Kornit Digital And Amaze Software Offer On-Demand Production And Fulfillment To Social Media Creators

ROSH-HA’AVIN, Israel — June 28, 2023 — Kornit Digital Ltd. has announced Amaze Software, Inc. — parent company of the Amaze, Spring and Outfts platforms — has selected Kornitx Workflow Solutions and Kornit MAX digital on-demand fabric and textile decoration technologies as the platform to deliver their vision. Combined with the Amaze Creator Commerce Platform, the companies will jointly bring the power of on­ demand production and fulfillment to new and existing social media creators, enabling them to better monetize branded products.

Kornit’s Global Fulfillment Network helps companies like Amaze Software connect creators with high-quality garment and textile production fulfilers across the globe. The platform is backed by the Kornitx workflow engine, seamlessly integrating across industry-proven Kornit MAX technology­-based fabric and textile decoration systems for end-to-end production, visibility, and control.

“The social commerce market is growing rapidly, but creators struggle to capitalize on delivering branded products, as typical production cannot meet the expectations of brands and consumers for greater sustainability, creativity, agility, and market reactivity. Our flexible Global Fulfillment Network and proven on-demand digital textile technologies are designed to tackle those complexities,” said Ronen Samuel, CEO at Kornit Digital.

“Combined with Amaze’s significant market reach and focus on creators, we’re enabling branded collections to be delivered without production limitations, wasted inventory, or minimum order requirements — connecting with fans in-market to build tomorrow’s brands while driving price-competitive revenue opportunities.”

Amaze Software’s Spring platform is at the forefront of social commerce and revolutionizes the way creators monetize content and engage with their fans. With seamless integration across renowned social platforms including lnstagram, TikTok Shops, Twitch, and more. The Spring platform offers an unparalleled opportunity for fans to conveniently make purchases directly from where they consume the creator’s content. This allows creators to significantly enhance engagement and cultivate a more profound brand presence. Moreover, the user-friendly experience and no cost of entry attracts thousands of aspiring creators to join the Spring platform daily, further fueling its exponential growth.

“There are more creators on social platforms than ever before. Our vision is to translate these voices into enduring brands by allowing virtually anyone to create and capitalize on their ideas,” said Aaron Day, CEO at Amaze. “Kornit is key to making this possible, allowing us to enter new markets faster, offering better fan experiences and remaining nimble in this ever­-changing market.”

Posted July 4, 2023

Source: Kornit Digital

EvoSteam Process Paves The Way For More Sustainable Staple-Fiber Production

World premiere at the ITMA 2023: the revolutionary new Oerlikon Neumag EvoSteam staple fiber process.

NEUMUNSTER, Germany — July 3, 2023 — World premiere at the international ITMA trade fair in Milan: for the first time, Oerlikon presented its innovative new development, the EvoSteam, for manufacturing PET staple fibers. Visitors to the Oerlikon trade fair stand were extremely interested in the new, innovative technology, with business discussions very clearly showing that the new development fulfills the needs of potential clients. The EvoSteam process convinces both in terms of its energy, water and raw material savings and also with regards to lowering operating expenses and the carbon footprint — simultaneously with excellent fiber qualities.

Visitors to the trade fair spoke about a pioneer for more sustainable staple fiber production. “This shows that our customers have understood that the EvoSteam process has tremendous potential and represents a huge step forward”, comments Martin Rademacher, Head of Sales Oerlikon Neumag, thrilled by the across-the-board positive trade fair feedback in Milan.

Innovative draw point release using a vapor curtain for improved fiber qualities.

Performance in numbers

When developing the EvoSteam process, our engineers focused both on fiber quality and in particular also on sustainability, energy efficiency and reducing the consumption of resources. Compared to conventional staple fiber systems, an increase in efficiency of up to 12%, a reduction in production waste of up to 50% along with energy savings of up to 8% speak a very clear language. With water savings of up to 10 million liters per annum and a lowering of the carbon footprint by up to 20%, this Oerlikon system helps fiber manufacturers achieve their sustainability targets.

EvoSteam process dispenses with liquid baths

10 million liters less water: the function of the immersion bath is assumed by a carefully-coordinated setup comprising godets and pulsed spray nozzles. Consequently, moisture is precision-metered and added to the process as required. Completely dispensing with liquid baths generates significant savings in terms of water, energy and spin finish, while simultaneously also increasing occupational safety and cleanliness at the production line.

“In conventional drawing processes, large volumes of water are used to control the temperature and provide the requisite moisture in the fiber tow. At the end of the process,
this water must be removed from the tow again, which is a very resource- and energy-intensive process”, stated Martin Rademacher. “The sparing utilization of water enables a significant reduction in the requisite drying energy, which translates into a tremendous cost benefit for our customers.”

Spray nozzles instead of immersion baths: the EvoSteam process dispenses completely with liquid
baths.

Optimized draw point release and improved drive concept

Up to 12% superior efficiency: the new, optimized draw point release permits higher production speeds and hence increased production volumes. The fiber draw point is released by a precisely-focused vapor curtain, is now carried out more evenly and dramatically minimizes the friction between the filaments in the tow. In addition, an innovative drive concept reduces yarn slippage on the godets, improves the process stability and hence increases system availability. Both technological innovations improve the yarn quality demanded by the downstream processes and which play a decisive role for manufacturers’ margins.

Spotlight on reducing waste

The development focused not only on resource-efficient fiber production and improving the fiber qualities, it has also been designed to dramatically reduce the waste generated when manufacturing with this system concept. Martin Rademacher comments on this: “With all the optimizations, we promise a 50% reduction in production waste.”

Posted July 4, 2023

Source: Oerlikon

Recycling Technology Celebrates Success At Indonesian Yarn Manufacturer

REMSCHEID, Germany/YANGZHOU, China — July 3, 2023 – It is already operating at PT. Kahatex — one of Indonesia’s largest manufacturers of woven and circular-knitted fabrics: Oerlikon Barmag Huitong Engineering’s homogenization technology for mechanically recycling prepared polyester (PET) waste such as post-industrial waste (popcorn), bottle flakes and films. This key component ensures an evenly-homogeneous melt, influences the increase in viscosity and hence enables the production of defined rPET preliminary products for further processing such as melt, chips and fiber materials for direct spinning.

Reusing waste is increasingly becoming a trend within the textile industry as well: in May 2022, PT. Kahatex commissioned a system with a daily capacity of 25 tons for recycling popcorn and bottle flakes into textile-quality chips for manufacturing POY and DTY. Traditionally, Southeast Asia’s largest family-run business is committed to ecological responsibility and is focused on manufacturing high-end textiles for the Asian, U.S. and European markets. Here, the Indonesian fiber manufacturer is utilizing the
homogenization technology provided by Oerlikon Barmag Huitong Engineering (OBHE), a joint venture between Oerlikon Barmag and Yangzhou Huitong Chemical Engineering Technique Co., Ltd.

Using the corresponding thermomechanical recycling process, the waste material is extruded and the larger, more solid components filtered out before the homogenizer swings into action. It is in this reactor that the actual mechanical recycling and polycondensation take place. The technology generates a high surface area and — in conjunction with the precisely-defined dwell time — provides more options for influencing the melt. This creates an even, homogeneous melt, while the technology also simplifies the removal of volatile components. In turn, this enables targeted adjustment of the viscosity, which is necessary as the waste material to be processed does not always have the same viscosity. In this way, spinning system yarn waste – in the form of knotted balls or tangled threads, for instance – is processed into popcorn-shaped agglomerates for extrusion. This popcorn can have viscosity values of 0.6, but also lower values of 0.4. No problem: the homogenizer’s increase in viscosity adjusts this.

Also operating in China

After exiting the reactor, the melt is once again filtered and finer, gel-containing components are removed. Subsequently, it can be further processed as required: in the form of chips or — using a direct spinning process — in the manufacture of filament yarns, staple fibers and nonwovens. Applicable to all applications: the recycling result can only be as good as the processed starting material, as mechanical recycling processes are unable to improve the starting materials. And chemical recycling is still in its infancy.

For this reason, the homogenization technology remains attractive and is already being utilized by both Kahatex and Chinese fiber manufacturers recycling bottle flakes and yarn waste into staple fibers and filament yarns by means of direct-spinning processes. And the more the industry focuses on recycling systems, the greater the interest: “We are currently registering enquiries from Bangladesh, but also from China,” stated Michael Mächtig, Product manager at Oerlikon Barmag. For the purpose of more intensive global marketing, the OBHE technology has therefore been integrated into the Oerlikon Polymer Processing Solutions product portfolio.

Posted July 4, 2023

Source: Oerlikon Barmag

IDF 3: The shortest path to perfect quality

The perfect symbiosis: the IDF 3 and the TC 30i.

MONCHENGLADBACH, Germany — July 3, 2023 — Usually, it’s not possible to get everything you want. But with the new integrated draw frame IDF 3, you really can. It offers a range of innovative features that give customers even better quality, efficiency and handling — as well as accelerated can change times and improved productivity.

The Integrated Draw Frame (IDF) has developed remarkably in recent years. Although there were some doubts when the IDF first hit the market twenty years ago, it has now demonstrated its positive impact on short spinning processes. “As a result, the IDF is a key part of our product range today. Two generations of this machine have already delivered valuable performance improvements for our spinning customers worldwide. And our innovators have now successfully created the third generation: The new integrated draw frame IDF 3”, says Jörg Schmitz, Senior Expert R&D Spinning Preparation.

Watch an IDF 3 animation on YouTube!

Proven to deliver excellent quality

Trützschler’s technical experts decided it was time to give the IDF a turbo boost by adding components and features from other areas of our draw frame portfolio, including our popular autoleveller draw frame TD 10. First, the team adapted the precise, robust measuring devices DISC LEVELLER and DISC MONITOR to fit the specifications of card and IDF 3. The resulting IDF DL and IDF DM interact perfectly with the existing 1-zone drafting system, which results in more homogeneous slivers and higher yarn quality. Switching to the IDF DL and IDF DM system instead of the previous measuring funnel adds more benefits than advanced detection of sliver deviations. The new system also works entirely without compressed air, which reduces operating costs.

In addition, the IDF 3 make-over includes a complete redesign of the drafting zone in line with all Trützschler drafting systems. This further stabilizes the drafting process and significantly improves the yarn imperfection total IPI for recycled fibers and raw cotton, while also blending with synthetics. Yarn strength and elongation are also improved.

Two examples of improvements for Ne 10 and Ne 30 with different material mix.

Can changer becomes a game changer

Improving the IDF is only possible if innovators also look at the card and can changer, because there is huge potential if the interaction between the three elements are optimally balanced. This is particularly true for the DIRECT SPINNING process, with its small can sizes. Each time a full can is replaced by an empty can, the delivery speed of the card and IDF needs to be drastically reduced — and this slows down the production process. Every second that can be saved from this can change process adds to the overall productivity. In this context, our teams have optimized the can changer to save our customer’s valuable time. The delivery speed of the IDF 3 stays at the high level of 300 m/min during can changes, which increases efficiency by 3 %.

The can changer becomes a game changer.

Easy operation, great performance and high quality

It’s essential that machines are easy to operate and offer good accessibility in order to enable accurate machine settings and effective maintenance. For this reason, the IDF 3 is designed to open directly towards the operator. This makes it easy to reach all of the adjustment points within the working area.

Thanks to our QUICK START autopiecing function, operators do not need to open the drafting unit. Instead, they simply insert the sliver end into the IDF DL, which saves up to 60 seconds during each piecing event. Depending on the number of piecing processes performed, this saved time quickly adds up to a significant increase in productivity. Trützschler’s technicians have also improved the pressure adjustment on the IDF 3 by adding an easy-to-reach digital pressure manometer. This makes it possible to precisely set the pressure and directly monitor limits on the drafting system via the display screen. The IDF 3 can also be configured with the exclusive Trützschler features T-LED, SMART TOUCH and RFID to further enhance handling.

Jörg Schmitz, Senior Expert R&D Spinning Preparation at Trützschler Spinning.

Our third generation of IDF proves that you really can have it all. Customers benefit from better quality, higher efficiency and easier handling.

Posted July 4, 2023

Source: Trützschler

New Bike Bag Reduces Carbon Dioxide Footprint By Using Raw Materials From Recycled End-Of-Life Tires

LUDWIGSHAFEN, Germany — July 3, 2023 — The new Pendik bicycle bag from the pinqponq brand by Germany-based baesiq GmbH has a significantly reduced carbon dioxide footprint thanks to BASF’s Ultramid® Ccycled® — a mass-balanced polyamide that supports the use of alternative raw materials from chemical recycling of plastic waste. BASF feeds pyrolysis oil from end-of-life tires at the start of the production in Ludwigshafen, replacing 100 percent of the fossil resources otherwise needed for the product. The proportion of recycled raw material is allocated to Ultramid Ccycled products using a certified mass balance approach.

“With Ultramid Ccycled, we offer our customers a reduced CO2 footprint for their product with the same quality as the conventional counterpart. With our partner pinqponq, we are actively advancing the topic of circular economy and are also excited about the other bag collections that will be launched in fall,” said Frank Reil, head of Marketing and New Business Development & Sustainability Polyamides at BASF.

The materials used are innovative and functional, and importantly, sustainable. In summer 2023, pinqponq is expanding its range to include the bike product category, which is designed to simplify urban commuting. The Pendik model is a 2-in-1 bag with bike rack function. Its fabric, with Ultramid Ccycled, provides a fashionable matte look and a soft cotton-like feel, while retaining the robust performant benefits as of conventionally manufactured polyamide.

“We are very pleased to add the new highly functional product to our portfolio and, thanks to the cooperation with BASF, to be the first brand ever to produce functional bike bags from the sustainable polyamide. Our bike bags are a symbol of our vision to combine innovation and responsibility to create a sustainable future together,” said Holger Fabianski, Product manager at baesiq.

Posted July 4, 2023

Source: BASF

Uster Fabriq Assistant: The Whole Story For Quality Information

USTER, Switzerland — July 4, 2023 — The new Uster Fabriq Assistant is a central platform for automated processing, analyzing, and visualizing quality data from Uster fabric inspection systems. Its three value modules — AI Classification, Quality Reporting and Central Management — give fabric producers the whole story for quality, saving time and driving operational excellence.

Uster’s latest innovation in the field of fabric inspection is an online tool giving a user-friendly summary of quality performance data from every fabric roll inspected in the mill. A range of statistical analysis tools highlight key info through various charts, histograms or trend diagrams. With the new Uster Fabriq Assistant, there is no need to toil over manual data. It’s all automated, so decision-making is simpler and much faster for fabric manufacturers.

Classification and reporting tasks

Fabriq Assistant introduces three value modules. AI Classification is at the heart of the system, delivering levels of accuracy and performance that human operators could never match. The Artificial Intelligence attaches codes to each image generated by the Uster Fabriq Vision products. Without this AI Classification, mill personnel would have to spend time and effort inserting codes to each defect at a PC, to carry out a data review. Artificial Intelligence means data classification is fully automated, so producers can save more than 80 percent of the time taken by manual methods.

With Fabriq Assistant, old-fashioned manual data collection and analysis are consigned to history. Fabriq Assistant automatically gathers all the information from connected Uster fabric inspection systems — and applies smart analysis principles to calculate the most meaningful results. The Quality Reporting value module lets managers focus on the most important decisions, based on the guaranteed accuracy of advanced technology.

Benefits from synergies

Fabriq Assistant unites all the data from AI Classification and Quality Reporting. Combining classified details of defects with smart analysis of inspection data gives producers a valuable advantage: Fabriq Assistant not only gives alerts of issues, it also goes a stage further by both describing and locating a problem. This is the knowledge required to enable continuous and systematic improvements to be made.

Combining data from AI classification and Quality Reporting unleashes the full power of the value modules. The real impact comes from meaningful data which is automatically analyzed. “Using the synergies from AI classification and Quality Reporting maximizes the business value for all stakeholders in the production and the quality department,” said Michelle Salg, Product manager Fabric Inspection at Uster Technologies.

Centralized efficiency

Fabriq Assistant cuts down the unnecessary workload on managers, allowing them to focus on steering profitable production. The third value module, Central Management, makes this benefit clear, as all the required data is presented on a unified platform at the manager’s desk, in a real time-saving benefit. It means there is no need to check for machine alarms or identify finished rolls. Fabric inspection info for all connected Uster systems is readily available at this central platform.

“We have customers who produce thousands of meters of fabric daily. Imagine the difference the Central Management or Fabriq Assistant with its full capability makes for them,” Salg said. “It’s not only about managing a large number of machines but also controlling the quality of the whole production.” The dashboard on the manager’s screen shows the number of defects, ongoing articles and orders, start and end time of rolls, and downtime, at a glance.

Indispensable assistant

Data from fabric inspection builds a reliable picture, as a sound basis for decisions. Cutting-edge hardware can be seamlessly integrated into production — at line running speeds up to 1,000 meters per minute — for consistent and efficient defect detection. After that Uster Fabriq Assistant takes over.

Automation also allows users to customize their experience in a highly flexible way, to suit their own mill organization, thanks to the smart machine learning technology in Fabriq Assistant. For fabric producers it’s an indispensable route to greater efficiency and productivity.

Posted July 4, 2023

Source: Uster Technologies

Upcoming ITMA Asia + CITME Exhibition Draws Renewed Interest From Exhibitors

SINGAPORE — July 4, 2023 — ITMA ASIA + CITME, an Asia-based business platform for textile machinery, continues to draw interest for its exhibition which has been rescheduled to take place November 19-23, 2023, in Shanghai. To-date, more than 1,400 exhibitors from 24 countries and regions have applied to take part in the combined exhibition.

Six exhibition halls of the National Convention and Exhibition Center grossing more than 160,000 square meters have been booked, according to the show owners — CEMATEX and its Chinese partners, the Sub-Council of the Textile Industry, CCPIT (CCPIT-Tex), China Textile Machinery Association (CTMA) and China Exhibition Centre Group Corp. (CIEC).

Exhibitors are also buoyant about prospects as China’s economy is projected to be performing better than expected. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) recently revised its forecast for China’s GDP growth upwards to 5.2 percent in 2023 from its previous projection of 4.4 percent last October.

“The reopening of China’s economy is pivotal for the region as China is a key driver of the expansion. Such positive news has helped textile machinery manufacturers to rebuild their confidence in the China market,” explained Ernesto Maurer, president of CEMATEX, which owns the ITMA and ITMA ASIA exhibitions.

He added: “We salute our exhibitors for keeping faith with us. Not only have they not withdrawn their participation, some have even increased their booth space. We have also received a steady stream of inquiries from new applicants.”

Gu Ping, president of China Textile Machinery Association, further commented: “Compared with the previous combined exhibition, the number of exhibitors in this edition has increased by 15 percent, with new exhibitors accounting for 30 percent of the total number of exhibitors. We welcome the presence of these new enterprises as they will add to a more diverse showcase of the technological innovation, and provide new vitality and impetus for the development of the textile industry.”

Many exhibitors have also increased their booth space after China eased its strict COVID rules and reopened its borders earlier this year. Among the exhibitors who have increased their space since the Chinese government’s announcement early this year are Muratec, Saurer, Savio, TMT Machinery and Trützschler.

Harald Schoepp, managing director of Trützschler China, said: “We have decided to enlarge our booth space because our outlook for the Chinese market is very positive and we expect more overseas visitors now. We are going to present Trützschler’s latest machinery and solutions for the spinning, nonwoven and man-made fibre industries.”

The combined show is organized by Beijing Textile Machinery International Exhibition Co., Ltd and co-organizer ITMA Services. Online visitor registration is now open. To register or for more information, please visit www.itmaasia.com.

Posted July 4, 2023

Source: CEMATEX, CCPIT-Tex, CTMA & CIEC

Renewcell Introduces The CIRCULOSE® Supplier Network Enabling A Steady Supply Of CIRCULOSE® To The Market

STOCKHOLM — July 4, 2023 — Renewcell has announced the launch of the CIRCULOSE® Supplier Network (CSN). The CSN is a group of 47 yarn and textile producers helping to drive the circular economy forward by enabling a steady supply of CIRCULOSE to the market.

Renewcell opened the first-ever industrial scale chemical textile-to-textile recycling facility in November 2022 in Sundsvall, Sweden, aptly named, Renewcell 1. The company dispatched the first shipment of CIRCULOSE dissolving pulp produced at Renewcell 1 in December of last year. With the recent RCS (Recycled Claim Standard) certification achieved at Renewcell 1, accredited CIRCULOSE pulp is now being produced on a larger scale. With an initial annual capacity of 60,000 metric tons, Renewcell 1 will be scaled up to produce 120,000 metric tons of pulp, equivalent to 600 million T-shirts.

CIRCULOSE is a next-generation raw material derived from the recovery of cellulose found in worn-out clothing and transformed into a dissolving pulp made from 100-percent recycled textiles. The pulp serves as the foundation for various types of regenerated fibers, including viscose, lyocell, modal, acetate, and other man-made cellulosic fibers. Currently viscose made with CIRCULOSE is available from suppliers including Tangshan Sanyou and Yibin Grace through our commercial partner Ekman.

The CIRCULOSE Supplier Network is comprised of yarn and textile producers streamlining CIRCULOSE production across the supply chain. These early adopters are revolutionizing the marketplace by becoming the first to access volumes of CIRCULOSE. By joining the CIRCULOSE Supplier Network, members are committing to the continuous development of circular solutions and play a vital role in sustainable textiles and end-products under the CIRCULOSE brand name.

Patrik Lundström, CEO at Renewcell: “The implementation of the CIRCULOSE Supplier Network is integral to continue scaling the CIRCULOSE product. With availability across the textile supply chain, fashion brands now have numerous circular options to design and create clothing with CIRCULOSE.”

Jennifer Thompson, CEO of COLOURizd comments: “sustainability takes partnership and at COLOURizd, we believe that 1+1 equals sustainable. We recognize that we can’t solve the environmental challenges of the fashion industry alone. That’s why we are thrilled to announce our partnership with Renewcell at Premiere Vision. By combining their innovative fiber made with CIRCULOSE, from 100-percent textile waste with our planet-positive coloration and finishing solutions, we can create stylish and trend-right apparel while significantly reducing the carbon footprint. Together, we are reshaping the global textile industry for the better.”

“At Prosperity Textile, we have chosen to develop a denim capsule with CIRCULOSE, offering brands and retailers solutions towards a less wasteful and more circular fashion industry. Using a breakthrough process, this regenerated fiber is made from 100-percent textile waste like worn-out jeans and production scraps and fits in with Prosperity’s vision for a more resilient future — without compromising on quality and design,” explained Bart Van De Woestyne, Creative director of Prosperity Textile.

Maurizio Baldi, R&D manager at Diamond Denim stated: “Diamond Denim is investing in mechanical and chemical circular solutions that allow us to reduce our carbon footprint and water consumption. We believe CIRCULOSE is one of the best options to achieve our sustainability points without compromising fabric visual look and performances.”

The launch of the CIRCULOSE Supplier Network marks a significant milestone in the advancement of the circular economy in the fashion industry. By collaborating with leading yarn and textile producers, CIRCULOSE aims to revolutionize the way we approach fashion, fostering a circular future for the fashion supply chain.

CIRCULOSE Supplier Network members span the globe and are operational in twelve countries. The full list is below:

Austria: Linz Textiles

Bangladesh: CYCLO® Recycled Fibers; Beximco Textiles; Shasha Denims

China: Suzhou Shiyuan Textile Co. Ltd., (aka S&Y); Dezhou Huayuan Eco-Technology Co. Ltd.; Jiangsu Pointer Textile Co. Ltd.; Prosperity Textile (H.K.) Ltd.; Dongheng Textile Co. Ltd; Unitedtex Enterprise Ltd.; Hangzhou Jiayi Garment Co. Ltd; Wujiang Dongfang Group; Polyace Textile and Yarn Co. Ltd.; Tat Fung Textile Co. Ltd. /Panther Denim; Texhong Textile Group; ColouriZD/Taylor Home & Fashions Ltd.; Crystal Group

India: Arvind Ltd.; Trident Group; Pallavaa Group

Indonesia: Sritex

Italy: Beste S.p.A.; Albini Group

Mexico: Cone Denim

Pakistan: Sapphire Textile Mills Ltd.; Artistic Milliners; Soorty; AGI Denim

Portugal: Brito Knitting; RDD Textiles; Inovafil; Tearfil Textile Yarns; Tintex Textiles; Riopele; TMG Textiles; Impetus Group; ACATEL; Matias & Araujo

Spain: Hallotex; Textil Santanderina

Sri Lanka: MAS Holdings

Turkey: Bossa Denim; Kipas Holding; Orta Anadolu; Karacasu Tekstil; Gulle Tekstil; Calik Denim

Posted July 4, 2023

Source: Renewcell

Lars Lidman Joins Coloreel As Vice President, Global Sales

Lars Lidman

STOCKHOLM, Sweden — July 3, 2023 — Coloreel is pleased to announce the appointment of Lars Lidman as the company’s new vice president of Global Sales. With a strong background in international sales of technical products, Lidman will play a vital role in further driving Coloreel’s global expansion efforts.

Lidman brings with him a wealth of experience from previously held roles at renowned organizations such as ABB, Ericsson and most recently Teledyneflir (previously Flir Systems). Over the past two decades, he has demonstrated exceptional sales leadership and a keen understanding of global markets.

“I am very excited to join Coloreel to build and lead the sales team to unlock the full global sales potential of this new groundbreaking technology for embroidery,” said Lidman.

“We are thrilled to welcome Lars to Coloreel as our new VP Global Sales,” noted Torbjörn Bäck, Coloreel CEO. “His experience in establishing distributors, managing complex technical sales, and direct business development will undoubtedly strengthen our global expansion efforts.”

Lidman has assumed the role from his current base in Hong Kong and will relocate to Stockholm, Sweden.

Posted: July 3, 2023

Source: Coloreel

EcoVadis 2023 Sustainability Rating: LEONHARD KURZ Awarded Silver Medal

FÜRTH, Germany— July 3, 2023 — LEONHARD KURZ achieved excellent results in this year’s EcoVadis Sustainability Rating in all four areas examined — Environment, Labor and Human Rights, Ethics, and Sustainable Procurement — and received the silver medal from the renowned rating agency. The thin-film specialist is among the top 25 percent of all companies evaluated — and in an industry comparison, KURZ is even among the top 17 percent. “The company boasts a progressive management system in the Environment segment,” found the experts from EcoVadis.

Impressive proof of our consistent sustainability strategy

The evaluation also highlights that the total number of points achieved by KURZ has increased compared to the previous year. The reasons for this are listed as the implementation of additional measures and the introduction of further guidelines. For Dr. Andreas Hirschfelder, chairman of the board, this is clear proof that the company is on the right track: “There has been a lot of movement in the field of sustainability in recent years — new insights have been gained, goals have been set, and standards have been developed. This is also reflected in the assessment of the EcoVadis experts, who are constantly adapting their criteria. As a result, the requirements also increase from year to year. It makes us all the more proud that we are not only able to keep up here but also keep improving, as our silver medal shows. We scored eight points more than in the previous year. In the ‘Sustainable Procurement’ category, we even recorded an increase of 20 percent. This development underscores once again that we are pursuing a consistent sustainability strategy and successfully implementing it. We have always been committed to a sustainable approach to people and resources and, true to our motto ‘Be a green leader,’ we play a pioneering role in this respect.”

As part of the EcoVadis ranking, a total of 21 sustainability criteria are examined, which are compiled into the four categories Environment, Labor and Human Rights, Ethics, and Sustainable Procurement. The assessment is based on high standards and is monitored by an international scientific committee. The overall assessment includes not only aspects such as the raw materials used, energy consumption, and CO2 emissions, but also factors such as the responsible treatment of people, and commitment to greater diversity and inclusion.

Circular economy as a long-term goal

KURZ’s declared goal is to become the most sustainable company in the plastics industry. To this end, the company continually invests in the optimization of its own products and processes. Not only are KURZ’s high-grade finishings already 100 percent recyclable, but they are also increasingly made from renewable raw materials. After commissioning its own recycling plant, KURZ presented the further development of the recycling process used for production residues from the graphics industry in spring 2023. With RECOSYS® 2.0 innovative technology, transfer carriers can be recycled into recycled PET (rPET for short) for the first time. “Our long-term goal is the circular economy. We are already working on solutions that enable us to produce new, high-grade transfer carriers from production residues and thus close the loop,” explained Dr. Andreas Hirschfelder. “With our commitment to more sustainability in the plastics industry, we not only meet our responsibility as a global company, but also support our customers along the entire process chain in reducing their own carbon footprint.” KURZ summarizes the company’s further successes in sustainability — as well as its own ethical standards in dealing with employees, customers, suppliers, government agencies, and authorities — in its recently published Sustainability Report for 2022.

KURZ has already demonstrated that transparent sustainability communication is particularly important to the company with its membership of the UN Global Compact Network and the associated voluntary commitment to publish a progress report. “As of this year, reporting will take the form of a publicly accessible questionnaire that we complete as a member of the network. This is the next step in our sustainability communication strategy,” says Dr. Andreas Hirschfelder. “In this way, we are clearly positioning ourselves, demonstrating our consistent commitment to achieving the goals of sustainable development, and clearly showing that our values always determine our actions.”

Posted: July 3, 2023

Source: LEONHARD KURZ Stiftung & Co. KG

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