emtec Electronic Achieves New Dimensions Of Haptic Measurement With Product Launch At Outdoor Retailer

LEIPZIG, Germany — May 23, 2023 — Outdoor enthusiasts are always on the lookout for high-performance, durable recreational clothing that goes the extra mile in terms of comfort. When designing a garment’s tactile properties, it pays for manufacturers to have objective data on hand. Quality markers of comfort, such as softness, smoothness, flexibility and recovery behavior, form the standard measurements for appealing consumer preferences.

At the Outdoor Retailer Summer Show, German manufacturer emtec Electronic will showcase the tried-and-true TSA Tactile Sensation Analyzer, that already offers a unique approach to softness measurement by simulating the sensory capacities of the human hand via sound and deformation analysis. Haptic parameters are able to be objectively measured and the results digitized within a fraction of the time needed for traditional hand-panel testing methods – a mere 90 seconds is standard.

Originating in the tissue paper industry under the name Tissue Softness Analyzer, the TSA has since become an established industry standard for haptic measurement worldwide. Its measuring principles and practical application have been featured in a Technical Information Paper (TIP 0808-07 (2021)) from the Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry (TAPPI).

Adapted to the needs and wishes of the textile industry, the new device not only features a high-quality design, but also extending additional measurement functions leading to a more advanced understanding of material properties. Additionally, a new method for digitization offers a lot of advantages for all users.

Attendees of the Outdoor Retailer Summer Show are encouraged to stop by the emtec booth to get more details about the functionalities and application possibilities of the proven TSA and the new device talking with Alexander Gruener (Business Development Manager, emtec) and Rodger Segelstrom (Product Line Director Technidyne/Industrial Physics).

Posted: May 24, 2023

Source: emtec Electronic GmbH

ERCA, Patagonia®, And YKK Team Up To Deploy Circularity With The Chem-Tech Innovation REVECOL®

BERGAMO, VENTURA, TOKYO — May 24, 2023 — ERCA SPA, Patagonia® and YKK announce the successful implementation of ERCA’s REVECOL®, a sustainable, innovative chemical agent, in YKK’s dyeing processes at their Vietnam production sites.

ERCA transforms common waste material, such as exhausted vegetable cooking oil, into an upcycled, certified high performance, safe textile chemical. ERCA has invested in circular practices to take waste material and use them as feedstocks to create new responsible chemical products.

Always searching for new sustainable innovations, REVECOL® caught the attention of Patagonia®. Driven by the goal to utilize non-extractive chemistry in their supply chain wherever possible, the brand teamed up with ERCA and trim supplier YKK to deploy REVECOL®. Matt Swartz, Patagonia®’s Color and Material Quality Manager, introduced the ERCA technology to YKK, asking that they explore using it in their dyeing operations.

“We saw an opportunity to build a partnership with an innovator, ERCA, who was pushing the boundaries of sustainability and match them with an existing partner, YKK, that consistently delivers high caliber, quality goods and services. This has proven to be a dream team,” says Matt Swartz of Patagonia®.

“Through thoughtful consideration we designed our approach and conversion to REVECOL® LV-TS to have an outsized impact from the start. The real success is seeing this go beyond Patagonia® products and spread across supply chain partners, brands and consumers. This is one domino to fall in how we do business to save our home planet.”

REVECOL® LV-TS has a carbon footprint that is 72% lower* than the more conventional chemical auxiliaries produced by ERCA. Today ERCA produces a wide range of high- performance chemical auxiliaries made from used vegetable oil that are ZDHC, bluesign® approved and GRS certified. ERCA is the first company in the world to have GRS certified chemical products, opening the door to circular chemical auxiliaries.

“One of the most rewarding achievements is not only to see that REVECOL® can really make a difference, but that leading companies are teaming up with us to utilize it in products that bring the message of sustainability to the end consumer”, says Fabio Locatelli, Head of ERCA Textile Specialties Business Unit.

As part of their Sustainability Vision 2050, YKK is constantly working to deploy more sustainable chemical processes in their production. The ability to replace a commonly used dye chemical with a lower impact version was a no-brainer for YKK’s Vietnam management. REVECOL® is not only more sustainable, it is also more efficient, reducing the use of the dyeing auxiliary by 20% to 30%, thus helping to lower YKK’s overall chemical usage.

“We are thrilled to be part of this unique 3-way collaboration, exemplifying how true upcycling on a mass-production scale is made possible at the center of garment manufacturing. We look forward to the expansion of REVECOL® across the entire textile industry”, says Mike Maekawa, Sales and Business Development Manager of YKK Vietnam.

Posted: May 24, 2023

Source: YKK  

ITMA 2023 Exhibitor Preview: SAVIO Winding And Air-Jet Spinning Innovations

PORDENONE, Italy — May 24, 2023 — Savio is launching at ITMA MILAN 2023 two new machines for winding and air-jet spinning: Proxima Smartconer® and Lybra Smartspinner®. These two machines are the result of the commitment of Savio R&D team in the last 4 years. It testifies Savio’s dedication to innovation technology and strong partnerships across the industry.

NEXT DESTINATION: PROXIMA Smartconer®

The new winding machine Proxima Smartconer® is setting the benchmark in Savio automatic winding.
We have combined the name Proxima with Smartconer®: it stands for a high-tech winding machine, capable of perfectly adapting to demands of Connectivity, Industry 4.0 and Industrial Internet of Things.
Thanks to the innovations, spinners will get a machine featuring high-tech capabilities, thanks to a design with a strong focus on the main benefits for customer’s competitive advantage: high productivity, low energy consumption, premium yarn quality, automation, and data connectivity.

Proxima Smartconer® has been designed with the foremost attention to the customer’s needs in the optimal utilization of a winding machine.
Investing in equipment that enables to work faster and reduces manual and repetitive tasks, can increase both efficiencies and overall productivity. The same applies to a new equipment that does more of what is needed, faster, safer, with better quality but with less waste, less maintenance and less resource usage.
The team at Savio is steadfast to provide textile solutions for spinning business growth with unsurpassed customer service, response time, and technical expertise.

WE SPIN DIFFERENT: LYBRA Smartspinner®

We spin different with a versatile and smart machine: Savio’s new air-jet spinning machine Lybra Smartspinner® has been developed with an original spinning technology to serve our customers in specific applications of textile production: knitting, home textiles, sunshades.
Air-jet spun yarn has a soft and smooth character, perfectly adapting to creating functional & fashionable fabrics. With LYBRA Smartspinner®, we want to offer our customer a versatile, flexible, cost saving and easy- to-use machine. Air-jet spinning offers to yarn manufacturers the opportunity to produce yarn at high production rates and low processing costs.

One important technology of LYBRA Smartspinner® is the MULTI BLEND SYSTEM.

This onboarding system allows to use two separate slivers, instead of a pre-blended one, directly fed into the spinning unit; inside the spinning chamber, the fibres are mixed together producing a final yarn of same aspect and features as the standard one. Moreover, the system can modify the composition of the blend directly from the machine PC, without changing the feeding slivers. This allows a reduction in production costs and an optimization of the preparation lines. We can obtain different material blends but also different colour mixtures. This application will be highly appreciated especially for knitting and home textile applications, producing melange knits and fabrics.

Posted: May 24, 2023

Source: Savio Macchine Tessili S.p.A.

Lenzing And KARL MAYER GROUP Collaborate To Empower Sustainable And Aesthetic Innovations In Flat And Warp Knits

LENZING, Austria— May 24, 2023 — Lenzing Group, a global producer of wood-based specialty fibers, announced a strategic collaboration with KARL MAYER GROUP, a world leader in textile machinery, to enable the smooth adoption of a higher percentage of botanic, biodegradable and fossil-fuel-free materials during textile production in both warp knitting and flat knitting machines.

With consumers being more mindful of the environmental impact of the products they purchase, there is a growing trend among leading brands and retailers to offer products that are more sustainable and aesthetical. This partnership will enable the adoption of TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers and TENCEL™ Lyocell filament yarn in warp knitting machines and further reduce the environmental impact of using STOLL flat knitting machines with the use of carbon-zero TENCEL™ fibers in its fully fashioned flat knitting process. As a strategic collaboration between Lenzing and KARL MAYER GROUP, the partnership represents an important step by the two companies in guiding the industry towards a more sustainable future and underscores their commitment to empowering partners in the textile chain with value-added solutions and innovation in reducing the carbon footprint of their supply chains.

“As a key player in the industry, Lenzing continues to join hands with like-minded partners to pioneer solutions that improve the quality of textile products and enable the ongoing sustainable development and growth of the industry. Through this partnership with the KARL MAYER GROUP, we will inspire the textile value chain to take proactive steps towards achieving their climate goals with easier adoption of botanic and biodegradable materials, meeting the needs of brands and consumers who are looking for eco-conscious products,” said Florian Heubrandner, Vice President Global Textiles Business at Lenzing.

“The KARL MAYER GROUP is a leading manufacturer of textile machinery and always has its finger on the pulse of its markets. In addition to productivity, sustainability has become a key success factor for our customers. We work with pioneers throughout the textile value chain to provide them with solutions that have a low environmental impact. Yarn is particularly important in this respect. Recycled man-made fibres can be used with high efficiency on our machines. We want to expand the range of materials that can be processed to include petroleum-free yarn variants through our cooperation with Lenzing. In addition to more sustainability, this will also open up the potential for new product developments,” explained Arno Gärtner, CEO of KARL MAYER GROUP .

Increasing adoption of fossil-fuel-free materials in Warp Knitting machinery

With more value chain partners and brands opting for sustainable raw materials, we need to ensure that existing equipment or machinery that traditionally caters to fibers or yarn made of fossil-based materials can adapt well to botanic alternatives. The partnership between Lenzing and KARL MAYER GROUP strives to enable fossil- fuel-free materials such as TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers and TENCEL™ Lyocell filament yarn to be processed and optimized on KARL MAYER warp knitting machines and demonstrates the possibilities and varieties that can be created in addition with botanic and biodegradable materials.

Leveraging Lenzing’s technical knowledge of the processing of TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers and filament within the value chain, the partnership also supports yarn makers and spinners in their continuous development and adaptation of yarn for new and different textile applications.

Pave the way for a sustainable textile value chain with upgraded Flat Knitting features

With a shared vision to lower the environmental impact of the production process, the collaboration reduces carbon footprint with carbon-zero TENCEL™ fibers and decreases material consumption on STOLL flat knitting machines. The knitting method has been applied to an ultrafine flat-knit fabric on gauge 20 machines which qualify to be used for making underwear. The fully fashioned process is new to this field as in underwear cut & sew fabrication is established as best practice. Coupled with the adoption of renewable energy sources in textile production plants and effective supply chain management, Lenzing and KARL MAYER GROUP marry sustainability with innovation to empower manufacturers to achieve ultra-low carbon emissions using botanic and fossil-fuel-free fibers during the production process.

Lenzing and KARL MAYER GROUP will be showcasing a series of concept products, technical samples and fabrics at the upcoming ITMA 2023 tradeshow in booths (Hall 2-E212 and Hall 4-B-119) to illustrate the potential of knitting innovation leveraged through the collaboration. From then onwards, textile value chain partners can contact Lenzing and KARL MAYER GROUP to discuss how to achieve greater sustainability in their own operations.

Posted: May 24, 2023

Source: Lenzing Group

INDA Releases New North American Nonwoven Materials Annual Study

CARY, NC — May 24, 2023 — INDA, the Association of the Nonwovens Fabrics Industry, announces the publication of a new study, North American Nonwoven Materials Annual Study 2022.

Based on actual surveys and interviews with producers, enhancing the accuracy and relevance, this study tracks machine additions, closures, and productivity improvements. This study is the industry benchmark for capacity and production information for North America and the only publication that provides an estimate of operating rates, based on nameplate machine capacity, through the year 2022. The 72-page study contains 43 figures and 11 tables.

“An element of INDA’s mission is to provide credible statistics to the nonwovens and engineered materials industry,” said Tony Fragnito, INDA President. “Our objective is to continually improve the quality of data and industry information. We feel the industry will greatly benefit from this in-depth resource for strategic planning and investment purposes,” Fragnito added.

The complete study is provided to producers who supplied key metrics. The Executive Summary, an overview of the findings and implications, will be offered to current INDA members on a complimentary basis. The detailed study is available for purchase, with members receiving a discount. Findings from this year’s study include:

North American capacity continues to increase with investments being made across all the processes and for a variety of end-uses. The industry’s nameplate capacity utilization has increased year-over-year, for the fifth consecutive year.

In 2022, capacity of nonwovens in North America reached 5.565 million tonnes, an increase from the previous year of 2.4% (net growth of 128,700 tonnes) and an improvement over the previous year’s growth rate of 1.8%.

North American imports, in tonnage, decreased 24.3% in 2022 and exports decreased 16.3% due to market stabilization after COVID. Nonwoven production tends to stay within the region, so the net trade balance (imports less exports) accounted for less than 5.5% of the region’s capacity.

“2022 was a period of economic adjustment and stabilization,” said Mark Snider, Chief Market & Industry Analyst. “We’re seeing a controlled and consistent transition back to pre-pandemic levels of nonwoven growth.”

For more information or to purchase, visit https://www.inda.org/north-american-nonwoven-materials-annual-study-2022/

Posted: May 24, 2023

Source: INDA, the Association of the Nonwovens Fabrics Industry

Herman Miller And Naoto Fukasawa Introduce Asari Chair By Herman Miller

ZEELAND, Mich. — May 23, 2023 — Herman Miller and Tokyo-based designer Naoto Fukasawa introduce Asari Chair by Herman Miller (Asari)—a new chair that provides sophisticated ergonomic performance in a soft form—and a design that is as comfortable as it is beautiful.

Asari was inspired by organic forms found in nature. Its name means “clam” in Japanese and is an anthropomorphic metaphor for the shape of the chair’s back, which is available in high- and mid-back height. Eight color flood options accentuate the sculptural form by featuring one hue across the base, arms, and chair body. Bespoke blended options are also available, with over 180 color combinations available to contract customers.

Asari is Herman Miller’s latest demonstration of problem solving through modern design. As professionals have established remote and hybrid work arrangements that include dedicated offices or multi-purpose living spaces, there is a need for seating that combines ergonomics and refined aesthetics. At the same time, organizations returning to physical spaces are considering a more residential environment that makes the office a destination with the comforts of home.

“The evolution of work means the needs for spaces both at home and the office have transformed,” says Ben Watson, President, Herman Miller. “Asari, created with visionary designer Naoto Fukasawa, delivers what today’s workers need through intuitive adjustment, new leather and fabric offerings, clean aesthetic, and ergonomic performance.”

“My goal was to inspire joy and create a new form, ultimately becoming the next upholstered icon,” says Fukasawa. “A core part of my design ethos is to simplify the way we live, imbuing each creation with an attraction that makes people feel dear to it, a timelessness and longevity that enhances a human process.”

Hard-Working Soft Seating:
Asari provides the initial instant comfort desired in an upholstered chair with the long-term benefits expected from work chair. Tailored for the user, a synchronous self-adjusting tilt provides natural movement while PostureFit® adjusts to fill the void that exists between the lower back and the back of the chair, providing natural alignment of the spine. The contoured seat pad minimizes pressure points and provides the ultimate support.

Artfully Curated Textiles and Leather:
Herman Miller collaborated with leading interiors textile creator Maharam, a brand within the MillerKnoll collective, to introduce new materials to the office seating portfolio. Guided by the Maharam Design Studio’s expertise, two textiles and a leather have been curated to suit the character of the chair: Meld, Luce, and Stow. Maharam’s Meld and Luce woven textiles are constructed with wool and polyester sustainably sourced throughout Europe. Maharam’s Stow leather is sourced from a boutique tannery in Northern Italy and reflects the brand’s carefully honed techniques passed down over generations as one of the oldest leather producers in the world.

Asari can be purchased in stores and online at both Herman Miller and Design Within Reach and through MillerKnoll dealers for contract customers. Availability may vary. Visit the Herman Miller website for details.

Retail pricing begins at $1395 USD.

Posted: May 23, 2023

Source: Herman Miller

Kevin Herron to Retire as President, U.S. Automotive Group — Randy Breaux Promoted to Group President, GPC North America

ATLANTA — May 23, 2023 — Genuine Parts Company announced that Kevin Herron, President, U.S. Automotive Group (USAG) will retire at the end of 2023 after a distinguished 34-year career with the company. The company also announced Randy Breaux’s promotion from President, Motion to the newly created role of Group President, GPC North America, effective July 1, 2023. Mr. Herron will serve in an advisory role until his retirement to assist in an orderly and seamless transition.

“Kevin has been an invaluable asset to GPC throughout his 34 years of dedicated service to the company, including the last five years as President of USAG,” said Paul Donahue, Chairman and CEO. “He embodies GPC’s values. He is a caring leader who always puts customers and people first, and his work ethic and automotive industry knowledge are unmatched. We extend our deepest gratitude for his commitment and wish him the best in his well-deserved retirement.”

Mr. Breaux joined Motion in 2011 as Senior Vice President of Marketing, Distribution, Purchasing and Strategic Planning. He was promoted to Executive Vice President in January 2018 and then President in January 2019. Over the past five years, Mr. Breaux has led the impressive transformation of Motion, including the strategic acquisition of Kaman Distribution Group (KDG). He established a strategic vision, developed a high-performing team and culture, and delivered consistent and exceptional performance each year.

In the new role, Mr. Breaux will oversee both the automotive and industrial businesses across North America, while assuming day-to-day responsibility as President of USAG. He will continue to report to Will Stengel, President and Chief Operating Officer.

“We are thrilled to announce the promotion of Randy to the new role of Group President, GPC North America,” Mr. Donahue continued. “He has consistently demonstrated an ability to lead high-performing teams and deliver outstanding results. Randy’s leadership and relevant expertise make him the ideal candidate for this role. This transition also represents the depth of our leadership team and our talent initiatives as we continue to foster the power of One GPC.”

Posted: May 23, 2023

Source: Genuine Parts Company

Elevate Textiles Announces Comprehensive Recapitalization And New Ownership

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — May 23, 2023 — Elevate Textiles, Inc. (“Elevate” or the “Company”), a global provider of advanced, high-quality fabric and thread products and mission critical textile solutions, announced today that it has finalized terms of a recapitalization transaction that strengthens its balance sheet and enables Elevate to reinvest in its global operations to support the longevity of the business. With the support of all key financial stakeholders, Elevate’s financial foundation will be better aligned with its operational strengths and success of its brands as an industry leader for high-quality textiles. Elevate will be owned by a consortium of leading global investment firms, who will soon appoint a new Board of Directors.

The recapitalization will infuse $100 million of new capital into the business, eliminate $394 million of existing debt from the balance sheet, extend the Company’s debt maturities until 2027, including the existing ABL facility, and execute the change in ownership. While there is no anticipated impact on the Company’s global operations, these actions strengthen the Company’s capital structure and position Elevate to increase investments in its people, operations and critical growth initiatives for long-term success.

“We are pleased with the outcome of this recapitalization process which provides an improved balance sheet and reduced leverage to align with the strength and capabilities of our business and brands. We appreciate the support of our financial stakeholders who have demonstrated their confidence in Elevate, our business plan, and our future,” said Sim Skinner, President and Chief Executive Officer of Elevate. “We look forward to directing our focus on delivering the high-quality service and premium products our customers have come to trust and depend on.”

Representatives from Elevate’s new shareholders collectively added, “Elevate’s leadership team, skilled employees, high-quality products, and loyal customers make us confident that the Company will have continued success. We are excited to be part of the Company’s future and look forward to supporting and partnering with Elevate as an industry leader for years to come.”

Posted: May 23, 2023

Source: Elevate Textiles, Inc.

ITMA 2023 Exhibitor Preview: TMAS – The Swedish Textile Machinery Association – Present New Automation Concepts For Weaving

STOCKHOLM, Sweden — May 23, 2023 — Members of TMAS – the Swedish textile machinery association – will be introducing significant new automation concepts for weaving at the forthcoming ITMA 2023 exibition in Milan from June 8-14.

“Today, everyone is talking about digitalisation, but there is a strong case for considering the weaving process as the digital forerunner over 200 years ago,” says TMAS secretary general Therese Premler-Andersson. “When Joseph-Marie Jacquard invented his loom controlled by perforated cards and the first automated machine for which elaborate patterns were stored on them in ones and zeros, he arguably set the ball rolling for binary computer programming and all that has followed. There is certainly a direct line from Jacquard’s lightbulb moment to the latest innovations that will be displayed by our weaving technology members at ITMA 2023.”

Know-how from Vandewiele Sweden

Vandewiele Sweden AB, for example, benefits from all of the synergies and accumulated know-how of the Belgium-headquartered Vandewiele Group – one of the market leaders in comprehensive weaving technologies (Hall 10, stand B201). This TMAS member has been the market leader in weft yarn feeding and tension control units for weaving looms for many years, supplying systems to the majority of the leading weaving machine manufacturers, as well for retrofitting in working mills around the world.

In Milan, Vandewiele Sweden will present its latest X4 yarn feeders with integrated accessory displays with which current settings and any alarms can be easily monitored and any required changes seamlessly carried out.

X4 feeders are available in three different versions – with an integrated

tension display (TED), with integrated active tension control (ATC), or with quick release, which enables weft tension settings to be transferred from one machine to another, enabling a fast start-up the next time the same article is woven. The position of the S-Flex Tensioner is constantly monitored by an internal sensor – even if adjustment is made during power off.

With the ATC-W active tension control, the required tension is easily set and monitored on the integrated display. Once set, the system constantly regulates itself, ensuring consistent yarn tension during the weaving process which is constantly and accurately measured by the ATC sensor unit, sending a signal to the ATC operator unit resulting in consistently stable yarn tension at the required level. Quick release meanwhile provides a quick and easy way to change the brushring or tensioner.

Vandewiele Sweden is also launching its own e-commerce platform for ordering the market’s leading range of textile accessories at ITMA 2023

Wide width from Texo

TEXO AB (Hall 6, stand B301) has meanwhile seen a surge in the demand for its Compfelt weaving looms for press felt base fabrics.

“These are far from standard machines,” explains TEXO president Anders Svensson. “Off-the-shelf industrial weaving machines generally range in their working widths from 1.9 to 3.2 metres, with those purpose-built for technical applications such as geotextiles extending to wider widths of six metres and beyond. Meanwhile, one of the machines we have recently successfully delivered and commissioned has a working width of 23 metres.”

The demand for such machines comes from the suppliers of paper machine clothing (PMC) to paper mills, who in turn operate colossal machines for paper manufacturing.

All paper machines require a regular supply of PMC fabrics which are employed in three separate areas of the paper machine – the forming section, the press section and the drying section.

“Although the PMC business represents a small proportion of the total cost of manufacturing paper, it can have a significant impact on the quality of the paper, the efficiency of a machine and machine production rates,” Svensson explains.

TEXO Compfelt weaving machines are specifically employed for the production of endless (tubular) woven base fabrics for the press section of paper machines, where water is mechanically removed from the newly formed sheet of fibres.

Eltex EyE™

Eltex of Sweden AB will be running live demonstrations of the latest version of EyE™ – a versatile multi yarn tension monitoring system – at ITMA 2023, in Hall 6 at stand A210.

The Eltex EyE™ system is being widely adopted by weavers but unlike weft break sensors that are fitted solely on the weft insertion systems of weaving machines, it monitors the warping process prior to weaving. This means that instead of monitoring only the six-to-eight weft yarns fed by the weft insertion system, the EyE™ system is monitoring literally hundreds of yarns in real time on a warping creel.

“Several hundred yarns can be fed from the creels during the warping process compared to only a few weft insertion yarns during weaving,” says Peter Wiberg, responsible for marketing at Eltex. “Our motto is ‘No Loose Ends’ and that’s exactly what we can guarantee with our system.”

With warping that can operate at speeds of 500 metres a minute, the yarn tension values from all yarns are continuously updated and displayed on a screen with pre-set warning levels indicated in red. When tension reaches outside the pre-set stop level, the machine is immediately halted, with indications both on the sensor’s LEDs as well as on the screen.

Bedrock

“Weaving remains the bedrock of the textile industry and the potential for continuously improving the process remains virtually limitless,” concludes Premler-Andersson. “This is a key area for specific TMAS members, as will be demonstrated in Milan. We look forward to meeting you there.”

Posted: May 23, 2023

Source: TMAS – The Swedish Textile Machinery Association

ITMA 2023 Exhibitor Preview: Recycling Technologies Offered By VDMA Members

FRANKFURT, Germany— May 23, 2023 — More and more countries around the world are considering the circular economy in their agenda for textile materials and apparel. The goals are resource savings, environmental protection and prevention of climate change. The EU Sustainable and Circular Textiles Strategy will have an impact on global supply chains. It calls for textile products placed on the market in the EU to be durable and recyclable, made largely from recycled fibers, free of hazardous substances and produced with respect for social rights and the environment by 2030.

VDMA members are committed to using highly efficient technologies to reduce resource consumption in the textile value chain. The aim is to exploit potential for saving resources such as textile material, water, energy and chemicals in order to reduce CO2 emissions.

In the spirit of the circular economy, VDMA members offer solutions for the entire processing and production chain. The production program and services include equipment and technologies for recycling textile production waste, textiles, textile auxiliaries or waste heat, and for processing recycled materials into textiles.

Recycling of textile production waste and textiles

ANDRITZ is at the center of the movement to provide industrially and economically viable solutions for recycling pre- and post-consumer textile waste. ANDRITZ has single and multiple complementary technologies to offer the full suite from textile fiber preparation, mechanical and chemical recycling, to combined processes.  www.andritz.com/textile-recycling-technologies

DILO GROUP offers recycling machines for nonwoven production waste, e.g. edge trim openers, and auxiliary equipment for faster cleaning and air filtration systems for recycling lines.  www.dilo.de

The EREMA GROUP launches the FibrePro:IV technology which has been specially developed for PET fibre-to-fibre recycling. EREMA presents the INTAREMA® FibrePro:IV  and PURE LOOP the ISEC evo FibrePro:IV. Thanks to the efficient removal of spinning oils, the rPET produced can be reused in proportions of up to 100 percent for the production of very fine fibres.  https://www.erema.com/en/public-relations-news/  https://www.pureloop.com/en/press/

With its innovative OMNI recycling systems, GNEUSS offers efficient solutions for tomorrow’s recycling requirements. The new recycling systems consist of a variety of machines, customized to a specific material and application, utilizing Gneuss’ established devolatilization and filtration technologies. The new OMNI recycling system can be used for post-consumer and industrial fiber waste recycling.  www.gneuss.com/en/turnkey/omni-recycling-systems/

JBF manufactures dual shaft shredders, disintegrators and tailor-made combinations of both for textile and fiber treatment. Dual shaft shredders render worn military and police uniforms useless, including protective clothing with Kevlar ballistic plates. Disintegrators reduce textile production waste and used textiles down to fiber size for further recycling.  jbf-maschinen.de/

MESUTRONIC metal detectors are used to protect guillotine cutting machines and similar appliances from damages through metal parts that are hidden in the fabric. They provide a great improvement in uptime and save costs by reducing the necessity to replace or resharpen blades.  www.mesutronic.de

The OERLIKON BARMAG homogenizer recycling system is designed for manufactures who want to agglomerate, extrude, homogenize and melt bottle flakes and film waste to produce polymer melt or chips. www.oerlikon.com

TEMAFA’s production program also includes machines for opening, tearing and de-dusting of non-woven fabrics and other textile products. Performance can be adjusted through feed rollers, feed troughs and the main cylinder with different coverings and separation means for foreign parts. For de-dusting removal a vacuum system combined with a high-efficiency fan saves up to 50% of the energy.  www.temafa.com

With expertise in industrial-scale production of pressure vessels and automated material handling equipment, THIES supports solutions for both color removal and re-dyeing of recycled fibers and yarns.  www.thiestextilmaschinen.de

While the machines of XETMA VOLLENWEIDER are designed for textile finishing, they also meet the increasing demand in recycling of textile substrates. Customized machines are used to recover valuable pile fibers from textiles and carpets to be re-used in production. Good to know: The factory of XETMA VOLLENWEIDER is equipped with three solar power plants since 2009 and thus producing CO2 neutral.  www.xetma.com

Recycling of caustic soda and waste heat

Large quantities of diluted caustic soda (weak lye) are a waste product of the mercerization process. KÖRTING Caustic Recovery Plants (CRP) can turn a very large proportion of this weak lye into reusable concentrated caustic soda (strong lye) and save one million euros and more per year. Körting has been on the market longer than any other manufacturers in this field and is the global market leader of CRP.  www.koerting.de

MONFORTS offers various heat recovery and exhaust air cleaning systems for new machines and also as retrofit. The free-standing EnergyTower can save up to 25% energy. The integrated ECO Booster system enables energy savings of up to 35%. The modular MonforClean heat recovery system is integrated into the stenter chamber to save space and can be expanded to exhaust air cleaning and odor elimination.

www.monforts.de/en/machinery-ranges/environmental-protection/exhaust-air-treatment/

Processing of recycled materials

ANDRITZ offers nonwoven production lines, which can process recycled fibers. This includes lines such as airlay thermobonding and/or needling, needlepunch, spunlace, and Wetlace CP. These lines include fiber opening and blending, fine openers, and web forming, web bonding as well as slitting and winding equipment.  www.andritz.com/nonwoven

BRÜCKNER  offers a great variety of textile finishing lines which can also process recycled fibers. These lines include among others stenter frames, relax dryers, sanfor ranges, continuous dyeing ranges as well as coating and laminating lines for technical textiles and bonding ovens for nonwovens.  www.brueckner-textile.com

The achievement of a consistent fibre performance with a varying quality of recycled feedstock requires an efficient, systematic and, in part, self-optimising experimental working system, which must be intelligent and flexible. DIENES meets these demands with its MultiMode® engineering approach and supports research teams from the first laboratory tests to the modular construction of their production lines.  https://www.dienes.net/

The portfolio of DILO GROUP includes complete nonwoven lines with fiber opening & blending, carding, crosslapping and needlelooms for recycled synthetic and natural fibers. Airlay and textile recycling needling lines are offered in cooperation with partner companies.  www.dilo.de

The KARL MAYER GROUP presents an innovative concept for the circular economy in warp knitting. The concept is about in-sector recycling: the processing of recycled yarns into high-quality textiles that can be recycled back into yarns. This reduces both waste and resources, providing economic and environmental benefits.  www.karlmayer.com/en/news-and-media/events/itma-2023/

SAURER is a leading, globally active technology company and for decades sustainability has been an important part of our vision. Anticipating the need for circular economy, our spinning machines are already optimised to process recycled or regenerated fibres – with recycling Xtreme we can process even the shortest fibres. In addition our twisting machines can support to strengthen the yarns. saurer.com

The use of production waste in STC SPINNZWIRN’s extrusion lines has been common for decades. In recent years, there has been a shift from using post-industrial waste to post-consumer waste in order to develop circular economies. With yarns from STC’s monofilament lines a 100% polyester carpet can be produced – from virgin or recycled PET. Another big topic of recycled materials is filtration, where STC offers different set-ups.  www.stc-spinnzwirn.com

TEXTECHNO’s efficient testing systems have proofed their performance on recycled fibres and yarns. For mechanically recycled fibres, Textechno offers innovative testing solutions for fibre length distribution and impurities, such as yarn remnants. This includes fibres from post-industrial and post-consumer waste, regardless of colour, blending or chemical treatment.  www.textechno.com/

TRÜTZSCHLER is able to offer a complete range of technologically leading machines specifically designed for rotor and ring yarns made from recycled materials. Our machinery expertise and technological know-how enable our customers to produce sliver with the highest possible level of quality – and make it possible to turn waste into value.  https://www.truetzschler.com/en/spinning/applications/recycling/

XETMA VOLLENWEIDER offers surface finishing machines adding value to fabrics produced not only of new, but also of recycled textile materials. The technologies of XETMA VOLLENWEIDER include Raising, Sueding, Shearing and Fabric Cleaning as well as Carpet Finishing. All machines of XETMA VOLLENWEIDER are equipped with an integrated energy recovery system to minimize the actual power consumption. www.xetma.com

Posted: May 23, 2023

Source: VDMA

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