Introducing DuraTech™ By Microban®: A Non-Heavy Metal Antimicrobial Cotton Technology With Superior Wash Durability

HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. — August 24, 2022 — Microban International is pleased to unveil its new technology, DuraTech™ by Microban® — an antimicrobial additive with superior wash durability designed explicitly for cotton applications. This non-heavy metal technology helps to prevent the growth of odor-causing bacteria up to 99.99 percent after 75 home launderings which far exceeds industry standards. DuraTech also works to keep cotton fabrics fresher for longer by reducing odors up to 99 percent even after 75 home launderings.

This innovation is part of Microban’s continued commitment to being a sustainability-solutions focused company. DuraTech will push the boundaries of antimicrobial cotton technology, addressing the needs of brands and manufacturers for a more durable and sustainable solution through the elimination of heavy metals from the formulation. As well as being a non-heavy metal antimicrobial, DuraTech is also binder-free, non-ionic, and fully water soluble. These features allow DuraTech to easily integrate into cotton fabrics during normal padding manufacturing processes, with no impact on the appearance or feel of the final cotton product. DuraTech works continuously to protect cotton products from the growth of harmful bacteria, which can lead to unpleasant odors, stains, and early product deterioration.

DuraTech will be available to cotton fabric manufacturers and brands in the U.S. and Asia, and will include Microban’s invaluable turnkey support services for branded partners. This novel technology is perfect for creating antimicrobial cotton products, such as sheets and towels for home textiles, hospitality, apparel, and more.

Michael Ruby, president of Microban International, commented: “As the global leader in the areas of antimicrobial, odor control, and surface modification solutions, Microban strives to deliver the most innovative solutions to our partners all around the world. We are pleased to announce the launch of DuraTech by Microban for textiles producers and leading brands in the United States, India, and Asia. This technological breakthrough is specifically targeted at cotton substrates which delivers unparalleled antimicrobial product protection and wash durability without relying on the use of heavy metals. This technology will help leading brands deliver a better end consumer experience in the home, hospitality, and apparel sectors with a sustainability-focused solution from Microban.”

Posted: August 24, 2022

Source: Microban International

Aptean To Expand Global Apparel And Retail Software Offerings

ALPHARETTA, Ga. & ATLANTA — August 24, 2022 — Today, Aptean, a global provider of mission-critical enterprise software solutions, and Aptos, a provider of retail technology solutions, announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement through which Aptean will acquire Aptos’ planning and product lifecycle management division. The planned purchase will expand Aptean’s cloud-based software offerings for the apparel, luxury, fashion and specialty retail industries, and broaden its fashion and apparel footprint. Following the transaction, Aptos will continue its focus on its suite of unified commerce solutions for the retail space, including its point of sale, order management, merchandising and other retail-specific applications.

With operations primarily based in Milan, Aptos’ planning division’s software is purpose-built to meet the merchandise planning and design needs of retail brands. Hundreds of established customers, including well-known fashion companies across the globe, rely on Aptos’ planning solutions to anticipate demand, optimize production and make more informed decisions.

Through the transaction, Aptean will acquire the full breadth of operations and the product portfolio of Aptos’ planning division which consists of solutions for merchandise financial planning (MFP), product lifecycle management (PLM), assortment planning (AP), and allocation, forecasting and replenishment (AFR). The addition of these products will complement Aptean’s enterprise resource planning (ERP) and shop floor control (SFC) offerings for the apparel industry with tools that support the entire apparel merchandise lifecycle from concept to shelf, providing visibility and real-time insights into financial planning, design, purchasing, distribution and delivery.

“When finalized, the acquisition of Aptos’ planning platform will build on Aptean’s commitment to serve the fashion and apparel industry,” said TVN Reddy, CEO at Aptean. “Like Aptean, Aptos has focused on bringing customers to the cloud, helping them to increase scalability while delivering a better experience to the end consumer. We’re excited to build on Aptos’ success and accelerate the ability of apparel and retail companies across the globe to harness the benefits of digital transformation.” Pete Sinisgalli, Aptos CEO, said, “The pending sale of these solutions to Aptean aligns with our previously announced areas of strategic focus. Aptean shares our passion for innovation and our commitment to strong customer service. With the addition of Aptos’ planning and PLM solutions to Aptean’s current software offerings, retail and apparel producers will have access to a greater range of proven and functionally-rich solutions tailored for their industries.”

The transaction is expected to close within the fourth quarter of 2022.

Posted: August 24, 2022

Source: Aptean/Aptos

AFFOA Names Michelle Farrington New CTO

Farrington

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — August 24 — Advanced Functional Fabrics of America, Inc. (AFFOA), a non-profit public-private partnership focused on invigorating the American textile industry, has announced the promotion of Michelle Farrington to Chief Technology Officer (CTO).

In this new role as CTO, Farrington will be leading AFFOA’s integrated technology development team, with responsibilities spanning business development, program management, and engineering. She will be responsible for developing AFFOA’s technical strategy, and ensuring technical programs are developed in alignment with that strategy both within the organization and with its members.

“I am excited to see Michelle step into this new role. Her broad and deep technical knowledge, coupled with a talent for translating voice-of-the customer into a technical strategy, make Michelle perfectly suited for this role. Over the last one and a half years, Michelle has contributed to the strategic growth of AFFOA by building relationships with an expanding set of stakeholders both in industry and academia, and we look forward to her continued success as AFFOA’s CTO.” shared Sasha Stolyarov, AFFOA’s CEO.

When asked about stepping into the CTO role Farrington stated “I’m looking forward to
ramping up growth here at AFFOA. This means hiring great engineers, having in-depth
conversations with our members, and creating innovative solutions for bringing advanced
functional fabric products to market in a more predictable and manufacturable manner.”

Prior to joining AFFOA as the Vice President of Strategic Growth, and now becoming its CTO, Farrington spent over two decades in the semiconductor industry specializing in commercializing new technologies including MEMS inertial sensors, energy harvesting, and etextiles. She has also held roles in manufacturing, product and technology development, and business strategy.

Stolyarov continued “I am confident that Michelle will continue to help AFFOA expand its
capabilities and in turn the capabilities of our members. She is precisely what we need to reach our goal of impacting the domestic textile industry through the advancement and integration of new fabric technologies.”

Posted August 24, 2022

Source: AFFOA

Beaver Paper To Increase TexPrint, ProTex, TexSewn Paper Prices Globally By Up To 12 % For All Grades, Effective October 1st Of 2022

ATLANTA, Ga. USA & WILLSTÄTT, Germany— August 23, 2022 — Beaver Paper, a leading manufacturer of sublimation paper, is increasing prices for its entire product range globally by up to 12 % for all grades, effective for deliveries from October 1st, 2022.

This step is necessary to offset significant cost increases for raw materials, chemicals, pulp, and logistics.

Customers will be contacted directly by the Beaver Paper sales team.

Posted: August 23, 2022

Source: Beaver Paper

MYSTERY RANCH Backpacks And CORDURA® Advanced Fabrics Present The Debut Of CORDURA® re/cor™ RN66 In The MYSTERY RANCH Fall 2022 Product Line-Up

BOZEMAN, Mont. — August 23, 2022 — MYSTERY RANCH Backpacks and CORDURA® Advanced Fabrics present the debut of CORDURA® re/cor™ RN66 in the MYSTERY RANCH Fall 2022 product line-up already available in 16 countries including North America and UK – with the announcement of market entry in Germany.

For over 20 years, MYSTERY RANCH has been building some of the finest load-carriage equipment for elite military, wildland firefighters and mountain professionals, and they are set to unveil the latest efforts to reduce its environmental impact at the show. The industry-leading pack company built on a heritage of comfortable load carriage, function, and durability for people who have a mission to accomplish has a long and trusted history of partnership with INVISTA brand CORDURA® Advanced Fabrics.

This partnership deepens for Fall ’22 with the debut of CORDURA® re/cor™ RN66 in the DISTRICT Series, a new Everyday Carry pack collection.  Urging the outdoor industry to ‘Expect More, Waste Less’ nylon 6,6 challenges the throw-away mentality within the textile industry, making it easier for consumers to understand how one ingredient and quality craftmanship can allow them to get maximum life from their gear and apparel. For those who demand durability and sustainability, there’s no better choice.

MYSTERY RANCH President Alex Kutches states:

“We make the most durable loadbearing packs in the world, and now thanks to our innovative fabric partners, we can take some meaningful steps at the product level with full pack lines made of recycled materials. Our company partnership with CORDURA® has a long and special history, but the launch of the DISTRICT Series heralds a new chapter in our brand story and our unyielding focus on design and innovation. With CORDURA® re/cor™, we can remain committed to product quality and durability and introduce our first line of packs made from fully recycled materials.”

Cindy McNaull, CORDURA® Business Development Director, added:

“We’re delighted that the DISTRICT Series has already been adopted in 16 countries, including the US – this is an impressive take up for a brand-new product line. Innovation is at the core of what CORDURA® truly is, and MYSTERY RANCH is no different. We make it a priority to continually bring new ideas and products to our brand and retail partners. As the world evolves, we know a large piece of that will fall within stewardship and sustainability. We’ve put this work at the front of our efforts. At CORDURA® Advanced Fabrics, we believe that “Sustainability Begins With Products That Last™.” MYSTERY RANCH operates from the same value set, and they truly are the perfect partner to help us bring this new fabric to market.”

Posted: August 23, 2022

Source: INVISTA

Marijuana Strategic Ventures, Inc. Now Mushrooms Inc., Announces Filing Of Provisional Patent For Novel Mycelium Thread

ESTERO, Fla. — August 23, 2022 — Marijuana Strategic Ventures, Inc. (the “Company”) now Mushrooms Inc., announces Filing of Provisional Patent for Novel Mycelium Thread.

The Company is pleased to announce that on August 22, 2022, Mushrooms, Inc. executed an exclusive license agreement for all rights to a newly filed provisional patent for a novel mycelium thread manufacturing method with the United States Patent Office (USPTO).

Myco Technology with Mushroom Textile Applications

The Company’s exclusively licensed patent application is directed to a novel method for generating mycelium thread that Mushrooms Inc. believes will create a new textile material to replace some of the most commonly used petroleum-based fabrics.

Lead scientist Robert Richardson commented, “Our process uses specific fungus to metabolize and biodegrade agricultural waste into a usable mycelia material. This mycelia is then esterified and spun into silky fibers which may be used for textiles and clothing.”

By working with the fast-growing mycelium, in conjunction with regenerative agriculture, mycelium thread prevents the return of the sequestered carbon back into the atmosphere and creates a zero carbon, eco-positive product. Focusing on plant material diversity in their process will allow for unique agricultural curation which can be implemented globally, sequestering carbon and reducing pollution that would otherwise be released into the air through burning the waste in the fields.

Kimberly Carlson, CEO of Mushrooms Inc., said, “With only 2 weeks of growing time, we are looking at an efficient break down process for agricultural waste with high volume product output to feed directly into current methods of textile production. I am excited to work in collaboration with the intelligent mycelia, embrace its natural ability to break down waste, and enable designers to showcase the beautiful bi-product in familiar textile applications. Implemented correctly, this could have a positive global impact in countries burning high fiber or high cellulose agricultural residue.”

Mushrooms Inc. is aligned with the expectation that mycelium thread will be the newest textile medium for the creation of fabrics with a highly sustainable (minimal carbon impact), infinitely renewable, energy efficient manufacturing process.

Exclusive License Agreement

Under the Exclusive License Agreement, dated August 22, 2022, between Mushrooms, Inc. and the developers of the novel mushroom thread generation technology, Mushrooms, Inc. acquired the rights to future revenue generated by the market adoption of the technology.

With attainable milestones in place for Mushrooms Inc. including the production of an operable prototype incorporating the Technology by June 30, 2023 and commercialization by September 30, 2023 they look to use its reasonably best commercial efforts to achieve sales. With an agreed 90% royalty of net sales as well as 90% of any products obtained from operation of all Devices on a country by country basis, Mushrooms Inc. has secured this exclusive license agreement with a wide margin of profitability.

Provisional Patent Filed – On August 17, 2022, the licensing inventors filed patent application no. 63/371,683 with the USPTO, titled “Method For Mycelium Thread Generation”.

Posted: August 23, 2022

Source: Mushrooms, Inc.

Lenzing Looks To The Future With Green Energy In Indonesia

LENZING, Austria — August 23, 2022 — The Lenzing Group, a provider of wood-based specialty fibers, is expanding its global clean electricity portfolio and transitioning its production site in Purwakarta to green electricity. The Indonesian subsidiary PT. South Pacific Viscose (SPV) has been using electricity generated solely from renewable sources since July this year, which will reduce its specific carbon emissions by 75,000 tonnes annually.

In 2019, Lenzing became the first fiber producer to set a target of halving its carbon emissions by 2030 and becoming climate neutral by 2050. This carbon reduction target has been recognized by the Science Based Targets Initiative. In Purwakarta, Lenzing is currently investing in the reduction of carbon emissions, as well as air and water emissions. Thanks to its EUR 100 million investment in this area, Lenzing is gradually transitioning its existing capacities for standard viscose to LENZING™ ECOVERO™ and VEOCEL™ branded specialty viscose.

“Demand for our wood-based, biodegradable specialty fibers is constantly rising. We see enormous growth potential, especially in Asia. The switch to green, renewable electricity marks a huge step forward in converting our Indonesian site into a specialty fiber supplier. This makes us better positioned to meet the growing demand for sustainably produced fibers,” comments Robert van de Kerkhof, Chief Commercial Officer for Fiber at Lenzing.

Boosting growth in specialty fibers

Man-made climate change is one of the most pressing problems of our time. The fashion industry has an extremely negative impact on the environment due to its fast fashion business model and the growing consumption of fossil resources in textile production. LENZING™ ECOVERO™ viscose fibers (for textiles) and specialty viscose fibers under the VEOCELTM brand with Eco Care technology (for nonwovens) generate 50 percent lower greenhouse gas emissions and water pollution compared to standard viscose.1

Specialty fibers are Lenzing’s key strength. The company aims to generate more than 75 percent of its fiber revenue from the wood-based, biodegradable specialty fibers business under the TENCEL™, LENZING™ ECOVERO™ and VEOCEL™ brands by 2024. With the launch of the lyocell plant in Thailand in March 2022 and the investments in existing production sites in Indonesia and China, the share of specialty fibers in Lenzing’s fiber revenue is set to exceed the 75 percent target by a significant margin as early as 2023.

1 Higg MSI: This figure was calculated using the Higg Material Sustainability Index (Higg MSI) tools of The Sustainable Apparel Coalition. The Higg MSI tools assess the impact of materials according to the cradle to gate method for finished material (e.g. material that is ready to be integrated into a product). However, the results only reflect the impact of manufacturing up to fiber production.

Posted: August 23, 2022

Source: The Lenzing Group

61st Dornbirn GFC Global Fiber Congress: 2nd Dornbirn GFC Innovation Days September 14-16, 2022, Dornbirn Austria

VIENNA, Austria — August 23, 2022 — Up to now, more than 200 different companies and institutes are represented and we expect well over 400 participants from all over the world at the congress in Dornbirn — a great success!

Customer obsession is our main goal. Therefore, we decided to offer an online on demand package on top with recorded lectures and panels which will be open for access for two weeks after the congress.

A great offer for everyone who can`t make it this time! However, the full Dornbirn experience including

  • high scientific content of the lectures – opportunity to contact the presenter on the spot;
  • personal meetings with the community – even use of our dedicated deep dive rooms;
  • networking & gaining business opportunities – active match making supported by organizer;
  • Lecturer`s evening;
  • Mayoress` evening and the fashion show with musical accompaniment; and
  • the great Dornbirn atmosphere at the special area “Lake of Constance” including 
the outstanding buffets with Austrian products is only possible on site.

Top level Keynote speakers on the Opening Day

Board Members of Lenzing and Indorama, the biggest global players in the fiber industry, the CEO of Paboco, the most innovative company in the packaging industry and a highly reputated professor from Oxford University will open the congress. Further, top companies from the digital sector, like ServiceNow and PwC will show us how they will support the industry for a sustainable future.

Key topics will be innovation, sustainability & circular economy and the final panel discussion

“CEO Panel: The urgent need for co-operation between Established Industry Players and Young Emerging Companies” with the above leaders will show us the way forward.

100 expert lectures from industry, universities and research institutes

Top lectures on latest innovations will take place in parallel in 3 lecture halls.

15 pitches of young growing companies and idea generators

A dedicated lecture area will provide all necessities for young companies to present their innovations and business models to the relevant parties. An active matchmaking is granted as Dornbirn GFC, RWTH Aachen, PwC, Vagabond and other collaborators will accompany the young companies on their journey of success.

Exhibition area and Innovation Hub: 20 established exhibitors and about 15 young innovative companies are using their booths as contact points & advertising spaces.

Dornbirn GFC 2022 Topics

  • Fiber Innovations;
  • Sustainability, Circular Economy & Recycling;
  • Smart Functional Surface;
  • Nonwovens; and
  • Apparel & Sports.

Thanks to our ambitious partners and sponsors, we are able to attract a global audience. This will foster the global exchange of ideas and innovations in the fiber industry and along the value chain of textiles and nonwovens and well into the packaging industry.

We are looking forward to welcoming you soon. Please join us and register: www.dornbirn-gfc.com

Posted: August 23, 2022

Source: Austrian Fibers Institute

Standard Fiber Expands Operations With New Las Vegas Filling Facility And Distribution Center

BURLINGAME, Calif. — August 17, 2022 — In response to ongoing customer requests to provide onshoring and nearshoring resources for its freight-sensitive bedding products, Standard Fiber — innovator and supplier to the home, hospitality, and pet textile industries — has built a new filling facility and distribution center in Henderson, Nev., less than 20 miles from the company’s new showroom, which opened last month in the Las Vegas Market Center.

Standard Fiber’s 126,000-square-foot facility, which is built with the latest and most innovative manufacturing equipment providing high-speed, digitally-controlled blending capabilities of up to three ingredients across different types of polyester and foam, will focus on filling and distributing higher-end blown polyester and foam filled pet beds, sleep pillows, as well as maternity and other specialty shaped pillows.

“Our number one priority is the success of our customers, who depend upon our innovative products, lower costs and faster fulfillment to optimize their inventories,” said Sandy Gray, Standard Fiber CEO. “We recognized that many of our customers have challenges with relying solely on Asian manufacturing for their bulkier filled bedding production. So, we’re thrilled to bring the next expansion of our global textile manufacturing network home to the United States for our partners who will benefit from our new localized capabilities.”

Standard Fiber’s new facility is strategically located to serve the large Las Vegas-based hospitality market where its customers can benefit from local production and speedier product delivery.

The company also emphasized its ability to collaborate with industry partners who only have east coast-based filling operations, so they are able to optimize time and cost-savings benefits by leveraging Standard Fiber’s new west coast fulfillment capabilities.

Posted August 23, 2022

Source: Standard Fiber

INDA Announces The 2022 RISE® Innovation Award Finalists: Innovations In Recycling And Sustainability

CARY, N.C. — August 23, 2022 — INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, announced the three finalists that will present their innovative material science solutions as they compete for the prestigious RISE® Innovation Award during the 12th edition of the Research, Innovation & Science for Engineered Fabrics Conference (RISE®) to be held in person September 27-28, 2022, at North Carolina State University.  The award recognizes novel innovations within and on the periphery of the nonwovens industry that creatively use next-level science and engineering principles to solve material challenges and expand the usage of nonwovens and engineered fabrics.

Meet your Finalists for the 2022 RISE® Innovation Award:

Cat Litter Made from Recycled Nappies – DiaperRecycle

DiaperRecycle has developed technology to recycle used diapers into cat litter. The aim of the company is to make an environmental impact and decrease the climate changing emissions of diaper waste. They’re diverting used diapers (used in households and businesses such as elder care) from landfill, separating the plastic and fiber and making cat litter. The plastic is prepared for recycling by plastics recyclers. The cat litter product is made by DiaperRecycle from the super absorbent fiber of diapers; it’s highly absorbent and flushable.

Biodegradable Diaper Components – Gottlieb Binder GmbH & Co. KG

Together, Avgol and Binder take on the challenge of disposable absorbent articles for the good of future generations and came up with sustainable diaper components. The technologies used are based on biotransformation technology, which makes it possible to achieve more sustainable products by supporting recycling and providing an alternative route for non-recyclable/fugitive waste management.

sero® hemp fibers – Bast Fibre Technologies Inc.

Bast Fibre Technologies’ sero® hemp fibers offer the nonwoven industry an all-natural substitute for plastic fibers. From dedicated European- and US-based production facilities, BFT transforms raw bast fibers into premium natural fibers for applications ranging from single-use and durable wipes to industrial applications. Suitable for minority or majority blends, sero hemp combines easily with standard nonwoven fibers to produce fabrics that meet the industry requirements for strength, uniformity, and processing efficiency.

RISE® conference attendees, technology scouts and product developers in the nonwoven/engineered fabrics industry seeking new developments to advance their businesses, will electronically vote for the recipient of the 2022 RISE Innovation Award. The winner will be announced Wednesday, Sept. 28.

Technical experts on INDA’s Technical Advisory Board selected three finalists from among 12 nominations.  The 22-member board of technical professionals is represented by companies such as Absorbent Hygiene Insights LLC, Attindas Hygiene Partners, Berry Global, Cotton Incorporated, Crown Abbey, LLC, The DAK Group, Fi-Tech, Inc. Freudenberg Performance Materials, Glatfelter Sontara Old Hickory, Inc., Lenzing Fibers, Inc., Natureworks LLC, Nice-Pak Products, Inc./PDI, Nonwovens by Design, Norafin (Americas) Inc., The Nonwovens Institute at North Carolina State University, Poccia Consulting, LLC, The Procter & Gamble Company, RKW North America, Inc., Rockline Industries, Smith, Johnson & Associates, Suominen Corporation, and Texas Tech University.

In 2021, the RISE® Innovation Award was presented to Canopy for its Canopy Respirator.

“The RISE Conference recognizes and promotes innovation across the nonwoven and engineered material industry. Technology leaders will share invaluable information on innovative new approaches and concepts to resolve material science challenges. For any technical leader, technology scout or new product innovator, RISE is an event not to be missed,” said Tony Fragnito, INDA’s President.

The conference program will cover relevant and timely topics including: Creating a Circular Industry, Advancements in Sustainable Inputs in PLA, Developments in Natural Fibers I and II, Sustainable Inputs in Fibers and Biofibers, Sustainable Inputs from Waste Products, and Economic Insights and Market Intelligence.

The full program can be viewed here: https://www.riseconf.net/conference.php

For registration details, visit https://www.riseconf.net/

Posted August 23, 2022

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