Contract Finisher Of Technical Textiles Knopf’s Sohn Has Installed A Fully Automated Montex Stenter

High scaffolding was required for the installation of the line which benefits from two integrated ECO Booster modules to provide significant energy savings.

MÖNCHENGLADBACH, Germany — October 14, 2021 — Knopf’s Sohn, a contract finisher of technical textiles, has installed a fully automated Montex tenter at its plant in Helmbrechts, Germany.

The Montex machinery range is constantly being upgraded to meet evolving customer needs for greater automation, ease of operation and energy optimization. The latest 10 chamber line at Knopf’s Sohn, with a working width of up to 2.0 meters, was engineered to specific requirements in order to accelerate the company’s move to fully automatic control of its production, and high scaffolding was required for its installation.

The line benefits from two integrated ECO Booster modules to provide high energy savings. These compact, air-to-air heat exchangers, installed within the roof structure of the line, exploit energy from the exhaust gas to preheat up to 60 percent of the incoming fresh air entering the tenter.

The use of a single ECO Booster unit has been calculated to save up to 35 percent in energy costs, based on fixation processes. Fully automatic operation, set at the Monforts Qualitex control unit, ensures there is no additional burden on the machine operator.

The line is powered by Exxotherm indirect heating, which practically eliminates the yellowing which can be experienced during the treatment of certain polyamide and elastane-based fabrics, and is also equipped with a Conticlean circulating air filter system for constant high drying capacity, thanks to the automatic cleaning of fluff from the filter system during production.

Software

Knopf’s Sohn operates a total of five tenters, but the Montex takes automated finishing for the company to a new level.

The latest Qualitex visualisation software offers operators reliability and easy control with its full HD multi-touch monitor and slider function, dashboard function with individual adaptation to operating states and faster access to comprehensive recipe data management.

With the Monformatic control system, the exact maintenance of the dwell time in combined treatment processes (drying and heat-setting) can be monitored. When the heat-setting point is reached, the fan speed is automatically adjusted, keeping energy consumption fully under control

In general, Knopf’s Sohn is processing technical textiles for the automotive, aerospace, home furnishings and workwear markets, based on wool, cellulose, polyamide and polyester fabrics, along with elastane blends, in weights of 80-800gsm.

Knopf’s Sohn Managing Director Uwe Zuleg at the new Montex controls.

Founded in 1809 in a region well-known for textiles production, the company can draw on two centuries of accumulated know-how in all of the many processes. It is certified to ISO 9001, 14001 and 50001, as well as the bluesign standard for sustainable production.

“The ongoing success of our company is down to a combination of our many long-term, hardworking and loyal employees, loyal and innovative customers, and market and future-oriented business decisions,” said the company’s Managing Director Uwe Zuleg. “With the new Monforts Montex line we can now push ahead with our automation goals. The uniformity of the process temperature that can be achieved, as well as the overall concept of the line, convinced us to opt for this technology. From the first consultation to operator training, Monforts provided competent and service-oriented assistance, and delivery and installation remained on schedule despite the corona pandemic. The entire process was exemplary.”

Posted October 14, 2021

Source: A. Monforts Textilmaschinen GmbH & Co. KG

Microban® International Appoints New President And Senior Directors

HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. — October 14, 2021 — Microban® International, the global supplier of antimicrobial additives and odor control solutions, is proud to announce the appointment of Michael Ruby as president of the corporation and Graham Harvey as senior director of Business Development for the global built-in business, effective October 1, 2021. The team would also like to welcome Bart Kennedy as the new senior director of Business Development leading the global textiles team. These important strategic moves will align the organizational structure to reflect the ongoing mission of continuing to build on the success of all brands, including the global trustmark Microban and the emergent ingredient brand Ultra-Fresh®.

Since joining Microban in 2018, Ruby has been instrumental in implementing a sustainable development process and business strategy that has seen the company skyrocket in success. He was also heavily involved in executing the consolidation of the Microban and Thomson Research businesses earlier this year, alongside Joe Lyons, the previous President who will now take time to focus on the wider goals of the entire Barr Brands International group.

Leading the Global Built-in team will be Harvey, who joined the company in 2018 and has contributed significantly to the increase in branded partnerships and revenue across all international territories. Graham will report to Michael and, together, they will bring profound global expertise and knowledge of Microban’s operational and strategic goals to the leadership team, helping to drive consistent value growth and market expansion.

Kennedy joins the company with a wealth of experience in sales and marketing leadership in the global textiles marketplace for leading international brands, where he will help the team develop new and expand existing relationships with home, healthcare, apparel, and PPE textile partners in odor control applications.

Ruby commented: “I feel truly honored to take on the role of President at Microban, an organization full of many talented people that has celebrated some huge milestones and business successes in the last year alone. Looking ahead to 2022, I hope to build on the company’s achievements by implementing our strategic vision, expanding the impact of our brands in the marketplace, and increasing our reach across different territories as we continue to push the boundaries of innovation.”

Posted October 14, 2021

Source: Microban® International

The Results Of The 10th ITMF Corona-Survey Are Out: Business Situation Is Relatively Good In The Global Textile Industry

ZURICH, Switzerland — October 14, 2021 — In September 2021, the International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF) conducted the 10th ITMF Corona-Survey among companies around the world in all segments of the textile value chain.

The latest results reveal that the business situation is mostly positive. The balance between the share of respondents finding themselves in a “good” and a “poor” business situation has reached +10 percentage points (pp) in September 2021 after +5 pp in July and +14pp in May 2021 (see Figure 1).

Figure 1: Business situation and business expectations

The business expectations in six months’ time remain on a relatively high level. Forty-eight percent of respondents expect improvement by March 2022 and 13 percent foresee gloomy days. The net effect is a positive balance of +35 pp (48 percent minus 13 percent).

Upstream segments have been faring somewhat better than downstream ones since the recovery is under way, but the latter seem to be catching up. It appears that supply chain disruptions are the leading cause for this effect as delays in the supply of raw and intermediate materials accumulates down the value chain.

Furthermore, order intake has increased significantly in September on a global level compared to May and July 2021 and companies anticipate a further increase in the next six months. Respondents report stable order backlog on average (around 2.4 months) but differences between regions and segments remain.

Posted October 14, 2021

Source: The International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF)


Gold Status For Kelheim Fibres In EcoVadis CSR Rating

KELHEIM, Germany — October 15, 2021 — The German specialty viscose fiber manufacturer Kelheim Fibres was awarded gold in the CSR rating by EcoVadis, scoring among the top 3 percent of all companies evaluated.

The rating was well above average in all four individual areas (environment, labor and human rights, ethics, sustainable procurement), but Kelheim Fibres achieved absolute top scores in the environment area in particular.

“We create plant-based specialty fibers that enable healthy lifestyles while helping to preserve our environment for future generations,” said Craig Barker, CEO at Kelheim Fibres. “Environmentally friendly production and our overall environmental, social and ethical performance is the measure of how seriously we take our own aspirations.”

“We don’t want to rest on our gold medal: As always, when we face an assessment like EcoVadis, we welcome any suggestions for improvement — constantly improving is a core element of our strategy for the future” Barker continued.

In addition to the excellent EcoVadis rating, Kelheim Fibres is also the first viscose fibre producer worldwide with a certified EMAS environmental management system and ranked highly in the Canadian NGO Canopy’s “Hot Button Report” for sustainable wood and pulp sourcing.

Since its founding in 2007, EcoVadis has grown to become the world’s largest and most trusted provider of business sustainability ratings, creating a global network of more than 75,000 rated companies.

Posted October 14, 2021

Source: Kelheim Fibres GmbH


EFI Highlights Its Broad Portfolio Of Advanced Inkjet Solutions To Create Opportunities For Customers

LONDONDERRY, N.H. — October 13, 2021 — Efficient, high-quality, versatile digital inkjet solutions can be key to helping display graphics providers drive profitability and capture new growth opportunities. Electronics For Imaging Inc. (EFI) is working closely with those providers, presenting them innovative solutions that can drive their display graphics business forward faster in an economic recovery. This week, dozens of EFI™ customers, prospects and industry media and analysts are attending a series of EFI Ignition open house events that deliver a more-comprehensive view of growth opportunities display graphics providers can capture.

The events — one-day invitation-only presentations and demonstrations at the EFI Global Inkjet Innovation Center in Londonderry, New Hampshire — highlight the ways print providers can take their businesses to new heights by leveraging leading-edge production solutions.

“The pandemic has understandably forced the cancellation or postponement of several large tradeshows that would have served as launch events for these products, but that does not diminish our customers’ need for continued advancement and innovation,” said Ken Hanulec, vice president of Worldwide Marketing, EFI. “Our conversations with customers at this week’s Ignition event will give a strong representation of the market opportunities display graphics businesses have for success in a recovering market using our leading portfolio of innovative solutions.”

This week’s events highlight new product launches and a range of topic areas that address specific display graphics challenges and opportunities. New product launches and presentation topics include:

  • Growth opportunities in premium soft-signage applications with the launch of the new VUTEk® FabriVU® Plus series 70-, 133- and 205-inch dispersed dye-sublimation printers, including the 133-inch-wide VUTEk FabriVU® 340i+ model with in-line sublimation making its debut at the Ignition events. The FabriVU 340i+ model delivers upgraded performance thanks to eight high-performance printheads, and enhanced high-quality and backlit print modes, with the ability to print on transfer paper or direct to fabric using the same ink set. The FabriVU Plus series’ new CMYK x 2 configuration printhead array – along with new electronics, a new vacuum system, and a new heating element – deliver higher-quality 600 dpi graphics with better saturation and more density.
  • Achieving value with a wider range of possibilities with the newest EFI Wide Format hybrid printer, the 126-inch wide EFI Pro 30h LED flatbed/roll-fed system dual-roll capabilities in Continuous Board printing models to give commercial print shops, sign shops and in-plant print departments an efficient, highly versatile entry point into high-quality display graphics production.
  • An overview of digital print for packaging opportunities, with a presentation of market benchmark data from industry analyst Kevin Karstedt. EFI is also presenting highlights of the EFI Nozomi C18000 Plus printer – the world’s leading single-pass inkjet solution for corrugated – and an upcoming, premium-quality, shuttle-based UV LED printer, the EFI MCORR 1300, scheduled for release in 2022.
  • EFI’s expanding super high speed signage production solutions – the EFI VUTEk h5 hybrid roll/flatbed printer with ¾ automation along with the EFI VUTEk XT hybrid printer and single-pass Nozomi 18000+ LED printer for display graphics producers coming in 2022 – that deliver the automation, reliability and productivity needed to lower costs per square foot, at higher volumes, for an extended range of signage and display products.
  • High-volume, higher-value UV LED graphic production with the EFI VUTEk Q series – the fastest-ever VUTEk roll-to-roll production printers offering. Launched in 2021, the 138-inch-wide VUTEk Q3r and 208-inch-wide VUTEk Q5r printers offer expanded capabilities for a wide range of challenging, high-volume applications, with premium features such as multi-layer white and high-value in-line finishing, collection, and auto backlit and blockout options that help users achieve a remarkably low total cost of operation.
  • Emerging and high-growth industrial applications, with a presentation highlighting advanced inkjet printer, ink and coatings solutions that bring greater value, versatility, quality, and efficiency to markets, including for wood decoration and wood flooring production, luxury vinyl tile manufacturing, and more.
  • End-to-end workflows to drive profit. Ignite will highlight the unique advantages possible in display graphics production with comprehensive EFI Midmarket Print Suite MIS/ERP workflow solutions that handle web-to-print order entry, estimating and costing, accounting, production, fulfillment and more. This Ignition session also highlights the launch of new EFI Fiery® XF and Fiery proServer digital front-end solutions, offering significantly faster spot color processing and expanded print-and-cut support features.
  • Higher value in hybrid printing, leveraging the cost and productivity advantages of the 126-inch-wide EFI VUTEk h3 and h5 LED printers. Four-color is the new eight-color on these printers, thanks to an exceptionally wide color gamut that has successfully given users worldwide the power to drive faster throughput on premium work by moving away from eight-color process to a CMYK x 2 configuration with little to no loss in imaging quality.

For more information about sign and display graphics printing and other advanced inkjet solutions from EFI, visit www.efi.com.

Posted October 13, 2021

Source: EFI™

NCTO Issues Statement Following President Biden’s Remarks On Global Supply Chain Crisis; Stresses Importance Of Onshoring And Nearshoring

WASHINGTON — October 13, 2021 — The National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO) President and CEO Kim Glas issued a statement today following President Biden’s remarks on the global supply chain crisis and stressed the importance of investing onshoring and nearshoring.

National Council of Textile Organizations President and CEO Kim Glas issued the following statement:

We appreciate President Biden’s call to ensure we are building more resilient and reliable supply chains and to invest in our manufacturing industries here at home, in his address earlier today.

There is a reason we got into this mess and there is a reason we have a global supply chain crisis. Years of offshoring production in a race to the bottom — exacerbated by predatory trade practices that have undermined so many manufacturing industries — has led to a tipping point. In fact, it was not too long ago that nurses in New York City and beyond were wearing garbage bags as gowns as our overreliance on Chinese production chains exposed severe fragilities in keeping our health care workers safe during the height of the pandemic.

China’s virtually unlimited and unrealistic pricing power coupled with its subsidies and lack of enforceable environmental standards strips benefits and undermines policy objectives, and leaves us in an untenable situation of overreliance on a foreign supply chain for critical products and raw materials. This must change.

We must hold China accountable for predatory trade practices that have off-shored our industries and our jobs. We must onshore and nearshore more textile and apparel production chains out of Asia to the U.S. and also to Western Hemisphere trade partners. This has a multitude of benefits to ensure more reliability in production and also has remarkable job benefits to U.S. manufacturers and our allied trading partners who adhere to higher labor and environmental standards. Further, it will help address the migration crisis and grow better paying jobs.

Now is the time to we need to unlock long-term commitments to source product from the USA and from our Hemispheric partners.  If we moved another 10 percent of global production to the U.S. and the Hemisphere, imagine the benefits that could be achieved. Ensuring further verticalization and investment in all aspects of the industry, from raw materials to finished products, is good for the American economy and workers in the U.S. and in the region.

Our industry stands ready to help and provide the solutions to onshore and nearshore these production chains that benefit manufacturing workers, the U.S. economy, our Western Hemisphere allies, and consumers. Further, onshoring and nearshoring these critical production chains has remarkable benefits for the environment and addresses the growing, systemic and alarming issues associated with climate change.

It is critical that supply chains mitigate risks so that we are never in this situation again. We appreciate President Biden recognizing the value of onshoring these critical production chains and stand ready to work with the administration in these efforts.

Posted October 13, 2021

Source: The National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO)

Reebok Introduces THERMOWARM+GRAPHENE Apparel Collection

BOSTON, MASS. — October 13, 2021 — Today Reebok announces the launch of the THERMOWARM+GRAPHENE apparel collection, the first commercially-priced use of graphene in sportswear. Graphene, first discovered by a group of researchers who isolated the material to its thinnest layer, discovered that this wonder material is one of the lightest, thinnest, strongest and most heat conductive materials on Earth. The groundbreaking discovery of graphene earned researchers the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2010.

Reebok’s strategically placed THERMOWARM+GRAPHENE internal grid print zone technology helps retain between 8 and 15-percent more heat than unprinted zones, depending on the base fabric.

The graphene-infused technology is integrated in over a dozen silhouettes ranging from performance running leggings to outerwear jackets, offering consumers an assortment that fits into a variety of athletic lifestyles. All collection offerings feature a strategically placed THERMOWARM+GRAPHENE grid print in the most pivotal heat retention zones where it would most benefit consumers – in garment hoods, shoulder panels and upper leg panels. When wearing a THERMOWARM+GRAPHENE apparel piece, body heat will be absorbed and retained across the entire graphene-infused printed panels to help the consumer stay warmer in cold temperatures.

“We’re catapulting apparel into the future,” said Chandler Frost, Senior Product Manager at Reebok. “THERMOWARM+GRAPHENE technology revolutionizes how our winter garments will keep consumers warm. Now with THERMOWARM+GRAPHENE, consumers can stay warmer in cold weather temperatures without sacrificing performance, function, or style.”

Highlights of the THERMOWARM+GRAPHENE collection include:

  • THERMOWARM+GRAPHENE Cotton Fleece Hoodie: Banish heat loss without sacrificing style with this men’s piece. Featuring THERMOWARM+GRAPHENE printed fabric at the hood and a kangaroo pocket provides a warm place for chilled digits.
  • THERMOWARM+GRAPHENE Pants: Fashion meets performance with the THERMOWARM+GRAPHENE Pants inclusive of printed front panels for added warmth and versatility.
  • THERMOWARM+GRAPHENE Zip-Up Jacket: THERMOWARM+GRAPHENE grid print within the inside hood of this women’s full zip jacket offers heat retention at the most pivotal region of the body.

The majority of the THERMOWARM+GRAPHENE collection is globally available now on Reebok.com in men’s and women’s performance to lifestyle offerings, ranging from $70 to $140, with additional releases planned throughout the season ahead.

Posted October 13, 2021

Source: Reebok

Construction Begins On New Hexcel Center Of Research & Technology Excellence In Utah

STAMFORD, Conn. — October 12, 2021 — Hexcel Corp. hosted public officials, customers and local contractors today at its manufacturing site in West Valley City, Utah, as the company broke ground on a flagship Center of Research & Technology (R&T) Excellence, supporting next-generation developments in advanced composites technologies.

Once completed in late 2022, the 100,000-square-foot building will be home to a state-of-the-art laboratory where company scientists and researchers will collaborate with customers on the latest composite technology developments for aerospace, space and defense, and industrial applications. It will be the company’s largest center for innovation and product development in North America and a showcase for the company’s advanced composites technology, providing space for future growth and expansion in the years ahead. The company expects to add up to 150 jobs at the center over the next 12 years.

Hexcel Chairman, CEO and President Nick Stanage said that the Center will be “designed to encourage and inspire our team to dream big and ensure that our customers are awarded with the strongest, lightest weight, most durable advanced composites that the world has ever seen.” He said that when the Center opens, “you will be surrounded by everything it means to be a leader in advanced composites technology. You will see high-tech labs and cutting-edge research and testing equipment. Our lobby will showcase advancements and innovations that are propelling the future in commercial aerospace, space and defense, and industrial markets.” He thanked the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity and West Valley City for economic support that led the company to choose to locate the new Center of Excellence in the area.

West Valley City Mayor Ron Bigelow, who attended the event, said, “Hexcel has been operating in West Valley City for years. I am pleased that they have once again chosen West Valley City as they expand their operations with a new research and technology facility. This expansion will bring more jobs to the city over the next few years and continues to show that Hexcel is committed to being part of West Valley City’s corporate community.”

The company’s existing operations in West Valley City include its largest high-performance carbon fiber manufacturing facility in the world. The site also is home to the company’s U.S. aerospace matrix operations. About 600 people currently work at the site.

Contractors for the project include R&O Construction, with corporate offices in Ogden and a regional team in West Valley City, and design firm Architectural Nexus Inc. of Salt Lake City.

Posted October 13, 2021

Source: Hexcel Corporation

Ascent Aerospace To Exhibit At CAMX 2021

MACOMB, Mich. — October 12, 2021 — Ascent Aerospace, a provider of tooling systems, factory automation and integration services to the aerospace, defense and space industries, will be an exhibitor at the upcoming CAMX 2021 event in Dallas, Texas from October 19-21, 2021. CAMX is an advanced materials and composites exposition, bringing together various industries with high-performing, cost-effective solutions.

Ascent will have a 3D printed trim fixture displayed at the event in booth L49. This fixture was printed using a Thermwood large format additive manufacturing machine, which is located at Ascent’s Santa Ana, Calif., facility. The tool has an integrated vacuum system with cutter grooves and seals to ensure, when used, the part is held to the tool so it can be accurately trimmed and machined.

Sean Henson, the Global Product Manager of Composites and Additive Manufacturing for Ascent, will be presenting in the CAMX Theater during the show on Wednesday, October 20 at 9:30am CDT. His presentation will include the features and benefits of utilizing 3D printed tools, the advantages of using composite materials and the cost savings associated with both.

To learn more about the innovative ways Ascent Aerospace is using composites and additive manufacturing as alternative tooling solutions, visit booth L49 at CAMX 2021.

Posted October 13, 2021

Source: Ascent Aerospace

PURA Features Hemp Blue Jeans As Validation Of Farmersville Hemp Brand Opportunity

DALLAS — October 12, 2021 — Puration Inc. (Pura) is building hemp processing and cultivation partnerships with the intention of establishing an industrial hemp brand cooperative under the Farmersville Hemp Brand name. In the fashion that Sun-Maid Raisins collectively markets for growers all selling under one brand name, Pura plans to collectively market for multiple hemp growers and processors under the Farmersville Hemp Brand name.

Today, Forbes published on article on Levi’s current and growing use of hemp in its blue jeans: “Levi’s Aims To Use More Hemp For Its Fashion Collections”

Pura highlight’s Levi’s hemp initiative as one prominent example of the overall market opportunity for hemp.

The overall global industrial hemp market was estimated at $5 billion in 2019 and expected to grow to $36 billion by 2026.

A key strategy to the Farmersville Hemp Brand collective marketing initiative will be to conduct focused, hands-on seminars for established companies with existing products that do not incorporate hemp and demonstrate to those established companies how hemp can be used to innovate their existing product lines.

The company recently broke ground on its 70-acre property in Farmersville Texas.  A construction pad has been cleared for the building of multiple buildings where Pura will facilitate hands-on marketing for a wide variety of products that can be derived from hemp.

The Farmersville Hemp Brand Facility will be able to host client companies for seminars to demonstrate hemp processing and how hemp can be used as a natural, cost effective and even superior alternative to currently available construction materials, nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals, clothing, fuel, and plastics — to name just a few. According to one source, more than 25,000 products can be made from hemp.

Pura does not plan to wait on the completion of construction in Farmersville to begin its seminars. Pura intends to imminently complete its hemp innovation curriculum and launch its first seminars in Q4 2021.

Posted October 13, 2021

Source: Puration Inc.

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