Polartec® Announces Full Use Of Non-Per- And Polyfluoralkyl Substances (PFAS) Durable Water Repellent (DWR) Treatments

ANDOVER, Mass.— July 13, 2021 — Polartec® — a Milliken & Company brand, and creator of innovative and sustainable textile solutions — has announced the elimination of per- and polyfluoralkyl substances (PFAS) in its durable water repellent (DWR) treatments across its line of performance fabrics. The new non-PFAS treatment, offering zero loss of durability or water repellency, is the latest in Polartec’s growing EcoEngineering™ initiative.

As part of its sustainability efforts, Polartec prioritized performance and longevity as it worked to eliminate PFAS in its DWR treatments. This new weather protection fabric treatment will be used in Hardface®, Power Shield®, Power Shield® Pro, NeoShell® and Windbloc® products. The technology will also extend to fleece and insulation treatments for greater moisture management on products like Thermal Pro® and Alpha®.

“Trial results have exceeded even our expectations,” said Mike Rose, Polartec vice president of Product Development. “There is no loss of performance from a water repellency or durability standpoint.”

“Achieving non-PFAS treatments within our product line is an important milestone in our commitment to sustainably made performance fabrics,” added Steve Layton, Polartec president. “It’s the latest step on our journey to an even more sustainable Polartec.”

Over the company’s 30-year history, Polartec has established itself as the world’s foremost innovator of performance fabrics engineered for all conditions. The brand’s dedication to environmentally sustainable products continues to push the market forward. From inventing the process of turning post-consumer plastic into performance fabrics and leading the use of recycled content across all categories — to innovating products with non-PFAS DWR treatments and leading the way in circularity — sustainable science is the innovation force behind the brand.

Posted July 13, 2021

Source: Polartecâ

Stäubli: How The TIEPRO Warp Tying Machine Assists Weavers Worldwide

Stäubli Tiepro

PFÄFFIKON, Switzerland — July 13, 2021 — Stäubli unveiled the revolutionary TIEPRO tying machine in 2019. In the short time since then, this machine has become a standard workhorse in renowned weaving mills around the world. Offering unique, easy-handling properties and efficient warp-sheet processing, it has thoroughly convinced operators and managers alike. TIEPRO has become a must-have for forward-looking weaving mills. What makes it so special?

Warp tying is an essential process in every weaving mill. Until the beginning of the last century, this process was conducted manually. The first warp tying machines appeared in the 1930s. Mechanized warp tying had revolutionized the industry worldwide. At that time, the Swiss company Uster offered the KLEINUSTER/USTERMATIC for automatic warp tying. As part of its global marketing strategy, Stäubli acquired this product line and developed it further, which resulted in the TOPMATIC, one of the world’s leading tying machines. The design successfully integrates the workflow requirements of the mill with a number of various technical weaving solutions developed by Stäubli. Continuing development made this machine a highly reliable and important component in many mills. In line with its credo — every development must bring customer benefits — Stäubli constantly pursues its commitment to R&D. Its new TIEPRO warp-tying machine incorporates very special and unique features that make it as inevitable as the tying process itself.

Easy and rapid start-up

Any type of tying machine to be used in a mill must first be placed on the warp-tying frame at the weaving machine. An operator has to dock the machine by hand. Equipped with robotics, TIEPRO docks itself to the old and the new warp sheets. Afterwards, the operator can simply confirm start-up by pushing the start button – and automatic warp tying begins. Thus, TIEPRO leaves staff more time to oversee the weaving hall or handle other tasks.

Easy handling

Before tying, and during the warp stretching on the tying frame, typically, the yarns of new and old warp sheets don’t align precisely. This fact can require time-consuming effort during the tying process. But not with TIEPRO. It easily handles misalignments of up to 10 mm, ensuring precise and quick preparation.

TIEPRO incorporates a revolutionary form of automatic Double End Detection (DED) as a standard feature. Stäubli DED detects double ends automatically before the warp yarn is cut.

This outstanding feature is unique. Another standard feature is the Auto Reverse function, which works in conjunction with DED during the yarn separation process. Double ends caused e.g. by sticky yarns are detected by the sensor, immediately extracted, and separated. This process is done automatically within milliseconds and is virtually impossible to follow visually. It requires no operator intervention. Once done, the yarn separation process automatically restarts.

Historic Stäubli warp-tying machine

Sustainable and highly available for processing

Warp tying machines typically operate using separation needles. TIEPRO is the only one in the world that uses separation cones. The cones are made of top-grade, long-lasting materials, sure to last for many years. This is a great advantage over conventional machines, which require regular replacement of the separation needles. Another benefit is that TIEPRO does tying without an oil bath. These two attributes make for low maintenance and high availability in the mill.

The TIEPRO warp tying machine covers a broad range of applications and handles warps with or without a 1:1 lease. The design is a result of Stäubli’s closeness to mills, understanding of their needs, and constant and successful collaboration with them. The overall concept of the machine makes for less operator intervention, increased efficiency in warp tying, and the highest operational availability.

Posted July 13, 2021

Source: Stäubli Group

Georgia Governor Kemp Announces Purple Innovation — Creator of the Purple® Mattress — To More Than Double Company Workforce In Mcdonough, Ga., Creating 500 Jobs

ATLANTA — July 7, 2021 — Today, Governor Brian P. Kemp announced Purple Innovation Inc., a comfort technology company known for creating the Purple® Mattress, will expand its operations in McDonough, Ga., and create an additional 500 jobs across production, fulfillment, customer care, and other areas of the business. This comes on the heels of the company’s commitment last year to create more than 360 jobs in Henry County. Once the expansion is complete, the company will employ more than 800 Georgians.

“After recently being admitted to the Georgia Made program, it’s great to see this company already thriving and expanding here in Georgia,” said Governor Kemp. “I want to thank Purple for their commitment to creating an additional 500 jobs for hardworking Georgians and for making the Peach State a key player in their all-American success story.”

Purple’s mission is to help people feel better through innovative comfort products like mattresses, pillows, and seat cushions. Purple’s cushion products are designed, manufactured, and assembled in the United States, and the company is further expanding its manufacturing operations to meet consumer demand.

“Purple is thrilled to expand our footprint across the country to better serve our customers and create jobs in Henry County,” said Purple CEO Joe Megibow. “We know that Georgia is the right place to add these important roles as we build on the incredible foundation we’ve established with Governor Kemp and Henry County.”

The expansion of the company’s current facility will be utilized as a customer care center, slated to open in the spring of 2022. This will also allow Purple to expand production with additional Mattress Max™ Machines — Purple’s proprietary production machinery — and assembly equipment. New positions created will include customer care representatives, training and content specialists, and quality assurance analysts. Individuals interested in career opportunities with Purple can visit purple.com/careers for additional information.

“A year ago, we welcomed the news that Purple Innovation chose Henry County for its first production facility outside of its home state of Utah,” said Henry County Board of Commissioners Chair Carlotta Harrell. “We are honored that they have not only chosen to expand their manufacturing facility, but will add one of their other business units in the new customer care center to the Henry County campus.”

“We take a lot of pride when one of our established industries expands in Henry County,” said Chairman of the Henry County Development Authority Pierre Clements. “Purple Innovation doubling their manufacturing footprint and adding a customer care center to their Henry County campus proves that our efforts in leveraging our strong supply chain position to grow our advanced manufacturing and professional services sectors are working. We want to thank Purple for their continued investments with us.”

The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) was represented in this competitive project by Senior Project Manager Amanda Fields in partnership with the Henry County Development Authority, the Metro Atlanta Chamber, Georgia Quick Start, and Georgia Power.

“Within a year of announcing their first location, it is exciting to share the news that Purple is expanding again,” said GDEcD Commissioner Pat Wilson. “This innovative, Georgia Made company will continue to impact lives across the country from right here in McDonough, and I know this is just the beginning of the success and good news we will hear from Purple. Many thanks to our economic development partners in Henry County for the support they provide to our manufacturing and distribution industries.”

Purple was recently admitted to the state’s premier Georgia Made program. The program was created in 2019 to celebrate the people and industries that manufacture a wide variety of products across the state. Companies accepted into the cost-free program join a roster of distinguished manufacturers that continue to shape Georgia jobs and the global supply chain.

Posted July 9, 2021

Source: Georgia Office of the Governor

Solstice Sleep Products Establishing Operations In Marion County, S.C.

COLUMBIA, S.C. — July 6, 2021 — Solstice Sleep Products Inc., a wholesale mattress company, today announced plans to establish operations in Marion County. The investment will create 80 new jobs.

Located in Marion, Solstice Sleep Products’ new facility will increase the company’s capacity to meet growing demand throughout the Southeast. The new operations will be the company’s sixth manufacturing facility opened in the last 10 years. The facility will produce mattresses and foundation sleep products under the Jamison brand, which has been known for handcrafted bedding since 1883.

The new facility is expected to be operational by the fourth quarter of 2021. Individuals interested in joining the Solstice Sleep Products team should email or visit www.jamisonbedding.com.

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development has approved job development credits related to this project. Marion County was also awarded a $900,000 Rural Infrastructure Fund grant to assist with costs related to this project.

“We are proud to work with the state of South Carolina and Marion County to expand our base of operations throughout the Southeast!” said Solstice Sleep Product President Dennis Straily. “Marion, South Carolina, will help us secure our long-term growth plans with our dealer base and meet their growing business demands. I would like to thank Dr. Julie Norman, executive director of the Marion County Economic Development Commission, for all her help to get this project completed with Solstice Sleep Products Inc.”

“Congratulations to Solstice Sleep Products Inc. for choosing to build new operations in Marion County,” said Governor Henry McMaster. “The 80 new jobs this company will bring to South Carolina will make a real difference in the area, and we look forward to watching this company grow and succeed there for a very long time.”

“Manufacturing and distribution continue to be a source of job creation throughout our state,” said Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III. “We congratulate Solstice Sleep Products Inc. on this announcement in Marion County and welcome the company to South Carolina’s business community.”

“We are all excited about Solstice Sleep Products Inc. putting their faith and trust in Marion County,” added Marion County Council Chairman John Q. Atkinson.

Posted July 9, 2021

Source: The Office of the Governor of South Carolina

3DLOOK Launches Yourfit, An Integrated Solution That Combines Virtual Try-On With Size And Fit Recommendations

SAN MATEO, CA — July 7, 2021 — 3DLOOK, a global supplier of AI-first mobile body measuring solutions, announces the official launch of YourFit, a solution for apparel shoppers that offers photorealistic virtual try-on functionality combined with highly accurate, data-driven size recommendations. The 2-in-1 solution is the first on the market that can answer the two primary questions that shoppers face when purchasing clothing online — Will this fit me? and Will this look good on me? — enabling fashion and apparel brands to provide a superior, personalized e-commerce experience.

The 2-in-1 solution is unique in its ability to produce an output that not only looks realistic in the resulting snapshots but also faithfully reproduces the measurements of the shopper, unlike other solutions that roughly overlay a photo of a garment over the shopper’s photo. Brands have the option of offering the complete capabilities of the solution or incorporating stand-alone try-on or size and fit recommendations.

On the back-end, the solution extracts important features of the user’s body, such as body contour, body shape and position, from the customer’s photos and creates an accurate 3D avatar. The solution detects specific body parts (head, neck, shoulders, forearm and ankle) and captures details of the user’s appearance, such as haircut and skin tone, which are superimposed on the avatar. Then, the technology uses photos of clothes to imitate their 3D versions and fits them onto the 3D avatar, instantly displaying a resulting image to the consumer. Additionally, the shopper’s body data is matched with product data to generate size recommendations.

3DLOOK’s core tech relies on a pipeline of several different techniques adapted from computer vision and computer graphics. Each of these components has been trained on data sets consisting of images or scans of up to 100 000+ of real and simulated individuals, making it possible for 3DLOOK to be the first and only ones to introduce a complex 2-in-1 solution. 3DLOOK’s 3D avatar generation pipeline is so robust that it will even work for shoppers with older smartphones with any camera.

Additionally, the solution utilizes photos of clothing taken directly from brands’ product pages, which makes it easy for brands to scale the technology and save time and resources, since there is no need for them to create digital copies of their collections in 3D.

To use YourFit, online shoppers simply choose an item of clothing and click on a widget on a product page to be voice-guided through a quick and easy scanning process using a smartphone camera. The solution then displays exactly how the item would look on the individual and what size would fit best, giving brands the unique ability to offer their consumers a genuine dressing room experience online.

“With the launch of YourFit, we’re taking another significant step in e-commerce personalization and enabling a superior shopping experience that is the first of its kind,” said Vadim Rogovskiy, CEO and co-founder of 3DLOOK. “This highly anticipated solution allows consumers to see a photorealistic simulation of how clothes will fit and look on their own body and combines that with personalized size and fit recommendations. Our customers have requested this combination of features and we’re already developing the next version of our immersive try-on technology, which will take into account how different fabrics move and drape on individuals and show users how clothing will fit them in any position and on any background.”

The official launch of YourFit is the latest step in 3DLOOK’s exceptional growth trajectory. Over the past year, the company’s business has increased nearly sixfold as leading retailers and brands such as Tailored Brands and Dickies have partnered with 3DLOOK to accelerate their digitization efforts and offer a more personalized, contactless shopping experience driven by data intelligence. Brands that use 3DLOOK’s solutions have decreased return rates by up to 48%, while increasing conversion by four times year over year. Earlier this year, 3DLOOK announced that it has raised $6.5 million in Series A funding, led by Almaz Capital.

Posted July 9, 2021

Source: 3DLOOK

The New Trützschler Pre-Cleaner CL-X: Higher Productivity And Lower Energy Consumption

MÖNCHENGLADBACH, Germany — July 9, 2021 — Double the production rate, with lower energy consumption per kilogram of fiber material – that might sound like a contradiction, but the new Trützschler pre-cleaner CL-X makes it possible. It gently and reliably removes coarse contaminants like leaf debris, stalks or seeds from cotton with minimum loss of good fibers. The pre-cleaner CL-X provides more efficiency and lays the foundation for a high-quality end-product before the cotton is further processed in mixers and fine cleaners.

The new CL-X especially meets the urgent demand for lower energy consumption. Energy efficiency is not only important for environmental and regulatory reasons. Due to rising energy prices, it is becoming an increasingly decisive factor for the competitiveness of spinning mills.

“During the development process, our main focus was on optimizing the fiber air flows. This is the area where we achieved the breakthrough. By forcing the air flow over two rolls, we have found a solution that allows lower power consumption at the opening rolls,” says Robert Többen, Head of Mechanical Engineering at Trützschler. “The fact that this flow is in the form of a spiral is also reflected in the name CL-X: The ‘X’ comes from the Greek word for spiral, Helix.”

In comparison with the current benchmark, the CL-X saves up to 30 % energy (see chart 1). In addition to the optimized flow, an integrated air separator contributes to reducing the transport air by ensuring that only excess air has to be removed, rather than all of the air. Less exhaust air means less energy consumption.

The CL-X also provides significantly increased productivity. At a maximum of 1,600 kilograms per hour, the production rate from one CL-X corresponds to the rate achieved by two CL-P models. This gives customers the flexibility to operate at high or low productivity rates with one machine.

On top of this, the new CL-X is characterized by its excellent cleaning results. Trials conducted at a Turkish customer have shown that it reached a nearly three times better cleaning efficiency compared to the benchmark (US cotton, see chart 2). The improved grid geometry enables better separation and gentler tuft handling. Furthermore, a 2.60 m long cleaning section provides a maximum degree of opening and cleaning tufts.

The lot management system enables direct, automated coordination with the Bale Opener BO-P. The speeds of the opening rollers and the position of the grid bars – and thus the intensity of the cleaning – are automatically adjusted to the changing material fed (lot).

Due to the stepless and individual adjustment of grid devices for each opening roller, the machine can react to a wide variety of impurities. A 10 % higher speed of the second opening roller causes different speeds along the grids, while different sizes of waste can also be separated.

The WASTECONTROL waste sensor is now also integrated into the CL-X and makes sure that waste is reliably separated during production, which avoids unnecessary loss of valuable good fibers. The operator automatically receives a recommendation for the ideal setting via the machine’s display and can implement it with just a few clicks.

The CL-X is the perfect and sustainable solution to meet today’s demand for productivity, cleaning and energy efficiency.

CL-X features at one glance

  • Continuous production of 1,600 kilograms per hour for present blow room configuration.
  • 30% energy saving compared to the current benchmark.
  • Integrated WASTECONTROL for automatic adjustment recommendation of waste excretion to avoid unnecessary fiber loss.
  • 2.60 m long cleaning section.
  • New and improved grid geometry for better separation and gentle tuft treatment.
  • Material draft due to 10 % higher speed of second opening roller for reliable and consistent fiber transport.
  • Optimal cleaning level and minimal fiber loss due to individual and stepless grid adjustment for each opening roller by motor.
  • Gentle tuft treatment with adjustable opening roller speed.
  • Synchronized lot management (automatic lot change for up to three lots).
  • Connection possibility for a waste box (for waste analysis).
  • Lower cost of ownership.

Posted July 9, 2021

Source: Trützschler GmbH & Co. KG

Retail Cargo Continues To See Double-Digit Increases Over 2020 As Supply Chain Disruptions Continue

WASHINGTON — July 8, 2021 —  Imports at the nation’s largest retail container ports are continuing to show double-digit growth over last year as strong consumer demand keeps up its momentum, according to the monthly Global Port Tracker report released today by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates.

“The year-over-year growth we saw this spring was off the charts because the comparisons were against a time when most stores were shut down due to the pandemic,” NRF Vice President for Supply Chain and Customs Policy Jonathan Gold said. “But we’re continuing to see strong growth even as we enter a point when stores had begun to reopen last year. That’s a sign of the tremendous demand from consumers. The challenge for retailers and supply chains is keeping shelves stocked as port congestion and other supply chain disruptions continue to impact the industry and the economy more broadly.”

“Operational constraints brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic combined with the surge in consumer demand have severely strained the logistics supply chain,” Hackett Associates Founder Ben Hackett said. “The level of growth in the last year has put unprecedented pressure on importers, carriers and domestic transportation providers alike.”

U.S. ports covered by Global Port Tracker handled 2.33 million Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units in May, the latest month for which final numbers are available. That was up 8.6 percent from April and up 52.2 percent from a year earlier. The number set a new record for the most containers imported during a single month since NRF began tracking imports in 2002, topping the previous record of 2.27 million TEU set this March. A TEU is one 20-foot container or its equivalent.

Ports have not reported June numbers yet, but Global Port Tracker projected the month at 2.15 million TEU, which would be up 33.8 percent from the same time last year. That would bring the first half of 2021 to 12.8 million TEU, up 35.6 percent from the same period last year.

July is forecast at 2.21 million TEU, up 15.1 percent year-over-year; August at 2.3 million TEU, up 9.4 percent; September at 2.16 million TEU, up 2.5 percent; October at 2.13 million TEU, down 3.7 percent for the first year-over-year decline since July 2020; and November at 2.06 million TEU, down 2 percent.

Global Port Tracker will not release its forecast for December until next month, but 2021 is on track to grow 16.7 percent over 2020’s full-year total of 22 million TEU. Cargo imports during 2020 were up 1.9 percent over 2019 despite the pandemic.

Global Port Tracker, which is produced for NRF by Hackett Associates, provides historical data and forecasts for the U.S. ports of Los Angeles/Long Beach, Oakland, Seattle and Tacoma on the West Coast; New York/New Jersey, Port of Virginia, Charleston, Savannah, Port Everglades, Miami and Jacksonville on the East Coast, and Houston on the Gulf Coast. The report is free to NRF retail members, and subscription information is available at NRF.com/PortTracker

Posted July 8, 2021

Source: The National Retail Federation (NRF)

Gain Industry Wide Recognition With The IDEA® Achievement Awards

CARY, N.C. — July 8, 2021 —  INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, and Nonwovens Industry Magazine have announced the opening of nominations for the IDEA® Achievement Awards. IDEA® is the preeminent event for the nonwovens and engineered fabrics conference and exposition and will be held at the Miami Beach Convention Center in Miami Beach, Fla., March 28-31, 2022.

The IDEA® Achievement Awards recognize leading companies and new innovations (since IDEA® in 2019) in the global engineered fabrics industry in six categories. Companies may now nominate their products, or their customers’ products, in the following categories:

  • Sustainability Advancement (advances one or more elements of sustainability or circularity since 2019);
  • Equipment (best new equipment introduction since 2019);
  • Raw Materials (best new raw materials introduction since 2019);
  • Short-Life (best new disposable product introduction since 2019);
  • Long-Life (best new durable product introduction since 2019); and
  • Nonwoven Product (best new nonwoven product introduction since 2019).

Submission deadline is January 15, 2022.  Selections will be made by members of the industry voting through Nonwovens Industry Magazine. Selection of the Entrepreneur Award will be made by Nonwovens Industry Magazine.

Details on the IDEA® Achievement Awards criteria and eligibility are available on: https://www.inda.org/awards/IDEA-Achievement-Award.html

To nominate a company, please visit https://www.nonwovens-industry.com/idea-reg-achievement-awards.

IDEA® Achievement Award Winners in 2019 included: Machinery/Equipment:

  • A.Celli Nonwovens S.P.A.: A.Celli Vision System (DMS 4.0)

Raw Materials:

  • Lenzing AG: Veocel™ Lyocell fibers with Eco Cycle Technology

Nonwoven Product:

  • Fitesa: Fitesa 100% BioBase PLA Softs

Short-Life Converted Product:

  • Callaly: Tampliner®

Long-Life Converted Product:

  • Soteria Battery Innovation Group: Soteria Battery Architecture

Entrepreneur:

  • P&G Venture Labs

The highly successful IDEA® in 2019 attracted 6,500+ industry participants, and more than 500 exhibitors from more than 70 countries to advance their business in nonwovens and engineered fabrics. The 2022 event marks the 21st anniversary of IDEA®, with the show originating in 1971.

Along with the IDEA® Achievement Awards, highlights of the global industry event include hundreds of exhibitors presenting their latest innovations; a conference featuring pandemic impacts on the global nonwoven supply chain and recovery for China, South America, Asia, North America, and Europe; and a series of short course training opportunities called “Nonwoven Essentials,” led by industry experts.

“We look forward to welcoming the entire nonwovens and engineered materials industry at IDEA® 2022 in Miami Beach. Industry professionals across the global value chain will convene in person to conduct business, gather the latest market intelligence, and see the newest innovations,” said Dave Rousse, INDA president.

Details on the IDEA® Achievement Award criteria and eligibility are available on: http://www.inda.org/awards/IDEA-Achievement-Award.html. For information on exhibiting at IDEA® contact Joe Tessari: email jtessari@inda.org, +1 919 459 3729 or visit: inda.org. To nominate a product for an IDEA® Achievement Award, visit: https://www.nonwovens-industry.com/idea-reg-achievement-awards. For details on the IDEA® Achievement Awards, contact: Chris Plotz, Director of Education & Technical Affairs, cplotz@inda.org

Posted July 8, 2021

Source: INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry

Atlas® Delivers Faster Solar Simulation Testing

MOUNT PROSPECT, Ill. — July 7, 2021 —  Atlas, a global supplier of weathering testing technology, has announced the expansion of its Germany-based commercial weathering testing laboratory to provide even faster solar simulation testing.

International customers now have the ability to significantly expedite research, development and quality control of materials and products for automotive, electronics, aerospace and military applications — even on short notice.

Part of the Atlas Weathering Services Group, the Linsengericht-Altenhasslau-based facility is the largest weathering testing laboratory in the world with an ISO 17025 accreditation.

With the addition of the SunEvent® 600 from Atlas partner Weisstechnik to its Atlas® SC340 and SC1000 climatic testing chambers, Atlas delivers greater access to best-in-class, solar testing instruments for accelerated simulation of the effects of sunlight, temperature and humidity – including those found in extreme climate zones.

And because Atlas is a leader in both outdoor and accelerated laboratory testing, customers have the assurance that all simulations are as realistic as possible.

Posted July 8, 2021

Source: Atlas Material Testing Technology GmbH

Polyfab Announces Comtex+ And Polytex+ Coming To USA

MANHATTAN BEACH, Calif. — July 7, 2021 —  In the most transformative change in the history of Polyfab USA, the company is pleased to announce it has made several major improvements for 2021. These changes to the product line are intended to reinforce the company’s reputation as “a world leading manufacturer and wholesaler of premium shade products”!

Polyfab has developed new versions of Polytex and Comtex, which will be called Polytex+ and Comtex+. The new versions of these products will be tentered (heat-set) and retain the same FR properties of Polytex and Comtex — both new versions will continue to meet the FR standards of NFPA-701 (2019).

For the fabricator, heat-setting gives the knitted fabric a slightly softer hand — which the sewing machine operators like — and the fabric has better “lay-flat” with less curling on the edges and is much easier for fabricators to work with. Also, since the heating process takes out some of the shrinkage in the fabric, the tentered fabric will shrink less and have improved dimensional stability, i.e. less settling in therefore less retensioning.

Polyfab is also pleased to announce that the following colors of Polytex+ and Comtex+ will be made with new and improved pigments:

  • Bronze;
  • Grape;
  • Lemon Yellow;
  • Lime;
  • Orange;
  • Red; and
  • Rust.

The new version of these colors is slightly more intense than the original color shades.

As a confirmation of the company’s confidence in these changes, Polyfab will be increasing its warranty period for the new Polytex+ and Comtex+ from 10 years to 12 years.

The company is also be adding new colors. Most of the new colors are based on Colorbond® Steel Colours of Australia, which are used for roofing, fascias, garage doors, fences, sheds, patios & pergolas. These building colors will go well for shade structures against all types of buildings in the United States:

  • Polytex+ Paperbark;
  • Comtex+ Paperbark;
  • Polytex+ Woodland Grey;
  • Comtex+ Monument;
  • Polytex+ Monument;
  • Comtex+ Smoke;
  • Polytex+ Manor Red; and
  • Polytex+ Orange.

POLYFAB USA PRODUCT LINE

SHADECLOTH

ARCHITEC 400® — A 12 oz. per square yard premium extra heavy duty knitted HDPE shade fabric designed for larger tension membrane structures and architectural shade sails.

COMSHADE® XTRA — A 12 oz. per square yard premium extra heavy duty knitted HDPE shadecloth designed for larger tension membrane structures and architectural shade sails, which significantly exceeds other shade fabric on the market for UV protection and strength to weight ratio.

COMTEX+® — A 10 oz. per square yard superior fire rated knitted HDPE shade fabric designed for medium – large tension membrane structures and architectural shade sails.

PARASOL™ — A 9.6 oz. per square yard commercial grade shadecloth suitable for shade sails, tension structures and other heavy duty applications.

POLYTEX+® – A 7 oz. per square yard superior fire rated knitted HDPE shade fabric designed for use in modular shade structures and shade sails.  Recommended for residential and small commercial projects.

INDUSTRIAL/HORTICULTURAL

COVERSHADE™ — High quality monofilament shadecloth, UV stabilized to maintain its strength and flexibility.  For protection of horticultural/agricultural crops as well as general purpose protection for livestock and equipment, scaffold and privacy shades, over-the-road truck tarps and trash truck covers.

POLYSHIELD™ — A high quality reinforced HDPE laminated fabric suitable for disaster and storm tarps, haystack covers, stationary equipment covers and tent flooring.

SOLARPRO™ — A heavily UV stabilized general purpose cover for greenhouse/hothouse applications.

TRIMMINGS/FINDINGS/MARINE SUPPLIES

PATTERNPRO™ ULTRA STABLE PATTERNING FABRIC — Clear HDPE woven scrim and coated both sides.  Ideal for marine canvas and awning patterning, good stability and ‘lay-flat’, resistant to wind and water.

POLYFAB PRO™ SHADE SAIL CLEANER — A concentrated, environmentally safe, high-strength cleaner, designed to remove difficult soils from HDPE or vinyl fabrics with minimal effort.

POLYFAB PRO™ SHADE SAIL HARDWARE — A full line of professional-grade stainless steel and other metal fittings for fabricating and installing shade sails.

POLYFAB SHADE SAIL EDGE WEBBING™ — Made in Australia, this polyester webbing is 1” & 2” wide and put up on 109 yard rolls.  Available in colors to match most of the shadecloth lines.

PROFILEN® PTFE UV RESISTANT SEWING THREAD

For shade sails, awnings, marine covers and other high end fabric projects. Warrantied for the lifespan of the fabric it’s sewn onto.

Posted July 8, 2021

Source: POLYFAB USA LLC

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