ITMA 2023 Launches Online Visitor Registration

BRUSSELS — November 30, 2022 — The ITMA 2023 online visitor registration platform is open for registration. Visitors can enjoy early bird rates until May 7, 2023, when they buy badges online at www.itma.com.

A one-day badge costs 40 euros, and a seven-day badge is 80 euros. Students can visit the exhibition from June 10-14, 2023, at a special rate of 25 euros for a 5-day badge. ITMA 2023 supporting organization members can also enjoy a special group rate. To-date, the exhibition has garnered the support of more than 140 trade and professional associations.

Visitors can register for ITMA conferences and forums, and request an invitation letter when ordering their badge if they require a visa to enter Italy.

In addition, visitors will be able to access ITMAconnect, the newly-launched online platform from 8 March 2023 to plan their exhibition visit. They will be able to explore exhibitors’ digital spaces and make appointments for stand visits at the exhibition in Milan.

Overwhelming response from exhibitors

ITMA 2023 is set to make a strong presentation in Milan with over 1,570 exhibitors from 42 countries. Currently, exhibition space is almost sold out. Over 100 companies are still on the wait list, hoping to get exhibit space in ITMA.  Response has been enthusiastic as many major industry names take bigger stand space at the exhibition. The full list of exhibitors is available on www.itma.com.

Ernesto Maurer, president of CEMATEX (European Committee of Textile Machinery Manufacturers), the show owner of ITMA 2023, said: “Despite various challenges, ITMA 2023 has the unstinting support of leading textile machinery manufacturers and other solution providers. Space bookings have surpassed ITMA 2019’s net exhibition space of 114,550 square meters. All the halls have been fully booked and there are only pockets of space left.

“We are also pleasantly surprised that a number of exhibitors have taken up larger stand surface. On average, we see more than 10 percent increase in the space booked by exhibitors. Despite the current uncertainties, an important agenda of our exhibitors is engagement with future prospects and be ready when the global economy strengthens. Many of our members are gearing up to launch their new or improved innovations at ITMA 2023, especially helping textile manufacturers to be more sustainable.”

Expectations are high for best-in-class solutions in the sustainable innovation space across the textile value chain that will be showcased at next year’s exhibition. The halls featuring the finishing, weaving and nonwovens, and spinning and winding sectors were fully booked since the close of space application, according to ITMA Services, organizer of ITMA 2023.

Ardent exhibitors who have been participating at ITMA include the Saurer Group which will be making a huge presence on the show floor in the spinning sector. Pia Terasa, the group’s vice president of marketing & communications said, “ITMA 2023 allows us to show the latest innovations supporting the textile industry’s transition towards a circular economy.”

“As a company with a long tradition, our focus has always been on enabling our customers to face the changing challenges along the textile value chain. We started early to focus on energy efficiency, raw material utilization and intelligent automation,” she added, giving a sneak preview of the group’s innovations to be launched at ITMA 2023.

Besides Saurer, other exhibitors taking big stands include Epson, Groz-Beckert, Karl Mayer Stoll, Lonati, Muratec, Oerlikon, Pai Lung, Picanol, Reggiani Macchine, Rieter, Savio, Staubli, Trützschler and Vandewiele.

Start-Up Valley

A total of 38 companies from 15 countries applied for the Start-Up Valley grant given by CEMATEX. Sixteen applicants have been selected for the grant. The list of successful applicants is available on the ITMA 2023 website.

The Start-Up Valley is a new initiative by CEMATEX to showcase young enterprises with game-changing solutions for the textile and garment industry. Successful applicants have been awarded a CEMATEX grant to exhibit at ITMA 2023.

ITMA 2023, the world’s largest international textile and garment technology exhibition, will be held at Fiera Milano Rho, Milan from 8 to 14 June 2023.

Posted: November 30, 2022

Source: The European Committee of Textile Machinery Manufacturers (CEMATEX) / ITMA Services

INDA Names MaryJo Lilly Market Intelligence Leader

CARY, N.C. — November 30, 2022 — INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, has named MaryJo Lilly as its new Market Intelligence Leader. Lilly brings more than 20 years of nonwovens & engineered materials expertise with a strong background in the disposable, medical and specialty materials industries.

Before starting a consulting firm two years ago, Lilly was regional commercial director of North America for Tredegar Film Products and before that, spent more than a decade as vice president of sales at Berry Global in the Health, Hygiene, and Specialties Division growing the personal care and medical markets.

Additionally, Lilly’s leadership experience includes global business director at Clopay Plastic Products and director of sales and marketing for Absorbent Materials at Rayonier Performance Fibers. Lilly holds a Ph.D. from the University of Pittsburgh.

With her strong industry knowledge and extensive network, Lilly will develop, issue and present meaningful reports, presentations and data to support INDA, member decision-making and the industry. She will, through collaboration with market participants and subject matter experts, develop and maintain relevant industry statistics, reports and surveys on the North American and worldwide markets by major segments and processing technologies.

“MaryJo is well-respected within our industry and brings a wealth of relevant experience and contacts in key nonwovens market segments,” said Tony Fragnito, INDA president. “Delivering market insights to our members for well-informed decision-making is one of INDA’s key value propositions. MaryJo will enhance our value and relevance in this industry service. We are delighted to have her join INDA in this vital role.”

Posted: November 30, 2022

Source: INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry

Hi-Tech Crochet: EUROJERSEY And CIFRA Together For A New Beachwear Concept

CARONNO PERTUSELLA, Italy — November 30, 2022 — The collaboration between EUROJERSEY, with its patented Sensitive® Fabrics representing the style and creativity of Made in Italy in the field of warp-knitted technical fabrics, and Cifra, a benchmark company in Warp Knit Seamless technology, introduces a revolutionary new feature to the beachwear world: it is “HI-TECH CROCHET”, an idea that combines the performance and uniqueness of WKS technology with the unmistakable style of Sensitive® Fabrics.

Swimwear designed on two layers: the first, soft and enveloping on the skin, thanks to the qualities of Sensitive® Fabrics, the second, a seamless 3D jacquard fabric. A combination that gives depth and two-dimensionality to the garment, almost a work of art in perfect balance between solids and voids, between highlights and transparencies, between harmonies and contrasts.

Posted: November 30, 2022

Source: EUROJERSEY

Zero-Waste Textile Producer Launches Upcycling Project

SOUTHAMPTON, England — November 25, 2022 — Kingly Ltd. is one of only 52 GOTS-certified sock producers in the world. It also is the first zero-waste textile company that creates sustainable products for the promotional industry. The company just introduced its “Upcycling project” which intends to retrieve textile waste not for recycling but for using it to create new products.

“One of earth’s biggest polluters is the textile and apparel industry and its environmentally detrimental activities that are contributing to the declining health of our planet,” said Rob Armour, CEO and founder of Kingly. “Recognizing that we are at an important crossroad, my team and I are dedicated to providing the best sustainable earth-friendly products.

“We are proud to announce a new initiative we call ‘The Kingly Upcycling Project’. The mission is to inspire and educate people on upcycling and repurposed design and how to do it on a larger scale.”

Production produces waste

During the manufacture of socks, small factory offcuts are produced. They’re a mixture of cotton, nylon, Lycra, elastane, and materials like polyester, polypropylene, and other fibers. It is impossible for these offcuts to be recycled as there is no way one can separate the different fibers. For this reason, they would normally go to landfill.

Offcut waste is now retained and re-used

However, based on their commitment to a better, cleaner environment, and in line with our ISO 14001 Environmental Policy, at Kingly, waste fibers are now retained. The leftover fibers find a new life as stuffing for printed pillowcases and for furniture.

Resource preservation

The demand for sustainable alternatives to the most popular textile merchandise products is raising. Kingly already help giants like Google, Samsung and Coca-Cola reduce their environmental footprint and save vital resources. Until the end of October 2022, Kingly’s clients have saved astonishing 25 075 314 litres of water by choosing their award-winning upcycled socks in compostable bags as corporate gifts. Moreover, 93 592 kW/h of energy have been saved, the carbon footprint has been minimized by 38 397 kg, and the company has prevented 4 235 m2 from turning into landfill.

A case study from 2021 shows that Kingly has helped Google save more than 24 million liters of water with a single order of socks. In addition, energy consumption has been reduced by 90.168 KWh and the process prevented the use of 1,826 kg of pollutants. Kingly has also partnered with the developers of Polygiene, a technology that enables textiles to stay fresher for long, to reduce the frequency of washing and allow further resource savings.

Kingly’s upcycled cotton socks in compostable bags and GOTS organic cotton socks have just been shortlisted for the BPMA’s Product Awards 2022-2023.

November 29, 2022

Source: Kingly

 

Richard French Named President Of Mannington Commercial

CALHOUN, Ga. — November 28, 2022 — Mannington Commercial, a leading manufacturer of commercial flooring products crafted with purpose, is announcing Richard French as its new president, effective today. He replaces Tom Pendley, who was promoted to COO of Mannington Commercial’s parent company, Mannington Mills, last month.

A veteran of the floor covering industry his entire career, French was most recently the senior vice president and chief commercial officer at Bentley Mills. Before joining Bentley Mills, French spent more than 20 years at Interface serving in a variety of leadership roles before becoming the company’s vice president of sales for the Americas. French began his career at Milliken.

“Richard will be a tremendous asset to our Commercial business team,” said Pendley. “He is a proven leader with deep experience and knowledge of the floor covering industry and the various commercial market segments we serve. Richard’s enthusiasm and character are an excellent fit for the Mannington organization, and we look forward to a successful future under his leadership.”

“It’s exciting to be joining an organization such as Mannington Commercial, which has such an exceptional reputation within the floor covering industry and among the architect and design community,” said French. “I’m looking forward to working with the entire organization to build on the values, the culture and the assets that are in place to drive even greater value for our customers.”

French graduated from Auburn University with a bachelor’s degree in engineering and has completed an executive program in organizational leadership at the University of Michigan’s Stephen M. Ross School of Business. He and his wife Leanne live in Atlanta and have two sons.

Posted November 29, 2022

Source: Mannington Commercial

Darn Tough Vermont Fosters Social Responsibility By Providing Food For Families

NORTHFIELD, Vt. — November 28, 2022 — Darn Tough Vermont® continues its dedicated, 19-year long relationship with the Vermont Foodbank, aiming to tackle food insecurity in Vermont and helping those families in need. The relationship began in 2003 and the brand has since donated more than 1 million meals to hungry Vermonters. In 2017 Darn Tough started to donate 100 percent of its online proceeds from Giving Tuesday to the Vermont Foodbank and 2022 was no different.

“We embrace social responsibility and showing up for each other,” said Ric Cabot, Darn Tough Vermont president and CEO. “It’s hard to see people in our communities’ struggle year after year, which is why we wanted to step it up a notch this year with Knit to Give. Knit to Give will help raise awareness for the Vermont Foodbank outside of just donating meals with the purpose of giving back –— no matter what.”

Seeking to have more of an influence, the brand launched Knit to Give in 2022, a limited-edition sock program that releases new sock styles that feature designs unique to this program and will only be available for purchase on darntough.com. All profits from the Knit to Give collection go directly to the Vermont Foodbank, so customers can be assured both their feet and hearts are warm.

One in three families face food insecurity in Vermont which is why Knit to Give is driven to build on their contributions to the Vermont Food Bank outside of donating meals.

Many Americans are struggling to put food on their tables that are rooted from many economic uncertainties influenced by COVID and record high inflation. According to Feeding America, 53 million people turned to food banks and community programs in 2021.

The Vermont Foodbank is the state’s largest hunger-relief organization, providing nourishing food to neighbors experiencing hunger through a network of more than 300 community partners — food shelves, meal sites, senior centers, after-school programs, schools, and hospitals.

Posted November 29, 2022

Source: Darn Tough

UNIFI, Makers Of REPREVE®, Announces Major Expansion Of Textile Takeback™

GREENSBORO, N.C. — November 28, 2022 — Today, Unifi Inc., maker of REPREVE®, announced a major expansion of its innovative Textile Takeback™ program. The initiative is designed to collect and recycle polyester-based fabric waste, including both pre- and post-consumer fabrics, and transform it into REPREVE – a recycled performance fiber that powers top brands and sustainable goods worldwide.

With millions of tons of textile waste discarded each year, Textile Takeback aims to transform the industry’s take-make-waste model by providing a sustainable way to recycle landfill-bound textiles and create new products. Through UNIFI’s proprietary process, the Company transforms dyed and undyed polyester-based textile discards into recycled resin through an innovative material conversion process. The recycled resin is then converted into REPREVE fiber, or it may be blended with recycled bottle material to achieve desired specifications. The material then begins its life cycle again and avoids a trip to the landfill. By focusing on sustainable solutions that create a closed-loop circular system, Textile Takeback from UNIFI serves as an actionable step towards addressing the industry’s waste footprint.

“UNIFI has always seen sustainability as a movement — not a moment,” said Eddie Ingle, CEO of UNIFI. “We are thrilled to expand Textile Takeback to provide our partners with a sustainable solution that helps to create a more circular supply chain for all.”

As an industry leader and legacy company, UNIFI has championed sustainable innovation since 1971. As the makers of REPREVE, UNIFI has transformed more than 35 billion plastic bottles into recycled fiber for new apparel, footwear, home goods, and other consumer products. Initially piloted in 2011, Textile Takeback will include an expanded global footprint and product application scope, making a sustainable solution for waste accessible to partners at scale.

“Finding new ways to help our partners meet their sustainability goals is always top of mind,” said Meredith Boyd, senior vice president of Technology, Innovation & Sustainability of UNIFI. “By expanding our Textile Takeback initiative, we are one step closer to shaping a future where waste is the exception, not the rule.”

Posted: November 29, 2022

Source: Unifi Inc.

2022 Polartec Apex Award Winners Announced

SPARTANBURG, S.C. — November 28, 2022 — Polartec®, a Milliken™ & Company brand, and premium creator of sustainable textile solutions, is excited to announce the winners of the 2022 Polartec Apex Award. The annual design award celebrates the brands and designers that push the boundaries to turn Polartec fabric technologies into inspiring products. The winning garments — selected from hundreds of entries based on skilled and creative uses of Polartec fabrics — exemplify the pinnacle of form and functionality across sport, lifestyle, and performance categories.

The winners of this year’s Polartec Apex Award highlight design solutions that emphasize versatility, sustainability, and convert classic traditions into modern concepts. The 2022 Polartec Apex Design Award winners are:

Berghaus MTN Guide MW Hoody — The MTN Guide MW Hoody is a performance mid-layer that manages the delicate balance of warmth, breathability, and moisture. By using different weights of Polartec Power Grid™, the garment removes the bulk for a better fit and increased breathability in high heat areas. The addition of an innovative Polartec Power Wool™ internal neck gaiter provides custom-tuned warmth that can be easily used with the hood up, down, or tuck it out of the way when not needed. Due to Polartec Power Wool’s unique bi-component construction, combining the properties of both natural and synthetic fibers, you get the ultimate in next-to-skin fabric performance.

Judges’ Verdict:  Berghaus was thoughtful in its use of multiple Polartec® fabrics, both in terms of genre and weight.

Element x Millet – MXE – P EDGE FLEECE LTD PO and MXE – P FLEECE LTD PANT — An incredible convergence of design, inspiration, and upcycling innovation blends seamlessly between vintage Millet styling curated with deadstock Polartec 200 Series Recycled Fleece and Element’s artistic touch blends in this cozy collection.  Millet and Element’s teams breathed new life into leftover fabrics, creating a unique color-blocked look while providing unparalleled comfort and warmth. With greater resiliency, lightweight warmth and fast dry times, Polartec fleece remains the industry standard for outerwear performance since its inception in 1981.

Judges Verdict: We loved the sustainability story through Element and Millet’s use of discarded fabrics.

Haglöfs L.I.M Z|T Sync 1 Mid Hood & L.I.M Z|T Sync 2 Mid Jacket — Built for super rugged conditions, the L.I.M Series Z|T is a truly synchronized layering system challenging the common perception of expedition gear. The versatile new approach to layering elevates the “less is more” wisdom, utilizing a combination of Polartec Alpha®, Power Air™, and Power Dry® technologies. Through meticulous design and a selection of innovative Polartec fabrics, the pieces supply outstanding functionality when worn individually, but true ingenuity shines when they are combined, producing an average of 30-percent lower humidity within the layering system compared to that of conventional systems, according to Haglöfs. The result: reducing the feeling of being too hot or too cold and keeping body temperature stable through a wide range of activities and intensities.

Judges’ Verdict: Haglöfs delivered an innovative concept made possible through the multiple use of Polartec fabrics.

Houdini Pace Flow Houdi — Constructed of Polartec Power Dry — a superiorly advanced next-to-skin moisture management fabric — the super versatile Pace Flow Houdi offers high insulation, low weight and exceptional breathability. The open mesh fabric allows air to flow through and vent out any excess heat or moisture and when used in a layering system, will encapsulate a powerful layer of warm air — akin to the new generation of Polartec Power Air fabrics — that provides an exceptional level of insulation and thermal efficiency to create the perfect microclimate for high pace activities.

Judges’ Verdict: Houdini is known for its strong sustainability credentials and has delivered outstanding results with this new, recycled Polartec technology.

Indyeva Toga — An ideal blend of style and performance, this modern designed fleece tunic featuring Polartec Thermal Pro® for core body warmth is highly durable and pill resistant. With technical fiber compositions that maintain a soft texture and air pockets for thermoregulation and breathability, Thermal Pro advances fleece fashion with premium yarns for a cozy, resilient, and stylish finish. The thin and soft Toga tunic can be worn as an outer layer or an insulating intermediate layer under a shell without added bulk.

Judges’ Verdict:  Indyeva’s unique application of Polartec fabric also features attention to detail and undeniable style.

KUIU Wind Pro Fleece Full Zip — Dead quiet, low-sheen, and highly wind resistant, the first-of-its-kind printed Polartec Wind Pro® fleece hunting jacket is versatile as an early-season outer layer or as a late-season mid-layer that achieves high-level protection without a noisy windproof membrane, ensuring unrestricted breathability for maximum comfort. Engineered with a compact knit surface structure for up to 4x greater wind resistance than regular synthetic fleece, Wind Pro adds brawn to deflect the elements while still maintaining soft comfort and lightweight warmth.

Judges’ Verdict:  Kuiu presented us with a challenge that led to innovative results for both brands.

Moncler Grenoble Peyrus Hooded Jacket & Shorts — Designed for an active lifestyle in a retro inspired mountaineering silhouette, this ripstop hooded jacket & shorts are made with a wind-proof lining and hydrophobic Polartec Alpha that regulates warmth and provides exceptional breathability. Alpha continuously releases excess body heat before it builds – an adaptive quality that is made possible through Alpha’s lofted fibers connected to a solid mesh core. This active insulation resists all moisture, is incredibly fast drying, and highly compressible, making it the ideal piece for on and off the mountain.
Judges’ Verdict: Moncler Grenoble’s Peyrus Hooded Jacket and Shorts offer technical excellence for outdoor adventures with their exceptional breathability.

Nonnative Dweller Cardigan Poly Fleece — Reimagining the esteemed cardigan silhouette as a high performing technical garment, utilizing Polartec Alpha Direct fabric providing warmth while continuously releasing excess body temperature to maintain comfort and coziness. Alpha Direct active insulation technology allows for direct contact with skin and other fabric layers due to the refining of the shape and size of its lofted fibers — this new design ability not only increases breathability performance but expands versatile style options. Japanese label, Nonnative, has gained a following for its fresh takes on traditional American workwear, upgrading them with contemporary fabrications to blend practicality and style — an approach that gained attention through this inventive utilization of Alpha Direct.

Judges’ Verdict:  Nonnative’s cardigan is on-trend and features high performance fabric – the perfect combination.

Pearl Izumi Pro Alpha Layer — Designed for cyclists, this innovative midlayer featuring Polartec Alpha Direct fabric transfers moisture with breakaway speed, keeping riders dry and comfortable throughout a wide temperature range in an extremely lightweight, packable, insulative, and thermoregulating garment with unparalleled breathability and drying times. By refining the shape and size of its lofted fibers, Alpha Direct active insulation continuously releases excess body heat before it builds to cause saturation and discomfort, and being hydrophobic, it resists moisture and dries incredibly fast for unparalleled performance and versatility.

Judges’ Verdict: We were impressed by Pearl Izumi’s focus on versatility through clever use of fabric for year-round appeal.

Santini Alpha Pack Vest — A revolutionary new garment designed for gravel cyclists seeking protection from cold and wind, the pack vest combines a unique version of Polartec Alpha with Wool for superb moisture management properties and natural thermoregulation. Alpha active insulation is engineered for consistent warmth while allowing for greater breathability and fast drying during activity, and maintains a highly packable, low-weight structure — all critical benefits for year-round, all-weather cyclists.

Judges’ Verdict: Santini has successfully adopted this new Polartec® technology to create an on-trend garment for gravel cyclists around the world.

SCARPA Ribelle Run Kalibra G — Applied for the first time to a trail running shoe, Polartec Windbloc® provides water resistant, breathable, and comfortable protection for seriously gnarly conditions in the Ribelle Run Kalibra G trail shoe. Designed for mixed terrain and extreme conditions, the shoe’s gaiter is constructed of a unique Polartec polyurethane membrane that defends against the harshest elements of wind, water, and cold temperatures, while still allowing moisture vapor to permeate outside for maximum comfort and breathability.

Judges’ Verdict: Scarpa’s developed an impressive trail running shoe.  A world-first and genius pairing of Polartec technology for high performance.

Thrudark Centurion Alpine Jacket — A versatile technical softshell jacket incorporating a unique combination of two Polartec powered fabrics and one enhancing technology.  Designed as a midlayer for advanced technical pursuits, the Centurion Alpine Jacket is forged with Polartec Hardface® technology, fused at the fiber level to increase abrasion resistance and water repellency without compromising breathability. In addition to the bomb-proof exterior, it also includes Polartec Power Stretch for ease of movement and Polartec Power Air, capturing air to retain body heat in cool environments. Designed as the ultimate all-mountain piece, the Jacket is perfectly suited for a diverse range of outdoor disciplines.

Judges’ Verdict: ThruDark’s tried and tested Centurion Alpine Jacket uses multiple, sustainable Polartec fabrics to create a jacket that will withstand extreme use.

Every Apex Awards winner is an embodiment of Polartec fabric innovation and design inspiration, celebrating the science of fabric and the art of product design. Each winner will receive a coveted Malden Wizard trophy in celebration of their winning designs, in addition to joint marketing support. The Apex Awards also feature a “People’s Choice” contender — voted on by the public via Polartec social media platforms — and will be announced in the coming weeks.

Posted: November 29, 2022

Source: Polartec®, A Milliken & Company Brand

Sperotto Rimar Offers Smart And Eco-Friendly Solutions For Textile Finishing

TRISSINO, Italy — November 29, 2022 — The finishing sector is a significant stage in the value chain contributing to a wide range of properties in the textile end-use. Bringing an ideal look, touch and functionality to many different applications is a real challenge for machine manufacturers. Smart innovations are needed. And customers also demand solutions that respect both valuable resources and the environment. The Sperotto Rimar portfolio combines both ingenuity and sustainability, to meet these goals — and customer needs which can be discussed with the real experts at upcoming India ITME.

Sperotto Rimar follows two energy-saving strategies in machine development for fabric finishing. The first aims at technology which skips one or more production steps, to shorten the finishing process. Equally important is the use of innovative components such as motors, electrical and electronic controls, which can significantly reduce energy consumption.

Optimizing finishing processes is another way to save energy. The highest potential for energy saving today would come from reducing the use of steam, water or electricity in processing, and adopting technical solutions to limit, or partially recover, the energy consumed.

Short process, big impact

The Decofast decatizing machine offers significant energy savings with the substitution of a discontinuous process. On certain fabric types, it allows users to skip one pass of direct steaming with pressure. This shortened process results in lower energy consumption and requires less labor. The technology enabling more sustainable decatising was actually introduced at the beginning of 2000 – long before finishing customers demanded machinery with reduced environmental footprints or urgent solutions for energy-saving needs

Less steam, less energy

The Universa fabric relaxing machine can be used wherever relaxing, shrinking and bulking effects are required. It has wide application in different finishing fields — from wool to synthetic fabrics. Universa was designed to drastically reduce steam consumption. Tests prove that 30% less steam is needed compared to traditional technology. Conclusively, the machine needs 30% less energy – while achieving the expected quality results.

Recycling and closed loops

Nova has been a success for the past 50 years and is still the most eco-friendly solvent scouring machine – and the ideal alternative to traditional water scouring for the washing of synthetic fabrics. The technology has been continuously improved and therefore it facilitates excellent cleaning performance on various materials. Most of all, Nova convinces ecologically-sensitive finishers by its mastery of recycling. The machine recycles more than 99% of the chemicals used in the process.

Traditional scouring machines need a critical amount of water and detergents, which then must be treated as effluent. They also effect a relatively low level of oil elimination from the fabric. Nova solvent-based scouring is eco-friendly, as it works with a closed loop system in which air and solvent are properly treated and recycled. The fact that it takes 10 times less energy to dry solvent than to dry the same amount of water is an additional environmental plus for Nova. Furthermore, it almost totally removes the oil contained in the fabric, so that no polluted fumes are released in the subsequent thermic processes (heat-setting).

Compas – sustainable prime example

Sperotto Rimar’s Compas open-width compacting and finishing machine for knitted and woven fabrics uses an indirect water-cooling system to reduce the compacting belt temperature. With this system, the water is recovered by passing it through a chiller to keep its temperature at the right level. This technology can save about three cubic meters per hour. This water, totally unpolluted, can be continuously recovered and re-used in the machine. Traditional technology uses nozzles to spray water on the belt surface. The disadvantage of this is that the water is then discharged into the drain, contaminated with fluff and other products contained in the treated fabric.

Another feature enables a minimal environmental footprint through technology-based process optimization. Chemicals used before the dry finishing process are typically softeners or resins to enhance the final appearance and touch of the fabric. These are then transferred to the final garment. It is possible to reduce significantly the level of such chemicals, since the machine partially compensates for the effect of these chemicals. Thanks to its unique compacting method, Compas imparts a silky touch, only partly attributable to the softeners used, while mainly deriving from the special materials in the machine design.

Natural stretch is usually obtained by inserting elastane (a synthetic elastic yarn) during the weaving phase. The elastane itself, however, is difficult to deteriorate. Compas ensures the same degree of elasticity but with a final product that is 100% `natural´. Thanks to technology, saving the environment no longer means end-users have to compromise on the touch and feel of fabrics.

Sperotto Rimar inside

Know-how and experience – with a creative and successful development team – can make a big difference to finishing machinery design. Underpinning this, Sperotto Rimar always chooses machine components from latest-generation technology, aiming to save as much energy as possible. For example, the motors installed are of the IE 3 type.

The focus of Sperotto Rimar is to develop a range of effective solutions, which make the most of textiles, in a sustainable way. Continuous technological innovations result in a smaller environmental footprint without compromising final fabric quality.

Sperotto Rimar on-site! Experts offer first-hand information about sustainable solutions for finishers at upcoming India ITME. Sperotto Rimar (member of Santex Rimar Group) welcomes visitors at the Group’s Booth H5F5 in Hall 5 at IEML in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh.

Posted: November 29, 2022

Source: Sperotto Rimar

AATCC Announces 2023 Board Of Directors

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC — November 29, 2022 — This fall, AATCC members elected their 2023-2024 representatives to the board of directors. All officers will begin their term on January 1.

Andrew Fraser

President-Elect

Andrew Fraser, Textile Color and Sourcing Solutions, will serve two years as president-elect before continuing to president for two years, and finally immediate past president for two years. Fraser will be a member of the board for all six years, providing continuity and guidance to the association. When Fraser become president-elect, John Crocker, SDL Atlas, becomes president and Harrie Schoots becomes immediate past president.

Interest Groups

AATCC members participate in one or more interest groups to network, learn, and share ideas with like-minded colleagues. Each member may select one “voting” interest group from which they elect representatives to the AATCC Board.

The Chemical Applications interest group elected Sabyasachi Gaan, Empa as chair; Brian Alloway, Azelis, as secretary; and Dennis Scheer, SST Technology Solutions, as at-large member.

Tom Stutts, Color Solutions International, and Tammie Rollins, UL, were each selected to serve a second term representing the Concept 2 Consumer interest group. Stutts will continue as chair and Rollins will continue as at-large member.

The Materials interest group also re-elected an experienced slate of officers. Christina Rappa, WL Gore, will serve a seconds term as chair and Apurba Banerjee, Glowforge, will reprise her role as at-large member.

AATCC’s newest interest group is Rising Professionals. The group is focused on supporting individuals as they embark on a career in textiles. Members include recent graduates as well as seasoned professionals transitioning from other industries and those who just want to learn more about navigating opportunities for growth. The Rising Professionals interest group elected Jessica Brooks, WL Gore, as chair and Bryan Ormond, NC State, as at-large member.

Regions

AATCC members belonging to a local section had the opportunity to elect a Regional representative to the Board.

Beginning in 2023, Patrick Ayers, Noble Biomaterials, will represent the Central Atlantic Region, which is comprised of the Delaware Valley, Hudson Mohawk, and NY-Metro sections.

Nelson Houser will continue to represent the Midsouth Region made up of the Piedmont Section. Houser has served on the board in many capacities, including as president.

The New England Region, covering the New England Section, elected Bethany Pollack, Draper Knitting.

Ashis Kumar Samanta, Calcutta University, was re-elected to represent the Southeast Asia Region. This region is currently composed of the India Section.

The Southern Region, including the Ozarks and Texas Sections will be represented by Ashley Handley, UL.

Western Region is comprised of the Northwest and California Sections. The region re-elected Karen Muhlin, The North Face, as its representative with an impressive 100 percent of the valid ballots.

Constitutional Amendments

Members also voted on approval of several amendments to the AATCC Constitution. This ballot is extended to December 23. If approved, the changes will take effect immediately.

Opportunities

While AATCC Board elections only occur every two years, there are many ways to get involved. Taking a leadership role on a committees or task group is an excellent way to make connections and gain valuable experience. To learn more about available opportunities, contact Diana Wyman, AATCC Executive Vice President (diana@aatcc.org) or any board or staff member.

Posted: November 29, 2022

Source: AATCC

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