May 2022
Retail Sales And Consumer Confidence Decline
By Jim Phillips, Yarn Market Editor
Recent announcements of quarterly sales for U.S. retailers have left analysts reeling, manufacturers stunned and consumers cautious.
While it is still too early to assess whether this heralds a sustained economic slowdown, experts say, there is no doubt the U.S. economy stumbled a bit in Q2 — especially disappointing after a relatively solid first quarter.
As of this writing, retail disappointments have yet to trickle down to yarn spinners, many of whom have been struggling to meet increased demand as a result of diminished resources. “Mills are still running,” said one expert. “Many have a backlog they are trying to get out from under. After that, it will be just wait and see.”
“It’s hard for some spinners, especially smaller ones that aren’t entrenched in a niche market, to turn a profit,” said another industry expert. “They are facing increased prices for energy and raw materials, a reduced labor pool and supply chain issues. They have to raise prices to account for all of this, but they also have to be careful not to price themselves right out of business.”
The analyst continued: “At some point, we were expecting some relief from these issues as the year progressed, but now we are not certain when — or even if — things will return to normal. When you look at the supply chain, for example, even short tangles are hard to fix, much less the global dysfunctionality currently present.”
Yarn spinners and others within the fiber/textile/apparel complex are keeping their fingers crossed that recent sales reports do not take the shine off of what was a mostly positive “State of the Textile Industry” address by NCTO Chairman David Poston.
“We all faced a litany of challenges in 2021, but I am proud to stand here today and say that our industry’s resilience and innovative spirit pulled us through and put us on a path of growth,” Poston told NCTO members at that organization’s annual meeting in early May. “If 2020 was a year marked by an economic downturn and once-in-a-generation pandemic and health crisis, 2021 was defined by a rebound of remarkable proportions in our industry, nearly on par with the performance of pre-pandemic levels in 2019.” Year over year, textile industry shipments, exports and capital expenditures all increased in 2021.
However, in April, households cut back on a number of purchases, leading to flat sales from several retailers. Target was among the first to break the bad news, noting that, for the fiscal quarter ended April 30, the company posted adjusted earnings of $2.19 a share. Analysts expected Target to earn $3.07 a share, on revenue of $24.48 billion. Last year it earned $3.69 a share on sales of $24.2 billion. Other retailers followed with earnings reports below expectations. As a result, the Federal Reserve cut its second-quarter gross domestic product (GDP) growth estimate to a 1.1 percent annualized rate from the previous expectation of 1.6 percent. In the first quarter, the economy grew by 3.2 percent.
The drop in retail sales reflects a corresponding drop in consumer confidence. According to The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index®, consumer confidence decreased slightly from March.
“Consumer confidence fell slightly in April, after a modest increase in March,” said Lynn Franco, Senior Director of Economic Indicators at The Conference Board.
“… purchasing intentions are down overall from recent levels as interest rates have begun rising. Meanwhile, concerns about inflation retreated from an all-time high in March but remained elevated. Looking ahead, inflation and the war in Ukraine will continue to pose downside risks to confidence and may further curb consumer spending this year.”
Ultimately, those close to industry say that finding a way to curb inflation and restore stability to Europe is likely to go a long way toward getting the global economy back on solid ground.
Unifi Recognizes Sustainability Champions
Unifi Inc., an innovator in recycled and synthetic yarns, announced on May 24 the recipients of its fifth annual REPREVE® Champions of Sustainability awards, which recognize brand, textile and retail partners that have demonstrated a true commitment to supporting a more sustainable world.
“We are thrilled to announce the 2022 Repreve Champions of Sustainability,” said Eddie Ingle, CEO of Unifi. “We applaud the demonstrated commitment to sustainability, which has allowed us to recycle more than 30 billion bottles to date.”
Unifi’s Repreve Champions of Sustainability awards will be presented to 39 brand and retail partners that have transformed 10 million or more recycled plastic bottles and 53 textile partners that have transformed 50 million or more recycled plastic bottles through the use of Repreve performance fibers.
Cone Promotes Mental Health Awareness
Cone Denim® has launched its Mental Health Awareness Selvage Denim in support of Mental Health Awareness Month. This is the newest fabric within the Cone Community Collection, a series of fabrics designed to support various causes and organizations that align with the values of Cone Denim. Cone will donate a portion of sales related to the newest selvage to the Child Mind Institute, a nonprofit dedicated to transforming the lives of children and their families struggling with mental health and learning disorders.
May 2022
The Easy Way to Upgrade Your Yarn
Global Textile Group selected Rieter’s COMPACTeasy to upgrade its ring yarn to compact yarn.
TW Special Report
The compacting device COMPACTeasy from Switzerland-based Rieter was the perfect solution for Uzbekistan-based Fergana Global Textile (FGT) Factory — a Global Textile Group business — to upgrade its ring yarn to compact yarn. FGT installed the compacting device on its existing G 37 ring spinning machines. With COMPACTeasy, the company reports it benefits from higher yarn quality and better performance in downstream processes, as well as the ability to switch between the production of ring and compact yarn.
Global Textile Group produces high-quality yarns in Uzebekistan using modern technology. Its FGT factory produces 26 tons of carded yarns and 12 tons of combed compact yarn per day, as well as 20 tons of blended yarn from cotton and polyester. As a vertically integrated company, it processes cotton grown on its own fields in a ginning plant, and also started to produce dyed knitted fabrics. The yarn and fabrics are certified with OKEO-TEX® Standard 100 and are sold to sewing and knitting mills of brands mostly based in Europe.
From Ring To Compact Yarn With COMPACTeasy
FGT was looking for a straightforward solution to upgrade its ring yarn to compact yarn without any major installation effort and without high investment costs. The compacting device COMPACTeasy in combination with Rieter comber E 86 was the right solution for FGT.
COMPACTeasy features a compacting system with a y-shaped channel, enabling intensive double compacting without any additional energy consumption (See Figure 1). The yarn quality is determined by both the y-channel of the compactor and the integrated pin. The pin acts on the fibers while they are in the drafting system area — the area where they have the least guidance. The compacting device can be easily retrofitted on existing machines.
Boosting Productivity And Quality
FGT has upgraded its ring yarn by using the comber E 86 in spinning preparation and by installing the compacting device COMPACTeasy on its ring spinning machines G 37. With the production of combed compact yarn, productivity on the G 37 has increased by 7 percent. To compare the yarn quality produced on the G 37 with and without COMPACTeasy, the compacting device was plugged out at several spinning positions. As a result, combed ring and combed compact yarn — made using 100-percent cotton with an Ne 30 yarn count — was produced on the same machine. The results for unevenness were similar for both the ring and compact yarn. In terms of hairiness and tenacity, the compact yarn achieved a significantly better quality: tenacity was 12-percent higher and hairiness 28-percent lower (See Figure 2).
“The comber E 86 and the installation of the compacting device COMPACTeasy on our ring spinning machine were accompanied by excellent service and timely support from Rieter field service staff,” said Otabek Nishanov, FGT CEO. “The compacting device gives us the opportunity to add value to our yarns while using existing equipment. This not only strengthens our own fabric production, but also helps us meet the needs of our customers and forge new partnerships.”
Excellent Performance In Downstream Processes
Thanks to COMPACTeasy, the company now benefits from all the advantages of a compact yarn. These advantages are not only noticeable in higher yarn quality, but also have a positive impact on downstream processes. FGT appreciates the better performance of its knitting machines when processing the compact yarn and fabrics are characterized by less pilling. If needed, the compacting device easily can be unplugged from the G 37 without any tools to switch to ring yarn production again. This feature offers a high level of flexibility when faced with market requirements that are constantly changing.
May 2022
ITM + Hightex 2022 Exhibitor Preview: DiloGroup
EBERBACH, Germany — May 20, 2022 — International textile producers meet again in Istanbul, Turkey, from June 14-18, 2022, on the occasion of the ITM + Hightex Exhibition. The ITM + Hightex Exhibition in Istanbul is the most important exhibition in Turkey and the Middle East. Especially in Hall 9 (Hightex) the exhibitors will present the complete industry value chain from nonwovens raw materials, production machines and accessories to the endproduct. The related industries covered include hygiene, filtration, fabrics and apparel, medical, automotive, wipes, home furnishings and upholstery. DiloGroup offers tailor-made production systems from one supplier and will inform on booth # 905A about its portfolio and the latest equipment developments from fibre opening to the finished felt.
As a leading group in the field of staple fiber nonwoven production lines DiloGroup will inform about complete lines as well as high speed needlelooms for spunbonds.
A new, simplified elliptical needle beam drive makes Hyperpunch technology also attractive for standard application. Hyperpunch HαV allows a more uniform stitch distribution in the preneedling process especially in combination with the new needle pattern 6000X. In a complete needling line this felt homogenization process can be improved further. The new needle pattern 8000X is a milestone in the needle pattern development process and results in end product surfaces with low markings over a wide range of advances/stroke.
Another strong pillar of our sales program over decades has been fibre preparation and high speed webforming equipment for other nonwoven technologies. During these years, there has been a shift to higher throughput rates, and in some cases in Asia, a requirement for improved MD/CD strength ratios of hydroentangled products. In addition, our further development of the high-speed layering principle “Hyperlayer” made considerable progress for better CD strength through a combination of inline cards and crossline card with crosslapper. Particularly, carding machines in a working width above 3.5 m up to 5.1 m have been supplied by DiloSpinnbau as complete high speed carding systems, comprising two or even three cards in a line to directly feed the hydroentangling units of various suppliers. Together with DiloTemafa not only have high throughput rates been achieved in the fibre preparation section of the line but also dedusting filtering and air-conditioning systems have been successfully engineered and integrated.
Until recently, Dilo did not supply complete lines including water-jet units, ovens and end-of-line equipment to the important hydroentanglement market segment. This has changed and Dilo is glad to confirm the partnership with Sicam, Italy. Together with Sicam, we have combined know-how for hydroentangling technology and therefore can provide complete lines as general contractor including equipment for cutting, winding and packaging.
Another interesting machine is the 3D-Lofter, first presented during ITMA 2019 in Barcelona, which offers a wider range of nonwovens applications by exploring the third dimension. A series of single web forming units which work according to the aerodynamic web forming principle deliver defined fiber masses in varied patterns on a base needlefelt. A stress oriented production of technical formed parts resulting in fiber savings or patterned DI-LOUR or DI-LOOP felts with or without repeat are two examples for this technology which explores new application areas for needlefelts.
The 3D-Lofter technology may also be used “inverted” as “IsoFeed” for filling up bad spots in web mats and thus achieves a better homogeneity of spunlace or airlay products.
The DiloLine 4.0 concept offer I4.0 modules which not only support the user but also facilitate quality control and maintenance by a maximum data transparency in production and control of operation. The Dilo solutions “Smart Start” for a fully automatic start of the production line or “DI-LOWATT” for energy savings are accompanied by Siemens solutions which can be selected via App or Data Cloud “MindSphere”.
With more than 400 installations delivered to the nonwovens industry worldwide, DiloGroup has the necessary know-how and the complete equipment portfolio to engineer the perfect production line for any product specification. The efficiency of Dilo production lines is the result of long-term research work and experience.
We look forward to welcoming you at our booth # 905A in Hall 9 during ITM / Hightex.
Posted: May 26, 2022
Source: DiloGroup
Techtextil 2022 Exhibitor Preview: DIENES Apparatebau GmbH
MÜHLHEIM, Germany — May 19, 2022 — DIENES’s passion is the design of special equipment and fully engineered solutions. For over than 90 years, DIENES has been building up a reputation as a reliable technology partner for leading manufacturers of technical fibers and renowned research institutes. At Techtextil, DIENES will show how the company is supporting its customers in shaping a more sustainable future for technical textiles and how its solutions are helping research teams on their way from the first laboratory tests to the modular construction of production lines.
Innovative technical textiles like precursor yarns for carbon fibers made from renewable raw materials are produced and improved with DIENES spinning systems. Growing demands on the varying quality of recycled feedstock, the implementation of biobased materials and ensuring fiber performance require a continuous development and optimization of both technology and production parameters. A reliable development of textile and technical filament yarns demands an efficient, systematic and, in part, self-optimizing experimental working system which must be intelligent and flexible.
At Techtextil, DIENES will present its approach towards digitalization which is called MultiMode®. In a MultiMode plant, each process step is represented by a module which can be individually adapted to customer-specific requirements and has its own decentralized control. Thus, DIENES production lines consist of several intelligent modular units which can be easily exchanged and rearranged at any time with a reduced programming effort. Moreover, all production parameters can be permanently visualised and recorded, enabling a complete traceability of the process.
DIENES team are “your experts in fibre processing” and will be awaiting many visitors and interesting technical discussions at the VDMA Group Stand in Hall 12 (organised by VDMA Textile Machinery Association).
Posted: May 26, 2022
Source: DIENES Apparatebau GmbH
Xeriant Completes Critical Pre-Certification Testing Of Retacell® Flame Retardant On Synthetic Fabrics
BOCA RATON, Fla. — May 26, 2022 — Xeriant Inc., an aerospace company dedicated to Advanced Air Mobility and associated specialty chemicals and materials, announced today it has completed the critical pre-certification testing of its eco-friendly Retacell® flame retardant on synthetic fabrics, the most common of which are derived from polyester, polyamide, polyethylene and polypropylene and produced on highly specialized equipment using various nonwoven extrusion and bonding techniques.
These polymer-based textiles have been widely adopted for their cost-effectiveness and durability, and are found in carpeting, upholstery and filtration products. Many of the applications, particularly transportation interiors and home furnishings, are regulated by strict flammability standards and often employ flame retardants suspected of being toxic to human health and the environment. Recently, the EU took steps to ban up to 12,000 toxic substances, including flame retardant chemicals, driving the demand for eco-friendly alternatives like Retacell.
“We are pleased with the progress our team has made in developing textile applications for Retacell. In initial tests, Retacell has been successfully applied to the polymeric material in the finishing process as a surface treatment spray. We will be presenting these results to a global textile manufacturer to ensure that the modified material meets their performance specifications as they phase out toxic flame retardants. The next technological iteration will be creating a Retacell bulk additive that can be incorporated during compounding, potentially reducing the overall manufacturing costs,” commented Keith Duffy, CEO of Xeriant.
The global synthetic textiles market size was estimated at $60 billion in 2020 and is projected to reach $100 billion by 2028, according to a March 2021 report by Grand View Research. The same research firm values the global flame retardant market at $7.5 billion in 2020, which is forecast to grow to $13.8 billion by 2028, based on a November 2021 press release.
Posted: May 26, 2022
Source: Xeriant Inc.
KAVALAN And Epson PVC-Free Partnership Set To Inspire At Sustainability-Focused FESPA
TAIWAN — May 26, 2022 — At FESPA 2022, taking place in Berlin, Germany from May 31– June 3, attendees will have the opportunity to see KAVALAN PVC-free materials in action. In a collaboration with Epson Europe B.V., KAVALAN Sunlight Weldable frontlit material will be printed live on the Epson stand in Hall 4.2-C30.
Epson will be showcasing products from the SureColor SC-R 5000 Series resin printer range and the SureColor SC-S Series eco-solvent printer range. Heather Kendle, Manager Product Management, LFP Business, Epson Europe B.V., commented: “Epson is delighted to be partnering with KAVALAN printing on PVC-free Sunlight Weldable frontlit material with the water-based resin ink SC-R5000L printer.”
This year’s FESPA Global Print Expo will include a significant focus on sustainability, as brands and businesses seek effective and innovative ways to implement environmentally-responsible practices. Many exhibitors are expected to showcase new sustainable solutions on their stands and the brand new Sustainability Spotlight feature ‘will provide useful, informative and actionable advice to address the needs of People, Planet and Profit’.
KAVALAN’s European Sales Director Rob Karpenko will be speaking at the Sustainability Spotlight, presenting a session at 14:00 on June 2nd entitled: ‘The Future is PVC-Free – Are You Getting Left Behind?’. The presentation will see Rob illustrate what it really means to take responsibility for the environmental impact of your business, covering the viability of corporate recycling infrastructure, the reality behind ”greenwashing”, and the distressing long-term effects of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), as well as empowering attendees to embrace a greener future without compromising on profits or product performance.
Rob Karpenko commented: “As we prepare to convene in Berlin, it has been heartening to see so many exhibitors planning a strong focus on sustainability. As a leader in the battle to eliminate PVC and embrace robust, eco-friendly solutions, we are delighted to be partnering with Epson to demonstrate how thoughtful and meaningful green innovation throughout the wide-format value chain can deliver incredible results while substantially reducing environmental impact.
“I am also looking forward to sharing the KAVALAN story and the core values of our products with the FESPA audience during my Sustainability Spotlight presentation, and of course connecting with partners and customers from across the continent as we continue to strengthen KAVALAN’s presence in Europe.”
Elsewhere at the event, Filmolux will also feature KAVALAN PVC-free banner materials, further bolstering the manufacturer’s sustainable messaging and product range that will be on display on the Filmolux stand in Hall 3.2-C30.
Posted: May 26, 2022
Source: TAYA Groups
Techtextil 2022 Exhibitor Preview: Sitip S.p.A.
CENE, Italy — May 26, 2022 — Industry experts from all over the world meet every two years at Techtextil, the trade fair about the new developments in technical textiles, functional apparel fabrics and nonwovens offered by companies from all over the world. Techtextil offers exhibitors and visitors an insight into the latest developments in the industry, as well as additional technical inspiration.
Techtextil is one of the most important trade fairs for Sitip, Italian company with over 60 years of experience, specialized in the production of synthetic warp-knitted fabrics for the technical industrial world, and stretch and circular fabrics for the world of clothing.
As sustainability in one of the major topic at Techtextil, Sitip will present its excellence among the production of fabrics as result of a path towards sustainability reached by the company over the years.
Participating in a special Forum about innovative fabrics organized by the Agency ICE, promoting abroad the Italian companies and their internationalization, as examples of the latest developments Sitip is bringing to the fair a list of fabrics part of the NATIVE Sustainable Textiles collection, a technology applied to fabrics made with recycled yarns and low-environmental-impact chemicals with reduced consumption of natural resources
Visit Sitip S.p.A. at Hall 12.1 B45
Posted: May 26, 2022
Source: Sitip S.p.A.
CIT Commercial Services Appoints Cheryle Arevalo To Account Executive For Western Region
NEW YORK CITY — May 26, 2022 — CIT, a division of First Citizens Bank, has appointed Cheryle Arevalo to the position of account executive for the Western Region of CIT’s Commercial Services business. Arevalo will be based in Los Angeles and will manage the relationships and loans of several clients in the region. She will also be instrumental in discovering new business opportunities, cultivating relationships with new clients and outside referral sources, and identifying the right banking products to best serve client needs.
CIT’s Commercial Services business is one of the nation’s leading providers of working capital solutions, factoring, credit protection, accounts receivable management and lending services to consumer product companies, manufacturers, dealers, importers and resellers. The team delivers tailored business credit solutions to help companies increase sales, improve cash flow, reduce operating expenses and eliminate customer credit losses.
“Cheryle has been a consistent key player in the credit and portfolio departments at CIT,” said Darrin Beer, managing director and western regional manager for CIT Commercial Services. “Her strong credit skills and excellent client service have resulted in many long-standing relationships and continue to contribute to our region’s growth.
“ Arevalo joined CIT in 1999 and has held positions of increasing responsibility including most recently account executive, client service officer. Previously, she worked for Heller Financial where she served as a special handling credit analyst.
Posted: May 26, 2022
Source: CIT, a division of First Citizens Bank
Asahi Kasei Celebrates Centennial And Releases Next Generation Concept Car AKXY2™
NEW YORK CITY & DÜSSELDORF, Germany — May 25, 2022 — Asahi Kasei, a diversified Japanese multinational company, is celebrating the 100th anniversary of its establishment on May 25, 1922. In unison, the organization announces the release of a next generation concept car, AKXY2™ (pronounced “axee”), that reimagines how values for sustainability, satisfaction and society will influence the needs of future mobility on the road to automation and electrification in a changing society. The concept car is equipped with a sprawling assortment of value-adding technologies that exemplify how Asahi Kasei’s 100 years of collective innovation across the Material industry is contributing to present and future mobility.
“Aside from advancements in legislation, evolving demands from customers are causing OEMs to tear down existing processes in favor of safer, more comfortable and more sustainable vehicles, answering the needs of diverse end users,” commented Heiko Rother, general manager of Automotive Business Development at Asahi Kasei Europe. “We need to act fast. Our recent survey from November 2021 shows that 50 percent of car users in the four major automotive markets — the USA, Germany, Japan and China — will choose a different brand to the one they currently own. The materials used in the car are a key enabler for multiple differentiating factors and user experience beyond drivetrain or driving performance — whether visible or not”
The AKXY2 concept car demonstrates the cross-divisional expertise of Asahi Kasei throughout the entire value chain, from raw materials and production technologies to the usage of recycled and recyclable materials, while addressing the changing regulations and evolving needs of car users. Virtually everything that can been seen, touched or felt in the vehicle is either manufactured or co-developed by Asahi Kasei. The car features materials and solutions that touch the senses, improve safety and ensure the highest functionality while reducing its environmental impact. The concept of the vehicle is driven by a theme of “3 S’s”: Sustainability, Satisfaction and Society.
AKXY2 is more sustainable
From textiles to elastomers, Asahi Kasei materials that can contribute to a lower carbon footprint are integrated into the vehicle. The interior surfaces are covered by Dinamica®, a premium microfiber suede partially made of recycled polyester, and Sage Automotive Interiors can also provide other sustainable fabrics utilizing raw materials that range from recycled PET, bio-based PET, natural blends, and ocean waste. The vehicle seats are cushioned by Cubit™, a 3D mesh material made of PET and partially bio-based PTT. The S-SBR tires, made from bio-based butadiene, improve fuel and energy efficiency from their low rolling resistance while reducing the microplastics generation of tires.
AKXY2 is driving satisfaction
The needs of car occupants are evolving. One of AKXY2’s major themes revolves around “the senses” from the smell of the cabin and the touch of the textiles to the sound-proof atmosphere and futuristic looks. To address evolving safety needs beyond crashes, elements from Asahi Kasei’s
Healthy Car Portfolio are implemented to protect the automotive interior from the spread of pathogens via antimicrobial fabrics. A CO2 sensor can monitor CO2 levels in the cabin to maintain optimal air quality while reducing energy usage and protecting the cabin from children or pets left behind. In addition, semi-transparent and backlit fabrics as well as plastic optical fibers allow for customized ambient lighting inside the vehicle, while our sustainable textiles and foams equip seats with a new level of comfort.
AKXY2 is for society
One of the core concepts of AKXY2 considers the role cars will play in our changing society. The car will become more than just a means of transportation — it will be a place to socialize with friends and family, much like the patio of a home. We explored how the automobile can be a platform of inspiration for our future society.
Through full collaboration with European and American sites of Group company Sage Automotive Interiors, an abundant line-up of automotive interior fabric is showcased, enabling higher customization of the interior compared to the first AKXY. As for utilization of the interior space, concepts for potential synergy with the Homes sector of Asahi Kasei are proposed to enhance collaboration with customers and automotive users. The functions of the door and canopy open/close touch solutions and the heated seats are achieved in collaboration with UltraSense Systems Inc., a company in which Asahi Kasei Corporate Venture Capital has invested, as well as other companies.
Asahi Kasei has been Creating for Tomorrow over the past 100 years, and both internal and external collaboration has been a key element of growth. “One of Asahi Kasei’s greatest strengths is without question the ability to draw from our diverse product portfolio across multiple group companies and collaborate with outside start-ups to create new concepts, such as smart fabrics,” said Mike Franchy, director of North American Mobility at Asahi Kasei America. “AKXY2 showcases our expertise as a trusted partner to OEMs and Tier-1s for both interior and exterior components and technology. It’s hard to believe that this all started 100 years ago with basic textiles from synthetic cellulose, like Rayon. We’ve come a long way since then, and I’m looking forward to seeing these contributions continue to shape the automotive industry.”
AKXY2 can be experienced at trade shows around the world in 2022
Detroit Auto Show: September 2022 K Show October 2022, Düsseldorf, Germany CES 2023: January, Las Vegas
Posted: May 25, 2022
Source: Asahi Kasei Europe GmbH
