Acteev® And Coalatree Launch Zinc-Powered Sun Shirt At 2022 Outdoor Retailer Winter Show

HOUSTON — January 24, 2022 — Acteev and Coalatree will launch the Suray Sun Shirt, a zinc-powered shirt designed to fight unwanted odors and the sun’s damaging rays, at the 2022 Outdoor Retailer Winter Show. It is the first of many new Acteev-based outdoor applications coming in 2022.

Using Acteev’s award-winning, natural zinc technology, these sustainably made sun shirts pack an odor-fighting punch combined with a 50+ UPF rating. Plus, since the technology is naturally embedded into the fabric vs. coated on, this is one sun shirt that’s built to last.

“Coalatree is about creating eco-minded apparel and gear for people who love the outdoors, and with its natural zinc and permanent protection, Acteev is a perfect complement for our brand,” said Coalatree founder Jacob Charlie Bessey. “We’re proud that the new Suray Sun Shirt not only protects the wearer from the sun but also stays fresh by fighting off odors. That means you can do more and wash less.”

Proud recipient of a 2021 Outdoor Retailer Innovation Award, Acteev locks in the environmentally safe antimicrobial protection of zinc ions within superior nylon 6,6, creating yarns and fabrics that naturally provide UPF 50+ protection and combat odor-causing bacteria, mold and fungi. The technology protects textiles — from base layers and outerwear to sleeping bags and more — using one of nature’s own elements.

Unlike chemical applications that are coated or sprayed on, Acteev does not rely on any post-production treatment or after-market process. Instead, Acteev’s zinc ions are embedded directly into the matrix of the molecules, providing protection that lasts the life of the product. This means Acteev performance textiles require less water in the manufacturing process while ensuring they remain as effective as day one.

“We are so proud to partner with Coalatree for the creation of the first activewear garment made with Acteev,” said Nikki Huffman, Acteev’s business development leader for textiles. “Since we met at the Outdoor Retailer Summer Show last year, they have operated with top speed and agility while never compromising on quality. I’m confident that with this new relationship, there’s even more to come.”

Posted: January 25, 2022

Source: Ascend Performance Materials

Hexcel Selected For High-Quality, Paint-Ready Parts For Sunseeker 90 Ocean Luxury Yacht

STAMFORD, Conn., — January 25, 2022 — Yacht builder Sunseeker has chosen Hexcel’s HexPly® XF surface technology to produce prepreg parts with high-quality, paint-ready surfaces quickly and efficiently for its 90 Ocean luxury yacht, one of its newest models.

The lightweight composite hardtop for the Sunseeker 90 Ocean yacht is manufactured from a combination of HexPly® XF and Hexcel’s HexPly® SuperFIT® semi-preg. The hardtop is lighter in weight than versions made using resin-infusion processes, and it de-molds with a pinhole-free surface that needs minimal preparation to be ready for paint. Sunseeker has recorded an overall reduction in process time of around 30 percent, saving three days of manufacturing time per hardtop.

The hardtop provides shade and protection for the yacht’s uppermost deck space. Its reduced weight helps to ensure the stability of the vessel, and the paint-ready finish with HexPly XF provides Sunseeker with more options for customizing its color to the individual needs of its clients.

HexPly XF is a lightweight, non-woven semi-preg that eliminates the need to use a traditional in-mold gel coat. The innovative surface technology significantly reduces the costly and time-consuming refinishing work typically required to impart a paint-ready finish to prepreg or semi-preg parts, and yields lightweight, consistent components in short cycle times.

Working with Sunseeker, Hexcel developed a material format, a laminate ply sequence, and a production process that satisfied the structural requirements for the hardtop and enabled the yacht builder’s production team to lay up and cure the part in a single shot — slashing cycle times.

Hexcel supplies Sunseeker with a HexPly XF product that comprises both the surface layer and the first structural reinforcement ply, eliminating the need for a cosmetic barrier coat. Neither the HexPly XF surface layer nor the following layers of HexPly SuperFIT require time-consuming debulking steps — significantly reducing lay-up time — and both are based on Hexcel’s rapid-curing M79 epoxy resin system. Adhesive resin films are not needed to bond the hardtop’s foam core, as the resin content of the SuperFIT plies has been adjusted to further reduce overall process time.

Once de-molded, the cured hardtops are inspected before they are passed to Sunseeker’s finishing and painting technicians for final preparation and painting. The HexPly XF resin surface allows the yacht builder’s quality technicians to inspect the laminate below quickly and easily, ensuring the quality and consistency of the structural reinforcement plies.

“Composite materials that improve our production processes, as well as great technical support, are what makes working with Hexcel such a success story,” said Stuart Vaughan-Jones, Composite Development manager, Sunseeker. “With the switch from gel coat and resin infusion to HexPly XF and SuperFIT in the new hardtops, we are now building lighter, more consistent parts, more quickly than before, with a higher quality surface finish. XF really has ticked all the boxes.”

Garth Thomas, Account Manager – Marine, Hexcel, said: “With the HexPly XF surface technology now well established, XF will soon be used in other large moldings where minimizing weight is critical, as well as additional hardtops across the Sunseeker model range.”

Posted: January 25, 2022

Source: Hexcel Corporation

Regina Miracle International Announces Partnership With Victoria’s Secret & Co. For Existing Business In China

HONG KONG — January 25, 2022 — Regina Miracle International (Holdings) Ltd. (Regina Miracle) today announced a partnership agreement with Victoria’s Secret & Co. (Victoria’s Secret) related to the latter’s existing company-owned business in China.

Regina Miracle and Victoria’s Secret have formed a joint venture (JV) to operate all Victoria’s Secret stores and the related online business in the People’s Republic of China (PRC). Under the terms of the agreement, Regina Miracle will own 49 percent of the equity interest in the JV with a consideration of $45 million in cash while Victoria’s Secret will own the remaining 51-percent interest. The JV shall carry out the PRC business comprising designing, developing, manufacturing, marketing and sale of certain lingerie, intimate apparel as well as marketing and sale of personal care and beauty products under the agreed trademarks of Victoria’s Secret in the PRC through its subsidiaries.

YY Hung, Chairman, CEO and executive director of Regina Miracle, said: “We are honored and excited to be elevating our long-standing partnership with Victoria’s Secret through the formation of this joint venture in the promising China market. We are confident that our highly complementary strengths — Regina Miracle’s industry-leading innovation capabilities and market foresights as an Innovative Design Manufacturer, and Victoria’s Secret’s undisputed brand leadership, retailing and marketing expertise — will perfectly position this partnership in capturing the growth opportunities and creating value for consumers in China.”

Victoria’s Secret CEO Martin Waters commented: “I am delighted to announce this partnership with Regina Miracle, who has been a valued merchandise supplier partner for more than twenty years. Together with Regina Miracle, we aim to grow the China business through joint investment in product development, distribution, and marketing. We expect the partnership will positively impact the speed and agility of the business to benefit consumers and provide us with a platform for a strong future in this important market. This JV with Regina Miracle in China completes a multi-year repositioning of the International business of the Company and we believe establishes a platform for accelerated sales and earnings growth in the market over the next several years.”

Posted: January 25, 2022

Source: Regina Miracle International (Holdings) Ltd.

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

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