Envalior Drives Innovation In Lightweight And Sustainable Composites At JEC World 2025 

PARIS — February 25, 2025 — Envalior’s Bond-Laminates will present its latest fiber composite innovations at JEC World 2025, focusing on new mobility and sustainability. The showcased applications demonstrate how Envalior’s materials and engineering expertise support lightweight construction, safety, and environmental responsibility.


The convertible roof beam is a JEC Innovation award finalist. Photo: Envalior

Innovative applications on display:  

  • Convertible roof beam – A JEC Innovation Award Finalist, this thermoplastic fiber composite replaces magnesium, achieving significant weight reduction while maintaining structural strength. Now in series production for a German premium OEM, it is manufactured using a hybrid molding process in collaboration with Röchling Automotive and key industry partners.
  • Full-scale battery enclosure prototype – A large-format thermoplastic composite part for EV battery enclosures, developed with Sabic and Engel. Made from Tepex® PP/Glassfiber composite and Long Glass Fiber Reinforced PP Compound (PP-LGF), it highlights scalable, efficient production.
  • Thermoplastic pressure vessel for hydrogen storage – Produced by AFPT/Alformet this hydrogen tank utilizes UDea® UD tapes and Envalior liners to achieve fully thermoplastic design offering both lightweight durability and full recyclability. The PA410 CF60 UD tape, a partially biobased material, enhances sustainability while ensuring durability. Designed for both low- and high-pressure hydrogen storage.
  • Underbody protection for German sports cars – A hybrid injection-molded PP-GF composite providing optimized stiffness with reduced weight. Its mono-material design improves recyclability, while the one-shot process at HBW Gubesch ensures cost-efficient production.
  • Sustainable high-performance materials – Envalior expands its Tepex® composite portfolio with sustainable and high-performance materials. EcoPaXX® PA410-based Tepex provides a biobased alternative, reducing environmental impact while maintaining exceptional mechanical performance. Tepex composites, made from carbon or glass fabrics embedded in high-performance polymer matrices, are now also available in Stanyl®-, Xytron™-, and Arnitel®-based variants.

Envalior’s presence at JEC World 2025 highlights its commitment to advancing fiber composite technologies for structural performance, lightweight design, and sustainability. Visit Envalior at Booth P39, Hall 5 to explore these innovations firsthand.

For more information about Envalior’s products and services visit: www.envalior.com.

Posted: February 25, 2025

Source: Envalior

Epson Announces Junkichi Yoshida  As New President 

Yasunori Ogawa (left), Chairman and Director, Seiko Epson Corporation and Junkichi Yoshida (right), President and Representative Director, Chief Executive Officer, Seiko Epson Corporation.

SINGAPORE — February 24, 2025 — Epson announced that a meeting of its board of directors had approved a change of representative director and the appointment of a new president, effective April 1, 2025.

Details of change:

Yasunori Ogawa

  • New Position – Chairman and Director
  • Previous Position – President and Representative Director and CEO

Junkichi Yoshida

  • New Position – President and Representative Director CEO
  • Previous Position – Director, CEO, Operating Officer, Printing Solutions Division

Reasons for change

Epson aspires to achieving sustainability and enriching communities as part of its Epson 25 Renewed corporate vision. Accordingly, its businesses are focused on solving societal issues through a philosophy of efficient, compact and precise innovation.

The 2025 fiscal year is the final year of Epson 25 Renewed. It is also a year during which Epson will finish formulating its next strategic corporate vision for driving future growth.

It is important for the company to steadily execute its plans for the next generation and rapidly develop pioneering products and the technologies that support them in both growth and new areas.

This transition in leadership, which was deliberated by the Director Nomination Committee and resolved by the Board of Directors, is thus intended to accelerate the construction of a solid management foundation aimed at enhancing corporate value, under a new management team that will be responsible for everything from formulating the next corporate vision to executing the strategies therein.

Date of appointment

April 1, 2025

Posted: February 25, 2025

Source: Epson

SGS Partnership Agreement With Hurricane Brings Integration With SGS D-TECT® 

GENEVA, Switzerland — February 24, 2025 — SGS — a global testing, inspection and certification company — has signed a unique partnership with Hurricane Commerce to enable the integration of SGS D-TECT with Hurricane’s global data intelligence platform – a move that could revolutionize customs clearance around the world.

D-TECT streamlines the customs clearance process

As a leader in non-intrusive inspection solutions for cargo, vehicles and baggage services, SGS developed and deployed D-TECT to streamline customs clearance, enhance security and ensure regulatory compliance through AI-powered data intelligence, X-ray image analysis and automated data matching.

Now, thanks to integration with Hurricane’s global data intelligence platform, SGS D-TECT has advanced capability to provide unmatched accuracy in HS code classification, prohibited and restricted items, denied parties, tax and duty calculations, and product compliance verification.

Montserrat Martinez, Vice President, Trade Facilitation Services, SGS said: “Our next-generation technology was developed to integrate seamlessly with global customs management systems to enable authorities and businesses to efficiently process and verify shipments with minimal manual intervention.

“We are thrilled that, through this pioneering collaboration with Hurricane, we can propel SGS D-TECT to new heights to deliver a truly end-to-end solution that integrates world-class technology and data-driven insights. This will help customers around the globe transform their customs processes while ensuring compliance and operational excellence.”

Transforming compliance with data intelligence

SGS D-TECT and Hurricane’s agreement and integration will revolutionize global customs and logistics by:

  • Automating product data and compliance verification by matching X-ray images with shipping data to detect discrepancies, prohibited and restricted items
  • Enhancing security screening through data-driven anomaly detection in real time
  • Streamlining global trade with manufacturer-agnostic integration, ensuring compatibility with any scanner or customs system, reducing delays and improving efficiency
  • Enabling real-time remote analysis, allowing global customs authorities and logistics operators to access and share inspection data from anywhere

David Spottiswood, Co-Founder of Hurricane Commerce, said: “We are delighted to partner with SGS globally and specifically with the SGS D-TECT Solution as their preferred data technology partner.

“Our partnership and combined solution are already having a transitional impact for European customs authorities, and we are excited to roll them out to the rest of the world in collaboration with the SGS and the SGS D-TECT team.”

SGS smart scanning services

SGS D-TECT creates a unique, fully digital, and remote operational environment, offering users advanced images and AI analytics for radioscopic image interpretation, in a single platform. In addition, it provides the right ecosystem for any high-end x-ray scanner as it supports its integration within the operational workflow, allows remote screening, and provides real time information and KPIs on scanner related performance in a simple and user-friendly interface.

Posted: February 25, 2025

Source: SGS

Crypton Hires Illustrate Commitment To Excellence In The Customer Experience

BLOOMFIELD HILLS, Mich. — February 24, 2025 — Fabric innovator Crypton announces the addition of two key roles in the organization, part of the brand’s pledge to improve relationships with all its customers and partners. Kristen Schoenfield has been named Customer Experience director and Kyla Herbes joins the company as Content Marketing manager.

“With these new roles we look to reinforce our commitment to delivering a world-class brand experience for every customer,” said CEO Lance Keziah. “Crypton will continue to invest in enhancing customer satisfaction and ensuring that every touchpoint aligns with our brands high standards of service and quality.”

Kristen Schoenfield

As part of its drive to develop excellence in customer service, Crypton named retail and customer service veteran Kristen Schoenfield as Customer Experience Director. With a career based in managing consumer-facing service positions, Schoenfield is known for her forward-thinking customer initiatives and ability to solve complex operations challenges.

Most notably, Schoenfield spent 20 years with Bed, Bath and Beyond at the corporate level, helming customer service and gift registry for the Fortune 500 retailer. Early in her career, Schoenfield gained on-the-ground experience in retail with brands including Victoria’s Secret, Eddie Bauer, and The Disney Store. These face-to-face interactions gave her a deep understanding of customer needs, expectations, and pain points.

“Overall, my retail experience ensures that I can maintain a customer-first mindset, anticipate needs, and adapt processes to provide a seamless and positive experience from manufacturing through to the customer’s hands,” said Schoenfield.

In her new role, Schoenfield will collaborate with sales, production, marketing, purchasing and accounting to identify and address needed improvements in customer service that will enhance the customer experience and operational efficiency.

“I’m excited about the opportunity to connect with our customers, gain a deeper understanding of their needs, and find the best ways to serve them,” said Schoenfield. “We have an incredible team that’s fully committed and eager to deliver an exceptional experience.”

Schoen field reports to CEO Lance Keziah.

Kyla Herbes

Noted content and marketing executive Kyla Herbes has joined Crypton as Content Marketing manager.

“I am amazed by how many brands partner and carry Crypton,” said Herbes. “It’s a very exciting time to be part of the company’s story.”

Herbes is well known in the home sector as a content creator, design influencer and SEO expert, often speaking at industry events including U.S.-based furniture markets and conferences such as the Multifamily Social Media Summit. She brings more than 20 years of experience in the creative, digital and SEO space, from her own business to positions at Chicago-based marketing agency The Weinstein Organization and Pinterest, where she created pins for brands including GAP, General Motors, Nordstrom, Room & Board and Pottery Barn, among others.

Herbes is charged with developing a comprehensive content strategy that drives brand awareness and business growth. She is responsible for the brand’s social media, email marketing, and all supporting content.

“It’s more than just posting beautiful photos,” said Herbes. “It’s about being responsive and authentic. Each time Crypton enters an inbox or replies to a comment online, we are shaking a customer’s hand.”

Herbes reports to Vice President of Marketing Elise Gabrielson.

Posted: February 25, 2025

INDA And AFS’ FiltXPO™ 2025 Technical Conference Program Now Available

CARY, N.C. — February 25, 2025 — INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, and the American Filtration and Separations Society (AFS) have collaborated to create a cutting-edge conference that combines their broad industry expertise, offering FiltXPO™ 2025 attendees unparalleled technical insights.

The program for the Advances in Filtration Technical Conference is now available on the FiltXPO website – https://www.filtxpo.com/. FiltXPO, the International Filtration Conference and Exhibition, is set for April 29-May 1 at the Miami Beach Convention Center in Florida.

This year’s technical conference will focus on the following key themes:

  • Healthy Buildings: Investigating the significance of Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) and the benefits of real-time monitoring, promoting enhanced filtration for human health, smart buildings, and electret air filtration nonwoven materials.
  • Data Centers: Examining filtration’s critical role in advancing energy management through shared technology trends, focusing on best practices in data centers.
  • Innovations in Filtration: Showcasing cutting-edge solutions, technologies, and methodologies revolutionizing the filtration landscape. Highlights will include advancements in nonwoven technologies, respiratory protection filters, and the environmental impact of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) regulations.
  • Sustainability and Circularity: Exploring breakthroughs in circular economy practices, efficiency, and the future. Sessions will cover the regulatory landscape and innovative solutions.

MANN+HUMMEL’s Principal Expert Research Network and Public Funding Martin Lehmann and INDA’s Director of Education & Technical Affairs Dr. Matt O’Sickey will open the two-day conference on April 29 with the theme “The Future of Filtration: Advancing Technology, Performance, and Sustainability.”

FiltXPO will facilitate in-depth discussions on technical advancements in filtration, their broader implications for health and the environment, and regulations shaping the future of indoor air quality and filtration technologies.

The program will feature presentations and panel discussions led by industry leaders and institutions, including AAF International, Ahlstrom, American Truetzschler, Erlab USA, Hollingsworth & Vose Company, inBiot, Johnson Controls, North Carolina State University, Math2Market GmbH, Magnera, Matregenix, and Superior Felt and Filtration, along with experts from INDA and AFS.

New this year, the Advances in Filtration Technical Conference will include poster presentations, providing a platform for subject matter experts to share their latest findings.

For more information about the conference and to register, visit: https://www.filtxpo.com/

Posted: February 25, 2025

Source: INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry / The American Filtration and Separations Society (AFS)

New Hammerhead™ FR Flame Retardant Composite Panels From Avient Featured At JEC World 2025

PARIS — February 24, 2025 — Avient Corp., an innovator of materials solutions, will showcase its comprehensive portfolio of advanced composite technologies and engineered fiber solutions next week at JEC World 2025, the international composites trade show.

This includes highlighting the company’s new Hammerhead™ FR Flame Retardant Composite Panels, an industry-first, patent-pending thermoplastic composite sandwich structure featuring integrated flame retardance that can eliminate the need for additional FR sheets or coatings. The panels can be used in modular construction walls, flooring, and ceilings and can replace gypsum, drywall, and framed assemblies with a consolidated, lightweight structural solution. They also meet ASTM E84 Class A standards for flame spread and smoke density and passed NFPA 286 corner room burn testing.

In addition to Hammerhead™ FR panels, Avient will showcase technologies that offer high strength, weight reduction, and durability for a wide range of industries and markets, including:

  • Thermoplastic Composites:
    • Polystrand™ Continuous Fiber Tapes Laminates: fiber-reinforced unidirectional tapes and multi-axial laminates
    • ThermoBallistic™ Ballistic Resistant Panels
    • Hammerhead™ Marine Composite Panels: structural foam core sandwich panels
    • Polystrand™ Thermoplastic Composite Panels: honeycomb core sandwich panel
  • Thermoset Composites:
    • Gordon Composites™ Thermoset Laminates & Barstock: continuous glass and carbon fiber barstock, laminates, and composite springs
    • Gordon Glass™ Archery Bow Limbs
    • Glasforms™ Pultruded Rods, Tubes & Custom Profiles
    • GlasArmor™ Ballistic Resistant panels
  • Engineered Fiber Solutions:
    • Fiber-Line™ Engineered Performance Enhancing Fiber Processes: including Coating, Twisting, and customized Braiding aramid, glass, carbon, HMPE, and LCP fibers
    • Fiber-Line™ Extrusion Process: thermoset pultruded rods and custom extrusion-coated fibers
    • Fiber-Line™ Specialty Engineered Thermoplastic Tapes: fiber-reinforced thermoplastic unidirectional tapes
    • Upcoming high-performance carbon composite technologies

Avient will exhibit at JEC World in Paris, France, March 4-6, 2025, in Hall 5, Booth F49, at the Paris Nord Villepinte Exhibition Park. Avient’s Polystrand Thermoplastic Garage Door Panel will be displayed in the Industry Planet exhibition area in Hall 5, Booth F147.

Posted: February 24, 2025

Source: Avient Corporation

NCTO Welcomes Expected Confirmation Of Jamieson Greer As U.S. Trade Representative

WASHINGTON — February 24, 2025 — National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO) President and CEO Kim Glas, representing the full spectrum of U.S. textiles from fiber through finished sewn products, issued a statement today strongly supporting Senate confirmation of Jamieson Greer as the next U.S. Trade Representative (USTR).

“We look forward to working with Jamieson Greer, President Trump’s nominee as the next U.S. Trade Representative, whose Senate confirmation is expected as soon as today. This is welcome news to the U.S. textile industry, which has faced economic headwinds that have led to 27 textile plant closures in the past 20 months. We are also excited to work with the entire Trump administration to address these pervasive predatory trade practices, while promoting policies that bolster and expand this strategic supply chain, preserving our U.S.-Western Hemisphere production chain, and permanently ending damaging trade policies such as the de minimis provision, which facilitates the flow of 4 million packages a day that often contain toxic and dangerous products, illicit narcotics and goods made with forced labor.

“Jamieson is an exceptional candidate to serve as USTR, and we are thrilled to work with his team on strong policies that will help maintain and expand the U.S. textile manufacturing base.”

Posted: February 24, 2025

Source: National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO)

MEL Composites Display Aerospace, Marine And Transportation Collaborations At JEC World 2025

BARCELONA, Spain — February 24, 2025 — MEL Composites, a  Spain-based composite solutions provider, is excited to announce its participation at JEC World 2025.

The company will showcase a range of innovative composite products, demonstrating its expertise in lightweight, high-performance materials for aerospace, automotive, and marine applications.

Among the highlights at the MEL Composites booth:

  • Airbus Low-DK Microwave Structure Spacer – Developed for space sector antenna applications, this precision component is CNC machined from Rohacell® core.
  • Composite Window Frame for Electric Bus – Currently being developed with leading Spanish bus supplier Carrocerías Ayats, this next-generation window frame is around 80% lighter than traditional composite parts. Manufactured using a CNC cut foam kit, made with Rohacryl® SW109 core, and a carefully optimised resin infusion process, the new window frames significantly reduce vehicle weight, improve stability and handling, and increase overall fuel economy and energy efficiency.
  • Aresa Falcon V2 Model – This scale model, alongside a video presentation, details the advanced composite internal structure formed from a CNC cut AirCell HR130 foam kit and also demonstrates MEL Composites’ expertise in infusion technology.The company played a key role in the laminate lay-up and one-stage infusion of the Aresa Falcon V2 hull and structure, achieving a lightweight yet durable finished vessel with a top speed of over 65 knots.

“Innovation and performance are at the heart of everything we do at MEL Composites,” said Eduardo Galofre, CEO, MEL Composites. “At JEC World 2025, we are proud to present solutions that push the boundaries of lightweight design and efficiency. From aerospace to marine and automotive applications, our goal is to provide technical support, processing guidelines and high quality materials that enable our partners to achieve superior performance and sustainability.”

MEL Composites, the JEC Innovation Award winner in 2023 for its involvement in the composite roof of the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, home of Real Madrid, will exhibit on stand 5/5P21 March 4-6, 2025.

Posted: February 24, 2025

Source: MEL Composites

DOMOTEX Presents A New Concept

HANNOVER, Germany — February 24, 2025 — DOMOTEX, the trade fair for flooring, is launching with an expanded concept, establishing itself as the “Home of Flooring and Interior Finishing.” From 2026 onwards, DOMOTEX will take a more holistic approach to flooring and interior construction with six new product categories.

In addition to its well-established flooring segments, DOMOTEX is expanding its portfolio to include ceramic tiles, wall and ceiling elements, paints and coatings, wallpapers, outdoor flooring, and sun protection & shading.

“Flooring is our DNA — and in 2026, we are showcasing it with an even broader offering. With our new concept, we are responding to the evolving demands of the market and creating synergies across all trades. DOMOTEX is becoming a one-stop shop for all stakeholders — from retail and trade to craftsmen and architects.

“We offer a unique format that brings flooring, walls, and ceilings together, putting the entire interior finishing sector in the spotlight. The industry has already shown strong interest, and we have secured key players early on. The positive feedback confirms that we are on the right track,” said Sonia Wedell-Castellano.

New Special Formats and Participation Opportunities

To better meet the industry’s needs, DOMOTEX is not only expanding its themes but also introducing new, tailor-made formats for exhibitors and visitors.

In addition to the Green Collection, which highlights sustainable materials, the newly introduced Acoustics Special Show will showcase innovative solutions for optimal room acoustics—featuring modern materials and practical applications for architecture, planning, and craftsmanship.

Furthermore, DOMOTEX is introducing specialized participation formats:

  • Wall & Color Park: Brings international manufacturers of paints, coatings, and wallpapers together with key target groups from trade, craftsmanship, and architecture.
  • Retailers Park: A proven format that provides retailers and specialty stores with a platform to discover new products and trends and strategically expand their assortments.
  • Tiles Plaza: Located in Hall 22, this area will provide a dedicated stage for ceramic tiles within DOMOTEX for the first time.
  • Architects Space: A key hotspot for manufacturers targeting architects, covering both established and emerging themes.
  • DIY Boulevard: Showcasing products specifically designed for the DIY and home improvement market.

These formats will be complemented by Mood Spaces, offering immersive trend experiences, as well as the Carpet Design Awards, which recognize outstanding handmade carpets.

New Dates and Biennial Cycle

Starting in 2026, DOMOTEX will take place every two years. This new cycle aligns with the specific needs of the flooring sector, allowing for better planning and a stronger focus on innovations. The next event is scheduled for January 19–22, 2026, at the Hannover Exhibition Grounds.

For the first time, DOMOTEX will run from Monday to Thursday, a deliberate change based on exhibitor and visitor feedback. While weekends were historically important for the retail sector, market structures and work-life balance have evolved significantly.

DOMOTEX remains the central meeting point for innovations and solutions in flooring, wall, and ceiling design. With its new concept, DOMOTEX reinforces its position as the essential trade fair for the international flooring and interior finishing industries.

DOMOTEX Worldwide

As the Home of Flooring & Interior Finishing, DOMOTEX (January 19–22, 2026, in Hannover) presents international trends and products for interior construction every two years. The event is organized by Deutsche Messe AG in Hannover.

DOMOTEX Middle East (April 22–24, 2025, in Dubai) is the leading trade fair for carpets and flooring in the Middle East, North Africa, and Turkey. Organized by Deutsche Messe AG.

DOMOTEX asia/CHINAFLOOR (May 26–28, 2025, in Shanghai) is the largest international flooring trade fair in the Asia-Pacific region, jointly organized by Globus Events, Build Your Dream, and Hannover Milano Fairs Shanghai, a subsidiary of Deutsche Messe.

Posted: February 24, 2025

Source: Deutsche Messe

Lone Star Funds Announces Agreement To Acquire The Specialty Chemicals And High Performance Polymers Business Areas Of RadiciGroup

DALLAS & NEW YORK & LONDON & TOKYO & MILAN — February 24, 2025 — Lone Star Funds today announced that an affiliate of Lone Star Fund XII, L.P. has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the Specialty Chemicals and High Performance Polymers Business Areas of RadiciGroup, a leading global player in the chemical sector.

RadiciGroup, founded in 1941 and headquartered in Bergamo, Italy, is a family-owned company that has established itself as a global leader in the polyamides (nylon) value chain. With an agile business model and a high degree of specialization, RadiciGroup has become a trusted partner serving customers in Europe, the Americas and Asia across the automotive, industrial, electrics/electronics and consumer goods markets.

Lone Star will acquire the Specialty Chemicals and High Performance Polymers Business Areas, while the Radici family will retain control of the Advanced Textiles Solutions Business Area.

“RadiciGroup has a proven track record of innovation, quality and customer commitment, making it a natural addition to Lone Star’s portfolio,” said Donald Quintin, CEO of Lone Star. “This carve-out acquisition is highly complementary to Lone Star’s portfolio of specialty chemicals and manufacturing businesses and aligns well with our strategy of investing in industry leaders with strong growth potential. We are excited to partner with the RadiciGroup team to strengthen competitive positioning, drive operational excellence and unlock new growth opportunities for the business.”

Angelo Radici and Maurizio Radici, president and vice president of RadiciGroup, also on behalf of the heirs of Paolo Radici, added: “We are very proud of the growth path achieved by RadiciGroup from its foundation until today. The agreement with Lone Star Funds marks the beginning of a new chapter in the global expansion of RadiciGroup’s Specialty Chemicals and High Performance Polymers businesses which boast a strong mutual integration. In a constantly evolving market environment, Lone Star Funds’ experience in the chemical sector, combined with its strategic resources and global expertise/reach, will be key factors in supporting the further business growth, while ensuring continued excellence in serving customers. The Radici family will continue to drive the Advanced Textile Solutions Business Area focusing on innovation and sustainability.”

The transaction is expected to close in the second half of 2025, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals.

Posted: February 24, 2025

Source: Lone Star Funds

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