Leaders Of The Home Furnishing Industry Join Forces
To Raise Awareness On Major Global Issue Of Marine Plastic Pollution


VALDESE, N.C. — November 2, 2022 — Ocean pollution is becoming an increasingly disturbing problem. According to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, plastic waste makes up an estimated 80 percent of marine pollution. Approximately 10 million metric tons of plastic waste enters the oceans each year, killing seabirds, fish, and marine mammals. Over time, the discarded plastic breaks down into smaller pieces called microplastics that absorb a range of chemicals floating in the marine environment, including pesticides and toxic metals. These chemical-laden particles are ingested by fish and shellfish and then passed to humans through the consumption of seafood.

To date, SEAQUAL INITIATIVE has cleaned more than 600 tons of waste from our oceans and more than 200 tons of marine litter has been transformed into reclaimed marine plastic. This incredible growing accomplishment was made possible through the collaborative efforts of more than 60 countries and the partnerships from an increasing number of brands, manufacturers and retail stores worldwide. InsideOut Performance Fabrics® is one of these proud partners and is working with SEAQUAL INITIATIVE to manufacture performance fabrics that are made with the upcycled marine plastic they’ve collected from ocean floors and beaches. These residential, commercial and contract grade fabrics are the first of their kind.

Blake Millinor, president, and CEO of Valdese Weavers, noted: “Plastic is one of the most commonly used materials because it is lightweight, strong, and virtually indestructible, which is why it is an ideal choice for a durable performance fabric. Yarns derived from reclaimed polyester-based plastic are resilient, repel liquids, are fade resistant and work well with other types of yarns. For the average household, what makes these fabrics even more appealing is that they are highly cleanable and can stand up to the everyday messes from pets and kids.” He quipped, “These fabrics won’t clean themselves, but they are the next best thing.”

Laura Lambie Levinson, chief creative officer for Valdese Weavers, opined that: “Regardless of its performance qualities, no one wants fabric that is not visually resplendent and soft to the touch. Our team has decades of experience working with polyester yarns and our artisans have created some stunning new designs in textures, chenille, bouclé, and patterns.” She expressed, “but what I like best about this partnership is that it is a collaborative effort. No single one of us can solve the world’s problems by ourselves. When we work together, make sustainable choices and act responsibly, we can heal the damage we have done to our planet.”

Levinson added: “There are many ways to tell this story, including science, ecology, and corporate responsibility. We could tell a darker narrative of carelessness, ignorance, and lack of effective disposal systems, but the most loved and remembered stories are told through art. Art is an act of shared communication. It allows us to imagine things not only as they are, but as they should be. It is a sensory experience that charges our emotions, brings us together and provides a shared visceral experience. It illuminates problems and inspires change.”

To that end, InsideOut Performance Fabrics® is collaborating with artist Mel Chin and the Hickory Museum of Art to produce an exhibition creating awareness of the problem and potential solutions. Mr. Chin is an internationally recognized North Carolina-based artist and recipient of a 2019 MacArthur Fellowship. He is renowned for the broad range of approaches in his art, including works that require multi-disciplinary, collaborative teamwork and works that enlist science as an aesthetic component to communicate complex ideas.

SEA to SEE is a unique installation at the Hickory Museum of Art on loan from the collection of The Mint Museum’s exhibition themed Connecting the World: The Panama Canal at 100. Jon Carfagno, executive director of the HMA noted, “The mission of this show is to bring people together and inspire creativity through the power of art.” He added, “SEAQUAL INITIATIVE is working to clean oceans and raise awareness. Mel Chin uses creativity and science to raise awareness through his art.”

Local companies are putting action behind awareness and leading the way in addressing ocean pollution by using post-consumer recycled yarn, thus transforming a problem into a solution. This is a perfect example of industry, community, and the arts joining together to solve an environmental problem and provide new context for why Western North Carolina is considered “The Furniture Capital of the World.”

Mark Hartnell, representing SEAQUAL INITIATIVE, exclaimed: “We are thrilled to be partnering with Mel Chin, InsideOut Performance Fabrics and the Hickory Museum of Art for our very first arts-focused collaboration. Raising awareness of the issue of plastic pollution in our oceans and inspiring people with beautiful products made from ‘waste’, are key objectives for SEAQUAL INITIATIVE, and what better way to do it than with this wonderful exhibit.”

Roger Berrier, COO for Valdese Weavers, added, “This is more than blind idealism — it is good science that makes practical sense. Valdese Weavers has been utilizing recycled plastic water bottles in fabrics for more than 20 years. When our supply chain partner introduced the idea of recycling marine plastic to help clean our oceans, we immediately embraced it. With advancements in the science of recycling processes and equipment, there is no sacrifice to the fabrics for performance, softness or color. We are excited we can utilize this technology and increase our role in providing a better planet for generations to come.”

Millinor concluded: “We are proud to take a leadership position in bringing together an affiliation of like minded creative people that are committed to making a difference. In addition to the artwork, there are dioramas of plastic pollution that is typically dumped into oceans, exhibits of the process by which this garbage is transformed, and examples of furniture made using SEAQUAL INITIATIVE fabrics from Arhaus, Allsteel and Summer Classics. This exhibit is a compelling way to show a problem and how we are working together to help solve it. This is just the beginning.”

The SEA to SEE exhibit will be on display at the Hickory Museum of Art (HMA) until the end of January 2023. A reception will be held on Friday, November 4th from 7 to 9 PM in the Drendle Auditorium and the COE Gallery at the HMA. This will include a conversation between the artist and Jonathan Stuhlman, Senior Curator of American Art at The Mint Museum.

Posted: November 7, 2022

Source: Valdese Weavers

Tricia Carey Joins Renewcell As Chief Commercial Officer

Tricia Carey

STOCKHOLM, Sweden — November 3, 2022 — Renewcell strengthens its commercial team with the addition of Tricia Carey as chief commercial officer. Carey is a seasoned fashion industry executive with more than 25 years of experience promoting more circular and more sustainable materials within fashion.

She has also been a catalyst for the industry-wide conversation around the shift to more climate-friendly and resource-efficient materials as a board member at Textile Exchange and Accelerating Circularity.

Prior to joining Renewcell, Carey held the position of director of Global Business Development for Austria-based fiber producer Lenzing.

Posted: November 7, 2022

Source: Renewcell

SANITIZED AG Appoints Dr. Martin Čadek As CTO Of Its Competence Centre For Technology & Innovation

BURGDORF, Switzerland — November 7, 2022 — Swiss-based SANITIZED AG is increasing its innovation expertise by appointing a new CTO, Dr. Martin Čadek, who will oversee global technological activities for the specialist antimicrobial hygiene brand. Dr. Čadek will lead the company’s Competence Centre for Technology Innovation and will focus on breaking new ground to develop innovations in sustainability.

Dr. Čadek is a graduate physicist with a master’s degree in polymer science with many years’ experience in the industry working with polymers, fibrers, industrial textiles, and extruded polymers. He is joining Sanitized from his most recent role as managing director for German subsidiary the Flint Group. His previous roles include the Global Head of Innovation for Energy and Polymer Systems at Evonik/Orion, the head of Extrusion Technology Business Unit in Europe for Emerell AG, and work with the SGL Group.

The Competence Centre for Technology & Innovation

The Competence Centre for Technology & Innovation will provide services to all three of Sanitized’s business units: Textiles, Polymer Additives, and Coatings and Preservation. It will be built on top of Sanitized’s TecCenter for Analytics, Microbiology and Applications and its regulatory department.

Michael Lüthi, CEO of Sanitized AG, is delighted to welcome such a highly experienced new member of the Sanitized team. “Martin Čadek understands, lives and breathes our philosophy of thinking and acting with customers and solutions in mind, where sustainability plays a crucial role,” Lüthi said.

Dr. Čadek believes that it is important for Sanitized’s customers to benefit from the company’s technological and innovation expertise in more ways than just products. “The team at Sanitized also provides the industry with reliable and expert assistance in using our technologies,” explains the new CTO, who places great value on long-term collaboration with customers and partners. Dr. Čadek is also keen to establish fresh long-term relationships with new customers and partners to bring the benefits of working with Sanitized to a wider market.

Posted: November 7, 2022

Source: SANITIZED AG

Composite Integration Wins Composites UK Industry Awards – Innovation In Composite Manufacture

SALTASH, England — November 7, 2022 — Composite Integration has been named the winner of this year’s Composites UK Industry Awards for the ‘Innovation in Composite Manufacture’ category.

The company started in 2002 and has grown to serve a wide range of sectors including marine, wind energy, aerospace and automotive amongst others, with customers in more than 20 countries. It has developed tooling, meter mixing equipment and process technology to provide customers with the ability to manufacture a wide range of components at both high volume and large scale, with the largest components up to 85 meters in length.

From the outset the company focus has been sharing knowledge to support the customer in understanding the process, alongside delivering easy to use, reliable tooling and equipment. There is a strong R&D focus, with a dedicated team carrying out both internal and collaborative R&D for a wide range of parts and processes.

Composite Integration was nominated for the Innovation in Composite Manufacture award for their recent work within the aerospace sector. The innovation involved Composite Integration pushing the boundaries of traditional composite manufacturing processes, working alongside Hill Helicopters to develop a complex, vacuum tight, multi-part tool and appropriate process techniques to manufacture a carbon fiber prototype helicopter fuselage in a single piece, single shot, liquid resin infused molding, with no bonded joints.

The team used their extensive experience in closed mold and infusion process technology to design and manufacture tooling and first off components for the high-performance composite fuselage.

Managing Director Richard Bland commented: “Hill Helicopters gave us an incredibly difficult challenge, and thanks to the ambition, skill, passion and hard work of the project team, supported by Innovate UK funding, the work was extremely successful and pushed the boundaries of what was considered possible. It was an honour to be recognised by Composites UK for our commitment to being at the forefront of innovation in composites manufacturing.”

The awards event took place November 2 at the National Motorcycle Museum, Birmingham, where over 200 people attended to celebrate Composites in Manufacturing.

Posted: November 7, 2022

Source: Composite Integration

Grand Largue Composites And Sicomin Enable First Flax-Fibre-Built Class4

MARSEILLES, France — November 2, 2022 — Fibers, fabrics, epoxy resins and adhesives from Sicomin have been used by Grand Largue Composites (GLC) to construct the first Class40 racing yacht to feature a significant quantity of flax-fiber reinforcements.

The yacht, called Crosscall, won the Class40 World Championships in June 2022 and is a prototype of the new Lift V2 design by Marc Lombard, one of the leading naval architects in this field.

Class40 is one of the most competitive fleets in yacht racing. The hulls of Class40 yachts must be light in weight, strong and stiff, and durable in the most extreme of conditions. Furthermore, to keep costs down, they cannot be reinforced with carbon fibers. The quality and reliability of the resins used for the infusion and lamination of the hulls are therefore of paramount importance.

Owner of Crosscall, Aurelien Ducroz, was keen to use as much flax as possible in the construction of the yacht, but Lombard — who had to certify and warranty the structure of the boat in ocean racing use — was more cautious. A compromise therefore had to be reached.

Crosscall’s cockpit was designed to be effectively non-structural, with the mainsheet, which can generate huge shock loads, supported separately. This would allow the cockpit to be made from a hybrid biaxial fabric comprising 50 percent flax fibers. Other parts of the boat that incorporate flax fibre include the tunnel, the engine cover, the ballast tanks and the cap. The rest of the boat is reinforced with 100-percent glass-fiber fabrics.

To help it realize this ambitious design, GLC, a highly skilled infusion specialist, turned to its long-time material supplier, Sicomin. The hull was molded and infused in one piece and the deck — including the hybrid flax-fiber cockpit — was also infused as a single part. The internal structure was then laminated into the hull by hand before the hull and deck were finally bonded together.

The infusion resin selected was Sicomin’s SR 1710, a high-modulus structural epoxy. Designed specifically for use in infusion and injection processes, it has exceptionally low viscosity and its low-reactivity hardener makes it suitable for the production of large parts. Composites components made from SR 1710 possess high interlaminar shear-strength and the resin retains its mechanical properties in wet environments.

Sicomin’s low-toxicity SR 8200 was used to laminate the internal structures onto the skin of the hull. Ideal for hand laminating, this system includes a choice of hardeners with a wide range of reactivities, which makes it equally suitable for making large or small parts. The hull and deck were joined together with Sicomin’s Isobond SR 7100, which demonstrates extremely high fatigue strength and is very resistant to microcracking.

An epoxy bonding primer — called Undercoat EP 215 HB+ and supplied by Sicomin’s sister company, Map Yachting — was applied to the moulds first to make demoulding easier. It also serves as an undercoat in the polyurethane exterior paint system that is used instead of gelcoat to protect the epoxy hull from UV damage.

Since the launch of Crosscall, GLC has started building a second Lift V2 Class40 and a third one is now planned, both for which Sicomin will supply the materials. Managing Director, GLC, Xavier Gosselin, concludes: “We have been using Sicomin’s products since the beginning, we have never had a problem and I would not want to risk trying a different supplier.”

Posted: November 7, 2022

Source: Sicomin

Eric Delaby Joins Textile Business At Milliken & Company 

Eric Delaby

SPARTANBURG, S.C.  — November 2, 2022 — Milliken & Company is pleased to announce that Eric Delaby has been hired as a senior sales associate for the Bedding Market within the Textile Business. With more than 20 years in the bedding industry, Delaby is responsible for leading sales endeavors for the company’s flame retardant bedding portfolio in North America.

“Eric is an incredible asset to our global sales team. His experience across many quality textile organizations makes him well-versed in the intricacies of the bedding industry and the unique challenges our customers face,” said Jeff Stafford, vice president of nonwovens at Milliken.

An industry veteran who has held positions with DesleeClama, CT Nassau and Innofa, Delaby brings technical expertise and deep knowledge of the field of textiles that will be instrumental in expanding Milliken’s global presence in the bedding industry.

Posted: November 2, 2022

Source: Milliken & Company

Asahi Kasei Joins The Hydrogen Council

DÜSSELDORF — November 2, 2022 — Asahi Kasei announced that it has joined the Hydrogen Council as a steering member. The Hydrogen Council is a global initiative to advance the role of hydrogen in the clean energy transition for sustainability. Founded in January 2017, the Hydrogen Council now includes close to 150 companies and organizations across the entire hydrogen value chain.

Hydrogen-related business is one of Asahi Kasei’s “10 Growth Gears” (GG10), businesses to lead the next phase of growth in fields of focus as part of its medium-term management plan 2024 focused on the theme “Be a Trailblazer.” Asahi Kasei is currently advancing its hydrogen-related business centered on the alkaline water electrolysis system for hydrogen production developed utilizing its experience and expertise gained with the membrane process for chlor-alkali electrolysis. Asahi Kasei installed a large 10 MW-scale alkaline water electrolysis system at the Fukushima Hydrogen Energy Research Field (FH2R) as part of a project led by Japan’s New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) and performed several trial operations since 2020. Based on the technological achievements obtained at FH2R, Asahi Kasei plans to commercialize a larger-scale alkaline water electrolysis system comprising multiple 10 MW modules by 2025.

Koshiro Kudo, CEO of Asahi Kasei, commented: “The promotion of hydrogen utilization on a large scale is essential to realize a decarbonized society. Through participation in the Hydrogen Council initiative, we believe we can contribute to building a hydrogen value chain together with partners and achieve the decarbonization goal.” As a steering member of the Hydrogen Council, Asahi Kasei will contribute to the promotion of hydrogen utilization by working with various companies and organizations in the supply chain, while building a new business for the future.

Posted: November 2, 2022

Source: The Asahi Kasei Group

Texon To Showcase Major Strides In Sustainability At Leathertech 2022

SALTBURN-BY-THE-SEA, England — October 22, 2022 — Texon is exhibiting at Leathertech in Bangladesh this December. Three years on from the last show, Texon will highlight the major strides it has made in its sustainability journey since 2019 and the vast array of innovative new products it has brought to market over the past 36 months.

At Leathertech, footwear manufacturers and leather garment and goods manufacturers will get their chance to see some of the well-known structural components that Texon has recently re-engineered to now include even more bio-based and recycled content. They will also be able to learn more about the new woven and cellulose products Texon has developed, which can improve the design, performance and environmental credentials of footwear and fashion accessories.

Products on display for the first time at Leathertech will include:

  • ProWeave — a revolutionary jacquard weaving technology that’s transforming the way performance materials are made and how they look, feel and function. Creating different elasticity, tenacity, and abrasion zones within the same weave, ProWeave can help brands bring new ideas to life, as recently illustrated by Umbro. In September, the sports brand announced the use of ProWeave in its Velocita Alchemist boots — a first in the sports sector.
  • Texon Verde — a new bio-based, biodegradable material that’s green by name and by nature. Tailor-made for use in sustainable, luxury fashion and homeware accessories, Texon Verde contains up to 90% bio-based content. Made from sustainably sourced (FSC®) cellulose wood pulp, plant-based binders and natural pigments, Texon Verde is the perfect choice for designers and brands looking to reduce the impact of their products on the planet.
  • Reform 2.0 — a new and improved version of Texon’s original trailblazing heel counter. Now containing up to 66 percent sustainably sourced content, whilst offering the same physical traits as its predecessor, Texon Reform 2.0 proves that footwear manufacturers don’t have to choose between high performance and sustainability when specifying structural components to incorporate into athletic, casual, dress, outdoor or safety shoes.
  • Ecostrobe — Texon’s first insole made with 100% recycled content. Produced using 100-percent recycled PET and a special fusion-bonding technology that completely removes the need for chemicals or water, Ecostrobe offers game-changing possibilities for footwear designers that want to integrate sustainability into strobel applications, without compromising strength and performance.

Explaining more, Bryan Whitfield, Sales Director, New Markets, said: “Faced with the global events of the last three years, some companies might have slowed down — but that has definitely not been the case at Texon. Instead, we have accelerated output from our product innovation pipeline. Our efforts have been prolific — with a new or re-engineered product announced every few months. After what feels like a long absence, we’re excited to get back to Leathertech. Being face-to-face with our customers in Bangladesh will be a great way to finish 2022, a year in which we have been celebrating 75 years of sustainable innovation.”

At Texon, sustainability is woven into every aspect of the company’s work. Texon’s journey began 75 years ago and today, the business is still innovating — sustainably leading the way for its customers and creating new materials in a way that will help sustain tomorrow. Read more about the breadth and depth of Texon’s sustainability work in its latest sustainability report. Visit Texon at Stand A9, Leathertech from 8-10 December 2022.

Posted: November 2, 2022

Source: Texon

Renegade Plastics Is The US National Winner Of The 2022 Cleantech Open Global Forum

GOLDEN, Colo. — October 22, 2022 — More than 90 companies joined Cleantech Open’s 2022 accelerator program, 77 participated in regional competitions across the United States, and 18 finalists progressed to compete at the national level at the Global Forum, hosted at VERGE22 in San Jose, Calif., on October 25-27, 2022. Renegade Plastics was named the U.S. National Winner of Cleantech Open’s 2022 CTO Global Forum for commercializing a novel non-toxic and recyclable polypropylene fabric that can replace unsustainable PVC fabrics and agricultural plastics films.

Tony Ehrbar, CEO of Renegade Plastics, commented: “Cleantech Open has been an amazing accelerator program supporting us with strategy development, customer discovery, and introductions to investors. In addition, our mentors helped us sharpen our approach, and the consulting and advice received from Cleantech Open’s ecosystem was second to none. It will set us up for success in building a circular economy for the plastic fabrics industry.”

“Cleantech Open finds, funds, and fosters the most promising cleantech startups on the planet,” said Renegade Plastics Co-Founder Curran Hughes. “We are grateful to meet and learn from them to achieve our shared goal for a green global economy.”

Renegade Plastics has introduced fabrics that are better for our people and planet. Its mission is to dramatically curtail plastic waste and greenhouse gas emissions from non-consumer plastics production with an evolutionary alternative. It has exclusive rights to polypropylene-based fabrics that allow them to eliminate toxic PVC fabrics today, and replace them with a fabric that is non-toxic, recyclable, low-carbon and 30- to 40-percent lighter weight with little to no loss of strength. Due to its high UV, thermal, and chemical resistance, Renegade Plastics’ materials also have a usable life, two to 10 times longer than PE fabrics. This longevity results in less virgin plastic used over time and fewer plastic particles negatively affecting the environment. By displacing unsustainable products now, Renegade Plastics is paving the way to a more sustainable future, one yard of fabric at a time.

“For the past 17 years, we have supported over 1,900 entrepreneurs through business training, mentoring, and networking. We want to congratulate Renegade Plastics on their achievement and look forward to seeing the team succeed in replacing unsustainable textiles and films with non-toxic and recyclable alternatives,” said Ken Hayes, executive director, Cleantech Open.

Posted: November 2, 2022

Source: Renegade Plastics

William Barnet & Son LLC Hosts Congressman Greg Murphy (R-N.C.); Highlights The Importance Of Supporting Policies That Bolster The Competitiveness Of The U.S. Textile Industry

WASHINGTON — November 2, 2022 — Congressman Greg Murphy (R-N.C.) met with executives at William Barnet & Son LLC (Barnet) and toured a facility in Kinston, N.C., today, where the company’s innovation, advances in sustainable practices and its important contribution to the North Carolina economy were on full display.

Congressman Murphy’s visit is critical and comes at a pivotal time for the U.S. textile supply chain, which produced $65.2 billion in output in 2021 and employed nearly 535,000 workers. Barnet is part of the broader industry that is a major factor in high-tech and sustainable innovation in the production of everything from heart valves and stents to aircraft bodies and advanced body armor.

Barnet is a global manufacturing, recycling, and trading company, specializing in a wide range of fibers, polymers and yarns. Founded in Albany, N.Y., in 1898 by William Barnet, the company has been dedicated to a vision of being the world’s most respected, creative, versatile and sustainable solution provider to its customers and suppliers. The company currently employs over 400 employees worldwide.

During the discussion with Congressman Murphy, Barnet executives discussed several policy priorities that have far-reaching implications for North Carolina and the entire U.S. textile industry.

They also outlined the importance of policies aimed at bolstering onshoring and nearshoring production, closing a legal loophole in U.S. trade law that continues to undermine American manufacturing and gives China an advantage, and U.S. trade policy on China.

“We are honored to have hosted Dr. Murphy at our Kinston facility today,” said Chuck Hall, president of Barnet. “The opportunity to discuss important policies that impact not only our everyday business operations but the entire industry’s operations is invaluable. It is critical that U.S. trade policy centers around keeping the industry competitive. In particular, we discussed the need to maintain China 301 penalty tariffs, to fix a loophole in U.S. trade law known as the de minimis mechanism, which allows a package of goods valued at $800 or less per person to come into the country duty free every day and gives China backdoor access to the U.S. market, and to find a better process for renewing the Miscellaneous Tariff Bill (MTB) which allows U.S. manufacturers duty-free access to raw materials that are no longer produced within our borders. We look forward to continuing to the work with the congressman on policies that help drive onshoring and nearshoring to the U.S. and the Western Hemisphere and those that support strong government procurement and American-made products.”

“It was wonderful to meet with Barnet’s officials and tour their impressive textile facility today. North Carolina’s textile industry is a huge driver for our economy, directly employing nearly 40,000 workers and generating over $2.7 billion in textile-related exports,” said Rep. Greg Murphy, M.D. “I am grateful to the industry leaders who took the time to discuss how we can expand this great industry, grow our state’s economy, and protect domestic manufacturing.”

Posted: November 2, 2022

Source: National Council of Textile Organizations

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