KARL MAYER: New HKS 2-SE PLUS Twill Stitch Fabrics Are Adding Power To The Lingerie And Sportswear Business

OBERTSHAUSEN, Germany — July 19, 2022 — At the end of last year, KARL MAYER added the HKS 2-SE PLUS to its range of products for processing elastane; the first trials were completed shortly afterwards to test the new patterning possibilities it offered. Thanks to a modified knitting motion, the newcomer can not only implement conventional elastic locknit and 1 x 1 counter lappings, but twill stitch variations too. The ground guide bar GB 2, which processes elastane, may work the two-needle-overlap.

Incorporating the elastic material as a two-needle-overlap produces a fabric with a high modulus, a plump feel and a silky surface, as tests carried out by KARL MAYER’s textile product developers have demonstrated. The textile specialists produced various articles on the new HKS 2-SE PLUS with a twill stitch 1 x 2 lapping and a 2 x 1 lapping as combination partners. A polyamide filament yarn was used to implement the 2 x 1 lapping through the GB 1. The twill stitch 1 x 2 lapping was made with open and closed loops, and worked in equal lapping in the underlap and in counter lapping in the overlap, and vice versa for the 2 x 1 lapping.

When comparing the resulting variants with a standard locknit structure — also produced on the HKS 2-SE PLUS and with the same yarn — clear differences can be seen. With a weight per unit area of between 243 g/m² and 253 g/m², the twill stitch 1 x 2 articles are noticeably heavier than the standard elastic fabric, and the elastane content is also higher. The difference is around 12%. The new elastic twill fabrics are extremely powerful and resistant to elastic deformation. They are soft against the skin, drape well and dry quickly. Thanks to this performance, fabrics featuring this modelling stretch are a promising innovation, particularly for the manufacturers of shapewear and sportswear, swimwear and lingerie articles. What’s more, the product range of the HKS 2-SE PLUS is effectively expanded. To produce the fabrics, the guide bars simply need to be adjusted using predefined settings options.

Posted: July 19, 2022

Source: KARL MAYER

The Gherzi Organization Strengthens Its Presence In North America

ZURICH, Switzerland — July 19, 2022 — The Gherzi Organization strengthened its operations in North America today by joining forces with industry veteran Robert Antoshak as a partner.

The goal will be to better serve brands and manufacturers in North America’s apparel, textile, and fiber industries. In recent years, an uptick in regional sourcing and construction of new operating plants in North America has prompted Gherzi to expand its regional operations.

Previously, Gherzi worked for clients in North America, supported by its Zurich and South America offices.

Antoshak brings over 30 years of experience consulting for companies throughout the textile supply chain, from cotton farmers and fiber companies to spinners, weavers, apparel brands, and retailers. He also has a deep background in government affairs and trade policy.

Gherzi CEO Giuseppe Gherzi said: “We have observed a significant shift in the global textile and apparel industries that favors the expansion of operations in North America. To meet renewed interest in the region, Gherzi has retained the services of a well-known and respected industry leader to head up our efforts.”

Antoshak shared his enthusiasm for the project. “It is a unique opportunity and a chance to assist companies in rethinking their sourcing strategies and expand their options in North America,” he said.

The Gherzi Organization was founded in Switzerland more than 90 years ago. Gherzi is an independent, global firm of more than 120 consultants, technical specialists, engineers, architects, and planners working across all areas of industrial and infrastructure projects.

To learn more about the Gherzi Organization, visit www.gherzi.com.

Posted: July 19, 2022

Source: The Gherzi Organization

Nominate Your Innovation For The Prestigious Hygienix Innovation Award™

CARY, N.C. — July 19, 2022 — INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, announces online nominations are now open for the Hygienix Innovation Award™. The award recognizes a new product or technology innovation in the absorbent hygiene and personal care sector that uses nonwoven fabrics in novel, technically sophisticated, uniquely creative and expansive ways. The award will be presented at Hygienix™ 2022, November 14-17 at The Roosevelt New Orleans Hotel, in New Orleans.

Nominations will be accepted online through Monday, August 29 at www.inda.org/awards/hygienix-innovation-award.html. Nominees will be selected from a broad range of new products or technologies that have been commercially available at most two years prior to Hygienix 2022. Nominees can include end product components, fabrication techniques, or products that use a nonwoven technology in manufacturing. Award categories include feminine care products, diapers, incontinence products, raw materials, equipment technology, reusable products or technologies, and composites or laminates that use nonwovens. Three finalists will present their innovations to more than 450 participants at the eighth edition of Hygienix, the premier event for the absorbent hygiene and personal care markets. The winner will be announced Thursday, November 17.

Last year’s Hygienix Innovation Award was presented to Kudos for its Kudos Diaper Subscription Box, a disposable diaper featuring 100-percent breathable cotton touching baby’s skin.

The 2021 event in Scottsdale, Ariz., attracted more than 360 industry professionals to convene and connect with the latest innovations and trends in the largest of the nonwovens segment — absorbent hygiene and personal care. Participants benefited from forward thinking market and business insights as well as face-to-face engagement with 14+ hours of networking events.

The Hygienix™ 2022 Conference will explore exclusive content in these key areas: Market and Innovation Development, Sustainable Absorbent Hygiene Inputs and Products, Menstrual Product Innovation, Consumer Understanding, and Machinery.

The event will also feature a new Mentorship Program where first-time participants convene and connect with elite decision makers; two workshops, Global Diaper Trends and Absorption Systems for Absorbent Hygiene Products: A hands-on look at absorbent hygiene cores; networking opportunities to connect with fellow participants; and tabletop exhibits with two evening receptions. For information on the Hygienix Innovation Award nomination, contact Chris Plotz, cplotz@inda.org, 919-459-3748.

For registration and tabletop exhibit information on Hygienix 2022, visit www.hygienix.org/register.html

Posted: July 19, 2022

Source: INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry

Arcade Belt Co. Announces Shift To REPREVE® Recycled Polyester

OLYMPIC VALLEY, Calif. — July 19, 2022 — Arcade, founded on the belief that belts should function better for freedom of motion, be designed to last longer, and be more comfortable, today announces that all of its belts will now be made with REPREVE®, a post-consumer, certified recycled yarn. The shift to Repreve across the full range of Arcade belt products will have a smaller footprint without sacrificing comfort, durability, or functionality.

“Throughout our journey to design and make uncomplicated, genius belts, we have consistently kept our focus on doing everything we can as a team and as a brand to reduce the impact on our environment,” said Kevin Walker, marketing director at Arcade. “We partnered with Repreve to ensure our standards of high-quality, performance materials used in all of our belt webbing were met. We are really proud to be shifting all of our belts over to Repreve certified recycled polyester, a gold standard in both sourcing and fabrication that is fully traceable.”

Arcade belt webbing is now made of 85-percent Repreve recycled polyester and 15-percent natural rubber, a virgin material that gives Arcade belts their signature performance stretch and comfort. Arcade buckles are made of a virgin POM or nylon, which is a 100-percent recyclable material. While recycled elastics and plastics exist, through lab and in-field testing, Arcade has found that these alternatives are not as durable and do not meet the company’s standards for product longevity and quality. Arcade uses these chosen materials for their buckles and performance stretch component of their belts because, ultimately, the more sustainable solution is to make products that last longer.

“Arcade belts retain their controlled performance stretch and keep their durable structure, even after years of active daily use, that’s why we confidently attach a lifetime guarantee to our products,” added Walker. “A major part of being more sustainable is choosing the right partners and quality materials from the very beginning. The shift to recycled yarn in all Arcade belts adds yet another layer to our on-going efforts to tread lighter.”

By choosing to make their performance stretch belts with post-consumer Repreve recycled yarn, by 2024, Arcade will:

  • Repurpose 3+ million plastic bottles from oceans and landfills;
  • Reduce 300 kg of CO2 emissions; and
  • Save 3.1 million liters of water.

Repreve is a trusted, recycled performance yarn made from clear, post-consumer plastic bottles. Compared to making virgin yarn, Repreve offsets using new petroleum, emits fewer greenhouse gasses and conserves water and energy throughout the production process.

All new performance stretch webbing belts currently available at arcadebelts.com now feature Repreve, including the Adventure, Capture, and Futureweave series of belts.

Posted: July 19, 2022

Source: Arcade Belt Co.

Forward-Thinking And Transparent Communication Keeps Loepfe Ahead In Delivery Fidelity

ZURICH, Switzerland— July 19, 2022 — Despite daily reports of global supply chain issues, Loepfe Brothers Ltd. rise above market uncertainty to continue exceeding customer expectations.

Positioning itself for future growth, Loepfe has made several key strategic moves to allow it to continue its mission to champion customer-centricity. Loepfe report that committed customer orders are being delivered on time, making it a reliable partner within the very uncertain business environment. Loepfe considers transparent communication and its collaborative approach with all the involved parties as main success factors.

Delays in international sourcing has been the downfall for many market players, however, Loepfe is committed to sourcing with a future vision to ensure that customer expectations can still be met. Clearing sourcing bottlenecks, holding increased stocks, and building closer working relationships with both new and existing suppliers, as well as customers, has allowed the company to gain additional business against a challenging procurement backdrop. Also, strengthening relationships with transport partners and increasing the use of air freight has helped Loepfe fulfill its commitments.

Further, Loepfe’s broad product range has played a crucial part. With more complete product families, it has the flexibility to use multiple products to fit the needs of the customer. The respective product components are sourced independently from long-standing suppliers, and product production runs in parallel thanks to successful recruitment and new employment models. Switzerland-made hardware quality along with the offering of software updates give products greater longevity and the ability to adapt to changing demands.

However, all these initiatives have come with higher cost pressure and increased capacities and have required a great level of dedication and flexibility from every individual in the Loepfe team and its partners. In an ever-changing landscape it recognizes there is no room for complacency and remains committed to evolving its processes to ensure customer satisfaction.

Dr. Ralph Mennicke, CEO of Loepfe Brothers Ltd. said: “We are delighted we have been able to fulfil our commitments to customers, old and new. We are constantly looking for innovative ways to retain our strong position. There are many pressures in the market right now, and our strong position has required a great deal of foresight, dedication, and troubleshooting. While full availability of all components in our complex sensor products cannot be taken for granted nowadays, we are making the utmost efforts to ensure transparency to our partners and to find solutions along the way that meet our customers’ needs. I’m grateful to every individual in our team who has helped to make this happen. We remain committed to our long-standing clients and look forward to welcoming even more new customers into the Loepfe world.”

Posted: July 19, 2022

Source: Loepfe Brothers Ltd.

Rieter: Market Success Through Technology Leadership, Profits Strongly Impacted By Significant Cost Increases And Supply Chain Bottlenecks

WINTERTHUR, Switzerland— July 19, 2022 — Rieter continued to be successful in the market in the first half of 2022. Based on the company’s technology leadership, innovative product portfolio and the completion of the ring- and compact-spinning system, a high order intake and a significant increase in sales were generated. The increase in sales was achieved even though preproduced deliveries in the three-digit million range had to be postponed until the second half of 2022. The order backlog is at a record level. Despite higher sales, the significant increase in material and logistics costs, additional costs for compensation of the material shortages and the expenditure incurred for the acquisition in the years 2021/2022 resulted in a loss. Rieter is implementing an action plan to increase sales and profitability. The sales process for the remaining land owned by Rieter was initiated.

Order Intake and Order Backlog 
Rieter posted an order intake of 869.4 million Swiss francs ($897.5 million), which included 176.6 million Swiss francs ($182.3 million) from the businesses acquired in the years 2021/2022. As expected, demand has thus returned to normal compared with the exceptionally high figure for the prior-year period, but remains well above the average figure for the last five years of around 570 million Swiss francs ($588.5 million) (first half 2021: 975.3 million Swiss francs ($1,007 million), first half 2022 excluding acquisition effect 692.8 million Swiss francs ($715.2 million)).

The regional shift in demand with investments in additional spinning capacity outside China along with investments in the competitiveness of Chinese spinning mills continues. Rieter benefits from its technology leadership, the innovative product portfolio and the completion of the ring- and compact-spinning system through the acquisition of the automatic winding machine business. The largest order intakes came from India, Turkey, China, Uzbekistan, and Pakistan.

On June 30, 2022, the company had an order backlog of more than 2,100 million Swiss francs ($2,168 million)(June 30, 2021: 1,135 million Swiss francs ($1,172 million)). Cancellations in the reporting period amounted to around 5 percent of the order backlog.

Sales

The Rieter Group posted sales of 620.6 million Swiss francs ($640.1 million), which included 68.9 million Swiss francs ($71.1 million) from the businesses acquired in the years 2021/2022 (first half 2021: 400.5 million Swiss francs ($413.5 million)).

As a result, sales were significantly higher than in the prior-year period, although preproduced deliveries, which mainly affected the Business Group Machines & Systems, in the three-digit million range had to be postponed until the second half of 2022. The reasons for the postponements were the COVID lockdown in China and supply chain bottlenecks.

EBIT, Net Result and Free Cash Flow
Rieter posted a loss of 10.2 million Swiss francs ($10.5 million) at the EBIT level in the first half of 2022.

Earnings were impacted by significantly higher material and logistics costs. The
price increases already implemented are having a delayed effect, mainly in the Business Group Machines & Systems, and were therefore unable to compensate
for the high increase in costs. In addition, costs in connection with material shortages negatively impacted profitability. The result also includes acquisition-related expenses of 11.2 million Swiss francs ($11.6 million).

The loss at the net result level was 25.2 million Swiss francs ($26.0 million), of which 17.6 million Swiss francs ($18.2 million)was due to the acquisition.

Free cash flow was 57.1 million Swiss francs ($59 million), attributable to the build-up of inventories in connection with the high order backlog and postponed deliveries.

Action Plan to Increase Sales and Profitability

Rieter is implementing a comprehensive package of measures with the aim of increasing sales and profitability in the second half of 2022.

The package focuses on two main priorities: Firstly, Rieter is continuing to systematically implement price increases while working to improve the quality of margins of the order backlog, so as to compensate for cost increases in materials and logistics.

Secondly, Rieter is working closely with key suppliers and is developing alternative solutions to eliminate material bottlenecks, as far as possible, in order to safeguard deliveries.

Rieter Site Winterthur

The Board of Directors has decided to begin the process for the sale of the remaining land at the Rieter site in Winterthur (Switzerland). In total, around 75,000 square meters of land will be sold. The Rieter CAMPUS is not part of this transaction; the construction project is progressing according to plan.

Outlook

As already reported, Rieter expects demand for new systems to normalize further in the coming months. Due to the capacity utilization at spinning mills, the company anticipates that demand for consumables, wear & tear and spare parts will remain at a good level.

For the full year 2022, due to the high order backlog and the consolidation of the businesses acquired from Saurer, Rieter expects sales of around 1,400 million Swiss francs ($1,445 million)(2021: 969.2 million Swiss francs ($1,001 million)). The reduced sales forecast compared to early 2022 (March 2022: 1,500 million Swiss francs ($1,549 million)) reflects the impact of global supply bottlenecks. The realization of sales revenue from the order backlog continues to be associated with risks in relation to the well-known challenges.

Despite significantly higher sales, Rieter expects EBIT and net result for 2022 to be below the previous year’s level. This is due to the considerable increases in the cost of materials and logistics, additional costs for compensation of material shortages as well expenses in connection with the acquisition in the years 2021/2022. Despite the price increases already implemented, global cost increases continue to pose a risk to the growth of profitability.

As market and technology leader, Rieter will benefit from the exceptionally high order backlog and the continuation of the regional shift of demand.

Posted: July 19, 2022

Source: Rieter Holding Ltd.

WNDR Alpine Unveils The All-New Intention 108 Backcountry Ski With SpiralMade™ Material Developed From Reclaimed Manufacturing Waste And Designed For Performance

SALT LAKE CITY & ALAMEDA, Calif. — July 18, 2022 — WNDR® Alpine — the outdoor brand launched by advanced materials company Checkerspot Inc. — debuted its new ski lineup today, featuring the Intention 108, a ski geometry with the brand’s signature performance boosting AlgalTech® biobased materials and its all new palette of SpiralMade™ materials made from recycled production waste.

The Intention 108 takes the place of WNDR Alpine’s inaugural Intention 110 ski in the lineup, embodying the same intuitive feel, with a more purposeful inclination for aggressive, human-powered big mountain skiing in a diverse range of snowpacks.

“When we launched the original Intention 110 in 2019, it was our first and only shape in the lineup, so it had to do absolutely everything,” said Matt Sterbenz, general manager of Wintersports. “Since the introduction of the Vital 100 and Reason 120, we’re now well equipped to support a wider spectrum of snowpacks and skiing styles. As a result, it was time to rethink the Intention to hone in on the areas where we believe a medium waist width backcountry ski should truly excel. The new Intention 108 remains the everyday choice for most skiers in our community, as it continues to provide ample flotation in a variety of snowpacks but now with increased maneuverability as a result of its deeper sidecut. What I am most excited about is that this new shape will also come in more lengths than ever and two camber profiles to dial in the ultimate set up.”

The Intention 108 features a more consistent stiffness profile than its predecessor, a 21.5m sidecut in a 188cm length, with gradually rockered tips and tails. Carrying on the traditions of its predecessor, the Intention 108 is available in both Camber and Reverse Camber profiles and lengths suitable for skiers 5’1” and up.

Debuting in WNDR Alpine’s new lineup are SpiralMade™ materials — embodied by a reuse of production waste developed in-house by WNDR Alpine’s team of designers, engineers, and materials scientists. These materials enter the market in the form of the Spiral Plate — a recycled binding retention insert offering approximately 35 percent better binding retention strength than traditional maple binding inserts. For snowboards, Spiral Plate insert packs virtually eliminate the ability for insert spin along with a 5 percent increase in torque and pull-out strength relative to conventional aspen construction.

The debut of SpiralMade represents a shift in mindset away from conventional narratives around recycling in consumer products. “It’s incredibly valuable to make one’s own materials and products more easily recyclable,” said Daniel Malmrose, vice president of Product Innovation. “It’s a separate challenge to put one’s own recycled outputs directly into a product in a way that improves the product. Using recycled materials to reach a tangible performance benefit is imperative if we’re to make recycling more viable in the snowsports industry.”

“We embraced the concept of ‘spiral fabrication’ as a play on circularity, acknowledging that while not every material can be recreated in an infinite cycle, we have a very real ability to reconstitute waste material into a new form that’s still valuable,” said Pep Fujas, professional skier and vice president of Marketing and Product Development. “Now that the concept has been demonstrated, we’re excited to bring SpiralMade to backcountry athletes this season.”

The 2023 WNDR Alpine lineup is available for preorder today via wndr-alpine.com.

Posted: July 18, 2022

Source: Checkerspot Inc.

The LYCRA Co. Showcases Denim Innovations At Kingpins New York

WILMINGTON, Del. — July 18, 2022 — The LYCRA Co., a global developer of innovative and sustainable fiber and technology solutions for the apparel and personal care industries, is exhibiting its latest products for denim in person at Kingpins New York July 20-21 at Pier 36 in New York City. The company is showcasing samples made with LYCRA® ADAPTIV fiber, LYCRA DUAL COMFORT technology, and its other industry-leading denim fibers.

LYCRA ADAPTIV fiber is a patent-pending revolutionary fiber that creates “one-size-fits-more” garments that adapt to fit different body shapes within a size. It also delivers a second-skin effect with excellent recovery and comfortable holding power.

“Consumers have different body types and this can impact garment fit and comfort,” said Rita Ratskoff, senior strategic manager – denim, The LYCRA Co. “By offering greater shape tolerance, LYCRA ADAPTIV fiber has the potential to reduce apparel returns and manufacturing waste by enabling the undercutting of patterns.”

LYCRA DUAL COMFORT technology combines the comfortable fit of stretch fabrics, the cool and dry comfort of moisture management, and LYCRA T400® A EcoMade fiber, made from 68-percent sustainable resources including recycled and renewable content.

In The LYCRA Co. booth, show visitors can also find innovative denim solutions from the LYCRA XTRA LIFE™ brand’s family of innovative denim solutions, including LYCRA Anti-Slip fiber, LYCRA dualFX® technology, and LYCRA T400® fiber. They create long-lasting, durable garments that enable designers to develop heavy wash downs and distressed looks without fear.

For garment makers seeking sustainable offerings that reduce waste, denim that uses recycled materials will be on display. LYCRA EcoMade fiber contains 20 percent recycled content, and COOLMAX® and THERMOLITE® EcoMade technologies are made from 100-percent textile waste.

“The LYCRA Company is committed to developing an innovative range of sustainable solutions made with renewable and recycled content that will enhance the performance of our customers’ offerings while minimizing their environmental impact,” said Jean Hegedus, sustainability director, The LYCRA Co. “We are excited to be in person at Kingpins again to promote our sustainable denim fibers that help reduce waste and set the stage for circularity.”

Hegedus will join a panel discussion at Kingpins on July 21 at 11:30 a.m. entitled, “In Conversation: Denim Changemakers.” This panel brings together representatives from companies in the United Nations Conscious Fashion and Lifestyle Network, whose members are accelerating change in the denim sector. Participants will discuss industry commitments to increase sustainable practices and advance collective action to reach the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

Kingpins New York is an invitation-only event for the denim community at Pier 36 / Basketball City in Manhattan.

Posted: July 18, 2022

Source: The LYCRA Company

Techtextil And Texprocess 2022 Set Benchmarks For Future-Oriented Textile Trade Fairs

FRANKFURT, Germany — July 18, 2022 — From June 21-24, 2022, the international trade fairs Techtextil and Texprocess focused on sustainability and innovations and provided the international audience with an optimum setting on seven hall levels for exchanging information and establishing and strengthening business relationships. Quality meets quantity: this motto was fulfilled once again this year. 94 percent of all visitors and 87 percent of all exhibitors expressed themselves as very satisfied to satisfied with their participation in the trade show. These very good results are in line with those of the previous events in 2019.

With a degree of internationality of 66 percent, a total of 48,000 visitors from 105 countries attended the first edition of Techtextil and Texprocess since the Corona pandemic and used the opportunity to visit both trade fairs. The excellent figures of around 44,000 visitors at Techtextil and 22,000 visitors at Texprocess (each including visitors transferring from Texprocess and Techtextil respectively) confirm the relevance of these trade fairs for the textile and textile technology industries.

1,141 exhibitors at Techtextil from 47 countries and 182 exhibitors at Texprocess from 29 countries, including twelve international country pavilions and numerous joint stand participants, presented their products, technologies and new developments. In addition to German exhibitors, companies from Italy, France, Turkey and Switzerland were most frequently represented. The extensive and attractive accompanying program, such as the Techtextil and Texprocess Forums, the Techtextil and Texprocess Innovation Awards, the Techtextil Special Show “Performance Textiles in Fashion” or the Texprocess Special Show “Denim Future Lab” with integrated Speakers Corner, enabled discussions and showed exceptional textile and textile technology solutions, also with regard to sustainability.

This shows: Visitors and exhibitors rely on personal encounters on the exhibition grounds. In addition, the digital offerings were also used, such as the apps and the Digital Extension offered for the first time, which made the trade fairs an online experience.

“The first edition of Techtextil and Texprocess since the Corona pandemic fulfilled the industry’s strong desire to finally come together again in person. We are pleased that the re-start was excellently received by exhibitors and visitors worldwide. At the Frankfurt exhibition center, we were able to create a place for industry representatives to exchange ideas on the future topics of the textile and apparel industry,” reports Olaf Schmidt, vice president Textiles & Textile Technologies, Messe Frankfurt.

“With the focus on sustainability and innovations, we have created real added value for visitors. Never before has there been so much interest in innovative and sustainable solutions. Techtextil and Texprocess offer an optimal platform for the presentation of progressive products and support the future-oriented further development of the industry,” explains Michael Jänecke, director, Brand Management Technical Textiles & Textile Processing, Messe Frankfurt.

Elgar Straub, managing director of VDMA Textile Care, Fabric and Leather Technologies (TFL), draws an optimistic conclusion from this year’s Texprocess: “Thanks in particular to the many high-level and international visitors, the mood was positive all around — despite current uncertainties and the resulting cautious expectations of Texprocess exhibitors prior to the fair. At the fair, in personal exchanges, it nevertheless became clear once again that, precisely because the textile world is currently changing rapidly, there is an immense need for investment in technology. Automation, sustainability and flexibility are just the most important keywords here.”

Exhibitor statements on Techtextil and Texprocess 2022

New products and further developments were of particular importance at this year’s Techtextil and Texprocess. In a time characterized by social and economic challenges, labor shortages, supply bottlenecks or shortages of raw materials, progressive approaches to solutions are essential. At the leading trade fairs, it became clear that the companies have used the time since the last Techtextil and Texprocess intensively for research and development and were able to present numerous promising products.

“After the Corona break, it was of great importance to finally reconnect with the international industry at Techtextil and to meet our many business partners in person that we have not been able to meet in person for a long time. We also made some interesting new business contacts,” said George Papagiannis, Sales & Marketing manager at Thrace Nonwovens & Geosynthetcs S.A., Greece.

“For us, Texprocess was a great success. We are very satisfied with the quality and the results of the conversations with the visitors. It was a great pleasure for us to meet so many partners and customers again in person after a long time of major travel restrictions. Digital communication is a must nowadays and certainly makes many things easier, but it cannot completely replace face-to-face communication and knowledge transfer. We welcomed many new business partners at Texprocess, but also long-time friends and familiar faces,” said Henry Diekmann, head of Marketing at Dürkopp Adler, Germany.

“At this year’s Techtextil, our Portuguese companies achieved very good results. Our conclusion is that the success of the trade fair in 2022 continued on seamlessly from 2019 — and we are very pleased with this finding. Most of our companies were also very pleased with the number of new customers looking for new European suppliers,” said Manuel Serrão, CEO at Selective Moda.

“This year’s trade fair contained an element of new beginnings. In an ad hoc survey, over 70 percent of our members said that Techtextil was the most important or only trade fair for their product portfolio. Over 90 percent rated the number of visitor contacts as good or very good. The quality of contacts was rated as good by 75 percent and very good by 17 percent. All those we surveyed expressed their intention to exhibit in Frankfurt again in 2024,” says Stefan Schmidt, head of Divisions Yarns – Fabrics – Technical Textiles at IVGT e.V..

“From the point of view of Swissmem / Swiss Textile Machinery, this year’s edition of Techtextil presented itself as extraordinarily successful. The long overdue refreshment of existing customer relationships and the establishment of new contacts were very valuable. Particularly worth mentioning is the high quality of the visitors and the meetings that took place were at equal level between decision-makers. We will certainly be returning again in 2024,” summed up Ernesto Maurer, president of the Swissmem Swiss Textile Machinery Association.

“It was a good trade show. We had more than 400 visitors from 51 countries and were able to establish many successful business relationships from Europe. Texprocess was also the ideal platform for the launch of our new software product 2DCAD and our new Vison system. This was important because visitors to Texprocess come primarily to see innovations or new products,” says Fabrizio Giachetti, managing director of Morgan Tecnica S.p.A., Italy.

From Innovation Awards to Sustainability: an accompanying program with real added value

But nowhere was the future of the textile industry as close as at the Techtextil and Texprocess Innovation Awards. Thirteen winners from seven categories were selected by two international juries of experts, honored at a public awards ceremony and exhibited on all four days of the fair. In addition to the first woven heart valve, production processes using sustainable materials, such as pineapple peels or a novel cold glue robot, all received a Techtextil or Texprocess Innovation Award.

The textile industry is exploring news paths. This is also the case with regard to sustainability. The interest in sustainable and resource-saving materials and processing methods or recycling solutions has never been so great. This has also long since entered the consciousness of manufacturers. This year, 66 exhibitors were marked with Sustainability@Techtextil or Sustainability@Texprocess and could thus be specifically visited by visitors. Exhibitors with sustainable offerings were able to submit their products for review by an international group of experts and were highlighted after successful review.

Sustainability was also a topic at the Techtextil and Texprocess forums. “Circular economy in the textile industry. A Positioning”, “Virtual Fabrics: Structure and Multispectral Color Prediction” or the keynote “After the Crisis is Before the Crisis” provided high-quality information opportunities and unique insights into current industry topics on all four days of the fair. The patron of the Techtextil Forum was EURATEX – The European Apparel and Textile Confederation. The Texprocess Forum program was organized by DTB – Dialog Textil-Bekleidung e.V. and VDMA TFL.

A special highlight was the Techtextil special show “Performance Textiles in Fashion”. Here, visitors experienced first-hand how functional textiles are used in the apparel industry. Smart textiles with electrodes and stretchable cables for electro-muscle stimulation, heatable clothing or bags made of particularly resistant material provided inspiration and amazed the audience.

The Denim Future Lab took visitors into the world of the denim industry. The Texprocess special show focused on sustainable materials and processing as well as luxury denim. The Speakers Corner, which was co-organized by the Transformer Foundation, invited visitors to exchange ideas and engage in discussions and was very well attended.

The next Techtextil and Texprocess will take place from April 23-26, 2024.

Posted: July 18, 2022

Source: Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH

Corpus Christi Polymers Plant In Texas Resumes Construction

BANGKOK, Thailand — July 19, 2022 — Indorama Ventures Public Co. Ltd. (IVL), a global sustainable chemical company, announced that construction of an integrated PTA-PET plant in Corpus Christi, Texas, will resume in August this year. Corpus Christi Polymers LLC (CCP), a partnership between three companies, is expected to begin production in 2025 and ensure continued cost-competitive production to support the growth of IVL’s global PET operations into the next decade.

CCP was formed in 2018 as a joint venture between Indorama Ventures Corpus Christi Holdings LLC, a subsidiary of Indorama Ventures; DAK Americas LLC, a subsidiary of Alpek S.A.B. de C.V.; and APG Polytech USA Holdings, Inc,  a subsidiary of Far Eastern New Century, following the purchase of a partially constructed facility of M&G Resins in Corpus Christi. Each partner will procure its own raw materials and receive one third of the PTA and PET produced at the facility to sell and distribute independently.

Construction of the state-of-the-art plant is resuming following a period of pandemic-related disruptions. Through the pandemic, the partners firmly resolved to continue planning amid continued robust demand for PET packaging and the need for shorter supply chains. As the impact of the pandemic eased in 2022, the management team was strengthened in preparation for the resumption in activities.

CCP is expected to be the largest vertically integrated PTA-PET production plant in the Americas, and IVL’s biggest greenfields project in the U.S. since the development of the AlphaPet production facility at Decatur, Alabama in 2009. The new Texas facility is a significant addition to IVL’s leading global footprint, and will expand its coverage to customers across the U.S. The plant’s vertical integration optimizes PTA-PET production and, together with the availability of raw materials Paraxylene and Mono Ethylene Glycol in the U.S., ensures long-term competitive-cost supply for IVL’s locally integrated polyester value chain.

The facility will have nominal annual capacities of 1.1 million metric tons of PET and 1.3 million metric tons of PTA, shared between the partners. It will employ three state-of-the-art technologies: PTA: IntegRex®, PET melt: Invista, and PET solid state: Easy Up (HCIRR – Horizontal Continuous slightly Inclined Rotary Reactor).

CCP is adding to its leadership team to prepare for the new growth opportunities. Russell Wilson will leave his role with IVL as head of Manufacturing Americas, Combined PET, to take up a new role as CEO of CCP from 18 July. He brings 30 years of Aromatics and PET leadership experience including prior roles with Amoco and BP before joining IVL. Todd Hogue, IVL’s global head of EH&S, replaces Wilson as IVL’s representative on CCP’s Board. Michael Day joined CCP as project director in June and brings 34 years of construction leadership experience including senior roles with Bilfinger, KBR, and CB&I. Jeff Shea will assume the role of COO on 18 July. Shea has been in the PET industry for the last 22 years and has managed PET sites for the last 17.

Sunjay Ahuja

Sanjay Ahuja, executive president, Combined PET, Indorama Ventures, said: “We welcome the resumption of construction at the Corpus Christi facility and look forward to working with our partners towards full production in 2025. As we moved past the pandemic’s peak, conditions improved to the point where our firm resolve can now be rewarded.”

Muthukumar Paramasivam, business head – Integrated PET Americas, Indorama Ventures, said, “Our customers – many of them global household brands – are encouraged as the Corpus Christi facility adds significantly to our reach, and our U.S. coverage in particular. This is a further evidence of how IVL’s resilient integrated model and global footprint supports us through disruptions and allows us to come back even stronger.”

Posted: July 18, 2022

Source: Indorama Ventures Public Company Limited (IVL)

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