing jets. The APe series jets offer significant savings in compressed air consumption, while the APh jets meet highest requirements for knot stability. Heberlein presents these innovations as attractive investments for optimum profitability.

The market already cooled notably in 2022, according to the annual International Textile Machinery Shipment Statistics (ITMSS) published last June by the International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF). Shipments of draw texturing spindles declined by 13 percent worldwide in 2022 — with China accounting for 86% of the total. Heberlein’s own experience of past slowdowns such as those in 2007/2008 and 2020/2021 showed that business in the DTY segment always picked up again strongly afterwards.

Savings every hour

Heberlein’s launch at ITMA 2023 of the new APe series – with the capability to reduce compressed air consumption by 15% with the same number of knots — had DTY yarn producers reaching for their calculators. For example, a texturizer in Italy planning to replace a P142 jet (P-series) with an APe142 worked out cost savings of $120 per day for a 288-position machine with a working pressure of 3 bar. The figures were based on local electricity costs of 0.12 KWh for 1 Nm3. Effectively this was a saving of $5 every hour.

As energy costs are lower in China compared to most markets, a texturizer there saves about one dollar per hour. For this calculation, Heberlein cites GlobalPetrolPrices.com and uses a price of $0.087 per kilowatt-hour (December 2022 meridian). It is also based on the industry standard for costing of 0.12 kWh for one Nm3. That means Nm3 costs one cent, while it must be mentioned that in China energy prices fluctuate locally very much and are partly massively subsidized by the state. The effective cost savings in China for a machine equipped with APe series jets (288 positions) amount to $24.3 per day on the basis of 3bar and 24 hours.

However, the figure of $24.3 must be seen in the context of a manufacturing plant in China. Staff in the production process with a 48-hour week are paid around $800 per month in the Shanghai area. With the same number of hours worked, the DTY manufacturer saves $580 per machine (288 positions) with new APe jets, which is about three-quarters of the equivalent salary of a worker.

The strategic jets

The combination of savings now while also being prepared for the upturn is a promising strategy. With the new generation of DTY air jets, the figures look good. The APe air interlacing jets are suitable for a wide variety of multifilament yarns. They achieve higher processing speeds, lead to better package build and a reduced number of filament and yarn breaks in downstream processes.

The APe series is also attracting interest from market players striving for sustainable production through various measures. For example, equal knot performance with reduced energy consumption means sustainability without compromise.

With the development and production of highly specialized key components for process optimization in processing of synthetic yarns, particularly filament yarns, Heberlein contributes significantly to increased performance by manufacturers. Using the latest flow simulations, DTY experts have gained valuable insights that have been incorporated into the development of the Advanced Performance jets. Tests in the company’s own textile laboratory, as well as on-site at customer facilities, confirm the increased production performance of the new generation of jets, which also enable significant process optimization or energy savings in yarn production.

Pole position

The textile industry would obviously prefer the upswing sooner rather than later. To gain momentum rapidly and enable maximum production output, the APh interlacing jets provide the ideal starting position. The APh series meets the highest requirements for knot stability and guarantees unique performance without any compromises in yarn quality and process reliability.

The stability of the knots is also guaranteed for yarns produced by air covering in the 110 to 300 dtex range. For the finishing process, where yarns blended with elastane in particular are subjected to considerable forces, the APh jets show optimum performance. Careful analysis in the Heberlein textile laboratory also proves that the APh series offers the ideal solution, especially for low filament counts. In short, thanks to their innovative design, APh jets meet the highest requirements for knot stability for all downstream processes — knitting, warp knitting and weaving.

Next steps

Detailed calculations are essential for any investment decision, and Heberlein is happy to help prospective customers with this task. Heberlein recommends non-binding discussions with its experts — or first-hand information at ITMA Asia 2023 (Hall 8.1, Stand A43).

Useful info: when a filament yarn producer opts for lower power consumption and greater knot stability, the new APe and APh series are quick to install, as they can be fitted into the widely-used SlideJet FT15-2 and SwissJet housings. The plug-and-play principle for the APe series means replacement needs minimal effort.

Posted: October 3, 2023

Source: Heberlein AG

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