Take The Lead With Proven Sustainability-Enhancing Benefits Of Future-Focused Geotextile Fibres & Woven Fabrics At 12 ICG Rome

WIELSBEKE, Belgium — September 5, 2023 — Beaulieu International Group will turn the spotlight on geotextile products with sustainability benefits to support progress in resilient civil engineering projects at the 12th ICG Rome from September 18-21, 2023. Visitors are invited to Stand #56 for developments from Beaulieu Fibres International (BFI) and Beaulieu Technical Textiles (BTT) following the roadmap “ROUTE 2030, Destination: zero environmental footprint” of Beaulieu International Group.

Discover options to target fossil carbon reduction by choosing PP-based staple fibres or woven geotextiles that are among the lowest in carbon footprint for geosynthetics.

“12 ICG Rome is bringing the geosynthetics and geotechnical engineering community together to present their recent experiences and developments. As a materials solution provider at the front end of the value chain, our industry role is to come forward with durable solutions as the whole geosynthetics industry has focused on the sustainable use of geosynthetics in a variety of innovative as well as consolidated applications. “Geosynthetics, Leading the Way to a Resilient Planet”, is a pertinent conference theme which we are proud to support,” comments Jefrem Jennard, sales director Fibres.

Lowering impact with HT8 Fibres

For manufacturers of nonwoven geotextiles, BFI offers PP fibers with > 25 percent carbon footprint reduction compared to the European standard PP fibers, generating 1.48 kilograms carbon dioxide/kilograms PP fibers. A step further is to accelerate the replacement of fossil carbon in engineered fibre applications by choosing its ISCC Plus certified bio-attributed MONO-PP with a negative carbon footprint.

For construction projects, nonwoven geotextiles made with high-tenacity HT8 fibers are proven to secure a longer service lifetime and reduce the environmental impact, as they offer high mechanical performance at a reduced weight.

New finished engineering textiles

Roy Kerckhove, sales director Technical Textiles, added: “Geotextiles provide highly versatile, durable and natural resource-saving alternatives in large infrastructure works, and offer durable protection in erosion control and waste/water management projects. We are continuously developing our finished engineering textiles with proven sustainability-enhancing benefits, while taking concrete steps to reduce our own environmental footprint.”

BTT’s woven geotextiles provide a wide range of functions, including separation, filtration, reinforcement and erosion control, and are among the most sustainable in the industry. Depending on weight, the carbon footprint of its woven geotextiles (m²) ranges between 0.37 and 1.40 kg CO2 equivalents/m². They also minimize the use of natural resources for more sustainable infrastructure development. Case studies such as at the Ostend-Bruges airport highlight significant CO2 reduction on the jobsite by replacing the transport of 960 trucks of gravel with 3 trucks of woven geotextiles, and by extending the runway’s life span.

The ICG launch of its new line Terralys MF woven filtration geotextiles with monofilament boosts the performance of a common solution in building layers that require high water flow rates. High-tenacity extruded polypropylene tapes and monofilaments are interwoven to form dimensionally stable and highly permeable geotextiles. These new filtration geotextiles provide greater resistance to dirt and biological clogging. They allow water to travel freely while reducing soil erosion when employed as a separation and stabilizing layer.

Environmental Product Declarations

As of September 2023, all PP staple fibers and woven geotextiles will have Environmental Product Declarations (EPD) based on LCAs. Each EPD is an essential tool for communicating and reporting on the sustainability performance and helps carbon-conscious customers in their purchasing and decision making. Registered EPDs are globally recognized, publicly available and free to download through EPD Libraries.

The engagement to sustainability is rooted in Route 2030. Sustainability improvement is key to the long-term strategy of Beaulieu International Group, and it is committed to supporting the geotextile industry by targeting and accelerating change and communicating the sustainable performance of its products. Beaulieu will steadily accelerate and achieve further milestones.

Find out more at 12 ICG Rome Stand #56.

Posted: September 5, 2023

Source Beaulieu International Group

British Fabric Manufacturer And Woollen Mill Hainsworth Collaborates With London College Of Fashion Students For Bespoke Tailoring Project

PUDSEY, England — September 5, 2023 — Students at the London College of Fashion (LCF) have partnered with British textile manufacturer Hainsworth to design a 100-percent merino wool bespoke jacquard cloth for their final year university project.

The collaboration challenged students from LCF’s BA (Hons) Bespoke Tailoring course to design a custom cloth, with the winning designs invited to weave and finish their fabric at Hainsworth’s West Yorkshire heritage textile mill and incorporate their unique jacquard patterns into their garment collections.

Throughout the 2022/23 academic year, students worked on a project that combined innovative design with the expertise of traditional weaving techniques — using Fine Merino Double fabric and a specific color palette. Three student designs were selected for weaving at the AW Hainsworth HQ, with Textile Designer Andrea Noble’s guidance in adapting their weaving concepts.

Winning designs by Gabriella Mann, Onora Menekse, and Enya Judge were selected for showcasing originality, craftsmanship, and sustainability — aligned with Hainsworth’s commitment to slow fashion values.

Andrea Noble, Design and Product Development manager at AW Hainsworth, said: “We were so impressed by all the students who submitted for our brief, but Gabriella, Onora and Enya stood out for their striking designs, storytelling and a strong understanding of how a jacquard weave can be incorporated into modern, refined tailoring.”

Gabriella Mann’s innovative vision, Enya Judge’s monochromatic, hand-painted design, and Onora Menekse’s exploration of nationality and culture encapsulated the project’s essence. Their designs were brought to life through a visit to the Hainsworth Mill, where they watched their creations woven using jacquard looms.

The collaboration finished with a presentation at LCF’s end-of-year salon show at Protein Studios in Shoreditch last month, giving future tailors Enya, Gabriella, Onora, and fellow students a chance to showcase their collections.

“This year we were delighted to partner with luxury British textile manufacturer AW Hainsworth & Sons who collaborated with three of our final year students, to weave and finish a bespoke length of Fine Merino Double cloth to the student’s individual jacquard designs, which they have incorporated into their collections,” said Daniel Poulson, BA (Hons) Bespoke Tailoring Course Leader at London College of Fashion.

Hainsworth, a subsidiary of AW Hainsworth and a pioneer in the slow fashion movement, aims to connect environmental, ethical, and social responsibility to create beautiful, well-made garments that stand the test of time. Designers, tailors and garment manufacturers choose Hainsworth’s premium woollen textiles from diverse industries, united in their desire for the best craftsmanship and true British provenance.

Posted: September 5, 2023

Source Hainsworth

Springs Creative Acquisition Builds Largest Design Archive In The Industry

ROCK HILL, S.C. — September 5, 2023 — An unprecedented milestone in the design industry has been achieved with the just-announced acquisition of Frank Cassata Archives by Springs Creative, resulting in the formation of the largest design archive in the history of the industry.

This momentous event strengthens the prominence of Springs Creative and its partnership with Baxter Mill Archive Design Center as the leading hub for artistic inspiration and innovation.

With the addition of the Frank Cassata Archive library, which specializes in traditional to modern designs, one-of-a-kind apparel and home decorative archives as well as an extensive collection of over 700 wallpaper and fabric swatch books, this propels the Baxter Mill Archive Design Center to an unparalleled level. Boasting an impressive repository of over one million documents, textiles, fabrics and artistic creations, the center now encompasses the legacy works of the former Springs Global archive collections including Springmaid, Wamsutta and Lowenstein, Concord House and Daisy Kingdom. Additionally, it houses two previous acquisitions; The Ilene Danchig and Alicia Messina Studio Archives.

Derick Close, the chairman and CEO of Springs Creative, expressed his excitement about the expansion. “The incorporation of Frank’s remarkable assortment now grants us access to well over one million designs,” Close said. “In our commitment to fostering a collaborative environment, the Baxter Mill Archive Design Center stands as a testament to our dedication to providing clients with the opportunity to directly engage with seasoned textile designers and artists: from inception of great creatives to just-in-time digital printing of new curated collections.”

Frank Cassata, who will be consulting with Springs Creative, began collecting textiles as a hobby in the 1990’s after careers in architecture/interior design, travel and culinary arts said he was looking for a way to share what became his massive collection with designers. “I love traveling, I love discovering and I love finding these wonderful textiles and making this information available and being the eyes for the great companies we help,” Cassata said.

“Since I know the history and provenance of every piece in the archive, I am looking forward to presentations on the collection and helping to set it up in its new home,” he said, adding, “And of course, there is designing. I am looking forward to helping design wallpaper and prints for a broader audience.”

Eager to embrace the cultural landscape, the Baxter Mill Archive Design Center will be housed in the new captivating “The Thread” complex, situated in the heart of Rock Hill, S.C. “We envision this new location as an ‘inspiration destination,’ where designers can access abundant resources, nurturing their creative ideas and envisioning limitless possibilities,” said Kathy Phillips, chief curator of Baxter Mill Archive Design Center. “They can literally design their collection in the morning, utilize our creative services and CAD technology in the afternoon, and leave with manufacture-ready files or have our state-of-the-art textile digital printing operation put those designs to fabric the next day.”

Posted: September 5, 2023

Source Springs Creative

Bally Ribbon Mills Supplies E-WEBBINGS® E-Textiles To Best Aviation Services. Inc. For Torabhaig Atlantic Explorer Gas Balloon

BALLY, Pa. — September 5, 2023 — Bally Ribbon Mills (BRM) — a designer, developer, and manufacturer of highly specialized engineered woven fabrics — announces it provided E-WEBBINGS® e-textiles to Best Aviation Services Inc., the balloon manufacturing and repair company supplying a tension system to support the Torabhaig Atlantic Explorer gas balloon’s open basket as it prepares to take the first flight across the Atlantic in an open basket gas balloon. The innovative design incorporates electronic components used to dissipate static electricity. The balloon will take off from Maine and then fly over Newfoundland before crossing the Atlantic and landing in Europe.

The new design was critical to meeting the very tight manufacturing timeline by reducing the project’s Bill of Materials and saving Best Aviation hundreds of hours of additional sewing. Bert Padelt, owner of the Bally, Pa.-based balloon manufacturing and repair company, said, “Because of your design and quick turn-around on this R&D work, we were able to meet our tight deadline and launch window schedule.”

The Torabhaig Atlantic Explorer, piloted by UK-based Sir David Hempleman-Adams, will collect air samples to look for new scientific discoveries. Sir Hempleman-Adams will be accompanied by Bert Padelt and Swiss explorer, scientist and entrepreneur, Dr Frederik Paulsen. The journey is expected to take four to five days, flying at an altitude of 6,000 to 8,000 feet. It would be the first Atlantic crossing in a hydrogen balloon and may also mark the longest distance covered in this type of balloon.

Posted: September 5, 2023

Source Bally Ribbon Mills (BRM)

AATCC To Announce 2023 Student Faculty Advisor Award Recipient

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. — September 5, 2023 — In recognition of his active leadership, participation, and support of the AATCC Student Chapter at NED University of Engineering & Technology (UET) in Karachi, Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Muhammad Dawood Husain is this year’s recipient of the AATCC Student Faculty Advisor Award. He has served as faculty advisor of the AATCC student chapter at NED UET of Engineering & Technology since 2013.

Husain is a professor in the Textile Engineering Department at NED UET. He heads the Smart Manufacturing and Responsive Textiles Research Group and is an active researcher in the areas of smart textiles, textile sensors, soft robotics, and performance wear. He joined AATCC in 2013, the same year he began the AATCC student chapter. He is a member of the AATCC Education Advisory Board and Publications Committee, as well as (RA111) Electronically Integrated Textiles and (RA63) Water Resistance Absorbency & Wetting Agent Evaluation test method committees. He has been an Associate Editor of AATCC Journal of Research since 2016.

Education, Career, Recognitions

Husain received a Bachelors in Textile Engineering from NED UET in 2002. He received a Master’s in Textile & Clothing Management from Niederrhein University of Applied Sciences, Mönchengladbach, Germany in 2007, and a PhD in Textile Science & Technology from the University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom in 2012. He has worked with NED UET since 2003, starting as a Lecturer, and working his way through Assistant and Associate Professor before becoming full Professor in January 2022. He has conceptualized, designed, and developed the SMART Lab (the first departmental research lab) and the Knitting Facility (within the Fabric Manufacturing Lab) at NED UET. Under the NED UET Mentorship Initiative (2019-2020), Husain mentored new mechanical and manufacturing faculty members on how to improve their teaching and publications, as well as how to seek research funding. Husain is a Harvard certified Higher Education Teacher and has conducted the “Higher Education Teaching Certificate” course as master trainer at NED UET.

Publications and Funding

Husain has written 20 peer-reviewed articles and made 20 conference presentations. He has secured various projects funding of over $135,000 as Principal Investigator and $1.3 Million as Co-Principal Investigator.

AATCC Student Chapter Faculty Advisor Award

The AATCC Faculty Advisor Award recognizes and promotes the work of AATCC student chapter faculty advisors who are active AATCC members and who work to ensure their AATCC student chapters are active and growing.

Posted: September 5, 2023

Source AATCC

Loomia’s Webinar Week Aims To Educate The Masses On E-Textiles

BROOKLYN, N.Y. — August 31, 2023 — Loomia Technologies has developed a series of two inspirational webinars that will educate attendees on eco-conscious innovation and the power of flexible electronics.

The first webinar in the series, Going Green: Calculating the Carbon Footprint of the LEL, will dive into the carbon footprint of Loomia’s patented technology, and help participants gain a deeper understanding of how the LEL technology aligns with global sustainability goals. This webinar will also touch on a plan for the industry to move towards an entirely planet-friendly and eco-conscious innovation landscape — without sacrificing quality and performance.

The second webinar, Bend, Connect and Innovate: Real World Applications of Flexible Electronics, will touch on the impact and importance of flexible electronics in our everyday lives. From smart textiles and wearable devices to cutting-edge innovations in automotive, healthcare, and more, this webinar will uncover how flexible electronics are revolutionizing industries and enhancing user experiences.

Speaking on the event, Loomia’s founder Madison Maxey, said: “This is not just an event for engineers and designers, but those individuals who may not know much about this technology and its impact on their lives. They know they can heat their car seat, and they know their smartwatch can track their heartrate; but do they know what powers these features? There’s a good chance it is flexible electronics like a flex PCB or other component. We want them to know just how integral this technology is to future innovation.

Additionally, we want engineers and designers to consider robust e-textiles for their designs. In some cases, e-textiles are more cost-effective than the other options available for heating, lighting, and sensing.”

Educate and inspire; those are Loomia’s goals for Webinar Week.

Register now on www.loomia.com/webinar

Posted September 5, 2023

Source: Loomia

Haelixa Receives A New Capital Injection From Zürich Silk Association (ZSIG)

ZÜRICH — September 5, 2023 — Haelixa, a physical traceability solution, has received a capital injection from the Zürich Silk Association (ZSIG). The Switzerland-based solution provides next- generation solutions for transparency in consumer goods supply chains.

The ZSIG is an association of active and former companies from Zürich’s silk industry. It was founded in 1854 and is one of Switzerland’s oldest trade groups. They focus on promoting high-quality projects relevant to the textile industry.

“We are profoundly grateful for the generous support ZSIG provides and their exclusive network. As an association with a rich history in textiles, ZSIG has a track record in selecting future-proof solutions, and this contribution reaffirms our shared commitment to innovation,” said Gediminas Mikutis, Haelixa’s co-founder and the chairman of the board.

Haelixa’s mission is to be the standard in physical traceability globally. With engineered unique DNA markers designed to withstand all processing and treatment of materials throughout the supply chain, the technology empowers textile and fashion companies to make more responsible choices. By testing products for the DNA as they journey through the value chain, Haelixa validates whether the original marked materials are present. Traceability helps brands verify their claims and provides the data to calculate their environmental and social impact.

The capital contributed will support the scale of Haelixa’s global operations. The Board of ZSIG is proud to be part of the investors backing Haelixa’s goals to use DNA markers to create full supply chain transparency. The impact of the technology will provide a traceable fingerprint for textile industry stakeholders.

Posted: September 5, 2023

Source Haelixa Ltd.

The Material Sustainability Index (MSI) Scores For Regel™ Fibre Are Now Officially Published

BANGKOK, Thailand — September 5, 2023 — The Material Sustainability Index (MSI) Scores for Regel™ fiber are now officially published on Wordly Portal, which was formerly known as Higg. This accomplishment marks a significant milestone in the journey of Regel fiber.

Regel is a recycled acrylic fiber from Thai Acrylic Fibre Co. Ltd. (TAF), that offers a sustainable solution to the textile industry’s waste management challenges through an authentic and intimate chemical recycling process that delivers warmth, comfort and vibrant shades.

Regel stands alongside Radianza™, which both emanate from TAF, as the only two acrylic fibre brands to have unveiled their MSI Scores, setting them apart as leaders in sustainable practices within the industry.

A hall mark of this achievement lies in the substantial reduction in the environmental footprint facilitated by Regel. In contrast to virgin acrylic fiber, the MSI Scores and LCA study shows a remarkable improvement, particularly in terms of Global Warming Potential (carbon footprint), showcasing a reduction of approximately 30 percent. This improvement is largely attributed to the integration of a minimum of 50-percent recycled content in Regel, effectively decreasing the reliance on virgin polymer, which is a primary contributor of GWP.

“We are thrilled about this published MSI scores of Regel — it is clear that Regel has taken significant steps to minimize its environmental footprint and promote sustainability in the textile industry as well as provide alternatives to conventional fibers that align with environmentally conscious values,” said Tuhin Kulshreshtha, head of marketing, TAF.

What makes Regel even more exceptional is its range of sustainable attributes, positioning as a truly remarkable recycled acrylic fiber that has:

  • GRS Certification;
  • Bluesign® APPROVED certification;
  • MSI Scores;
  • LCA Study (independently conducted);
  • 50% and 75% recycled content variants; and
  • Made by using clean solvents (NO USE of DMF/DMAc).

Posted: September 5, 2023

Source Thai Acrylic Fibre Co., Ltd.

Aquapak Polymers Appoints Nonwoven Expert To Its Advisory Board To Support Global Market Drive

BIRMINGHAM, England — September 5, 2023 — Aquapak Polymers Ltd., which specializes in polymer-based material technologies which deliver both performance and environmental responsibility at scale, has today announced the appointment of leading U.S. nonwoven industry expert, Dr. Kyra Dorsey, to its Advisory Board, which comprises business leaders and experts in material science and the environment. Her appointment is an extension of Aquapak’s market development strategy with a specific focus on tapping into the growing global demand from end use industries such as hygiene and healthcare, thanks to the versatility and cost-effectiveness of nonwoven material.

Kyra will support Aquapak in bringing its innovative Hydropol™ technology to full-scale commercialization in the nonwoven sector using her extensive development experience in spunmelt, composite, carded, wetlaid, and chemical applications. Hydropol is a highly functional, specialty environmental polymer that allows product design to support the circular economy — by enabling recycling and delivering multiple end-of-life options. It is designed to be an alternative to traditional plastics, offering their versatility and functionality but without harming the environment.

Kyra has over two decades of experience developing products for a variety of markets and application end uses such as wipes, hygiene, medical, industrial and specialty, and food and beverage. She has a doctorate in Chemical Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology. Her nonwoven journey began at the Georgia Institute of Technology with a thesis on fiber formation in meltblowing. She has recently founded Glory Group LLC, a nonwoven consulting firm to serve the nonwoven industry, having spent 11 years at Suominen Nonwovens in both commercial and technical leadership roles and, prior to that she was at Ahlstrom for six years.

Commenting on Kyra’s appointment, Mark Lapping, CEO, Aquapak, said: “The market opportunity for Hydropol technology is huge and Kyra brings nonwoven experience which is second to none. Her technical knowledge and understanding of the nonwoven sector will help us identify opportunities for Hydropol as manufacturers look for new, sustainable ways to produce products such as flushable wipes for personal care and household use, which offer all the functionality without the environmental impact.”

Commenting on the role, Dr. Kyra Dorsey, said: “Hydropol™ is a very exciting proposition which has the potential to transform the use of conventional plastics in the nonwovens market. It is of great value to the innovative brands who are ready to do things differently and for consumers who are keen to recycle more.”

Aquapak has successfully developed and commercialized Hydropol, which is soluble, non-toxic and marine safe. Products made with Hydropol are safe for existing recycling processes and are fully biodegradable, leaving no trace or plastic pollution should they enter the environment. As an enabling technology, Hydropol can be used on its own or in combination with other materials to enhance recyclability, compostability and end-of-life options. Its material properties allow for scalability into diverse types of products and its solubility makes it easy to separate from other materials when recycling.

Posted: September 5, 2023

Source Aquapak Polymers Ltd.

Pindler Launches Silk Collection

MOORPARK, Calif. — August 31, 2022 — For some time, Pindler’s clients have asked for a collection of easy-to-use silk fabrics with ageless patterns. Pindler’s design team has delivered, and the Silk Collection is now available to add a polished, luxurious and classic look to a space.

The Silk Collection includes seven timeless silk-blend patterns — solids, checks, plaids and stripes — in a spectrum of colors. These much-requested, ageless designs are sure to become staples in the Pindler line.

The fabrics pay homage to traditional design elements while the soft, dreamy colors and clean, crisp neutrals keep the collection current. The Silk Collection includes classic solids, plus gingham checks and plaids available in both small and midscale options. A selection of tailored stripes rounds out this stunning group, ensuring this versatile collection will become a go-to selection for any style and scheme.

The fabrics in the Silk Collection are woven in a silk-blend taffeta construction, which lends itself to being a workhorse in a variety of applications from drapery to upholstery and more. Taffeta is a crisp, plain weave that when woven with silk yarns produces a refined, lustrous and luxurious appearance.

The Silk Collection is 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 5, 2023

Source: Pindler

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