Itema Exhibits Cutting-Edge Innovations And A Complete Range Of Weaving Solutions At ITM 2022

COLZATE, Italy and ISTANBUL, Turkey — May 31, 2022 — Itema, provider of advanced weaving solutions including weaving machines, spare parts and integrated services, that recently announced the establishment of a new company in Turkey, will exhibit at ITM 2022 at the Istanbul TÜYAP Fair Convention and Congress Center on June 14-18 in Hall 2, Booth 218A.

Turkey represents for Itema one of the most strategically important markets in the world and the Itema technology is very well represented and loved by Turkish weavers as confirmed by the excellent 2021 sales results. The set-up of the new company in Turkey reaffirms the Itema commitment of being closer than ever to its valuable customers in the country.

For ITM 2022, Itema prepared a product line-up specifically designed to meet and exceed its visitors needs and desires, including an absolute new market launchand interesting new applications of key innovations.

Weaving Machines on Show

•The brand-new Itema Rapier R9500-2terry

The most reliable, popular and guaranteed technology on the market to boost the production of terry fabrics comes at ITM 2022 in its Second Generation. The rapier terry machine preferred by worldwide terry weavers, with an impressive number of machines installed in more than 35 countries, and the absolute protagonist of terry fabrics production in Turkey, is now back in a new version that further increases textile mastery, eco-efficiency and performances.

Textile mastery is a core competitive advantage of the R9500-2terry. The unique Itema Pile Formation Unit has been completely redesigned to ensure increased productivity, maximum ease of use and excellent terry quality. The system provides an optimal pile warp tension guaranteeing – unique in the market – both positive and negative control, hence ensuring excellent terry fabric quality.

Key improvements – such as the main motor with oil coolingand the optimization of the machine lubrication system – ensure reduced energy consumption and improved heat management, achieving peerless eco-efficiency standards. Moreover, the optimized Pile Formation Unit features a reduced number of cylinderscompared to the previous machine version thus leading to increased operational weaving space and user-friendliness and reduced style change time.

Performance is achieved through tangible advancements. Monitoring the machines efficiency and performances has never been so easy: thanks to the Itema plant management software iMANAGER, it is possible to effortlessly control and access machines data and statistics. In addition, the Itema in-depth knowledge of terry segment allowed the development of dedicated solutions to further improve fabric quality and weaving efficiency.

The R9500-2terry on show at ITM 2022 is a courtesy of the Itema Customer Ceylan Havlubased in Denizli. In weaving width 3800mm, the machine will weave fashion hand towels.

•The best-seller Itema Rapier R9500-2 with iSAVER® for new applications

The most versatile rapier machine in the market, the Itema R9500-2, comes at ITM 2022 loaded with an absolute innovation: iSAVER® for apparel applications. iSAVER®, the device that revolutionized the denim weaving providing tangible benefits in terms of sustainability and money savingthanks to the left side waste selvedge elimination, has been further developed to successfully weave a wider range of yarns. The device is now available also for the benefit of apparel weaversand it can successfully process cotton, Lycra, Tencel and Polyester yarns.

Another innovative feature on display on the R9500-2 is iCARE™, a future oriented system – based onan advanced sensors mechanism able tomonitor real-time the state of health of the Itema tapes and sprocket wheels, suggesting possible adjustments or interventions through the machine latest generation console. iCARE™ brings significant benefits to weavers, including the possibility to run the machine at the highest speeds without compromising components reliability, thanks to its breakthrough preventive maintenance function.

Courtesy of the Itema customer Erka, based in Bursa, the R9500-2 on show in weaving width 2200mmwill weave a stretch apparel style.

•The effective Itema Airjet A9500-2

The A9500-2 is designed for high productivity, whilst ensuring reduced levels of energy and airconsumption as well as top machine reliability.

The A9500-2 on display features the Itema heald frames SKYFRAME®, combining the highest machine speeds with maximum reliability. In addition, the machine textile mastery will be demonstrated by the weaving of double pick insertion.

Courtesy of the Itema customer Erka, the A9500-2 in weaving width 2200mm will run a typical Turkish apparel style.

•The most versatile Itema Rapier R9500-2 Wide Version for Curtain Fabrics

The last machine on show at ITM is the wide version of the most successful rapier machine in recent history, the Itema R9500-2. Traditionally renowned as the preferred supplier for furnishing and upholstery fabricsweaving machines, Itema does not miss the opportunity to demonstrate the superior versatility of the R9500-2 by weaving sophisticated curtain fabrics. The R9500-2 in weaving width 3600mmand fully loaded with best-in-class Itema devices comes directly from Berteks Tekstil, leading producer of high-quality curtain fabrics.

The Full Range of Weaving Solutions on Show

•Itema OEM Spare Parts

At Itema, our mission is to be close to our customers providing them not only advanced weaving machines but a complete range of services to guarantee a comprehensive and attentive support for the entire lifetime of the Itema weaving machines, including upgrade and conversion kits, and replacement of damaged or broken parts with original spare parts.

Choosing original spare parts represents the best way to protect the investment long-term, in fact rectifying problems due to non-original parts and non-original service can have dire and expensive consequences.

Designed by professionals with a longstanding experience in the textile machinery sector, Itema original spare parts ensure maximum performances and increased durability, while maximizing the return on investment and the value retention.

At ITM 2022 the latest solutions to upgrade the existing Itema – and previous brands Sulzer, Somet and Vamatex – looms will be exhibited.

•Advanced Weaving Accessories: Lamiflex and Schoch

The Itema Group companies Lamiflex and Schoch will be present at ITM in Itema booth with their advanced weaving accessories offering.

The Lamiflex branded portfolio of rapier tapes and sprocket wheels and the Schoch wide range of weaving reeds for airjet and rapier weaving machines and drop-wires will be on display.

To learn more about Itema Group technological innovations and weaving solutions, make sure to visit Itema Stand at ITM 2022 in Hall 2, Booth 218A

Posted: June 1, 2022

Source: ITEMA

Launch Of Covation Biomaterials: Delivering Innovative, High-Performance, Bio-Based Materials At Scale

NEWARK, Del. — June 1, 2022 — Covation Biomaterials, a global company offering bio-based solutions, launched today as an independent business, following the acquisition of DuPont Biomaterials by the Huafon Group.

Proudly combining decades of world-class science and engineering expertise with new investment and manufacturing capabilities, Covation Biomaterials is creating the sustainable building blocks for customers to make innovative and high-performance, bio-based products accessible globally.

“As a supplier of bio-based materials solutions, we are an important gateway into a more circular economy. Sustainable supply chains must begin with sustainable materials and our science allows our customers to end their overreliance on petroleum,” said Michael Saltzberg, CEO, Covation Biomaterials.

“By collaborating with forward-thinking value chain partners and brands globally, we will continue to push the boundaries of innovation and sustainability to deliver high-performance biomaterials at scale. We are thrilled to be joining the Huafon Group, a highly successful materials company that is uniquely positioned to expand the reach of our current products and help us accelerate the introduction of new offerings and technologies to the market,” Michael said.

Covation Biomaterials improves product performance, protects the environment and partners to turn passion into progress. Together, Covation Biomaterials and its customers find new ways to use science and engineering to meet the growing global demand for sustainable materials today and in the future. The new company builds on a decades-long legacy and successful suite of products currently available in the market, including:

Sorona®, a partially bio-based polymer that answers the global call for sustainably sourced carpets and fabrics, bridging the personal and societal at a defining moment in our ecological stewardship. Sorona® is ideal for creating attractive, high-performance apparel and soft, durable carpeting;

Susterra®, a 100-percent plant-based, high-performance building block that reduces the need for petroleum-based components while enhancing end-product attributes. Its applications range from footwear and outdoor apparel to coatings, inks and functional fluids; and

Zemea®, a plant-based and biodegradable material that helps brands reach sustainability goals without compromising quality or performance. Available in multiple formulations, Zemea meets exacting standards in a variety of high-volume markets, from personal care and home care, to pharmaceuticals, to enhancing flavors and foods.

Covation Biomaterials has a rich product pipeline of exciting bio-based solutions that it will bring to the market.

“We have long admired the work by this team of biomaterials scientists and developers, who are developing industry-leading, sustainable materials available at scale,” said Feifeng You, vice president – the Huafon Group and Chairman of the Board – Covation.

“The addition of Covation Biomaterials to the Huafon Group will bring bio-based materials to an even larger global customer base and drive the materials sector toward a sustainable future. We are excited for the bright future of this business,” Feifeng said.

Posted: June 1, 2022

Source: Covation Biomaterials LLC / Huafon Group

Sun Chemical To Increase Prices On Inks, Coatings, Consumables And Adhesives In North America

PARSIPPANY, N.J. — June 1, 2022 — Sun Chemical will increase prices across its entire portfolio of packaging, commercial sheetfed and screen inks, coatings, consumables and adhesives in North America, effective immediately or as contracts allow.

The inflationary environment in North America has continued to impact the ink industry. Global geopolitical events have caused sustained pressure on logistics availability and have increased the costs to unprecedented levels. The constrained accessibility to labor in the market has driven significant wage inflation while contributing to inefficiencies at manufacturing facilities.

Key raw materials continue to experience scarcity while steel shortages drive costs for steel drums and other packaging components to historic highs. Sun Chemical continues to seek mitigation strategies to these cost increases, however, the magnitude and speed of increases require further action to offset impacts to the business.

“Our team continues to focus on ensuring a steady flow of our products to customers,” said Chris Parrilli, president of North American Inks, Sun Chemical. “Sun Chemical’s global reach has helped secure the raw materials needed to maintain production, however, the costs to secure those materials, manufacture our products, and deliver them to our customers has reached a level that requires Sun Chemical to take this price action. Global events will continue to influence our strategies and actions as we evaluate every opportunity to mitigate these inflationary events and deliver on the expectations our customers have for reliable supply of our products to their facilities.”

Sun Chemical will communicate specific increases directly with its customers. Customers with questions can reach out to their local Sun Chemical sales representative.

Posted: June 1, 2022

Source: Sun Chemical Corp.

Moonlight Technologies Launches Five New, Sustainable, Carbon-Negative, Plant-Based Technologies

NEW YORK CITY — May 24, 2022 — Today, Moonlight Technologies announced the launch of five new, sustainable, plant-based technologies. The launch of these technologies reinforces the foundation of Moonlight Technologies’ mission to use the power of nature to create a more sustainable, safer, and healthier world through plant-based innovation.

The new technologies include: EcoArmor, InsectProof, MindfullyClean, OdorSafe, and Natural Dyes. What makes each unique is that they are entirely plant-based, 100-percent natural, and manufactured with a carbon negative manufacturing process. All technologies are applied via standard manufacturing processes and have strong wash durability.

“We are excited to bring these innovative technologies to the market and offer new and innovative sustainable solutions for businesses,” said Allie Sutton, CEO of Moonlight Technologies. “Through this launch, we look forward to collaborating with partners in a variety of industries to begin implementing our technologies in real-world applications.”

EcoArmor, InsectProof, MindfullyClean, OdorSafe, and Natural Dyes have a wide range of applications including: apparel, uniforms, home textiles, air filtration, travel, hospitality products, fitness equipment, electronics, furniture, paint, and more.

  • EcoArmor is one of the world’s first sustainable, 100-percent plant-based, air, plastic and fabric antimicrobial technologies that kills 99.9 percent of bacteria and viruses, mold, and fungus.
  • InsectProof is 100-percent plant-based and permethrin-free bug repellent technology for fabrics, skin, and hard-goods.
  • MindfullyClean is an innovative self-cleaning fabric technology. Products treated with MindfullyClean stay fresh and clean regardless of use and rarely need to be washed.
  • OdorSafe is a natural, plant-based technology that permanently destroys and eliminates bad odors on fabrics.
  • Natural Dyes are sustainably derived, non-toxic, biodegradable dyes for hardgoods and textiles. It can be applied to any fabric type — both synthetic and natural.

Moonlight Technologies is currently commercializing and/or going through the regulatory process with their technologies.

Posted: June 1, 2022

Source: Moonlight Technologies

The Secondary Materials And Recycled Textiles (SMART) Association Announces New Leadership As Jackie King Retires And Susan Decourcey Takes Over As Executive Director

Susan DeCourcey

BEL AIR, Md.— June 1, 2022 — Susan DeCourcey is SMART’s NEW executive director.

DeCourcey has a lengthy resume and most recently was the executive director at Management Solutions Plus based in Washington. DeCourcey has extensive experience in leadership positions in trade, scientific, and medical organizations. She was director of Society Management Services and Publishing at the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB). In the past, she also held the title of executive director at the Association of Biomolecular Resource Facilities (ABRF); vice president of Client Solutions at Visual Data Systems; and vice president of Membership, IT, and Operations at the Association of the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI).

“I am excited and honored to serve as the next Executive Director of SMART,” DeCourcey said. “The legacy of Jackie King is a strong and successful organization. I look forward to working with the leadership and advocating on behalf of SMART membership to build on the great work that has already been done to ensure continued success in expanding SMART’s impact globally.”

Since 2009, Jackie King has had a significant impact on SMART as executive director.

During her tenure, King has been an effective leader in expanding the association’s impact globally. SMART membership has expanded in parts of the world, where the textile recycling market has grown, including India, Pakistan, and the UAE. King has been credited with several key accomplishments, including helping to raise awareness about textile reuse and recycling with the public. King said she is also proud of helping SMART, “stop the ban on importation of used clothing in the East African Community (EAC), develop the SMART clothing collection bin code of conduct, and create educational materials for K-8 grades on textile reuse and recycling”.

King’s leadership efforts improved networking at Regional Meetings and Annual Conventions. King’s leadership also significantly affected the educational component of SMART’s mission, raising awareness about textile recycling industry issues.

Posted: June 1, 2022

Source: The Secondary Materials and Recycled Textiles (SMART) Association

ANDRITZ Organized Customer Day For Durable Nonwoven Applications In Elbeuf, France

GRAZ, Austria — June 1, 2022 — International technology group ANDRITZ organized a Customer Day for durable nonwoven applications on May 17, 2022. This event took place at the ANDRITZ Asselin-Thibeau premises in Elbeuf, France, with a lot of key players from the nonwovens industry coming up to northern France from all over Europe. This event focused on needlepunch and airlay technologies as well as the new solutions in digitalization.

On this occasion, the ANDRITZ team presented:

  • The recently upgraded Needlepunch Technical Center, including several demonstrations with light and heavy products;
  • The manufacturing and assembly facilities in Elbeuf;
  • The technologies and machines used by ANDRITZ Laroche for airlay and recycling as well as the Airlay Technical Center in Cours; and
  • The ANDRITZ digitalization solutions, with Metris UX and Metris RAS — new IoT doors to the future.

Customers attended presentations and demonstrations in different areas of sustainable product manufacturing and held discussions with ANDRITZ engineering and technical teams. All guests showed great interest and received many tips on how to produce high-quality products.

Posted: June 1, 2022

Source: ANDRITZ GROUP

CIT Commercial Services Hires Brian Martin To Lead Southeast Region

Brian Martin

NEW YORK CITY — June 1, 2022 — CIT, a division of First Citizens Bank, today announced that its Commercial Services business has hired Brian Martin, an experienced banker with broad expertise in factoring and accounts receivable financing, as a regional manager leading CIT Commercial Services in the Southeast region.

CIT Commercial Services is one of the nation’s leading providers of factoring, credit protection, accounts receivable management and lending services to consumer product companies, manufacturers, dealers, importers and resellers.

As one of the senior leaders of CIT Commercial Services, Martin will be responsible for overseeing client acquisition and retention, strategy, growth, risk management and personnel across the 30-state Southeast region. He will report to Michael Hudgens, managing director and group head for Commercial Services.

“Brian is a proven leader with a long track record of supporting clients with the financing they need to grow their business,” Hudgens said. “I am excited to welcome him to our team and look forward to celebrating his long-term success at First Citizens.”

Martin joins CIT Commercial Services from Wells Fargo, where he served 17 years in positions of increasing responsibility, including national underwriting manager for the factoring, key account purchase and supply chain finance businesses, regional manager for the Southeast and national portfolio manager. He previously also worked as an executive vice president for Action Capital Corp., based in Atlanta, Georgia.

Posted: June 1, 2022

Source: CIT, a division of First Citizens Bank

VOORMI® Unveils the Next-Generation Of CORE CONSTRUCTION® Technology

PAGOSA SPRINGS, Colo. — May 31, 2022 — VOORMI® — a manufacturer of innovative technical apparel — has just announced the next horizon in the future of CORE CONSTRUCTION® Technology. Following a multi-year investment in advanced machinery, the company’s affiliate technology provider (SWNR Technologies) is now offering its first glimpse into the future of textiles with advanced functional cores.

“When we launched the first generation of Core Construction Technology, there was so much excitement and speculation about where the technology could go,” said Timm Smith, chief technology officer, VOORMI. “From Outside Magazine’s vision for membranes in everything we wear, to Wired magazine deeming it the biggest advancement in Outerwear in the last 40 years, the opportunities out there felt boundless. What followed was a multi-year development project aimed at realizing the full potential of core-knitted textiles.”

According to Smith, while the first generation of Core Construction products were designed to bring superior performance and weather protection to fleece and other thermal layers, the long-term vision has always been to enable the insertion of even more complex functional substrates into the broader knitwear market, as well as the explore the vast world of opportunities beyond apparel.

“From the beginning, fine-gauge knits, technical yarns, and the insertion of advanced substrates have all been key areas of focus for us,” said Smith. “As is the case with most new ‘methods of make’ — it ultimately came down to equipment limitations. This Gen2 machinery truly opens up the world for us in terms of capability. With brand new patterning and multi-core insertion capabilities, there’s no reason why every yard of knitted fabric in the world shouldn’t contain a multi-functional core.”

In addition to a host of new products to be released over the coming year under the VOORMI brand, the company has kicked off a number of pilot projects in non-apparel sectors, providing enhanced functionality in industries ranging from automotive applications to e-textiles.

“Given that textiles and apparel surround us in every aspect of our lives, it’s our belief that that they should provide functionality to meet tomorrow’s expectations” said Dan English, CEO at VOORMI. “This machinery, and the multi-million dollar investment we’ve made around it, finally provides the tools to enable truly new levels of performance in fabric. We’re so excited for where this goes next.”

Posted: May 31, 2022

Source: VOORMI

Tomorrow’s Mobility From Yesterday’s Waste: igus Unveils The World’s First Urban Bike Made From Recycled Plastic

EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. — May 31, 2022 — Experts in plastic for motion, igus is making the engineering concept and key components for bicycles made completely of recycled plastic available to all bicycle manufacturers via the new igus:bike platform. The first model should be available by the end of the year.

The world is drowning in plastic waste. The huge piles in landfill sites are growing fast. Some of this plastic ends up in the ocean, enters the food chain, and becomes a danger to marine, animal and human life. Therefore it is most urgent to move away from the traditional linear economic model and migrate to a fully circular economy.

To help this transformation, igus has been developing and investing in ideas for recycling plastics for many years. The company is now presenting a world first at the Hannover Messe: The concept of a robust, durable urban bike made entirely of plastic, from frame to bearings to toothed belt.

One special feature of this new bike is that the recycled version will be primarily made of reused plastics originally “single use.”

“The plastic in rubbish dumps around the world is becoming a valuable resource,” explained Frank Blase, igus CEO. He first had the idea of a bicycle, now known as the “igus:bike”, on a beach while on vacation. In conversations with employees of a bicycle rental company on the beach, he found out about their major problems with beach bikes. These were continuously exposed to sand, wind and saltwater and sometimes only lasted three months before they had to be replaced. Maintenance and replacement are often expensive and time-consuming in this industry.

“The igus:bike does not rust”

The igus:bike is easier to own than any other bike. Owners can leave the single-speed bike outdoors in all weather and clean it in seconds with a garden hose. “As all components are made of plastic, no part of the bike rusts, even the gears — bicycle gears made of plastic were unthinkable for a long time,” Blase said.

Lightweight, lubrication-free high-performance plastics are used in all parts of the bicycle, from two-component ball bearings in the wheel bearings to plain bearings in the seat post, brake levers and pedals. All of these components have integrated solid lubricants and ensure low-friction dry operation — without a single drop of lubricating oil. This ensures that sand, dust and dirt cannot accumulate.

These tribo-plastics from igus have been used successfully for a long time and are currently used in more than 70 industries: in automobiles, tractors and robots. And they have also had many fans in the bicycle industry for decades. They have been proving their worth there for a long time in such applications as mountain bikes and e-cargo bikes.

Innovation with experience from industry

In the igus development laboratories, eight developers are currently working on all moving components of the all-plastic bicycle. Ball bearings, brakes, sprockets, gears and drives are being coordinated by Andreas Hermey, the development manager for energy chains and in close cooperation with the bicycle start-up MTRL from the Netherlands. Tried and tested existing developments from igus were adapted to the new application. The result is smooth-operating, quiet, durable plastic components that give suppliers all over the world the opportunity to benefit from the igus:bike platform.

Platform for bike and component manufacturers

The new igus:bike platform offers bicycle manufacturers all over the world the opportunity to jointly advance this technology. The platform continuously shows the status and progress of all components and explicitly invites market players to participate. “We want to enable the bicycle industry to produce plastic bikes,” says Blase. The platform is intended to become a contact point for manufacturers who want to build a plastic bicycle and for all manufacturers of suitable components, such as plastic frames, wheels, drives, and pinions. The platform is already hosting initial corporate collaborations. One example is Helix.eco for recycled plastics. Many more will follow.

First functioning model is planned for the end of the year

Another partner is MTRL, a Dutch a startup that has successfully put 400 bicycles with plastic frames and wheels onto the Netherlands’ roads. “Founders Johannes and Benjamin Alderse Baas are partners who share our vision completely,” Blase said, who is himself an investor in MTRL. “Together, we are refining the all-plastic bicycle.”

The bicycle start-up will begin production and sale of a children’s model and an adult bicycle for cities by the end of this year. The German launch will be in early 2023. Other versions, such as an e-bike, have also been planned. In the future, the all-plastic bicycle is to be available both in a variant made of new plastic and in one made entirely of recycled material. The first prototypes, successfully produced and tested, were made of material from old fishing nets, for example. The adult bike made of virgin plastic is to cost 1,200 euros. There will be a surcharge of 200 euros for the recycled-plastic variant. MTRL is planning manufacturing facilities near plastic landfills around the world. “From ocean plastics to motion plastics – the igus:bike concept has what it takes to become a high-tech ecological product,” says Blase.

“We have lots more ideas, such as installing condition monitoring using igus smart plastics. That would let you use your smartphone to see how many more thousands of kilometers the bike can take. That will hopefully convince many people who are still skeptical about plastic.”

Posted: May 31, 2022

Source: igus GmbH

Polygiene Strengthens Management With Top Recruitment: Frank Stevens Named Chief Operating Officer

MALMÖ, Sweden — May 31, 2022 — Polygiene Group has just finalized the top recruitment of Frank Stevens in the new position of COO in the company. Stevens has a long, solid career in the field of textile chemicals with over 30 years of experience in the industry. His most recent position was as general manager of Textiles for Sciessent LLC in the United States, where he has worked for more than 10 years.

Prior to that, Stevens was employed by Yorkshire Asia Pacific in China and Indonesia where he led the company’s Chemical and Dyeing business in more than 13 countries in Asia. The COO is a new and important position to facilitate scaleability and support processes during the company’s continued growth.

“Given our growth journey forward, the recruitment of Frank is a strategically important step along the way. I am very proud that Polygiene manages to attract such a heavy and respected industry veteran as Frank. I am convinced that Frank’s long experience and cutting-edge expertise will add great value to the Polygiene Group,” said Ulrika Björk, CEO Polygiene Group.

“I am excited and honored to become a part of Polygienes dynamic team,” Stevens said. “We have many great opportunities for growth and I look forward to, with my 33 years of experience in the textile chemical industry, succesfully execute and contribute to Polygienes future success. I believe that a combination of mill-level problem solving along with solid relationships with our customers, is key for capitalizing on all of our growth opportunities.”

He begins his new position on June 1.

Posted: May 31, 2022

Source: Polygiene Group

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