Herrmann Ultrasonics, Inc. Expands NONWOVENS Laboratory In U.S. Headquarters  

BARTLETT, Ill. — January 14, 2022 — The Herrmann Ultrasonics NONWOVENS business unit has been a specialist and technology leader in the field of continuous welding of web materials including nonwovens, films, foils, and tissue since 1994.  Over the last year significant investment has been made into expanding the NONWOVENS laboratory and upgrading the most modern and fastest ultrasonic lab calendar, the ULC 600+, located in the Bartlett, Ill., headquarters.

The investment will allow the company to strengthen its global presence and give support to the growing markets and demands of North America with increased application testing, customer support, and HERRMANN ENGINEERING.

The laboratory investment consists of:

  • Ultrasonic bonding processing speed capabilities above 600 m/min (2,000 ft/min).
  • Upgrade to the ULC 600+, Ultrasonic Lab Calendar with state of the art Allen Bradley drives and controls, along with the latest web tensioning system.
  • Added elastic unwind and guiding systems to run Herrmann Ultrasonics patented Elastic Anchoring solution.
  • New windows based HMI MICROGAP G4 ultrasonic bonding solution platform.
  • Increased lab square footage.
  • Quick exchange systems for anvils to run efficiently different patterns for the same application.
  • New test and measurement area.

Ultrasonic welding of web materials is an extremely fast and stable process that is easily repeatable and directly available without the need for pre-heating or consumables such as adhesives. This scalable technology allows for simultaneous embossing, laminating and cutting from narrow pattern widths to applications exceeding 4 m wide.  To insure high product quality, continuous bonding of material requires a precise and repeatable manufacturing process. The upgraded ULC 600+ Ultrasonic Lab Calendar can be used to simulate the production environment and perform feasibility tests for a variety of markets such as consumer, medical, wound care, hygiene, filter, wipes, facemasks and more.

Uwe Peregi, president of Herrmann Ultrasonics explained: “Flexible and very thin materials, like 9 GSM, can be better controlled by means of a new web tensioning and control system.  With our brand new quick exchange system for the ultrasonic stations, we can experiment with different ultrasonic technologies — static or rotating — in one single day.  As a result, our customers will save time and money.”  In addition, new documentation and analysis tools are available, such as the OPCUA interface that can provide all relevant process data specific to the application.

Herrmann Ultrasonics can support the project requirements through consultation and application development in their NONWOVENS laboratory.

Posted January 18, 2022

Source: Herrmann Ultrasonics

SHIMA SEIKI Opens Online Store For APEXFiz™ Subscriptions

WAKAYAMA, Japan — January 17, 2022 — SHIMA SEIKI MFG., LTD. has announced the opening of its new “SHIMA eStore” online shopping site for purchasing subscriptions to its APEXFiz™ design software. Users can access the SHIMA eStore to purchase and download entry-level APEXFiz™ Design Jr. subscription software, or sign up for a free 30-day trial.

SHIMA SEIKI’s APEXFiz™ subscription-based design software has been on sale since March 2021 as the latest addition to its proven SDS®-ONE APEX series design system lineup. Whereas previous APEX-series design systems were offered as an all-in-one proprietary hardware/software package, APEXFiz™ is available as subscription-based design software that can be installed on customers’ individual computers. Maintaining proven functions that have made the APEX series so popular with fashion designers, with APEXFiz™ those strengths are now enhanced with the added versatility to adapt to different work styles and business environments of the “new normal,” including teleworking and telecommuting.

APEXFiz™ offers the latest fashion tech for supporting the creative side of fashion from planning and design to colorway evaluation, realistic fabric simulation and 3D virtual sampling. Virtual samples are a digitized version of sample making that allows visual confirmation of garment designs without the need for producing physical prototypes, reducing time, cost and material that are otherwise wasted. APEXFiz™ thereby helps to realize sustainability while digitally transforming the fashion supply chain.

APEXFiz™ is available in 5 different software variations from APEXFiz™ Design Jr. to APEXFiz™ Design Pro that can be selected according to each customer’s needs. APEXFiz™ Design Jr., sold at the SHIMA eStore, is entry-level software that specializes in the design and simulation of woven and flat knitted fabrics for supporting virtual sampling.

Fabric simulations are available in different formats to be used together with 3D virtual sampling software besides APEXFiz™, allowing continued use of software already used by customers while enhancing the realism of digital prototypes created on them.

SHIMA eStore details
Store Description: Online e-commerce site for SHIMA SEIKI products
Product for sale: APEXFiz™ Design Jr. subscription-based design software
Trial period: 30 days, free
Open date: December 2021
URL: e-store.shimaseiki.com/
* Online purchase and trial subscription may not be available in certain markets.
Please consult a SHIMA SEIKI representative nearest you.

Posted January 18, 2022

Source: Shima Seiki

Chairman Blumenauer Unveils New Legislation To Fix Import Loophole, Level Playing Field, And Boost Oversight

WASHINGTON, D.C. — January 18, 2022 — U.S. Representative Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), chairman of the House Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee, today unveiled new legislation to strengthen U.S. international trade import laws to stop non-market economies and goods from exploiting the de minimis threshold that allows imports valued under $800 to come into the United States without paying duties, taxes, or fees.

“The number of packages we receive in the United States has skyrocketed to more than two million daily packages — a number that will only climb in the coming years. As long as foreign companies that sell their goods in America are splitting up their shipments to evade tariffs and oversight, American businesses will continue to be put at a competitive disadvantage cost-wise,” Blumenauer said. “This loophole also makes it easier for people to import illegal goods and harmful products, because there is virtually no way to tell whether these packages contain products made through forced labor, intellectual property theft, or are otherwise dangerous.”

Specifically, the legislation would:

  • Prohibit Goods from Countries that are Both Non-Market Economies and on the U.S. Trade Representative’s (USTR) Watch List from Using De Minimis: To address concerns related to U.S. competitiveness, the legislation prohibits goods from non-market economies, such as China, from benefitting from de minimis treatment. The U.S. government has found that such countries provide unfair benefits to their companies. This change ensures that shipments from these countries don’t benefit further under U.S. law.
  • Prohibit Goods Subject to Enforcement Actions from Using De Minimis: U.S. enforcement statutes, such as Section 301 and 232, provide the United States with leverage to address unfair trade practices that harm U.S. workers and firms. Exempting de minimis shipments from paying enforcement-related duties has significantly undercut this leverage, even though de minimis shipments subject to other enforcement actions, like antidumping and countervailing duty orders, are still required to pay the duties.
  • Close De Minimis Loophole for Offshore Distribution or Processing Facilities.
  • Require CBP to Collect More Information on All De Minimis Shipments and Prohibits Use by Bad Actors: To address concerns regarding compliance with U.S. laws, this provision makes common-sense changes that will require CBP to collect more information on de minimis shipments and prohibit importers that have been suspended or debarred from being able to use de minimis. This provision provides statutory support for the ongoing work that multiple administrations at CBP have already started.

“The AFL-CIO strongly supports Chairman Blumenauer’s Import Security and Fairness Act that would close the gaping loophole now harming American companies,” said AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler. “The wild imbalance between the U.S. de minimis threshold of $800 and the Chinese threshold of $7 must be fixed in order to level the playing field. We urge swift passage of this important legislation to stop this exploitation.”

“It’s long overdue that Congress address the rampant abuse of the de minimis loophole by China and companies like Amazon,” said Coalition for a Prosperous America CEO Michael Stumo. “Originally meant for low-value goods, multinational corporations addicted to profiting off of cheap Chinese imports successfully lobbied to increase the de minimis limit to $800 in 2016. As a result, multinational importers of subquality — and often harmful — Chinese goods have exploited de minimis to create a direct from Chinese manufacturer to U.S. consumer business model that has seen an explosion of more than 2 million packages per day. By prohibiting goods from non-market economies like China from using de minimis, Congressman Blumenauer’s legislation is exactly the kind of solution needed to reverse decades of harm to American workers and businesses from flawed U.S. trade law.”

“We support introduction of this legislation to reform the de minimis threshold, which is routinely exploited to evade U.S. enforcement actions against China and other trade cheats,” said Alliance for American Manufacturing President Scott Paul. “The bill takes aim at the worst offenders, while also addressing loopholes used by bad actors to avoid paying taxes, duties and fees. We strongly encourage Congress to adopt these reforms while also ensuring that additional steps are taken to monitor transshipments and increases in de minimis volume from other countries.”

“The current de minimis rules create an unfair playing field that penalizes U.S. bicycle companies, retailers and customers for having domestic, job-creating warehouses and stores. The Import Security and Fairness Act will help close an important loophole that enables counterfeit or uncertified products to reach Americans. We’re grateful for Congressman Blumenauer’s leadership on this pro-bike trade policy that would improve competition and safety,” said PeopleForBikes Policy Counsel Alex Logemann.

“We are very supportive of Chairman Blumenauer’s bill, which would effectively prohibit China and all nonmarket economies from exploiting the Section 321 de minimis mechanism in U.S. trade law, a damaging loophole that has severely undermined U.S. companies and workers and our Western Hemisphere trade partners, while also endangering American consumers. We applaud the chairman’s leadership on this critical issue and look forward to working with the House Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee to move this legislation forward,” said National Council of Textile Organizations President and CEO Kim Glas.

A summary of the legislation is available here. Full text is available here.

Posted January 18, 2022

Source: Website of U.S. Representative Earl Blumenauer 

Fiber Industries Expanding Operations In Darlington County South Carolina — More Than $30 Million Investment

COLUMBIA, S.C. — January 13, 2022 — Fiber Industries, an American textile manufacturer, today announced plans to expand operations in Darlington County, South Carolina. The company’s more than $30 million investment will create 50-plus new jobs.

A full-service manufacturer, Fiber Industries produces polyester staple fiber for high-end performance fabrics, workwear, knit goods, the automotive industry and more.

Currently employing more than 300 individuals and located at 1000 East McIver Road in Darlington, Fiber Industries’ expansion includes increased capacity through the restoration and modernization of production lines. Fiber Industries will also use the additional investment to install state-of-the-art control systems and increase warehouse space.

The company expects to complete the expansion project in early 2023. Those interested in joining the Fiber Industries team should visit the company’s careers page.

The South Carolina Coordinating Council for Economic Development has approved job development credits related to the Fiber Industries expansion project. The council also awarded Darlington County a $300,000 Rural Infrastructure Fund grant to assist with the costs of building improvements.

“We are excited about the continuing growth of our facility which is now even better positioned to serve the needs of the American textile industry,” said Fiber Industries CEO Don Bockoven. “We also are proud to be part of the wider effort to reshore jobs and bring textile manufacturing back to the USA. We thank the state of South Carolina as well as Darlington County for their unwavering support.”

“We congratulate Fiber Industries’ continued success in South Carolina and the additional jobs it is creating in the Darlington County community,” said Governor Henry McMaster. “We’ve worked hard to create a pro-business environment in South Carolina, and Fiber Industries’ new expansion is further evidence that our strategy is paying off.”

“South Carolina has a long and storied history as a textile manufacturing leader, and this expansion by Fiber Industries builds on that tradition,” added Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III. “The expansion of Fiber Industries’ operation is tremendous news for Darlington County, and we look forward to the positive difference that these new jobs will make for our economy and communities.”

“Darlington County Council is pleased that Fiber Industries, a production leader in high-quality polyester staple, chose in 2017 to reopen the former Wellman Industries plant located in Darlington, S.C.,” noted Darlington County Council Chair Bobby Hudson. “Their commitment to excellence has allowed them to grow and, to date, create nearly 300 full-time jobs. Fiber Industries’ expansion announcement of more than $30 million and over 50 new jobs is great news. We celebrate their decision to continue to invest in Darlington County. We are proud to have Fiber Industries as one of Darlington County’s leading manufacturers and their significant contributions to our quality of life and business-friendly community. We look forward to their continued success.”

 Posted: January 18, 2022

Source: South Carolina Office of the Governor

Developer Of Mycelium Materials For Use As Leather Alternatives, MycoWorks Is Establishing Operations In Union County, South Carolina

COLUMBIA, S.C. — January 13, 2022 — MycoWorks, a biotechnology company that specializes in mycelium-grown materials for use as sustainable, luxury-quality leather alternatives, today announced plans to establish operations in Union County, South Carolina. The company’s $107 million investment will create 400 new jobs.

Established in 2013, MycoWorks’ patented Fine Mycelium™ process produces materials including Reishi — a globally recognized breakthrough in materials science — that mimics the performance of animal leathers and lowers environmental impacts. The material offers creative solutions and new design possibilities for fashion and luxury brands while offering relief to supply chain constraints.

Located at 260 Midway Drive in Union, MycoWorks’ new facility will increase the company’s capacity to meet the fashion and luxury industries’ growing demand for its materials, including its flagship product Reishi.

Operations are expected to be online in early 2023. Individuals interested in joining the MycoWorks team should email talent@mycoworks.com.

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development has approved job development credits related to this project.

“Deciding where to lay down roots was a big decision, but the partnership offered by state and local officials in combination with access to talent and amenities in the area made it easy,” said MycoWorks COO Doug Hardesty. “We look forward to growing a world class team and operation in Union County, South Carolina.”

“More and more innovative and sustainable companies are finding that South Carolina is an ideal location to establish operations, and we welcome MycoWorks to that growing roster of businesses,” noted Governor Henry McMaster. “The $107 million investment and creation of 400 new jobs will make a significant impact in Union County and beyond.”

“We are at a time of great transformation among various industries, and companies like MycoWorks are paving the way in their arena,” said Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III. “We welcome this groundbreaking business to South Carolina and look forward to watching them succeed for years to come.”

“We are very excited to welcome MycoWorks to Union County,” said Union County Supervisor Frank Hart. “This project will greatly benefit the citizens of Union County through the jobs which will be created and the diversification of our industrial base within our community.”

“We say the Upstate is where manufacturing and technology intersect, and MycoWorks is showing it by choosing to scale up in Union County,” Upstate SC Alliance President and CEO John Lummus. “Their sustainable biotechnology products add high-tech opportunities to the region’s vibrant engineered materials ecosystem.”

 Posted: January 18, 2022

Source: South Carolina Office of the Governor

Arkema To Increase Its Global Pebax® Elastomers Production Capacity By 25 Percen

COLOMBES, France — January 17, 2022 — To support its customers’ strong growth, in particular in the sports and consumer goods markets, Arkema will increase its global manufacturing capacity for Pebax® elastomers by approximately 25 percent through an investment at its Serquigny plant in France.

Arkema announces a 25 percent increase in its global Pebax elastomer production capacity by investing in Serquigny in France. This investment will notably enable increased production of the bio-circular Pebax Rnew® and traditional Pebax ranges. This new capacity will produce a variety of highly specialized grades to meet growing demand in numerous demanding applications thanks to the lightweight, flexibility and excellent energy return of these materials. These properties are particularly appreciated in sports equipment, such as soles for running shoes, ski boots or technical textile, in consumer goods such as smartphones and flexible screens, as well as in other markets such as medical equipment.

Derived from renewable castor seeds, Pebax Rnew advanced bio-circular materials offer a sustainable solution to our customers who are increasingly driven by sustainability and social responsibility. Compared to other elastomers on the market, these materials have a carbon footprint that is up to 50 percent lower and can be fully recycled. In addition, this investment, which is scheduled to come on stream mid-2023, will lower the water consumption of the site by 25 percent thanks to process optimization.

“We are very excited to commit to an expansion in our Pebax elastomers capacity” said Erwoan Pezron, senior vice-president of Arkema’s High Performance Polymers Business Line. “The Serquigny plant has a long proven legacy in the production of these advanced materials, and we are delighted to add this new capacity to support our customers’ growing demand for high-performance sustainable materials. We will also continue to produce many of these materials at our Birdsboro plant in Pennsylvania.”

Posted: January 18, 2022

Source: Arkema

Eastman To Invest Up To $1 Billion To Accelerate Circular Economy Through Building World’s Largest Molecular Plastics Recycling Facility In France

PARIS — January 17, 2022 — This morning, French President Emmanuel Macron and Eastman Board Chair and CEO Mark Costa will jointly announce Eastman’s plan to invest up to $1 billion in a material-to-material molecular recycling facility in France. This facility would use Eastman’s polyester renewal technology to recycle up to 160,000 metric tonnes annually of hard-to-recycle plastic waste that is currently being incinerated.

The investment would recycle enough plastic waste annually to fill Stade de France national football stadium 2.5 times, while also creating virgin-quality material with a significantly lower carbon footprint. Eastman is the largest investor at this year’s “Choose France” event, which is focused on attracting foreign investment to France.

This multi-phase project includes units that would prepare mixed plastic waste for processing, a methanolysis unit to depolymerize the waste, and polymer lines to create a variety of first-quality materials for specialty, packaging, and textile applications. Eastman also plans to establish an innovation center for molecular recycling that would enable France to sustain a leadership role in the circular economy. This innovation center would advance alternative recycling methods and applications to curb plastic waste incineration and leave fossil feedstock in the ground. The plant and innovation center would be expected to be operational by 2025, creating employment for approximately 350 people and leading to an additional 1,500 indirect jobs in recycling, energy and infrastructure.

A circular economy is key to addressing the global plastic waste crisis and the climate crisis, which have both been at the center of attention in France and throughout Europe. This long-term partnership between France and Eastman will contribute to the EU achieving its sustainability goals, by reducing carbon emissions and enabling a circular economy. France has demonstrated tremendous leadership by recognizing the vital role of molecular recycling and supporting investments in innovation.

Eastman’s project has also garnered support from an impressive roster of global brands who share its commitment to solving the world’s plastic waste problem and view molecular recycling as a pivotal tool for achieving circularity. LVMH Beauty, The Estée Lauder Companies, Clarins, Procter & Gamble, L’Oréal and Danone are leading the way by signing letters of intent for multiyear supply agreements from this facility.

Eastman’s proven polyester renewal technology provides true circularity for hard-to-recycle plastic waste that remains in a linear economy today. This material is typically incinerated because it either cannot be mechanically recycled or must be downcycled with existing technology. This hard-to-recycle waste is broken down into its molecular building blocks and then reassembled to become first-quality material without any compromise in performance. Eastman’s polyester renewal technology enables the potentially infinite value of materials by keeping them in production, lifecycle after lifecycle. With the technology’s inherent efficiencies and the renewable energy sources available in France, materials can be produced with greenhouse gas emissions up to 80-percent less than traditional methods.

“Accelerating the transition to a circular economy is one of the main challenges in the years to come. Eastman’s substantial investment in France demonstrates our country’s willingness to embrace innovative technologies that will help us achieve our ecological and economic ambitions, by revolutionizing our country’s plastics recycling capacities,” said Barbara Pompili, French Minister for Ecological Transition. “France has always been at the forefront of this journey, and together with Eastman, is giving itself the means to achieve its ambitious plastics recycling targets set for 2025. We are very excited to welcome a company that has a 100-year history of innovation at a global scale and more than 30 years of molecular recycling experience.”

Agnès Pannier-Runacher, French Delegate Minister for Industry stated: “Eastman’s world-scale project will allow France to position itself as a European leader in new technologies for recycling and recovering plastic waste. This investment is the result of the ambitious approach to industrial reconquest led by the Government since 2017, which has enabled France to become the most attractive country in Europe from 2018 onward for industrial projects. With this project, which is an important step for our sovereignty, we are giving ourselves the means to achieve our ambitions in terms of ecological transition while creating sustainable jobs in manufacturing, infrastructure and energy. We look forward to developing this relationship with Eastman.”

“The investment in France is a significant step forward in Eastman’s strategy to accelerate a circular economy globally. Eastman is proud to partner with the French government to actively contribute to France’s and the EU’s bold commitments,” Costa said. “France has demonstrated their commitment toward a sustainable future and Eastman has set similar, ambitious carbon and circular economy goals. The announcement today has been made possible thanks to the support of President Macron, the French government and its agency Business France, who have worked with impressive urgency to enable and incentivize this large and complex project. We look forward to working together for the long term and offer necessary innovations to recycle plastic waste and protect our planet for future generations.

“The plan to build the world’s largest plastics recycling facility in France is an important part of our overall circular economy strategy,” Costa added. “Today’s announcement is a key milestone towards our commitment, and we expect to achieve additional milestones in the coming months, including agreements related to securing the plastic waste that will be raw material supply, securing government incentives, and the site location decision.”

Posted: January 18, 2022

Source: Eastman 


Vegeto Launches A High Performance Insulation Material Made Of Milkweed

Vegato milkweed insulation

COWANSVILLE, Canada— January 18, 2022 — Vegeto, a Canadian supplier in the sustainable production and processing of plant textile fibers, innovates with the launch of a high performance milkweed insulation material. This new innovative product represents a preferred, ecofriendly solution for the outdoor clothing and equipment market, notably jackets, handwear and sleeping bags.

“This new insulation material fills a gap in the textile industry: a plant-based, ecofriendly insulation textile that makes no compromise on performance. Our alternative, conceived and produced in Canada, does not rely on the usual model of using animal-sourced or petroleum-based products; we are sowing the seeds of change for the entire garment and textile industry” mentioned Ghyslain Bouchard, general manager of Vegeto.

Performance for the great outdoors

The non-woven laminated textile insulation is a mix of milkweed and kapok fibers, and a biopolymer made from cornstarch. Testing conducted at an independent laboratory (CTT Group) confirms the product’s exceptional thermal insulation properties. The CLO value ranges from 2.5 to 4.5, depending on the weight of the chosen product — 100 grams per square meter (gsm), 150 gsm, 200 gsm and 250 gsm.

This weight range meets the insulation needs for mild spring weather as well as for winter’s frigid temperatures. “Study of the milkweed fiber’s properties revealed that its tubular form makes it an excellent thermal insulation material. The hollow part of the fibre stores air and maintains temperature. It’s this natural characteristic, which synthetic materials try to reproduce, that inspired us to create our milkweek insulation textile” Bouchard explained.

Ghyslain Bouchard, general manager of Vegeto

Eco-friendly, naturally

When choosing a textile insulation material, selection is limited to synthetic products, mostly composed of petroleum derivatives, or animal-sourced materials. From production to their end of use, synthetic materials have harmful effects on the environment. “To reduce a product’s impact at the end of its useful life, Vegeto uses plant-based components that will break down into industrial compost at the end of the garment’s or accessory’s useful life,” Bouchard mentioned.

Furthermore, consumers’ perception towards fur and duvet is changing. “There is no denying the efficiency of duvet; however, it is quite expensive and does not fit in with the vegan lifestyle. Our insulation material succeeds in combining performance and respect for the environment and animals,” Bouchard added.

Big names with big interest

Major clothing brands are levering this trend by incorporating more and more eco-friendly materials into their fashion collections. “We want to work with manufacturers who share our business philosophy. What Vegeto has accomplished sets the pace for the industry and we hope to get manufacturers on board and inspire them to explore further, off the beaten path,” Bouchard said.

Investment is key to stable production

Vegeto — a true pioneer in its field — has succeeded in developing a “field to fiber” transformation process, exclusive in Canada, that meets the ever-growing demand for green raw materials.

Past investments in the development of machinery have today lead to the efficient processing of plants into textile fibres. Thanks to the technical expertise of the Vegeto team, the company has the capacity to produce unique, high performance textile blends. Textile engineers, agronomists and machinery operators work hand in hand to manufacture this new generation of eco-friendly materials.

“I’ve always said that milkweed was the fibre of the future. We persevered through our unsuccessful trials, we built the machinery we needed to process the fiber. We always believed in this project, and the high performance product we now have on hand proves that it was all worthwhile,” Bouchard emphasized.

Although widely common in Canada, milkweed and its virtues remain rather unknown. Vegeto works with Canadian farmers wishing to harvest a stable milkweed crop meeting textile-grade standards. Growing demand for the indigenous plant leads the company to consolidate more and more partnerships with farmers to ensure long term supply.

Posted: January 18, 2022

Source: Vegeto


Indorama Ventures’ Hygiene Division Achieves ISCC Plus Certification For Two Manufacturing Sites

BANGKOK, Thailand — January 2, 2022 — The Hygiene Division of Indorama Ventures Public Co. Ltd. (IVL), a global sustainable chemical company, is pleased to announce that two of its manufacturing sites have achieved International Sustainability Carbon Certification Plus Certification.

FiberVisions’ Varde site in Denmark, a polypropylene fiber producer, and AVGOL’s Uzlovaya site in Russia, a spunlaid nonwovens producer, satisfied audits related to traceability and the reasonable use of biomaterials.

Shachar Rachim, CEO, IVL Hygiene Division, part of IVL’s Fibers business segment, said: “This accreditation underscores our commitment to support our customers to achieve their carbon dioxide reduction targets through using carbon neutral fibers. The certification is assurance that our nonwoven fabrics and fibers meet all the ISCC’s demanding standards for recycled-renewable materials. Our certified facilities can trace the product’s composition through the supply chain, without needing to requalify the materials.”

IVL expects that the ISCC Plus certification of these two sites will be followed by similar certifications at other manufacturing plants. A broad portfolio of technologies is being developed to address how component materials interact with the environment to improve recyclability, reduce raw material consumption, and minimize the impact of fugitive wastes.

Posted: January 18, 2022

Source: Indorama Ventures

The European Committee Of Textile Machinery Manufacturers (CEMATEX) Launches Start-Up Valley To Support Entrepreneurship

ZURICH — January 18, 2022 — CEMATEX, the European Committee of Textile Machinery Manufacturers, has launched a new initiative to support start-ups with new and innovative offerings, and to inspire innovation for the textile, garment and fashion industry.

The owner of ITMA and ITMA branded exhibitions, CEMATEX will provide selected young enterprises with solutions for the textile and garment industry with a grant to exhibit at the Start-Up Valley during ITMA 2023. The CEMATEX Start-Up Grant will cover the rental costs of a special design stand and fittings, as well as entitlements such as business matching.

CEMATEX President Ernesto Maurer said: “We are excited to launch this initiative to attract innovative start-ups to ITMA 2023. The Start-Up Valley will be a good complement to the ITMA Research & Innovation Lab.

“As the largest textile technology exhibition attracting leading textile and garment manufacturers from around the world, ITMA offers young entrepreneurs a useful platform to put their innovations in front of a global audience, to find investors and collaborators and to leverage industry connections and professional networks.”

In addition to exhibiting at ITMA 2023, Start-Up Valley exhibitors can also take part in various onsite activities, including speaking at the Innovator Xchange and participating in the ITMA Sustainable Innovation Award and Innovation Video Showcase.

Eligibility and selection

To be eligible for the grant, start-ups must have a product or service that is within ITMA 2023’s exhibit profile. The company should also be incorporated for not more than 8 years, and has either generated revenue for at least a year or raised capital from investors or grants from other incubator programs.

A key selection criterion is the environmental, economic and/or disruptive impact of the innovation, solution or product. Other criteria include the scalability of the innovation and its relevance to ITMA’s theme: Transforming the World of Textiles, and the four trending topics, namely advanced materials, automation and digital future, sustainability and circularity, and innovative technologies.

Applicants are also advised to share information such as reference partners to institutions, associations, or commercial partners and the innovative and intellectual content for their products, services, patents or applications, and if they have won any awards.

A panel of industry experts has been invited to form the selection committee to evaluate the start-ups. It comprises:

  • Chris McHugh, Dry Fibre Development Manager, Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) with Boeing (United Kingdom);
  • Elin Larsson, Programme Manager, RISE Research Institutes (Sweden); and
  • Ruggero Frezza, President, M31 Italia Srl (Italy).

Interested start-ups may apply for the CEMATEX grant by June 30, 2022. Successful applicants will be advised by 28 October 2022. For more information, visit www.itma.com/exhibitors/start-up-valley.

ITMA 2023 will be held at Fiera Milano Rho, Milan, from June 8-14, 2023. The exhibit profile has been expanded to include a dedicated chapter on textile reinforcement structures for composites. The deadline for stand space application is 15 March 2022. More information can be found on www.itma.com. For participation enquiries, please email: application@itma.com.

The last ITMA exhibition, held in Barcelona in 2019, featured exhibits from the entire textile and garment making value-chain, including raw materials and fabrics. It drew a record-breaking participation of 1,717 exhibitors from 45 countries and visitorship of over 105,000 from 136 countries.

Posted: January 18, 2022

Source: The European Committee of Textile Machinery Manufacturers (CEMATEX) and ITMA Services

1...767768769...2,672Page 768 of 2,672

Sponsors

Breaking News

Load more

Digital Issue

2026 Quarterly Issue III

View Latest Digital Issue

FEATURED ARTICLES

© Copyright 2017 Textile Industries Media Group, LLC.