The International Furnishings And Design Association (IFDA)’S Educational Foundation Announces Grant Winners For 2023


LEWISVILLE, N.C. — September 6, 2023 — The Educational Foundation (EF) of IFDA, the International Furnishings and Design Association, is pleased to announce its grant winners for 2023. Since the early years of this 76-year-old global design industry alliance, EF has awarded grants to talented professionals as well as scholarships to high-achieving design students annually. The funds awarded this year total $30,000. The judging is conducted by a subset of the EF’s Board of Trustees.

“Congratulations to all these deserving individuals! We are very pleased to present the grants for a diverse array of projects,” said Karen Dzendolet, chairman of the board of the Educational Foundation of IFDA. “The grant winners’ skills and initiative in undertaking new challenges are impressive and each exemplified the goals of the award they were granted, whether universal design, historic preservation, professional development through expanding horizons or the advancement of interior design programs.” Earline Feldman, FIFDA, Director of Scholarships and Grants, echoed the sentiment. “Though the judges were challenged in selecting winners, each one was very deserving of the award.”

IFDA Educational Foundation Grants are offered to all professionals working in the interior design or furnishings related fields, but not to undergraduate students. Winners were notified late last month. For more information, visit: ifdaef.org.

Elizabeth Brown Grant to Interior Design Programs( $2,500)

Kim Dutkosky, a lecturer at Indiana University, focuses on teaching students about the design process, building codes, materials, finishes and methods of construction. Utilizing her 20-plus years in the interior design industry, she creates hands-on activities and assignments that mimic working world scenarios in the classroom. By concentrating on the details and fundamentals of design, Kim has been able to help students enter the workforce with skills that set them apart from other candidates.

Irma Dobkin Universal Design Grant ($2,000)

Stephanie McGoldrick is a member of the Interior Architecture + Design faculty at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth. Her experience teaching for the past ten years at various institutions includes specialties in universal design, environmental sustainability and lighting design. Prior to entering academia, Professor McGoldrick worked as an interior designer and project manager at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington D.C. where she oversaw design solutions for the Institution’s museum stores and cafés.

Her grant will support Professor McGoldrick’s endeavor to bring back a universal design symposium to the UMass Dartmouth campus. The Universal Design Symposium will bring together students, educators, community members with various backgrounds and abilities, individuals with disabilities and design professionals to collaborate and share experiences related to universal design across multiple platforms.

Ina Mae Kaplan Historic Preservation Grant ($2,000)

Andrew Grider attended Virginia Commonwealth University majoring in Interior Design and minoring in Craft and Material Studies. He will recreate new bed hangings and canopy ceiling with textiles for two rooms at the Historic Hill House Museum in Olde Towne, Portsmouth. The house was erected in 1825. For museum purposes of educating visitors, one room will be furnished as if it were Winter and the other Summer to show how the rooms changed to accommodate climates in the bed hangings, window treatments, slipcovers and so forth. This grant has given Grider the opportunity to recreate the testers, a key element to the bedsteads that are missing from the two mahogany American Empire style bedsteads that will house the new bed hangings and canopy ceilings with textiles.

Tony Torrice Professional Development Grant ($1,500)

“Over the past twenty years, I’ve deeply immersed myself in the world of interior design, culminating recently in my role as Design Project Manager for a distinguished luxury custom home builder. I am elated to share that I’ve been selected as the recipient of a $1500 educational grant.” said Michele Kiefert. “With this generous support, my aspiration is to explore specialized courses that delve into innovative design techniques, environmental sustainability and inclusivity in interior spaces. My goal is to not only enrich my own understanding but to also contribute to advancing our industry’s standards. I am profoundly grateful to the foundation for recognizing my commitment and for fueling the next chapter of my professional journey.”

Valerie Moran Memorial Grant for IFDA members ($3,000)

Sandra Reicis is a Professor of Interior Design and Program Coordinator at Villa Maria College in Buffalo, N.Y. “I am honored to receive the Valerie Moran Grant, which will support my participation in the International Conference for Caring Communities (ICCC) Windsor High-Level Consultations, Strategies and Solutions – Partnerships and Practice to be held November 6-8, 2023, at St. George’s House, Windsor Castle, U.K.,” said Reicis. The ICCC is a not-for-profit organization that has Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the United Nations. ICCC acts as a bridge linking government, civil society organizations, the private sector, universities and the United Nations in their efforts as a catalyst for new solutions that enhance and encourage adaptation and or replication in both developing and developed countries.

“This year’s conference areas are sustainability, leadership and the creative economy. These three areas attending this conference is to learn, collaborate and expand my leadership skills in order to provide mentorship and professional opportunities to emerging designers and professional colleagues as well as to expand my personal business aspirations,” concluded Reicis.

In addition, EF will have awarded $4,000 in grants to IFDA Chapters by this fall and is a Silver sponsor of the Future Designers Summit at Bienenstock Furniture Library in High Point, N.C. from September 20 to 22, 2023. EF is also covering travel expenses for the award recipients at IFDA New England Chapter’s Awards Gala.

IFDA Educational Foundation is a non-profit, tax exempt, 501c(3) organization. It’s nine scholarships support both full and part-time undergraduate and graduate students in the areas of interior, green/sustainable, product and textile design. In addition, the grants support professional development opportunities for IFDA members and other design industry professionals as well as needed resources for design schools, and IFDA programs for chapters and members. Visit ifdaef.org or follow us on instagram.com/ifdaef/ and facebook.com/ifda.educational.foundation/.

Posted: September 6, 2023

Source: The International Furnishings and Design Association

Epson Now Shipping Surecolor F2270 Hybrid Direct-To-Garment (DTG) And Digital-Transfer-Film (DTFilm) Printer

LOS ALAMITOS, Calif. — September 6, 2023 — Epson today announced the new hybrid SureColor® F2270 printer is now available. Purpose-built for both direct-to-garment (DTG) and digital-transfer-film (DTFilm) printing, the SureColor F2270 combines outstanding image quality, easy operation and great value in a highly intuitive design. DTFilm printing capability allows print providers to go beyond traditional garment printing and transfer to a wider variety of materials, including uniquely shaped items such as shoes, hats, mugs and more.

Paisley Jo Designs specializes in custom apparel for schools, clubs, businesses, team sports, and boutique clothing. Kim Johnson, owner of Paisley Jo Designs, has been using the SureColor F2270 in her business with great success. She touts the maintenance, crisp print quality, hybrid features, and operation as benefits to her business and customers.

“The SureColor F2270 is a huge asset to our business; we are able to offer vibrant, full color graphics with the soft feel that customers want,” said Johnson. “The hybrid features allow us to easily move from printing digital film transfers to shirts without making any adjustments on the printer, which helps with production times. Epson has gone above and beyond with this new technology and the features offered in the F2270 – it will be a game changer for a lot of businesses.”

Featuring a PrecisionCore® MicroTFP printhead and next-generation UltraChrome® DG2 Ink, the SureColor F2270 delivers vibrant colors and photographic details at impressive speeds — up to 20-percent faster when printing on dark garments.1 The advanced high-performance printhead technology automatically detects and adjusts performance to produce quality garments and, coupled with a cartridge-free bulk ink pack system, print shops are able to minimize waste and environmental impact.

Additional features are designed to bring a new level of productivity and efficiency, including automatic garment thickness adjustment and robust Epson Garment Creator 2 software. Easy user maintenance features that help reduce downtime include a large 4.3-inch touchscreen interface, quick-load platen and access to the Epson Cloud Solution PORT3 that provides live printer monitoring, including production rates and utilization data.

“The SureColor F2270 is a hybrid print solution built for quality, reliability and versatility. But more than that, the printer was designed with our customers in mind – helping them do it right the first time saves time, money and physical resources,” said Tim Check, senior product manager, Professional Imaging, Epson America, Inc. “The market reception to this product has been exciting and we are eagerly anticipating the results and feedback from our customers once they start using this new printer.”

Availability

The SureColor F2270 is now available through Epson Authorized Professional Imaging Resellers for an MSRP of $18,995. The printer is designed for use exclusively with Epson ink packs2 and includes a one-year limited warranty with on-site service. Extended service plans are available. For more information on Epson’s direct-to-garment solutions, visit www.epson.com/dtg.

1 Compared to previous generation model with printing 13.6” x 16.0” dark garments at default print quality. Computer processing, network transmission, loading and unloading of garments are not included in these times. Actual print times may vary. Testing conducted by Epson America, Inc as of May 2023.

2 This product uses only genuine Epson-brand ink packs. Other brands of ink packs and ink supplies are not compatible and, even if described as compatible, may not function properly or at all.

3 All features of this system require an active Internet connection and the use of a supported browser.

Posted: September 6, 2023

Source: Epson America, Inc.

AATCC: Shape The Textile Industry

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC  — September 6, 2023 — Passion matters! Everyone interested in “an innovative, informed, and sustainable future” for the global textile community can make an impact by participating in AATCC committees. AATCC has provided standards development, testing materials, educational resources, and professional networking to the global textile industry for more than a century. And it’s all done by volunteers! Committee meetings are free and open to all who want to learn more or get involved.

Administrative Committee Meetings

AATCC members determine the direction of the association. Attend virtual Administrative Committee Meetings to learn or lead new projects for conferences, membership, education, and more. There is no fee to attend, and your input is welcome. The fall series includes a joint meeting with the ASTM D13 liaison subcommittee as well as technical committees on statistics and editorial review. Whether you are a math nerd, a language fanatic, or just a textile fan, there’s a place for you in an AATCC committee!

Research Committee Meetings

Join AATCC members and other industry stakeholders to help develop and revise standards and testing materials used around the world. Attend in person to take visit the AATCC Technical Center and labs, connect with colleagues over lunch, and more. If travel isn’t an option, you can still join meetings remotely. Meetings are open to all—no membership or fee required. Several committees will be seeking new officers for 2024. If you’re looking for leadership experience, an opportunity to boost your reputation as an expert in your field, or a way to give back to the industry, this is your chance!

The Fall 2023 Research Committee Meetings include free lunch Tuesday and Wednesday, plus a networking reception Tuesday evening. A complete schedule of meetings and events is posted online. Advance registration is appreciated to facilitate planning.

Get Involved

AATCC committee meetings are working meetings. They are also an opportunity to meet people from across industry and around the world. Whether the discussion focuses on defining sustainability or choosing the location for an upcoming conference, there is always something new to learn and room to share.

Posted: September 6, 2023

Source: AATCC

Cotton Incorporated Introduces Sheeting Technology For Home Textile Products RESTech COTTON™ Technology Brings Suite Of Innovations

CARY, N.C. — September 6, 2023 — Cotton Incorporated introduces RESTech COTTON™ technology, a performance sheeting solution that blends cool comfort, exceptional durability, gentle softness, and a focus on sustainability. By merging innovative design with advanced chemistry, RESTech COTTON technology not only takes a significant step forward in cotton bedding, but also addresses key challenges like durability, moisture management, and sustainability, seng a new standard for bedding expectations.

Developed to be up to 40-percent softer than untreated cotton sheets1, this technology brings an enhanced sense of comfort to your sleep experience.

“With our RESTech COTTON technology, we’ve captured the timeless comfort of cotton and enhanced it with modern innovation, redefining the possibilities of a good night’s sleep,” said Jennifer Lukowiak, director, supply chain marketing, for Cotton Incorporated. “This technology is a perfect choice for those seeking not just better sleep but a more sustainable one. It’s another proud milestone in our continuous effort to promote the natural excellence of cotton.”

RESTech COTTON technology isn’t just about comfort and durability, it’s also a mindful choice for the environment. Crafted from 100-percent natural fibers, this technology is both biodegradable2 and recyclable3. It aligns with the growing consumer demand for sustainable products offering a sleep experience that is not only comfortable but also conscientious.

“RESTech COTTON technology takes the best attributes of cotton and cotton finishes to create a unique, durable product with non-fluorine technology,” notes Dr. Hongqing (Mike) Shen, vice president and managing director of product development and implementation for Cotton Incorporated. “It allows sheets to hold less moisture, dry more quickly, maintains remarkable softness and comfort. This combination makes it a triple threat.”

Consumer Insights Speak Volumes

When it comes to home textiles, consumers are discerning and specific in their needs. The Home Textiles Survey, conducted by Cotton Incorporated, uncovers values that can be found in RESTech COTTON technology. Quality is a priority for 79 percent of respondents when choosing sheets, and 70 percent actively seek the term “100-percent cotton.” The connection between quality bedding and better sleep is acknowledged by 87 percent, and 71 percent express a genuine desire for environmentally friendly textiles. These findings reflect the values that RESTech COTTON technology embodies, emphasizing the alignment of comfort, quality, and sustainability with consumer preferences.

Innovation Meets Comfort

Cotton Incorporated RESTech COTTON technology combines innovative design and chemistry to provide:

  • Cool Comfort for Hot Sleepers: Enhanced moisture management and natural thermo-regulating properties of cotton, drying up to 50-percent faster than rayon on the skin.4
  • Built to Last: Superior durability that surpasses polyester and rayon5, ensuring lasting quality.
  • Exceptional Softness: Offering a gentle touch that’s up to 40-percent softer than untreated cotton sheets6, transforming sleep into a luxurious experience.
  • Natural Comfort: Crafted from natural fibers, capturing the timeless comfort of 100-percent cotton without the use of plastics.
  • Naturally Hypoallergenic: A gentle, hypoallergenic fiber7 suitable for those with skin sensitivities, adding to the overall comfort.

Information on RESTech COTTON technology will be available at the New York Home Fashion Market in September 2023, or more details found at cotonworks.com/restech-cotton.

1 Internal Cotton Incorporated method using the Emtec TSA Softness Analyzer. 20HLTD on Sateen Sheeting.


2 Zambrano MC, Pawlak JJ, Daystar J, Ankeny M, Vendi RA. Impact of dyes and finishes on the aquatic biodegradability of cotton textile fibers and microfibers released on laundering clothes : Correlations between enzyme adsorption and activity and biodegradation rates. Mar Pollut Bull [Internet]. 2021;165(January):112030. Available from: htps://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112030

3 Cotton products are recyclable only in a few communities that have appropriate recycling facilities.

4 Water Retention (WR) Dry Time testing: Modified AATCC Test Method 199. 20HLTD on Sateen Sheeting.

5 Flex Abrasion testing for wovens: ASTM D3885. 20HLTD on Sateen Sheeting. 


6 Internal Cotton Incorporated method using the Emtec TSA Softness Analyzer. 20HLTD on Sateen Sheeting.

7 Cotton Incorporated 2019 clinical trials on Determination of the Irritating and Sensitizing Propensities of Mechanically Cleaned and Purified Cotton on Human Skin.

Posted: September 6, 2023

Source: Cotton Incorporated

Crowley Honored With Corporate Diversity Award From Women’s International Shipping And Trading Association USA

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — September 6, 2023 — Crowley has been honored for its contributions to diversity and inclusion in the workplace with the Corporate Diversity Award by the Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association (WISTA) USA.

Recognized for its efforts to enhance its corporate culture and empower its people through diversity and inclusion programs, Crowley supports its more than 7,000 employees through resources such as employee-led business resource groups, professional development programs, safety training and community engagement.

“At Crowley, we value the unique perspectives, talents and ideas of our employees and believe they are what set our organization apart. We know that promoting an inclusive environment helps our people and our business succeed,” said Parker Harrison, Chief Legal and Risk Officer, Crowley. “We are so honored to be recognized for our diversity and inclusion efforts by an organization whose sole purpose is the advancement of women in our industries. We will continue our efforts to foster a workplace that our employees are proud of and feel empowered to drive change within the organization and our industry.”

Crowley has taken several steps to promote diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace:

  • Established the Inclusion, Diversity and Equity in Action (IDEA) Council, led by employees, to create and lead initiatives to drive an inclusive and supportive environment for team members.
  • The employee-led business resource groups support people’s careers and company business success by offering resources, education and a platform to provide Crowley with insights on where to improve.
  • Achieved 37%  female representation in the C-Suite leadership through appointments to key positions.
  • Launched the Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Prevention Steering Committee to enhance safety measures for all mariners, leading to improvements in communication and technology aboard vessels.
  • Revamped the cadet shipping program resulting in a significant increase in female cadet participation.
  • Recognized as a Top Company for Women to Work For in Transportation by Redefining the Road, a magazine of the Women in Trucking Association annually since 2021.

Crowley has also made diversity and inclusion a fundamental part of its overall sustainability commitment, including publicly disclosing and tracking key performance improvement goals in its annual Sustainability Report.

Posted: September 6, 2023

Source: Crowley

Save The Date: The 60th Edition Of Filo — The “Good, Healthy, Clean, Fair, And Durable” Textiles

BIELLA, Italy — September 6, 2023 — On 20 and 21 September Filo crosses the important milestone of the sixty editions looking to the future of the textile system, as it has been in its “mission” since its inception.

The opening ceremony of the 60th edition of Filo — scheduled at 10 a.m. on September 20, 2023 at Allianz MiCo – Milan — is dedicated to “Good, Healthy, Clean, Fair, and Durable textiles: Slow Fiber”, with a discussion introduced by Dario Casalini, founder of “Slow Fiber”.

Indeed, through the concept of “Good, Healthy, Clean, Fair and Durable Textiles: Slow Fiber”, the theme of sustainability acquires a broader and more complete meaning, reaffirming the values of the highest quality and professionalism of the best made in Italy textile tradition.

During the Filo60 opening ceremony, Dario Casalini will discuss this central theme for the future of the textile industry with prestigious guests, representing the business and institutional world.

The 60th edition of Filo is held on the 20th and 21st of September 2023 at Allianz MiCo – Milan (via Gattamelata 5).

Posted: September 6, 2023

Source: Filo

GtA (Gesellschaft Für Textile Ausrüstung) And Monforts Welcome The Return Of Global Exhibitions

MÖNCHENGLADBACH, Germany — September 6, 2023 — The ITMA textile machinery exhibition that took place in Milan this June was conclusive proof that the appetite for international, face-to-face events is now back and bigger than ever before.

This is great news for both textile finishing technology specialist Monforts and one of its major customers, GtA.

Despite significant ongoing obstacles to global travel, ITMA 2023 somehow managed to overshadow the previous ITMA held in Barcelona exactly four years before it in 2019, attracting more than 111,000 visitors to Milan in Italy over its seven-day run.

Turbulence

The four years separating the two ITMA events have, of course, being somewhat turbulent, largely due to the COVID-19 pandemic, so the success of ITMA 2023 was very much to the satisfaction of Monforts, which reported hundreds of visitors to its stand over the course of the seven-day show.

“We couldn’t believe how busy ITMA in Milan was,” said Monforts marketing manager Nicole Croonenbroek. “The enthusiasm took us completely by surprise and we’re now following up on so many potential projects that were discussed there.”

For GtA, which specializes in technical textiles for the digital printing market, events such as ITMA 2023 opening up again are even more of a boost.

“Around 70 percent of our business is related to trade fairs or major public events such as sports, music and theatre performances, so we are extremely pleased to see the world of large-scale international shows opening up again,” explained GtA Managing Director Andreas Niess. “During the pandemic we had to go on short-time work for six months, but overall we survived well and have continued to develop new products and also meet new requirements for our highly specialised textiles.”

Fault-free substrates

Before the pandemic, a new standard in pure white, 100-percent clean and fault-free textile substrates was already being demanded to meet the rapid growth in digitally-printed banners and hoardings — often referred to as “soft signage” — that are extensively used for advertising at exhibitions and public events.

In response to this demand, GtA (Gesellschaft für textile Ausrüstung) was formed in 2016 and erected a purpose-built plant on a greenfield site in Neresheim, Germany with the aim to invest into a sustainable and environmental protective production site.

The plant was first equipped with a fully-automated 72 meters long installation comprising a washing machine integrated with a 3.6 meter wide, seven-chamber Monforts Montex tenter, purpose-built at Montex GmbH in Austria

Building on the success of this installation, the company has subsequently installed two more Montex lines — both with an expanded working width of 5.6 metres — along with a six-chamber unit for further washing processes and a five-chamber line for coating.

Smooth surfaces

The substrates of choice for digital printing are 100-percent polyester warp knits which have extremely smooth surfaces. This has become increasingly critical due to the general move away from PVC coatings which were standard in the past.

In addition, the GtA substrates are resilient and allow excellent take-up of inks and vibrant colours and clear and precise images to be achieved with digital printing techniques. The knitted construction also has the advantage of elasticity, which is a plus in terms of flexibility for installers.

GtA now finishes rolls in sizes of between 1,500 and 2,000 meters directly on the Monforts tenters, and after final inspection converts them into rolls with lengths of 75, 100, 150 and or 200 meters, all fully labelled and packed.

Quality

“Happily, we are now back to running 24 hours a day to meet unprecedented demand from the digital printing market, and we are planning further investments in Monforts technology,” said Niess. “Our top priority is always quality, followed by achieving energy savings, and we will continue to be at the forefront when it comes to new technologies, equipment variants and procedures. In addition, the requirements for our wide width materials are increasing.”

As the width of a fabric increases, he explains, its movement through the stenters, both in width and especially in length, becomes more difficult as there is inevitably more longitudinal tension put on the textile.

“It is a big challenge to achieve the desired diagonal and arch distortion as well as the stretch/elasticity, and any crooked stitch on the textile can be seen later after printing, so has to be avoided at all costs,” Niess explained. “We are currently investigating the preliminary stages of warp knitting in order to further influence fabric construction and potential additions to the Monforts finishing lines based on our experience to date. I have to say that the Monforts after-service has been absolutely perfect and there has been no shortage of quality, expertise and service on which we have drawn.”

As far as energy savings are concerned, the company employs various heat recovery systems for its hot waste water, with process exhaust and burner exhaust air integrated in an overall heat exchanger and accumulation system.

Going further, GtA is aiming to become Germany’s first climate neutral textile plant by 2025, via a planned combination of wind turbines, PV systems and hydrogen heating — the latter an area that Monforts is currently investigating with partners in the three-year WasserSTOFF project, launched in November 2022 with sponsorship from Germany’s government.

“Everybody knows that textile finishing is a high energy consuming process,” said Monforts Managing Director Gunnar Meyer. ”To make this process more efficient, Monforts already offers several solutions, but as a technology leader we are also rising to the challenge of exploring alternative heating options to be ready for the future. The experience and know-how of our valued customers such as GtA will greatly accelerate the new journey we are on.”

 

Meanwhile, Monforts is looking forward to meeting customers again at two further major exhibitions in 2023 – at Techtextil India in Mumbai from September 12-14 and at ITMA Asia + CITME from November 19-23.

Posted: September 6, 2023

Source: A. Monforts Textilmaschinen GmbH & Co. KG

Space Application For ITMA ASIA + CITME 2024 Opens

SINGAPORE — September 6, 2023 — ITMA ASIA + CITME 2024 space application is now open. Asia’s business platform for textile machinery, the ninth combined show will be held from October 14-18, 2024, at the National Exhibition and Convention Centre, Shanghai, China.

According to show owners, CEMATEX (European Committee of Textile Machinery Manufacturers), the Sub-Council of Textile Industry, CCPIT (CCPIT-Tex), China Textile Machinery Association (CTMA) and China Exhibition Centre Group Corporation (CIEC), the launch of space application for the 2024 exhibition ahead of this year’s combined exhibition in November is an exceptional procedure.

The regular biennial sequence of the ITMA Asia + CITME exhibition was disrupted due to the global COVID-19 pandemic. Originally slated for 2022, the exhibition had to be rescheduled to 2023. The ITMA Asia + CITME exhibition uniquely combines the Asian edition of the renowned ITMA exhibition with the China International Textile Machinery Exhibition (CITME). Over the past eight editions, it has established a stellar track record and holds significant importance within the textile and machinery industry.

Ernesto Maurer, president of CEMATEX, explained: “The planning of the 2024 edition of ITMA Asia + CITME requires an exceptional process, starting already ahead of this year’s edition in November 2023. The exhibition has a stringent admission policy which encompasses various processes, including various stages of space application, rigorous admission procedures, space allocation, and thorough booth design vetting. Considering the multifaceted aspects involved in these preparatory stages, and above all, to safeguard the quality of the 2024 edition of ITMA Asia + CITME, the stand space application must open well ahead of the show in October 2024.”

In continuation of this approach, the organisers have launched the space application for ITMA Asia + CITME 2024 before ITMA Asia + CITME 2022 takes place this November. This step allows both the organisers and potential exhibitors to begin plans for the ITMA Asia + CITME 2024 exhibition.

Gu Ping, president of China Textile Machinery Association (CTMA), emphasized: “China’s textile industry has reached a high-quality stage, with the world’s highest demand for continuous, automated, intelligent, eco-friendly, and scalable textile machinery. I believe the launch of ITMA Asia + CITME 2024 as scheduled next year, will be a highly anticipated event to foster greater collaboration and exchanges between domestic and foreign textiles industries, working together to shape the future. Therefore, our commitment is to uphold this biennial exhibition schedule.”

Online space application for the 2024 edition will close on 13 March 2024. Successful applicants will receive their admission certificate and be notified of their stand space by 23 May 2024. Interested exhibitors may visit www.itmaasia.com or email itmaasiacitme@itma.com for more details.

ITMA ASIA + CITME 2022, which was scheduled to be held last November, will open on November 19, 2023, in Shanghai. To-date, it has attracted close to 1,500 exhibitors.

ITMA ASIA + CITME is organised by Beijing Textile Machinery International Exhibition Co Ltd and co-organized by ITMA Services. Japan Textile Machinery Association is a special partner of the show.

Posted: September 6, 2023

Source: CEMATEX, CCPIT-Tex, CTMA & CIEC

Aurora Specialty Textiles Group Celebrates 140th Anniversary Manufacturing Textiles In The USA

YORKVILLE, Ill. — September 5, 2023 — While thousands of US manufacturing companies have closed over the past 40 years, or moved operations overseas, Aurora Specialty Textiles Group (ASTG) has remained in the USA and this year is celebrating 140 years of continuous operation outside Chicago.

Through two world wars, two global pandemics, a major depression, countless recessions and under the terms of 26 different US presidents, Aurora has been a steadfast Chicago region employer and an anchor manufacturing operation for the US textile industry supply chain.

“Today, Aurora is the leading North American textile finishing company with wide width coating capabilities,” said Marcia Ayala, president of the company. “Aurora’s product offerings have expanded greatly from our beginnings in 1883 supplying private label sheeting to Sears & Roebuck. But our core values of supporting both the US textile industry supply chain and the community where we live and work have remained the same.”

ASTG opened in Aurora, Ill., on the Fox River as the Aurora Cotton Mills 18 years after the Civil War. Over time Aurora’s products and services grew and so did its reputation for innovation and quality. The company’s name also went through a few evolutions including Aurora Bleachery and Dye Works, Aurora Textiles, Aurora Textile Finishing Co. and today, Aurora Specialty Textiles Group.

In 1977 Aurora was purchased by Meridian Industries, a privately owned conglomerate based in Milwaukee, Wis. In 2015, Aurora moved to an updated facility in Yorkville not far from its original location, to keep up with changing trends and technologies in the U.S. textile industry. With the new plant a mere 10 miles away from the old plant, Aurora was able to retain all employees while adding new personnel and a new generation of high tech finishing and manufacturing equipment.

That investment in state-of-the-art textile technology made it possible for Aurora’s plant in Yorkville to offer a wide array of products and services used in a range of applications including pressure sensitive tapes, industrial belting, digitally printable textiles, military textiles, healthcare & safety, sanding abrasives, and outdoor protective coverings. Aurora offers fabric preparation, fabric coating and finishing, calendering, fabric dyeing, converting services, contract manufacturing and toll manufacturing.

“We are in the best position we have ever been to create something terrific,” at Aurora, said Bruce Pindyck, chairman, president, and CEO of Meridian Industries. “We are constantly evolving and that is critical to the company’s success.”

While Aurora’s technologies and products have evolved, the company’s commitment to workforce diversity has remained a core value. Aurora hired women from almost day 1 and today, women make up 23 percent of the company’s workforce and 50 percent of the company’s leadership, which includes the company’s president.

Also, in step with changing times, Aurora has been a textile industry leader in the area of sustainability, winning awards for the many steps they’ve taken to reduce energy use, water consumption, residual effluent, air pollution and VOC’s.

In addition, Aurora has won numerous awards from the Valley Industrial Association (VIA) for operational excellence and innovation. The VIA serves manufacturing operations throughout the Chicago region’s corner of the Midwest manufacturing belt.

“Our Midwest roots run deep, and so does our commitment to continuous growth, innovation and evolution in step with the changing demands of today’s global textile industry,” said Ayala. “For us, the key to success is continuous improvement while staying rooted in the community where our employees have lived and worked for 140 years. We are all very proud of our history and our continued place as a trusted US textile industry manufacturer.”

Posted: September 5, 2023

Source: Aurora Specialty Textiles Group

Coats Footwear To Reveal New Sustainable Innovations At Lineapelle

UXBRIDGE, England — September 5, 2023 — Coats Footwear will be exhibiting at Lineapelle in Milan this September as its team comes together to showcase a portfolio of innovative, sustainable materials and manufacturing techniques that has been significantly strengthened following the acquisition of Texon and Rhenoflex in 2022.

Now operating as one global team — and offering more than 450 different products — Coats Footwear will showcase new and existing technologies that can enhance the design, comfort, performance and eco credentials of footwear, luxury accessories, and apparel.

Innovations under the spotlight at Lineapelle will include a new ProWeave collaboration with a big brand name, plus:

  • Knox Plus Green: A brand new two-layer perforation resistant textile insole for the safety shoe market, Knox Plus Green contains up to 55-percent recycled fiber. Building on the success of Texon’s popular Enigma technology, the product is certified to EN ISO 22568:2021 part 4 nail type PL 4,5mm and nail type PS 3mm, CSA standard Z195-14 and ASTM standard F2413-18.
  • Ecostrobe: An insole technology made with 100-percent recycled content, Ecostrobe is created via a special fusion-bonding technique without water or chemicals — making it the enviro-conscious option for strobel applications.
  • Ecosole™ 60: A moisture resistant cellulose insole material that contains up to 75-percent recycled content, Ecosole 60 still meets Gore-Tex® specifications and is suitable for use in cement-lasted footwear.
  • T438 Cotton: A high quality, anti-bacterial material made from 100-percent cotton, T438 Cotton is used to make insoles for all types of footwear from ladies’ shoes to army boots to casual shoes that need to be washed.
  • T437: A natural fiber, elastomeric-bonded structural material, T437 meets the highest standards for shoemaking, is ideal for Goodyear welted and cement-lasted footwear and provides a high level of comfort.
  • Vogue: Certified by The Vegan Society, OEKO-TEX and FSC, this versatile alternative to leather is a washable cellulose solution that can be printed, laminated, coated, or screen-printed to suit specific requirements.
  • Rhenoprint™ Multizone: A next generation process for manufacturing lightweight shoe counters and other reinforcement solutions, Rhenoprint Multizone can be used to meet the most diverse customer specific designs — with zero waste.

Matthias Oberfichtner, sales director EMEA at Coats Footwear, said: “We are proud to come together as one global team to present our latest innovations at Lineapelle. All the products we are showcasing are designed to support the footwear industry deliver a more sustainable future. Made with recycled content, utilizing innovative fusion bonding techniques, and resulting in zero waste, our materials are the environmentally conscious solution for manufacturers that do not want to compromise on performance. With an unparalleled portfolio of materials that meet the standards that brands expect and pave the way for a significant reduction in emissions, we’re excited to get face-to-face with customers and show them what we’ve been working on.”

Visit Coats Footwear at Lineapelle from 19 to 21 September at FieraMilano Rho at C7-C9 & D8-D10.

Posted: September 5, 2023

Source: Coats Group Plc.

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