Lenzing Speeds Up Energy Transition At Its Site In Heiligenkreuz

HEILIGENKREUZ, Austria — April 27, 2023 — The Lenzing Group, a provider of specialty fibers for the textile and nonwovens industries, signed a contract for the acquisition of the 43 mW biomass power plant of ENERGIE 42 Beteiligungs GmbH located in the Heiligenkreuz business park (Burgenland). The execution of the transaction is in particular subject to regulatory approvals and is expected in the second quarter of 2023. This strategic investment will significantly reduce the dependence on fossil energy at the Lenzing production site in Heiligenkreuz. Around 50 percent of the natural gas currently used can be replaced by energy from renewable sources in the future.

The Lenzing Group produces eco-friendly TENCEL™ and VEOCEL™ branded lyocell fibers as well as a variety of premium fibers such as TENCEL x REFIBRA™ or CO2 neutral TENCEL lyocell fibers for the textile and nonwovens industries at Heiligenkreuz. Previously, the site was heavily dependent on natural gas with a share of renewable energy through biomass and biogasless than ten percent. The exclusive use of biomass from the nearby power plant will enable the site to reduce its CO2 emissions associated with energy use by around 50,000 tons of CO2 per year. Lenzing’s specialty fibers contribute to significantly lower CO2 emissions throughout the supply chain and help Lenzing’s customers, especially brands and retailers, achieve their climate and sustainability goals.

“With this strategic investment, we are making an important contribution to site security and strengthening our range of eco-friendly specialty fibers. In the future, we will invest even more in sustainable energy concepts to further reduce our CO2 emissions in line with our ambitious climate target,” said Christian Skilich, chief pulp officer and chief technology officer of the Lenzing Group.

In line with the Paris Agreement and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, Lenzing made a strategic commitment in 2019 to reduce its CO2 emissions per ton of product by 50 percent by 2030. Lenzing also aims to achieve carbon-neutrality by 2050. The Science Based Target Initiative validated the target against scientific criteria, making Lenzing the first manufacturer of wood-based cellulosic fibers with an approved science-based target.

With the acquisition of the biomass power plant, Lenzing is accelerating the transition to renewable energies and, thus, also the achievement of its climate targets. This consistent step also opens up opportunities to develop other renewable energy sources, such as photovoltaics, to a greater extent in the future.

Posted: April 27, 2023

Source: The Lenzing Group

ITMA 2023 Exhibitor Preview: Fong’s Europe Will Highlight The Proven Advantages Of The THEN Supratec LTM Dyeing Machine

SCHWÄBISCH HALL, Germany — April 27, 2023 — At ITMA 2023 in Milan from June 8-14, Fong’s Europe will highlight the proven advantages of the THEN Supratec LTM — a dyeing machine widely used across the industry for handling sensitive high elastic and delicate crease mark-sensitive synthetic fabrics.

The THEN Supratec LTM is designed in a long tube shape, with its Flexkier lifting device and winchless fabric transport providing efficient and high-quality dyeing results, while minimizing water and energy consumption with liquor ratios of from 1:15 down to just 1:4.

It features a number of advanced patented technologies, such as a dry and wet mode by programmable kier slope variation during the process, to provide an outstanding low liquor ratio system for long tube machines.

The machine can be delivered tailor made with one or two nozzles to achieve full filling with acceptable fast turn times. This helps to reduce the amount of water and energy needed for the dyeing process while also reducing the overall processing time.

The Supratec LTM is suitable for the treatment of both woven and knitted fabrics ranging from the most sensitive articles to medium-weight materials within the weight range of 25 grams per linear metre (g/lm) to 600 g/lm, and operates at very low tension due to the extremely low lifting height between the variable nozzle and the plaited fabric.

Cost savings

Heat-setting can often be avoided, which improves the handle of the material and saves costs, and the lengthwise-elongation of the fabric being treated is lower than on winch-driven machines. Each kier has a capacity of up to 200 kg, again depending on the fabric being treated, and operating speeds are from 80 up to 600 meters a minute.

The Supratec is also equipped with a range of features to ensure the safety of the machine operator and to prevent damage to the fabric being dyed. These include automatic dosing systems for chemicals and dyes, as well as sensors for monitoring the temperature, pressure and pH levels of the dyeing process.

“Overall, the THEN Supratec is a highly advanced and efficient dyeing machine which is widely used in the textile industry for its high-quality results and low environmental impact,” says Fong’s Europe Director of Sales and Marketing Richard Fander. “Please visit us at stand B106 in Hall 18 this year in Milan where we will be happy to further outline all of the benefits of this technology.”

Fong’s Europe is a German company belonging to the CHTC Fong’s Group and has specialized in textile machinery for more than 100 years.

Posted: April 27, 2023

Source: Fong’s Europe

Indorama Ventures Joins “Together For Sustainability” Initiative To Enhance Sustainable Supply Chain Management

BANGKOK, Thailand — April 26, 2023 — Indorama Ventures Public Co. Ltd. (IVL), one of the world’s leading sustainable chemical companies, has joined “Together for Sustainability” (TfS), a global initiative for sustainable supply chains. Indorama Ventures joins a network of 47 TfS member companies representing the global chemical industry, reinforcing its commitment to driving sustainable solutions in its supply chain management.

Yash Lohia, chairman of the ESG Council at Indorama Ventures, said, “Together, we must pursue the path of sustainability within our value chain. At Indorama Ventures, our sustainability strategy is built on partnerships and collaboration. With our purpose of reimagining chemistry together to create a better world, we are pleased to join ‘Together for Sustainability’ and stand with our peers in the chemical sector to enhance our joint decarbonization journey.”

By joining TfS, Indorama Ventures is encouraging suppliers to meet high sustainability standards, reduce the risk of supply chain disruptions, and improve overall climate maturity. The collaboration will help foster an expansion of the company’s sustainable supply chain program. The company will contribute to the TfS Scope 3 Greenhouse Gas (GHG) workstream that developed and finetunes the Guideline for calculating Product Carbon Footprints (PCFs) in the chemical industry and beyond and, will develop an IT solution that will enable companies to share PCFs efficiently. This membership allows Indorama Ventures to further align with the UN Global Compact Principles.

Through this initiative, Indorama Ventures will also be partnering with EcoVadis to assess our suppliers to identify risks and opportunities along the value chain, improve sustainability practices, and encourage collaboration among members.

Lohia added: “Higher supply chain standards allow us to further our vision of being a sustainable chemical company, to meet our customers’ expectations for greater transparency, and to ensure we are taking significant steps to reduce our environmental impact.”

Bertrand Conquéret, president, Together for Sustainability, said: “A very warm welcome to the Indorama Ventures team! The arrival of Indorama Ventures strengthens TfS’ global position. Together and with our strategic partners we will continue to expand our reach and increase our impact on the sustainability performance in chemical supply chains around the world. Given the regulatory landscape, the climate challenge, and market conditions, the need for sustainable businesses is only increasing. TfS is the crucial factor in making supply chains and businesses in general more sustainable and resilient and contributing to the development of a better world.”

Posted: April 26, 2023

Source: Indorama Ventures Public Company Limited (IVL)

International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF) Awards & Start-Up Awards 2023 Extension Of Deadline Until May 31, 2023

ZURICH — April 26, 2023 — The deadline for applications for the ITMF Awards 2023 — “Sustainability & Innovation” and “International Cooperation” — as well as the ITMF Start-up Awards 2023 is extended to May 31, 2023.

The Awards 2023 will be presented and handed over during the ITMF Annual Conference 2023 in Keqiao, China from November 4-6, 2023.

All relevant information about the ITMF Awards 2023 can be found on the following website: https://www.itmf.org/awards/itmf-awards-2023

ITMF is an international forum for the world’s textile and related industries founded in 1904. ITMF members are associations and companies covering the entire textile value chain – producers of fibers, textile machinery, chemicals, textiles, apparel, and home textiles. The membership is from more than 40 countries and is representing around 90 percent of global production.

Posted: April 26, 2023

Source: International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF)

UNIFI®, Makers Of REPREVE®, Announces Sixth Annual REPREVE Champions Of Sustainability Awards

GREENSBORO, N.C. — April 26, 2023 — Unifi Inc. (together with its consolidated subsidiaries, UNIFI), maker of REPREVE and one of the world’s leading innovators in recycled and synthetic yarns, announced the recipients of its sixth annual REPREVE Champions of Sustainability awards, which recognize leaders in sustainable production and retail. The global awards honor the transformation of single use plastic bottles into new consumer products, saving them from the waste stream.

UNIFI’s partners that have demonstrated a true commitment to a more sustainable world include the following:

  • Williams-Sonoma, Inc. and Deckers Brands (TEVA/UGG®) have each transformed 100+ million plastic bottles
  • American Eagle Outfitters is honored as the recipient of the Newcomer Award for transforming 25+ million plastic bottles in one year alone
  • H&M received the Special Recognition Award for their usage of REPREVE® Our Ocean™ fibers and yarns and has transformed 600+ million plastic bottles

In total, REPREVE Champions of Sustainability recipients have helped transform almost 26 billion recycled plastic bottles into consumer products.

“We are thrilled to honor our 2023 REPREVE Champions of Sustainability,” said Eddie Ingle, CEO of UNIFI. “At UNIFI, we deeply value our extraordinary partners who have demonstrated that sustainability is an integral part of their business. Together, we will continue to work with these companies to reduce negative environmental impacts and be good stewards of our planet and our future, while inspiring our industry to do the same.”

UNIFI has led industry innovation since 1971, and as the makers of REPREVE, has proudly transformed more than 35 billion plastic bottles into recycled fiber for new apparel, footwear, home goods, and other consumer products.

The 2023 REPREVE Champions of Sustainability awards will be presented to 33 brand and retail partners that have transformed ten million or more recycled plastic bottles and 59 textile partners that have transformed 50 million or more recycled plastic bottles through the use of REPREVE performance fibers.

“Partnerships are a vital element of innovation, and the foundation on which UNIFI is built,” said Jay Hertwig, senior vice president of Global Brand Sales. “Our partnerships are mutually beneficial; we are helping brands and mills meet their sustainability goals while they help us continue to be a catalyst for a more sustainable future through impactful changes in their fiber choices.”

A full list of the 2023 REPREVE Champions of Sustainability honorees is available by visiting repreve.com/champions-of-sustainability. For more information on UNIFI, the makers of REPREVE, please visit www.unifi.com.

Posted: April 26, 2023

Source: UNIFI, Inc.

JEC Composites Startup Booster 2023 Winners Announced

PARIS — April 26, 2023 — In a few years, JEC Composites Startup Booster has become a reference for entrepreneurship in the composites industry worldwide. Each year after an application process, 20 startups, with groundbreaking projects using composite materials, are selected to join JEC World stage and pitch before a panel of expert judges.

This contest gives a unique opportunity to the participating startups as well as the international audience of JEC World to get some inspiration, network and foster business collaboration. Two exciting pitches sessions took place on April 25 and, after deliberation of the jury, 3 winners have been announced:

Category “Products & Materials”

  • INCA Renewable Technologies (Canada)

Category “Process, Manufacturing & Equipment

  • Composite Recycling (Switzerland)

Sustainability Prize

  • Agrona (Egypt)

Fostering inspiration and networking in the world of composites

Launched in 2017, the competition has been organized in three different regions (Europe, USA and Asia) and has already fostered the emergence of 500+ innovative projects from 50+ countries, 80 finalists and 30 winners, including Arevo, Continuous Composites, ComPair, Fortify and Vartega…
This challenge is a great opportunity to the winners of the awards – who will benefit from visibility and contacts with key decision-makers- as well as to all the parts involved: finalists, jury, partners and the worldwide audience of JEC World.

The jury who deliberated on April 26th included representatives from major manufacturers and investors:

  • Turlough MCMAHON, Composite Industrial Technologist, Airbus
  • Karl-Heinz FUELLER, Manager Future Outside & Materials, Mercedes-Benz
  • Raphael SALAPETE, R&T Plan Manager, Ariane Group
  • Christer LARSSON, Founding Partner, The Impact Fellowship
  • Chris SKINNER, Vice President of Strategic Marketing, Owens Corning

Posted: April 26, 2023

Source: JEC Group

Texpertise Report For The Achievement Of The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

FRANKFURT, Germany — April 26, 2023 — As of today, it is public: The first SDG Report of the Messe Frankfurt Texpertise Network. The report summarizes Messe Frankfurt’s global commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the context of its global textile trade fairs and provides an outlook on further planned measures and goals. At the same time, the SDG Report serves as an incentive for the Texpertise Network to continue its commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.

At a meeting in New York City, Olaf Schmidt, vice president Textiles and Textile Technologies at Messe Frankfurt, presented the newly released Texpertise SDG Report to Kerry Bannigan, executive director, Fashion Impact Fund & co-founder, United Nations Conscious Fashion and Lifestyle Network, and Lucie Brigham, chief of office, United Nations Office for Partnerships and co-founder United Nations Conscious Fashion and Lifestyle Network. “I am very pleased to be able to personally hand over our SDG Report to Kerry and Lucie. It makes me proud that we have already been able to implement, initiate and achieve so much together,” emphasized Olaf Schmidt. “Through the Messe Frankfurt Texpertise Network, we are working to speed up innovation and transformation in the textile and fashion industry. To boost this decade of action for achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, we are briefing and mobilising players across the whole of the textile value-added chain and their partners in industry, with the focus on realising solutions for social, economic and ecological transformation.”

The Messe Frankfurt Texpertise Network unites current topics, trends, events around the textile business and connects more than 500,000 people from all over the world. With more than 50 international textile trade fairs in 11 countries, Messe Frankfurt is the global market leader for textile trade fairs. Texpertise covers the entire textile value chain.

Messe Frankfurt has been strategically integrating sustainability into its textile events worldwide for around 15 years now, using topic-specific formats and content, and is thus a pioneer of its kind. Together with the United Nations Conscious Fashion and Lifestyle Network, a joint initiative between the United Nations Office for Partnerships and the Fashion Impact Fund, Messe Frankfurt’s Texpertise Network has also been promoting the visualization of the Sustainable Development Goals at its events since 2019. “Collaboration is key to fostering transformative sectoral engagement and accelerating the implementation of the SDGs,” Brigham confirmed. “Mobilizing expertise, innovation, technology and resources can only be achieved through strong partnerships. Messe Frankfurt‘s Texpertise Network was one of the f rst members and valuable partners of the Conscious Fashion and Lifestyle Network. We are proud to have been involved in the extensive SDG activities from the beginning and look forward to developing these activities together in the future.”

With its SDG actions in eight countries, the Texpertise Network has already reached more than 21,000 exhibitors, around 508,000 trade visitors, around 6,250 accredited media representatives and more than 945,000 followers on social media worldwide by 2023. The SDG actions included panel talks and press conferences with UN representatives, podcasts, SDG information booths and photo walls, social media campaigns and also a hackathon.

The full report is available online at:

https://texpertisenetwork.messefrankfurt.com/frankfurt/en/sdg.html

Texpertise, the textile business network

The Texpertise Network includes all relevant stakeholders who can make the textile and fashion industry and its partner industries more sustainable. With this unique reach, Texpertise offers multiple opportunities for action in integrating the topic of sustainability at its global events. In collaboration with the United Nations Office for Partnerships, supported by the Conscious Fashion and Lifestyle Network, the Texpertise Network informs and mobilizes the textile sector to implement solutions for social, economic and environmental change. Our aim is to create awareness for the Sustainable Development Goals at all our textile trade fairs worldwide – from Frankfurt, to New York, Atlanta, Shanghai and Paris.

Posted: April 26, 2023

Source: The Messe Frankfurt Group

Elevate Textiles Releases 2023 Sustainability Report

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — April 26, 2023 — Elevate Textiles, a global provider of advanced high-quality products and mission critical textile solutions, is pleased to release its 2023 Sustainability Report. Elevate, along with its distinguished brands American & Efird (A&E), Burlington, Cone Denim, Gütermann, and Safety Components, updates on current commitments, collaborations, and advancements in relation to achieving its 2025 Sustainability Goals to responsibly source fibers, reduce water consumption, and lower greenhouse gases.

Within the report, Elevate outlines progress on its Ten Threads of Sustainability, an internal program with a focus on driving key sustainability initiatives. The Ten Threads guide Elevate’s sustainable decision-making, support the company’s 2025 Sustainability Goals, and drive further supply chain transparency and traceability. The report shares the company’s participation and leadership in industry collaborations and alignment with the UN Global Compact’s Ten Principles, specifically highlighting Elevate’s actions that directly support UN Sustainable Development Goal commitments.

“We continue to strive to create a company of sustainability advocates that understand the importance and act in ways, both at work and in their everyday lives, to preserve and protect the natural resources of this world,” said Sim Skinner, president and CEO, Elevate Textiles. “Elevate and its brands are dedicated to understanding our customers’ sustainability priorities while also doing our part to constantly drive progress and improve sustainability practices within the company.”

The 2023 Sustainability Report highlights Elevate’s key achievements over the past year, including:

Joined the Textile Exchange to partner more closely with customers, suppliers, and other industry stakeholders on the development of preferred materials and reduction of adverse supply chain impacts.

Commissioned two new rooftop solar power projects in China and in Sri Lanka, with additional rooftop solar power projects in development.

Expanded engagement with suppliers by encouraging implementation of the Higg FEM and Higg FLSM self- assessment and verification audit programs to help with sharing data and best practices and reducing GHGs, water intensity, and more.

“We believe in being at the table with our customers, suppliers, and other stakeholders as together we overcome challenges and partner to find meaningful solutions,” said Jimmy Summers, chief sustainability officer, Elevate Textiles. “Measurable action is a key focus for us. Setting long term targets and goals is necessary, but real progress can only be made by translating those into actionable steps for today involving each person within Elevate.”

To review the full Sustainability Report and updates on key actions and sustainable innovations, visit Elevate Textile’s website at elevatetextiles.com/sustainability.

Posted: April 26, 2023

Source: Elevate Textiles

Synthetic Yarn And Fabric Association (SYFA) Inaugural Golf Tournament 2023

Techtextil North America, Texprocess Americas Spotlight Education, Training And Innovation At The 2023 Edition

ATLANTA — April 19, 2023 — As a leading business platform, Techtextil North America and Texprocess Americas aim to bring decision makers from all of the major industries that touch technical textiles, nonwovens, sewn products, equipment and technology together in one place to experience the latest innovations. The unified platform will host more than 350 companies from around 30 countries and take place in Atlanta from May 10-12, 2023.

A key feature of these co-located shows is the breadth of knowledge and experience coalesced in this single location. “The industry is rapidly evolving, and we’re excited for attendees and exhibitors of Techtextil North America and Texprocess Americas to have a front row seat to the action,” said Kristy Meade, vice president of Technical Textiles & Technology Shows for Messe Frankfurt Inc. “Our team is dedicated to ensuring that this year’s show offers meaningful exhibitor and attendee experiences through a host of new show features. We continue to track new trends, technologies, and developments across the industry and bring them to the forefront through comprehensive education and programs.”

“For the first time in more than two decades, we’re witnessing an exciting rebirth for the sewn products industry in the Western Hemisphere,” said Michael McDonald, president of SPESA. “Attending Texprocess Americas — the largest show of its kind in North, Central, and South America — is the first step for industry players to be a part of this massive movement in reshoring, nearshoring, and regional collaboration. The 2023 edition of the show is aiming to elevate attendee experience even more by adding in new components that foster learning, networking, and professional growth. I’m confident this is going to be the best show yet.”

Tech Talks will feature a line-up of complimentary presentations around the themes of sustainability, empowering and growing workforces with technology, next generation of technical designers and more. The highly acclaimed Symposium gives visitors the opportunity to listen and learn from industry leaders and subject matter experts as they discuss some of the most pivotal advancements in research and technology.

New this year is the Career and Training Center where representatives from the Textile Technology Center at Gaston College will be on site to share valuable resources related to the industry’s career landscape, networking tips, and much more. This area will serve as a gathering spot for attendees to view job openings posted by exhibiting companies, meet prospective employers, and craft the perfect resume. Attendees will also have the opportunity to get their headshot taken by a professional photographer.

Also in the Career and Training Center, SPESA will be launching a new training program — “Training Takes Time” — to boost manufacturing in the Americas. This program will be brought to life by Merrow Sewing Machine Company and the Industrial Sewing and Innovation Center (ISAIC), and will focus on training for mechanics, operators, and facility owners. Participants will have the opportunity to learn from Merrow’s team of experienced technicians and instructors who have years of experience in the industry. In addition to hands-on demonstrations, the training will also utilize augmented reality tools from ISAIC to illustrate how these training methods can help scale the industry and support growth in the Americas.

The Student Research Poster Program will also make its return this year. Featuring the latest scientific developments in sewn product design and manufacturing, the program attracts students who are involved in both undergraduate and graduate-level research and textile innovation.

Also new this year is the Innovation Awards which aims to honor outstanding performance in the fields of research, new materials, products, and technologies. Visitors at both Techtextil North America & Texprocess Americas can explore the show floor to see these innovations on display, and learn how these exhibitors are driving thought-leadership and positively influencing the industry.

For those interested in networking, visitors can register to attend the Opening Night Reception. Hosted by SPESA and Messe Frankfurt, the official Texprocess Americas and Techtextil North America Opening Reception will be held Wednesday, May 10, 2023, 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. at the Delta Sky360° Club in Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Attendees will get the ultimate fan experience with a stadium tour covering the field, owner’s suite, and locker room, in addition to an exciting night of entertainment, food, and an open bar.

Posted April 25, 2023

Source: Messe Frankfurt

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