ASM International Announces Milosh As COO And Scott As CIO

Milosh Ryan

MATERIALS PARK, Ohio — August 3, 2022 — Sandy Robert, executive director of ASM International, (formerly known as the American Society for Metals), is pleased to announce two key changes to the Society’s leadership structure: Ryan Milosh is being promoted to COO, and Kelvin Scott is joining ASM International as chief information officer (CIO). The new roles are effective July 16, 2022. With this change, Robert’s direct reports in addition to Milosh and Scott, will be Veronica Becker, CFO; Leslie Taylor, manager, Executive Office; and Patti Semancik, Human Resources.

As COO, Milosh will be responsible for oversight of all ASM International operations, excepting the Data Ecosystem and Information Technologies groups. As CIO, Scott will work across the organization to develop and deploy ASM’s digital strategies and information technology systems, both internal and customer-facing. Both the Data Ecosystem and Information Technologies Teams will report to Scott.

Scott Kelvin

In his most recent position, Milosh has served the organization as chief sales and marketing officer. He has a wealth of experience in understanding industry requirements, building partnerships and collaborations, and launching new products and services. Scott is joining as a full-time staff member after five years in an IT counsel role with ASM International. His background includes more than 22 years of running international consulting businesses, providing IT strategy, enterprise architecture, and program management.

Robert will continue to work with Milosh on capabilities planning for the rest of the organization with an eye to aligning the Society with its lines of business and strategic priorities, as well as maximizing its value to members and customers.

Posted: August 3, 2022

Source: ASM International

Winner Crowned For RECO Sustainable Young Designer Competition, Hosted By Indorama Ventures

Winning designs from the “RECO Young Designer Competition”

BANGKOK, Thailand — August 3, 2022 — Indorama Ventures Public Co. Ltd. (IVL), a global sustainable chemical producer, named the winners of “RECO Young Designer Competition” — Thailand’s largest upcycling fashion design event, parading haute couture garments containing at least 60-percent recycled materials.

Eleven finalists showcased 33 handmade sustainable outfits at the ninth edition of the fashion show at IVL’s headquarters in Bangkok, using recycled PET and polyester items to craft creative fashions. Under the concept of ‘REVIVE: Start from the Street,’ RECO supports young Thai designers while raising awareness of recycling. The designs use a range of recycled materials including recycled PET yarns, discarded fabric from factories, and even repurposed safety belts.

RECO awarded finalists and winners with 500,000 baht in prizes to support their careers. First prize of 125,000 baht was awarded to 23-year-old emerging furniture designer Prem Buachum for his “The Origin of Rebirth” collection, using fabric recycled from post-consumer PET bottles. The first runner-up, Sathitkhun Boonmee, was awarded 75,000 baht for his “Remembering Your Favorite Teddy Bear” collection, using old dolls made of polyester fibers. Second runners-up, Worameth Monthanom and Tanakorn Sritong, received 50,000 baht for their “Regeneration of Nature (into Spring)” collection, using unused fabrics and discarded PET film. Napat Tansuwan, a finalist with his “Don’t Judge” collection, will go on to create designer merchandise for sponsor Buriram United Football Club using local weaving techniques from communities in Buriram province.

Aradhana Lohia Sharma, vice president at Indorama Ventures and RECO Young Designer Competition Chairperson, said: “Since 2011, RECO’s ambition has been to uplift recycling and inspire people to realize the value of recyclable materials to produce great new products for daily life. We have witnessed many thoughtful initiatives on upcycling through the collections created by our talented young Thai designers. The designs this year showcase stunning wearability and innovation while using a large percentage of recycle materials. Public interest in recycling has been growing immensely, and we are grateful to strengthen the relationship with partners like Buriram United Football Club.”

Sharma added: “Indorama Ventures hopes this competition will be a driving force in nurturing sustainable fashion concepts and increasing the acceptance of recycled materials, especially post-consumer PET. We are proud to be a stepping-stone for our youth’s design journey and our community’s sustainable future.”

Chidchanok Chidchob, director of Merchandise Department, Buriram United Co. Ltd., said: “We are delighted to collaborate with IVL on the RECO project, which is inspirational and drives sustainability-conscious living. We have seen the next generation of designers taking advantage of this initiative to create innovative ideas, support sustainability, raise awareness and make recycling possible. Buriram United is honored to increase awareness of the importance of recycling and protecting our planet.”

First prize winner Buachum wants to establish his own designer brand and textile studio to bring sustainable design into people’s lives and pass on his knowledge to others. “The Big Bang Theory is the inspiration for my collection, and the challenge to use more than 60 percent recycled materials drove my creativity,” Buachum said. “I upcycled scrap brand labels into beautiful cloth, using techniques that added beauty and maximized usability. The weaving process can generate income for local communities and produce a ready-to-wear collection for the broader market. I am honored to be part of RECO and for the positive change it stands for and hope it can change the face of sustainable fashion in Thailand.”

Posted: August 3, 2022

Source: Indorama Ventures Public Company Limited (IVL)

Beaver Paper Enters The  Sustainable Packaging Field With New TexSeal™ Eco Pouches

ATLANTA — August 2, 2022 — Beaver Paper, a manufacturer of sublimation media and sewn paper products, is excited to announce the launch of its new TexSeal™ Eco Pouch sustainable paper packaging.

The new TexSeal Eco Pouches are an innovative, earth-friendly paper-based packaging solution suited for today’s market. TexSeal Eco Pouches are what protection packaging should be all about — protection for customers content and protection of the environment.

Paper packaging solutions are taking over functionalities that, in the past, could only be handled by plastic. Made from renewable forest products, TexSeal Eco Pouches offer a reliable, quality paper-based packaging solution.

Product Characteristics

  • Natural look and feel;
  • 100 percent recyclable;
  • Available in different grammages;
  • Excellent sealing properties; and
  • Biodegradable.

Applications

TexSeal Eco Pouches are ideally suited for packaging of textiles and apparel and can be formatted into pouches, bags, flow packs and sheeted lining. TexSeal Eco Pouches offer excellent heat sealability and provide an exceptional  barrier to aromas, oxygen, and water vapor.

TexSeal comes in a range of thicknesses from 40 gsm up to 80 gsm to meet a wide variety of applications. TexSeal Eco Pouches also offer excellent printability for all your branding purposes.

“Many eco-conscious companies will appreciate a simple, sustainable packaging solution that is truly earth friendly. TexSeal Eco Pouches showcase and protect fashion textiles and will not linger in landfills for hundreds of years,” said Tobias Sternbeck, CEO of Beaver Paper.  “Our customers can feel good about their packaging choices.”

TexSeal paper packaging has many advantages over plastic bags when it comes to sustainability. Paper is easier to recycle and is biodegradable. The fact that paper is recyclable helps lessen its impact on the environment.

Beaver Paper strives for constant innovation and the pursuit of sustainability. It is helping move the industry toward sustainable, paper-based packaging solutions made from natural and biodegradable raw materials. TexSeal Eco Pouches represent the next generation of paper for flexible packaging that companies and consumers can count on for the future.

Posted: August 2, 2022

Source: Beaver Paper

Sustainable Developments In Absorbent Hygiene & Personal Care Take Center Stage At Hygienix™ — INDA Announces Full Program And Opens Registration For Premier Event In New Orleans

CARY, N.C. — August 2, 2022 — With reusable and recyclable products and new inputs offering growth opportunities in absorbent hygiene and personal care products, Hygienix™ will provide an insightful view into the market’s future this November in New Orleans.

Industry participants from around the world and throughout the supply chain will convene and connect for the eighth edition of the premier event for the fast-growing segment on November 14-17, at The Roosevelt New Orleans Hotel. INDA today announced the full program and registration is now open at the Hygienix website: https://www.hygienix.org/index.html

The in-person conference will highlight the segment’s continued growth and new opportunities with presentations by more than 20 industry experts on sustainable inputs, natural fibers, product transparency, reusable menstrual products, recyclable diapers and more as well as the latest market forecasts and insights into consumer buying trends.

Hygienix also will offer two specialized workshops, and a myriad of business connection opportunities including a welcome reception on November 14 and a first-time attendee mentorship program.

Participants will discover innovative products in absorbent hygiene and personal care at tabletop exhibits with evening receptions on November 15-16, providing opportunities for 60 companies to showcase their unique offerings.

Three finalists will each present their innovative and technically sophisticated disposable absorbent hygiene products as they vie for the prestigious Hygienix Innovation Award™. Nominations are open until August 29. Demonstrating the interest in sustainability, last year’s award recipient was Kudos Diaper Subscription featuring its 100-percent cotton disposable diaper.

INDA President Tony Fragnito will welcome participants to New Orleans and also present the INDA Lifetime Service Award on November 15 and the Hygienix Innovation Award on November 17.

Hygienix Highlights

Absorbent hygiene — the single largest nonwoven end‐use category (by square meters) — is expected to continue its strong growth over the next four years, creating market opportunities in this thriving area driven by growing consumer interest for environmentally-friendly options in material inputs and end-of-life options.

Participants will hear the latest data and forecasts from analysts during presentations by Dr. Robert Fry, Jr., principal of Robert Fry Economics LLC on the Global Economy – What we Can Expect in 2023; Pricie Hanna, managing partner, and Colin Hanna, director of Market Research, Price Hanna Consultants on Disposables versus Reusables; and Simon Preisler, Vice President of Logistics, Central National Gottesman delivering a Logistic Market Update.

A panel of entrepreneurs will discuss the challenges, biases and taboos to bringing innovations into the marketplace. Experts sharing their insights will be Mia Abbruzzese and Alexandra Fennell, co-founders of Grace; Amrita Saigal, founder and CEO, Kudos; and Cindy Santa Cruz, president of ParaPatch.

A session on Next-Generation Menstrual Products and their Users will feature Liying Qian, research analyst, Euromonitor International providing market data on disposable and reusable period products; Frantisek Riha-Scott, founder, Confitex discussing reusable products; and Greta Meyer, co-founder and CEO, Sequel on Reengineering the Tampon.

Also focusing on period products will be a presentation by Danielle Keiser, managing director, Impact, Madami on Changing the Conversation with Consumers moderated by Heidi Beatty, CEO, Crown Abbey LLC.

Other intriguing not-to-be-missed presentations centered on sustainability trends include:

  • Assessing Sustainable Fiber Options in the Context of Disposable Hygienic Products – Richard Knowlson, Principal, RPK Consulting LLC
  • Five Generations of Hygiene + Sustainability – Matt Schiering, Professor of Marketing, Dominican University
  • Recycling Approaches for Disposable Diaper Waste – Jeannine Cardin, Quality and R&D, RecycPHP Inc.

Hygienix will provide additional focused learning opportunities with two essential short courses (with separation registration fees) on Nov. 14 focused on Absorption Systems for Absorbent Hygiene Products, from 1 to 3:30 p.m. and Global Diaper Trends from 3:45 to 6 p.m.

Posted: August 2, 2022

Source: INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry

Program Supports Development Of Smart Textiles And Wearable Technology In North Carolina To Improve Survivability, Health And Performance Of The Military

RALEIGH, N.C. — August 1, 2022 — On Monday, June 27, 2022, at RTI International in Research Triangle Park, Emil Runge, program director, First Flight Venture Center, Fiona Baxter, associate executive director, NC State University Industry Expansion Solutions (IES) and Michael Mullins, director, NC State University IES North Carolina Defense Industry Diversification Initiative (NCDIDI), welcomed the pilot cohort of entrepreneurs to graduate from the Propeller Pre-Accelerator Program and the program consortium actively engaged in the North Carolina Defense Manufacturing Community Support Program (NC DMCSP).

Propeller is a six-week entrepreneurial design thinking program that helps founders and entrepreneurs determine whether there is sufficient value to pursue a product or service idea. The program helps entrepreneurs identify potential markets, develop a path to market strategy, and learn how to communicate the value of the idea to early stakeholders and adopters. Propeller serves as a first-step program for early-stage science and technology innovators by helping them bridge the gap between a brilliant idea and the business value it represents.

In 2021, the Department of Defense’s (DoD) Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation (OLDCC) awarded North Carolina State University IES a grant under the Defense Manufacturing Community Support Program (DMCSP). The DMCSP is designed to support long-term community investments that strengthen national security innovation and expand the capabilities of the defense manufacturing industrial ecosystem. The program was created to recognize communities that demonstrate best practices in attracting and expanding defense manufacturing by bringing together key local stakeholders and using long-term planning that integrates targeted public and private investments across a community’s entire defense industrial ecosystem.

The purpose of the NC DMCSP grant is to support innovation in advanced textiles and wearables for the survivability, performance and lethality of the warfighter. The DMCSP team built a state-wide industrial production ecosystem that involves collaboration with 20 entities across the state focused on innovation in five key areas: manufacturing and modernization, ideation and product development entrepreneurship and commercialization, workforce development and defense manufacturing advocacy and outreach.

NC DMCSP partners include:

  • Advanced Functional Fabrics of America (AFFOA);
  • Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing (ARM);
  • BLDG-25;
  • Center for Advanced Self-Powered Systems of Integrated Sensors and Technologies (ASSIST);
  • Defense Alliance of North Carolina (DANC);
  • Emerging Technology Institute (ETI);
  • First Flight Venture Center (FFVC) and Hangar6;
  • Fort Bragg Research Institute;
  • Manufacturing & Textile Innovation Network (MTIN);
  • Manufacturing x Digital (MxD);
  • NC State University Industry Expansion Solutions (IES);
  • NC State Wilson College of Textiles;
  • North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (NCA&T);
  • North Carolina Center for Optimizing Military Performance (NC-COMP);
  • North Carolina Defense Industry Diversification Initiative (NCDIDI);
  • North Carolina Defense Technology Transition Office (DEFTECH);
  • North Carolina Department of Commerce;
  • North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NCMEP);
  • North Carolina Military Business Center (NCMBC); and
  • RTI International (RTI).

The June 27 event provided insight from two of the DMCSP Innovation groups. Dominick Stephenson, Assistant Director, Research Development & Evaluation, NC State University IES explained the processes of the Manufacturing Innovation Group and Steve McManus, Innovation Advisor, RTI International, and Emil Runge, Program Director, First Flight Venture Center provided an overview of the Product Innovation Group. Manufacturing USA Institute representatives from Advanced Functional Fabrics of America (AFFOA) and Manufacturing x Digital (MxD) explained their roles in the DMCSP initiative. The event also provided an opportunity for the six companies who are currently in the DMCSP ecosystem to showcase their advanced textiles and wearables projects. Following the product showcase, a small reception was held at First Flight Venture Center Center.

The six companies that participated in the 2022 NC DMCSP showcase included:

  • Dermisense Health — diagnostic patch detects biomarkers in interstitial fluids;
  • Onda Vision Technologies Inc. — wearable, real-time hydration sensor;
  • Aarogy Innovative Textiles LLC — far-IR reflecting therapeutic clothing;
  • Prohuman Tech — compression and contrast temperature pain management device;
  • Avex Motion — smart robotic therapeutic device; and
  • Stitch Partners — charged textile filter.

The Southwest Piedmont region of North Carolina produces 45 percent of the goods for the U.S. textile industry. Therefore, NC DMCSP is currently focused on identifying manufacturers and entrepreneurs located in six counties in North Carolina (Iredell, Catawba, Cleveland, Gaston, Rowan and Montgomery) that are interested in participating in the 2023 program.

The Southwest Piedmont Region in North Carolina, N.C., DMCSP is seeking:

  • North Carolina researchers with relevant technology interested in exploring commercialization;
  • North Carolina entrepreneurs seeking opportunity with relevant background;
  • Established North Carolina manufacturers with R&D capability, looking for new advanced textiles for wearable technologies to develop new products; and
  • North Carolina manufacturers or entrepreneurs planning to enter the defense supply chain in advanced textiles or wearables, or bringing similar product manufacturing back to the United States from overseas.

Contact Michael Mullins, Director of Defense Industry Initiatives, NC State University Industry Expansion Solutions (IES) at mrmulli2@ncsu.edu.

Posted August 2, 2022

Source: NC State University, Industry Expansion Solutions

Parkdale Selects Datatex NOW ERP System To Replace TIM Solution

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — August 2, 2022 — Datatex is happy to announce that Parkdale Inc. has selected NOW as its next generation ERP solution.

Parkdale is a leading manufacturer of spun cotton yarns and cotton consumer products. Parkdale’s success hinges on its ability to deliver customer value through exceptional yarn quality, unparalleled service and innovation.

Parkdale’s culture of embracing innovation, continuous improvement, and lean manufacturing is fundamental to its future, hence the decision to replace its ERP system from the Datatex TIM solution of more 15 years to Datatex NOW ERP.

“We are excited about our investment in NOW as we believe it gives us a competitive advantage in productivity and cost containment — while improving our capabilities to meet our customers’ needs” says Parkdale Inc. Chairman and CEO Anderson D. “Andy” Warlick.

Warlick further explained: “Datatex has been a valued partner to Parkdale over the past 15 years. After thorough market due diligence, we felt like Datatex NOW was the best enterprise system in the market for our future needs.“

“Parkdale is an innovation leader in the industry.” said Datatex CEO Ronen “Ronnie” Hagin. “This vote of confidence in our systems, people, and our technology direction with web-based solutions, confirms to us that we made and continue to make the right investment to remain the leading supplier of software solutions to the textile and apparel industries.”

Parkdale also will implement the Datatex NOW solution in its U.S. Cotton LLC business — a manufacturer of cosmetic and beauty aid products all made in the U.S.A.

Datatex is happy to represent the best enterprise system in the market for Parkdale’s future needs as well as to keep on supporting the optimization of the innovative American textile industries, providing them the best of breed solutions using the latest technologies.

Posted August 2, 2022

Source: Datatex

Motion Announces That Lisa Solomon Has Been Promoted To Senior Vice President –Corporate Accounts

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — August 1, 2022 — Motion Industries Inc. — a distributor of maintenance, repair and operation replacement parts, and a provider of industrial technology solutions — is pleased to announce that Lisa Solomon has been promoted to senior vice president – Corporate Accounts.

Solomon joined the company in 2015 as a Business Development manager focused on an automotive industry account, before transitioning the same year into an Automotive Specialist role concentrating on a different automotive account. In 2016, she expanded her role to a Corporate Accounts manager overseeing the entire automotive segment. In 2021, Solomon was promoted to Area vice president – Corporate Accounts, leading a team of 16 sales professionals in the Central Group.

In her new role, she will lead all of Motion’s Corporate Accounts in North America, plus other company teams, including the Corporate Accounts Support group, Corporate Accounts Development, P2MRO, Onsite Solutions, Energy Services and International Sales. She will report directly to James Howe, executive vice president – eCommerce, Sales Excellence, Strategic Pricing and Corporate Accounts.

“Lisa has been very successful in the Area Vice President role and has emerged as a peer leader for our AVPs across North America,” Howe said. “Her leadership and significant experience will further strengthen Corporate Accounts and maximize growth potential. She is well-deserving of her new and expanded position.”

Motion’s President Randy Breaux said: “Lisa is a talented executive with a wealth of experience and drive. We’re excited to see her lead Motion’s Corporate Accounts to new heights.”

Originally from Michigan, Solomon graduated from Central Michigan University with a Bachelor of Liberal Arts in Broadcasting, Communications and Marketing.

Posted: August 2, 2022

Source: Motion Industries, Inc.

Car Floor Mats Producer Kuntai Establishing Operations In Orangeburg County, S.C.

COLUMBIA, S.C. — July 26, 2022 — Kuntai (North Charleston) Ltd. Corp. (Kuntai), an automotive parts manufacturer, today announced plans to establish operations in Orangeburg County. The company’s $1.5 million investment will create 41 new jobs.

Kuntai specializes in car floor mats and is a supplier for high-end original equipment manufacturers.

Located at 152 Regional Parkway, Building F, in Orangeburg, Kuntai’s new facility will allow the company to produce floor mats and will be used as a base to further expand its business in the North American market.

Operations are expected to be online by October 2022. Individuals interested in joining the Kuntai team should email resumes to the company.

“Kuntai (North Charleston) Limited Corporation is excited to open its new floor mats factory in Orangeburg, South Carolina,” said Kuntai General Manager Vincent Zhang. “We chose South Carolina as our new facility location because of the business-friendly environment, its skilled workforce and proximity to our customers. We look forward to a mutually beneficial relationship and will definitely consider South Carolina for all future projects.”

“South Carolina is home to more than 600 automotive-related companies, and we are proud to add Kuntai to that impressive roster,” said Governor Henry McMaster. “We congratulate them on their $1.5 million investment that will create 41 new jobs and welcome them to South Carolina and Orangeburg County.”

“Kuntai’s decision to establish new operations in South Carolina is a testament to our world-class workforce. We are excited for these job opportunities in Orangeburg County and look forward to a strong partnership with Kuntai for many years to come,” said Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III

“We are grateful that Kuntai has selected Orangeburg County for its cutting-edge manufacturing operations and its state-of-the-art facility,” said Orangeburg County Council Chairman Johnnie Wright Sr. “This announcement by Kuntai brings 30 international companies representing 17 countries to Orangeburg County. The creation of 41 new jobs will create significant impact for our citizens and the investment in our community. We thank the Kuntai leadership and investors for believing in our people and location — making this another great day in Orangeburg County!”

Posted: August 1, 2022

Source: South Carolina Office of the Governor

Owens Corning Completes Acquisition Of Natural Polymers

TOLEDO, Ohio  — August 1, 2022 — Owens Corning announced it has completed the acquisition of Natural Polymers, LLC, a manufacturer of spray polyurethane foam insulation for building and construction applications, based in Cortland, Ill.

“We are excited to welcome the Natural Polymers team and start working together on innovative product development,” said Insulation President Todd Fister. “Natural Polymers’ proven technology advances our strategy to provide long-term, sustainable solutions and offer our customers a diversified insulation product portfolio.”

Owens Corning expects to significantly grow this business in the coming years. Natural Polymers’ track record of above-market growth is anticipated to contribute to Owens Corning’s strategy to strengthen core building and construction products and expand the company’s addressable markets into higher-growth segments.

Natural Polymers is dedicated to the development of high-quality spray polyurethane foam products and systems, offering some of the lowest-volatile organic compound products available in the spray foam industry today.

Posted: August 1, 2022

Source: Owens Corning

Orion Engineered Carbons Releases 2021 Sustainability Report

HOUSTON  — August 1, 2022 — Orion Engineered Carbons, a global specialty chemicals company, today released its 2021 Sustainability Report, showcasing progress the company is making in implementing its sustainability strategy with initiatives focused on advancing the circular economy, renewable feedstocks and electrification.

The report outlines how Orion is transforming its product portfolio to reflect sustainability in its business strategy. This exemplifies how companies like Orion that produce essential products are actively seeking innovative ways to realize circularity, promote electrification and reduce their carbon footprint.

“We have incorporated environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles into our management framework,” Orion CEO Corning Painter said. “Our strategy is designed to deliver value-adding solutions that will have a meaningful impact on our industry.”

Orion’s key sustainability accomplishments in 2021 include:

  • Launching ECORAX Nature 105, the first product made from 100-percent renewable feedstock and designed for rubber applications.
  • Becoming one of the first public companies in the U.S. to take out a sustainability-linked term loan, with favorable interest rates tied to the company’s success in meeting certain emissions-reduction targets at its U.S. plants.
  • Developing a roadmap — with milestones in 2025, 2030 and 2035 — for the development of sustainable solutions in the company’s portfolio, paving the way to transform into a sustainable business model.

“We’ve recently announced our aspirations to reach net-zero emissions by 2050. Our Sustainability Report shows that with our portfolio of approaches, Orion is well positioned to confront some of the most pressing challenges of our era,” Painter said. “The conductive additives we produce are vital for electric vehicles and energy storage. As one of the leading innovators in tire recycling, we are also committed to supporting the transition to a circular economy.”

Download the 2021 Sustainability Report at: https://www.orioncarbons.com/sustainability_reports

Posted: August 1, 2022

Source: Orion Engineered Carbons

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