Kolon Industries Targets The Global Tire Cord Market By Vietnam Plant Expansion

SEOUL — September 28, 2022 — Kolon Industries Inc., a chemical materials and textile maker in South Korea, announced it has completed the expansion of its tire cord production plant in Binh Duong Province, Vietnam, and is speeding up to boost its global competitiveness.

The company said it has increased 19,200 tons of the annual capacity of PET (polyester) tire cord production from 84,000 tons to a total of 103,200 tons. This expansion is its second investment since the first expansion of 16,800 tons of PET tire cord Vietnam plant in 2018, and is expected to greatly improve the production efficiency once again.

Tire cords are high-strength fibers used as reinforcing materials for tires, which serve as frames for tires and keep them in shape. Tire cords are important as they affect the safety and performance of automobiles. Depending on the raw materials, there are PET, nylon, rayon, and steel tire cords. Kolon Industries produces PET tire cords, which are mainly used in passenger car tires.

Kolon Industries’ tire cord plant is located in Bau Bang Industrial Park, Vietnam. It brought in the latest production facilities and thus owns a consistent production system from yarn spinning to weaving, processing, heat treatment, and finished products. The Vietnam plant is currently in full operation after quality approval from global tire manufacturers.

Kolon Industries’ tire cord expansion is in line with the growth of the global tire market. Demand for replacement (RE, Replacement Equipment) tires increased last year, and shipments of new vehicle (OE, Original Equipment) tires increased this year. According to an automobile market research agency, the tire market is recovering to its pre-COVID-19 level from this year and is expected to grow at an annual average of 4 percent.

Kolon Industries has formed partnerships with major global tire companies since it started its tire cord business in 1973. Following the establishment of a new factory in Nanjing, China in 2004, the company secured international production bases with the best technology and price competitiveness through this continuous investment in Vietnam.

“This investment will help expand sales of Kolon Industries high-performance and high-value premium products, along with the global market dominance and tire cord business profitability,” a company official said.

Posted: September 28, 2022

Source: Kolon Industries Inc.

Hyosung: Newly Transformative Nylon, As Core Material For Hydrogen Energy

SEOUL — September 28, 2022 — Nylon has evolved into the core material of the hydrogen energy industry.

Hyosung TNC announced on the September 7 that it has succeeded in developing and using nylon for the liner material of hydrogen vehicle fuel tanks with its own technology, the first of its kind for a Korea-based company.

A liner is a core component required to store hydrogen in the fuel tank’s internal container and prevent leakage.

Hyosung TNC’s nylon material is superior to conventional metal and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) liner materials in terms of lightweight, gas barrier, and impact resistance.

Superior light and safe than metal… Excellent impact resistance against temperature fluctuation

The nylon liner material developed by Hyosung TNC is 70-percent lighter than metal and 50-percent lighter than HDPE and gas barrier property that prevents leakage of hydrogen gas is also 30-percent higher than metal and 50-percent higher than HDPE.

Metal liner is heavy and has a high risk of brittleness when exposed to hydrogen for a long period of time, whereas nylon liner has low hydrogen absorption and air permeability, so there is no risk of being brittleness.

HDPE liners are used as high-pressure containers at 400bar levels, but cannot withstand the 700bar pressure required by typical hydrogen electric vehicles.

In addition, the hydrogen container liner must be able to withstand rapidly changing temperature fluctuation caused by frequent charging and discharging of hydrogen and the nylon liner has excellent impact resistance against to it from -40 to 85 degrees Celsius.

Expected the import effect of 270 billion won annually by 2030

The success of this development is significant in that it has laid the foundation for Hyosung TNC to enter the nylon liner market, which has been monopolized by foreign companies, for the first time as a domestic company.

According to H2 Research, a research institute specializing in the hydrogen market, the global hydrogen vehicle market will grow in earnest, including restrictions on the operation of internal combustion engine trucks in major urban areas in Europe from 2025 is expected to expand to 1.05 million units.

Therefore, the import substitution effect of the nylon material liner market is expected to grow to about 270 billion won annually in 2030.

In addition, with the expansion of various hydrogen mobility markets such as hydrogen electric vehicles, drones, trams, ships, and UAM (urban air mobility), nylon is expected to gain more attention as a liner material for hydrogen containers.

The complete of Hydrogen Value Chain in Production, Distribution, Storage and Utilization

The nylon liner is expected to contribute to the completion of Hyosung’s hydrogen value chain.

Hyosung has built a hydrogen value chain through No. 1 supplier of hydrogen charging stations in Korea, construction of liquefied hydrogen plants and liquefied hydrogen filling stations that will change the map of the hydrogen economy, production of carbon fiber, which is essential for fuel tanks for hydrogen vehicles, etc.

The success of this development is significant because Hyosung has secured the technological capabilities to lead the global market not only in the production and distribution of hydrogen but also in the storage and utilization fields.

Chairman Cho Hyun-Joon said, “Fiber evolves into a key energy material by combining to technology”

Hyosung TNC’s nylon-applied hydrogen container passed the hydrogen container international quality standard (UN/ECE R134) in June, and has been equipped with function, quality and technical perfection as a liner material. It is also planned to conduct commercial tests in cooperation with hydrogen fuel tank manufacturers and automakers.

Hyosung TNC is planning to expand the application of nylon as a liner material from tube trailers of commercial trucks to CNG and hydrogen vessels sailing the seas around the world, such as Antarctica and the Equator, by enhancing the impact and heat resistance range from -60 to 90 degrees Celsius.

In addition, as Hyosung TNC developed the world’s first recycled nylon fiber technology from recycled fishing nets discarded in the sea, it plans to expand the eco-friendly plastic material market by applying recycled nylon to a liner material in the future.

Chairman Cho Hyun-Joon added: “Hyosung TNC’s development of nylon liner material demonstrates, even in the textile industry, which has been regarded as a declining industry, the innovation that transforms it into a key material for the high-tech hydrogen industry, can happen if it’s supported by technology. We will contribute to the development of the future eco-friendly energy industry with the technology of materials and textiles.”

Posted: September 28, 2022

Source: Hyosung Corp.

Covationbio, Primient Covation Announce Partnership To Support Sustainable Agriculture

NEWARK, Del. — September 28, 2022 — CovationBio, a provider of innovative bio-based material solutions, and Primient Covation LLC, a producer of 100-percent plant-based 1,3-propanediol (Bio-PDO®), today announced their participation in Primient’s Sustainable Agriculture Program and partnership with Truterra LLC, the sustainable agriculture business of Land O’Lakes and program delivery partner.

As a farmer-driven program, Truterra is a groundbreaking continuous improvement initiative that supports the adoption and success of sustainable, regenerative agricultural practices at scale in the United States. Truterra uses cutting-edge technology to enable farmers to effectively target and measure the impact of efforts to protect the environment. The program helps to ensure that corn, the feedstock used in CovationBio’s and Primient Covation’s products, meets the highest standard of sustainable practices.

CovationBio’s and Primient Covation’s participation supports U.S. Midwestern corn growers to implement sustainable and regenerative agriculture practices on a scale equivalent to 100 percent of the agricultural footprint of corn used in the production of their products, Susterra® PDO, Zemea® PDO, and Sorona® polymer.

“The work of the transformative Truterra program aligns perfectly with our commitment to unlock transparency throughout the supply chain. This commitment is core to what we do and why we work so hard to provide renewably sourced alternatives to traditionally petroleum-based materials,” said Michael Saltzberg, CEO, CovationBio. “Making a product from plant-based feedstock is not enough — the feedstock needs to be grown responsibly. Our enrollment in the Primient program is a critical next step in empowering our customers and partners to better track their contributions to reducing the environmental footprint within their supply chain.”

This commitment would not be possible without Primient’s pioneering partnership with Truterra. In 2018, Primient (formerly Tate & Lyle) became the first corn wet-mill ingredient supplier to launch a sustainable agriculture program with Truterra, with an acreage scope representing 100 percent of the corn it buys globally each year. Now, under the program, Truterra allocates the equivalent number of enrolled acres to Primient Covation’s total annual consumption of corn-based feedstocks. This established a 2021 baseline for measuring the impact Primient Covation will have on an annual basis.

The program provides visibility of environmental-impact-related data on 100 percent of acres vs. the industry standard of 10 percent, and the program’s year-over-year results demonstrate incremental improvements against established baselines.

Truterra supports regenerative and sustainable farming operations, introducing novel approaches and practices that have been proven to improve soil health in the long term when implemented correctly and in the right environment. Participating farmers use the Truterra sustainability tool and a network of agronomy advisors to establish a stewardship baseline for each field they farm, identify improvement opportunities, and model the impact of various conservation practices and management changes on field stewardship and profitability. The program’s digital platform, the Truterra sustainability tool, delivers holistic insights to farmers for each agricultural field, putting them in the driver’s seat of advancing sustainable practices that benefit them, the feedstock users, and the environment.

Sustainability tool insights offer recommendations designed to address sustainability factors including GHG emissions, wind and water erosion rates and soil quality trends.

“By participating in this program, we can enable our customers to improve transparency, set goals, and track progress through responsibly sourced agricultural feedstock to make products like Sorona, Zemea and Susterra,” added Saltzberg. “This is increasingly important to our valued partners and customers. Our partnership provides us with the assurance that the corn we use is responsibly sourced.”

CovationBio and Primient Covation are striving to change the game by helping the textiles and materials markets eliminate linear production in favor of a renewable and circular economy. CovationBio is currently home to three products:

Sorona, a partially bio-based polymer that answers the global call for high-performance, renewably sourced consumer products, bridging the personal and societal at a defining moment in our ecological stewardship. Sorona polymer is an eco-efficient polymer containing sustainable, biobased PDO. Fabrics made with Sorona-based fibers are ideal for fashioning attractive apparel and Sorona is also used to make soft, durable, and stain-resistant carpet.

Susterra propanediol, a 100-percent plant-based building block used in performance polymer and industrial applications that reduces the need for petroleum-based components while enhancing product performance. Its applications range from polyurethanes used in footwear, to outdoor apparel, to coatings, inks, and functional fluids.

Zemea, a plant-based and biodegradable material that helps brands reach sustainability goals without compromising quality or performance. Zemea meets exacting standards in a variety of key consumer markets, from personal care and home care, to pharmaceuticals, to enhancing flavors and foods.

Posted: September 28, 2022

Source: CovationBio

INDA Mourns Loss Of Industry Leader And Former Executive Committee Appointee Walter G. Jones

Walt Jones

CARY, N.C. — September 28, 2022 — INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, is mourning the loss of Walter “Walt” G. Jones, CEO, Precision Fabrics Group Inc., of Greensboro, N.C., who passed away September 22.

He is being remembered fondly by the association for his strong contributions as a leader, mentor, and advocate for the nonwoven industry. INDA, in particular, benefited from Jones’ vast industry and business knowledge as an INDA Executive Committee appointee for more than 20 years.

“INDA is saddened by the loss of a true industry leader who devoted his career to advancing the nonwoven & engineered material industry,” said INDA President Tony Fragnito. “Walt Jones will be missed by all of us at INDA and by the many professionals whose careers and businesses were positively impacted by his expertise. We extend our deepest sympathies to his family.”

Jones started his career at Burlington Industries in 1977 and was named president and CEO, in 1999 of Precision Fabrics Group, a spin-off of Burlington Industries. Jones was a graduate of the University of Cincinnati and the Wharton School of Finance.

A celebration of life will be held in the fellowship hall of Starmount Presbyterian Church, 3501 W. Market Street, Greensboro, N.C. 27403 on Saturday Oct. 1st. Please join the family for this informal event anytime between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. Everyone is welcome to share fond memories of Walt in written messages for the family.

Posted: September 28, 2022

Source: INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry

Honeywell’s Corporate Headquarters Earns LEED® Gold

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — September 27, 2022 — Honeywell today announced that its Charlotte, N.C., corporate headquarters building has earned the coveted Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification from the U.S. Green Buildings Council (USGBC) for its building envelope and tenant upfit. The most widely used green building rating system worldwide, LEED is a globally recognized symbol of sustainability achievement and leadership.

The 23-story, 313,000 sq. ft. facility located in Charlotte’s Legacy Union site incorporates Honeywell’s latest building controls, fire and life safety, security, energy and carbon management and indoor air quality (IAQ) technologies — all of which gave the new building an edge in the LEED assessment. The technology is anchored by the Honeywell Forge enterprise performance management software-as-a-service that uses artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) algorithms to help deliver operational efficiencies and help meet energy performance goals.

USGBC assesses 100-plus elements of building design, construction, furnishing and maintenance and awards points to a project based on energy efficiency, water conservation and other measures of environmental sustainability. In its report, the USGBC cited the building’s optimization of energy performance, including advanced energy metering and lighting power reduction as well as its indoor environmental quality, including enhanced IAQ strategies, low-emitting construction materials, interior lighting and effective use of daylight; and its use of innovative technologies. The building also earned high marks for sourcing of raw materials, material ingredients and construction waste management.

“We’re honored to receive the LEED Gold certification from USGBC,” said James O’Reilly, vice president of global corporate real estate, Honeywell. “We’ve been purposeful to create a building that not only provides an occupant-first experience but also is mindful to the impact on our environment. Our Charlotte headquarters allows us to show our customers how our ready now solutions can help solve some of their biggest challenges – meeting sustainability goals and creating a better occupant experience.”

“Achieving LEED certification is more than just implementing sustainable practices. It represents a commitment to making the world a better place and influencing others to do better,” said Peter Templeton, interim president and CEO, USGBC. “Given the extraordinary importance of climate protection and the central role buildings play in that effort, Honeywell is creating a path forward through their LEED certification.”

Honeywell Forge Predictive Maintenance analyzes and optimizes systems maintenance to recommend early and proactive actions to avoid costly, unnecessary changes and reduce unplanned, reactive work on building systems.

Carbon & Energy Management, part of the Honeywell Buildings Sustainability Manager powered by Honeywell Forge, continuously investigates, analyzes and optimizes building performance, down to an asset-specific level, measuring critical sustainability KPIs including carbon emissions.

Earning the LEED Gold certification will further help Honeywell realize its commitment, announced in April 2021, to achieve carbon neutrality in its operations and facilities by 2035. The company is working to achieve this goal by further investing in energy savings projects, converting to renewable energy sources, completing capital improvement projects at its sites and in its fleet of company vehicles, and using credible carbon credits, if necessary.

Honeywell’s commitment to carbon neutrality builds on the company’s decades-long history of innovation to help its customers meet their environmental and social goals. In 2021, approximately 60 percent of the company’s revenue and more than 60 percent of Honeywell’s new product research and development investment was directed toward products that improve ESG outcomes for customers.

Posted: September 27, 2022

Source: Honeywell

Bridgestone Advances Sustainable Manufacturing: First American Tire Manufacturing Facility To Earn The International Sustainability And Carbon Certification

GRANITEVILLE, S.C. — September 27, 2022 — Bridgestone Americas (Bridgestone) announced its Aiken County Passenger/Light Truck Radial tire plant is the first tire manufacturing facility in America to earn the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) PLUS recognition for its transparency and traceability of sustainable raw materials including bio, bio-circular and circular-based material to replace synthetic rubber*, as the company’s continues its drive toward tires made from 100-percent sustainable materials by 2050.

“Step by step, we are working to overcome the technological and market barriers to fully sustainable and renewable tires made with bio-sourced and recycled materials,” said Nizar Trigui, chief technology officer and group president, Bridgestone Americas. “This ISCC PLUS certification for our Aiken County Plant is an important mile marker in our journey to become a leading sustainable solutions company.”

In 2021, Bridgestone announced the manufacturing process at the Aiken County facility would be directly powered by its first ground-based solar array. The facility is powered by approximately 8 acres of solar panels that generate enough electricity to power over 200 homes annually, while also reducing 1,400 metric tons of CO2 emissions each year.

The 2.78 million-square-foot manufacturing facility in Graniteville, S.C., employing over 1,740 Bridgestone teammates, began production of passenger and light truck radial tires in 1997. Tires produced at this plant equip standard passenger vehicles and light trucks for original equipment and retail.

Sustainable practices in its manufacturing facilities is a critical element of Bridgestone’s 2050 sustainability commitments, including its aims to achieve carbon neutrality and tires made with 100% sustainable materials. Bridgestone Technical Center Europe SpA in Roma also recently earned an ISCC PLUS certification for Bio-Circular & Circular based materials. Bridgestone also continues to advance its leading initiative to diversify the world’s natural rubber supply by commercializing use of guayule-derived natural rubber in tires by 2030.

The ISSC PLUS certification of the Aiken County Passenger/Light Truck Radial tire plant supports the “Ecology” and “Energy” values of the Bridgestone E8 Commitment, which establishes eight values starting with the letter “E” to solidify Bridgestone’s commitment to a more sustainable world.

*The bio- based and recycled content of the synthetic rubber is allocated using the ISCC PLUS mass balance approach.  With respect to sustainable materials handled by the certified site, the annex to the ISCC certificate provides additional information and states that it is only applicable for material handled under the scopes: farm/plantation, point of origin, central office, (farm/plantation or point of origin) first gathering point, processing unit (any type) but not for material that is only traded and/or stored).  Mass balancing is a chain of custody option in which certified and non-certified materials are mixed physically but kept separate in the bookkeeping. This method is used to document and track biological, circular and renewable materials through complex manufacturing systems. By using mass balance, certified entities can track how much sustainable material has been used in their manufacturing systems and ensure that it corresponds exactly to the amount of certified content in the end products.  Specific information about the ISCC certification is available at: All Certificates › ISCC System (iscc-system.org)

Posted: September 27, 2022

Source: Bridgestone Americas Inc.

Cozmo, Kornit Digital Present “Sustainable Choice” With Stunning Printed Designs For Sofa Jackets By Raw-Edges With On-Demand Textile Production

ROSH HA’AYIN, Israel — September 22, 2022 — Kornit Digital is collaborating with furniture start-up Cozmo and London design studio Raw-Edges to showcase the unlimited creativity made possible by digitally produced custom sofa jacket designs at the London Design Festival, September 17-25. Dubbed “Cheek Prints,” the collection was created sustainably, quickly, and on-demand with Kornit’s digital fashion and textile production solutions. Each unique cover features visually stunning designs intended to transform plain, standard sofas into custom creations with an entirely fresh look and feel. The collection was designed by Raw-Edges at their London design studio.

“The ability to transform a generic fabric with custom prints creates a sofa that can change with the owner’s tastes and provides a lifetime of value,” said Phil Oakley, director of UK and Ireland at Kornit Digital. “With digital production technology, there’s no need to throw away older sofas. It allows owners to redesign the furniture’s look and feel quickly, easily, and cost-effectively. We’re excited to exhibit at the London Design Festival and are proud of our collaboration with both Cozmo and Raw-Edges, showing all that is possible for home décor with sustainable, on-demand production.”

“Our sofas are design-led, offering customers total freedom to create a sofa that is unique and special and doesn’t exist in the market,” said Jacob Peres, co-founder of Cozmo. “Working with Kornit, we’re not only putting creativity in the buyer’s hands, but also allowing the market to respond quickly to changing customer demand. We’re very pleased of our collaboration with Kornit and Raw-Edges, which is unlocking new levels of creativity with highly sustainable digital production.”

The sofa collection was produced using Kornit’s Presto direct-to-fabric digital production system, widely considered the industry’s most advanced, single-step solution for high-quality decoration — and the only system offering white printing on coloured fabrics. With the power of on-demand technology, designers can easily and rapidly embrace new possibilities to transform mere concepts into brilliant, custom fabrics. Digital production removes typical limitations of one fabric, one design at a time – whether it’s a single sofa or many sofas — and at the same cost. For industries ranging from fashion and home décor to other advanced textile applications, the Kornit solution consistently unlocks unlimited creativity – producing garments and fabrics with the highest quality and softest feel.

General audiences are encouraged to view the collection live September 15-22. Media are invited to experience the new possibilities enabled by digital production at a press session on Thursday, September 22nd at 5:00 pm [UK] at Gallery 7 at 4 Cromwell Place in London.

Posted September 27, 2022

Source: Kornit Digital

Milliken Launches New Polypropylene Clarifier Plant: Increase Capacity By More Than 50 Percent

SPARTANBURG, S.C. — September 12, 2022 — The recent launch of production at Milliken & Company’s new clarifier plant in Blacksburg, S.C., will enhance access to the Millad® NX® 8000 additive for customers worldwide. This facility will enable Milliken, a global manufacturer of plastic additives and colorants, to meet increasing demand for these products well into the future.

”We’re pleased to report that the plant has begun manufacturing product, and we plan to reach full operating capacity by the end of 2022, allowing us to increase Millad production by 50 percent,” said Cindy Boiter, president of Milliken’s Chemical Business. Announced earlier this year, “this represents the largest clarifier plant investment in Milliken history.”

Millad NX 8000 helps reduce carbon emissions1 by enabling converters to lower their energy use during processing while also improving production efficiency. This has never been more important than during this period of unparalleled spikes in energy prices. Additionally, these certified energy savings allow brand owners using PP clarified with Millad NX 8000 ECO to display the much-desired UL Environmental Claim Validation label on their injection-molded parts.

Boiter went on to recognize the impressive efforts that went into making this plant opening a reality. “We greatly appreciate all the efforts of our associates who were involved in making this plant exceptional.”

Milliken has long been known for its innovation, collaboration and commitment to advancing sustainability. Recognized as one of the “World’s Most Ethical Companies” by Ethisphere Institute for 16 straight years, the firm leverages its 157-year history and extensive chemical expertise to tailor products that make the world a better place and create a healthier future for generations.  Millad NX 8000 is an excellent example of applying innovation through chemistry to advance sustainability.

Polypropylene (PP) is durable, lightweight, highly recyclable and, thanks to Millad, offers glass-like clarity. This improvement enables PP to be used in applications such as thin-wall packaging. It also is one of the least energy-intensive polymers to make and recycle compared to other clear polymers. Additionally, the How2Recycle® labeling program in late July upgraded the eligibility of rigid PP tubs, bottles, jugs, and jars to “Widely Recyclable” in the United States.

1CO2 reductions based on reduced cycle time and energy usage are highly dependent on energy source.

Posted: September 27, 2022

Source: Milliken & Company

Venator Becomes First Titanium Dioxide Producer With ECO PASSPORT By OEKO-TEX® Certified Grade For Textile Industry

WYNYARD, England — September 27, 2022 — Following the recent publication of its second sustainability report, Venator has become the first manufacturer and supplier of fiber anatase titanium dioxide (TiO2) to the textile industry to secure an ECO PASSPORT by OEKO-TEX®. The accreditation relates to Venator’s HOMBITAN® LW-S 100 pigment, a premium TiO2 grade for delustering synthetic fibers such as polyester, viscose, and acrylic.

ECO PASSPORT by OEKO-TEX® is an independent, multi-stage testing and certification system for chemicals, colorants and auxiliaries used to manufacture textiles and leather. The rigorous ECO PASSPORT evaluation process provides independent proof that raw materials are produced in an environmentally friendly way and under socially responsible conditions.

HOMBITAN® LW-S 100 is an important TiO2 grade in the textile industry. Widely used to reduce gloss, and create an aesthetically pleasing matt appearance, this special pigment also makes yarns easier to spin and improves lightfastness and weather resistance compared to standard pigments.

With an ECO PASSPORT in place, HOMBITAN® LW-S 100 is now certified suitable for use in specialist textile applications where there is direct skin contact and where the highest quality standards are required. This includes personal hygiene products such as wet wipes, diapers, and feminine hygiene products. The certification of HOMBITAN® LW-S 100 will also interest sports apparel manufacturers producing sweat wicking garments.

Xandra Bläser, Global Business director – Specialty Pigmentary TiO2 at Venator, said: “Textile producers are increasingly looking to source raw materials with an ECO PASSPORT in place. Purchasing ingredients with this quality mark makes it easier for them to achieve the STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® label. If a garment carries the STANDARD 100 label, consumers expect that every component, i.e., every thread, button, and zip, has been tested for harmful substances and will not have a detrimental effect to their health. With this accreditation for HOMBITAN® LW-S 100, our customers have confidence that they are specifying a product from a reliable, responsible partner that adheres to the strictest safety and product stewardship standards.”

To secure ECO PASSPORT by OEKO-TEX® status for HOMBITAN® LW-S 100, Venator worked with the testing provider Hohenstein. As part of the accreditation process, Venator’s TiO2 experts had to pass three screening steps:

  • First, HOMBITAN® LW-S 100 was cross checked against lists of harmful chemicals including REACH’s substances of very high concern (SVHC) candidate list
  • The product was tested in an independent laboratory to ensure its suitability for use in the sustainable production of textiles
  • The final step was a site visit to check that Venator had all the correct systems in place for environmental management, health and safety, quality management and social responsibility.

John Murphy, technical director of Hohenstein Europe, said: “We’re delighted to congratulate Venator on their successful ECO PASSPORT certification, the systematic testing promotes confidence, compliance and efficiency in the textile industry and means Venator’s HOMBITAN® LW-S 100 meets the very highest standards for safer textiles.”

The OEKO-TEX® ECO PASSPORT certification is recognized as a LEVEL 3 ZDHC* MRSL Conformance Indicator for the ZDHC Roadmap to Zero program – meaning Venator’s HOMBITAN® LW-S 100 meets the highest ZDHC’s guidelines for safer textile chemistries and is verified as being responsibly manufactured. The Roadmap to Zero Program, by ZDHC, is leading the fashion industry to eliminate harmful chemicals from its global supply chain by building the foundation for more sustainable manufacturing to protect workers, consumers and our planet’s ecosystems.

* The ZDHC is a multi-stakeholder organization made up of over 170 contributors from across the textile industry including brands, suppliers, chemical suppliers, and solution providers.

Posted: September 27, 2022

Source: Venator Materials PLC

ExxonMobil Expands Product Portfolio To Advance Healthcare Solutions

SPRING, Texas — September 27, 2022 — ExxonMobil has expanded its portfolio of healthcare solutions to meet changing medical market needs for healthy, safe material options. Adhering to industry requirements for testing, quality assurance and traceability, the portfolio unites a wide range of high-performance products that are produced using Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) for batch-to-batch product consistency that customers can rely on.

The portfolio provides the building blocks to engineer a range of applications including medical supplies, infection protection products, and pharmaceutical and laboratory supplies. The portfolio includes Achieve™ Advanced PP, ExxonMobil™ PP, Vistamaxx™ performance polymers, Exact™ polyolefin elastomers, ExxonMobil butyl polymers, Exxpro™ specialty elastomers and ExxonMobil Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA).

“The decision to create a portfolio of healthcare solutions, supported by a dedicated team of trusted industry application experts, was cemented by a combination of market factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Market Development Manager Gertrud Masure. “With a legacy of innovation that spans over 100 years, ExxonMobil is well placed to meet demand from customers for a broader selection of alternative solutions that promote healthy and safe patient care.”

The COVID-19 pandemic, which required rapid production of face masks and other products to help combat virus transmission, was a major factor in ExxonMobil’s decision to create a portfolio of healthcare solutions.

The healthcare industry’s desire for a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) replacement was another market driver which led ExxonMobil to develop suitable alternatives. While another motivating factor was customers’ preference to do business with a single-source materials supplier.

ExxonMobil’s high-quality, compliant-safe material solutions enable tailored innovation for:

▪  Optimized performance and longevity of medical supplies, including drug/medical fluid delivery. Applications include syringes, infusion bags, IV/saline containers, ostomy bags, inhaling systems, drug and vitamin tubes, bottles, vials, containers, caps, seals, closures, briefs, and absorbent pads.
▪  Purity required to meet the toughest standards for laboratory components and pharmaceutical packaging solutions, including labware, sanitizers, bio reactor bags, and pharmaceutical stoppers/seals.
▪  Cleanliness and safety for protective products, such as face masks, gowns, gloves and alcohol wipes that help prevent infection.
▪  Softness, loft, strength, improved barrier performance and ease of processing for spunbond or meltblown nonwoven products. Typical applications include absorbent articles, medical PPE, bandages, masks, gowns and wipes, surgical drapes and gowns, medical protective gowns, shoe covers, disposable bedding and hospital apparel, pads, wraps, and filtration media.

“It really is the sum of the parts that makes our healthcare portfolio so attractive to customers,” said Americas Market Development Manager Abigail Agentis. “We seek to meet industry needs with a trusted portfolio of performance products that adhere to strict industry requirements for testing, quality assurance and traceability. Our collective motivation is to deliver innovative healthcare and pharmaceutical products that help enable patients to receive best-in-class, safe treatment.”

To support its commitment to the healthcare industry, ExxonMobil is dedicated to fulfilling the future business needs of its customers by continuing to invest in production capacity and comprehensive supply chains. For example, ExxonMobil’s Polypropylene Growth Project in Baton Rouge is nearing completion, and the company continues to make good progress in support of a 2023 startup of the $2 billion investment to expand its Baytown chemical plant with a new Vistamaxx unit and world-scale, full range Linear Alpha Olefins unit. Products from both are expected to be used for a broad range of applications.

Posted September 27, 2022

Source: ExxonMobil

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