Herculite® Products Announces GREENGUARD Gold Certification For Products

EMIGSVILLE, Pa. — April 25, 2023 — Herculite Products Inc., an innovator and manufacturer of high-performance and custom fabrics, is pleased to announce that three of its high-performance flexible composites have earned GREENGUARD Gold Certification. The entire assortment of Weather-Chek® awning fabrics, Sure-Chek Linen® healthcare curtain fabrics and Architent® Starfree Blackout tent fabrics have now completed the rigorous process to achieve this certification.

Recognized and referenced by more than 400 codes, rating systems, and procurement policies worldwide, UL’s GREENGUARD Certification Program requires that products meet some of the world’s most rigorous standards for low emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into indoor environments. The UL GREENGUARD Gold Certification Standard includes health-based criteria for additional chemicals and requires lower total VOC emissions levels to ensure that products are acceptable for use in environments such as schools and healthcare facilities.

“Herculite has long been an innovator in manufacturing safe fabrics for use in sensitive environments, having launched the Sure-Chek healthcare fabrics over 60 years ago. While our products have always been safe for indoor use, GREENGUARD Certification provides rigorous third-party certification to ensure that they are helping to create healthier indoor environments,” said Herculite’s President and CEO Peter McKernan.

These three product lines represent an initial wave of certification by Herculite as part of our commitment to manufacturing textiles designed to create healthy, sustainable, and aesthetically pleasing user-focused environments.

Posted: April 25, 2023

Source: Herculite Products Inc.

ITMA 2023 Exhibitor Preview: Thirty Members Of The British Textile Machinery Association (BTMA) In Attendance

MANCHESTER, England — April 25, 2023 — “Sustainability, circularity and Industry 4.0 have been the primary themes coming from the market for some time now and our members have responded with innovations spanning the entire supply chain — from fibers to finishing — and with a specific emphasis in many cases on improved software and digitised control solutions,” said BTMA CEO Jason Kent.

Fibres

On the fibers front, Leeds-based Fibre Extrusion Technology (FET) moved into 2023 with a record order book and its globally-installed multifilament, monofilament and nonwoven systems have now been employed by customers to process more than 40 separate polymers.

“The research projects we have collaborated in have become increasingly challenging in terms of technical specifications and this is enabling us to constantly expand the installations we can offer,” says FET managing director Richard Slack. “Following the surge in interest in our spunbond and meltblown technologies over the past few years — many of them to address the PPE shortages during the Covid-19 pamdemic — we are now seeing a lot of interest from the market in bio-based polymers produced from biomass feedstocks.”

FET’s newly-opened £1.5 million Fibre Development Centre will enable the company, which is at stand A101 in Hall 1 at ITMA 2023, to further accelerate new fiber trials and product R&D.

Meanwhile, Bradford-based Tatham (Hall 10, stand C212) is currently fielding a lot of inquiries for its established machinery for the processing of natural staple fibers — and most notably, its technologies for the decortication, fiber opening and fabric forming of hemp.

“There has been an explosion in the interest in hemp production, from farmers through to fiber production, and a wide range of new potential end-uses are being explored,” said Tatham Director Tim Porrit. “We look forward to discussing options with any companies looking to enter this field or expand their existing capabilities in Milan.”

Fabrics and composites

Since making its debut at ITMA 2019, Huddersfield-based Optima 3D (Hall 6, stand A213) has installed a significant number of its new 3D weaving machines that drew such interest in Barcelona four years ago.

The company’s looms offer many advanced features over conventional weaving machines, particularly in versatility, as a result of the comprehensive use of digital control systems allowing rapid parameter and sequence changes, coupled with an innovative shuttle system.

“Our aim from the start was to look at 3D weaving machine technology with a fresh pair of eyes and produce a machine that is simply better by design and delivers real benefits to our customers,” said Managing Director Steve Cooper. “The key interest in this technology has been in producing new structures from expensive fibers such as carbon into workable structures, as the essential reinforcements for composites.”

Composites production has also been a major area of development for Northwich-based Cygnet Texkimp (Hall 3, stand A107) which has developed an extensive portfolio of technologies for handling fibers and yarns like carbon and glass. The company’s latest launch is a multi roll stack developed within the £40 million UK Ascend program led by Tier-1 aerospace supplier GKN Aerospace. The stack enables high performance prepreg and towpreg materials to be manufactured more efficiently and sustainably without compromising the accuracy of the product, speed, or consistency.

“This space-saving machine offers a way to manufacture towpreg and prepreg materials quickly and accurately while delivering considerable cost and energy benefits,” explained Graeme Jones, wide web product director at Cygnet Texkimp. “It is a more sustainable and cost-effective way to process prepregs which offers the potential for them to be used more widely in high-volume and mainstream applications.”

Leeds-based Roaches International also works closely with the composites sector, supplying a range of autoclave and thermosetting technologies, in addition to its wide range of well-known textile performance testing instruments that are used by many leading fashion brands. Roaches will be highlighting its design and built of innovative machines which integrate into existing manufacturing plants, such as the latest vertical IR (infrared) bonding and chemical application line which can process narrow width yarns or textiles at up to 600 meters per minute on as many as six lanes. Roaches will have its largest stand at ITMA to date this year, at E302 in Hall 4.

Finishing

Cambridge-headquartered Alchemie Technology (Hall 7, stand D308) is the latest fast-rising company to join the BTMA.

“With our Endeavour, waterless, low energy dyeing and Novara, low energy textile finishing technologies, we are disrupting manufacturing processes that are responsible for over 3% of global CO2 emissions and 20% of global water pollution,” says Alchemie founder and CEO Dr. Alan Hudd. “Our solutions both dramatically reduce the environmental impact and the cost of dyeing and finishing, which has proven to be a compelling combination.”

Influence

“These are just a few examples of the textile machinery innovation that’s coming out of the UK right now,” Kent concluded. “It’s very exciting to see the accumulated know-how of our member companies continuing to exert a significant influence in advanced industries such as aerospace and automotive, while leaving no stone unturned in promoting environmental best practices through adapting to the latest demands of the market. BTMA companies have a lot more to unveil at ITMA 2023 and everyone is looking forward to fruitful demonstrations and discussions in Milan.”

Founded in 1940, the British Textile Machinery Association actively promotes British textile machinery manufacturers and their products to the world. The non-profit organization acts as a bridge between its members and the increasingly diverse industries within the textile manufacturing sector.

Posted: April 25, 2023

Source: The British Textile Machinery Association (BTMA)

ANDRITZ to supply two high-speed hygiene converting lines to Predo, Türkiye  

GRAZ, Austria — April 25, 2023 — International technology group ANDRITZ has received an order from Predo Health Products Inc, Türkiye, for delivery of two high-speed hygiene converting lines to produce adult open diapers and feminine sanitary napkins. With this investment, Predo is entering the growing adult and femcare market. The company already operates four baby diaper lines from ANDRITZ.

Ibrahim Uygur, owner of Predo, said: “We have again placed our confidence in ANDRITZ as we are very satisfied with the installed lines and the first-class service. Especially during the difficult times we recently faced in Türkiye due to the earthquake, ANDRITZ supported us with perfect service. This enabled us to maintain our production level and serve our customers in time.”

The two state-of-the-art lines are designed for high-speed production and contain the most advanced forming technology for absorbent core and SAP (superabsorbent polymers) dosing. Based on their flexibility and user-friendly configuration, Predo will be able to produce a wide range of different product compositions and sizes. In addition, the lines are designed for zero waste production. This will enable Predo to produce high-performing products with a sustainable approach.

The lines will be installed in Predo’s factory in Gaziantep, with start-up scheduled for the first half of 2024.

Predo is one of the leading manufacturers of baby care products and is expanding its business to other hygiene sectors. The company exports to 55 countries across the globe and scores with high quality production and constant developments.

Posted April 25, 2023

Source: Andritz

ITMA 2023 Exhibitor Preview: Crealet Introduces A New Narrow Weaving Warp Tension Control System

WALD, Switzerland — April 25, 2023 — A new fully-automated solution for electronic warp feeding of narrow fabrics is being presented for the first time at ITMA 2023 by Crealet, the Swiss world leader in the field. The new KAST ERC system is designed to offer best results in quality, productivity and profitability.

Crealet’s mission is to empower high-performance weaving with a consistent high-quality level. Minimum faults can only be achieved with optimum warp feeding. Its warp supply options — for beams or creels — focus on the key areas of maintaining constant warp tension and reducing thread breaks. The new KAST ERC (Electronic Rope Control) solution builds on Crealet’s unrivalled expertise and innovative know-how to raise productivity and optimize automation for narrow fabric weavers through ingenious tensioning concepts.

Enabling best narrow weaving through technology

The key to the innovation is the realization that the warp beam does not need to be driven, as the warp tension is sufficient. So the beam needs only to be braked to maintain correct tension. Until now, this was often accomplished with weight-loaded rope brakes. However, this meant the weights had to be changed as the beam diameter reduced. To avoid this unproductive task while also keeping warp tension constant from full to empty beam, the fully-automatic KAST ERC solution was developed.

With KAST ERC, warp tension is monitored with load cells or alternatively with indicative distance sensors. The control unit shows either the tension or the position of the pendulum. Many functions of the established Crealet BLDC control unit — highly appreciated by customers — were additionally adopted for this control method.

In fact, the BLDC was the Crealet highlight at ITMA 2019 in Barcelona. Specially developed for narrow weaving, this control met highest demands for precision and dynamics, with its capability to adapt quickly to customer and product requirements. Future-oriented advantages included reproducibility of production data, traceability of the production and process data, fabric data storage, and network capability. Together, these features brought the ability to drive the digital transformation in narrow weaving.

Seeing is believing

The KAST ERC was engineered to achieve increased fabric quality and productivity. The new warp tension control for ribbon weaving machines offers even more advantages — such as reducing labor costs by simplifying warp tension adjustment and facilitating repeatability.

Visitors at ITMA 2023 can see the KAST ERC in action at the Crealet booth (B306 in hall 6). The new warp tension control system is connected to a Jakob Müller MD narrow fabric loom for producing slings, luggage belts, lashing straps and other medium-heavy belt applications.

Crealet experts at the show will welcome detailed questions about KAST ERC. The comparison of the actual and setpoint tension values can be seen on the display of the ERC control. Weavers will be convinced that the constant changing of tensioning weights and controls are no longer necessary with Crealet’s latest innovation.

Crealet looks forward to welcoming visitors at ITMA from June 8 to 14 and sharing knowledge and experience. It’s also the chance to meet new Crealet CEO Andreas Wirz and see former CEO Walter Wirz for a chat.

The profitable option

For solutions to the multiple requirements of modern warp feeding, Crealet is the ideal partner. If an existing system needs uprating, all the warp tension control systems from its portfolio can be supplied as retrofits. Even the new KAST ERC is the ideal upgrade for both new and older machines. Crealet solutions offer real competitive advantages – and its expert personnel has the know-how and experience to optimize machine efficiency and fabric quality for customers.

A real extra value is Crealet’s commitment to devise specialized solutions for every customer, tailored to each individual business. As the world leader in electronic warp feeding systems for both wide and narrow fabric weaving, Crealet offers a strong foundation for the success of their systems, thanks to strategic partnerships with top technology providers since 2003. “It’s our mission to enable customers to realize their creative ideas now and in future,” says Crealet CEO Andreas Wirz.

Posted: April 25, 2023

Source: Crealet AG

Techtextil North America 2023 Exhibitor Preview: Michelman

CINCINNATI, Ohio — April 25, 2023 — Michelman, a global developer and manufacturer of environmentally friendly advanced materials for industry, will spotlight its formulated surface treatment capabilities at Techtextil North America 2023. With its Unyte® brand of water-based emulsions as the foundation, Michelman develops formulated systems designed to meet specific application requirements.

Unyte is a versatile family of water-based technologies used by technical textile and pre-preg fabric manufacturers to improve processing and performance attributes such as adhesion, binding, chemical and heat resistance, water resistance, water repellency, print receptivity, and anti-blocking. This suite of products is sourced and manufactured in the USA and is suitable for woven and nonwoven materials. It can be used in industries and applications including military, ballistics, medical, automotive, construction fabrics, and upholstery.

Steve Bassetti, Michelman’s director, Global Marketing, noted: “We offer a variety of Unyte formulations, and each can be tailored to meet specific requirements. For example, we regularly work with technical textile manufacturers who are trying to eliminate Substances of Concern (SoCs) such as formaldehyde, fluorine, and PFAS from their products without sacrificing performance and processability. Formulations are tested, retested, and customized using various raw materials to help them reach their ultimate goals. As a company whose mission is Innovating a Sustainable Future, we take pride in helping our customers eliminate these substances. It’s beneficial to all when we can help customers reduce their environmental impact.”

Michelman will exhibit in booth #2411 at Techtextil North America 2023. The show will take place May 10-12, 2023, at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta.

Posted: April 25, 2023

Source: Michelman

INDITEX Recognizes TVE ESCALE Among The Best Washing Technologies

ARTEIXO, Spain— April 24, 2023 — Inditex recognizes HYDRA, the semi-continuous process machine patented by TVE ESCALE, as the best option for high-performance textile pre-treatment and washing. HYDRA combines continuous line technology with discontinuous methodology. It combines various washing techniques such as vacuum, submerged suction, and counterflow to get the best results. All this autonomously and automatically.

Despite being semi-continuous, HYDRA offers the same performance as continuous processes. All this occupies less space and with a lower initial investment. The most important thing, as INDITEX points out, is its ability to save up to a total of 26 percent of water, 17 percent of electricity, and 23 percent of steam during the entire finishing process.

Another of its advantages is the capacity to process fabric rolls of up to 1,600 millimeters in diameter, which surpasses any discontinuous machine on the market. On the other hand, compared to continuous machines, HYDRA offers greater versatility, flexibility, and resource savings.

HYDRA will show up in hall 14 booth C103 at ITMA 2023 Milan, Italy.

Posted: April 24, 2023

Source: Inditex

SGS Upgrade To Softlines Laboratories Gains ZDHC Foundation Approval For Level 1, 2 And 3 MRSL V3.0 Certification

DÜSSELDORF, Germany — April 24, 2023 — SGS, a testing, inspection and certification company, is pleased to announce that the Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals (ZDHC) Foundation has approved six of its laboratories to operate as ZDHC Manufacturing Restricted Substances List (MRSL) certification bodies for conformance to Levels 1, 2 and 3 of MRSL v3.0.

The announcement follows the upgrade of six laboratories in Shanghai, Guangzhou, Taiwan, Chennai, Ho Chi Minh City and Hai Phong. Significantly, it means SGS is now the only ZDHC Foundation recognized company operating in Taiwan, Chennai, Ho Chi Minh City and Hai Phong approved to Levels 1, 2 and 3.

Yvonne Tse, Vice President, Global Softlines, SGS said: “The acceptance of our laboratories in Shanghai, Guangzhou, Taiwan, Chennai, Ho Chi Minh City and Hai Phong for Level 3 conformance assessment and certification is part of a long-term strategy of expansion in our sustainability services capabilities for the fashion industry. This includes the future upgrading of other facilities and the provision of holistic solutions to help businesses to achieve their zero discharge goals.”

The ZDHC Foundation is an industry-led collaboration committed to eliminating hazardous chemicals from textile and footwear supply chains. The first MRSL was published in 2014, with its companion document, MRSL Conformance Guidance, issued in 2017. It provides brands and suppliers with a single, harmonized list of chemical substances that are banned from intentional use during manufacturing and related processes. In November 2022, V3.0 of the MRSL and V2.0 of the MRSL Conformance Guidance were released by the ZDHC Foundation. MRSL V3.1 was published in March 2023.

MRSL V3.0 conformance certification is a simple and effective way for manufacturers and brands to demonstrate their commitment to zero discharge in complex supply chains that often rely on multiple different chemical formulations. It responds to the increasing awareness amongst consumers and regulators of the negative impact the manufacture of textiles and footwear is having on the environment.

SGS Chemical MRSL V3.0 conformance certification

SGS offers a simple and effective process for verifying the compliance of supplied chemical formulations with the criteria for ZDHC MRSL Levels 1, 2 or 3 through laboratory testing, document review and on-site assessment.

Posted: April 24, 2023

Source: SGS

Trelleborg Announces MMI Textiles As TACTWEAR™ HANK Distributor

RUTHERFORDTON, N.C. — April 21, 2023 — Trelleborg Engineered Coated Fabrics operation announced today the signing of an exclusive distribution agreement with MMI Textiles for TACTWEAR™ High Abrasion Neoprene Kevlar® (HANK).

MMI Textiles will offer TACTWEAR HANK in a variety of weights, colors, and quantities, effective immediately. This partnership will enable Trelleborg to better serve a broader range of customers in a more responsive manner.

Purpose-built TACTWEAR HANK is formulated to meet the demands of law enforcement, first responders, defense, and extreme recreational activities and sports. The rubber-based coated material boasts excellent abrasion resistance and is flexible, flame resistant, waterproof, laser cuttable in well-ventilated areas, and is manufactured in the United States to meet Berry compliance standards.

“We’re excited to expand the availability of TACTWEAR HANK to the marketplace. It’s an extremely versatile material that we’ve seen customers use in a variety of end applications that require uncompromising performance in tough conditions, including modular lightweight load-carrying equipment (MOLLE), tactical climbing harnesses, durable backpacks and pouches, reinforced protective clothing, ballistic helmet and shield covers, and heavy-duty Individual First Aid Kit (IFAK) systems,” said Karli Wolf, Business Development manager for Government & Defense at Trelleborg.

The distribution agreement expands the already-established partnership between MMI Textiles and Trelleborg. MMI Textiles began offering MultiCam® Printed Narrow TACTWEAR HANK in 2022 through an exclusive partnership with Mikan Printing.

“We are excited to expand our partnership with Trelleborg Engineered Coated Fabrics after successfully launching the Printed Narrow HANK product line. Our team is ready to provide great service and committed to growing the TACTWEAR HANK brand of products that Trelleborg offers to our vast array of markets and customers,” said Amy Bircher, CEO and ounder of MMI Textiles.

Trelleborg Engineered Coated Fabrics has provided MMI Textiles with comprehensive education and training on the product, positioning the distributor as an expert on TACTWEAR HANK.

“At MMI Textiles, we offer various options for our end customers. This enhanced collaboration with Trelleborg will solidify our commitment as we grow our product offering. Building these positive relationships in business is one of the most important foundations in our joint success,” said Joey Smith, director of Business Development of MMI Textiles.

To learn more about Trelleborg’s TACTWEAR product line, please visit TactwearDefense.com or MMITextiles.com.

Posted: April 24, 2023

Source: Trelleborg Engineered Coated Fabrics and Trelleborg Group

Safety At Heart: H.O.T. Evolutions Instructors Receive Donation Of Gear From Fire-Dex

MEDINA, Ohio — April 24, 2023 — Fire-Dex, an supplier of high-performance firefighting gear, is proud to announce the donation of protective garments to Hands-on Training (H.O.T.) Evolutions instructors at the 2023 FDIC International Conference in Indianapolis, Indiana.

H.O.T. Evolutions is a premier training program designed to help firefighters build the competencies required for the modern fireground. Fire-Dex’s annual donation enables instructors to comfortably train firefighters on essential skills and to stay protected head-to-toe during practical exercises.

Fire-Dex has supported the H.O.T. program since 2016, donating more than 400 sets of garments to instructors over seven years. For the 2023 FDIC conference, Fire-Dex is providing 32 sets of TECGEN51 Fatigues personalized with the H.O.T. Evolutions logo.

“TECGEN51 Fatigues provide our instructors with a great option in lightweight PPE,” said David Rhodes, education director for FDIC. “The heavy-duty, rugged, fatigue-style gear provides great protection and flexibility, reduces heat stress, and is very easy to pack and transport.”

Not Your Typical Gear

Fire-Dex TECGEN51 Fatigues are designed for calls that don’t require interior structural firefighting gear. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports over 1.3 million “fire” calls in 2021 as opposed to more than 35 million “non-fire” calls including EMS, false alarm, hazardous material and other emergency conditions. Wearing alternative PPE for non-fire calls can increase the service life of structural gear and lessen the risk of cross-contamination among crew members potentially exposed to carcinogens.

Dual-certified to NFPA 1951 (technical rescue) and 1977 (wildland firefighting), TECGEN51 Fatigues provide high levels of thermal protection and breathability to reduce physical strain and heat stress on the wearer. This combination of benefits allows H.O.T. instructors to leave their turnout gear at home when traveling to the FDIC conference.

Not Your Typical Training

H.O.T. Evolutions courses cover the latest technology and techniques in the fire service. More than a routine training event, the program is instructed by key industry players who bridge the gap between hands-on skills and those developed in the classroom. With Fire-Dex gear, H.O.T. instructors have found the right fit for helping participants become better firefighters.

“We have a long-standing history of partnering with FDIC International to support and protect the brave men and women in service around the world,” said Jenny Surovey, vice president of marketing for Fire-Dex. “The H.O.T. Evolutions group can rest assured that they have the best gear to safely and confidently lead their demonstrations.”

Fire-Dex is a team of fiercely passionate and driven professionals dedicated to creating the most advanced designs that achieve the highest standards of flame resistance, the most comfortable fit and the best value. At FDIC International, attendees can see the same gear that H.O.T. instructors use in the Fire-Dex booth (#1945).

Posted: April 24, 2023

Source: Fire-Dex

Q-Lab New Product Updates

WESTLAKE, Ohio — April 17, 2023 — Q-Lab is pleased to announce that all of its weathering and corrosion testers now feature “Gen 4” main controllers, with full-color touchscreen displays that can be operated in 17 different languages.

Originally launched in 2020 for most of Q-Lab’s Q-SUN xenon arc and QUV accelerated weathering testers, and Q-FOG corrosion test chambers, the updated control interface is now being expanded to its most budget-friendly tester options.

In addition to the color touchscreen(s) and multiple language capabilities, the new controllers feature:

  • A simple, intuitive user interface with straightforward programming;
  • Direct compatibility with Q-Lab’s inexpensive Universal Calibration smart sensors;
  • Multi-colored LED indicator, for tester status at a glance;
  • Single-screen mode, for maximum tester uptime;
  • On-screen VIRTUAL STRIPCHART™ monitoring of test parameters; and
  • Free software updates and diagnostic features via USB.

In addition to Gen 4 controllers, all of Q-Lab’s Q-SUN xenon arc tester models now also deliver extended lamp life (up to 3000 hours at typical irradiance levels), and even higher maximum irradiance levels than ever before.

Finally, Q-Lab is pleased to announce that its QCT condensation tester (a.k.a. The Original Cleveland Cabinet™) has also been recently upgraded to include a Gen 4 controller. In addition, the QCT tester now has an optional accessory that allows it to perform both one-sided and fully-enclosed condensation, according to ASTM D4585 and ISO 6270-1 and -2.

The reimagined QCT tester provides the same reliable test performance that has made it the gold standard for testing paint since 1965, in thousands of labs around the world. It is the simplest, most reliable, and easiest-to-use condensation tester available.

Q-Lab – We Make Testing Simple.

Posted: April 24, 2023

Source: Q-Lab Corp.

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