Heimtextil 2026 Expands Its Product Portfolio By Non-Textile Floor Coverings

FRANKFURT, Germany— January 27, 2025 — Heimtextil launches a new product area for the 2026 edition. Non-textile floor coverings get a new base at the world’s leading trade fair for home and contract textiles in Frankfurt: ‘Flooring & Equipment’ ideally complements the existing portfolio with Carpets & Rugs — and offers an attractive addition for numerous visitor target groups as well as valuable new contacts. With the launch of the new area, Heimtextil once again proves itself as the global platform for the entire textile and non-textile interior design sector.

With the new Flooring & Equipment product group, Heimtextil launches non-textile floor coverings. Photo — Messe Frankfurt

What have non-textile floor coverings and a textile trade fair have in common? The answer: they create a holistic buying experience for interior design. From 2026, Flooring & Equipment will therefore complement Heimtextil’s extensive product portfolio. The focus is on floors without a textile structure. These include elastic floor coverings, designer and luxury vinyl tiles, cork flooring, laminate, parquet and other wooden flooring, as well as outdoor floor coverings. Flooring & Equipment offers the industry a fixed date with a customised range in Frankfurt. As the world’s leading trade fair for home and contract textiles and textile design, Heimtextil provides a global market overview for the entire interior design sector. Here, buyers find the complete range of high-quality products, trends and interior designs for the home and the contract business – from wallpaper and curtains to carpets and non-textile floor coverings.

‘We are constantly working with the industry to further develop Heimtextil – into a global stage of inspiration and solutions for the entire interior design sector. Non-textile floor coverings are an ideal addition to the existing product range offered at Heimtextil and appeal to new target groups, such as the specialised floor-covering retail. Thanks to the direct link to Carpets & Rugs, the industry also benefits from efficient synergies between product segments and numerous new contacts’, says Margit Herberth, Director Heimtextil. In addition, Flooring & Equipment serves the interests of existing visitor target groups in an even more targeted manner – such as designers and decorators, (interior) architects, room and object furnishers, DIY and home improvement stores, garden centres, wholesalers and retailers.

The successful product segment Carpets & Rugs has become the home of the global carpet industry. The strong growth area already serves the relevant target groups for Flooring & Equipment at Heimtextil. The area of non-textile floor coverings is directly adjacent to the carpet segment – in terms of the product groups, but also the location on the exhibition grounds. ‘The new product range fits seamlessly into the hall plan of Heimtextil 2026 at the Messe Frankfurt Exhibition Center. We optimise the visitor target groups’ routes in order to guide them efficiently and purposefully to the existing range’, explains Bettina Bär, Director Heimtextil. In addition, there will also be a high-quality content programme for the global carpet and floor covering industry.

Heimtextil takes place from January 13-16, 2026.

Posted: January 27, 2025

Source: Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH

ANDRITZ Bast Fiber Line Commissioned At Ekolution Plant In Malmö, Sweden

GRAZ, Austria — January 27, 2025 — International technology group ANDRITZ has recently commissioned a state-of-the art teXline bast fiber line at the new factory of Ekolution, a pioneer in sustainable building materials, in Malmö, Sweden. The line will expand Ekolution’s production capacity, producing environmentally friendly hemp fibers and nonwoven felts made from industrial hemp. The scope of supply included equipment for hemp decortication and refining, combined with a neXline airlay line for producing the felts.

ANDRITZ neXline airlay line in operation at Ekolution © Ekolution

Remi Loren, CEO of Ekolution, stated: “Our company is at the forefront of green materials with insulation and nonwoven products that are bio-based, carbon-negative and energy-efficient. ANDRITZ helps us achieve our sustainability targets through a process that makes the most of our raw materials while reducing resource consumption. We can also rely on ANDRITZ’s expertise in service and digitalization in the future to optimize our operations.”

ANDRITZ hemp decortication line in operation at Ekolution © Ekolution

The ANDRITZ line, designed to obtain hemp fiber without impurities through a gentle process, is equipped with machinery that has a small land footprint and operates at low energy consumption. The decortication and refining equipment will produce high-quality fibers from up to 5 tons of feedstock per hour. Some of the fibers will be fed into a neXline airlay flexiloft+ line producing up to 1.5 tons of nonwovens felt per hour for various applications.

“We are proud to be part of this project, which is fully in line with our commitment to provide sustainable and circular technologies that support the green transition,” says Francis-Elias Junker, Sales Area Manager for the ANDRITZ Nonwovens & Textile division.

Ekolution, established in Sweden in 2013, produces bio-based building solutions and materials using hemp from its own plantations as a raw material. Its hemp fiber insulation is the first with an Environmental Product Declaration (EDP) confirming that it is carbon-negative (more CO2 is sequestered in the industrial hemp than is emitted in the production process). Ekolution’s hemp panels and nonwoven products have recently been used in the construction of a high-tech logistics center in Stockholm, the world’s largest building project using hemp fiber insulation. In addition to the construction industry, Ekolution’s hemp products can also be used in the automotive, textile, furniture, acoustics, packaging, pulp (paper), and other segments where green, natural fibers are in demand.

Posted: January 27, 2025

Source: International technology group ANDRITZ

The AATCC Foundation: Apply For The NCTO Paul T. O’Day Scholarship

DURHAM, N.C. — January 27, 2025 — The AATCC Foundation is pleased to partner with the National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO) to offer the Paul T. O’Day Scholarship.

Eligible applicants must have at least one parent or guardian employed by an NCTO member company and/or organization. Applicants may be any children, legally adopted children, or stepchildren of any active employee of an NCTO member company. Non-dues paying members of NCTO are not eligible for this program. Please see the list of member companies at https://ncto.org/industry-partners-resources/associations-affiliates/.

Paul T. O’Day

The Paul T. O’Day Scholarship is a $5,000 scholarship that may be awarded for up to four years, for a cumulative scholarship of $20,000.  Applicants may pursue any area of study supportive of the American fiber industry. This includes, but is not limited to business, marketing, design, accounting, or engineering.

Eligibility

Undergraduate students, including rising freshmen, who are enrolled in a four-year college or university OR two-year college program, are encouraged to apply. Applicants’ parents or guardian must be employed by an NCTO member company and/or organization. Students should have career goals in support of the American fiber industry.

In addition, recipients must remain continuously enrolled throughout the academic year unless called for military service or affected by serious illness. Students must also carry a course load sufficient to be classified as a full-time student and notify the Foundation of any changes in their educational plans, including transfer or change of major. Failure to do so may result in loss of the scholarship.

While on this scholarship, students may enroll in a co-op program or attend summer school for the purpose of accelerating graduation. They may also transfer to another school while receiving the scholarship.

Scholarship recipients may renew the award annually by submitting a complete transcript showing a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.5 out of 4.0. The NCTO Scholarship Review Committee may request additional evidence of satisfactory progress toward graduation.

Renewals for any individual will not be made more than once for students working toward two-year technical degrees or more than three times for students pursuing four-year degrees. Renewals will not be made for work beyond the undergraduate level.

Selection Criteria

The selection criteria for this scholarship are based on several factors. Students are assessed based on their letter of recommendation, transcript, and grade point average/ratio (GPA/GPR). SAT or ACT scores for high school seniors and the major GPA for college students are also factored.

Students must also include a compelling personal statement explaining how this scholarship will assist studies in support of the American fiber industry. The statement may include details about choosing a school, selecting a curriculum, or planning a career.

Personal information may also be included to clarify the applicant’s comments. Students are also considered based on honors and awards, including academic achievement; extracurricular activities; community, church, or service activities; and financial need and/or other scholarships that are awarded.

Paul T. O’Day

Paul T. O’Day, who served as President of the American Fiber Manufacturers Association (AFMA) for more than 30 years. After the merger of AFMA into NCTO, the NCTO Fiber Council voted to continue the scholarship, awarding it to a candidate from an NCTO Fiber Council member company for studies in support of the American fiber industry.

O’Day passed away on June 1, 2017, but his legacy and dedication to the fiber industry lives on through the continuation of the Paul T. O’Day Scholarship fund, which was set up in 2014 to help students pursue a degree in a fiber related field.

Apply

Applications will close February 28, 2025. Applicants will be notified of the Selection Committee’s decision by early summer.

Application REQUIRES a faculty letter of recommendation. Students may add the letter to their application or faculty may email it directly to India Hansen at india@aatcc.org.

To access and complete the AATCC Foundation scholarship application form, visit www.aatcc.org/foundation. Students may be eligible for this and other AATCC Foundation scholarships.

Posted: January 27, 2025

Source: AATCC Foundation Inc

OrganoTex Initiates Collaboration With REV’IT! Sport International

TÄBY, Sweden— January 24, 2025 — OrganoClick’s brand OrganoTex takes another step in its international expansion by entering the motorcycle category in collaboration with REV’IT! Sport International. Together, they are launching a Care-range for REV’IT!’s products, which will be available across all their markets in Europe and North America.

REV’IT! is a brand in the premium segment for motorcycle apparel and gear, with a strong global presence. This joint launch enables motorcycle enthusiasts worldwide to care for their garments and accessories sustainably, aligning with OrganoTex’s vision to contribute to a more sustainable future. The collaboration not only marks OrganoTex’s entry into an entirely new category and target audience but also its first launch in the North American market.

“This collaboration demonstrates the growing interest in our products. We are excited to partner with such a globally established brand as REV’IT!, which is proof of our innovative strength and our ability to contribute to sustainability in new categories and target groups,” says Susanne Karlsson, Sales Manager for OrganoTex® at OrganoClick.

“We are proud to partner with Organotex. Their relentless innovation combined with their value driven approach to responsibility aligns perfectly with our brand. REV’IT! is committed to exceeding our most demanding riders’ expectations in protective motorcycle apparel, while driving daily innovations and improvements in protecting our planet, our riders, and the people we work with” – says Iain Howe, Global Marketing Director at REV’IT! Sport International.

Posted: January 24, 2025

Source: OrganoClick

The American Medical Manufacturers Association (AMMA) Urges Congress and President Trump Unite to Secure America’s Medical Manufacturing Future

WASHINGTON — January 24, 2025 — The American Medical Manufacturers Association (AMMA), representing a coalition of domestic manufacturers of personal protective equipment (PPE) and critical medical supplies, today issued open letters to President Trump, Vice President Vance, and congressional leadership. These letters outline urgent policy priorities to bolster the nation’s health security and industrial resilience and emphasize the critical need for immediate action.

Eric Axel, Executive Director of AMMA, stated: “Our nation’s medical supply chain faces critical vulnerabilities. With a new Administration and Congress working together and prioritizing domestic manufacturing, we can strengthen America’s health security, create high-quality jobs, and reduce reliance on adversarial foreign sources.”

The letters underscore the urgent need for specific “asks” for both the Administration and Congress, focusing on measures to secure supply chains, enhance domestic manufacturing, and ensure long-term economic and health preparedness.

AMMA’s Key Asks of the Administration

  1. Full Implementation of the Make PPE in America Act: AMMA calls on the Departments of Veterans Affairs and Health and Human Services to finalize regulations ensuring uniform application of domestic procurement mandates across federal agencies. The Made in America Office (MAIO) must oversee this to prevent undue reliance on foreign producers.
  2. Strengthen Strategic Preparedness and Response: AMMA emphasizes the importance of robust support for the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR) and the Office of Pandemic Preparedness and Response Policy (OPPR). Ensuring the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) prioritizes American-made supplies is vital for emergency preparedness.
  3. Address Global Supply Chain Dependencies: The letters advocate for reducing reliance on foreign sources, particularly from China, to ensure American manufacturers have a level playing field. AMMA supports policies to mitigate risks associated with global competition and strategic dependencies.
  4. Tax Policy for Growth: AMMA urges the Administration to permanently extend the 100% bonus depreciation provision and the Section 199A pass-through deduction. Reinstating immediate expensing for R&D and creating a Medical Supply Security Tax Credit are key priorities to drive innovation and domestic investment.

AMMA President and founder of a domestic manufacturer of PPE, Dan Izhaky, added, “We must seize this opportunity to create a resilient, American-led medical manufacturing base. Strengthening domestic production safeguards not only our economy but also our public health. We deeply appreciate President Trump’s leadership and long-term support. We thank him for his leadership and commitment to securing our domestic medical supply chains.”

AMMA’s Key Asks of Congress

  1. Oversight and Expansion of the Make PPE in America Act: Congress is urged to ensure comprehensive compliance with domestic procurement mandates and accelerate implementation across federal agencies. Legislative oversight is critical to maintaining momentum.
  2. Enhance Trade Enforcement: AMMA calls for Congressional action to address tariff circumvention schemes, particularly involving transshipment through countries like Malaysia and Vietnam. Strengthening customs enforcement and reforming de minimis shipping thresholds are essential to protect domestic manufacturers.
  3. Support CMS Policies Favoring Domestic Products: AMMA commends Congress for progress on Medicare policies supporting American-made PPE. Expanding procurement initiatives to include nitrile gloves, syringes, and other supplies is crucial for a sustainable domestic supply chain.
  4. Address Strategic Competition with China: AMMA highlights the work of the House Select Committee on the CCP and supports bipartisan recommendations to reduce dependency on CCP-controlled supply chains. This includes legislative efforts to safeguard medical supply chains and strengthen U.S. manufacturing.

Eric Axel summarized AMMA’s expectations from Congress, saying, “We look to Congress to enact meaningful reforms and provide robust oversight to ensure that America’s medical manufacturing industry can thrive in a fair and competitive environment. We are grateful for the bipartisan leadership that has brought us closer to achieving this shared goal.”

Commitment to Collaboration

AMMA’s members are investing in expanding domestic production capacity, creating high-skilled jobs, and ensuring the nation never again faces critical medical supply shortages. The organization offers its expertise to support effective policy development and implementation.

“We stand ready to work with the Administration and Congress to advance policies that secure America’s medical supply chain,” added Izhaky. “Together, we can ensure a resilient, sustainable manufacturing base that protects public health and strengthens our economy.”

Posted: January 24, 2025

Source: The American Medical Manufacturers Association (AMMA)

Spinnova Oyj (Finland) Joins ITMF As Corporate Member

ZÜRICH, Switzerland— January 24, 2025 — Based in Finland, Spinnova has developed patented technology for making textile fiber from wood pulp or waste, such as leather, textile or agricultural cropping waste, without harmful dissolving chemicals. The Spinnova technology uses a mechanical process which gives the fiber the look and feel of a natural cellulosic fiber such as cotton.

Dr. Christian Schindler

Christian Schindler, director general of ITMF, stated that “welcoming Spinnova as a new Corporate Member strengthens ITMF’s role as a global platform for the entire textile value chain. Spinnova is a company that is working on new technologies that are improving the carbon footprint of the textile industry and are offering solutions for a circular textile economy.

“At ITMF, well established companies are meeting newly established start-ups and scale-ups which enables fruitful discussions and cooperations. By joining ITMF Spinnova will benefit from ITMF’s publications, reports, webinars, workshops or conference.”

Lasse Holopainen, chief revenue officer of Spinnova, commented that “becoming a member of ITMF will help to further widen and deepen the international network, discuss with industry colleagues, understand the dynamics of the industry. It is important to be a part of an international platform like ITMF that comprises members from the entire textile value chain from around the world.”

For more information about Spinnova, please go to https://www.spinnova.com.

For more information about ITMF, please go to www.itmf.org

Posted: January 24, 2025

Source: International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF)

Designtex Is A Now A PFAS-Free Company

NEW YORK CITY — January 23, 2025 — Designtex, the designer and manufacturer of applied materials for the built environment, proudly announces the elimination of the forever chemical PFAS in all of their products and inventory. PFAS are a group of chemicals found in a variety of applications, including nonstick treatments and water- and stain-repellents. Years in the making, as of October 1, 2024, no Designtex shipment will go out containing the chemical, and all relevant finishes and specifications will be updated, indicating they are PFAS-free.

Designtex offers a wide range of products without a finish, as well as alternative PFAS-free finishes that provide stain resistance. Many fibers in the brand’s textile library can be cleaned without the use of stain-resistant finishes. Extensive cleaning and maintenance instructions, including disinfectant compatibility, to maintain these fabrics over the life of the product can be downloaded directly from Designtex’s website.

Some products benefit from PFAS-free finishes to provide stain resistance without the use of bioaccumulative PFAS chemistries. These alternative finishes have been fully vetted for efficacy. For certain fiber types, Designtex will include a PFAS-free finish to extend the fabric’s stain-free life. These finishes are noted as ‘Stain Resistant (without PFAS)’ on the products that carry them.

Designtex continues to eliminate red-listed chemicals from their offering. Designtex upholstery is now free of PFAS as well as flame retardants and antimicrobial additives. In addition, all Designtex upholstery and select wallcoverings have been third party certified for low VOC emissions. “Designtex will continue to prioritize material health in our product offering. We value beauty, utility, and sustainability in everything we offer and aim to provide safe, durable products of lasting value,” says Deidre Hoguet, Senior Director of Sustainability and Applied Research.

Posted: January 23, 2025

Source: Designtex

Tent Conference 2025 Success Despite Winter Storm 

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — January 23, 2025 — Despite the ice, snow and bitterly cold temperatures, ATA’s Tent Rental Division (TRD) Tent Conference kicked off on January 7 in Louisville, Ky. One hundred attendees braved Winter Storm Blair and the usual travel delays that accompanied it to attend the two and a half-day event.

“Once again, proof that tent folks are among the most resilient in any industry,” says TRD Chair Nick Deninno of B&R Innovations. “Despite flight delays and a record snowstorm, it didn’t stop the bourbon from flowing and we had a fantastic turnout.”

While some were unable to make it in time for the afternoon Louisville Slugger Factory and Museum tour or the Bourbon Tasting Tour on Whiskey Row, most arrived at the evening’s welcome reception eager to share their travel stories, catch up with old friends and make new ones.

The following day featured several education sessions focusing on how to build or enhance your company’s online presence, what steps to take now to sell your company in future, and the latest code updates impacting the industry.

The annual TRD business meeting was also held that afternoon and included an overview of the growth in new members as well as the association’s plans for the new year. It was during this meeting that outgoing TRD Chair Steve Belliveau with Anchor Industries was presented with an award and a gift in appreciation of his many years of service to the industry. “Thank you to all for your support,” Belliveau said. “It’s been a true honor to work with so many dedicated individuals as your chair in an industry that I truly love. I look forward to continuing to support and work with our organization in my ex-officio role as past chair.”

Nick Deninno with B&R Innovations will serve as the new TRD chair and Brian Stumph with Fred’s Tents is the new vice chair. Belliveau will remain on the TRD Board as the immediate past chair.

Once the TRD business meeting and education sessions were concluded, it was time for the most exciting and competitive portion of Tent Conference — the scavenger hunt! Attendees were randomly assigned to ten different teams that were then sent out across downtown Louisville to score as many points as possible by following clues and completing various challenges. The winners were as follows:

  • 1st Place: Not Your Average Joe
  • 2nd Place: Orange Blossoms
  • Better Luck Next Time: Blame Canada

Education sessions concluded the following day with an in-depth look at the complexities involved in staging the Kentucky Derby for a full week each year followed by a panel discussion focusing on how to prepare for and successfully execute large scale projects like the Derby, large music festivals and other major events.

“Tent Conference is one of my favorite events in the industry, and Tent Conference 2025 exceeded expectations,” says Deninno. “The intimate setting provides a unique opportunity to connect with peers without the pressure of sales from vendors. The education sessions were spot-on, delivering valuable insights tailored to industry leaders and managers. The TRD has an exciting lineup of education and certification programs planned for 2025. Plus, we’re already looking forward to the Tent Expo in January 2026, which will feature the much-anticipated return of the TRD Soap Box Derby!”

Be sure to mark your calendars for January 27-29, 2026, when the TRD Tent Expo will take place at Margaritaville Resort in Kissimmee, Fla. Don’t want to wait that long to receive industry-focused training and education? Choura Events in Torrance, Calif. will be hosting an Essentials of Anchoring Course on Feb. 25 and a TRD Bootcamp on Feb. 26.

Posted: January 23, 2025

Source: Advanced Textiles Association® (ATA)

Gildan Unveils Fresh Styles And Product Innovations At The Impressions Expo

CHRIST CHURCH, Barbados — January 23, 2025 — Gildan — an apparel manufacturer of quality, affordable basics, comfortable styles and iconic apparel — is pleased to showcase the latest styles and product innovations from its portfolio of brands — Gildan®, Comfort Colors®, American Apparel®, and its most recent addition under an exclusive licensing agreement for the printwear channel, Champion® — at the Impressions Expo Long Beach in California. The brands will be onsite at the three-day expo to feature the newest innovations, showcase recently launched collections, host interactive booth displays with live printing and giveaways and provide an exclusive sneak peek into 2026 styles.

“The innovations and styles we’re introducing across our brands underline and strengthen our position as the industry’s preferred choice for decorators,” says Emma Budzisz, Vice-President of Marketing at Gildan Activewear SRL. “We are confident that these updates will further support our growth ambitions as we continue implementing our Gildan Sustainable Growth strategy.”

Gildan® 

Gildan®, the smart choice for decorators, is excited to announce new product innovations for 2025. The innovative Plasma Print Technology aims to enhance the direct-to-garment printing process by reducing the need for pre-treatment. This development is designed to offer softer fabrics, brighter colors, improved ink coverage, and enhanced print consistency. The brand’s Soft Cotton Technology, is a fabric innovation that redefines softness and comfort and will be incorporated in the brand’s new Light Cotton™ collection, offering customers a softer touch and improved printability qualities, all at the same durability and value as before.

Gildan will also debut new styles, including additions of 3000 and 3000B to the new Light Cotton collection, 75000, 19500 and 19000 to the Gildan Hammer Maxweight collection, as well as SF008 and SF100 to the Softstyle™ Midweight Fleece collection. With these, Gildan continues its legacy as the smart choice for decorators and printers alike.

Comfort Colors® 

Comfort Colors® is celebrating 50 years of spreading good vibes as the soft, high-quality, garment-dyed ring-spun cotton shirts brand. To mark five decades of unbeatable comfort and endless nature-inspired hues, Comfort Colors® is introducing fresh new colors in their best-selling 3023CL and 6030 styles, along with new youth styles 1467Y and 1745Y  as well as a cozy Fleece Dorm Blanket.

Tradeshow attendees can also expect a preview of the brand’s 2026 collection, featuring fresh silhouettes for women. Comfort Colors continues to celebrate the beauty and essence of Colors Inspired by Nature™ with its Pigment Pure™ dyeing and reactive hues in each cozy garment.

American Apparel®  

Staying true to its roots, American Apparel® continues to craft premium apparel with its lineup of new colors in the iconic 2001 and 2001CVC styles and the introduction of the Super Heavyweight collection which offers customers a new, street-style oversized fit.

The brand will also feature its recently launched Logo collection, known for its effortless style and softness, available exclusively on Amazon for customers and decorators. With these, American Apparel® reaffirms its dedication to Crafting the Culture and shaping timeless memories for its customers with a blend of apparel and pop culture.

Champion® 

Having partnered with Authentic Brands Group, the owner of the Champion® brand through a licensing agreement for the printwear channel, Gildan is pleased to present the brand’s confident, bold, and stylish collection, featuring authentic athletic apparel. Tradeshow attendees can explore the extensive collection, including the styles S450, S600, S650, S700, S790, S800, P800, P930, CO125, CO200, S101, RW01W, S149, T137, T425, T105, T453W, 8187, S162, which embody the Champion spirit of individuality and uniqueness in athletic apparel.

Posted: January 23, 2025

Source: Gildan

Polyamide 6 Copolymers From Envalior Earn Certification For Recyclability

DÜSSELDORF, Germany — January 23, 2025 — Envalior is excited to announce that its Durethan® C38F polyamide 6 copolymers can be recycled into polyethylene multilayer packaging, using waste from flexible polyethylene packaging. This milestone follows a comprehensive study conducted with the independent institute cyclos-HTP. Based on the cyclos-HTP certificate, Envalior’s next step will be to have the product series included in the new minimum standard for assessing the recyclable design of packaging in accordance with the German Packaging Act by the Central Agency Packaging Register (ZSVR).

“We look forward to when the recyclability of film systems based on Durethan C38F in the polyethylene waste stream will finally be formally established. This will save our customers from potential charges that are currently being discussed for packaging that does not meet the minimum standard,” explained Wolfram Littek, Technical Marketing Manager for Envalior’s Intermediates business.

Maintaining high quality in polyethylene recyclate

The cyclos-HTP Institute has developed a test program called CHI-C8-PEF-1, in which the recyclability of flexible polyethylene multilayer film systems is tested and evaluated using original packaging. The comparative tests with the Durethan C38F series showed that the polyamide content of the packaging in the quantities normally used does not significantly deteriorate the properties of the polyethylene recyclate, and in some cases even slightly improves them.

“The quality of the resulting recyclate is so excellent that it can be processed not only into high-quality compounds for injection molding, but also into blown film, making film-to-film recycling possible,” Littek said.

Envalior expects similar certifications for the recycling of polyethylene packaging films with polyamide content to emerge in other European countries as part of the new European Packaging & Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR).

“The inclusion of our Durethan C38F copolymers in the German minimum standard will be a blueprint for further certifications in Europe. As a founding member of the new independent Advanced Packaging Association (APA), we actively support these regulatory processes and raise awareness of how sustainable, resource-saving, climate-friendly and efficient multilayer packaging with polyamide is in the fight against food waste,” Littek said.

Tie layer ensures good compatibility of polyamide 6 with polyethylene
The Durethan® C38F series is made up of caprolactam, isophthalic acid and isophorone diamine. Its good compatibility with the polyethylene waste stream is based on the very low content in the respective packaging and on a tie layer. This tie layer helps it mix well with polyethylene in both the multilayer packaging and the recycled material.

Protecting the climate by reducing food waste

Polyamide has been an indispensable component of flexible, co-extruded multilayer packaging systems based on polyethylene for years, which are mainly used to package foods, such as meat, cheese and sausage. Compared to purely polyethylene-based counterparts, the packaging can be designed to be more than half as thin. This saves resources and reduces the amount of packaging waste. The polyamide films also acts as an aroma and oxygen barrier, which means that the food has a long shelf life while maintaining the same high quality. The films thus help to reduce the amount of food waste.

“The films thereby make an important contribution to climate protection,” explained Littek. “This is because greenhouse gas emissions from wasted food are a major contributor to global warming.”

Posted: January 23, 2025

Source: Envalior

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