Nextil Redesigns Its Management Structure To Consolidate Sustainable Growth Strategy

MADRID — October 28, 2022 — After successfully finalizing the restructuring process, Nextil faces a new stage of growth for the coming years. Sherpa Capital is handing over the leadership of the company to its management team and key investors.

Manuel Martos, who has been the company’s managing director for the last five years, is appointed as the group’s new CEO. The management team is reinforced with the incorporation of a new general manager, Carlo Pirani, and a new financial director, Rafael Bermejo.

Alberto Llaneza has also joined the company as a member of the Board of Directors, representing Audentia Capital, one of the company’s investors.

These changes are part of Nextil’s reorganization, which have been implemented in several phases since 2019: the exit from the fast fashion segment in favor of higher value-added segments, the closure of the El Masnou factory in Barcelona, the opening of a new strategic plant in Guatemala, as well as the commitment to innovation and sustainability through Greendyes®, the natural fabric dyeing project.

Martos, Industrial Engineer from the Polytechnic University of Barcelona and Executive MBA from ESADE, has held positions of responsibility in different companies, and for the last 5 years has been managing director of Nextil.

Pirani, with a degree in Political Science from the University of Bologna and an MBA in business management, has been distribution director of Golden Lady and manager of Goldenpoint for more than 5 years in China. He was also regional director of the same company in Italy before joining Nextil.

Bermejo, who holds a degree in Economics from the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, a Master’s degree in Financial Management from IE and a PDG from IESE Business School, is the new corporate director. Rafael began his career in the construction company Sacyr and since 2019 held the position of CFO of the Duro Felguera business group.

New stage of growth

The plan implemented by Nextil has made it possible to recover profitability and consolidate the strategy of sustainable growth.

The new factory in Guatemala, which has already begun production for American customers, will be fully operational by the middle of next year, which will optimize the cost structure with respect to the group’s current sites and will have a positive impact on profitability.

Greendyes®, Nextil’s patented natural and sustainable dyeing method, has evolved into an industrializable and scalable solution that can be licensed worldwide. We are currently working on two pre-productions for two major sports and retail companies and are negotiating with Asian dyeing companies to license production for the world’s leading sports brands.

Posted: October 28, 2022

Source: Nextil Group

Physical Properties Testers (PPT) Group Appoints Andrew Jesudowich As Vice President Of Sales, Americas

Andrew Jesudowich

STERLING, Va. — October 26, 2022 — Physical Properties Testers (PPT) Group announced today that Andrew Jesudowich has been appointed as vice president of Sales, Americas, for the group. An experienced sales executive with 20 years’ experience in the test and measurement instrumentation industry, Jesudowich assumed his responsibilities on October 24, 2022.

The new vice president holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Engineering from Western Michigan University and a Masters in Global Strategic Management from Walsh College of Accountancy and Business Administration. Having begun his career in vehicle dynamics and durability instrumentation, he progressed through the ranks to sales and marketing director for companies such as imc Test & Measurement and the Kistler Group.

John Page, PPT Group managing director, said the group sees significant growth potential in North America. “With our recent acquisition of the Lansmont Corp., the PPT Group can now offer end-to-end testing solutions, unrivaled by any other industry providers. We feel Andrew has the right expertise and insight into the market, given his exposure to diverse industries and experience with a wide variety of sensing technologies and testing applications, to make him a valuable addition to the PPT Group Sales Team.”

The PPT Group is a family of brands, experts in the design and production of physical properties testing solutions. These solutions cover a range of physical properties including, tensile and compressive strength, torque testing, textiles analysis, and real-world dynamics. The group is comprised of four brands, namely Alluris, James Heal, Lansmont Corporation and Mecmesin.

Jesudowich understands the importance of physical properties testing, having overseen Engine R&D products with pressure transducers and combustion analysis systems, heavy cargo marine and stationary gas pipeline sensors and solutions, as well as vehicle testing, to name but a few.

The new vice president says he looks forward to this new challenge and hopes to cement PPT’s vision of building a multi-branded global platform that can provide high quality testing solutions across all standards, materials and applications.

Posted: October 28, 2022

Source: Physical Properties Testers Group (PPT Group

Mango Commits To Sustainability And Invests In The Recovo Start-Up

BARCELONA — October 27, 2022 — Mango, one of Europe’s leading fashion groups, is committing to sustainability and investing in Recovo, a start-up that resells textile waste. The agreement, established as part of the Mango StartUp Studio project, entails Mango supporting Recovo through a convertible equity loan. The project includes an acceleration program in which entrepreneurs can learn about the Mango operation at first hand, as well as receiving mentoring and advice.

Recovo is a re-commerce platform for textile, yarn and production material waste. Through textile recovery, companies can give a second life to textile surpluses and minimize their environmental impact. Recovo presents a business model which contributes to a circular future through technology, traceability and community action.

The start-up, founded in 2021, now participates in the Mango StartUp Studio acceleration process, in which entrepreneurs receive training on the purchase and sale of textiles in a major fashion company, product architecture and UX for personalized experience, the development process and architecture of an own marketplace, in addition to recommendations for the creation of a Recovo logo that will be recognized by the industry.

The acceleration plan also includes mentoring sessions, training and collaboration, so that the meetings with the entrepreneurs help to foster networking.

Posted: October 27, 2022

Source: Mango

FIOBOC To Release Graphene-Enhanced Activewear

GUANGZHOU, China — October 27, 2022 — FIOBOC, a casual fashion menswear brand dedicated to creating versatile, high-quality, stylish, and sustainable garments, is excited to announce the launch of its new Graphene-enhanced activewear range. The collection of sweatshirts and jackets in a range of elevated and naturally dyed colors will be available on the brand’s website from October 27, 2022.

“As a casual fashion menswear brand, we wanted to provide another option for customers who appreciate high-quality, thoughtfully made clothing that not only brings a comfortable wearing experience to themselves but also helps the environment,” said Marcel, founder of FIOBOC.

Using Graphene fabric in FIOBOC’s new collection allows it to keep warmth and comfort for wearers. Graphene is a two-dimensional carbon nanomaterial that has the potential to revolutionize the fashion and textile industries with its improved performance, extended lifespan, and lower environmental impact. Graphene fabric is a representative carbon-based material that can stop and absorb heat to reduce heat loss from the human body to ensure the wearer is kept warm.

In addition to the unique fabric chosen, the new collection is created with an athleisure style. While promoting comfort and confidence, the simple but stylish design makes it perfect for daily wear at work or home, working out at the gym, or going out motorcycling. Paired with a denim jacket or a snow jacket, it will be an ideal choice for camping or mountain climbing.

The new collection will be available on FIOBOC’s website with various special offers. Shoppers may use the code DP2A18WXJXC to get a 15% off on the new collection, or the code Halloween to get a 10% off on all items from the brand during the celebration between Oct. 26th and Nov. 7th. The codes are only valid once per order.

Posted: October 27, 2022

Source: FIOBOC

International Achievement Award Winners Announced At IFAI Expo 2022

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — October 27, 2022 — Advanced Textiles Association (ATA) announced the winners of the 2022 International Achievement Awards (IAA) at IFAI Expo 2022, October 12-14, in Charlotte, N.C. Attendees and exhibitors were directed to the new Awards Tower Experience on the show floor which featured signage towers displaying all of the projects submitted and recognizing the winners.

ATA’s goal with the IAA is to promote awareness of the specialty fabrics used in thousands of products and applications in the rapidly growing, $130 billion-plus dollar global fabrics marketplace.

ATA received a total of 200 entries in 42 categories for this year’s competition. Winners were selected based on complexity, design, workmanship, uniqueness and function. Judges included industry experts, editors, architects, educators and design professionals.

The International Achievement Awards competition is sponsored by ATA, a not-for-profit trade association with more than 1,600 member companies representing the international specialty fabrics and technical textiles marketplace.

Awnings & Canopies

  • Project Title: Dreamworld Steel Taipan, Queensland, Australia
  • Winner: Fabritecture

Advanced Textiles

  • Project Title: CalmWear: A Smart Tactile Sensory Stimulation Clothing
  • Winner: University of California, Davis

Fabric Environments

  • Project Title: Ningbo Enrich Life Bio-Tec Factory and Office Building
  • Winner: Pfeifer Spatial Structures (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.

Fabric Structures

  • Project Title: Hartford Healthcare Amphitheater
  • Winner: FTL Design Engineering Studio

Geosynthetic Projects

  • Project Title: Des Moines Riverbank Stabilization
  • Winner: Propex

Marine

  • Project Title: Fountain of Youth
  • Winner: In Stiches Customs

Tent

  • Project Title: Mountain Cathedral
  • Winner: Sandone Productions

Posted: October 27, 2022

Source: Advanced Textiles Association (ATA)

Compamed 2022: Greater Comfort And Longer Wear Time With Freudenberg’s Elastic Superabsorbers For Wound Dressings

WEINHEIM, Germany— October 27, 2022 — Freudenberg Performance Materials has just launched an elastic variant of its flexible superabsorbers for modern wound dressings. These superabsorbers increase the comfort level for patients as well as enabling longer wear time, thus reducing the frequency of dressing changes. Freudenberg is debuting the elastic superabsorbers at this year’s Compamed in Düsseldorf. Further highlights at the trade fair include components for more sustainable wound care, PU foams with directly applied silicone adhesives, and an innovative hydrophilic debridement foam. The global manufacturer will be welcoming visitors to Stand H01 in Hall 8b from November 14-17, 2022.

Freudenberg uses a new technology to manufacture the elastic superabsorbers. Unlike other methods, this technology does not perforate or slit the material, thus achieving a high degree of consistent elasticity. Furthermore, the technology used by Freudenberg bonds the superabsorbent fibers more uniformly with the material, thus enhancing the integrity of this layer in the wound dressing.

“Our new elastic superabsorbers demonstrate yet again how Freudenberg components help increase comfort for patients, reduce the workload for nursing staff and lower healthcare costs. Our extensive technology platform and our innovative strength are the basis for this,” said Dr. Henk Randau, senior vice president and general manager, Global Division Healthcare at Freudenberg Performance Materials.

Further highlights

Freudenberg is also presenting the M 1714 wound pad component, one example of a sustainable solution that simultaneously delivers on performance. The dressing consists of bio-based fibers and exhibits a smooth wound contact layer. M 1714 has been evaluated for industrial compostability and conforms to ISO 13432. This enables certification of the product biodegradability.

Wound dressing with silicone adhesive border

With Freudenberg’s silicone coated foams, manufacturers can reduce the number of process steps, thereby avoiding waste, saving energy and simplifying the supply chain. Compared with conventional foam dressings, the Freudenberg foam product also offers higher flexibility for optimal wound bed contouring and reduces the risk of infection by preventing exudate pooling. Freudenberg is showcasing the prototype of a bordered dressing with a silicone adhesive border. In addition, the variant with an extra-strong silicone border enables longer wear time, thus generating less waste.

More effective cleansing results and greater patient comfort

Freudenberg is also showcasing an innovative hydrophilic debridement foam. It is ideally suited for use in wound cavities, offers better cleansing results and reduced risk as well as greater patient comfort.

Posted: October 27, 2022

Source: Freudenberg Performance Materials Holding SE & Co. KG (Freudenberg)

Exploring Dyeing For Good: Officina39 Takes Part At Design Events In Amsterdam

BIELLA, Italy — October 27, 2022 — On Saturday, October 22, in Amsterdam, Andrea Venier, Officina39 managing director, took part in the Denim & Dyeing seminar to talk about Recycrom™, the patented revolutionary and sustainable dyestuffs range obtained through a cutting-edge upcycling process that involves textile fibers from used clothing and manufacturing waste for dyeing and printing applications.

The seminar was organized inside the Fashion for Good Museum by the Stichting Textielcommissie Nederland, together with a Design Challenge to which took part a selection of young designers who have explored Recycrom’s colorful potential in their creations. The winning designs are exposed in a two-week pop-up show at Fashion for Good Museum.

The Museum is also hosting the “Knowing Cotton Otherwise” exhibition, that highlights the relationship between cotton and the fashion industry, the role of cotton in an increasingly intertwined web of global cultures, and the sustainable innovations driving its circular transformation. Innovative solutions from Fashion for Good Innovators Oritain and Officina39, which tackle some of the challenging aspects of cotton’s production such as origin and traceability, dyeing and water use, are also used by the artists in their installations.

Three of them have been inspired by the ecofriendly dyeing potential of Recycrom: once again the protagonist of the meeting between art and fashion, sustainability and design, past, present and future of the industry. The first artist that has challenged herself is Caithlin Courtney Chong, who has realized an artwork installation with Recycrom in the print room, and a suggestive installation dedicated to Officina39’s sustainable dyestuffs.

Posted: October 27, 2022

Source: Officina39

PRINTING United Expo 2022 Wraps With Overwhelmingly Exceeded Expectations

FAIRFAX, Va.  — October 27, 2022 — PRINTING United Expo, the largest event in printing and graphic arts in 2022 — representing all facets of the industry — opened its doors last week to gather attendees and exhibitors from around the world for the first time under one roof since 2019. Held October 19-21 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, the global event drew registrants from 121 countries, and was deemed an overwhelming success by attendees, exhibitors, sponsors, and partners.

“The powerful emotions felt in Las Vegas last week were like nothing you can put into words,” says Mark J. Subers, president, PRINTING United Expo. “I’ve truly never seen this amount of engagement from a show — ever. In the words of so many attendees and exhibitors we spoke with, it was like a global reunion of sorts. What the event did in terms of bringing the community together is that it has revitalized the industry. The smiles, enthusiasm, and energy were simply off the charts.

“PRINTING United Alliance built the platform, but each and every attendee and exhibitor that engaged with the Expo are the ones responsible for the incredibly overwhelming success enjoyed by all. The product launches, the live demonstrations, the keynote presentations — all of it contributed to such a positive experience for everyone. A very special thank you to title sponsor, HP, whose complete hall takeover showcased the company’s support of the event as well as a reflection of its endless end-to-end solutions being shown, sold, and unveiled!”

PRINTING United Expo by the Numbers

A total of 701 exhibitors from around the world occupied 1 million square feet of show floor space at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Of special note, global CEOs, managing directors, and the most senior-level leaders were in attendance this year supporting commercial, digital, apparel, digital textile, packaging, mailing and fulfillment, and graphics/wide-format spaces.

From an attendance standpoint, there were 7-percent more attendees on-site this year in Las Vegas than the inaugural show in Dallas in 2019. Based on figures provided recently by the Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR), the authority on trade shows and events, PRINTING United Expo has outpaced expositions in other industries this year in total registration by approximately 25 percent.

Additionally, PRINTING United Expo freight exceeded 5 million pounds at this year’s event.

“One of the tremendous reasons this year’s event was so successful is because of all of the equipment running multiple substrates and soft goods on the show floor,” says Subers. “This is what attendees have indicated they wanted to see and experience, and the exhibitors delivered. PRINTING United Expo has always been the equipment show, but the expansion of substrate companies made it a very well-rounded show.”

Booth sales are well underway for next year’s event in Atlanta, October 18-20, with more than 80 percent of the show floor already reserved.

What the Industry Is Saying

Attendees and exhibitors traveled the world over to be at PRINTING United Expo. Here is just some of the excitement from the show floor that has been captured:

“I was excited that I got the opportunity to attend PRINTING United Expo along with my other GPO teammates. We saw amazing new technology and got to meet many of GPO’s vendors. We were also able to meet with many of the firms that have worked with GPO in the past and renew those relationships as well as make some new ones. Thanks for the hospitality and congratulations on a successful Expo!”

-Hugh Halpern, director, Government Publishing Office (GPO)

“Being in our own hall was a first for HP in North America at PRINTING United 2022, which turned out to be a tremendous success story overall. Thanks to both our internal team and the PRINTING United team for supporting us.”

-Tom Wittenberg, HP Large Format Industry Relations & events, NA, HP

“The best way to describe PRINTING United 2022 is: ‘Wow!’ The show was a hive of activity. You could literally feel the excitement as everyone was happy to be back together again after three years! The Agfa booth was overflowing with customers and prospects anxious to see the latest technology Agfa offers. PRINTING United 2022 exceeded our expectations!”
-Deborah Hutcheson, director of strategic business development and distribution, Inkjet, NA, Agfa

“Drytac was thrilled to be a gold sponsor at PRINTING United this year. The exhibition allowed visitors to see our incredible range of window, wall, and floor media solutions first-hand and learn how our materials can support them in various applications. The traffic of the show was unmatched to years previous and we loved meeting in person with our customers, partners, and attendees after long few years apart. We are already counting down the days until PRINTING United Atlanta 2023!”

-Amanda Brown Lowe, global marketing director, Drytac

“We had high expectations for PRINTING United Expo and were pleased with how it delivered as an opportunity to present our portfolio of leading-edge VUTEk, VUTEk FabriVU, EFI Wide Format, and EFI IQ and Fiery digital printing solutions. Busy traffic ensured we had many conversations with current and new customers, with dozens of deals completed on the show floor, and a volume of leads that will help ensure we have a busy Q4.”
-Ken Hanulec, VP Worldwide Marketing, EFI

“PRINTING United Expo in Las Vegas was a fantastic show. It was great working with and seeing everyone there. Most of all, it was nice to see our industry active and business happening. I hope everyone had a fantastic show also. Looking forward to next year!”

-Lon Winters, founder and managing director, Graphic Elephants

“It was fantastic being back at PRINTING United Expo. Lawson has exhibited at every SGIA/PRINTING United Expo since the original show began in the 1950s, so it holds a special place in our hearts. In fact, three generations of Landesmans (Gene, Ben and David, and now Taylor) have represented Lawson at the show. Every year we are reminded about how exhibiting at the show gives us an opportunity to catch up with old friends, make new business connections, and see emerging technology in our industry.”

-Taylor Landesman, VP, Lawson Screen & Digital Products

“Komori America and MBO America are proud to have again participated in PRINTING United Expo, which brings together multiple segments of the industry to a single access point with tremendous success. This year, we celebrated the powerful brands of Komori and MBO in the same booth and, across all three days, our booth was packed with companies from packaging, commercial print, and specialty segments all searching for a wide range of automation solutions to help navigate our transforming industry.”

-Lance Martin, VP marketing, MBO America & Komori America

“PRINTING United Expo 2022 was a resounding success! Attendees came to the show engaged and ready to discuss their workflow needs with RSA. It’s clear that this show was ‘the place to be’ for attendees to see the newest industry technology. Working with the association team is always a pleasure; they partner with us to ensure our mutual success.”

-Elisha Kasinskas, marketing director, Rochester Software Associates (RSA)

“PRINTING United proved to be a pivotal harbinger for our industry. The message? The energy, the passion, the tech, the leadership, the community … we’re back. And we’re here for it. Thanks to all our partners, attendees, and PRINTING United Alliance for helping to bring us together in such an inspiring way. Thank you for the opportunity to be ‘Your Partner in Print.’”

-Ross Hunter, president, ROQ.US

“PRINTING United was a tremendous success on many levels. First, PRINTING United has now established itself as a show where the mailing community can come see a wide range of the latest in mailing technologies and exchange ideas from a significant number of suppliers. It was a very good turnout by the envelope mailing community between exhibitors and attendees, and we expect this will continue to grow as the mailing industry has moved into a higher level of new opportunities in paper-based communications. As for W+D, PRINTING United Expo exceeded our expectations with three W+D BB1000 all-in-one converting and inserting machines ordered after seeing this new machine for the first time at the show. The traffic and quality were very good, and we went home with a lot of new opportunities. It was an awesome three days at PRINTING United.”

-Andrew Schipke, VP marketing and strategic sales, W+D North America

Alliance Members Take the Expo

During the Expo, PRINTING United Alliance hosted members and those looking to learn more about the association at its member booth and lounge on the show floor. Over 100 companies signed on through the duration of the event to join the largest, most comprehensive printing and graphic arts association in the industry. For more information about joining PRINTING United Alliance and enjoying member benefits such as free admission and access to the exclusive member lounge, visit printing.org/membership.

Posted: October 27, 2022

Source: PRINTING United Alliance

The Curtain Lifts On JEC World 2023, The Place To Be For Composites Professionals

PARIS — October 27, 2022 — Well-known as the “Festival of Composites” each year in Paris, JEC World is a unique event dedicated to composite materials, their manufacturing technologies and application markets. It will take place in Paris Nord Villepinte from April 25th to 27th, 2023, giving once again the opportunity for professionals to meet with the worldwide composites industry after a successful year 2022.

For 2023, JEC World is preparing a wide program of conferences and expert panels discussions focusing largely on sustainability and key challenges of our industry and application sectors. In aerospace, construction, ground transportation, health, design, energy (…): sustainable initiatives and greener mindsets are taking over the latest developments in high-performance composite technologies and applications; JEC World will give the whole composites value chain opportunities to get inspired and create, or strengthen, bonds with business partners to develop and shape the future of the industry.

The JEC Composites Innovation Awards
For 25 years, through the JEC Composites Innovation Awards, JEC Group has rewarded cutting-edge, creative projects which demonstrate the full potential of composite materials. Highly recognised worldwide, they offer the winners and their partners international recognition, a greater exposure during the JEC World show and throughout the following year, new business opportunities as well as an enhanced customer trust.
All companies, R&D centres and their partners can apply before December 16th, and the winners will be revealed during the ceremony, on March 2nd in Paris.

The JEC Composites Startup Booster, the leading startup competition in the world of composites and advanced materials comes back for a sixth edition. All entrepreneurs, SMEs, startups and academic spinoffs building innovative composites projects who want to get international visibility and grow their business with key players of the composites industry & OEMs are already signing up.

Following the call for entries (deadline January 15th, 2023), 20 startups will be selected by JEC Group and its partners Airbus and Mercedes-Benz. Out of the 20 finalists, 3 winners will be selected during the pitching sessions of the show: one in the “Materials & Products” category, one in the “Process, Manufacturing & Equipment” category and a special “Sustainability” award.

On the floor plan participants will be able to visit various areas, such as 3D Printing Village, Natural fibers Village and two Innovation planets showcasing for Mobility and Industry sectors real-life innovative applications, shining a light on the latest trends in specific sectors. In 2022, 7 out of 10 participants had visited these highly inspiring areas, with the opportunity to discover up to a hundred innovative projects.

And for the first time, various dedicated tours will be available for participants, as well as a dedicated day to Training and Recruitment. More information to come before the end of the year, stay tuned.

Posted: October 27, 2022

Source: JEC Group

Gleaming, The Line Of Metalloplastic Yarns, Marchi & Fildi Introduces Reflex, A Range Of Colored, Reflective Yarns For Technical, Safety And Stretch Uses

BIELLA, Italy — October 27, 2022 — The Gleaming line by the Marchi & Fildi Group includes a wide range of metalloplastic yarns for the most varied of uses.

In addition to uses in the worlds of fashion and furnishings, for fancy yarns, decoration and accessories, an important application for the Gleaming collection is in the sector of technical clothing with high-visibility features.

The new range of reflective yarns Reflex, used for the production of fabrics and tapes, able to reflect the light and ensure good visibility for people wearing them in low-light situations, is augmented by new color shades in addition to the traditional greys.

The innovative reflective yarns in white, black, and light and dark multicolors offer new possibilities for:

  • tapes, external labels and accessories;
  • technical fabrics for work clothing with specific safety standards;
  • uniforms, sports clothing and accessories;
 and
  • hosiery, gloves, bibs and hats for night use, for winter clothing and for northern markets.

The latest addition to the range, with important new functionality, is the Reflex stretch yarn, which, apart from in the sectors described above, also finds application in flat bed or circular knitting and sewing. Its particular composition makes it softer and more versatile in comparison to traditional reflectives.

The Gleaming line, composed of articles which are mostly available in stock service, represents a completion of the range of yarns produced by the Marchi & Fildi Group. The Gleaming yarns are available in various thicknesses, widths and types in both metallized and transparent versions, and iridescent, reflective and phosphorescent effects. The offer also includes articles with particular features of resistance to chemical and dyeing treatments.

Amongst the most recent innovations is the line of metalloplastic yarns in 100-percent polyester obtained from post-consumer recycling with GRS (Global Recycle Standard) certification.

Posted: October 27, 2022

Source: Marchi & Fildi Group

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