Arxada And Troy To Combine, Creating A Global, Comprehensive And Innovative Offering In Microbial Control

BASEL, Switzerland/FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — November 3, 2021 — Arxada, a global speciality chemicals business, and Troy Corp., a global supplier of microbial control solutions and performance additives, today announce that they have entered into an agreement to combine the two companies.

This agreement represents the first strategic deal by Arxada, formerly known as Lonza Specialty Ingredients or LSI and owned by private equity funds Bain Capital and Cinven, since the purchase from Lonza Group AG in July 2021. As part of the deal structure, Troy’s owners will invest in the combined company.

The partnership is a logical next step in Arxada’s strategy to strengthen its offering and enhance the capabilities of its Microbial Control Solutions (MCS) business. Troy is a global leader in the field of industrial preservation with broad expertise in paints and coatings, wood protection and preservation, home and personal care, plastics and textiles, energy and metal working fluids. The combination will create a comprehensive and innovative offering in microbial control, enabling the delivery of new solutions and value-added services to customers.

Arxada will benefit from Troy’s technical expertise, trusted customer relationships, and broad portfolio of performance products as well as a long history of innovation, including the invention of 3-iodo propynyl butyl carbamate (IPBC), which Arxada does not currently manufacture. In addition, the proposed transaction will enhance Arxada’s commercial presence across the globe and add several production sites in important locations including Newark, NJ, USA; Horhausen, Germany; Moerdijk, Netherlands and Kabinburi, Thailand. This extensive manufacturing footprint will allow the combined entity to better serve customer needs and strengthen its position as a trusted partner of choice in microbial control.

Commenting on the combination, Marc Doyle, CEO of Arxada, said: “The combination of Arxada and Troy will reinforce our position as a leading global provider of microbial control solutions. Our decision to merge with Troy just four months after our launch as an independent company highlights our ambition and commitment to creating the broadest and most innovative solutions for our customers in this sector.

“The combination also fits with our strategy of expanding our geographic footprint and the scale and depth of our capabilities by bolstering our manufacturing capacity in MCS beyond North America into Europe and Asia.

“We look forward to welcoming our new colleagues at Troy so that, together, we can build on our combined expertise in microbial control to deliver innovative, sustainable solutions for all of our customers. We remain committed to working closely with our customers to make sure we continue to meet their needs and ensure a smooth transition once the deal is complete.”

Daryl D. Smith, chairman, president and CEO of Troy, commented: “For over 50 years Troy has developed and manufactured preservatives and additives for various industries, enabling our customers to produce high performing, cost-effective and sustainable products. The combination of Troy’s strength in architectural coatings and industrial preservation, leadership in IPBC technology and broad range of performance additives perfectly complements Arxada’s strengths in wet state preservation. The joining of the companies will deliver significant added value to our customers going forward.”

Kirkland & Ellis is acting as legal adviser, and The Valence Group of Piper Sandler as financial advisor to Arxada and its owners Bain Capital and Cinven. Norton Rose Fulbright US LLP is acting as legal adviser, and JP Morgan Chase is acting as financial adviser, to Troy Corporation.

The Parties will work to close the transaction as soon as possible, subject to obtaining customary approvals. Financial details of the deal have not been disclosed.

Posted November 4, 2021

Source: Arxada And Troy Corporation

Lorpen Launches Renewed Polartec Trekking Expedition Socks To Protect Your Feet In Extreme Cold 

ARRASATE (Gipuzkoa), Spain — November 3, 2021 — In their Fall Winter 2021-2022 collection, Lorpen, a domestic and international outdoor socks brand, has renovated its Polartec T3+ range, which is designed for extreme cold. One of the highlights in this segment is the Polartec Trekking Expedition socks that have an anatomical design that’s different for the left and right feet and that has 3 layers of textiles on the foot made up of 2 layers of Polarec Power Stretch multi-elastic textile and an insulating layer in between with Primaloft fiber. In this renewed model Lorpen has put the Primaloft in the toes into the entire sole and heel, which provides a lot more insulation than the previous version. It’s look has also been updated to have a more trendy design.

The technicity and design of these socks are backed up by the know-how of the brand, which has been based in Etxalar, a small village very close to the Pyrenees, for more than 30 years. Lorpen manufactures all their socks there and then distributed all around the world. The brand is a pioneer in developing in-house cutting edge technology for their products, (for example T3 technology which was a turning point in the industry), because it was the first brand to use three different layers of thread in a single sock. That put the brand at the summit of this market niche and they’re currently the undisputed leaders of their segment. They were also pioneers in using flat seems in the toe with their stitch by stitch sewing, which is something only the brand can do at their plant in Etxalar. Specializing in just one product and the passion they make their socks with, where craft and innovation are mixed, means they’re the brand chosen by the most demanding athletes looking for the best performance. That is because Lorpen socks provide transpirability, protection and maximum compression to guarantee cooler and drier feet than when you wear other socks.

Posted November 4, 2021

Source: Lorpen

Global Shop Solutions Names John Davis Chief Technology Officer

John Davis

THE WOODLANDS, Texas — November 3, 2021 — Global Shop Solutions, a developer of ERP software for manufacturers around the world, has named John Davis as chief technology officer (CTO).

Davis joined Global Shop Solutions in 2004, and over the past 17 years has served the company in many different capacities including analyst, programmer, and management. Most recently he led the R&D Infrastructure Team, and his excellent programming, networking, and all-around technical knowledge has played a critical role in shaping the company’s ERP software product.

“John has been instrumental in leading Global Shop Solutions technical strategy so our customers can take advantage of the benefits IoT brings to the manufacturing industry,” says Erika Klein, vice president of R&D. “As CTO he will define the standards for the technical excellence we hold ourselves to.”

An experienced systems analyst in the computer software industry, Davis combines strong Visual Basic, Object Oriented Design, SQL, Perl, and C++ skills with a background in Computer Resource and Instructional Planning. He received his degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with an emphasis in Computer Science, Business Information Systems, and Instructional Technology from Utah State University.

“A great leader and coach for our developers, John will be responsible for raising the skill set of all our developers by mentoring and challenging them,” Klein added. “He will determine which technologies drive our product and develop our feature roadmap for the years to come.”

Posted November 4, 2021

Source: Global Shop Solutions Inc.

Primark Launches Circular Denim Collection As Part Of The Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s Jeans Redesign Project

DUBLIN — November 1, 2021 — Primark has launched a new denim collection designed and created to show what circular fashion means in practice.

The new collection is part of The Jeans Redesign, a project from the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s fashion initiative, featuring denim that’s designed, produced and created to align with the Foundation’s vision of a circular economy for fashion. Based on the principles of the circular economy, the guidelines ensure jeans are used more, made to be made again, and are made from safe and recycled or renewable inputs.

As a participant of the project, Primark has released a new collection of jeans and denim jackets, featuring denim that is made from organic cotton and recycled fibers and that has been designed to be easily recycled so that they have the potential to be turned into new jeans once they can no longer be worn. The product is metal rivet-free, a common design element that can make jeans difficult to recycle. Labelling also includes guidelines on removing buttons and zips before sending to recycle to ensure this product has another life.

The jeans are made from 70-percent organic cotton, 29-percent recycled cotton and 1-percent elastane and the jackets are made from 80-percent organic cotton and 20-percent recycled cotton.

The collection includes denim jeans for women (£19) and denim jeans for men (£18), as well as an adult denim jacket for £21. The collection is available in store now in 161 stores across all 14 countries Primark operates in.

Lynne Walker, Director of Primark Cares said: “In September we launched our Primark Cares sustainability strategy and committed to making changes to the way we make our clothes, ensuring that that they are recyclable by design by 2027, that they are made from more sustainably sourced or recycled materials by 2030, and that they last longer by 2025. Denim is a wardrobe staple for our customers, from denim jeans to denim jackets, and I am proud of this new collection, which brings to life our ambition and shows what these changes look like in reality. Most importantly, we are showing that we can do this without compromising on the style and affordability that our customers love from us.”

Laura Balmond, Lead Make Fashion Circular at the Ellen MacArthur Foundation said: “The Jeans Redesign demonstrates that it is possible to create garments fit for a circular economy today, and this is just the beginning. By taking these first steps, organisations like Primark build the confidence to explore and learn how to put products on the market aligned with circular economy principles. We’re pleased to see the solutions identified by Primark and the growing understanding of the challenges that must be addressed to achieve the vision of a circular economy for fashion. Now the concept has been proven, we cannot delay progress. There is a need for industry and government to continue driving momentum, at pace and scale, towards a circular economy for fashion.”

The new circular denim collection follows on from the launch of Primark’s sustainability strategy launched last month. In it the international retailer outlined its plans to reduce fashion waste, halve carbon emissions across its value chain and improve the lives of the people who make Primark products. Underpinned by nine commitments stretching across the business, Primark is accelerating its work over the next few years to become a circular and more sustainable business. Key commitments include using recycled and more sustainably sourced materials in all of its clothing by 2030 – up from 25% today, ensuring clothes are designed to be recycled and improving the durability of clothing. It is also working to reduce carbon emissions by half across every stage of Primark product – from the farms where raw materials are sourced, through production and manufacturing, to when a customer purchases a Primark product in-store. When it comes to the people who make its products, Primark is working to protect and improve the lives of people who make its clothes by working to pursue a living wage by 2030.

Posted November 4, 2021

Source: Primark

Shaw Industries Group To Expand Operations In Aiken County, S.C.

COLUMBIA, S.C.  — November 1, 2021 — Shaw Industries Group Inc. (Shaw), a global flooring provider, today announced plans to expand its operations in Aiken County. The approximately $400 million investment will create more than 300 new jobs at the manufacturing facility, which creates fiber used to manufacture residential carpet.

Located at 136 East Frontage Road in Aiken, Shaw’s expansion will increase the company’s manufacturing capacity and support future growth for new products. This location currently employs more than 600 associates.

The expansion is expected to be completed by the end of 2024. Individuals interested in joining the Shaw team should visit the company’s careers webpage.

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development has approved job development credits related to this project. Aiken County was also awarded two Set-Aside grants, totaling $1,750,000, to assist with costs related to this project.

“Our expansion in Aiken represents a significant, long-term investment in our people and processes that will allow us to meet current and future projected market demand for high-quality carpet products,” said Shaw Executive Vice President of Operations David Morgan. “This investment positions Shaw well for the future and represents tremendous career opportunities for current and future associates.”

“Shaw benefits from a talented, well-trained associate base in Aiken County,” said Shaw Plant 78 (Aiken, S.C.) Plant Manager John Riley. “We’re proud to have been a part of the community for almost 20 years and look forward to continuing to make a positive impact.”

“The expansion of Shaw Industries Group Inc.’s operations in Aiken County signals yet another vote of confidence by this great company in South Carolina and our people,” said Governor Henry McMaster. “Congratulations to Shaw on this $400 million investment that will create more than 300 new jobs for our citizens.”

“South Carolina continues to provide the business climate where companies can find long-term success,” said Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III. “Shaw has been a part of the Aiken community for nearly two decades which makes today’s announcement and the opportunities it represents even more exciting.”

“The Aiken County Council appreciates Shaw’s decision to expand its Aiken County operations,” noted Aiken County Council Chairman Gary Bunker. “This announcement is a grand slam for Aiken County and represents the largest single capital investment in the county in over a decade. With an approximately $400 million capital investment and more than 300 new jobs to be created, this is a win-win for both Shaw and Aiken County.”

“A company like Shaw has options where to deploy a job creation and capital investment opportunity of this significance,” said Economic Development Partnership Chairman Gary Stooksbury. “We are grateful they chose Aiken County. It shows a company that is pleased with the business conditions that Aiken County Council works hard to maintain. Congratulations to Shaw and Aiken County!”

Posted November 4, 2021

Source: South Carolina Office of the Governor

APEX Mattress Manufacturing, Inc. Establishing Operations In Colleton County, SC

COLUMBIA, S.C. — November 3, 2021 — APEX Mattress Manufacturing Inc., a mattress manufacturing company, today announced plans to establish operations in Colleton County. The more than $1.9 million investment will create 50 new jobs.

Established in 2021, APEX Mattress Manufacturing produces mattresses for retail stores and e-commerce businesses.

Located at 304 Thunderbolt Drive in Walterboro, S.C., APEX Mattress Manufacturing’s new facility is the company’s first manufacturing operation.

The new facility is expected to be operational by January 2022. Individuals interested in joining the APEX Mattress Manufacturing, Inc. team should email jackhung@jonaglobal.com.

“APEX Mattress Manufacturing, Inc. is delighted to announce the presence of our first U.S. mattress manufacturing facility in Walterboro, South Carolina,” said APEX Mattress Manufacturing Inc. President Jack Hung. “Through our comprehensive strategic planning and study, South Carolina offers the best climate for new business, and Colleton County offers the best location for being close to both the Charleston and Savannah ports. Thank you, South Carolina, for offering the business-friendly environment and warm welcome!”

“South Carolina continues to drive in economic growth across our state and specifically in our rural communities,” said Governor Henry McMaster. “I congratulate APEX Mattress Manufacturing, Inc. on their new facility in Colleton County, and I look forward to watching them grow in the Palmetto State.”

“We are excited that APEX Mattress Manufacturing, Inc. has chosen South Carolina for their new operating facility,” said Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III. “Today’s announcement is another indication that companies recognize the benefits of doing business in the Palmetto State. We are thankful to this company’s investment and the 50 jobs it will create.”

“This is another win for Colleton County!” said Colleton County Council Chair Steve Murdaugh. “We are excited that APEX Mattress Manufacturing, Inc. has decided to locate in Walterboro and look forward to forming a partnership with their management team to ensure that they have what is needed to be successful. I am excited to see the finished product they are manufacturing. Thank you for bringing jobs to our region.”

“Congratulations to Colleton County and APEX Mattress Manufacturing Inc. on this important job-creating announcement in Walterboro,” said SouthernCarolina Alliance Chair Marty Sauls. “Every job created provides a better opportunity for a family in our region, and we are pleased to assist Colleton County and APEX in any way that we can.”

Posted November 4, 2021

Source: South Carolina Office of the Governor

Sarah Borghi’s Green Collection Is Back With An Evolved Product And Color Range Of Sustainable Tights And Stockings, Mixing Feminine Flair With Smart Innovation And Eco-Consciousness

MILAN — November 4, 2021 — For its 2021 Green Collection, the Italian luxury hosiery brand Sarah Borghi presents a broadened product offer in terms of colors and categories, meeting the needs of a stylish, yet sustainable consumer. By mixing fashion, quality, innovation and research, the tights and stockings powerhouse continues its development in the journey towards a conscious future.

Over the years Sarah Borghi has established itself as a leader in its market, thanks to a heritage of over 40 years in the selection of the finest yarns and in the application of cutting-edge process skills. The evolution of the Green Collection, the sustainable hosiery collection first launched in 2020, confirms the efforts of the brand in promoting a new generation of attractive fashion and design which actively encourages and supports a responsible change in culture and smart products offer.

Lately, a decisive step has been added to the brand’s history thanks to the publication of the Integrated Report by Gizeta Calze, Sarah Borghi’s top-notch producer and first Italian company in the hosiery sector to include sustainability throughout its business model. A commitment of responsibility and transparency on a path that has been carried on for years and that, today more than ever, becomes of the utmost importance, as stated by Luca Marzocchi, CEO of Gizeta Calze. The Integrated Report provides a complete view of the business strategy, operating model and governance, which combines financial information with sustainability insights, conceived as complementary to other strategies and, indeed, essential for increasing business value.

According to Rosanna Pegoraro, sales and product director of Gizeta Calze, companies that are able to integrate sustainability into their value chain will be increasingly appreciated by customers, suppliers and partners, considering that sustainability is actually a fundamental value capable of unlocking customer loyalty and brand reputation. Besides, conscious values are also appreciated by collaborators and stakeholders, since environmental and social responsibility are considered an indicator of internal well-being which can positively stimulate productivity.

The collection

The collection presents a range of versatile, colorful products combined with extra-luxury comfort and designed for every type of woman: from seductive tights to everyday socks, together with knee- highs, up to athleisure with leggings.

The responsible collection features two new generation materials. One is Amni Soul Eco®, the world’s first biodegradable in anaerobic conditions polyamide 6.6 yarn that degrades in around 5 years* after disposing of in landfill, developed by SOLVAY and produced and distributed by FULGAR. The other is ROICA™ V550 by leading fiber manufacturer Asahi Kasei, a premium sustainable stretch yarn boasting the Gold Level Material Health Certificate by Cradle-to-Cradle Product Innovation Institute** as it has been evaluated for impact on human and environmental health. Moreover, it smartly breaks down without releasing harmful substances in the environment according to Hohenstein Environment Compatibility Certification. Key elements that makes ROICA™ V550 a precious choice when it comes to Circular Economy material approach.

*Reference System: ASTM D5511 – Standard Test Method for the Determination of Anaerobic Biodegradation of Plastics Under High-solids Anaerobic Digestion Conditions


** The Cradle-to-Cradle Product Innovation Institute, a non -profit organization, administer the Cradle-to-Cradle Certified™ Product Standard. It was created to bring about a new industrial revolution that turns the making of things into a positive force of society, economy and the planet. The Cradle-to-Cradle Certified Product Standard™ provides designers and manufacturers with criteria and requirements for continually improving what products are made of and how they are made aiming to achieve a circular economy approach.

“Sustainability is not only about clothes, but all items we wear from hats to socks. Hosiery is a very important industry, hungry for innovation. With Sarah Borghi we wanted to inject responsible innovation at all levels”, says Takaaki Kondo, new Manager of ROICA™ Global Marketing Department.
Focusing on the main products composing the collection, they are:

  • Green 40 den tights, super opaque, all nude and with reinforced toes. The band-strap, ergonomic in seamless, guarantees ultra-comfort. Available in classic black, blue, forest green and burgundy.
  • Green 40 den ankle sock in microfiber with reinforced toe and heel, available in a wide range of colors: ocean, rhubarb, mustard, cinnamon, cobalt, forest green and sunflower.
  • Green 40 den knee-highs in microfiber with ultra- comfort strap. Here too, there are numerous chromatic variations: anthracite, black, blue, chocolate, ocean, rhubarb, mustard, cinnamon, cobalt, forest green and sunflower.
  • And the Green panta, seamless leggings with an ultra-comfort ergonomic strap, strictly black.

And to confirm once more the commitment of the brand toward a good, transparent and “easy” offer to the consumer, the complete collection will be available on the official Sarah Borghi website (https: https://sarahborghi.com/it/) or on https://www.luxury-legs.com/, on Amazon and starting from September at Green Pea in Turin, the first Green Retail Park in the world dedicated to the theme of respect. Created to change the way of consuming, focusing on the search for harmony with the planet through a place where eco-sustainable and respectful purchases and consumption are made possible. Green Pea selects high quality products, designed for responsible use and made in harmony with nature, products made to last over time and which, at the end of their life, can be reused or recycled, in full respect of the environment and society, just like the Green Collection by Sarah Borghi.

The physical distribution of the products is also entrusted to selected boutiques such as ARIANNA BOUTIQUE – Verona, HIGH TECH – Milan, THE STORE – Milan, LE PARIGINE – Monfalcone, OFFICINAE – Naples, GALERIES LAFAYETTE – France, LUDWIG – Germany, FENWICK – UK.

Posted November 4, 2021

Source: C.L.A.S.S. Eco Hub

No Time For Waste: PUMA Pilots Testing For Biodegradable RE:SUEDE Version Of Its Most Iconic Sneaker

HERZOGENAURACH, Germany  — November 4, 2021 — Sports company PUMA has developed an experimental version of its most iconic sneaker, the SUEDE, to test for a product to make it biodegradable. By doing so, PUMA aims to meet the growing demand for sustainable products for a better future. The RE:SUEDE, which uses the latest technology available today, will be made from more sustainable materials such as Zeology tanned suede, biodegradable TPE and hemp fibres.

The RE:SUEDE experiment is a pilot in circularity, and today’s ultimate expression of the next generation SUEDE — with the ambition to set new standards of sustainability for the iconic shoe. Designed to help address the challenge of waste management in the footwear industry, the RE:SUEDE experiment will allow PUMA to take more responsibility when it comes to tackling the ‘after life’ of its products. The pilot will launch in January 2022, offering 500 selected participants in Germany the chance to join PUMA on its experimental journey towards circularity.

In partnership with PUMA, participants will wear their RE:SUEDEs for six months to test out the durability of a product using biodegradable materials in real life, before sending them back to PUMA via a take back infrastructure, designed to move the products to the next step in the experiment. The sneakers will then be subject to an industrial biodegradation process in a controlled environment at Valor Compostering B.V., owned by Ortessa Groep B.V., a family-run business of waste specialists in the Netherlands. The goal of this step is to determine if Grade A compost can be produced for agricultural use. The findings will help PUMA assess the biodegradable process and unpick essential research and development for the future of sustainable shoe consumption.

The RE:SUEDE experiment is the first circular programme to launch under PUMA’s “Circular Lab” — a new innovation hub, which is led by PUMA’s sustainability and design experts who work to develop the future of the company’s circularity programmes.

This pilot is a recharged, refreshed experiment in circularity, following PUMA’s exploration in the space in 2012, which saw the brand’s first attempt to create a biodegradable sneaker as part of its InCycle collection. Yet after four seasons, the sneaker was discontinued due to low demand and the need for further research and development.

Since 2012, PUMA’s innovation department has worked to address the technological limitations of the InCycle collection in order to apply such learnings into the RE:SUEDE experiment. Improvements include the use of new, innovative materials such as Zeology suede, which is made using a more sustainable tanning process and ensures better comfort for the wearer, when compared to other biodegradable materials evaluated at PUMA. The outsole of the RE:SUEDE has also been improved to ensure optimal wear.

“In 2012, our circular ambition was bold but the technology wasn’t quite there. As they say, with every challenge there’s an opportunity – and we’ve continued to push ourselves to do better by applying our strengths as well as acknowledging and improving on our weaknesses,” said Heiko Desens, PUMA’s creative director. “We hope that progress made during the RE:SUEDE experiment: ‘No Time For Waste‘ will help us continue to raise the bar in circularity testing – enabling our consumers to make better fashion choices in the future, so their sneakers can go ‘from Suede to Soil’, without compromising on product style or durability during ownership.”

About the partnership with Ortessa, Desens further commented: “We’re excited to partner with the experts at Ortessa, who share our passion in developing proactive and pragmatic solutions to the industry‘s waste problem. Their expertise is fundamental in helping us learn more about the after life of the RE:SUEDE, so we can continue moving forwards on our exploration of circularity.“

Rob Meulendijks, CEO of Ortessa commented: “As a family owned challenger in the waste industry, we pride ourselves in creating surprising innovations and fresh concepts to tackle real waste issues in a different and open way. There is a lot more we can all be doing to help tackle waste management, but taking on that challenge alone can be a difficult task for any brand. We are delighted to be working in partnership with PUMA on this special project, where we can apply our deep knowledge and insights on waste, use tried and controlled methods, to assess the biodegradability of the future, next-generation Suede.“

PUMA aims to share the results and insights gained from this experiment within the industry to achieve an even bigger impact when it comes to addressing the challenge of waste management in the footwear industry in general. Circularity is one of the pillars of PUMA’s FOREVER BETTER sustainability strategy. By 2025, PUMA aims to reduce waste by increasing the level of recycled polyester in its products to 75 percent, setting up product takeback schemes in its major markets and developing recycled material options for leather, rubber, cotton and polyurethane.

Since its first iteration in 1968, the PUMA SUEDE has been at the forefront of cultural turning points, transcending style and trends. With the RE:SUEDE, PUMA wants to give its consumers a stylish and more sustainable choice, while showcasing the latest technologies.

Posted November 4, 2021

Source: PUMA SE

PUZZLE X Frontier Material Innovations: From Human Tissue Printers To Air-Purifying Bikes And Graphene Concrete

BARCELONA, Spain — November 4, 2021 — 3D printed human tissues, air-purifiers that clean the air while riding a bicycle, and fabrics that heat themselves for monitoring health and body parameters. These are some of the cutting-edge innovations that will be showcased and discussed at the first edition of PUZZLE X, the new initiative focused on the use of Materials Deep Tech to build a more sustainable future for humanity. Held in Barcelona from November 16 to 18 and organized by Fira de Barcelona, the Advanced Material Future Preparedness Taskforce (AMPT) and Mobile World Capital Barcelona, the event aims to fast-track Frontier Materials innovation to solve society’s greatest challenges in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Graphene is one of the Frontier Materials featured in several innovations at PUZZLE X. Graphene textiles enables next-generation conductive biosensors capable of monitoring health parameters and regulating temperature. The Swedish company Grafren AB will showcase a pair of heating gloves made from graphene coated fabric.

Construction also benefits from the properties of graphene. Versarien, will discuss the advantages of a graphene-enhanced concrete with improved mechanical properties, such as flexural strength, that also reduced the CO2 emissions during its production.

Arevo, who is reinventing the way composite parts are made for production and scale, develops ultrastrong and ultralight products. Innovations on display include the world’s first continuous carbon fibre, a made-to-order lounge chair that will be on the PUZZLE X stage and a 3D printed bike.

Printing a new world
PUZZLE X will showcase companies combining 3D printing and Deep Tech Materials. Spanish company REGEMAT 3D work on bioprinters that can print customized tissue such as cartilage, skin, bone or muscle, adapted for each patient and medical condition.

The potential of 3D printing also reaches the food industry where Barcelona-based Novameat prints steaks made from pea, seaweed and beetroot juice. This substitute could have a significant impact on the environment because the global impact of livestock farming is substantial and accounts for almost 15% of all human-caused greenhouse gas emissions, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization.

Air pollution is an environmental challenge being addressed by Planet Airo, the German start-up behind the Airo, an air purifier attachable to a bicycle that filters the air while riding. The Airo uses an innovative carbon mesh to adsorb, trap and disaggregate pollutants transforming bicycles into mobile purifiers.

Posted November 4, 2021

Source: Fira de Barcelona

Bulwark® Celebrates 50 Years of Innovation: Flame-Resistant Apparel Safer, More Comfortable Than Ever

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — November 4, 2021 — Bulwark, the world’s largest flame-resistant (FR) apparel brand, is celebrating 50 years of innovation this month.

“For 50 years, we have served as the relentless protectors of those who power the world,” says Robert Grimes, vice president and general manager of Bulwark. In that time, we have pioneered every breakthrough in flame resistant apparel, and tirelessly championed the workers of oil, gas, and electric utilities. We don’t just make FR. We are FR.”

Since 1971, Bulwark has consistently brought innovation to the FR category. Highlights include:

  • 1971: FR workwear launched under Red Kap® brand which would later become Bulwark
  • 1987: Introduction of durable cotton garments that are guaranteed FR for the life of the garment.
  • 1992: Addition of Nomex® to FR line that improved appearance and shrinkage control.
  • 1996: Red Kap and Bulwark merge companies and FR technology to create a leadership powerhouse in FR.
  • 2001: Bulwark logo moves from the right cuff to the left sleeve to increase visibility, and easily signal compliance of safety workers driving onto the site for safety managers.
  • 2007: Bulwark introduces the only FR ANSI shirt available to make sure workers where both safe and seen.
  • 2011: Bulwark launches the lightest weight CAT 2/NFPA® 2112 complaint garment on the market which were lighter and more comfortable to wear thus reducing heat stress.
  • 2014: Bulwark launches the iQ® series Collection, bringing performance athletic wear properties to FR and maximizing airflow to keep the wearer dry and comfortable.
  • 2018: Bulwark acquires Workrite.
  • 2021: Bulwark becomes independently owned.

“Our commitment to advancing the industry has inspired others to join us in continuous improvement and innovation,” Grimes said. “We have overcome comfort, style and durability barriers with better fabrics, sleeker fits, and smarter functionalities to transform something you have to wear into something you want to wear.”

Bulwark has trained over 50,000 safety professionals on the hazards they face and how the protection they wear can save their lives. Bulwark researchers visit workers in the field to experience their extreme working conditions and gather feedback to continuously improve their workwear.

Bulwark plans to continue leading the industry with innovative new products to serve its customers. The company is planning a variety of events in the coming months to celebrate this milestone and has produced this video highlighting its work.

Posted November 4, 2021

Source: Bulwark

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