Precision Textiles Calls For Eight-Hour Plant-Wide Shutdown In Support Of Zero Emissions Day

TOTOWA, N.J. — September 16, 2021 — In support of Zero Emissions Day Precision Textiles — a supplier of coated fabrics, nonwovens and laminations for the bedding, automotive, healthcare and home furnishings industries — will shut down its manufacturing plant at its headquarters for eight hours on September 21. The initiative aims to help reduce carbon emissions from the atmosphere and “give the planet a break.”

Zero Emissions Day, also known as “ZeDay,” is annually observed on September 21, as a worldwide movement that aims to put a global 24-hour moratorium on the combustion of fossil fuels and what they release into the air. The idea originated from a concerned father from Nova Scotia, Canada during the early 1980s while he was strolling his newborn daughter past a parked idling truck. The gas emission from the truck in combination with the surrounding traffic emissions was overwhelming and he wanted to put a stop to it. An early internet message did not draw much attention, however with the emergence of social networks, the message took hold and now exists in 12 languages.

“The term ZeDay has become a global rallying cry to beat back climate change,” said Scott Tesser, chief executive officer of Precision Textiles. “Environmental security is a form of sustainability, which is a topic we are passionate about. This initiative shines a light on the bigger picture of what is being taken from the Earth and what can be done to help prevent that. During the shutdown we will save a total of 13,600 KW of electricity and 40 mm Btu’s of natural gas preventing a combined total of over 17,000 pounds of carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere, according to calculations based on the Energy Information Administration’s (EIA) report for carbon dioxide emissions. As a global manufacturer and responsible citizen, we want to protect the resources entrusted to us to help preserve our environment. This shutdown is another way for us to do that.”

Moe Kovangi, general manager of Precision Textiles, spearheads the company’s sustainability efforts.

“We focus on the practice of environmentally conscious manufacturing methods wherever possible, while striving to implement green initiatives to share with our customers,” Kovangi said. “Our R&D team is committed to expanding our exclusive line of eco-friendly products and our green solutions reduce the demands we put on our physical world. The team works on solutions that help reduce carbon footprint, including bedding products such as ECOLOFT, a high-quality quilting fiber that reduces combustible materials in a finished mattress, ECOFLEX, a glass-free, chemical-free FR stretch barrier, IQFit Natural, a 100 percent glass-free FR barrier made with sustainable & renewable cotton and PurLoft, an eco-friendly FR solution for quilted panels made with GOTS certified wool.”

Being environmentally conscious is not just a catch phrase for Precision. The company uses solar energy panels at its New Jersey headquarters, which reduces greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Precision also successfully designed and engineered a custom system for its drying process that reduces natural gas consumption usage by 15 percent.

“Our sustainability team is constantly thinking outside-the-box to come up with innovative ways to lower emissions being released into the atmosphere,” Tesser added. “We check our progress regularly and are transparent about areas that need improvement. We are committed to supporting clean and renewable energy because we really do care about the future of our environment.”

Posted September 16, 2021

Source: Precision Textiles

IFAI Holds Successful 2021 Outlook® Conference

ROSEVILLE, Minn. — September 16, 2021 — After a year-and-a-half of virtual meetings during the pandemic, Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI) hosted its first in-person event, its annual Outlook® Conference, August 29-31, 2021, at Hilton Head Island, S.C. Turnout and engagement indicated the industry was more than ready to be face-to-face with colleagues to learn, network and reconnect.

The conference attracted more than 110 industry professionals from around the country and featured a diverse roster of speakers who shared insights into topics ranging from military textiles to fiber markets, trade and policy, reshoring to the economic picture, sustainability, and recruiting and retaining talent. The day and a half of business sessions closed with an inspiring keynote presentation by MSNBC/NBC News anchor, journalist and author Richard Lu. Attendees also participated in several networking and social activities as well as roundtable discussions.

During a half day of military sessions, four subject matter experts offered deep-dive information into the supply of textile and apparel products to the Department of Defense (DoD) and other federal agencies. Presentations were given by Paul Campbell, general manager of Clothing & Textiles for Federal Prison Industries (UNICOR); Teresa Downs, vice president of business development at the Kennedy Center, Inc.; Ron Houle, founder and president of Pivot Step Consultants LLC; and Lisa Marie Vivino, chief of the field – clothing division, clothing & textiles at the Defense Logistics Agency’s Troop Support within the DoD. Over 65 attendees sat in for the Military Morning portion of the conference.

Following the military updates, Laura Murphy, research director at Wood Mackenzie Chemicals, gave an overview of the impact the coronavirus, trade wars and other events has had on the U.S. and global fiber markets. Supply and demand is “normally” balanced, she said, but labor, raw material pricing, ocean freight and other forces majeures have wreaked havoc on that economic theory over the last couple of years.

Auggie Tantillo, president of SRG & Associates and former president & CEO of the National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO), reviewed various federal policy matters confronting the U.S. textile sector. Also a consultant to the IFAI’s U.S. Industrial Fabrics Institute (USIFI) and Narrow Fabrics Institute (NFI), Tantillo updated the group on military procurement under the National Defense Authorization Act; key legislative and enforcement initiatives related to international trade; and efforts to bolster domestic production of medical personal protective equipment (PPE).

Tantillo later moderated a panel discussion on “Recovering & Reshoring: U.S. Manufacturing and PPE Production” that included Morris Collins, director of member relations at INDA; and Joe Przepiorka, vice president of marketing at Shawmut Corporation. Each discussed the industry’s transition into PPE production when the pandemic struck. With several pieces of federal legislation to shore up domestic PPE production on the table, he added that this is the moment for the U.S. government to take heed of the industry’s heroic efforts in order to avoid another shortfall.

The next morning, Dr. Roger Tutterow, professor of economics at Kennesaw State University, provided an overview of the economic climate. He touched on the implications of the COVID-19 pandemic on the retail and real estate sectors, the causes and effects of recent changes in energy prices, the structure and effect of the recent fiscal stimulus and the linkages between trade policy and currency valuation, an overview of recent Federal Reserve policy actions and the ongoing impact of changes in the political and regulatory climate on the manufacturing sector.

Aubrey Hilliard, CEO, Horizon Energy LLC, covered “Surviving and Thriving in a Net Zero Carbon Future” with a general overview of what a renewable and biodegradable future means for our businesses.

Jeff Sackaroff, M.Ed., director of Career Services, at the N.C. State Wilson College of Textiles, discussed ways to recruit and retain tomorrow’s textile leaders. He provided a look into the expectations of today’s college students and how companies can attract that generation of talent.

In closing the event, Lui offered an uplifting presentation on how people can make a difference to their businesses and to others by becoming more selfless instead of selfish. The author of “Enough About Me: The Unexpected Power of Selflessness,” gave several personal examples of mentorship and caregiving and the impact they have had on him and others.

The next IFAI Outlook® Conference is scheduled for April 24-26, 2022 at the Omni Homestead Resort in Hot Springs, Va.

Posted September 16, 2021

Source: Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI)

Tiziano Guardini, Andrea Rosso And The Other Guests At At The 56th Edition Of Filo

BIELLA, Italy — September 15, 2021 — The countdown has started: there are just two weeks to go before the opening of the 56th edition of Filo — to be held September 29-30 at MiCo – Milan Convention Centre (Via Gattamelata 5, Milan).

At the 56th edition of Filo, yarn producers are returning to meet their customers in attendance. To highlight the willingness and the renewed desire to meet and dialogue among textile professionals, made possible only by a physical exhibition, in its September’s edition, Filo has decided to make room for a Networking Area which will host the “Dialoghi di confronto”.

The initiative consists of a series of workshops, with brief key-note speeches by leading figures in the industry. They will address highly current themes, during the two days of the exhibition. For example, sustainability, traceability, the role of fibres in the development of innovative products will be discussed.

Among the speakers who will take part in “Dialoghi di Confronto”, we now disclose two names: Andrea Rosso – creative director and “Sustainability Ambassador” of Diesel – and Tiziano Guardini – fashion designer. The complete program can be found on the Filo website.

To receive the badge to enter Filo, it is mandatory to pre-register at the following link https://filo.it/en/exhibition/badge-request/.

Access to the 56th edition of Filo is allowed only to holders of the EU Digital Covid Certificate or equivalent certifications.

For continuous updates of the program of the 56th edition of Filo, consult our web page (www.filo.it), or follow us on our social networks.

We are looking forward to welcoming you at the 56th Filo edition on the 29th and 30th of September 2021!

Posted September 15, 2021

Source: Filo

Next Generation Of Fashion Brands And Innovators Lead Latest Canopy Commitments

VANCOUVER — September 15, 2021 — Today, led by fashion powerhouses HUGO BOSS and Etam, 14 brands and innovators have joined the CanopyStyle and Pack4Good initiatives. They have committed to end sourcing paper, packaging, and viscose textiles from the world’s Ancient and Endangered Forests and to scale up the use of Next Generation alternatives.

Keeping the world’s forests standing as the first line of defense in order to stabilize our climate and biodiversity is a priority initiative for the fashion sector. More than 3.2 billion trees are cut down every year, many from the world’s most vital and important ecosystems, to make fashion fabrics like viscose and rayon, and to feed the growing demand for paper-based packaging. These 14 brands are joining the movement to address this mounting issue.

“Turning around the current climate reality and biodiversity decline is an enormous challenge — and protecting the world’s forests is the fastest, most effective, and cost-efficient strategy to do it,” said Nicole Rycroft, Canopy’s executive director. “We are so encouraged and inspired to work with these leading brands and innovators who are doubling down to build supply chains for the 21st century and ensure that the world’s forests remain vibrant.”

Just a month ago, the IPCC released its most dire climate report to date as historic heatwaves, floods, and wildfires were impacting millions around the world. The report spoke to the urgent need both to reduce emissions and to protect one of the world’s most effective forms of carbon sequestration — forests. As the effects of the climate crisis are increasingly visible, the protection of forests, especially Ancient and Endangered Forests, becomes vital. That is what today’s brand leaders are dedicated to addressing.

“At HUGO BOSS, we are committed to sustainability, and understand that forests have a vital role to play in stabilizing our climate and keeping our planet livable,” said Andreas Streubig, senior vice president, Global Corporate Responsibility & Public Affairs at HUGO BOSS. “Canopy has made exciting progress on addressing key sourcing risks in the viscose and packaging supply chains. HUGO BOSS is delighted to add our voice and influence to the collaborative and effective approaches of CanopyStyle and Pack4Good.”

Today’s announcement includes brands across the apparel sector’s spectrum, from luxury to lingerie.

“The Etam Group is committed to making decisions that show respect for our planet. That’s why we are pleased to be collaborating with Canopy to ensure the sustainability of our forest-derived products, from the viscose used in our products to the paper and cardboard in our packaging,” said Kachen Hong, The Etam Group CSR director. “We know that forests are integral to keeping our planet’s climate stable, and to the millions of species and people who live in them, and we are eager to do our part to help protect them.”

A key priority of Canopy’s work with brands is the accelerated commercial-scale production of game-changing Next Generation Solutions. With intensifying market demand for these circular-economy alternatives, today’s new brand partners are joined by four additional Next Generation innovators. These technology ventures are developing breakthrough production innovations to alleviate today’s sourcing pressures on vital forests.

The companies signing on to CanopyStyle and Pack4Good are committed to ensuring their viscose and packaging supply chains will be:

  • Free of Ancient and Endangered Forests including all recent deforestation.
  • Maximizing recycled and alternative Next Generation fibers (such as regenerated cotton or agricultural residues).
  • Preferencing FSC-certified wood if virgin wood fiber continues to be used.

Posted September 15, 2021

Source: Canopy

Notus Composites Launches New Low Temperature Curing NE7 Epoxy Prepreg

DUBAI, UAE — August 14, 2021 — Notus Composites (UAE), a producer of epoxy prepreg materials, is proud to announce the latest addition to its high-performance epoxy range with the launch of its new NE7 low temperature curing prepreg system. The entirely new Notus NE7 formulation allows composite manufacturers to cure components at temperatures as low as 70˚C, reducing energy consumption and enabling more cost-effective tooling options.

Notus Composites has developed the new NE7 prepreg systems for applications across the Marine, Architecture, Industrial and Wind Energy sectors, with the novel low temperature curing chemistry delivery significant cost benefits. Existing prepreg manufacturers can now use more cost-effective composite tooling, with new prepreg users able to switch easily from existing infusion or wet laminating processes without creating expensive new high temperature tooling.

NE7 prepregs can be cured at temperatures as low as 70˚C, with the standard cure cycle being 12 hours at 70˚C, matching the typical cycle time for an infused part with a component Tg of 85˚C. NE7 materials have a good outlife of 30 days at 20˚C and are available in all prepreg and Notus single sided N1-Preg formats with unidirectional, multiaxial, and woven reinforcements. NE7 can also be supplied as a resin film.

Notus has recently supplied NE7 low temperature prepregs to Dubai based Aeolos Composites for the production of their new Aeolos P30 racing yacht. The P30 is a futuristic new craft created by top German sailor and designer, Hans Genthe, with a super light carbon fibre construction and large sail area that promises spectacular on the water performance for a thirty foot yacht. Notus delivered a range NE7 prepregs for the build, including woven, multiaxial, and unidirectional carbon fibre reinforcements as well as adhesive films for core bonding.

“With the new NE7 prepreg system from Notus we are able to build our latest P30 design quickly, cleanly and with absolute consistency. We were clear from the outset that the P30 would be a full carbon boat, and the NE7 materials provided a perfect package of mechanical performance, excellent processability, good outlife on the shop floor, low temperature curing, which made the choice of prepreg versus infusion an easy one. The P30 structure we have produced is so light and stiff it’s incredible,” said Hans Genthe, Owner, Aeolos Composites.

Notus Composites is also well known for the outstanding fire performance of its’ specialist epoxy FR prepregs. The company’s EPFR-609 FR prepreg materials (tested and certified to NFPA 285, ASTM E84 and EN13501-1) are now available with the NE7 low temperature curing technology, combining additional processing options with market leading fire performance.

Posted September 15, 2021

Source: Notus Composites

Innovative Viscose Specialities From Kelheim Fibres: A Sustainable Blend Of Nature And Performance

KELHEIM, Germany — September 15, 2021 — Not only since 2021 has sustainability been a topic high on society’s agenda. And yet the importance of sustainability for consumers and companies has once again increased sharply as a result of the Corona pandemic, as numerous studies confirm.
Then why is it often so difficult to implement this conviction in everyday life? One of the biggest obstacles to sustainable consumer behavior is the lack of availability of alternatives.

Kelheim Fibres, German viscose specialty fiber manufacturer and a fixture in the nonwovens industry for decades, offers a solution: innovative bio-based fibers that are a real alternative to synthetic materials in a wide range of applications.

Combining nature with Performance

“We want to make it easy for consumers to choose an environmentally friendly option. That’s the case when bio-based solutions offer the same performance as synthetic products,” said Matthew North, commercial director at Kelheim Fibres. “Our fiber technology allows us to create just that: unlike natural fibers, which are available already in fiber form and can only be treated on the surface, we can engineer the properties of our fibers they need for specific applications by specifically intervening in the production process. That way we combine nature — our fibers are made of wood pulp — with performance.”

This is how, for example, a series of special fibers for environmentally friendly Absorbent Hygiene Products (AHP) were created. These fibers have to fulfill different functions: While some ensure that liquids are passed on quickly, others score points for good distribution, particularly good absorbency or retention capacity. These fibers enable the production of completely biodegradable (feminine) hygiene products that do not need to hide behind their synthetic counterparts in terms of performance — a decisive aspect for the buyer, especially in the sensitive hygiene sector. In developing the AHP fibers, Kelheim was also able to draw on its expertise in the field of tampon fibers, where it has been in the market for many years with its absorbent Galaxy® fiber.

Another example is Kelheim’s special fibers for flushable wipes: VILOFT® short-cut fibers, in combination with modern production technology, enable the manufacture of soft wet wipes that remain reliably stable during use but subsequently dissolve in a very short time. In addition, they are also fully biodegradable and thus help to reduce plastic pollution of our waters.

Shifting from a fossil-based to a bio-based economy

In addition to changing consumer demands, the EU Commission’s recent decision on the single-use plastics directive is also prompting many nonwovens manufacturers to look at alternative solutions. Kelheim Fibres presents itself as the ideal partner at this year’s INDEX in Geneva and online. The Bavarians not only bring decades of experience in the nonwovens and hygiene sector, but also enormous innovative power: “Our open innovation concept aims to find the best individual solutions in close dialogue with our partners along the value chain and to address unmet needs in the market,” said Dr Marina Crnoja-Cosic, director New Business at Kelheim Fibres.

Kelheim’s special fibers are made of wood pulp from sustainably managed sources, are produced in Kelheim in an environmentally friendly way and are fully biodegradable at the end of their product life. Kelheim Fibres is the first viscose fiber manufacturer in the world with an EMAS validated Environmental Management System and was awarded a dark green/light green shirt in the most recent Canopy HotButton-Ranking.

Posted September 15, 2021

Source: Kelheim Fibres GmbH

NRF To Host Inaugural Supply Chain 360 Event In 2022

WASHINGTON — September 15, 2021 — The National Retail Federation today announced its new annual NRF Supply Chain 360 event that will convene the retail industry’s leading professionals in the fields of supply chain and sustainability on June 20-21 in Cleveland to address ongoing global supply chain challenges.

“Retailers have experienced significant supply chain disruptions and sustainability demands over the last 18 months. As these issues continue to evolve, it will become increasingly critical that retailers of all sizes have access to a diverse and robust supply chain to operate successfully,” said NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay. “We are convening industry experts to provide a holistic look at the modes and methods needed to build an expansive supply chain ecosystem that will remain self-sustaining for decades.”

According to NRF’s latest survey among retail member companies, 98 percent of retailers surveyed said they have been impacted by port and shipping delays. Respondents cited container and labor shortages, the continued impact of COVID-19 outbreaks, and delays throughout the supply chain process starting in supplier countries and continuing through to congestion at U.S. ports.

NRF Supply Chain 360 will also include an Expo Hall featuring the latest technology and providing a forum for retail professionals to identify solutions to supply chain and sustainability challenges.

Tractor Supply Co. President and CEO Hal Lawton will be the opening keynote speaker on Monday, June 20. Lawton will discuss TSC’s investments in its distribution centers, its $2.5 billion commitment in planned capital expenses over the next five years, and customer delivery trends.

Complimentary registration is available to editorial members of the news media.

For more information about NRF Supply Chain 360, visit https://nrf.com/nrf-supply-chain-360.

Posted September 15, 2021

Source: The National Retail Federation (NRF)

Sunvilla Launches Premiere Line Of Ecobello Fabrics For Its Outdoor Furniture Collections

CHICAGO — September 21, 2021 — SunVilla Corp., a designer and manufacturer of outdoor products and furniture, today announced its new Ecobello line of premiere fabrics for the company’s Portica, SunVilla, and Royal Garden brands of outdoor furniture. The new line will debut during Casual Market in Portica’s (#15-120) and Royal Garden’s (#16-108) showrooms in the Chicago Merchandise Mart.

Ecobello is an Italian-made specialty fabric line produced at one of Europe’s most eco-friendly factories that features a cogeneration plant, solar power and water recycling to reduce its carbon footprint. The line includes 60 different outdoor fabrics, including over 30 pillow pouf designs

Available in Spring 2022 for specialty and eCommerce retailers, select product lines ordered with the Ecobello line can be shipped within weeks, offering a quick-delivery option in today’s overburdened marketplace.

“Our new Ecobello products feature a unique combination of innovation, sustainability and availability, all while looking great in any outdoor living space,” said Christy Peterson, National sales manager at Sunvilla. “Along with its eco-friendly features, our Ecobello fabric maintains our high standards for quality, outdoor longevity, UV stabilization and colorfast performance. We think Ecobello offers a beautiful, sustainable option for today’s outdoors.”

Posted September 15, 2021

Source: SunVilla Corp.

XlynX Materials Releases BondLynx© A New Polymer Molecular-Glue

Synthetic organic chemist working Dr. Stefania Musolino, to develop new “molecular glues”

VICTORIA, British Columbia— September 8, 2021 — XlynX Materials is pleased to announce the creation of a new class of adhesives they are calling “molecular-glues.” These make it possible to permanently adhere difficult-to-bond polymers such as polyethylene and polypropylene to themselves, and to other materials, through exceptionally strong chemical bonds.

Conventional adhesives typically take advantage of mechanical forces to hold materials together. BondLynx© employs bis-diazirine chemistry to create covalent chemical bonds between polymer chains, permanently crosslinking them together through strong carbon-carbon bonds.

This is the same type of joinery found between carbon atoms in the polymer chains themselves. Once BondLynx has been applied to a polymer, the crosslinking process can be initiated by heat, ultraviolet (UV)/visible light, or an electric field depending on the specific demands of the manufacturing process.

“What’s really amazing about BondLynx is that it can “glue” virtually any plastic to any other plastic. BondLynx acts by inserting itself into the carbon-hydrogen bonds that are present in almost every commodity polymer. The potential applications are limitless.” stated Jeremy Wulff, PhD, Professor of Organic Chemistry at the University of Victoria.

BondLynx has successfully undergone adhesive testing on a wide range of polymers, and polymer-metal combinations. Remarkably, even elastomers and damp surfaces can be bonded with BondLynx, opening broad opportunities for novel medical and dental applications.

In addition to being used directly as polymeric adhesives, BondLynx© molecular-glues can be applied to polymer textiles to link and strengthen the fibers. It has proven effective in strengthening ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fabrics for ballistics protective equipment and wind sport applications.

“As a leading manufacturer of body armor products, PRE Labs had a privilege to test and use ultra-high performance fabrics crosslinked with BondLynx. Our evaluations to date have confirmed that these new generation cross linking agents can significantly enhance the tear and perforation resistance along with mechanical properties of high-performance fabrics.” stated Brad Field, CEO, PRE Labs.

Researchers at the University of British Columbia, University of Alberta, McGill University, and industry labs have already begun testing.

SAMPLES  for testing and research purposes are now available from XlynX Materials.  Please send your request to info@xlynxmaterials.com and take the opportunity to consult with some of our experts today to see how we can make the world of chemistry work to enhance your business efficiency and capability.

Posted September 15, 2021

Source: XlynX Materials Inc.

Milliken & Company Donates 70,000 Reusable Medical Gowns As Pandemic Continues

SPARTANBURG, S.C. — September 15, 2021 — This month, Milliken & Company donated 70,000 reusable fabric gowns to its long-time customer Singapore-based QMT Industrial & Safety PTE. In response to daily COVID cases in Singapore reaching near one-year peaks, QMT Safety will distribute the reusable gowns to local hospitals to help provide additional personal protective equipment (PPE) to frontline workers.

“We’re proud to come alongside our partners at QMT to get reusable gowns in the hands of Singapore’s frontline workers. Our mission is to create textiles that protect people and when an opportunity arises to help our global community, it’s a part of the Milliken ethos to step in and do what’s right,” said Jeff Morris, senior vice president, protective fabrics, Textile Division at Milliken & Company.

The donation was possible due to a limited supply of excess inventory of Level 1 PPE gowns at an SC-based Milliken manufacturing facility. In response to the pandemic, the Textile Division at Milliken pivoted their manufacturing process to begin supplementing U.S. demand for PPE, specifically Level 1 PPE gowns. These gowns can be laundered up to 25 times, making them a sustainable alternative to single-use gowns.

The donation to QMT Safety for distribution to Singapore hospitals follows previous donations over the past 11 months to South Carolina-based school districts. In total, Milliken has donated more than 116,000 reusable fabric gowns to help protect frontline workers.

Posted September 15, 2021

Source: Milliken & Company

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