SARCEDO, Italy — January 23, 2025 — Tonello is proud to unveil DENIM RENAISSANCE: the art of Italian luxury at Kingpins New York on January 22-23 — a project that celebrates the elegance of Italian craftsmanship, innovation, and aesthetics.
Tonello DENIM RENAISSANCE
DENIM RENAISSANCE is more than a collection—it’s a tribute to Italy’s boundless beauty and cultural legacy. Inspired by the art, architecture, and timeless allure of Italian culture, each piece captures the essence of luxury. By merging artistry with innovation, the collection transforms denim into a sophisticated canvas for expression.
Tonello DENIM RENAISSANCE
With refined gold accents, opulent textures, and meticulous attention to detail, the garments offer a modern yet enduring vision of style. The collection features a variety of jeans, skirts, dresses, gilets, and jackets, showcasing versatility and elegance.
At the heart of DENIM RENAISSANCE lies a commitment to responsibility. Each piece has been crafted using Tonello’s advanced technologies to reduce environmental impact, redefining true luxury as both exquisite and mindful.
Why Kingpins?
Tonello DENIM RENAISSANCE
Kingpins New York is a prestigious event that gathers the most influential players in the denim industry. For Tonello, it is the ideal platform to demonstrate how heritage and innovation coexist seamlessly, setting new standards in sustainable luxury. Visitors will have the chance to experience the collection up close, interact with our team, and explore the technologies that bring DENIM RENAISSANCE to life.
Tonello DENIM RENAISSANCE
Explore this extraordinary collection and discover how Tonello continues to lead the industry by blending heritage, innovation, and sustainability.
We can’t wait to welcome you to the world of DENIM RENAISSANCE in New York.
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M — January 23, 2025 — Green Theme Technologies (GTT) is pleased to announce the appointment of Courtney Harold as head of Marketing. With more than 25 years of experience in the textile, apparel, and footwear industries, Harold brings a proven track record of transforming complex challenges into clear, actionable strategies that drive growth and product innovation.
Courtney Harold
“I am thrilled to join GTT and help lead the initiative to bring EMPEL’s innovative, water-free, and PFAS-free DWR technology to market,” Harold said. “GTT’s commitment to surpassing industry standards is precisely the challenge fueling my passion for solving complex problems.
I look forward to spearheading the marketing initiatives to position EMPEL as the leading brand in the DWR sustainable performance fabrics.”
As GTT continues to dominate the water-free and sustainable DWR space, Courtney’s expertise in brand building, market entry strategies, and product innovation will be instrumental in positioning EMPEL for continued growth and success.
Courtney’s career began at Hill Holliday Advertising, where she built a solid foundation for creating impactful value propositions for the retailer Marshalls. She continued to enhance this foundation as a member of the inaugural branding team at Polartec, contributing to the development of a leading brand that resonates with both consumers and industry professionals.
At Sappi Release Papers, Courtney led efforts to establish specification programs targeted at apparel and footwear product developers, resulting in a unique partnership with Nike.
For more than 10 years, Courtney launched the first footwear supplier tradeshow for the world’s largest footwear tradeshow and staged the MAGIC apparel tradeshow in China, a highly complex market. She has also developed market entry strategies for several fashion, outdoor, and apparel brands entering the Chinese market, enhancing her knowledge and understanding of the supply chain, the global retail sector, and the crucial connection between product development and market positioning.
REMSCHEID/ESSEN, Germany— January 23, 2025 — Oerlikon Barmag and Evonik have announced their cooperation to promote chemical recycling of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) waste. Both companies are committed to develop technologies for robust and efficient depolymerisation and purification processes, coupled with an integrated concept for repolymerisation and the associated EPC business models.
Jochen Adler, CTO, and Georg Stausberg, CEO, both Oerlikon Manmade Fibers Solutions, Dr. Max Preisenberger, Head of Catalysts at Evonik, Lukas Adamek, Head of Strategy & Business Development Oerlikon Manmade Fibers Solutions, and Dr. Gerd Löhden, SVP R&D Smart Materials Evonik at the official founding of the new partnership between Oerlikon Barmag and Evonik.
Oerlikon Barmag and Evonik are both leading suppliers in their respective key markets. The Remscheid-based machine and plant manufacturer Oerlikon Barmag contributes its expertise in polymer processing for the production of chemical fibers and packaging materials to the new partnership. In addition, as a core brand of Oerlikon Manmade Fibers Solutions of the Swiss Oerlikon Group, the company has excellent international market access in the polymer processing industry.
Evonik is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of specialty chemicals, dedicated to driving sustainability initiatives and developing next-generation solutions. The partnership with Oerlikon Barmag aims to advance technology and process solutions for the chemical recycling of PET, leveraging innovative catalytic processes.
Investing in a sustainable future
The partners plan to fully launch and commercialize the jointly developed chemical recycling technology solution by the end of the current decade. The intensive involvement and active participation of other companies within the ecosystem (including feedstock, technology and production) and the establishment of a global development partner network are planned.
“We are firmly convinced that with Evonik we gained a strong and experienced partner in the field of specialty chemicals, and together we will establish a significant market position as a total solution provider in the growth market for chemical recycling of PET, but also drive the next generation of sustainability within the plastics industry,” says Georg Stausberg, CEO of Oerlikon Manmade Fibers Solutions.
“This partnership marks a great step forward in the chemical recycling of PET. Our new catalytic processes and chemical technologies will complement the current mechanical recycling approach enabling high recycled PET content from heavily contaminated and mixed PET waste that would otherwise be incinerated or landfilled. This way we are actively supporting a sustainable circular economy,” said Max Preisenberger, Head of Catalysts at Evonik.
Seamless integration into PET production processes
The PET recycling technology will bring numerous advantages. From a chemical perspective it is a highly efficient process, and it can be seamlessly integrated into existing PET production processes. Operational costs, investment cost and scalability are the key drivers in the development.
The combination of cooperational know-how in catalyst and process technologies will allow a chemical recycling of polyester materials from many closed- and open-loop sources, which need chemical technology to allow for high, fossil-like recyclate qualities.
“The strong and complementing technological knowhow and expertise of both companies in combination with Oerlikon Barmag’s market access and PET processing knowhow, establishes a competitive and unique partnership within the emerging chemical PET recycling industry. With the goal of creating a circular economy for all types of PET waste that is currently incinerated or landfilled, we want to scale our technology to a significant size and make it available to global PET producers and processors. In this way we will enable our customers to become more sustainable and contribute to a circular economy,” explains Lukas Adamek, Head of Strategy & Business Development of Oerlikon Manmade Fibers Solutions.
CONOVER, N.C. — January 22, 2025 — The Manufacturing Solutions Center (MSC) at Catawba Valley Community College will provide M1 Programming training for Stoll Flatbed Knitting machines February 3-7 to individuals interested in learning about flatbed knitting or improving their flatbed knitting skills.
Class size is limited and is structured to the individual needs of attendees. Core concepts covered in the program include the functions of the M1 software, stitch formation, programming of various stitch structures, and shape attributes. The program will be held at the MSC II facility in Conover, N.C.
For more information about the program and costs, visit www.manufacturingsolutionscenter.org
OBERTSHAUSEN, Germany — January 21, 2025 — This year, the European Capital of Culture Chemnitz 2025, together with 38 municipalities from the region, is presenting itself as a lively and surprising place in eastern Germany, in the heart of Europe. Art and culture enthusiasts can look forward to a diverse program under the motto “C the Unseen” with around 150 projects and more than 1000 events — and to taking a breather in the “Big C”.
The street furniture for relaxing was developed in the laboratory of the “Lightweight Construction in Civil Engineering” research area at the Chair of Lightweight Structures/Plastics Processing at Chemnitz University of Technology (TUC). The prototype is to be followed by 20 series products distributed throughout the city. Its name, “Big C”, refers to its design as the letter C.
Innovative and sustainable processes and materials were used to create the arch-shaped designer item: concrete for the main body with a reinforcement made from a carbon warp knitted fabric with weft insertion.
The textile reinforcement enables savings in concrete, slim shapes and maximum force absorption, as the reinforcing fibers are absolutely stretched in the warp knitted structure. The RS MSUS-G/HG warp knitting machine with weft insertion and its innovative successor, the WEFTTRONIC® II G, from KARL MAYER are predestined for its production.
Jürgen Troeltzsch
“We are delighted to be able to contribute to the Chemnitz 2025 Capital of Culture program with our technology. Big C once again stands for the versatile application possibilities of our warp knitting machines with weft insertion,” said Dr. Jürgen Tröltzsch, Special Specification Project manager at KARL MAYER’s Technical Textiles Business Unit.
Relax with a good environmental conscience
Unlike concrete reinforcements, textile reinforcement structures do not corrode and therefore do not require the usual concrete cover with a thickness of 2.5 to 5 centimeters. This enables a filigree design and saves up to 80 percent concrete — a building material that is considered one of the most important climate killers.1 High-strength fine concrete with CO2-reduced cement and a suitable form work system for casting the concrete were also developed to ensure an impressive environmental balance.
Textile reinforced concrete
The “C the unseen” lettering could thus be integrated into the concrete body during casting. A newly developed 100% recyclable corrugated cardboard formwork was also used for the first time for the cost-effective production of the curved special component. The concrete base of the “Big C” was manufactured using a 3D concrete printing process. To improve seating comfort, the seating surfaces in the lower curve of the approximately 1.80 meter high Big C can be covered with ergonomically shaped wooden slats.2
Flexible, fast and easy to maintain – the WEFTTRONIC® II G
With the WEFTTRONIC® II G, KARL MAYER offers a profitable and versatile production machine. The all-rounder produces between 350 and 400 meters of textiles per hour at a speed of 1,600/min, depending on the stitch density and material used. Thanks to the high variability of the machine in terms of yarn density in the filler yarn and weft yarn areas, the textile mesh structure can be ideally adapted to the reinforcement requirements in carbon concrete. The WEFTTRONIC II G is just as flexible when it comes to yarn. The common technical fibers glass, carbon and polyester can be processed. The resulting open grid articles have widths of 4.6 to 6.2 meters.
In addition to being efficient, the innovative warp knitting machine with weft insertion is low-maintenance, durable and extremely easy to operate. Variants are available in gauges of E 6, E 10 and E 18. The equipment features include a solution for stabilizing the selvedges, monitoring the weft yarn tension and a central suction device.
2 “Big C“ – nachhaltige Stadtmöbel für die Kulturhauptstadt Europas Chemnitz 2025 | TUCaktuell | TU Chemnitz https://www.tu-chemnitz.de/tu/pressestelle/aktuell/12498
The container ship CMA CGM Marco Polo is loaded and unloaded at the Georgia Ports Authority’s Port of Savannah Garden City Terminal, Savannah, Ga. (GPA Photo/Stephen B. Morton)
By Rohit Dev Sethi
The global textile industry, a cornerstone of modern commerce, faces mounting pressure to adopt sustainable practices across its operations. Logistics, encompassing shipping, transportation, and distribution, stands out as a critical area for reform due to its significant environmental footprint. With rising consumer awareness and regulatory pressures, the textile industry is pivoting towards greener logistics solutions. This article explores the challenges in sustainable textile logistics and highlights solutions like smart packaging and local sourcing to minimize environmental impact.
Challenges In Sustainable Textile Logistics
The logistics sector for textiles involves a complex network of global supply chains, characterized by extensive transportation across continents. This system depends heavily on fossil fuels, resulting in substantial greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, inefficient supply chain management can lead to excessive energy consumption, delays, and wastage.
Another significant challenge is packaging waste. Conventional textile packaging often involves single-use plastics and non-recyclable materials, contributing to the growing problem of landfills and ocean pollution. The industry’s reliance on air and sea freight further exacerbates carbon emissions, with air transport being particularly detrimental to the environment.
Lastly, the globalized nature of textile production creates challenges in balancing cost efficiency with sustainability. Brands often prioritize low-cost production in distant locations over local sourcing, leading to a longer carbon-intensive supply chain. Aligning economic priorities with environmental sustainability remains a tough balancing act.
Solutions for Sustainable Logistics
Despite these challenges, the textile industry is making strides toward sustainability by adopting innovative solutions. Two key strategies—smart packaging and local sourcing—have emerged as effective ways to reduce the environmental impact of textile logistics.
Smart Packaging: Reducing Waste And Emissions
Smart packaging technologies are revolutionizing the logistics landscape by focusing on material efficiency and waste reduction. For instance, biodegradable and recyclable materials are replacing traditional single-use plastics. Packaging designed to be lightweight and compact minimizes the space required for transportation, reducing fuel consumption and emissions.
Another promising innovation is the use of reusable packaging systems. Some companies have adopted returnable packaging models where customers can return the packaging for reuse, significantly cutting down on waste. Additionally, advances in packaging technology now allow for temperature regulation and moisture control, ensuring the safe transportation of textiles without relying on plastic wraps or foam.
Smart packaging also leverages digital technologies to enhance sustainability. For example, RFID tags and QR codes provide real-time tracking of goods, improving supply chain transparency and reducing the risk of overproduction or excessive inventory. This not only minimizes waste but also ensures that resources are allocated efficiently.
Local Sourcing: Building Shorter, Greener Supply Chains
Local sourcing, another transformative approach, addresses the environmental impact of long-distance transportation. By prioritizing local suppliers and manufacturers, textile companies can significantly reduce their carbon footprint. Shorter supply chains mean fewer emissions from freight and quicker delivery times, benefiting both the environment and operational efficiency.
Incorporating local sourcing into logistics strategies can also enhance resilience. Localized supply chains are less susceptible to global disruptions, such as geopolitical conflicts or pandemics, ensuring steady operations. Moreover, supporting local economies aligns with broader corporate social responsibility goals, fostering goodwill among communities and consumers.
To effectively implement local sourcing, businesses must assess the availability of raw materials and production capabilities within their regions. Partnerships with local artisans and smaller manufacturers not only reduce environmental impact but also preserve traditional craftsmanship, adding value to textile products.
Collaborative Efforts for a Greener Future
The journey toward sustainable textile logistics requires collaboration across the industry. Stakeholders, including manufacturers, logistics providers, and policymakers, must work together to create a conducive environment for sustainable practices. Governments can incentivize green logistics through subsidies or tax benefits, while manufacturers can innovate with eco-friendly materials and production methods.
Technological advancements play a crucial role in achieving sustainability. Tools such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning can optimize delivery routes, reduce idle time, and improve inventory management, further cutting emissions. Blockchain technology enhances transparency in the supply chain, ensuring that sustainability claims are verifiable and trustworthy.
Consumer behavior also drives change. Growing demand for sustainable products compels brands to rethink their logistics strategies. Educating consumers about the environmental impact of their purchases and encouraging the return or reuse of packaging fosters a culture of responsibility.
Conclusion
Sustainable textile logistics is not merely a trend but a necessity for the future of the industry. Overcoming challenges like high emissions and packaging waste requires a multi-faceted approach involving smart packaging, local sourcing, and technological innovation. By committing to these practices, the textile industry can significantly reduce its environmental impact, meet regulatory standards, and align with consumer expectations for greener operations. Collaboration and innovation will be the driving forces behind a sustainable and resilient textile logistics ecosystem.
Editor’s Note: Rohit Dev Sethi is managing director at India-based ColossusTex
The textile and apparel industry is on the cusp of transformation. The EU Green Deal targets carbon neutrality by 2050, reinforced by regulations such as the Green Claims Directive and the Eco-design for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR). These mandate unprecedented transparency in supply chains. Central to this transformation is the Digital Product Passport (DPP), a revolutionary tool that enhances transparency, sustainability and traceability across the product life cycle.
Legislative Moves
Sustainability is now a key market driver as consumers increasingly demand proof that purchases align with their ethical standards. Until now, companies in the fashion sector have relied on voluntary certifications to demonstrate sustainability. However, while these can be effective, they often only address a single issue — for example, organic — leaving room for inconsistencies in their application and interpretation.
New European Union (EU) legislation is ushering in a paradigm shift. Fashion brands operating in the EU will need to transition from market-driven, voluntary compliance to legislatively mandated compliance. Adherence to regulatory baselines for assessment and verification will reduce the issues related to perception and consistency.
Introduced in 2019, Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, described the EU Green Deal as Europe’s “man on the moon moment.” At its core, the deal seeks to establish a climate-neutral EU by 2050. A critical pillar of this ambition is promoting a circular economy, where products and materials are used, reused and recycled to minimize our dependency on virgin resources.
The EU Green Deal has already resulted in several pivotal legislative initiatives, including:
Green Claims Directive — expected to take effect in 2025 but still subject to legislative finalization, this directive will require companies to substantiate all environmental claims through impartial, third-party verification. The aim is to eliminate misleading greenwashing practices; and
ESPR — replacing the Ecodesign Directive, the ESPR mandates that products be durable, repairable and recyclable. Although requirements may vary depending on the product, this regulation enables consumers to make informed decisions by ensuring the attributes are clearly communicated.
What Is The Digital Product Passport?
The DPP is the cornerstone of the EU’s strategy for achieving the sustainability goals outlined in the Green Deal. Serving as a digital twin to each physical product, the DPP documents the product’s entire lifecycle, capturing key events alongside critical sustainability data.
The exact metrics are currently being finalized by the EU and may evolve, but currently, they follow the key principles of durability, repairability, recyclability, recycled content, greenhouse gas emissions and water consumption. Each metric will be presented in a standardized format as a comprehensive score to ensure consistency and comparability. The DPP enhances trust in environmental claims by centralizing and systematizing the collection and verification of this information through third-party assessment bodies accredited by EU member states.
With reliable and transparent data at their fingertips, consumers are empowered to make informed, sustainable purchasing decisions with greater ease, fostering confidence and driving demand for eco-friendly products.
Each DPP consists of three key components:
Verified environmental data on the product’s sustainability metrics
DPP platform — stores and provides access to verified data; and
QR code on the product, offering consumers instant access to the verified data without overwhelming them
Beyond point-of-purchase benefits, the DPP also functions as a comprehensive digital biography, tracking the product’s journey from cradle to grave. This will include details such as ownership, maintenance and repair history, facilitating true circular economy practices.
While currently an EU initiative, the potential for the DPP to become a global tool is undeniable, with far-reaching implications for fashion supply chains worldwide. However, widespread adoption would require international cooperation and alignment with non-EU regulations.
Next Steps
Compliance with the requirements of the EU Green Deal and ESPR, including the DPP, will be mandatory for all businesses operating in the EU. While some regulations are still being finalized, companies must act now to ensure readiness.
Key actions include:
Conducting an environmental control audit to evaluate current practices and identify gaps in compliance;
Appointing an accredited third-party assessment body to support the transition; and
Working with an accredited third-party assessment body, such as bluesign, enables compliance and sustainability for textile manufacturers, fashion brands and retailers. Through the bluesign SYSTEM, for example, businesses can ensure consumer safety, minimize environmental impact, and transition seamlessly to the requirements of the DPP.
Services include:
Expert consultation on chemicals and textiles to ensure products are safe, sustainable and compliant;
Data verification for product labels in accordance with DPP requirements; and
Development of an action plan to enhance sustainability efforts.
As the EU’s ambitious sustainability agenda reshapes global markets, businesses must prepare for a wave of legislation that will fundamentally alter how they operate.
Editor’s Note: Barbara Oswald is COO of Bluesign Technologies AG, Switzerland
WASHINGTON — January 21, 2025 — The National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO), representing the full spectrum of U.S. textiles from fiber to finished sewn products, issued the following statement today from President and CEO Kim Glas regarding President Donald Trump’s executive order, the “America First Trade Policy.”
Statement by NCTO President and CEO Kim Glas:
“We welcome President Trump’s executive order directing federal agencies to conduct a comprehensive review of the devastating impact of unfair trade practices by China and other countries that have undermined U.S. textile manufacturers, the broader manufacturing base, and the economy.
“President Trump’s order directs agencies to examine not only the effects of these practices and their contribution to the U.S. trade deficit but also to propose solutions such as penalty tariffs and de minimis reform to mitigate the harm to critical domestic industries.
“This action comes at a pivotal moment for the U.S. textile industry, a vital supplier of goods to the U.S. military and an employer of over 500,000 American workers. For too long, import fraud, trade crimes, and the evasion of U.S. bans on forced labor goods and duties through the de minimis loophole in trade law have severely damaged strategic domestic manufacturing industries.
“In the past several months alone, the U.S. textile industry has seen 26 plant closures and thousands of layoffs.
“Notably, the executive order includes a directive addressing the de minimis provision, instructing relevant agencies to ‘recommend modifications as warranted to protect both the revenue of the United States and the public health by preventing unlawful importations.’
“This directive marks an important and long overdue step toward commonsense reform of an outdated trade provision that has caused significant damage to the U.S. textile industry. The de minimis loophole facilitates the entry of approximately 4 million low-value shipments daily, often bypassing inspection and duties. This loophole benefits Chinese e-commerce platforms, importers, and tariff evaders, while harming U.S. manufacturers.
“Given the overwhelming scale of the problem and the challenges faced by U.S. Customs and Border Protection in enforcing trade laws amid this flood of de minimis packages, we urge President Trump to prioritize this particular issue and take decisive action as soon as feasible to eliminate the de minimis loophole through executive order.
“We also commend the President’s directive to review the establishment of an External Review Service to collect tariffs and other taxes on foreign entities. Such measures would serve as a deterrent to tariff evasion and provide funding for trade enforcement priorities in the new administration. NCTO has long called for expansive stepped-up customs enforcement as tariff evasion has hurt our industry, especially facing the flood of dumped products and goods falsely claiming duty-free benefits through our network of free trade agreements.
While not part of the executive order announced Monday, President Trump separately threatened to impose 25 percent tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada on February 1. Imposing tariffs on Mexican and Canadian imported goods that qualify for duty-free treatment under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) would undermine a vibrant coproduction chain, which is vital to the U.S. textile industry and supports thousands of jobs here and in Mexico and Canada.
“Finally, we look forward to working closely with the President and his administration to implement much needed reforms to U.S. trade policy. Policies such as penalty tariffs on China and comprehensive de minimis reform are essential to addressing the actions of predatory exporters and bad actors that threaten our strategic industry, displace our workers, damage our economy and harm U.S. consumers.”
Posted: January 21, 2025
Source: The National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO)
NEW YORK CITY — January 21, 2025 — UNCAGED Innovations, the world’s first biomaterial company creating sustainable leather from grains, has bolstered its team with the appointment of Noel Kinder to its Board of Directors. A senior executive with 25 years of global experience at Nike, including as chief dustainability officer, Kinder brings invaluable expertise in sustainability, innovation strategy, and global operations.
Noel Kinder
Kinder’s appointment to UNCAGED’s board marks a significant milestone in the company’s growth. Known for his leadership in sustainability at Nike, Kinder’s diverse career has spanned multiple roles and geographies, including serving as General Manager for Nike Vietnam. During his tenure, Kinder drove an enterprise materials innovations strategy specifically aimed at scaling sustainable alternatives to widely used commodity materials. He also oversaw the transformation of Nike’s environmental operations across 550 factories in 42 countries and drove collaboration with governments, NGOs, academia, and media to advance industry-wide sustainability practices.
Kinder’s extensive knowledge of global manufacturing, particularly in Asia, aligns with UNCAGED’s strategic plans to expand its production capabilities in the region. Kinder also brings a profound understanding of global fashion brands and industry dynamics which will be instrumental in driving the next phase of UNCAGED’s growth into footwear, a sector responsible for more than 50% of global leather consumption.
Noel Kinder, Advisory Board Member at UNCAGED Innovations, said: “Decarbonizing the footwear and apparel industries begins with finding innovative alternatives to traditional commodity materials. What drew me to UNCAGED is its groundbreaking technology and world-first approach to creating high-quality leather alternatives at scale. Throughout my career, I’ve encountered fascinating materials in this space, but many are still in development. UNCAGED is already operating at a commercial level — a critical factor in driving meaningful impact — and I’m excited to help guide the company as it continues to expand its influence globally.”
Stephanie Downs, CEO and co-founder of UNCAGED Innovations, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Noel to our board. He has extensive experience working with global fashion brands and his expertise in sustainability and global operations makes him an invaluable appointment as we enter the next phase of our growth. This is such an exciting time for us as a company and 2025 is set to be our biggest year yet, so we are thrilled to have welcomed Noel on board.”
CINCINNATI, Ohio — January 21, 2025 — Michelman, a global developer of advanced materials, has collaborated with FibreCoat, a high performance materials company based in Aachen, Germany, to support the launch of FibreCoat’s aluminum-coated basalt fiber. This new fiber, AluCoat, was developed by FibreCoat to address the need for lightweight, conductive materials in applications such as electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio-frequency interference (RFI) shielding, as well as thermal management for electric vehicles, consumer electronics, and energy storage.
Michelman’s Hydrosize® fiber sizing technology plays a critical role in enhancing the performance and processability of FibreCoat’s fiber for composite manufacturing. FibreCoat’s patented aluminum-coating process partially or fully coats basalt fibers, combining the material’s mechanical properties with aluminum conductivity. By integrating Michelman’s Hydrosize® fiber sizing, the aluminum-coated fibers achieve key performance attributes necessary for reliable composite applications. Michelman’s sizing helps form stable fiber bundles, reducing fuzz and maintaining fiber integrity during processing, and supports weavability, making continuous fibers more spreadable. Additionally, the sizing ensures compatibility with the resin systems, and balances compatibility between the aluminum and basalt surfaces on the fiber.
Steve Bassetti, Michelman Director of Global Marketing
“We are pleased to support FibreCoat as they bring this technology to market,” said Steve Bassetti, Michelman’s director of Global Marketing, Fibers and Composites. “Their aluminum-coated basalt fiber addresses the needs of applications that require conductive and lightweight materials for EMI shielding and thermal management. Our collaboration demonstrates Michelman’s role in advancing fiber technologies with innovative companies like FibreCoat.”
The relationship between Michelman and FibreCoat began over a decade ago at the Institute for Textile Technology, which is part of RWTH Aachen University, where FibreCoat’s founders identified Michelman’s fiber sizing expertise as essential to their fiber’s performance. Throughout development, Michelman provided support as FibreCoat refined the fiber’s formulation to achieve optimal results.
“Michelman has been a trusted partner for many years, providing technical support as we moved from research to commercialization.” said Dr. Alexander Lüking, co-founder at FibreCoat. “Their willingness to assist us through trial and error allowed us to refine our fiber technology. “Hydrosize® fiber sizing ultimately helped us address key challenges, including maintaining a PFAS-free solution, ensuring smooth unwinding to prevent fibers from sticking together on the bobbin, and minimizing fuzz during processing.”
Zeineb Romdhane, Lab Coordinator at FibreCoat, noted “Achieving the right balance in the sizing application was crucial — too little sizing would lead to fiber separation, while too much could cause excessive adhesion. Michelman’s expertise enabled us to overcome these obstacles and deliver a consistently high-quality fiber for advanced composite applications.”
Michelman’s Hydrosize solutions will be on display at JEC World 2025, where they will exhibit in booth 5E135. Sizing experts will be on hand to discuss applications based on basalt, glass, carbon, and natural fibers, including both chopped and continuous formats. FibreCoat will also be exhibiting at JEC. The company’s innovative AluCoat solutions will be on display in booth 5F65.
SARCEDO, Italy — January 23, 2025 — Tonello is proud to unveil DENIM RENAISSANCE: the art of Italian luxury at Kingpins New York on January 22-23 — a project that celebrates the elegance of Italian craftsmanship, innovation, and aesthetics.
