Data Can Boost Spinners’ Profits: Uster Technologies Shares Raw Material Management Know-How

USTER, Switzerland — October 23, 2023 — Raw material management has a high priority for Uster Technologies. That’s clear from FiberQ — part of the new Uster 360Q suite of pioneering solutions for excellence in textile manufacturing. And it’s underlined by a second webinar pointing the way from raw material data to profits, scheduled for early November.

Fluctuations in raw material prices and quality are constant headaches for spinners. And volatile market demand for yarns adds to the pain. Market conditions are unpredictable, so the big challenge is to implement reliable planning for cotton sourcing and yarn production, to cover all scenarios.

Raw material management challenge

Efficient raw material management can be the basis for profitable mill operation. The recipe involves minimized raw cotton inventory to combat price fluctuations, combined with the state-of-the-art raw material management to make maximum use of those valuable stocks. And the vital ingredient is reliable data.

Of course, reliable data comes only from accurate measurement. It then requires proper analysis and decision-making. Until now, this was a human task — usually time-consuming, with a high risk of mistakes and a low level of optimization. Increased sampling could enable better visualization of cotton quality, but that likely requires even more data analysis and interpretation. This is no longer a problem, since Uster FiberQ solution allows cotton classification data from HVI to be automatically uploaded to the Uster 360Q Platform. From there it’s easy to create optimum laydowns. “Even without large raw material inventory and with basic textile know-how, mills can achieve consistent and reliable laydowns for long-term quality consistency and trouble-free production,” says Stratos Fragkotsinos, Head of Product Management for Mill Management Solutions at Uster Technologies.

The FiberQ solution

One of the general issues is the lack of objective measurement data to start making sound decisions on purchasing or utilization of cotton. Despite the high impact of instrument data, not all mills invest in this valuable equipment. In order to address the investment priority challenge, Uster HVI is now more accessible in selected countries through a subscription model, subject to conditions. With Uster HVI, higher sample testing and achieving objective, data-driven raw material sourcing and utilization will now be possible for a wider segment of the market.

Once the instrument is available and testing of incoming material is established, spinning mills face a delicate balancing act to ensure optimal stock levels without compromising quality or profitability. FiberQ can lead to higher quality consistency with minimum waste and mixing costs. The fact is that 65 to 75 percent of production cost is for raw material. So, spinners will readily understand the impact of the Uster raw material management solution.

Spinning mills need to adopt innovative techniques and technologies to meet cotton-related challenges and ensure long-term sustainability and profits. Until today, raw material management was largely based on the experience of mill personnel, with available tools at the level of Excel files. This resulted in low utilization of data, because of the complicated and time-consuming processes which ultimately could not offer optimum results.

Data-enabled software is the key to progress and success with raw material management. Uster FiberQ works with powerful software, analyzing fiber data from available inventories and creating consistent and reliable laydowns for optimum yarn quality and performance, every day.

Comprehensive and convincing

“I was asked by several mill managers about the advantages in choosing the Uster solution for raw material management,” Fragkotsinos said. He acknowledges that simple worksheets or own tools might be used by mills to support the work, but they are unable to handle the complexity and the deep knowhow required to achieve and sustain raw material management in spinning mills. “Uster offers a complete solution, starting from measuring the cotton parameters with the HVI, leading to big data analysis with know-how integrated software and including expert services from Uster technologists to ensure maximum and continuous value creation for the customer,” Fragkotsinos added.

The Uster “Think Quality” approach makes FiberQ unique and it’s the central theme of the Uster raw material management webinar series. Uster’s second webinar is titled “How raw material data can boost profit in spinning.” It focuses on how spinners can apply Uster solutions to address today’s raw material management challenges and boost their profitability. The webinar will explain how data can be translated into insights for improvements in raw material procurement and production.

For more information and registration see https://event.eu.on24.com/wcc/r/8000049289/AACF0C9A4AD829C4322AB914F32F9AEF?partnerref=cd

The first webinar on the subject “How to optimally manage cotton as a raw material” is available on demand from the link https://event.eu.on24.com/wcc/r/8000041407/FCCF6F220DEA316BDCAB8DA7CBDEC1B3?partnerref=cd

The Uster webinars are in English and free of charge. Like the FiberQ solution, the Uster webinars are developed with the goal of supporting spinners and quality managers to improve the overall process — from fiber to yarn.

Posted: October 23, 2023

Source: Uster Technologies AG

Lenzing Fiber Identification System Guarantees Traceability Of LENZING™ FR Fibers In Protective Wear

LENZING Protective Wear

LENZING, Austria — October 23, 2023 — Lenzing Group, a global producer of wood-based specialty fibers, is addressing the increasing need for material transparency and traceability in protective wear by utilizing the Lenzing Fiber Identification System for LENZING™ FR (flame resistant) cellulosic fibers. The system, which can identify LENZING FR fibers at every stage of production, guarantees unparalleled traceability, quality assurance, and trust in protective garments. Lenzing is also continuing its solid efforts in reducing carbon emissions by ensuring LENZING FR protective wear made from modal-based fibers set a new standard in responsible production processes. Carbon neutral LENZING FR fibers, certified by ClimatePartner, are also available to address growing sustainability needs in the industry.

Protective Wear used in the metal industry

“The growing demand for supply chain transparency among industry partners and consumers highlights the vital role of technology, like the Lenzing Fiber Identification System, has in guaranteeing the authenticity of LENZING FR fibers used in protective wear. This technology is becoming more important in today’s industry landscape, as material traceability and supply chain transparency will gradually become essential requirements in public and private procurement processes,” said Oliver Spöcker, director, Workwear & Protective Wear, Lenzing. “With over 45 years of industry experience in FR cellulosic fiber production, Lenzing provides high quality FR cellulosic fibers that deliver superior protection and durability through our extensive fiber portfolio. Thanks to our Fiber Identification System and industry know-how, we can ensure that authentic ingredients used in protective garments can provide the optimal protection required in accordance to relevant industry requirements.”

Fiber Identification System boosts confidence in supply chain

LENZING FR fibers are manufactured using renewable raw material wood sourced from controlled and certified forests in Austria and Central Europe in accordance with the stringent guidelines of the Lenzing Wood and Pulp policy. As one of the world’s oldest and most experienced companies in the industry, Lenzing is an enabler of supply chain transparency by ensuring traceability of Lenzing’s cellulosic fibers. The Lenzing Fiber Identification System can identify LENZING FR fibers at every stage of production, providing quality control and authenticity assurance. The system provides value chain partners with peace of mind that genuine, premium Lenzing fibers are used, enhancing their confidence in the supply chain. LENZING FR fibers are available with FSC or PEFC certification upon request and have been granted BioPreferred designation by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Prioritizing reduction of carbon emissions during production processes

LENZING FR fibers are produced using a fully integrated production process that uses more than 83% of renewable energy, resulting in 80-percent lower greenhouse gas emissions than generic modal fibers1. Carbon neutral LENZING FR fibers2, certified by ClimatePartner, are also available as an option for value chain partners who are keen on reducing their carbon footprint without compromising protection and comfort.

Raising the bar for protective garments

Certified by EU Ecolabel3, LENZING FR fibers are used in protective garments of firefighters, military, police, and oil and gas and metal manufacturing industries in more than 100 countries. Setting new quality standards in the industry, protective garments made of LENZING FR fibers are light, breathable, soft, and comfortable even in extreme heat conditions. Additionally, LENZING FR fibers have met the definition of “inherently flame retardant and resistant fibers” as specified by the European Man-made Fibers Association (CIRFS). LENZING FR fibers are also offered in a variety of colors using Eco Color technology, with up to 50 percent of energy and water savings and a 60 percent reduced carbon footprint than conventional resource-intensive dyeing method4. With long-lasting color fastness and design flexibility, LENZING FR fibers do not require additional color processing by yarn makers or fabric mills and are less prone to fade even after repeated washing.

Lenzing will showcase the industry’s first environmentally friendly firefighter garment at the A+A trade fair (booth 16/C56) in Germany on October 24-27, 2023. With a focus on circularity, the firefighter garment comprises of more than 50 percent of LENZING FR fiber content in all layers, including a significant amount of mechanically recycled LENZING FR and other high performance fibers.

1 Details of the certification are available on the TENCELTM website. Find out more: www.tencel.com/true-carbon-zero


2 Carbon neutrality is achieved by measuring, reducing and offsetting remaining carbon emissions by financing carbon compensation

projects (e.g. reforestation projects) and by retiring carbon credits so that the impact of global warming of the product’s carbon footprint is calculated as zero.


3 The EU Ecolabel is recognized in all member states of the European Union, as well as Norway, Liechtenstein and Iceland. The voluntary label, introduced by an EU regulation in 1992 (Regulation EEC 880/92), has gradually become a reference point for consumers who want to help reduce pollution by purchasing more environmentally-friendly products and services

4 Details about energy and water savings and reduced carbon footprint can be found in our Lenzing for Protective Wear brochure.

Posted: October 23, 2023

Source: Lenzing Aktiengesellschaft

7th BIGTEX — Bangladesh International Garment & Textile Machinery Expo — To Begin October 26 At The International Convention City Bashundhara In Dhaka, Bangladesh

DHAKA, Bangladesh — October 22, 2023 — 7th BIGTEX – Bangladesh International Garment & Textile Machinery Expo, will begin on October 26 at the International Convention City Bashundhara in Dhaka.

Industry Minister, Nurul Majid Mahmud Humayun, MP is expected to inaugurate the exposition on October 26 at 12:00 p.m. which will continue until October 28.

RedCarpet Global Limited, the organizer of the BIGTEX expo, disclosed details about the mega exhibition at a press conference on Sunday (October 22) at the Economic Reporters’ Forum (ERF) auditorium in the city.

The organizers said targeting the entire Textile, Garment & Apparel industry, they are organizing five international exhibitions simultaneously at the same place — named Bangladesh International Fabric & Yarn Expo, Bangladesh International Printing, Packaging & Signage Expo and Bangladesh International Dyes, Pigments & Chemicals Expo and 3P Expo – Bangladesh International Paper, Printing & Packaging Expo.

These exhibitions will also play an important role by showcasing latest machineries, technologies, dyes/chemicals, yarns, fabrics available for Bangladesh on display with manufacturers/suppliers from the world available to our Industry at the doorstep. Also the expo will provide an opportunity to experts, engineers & technicians in the field of textile to have a practical knowledge of the recent technological advancements available, without going abroad.

Ahmed Imtiaz, CEO of Redcarpet Global, mentioned that the expo will have almost 160 stalls from 12 countries including Asia and Europe.

Bangladesh holds the position of 2nd largest apparel exporter in the world & forecasted a target of $100 billion export by 2030, it needs quality Garment & Textile Machinery, Equipments, Technology, Printing & Packaging Machinery, Signage, Yarn, Fabric, Trims, Accessories, Dyes, Pigments, Chemicals at best Price. This expo will help manufacturer & dealers to showcase their products, where Bangladesh garment & textile factory owners & apparel exporters can get in touch with them, he said.

Besides, the participants will be able to identify business contacts with prospect of entering into subsequent business negotiations, he said.

Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers & Exporters Association and Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers & Exporters Association are the associate partner of the exhibition and Image Group is the Powered by partner of the Printing expo. This expo is supported by Bangladesh Paper Mills Association, endorsed by Bangladesh Sign Materials and Machineries Importers Association (BSMMIA) & Bangladesh Digital Printers Owners Association (BDPOA).

A.K.M Ahamed Ullah, Secretary, Bangladesh Digital Printers Owners Association, Md Manik Dewan, Secretary, Bangladesh Sign Materials and Machineries Importers Association, Md. Abdus Salam, CEO, Images Ltd., Mohammad Ashraful Islam Riyadh, editor & publisher, Textile Focus also spoke about exhibitions in the press conference.

This Expo will be open for general & trade visitors from 10:30 am to 7:30pm every day.

Posted: October 22, 2023

Source: RedCarpet Global Limited

Local Artisanal Business Offers The Perfect Gift With Tea Towels And Aprons Designed By Celebrated Food Photographer Renée Comet

WASHINGTON — October 19, 2023 — Comet Cloth is a small business based in the heart of Washington, which proudly creates a line of tea towels, aprons, and pillows, meticulously crafted and designed by renowned commercial food photographer Renée Comet.

With a passion for capturing the art and essence of culinary delights, Comet has long been celebrated for her exceptional culinary photography skills. Now, in this exciting venture, she brings her creative vision to the world of kitchen textiles, infusing each piece with her signature style and artistry.

The tea towels and aprons from Comet Cloth are more than just functional kitchen accessories; they are works of art designed to elevate everyday culinary experiences. Each product is thoughtfully handcrafted in the USA using premium materials, ensuring both durability and a luxurious touch. Comet’s iconic food photography adorns these textile masterpieces, making them a feast for the eyes and a source of inspiration for all food lovers.

“I wanted to create something with beautiful food that you can feel and touch. A tactile experience for your senses in a way similar to eating,” Comet said, the founder of Comet Cloth. “That desire led me to create these tea towels and aprons for cooks. Something that looks good, feels good and works! One-hundred percent cotton, grown, made, printed, sewn, and finished in the USA.”

Comet’s images have graced the pages of cookbooks, magazines, advertisements and packaging, and now, through her tea towels and aprons, people can bring a touch of her art into their own kitchens.

The collection showcases a wide range of designs, from vibrant fruits and vegetables to sumptuous desserts and aromatic herbs. The color palette is carefully chosen to complement a variety of kitchen styles, making these textiles an excellent addition to any home or a perfect gift for food enthusiasts and photography connoisseurs alike.

As a small business deeply rooted in the Washington community, Comet Cloth takes pride in supporting sustainable local craftsmanship and ethical production practices. All tea towels, pillow covers and aprons are handmade with love and care by skilled artisans right here in the USA.

The exclusive line of tea towels and aprons designed by Renée Comet will be available for purchase through Comet Cloth’s website, www.cometcloth.com.

Posted: October 21, 2023

Source: Comet Cloth

Soorty Unveils SS2025 Collection: Denim Threads Of The World

NEW YORK CITY — October 20, 2023 — Soorty, a global supplier of denim innovation, is excited to introduce its SS2025 collection, aptly titled “Denim Threads of the World.” This collection embodies the essence of denim craftsmanship and sustainability, showcasing three distinctive containers: Live It, Honor It, and Be It. Soorty’s collaboration with renowned denim expert Miles Johnson has been instrumental in shaping this groundbreaking collection.

Miles Johnson, a pivotal creative force behind the collection, joined Soorty during one of their quarterly international team meetings held in Karachi. His invaluable trend presentation for SS2025 and comprehensive market report served as the catalyst for the collection. Working alongside Johnson, Soorty explored denim craftsmanship in innovative ways, promising a continued partnership that extends beyond this collection, including a highly anticipated London event.

SS2025 represents a fresh approach that distinguishes it from previous collections, seamlessly aligning the design and production of fabrics and garments, redefining the essence of denim construction. Below are the key concepts of the SS2025 collection:

  • Live It: This concept focuses on environmental consciousness, appealing to eco-conscious consumers who connect with nature and prioritize sustainability. Live It merges comfort with outdoor performance, utilizing responsible materials and innovative processes to significantly reduce water, energy, and chemical usage compared to conventional methods.
  • Honor It: Embracing the classic “Americana” feel of denim, Honor It pays homage to the enduring nature of denim. It combines timeless jeans elements with contemporary touches and responsible innovations. Classic denim styles meet modern technology and sustainability, resulting in a collection that is both nostalgic and relevant.
  • Be It: Targeting the youth as the core consumer group, Be It features oversized silhouettes, unisex looks, and experimental fabrics. The collection incorporates innovative dyeing and laundry methods, pushing the boundaries of denim fashion.

Key Highlights of the SS2025 Collection:

  • Sustainable Materials: The collection features fabrics woven from responsible materials, including Soorty’s own and traceable organic cotton SOCI, Second Life™ recycled denim-to-denim cotton products, Circulose® (a repurposed textile-based material), and other responsible fibers like virgin linen, smart linen (recycled), hemp, filament viscose, T400A, Tencel™ Lyocell and textile to textile recycled polyester for added physical durability and performance attributes.
  • DenimLITE: Soorty’s spinning heritage enables the creation of DenimLITE, a range of airy, soft, and lightweight denim fabrics with diverse aesthetics. Multiple constructions, weights, and fiber blends to offer consumers a wide range of options.
  • Black Theory: Soorty is building on its innovative, Smart-Overdye technology Black Theory to further reduce its carbon footprint. This innovation replaces conventional overdyeing and significantly reduces energy, steam, water, and chemical consumption contributing to a more eco-conscious collection.
  • EarthArt Coating: In addition to the Black Theory concept, Soorty introduces EarthArt, a new nature coating made from wood waste. EarthArt coating represents a sustainable alternative to petrol carbon black dispersions. It enhances the collection’s eco-conscious profile by reducing CO2 emissions by 70 percent and ensuring that the entire product, from fabric to coating, is environmentally conscious.
  • FadeO Denim Laundry System: Soorty introduces the revolutionary FadeO denim laundry system, which achieves bleach-like effects without the use of bleach or stones, contributing to a more sustainable denim production process.

Eda Dikmen, Marketing and Communications Manager (Fabrics) of Soorty, shared her insights, stating, “Expanding our materials matrix, crafting new, responsible processes, dyeing techniques and laundry recipes, exploring new fabric weights and excelling them, and paying close attention to our designs… we’ve been hard at work crafting something special for our collection.”

Soorty’s commitment to craftsmanship, innovation, and responsibility shines through in the SS2025 collection. To explore Denim Threads of The World in detail, including the concept book, lookbook, and a booklet summarizing their responsible efforts for the season, please visit https://www.future-possibilities.com/denim-threads-of-the-world

Posted: October 20, 2023

Source: Soorty

AATCC To Host Hands-On Textile Testing Workshop

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. — October 20, 2023 — The American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC) will hold its Textile Testing Workshop on December 6-7, 2023, at AATCC headquarters in Research Triangle Park, N.C.

The intensive two-day workshop will teach professionals responsible for product evaluation, specifications, and quality control how to properly perform essential tests and interpret results for textile materials. Attendees will gain hands-on experience with color measurement, assessing colorfastness and stain scales, laundering effects on fabrics, and more.

Reliable textile testing provides crucial data and insights that drive innovation while ensuring quality and safety. Testing substantiates that materials and products meet specifications, comply with regulations, and deliver promised performance. Standardized test methods allow objective evaluation and comparison of textile properties like strength, comfort, fit, durability, safety, and sustainability. Test data identifies opportunities to improve manufacturing processes and guides new product development. Testing also helps safeguard consumers by screening for harmful substances and verifying qualification for end use. Investing in proficient textile testing capabilities allows companies to enhance quality, solve problems, validate claims, and develop better products. The American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC) has been providing essential textile testing education and resources since 1921 to help advance the industry.

AATCC experts will lead interactive sessions including discussions, demonstrations, and participation in testing techniques. The workshop includes meals, networking opportunities, and a copy of the renowned AATCC Manual of International Test Methods and Procedures.

Those registering before November 21 will receive discounted rates of $775 for AATCC members and $1155 for non-members. After November 21, rates rise to $825 and $1205 respectively. Space is limited for this workshop.

Posted: October 20, 2023

Source: The American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC)

KARL MAYER GROUP: 6th Symposium “ADDITIVE MANUFACTURE In The Textile Industry”

OBERTSHAUSEN, Germany — October 20, 2023 — On November 8, the sixth “Additive Manufacturing” in the textile industry symposium will take place at Formnext, the international trade fair for additive manufacturing technologies in Frankfurt.

Michael Kieren, New Business Development Product Manager at the KARL MAYER GROUP

This series of events will focus on a topic with far-reaching implications. Additive technologies, particularly 3D printing processes, offer completely new potential for developing innovative textile solutions and customized products, as well as for designing processes. “Thanks to industrial 3D printing, we can easily and quickly add design or functional elements to textiles. Prototyping is also more efficient. Less effort usually means less environmental impact caused by value-added processes too,” explained Michael Kieren, New Business Development Product Manager at the KARL MAYER GROUP.

Printing trial at KARL MAYER

The textile machine engineering company has developed a technological solution for combining warp-knitted textile manufacturing with 3D printing, and is jointly organizing the symposium. Other organizers include the Textile Research Institute Thuringia Vogtland e.V. (TITV Greiz) and the Saxon Textile Research Institute e.V. (STFI).

Together, these industry players have devised a varied program for interested parties from the textile industry and plastics processing. The science and industry lectures will focus on topics including new materials, innovative manufacturing technologies and future-oriented applications. Participants will learn more about the latest developments in thermoplastic fused-layer modelling, printing using dispensers or screen printing, as well as materials and applications for protective applications and architecture. For the first time, the lectures will be complemented by an accompanying trade exhibition where companies with experience in working with additive manufacturing processes will be able to present their products and services.

Those attending the symposium will receive a four-day exhibition pass to Formnext, which takes place from November 7-10, 2023.

Posted: October 20, 2023

Source: KARL MAYER GROUP

Rieter Investor Update 2023: Cumulative Sales In The First Nine Months Of 2023 Show An Increase Of 11% Compared To The Prior-Year Period 


WINTERTHUR, Switzerland — October 20, 2023 — Rieter’s cumulative sales in the first nine months of 2023 amounted to 1,092.9 million Swiss francs ($1,223 million) (2022: 987.4 million Swiss francs ($1,104 million)), an increase of 11 percent compared to the prior-year period. In particular, supply bottlenecks eased slightly, which allowed more machines to be delivered than in the same period last year. Sales in the third quarter of 2023 were 334.7 million Swiss francs (Q3 2022: 366.8 million Swiss francs ($410 million)).

The Business Group Machines & Systems generated total sales of 749.6 million Swiss francs ($839 million) in the first nine months of 2023 (+18 percent). The Business Group Components posted sales of 206.8 million Swiss francs ($232 million), 11-percent lower than in the corresponding period of the previous year, while the Business Group After Sales recorded growth of 13 percent to 136.5 million Swiss francs ($153 million) in the first nine months of 2023.

Order intake

Order intake in the reporting period was characterized by restrained investment
in new machinery in almost all regions except China. Demand for consumables, wear & tear and spare parts continued to weaken due to the slowdown in spinning mill capacity utilization. Rising interest rates and high energy and raw material prices also had a dampening effect.

In this market environment, the Rieter Group received orders totaling 452.2 million Swiss francs ($506 million) in the first nine months of 2023 (2022: 1,095.8 million Swiss francs ($1,226 million)). In the third quarter of 2023, orders decreased by 44 percent year-on-year to 127.2 million Swiss francs ($142 million) (2022: 226.4 million Swiss francs ($253 million).

Rieter expects the market to have bottomed out in the year 2023 and anticipates a gradual market recovery in the course of the 2024 financial year.

Order backlog

As of September 30, 2023, Rieter has an order backlog of around 900 million Swiss francs ($1,007 million) (September 30, 2022: 2,000 million Swiss francs ($2,238 million)). The current order backlog will allow good capacity utilization at the production facilities into the coming year. The cancellation rate in the reporting period was within the usual range, averaging around 5 percent of the order backlog, with a slight downward trend.

“Next Level” performance program on track

In July 2023, the Group launched the “Next Level” performance program aimed at strengthening sales excellence, sharpening customer focus, improving cost efficiency in production and optimizing fixed cost structures. By taking these measures, Rieter intends to create the basis for providing an even more agile response to the cyclical nature of the machinery business. The objective of the planned initiatives is to ensure the profitable and sustainable development of the group.

The performance program includes provisions for the net reduction of approximately 300 positions in overhead functions across the group, primarily in Germany and Switzerland. The consultation processes initiated with the employee representatives in Ingolstadt (Germany) and Winterthur (Switzerland) were completed in the third quarter of 2023. The majority of these workforce reductions are expected to be implemented by the end of December 2023.

Due to the current market situation, further market- and volume-related adjustments in the range of 400 to 600 positions will be necessary, mainly in production. However, the actual number of positions to be reduced depends on the order intake in the coming months.

Rieter continues to expect that the strategic and operational measures initiated will result in one-off restructuring costs of around 45 to 50 million Swiss francs, which will impact earnings in the 2023 financial year.

Rieter site, Winterthur

The sale of the site at Klosterstrasse in Winterthur (Switzerland) to Allreal, Glattpark (Switzerland) for 96.0 million Swiss francs ($107 million) was successfully completed on September 26, 2023. Rieter anticipates a positive EBIT contribution of around 70 million to 75 million Swiss francs ($78 million to $84 million). The proceeds from the sale permitted a further reduction in net debt and an improvement in the equity ratio in the third quarter of 2023.

Outlook for the full year 2023 confirmed

As announced on July 20, 2023, in view of the economic situation and the ongoing cyclical market weakness, Rieter continues to expect below-average demand for new equipment in the coming months. A revival is not anticipated until the end of 2023 at the earliest. Likewise, Rieter believes that demand for consumables, wear & tear and spare parts will not recover until towards the end of 2023.

For the full year 2023, Rieter expects an EBIT margin of around 5-7 percent (including positive special effects of less than 2 percent) and sales at the previous year’s level of around 1.5 billion Swiss francs ($1.7 billion).

Posted: October 20, 2023

Source: Rieter Holding Ltd.

The U.S. Government Must Act Now To Step Up Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act Enforcement And Close De Minimis Loophole Imperiling American Manufacturers And Facilitating Dangerous Products To Our Doors 

WASHINGTON — October 19, 2023 — Unless Congress and the administration take immediate and aggressive action to step up enforcement against China’s predatory trade practices, the massive surge of imports arriving daily containing apparel made with slave labor, dangerous narcotics, and counterfeits will continue to imperil consumers, ravage our communities, and devastate the vital U.S. manufacturing base.

That is the strong message being delivered by National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO) President and CEO Kim Glas who is testifying at a congressional hearing today on “Exploitation and Enforcement: Evaluating the Department of Homeland Security’s Efforts to Counter Uyghur Forced Labor.”

See her written testimony here and view the livestream of the Homeland Security Committee’s Subcommittee on Oversight, Investigations and Accountability hearing here.

“Chinese cotton products made with forced labor in Xinjiang, in the most abhorrent conditions, are flooding the global marketplace, making their way both directly and indirectly to the U.S.,” Glas said, noting that around 72 percent of all Chinese cotton products contain Xinjiang cotton, leading to forced labor textiles and apparel leaking into supply chains in the U.S. and our free trade agreement regions. “As a result, American textile plants have been forced to idle equipment and lay off workers, while some companies have been put out of business entirely.

“Not only are we failing to stop forced labor trade that Congress explicitly acted to address through the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA), but we are rewarding China with duty-free access under the de minimis provision of our trade law.  The de minimis loophole has become a superhighway for illicit goods as a result of ineffective rulemaking and a lack of adequate congressional action and it’s a threat to us all,” Glas said.

Congress should take the following steps to counter these practices:

  • Get aggressive on oversight of customs enforcement of UFLPA and require Customs officials to testify regularly. Detail to Congress and the public a robust forward-leaning enforcement plan to crack down on this illegal trade, increase penalties and other deterrent mechanisms, and include measurable benchmarks for enforcement for this sector and beyond.
  • Close the de minimis loophole for e-commerce with a legislative fix to address the flood of fentanyl, forced labor goods, and counterfeits and pressure the administration to immediately use its executive authorities to close it. This trade is uncontrollable and impossible to monitor; it makes enforcement of UFLPA impossible.
  • Urge the administration to utilize and expand the UFLPA Entity List more robustly as a deterrent. To date, only 27 entities have been placed on the list and all operate within China. Expand the list and include companies outside of China.
  • Aggressively step up enforcement, inspections, and penalties to include more testing, including verification visits in our free trade agreement partners, and coordination.

“I want to sincerely thank Subcommittee Chairman Dan Bishop (R-N.C.) and Ranking Member Glenn Ivey (D-Md.) for holding this important oversight hearing,” Glas said.

“Consider this: Billions of dollars’ worth of Chinese apparel coming through the de minimis loophole and tainted by forced labor, is getting VIP treatment on its way straight to our front doors, at the expense of workers and manufacturers in the U.S. and our critical regional supply chains. This is all rewarded by the U.S. government. We must stop China’s forced labor regime and support American companies and workers who are being exploited as a result.

“This is an economic fire, a health fire, and human rights fire — and we need it extinguished immediately. An aggressive enforcement plan, coupled with a set of rational revisions to the outdated and now extremely dangerous de minimis loophole in our trade law would prevent the continuation of this devastation, but Congress and the Executive Branch must decisively act now.”

Posted: October 19, 2023

Source: National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO)

American Flock Association (AFA) To Host Booth At Automotive Interiors Expo, North America, 2023

CHERRYVILLE, N.C. — October 19, 2023 — With the use of flock expanding rapidly throughout the U.S. auto industry — especially in the design of a new generation of electric vehicles — the American Flock Association will exhibit this month at the Automotive Interiors Expo, North America, 2023, in Novi, Mich., just outside Detroit, October 24-26, 2023.

This is the premier US automotive design show. Visitors can find AFA at booth A618 inside the expo’s main hall at the Suburban Collection Showplace, 46100 Grand River Avenue in Novi.

Steve Rosenthal, managing director of AFA — along with AFA members who work closely with the automobile industry — will be on hand to answer questions and discuss the many ways Flocking can solve problems involved with building and designing a new automobile.

For a vast number of functional and aesthetics reasons, Flocking has become essential to the design of new cars. To name just a few, this incudes surface treatments to improve the look and feel for IP bins, gloveboxes, center consoles and headliners, as well as sound dampening of various design and mechanical systems. Flocking is also used  to reduce windshield glare.

“Flocking reduces buzz, squeaks and rattles, and improves the appearance of many surfaces. It also provides a luxurious feel on any substrate,” Rosenthal said, “and can be applied to surfaces of nearly any size or configuration. It has become nearly impossible to find a new vehicle that isn’t designed with Flocking in some capacity,” he added. “We’re excited about attending and helping engineers and interior designers learn more about the design and mechanical problems Flocking can solve.”

The Automotive Interiors Expo, North America, is a must-see for interior design teams from car manufacturers charged with keeping up with the rapidly changing world of materials, finishes and technologies used in today’s vehicles.

Posted: October 19, 2023

Source: American Flock Association (AFA)

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