RISE® – Research, Innovation & Science For Engineered Fabrics Conference – To Focus On Rethinking, Reusing And Recycling Nonwovens This September In Raleigh

CARY, N.C.— August 16, 2022 — More than 20 industry experts will present their views on how material science innovations can create a more sustainable future for the nonwovens industry at the Research, Innovation & Science for Engineered Fabrics (RISE®) Conference, September 27-28 at North Carolina State University.

Starting with responsible sourcing of nonwoven inputs to developing realistic end-of-life options and circularity opportunities, RISE will focus on rethinking, reusing and recycling nonwovens and engineered materials at the Talley Student Union in Raleigh.

Co-organized by INDA and The Nonwovens Institute at North Carolina State University, registration is open and the full program is available on the RISE® website https://www.riseconf.net/register.html

Participants will learn what’s coming next with sessions on the following six themes: Towards a More Circular Industry; Advancement in Sustainable Inputs; Development in Natural Fibers; Sustainable Inputs: Fibers and Biofibers; Waste Not, Want Not, Sustainable Inputs from Waste Products; and Economic Insights and Market Intelligence.

The 12th edition of RISE® will bring together thought leaders in product development, materials science, and new technologies to connect and convene for the industry’s premier nonwovens science and technology conference.

Expert speakers will address the latest trends and innovations around circularity — an important component of sustainability strategies that aims to return a product into the supply chain, instead of the landfill, after users are done consuming it.

RISE® session highlights include:

  • The Global Plastic Crisis: Who Will Be the Winners/Losers in The Marketplace?: Dr. Bryan Haynes, senior technical director, Global Nonwovens, Kimberly-Clark Corp.;
  • Sustainable Fibers – Developments and the Future: Dr. Jason Locklin, director, University of Georgia, New Materials Institute and Dr. David Grewell, Center director, Center for Bioplastics and Biocomposites;
  • Thinking Differently: In a Changing World What’s Next for NatureWorks and Polylactic Acid Polymers (PLA): Dr. Liz Johnson, vice president of Technology, NatureWorks LLC;
  • PLA and PLA Blends: Practical Aspects of Extrusion: Dr. Behnam Pourdeyhimi, William A. Klopman Distinguished professor and executive director, The Nonwovens Institute, North Carolina State University;
  • Hemp is Strong – Are You?: Olaf Isele, Strategic Product Development director, Trace Femcare Inc.;
  • Exploring Natural Fibers in Nonwovens: Paul Latten, director of Research and Development & New Business, Southeast Nonwovens Inc.;
  • Potential Nonwoven Applications of Tree-Free Fibers Made from Microbial Cellulose:
 Heidi Beatty, CEO, Crown Abbey LLC; and
  • Ultra Fine Fibers Made from Recycled Materials: Takashi Owada, general manager, Teijin Frontier (U.S.A.) Inc.

The event also will feature the presentation of the RISE® Innovation Award, a special opportunity to tour the Nonwovens Institute’s state-of-the-art facilities with advance registration required, and poster presentations by North Carolina State University graduate students. Participants also will have opportunities to network during coffee and session breaks and two buffet lunches.

For full session descriptions and speaker bios, visit the RISE® website. https://www.riseconf.net/

Posted: August 16, 2022

Source: INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry

Freudenberg Performance Materials Introduces Freudenberg Friction Inserts

WEINHEIM, Germany —  August 11, 2022 — Freudenberg Performance Materials is introducing Freudenberg Friction Inserts to trade visitors at WindEnergy, the leading trade fair for the international wind energy industry. Freudenberg Friction Inserts is a unique technology aimed at increasing the power density of wind turbines. Freudenberg Performance Materials will be welcoming WindEnergy visitors to Stand 531 in Hall B6.

The Freudenberg Friction Inserts (FFI) technology is based on a special very thin nonwoven carrier material coated on one side with hard particles. The FFI are customized to fit each application, in terms of both the geometry and the construction parameters of the connection. As they do not create a gap they can be applied exactly where they are needed.

When placed in the joint, these hard particles penetrate into the surfaces of the two joining parts creating a micro interlock, thus reliably increasing the friction coefficient and achieving higher torque transmission in connections. This results in higher performance and a significant improvement in the efficiency of wind turbines. In addition, it enables the downsizing of components without compromising performance, reducing weight and material.

Increased safety and efficiency

Thanks to the innovative technology, FFI help to improve the reliability of connections and thus of the entire wind turbine. Furthermore, they eliminate slipping and prevent fretting of connections.

Wide range of applications for Freudenberg Friction Inserts

Other examples of applications for FFI are highly loaded flange connections between the rotor shaft and gearbox, connections between the main bearing and the machine carrier housing, the gearbox to generator, or at the pitch gear or ring gear. Precision-designed for their intended use, they increase the friction co-efficient between two components.

Joint stand with sister companies

The leading technology expert and market leader for sophisticated and novel applications in sealing technology Freudenberg Sealing Technologies will be exhibiting highlight topics, such as Seventomatic S95 for oil lubricated main shaft bearings, piston accumulators for wind turbine pitch control, MP/TP seals for offshore wind turbine foundation structures, gaskets for hydrogen electrolyzer.

Klüber Lubrication, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of specialty lubricants, is presenting its comprehensive range of predictive maintenance services designed to achieve high machine availability with lower costs.

Posted August 16, 2022

Source: Freudenberg

Alpaca Owners Association Announces Winners Of 17th Annual North American Student Design Competition

Kittson Hamill was the first place winner in the fashion design category.

LINCOLN, Neb. — August 16, 2022 — The Alpaca Owners Association Inc. (AOA) Student Design Competition was created to promote the use of alpaca fiber in fashion, textile and interior design at the fundamental level of educational institutions. The theme for this year’s competition was Alpaca: The Earth Friendly Fiber.

The competition is divided into two categories: fashion design and textile design. Entries required a presentation board, swatches and a one-page essay.

The top entries in each category and the winning essay received cash scholarships and will be spotlighted in the award-winning nationally distributed publication Alpacas Magazine. These finalists were invited to virtually attend the Alpaca Owners Association National Education and Fiber Conference, where their entries were on display.

Finalists in the fashion design category are:

  • 1st place – Kittson Hamill, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Ala.;
  • 2nd place – Celeste Graciano, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kan.; and
  • 3rd place – Yinan Zhang, Savannah College of Arts and Design, Savannah, Ga.

Finalists in the textile design category are:

  • 1st place – Rosemary Anderson, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio; and
  • 2nd place – Kelly Padulese Czyzewski, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pa.

The Student Design Competition is judged by industry professionals who will provide a critique for each entry. The scoring is based on an evaluation of individual entries rather than a comparative system.

The AOA Student Design Competition’s mission is to expose college-level art, fashion, and textile design students and professors to the wonders of designing with alpaca fiber. The competition is primarily self-funded through student entry sponsorship and donations to the program by individual alpaca farms and their affiliated organizations and businesses.

1 of 5
Fashion Design 1st place – Kittson Hamill, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Ala.
Fashion Design
Fashion Design 2nd place – Celeste Graciano, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kan.
Textile Design 1st place – Rosemary Anderson, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio
Textile Design 2nd place – Kelly Padulese Czyzewski, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pa.

Posted August 16, 2022

Source: Alpaca Owners Association

Michelman To Spotlight Fiber-Polymer Interface Adhesion Expertise And Solutions For Technical Textile Applications At CAMX 2022

CINCINNATI, Ohio — August 16, 2022 — Michelman is a manufacturer of advanced materials, including fiber sizing and surface modifiers used to produce reinforced plastic composites. The company — focused on the development and production of innovative and novel water-based functional dispersions and emulsions of polymers, resins, and waxes —  will showcase its Hydrosize® and Hydrosize Carbon fiber sizing solutions and its Unyte™ technologies for technical textiles at CAMX 2022.

Hydrosize is Michelman’s flagship line of sizing solutions designed for use in the manufacturing of glass, carbon, and natural fibers, including both chopped and continuous formats. They are used as lubricants, film formers, sizing agents, and binders during fiber manufacturing and composite processing. This technology allows fiber manufacturers to optimize the interfacial adhesion between the polymers and fibers by tailoring their reinforcement fibers’ surface chemistry to the matrix resin’s chemistry. This improved interface adhesion helps fiber producers and composite manufacturers produce stronger, lighter, and more durable composite parts.

Michelman will also feature its line of Hydrosize Carbon solutions that allow customers to leverage carbon fiber’s unique qualities and produce higher-quality composite parts. It also helps further exploit the traditional benefits of composites: design freedom, consolidation of parts, and integration of functionality while meeting light-weighting initiatives. Composites that require high-temperature processing typically require the use of high-temperature polyamide, polyimide, PPS, and PAEK-based resins.

Select Hydrosize Carbon grades provide excellent thermal stability and are specifically designed to withstand elevated processing and subsequent applications. Furthermore, the various grades offer a wide variety of solutions depending on resin compatibility, fiber type, and desired composite performance.

According to Steve Bassetti, Michelman’s director, Global Marketing for the company’s Fibers & Composites business group: “While fiber sizing accounts for a small percent of the finished product, it has a significant impact on the final properties of composite parts. Optimizing fiber polymer interfacial adhesion with Hydrosize enhances the performance of numerous mechanical and chemical properties, including thermal and hydrolytic stability, corrosion resistance, heat and oil resistance, impact strength, tensile and flexural strengths, compressive strength, fatigue performance, and electrical conductivity. It is a critical component that produces high-quality, high-performance composites.”

Michelman’s Unyte brand is a versatile family of water-based technologies that help achieve advanced form and function in woven and nonwoven materials used in the design of technical textiles and pre-preg fabrics. These solutions enhance textile products’ performance by improving adhesion, binding, processability, and chemical & heat resistance. The Unyte Bind series offers multiple solutions that improve fiber-to-fiber adhesion. Unyte Grip promotes the adhesion between fibers and polymeric matrices, helping to improve various functional or mechanical properties. Unyte Slip is beneficial for fabrics, nonwovens, and pre-pregs that need to be stacked or rolled without sticking together. Finally, Unyte Resist products are designed to provide excellent wet-out and moisture/chemical resistance to fabrics. They impart performance benefits, including chemical resistance, water resistance, and hydrophobicity under humid conditions to fabrics, wovens, and nonwovens.

Michelman will exhibit in booth #X26 at CAMX 2022, to be held October 17-20, 2022, at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, Calif.

Posted August 16, 2022

Source: Michelman

Suominen To Implement Surcharges In North America

HELSINKI — August 16, 2022 — Suominen has announced general surcharges on all its products in North America effective immediately. These surcharges are a response to significant unexpected increases in raw materials, energy and freight costs.

“We have done all we can to mitigate these increases on behalf of our customers. Suominen can no longer absorb the full extent of these increases. We are living in an unusual time in the nonwovens industry with unprecedented and unexpected cost increases accompanied by volatility in demand patterns and supply chain disruptions. We understand circumstances are extremely challenging and we remain committed to serving our customers during this difficult period,” said Lynda A. Kelly, senior vice president, Americas.

Details of the surcharges will be communicated to customers via Suominen sales organization.

Posted August 16, 2022

Source: Suominen

 

ABB To Acquire Siemens Low Voltage NEMA Motor Business

ZURICH — August 11, 2022 — ABB announced today it has signed an agreement to purchase Siemens’ low voltage NEMA motor business. With manufacturing operations in Guadalajara, Mexico, this acquisition provides a well-regarded product portfolio, a longstanding North American customer base, and an experienced operations, sales, and management team. The business employs around 600 people and generated revenues of approximately $63 million in 2021. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2023.

This transaction is part of the Motion business area’s profitable growth strategy, and it will allow the NEMA motors division to enhance its product offering, expand its supply chain relationships, and improve support to its North American customer base. It also offers the opportunity to better support the customers in Mexico with local manufacturing and sales. ABB expects to benefit from identified synergies, and to use the R&D expertise, supply chain relationships, and market access to bring the combined portfolio to its full potential.

“This bolt-on acquisition creates strong value for ABB’s NEMA motors division,” said Tarak Mehta, president ABB Motion. “Investing in the business and opening up sales opportunities in North America and especially Mexico will allow this business to be margin accretive to the ABB Motion business within 24 months.”

“We have long appreciated the quality and design of these motors,” Jesse Henson, president of ABB’s NEMA motors division, added. “Now that we have met the leadership team behind them, I am even more confident that together we can grow our combined businesses faster than either of us could alone. We look forward to adding the Siemens low voltage NEMA motor portfolio to our existing offering of ABB and Baldor-Reliance® industrial electric motors.”

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

Posted: August 15, 2022

Source: ABB

Carhartt Appoints New Chief Brand Officer

Susan Hennike

DEARBORN, Mich. — August 15, 2022 — Carhartt, America’s family-owned workwear brand since 1889, today announced the appointment of Susan Hennike as the company’s new chief brand officer (CBO). Hennike brings more than 20 years of experience in global product marketing to Carhartt, throughout which she developed an excellent track record of growing some of the world’s most well-known apparel brands. She will report to Linda Hubbard, Carhartt’s president and COO.

As CBO, Hennike will lead the strategic development of multi-year brand strategies that position the company for sustained growth and profitability across matrixed business units. She will oversee and collaborate with Product, Brand and Strategy (PBS) — a team of nearly 200 associates across creative, marketing, product, and R&D, among other workstreams. Her vision for global brand building will help shape an inspiring experience for consumers and associates, while identifying new opportunities to advance the brand and preserve its heritage.

“Susan has an incredible reputation of growing emerging and established apparel brands across diverse audiences and reaching consumers creatively and authentically,” Hubbard said. “Her vision will help shape Carhartt’s future, improve the experience for all hardworking people and find new ways to reach those who have yet to experience Carhartt.”

Hennike joins Carhartt from Bombas where she led the next evolution of the apparel brand’s multi-category strategy and vision as chief product officer. Prior to that, she spent 12 years at HANESBRANDS, where she emerged as president of Champion North America. During her tenure at Champion, she led the athletic brand to double digit-growth, oversaw the development of its direct-to-consumer platform and drove all creative content and storytelling for the brand. She has worked with many other notable apparel brands throughout her career, including Victoria’s Secret, Nike and Adidas International. Hennike earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Miami University in Ohio.

Posted: August 15, 2022

Source: Carhartt, Inc.

Brett Rife Named Chair Of Down And Feather Group

Brett Rife

NEW YORK CITY — August 15, 2022 — The American Down and Feather Council (ADFC), a division of the Home Fashion Products Association (HFPA), has named Brett Rife as its new chair.  Rife, vice president of sales for Keeco LLC, will succeed former Chair Travis ‎Stier, of Down Décor.

Rife is an industry veteran and brings nearly 22 years of experience to his position. Prior to his role at Keeco, he served as the vice president of sales for Pacific Coast Feather Co. and Hollander. Rife has also worked on bedding programs with worldwide hotel companies along with managing key account responsibilities at some of the largest U.S. retailers.

Throughout his two-decade career, he has served in various roles including sales, leadership, and training/education. His career has taken him globally to both Europe and China where he launched and managed a hospitality business and sales program.

In taking the helm of the council, Rife noted, “ADFC’s goal of improving product quality and advancing ‎common industry interests dovetails with my passion for down and feather education, training, and in ‎creating a level industry playing field.”‎

Posted: August 15, 2022

Source: The American Down & Feather Council (ADFC)

Regel™ Fiber Is Now bluesign® APPROVED

BANGKOK, Thailand — August 14, 2022 — Regel™ fiber, recycled acrylic fiber from Thai Acrylic Fibre Co. (TAF) – Aditya Birla Group, is now bluesign® APPROVED, in addition to being a GRS certified acrylic fiber. This certifies that Regel meets the safety and environmental requirements of bluesign CRITERIA, the latest milestone in their long journey path towards sustainability.

Regel is TAF’s second product that gets bluesign APPROVED after its flagship gel-dyed acrylic fiber Radianza™. Regel was launched earlier this year by TAF that was developed as a result of growing demand of sustainable fashion products from global consumers, brands and retailers

Waste accumulation and its management is one of the key sustainability challenges of the industry and therefore recycling pre-consumer, post-consumer and in-process waste to make new products is one of the most preferred and prevalent ways to reduce the environment impact. Regel is a unique innovation as it is one of the first successful commercialization of acrylic fiber produced by recycling the waste. It is manufactured with an authentic and intimate chemical recycling process which is functionally equivalent to acrylic fiber like warmth, comfort, and vibrant shades.

bluesign APPROVED articles go through a rigorous certification process by Bluesign Technologies AG — the organization behind the certification — and it certifies that these articles are manufactured with a minimum impact on people and the environment.

“We are very proud to receive bluesign APPROVED certification for Regel fiber. We have been getting a lot of overwhelming responses since the launch of Regel. This bluesign APPROVED certification will further strengthen the credentials of Regel as a sustainable fiber and ensure our customers that any fabric made with Regel is produced responsibly in respect to the environment and the safety of the people. This certification is a part of our larger sustainability strategy, and we will continue our vision towards a sustainable future”, said Thomas Varghese, business head – Textiles – Aditya Birla Group.

Posted: August 15, 2022

Source: Thai Acrylic Fibre Co. Ltd.

Unitex Continues Expansion Into The MA Life Science Market

LAWRENCE, Mass. — August 11, 2022 — Unitex and Dacon have added 97,000 square feet of production space to Unitex’s Lawrence facility in response to the vibrant market growth.  Focused on the life science and medical sectors, Unitex is the nation’s largest family-owned linen and uniform service provider to the health industry, with 13 locations in New York, Connecticut, New Jersey and now Massachusetts.

The first phase — 90,000 square feet for large-scale processing of bulk hospital/long-term care facility linens — was repurposed from the former Crown Holdings headquarters, a global beverage and food can manufacturer which had operated in Lawrence for more than 25 years. This expansion is focused on the laundry processing of uniforms and supplies for ambulatory care/outpatient medical facilities.

President of Unitex, David Potack, commented: “Unitex is excited to expand our client service offerings in the greater Boston and Eastern New England markets with the construction of our newest facility, which will focus on outpatient and ambulatory healthcare locations. Boston is truly a healthcare hub for growth and innovation and our increased capacity to serve new clients in this market is an exciting development in the evolution of our company. We are proud of our record in constructing environmentally sustainable laundry facilities, where automation is paramount and helps us deliver reliable, consistent high-quality service and products to our clients every day.”

Lawrence is Unitex’s first facility located in the Massachusetts market. An immigrant success story rooted in the hospitality linen industry, this year marks Unitex’s 100th anniversary with Rob and David Potack as the 4th generation of family members to assume leadership.  The firm operates 365 days a year and has attained the TRSA’s Hygienically Clean Healthcare certification for its best management practices in operations, training and sterilization. Unitex’s strategy is based upon a green business model, investing in technology, operations, environmental quality and training focused on natural resource conservation. Operational results:

  • Waste heat reclamation yields gas savings equivalent to usage by 1,200+ households and electricity savings enough to power 200+ homes per year.
  • Water technology reduces detergent use and excess water waste resulting in annual water savings equivalent to usage by 5,000 homes.
  • Detergents are composed of 100-percent organic chemicals.  In place of chlorine bleach, an oxygen-based, biodegradable cleansing agent is used to protect waterways and reduce linen damage.
  • LED lighting, high-speed automation and infrared monitored dryer temperature controls contribute to electricity and gas savings.
  • Ironing machines each have their own gas burner, making them 20 percent more efficient.
  • Delivery trucks contain GPS telemetry and real-time tracking, resulting in efficient routing and reduction of fuel use and emissions.  Trucks are programmed to shut off after 3 minutes of idling.
  • Plastic recycling totals 1.5 million pounds each year.

Dacon’s CEO, Kevin Quinn, states “Unitex’s long-term heritage, community focus and environmental commitment underscore their business ethics and acumen.  It has been a joy working with them.”

Posted: August 12, 2022

Source: Dacon

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