Indorama Ventures In Obernburg Focuses Capacities And Product Range On Core Markets In The Automotive Sector And Specialties

OBERNBURG, Germany — May 4, 2023 — Indorama Ventures at the Obernburg site (Germany) will focus on the core markets of tires and automotive safety/airbags and specialties, as well as drive selected product innovations for application in new market segments. Accordingly, the company plans to adjust its capacity at the Obernburg site and cut around 80 of the current 620 total jobs by the end of the year in production and supporting functions.

Stefan Braun, Managing Director of Indorama Ventures at Industrie Center Obernburg, said, “Global competitive pressure in the man-made fibers industry continues. While our customers value us as one of their leading technology partners, particularly in the development and production of nylon yarns, the cost pressure in the production of individual polyester-based yarns has increased continuously in recent years. We are therefore convinced that we have made the right decision to focus on our core competencies to remain successful in the long term.”

The jobs cuts affect both production and administration and sales positions. Representatives of the company and the Works Council together informed employees about the situation on May 4.

The aim is to make the adjustments as acceptable as possible. Braun added, “We are prepared to talk to employees who will reach retirement age soon and who wish to leave the company early.” The company and employee representatives will agree on suitable measures in the coming weeks.

Indorama Ventures is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of synthetic fibers, headquartered in Bangkok, Thailand. The global production presence in Europe, Africa, America and the Asia-Pacific region also includes the Obernburg site since the acquisition of the synthetic fibers manufacturer PHP Fibers in 2014.

Posted: May 5, 2023

Source: Indorama Ventures at Industrie Center Obernburg,

ITMA 2023 Exhibitor Preview: XORELLA

HOF, Germany — May 5, 2023 — At ITMA 2023, XORELLA, a specialist in steam setting and conditioning equipment for yarns and fabrics, will launch XO AUTOMATION for the double door XO SELECT conditioning machine series, and XO SOLID, a new machine series to complement XO SMART, XO TREND and XO SELECT machines.

XO AUTOMATION

The new XO AUTOMATION system consists of roller conveyor systems for loading and unloading two-door XO Select conditioning machines. Additional pallet wrapping machine with a turntable, weighting station, label printer, safety fence and security system can complete the system. The XO Select controller and automation system can handle and store individual customer-specific material and packing programmes.

XO SELECT and XO AUTOMATION are designed for yarn steaming on multiple pallet dimensions and heights up to 2,650mm. The linear material flow passing conveyor and steaming machine avoids any mix between steamed and un-steamed materials. XO AUTOMATION fills the gap between the XO automated moving platform and the fully automated transport system – from spinning hall to warehouse.

XO SOLID

The new cubical XO SOLID combines a high loading space of 1,800mm x 1,700mm x 4, 000mm (H x W x L) through double row pin trolleys or pallets for easy manual loading of six units on floor level without a pit or platform. XO SOLID is therefore designed for installations on upper floor levels. The new frame design combines all necessary components factory preinstalled on a single frame, for easy ‘plug and play’ installation at the customer site. Additional smaller steamer dimensions for two and four loading units are also at the planning stage.

The new XO SOLID incorporates all the renowned features of XORELLA machines based on the long term experience in high temperature dyeing vessel production of FONG’s, including:

  • A Siemens controller with OPC UA interface and XO data tool for batch storage.
  • A XO EcoPac waterless claw pump or two-stage water ring vacuum pump.
  • A high energy efficient accumulator for steam, electric and combined heating.
  • Vessel and piping in world-class stainless steel.
  • European key components such as pumps, heating elements, valves and sensors

Established in Switzerland in 1967, XORELLA became rapidly known in the global textile industry for its innovative indirect steaming system. Since 2002 the company has been a member of the CHTC Fong’s International Group, and a proud member of SINOMACH Group (China National Machinery Industry Corp.) since 2019.

XORELLA is at stand B106 in Hall 18 at ITMA 2023.

Posted: May 5, 2023

Source: XORELLA  — FONG’S EUROPE GMBH

ITMA 2023 Exhibitor Preview: emtec Electronic

LEIPZIG, Germany — May 4, 2023 — It’s booked as the world’s largest international exhibition for textile and garment technology: The renowned ITMA exhibition brings together a global audience to present the latest developments along the entire value chain of the textiles industry. At its last showing in 2019, the ITMA attracted more than 100,000 visitors from 136 countries, the majority of which were key decision-makers and influencers for their companies, according to exhibition organizers.

In Hall 4 at booth No. D313, emtec Electronic will showcase the tried-and-true TSA Tactile Sensation Analyzer as well as unveil its most recent development. Especially adapted to suit the needs of the textile and nonwovens industry, the next-generation softness measuring equipment comes with new features and a new design. The proven TSA already offers a unique approach to softness measurement by simulating the sensory capacities of the human hand via sound analysis. Haptic parameters such as softness, smoothness, flexibility, deformation and springback behavior are able to be objectively measured and the results digitized within a fraction of the time needed for traditional hand-panel testing methods – a mere 90 seconds is standard. Originating in the tissue paper industry under the name Tissue Softness Analyzer, the TSA has since become an established industry standard for haptic measurement worldwide. Its measuring principles and practical application have been featured in a Technical Information Paper (TIP 0808-07 (2021)) from the Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry (TAPPI).

“Our experience in measuring the haptic quality of tissue and hygiene paper has allowed us to continue to innovate and expand to serve the needs of the textile and nonwovens industries,” says Alexander Gruener, Global Marketing and Business Development Manager for emtec Electronic. “For garments, especially, there is a strong need to quickly and reliably reproduce certain haptic qualities that consumers prefer. The TSA provides a simplified solution to achieve maximum comfort.”

If you want to discover the latest innovation in terms of haptic quality testing including a new method for digitization, come by the emtec booth (D313 in hall 4) and meet with our experts Giselher Gruener (General Manager), Alexander Gruener, Mario Graupner (Service Manager) as well as Sales Area Managers Philipp Sievers and Eric Haagen.

Posted: May 5, 2023

Source: emtec Electronic GmbH

Loepfe Brothers Ltd. — Introducing YarnMaster® PRISMA Autoclearing

WETZIKON, Switzerland — May 4, 2023 — Introducing YarnMaster® PRISMA Autoclearing – the perfect solution for ease of use in yarn clearing. Time and resources are saved while efficiency and quality remain stable at the highest level. PRISMA Autoclearing offers the most effortless yarn clearing experience on the market – including the features Autostart and Autocorrect.

The latest PRISMA software update 2023-H1 contains the new function Autostart and improved Autocorrect – providing the ultimate solution for spinners’ yarn clearing needs.

Autostart offers the fastest and safest way to create secure settings for new and existing articles. The clever software automatically creates clearing curves for all matrixes, based on yarn quality data from the first 100km/group. This reduces the need to manually go through all matrixes and their curve settings.

PRISMA Autostart is a must-have for any quality manager. It saves up to one hour of setting time when creating a new article. Likewise, the persons in charge can be sure that with PRISMA’s built-in intelligence, the winding process is set up for optimum performance. It provides a balance between yarn quality and machine efficiency. It also assists new operators and prevents the production of insufficient yarn quality due to incorrect settings. In addition, new commissioning of winding machines is also simplified as the clearer system supports the initial job of adjustments.

After the completion of the Autostart, the curves can be fine-tuned according to the individual needs, if required. As further support, the trusted Loepfe Testmode can be used for fine-tuning the settings.

If changes are necessary during the winding process, the operators can rely on the Autocorrect function. Autocorrect can be used to readjust the clearing curve based on the quality data of running articles. This ensures a quick and correct reaction to changes at any time. Furthermore, the sensitivity level of Autocorrect can be used to finetune clearing curves very precisely. The cut forecast provides an overview of the rising or falling cuts of the planned changes. This allows decision-making with a balance of efficiency and quality in mind.

PRISMA’s clever yarn clearing is the ultimate solution for spinning mills, providing support and security, optimum user experience, and time and cost savings.

Posted: May 5, 2023

Source: Loepfe Brothers Ltd.

Sonovia’s Breakthrough Green Technology To Be Used In Denim Development

TEL AVIV, Israel — May 4, 2023 — The Israeli company Sonovia, in a partnership with Italian denim developer PureDenim has signed an agreement with French luxury group Kering to develop and install Sonovia’s revolutionary indigo yarn dyeing technology into their denim production lines. Kering, a renowned company that owns several prestigious fashion houses, has been seeking to reduce its absolute greenhouse gas emissions by 40%.

Traditional indigo yarn dyeing processes are water intensive requiring on average 60,000 liters of water per process, and rely on polluting chemicals such as hydrosulfite. Sonovia’s D(y)ENIM indigo yarn dyeing ultrasound technology dramatically reduces the usage of water in the textile dyeing process by up to 85%, and is 100% hydrosulfite free.

The agreement with Kering to appraise Sonovia’s technology for their denim production is a transformational shift that moves the world of fashion away from the industries water consumption, chemical waste, and energy expenditure.

With jeans being one of the most widely worn articles of clothing around the world, Sonovia’s D(y)ENIM indigo yarn dyeing tech is set to markedly impact the sustainability of one of the world’s most polluting industries by greatly reducing denim manufacturing pollution. Sonovia and PureDenim have been working together since early 2022 on the development and scale-up of the D(y)ENIM technology.

Gigi Caccia, CEO and owner of PureDenim, says that “Sonovia’s technology is the ultimate step towards near-zero-impact indigo dyeing. Having forward-looking partners like Sonovia and Kering gives us courage to take on challenges that until yesterday seemed unattainable.”

Roy Hirsch, Chief Business Officer (CBO) at Sonovia affirms: “This agreement with Kering, who are of the most recognized luxury brands in the world, is confirmation that Sonovia’s indigo dyeing technology is the future technology for the textile industry. The agreement will revolutionize the textile industry and increase sustainability in the fashion world.”

Posted: May 4, 2023

Source: Sonovia Ltd

ABB Completes Acquisition Of Siemens Low Voltage NEMA Motor Business

ZURICH — May 4, 2023 — ABB announced today it has completed its acquisition of the Siemens low voltage NEMA motor business. The transaction was originally announced August 11, 2022, and financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. The business employs around 600 people and generated revenues of approximately $63 million in 2021.

The acquisition of this business is part of the Motion business area’s profitable growth strategy. It strengthens ABB’s position as a leading industrial NEMA motor manufacturer, and it provides an even stronger platform from which ABB can better serve its global customers.

The line of horizontal and vertical induction severe duty and general purpose motors will be re-branded as ABB and reintroduced to the market during second quarter of 2023.

The global NEMA motor industry, roughly $2.7 billion in size, comprises industrial electric motors primarily used within North America. NEMA motors are essential components used to run equipment in industries such as food and beverage, oil and gas, mining & aggregate, and water & wastewater and in applications like those which move air, liquids, and units.

ABB is a global technology company that energizes the transformation of society and industry to achieve a more productive, sustainable future. By connecting software to its electrification, robotics, automation and motion portfolio, ABB pushes the boundaries of technology to drive performance to new levels. With a history of excellence stretching back more than 130 years, ABB’s success is driven by about 105,000 talented employees in over 100 countries. www.abb.com

ABB Motion keeps the world turning – while saving energy every day. We innovate and push the boundaries of technology to enable the low-carbon future for customers, industries and societies. With our digitally enabled drives, motors and services our customers and partners achieve better performance, safety and reliability. We offer a combination of domain expertise and technology to deliver the optimum drive and motor solution for a wide range of applications in all industrial segments. Through our global presence we are always close to serve our customers. Building on over 130 years of cumulative experience in electric powertrains, we learn and improve every day. go.abb/motion

Posted: May 4, 2023

Source: ABB Ltd.

EUROJERSEY Presents “MADE TO LAST” Of Sensitive® Fabrics

CARONNO PERTUSELLA, Italy — May 4, 2023 — EUROJERSEY Spa – A Carvico Group company at the top of the international textile industry, represents Made in Italy style and creativity interpreted by Sensitive® Fabrics.  An entrepreneurial strategy that has combined innovation and quality, with sustainable large-scale production development and a state-of-the-art plant equipped with efficiency and productivity through a single, fully verticalised cycle plant, from weaving, dyeing, finishing, printing.

Sensitive® Fabrics, an exclusive EUROJERSEY patent, chosen by leading brands in sports, apparel, underwear and swimwear, are considered the “24wear” fabrics. They are the ideal formula for comfortable and stylish outfits, for performance garments in sports, or at ease with swimsuits that retain shape, colour and resist chlorine, or to regain a sense of well-being with soft, breathable underwear. Produced with less impact on the environment, Sensitive® Fabrics are confirmed to be the right fabrics for any style, occasion and need, and above all, they last as portrayed by the new “MADE TO LAST” campaign.

Posted: May 4, 2023

Source: EUROJERSEY

ITMA 2023 Exhibitor Preview: Baldwin Technology

ST. LOUIS, Missouri — May 3, 2023 — Baldwin Technology Company Inc. is excited to show the textile supply chain how to “Finish with Perfection” at ITMA 2023 with its TexCoat™ G4 precision spray finishing system, eliminating chemistry waste on changeover, saving water, and achieving faster speeds through the stenter frame and relaxed dryer.

ITMA 2023 will be held June 8-14 at the Fiera Milano Rho Exhibition Centre (Milan). Baldwin will demonstrate TexCoat G4 from Stand H-14-C205, as well as its Plasma Pure treater. ITMA participants can stop by and “touch” Baldwin’s wide array of TexCoat G4-applied fabric samples from textile mills around the world and experience what precision finishing “feels” like. Experts will be on hand to discuss how Baldwin Technology can assist in transitioning the textile supply chain to reach their sustainability and carbon footprint goals while improving performance and saving money.

“Since its introduction at ITMA 2015 in Milan, global textile finishers have embraced TexCoat and reaped the benefits,” said Rick Stanford, Baldwin’s VP Global Business Development, Textiles. “They have been able to increase profitability, cut energy use, and reduce their carbon footprint in addition to exercising precision control with patented precision spray technology.”

In the context of a cost-sensitive global economy and an increased focus by brands, consumers and regulatory agencies on sustainability, customers are placing a premium on sustainability-advantage textile production. TexCoat G4’s non-contact spray technology offers numerous advantages compared to old and commodified methods of applying finishing chemistry.

TexCoat G4 processes a wide range of low-viscosity water-based chemicals, such as durable water-repellants including PFAS-free, softeners, anti-microbials, easy-care and flame retardants, just to name a few. The company’s technology uses the same chemicals as found in traditional pad baths with no special auxiliaries required.

In addition to TexCoat G4, Baldwin is offering its Plasma Pure treatment for textiles. The system enhanced and more efficient dyeing, coating and lamination of textiles and nonwovens. Its ceramic electrodes generate an air plasma used to efficiently treat the fabric surface. Key benefits include dramatically improved absorption and adhesion properties of the fabric, boosting productivity while enhancing the absorption properties with an optimized and uniform dyeing result and a significant acceleration of the absorption process. Laminated fabrics benefit from Plasma Pure technology with greater bonding strength.

Spoiler alert!: New testimonial videos from Pincroft Dyeing and Print Works and Graniteville Specialty Fabrics along with a video highlighting Baldwin’s partnership with North Carolina State University will premiere on the big screens at the Baldwin booth.

Visit Baldwin at ITMA 2023, June 8-14, at Stand H14-C205. For more information on Baldwin’s TexCoat G4 and other textile finishing technologies, visit https://baldwintech.com/for-textiles.

Posted: May 3, 2023

Source: Baldwin Technology Company Inc.

Renegade Plastics To Debut Zero-PVC, Fire Retardant Coated Fabrics At Techtextil North America

ATLANTA, Ga.— May 3, 2023 — Renegade Plastics will debut their next generation zero-PVC fire retardant coated fabrics at Booth #2113 at Techtextil North America in Atlanta, Georgia May 10-12, 2023. Renegade Plastics is the first-ever supplier of fire retardant PVC-free polypropylene coated fabrics that are healthier for our people and planet.

Fire retardants usually contain harmful chemicals, which according to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences can cause damaging health effects such as endocrine and thyroid disruption, immunotoxicity, reproductive toxicity, cancer, and disruptions to fetal and child development and neurobehavioral function.[1] As researchers shed more light on the impact of fire retardants on human health, consumers are more concerned with the materials that they touch in their everyday lives, and are often willing to pay a premium for safer products.

To meet this demand, Renegade Plastics has introduced a zero-PVC flame retardant coated fabric that uses a proprietary flame retardant formula that does not require brominated or halogenated additives. This evolutionary fabric meets California Title 19 fire retardant standard as well as European Toy Safety Standard EN71-3:2019. Renegade’s PVC-free fabrics can be recycled by most plastics recyclers and can be cleaned with strong cleansers like bleach and acetone without degrading the fabric’s coating. The material’s recyclability has been verified by third-party labs.

Renegade Plastics evolutionary fabrics are ideal for product manufacturers looking to meet sustainability goals. They are an eco-friendly alternative for applications such as play mats, gym mats, mattresses, and other products where humans come in contact with coated fabric surfaces. All of Renegade’s proprietary polypropylene-based fabrics are free from free from forever chemicals like lead, phthalates, dioxins and PFAS.

“We are proud to debut the world’s first zero-PVC, fire retardant coated fabrics at Techtextil,” says Renegade Plastics Co-Founder, Curran Hughes. “This show attracts leading decision makers from the global textile industry that are looking for innovative, game-changing fabrics. Our goal is not only to introduce safer, more sustainable fabrics to the marketplace, but build a circular economy for industrial fabrics and plastics that will eliminate toxic chemicals, reduce carbon emissions, and pave the way to a healthier people and planet one yard of fabric at a time.”

Renegade Plastics was named Quality Fabric of the Month by Textile World in August 2022 and won the Cleantech Open 2022 U.S. National Grand Prize in October 2022.

[1] U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). Flame retardants. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. Retrieved April 28, 2023, from https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/flame_retardants/index.cfm 

Posted: May 3, 2023

Source: Renegade Plastics

Ultrafabrics Announces Huge Color Refresh Of Its North American-Made Uf Select Collection

TARRYTOWN, N.J. — May 3, 2023 — ULTRAFABRICS, producer of high-tech performance fabrics in 11 global markets, has announced a color refresh for its North American-produced line, Uf Select.

Ultrafabrics leads the market in color choices for its performance fabric collections, far surpassing its competitors, and to the celebration of designers who trust Ultrafabrics to take projects to the next level. These 38 new colors bring the total to 89 colors of Uf Select available for the US market and 64 for the UK/Europe.

Nicole Meier, Director of Branding at Ultrafabrics, says, “Creative directors, architects, designers and specifiers across all markets trust our expertise in color and its importance in their design process. We take that trust seriously and continually refine our offering to ensure they find exactly what they need, whether it’s the perfect white for a luxury car interior or dynamic magenta for a hospitality project, design leaders know they can find it here.”

She adds, “Our process for creating color with our experts is lengthy and time consuming, ensuring that a depth and richness of each tone is achieved in every light and environment. We don’t leave anything to chance.”

Inspired by the masters of the art world

Who better to inspire a color refresh than history’s greatest painters? Of the 89 colors in the Ultrafabrics collections, the 38 new ones are inspired by Matisse, Monet, Van Dyke, Van Gogh, Vermeer and Whistler. New color collection Matisse Blue is inspired by a finely ground blue glass called smalt, which came into use in the 15th century and continues to be an important hue in artists’ palettes today. Monet Green references the Middle Ages, when Italian painters used natural, green pigments like soil and plant extracts in their art. Van Dyke Brown, named after the Flemish painter, is a dark brown color that evokes hues of the earth’s soil. Van Gogh Yellow includes an ochre found across the world, derived from natural minerals in various shades from yellow to brown. Vermeer Red references the opulent range of fuchsias, reds and purples created by the important cochineal beetle insect dye source. Far from dull, Whistler Gray, adds tremendous depth and is influenced by shadows and contrasting darkness and light.

The new colors have been introduced into the Uf Select Montage and Impasto collections to bring a continued focus on hospitality applications. Montage offers a natural and subtly distressed look with its weathered, rich surface that mimics collage. Impasto, which is only available for the US market, balances a classic appearance with a strong visual impact that features a textural quality reminiscent of layered paint on a canvas.

Uf Select is North American-produced for speed to market and supports the intention to reduce transportation carbon footprint

The Uf Select collections are made in North America and were launched in 2021 to expand color and texture selection, and to minimize lead times with the ultimate intention of reducing the brand’s transportation footprint. Twenty-five timeless and current colors from Montage and Impasto are now available for quick shipping in North America, with up to 100 yards shipping within 48-hours.

Meier says of the launch, “The old adage is that you can’t have a product that is good, fast and reasonably priced, you can only have two out of three. We reject that. Uf Select is premium quality, competitively priced and we will get clients up to 100 yards in 48 hours through our Quick Ship offering. With these new colors and our warranty, designers can rely on Ultrafabrics to take projects to the next level.”

Posted: May 3, 2023

Source: ULTRAFABRICS

Sponsors