Walmart Purchases The Equivalent Of One Billion Plastic Bottles Worth Of Recycled Polyester

GREENSBORO, N.C. — January 25, 2022 — Unifi Inc., one of the world’s innovators in recycled and synthetic yarns, is recognizing Walmart for purchasing the equivalent of one billion post-consumer plastic bottles* worth of REPREVE recycled performance fibers. Walmart is now a part of the highest tier of REPREVE’s Champions of Sustainability program: the Billion Bottle Circle.

Walmart first purchased recycled PET products from Unifi in 2012. In 2019, Walmart announced a goal to source 50-percent recycled polyester fibers for its private brand textiles by 2025, and since then, REPREVE volume accelerated by more than 200 percent through Walmart’s suppliers and partner manufacturers.

“We’ve been using REPREVE’s recycled fibers for 10 years now, and this achievement is the result of not only our commitment to a more sustainable supply chain, but that of our customers, who have purchased products in our stores made with REPREVE,” said Deanah Baker, senior vice president, Merchant, Men’s, Kids, Footwear, Walmart U.S. “This is part of Walmart’s larger goal to move toward a circular economy, where materials stay in use in a productive way that is better for the environment.”

Producing REPREVE recycled polyester** comes with additional environmental benefits. In comparison to the manufacturing impacts of producing virgin polyester, Unifi estimates that the volume of REPREVE recycled polyester produced for Walmart would have:

  • Saved enough energy to power 9,500 homes for 1 year OR the energy equivalent to burning roughly 4.7 million gallons of gas.
  • Saved enough water to provide 117,000 people their typical daily drinking water for one year OR saved nearly 22.5 million gallons of water.
  • Improved air quality by avoiding nearly 26 million kgs of CO2 emissions OR eliminated CO2 emissions from the consumption of more than 60,000 barrels of oil.

“We congratulate Walmart for this huge accomplishment,” said Unifi CEO Eddie Ingle. “By using REPREVE fibers in its fitness, apparel and fashion lines, the company has helped us divert more than a billion plastic bottles from our landfills. Due to Walmart’s scale and reach, commitment to sustainability, and ability to set goals and reach them, we are seeing a shining example of how large retailers can drive change and improve material usage for our earth. We want to thank Walmart for helping us work today for the good of tomorrow.”

Walmart products made with REPREVE can be found in stores and online. Look for the green stripe with REPREVE messaging on Walmart tags in Time & Tru denim, Avia footwear, Wonder Nation and Athletic Works socks, and more. Check out more REPREVE items like the RealTree Fishing Shirts, Mossy Oak Hunting Tees, Jordache and Justice kids’ denim.

* Unifi’s bottle (standard 16.9 oz bottle size) count calculations are based on tracked pounds of REPREVE yarn, fiber, and resin sold to approved Walmart suppliers and used for Walmart program. Estimated bottles are based on a standard, proprietary number of bottles per pound of REPREVE rPET product type shipped.

** Unifi’s environmental impact estimates are calculated using internal data based on UMI operating data studies.

Posted: January 25, 2022

Source: Unifi, Inc.

Swiss Tech Major, Ferronato KGS Group, Launches Metalized Lifestyle Smart Accessories Brand At Expo 2020 Dubai

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — January 24, 2022 — Switzerland-based technology company FERRONATO KGS Group, which specializes in industrial metalized fabrics, forayed into the lifestyle domain with the global launch of a new smart accessories brand — FERRONATO — at the Swiss Pavilion, Expo 2020 Dubai.

“We have always been acknowledged for its focus on innovation tech and the new personal lifestyle accessories brand, Ferronato, is yet another milestone in our journey,” said Sandro Giovanni Ferronato, CEO, FERRONATO KGS Group Ltd.

FERRONATO KGS Group was established in 1906 in Lugano, Switzerland. World-renowned for its precision tools, abrasives and metalized fabrics, KGS is now helmed by a 3rd generation, led by Sandro Giovanni Ferronato.

He added, “Ferronato is a lifestyle brand borne out of a sense of immediacy that creates bespoke, high-end accessories that aim to protect your privacy.”

The Ferronato smart accessories showcased at the Swiss Pavilion include a range of personal products powered by KGS metalized fabrics, including laptop sleeves, phone pouches, totes, and briefcases that ensure the protection of privacy and personal information.

The company said the smart accessories made of metalized fabrics fit in well as an antidote to invasive surveillance threats people face at every step of their personal life.

“These smart accessories, made for our digital life, safeguard from several potential digital threats. This includes from stopping tracking of our location, remote activation of our phone to eavesdropping on our conversations to steal critical information and personal data,” said Alessia Ferronato, partner, Ferronato.

KGS said that these accessories will curb hacking, tracking, potential cyber crimes, data theft, digital infiltration and system breeches without the consent of an individual or individuals.

As the world’s leading manufacturer of flexible diamond abrasives and electrolytically metalized fabrics, KGS’ industrial products are used across many industry verticals. This includes aerospace, aeronautical, defense, automotive, medical equipment, construction, telecommunications and consumer electronics.

The company, with offices in 16 countries, has been supplying products in over 100 countries from its six manufacturing sites in Switzerland, The Netherlands, Hungary, Portugal, United Arab Emirates, China and India.

Posted: January 24, 2022

Source: AETOSWire

Integrated Polymer Solutions Hosted A Delegation Of Senior Leaders From The U.S. Army, Navy And Lockheed Martin

LONG BEACH, Calif. — January 24, 2022 — Integrated Polymer Solutions (IPS) and its CEO, Rich McManus, hosted a delegation of senior leaders from the U.S. Army, Navy and Lockheed Martin on December 15, 2021, at the Rubbercraft state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Long Beach, Calif.

U.S. Army Lieutenant General L. Neil Thurgood, Director of Hypersonic, Directed Energy, Space and Rapid Acquisition, led the delegation, along with U.S. Navy Commander Ryan Johnson, Flight Systems Deputy, Strategic Systems Programs, and Lockheed Martin’s Rick Smith, vice president, Global Supply Chain Management.

The meeting provided an opportunity to emphasize the importance of Army and Navy hypersonic programs for the nation. This collaboration and communication enables continued support and service to our war fighters.

IPS and its companies have been serving all branches of the U.S. Military for over 50 years, providing mission-critical engineered solutions. Throughout IPS’ growth, we have remained nimble and continue to proactively offer sustainable solutions simply through listening to the voice of our customers.

Integrated Polymer Solutions is a leading developer and manufacturer of advanced materials and engineered components focused exclusively on high-value end markets in aerospace, defense, medical, semiconductors, robotics, energy and industrial. The group consists of eight highly respected manufacturing businesses; Rubbercraft, Northern Engineering Sheffield (NES), Icon Aerospace Technology, MAST Technologies, Swift Textile Metalizing (STM), ABBA Roller, IRP Medical and Seal Science.

Posted: January 24, 2022

Source: Integrated Polymer Solutions

Unifi, Maker Of REPREVE®, Introduces New Product Certification And Innovations At Outdoor Retailer

GREENSBORO, N.C. — January 24, 2022 — Unifi Inc., maker of REPREVE and one of the world’s leading innovators in recycled and synthetic yarns, is launching an enhanced supply chain certification and two new products at Outdoor Retailer’s Winter Market taking place January 26-28, 2022, in Denver. These additional innovations — U TRUST® Product Certification, REPREVE SmartDye™ technology and Berry Compliant Knit Cord — enhance and support Unifi’s commitment to sustainability, transparency and customer service.

The U TRUST Product Certification allows brands to obtain an additional level of transparency for their products made with REPREVE recycled fibers and builds on other Unifi certifications: U TRUST Fabric Certification, Scientific Certification Systems, Oeko-Tex certification and the Global Recycle Standard certification. As a complement to these existing safeguards, the U TRUST Product Certification allows brands to aggregate multiple REPREVE certified fabric components in a product and leverages a physical tracer (Unifi’s FiberPrint® technology) that can be audited, proven and found in the product throughout its life.

“Our newest certification gives brands additional peace of mind that goes beyond what a purely transaction-based certification can provide,” explained Jay Hertwig, Unifi’s senior vice president of commercialization. “This certification’s credibility can be validated by external parties. The U TRUST Product Certification validator tool also introduces new functionality for corporate brands and retailers into their brands’ certifications.”

Unifi is also launching REPREVE SmartDye lower-temperature dyeable recycled polyester. The product yields substantial energy savings and reduces cycle time when compared to standard polyester. Available in REPREVE Polyester Staple Fiber and REPREVE Filament Fiber, REPREVE SmartDye improves dye cycle efficiency and achieves up to 30-percent* energy savings without compromising a fabric’s performance.

In addition, the company is launching Berry Compliant Knit Cord, a high-quality synthetic cord that’s perfect for comfortable ear loops for standard, surgical, KN95 and N95 respirator masks. It’s soft, durable and strong, and the product is packaged on yarn bobbins – not loose in boxes. Customizability is key for this product, as it’s available in nylon and polyester, multiple colors and patterns, and in a variety of sizes.

“We are listening to our customers and helping to meet their evolving needs through these three new innovations,” said Unifi CEO Eddie Ingle. “What makes REPREVE different is that it’s transparent, traceable and certified, and we continue to expand on those attributes. We’re proud that our new products are sustainably made using our USA-based vertically integrated supply chain. This — along with our new certification — will enable our customers to continue to tell eco-friendly stories about their brands.”

* Up to 30% reduction of energy consumption during the dyeing cycle (based on Unifi package dyeing equipment).

Posted: January 24, 2022

Source: Unifi, Inc.

ANDRITZ To Supply A Spunlace Line To Texygen Textile In Margilan, Uzbekistan

GRAZ, Austria — January 24, 2022 — International technology group ANDRITZ has received an order from the Uzbek cotton spinning specialist Texygen Textile LLC to supply a complete neXline spunlace line. Start-up is scheduled for the first quarter of 2023.

This will be the first spunlace line ever installed in Uzbekistan. The equipment will process high-quality cotton fibers in a fully integrated production line, from bleaching to winding. With this new line, Texygen Textile will be able to produce top-class spunlace wipes made of 100-percent cotton, thus opening up new market opportunities.

The ANDRITZ equipment will minimize fiber loss and enable Texygen to produce a high-end spunlace fabric that will allow the company to serve the international medical industry with premium-quality spunlace wipes.

Rasulov Ikrom, owner of Texygen Textile, said: “We are very proud to be a pioneer in the spunlace industry in our country. We have commissioned ANDRITZ to supply our first spunlace line, and their know-how relating to the carding machine, among other units, will enable us to produce premium-quality, nonwoven cotton roll goods.”

Established in 2010, Texygen is a frontrunner in the Uzbekistan textile industry, especially in cotton spinning. The company has its headquarters in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

Posted: January 24, 2022

Source: ANDRITZ

JEC World 2022 Postponed: New Dates Announced For May 3-5, 2022

PARIS — January 24, 2022 — After thorough consultation with the exhibitors and partners of the event, JEC Group has decided to postpone the 2022 edition of JEC World. The world’s leading composites event will now take place from May 3-5, 2022, at the same venue Paris Nord Villepinte, as well as online via the JEC World Connect digital platform.

JEC World gathers the whole value chain of the composite materials industry in Paris, France every year and is “the place to be” for composites professionals from all over the world. The event brings together not only all major global companies, but also innovative startups in the field of composites and advanced materials, experts, academics, scientists, and R&D leaders. JEC World is also the “festival of composites”, offering a unique showcase of what composites can offer to various application sectors, from aerospace to marine, from construction to automotive, and an unlimited source of inspiration for participants from these industries.

“We are fully dedicated to supporting the composites industry and to fostering its development via our events and media activities. Exhibitors and partners are strongly supporting JEC World, their leading event and want to meet in person in 2022 to activate business, share knowledge and highlight innovations. Postponing from March to May is a way to offer improved conditions to satisfy the industry requirements for such a trade fair as JEC World”, said Eric Pierrejean, CEO of JEC Group.

The JEC World team has decided to postpone the event after conducting a survey of its exhibitors and partners, confirming that a large majority is in favour of the new dates in May. As already planned, for three days, the event will offer for the first time a digital platform, JEC World Connect, in parallel to the in-person event in Paris for an augmented digital experience. Even after the show, via the JEC Web TV, unique content will be available to extend the reach of the event.

“Our main concern is to create the best possible conditions for our participants for successful networking, inspiration and business success. With a postponement of eight weeks we can enable this and offer to the industry the event it deserves. Taking the decision now, after consultation of all exhibitors, was necessary to give them planning and preparation visibility,” adds Thomas Lepretre, vice president, Events, Sales and Operations.

Posted: January 24, 2022

Source: JEC Group

Huntsman Textile Effects Pushes The Boundaries With Sustainability And Innovation

SINGAPORE — January 24, 2022 — Huntsman Textile Effects, a global leader in innovative and sustainable textile dyes and protection effects, is bringing a complete suite of solutions for performance apparel, technical textiles and casual wear to Colombiatex de las Américas 2022 this week.

“Sustainability is becoming a priority for regulators in South America and around the world, and consumers are increasingly keen to make a difference by choosing green brands,” said Ben Powell, Commercial Director Americas, Huntsman Textile Effects. “Huntsman is redefining what’s possible to help textile and apparel companies make the shift to more environmentally sustainable operations while enhancing their competitiveness at the same time. Our innovations make it possible to benefit from efficiency gains and resource savings in the factory as you deliver products that stand out in the market.”

Sustainability breakthroughs

Huntsman Textile Effects will showcase the latest addition to the third generation of its revolutionary AVITERA® SE polyreactive dye range at Colombiatex this year. AVITERA ROSE SE delivers brilliant bluish-red shades while reducing the water and energy required for production by up to 50 percent and increasing mill output by up to 25 percent or more. It also significantly outperforms the best available dyeing technologies for cellulosic fibers and blends in terms of value by reducing recipe costs, minimizing processing costs and eliminating reprocessing.

ERIOPON® E3-SAVE is another next-generation water-saving innovation. An all-in-one textile auxiliary for polyester processing, it allows pre-scouring, dyeing and reduction clearing to be combined in a single bath and eliminates the need for anti-foaming products. This shortens processing time and saves water and energy.

rPET processing innovations

As leading brands begin to work towards a circular economy for textiles, mills are being asked to overcome challenges associated with transforming recycled polyester (rPET) into high-quality new textiles. At Colombiatex, Huntsman Textile Effects is presenting to local textile mills an end-to-end solution for achieving full whites and consistent shades on rPET with right-first-time quality. This eco-friendly rPET processing solution includes pre-treatment chemicals, fluorescent whitening agents, state-of-the-art washfast dyes, and finishing solutions for high-performance protection and comfort.

Washfast disperse dyes for polyester and man-made fibers

TERASIL® BLUE W is the latest addition to Huntsman’s TERASIL W/WW range of washfast disperse dyes for polyester and man-made fibers and their blends. Crucially, it is not sensitive to reduction, leading to higher reproducibility, higher right first-time results and operational excellence. It also reduces overall water and energy consumption, as well as water effluent. TERASIL BLUE W offers high build-up for deep blues that stay vibrant.

Next-generation odor control

In partnership with Sciessent, Huntsman Textile Effects brings revolutionary antimicrobial and odor-control solutions to Colombiatex to enable mills to produce garments that smell fresh for longer and need less frequent washing. Featured at Colombiatex is Sciessent’s new anti-odor technology – NOBO™. Launched last week, it is specifically designed to reduce odors in natural and synthetic fabrics; it can be incorporated into virtually any fabric. From base layer and activewear tops to socks and underwear to jeans and chinos. It offers a cost-effective way to upgrade everyday products and add value to your customers.

The partners will also present Sciessent’s Agion Active X2®, a next-generation odor-control solution that combines advanced antimicrobial and odor-absorbing technologies to both capture and fight odor-causing bacteria, and Lava X2, a standalone odor adsorption product and key component of Agion Active X2 that attracts, absorbs and degrades odors for long-lasting odor protection.

Meet Huntsman Textile Effects at Colombiatex 2022

Colombiatex will take place from January 25 to 27, 2022 live in Medellín. You are invited to visit Huntsman Textile Effects in person at Booth AM204.

Posted: January 24, 2022

Source: Huntsman Corporation

NexTex Innovations, Optimer Brands Collaborate On Launch Of New TurboDry® drirelease® Wool Fabric Collection

ATLANTA — January 24, 2022 — With the objective of developing the highest performing moisture management fabrics that relieve the apparel industry’s dependence on chemical wicking finishes, NexTex Innovations and Optimer Brands have partnered to launch their new TurboDry® drirelease® Wool fabric collection.

TurboDry drirelease fabrics incorporate a patented technology at the fiber and fabric level that specifically focuses on the movement of moisture away from the skin to the outside of the surface of the fabric. This promotes optimal comfort, maximizes moisture management performance, and creates a new dimension in drying, naturally.

“This is one of the first times that two branded technologies from different companies have partnered to help accomplish the mission of reducing the dependency of chemical wicking finishes while enhancing comfort performance,” said Chad Lawrence, CEO, NexTex Innovations. “Our combined decades of experience in fiber and fabric development will help accelerate the adoption of more sustainable fabric solutions.”

“As a solutions provider of comfort, Optimer Brands continuously strives to enhance our promise of comfort and deliver innovative solutions to our brand partners,” said Lee Thompson, Business Development manager, Optimer Brands.  “We are very excited for the official launch of TurboDry drirelease Wool at OR Snow Show. The collaboration of TurboDry and drirelease technologies truly is a natural fit.”

The innovation of TurboDry drirelease Wool fabric collection begins at the yarn level by utilizing drirelease’s engineered blend of fibers. This yarn technology uses the natural and permanent properties of its special recipe of fibers to optimize wicking, fast drying and natural aesthetics. TurboDry powers this moisture movement even further through capillary forces engineered into the fabric through a series of processing and construction techniques during the knitting process. Combining the yarn and fabric technologies allow for the production of comfortable, high-performing and sustainable moisture managing fabrics.

From a life cycle assessment evaluation, TurboDry drirelease® fabrics reduce the Higg Index material score through the following:

  • reduction of chemical usage;
  • ability to use sustainable materials such as recycled polyester and nylon, RWS wool, BCO Cotton, organic cotton;
  • permanence of the one-way moisture performance for the life of the product; and
  • leverage of the bluesign® and Okeo-tex® supply chains.

A collection of TurboDry drirelease wool waffle and terry thermal fabrics that will be on display in the TurboDry booth the # 52040-UL and the Optimer Brands booth# 50004-UL at the Outdoor Retailer Snow Show this January 26-28. According to NexTex, the one-way moisture transfer in these fabrics leaves wearers drier next to skin and improves upon dry rates compared to fabrics of similar content, weight, and construction.

Posted: January 24, 2022

Source: NexTex Innovations / Optimer Brands

INX Creates Printing Advice Resource With Printer Space Blog

SCHAUMBURG, Ill. — January 24, 2022 — The printing and ink world has evolved over the years, perhaps more dramatically with the rise of digital in the last two decades. Finding accurate and useful information to keep pace with the changes can still be challenging, so INX International Ink Co. has created a helpful solution with the Printer Space blog.

Each month, Printer Space will provide timely advice on a wide assortment of topics. Articles will range from Color Management, Digital Printing, and Innovation, to Productivity, Shelf Appeal, and issues pertaining to Sustainability and Compliance.

“The idea for the Printer Space blog was largely based on the number of questions we receive and address from our customers. We saw it as an opportunity to increase awareness and help the print and packaging communities,” said Renee Schouten, director of marketing for INX.

“With the number of experts we have on staff, our goal is to make Printer Space the place where people go for insightful information. We did receive feedback from some initial postings that will shape our focus in the coming months. And it’s important to continue having an open dialogue because our industry is constantly changing.”

The experts Schouten mentioned have a world of experience and advice to offer, with the majority having 20 or more years invested in the printing industry. Some have devoted their entire careers to ink chemistry while others offer a brand owner, R&D or marketing viewpoint. All told, the different perspectives make for compelling reading.

The most recent posting is co-authored by technical services gurus Todd Hanrahan and Mike Hailfinger. Read all about the “Seven Ways to Increase the ROI on your Ink Spend” here: https://www.inxinternational.com/blog/productivity/seven-ways-increase-roi-your-ink-spend

Posted: January 24, 2022

Source: INX International Ink Co.

Herculite Products Promotes Peter B. Mckernan To Director Of Supply Chain Management

EMIGSVILLE, Pa. — January 24, 2022 — Herculite Products Inc., a manufacturer of high performance and custom fabrics, is pleased to announce that Peter B. McKernan has been promoted to director of Supply Chain Management.

McKernan is being promoted the newly created position of director of Supply Chain Management. In this new role, McKernan will be responsible for the management of all corporate forecasting and planning, as well as planned capacity scheduling.

McKernan earned his bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain and Finance from Duquesne University. He has been with Herculite since 2018, serving in several roles of increasing responsibility, most recently as the manager of Supply Chain Analytics & Forecasting. This promotion recognizes McKernan’s supply chain academic preparedness, hard work and many contributions made to Herculite during his tenure with the organization.

In this new role, McKernan will continue to report to Vice President, Supply Chain Management, J. Alan Collier, and will continue to help Herculite in its mission is to help our customers grow their business by delivering products and services of exceptional value distinguished by their quality and innovation on time, every day.

Posted: January 24, 2022

Source: Herculite® Inc.

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