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

Archroma Awarded EcoVadis Platinum Rating For Second Consecutive Year

PRATTELN, Switzerland — December 20, 2022 — Archroma today announced the renewal of its EcoVadis “Platinum” status and further improvement of its overall rating.

Following an in-depth assessment by EcoVadis, covering 21 criteria grouped into 4 themes — Environment, Labor & Human Rights, Ethics, and Sustainable Procurement — Archroma further improved its score by 4 points (from 78/100 to 82/100), thanks in particular to its ongoing efforts in sustainable procurement, focusing on supply chain transparency and best practice sharing with suppliers and industry peers.

More details on Archroma’s sustainable sourcing activities can be found in the company’s Sustainability Report for its fiscal year 2022, just released on 8 December 2022. The Report includes an assurance report by KPMG, who conducted a limited assurance on several core ESG metrics, including CO2 emissions, water intake, occupational safety and gender diversity. Archroma passed the audit successfully, providing yet another third-party validation of the company’s deep commitment to its ESG objectives and roadmap.

“Our purpose is to lead our industry towards a more sustainable future for our customers and markets, and we are doing everything we can at Archroma to deliver on that ambition”, commented Danielle Blomert, Archroma’s chief sustainability officer.

Daniel Madueno, global head of Quality Management added: “We see sustainability as a true team effort, and the renewed EcoVadis recognition as a tribute to the hard work and ambition of all my colleagues to achieve and maintain the highest ESG standards every day, everywhere.”

Posted December 20, 2022

Source: Archroma

Web Industries Names Amy Reardon Doherty Vice President, Legal

MARLBOROUGH, Mass. — December 20, 2022 — Web Industries Inc., a global manufacturing partner in aerospace, medical, home care, and industrial markets, has named Amy Reardon Doherty as vice president, legal. Over her career, Doherty has advised executives and business partners on a wide range of legal, financial, IP and business issues.

“Amy brings a great blend of private practice and in-house counsel experience in corporate law to our team—particularly around contract manufacturing and the business-to-business arena,” says John Madej, Web Industries’ CEO. “She has a long history and established network within the business sectors we serve and a real talent for negotiating and structuring agreements in these areas. We are very pleased that she’s joining us.”

Prior to joining Web Industries, Doherty counseled the automotive, manufacturing and global supply chain businesses at Bose Corporation and led a team of product lawyers who supported the B2B businesses.  Amy also worked at employee-owned Nypro Inc., Clinton, Mass., advising the healthcare business division as well as Nypro’s strategic companies.

Doherty previously spent nearly a decade in private practice at the Boston office of law firm Goodwin Procter, where she worked on cases involving general corporate law, mergers and acquisitions, and financial restructuring. She earned her law degree from Northeastern University School of Law, her bachelor’s degree in political science from Tufts University, and has completed additional studies through Harvard Business Publishing Corporate Learning.

Posted: December 20, 2022

Source: Web Industries Inc.

Final Review: Empowering Textiles – India ITME 2022

GREATER NOIDA, India— December 15, 2022 — India ITME 2022 a textile engineering and technology B2B Exhibition hosted in IEML, Greater Noida, U.P. showcased more than 1,600 Live machinery and unveiled 69 new products with participation from 68 countries.

11th edition of India ITME displayed a never before quality standard and success in terms of amenities for exhibitors and visitors setting new benchmark for exhibitions in India. 87,400 unique visitors totaling to 1,10,000 footfalls over 6 days enjoyed an array of activities at the venue. Concurrent programs included technical discussions, CEO conclave, industry awards, wildlife photo gallery, alumni meet and Government to industry interactions enhancing the experience and raising the excitement of participants.

After a gap of six years, the event recorded a high flow of quality visitors which included industry members, technocrats, academicians, students and government officials apart from the delegations from 13 countries lead by senior officials of respective country who are looking to engage with India as sourcing and trade partner for developing their textile industry.

8th December 2022 the event was opened in accordance with Indian tradition of lamp lighting, Ganesh Vandhana & national anthem attended by Mr. S. Hari Shankar, Chairman, India ITME Society, Mr. Ketan Sanghvi, Hon. Treasurer, Mr. Sanjay Jayavarthanavelu, Chairman & Managing Director, Lakshmi Machine Works Ltd and Past Chairman, Mr. Sanjiv Lathia, Past Chairman Mr. Anuj Bhagwati, Chairman & Managing Director, ATE, Mr. Rakesh Kumar, Chairman, India Exposition Mart Ltd. along with other dignitaries who joined the simple ceremony.

The high-profile technology & engineering exhibition for textiles witnessed participation from leading Indian institutes for textile engineering such as VJTI Mumbai, DKTE Ichalkaranji where MOU’s were signed for knowledge exchange with Swiss Textile Machinery Association and Italian Textile Machinery Association, paving way for collaboration not only in business but also in technical education.

Eminent Panelists from Aachen University, Germany, Prof. Thomas Gries, Chairman, ITA, RWTH, Mr. Philipp Huber, RWTH Aachen, Mr. Kumar Jois, RWTH Aachen, Mr. Shantanu Bhat, RWTH Aachen, Ms. Gözdem Dittel, RWTH Aachen, Mr. Justin Kühn, RWTH Aachen, flew down to speak on latest technology topics.

The other renowned speakers included Mr. Uday Gill, CSO, Indorama, Dr. PKC Bose, MD, Enercon Mr. Braz Costa, CITEVE, Portugal, Mr. Gurudas Aras, Strategic Consultant, Mr. Ranjit Sasi, India Head, Reverse Resources, Ms. Khusbhu Maheshwari, Mr. Anurag Gupta, MD, Usha Yarns, Dr. Asim Tewari, IIT B, Dr. Rajalakshmi Natarajan, IIT Dharwad, Saatchi Doshi, Programme, Devyani Hari, Director Centre for Responsible Business (CRB), Dr. Mohit Raina, Raina Industries Pvt Ltd, Dr. Asim Tewari, IIT Bombay & Mr. Prashant Agrawal, Wazir Advisors.

The topics included by them included.

  • Transformation through Collaboration to achieve Sustainability
  • Hydrogen Storage systems – Trends in Europe and India
  • Role of Carbon in Fuel Cell Technology and Energy Conversion Devices
  • Fibre based materials for future energy applications
  • From fibres to component: What hydrogen storage technology have to do with textile technology?
  • Composites & Technical textiles for Energy Efficient Building
  • Multifunctional textile reinforced concrete structures for building applications
  • Strategic Innovation in Textile Value Chain
  • Need of Composites in the Energy Sector
  • Learnings from the transformation in the Apparel & Textile Industry in Portugal
  • Accelerating innovations for circular textiles

India ITME Society facilitated an interaction between industry and policy makers through CEO Conclave coordinated by Mr. Avinash Mayekar, Suvin. This session was attended by Shri Rohit Kansal, IAS, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, GoI, Shri P. Sathasivam, Ex-Chief Justice of India & Former Governor of Kerala, Ms. Prajakta L. Verma, IAS, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, GoI, Mr. Rajeev Saxena, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, GoI, Ms. Roop Rashi Mahapatra, Textile Commissioner, GoI. Industry sector were represented by Mr. T. Rajkumar, Chairman, Confederation of Indian Textile Industry, Mr. M. Sankar, President- Textile Machinery Division TMD (Operations), Lakshmi Machine Works Limited , Mr. Arun Kumar Garodia, Chairman Engineering Export Promotion Council of India (EEPC).

The six-day event carried forward its theme “Empowering Textile Through Technology” encouraging indigenously developed innovations and research by Indian companies. “Appreciating the best of the industry’ the 2nd edition of ITME awards felicitated companies like Lakshmi Machine Works Ltd. (LMW) , Rabatex Industries, Texfab Engineers (India) Pvt. Ltd., ColorJet India Ltd. Lakshmi Card Clothing Manufacturing Company Private Limited, S. A. Pharmachem Pvt Ltd for their outstanding products.

Giving importance to gender equality women entrepreneurs were also lauded for their success in an industry dominated by men. Ms. Deepa A Kumar, Founder & Managing Director, Yashram Lifestyle Brands Pvt. Ltd. & Ms. Neha Jhunjhunwala, Director, Sarla Performance Fibers Ltd. were selected for women entrepreneurship award. Proving to be a responsible industry body, India ITME Society not only encouraged modern innovations and technology but also provided inspiration for traditional skills and artisans of the nation. Under the category of best Master Weaver, Ms. Santoshi Kewat, Master Weaver, Maheshwari Creations, Madhya Pradesh & under category of Restoring Traditional Skills Ms. Kumari Raita, Soura Development Agency, Odisha were felicitated. Under the Category of Research Excellence – Dr. Rekha Ramakrishnan, SASMIRA Institute was felicitated.

The prestigious jury panel comprised of the stalwarts of Indian industry Mr. Uday Gill, Group Chief Strategy Officer, Indorama Ventures Ltd, Mr. Updeep Singh, President & CEO, Sutlej Textiles and Industries Ltd, Mr. Manohar Samuel, Advisor, R&D, Reliance Retail, Mr. Gurudas V Aras, India consultant to the ITA group, Germany, Mr. R. Anand, Partner, Eastern Engineering Company, Dr. Manisha Mathur, Joint Director, SASMIRA, Mr. Sanjiv Lathia, Past Chairman of India ITME Society, Mr. Ketan Sanghvi, Hon. Treasurer, Mr. Hari Shankar, Chairman unanimously recommended for Mr. S.P. Oswal for the honour of ‘Textile Maestro of industry’ of Indian textile industry.

A Technical symposium by Veermata Jijabai Technological Institute, Mumbai on the theme of “Reduce-Reuse-Recycle State of the Art in Textile Sector” was well appreciated and well received by officials as well as industry.

The organizer India ITME Society executed a seamless & flawless exhibition taking care of all round growth and progress of Indian textile industry creating opportunities for business, education, women, research etc. Amidst high voltage negotiations and discussions, art and culture also was given its due place whereby an evening of cultural Programme with dance, music and Fine Dine was organized for exhibitors. Once again working towards creating opportunities Pan India, North East folk art music and dance combined with fashion show and live music showcasing Maheshwari Sarees create using traditional handlooms by women Master Weavers of Madhya Pradesh were presented to global audience. The platform gave global exposure to our handicraft and traditional artisans especially women weavers from rural area of our Country. For those who enjoyed wildlife and photography as array of photographs captured by well-known photographer by Mr. Hari Santharam was on display which was enjoyed by one and all.

The six-day marathon event definitely set the foundation for upgradation and modernization of the textile industry of India which is the 2nd largest employment generation sector after agriculture. It also has motivated and enhanced the confidence of Indian textile engineering industry in their capabilities to cater to the demand of domestic market as well as competing in the global market.

India ITME 2022 opened the possibility and opportunities for overseas machinery manufacturers to tap the gaps in India and also connect with many buyers spread across 68 Countries.

The 11th edition of India ITME truly proved that it is a business platform which empowers and motivates the industry to the next level.

Showcasing the digital prowess of India, this edition of India ITME event digitalized all its services and provided event catalogues, visitor guide, help desk assistance, exhibitor manual etc. digitally reducing the print activity and thus saving quantum of paper usage.

The mega event concluded on a high note of enthusiasm empowering all its participants, infusing vibrancy into the industry facing geo-political turbulence amidst other challenges.

Posted: December 19, 2022

Source: India ITME Society

XSYS Announces Upcoming Price Increase On nyloflex® Products

WILLSTAETT, Germany — December 19, 2022 — XSYS has announced an upcoming increase in prices across its nyloflex® product range, which reflects the rise of input costs the industry experienced throughout 2022. Effective February 1, 2023, the company will implement a price increase ranging from 6 to 9 percent on nyloflex® flexographic printing plates.

The industry is facing a perfect storm with record inflation and continuous supply chain constraints. “During these exceptional times, it has been our priority to stick to our commitments: Deliver the highest quality products to our customers in time and in full. We are proud to be one of the most reliable suppliers in the market”, commented Friedrich von Rechteren, Global Commercial vice president at XSYS. “At the same time, our operations and procurement teams have turned around every stone to offset the input cost increases without jeopardizing our quality and service levels. Due to the success of these initiatives, the announced price increase reflects just a fraction of the input cost increases we are facing.”

Posted: December 19, 2022

Source: XSYS

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