Praesidian Capital Successfully Exits Equity Investment Textile Solutions Provider Ocean State Innovations

OKLAHOMA CITY — January 3, 2023 — Praesidian Capital, a private equity firm with offices in Oklahoma City, New York and London, announced today that it has fully realized its equity investment in Ocean State Innovations. Based in Portsmouth, R.I., Ocean State is a textile converter in the United States.

“In 2015 we partnered with Ed Ricci, Ben Galpen and Bryan Boulis, all industry experts with over 100 years of combined experience in the quality textile industry. Over the years they have significantly expanded the business via organic growth and acquisitions, and expertly lead the Company through the Covid 19 pandemic. The company is well capitalized and positioned for continued growth.” said Jason Drattell, the founding partner of Praesidian.

“Praesidian has been a flexible and committed partner and we appreciate all their support throughout the years” said Edward Ricci, CEO of Ocean State.

Posted: January 3, 2023

Source: Praesidian Capital

Origin Materials Announces Timing Update on Origin 1 Manufacturing Plant

WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. — December 29, 2022 — Origin Materials Inc., a carbon negative materials company with a mission to enable the world’s transition to sustainable materials, today announced a construction update on Origin 1, the company’s first commercial manufacturing plant.

Due to severe weather conditions, the company anticipates a slight delay to its previously disclosed timeline for mechanical completion of Origin 1. Barring any further unforeseen circumstances, Origin expects the plant to be mechanically complete in January 2023.

All equipment necessary for completion is onsite and will be installed once current weather conditions subside. Plant commissioning has started and we anticipate that commissioning will remain on track for completion by the end of Q1 2023, with start-up beginning shortly thereafter.

Origin 1

Origin 1 is located in Sarnia, Ontario, Canada. This commercial-scale plant is anticipated to produce sustainable materials including chloromethylfurfural (CMF), which can subsequently be converted into high-performance products used in packaging, textiles, apparel, automotive, and other applications, as well as hydrothermal carbon (HTC). HTC can be used in fuel pellets, as activated carbon, and as a replacement for carbon black. Origin’s patented technology platform can turn the carbon found in sustainable wood residues into useful materials while capturing carbon in the process. The plant is expected to be able to convert an estimated 25,000 dry metric tons of biomass each year into products for a wide range of end markets.

Posted: December 29, 2022

Source: Origin Materials Inc.

Paramount Textiles (Bangladesh) Joins International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF) As Corporate Member

ZURICH — December 22, 2022 — Paramount Textile — a part of Paramount Group of companies in Bangladesh — was established in 2006. The company manufactures a diversified range of dyed yarns and dyed, finished, and printed woven fabrics. In 2021, the company exported more than USD 60 million worth of merchandise worldwide.

Dr. Christian Schindler, director general of ITMF stated: “ITMF is delighted to welcome Paramount Textile as a new Corporate Member. The decision to join the Federation is a clear indication that companies from the entire textile value chain see value in being part of a neutral international platform that provides relevant information as well as a unique international network. The ITMF Annual Conference 2022 in Davos, Switzerland highlighted the importance of discussing emerging trends with experts and colleagues face to face. Meeting old and new friends and colleagues in a relaxed atmosphere outside the regular business environment is helping people to better understand the ongoing dynamics in the global textile industry. Meeting persons from the entire textile value chain – from fiber producers to brands/retailers as well as affiliated industries like textile machinery producers, textile chemical producers, etc. provides a wider spectrum of perspectives.”

Posted: December 22, 2022

Source: International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF)

Obratori Enters The Capital Of FunCell

MARSEILLE, France — December 21, 2022 — As an extension of its approach to investing in breakthrough technological innovations, Obratori is pleased to announce its entry into the capital of FunCell, a startup that develop and produce biobased additives to increase the mechanical performances of cellulose-based materials — such as papers, cardboards and textile fibers, for example — and to give them new properties. A new alternative to some oil-based plastics and additives! This stake demonstrates the major interest of Obratori, the corporate investment fund of the L’OCCITANE Group, in supporting projects with a positive impact on people and the planet.

Founded in 2020 by Gilles du Sordet, Henri Sors, Julien Leguy and Laurent Heux, FunCell, abbreviation of “Functionalization of Cellulosic Materials”, has developed an innovative technology resulting from several years of fundamental research within CERMAV (a CNRS laboratory) from Grenoble. The startup develops biobased additives for cellulose-based materials. FunCell make it possible to increase their mechanical performances and also provide on demand functionalization. The additives developed by FunCell come from the valorization of agricultural waste, not competing with food production. FunCell initially targets the packaging and hygiene paper markets — tissues, paper towels, wipes.

They extract from fruit and vegetable waste a polymer whose role in nature is to give resistance to cellulosic materials and further improve this capacity by slightly modifying this polymer through a green chemistry process.

This innovative process saves raw materials: paper pulp but also energy:

  • By replacing petroleum-based products used for mechanical reinforcement, particularly for hygiene paper (tissues, paper towels, wipes)
  • By contributing to the replacement of single-use plastic products with mechanically improved, water-resistant paper.
  • By increasing the profitability of manufacturers, by reducing the amount of paper required for certain use cases by up to 30%.

According to Gilles de Sordet, president and co-founder of FunCell, “Obratori’s entry into our capital comes at a key moment in the life of our company. Their financial contribution and their support will enable us to demonstrate our full potential in three areas: the industrialization of our solution, the pursuit of our Product R&D efforts, the qualification of our products by customers…”

For Amaury Godron, managing director of Obratori: “The transition to replacing petro-based products and single-use plastics is becoming vital. To succeed in this transition, it is essential to allow innovative technologies such as that of FunCell to ensure its industrialization and to offer interesting and above all less energy-consuming prospects on the eco-responsible packaging market.”

Posted: December 21, 2022

Source: Obratori

Aquafil USA Welcomes Back Ian Burt As Director Of Sales & Marketing

CARTERSVILLE, Ga. — November 28, 2022 — Aquafil is excited to announce the new, returning Aquafil USA director of sales & marketing Ian Burt. With more than five years of previous experience at Aquafil, the company is thrilled to welcome Burt back to the team.

As the director of sales & marketing, Burt will collaborate with his Aquafil colleagues to continuously improve the company’s offerings and customer experience, connecting manufacturers in the automotive, carpet, furniture and design industries with the opportunity to create innovative products using Aquafil ingredients.

Ian plays an important role in guiding Aquafil’s progress and momentum through collaborative efforts, inspired by the company’s Brand Manifesto, which calls the team to “step out of our comfort zone to set new standards through empathy and collaboration, inside and outside.” He partners with Aquafil customers and actively listens to understand their needs, ensuring they have the tools and resources to find stability in this tumultuous market and grow their businesses’ profitability.

“It is wonderful to have Ian back in this critical role, ensuring our customers are set up for success as we work together to create innovative, high quality products,” said Franco Rossi, president of Aquafil USA. “Ian is an excellent relationship builder and has considerable knowledge of our customers, their goals and obstacles and how Aquafil can serve as a strong partner. We’re proud to have built a culture at Aquafil where high performing team members are excited to return.”

With more than 30 years of experience in sales, marketing and manufacturing, Burt has a proven track record of driving strategic initiatives to create both short- and long-term value for his customers. Burt previously served as the director of sales & marketing of Aquafil USA from 2013 to 2019. In the last three years, he has continued to build experience and connections through sales leadership positions within the design, architecture and construction markets. He strives to develop strong, meaningful relationships with his peers and customers, and has extensive knowledge of the materials and processes specific to the commercial, residential and automotive flooring segments.

“It’s an honor to be welcomed back to the Aquafil Group at such an exciting time and period of growth,” Burt said. “There’s a hunger for more innovative, sustainable ingredients in the design and manufacturing space, and Aquafil is poised to be a strategic partner to advance our customers’ goals. I’m thrilled for the opportunity to be part of the important work Aquafil is doing.”

Posted: December 21, 2022

Source: Aquafil USA

Auraloop: Sustainable Car Seat Foam Solution From Faurecia And Indorama Ventures

BANGKOK, Thailand — December 16, 2022 — Auraloop is a brand-new range of cushioning solutions made from an innovative structure of polyester-based fibers that is 100-percent recyclable and aimed at the mobility markets.

One of the objectives of Auraloop is a twofold reduction in the carbon footprint of car seat pads, currently made from polyurethane foam.

Auraloop offers an increased level of performance in terms of thermal comfort and durability.

R&D teams within the Faurecia seating activity have recently penned an exclusive development agreement with Indorama Ventures, one of the global leaders in PET (polyethylene terephthalate) production and recycling. This partnership between Indorama Ventures and Faurecia, a company of FORVIA Group which is the 7th largest automotive industry supplier, has the aim of developing Auraloop, a new range of cushioning solutions for the mobility markets and intended to replace polyurethane foam currently used in car seats.

“Auraloop will replace those materials currently used in car seating with innovative and sustainable materials, based on polyester fibers that offer a total recyclability of 100%. This new material will allow for a twofold reduction in the carbon footprint of car seat pad solutions compared to current materials,” explained Nicolas Michot, director of Technology at Faurecia Seating. Development of this product, which paves the way towards wider commercial release in two or three years, falls within the FORVIA Group strategy of going carbon neutral by 2045. For this, the group is seeking to root its commercial offer fully in the circular economy, with the development and production of sustainable cutting-edge materials under the banner of MATERI’ACT.

Arnaud Closson, CEO, Indorama Ventures’ Mobility Group/Fibers Segment, pointed out: “By setting out these initial milestones in our close-knit collaboration with Faurecia, this partnership is an integral part of Indorama Ventures’ commitment to expand its existing Polyester (PET)- based portfolio and related activities into wider areas. By bringing together two leading players in the automotive industry, we aim to open up further growth opportunities for both partners.”

Auraloop also offers a range of new perspectives in terms of seating comfort thanks to a more open fiber structure and permeability for air than current seating pad solutions, the breathability of seating is improved, enabling a better passive thermal regulation of occupants. The durability of seating is also increased by limited subsidence of the seat over its lifetime. The market for comfort aboard vehicles is constantly growing. The development of Auraloop falls within this dynamic, with a product offering significantly improved performances in terms of static, dynamic and welcoming comfort.

This highly promising new solution has today sparked a great deal of interest from clients of Faurecia, illustrating their desire to integrate materials combining comfort and the circular economy into future vehicles. In the mobility sector, Indorama Ventures is already a market leader in yarns and fabrics for tires and airbags. With the new project Auraloop, its offer expands, not only serving the new dynamic market of car seat with a component of improved performance and comfort, but also taking into account the concept of sustainability.

Posted: December 20, 2022

Source: Indorama Ventures Public Co. Ltd.

EU Energy Council: EURATEX Welcomes Progress On The Energy Market Reform, But The Cap At 180 Euros/Mwh Is Still Too High

BRUSSELS — December 20, 2022 — On Monday, the European energy ministers reached an agreement on a price cap for natural gas wholesale prices.

Despite welcoming the adoption of the instrument and the prospect to limit gas price speculations on the stock market, EURATEX considers the cap at 180 euros per megaWatt hour to be still too high. Also, the complexity of the conditionalities triggering the cap may weaken its effectiveness and implementation: according to the legal proposal, the price level must be reached for three working days and European wholesale gas prices must remain, for the same length of time, at 35 euros above the global price of liquefied natural gas. Therefore, EURATEX urges the Council of the EU to improve this market correction mechanism.

Furthermore, EURATEX insists on the need to provide the industry with support measures to counteract competition from the US and other countries. Dirk Vantyghem, Director General of EURATEX, affirms: “The Industry is at the heart of the European way of life and the fundament of our social market economy. The European textile industry is 99.8 percent composed of SMEs, which struggle with tight margins while being at the upstream part of the supply chain: the EU must do more to save its industrial structure, its competitiveness and its capacity to provide essential products to European citizens”.

Posted: December 20, 2022

Source: EURATEX

Chargeurs PCC Announces It Will Distribute KC Wearable Technologies Globally

PARIS — December 20, 2022 — Chargeurs PCC, an apparel interlinings manufacturer, announced that it will distribute wearable technology components made by KC Wearable Technologies globally to the clothing industry and fashion retailers. The global distribution agreement will make it possible for brands eager to differentiate themselves to offer customers new state-of-the-art fashion technologies that provide heating and cooling properties, antibacterial protection, wireless charging capabilities and other benefits.

“Market demand for high-performance garments that incorporate innovative technology components continues to grow worldwide,” said Gianluca Tanzi, CEO of Chargeurs PCC. “Consumers are looking for materials that enhance comfort, while providing thermal regulation and technical capabilities. We’re extremely pleased to distribute KC Wearable Technologies products globally to help retailers and brands differentiate themselves by producing garments that offer a wide range of innovative functions and capabilities.”

“The overproduction of cheap clothing has dragged the industry down for decades and is no longer sustainable,” said Dominik Kufner, CEO of KC Wearable Technologies. “It is time to create higher-value and longer-lasting products. A smart way to do this is with convenient new functions that are appreciated by consumers.”

“In the future, we will see jackets, bags and wallets that will wirelessly recharge smartphones along with outerwear garments that will warm or cool the body electrically,” added Sofia Cinel, managing partner at KC Wearable Technologies. “We have created a vast array of new possibilities and we cannot wait to bring them to market through this new partnership with Chargeurs PCC.”

Posted December 20, 2022

Source: Chargeurs PCC

Chargeurs PCC Appoints Francisco Ros As Country General Manager, Chargeurs Entretelas Iberica

PARIS –—December 20, 2022 — Chargeurs PCC, an apparel interlinings manufacturer, today announced that it has appointed Francisco Ros as Country general manager of Chargeurs Entretelas Iberica. Ros, who is based in Spain, brings more than 30 years of international business administration and business implementation experience, having previously been the general manager of Helsa Fashion Shaping for Spain and Mexico. Reporting directly to Giorgio Marcarino, general manager EMEA, Ros will be responsible for driving profitability, efficiency and sustainability across the Iberica division.

“We are thrilled to have Francisco Ros join Chargeurs PCC and are eager to see his extensive experience in the interlinings space help us grow our Iberica business,” said Gianluca Tanzi, CEO of Chargeurs Textile. “We’re confident in his expertise in product development, marketing and strategic implementation, and look forward to seeing how his leadership will accellerate our interlinings business.”

“I’m honored to join Chargeurs PCC, a company that I have always admired in the textile industry,” said Francisco Ros. “The Chargeurs Ibérica project is attractive and stimulating, so I am delighted to have the opportunity to lead it.” Prior to joining Chargeurs PCC, Ros served as general manager of Helsa Fashion Shaping for Spain and Mexico, where he was responsible for managing strategic plans and their implementation. Prior to this role, he spent 20 years within Freudenberg where he led specific projects in Germany, Hong-Kong, Brazil, Argentina and the USA, where he became the vice president of Interlinings in North Carolina.

Posted December 20, 2022

Source: Chargeurs PCC

ANDRITZ Organized A Successful Customer Day For Hygiene Products Value Chain

GRAZ, Austria— December 20, 2022 — ANDRITZ hosted a customer day fully dedicated to the absorbent hygiene products value chain on November 09, 2022. This event took place at the ANDRITZ Diatec premises in Pescara, Italy, with a great variety of key players from the nonwovens industry coming from all over Europe and beyond.

At this event, attendees benefited from live demonstrations of converting lines, unique market and nonwoven production insights, a panel discussion on sustainability, and excellent networking opportunities. Multiple top-level information has been presented by the ANDRITZ team and external partners:

  • Recent market situation, trends, and some food for thoughts;
  • Technology insights for nonwoven roll-good production: Spunjet Soft, Air-Through Bonding, and Spunlace;
  • Company tour with live demonstration of converting lines; and
  • Panel discussion on sustainability accompanied by important industry players around the value chain.

All guests showed great interest and received valuable insights on market, hygiene end-uses and roll-goods, production and converting technologies, and sustainability topics. This calls for a repeat in the future.

Posted: December 20, 2022

Source: ANDRITZ

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