CALIDA GROUP Acquires Premium Lingerie Brand Cosabella

SURSEE, Switzerland — May 19, 2022 — The CALIDA Group has acquired American premium lingerie and loungewear brand Cosabella. The acquisition of this internationally recognized, highly profitable company further strengthens the Calida Group’s position in its core segment of underwear and lingerie and paves the way for its US market entry with the brands Calida and Aubade. The Calida Group’s proven brand expertise and platform model will unleash Cosabella’s growth potential in both the US and European markets. The closing of the transaction is expected to take place in Q2 2022.

Cosabella was founded in 1983 by Valeria and Ugo Campello in Miami, Fla. A family-owned business with its second-generation management employs approximately 50 people and generated sales in the United States of $29 million and an EBITDA of $4.8 million in 2021. With its strong growing digital business (online share above 50 percent) and proven omni-channel capabilities, Cosabella is an ideal strategic fit to complete the Calida Group’s existing business with the brands Calida, Aubade, erlich textil as well as Lafuma Mobilier and will further enhance its continuous growth. With its Italian heritage, Cosabella embodies a still largely untapped potential in the European market, which will be unleashed with the help of the Calida Group’s advantageous market position in the region. Additionally, this acquisition creates an ideal starting position for the U.S. market entry of its brands Calida and Aubade. Cosabella will serve as the US hub for the successful geographical expansion of the Calida Group, which is in line with the strategy ACCELERATE 2026.

With the integration into the Calida Group, existing production sites and its branding platform will be leveraged by Cosabella, allowing for the optimization of synergies as well as promising growth potential in the two key markets Europe and US. With this acquisition, the group is further enhancing its portfolio with a strong growing, high margin business. The Calida Group acquires a 100 percent stake in Cosabella for a total package of $80 million including earn out thus reinvesting the sales proceeds from Millet Mountain Group in its core segment of underwear and continuing to execute the ACCELERATE 2026 strategy. In the last five years, Cosabella reached an average annual sales growth of +22 percent (CAGR 2017-2021) and an EBITDA margin of 16.1 percent in 2021 (EBITDA margin Calida Group 2021: 10.6%).

Hans-Kristian Hoejsgaard, chairman of the board of directors of the Calida Group, said: “With the acquisition of the strong e-commerce brand Cosabella, we continue focusing the Calida Group on its core segment while simultaneously enhancing its online growth. This transaction is completely in line with the strategy ACCELERATE 2026 and highly accretive for all stakeholders. As a family business, Cosabella shares our group’s values regarding quality, customer service, long-term business development, and inclusion.”

Guido Campello, managing director of Cosabella, said: “Along with my sister, Silvia Campello, and the entire Cosabella team, we are delighted to unleash our growth potential in the US and Europe together with the experts of the Calida Group. Our company’s continued momentum as an inclusive brand leader further emphasizes that future growth potential. With the Calida Group’s famous brand expertise and shared platform, we will be able to capitalize on global synergies and advance the evolution of our brand. We are especially happy to have found a partner that shares the same values as our long-standing family business including high quality craftsmanship, inclusiveness, comfort and European production.”

Timo Schmidt-Eisenhart, CEO of the Calida Group, commented: “We are very pleased to have the internationally recognized Cosabella brand enhancing our product offerings in our core segment of lingerie and underwear. With our long-standing brand expertise, we will strengthen the awareness of Cosabella as a popular lingerie brand in Europe and at the same time will benefit from Cosabella’s US market knowledge. Additionally, Cosabella provides an ideal hub to launch our brands Calida and Aubade in the U.S. market as an added value to this deal. With the Cosabella team’s expertise and experience in this market, we will drive the group’s geographical expansion forward strategically and create further consolidation opportunities in the underwear market. We warmly welcome our Cosabella colleagues and are looking forward to a fruitful partnership.”

Posted: May 19, 2022

Source: CALIDA GROUP

FIT Announces Expansion Of The Bob Fisch Graduate Student Award Program And Recipients Of Inaugural Award For Entrepreneurial Excellence

NEW YORK CITY — May 19, 2022 — Today, May 18, the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), a college of the State University of New York (SUNY), announced that two $25,000 awards for entrepreneurial excellence were presented Tuesday night, May 17, during an event held on campus and hosted by Dr. Brooke Carlson, interim dean, School of Graduate Studies, and the FIT Foundation. Robert (Bob) Fisch, founder and former chairman and CEO of rue21, award-winning author of Fisch Tales: The Making of a Millennial Baby Boomer and the forthcoming Get a Life, and an FIT Foundation director, established the awards to help nurture and advance the careers of outstanding students from FIT’s School of Graduate Studies’ Fashion Design and Global Fashion Management programs.

Fisch, a renowned entrepreneur widely recognized for his bold and successful innovations in value-priced, fast fashion retailing, said: “My FIT experience with the graduate students was inspiring. Their creativity and vision make me want to continue mentoring and helping them achieve their business dreams and goals. They remind and inspire me to never stop learning. Their curiosity is infectious! Being with the students makes me realize I do not know everything and always want to learn. They teach me about life!”

“Bob has a real enthusiasm for the creative ideas of young people and a commitment to listening to them and empowering them to do their best work,” said Dr. Joyce F. Brown, president of FIT. “We are very thankful for his unique suite of gifts for two programs in our School of Graduate Studies—and for his great spirit of generosity.”

“Bob Fisch’s scholarship goes beyond dollars, and includes Bob coming to FIT and to the classroom to mentor the students during ‘Fireside Chats,'” said Dr. Carlson. “Bob provides thoughtful reflections on his many successful years in industry, and his focus on mentoring really comes through as students soak up his sage advice and wisdom. Bob is very approachable, honest, and open-minded, and this is why he has been so well received by the students.”

The Class of 2022 recipients of the Award for Entrepreneurial Excellence are:

Stephanie Kim, Fashion Design MFA, for The Yearbook Committee

The Yearbook Committee is the first-of-its-kind full-service creative design house that provides integrated creative direction, media production, and original costume design with expertise in science fiction. It has the capabilities to produce feature-length films and documentaries, digital media campaigns and customized services. Kim is a two-time Cannes Young Lion winner for graphic design, and her fashion designs have been recognized by the CFDA. Kim earned a BFA in Visual Communication from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

Amanda Brown and Eva Carelus, Global Fashion Management MPS, for Maid to Alter

Maid to Alter is a circular, bridesmaid dress brand with rentable dresses that are designed with self-adjustable features so one garment can serve many customers, saving bridesmaids time and money on dress alterations. Brown is a designer at Alex Apparel Group and received a BS in Fashion Merchandising Management from FIT. Carelus is a freelance dress designer at Calvin Klein and received a BFA in Fashion Design from FIT.

The awards are an extension of the comprehensive Bob Fisch Graduate Student Award Program, launched in 2021, which celebrates entrepreneurial excellence and intergenerational mentoring through an initial gift from Fisch of $300,000. The program includes thesis project completion grants, scholarships for FIT’s Fashion Design MFA and Global Fashion Management MPS programs, year-round educational fireside chats led by Fisch, and extraordinary one-on-one and group mentoring sessions.

FIT’s Fashion Design MFA program, established in 2017, focuses on practice-based research. Unconventional in approach, the program welcomes students with non-fashion backgrounds, as well as those with rich traditional undergraduate training in fashion design. The curriculum emphasizes research methodologies and pushes critical thinking that motivate innovation and invention in design, fit, cut, construction, silhouette, and materiality. The Global Fashion Management program emphasizes leadership, applied creativity, problem-solving, and analytical thinking along with effective writing and presentation skills. The curriculum includes courses in production management and supply chain, global marketing and fashion brand management, culture and international business, corporate finance, politics and world trade, business policy, global retail management, entrepreneurship, and leadership.

Posted: May 19, 2022

Source: The Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT)

ABB’s New Digital Appraisal Service Reveals Industrial Energy Saving Opportunities Using The Power Of Data

FT. SMITH, Ark. — May 19, 2022 — A new digital service from ABB is enabling industrial operators to maximize energy efficiency and boost sustainability by identifying motor-driven equipment in their facilities with the best energy-saving potential. The ABB Ability™ Digital Powertrain Energy Appraisal service draws on data measured from fleets of digitally connected electric motors and variable frequency drives (VFDs) to show where and how much energy can be saved by upgrading to the latest high-efficiency technologies. Industrial operators can then make data-driven decisions when prioritizing investments.

Upgrading to energy efficient technology is one of the simplest and most cost-effective ways to lower energy consumption and associated greenhouse gas emissions. Across the world’s 300 million industrial motor-driven systems, there is potential to reduce global electricity demand by up to 10 percent by switching to high-efficiency systems.

“The challenge for an industrial operator is knowing where to start in a fleet of hundreds of electrical motors,” said Adrian Guggisberg, Division president of ABB Motion Services. “ABB developed the new Digital Powertrain Energy Appraisal service to provide clarity by analyzing motor data and identifying where businesses should focus investment to maximize energy efficiency gains that reduce operating costs and CO2 emissions.”

One operator reaping the benefits is Waggeryd Cell, a pulp mill in southern Sweden with industry-leading energy efficiency. In an effort to further improve the efficiency of its energy-intensive process, Waggeryd is building its ABB Ability Condition Monitoring system. This draws data from digitally connected motors in refiners, process pumps, fans and conveyor belts. Under the new Digital Powertrain Energy Appraisal service, ABB’s experts used data from the same sources to identify the ten motors with the most potential for improving energy efficiency. Waggeryd has now prioritized replacement of six of these motors to reduce energy consumption, as well as greenhouse gas emissions.

Traditionally, an energy efficiency appraisal requires time-consuming manual collection and evaluation of data and covers only the largest motor-driven systems on a site as these are typically seen as having the most potential for saving energy. However, this could overlook significant energy-saving opportunities for electric powertrains that are smaller, less accessible or where energy-saving potential is not obvious.

Posted: May 19, 2022

Source: ABB

Standard Fiber Partners With weaveRIGHT® Technology For Exclusive License In Home And Hospitality Markets

BURLINGAME, Calif. — May 19, 2022 — Standard Fiber, a supplier to the home textile and hospitality markets, has signed an agreement with weaveRIGHT® Technology enabling the company exclusive rights to develop and distribute bath products made with the technology to the home retail and hospitality markets.

Developed by home textile veteran, Matthew Dalton, who was challenged by QVC to reinvent the towel in 2018, weaveRIGHT Technology is a patented weaving process that unites 100-percent cotton loops with performance fibers in the ground of the towel.  This innovative technique enhances absorbency, accelerates drying time, and provides an additional level of durability. The fast-drying time inhibits the growth of bacteria, therefore towels made with this proprietary weaving technology are inherently anti-microbial and eco-friendly.

“With our new weaving technology, we really do feel we met the challenge of reinventing the towel,” said Dalton, owner, weaveRIGHT Home. “We are excited about our partnership with Standard Fiber who lead in delivering quality and innovation in the bedding and bath category.”

“We are delighted that weaveRIGHT has granted us the exclusive license of its truly groundbreaking technology,” said Chad Altbaier, CCO, Standard Fiber. “Aligning with this patented technology will bring our retail and hospitality partners many benefits consumers are looking for today — a compelling blend of performance and luxury, grounded in our @sustainovation philosophy”

Posted: May 19, 2022

Source: Standard Fiber

PrintFactory Expands To North America Amid Sustained, Rapid Growth

AARLE-RIXTEL, the Netherlands — May 19, 2022 — In order to serve its North American clients, PrintFactory, a supplier of large format printing software and services, announced today that it will open up an office in Atlanta, Ga., to expand its global network. The announcement comes at a time when the company’s global installed base has exceeded 10,000 users, representing the largest expansion in the company’s history.

PrintFactory’s suite of award-winning RIP-based workflow software has been, and will continue to be, available in the U.S. and Canada since 2011 through its valued partner and distributor GMG Americas.

Erik Strik, CEO of PrintFactory, said: “As we continue to use technology to simplify the wide-format printing process, today marks another milestone. It is our pleasure to acknowledge the great work done by our partner GMG Americas to date, and to continue that work together. Our rapidly growing installed base in North America requires a stronger presence in the region in order to service it. We will now provide local support to our Distributor (GMG Americas) dealers and customers in the US and Canada from our PrintFactory USA Atlanta office.”

Joseph Varone, president of GMG Americas, commented: “We’re pleased to see this additional investment from PrintFactory in the region as this move will further ensure excellence in customer support, which better aligns with the time zone requirements.”

Simon Landau, global director of Strategic Projects, will lead the PrintFactory USA Sales effort, assisted by Vio Moutia, Customer Success manager. Michelle Bodary, a former GMG employee, will lead the PrintFactory USA Customer Support team.

Due to its availability on every continent, round-the-clock support and offered in 20 languages, PrintFactory is the only truly independent Large Format Print software company in the world. The PrintFactory workflow software offers OEMs and End-Users an extensive set of features, more than any of its competitors. With its innovative cloud platform, LFPs can set their own individual preferences (including language) without having to order separate versions via dongle, and their SaaS per printer model allows them to have unlimited users. Standard print markets and industrial scale operations can both benefit from this RIP workflow.

“Many well-known printers are shipped globally with PrintFactory workflow software today,” Strik said. “We work closely with manufacturers to make sure printers have the drivers, features, and software tools they need to solve simple, everyday problems.”

Meet the PrintFactory USA Team at Printing United Expo – Booth C4929 in Las Vegas, 19-21 October 2022.

Posted: May 19, 2022

Source: PrintFactory

Picanol To Present Its Latest Weaving Innovations At The ITM 2022 Fair

IEPER, Belgium — May 19, 2022 — The ITM 2022 fair is being held at the TÜYAP Fair Convention & Congress Center in Istanbul from June 14 – 18, 2022. Picanol will be showcasing its latest technology in Hall 2, Booth 219. ITM is the first major textile machinery fair where Picanol’s latest developments, which were released at the end of 2021, will be shown to a live audience. Not only will four machines from the Connect generation be on display at the Picanol booth but the new and fully digital platform PicConnect will also be demonstrated. With these innovations, Picanol has once again confirmed its leading role among weaving machine manufacturers.

“With our strong presence at this exhibition, we want to make a clear statement on the importance of this market for Picanol. Our team is really excited and looking forward to explaining how our innovations will ensure we continue to grow together with the Turkish textile industry and our customers in particular,” explained Kurt Lamkowski, manager, Worldwide Sales.

On the occasion of the ITM fair, Picanol will also highlight its recently launched PicConnect platform. PicConnect offers Picanol customers a wide range of features, from industrial IoT to service-related applications. This includes, for example, the new webshop for Picanol Original Quality Parts, which is called PartsLine. Therefore, PicConnect truly is a “must-have” for all our customers. “Going a step further and connecting Picanol weaving machines to PicConnect will allow our customers to leverage the full extent of the machine possibilities. The brand-new functionalities, such as the applications for energy and production monitoring, the file management system, and the style administration application can be discovered at www.picanol.be/machines-features/picconnect,” continues Mr. Lamkowski.

Details of the Picanol weaving machines that will be on display at ITM Istanbul:

  1. OptiMax-i Connect-4-R-220 Fancy denim
The digital loom! A machine that is driven by data, relying on smart performance, with sustainability always in mind.

Warp: Co Ne 20/1
Density: 32 ends/cm

Drawing in width: 210 cm Weft: Co/El Ne 18/1 – 78 den

Density: 22 picks/cm

Highlighted features: BlueTouch display • Guided Gripper (GC) • Electronic Right Gripper Opener (ERGO) Quick Style Change (QSC) • EcoFill 4C • Climate monitoring • Tension Display (TED)

Standard: BlueBox electronic platform • BlueTouch display • SUMO drive concept • Climate monitoring • Shed calculation

Monitor package: Access control • OptiStyle • Raw material use • AutoSens • Gripper tape monitoring

Optimization package: Power monitoring • Gripper stroke measurement • Harness frame stroke measurement & Shed simulation

  1. OptiMax-i Connect-8-R-360 Curtain
Enabling home textiles to be woven without compromise. Available in Free Flight up to T-380, allowing ultimate weft versatility in combination with delicate warps, with e-Leno for perfect selvedges.

Warp: Pes 68f24 den
Density: 30 ends/cm

Drawing in width: 340 cm
Weft: Pes 68f24 den + Pes 20 den + Pes 150 den + Pes 300 den + fancy Ne 1.8

Density: 25 picks/cm

Highlighted features: BlueTouch display • Free Flight (VB) • e-Leno • Smart signal lights BlueBox electronic platform • SmartEye • SmartCut

Standard: BlueBox electronic platform • BlueTouch display • SUMO drive concept • Climate monitoring • Shed calculation

Monitor package: Access control • OptiStyle • Raw material use • AutoSens • Gripper tape monitoring

Optimization package: Power monitoring • Gripper stroke measurement • Harness frame stroke measurement & Shed simulation

  1. TerryMax-i Connect-8-R-260 Terry towel
The benchmark for terry weaving. No limitations in design, combining maximum performance with ultimate versatility.

Warp: Ground: Co Ne 24/2 – Pile: Co Ne 20/2 Density: 23 ends/cm

Drawing in width: 253 cm
Weft: Co Ne 14/1 + Chenille Ne 2.4 + PP 300 den Density: 20-144 picks/cm

Highlighted features: Pneumatic pile backrest • Pile formation system • Pile monitoring • BlueTouch display Needle roll control • Guided Gripper (GCv) • Mechanical filling cutter

Standard: BlueBox electronic platform • BlueTouch display • SUMO drive concept • Climate monitoring • Shed calculation

Monitor package: Access control • OptiStyle • Raw material use • AutoSens • Gripper tape monitoring

  1. OmniPlus-i Connect-4-D-220 Double face
Airjet machine equipped with SmartShed. This is Picanol’s direct-driven shedding motion and it combines the best of both worlds: performance, flexibility, and energy efficiency.

Warp: Pes/El 75f72 den
Density: 60 ends/cm

Drawing in width: 200 cm Weft: Pes/El 75f72 den

Density: 40 picks/cm

Highlighted features: BlueTouch display • SmartShed • Electronic Selvedge System (ELSY Plus) BlueBox electronic platform • Blue22 EasySet prewinders • PosiJet

Standard: BlueBox electronic platform • BlueTouch display • SUMO drive concept • Climate monitoring • Shed calculation

Monitor package: Access control • OptiStyle • Raw material use

Smart savings package: Power monitoring • AirMaster with integrated air consumption meter • Adaptive Relay Valve Drive (ARVD II Plus)

Automation package: Pick Repair Automation (PRA II Plus) • Prewinder Switch-Off (PSO) • AutoSpeed • Harness frame stroke measurement & Shed simulation

  1. An additional OptiMax-i-12-J-190 will be presented at the Bonas booth (Hall 2, Booth 215A).

Posted: May 19, 2022

Source: Picanol

Techtextil North America 2022 Exhibitor Preview: Uster Solution For Flawless Fibers And Quality Webs In Drylaid Nonwovens

USTER, Switzerland — May 17, 2022 — In medical, hygienic and cosmetic applications flawless end-products are essential. And that means contamination in the fiber raw material is not allowed. Uster Jossi Vision Shield N is the solution. It works right at the start, within the process line, eliminating even the tiniest unwanted particles and protecting nonwovens manufacturers from damaging claims.

Three big upcoming events are ideal platforms for Uster to present its quality assurance solutions for nonwovens, as well as spinners: Techtextil North America in May, Techtextil Germany and ITM in Turkey in June.

Optimization in fiber processes

Raw fibers from bales are opened and blended in the blowroom before carding, and this stage can significantly influence the quality of the end-product in drylaid nonwovens. Installing an Uster fiber cleaner in the line ensures highest level of control over contamination in the carded fleece – and consequently the end product.

The risk of contamination, such as small pieces of plastic, reaching the card is that it will be shredded into minute particles and then be incorporated into the material at web bonding. This kind of contamination would be disastrous in a hygiene or cosmetic application which comes into contact with sensitive human skin. With Uster Jossi Vision Shield N integrated in their fiber processing line, nonwovens producers can avoid that risk.

Uster Jossi Vision Shield N uses imaging spectroscope technology to identify contamination in a fraction of a second, instantly removing it from the mass of good fiber material. Detection works across a much greater wavelength than conventional camera systems, so that contamination as small as a single hair and in the lightest colors is pinpointed.

Proven contamination control for bleached cotton

Uster Technologies has built experience and technological know-how over nearly three decades of fiber cleaning in spinning. Contamination is unwelcome in yarn, just as it is in fleece! Worldwide, 5,000 installations of Jossi Vision Shield fiber cleaning systems in spinning mills underline Uster’s success in ensuring contamination-free spun yarn.

The same expertise also works for bleached cotton. Producers of items for cosmetic, medical and baby care can meet the required zero-tolerance demand for any contamination fragments larger than 1 mm.

For best results in contamination detection, Uster Jossi Vision Shield N is integrated right after the opener in the blowroom. At this stage in fiber preparation, detection is enhanced, since the fiber tufts are open, preventing any small contaminants being hidden inside them.

Once identified, the contaminations are automatically ejected by the system, preventing contamination of the web. Some waste here is inevitable, but Uster Jossi Vision Shield N controls this by continuously measuring the speed at which the fiber tufts pass through. It then uses precision valves to time each ejection perfectly, so that only the unwanted contaminant is removed, with an absolute minimum of ‘good’ fiber being lost.

Fitting every line

Uster Jossi Vision Shield N is the result of surveys, close collaboration with international nonwovens companies and countless hours of field tests. Installation is easy, since the fiber cleaner’s slim design fits perfectly into existing lines. The system readily copes with the pace of standard production environments – up to a capacity of 2,000 kg per hour.

Uster ensures that the system is seamlessly integrated into production lines, adapting the position of the fiber feed and the main components with the imaging spectroscopes, for optimum results. Customers can choose between widths of 1,600 and 1,200 mm, with specific solutions available for challenging environments and with any type of material. Stainless steel inserts, in areas which come into contact with the fibers, guarantee unmatched durability.

The future-oriented graphical user interface gives a quick overview of running performance in real-time, on a large high-resolution touchscreen, showing the most relevant data at a glance. User-friendly, quick and intuitive navigation makes data handling easy.

Challenge the experts

Managing quality with Uster Jossi Vision Shield N at the fiber preparation stage gives manufacturers the total confidence that only contamination-controlled products are delivered. Uster is ready to meet this challenge for the nonwoven community. Expert first-hand information will be available at Techtextil North America, on the Uster booth 2823. The invitation also extends to Techtextil in Frankfurt and ITM in Istanbul.

Posted: May 19, 2022

Source: Uster Technologies

Top Weighted Blanket Brand Tranquility Named 2022 Good Housekeeping Bedding Award Winner

DUQUESNE, Pa. — May 17, 2022 — Tranquility, America’s No. 1 selling weighted blanket brand, announced today its Temperature Balancing Weighted Blanket has been selected as a winner for Good Housekeeping’s 2022 Best Bedding Awards.

Experts agree that adults should get at least seven hours of sleep each night*, but research** suggests one in three U.S. adults don’t, which can negatively impact health, including various chronic conditions. Tranquility Weighted Blankets utilize Deep Touch Pressure (DTP) which mimics the feeling of being held or hugged, creating a calming experience. That deep calming pressure can help users fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer and wake feeling more well rested.

Tranquility has amassed thousands of 4- and 5-star reviews, which has helped it claim the title of America’s No. 1 weighted blanket.***

“We are excited to receive this Best Bedding Award from a trusted source,” said Patrick Seiffert, with American Textile Company, the makers of Tranquility. “Sleep is something many of us struggle with, but we want people to understand there are solutions available. Tranquility Weighted Blankets can truly help people who have difficulty sleeping and we’re honored Good Housekeeping has recognized that.”

Tranquility Temperature Balancing Weighted Blankets use a special polymer that reacts dynamically to temperature to keep you cool when it’s warm and warm when it’s cool. This style also features a removable, machine-washable cover allowing the inner blanket to stay fresh and clean longer. The Tranquility Temperature Balancing Weighted Blanket is available in 15lbs and 20lbs options and can be found online and in-store at Target.

Check out Tranquility and the other winners in the June 2022 issue of Good Housekeeping, on newsstands now, or visit tranquilitybedding.com and goodhousekeeping.com for more information.

*According to the CDC, Sleep Foundation and numerous peer-reviewed observational studies.

**The survey was fielded online to a sample size of 1,103 US adults (18+) between September 15-16, 2021. The figures have been weighed to be representative of all US adults.

***According to leading market research firm The NPD Group.

Posted: May 19, 2022

Source: Tranquility Weighted Blankets

Koenig & Bauer Durst Expands Portfolio With Delta SPC 130 Flexline Eco+ Industrial Production Press

WÜRZBURG, Germany— May 17, 2022 — Koenig & Bauer Durst has used its latest SPC Open House to announce a new addition to its product portfolio with the unveiling of the Delta SPC 130 FlexLine Eco+ industrial production press for run lengths from one to millions of square meters. The entry-level, compact model will offer corrugated converters a new route into digital packaging or will enhance their current capabilities.

The Delta SPC 130 FlexLine Eco+ press, using water-based, food-safe, sustainable inks, will offer an impressive price performance ratio for converters with media sizes up to 1.3 metres by 2.8 metres. This new press will be fully upgradeable to the Delta SPC FlexLine Automatic press. Sales start now. Based on its established, market-proven Delta SPC 130 FlexLine Automatic press, the new machine will be addressing converters with volumes of between 4 million and 8 million square metres  a year. It also includes a compact drying system.

With more than 60 guests at the SPC Open House at the Durst Innovation Center East in Lienz, Austria, in May, Koenig & Bauer Durst also announced the introduction of Dynamic Nozzle Management (DNM). This tool will significantly reduce the printhead maintenance across its Delta SPC 130 product portfolio, which will be another boost for customers’ productivity.

DNM will become part of the standard package for the Delta SPC 130 portfolio, including the new Eco+ model, and will further reduce the maintenance cycles of the Koenig & Bauer Durst’s industry acclaimed, long-lasting printheads. The tool identifies nozzle clogging and can then be programmed to manage the level of ink being jetted from the head. It ensures that high-quality production is always maintained.

Matthias Krautgasser, Koenig & Bauer Durst’s Delta SPC 130 Product Manager, said: “We have already implemented our automated non-contact cleaning system – DNM will further increase uptime and productivity of our Delta SPC 130 product lineup.  DNM is another tool in our parcel of advanced technologies which will give our customers even more confidence in these challenging times. The DNM will be fitted to all new products, including the Delta SPC 130 FlexLine Eco+ model that will be available from next year. It can also be upgraded to existing customer machines.

“Many of the corrugated converters we are in discussion with have run lengths of between 4-8 million sq/m per year, so the new Koenig & Bauer Durst Delta SPC 130 Eco+ will be perfect for them, with the capability to upgrade to the SPC 130 FlexLine Automatic press later.”

Robert Stabler, Managing Director, Koenig & Bauer Durst, said: “Raw material shortages, cost pressures and mitigation strategies continue to be high on the agenda for customers. Coupled with brand owners demanding that new production methods are reliable, compliant and cost effective, we are confident that our complete product portfolio, including the new Eco+ press from Koenig & Bauer Durst, will meet the rapidly changing requirements. It was clear from discussions at our SPC Open House that converters increasingly need to have the capabilities and competencies to mass customize without any compromise on quality, and all at an effective total cost of ownership, which we provide.”

Posted: May 19, 2022

Source: Koenig & Bauer Durst

Felix Schoeller Group At FESPA In Berlin

OSNABRÜCK, Germany— May 16, 2022 — The Felix Schoeller Group will be presenting numerous further developments, exciting live applications and the expansion of its diverse product portfolio at the FESPA Global Print Expo from May 31 to June 3, 2022, in Berlin (Booth A24, Hall 4.2). For the speciality paper manufacturer from Osnabrück, Europe’s leading trade fair for screen and digital printing, large format printing and textile printing is all about “Facing the future with strong partnerships”.

“Even during the pandemic, we worked in partnership with our customers and developed products together, and we will show some of the results in Berlin,” says Jörg Borker. For the General Manager Felix Schoeller Digital Media EMEA, FESPA is an important step towards normality, with more face-to-face contacts again. “Together with our customers, we want to look positively ahead and strengthen what has made us successful for more than 125 years. In addition to the exchange of knowledge, aspects of sustainability and innovative thinking, closeness to our customers has always been decisive for our product solutions.” Speaking of closeness: Not far away during the trade fair is the exhibition for the Felix Schoeller Photo Award in the Willy-Brandt-Haus in Berlin (http://www.felix-schoeller-photoaward.com). As part of the international photo competition for professional photographers and young professionals, the German Peace Prize for Photography was awarded for the second time in 2021.

S-RACE® Tacky 100 and S-RACE® Photo Panel Pro 120: dye sublimation paper for sportswear and large format metal prints

A highlight at the Felix Schoeller Group booth is the live sublimation with the latest dye sublimation paper from the diverse S-RACE® series (https://www.s-race.com/de). Customers and trade visitors can see the incomparably fast drying of the print and experience the impressive results on site. S-RACE® Tacky 100 is the fastest drying tacky paper, ideal for use in sportswear made from elastic textiles, such as in cycling or swimwear. The dye sublimation paper impresses with its optimal adhesion to all types of polyester textiles, excellent line sharpness and exceptionally consistent results.

Visitors can also convince themselves of professional solutions in the field of large-format metal prints. In collaboration with Universal Woods and their ChromaLuxe® brand, the Felix Schoeller Group has developed the S-RACE® Photo Panel Pro 120 for professional large format printers. The result is high-quality prints with vibrant colours and deep blacks. The special coating of the paper ensures that the sublimation does not break at the edges. “The S-RACE® Photo Panel Pro 120 is a good example of how a successful partnership works,” says Borker.

Expansion of the product portfolio: New TRANSFER film with OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certification

FESPA is the kick-off for the new TRANSFER film (https://digital-media.felix-schoeller.com/produkte/transferfilme), which can also be experienced live on-site during application. The Felix Schoeller Group’s first transfer film combines efficiency in production with central sustainability aspects and is a first step on the way to a new transfer film portfolio. It comes from joint development with an experienced partner in the industry, Bleher Folientechnik. The optimized product structure of the biaxially oriented PET transfer is free of formaldehyde and chromium and certified according to the OEKO-TEX® Standard 100, so it can also be used for sensitive textiles such as children’s clothing. The special coating enables both hot and cold peel applications and is optimised against antistatic. The transfer film is suitable for use in all screen-printing processes with plastisol inks and is now available as TRANSFER film from the Felix Schoeller Group and as optimont® TRM6 from Bleher.

Speciality papers for large format printing

In addition to the new developments in the areas of dye sublimation paper and transfer films, the Felix Schoeller Group will be presenting its large variety of speciality papers for large format printing in Berlin. Papers that can be experienced include photo papers from the ULTRA series which, with a wide variety of surfaces, meet all the requirements for pin-sharp details with high colour consistency and a large colour space for water-based inkjet printing. Furthermore, a selection of the SLP rc papers for guaranteed excellent printing results for solvent, latex and UV systems will be shown.

Posted: May 19, 2022

Source: Felix Schoeller Holding GmbH & Co. KG

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