Freudenberg Hosts German National Hydrogen Council Meeting

WEINHEIM, Germany — September 19, 2022 — Freudenberg Performance Materials – the Freudenberg Group’s nonwovens specialist – is hosting a meeting of the German National Hydrogen Council at the Freudenberg headquarters in Weinheim, Germany, on September 16. As a leading global supplier of technical textiles, Freudenberg Performance Materials provides fuel cell components for mobility applications and for electrolyzers used to produce CO2-free hydrogen.

The German National Hydrogen Council was appointed by the German government and acts as an independent, non-partisan advisory board. The council board currently consists of 25 high-ranking experts in the fields of economy, science and civil society. The objective is to assist and advise the State Secretaries’ Committee on Hydrogen in the further development and implementation of Germany’s National Hydrogen Strategy. Council meetings are hosted by one of the board members to enable the council to deepen its knowledge of the relevant technologies, value chain roles and challenges. Dr. Silke Wagener is a member of the council board, and represents the Freudenberg technology group, giving input on suppliers’ know-how as well as contributing her decades-long expertise in technological solutions for the hydrogen industry.

Gas diffusion layers: Insights into production and requirements

During a tour of the factory organized for the council board members, Freudenberg Performance Materials explained the development and production of performance-critical gas diffusion layers manufactured from carbon fiber-based nonwovens for fuel cells and porous transport layers for electrolyzers. The tour highlighted the potential for improvements from a supplier’s perspective, such as the need for very timely exchange and collaboration along the value chain. Functioning, unbroken and scalable value chains, in parallel with the development and scaling of hydrogen infrastructure, are key prerequisites for the hydrogen industry to fulfill its vital role in the transformation to climate neutrality. An exhibition jointly organized by Freudenberg Performance Materials and its sister companies illustrated the contribution that the Freudenberg Group as a whole and its various high-tech components can make to the hydrogen industry and thus to the energy transition.

About gas diffusion layers and porous transport layers

Gas diffusion layers are one of the main components at the heart of the fuel cell. Their function is to transport gases and liquids in the cells. They have a significant impact on system performance and costs, and are indispensable for the functioning of fuel cells. The same applies for porous transport layers that are the key component of electrolyzers for the CO2-free production of what is called green hydrogen.

Fuel cells in combination with green hydrogen are an important technology for CO2-free mobility, in particular with reference to buses, heavy-duty trucks and trains. Other uses include stationary applications such as stationary power generation or heat generation in buildings or industry.

Apart from mobility, green hydrogen also plays a key role in climate-neutral energy supplies in the industrial sector, particularly in the chemical and steel industries.

Posted: September 19, 2022

Source: Freudenberg Performance Materials

Crowley And Eastern Pacific Shipping Partner With Long-Term Charters For Four Lng-Fueled Containership Newbuilds

JACKSONVILLE — September 19, 2022 — U.S. Shipping And Logistics Company Crowley Has Awarded Singapore-Based Eastern Pacific Shipping (Eps) A Contract For The Charter Of Four Newbuild Containerships Powered By Liquified Natural Gas (Lng) For Crowley’s U.S.-Central America Trade.

Using Lng Significantly Lowers Vessel Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Such As Sulfur Oxide, Carbon Dioxide And Nitrogen Oxide While Eliminating Particulate Matter Compared With Conventional Diesel Fuel. In Addition, These Vessels Will Be Fitted With High-Pressure Me-Gi Engines From Man Energy Solutions, Reducing Methane Slippage To Negligible Levels And Making These Vessels The Most Environmentally Efficient In Their Category.

Each Vessel, Which Will Have Capacity For 1,400 Teus (20-Foot Container Equivalent Units), Will Feature 300 Refrigerated Unit Plugs To Reliably Transport Perishable Cargo. Operating Under A Long-Term Time Charter To Crowley, The Ships Will Expand Crowley’s Fleet And Supply Chain Capabilities Connecting U.S. Markets To Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala And El Salvador.

“We Are Excited To Develop Our U.S. Market Footprint Through These Long-Term Time Charters With Such A Reputable Partner,” Said Eps Ceo Cyril Ducau. “Like Eps, Crowley Enjoys A Rich History And Diverse Business Portfolios, But More Importantly, Their Organization Is Driven By A Vision To Lead The Industry’s Decarbonization Efforts. Once Delivered, These Vessels Will Be Imo 2030 Compliant Five Years Ahead Of Schedule And Will Play An Important Role As The World And Industry Transition To Cleaner Energy Sources.”

“These Four Ships Will Play A Significant Part In Driving Crowley’s Strategic Growth In Our Supply Chain Services For The U.S., Central America And Caribbean. In Addition, The Vessels Use Of Lng And Emissions Technology Will Advance The Company’s Commitment To Innovation And Decarbonization In The Shipping Industry As Part Of Our Sustainability Strategy,” Said Tom Crowley, Company Chairman And Ceo. “As More Companies Diversify Their Supply Chains Using Nearshoring And The Resources Of Central America, Crowley Will Enhance Our End-To-End Logistics Services To Be Partners In Their Growth.”

The Vessels Will Be Built By Korea’s Hyundai Mipo Dockyard And Are Slated For Delivery In 2025.

Posted: September 19, 2022

Source: Crowley

Pushing The Boundaries Of Bio: Devan Launches New Bio-Based CBD Capsules

NEW YORK — September 19, 2022 — With New York Market Week starting today, Devan Chemicals, part of the Pulcra Group, has unveiled its new bio-based CBD capsules. It’s also showcasing R-Vital® innovations and expanded cooling solutions for foam, including a bio-based version.

Devan’s next generation R-Vital® well-being technology enables manufacturers to boost their textiles with a range of microencapsulated active ingredients, for example powerful antioxidants, that are absorbed by our skin after being released from the capsule due to friction. Now the company has launched bio-based CBD capsules.

R-Vital® NTL: THC-free CBD bio-based capsules for a good night’s sleep

Millions of people suffer from insufficient sleep due to insomnia or other sleep disorders. To address this, Devan has added cannabidiol, or CBD, to its R-Vital® NTL range of microencapsulated active ingredients derived from renewable biological resources. The rich CBD extract is known to have a balancing effect that could amongst other things help to facilitate a good night’s sleep.

The CBD bio-capsules are part of the R-Vital® NTL range. The shell structure of the NTL capsules is based on a bio-based polymer and biodegradability tests showed very good results. The R-Vital® NTL range includes Aloe Vera, waste-material based Avocado Seed Oil and Vitamin E. Aloe Vera and Avocado Seed Oil are known to have moisturizing properties and Vitamin E is known to protect skin from free radicals and premature ageing. The bio-based range, R-Vital® NTL, is now durable up to 30 washes.

R-Vital® range: increased wash durability up to 50 washes

Devan is also pushing the performance of its R-Vital® well-being range in terms of wash durability. New recipes improve wash resistance to up to 50 cycles in both cotton and PES based fabrics. The enhanced textiles will last longer. This is a plus for the environment.

Tones of Cool® (Bio): Cooling on foam – for improved sleep quality

Research shows that bedroom interiors are getting warmer every year, due to both better insulation and climate change. On top of that, in the Home Textile industry new foams are being launched continuously. In response, Devan has developed a foam-specific cooling system, expanding its Tones of Cool® cooling range with a specific foam-solution. The instant cool sensation that Tones of Cool® provides is an important feature for consumers. A bio-based version, Tones of Cool® Bio, is also available.

Odor-free mattresses without use of biocides

Finally, Devan offers Odour Breakdown®, a non-biocidal odour control solution, that keeps mattress foam fresh, confirmed by independent laboratory tests against the ISO 17299 standard.

These and many more of Devan’s technologies are represented at New York Market Week.

Posted: September 19, 2022

Source: Devan Chemicals NV

Avery Dennison Fastener Solutions Introduces New Polypropylene Fasteners With 30% Recycled Content For Apparel Applications

FITCHBURG, Mass. — September 19, 2022 — Avery Dennison Fastener Solutions has added a new recycled Polypropylene (rPP) fastener to its environmentally friendly Ecotach™ portfolio. The newly GRS-certified (Global Recycled Standard) rPP fasteners will help apparel manufacturers, brand owners and retailers to reach internal plastics recycling targets and comply with government-mandated requirements.

Ecotach rPP fasteners feature 30% recycled polypropylene content sourced from clear plastic takeout food containers. The paddle-type fasteners are designed for apparel hang tag applications, including price tags, informational tags and tags promoting brand image.

According to Matt Hayes, product manager, Avery Dennison Fastener Solutions, Ecotach recycled polypropylene fasteners can help apparel companies achieve reductions in the use of virgin plastics.

“As part of their sustainability efforts, many apparel companies have established ambitious goals related to increasing the percentage of recycled plastic in their products and packaging,” says Hayes. “With 30% recycled polypropylene content, Ecotach rPP fasteners can help companies meet their recycled-plastic goals and prevent huge quantities of virgin plastic from entering the waste stream.”

Converting from virgin polypropylene fasteners to Ecotach rPP fasteners in apparel-tagging applications enables companies to achieve sustainability at scale. For example: 100 million recycled polypropylene fasteners, in 2- and 3-inch sizes result in annual savings of 3,900 lbs. of plastic waste. As quantities increase, the sustainability benefits scale up significantly. One billion recycled polypropylene fasteners yield annual savings of 39,000 lbs. of plastic that would enter the waste stream.

Adapting to Single-Use Plastic Laws

Avery Dennison’s Ecotach rPP fasteners also allow companies to adapt to new government regulations covering single-use plastic materials, which are taking effect in many European countries including the United Kingdom. These laws impose taxes on plastic products and packaging with less than 30% recycled content. Ecotach rPP fasteners enable companies to meet the 30% recycled content threshold and gain an exemption for the fasteners from single-use taxes.

Apparel manufacturers and brand owners that anticipate impending recycled-content laws and convert quickly to recycled polypropylene fasteners are well positioned to meet supply-related challenges that might arise in the recycled polypropylene market. They can also benefit from preferred pricing and incentives offered by fastener suppliers.

In addition to U.S and European production facilities, Avery Dennison Fastener Solutions has a production facility and warehousing sites in the Asia-Pacific region to support brands with tagging operations.

Fits Standard Application Tools

Avery Dennison Ecotach rPP fasteners are available in 0.5-inch to 3-inch sizes for different applications. They are compatible with standard Avery Dennison application tools, and users generally do not require new tooling. The fasteners come standard in natural color and can be ordered in various custom colors.

Posted: September 19, 2022

Source: Avery Dennison Corporation

Motion AI Launches New Website

BIRMINGHAM, Ala.  — September 19, 2022 — Motion Industries, Inc., a distributor of maintenance, repair and operation replacement parts, and a premier provider of industrial technology solutions, is pleased to announce the launch of the new Motion Ai website, https://ai.motion.com.

Announced in February 2022, the Motion Ai business group unifies acquired technical companies, including Applied Machine and Motion Control (AMMC), Axis New England/Axis New York, BRAAS, F&L Industrial Solutions, Integro Technologies, Kaman Automation, Meier Transmission and Numatic Engineering.

This new and growing website reflects the unity of these legacy brands and showcases Motion Ai’s broad, technical capabilities with a clean, modern design that is easy to navigate. The Resources page contains educational videos, a blog with informational articles and a document library, including product specs and other descriptors to help users with their technical applications. The Industries page narrows the focus, so users can quickly find potential solutions to meet their specific needs.

The Products page allows users to search anything automation-related, from motion control to pneumatics to sensors, while the information on the Solutions page ranges from automation and process to machine vision and robotics. In these spaces, users can easily research and source diverse products and explore Motion Ai’s wide range of solution capabilities.

For custom assistance at any technical level, website users can access a complete and comprehensive team of experts, such as engineers regarding product or system design, and industry-segment specialists with ultra-focused expertise.

“The new Motion Ai website provides more innovative resources and enhanced information forusers who want to learn anything and everything automation, robotics and motion control,” said Aurelio Banda, Motion’s Senior Vice President, Automation Intelligence. “As an automation industry leader, Motion Ai delivers consistent, relevant news and trends via this new website, while allowing for rapid-response functionality. We also look forward to launching a contemporary eCommerce platform in the near future.”

Randy Breaux, President of Motion, said, “Blending the acquired technical brands under Motion Ai has been a huge success, and the resulting synergies are a major benefit for our customers. Now, this new website makes assistance and solutions more accessible than ever for users whowant to optimize automation and IIoT in their organizations.”

Posted: September 19, 2022

Source: Motion Industries, Inc.

namuk Appoints Industry Veteran Beth Steele As Vice President Of North America 

ZURICH — September 19, 2022 — namuk, the Swiss-based premium sustainable outdoor brand for kids, announces today the addition of Beth Steele as Vice President of North America. Steele will be responsible for driving namuk’s U.S. and Canadian business and building the organization in both DTC and B2B markets. Since namuk’s inception in 2016, the brand has seen tremendous growth in Switzerland and now Steele will lead its success in the North American market, continuing to drive demand for sustainable and innovative premium outdoor gear for kids.

“Beth brings industry expertise and an impressive track record of sales success that will be paramount to namuk’s growth and its vision for the future, ” said Franz Bittmann, Founder and CEO of namuk. “I am thrilled to welcome Beth to the team and I’m confident that she will accelerate our growth, strengthen relationships with key sales accounts and increase brand awareness in North America.”

Steele, a Vermont-based winter sports and soft goods industry veteran, brings over 20 years of leadership experience in sales development and management working for globally-recognized outdoor brands such as Burton and Reima. Steele’s vast background and knowledge of scaling sales by fostering relationships and driving category growth, combined with her resourcefulness to create business, will shape namuk’s North American business to meet global brand goals.

“The moment I met Franz and the namuk team, I immediately aligned with their values, and felt a connection to the innovative team,” adds Steele. “As a mom with multi-sport outdoor active kids, I know the impact nature has on them and all kids should have the opportunity to experience the outdoors with the right gear – no matter the weather. namuk is poised for success in North America and I look forward to using my experience to position this youthful brand as a sustainable leader in kids performance apparel.”

Posted: September 19, 2022

Source: namuk

Window Furnishings Manufacturer Norman USA Establishing Operations In Beaufort County, S.C.

COLUMBIA, S.C. — September 15, 2022 — Norman USA, a global supplier of window furnishings, today announced plans to establish operations in Beaufort County. The company’s $16 million investment will create 67 new jobs over the next five years.

For more than 40 years, Norman USA has crafted quality window furnishings for various industries around the world. The company is a vertically integrated original manufacturer that designs, manufactures and assembles many of the parts that go into its products. Norman USA offers an extensive portfolio of innovative, safe and stylish shutters, blinds and shades.

Located at 74 Schein Loop in Beaufort, Norman USA’s new facility will expand the company’s cross-docking operations to the East Coast.

“Norman USA is excited to announce plans to establish an East Coast presence in Beaufort. In addition to the excellent support we have received from the state, county and city, our decision was reinforced by the proximity to ports and surrounding resources. We look forward to becoming a part of the Beaufort community as we continue to manufacture and distribute award-winning window coverings.” -Norman USA Vice President of Operations Alex Liu

“Norman USA expanding its operations into South Carolina is yet another win for our state. It goes to show that our strategic location, business-friendly environment and strong workforce continue to attract jobs and investment to our state. Congratulations to Norman USA and Beaufort County.”
-Gov. Henry McMaster

“It is exciting to see Beaufort County’s economic development continue to flourish with today’s announcement by Norman USA. We welcome this company to South Carolina’s thriving business community.”-Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III

“The jobs created by Norman USA will help transform lives in our community, and I look forward to seeing residents obtain meaningful employment through this investment. I am appreciative of the partnership between the county, the city, the Beaufort County Economic Development Corp., the SouthernCarolina Alliance and the South Carolina Department of Commerce that made this happen. This is just the beginning; we’re gaining momentum in Beaufort County.”
-Beaufort County Councilman Gerald Dawson

“The City of Beaufort has worked tirelessly to set the table at the Beaufort Commerce Park over the past years. The city turned the location into a modern commerce park through the Palmetto Sites program, bringing the proper infrastructure and sparking the development of a speculative building. Norman USA’s investment is a testament of the city’s work and an excellent return on investment. We are delighted to welcome them to our Beaufort community and will do everything in our power to help them grow in Beaufort.” -City of Beaufort Mayor Stephen Murray

“SouthernCarolina Alliance congratulates Beaufort County and their economic development corporation on the announcement that Norman USA will locate in the Beaufort Spec Building, creating 67 jobs. Every job created provides an opportunity for a local resident, which improves the quality of life for our families. Our communities appreciate good economic development, and we welcome Norman USA and look forward to their growth in Beaufort County.” -Southern Carolina Alliance Chairman Marty Sauls

Posted: September 16, 2022

Source: South Carolina Office of the Governor

Hemp Stalk Processor BIOPHIL Natural Fibers to Locate $10 Million Facility to Robeson County, N.C.

RALEIGH, NC— September 14, 2022 — BIOPHIL Natural Fibers, a manufacturer of organic raw materials, will create 41 new jobs in Robeson County, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. The company will invest more than $10.9 million to locate a new processing operation to Lumberton.

“North Carolina is the perfect place for BIOPHIL as our economy is deeply rooted in agriculture and manufacturing,” said Governor Cooper. “With their commitment to sustainability and renewables, we believe this company will find great success in Robeson County.”

Founded in 2019, BIOPHIL processes hemp stalk to produce fiber and hurd as a sustainable alternative to petroleum plastic, concrete, tree wood for construction materials, fiberglass, tree pulp for paper and packaging products, synthetic fibers for woven and nonwoven textiles, industrial absorbents, and other raw materials that are either nonrenewable, non-biodegradable or otherwise harmful to the environment. BIOPHIL currently operates a processing facility in Pennsylvania and will add a 90,829-square-foot building in Lumberton to expand its production operations with decortication (initial separation of hemp stalk into hurd and fiber) and parallel processing lines that will further clean, refine, and cut hurd and fiber to its clients’ specifications. This new facility will also include research and development for mycelium load-bearing structural composites by Okom Wrks Labs, as well as prototype development and eventually manufacturing for hurd construction materials and other hemp-based products.

“We are very excited to work in North Carolina,” said Marcel Dabdoub, CEO of BIOPHIL Natural Fibers. “We enjoyed working with local and regional businesses in Lumberton and surrounding areas during our diligence process as well as our farmers throughout North Carolina over the past two grow seasons, and we look forward to expanding these relationships.”

“BIOPHIL is joining North Carolina’s large supply chain for textiles and nonwoven manufacturing,” said N.C. Commerce Secretary Machelle Baker Sanders. “Together, our unique research partnerships and networks help support North Carolina in achieving top rankings for businesses across all industries.”

The North Carolina Department of Commerce led a team of partners in supporting BIOPHIL’s location to North Carolina. The new positions include production, administrative, and managerial staff, which will have a combined average annual salary of $40,122. Robeson County’s overall annual wage is $37,649. Once filled, these new jobs have the potential to create an annual payroll impact of more than $1.6 million.

A performance-based grant of $125,000 from the One North Carolina Fund will help with BIOPHIL’S expansion. The One NC Fund provides financial assistance to local governments to help attract economic investment and to create jobs. Companies receive no money upfront and must meet job creation and capital investment targets to qualify for payment. All One NC grants require matching participation from local governments and any award is contingent upon that condition being met.

“This is another great win for Robeson County,” said N.C. Senator Danny Britt. “We are ready to fill these new positions and to support BIOPHIL’s expansion to our community.”

“We appreciate BIOPHIL’S investment in Lumberton,” said N.C. Representative Charles Graham. “This infusion of $10 million will help lift our local economy and benefit this region.”

Joining the North Carolina Department of Commerce and the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina were key partners in the project that included the North Carolina General Assembly, North Carolina Community College System, Robeson Community College, Robeson County, North Carolina’s Southeast, Robeson County Committee of 100, Robeson County Office of Economic Development, and City of Lumberton.

Posted: September 16, 2022

Source: North Carolina Office of the Governor

Henkel Acquires Thermexit Business From Nanoramic

DÜSSELDORF, Germany — September 15, 2022 — Henkel has completed the acquisition of the Thermal Management Materials business of Nanoramic Laboratories (Nanoramic) headquartered in Boston, MA, USA, marketed under the brand Thermexit™ (Thermexit). Nanoramic, until 2018 known as FastCAP Systems Corporation, is an R&D company focused on developing high-end energy storage and thermal management technologies based on carbon composites. With this acquisition Henkel aims to strengthen the position of its Adhesive Technologies business unit in the growing markets for Thermal Interface Materials (TIM) by expanding its capabilities in high-performance segments.

The Thermexit portfolio includes patented, high-performance thermal interface gap pads based on an innovative nano-filler technology. This technology provides unique materials with extremely high thermal conductivity and excellent stability.

The acquisition strengthens Henkel’s position in the growing Thermal Interface Material (TIM) market and expands its offerings for applications in high-growing market segments that require specialized know-how with regards to heat management in electronics, including 5G infrastructure, semiconductors, and power conversion for industrial and automotive electronics.

“Thermal management solutions are an important growth technology within our materials portfolio and play a major role to further drive innovations with regards to global megatrends such as connectivity, mobility and sustainability,” explained Jan-Dirk Auris, Executive Vice President Henkel Adhesive Technologies. “The acquisition of Thermexit complements our existing portfolio with offerings in high-growing market segments to further create value for our customers.”

Both parties agreed to not disclose any financial details of the transaction.

Posted: September 16, 2022

Source: Henkel

Reduce. Reuse. Regenerate – Recycled Materials Take Center Stage In PUMA’S RE:COLLECTION

HERZOGENAURACH, Germany — September 15, 2022 — Sports company PUMA shows how recycled materials can create a unique look with RE:COLLECTION, a line of products for Sportstyle, Running & Training and Motorsport which are made with recycled cotton and polyester.

Depending on the style, the pieces of RE:COLLECTION contain between 20% and 100% recycled materials, creating a look of perfect imperfection in neutral colors. Cutting waste is used to reinforce the uppers of RE:COLLECTION’s lifestyle footwear.

In the Autumn/Winter season, RE:COLLECTION includes performance products for Running and Training such as the PWRFrame TR, a high-performance Training shoe that is engineered for forefoot support and features at least 30% recycled material in the upper. Among other Training products of RE:COLLECTION, the tights are made with at least 70% recycled material but retain the performance characteristics such as the moisture-wicking properties of PUMA’s dryCELL technology.

As part of its Forever Better sustainability strategy, PUMA has set itself ambitious targets when it comes to using materials from more sustainable sources and increasing the amount of recycled content in its products. By 2025, 75% of the polyester used in PUMA’s Apparel and Accessories will come from recycled sources.

RE:COLLECTION products will be available in the Autumn/Winter 2022 season in PUMA stores and on PUMA.com.

Posted: September 16, 2022

Source: PUMA

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