Suominen Invests In Strengthening Its Capabilities In Sustainable Products In Nakkila, Finland

HELSINKI — June 20, 2022 — Suominen strengthens its capabilities in sustainable products by enhancing and upgrading one of its production lines in Nakkila, Finland. The investment is made in line with Suominen’s strategy and supports company’s vision to be the frontrunner in sustainability.

“As we foresaw in our strategy the market demand in Europe has changed remarkably towards more sustainable products. With this investment we respond to the increased demand for environmentally friendly products and also enhance our operational performance in terms of safety, quality and productivity,” says Petri Helsky, President and CEO of Suominen.

The total value of the investment is approximately EUR 6 million and the investment project will be completed in the second half of 2023.

Posted: June 24, 2022

Source: Suominen Corporation

Infinited Fiber Company Picks Site Of Shut Paper Plant In Finnish Lapland For Its Planned EUR 400 Million Textile Fiber Factory Investment

ESPOO, Finland — June 20, 2022 — Fashion and textile technology company Infinited Fiber Company plans to build a commercial-scale factory to produce regenerated textile fiber for the world’s leading apparel companies at the site of renewable materials company Stora Enso’s closed Veitsiluoto paper mill in Kemi, a Finnish city on the northern shore of the Baltic Sea. The size of the investment is estimated at EUR 400 million, and it is expected to create around 270 jobs in the area. The annual fiber production capacity of the planned factory is expected to be 30,000 metric tons, which is equivalent to the fiber needed for about 100 million T-shirts.

Infinited Fiber Company’s technology enables cotton-rich textile waste to be transformed into a versatile, high-quality regenerated textile fiber called Infinna™, which looks and feels like cotton. Major international fashion and apparel companies – including Zara’s parent company Inditex, PVH Europe, which is known for the Tommy Hilfiger brand, Patagonia, PANGAIA, H&M Group and BESTSELLER – have already committed to Infinna™ purchases through multi-year agreements as they look for materials that enable the industry to shift towards circularity. Infinited Fiber Company expects to export most of the output of its planned factory. This makes Kemi an ideal location as the city’s port serves as an efficient link to the rest of the world.

Infinited Fiber Company will convert a building housing a discontinued paper production line into an Infinna™ fiber factory. Both the factory engineering and project implementation as well as the related financing negotiations were commenced at the beginning of the year and are progressing well. Infinited Fiber Company has also agreed on the provision of energy and water related services with utility infrastructure company Nevel.

Once up and running, the factory is expected to provide direct employment for around 220 people, and for a further 50 through on-site support functions such as services, maintenance, and logistics. The additional indirect employment impact is estimated to be around 800 jobs. The construction and installation phase is expected to create jobs equaling around 120 person-years. The factory is anticipated to operate at full capacity in 2025.

Finland can lead the way in textile circularity

“Circularity is at the heart of our business. We aim to make use of existing resources in all that we do, which makes the historic Veitsiluoto industrial site a great fit for us. At the same time, we will be creating new export products and jobs,” says Infinited Fiber Company CEO and co-founder Petri Alava. “Finland has solid bioeconomy know-how and is very supportive of circular economy innovations. We see these as major strengths that enable Finland to become a leader in the creation of the new, circular economy-based textile industry value chain.”

Infinited Fiber Company selected the Veitsiluoto industrial site after reviewing dozens of potential premises across Finland. Decisive factors supporting the decision included the site’s excellent existing infrastructure, the availability of fresh water, renewable electricity and energy, efficient port services, and local skilled labor.

“We are pleased to get part of the Veitsiluoto site utilized and happy about the investments and jobs that Infinited Fiber Company is set to bring there,” says Stora Enso Chief Financial Officer and Finland Country Manager Seppo Parvi.

“Supporting the transition to a climate-positive future through long-term cooperation is extremely important for us. We are delighted to be a utility infrastructure partner for Infinited Fiber Company as it prepares to build its factory in Veitsiluoto, and we believe that this collaboration will also create new opportunities in the area,” says Thomas Luther, CEO of Nevel.

Posted: June 24, 2022

Source: Infinited Fiber Company

Monforts Is Introducing A Range Of Modular Upgrades That Can Be Added To Existing Textile Finishing Lines

MÖNCHENGLADBACH, Germany — June 18, 2022 — “Our machines are known for their robustness and long service life, but the retrofitting of specific modules with new control and drive technology – going far beyond the basic replacement of spare parts – can have a significant impact on the performance of an existing line,” says Monforts Marketing Manager Nicole Croonenbroek. “This is especially the case in achieving further energy savings. In today’s challenging times, Monforts is always a helpful and reliable partner to customers who may be considering switching their heating systems to other energy sources. Customers can contact us individually to check the possibilities that are available for their ranges.”

The Monforts universal Energy Tower– a flexible, free-standing air/air heat exchanger for recovering the heat from the exhaust air flow of thermal processes – can result in a 30% reduction in the energy consumed by a line, depending on the exhaust air volume and operating temperature.

A Monforts Eco Booster, completely integrated into the chamber design of the Montex stenter, is another retrofitting option. As a single state-of-the-art heat recovery system with automatic cleaning, it can be added to existing ranges. For ranges of up to eight chambers only one module is necessary to achieve significant energy savings.

On an eight-chamber stenter with an operating width of two metres carrying out a fixing process on a 150gsm woven fabric, for example, the energy savings have been calculated to be 35% over an annual schedule of 6,000 operating hours.

In addition, the Eco Booster consumes only minimal amounts of water during the cleaning cycle and the entire process is controlled and monitored automatically.

The Matex Eco Applicator is an alternative to the conventional padding process for energy-conscious finishing and achieving considerable savings in the energy required for drying treated fabrics. The precise amount of chemical can be applied to the fabric and with less residual moisture after application of only approximately 35% so that less drying capacity is required in the stenter, which leads to huge energy savings.

Finishes can be evenly applied on either or both sides of the fabric, and two separate treatments can be applied to front and back.

This makes the unit ideal for the production of, for example, double-performance hydrophobic/hydrophilic fabrics for professional clothing, as well as the over dyeing or finishing of denim fabrics.

Options

“Other general retrofitting options available in our modular upgrade programme include a new clip opener for the stenter, which is located at the chain deflection points and reduces wear on the clip table and the blades,” says Achim Gesser, Monforts Head of Spare Parts. “At the same time, it ensures a quieter working atmosphere due to the smooth opening and closing of the clips. The addition of a glue flue selvedge dryer can meanwhile increase fabric transport speeds and improve fabric quality by protecting the fabric from overdrying.

“There are also considerable benefits to be gained from bringing a machine’s HMI up to date with our new 19-inch compact OS Windows 10 PCs, as well as with a range of frequency converter options for bringing a machine completely up to date technically and reducing downtimes.

“We’re happy to explain the range of modifications and modernisations that can be made to your line at any time. Compared to a new machine, upgrades are a low-cost investment that deliver clearly defined benefits. With more than 135 years of experience, Monforts is the right partner to assist valuable customers in offering retrofits to help with sustainability and energy savings.”

Further details of the Monforts modular upgrade programme are available at www.monforts.de/en/spare-parts-modifications/ or you can get in touch personally during Techtextil in Frankfurt from 21-24 June 2022, hall 12.0, booth B69.

Posted: June 24, 2022

Source: A. Monforts Textilmaschinen GmbH & Co. KG

Trevira Gmbh & Trevira CS Review Of 2021 And Horizon Scanning For 2022

HATTERSHEIM, Germany — June 20, 2022 — Despite its challenges, 2021 proved to be a very successful year for Trevira, with total turnover coming in higher than expected at around €232 million.

As early as the first quarter of 2021, Trevira saw a significant upswing in all areas, a development stimulated by the roll-out of the vaccination programme and the consequent hope for a speedy end to the pandemic.

The market continued to give increasingly positive signals, especially in the area of home textiles. This followed a challenging year for Trevira CS ® in 2020, when the hotel and events sector was under especial pressure as a result of lockdown measures. By contrast, 2021 saw a revitalised market, with significant improvements in important regions such as Italy, Germany and Scandinavia. However, Trevira also faced major challenges as a result of massively increased costs, especially for energy, but also for raw materials, chemicals and packaging.

The first five months of 2022 have continued to go well, and we are seeing major development activities from our customers in relation to our new Trevira CS brands. The overall trend towards sustainability continues, and is reflected in the high demand for our Trevira CS eco product. Our UV-resistant, spun-dyed filament yarns – which were developed specifically for the outdoor market and are not only flame-retardant but also demonstrate excellent resistance to light and tearing – are also experiencing high demand, with the cruise shipping industry gradually gaining in momentum after two long Covid years.

Looking ahead to developments in our Trevira CS business in 2022, we anticipate that the upswing from the catch-up effect after the Covid lockdowns will have a greater impact than the potential downsides caused by rising energy and materials prices and the resulting economic inflation.

The integration of Trevira GmbH in parent concern Indorama Ventures PCL has progressed at speed. The Trevira business unit “Fibres”, based in Bobingen, has been allocated to “Vertical Hygiene”, with the business unit “Filaments” now assigned to “Vertical LifeStyle”, thus benefitting from synergies arising out of our close work with various sister companies. “Hygiene” and “LifeStyle” are represented at an Indorama joint booth together with the third vertical, “Mobility”, at the Techtextil in Hall 9.1, booth D05.

Thanks to this advanced integration of Trevira GmbH within Indorama Ventures PCL, the Trevira CS brand will in future be marketed as an Indorama brand. This shift will also be stressed at the Trevira CS booth at the Heimtextil Summer Edition fair this year.

Trevira GmbH’s LinkedIn channel was rebranded as a Trevira CS channel, offering the opportunity to present more news in relation to Trevira CS brands and their built-in safety concept.

Posted: June 24, 2022

Source: Trevira Gmbh

U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol Confirmed As ISEAL Community Member

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — June 23, 2022 — The U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol was accepted as an ISEAL Community Member following a rigorous and meticulous approval process and only eighteen months after the program’s launch.

ISEAL is a global membership organization that supports credited sustainability systems in their work, with the goal to drive greater impact and establish markets that are a force for good. The organization focuses on a wide variety of global challenges such as the climate emergency, biodiversity crisis and human rights issues among others. ISEAL works to define credible practices for sustainability, foster collaboration and shared experience, deliver expertise and training, and promote innovation to strengthen sustainability systems.

“I’m very happy to congratulate the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol on becoming an ISEAL Community Member,” said Karin Kreider, ISEAL’s Executive Director. “The Trust Protocol supports cotton producers to develop bespoke management plans aimed at improving their sustainability, and innovative use of data and metrics supports measurement of success over time. We are excited to have a fresh perspective in the ISEAL learning community, and to have another member working to improve sustainability outcomes in the cotton sector.”

ISEAL Community Members must be committed to continually improving their systems through learning and innovation, with emphasis on the importance of collaboration. They also are required to be transparent about how their programs’ work and how they measure impacts.

The Trust Protocol is the only fiber sustainability system that provides quantifiable, verifiable goals and measurement and drives continuous improvement in six key sustainability metrics – land use, soil carbon, water management, soil loss, greenhouse gas emissions, and energy efficiency. It also is the world’s first sustainable cotton fiber to offer its members article-level supply chain transparency through the Protocol Consumption Management Solution.

“We are proud that the Trust Protocol was accepted as an ISEAL Community Member understanding the rigorous process and governance ISEAL adheres to,” said Dr. Gary Adams, president of the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol. “ISEAL Community membership provides the Trust Protocol the continued opportunity to set a new standard in more sustainable cotton production where full transparency is a reality and continuous improvement to reduce our environmental footprint is the central goal.”

The U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol is aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, recognized by Textile Exchange and Forum for the Future, and part of the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, Cotton 2025 Sustainable Cotton Challenge, Cotton 2040 and Cotton Up initiatives. It has also been recognized and published in the ITC Standards Map and recognized as a standard for sustainable cotton by the Partnership for Sustainable Textiles.

To learn more about the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol visit TrustUSCotton.org.

Posted: June 23, 2022

Source: U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol

HanesBrands Announces Long-Term Primary Apparel Partnership With The University Of Southern California

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — June 23, 2022 — HanesBrands (HBI), the world’s largest supplier of collegiate fan apparel, today announced a new primary apparel partnership with the University of Southern California (USC). The 10-year agreement gives HBI exclusive rights in the mass and mid-tier retail channels to develop consumer-driven collections of fan apparel that will expand the University’s retail footprint.

The agreement is in addition to USC’s existing relationship with Nike, which is the official outfitter of the 21 varsity Trojan sports and provider of fan merchandise.

HBI, which owns the iconic Champion and Hanes brands, as well as the eco-forward Alternative Apparel brand, will design, manufacture and distribute an expansive collection of men’s, women’s, unisex, youth, infant and toddler fan apparel. HBI will create special activations and enhanced retail presentations beginning in January 2023. The company brings in-house design expertise, manufacturing proficiency and a commitment to responsible, transparent manufacturing with a focus on people, planet and product.

“USC has a proud heritage, and we’re thrilled to support the school in supplying fan apparel that consumers will love,” said John Fryer, HanesBrands President of Licensed Sports Apparel. “Our iconic brands and unmatched products resonate with consumers around the world and will help enhance fan engagement for USC.”

USC joins the University of Texas, The Ohio State University, University of North Carolina, University of Georgia, Villanova, University of South Carolina, and University of Cincinnati as primary apparel partners with HBI.

“We are excited to enter into a long-term partnership with HanesBrands. Their collection of iconic brands, retail success, and commitment to sustainability and responsible sourcing makes them a great fit for USC,“ said Matt Curran, USC Director of Trademarks and Licensing. “We’re confident in HanesBrands’ ability to service our growing market of fans, alumni, and students with quality apparel offerings.”

Posted: June 23, 2022

Source: HanesBrands (HBI)

Why Fabric Choice Matters In Combating Microplastic Pollution In The Oceans And Waters

CARY, N.C. — June 23, 2022 — From research journals and news headlines to social posts, there is increasing attention to microplastics in our environment. People are listening and seeking ways to help with change. Forty percent of respondents say they are aware of the concerns that microfibers from clothing are polluting our oceans and waters, according to Cotton Incorporated’s Lifestyle Monitor™ Survey in February 2022, up from 35% in 2021.

The same survey notes, most consumers (66%) who are aware of microplastic pollution, know that much of this pollution is caused by washing of clothing made from synthetic fibers.

“Cotton’s versatility and durability makes it an ideal ingredient for reusable products,” says Mary Ankeny, vice president of Product Development and Implementation Operations for Cotton Incorporated. “All fabrics shed microfibers or fiber fragments through everyday wash and wear. It’s important to understand the origin of the fiber and what happens in the environment as those fibers build up or break down when developing products and shopping for clothing, sheets, towels, and personal care products.”

In 2020, Cotton Incorporated experts led research to show impacts of fabric fibers. Cotton microfibers are natural and biodegrade in tested water environments in about a month’s time compared to non-biodegradable synthetic fibers like polyester. Further research in 2021 demonstrated that cotton microfibers treated with common textile finishes, such as silicone softener, durable press finish, water repellent finish, and dye, biodegrade by more than 60% over a period of three months; a rate similar to a natural oak leaf.

“Shocking scientific research about microplastics in our drinking water and the impact plastic pollution is having on our environment is getting people’s attention,” comments Dr. Jesse Daystar, Cotton Incorporated’s vice president and chief sustainability officer. “Cotton is a plant-based and renewable ingredient. It can pull carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and nourish the soil; it can break down in water or soil. Discarded fabrics or garments can be recycled into something new. These benefits continue to position cotton as the go-to fiber for the fashion and textile industry looking to change sustainability standards.” Read more about textile recycling at https://cottontoday.cottoninc.com/our-sustainability-story/circularity/recyclability/.

Tips for minimizing microplastic pollution:

Check the label for cotton when buying clothing and home goods like sheets and towels

Wash clothing only when soiled instead of after every wear

Wash in cold water

Air dry clothing or don’t overpack the dryer to minimize friction

Learn more about cotton fabric care at https://thefabricofourlives.com/care-tips.

Check out the following Cotton Incorporated sites to learn more about cotton as a solution to microplastic pollution from our experts including dedicated content throughout July.

CottonToday, science-based facts and cotton research for sustainability-focused professionals. Learn more at https://cottontoday.cottoninc.com/our-sustainability-story/microfibers/.

Lifestyle Monitor™, data and analysis supporting brand and retail decision makers. Discover insights at https://lifestylemonitor.cottoninc.com.

Blue Jeans Go Green™ consumer denim recycling program, learn more at https://bluejeansgogreen.org/.

The Fabric of Our Lives®, cotton’s latest styles, fabrics and care tips, visit https://thefabricofourlives.com.

Posted: June 23, 2022

Source: Cotton Incorporated

Schoeller Textil Names Mark Pikaart Western Regional Sales Manager, North America

NEWBURYPORT, Mass. — June 23, 2022 — Schoeller Textil AG, the global textile solutions brand dedicated to innovating technical fabrics and smart textile finishing technologies for more than 150 years, announces that Mark Pikaart has joined its North America team as the Western Regional Sales Manager.

Pikaart, based in Southern California, comes to Schoeller with a vast history of experience in the outdoor industry, including specialty retail, sales management, marketing and product line management.  Pikaart spent the past 7 years at Deckers Brands, where he served as product line manager for the Teva and UGG brands.  Prior to that, he worked as a product marketing manager and key accounts manager for Wolverine Worldwide.  Pikaart will work closely with Schoeller Textil USA President Stephen Kerns, who is based in the Schoeller North America headquarters in Newburyport, Mass.

“Mark’s understanding of not only sales but also product line management and marketing brings a deep and dynamic level of insight and customer service to our brand partners,” said Kerns.  “He has enthusiastically dived into managing our many accounts in the Western Region, and we’re looking forward to continuing to cultivate and foster long-term Schoeller partnership throughout North America together.”

Pikaart lives in Ventura, Calif., with his wife, dog and cat.  He is a dedicated trail runner and loves to hike, camp and explore the outdoors,

Posted: June 23, 2022

Source: Schoeller Textil AG

ReHubs 2022: Circulating Textile Waste Into Value

BRUSSELS — June 23, 2022 — Europe has a 7-7.5 million tons textile waste problem, of which only 30-35% is collected today.

Based on the ambitious European Waste law, all EU Member States must separately collect the textile waste in 2 years and half. While some countries are designing schemes to face the waste collection challenge, currently no large-scale plan exist to process the waste.

The largest source of textile waste (85%) comes from private households and approximately 99% of the textile waste was made using virgin fibers.

We assess that to reach a fiber-to-fiber recycling rate of around 18 to 26 percent by 2030, a capital expenditure investment in the range of 6 billion € to 7 billion € will be needed, particularly to scale up sufficient sorting and processing infrastructure. The economic, social, and environmental value which could be realized, potentially total an annual impact of €3.5-4.5 billion by 2030.

Once matured and scaled, the textile recycling industry could become a profitable industry with a total market size of 6-8 billion € and around 15,000 direct new jobs by 2030.

Facing the European textile waste challenge and to finally activate circular economy in the textile sector at large scale, EURATEX in collaboration with its members launched the ReHubs initiative in 2020.

In June 2022 the first ReHubs Techno Economic Master Study (TES) has been completed and shades lights on key figures, options to collaborate for European-wide solution.

Next steps of the ReHubs initiative

At this stage our joint work paves the way for:

  • A European textile recycling roadmap proposing Objectives and Key Results to recycle fiber-to-fiber 2.5 million of textile waste by 2030
  • A leading collaboration hub with large players and SMEs from across an extended European textile recycling value chainA first concrete portfolio of 4 launching projects:
    • Transform textile waste into feedstock
    • Increase the adoption of mechanically recycled fibers in the value chain
    • Expand capacity by solving technical challenges for thermo-mechanical textiles recycling
    • Create capsule collection with post-consumer recycled products

The 1st project addresses current sorting technologies which have limits to identify materials with sufficient accuracy for the subsequent circular recycling processes. The “Transform Waste into Feedstock” project will focus on further developing and scaling such sorting technologies. The project group led by Texaid AG aims on building up a first 50,000 tons facility by the end 2024.

What is the ReHubs initiative?

The ReHubs initiative brings together key European and world players to solve the European textile waste problem by transforming “waste” into a resource, and to boost textile circular business model at large scale.

This collaboration is set to turn the societal textile waste issue into a business opportunity and to fulfil the EU ambitions of the Green Deal, of the mandatory texile waste collection by end 2024 and the transition into Circular Economy.

In 2020 EURATEX launched the ReHubs initiative to promote collaboration across the extended textile value chain and considering all perspectives on chemicals, fibers making, textiles making, garments production, retail and distribution, textiles waste collection, sorting and recycling.

In June 2022 ReHubs completes a Techno Economic master Study (TES) which researches critical information on the feedstock (textile waste) data, on technology, organizational and financial needs to recycle 2.5 million tons of textile waste by 2030 and to effectively launch the ReHubs.

Who participates in the ReHubs initiative so far?

To ensure inclusivity and mobilize resources, EURATEX has set three stakeholder groups:

A Business Council pooling together pioneering companies to perform the TES study;  A Stakeholder Forum with a wider pool of business, research and academia players which has been gathered twice to share high-level information and support future collaboration.

A EURATEX Task Force with 14 national associations to review progress of the ReHubs and align with policy and industry developments and national level.

Acknowledgements

The accomplishment of the TES study has been made possible thanks to pioneering companies and to outstanding advisors.

Posted: June 23, 2022

Source: EURATEX

VDMA: Junior Engineers With Focus On Sustainability

FRANKFURT, Germany — June 23, 2022 — On the occasion of the Techtextil fair in Frankfurt, the Chairman of VDMA’s Walter Reiners-Stiftung Foundation, Peter D. Dornier, has awarded prizes to seven successful young engineers. For the first time, the Foundation awarded two Sustainability Awards. They are awarded to academic works in which, for example, solutions for resource-saving products and technologies are developed.

A Sustainability Prize in the category Project Work, endowed with 3.000 euros was awarded to Simon Hoebel, TU Dresden, for his thesis on recycled thermoplastic fibres for composite components.

Marina Michel, TU Dresden, received a Sustainability Award in the category Master, worth 3.500 euros. The topic of her master thesis was the functionalisation of yarns for the filtration of micro- and nanoplastics from water.

A Promotion Prize in the category Project Work, endowed with 4.000 euros, was awarded to a student group from RWTH Aachen. The teamwork of Luis Gleissner, Leopold Habersbrunner, Frederic Olbrich and Frederik Schicks was the construction of a test rig for tests on oil-adsorbing textiles.

Felix Zerbes, RWTH Aachen, was awarded a Promotion Prize of 3.500 euros in the category Master. He developed a technical solution for air jet weaving to improve the quality of woven fabric.

Posted: June 23, 2022

Source: VDMA

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