CELLIANT® Viscose Now Available As Flocked Coating And Fabric

LOS ANGELES — October 6, 2022 — CELLIANT® Viscose, which converts body heat into energy, is a unique combination of nature and performance. It was developed by materials science company Hologenix®, creators of Celliant, a natural blend of infrared (IR)-generating bioceramics used in textiles, and Kelheim Fibres, a manufacturer of viscose specialty fibers. It is the world’s first in-fiber sustainable infrared viscose. Now Hologenix has partnered with Spectro Coating Corp., the largest vertically integrated flock coating and flock fabric manufacturer in the world, to create the first flocked infrared material with Celliant Viscose.

Flocking is an application method in which tiny fibers are piled on to the surface of a textile, creating textures for both decorative and functional purposes. Celliant Viscose in a flocked material has many potential applications in the medical field for tapes, bandages, braces and orthopedic products, home textiles and decor, dog beds, clothing, and more. Celliant features natural, ethically sourced minerals, which convert body heat into infrared energy for increased local circulation and cellular oxygenation. These Celliant minerals are then embedded into viscose plant-based fibers. The Viscose fibers are then flocked onto a base material. Celliant Viscose provides all the benefits of being a viscose fiber — lightweight, soft, highly breathable, excellent moisture management — as well as the fiber enhancements from Celliant infrared technology.

Celliant Viscose is the first IR flocked material that Spectro is producing. Celliant Viscose also represents a further expansion into sustainable products for Spectro. In addition, Spectro products are proudly made in the USA, as is Celliant’s mineral blend.

“Celliant Viscose in a flock coating or fabric is very exciting for us,” said Raj Shah, Vice President of Spectro Coating Corp., which is based in Leominster, Mass.  “Not only is it the first time our company has worked with a performance fiber or textile, putting us in a new innovative category, but the sustainability aspects of Celliant Viscose also very much align with our mission.”

“We are proud to partner with Spectro Coating Corp. on this initiative,” concluded Stephen Kelly, vice president of Global Business and Supplier Development for Hologenix. “Celliant Viscose in a flocked material opens up new pathways for us in the medical field as well as other applications in all aspects of the industry; in particular in products where Celliant is not easily embedded. It can also be applied on some of our products that already contain Celliant, upping the wellness quotient even further.”

Posted: October 6, 2022

Source: Hologenix, LLC

Rieter And The Johann Jacob Rieter Foundation Sponsor Professorship For Artificial Intelligence At The Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW)

WINTERTHUR, Switzerland— October 6, 2022 — The Rieter Group is constantly expanding its technology leadership. Together with the Johann Jacob Rieter Foundation, the company is therefore supporting a new Endowed Professorship for Industrial Artificial Intelligence (AI) at the Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW) School of Engineering. The Professorship is dedicated to teaching and research in the field of industrial applications of Artificial Intelligence and will be announced later this year.

The new Endowed Professorship will be established at the Center for Artificial Intelligence (CAI) of the ZHAW in Winterthur. It will focus, in particular, on the application of machine learning methods and knowledge-based systems in connection with processes in production and service. “The use of artificial intelligence in industry is becoming increasingly important, especially with regard to the potential of data for evaluation and control of complex processes. The support of the Johann Jacob Rieter Foundation and the Rieter Group will allow us to further expand AI research in the field of industrial applications,” explains Prof. Dr. Dirk Wilhelm, Director of the ZHAW School of Engineering.

For Rieter, the commitment is related to the implementation of its technology leadership strategy. “The use of Artificial Intelligence will make a significant contribution to automation and process optimization, and thereby advance sustainability in the textile industry. This makes it an important element of the leading technology that Rieter offers,” emphasizes Rieter CEO Dr. Norbert Klapper.

The contribution of the Johann Jacob Rieter Foundation to sponsoring the Professorship is in line with the Winterthur Cluster Initiative. The increasing digitalization of production processes opens up new perspectives for Winterthur as a business location. “The Smart Machines cluster is growing in importance,” says Thomas Anwander, member of the Foundation Board, and adds: “The Endowed Professorship for Industrial AI at the ZHAW aims to promote Winterthur as a technology location by pooling locally available strengths in mechanical engineering and Industry 4.0.”

Building Expertise in the Field of Industrial AI

The Endowed Professorship will serve to build expertise in the field of Industrial AI and will oversee a group that will focus on teaching and research pertaining to trustworthy machine learning. This involves, for example, the deployment of artificial intelligence with the aim of optimizing production processes in relation to the use of raw materials and energy, and making expert knowledge more readily available.

In addition to research, for the purpose of knowledge transfer, the new professorship will also be active in teaching, in the bachelor’s degree programs in Computer Science and in Data Science, in the Master of Science in Engineering, and in continuing education.

The annual commitment of CHF 300 000 over a period of six years will be financed equally by the Rieter Group and the Johann Jacob Rieter Foundation.

Posted: October 6, 2022

Source: The Rieter Group

3DLOOK’s Virtual Fitting Room YourFit Achieves A 47% Lower Return Rate  In A 6-Month Case Study

SAN MATEO, Calif. — October 6, 2022 — 3DLOOK, the global leader in AI-first mobile body measuring and virtual try-on solutions, has achieved a 47-percent lower return rate for size-related reasons in a 6-months case study in partnership with internet-famous TA3 SWIM.

The brand, known for its best-selling sculpting swimsuits, rolled out 3DLOOK’s size recommendations to reduce a high number of size-related returns and offer a seamless online shopping experience. With fit issues contributing to 38 percent of all apparel returns, TA3 Swim’s need for a solution was further exacerbated by the use of compression fabrics that hug close to smooth and sculpt the body, making it crucial to get each customer in their best size.

Following a 6-months case study, the brand has seen a record-low return rate for size-related reasons of 9 percent when YourFit is used, which is 47 percent lower than the overall website and 76-percent lower than the market average. On average, 46 percent of customers using YourFit are converting to purchase, with 80 percent choosing to purchase the YourFit recommended size. Furthermore, when the recommended size is not selected initially, 45 percent of customers will make a return and request an exchange for YourFit’s originally recommended size. Likewise, with YourFit, the brand is experiencing only a 2 percent rate with bracketing-related returns, as providing size recommendations for shoppers eliminates the need to purchase multiple sizes and return the ones that don’t fit.

“What good is shapewear if it doesn’t fit right? Sizing charts don’t work because most shoppers don’t know their measurements — and they shouldn’t be expected to do the legwork anyway. With YourFit, our customers can now snap two photos and receive a reliable recommendation instantly. Size-related and bracketing-related returns were our biggest struggle. However, offering support in all the right places, YourFit has worked wonders on TA3 SWIM’s return rate,” said Leila Shams, founder and CEO at TA3 SWIM.

“Apparel returns attributed to bracketing and size-related issues make up for half of all returns, and poor fit experience has more consequences than one might think. In addition to eating into profit margins and damaging the planet with unnecessary emissions, poor fit experience is likely to put an end to your consumer relationship as an unhappy customer will not come back to buy more. The recent case study with TA3 SWIM shows that truly sustainable practices are achievable, benefitting the customer, the brands, and the planet,” said Whitney Cathcart, co-founder and chief commercial officer at 3DLOOK.

To use YourFit and get instant size recommendations, customers can simply choose a style and click the ‘Find my Size’ button. Voice-guided through a mobile-based scanning process, they snap two photos, and YourFit by 3DLOOK calculates the best size option based on their unique body measurements. Complete within 60 seconds, customer data is safe and secure to preserve the privacy of TA3 Swim’s body-conscious customers.

Posted: October 6, 2022

Source: 3DLOOK

Cotton – The Unique Natural Fiber

Today’s must-knows about cotton and Uster

TW Special Report

World Cotton Day — on October 7 every year — is a celebration of the world’s most important natural fiber. It’s a good time to take a closer look at cotton from all the different angles — the growers and traders, spinners, fashion addicts and even museum visitors.

This article is dedicated to cotton, a unique fiber. It is a true multi-talent: from jeans to banknotes — U.S. paper money is made with 75-percent cotton and 25-percent linen — it is almost unthinkable to imagine our everyday life without cotton. The fluffy fiber is found in many different products as an ideal and much-appreciated raw material.

Measured For Value

Cotton can be precisely described with 14 quality characteristics — focusing on length, strength, fineness, color, maturity, trash and moisture content of the fiber. The value of cotton as a raw material depends on its quality. Key factors are long and uniform fiber length, optimal fineness for each application and high strength for precious fibers.

Some cotton growers and traders rely on their years of experience to set the right price for a batch of cotton, but over half of world cotton production is classed objectively by High Volume Instruments (HVI) from Uster Technologies. The HVI provides the most accurate and repeatable test results for the efficient classification of cotton quality — and more than 3,300 units are installed in 70 countries.

Measured For Bale Mix And Efficiency

For spinning mills, cotton purchasing accounts for more than 50 percent of costs, so it’s critical to get it right. Sorting bales according to quality and end-use is best done on the basis of good data. Consistent data from HVI is the first step in successful production in spinning operations — in terms of both quality and cost.

Some of the costliest mistakes in yarn manufacturing arise from poor control of the raw material at bale mix before spinning preparation. But fiber testing is also essential during the spinning preparation stages, to minimize any negative financial impact of excess waste, unnecessary cuts, reworking, and customer claims. Another fiber measurement instrument is responsible for profitable production: Uster AFIS Pro 2 provides the essential data necessary for modern process optimization techniques in the spinning mill, and best practice in process control.

100-Percent Cotton

A look into the cultural history of cotton is also illuminating. The cotton story goes back over 5,000 years. Did you know that cotton was a driver for industrialization? Today, cotton fiber is found in clothing and cosmetics items. Applications span the invention of toilet paper to the recycling of denim pants into vehicle construction components.

100-percent cotton is printed on tags of countless items of clothing and on signposts leading to a special exhibition at the Übersee-Museum (overseas museum) in Bremen, Germany. The exhibition offers a fascinating look at cotton’s cultural history and shares surprising, new, but also controversial stories about the soft fiber (www.uebersee-museum.de/en/100-cotton).

Uster is proud that the curators of the Übersee-Museum considered the HVI as part of cotton’s essential history. The Uster cotton classing instrument was selected as an exhibit and visitors have the opportunity to try their hand as a cotton tester to determine color, length and price.

This year’s jubilee of Bremen Cotton Exchange played an important role initiating the special exhibition. The Bremen Cotton Exchange has been shaping the global cotton trade through its competence, neutrality and authority for 150 years.

Everlasting

The first evidence of cotton use was found in India and Pakistan, and dates back to around 6,000 B.C. That means cotton’s been keeping people dressed for over 8,000 years.

Cotton’s place in the world was even demonstrated during the recent pandemic times, when home-working became a necessity for many. In that situation, the need for smart office wear was replaced by an increased emphasis on comfort in everyday clothing. This sparked a trend for ‘sofa to street’ apparel which is still here today. People clearly love the gentler touch of their cotton gear, and that has translated into a real fashion choice.

One apt description, first applied to Indian cotton was ‘Woven Wind’ — expressing the touch and feel of these fabrics. India was the foremost cotton processing country for hundreds of years, and it’s fitting that its traditions with the world’s favorite fiber still hold good today.

Posted: October 6, 2022

Source: Uster Technologies AG

Crowley Moves Forward On Salem Wind Terminal With Land Closing

SALEM, Mass. — October 5, 2022 — Crowley has completed the purchase of 42 acres in Salem, Mass., the latest milestone toward the development of the state’s second major offshore wind port terminal.

The Salem Harbor Wind Terminal is a public-private partnership between Crowley and the City of Salem, with AVANGRID serving as the port’s anchor tenant through its Commonwealth Wind and Park City Wind projects. The terminal will be a logistics and operations center for turbine pre-assembly, transportation, staging activities and storage of assembly components. Crowley Wind Services, the company’s business unit dedicated to helping develop clean wind energy resources, will operate the terminal.

“By closing on the property, Crowley, the City of Salem, and AVANGRID as the port’s anchor tenant, have moved one step closer to creating a dedicated port terminal to support the U.S. offshore wind industry’s growth,” said Bob Karl, senior vice president and general manager, Crowley Wind Services. “We will continue to focus on delivering a high performing terminal that the community can take pride in, providing economic opportunity and environmental sustainability.”

The terminal site project will result in the redevelopment of the former Salem Harbor Station, a decommissioned coal-fired energy plant creating more than 800 jobs (FTE job years) in the support of the construction and staging of wind projects and daily operations.

“Crowley’s acquisition of this site in Salem marks an important step forward for Massachusetts’ offshore wind industry and the development of the critical port infrastructure needed to build a clean energy future in the United States,” said AVANGRID CEO Pedro Azagra. “The Commonwealth Wind project is a transformational opportunity that will bring substantial jobs, investment, and clean reliable energy to Massachusetts, and we are pleased to work with Crowley and the City of Salem as this important port project moves forward.”

“Crowley’s acquisition of this property represents a major milestone in our shared efforts to transform Salem Harbor into a world class offshore wind port,” said Salem Mayor Kimberley Driscoll. “I am grateful to both Crowley and Avangrid for their commitment to our partnership and to our community. This critical project will bring hundreds of good paying jobs and millions in direct investment to Salem and is critical to the Commonwealth’s ability to achieve our clean energy targets.”

The Commonwealth Wind project represents the largest offshore wind project in New England and will create 11,000 full time equivalent jobs over the project’s lifetime while generating enough energy to power 750,000 homes annually. Park City Wind, named after the City of Bridgeport, is an offshore wind project to power that will power 400,000 homes per year for Connecticut.

Construction of the wind terminal is expected to start in summer 2023, with the terminal complete in 2025.

Posted: October 5, 2022

Source: Crowley

The International Furnishings And Design Association (IFDA) Educational Foundation Announces Design Student Scholarship Winners For 2022

LEWISVILLE, N.C. — October 5, 2022 — The Educational Foundation (EF) of IFDA, the International Furnishings and Design Association, is pleased to announce its design student scholarship winners for 2022. Since the early years of this 75-year-old global design industry alliance, EF has awarded scholarships to high-achieving design students.  This year the nine scholarship winners received a total of $16,000. The judging was conducted by a subset of the EF’s Board of Trustees.

“Congratulations to all the winners!  We are very pleased to award scholarships to these talented individuals who will shape the design and furnishings industry in the years to come,” said Helen Wagner, Chairman of the Board of the Educational Foundation of IFDA.  “Nurturing and supporting talent is what we are all about.”

Jane Nichols, FIFDA, Director of Scholarships and Grants, echoed the sentiment. “We received many applications from across the country, and the judges were challenged to select the winners.”

Applicants must be currently enrolled and scholarships are paid to the school for the 2022 fall semester tuition. The eight scholarship winners share a passion for creating interior environments that are healthy, sustainable and enhance the quality of life. They are as follows:

Dylan Boroski of Florida State University in Tallahassee won the IFDA Leaders Commemorative Scholarship for $1,500 open to full-time undergraduate students. He is a fourth-year student in the Interior Architecture and Design program focusing on a career in interior design and architecture. He says, “As a designer, I adhere to taking an individualistic approach to the concept and philosophy behind my work. I believe that architecture and design have a responsibility and purpose to cohesively adapt the built space and the surrounding environment in both a functional and aesthetic way.”  Boroski wants to focus his career on sustainable design.

The Part-Time Student Scholarship for $1,500 open to undergraduate students was awarded to Elaine Mansure, a furniture design student at Appalachian State University in Boone, N.C., graduating in the spring of 2023. She is excited by the world of furniture design and inspired by the vibrant colors and soft forms that characterize her home in the mountains of North Carolina. She looks forward to experiencing future opportunities within the furniture industry.

Brianna Lee, a third-year college student at Converse University in Spartanburg, S.C. studying interior design was the winner of the IFDA Student Member Scholarship for $2,000 open to undergraduate IFDA student members. “As a passionate and self-driven creative student, I’m drawn to how interior designers have the power to subconsciously influence people’s emotions, lifestyle and personal interactions,” she advises. Her goal after graduation is to work in a interior design firm doing commercial and hospitality design.

The Vercille Voss IFDA Graduate Student Scholarship for $2,000 went to Abel Peter, a graduate student at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Va. He is pursuing a Masters in Architecture with a concentration in Interior Design. Born and raised in Cochin, India, Peter worked in several firms before deciding to pursue his masters. He specializes in ‘Building Adaptive Reuse’ and is a licensed architect. He says, “As a pragmatist, I believe in striving to do the most good possible with the minimum of resources. Sustainable design, particularly building reuse will be more and more important in the future. An admirer of Lacaton & Vassal, I closely identify with ‘never demolish’ principle.”

Tomoki Nomura of ArtCenter College of Design in Pasadena, Calif., won the Ruth Clark Furniture Design Scholarship for $4,000 open to full- or part-time undergraduate or graduate students with a course emphasis on furniture design.  Born and raised in Japan, Nomura has lived and worked around the world since the age of 13. “My peripatetic background heavily influences my design process and enables me to find unique perspectives and approaches,” he says.  “By combining my wide and deep understanding of cultural variances with my technical skills, I create forward-thinking designs that appeal to a global market. As a furniture designer, I emphasize quality and refinement in my designs and strive to create products that enrich the ambiance of a space. In addition, my designs are produced ethically and everyone involved makes a livable wage.”

Sarah Lewis, a senior at North Carolina State University in Raleigh studying Industrial Design, was awarded the Tricia LeVangie Green/Sustainable Design Scholarship for $1,500  for  full- or part-time undergraduate students.  Growing up in Asheville, North Carolina, Lewis loves outdoor activities like hiking, playing soccer, skiing and running.  Her passion for the outdoors drives her focus to create and develop sustainable products as an industrial designer. In the future, she sees herself developing eco-circular products that inspire consumers to live sustainably. “It is my responsibility as a designer to only create products that are healthy to be harvested and returned to the Earth,” says Lewis.  “I’m looking forward to learning more about sustainability and design throughout the rest of my undergrad and professional career.”

Melanie Calan Sanchez, a student at Salem College in Winston-Salem, N.C. with a great love of art, was named the winner of the IFDA Philadelphia Scholarship for Graphic Design for $2,500, open to two- three- or four-year undergraduates.   Sanchez will graduate with a bachelor’s degree this upcoming year and is working toward a major in Graphic Design with a minor in Visual and Performing Arts. “I come from an immigrant family but am privileged to have been born in New Jersey,” said Sanchez. “Because of my background, I am aware of all the opportunities available to me. It motivates me to challenge myself and strive for excellence.”

Lauren Hellner, a fourth-year student at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, won the Window Fashion Certified Professionals Fast Track Scholarship for $1,000 (one full registration for the webinar series) that is open to undergraduates in a two-, three- or four-year design school program. She is studying Interior Architecture and minoring in Professional Selling. “It is an absolute pleasure to be receiving this scholarship and with this reward, I plan to continue to pursue my dream of helping others through Universal Design,” advised Hellner.

Posted: October 5, 2022

Source: IFDA Educational Foundation

FUJIFILM Introduces New Acuity Ultra Hybrid Led Wide Format Printer

HANOVER PARK, Ill. — October 4, 2022 — FUJIFILM North America Corp., Graphic Systems Division, proudly announces its entry into the high-end wide format hybrid market with the unveiling of the new Acuity Ultra Hybrid LED printer. The Acuity Ultra Hybrid LED expertly handles both rigid and flexible media, all in one platform, delivering an extremely versatile solution with maximum speeds of up to 2,346 ft²/hr. (roll-to-roll) and resolution of up to 1200 x 1200 dpi.

The printer, which will be commercially available the beginning of 2023, will be available for demonstration at PRINTING United Expo 2022 in Las Vegas, October 19-21, in the Fujifilm booth (#825, North Hall, Las Vegas Convention Center).

“The Acuity Ultra Hybrid LED wide format printer is a high-end printer for rigid and flexible media for the sign and display market, offering superb, high-quality printing in a 3.3m platform,” said Shaun Holdom, marketing manager, Ultra products, FUJIFILM Corporation, WFIJ System Business Headquarters. “The printer features new Fujifilm Uvijet UH inks, designed to produce both exceptional near-photographic quality for close viewing applications including interior graphics, signage and decor as well as the speed and durability for long distance viewing applications including short- and long-term exterior signage and industrial applications.

Media handling and functionality

The Acuity Ultra Hybrid LED features media loading and unloading tables with a unique textured table surface designed to optimize the feeding and alignment of rigid media. A strong catch mechanism protects against accidental damage, and secure locking allows for media feed accuracy throughout every print run.

The Graphic User Interface (GUI) features the same design features found on the Fujifilm Acuity Ultra R2 and includes additional functionality to handle rigid media production—up to six sheets simultaneously.

An intelligent vacuum control system automatically turns on the correct vacuum zones needed for any print job based on the width of the media, and the vacuum motor power constantly adjusts to maintain optimal media hold down, regardless of media type and size, ensuring an accurate and high-quality print finish.

A tailored designed airshaft allows dual roll functionality, two media rolls of different diameters (each up to 14 in.) that can run at the same time.

Uvijet UH: New LED UV inkjet ink from Fujifilm

Fujifilm has developed an entirely new inkjet ink series, Uvijet UH, designed specifically for the Acuity Ultra Hybrid LED printer, with six colors (CMYK, Lm, Lc) available as standard and white ink available as an option. The new ink has both GREENGUARD Gold and AgBB certifications.

Uvijet UH has been designed to adhere to a broad range of rigid and flexible media types, delivering the same exceptional high quality of the Uvijet GS and AU inks used in the Acuity Ultra R2, while also minimizing ink usage and waste, helping to reduce running costs.

“Our new blueprint for wide format printer offering, announced last year, will provide our customers with greater flexibility, ease-of-use and even better ROI,” said Holdom. “The development of the Acuity Ultra Hybrid LED showcases Fujifilm’s commitment to continually meet our customer changing needs.”

Posted: October 5, 2022

Source: FUJIFILM North America Corp.

Beverly Knits Inc. Acquires Gentry Mills: Forms Creative Dyeing & Finishing LLC

ALBEMARLE, N.C. — October 4, 2022 — Beverly Knits Inc has purchased the assets of Gentry Mills. The new business, Creative Dyeing & Finishing LLC, will continue to provide dyeing & finishing services to the textile industry. The operation will complement the Beverly Knits group of companies — Creative Fabrics, Creative Ticking, Altus Finishing and Hemingway Sewing Solutions.

“A combination of factors led to the decision to invest and expand,” said Ron Sytz, CEO of Beverly Knits Inc. “We have been producing quality circular knit textile products for over forty-two years in Gastonia, North Carolina. We feel that this is the right time to further expand our capabilities into dyeing and finishing of fabrics. This continues to support the re-shoring of textile production and to strengthen our capability to produce goods ‘Made in the USA.’ With this addition, Beverly Knits companies have the ability to provide solutions from knitting all the way to a completed garment.”

“It is a great time to be involved in manufacturing in the US,” Sytz continued. “Similar to Gastonia’s heritage, Albemarle has a history steeped in textiles. We are very excited to invest locally in the people and equipment that will be required to grow this operation.”

As a result of projected increased demand, the new company expects to hire an additional 50+ employees through 2023. Applicants can apply at www.creative-dyeing.com .

The Creative Dyeing and Finishing operation will provide fabric dyeing, finishing, napping and printing services to the apparel, industrial and bedding markets. The operation is starting with an experienced workforce. Investment in advanced control technologies, including upgrading of equipment, will modernize the operation over the next two years.

Posted: October 5, 2022

Source: Creative Dyeing & Finishing LLC

Spinnova Receives Business Finland NextGenerationEU Grant For Fiber Development Work

HELSINKI — October 4, 2022 — Spinnova Plc has received a grant of a maximum of 1.6 million euros for its research and development work from Business Finland for the time period October 1, 2022 to December 31, 2024. The grant amount represents 50 percent of the project’s total cost estimate of 3.2 million euros.

The development project focuses on the follow-up research of Spinnova technology and fiber, targeting fiber utilization in new application areas and product segments such as composites and nonwovens. For example, the project includes continuous natural filament development, which allows SPINNOVA® to be used in new types of textile products and to explore the composite segment. In addition, the project includes development of scalable environmentally friendly dope-dye technology where the raw material of Spinnova fiber is dyed already before yarn production. Compared to conventional dyeing, the dope-dye method significantly reduces the use of water, energy and chemicals. The utilization of non-toxic natural dyes in textile dyeing is also being explored in the project.

The grant is part of the European Union’s NextGenerationEU financing and Finland’s Bio & Circular Finland sustainable growth program. The project must during its whole lifecycle meet the DNSH (Do No Significant Harm) requirements and environmental and digital criteria presented in the funding application. Business Finland’s financing speeds up and expands the project by improving its business potential and allows more risk taking in the content of the project.

”With the Business Finland grant we can continue our extensive development work of Spinnova’s unique technology and fiber. It’s great to see that Spinnova’s potential in the global fibre markets has been recognized and top-level Finnish research and development work is being supported financially,” commented Spinnova’s CEO Kim Poulsen.

“Spinnova is a great example of how a company’s continuous development is important — they never settle for the existing but always develop something new. The sustainable competitive advantage Spinnova has gotten from their technological development has been the driving force for them,” Business Finland’s Funding Manager Veli-Pekka Ihanus said.

The grant contributes to Spinnova’s growth plan. Established in 2015, Spinnova is ramping up its global commercialization phase. The first commercial-scale factory of Spinnova’s joint venture company Woodspin is expected to be completed in Finland at the end of this year. Spinnova aims to scale the production of sustainable Spinnova fiber to 1 million metric tons by 2031-2033.

Posted October 4, 2022

FRX Innovations, Sichuan EM Technology Co. Jointly Develop Flame Retardant Upholstery Fabrics For U.K. Market

BOSTON, Mass. — October 4, 2022 — FRX Innovations Inc. has announced a collaboration with Sichuan EM Technology Co., Ltd. to introduce a halogen-free inherent flame-retardant (FR) upholstery fabric solution capable of meeting the stringent British Fire Standard BS 5852; part 1 for furniture, while providing outstanding touch and feel, all in a solution that is environmentally sustainable and permanent. The introduction of this new fabric technology, Glentham® anti-dripping FR Polyester fiber and yarn solution, comes on the heels of new regulations banning the content of Persistent Organic Pollutants like halogenated flame retardants in recycled furniture sold in the United Kingdom.

According to the regulations in the United Kingdom, upholstered furniture needs to be fire retardant to ignition by a cigarette and by a small flame like a match, and must meet British Standard BS 5852; part1, a very stringent fire test. Today, most upholstery fabrics are treated with halogen contained flame retardant chemicals to meet this standard. While these solutions do reduce the risk of fire, toxicity concerns due to the flame-retardant system remain. Moreover, as of January 1, 2023, persistent organic pollutants like halogenated flame retardants will be required to be disposed of like chemical waste which means that furniture treated with these persistent organic chemicals will need to be incinerated and will no longer be allowed to be land filled.

Sichuan has launched a series of fabrics, based on Nofia® Polyphosphonate halogen-free flame retardants, which meet the British Standard while at the same time offer permanence of FR performance after numerous wash cycles. Sichuan’s Glentham anti-dripping FR Polyester fiber and yarn solution, based on modified polyester fibers with a high Phosphorous content (22,000 ppm),show exceptionally high resistance against ignition in both surface and edge ignition. At the same time, they provide outstanding textile properties such as hand and feel, breathability and abrasion resistance. Nofia Flame Retardants from FRX is the only halogen-free FR technology capable of such high loading in Polyester fabrics.  Other halogen-free technologies are limited to about 6500ppm of phosphorus and thus could not meet the United Kingdom’s stringent fire safety standards.

The fabrics come in blends with wool, cotton or viscose and have the natural feel of the organic fibers, the strength of the polyester and breathability needed for cozy and comfortable seating. With comfort, safety, and sustainability these fabrics will set a new performance bar not previously possible.

This development opens new opportunities for flame retardant fabrics without the use of halogenated flame retardants which are already banned in the European Union and will also come under regulatory pressure within the short term in the United Kingdom as well.  Based on publicly available information, this joint development gives access to roughly 20 million square meters per year (400 g per square meter) of upholstery fabrics in the United Kingdom alone and an estimated market potential of around $500 million.

“The UK government’s strict Furniture Fire Safety regulations coupled with new regulations limiting disposal of furniture treated with persistent organic pollutants has enabled new innovative materials to come onto the market, which provides the market with a no compromise fabric that is both fire safe and human health safe,” said Marc Lebel, CEO of FRX. “This development could not have been possible if not for our Nofia Flame Retardant technology.  Consumers can enjoy the comfort and safety of the modern furniture solutions without compromise.”

Posted October 4, 2022

Source: FRX Innovations

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