Lenzing’s VEOCEL™ Brand Launches Hydrophobic Lyocell Fibers With Dry Technology

LENZING, Austria — June 30, 2021— In its quest to drive greater sustainability in the personal care and hygiene industry, the VEOCEL™ brand has launched a new offering: Veocel branded lyocell fibers with Dry technology which are naturally smooth and gentle on skin, ensuring comfort for sensitive skin. Absorbent hygiene products are an indispensable part of many consumers’ lives and are relied upon daily. As these are essential items, it is important that they should offer maximum comfort and relief to the user. This is demonstrated by the new Veocel branded lyocell fibers which have the capacity to provide a high level of comfort, softness and dryness, when applied in these types of products.

Combining high-performance with sustainability

Increasingly, consumer expectations are extending beyond functional needs, to focus on natural materials
and ingredient transparency. However, consumers should never have to compromise between functionality, comfort and sustainability, and it is critical that such intimate products provide both — as the new Veocel branded lyocell fibers can offer. While most hydrophobic fibers are fossil-based fibers, Dry technology by Lenzing allows cellulosic Veocel branded lyocell fibers to achieve similar liquid-controlling properties built on a biodegradable, botanic-derived material. The fibers are also soft to touch and gentle on the skin, thus beneficial for applications that have direct contact with skin, such as in femcare and period care products, adult incontinence products and baby diapers.

“We have observed a growing trend of consumers who are mindful of product ingredients, so we created a product that can offer both sustainability and performance,” said Jürgen Eizinger, vice president of Global Nonwovens Business at Lenzing. “Our new VeocelLyocell fibers with Dry technology are certified biodegradable and compostable — therefore, offering an eco-friendly and quality alternative to fossil-based materials. The Veocel brand is continually expanding its capacities and innovations for wood-based specialty fibers as a means to reduce the industry’s reliance on fossil-based materials in personal care products.”

Eco-friendly solution to better protect the environment

A recent Stifel survey indicates that 83 percent of consumers believe it is important for companies to act sustainably1. This drive comes from the rising number of eco-conscious consumers, who are acutely aware of the environmental impact of disposable products and are searching for products which are better for the environment. In particular, consumers are increasingly favoring products that are eco-friendly in baby and femcare products. To meet this growing demand and lessen the impact on the environment, Veocel-branded fibers are certified biodegradable and compostable under various conditions.

Not only are the hydrophobic Veocel-branded lyocell fibers with Dry technology environmentally friendly, but they also provide great comfort and a feeling of dryness for the wearer, which comes from enabling strategic fluid distribution. This is a particularly useful trait in absorbent hygiene products as it helps to manage bodily fluids, keeping the surface dry and the touch soft even after encountering liquid. Overall, this contributes to a comfortable personal care experience for the wearer and allows them to feel as if their skin is next to nature.

Posted July 1, 2021

Source: Lenzing Group

Sun Chemical, DIC Corp. Finalizes Acquisition Of BASF’s Global Pigments Business

PARSIPPANY, N.J. — June 30, 2021— DIC Corp. has closed on the acquisition of BASF’s global pigments business, known as BASF Colors & Effects (BCE).

The acquisition brings together the complementary portfolio of technologies, products, manufacturing assets, supply chain and customer service of the two companies to serve customers globally.

“We’re excited to close our acquisition of BCE and expand our product offering as one of the leading pigment suppliers globally” said Kaoru Ino, president and CEO of DIC. “BASF’s pigments portfolio is an important strategic addition in expeditiously meeting the goals we’ve outlined, which provide a clear growth path for DIC with the target to increase our sales to 1 trillion yen (approximately 8 billion euros) [$9.4 billion] by 2025.”

The purchase will broaden Sun Chemical’s portfolio as a global manufacturer of pigments, including those for electronic displays, cosmetics, coatings, inks, plastics and specialty applications, by creating a world-class pigments supplier that offers customers an even wider range of versatile solutions.

“We’re pleased to welcome the valued and trusted expertise and engagement of BASF’s employees in the pigments business,” said Myron Petruch, DIC executive officer and president and CEO of Sun Chemical, a subsidiary of DIC Corp. “This deal allows us to compete in the global marketplace more effectively going forward, while strengthening our pigment footprint in Europe. It underscores our commitment to delivering solutions tailored to meet the needs of our customers.”

“BCE is a strategic partner who aims for high growth and high added value by expanding functional pigments into niche applications. Due to the complementary regional footprint and product portfolio, the acquisition of BCE is ideal for the DIC pigments business,” said Yoshinari Akiyama, DIC managing executive officer and general manager of the Color Material Products Division. “Closing this deal enables us to combine the technological capabilities of both companies so we continue to create new value and provide it to the market as the leading company in the pigment business.”

Customers will benefit as the acquisition offers a unique opportunity to combine complementary expertise and best practices to develop ground-breaking innovative solutions for the marketplace. As a company that strives for Color & Comfort, DIC believes that it can contribute to its customers by providing colors to society and life.

With more than 30 pigment production facilities worldwide between DIC and BCE, the company’s pigment portfolio will offer broader product categories related to effect pigments, inorganic pigments, organic pigments, specialty dyes, and pigment preparations.

“This deal combines the complementary resources and expertise of two recognized leaders in innovation, product stewardship, regulatory leadership, application support and manufacturing,” said Mehran Yazdani, president, Performance Pigments and Advanced Materials, Sun Chemical. “We’re looking forward to offering our customers the absolute best support and continued innovation in the pigments space.”

For Dr. Alexander Haunschild, senior vice president and managing director at BASF’s pigment-focused subsidiary BASF Colors & Effects, the agreement will help continue the growth path started in 2016. “The investments of DIC proves its commitment to innovation and interest in the longer term success of the business. We’re excited to see BCE continue down a path of growth and success.”

A transition team continues to work to ensure a smooth transition for customers and employees.

White & Case LLP served as legal counsel and Morgan Stanley served as financial advisor to DIC.

Posted July 1, 2021

Source: Sun Chemical, a member of the DIC Group

Elevate Textiles Furthers Climate Action Role With Commitment To Business Ambition For 1.5°C Campaign 

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — June 30, 2021— Elevate Textiles, a global provider of advanced, high quality products and mission critical textile solutions, is excited to announce its commitment to the Business Ambition for 1.5°C Campaign, building upon Elevate’s commitment to the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).

Elevate and its distinguished brands including, American & Efird (A&E), Burlington, Cone Denim, Gütermann and Safety Components, continue to affirm and advance its commitment to setting science-based emissions reduction targets across the entire value chain that are consistent with keeping global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. Elevate has also set a long-term target to reach net-zero emissions by no later than 2050.

“Elevate is proud to be among leading companies who have committed to set science-based emissions reduction targets and are taking action to drive towards a more sustainable future,” said Jimmy Summers, chief sustainability officer for Elevate Textiles. “The need for business leaders to fight for a new-zero economy by 2050 is increasingly crucial and we are actively participating in global strategic initiatives including SBTi, Sustainable Apparel Coalition, ZDHC Programme, and the UN Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action, among others.”

The Business Ambition 1.5°C Campaign is an urgent call-to-action for companies to set emissions reduction targets that are consistent with keeping global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. The Campaign is led by the SBTi in partnership with the UN Global Compact and We Mean Business coalition.

Elevate joined the SBTi in 2019. SBTi is a collaboration between CDP, the United Nations Global Compact, World Resources Institute (WRI), and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). The SBTi defines and promotes best practice in science-based target setting and independently assesses companies’ targets. Elevate is actively in the process of establishing and validating its SBTi targets.

Posted July 1, 2021

Source: Elevate Textiles

Avient Expands Sustainable Solutions Portfolio With Acquisition Of Magna Colours Ltd.

CLEVELAND — July 1, 2021— Avient Corp., a global provider of specialized and sustainable material solutions, today announced it has acquired Magna Colours Ltd. (Magna), for $48 million. Magna is a market leader in sustainable, water-based inks technology for the textile screen printing industry. The MagnaColours® materials will join Avient’s existing specialty inks portfolio, alongside prominent brands such as Wilflex® and Rutland®.

“Magna represents an important investment in sustainable solutions, as brand owners seek alternatives to legacy technologies,” said Robert M. Patterson, chairman, president and CEO, Avient. “We are thrilled to have Magna join Avient. We expect our collective inks portfolio will grow substantially as the threat of COVID subsides, people can safely attend sporting and other live events in person, and travel increases.”

Founded in 1978 and based in Barnsley, England, Magna has pioneered the development of next-generation water-based ink technology that provides innovative and high- performance solutions for leading brands and screen printers. Its portfolio of water-based ink products offers sustainability benefits and unique characteristics without compromising performance.

Tom Abbey, chairman of Magna, commented, “While growing Magna, I had a goal to revolutionize the industry and promote sustainable options — our proven technology accomplishes that. With Avient, I have found a leader aligned with our sustainability values to take us to the next level and truly globalize the business. Avient was the clear choice, and I’m thrilled for Magna to begin its next chapter.”

Posted July 1, 2021

Source: Avient Corporation

Südwolle Group: Biella Yarn Autumn/Winter 2022-23 Collection

NUREMBERG, Germany — July 1, 2021— To dance, to dine. To feel the air and the rain. To share a smile and a kiss. These are the values that inspired the Biella Yarn Autumn/Winter 2022-23 collection: to stop for a second, to pick a thought and make our day better.

At this important time when we are all directed towards a return back to normality and our lives will be again driven by speed, efficiency and goals, we would like to inspire consumers to take a moment for themselves, stop, and focus on what might improve their lives. Some people will rediscover the pleasure of meeting friends, experiencing a feeling of enthusiasm, others will share new experiences and adventures. In all the situations it is important to choose the appropriate clothing not only during the movement but also for moments of quiet and relaxation in contact with nature and with ourselves.

Our Autumn/Winter 2022-23 flat knitting yarns collection supports the desire to return to an active life, to regain the pleasure of sharing with empathy and to be part of an essential individual and collective dimension.

Our best-selling yarns like Victoria Nm 2/30 & Nm 2/48 (100% Merino wool Extrafine, 19.5 mic, anti-shrinkage) and Brisbane Nm 2/60 (100-percent merino wool Superfine, 17.5 mic, anti-shrinkage) expand their stock service range.
Blends with GRS-certified recycled polyester such as Baltoro Nm 2/30 (Nm 2/30, 50% Merino wool Extrafine, 19.5 mic, anti-shrinkage, 50% GRS High Bulk Polyester) give the fabrics a voluminous and soft effect.

Sustainability and traceability of yarns play a fundamental role in our collections and reflect the sensitivity and values that drive people’s daily lives. Among our winter proposals, for example, there is a growing presence of RWS certified wool yarns with stock service for selected colors (Victoria RWS Nm 2/30, 100-percent merino wool Extrafine, 19.5 mic, anti-shrinkage).

The collection includes a selection of yarns made with the new OTW® technology patented by Südwolle Group, which allows to create durable garments with a clean and smooth surface, which retain for a long time the soft and natural hand of merino wool.

The wide choice of colors reinforces the feeling of the collection: the bright colors that recall the garden where friends meet, the delicate and pastel tones that can be admired at dawn and the warm brown tones of an exotic journey among aromas and flavors in a spice market.

Posted July 1, 2021

Source: Südwolle Group

Datacolor, Archroma Partner To Make The Archroma ‘Color Atlas Library System Available For Color Searching Within ‘Datacolor TOOLS’ Color Quality Control Application

REINACH, Switzerland — July 1, 2021— Archroma today announced that the soon-to-be 5,760 color references of its Color Atlas library are made available within its “Datacolor TOOLS” platform, an easy-to-use color quality control application for industries where color accuracy is a critical component of overall product quality.

Datacolor® provides color management solutions that empower customers to make objective, cost-effective and smart color decisions, in applications such as textile & apparel, paint & coatings, plastics, photography, design and many others. The perfect integration of its instruments and software help formulate, measure, control and communicate color, and its state-of-the-art algorithms reproduce color on materials and displays.

That is where the Color Atlas by Archroma® will considerably benefit to the users of Datacolor solutions.

The Color Atlas was launched in 2016 to provide fashion designers and stylists with off-the-shelf color inspiration that can be implemented in production with just a few clicks.

The Color Atlas continues to evolve in line with Archroma’s commitment to sustainability through innovation. The company describes it as “The Archroma Way to a sustainable world: safe, efficient, enhanced, it’s our nature”. All color references available in the Color Atlas have been formulated with products that comply with leading international eco-standards, and can be selected based on the desired sustainability profile.

Today, the Color Atlas contains 4,320 colors applicable on cotton poplin, almost the double compared to similar tools available to textile and fashion specialists. Technical support is available to designer, manufacturers, as well as brands and retailers, through Archroma’s global offices — for every single color from its selection to its implementation in production. Engineered color standards empowered by NFC technology are also available for all colors and reproducible in production.

Archroma also just launched a similar tool with 1,440 colors on polyester. Both libraries will be available in the Datacolor TOOLS platform for color searching.

Each color from the Color Atlas by Archroma is available for purchase from Archroma as an Engineered Color Standard, precise digital data and access to global dyeing technical support.

With that, the brands, designers and mills using the Datacolor TOOLS platform will have at their disposal the ability to search the 5,760 colors of the Color Atlas by Archroma, to quickly find colors for their seasonal color palettes.

“With this collaboration between Datacolor and Archroma, we bring the best two worlds: the software capability of the Datacolor TOOLS platform combined with the color inspiration and executable accuracy of the 5,760 colors available in Color Atlas by Archroma,” explained Lisa Beck, product manager at Datacolor. “It’s a match made in heaven for those textile and fashion designers looking to expand their color horizon and accelerate their speed to market”.

“We are proud to partner with Datacolor and thus bring ever more accurate color management to the brands, designers and mills who are using their design tools,” said Chris Hipps, head of Color Management Services, at the Archroma Brand Studio. “With the Color Atlas by Archroma, they can finally dream of a color, find it quickly within their Datacolor TOOLS software and then specify it with the confidence that their design intent will be executed in their global supply chains.”

Posted July 1, 2021

Source: Archroma

Pulcra Chemicals Achieves First Acquisition With Devan

RONSE, Belgium — July 1, 2021— Pulcra Chemicals, headquartered in Germany, has just announced its first acquisition in its history by acquiring fellow industry player Devan. Belgium-based Devan, with origins since 1977, was since 2013 owned by Belgium-based private equity fund Pentahold. Devan is known from its antimicrobial range BI-OME, its large sustainable track record with a.o. probiotics solutions, a wide range of recently introduced bio-based textile finishes and a long standing in Thermoregulation and Flame Retardants. Devan has offices in the United Kingdom, Portugal, the United States and a team in Shanghai.

“We are thrilled to make this announcement with our mutual trust to grow our business as a Solution Specialist for our customers across broad range of textile markets. The acquisition of Devan will support our vision of being the leading international benchmark for sustainable chemistry.” said Ümit Yaldiz, CEO of Pulcra Chemicals Group. “Both organizations have deep histories of creativity, innovation excellence and a shared commitment to care for our communities. With our combined platform, Pulcra will become a stronger partner for our customers, uniquely positioning us to address our customers’ evolving needs. That is why we are also very happy that the owner of Devan has placed its trust in us and Pulcra was the chosen partner for this acquisition.“

“For us, Pulcra Chemicals is the natural next step in the development of Devan”, commented Sven Ghyselinck, CEO of Devan. “After a long and successful ownership by Pentahold, we are pleased to integrate into a larger Textile chemistry player like Pulcra Chemicals. This new home will allow the innovative Devan finishes to find a faster way into the global textile market and will help the textile industry to benefit from more sustainable products”.

The acquisition price will not be disclosed.

Posted July 1, 2021

Source: Pulcra Chemicals

Oerlikon Barmag At The PU China: High-Speed Pumps Master Complex PUR Applications

REMSCHEID, Germany — July 1, 2021— Whether in the construction industry or in automobile building, in sports and leisure or in manufacturing furniture, for insulating or for sound-proofing, polyurethane has become an integral part of our everyday lives. Its applications are as diverse as the respective manufacturing processes are complex. With tailor-made solutions even for the most demanding tasks in the chemicals industry, increased productivity and durability, the precision metering pumps that Oerlikon Barmag will be exhibiting at this year’s PU China – taking place in Shanghai (Stand 225) between July 28 and 30, 2021 – are truly impressive.

Pumps for all purposes

Oerlikon Barmag pumps reliably master demanding processes in PUR applications in the chemicals, plastics, paints and lacquers industries. One of the biggest challenges is metering poorly-lubricating media. With the GM and GA ranges and the corresponding components, Oerlikon Barmag supplies the optimum equipment for the relevant applications. The high-speed pump in particular fulfills the expectations of the chemical industry with its sealed product space.

High-speed metering pump with sealed product space

The high-speed metering pump has been especially developed for metering poorly-lubricating media. “The high-speed pump is particularly advantageous in the chemical industry, which conveys aggressive acids”, reports Thorsten Wagener, the salesman responsible for industrial and chemical application pumps at Oerlikon Barmag.

The main advantage of the pump is the sealed product space. The space that comes into contact with the media is therefore limited to the area around the gears. The external, ball-bearing support points in the high-speed pump are externally lubricated, hence ensuring that the product to be metered does not cause damage as a result of poor lubrication. This extends the lifespan of the pump considerably.

Furthermore, the enlarged speed range (30-500 rpm) permits a large application range for which several pumps of varying sizes have had to be used to date. This cuts back on conversion times, while simultaneously reducing spare parts inventories. With its low weight of 1.4 kg, the compact pump (ø65mm) promises both considerable space savings and less wear on the machine.

GM range under the most challenging conditions

The pumps in the GM and GA series provide precision metering with low-pulsation feeding of the conveying medium. The multi-stage GM pump conveys low-viscosity media (i.e., 250 bar, 100 mPas) even under high pressure and in the most challenging conditions. The square design from the proven GM series is the standard pump for many metering tasks. The development of the multi-stage pump expands the applications range for the GM series considerably. The round 2-stage GM pump has been developed especially for use in high-pressure technology. It masters the particular challenge of conveying small throughputs with low viscosities. The pump is perfect for 0.05 through 20 cm³/rev feed sizes and is excellently suited for use in high-pressure machines for PUR molded parts, foam slab stock, refrigeration unit insulations and sandwich panels, for example.

GA series pumps for high-viscosity media

Manufacturing companies are constantly facing the challenge of making their products and processes more efficient. Oerlikon Barmag has supplemented the tried-and-tested GM range with the GA series, developed especially for the challenging conveying of high-viscosity media. The GA series pumps are available for conveying volumes of between 1.25 and 30 cm³/rev (0.6-144 l/h). They have been designed for pressures of up to 200 bar, for viscosities of up to 1,500 Pas as well as for temperatures of up to max. 225 °C. With this range of pumps, Oerlikon Barmag offers its customers tailor-made solutions for many technical processes in which high-precision and even metering is of paramount importance.

The drum pump – conveying and metering using a single unit

With the drum pump, the Oerlikon Barmag pump specialists have created a pump designed specifically for conveying and metering high-viscosity materials such as adhesives, silicones and other high-viscosity materials from drums and other large containers and for pressures of up to 250 bar. Its special features not only include the fact that it removes high-viscosity materials from the drum, but that it also meters the medium directly without any additional interim stops.

Gear pump and drum follower plate are aligned to each other so that the plate can effortlessly reach the bottom of the container, hence leaving a very low residue of <1%. “This has a positive impact on both the material costs and the production process”, sums up Thorsten Wagener. The metering, which to date has been carried out in two steps requiring scoop-piston and metering pumps, can now be merged in into a single unit with the drum pump.

Posted July 1, 2021

Source: Oerlikon Polymer Processing Solutions division

The National Council of Textile Organization’s (NCTO) Announces Winner Of The 2021 Paul T. O’Day Memorial Scholarship

WASHINGTON — June 29, 2021— The National Council of Textile Organization’s (NCTO) Fiber Council announces Rachel Crouse of Reidsville, N.C., as the recipient of the 2021 Paul T. O’Day Scholarship Award. She is the daughter of Sandra and Martin Crouse, who is employed by Unifi Inc.

Crouse graduated in June with high academic honors and achievements from Rockingham County High School. She will attend North Carolina State University in the fall. She plans to pursue a career as an engineer working to reduce the environmental impacts of the textile industry. She expressed: “I am extremely grateful to be the recipient of the NCTO Paul T. O’Day Scholarship as it will help enable me to fully focus on academics through college. With the help of this scholarship, I hope to graduate early and begin making an impact either through research within a graduate studies program or through my career.”

NCTO Fiber Council Chairman David Poston, president of Palmetto Synthetics LLC, commented: “We are pleased to recognize Ms. Crouse’s record of honors and achievements and passion for critical thinking and problem solving as we name her the 2021 recipient of our Paul T. O’Day Memorial Scholarship. On behalf of the Fiber Council, we congratulate Ms. Crouse and wish her continued success in her academic career.”

The scholarship program was created in 2014 in honor of Paul T. O’Day who served as president of the American Fiber Manufacturers Association (AFMA) for more than three decades. The Association merged with the National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO) in 2018, and NCTO’s Fiber Council now administers the scholarship program. Recipients receive a $5,000 award each year, totaling $20,000 for four years of study. Sons or daughters of NCTO’s Fiber Council member company employees are eligible to apply.

NCTO is a Washington, DC-based trade association that represents domestic textile manufacturers, including artificial and synthetic filament and fiber producers.

  • U.S. employment in the textile supply chain was 530,000 in 2020.
  • The value of shipments for U.S. textiles and apparel was $64.4 billion in 2020.
  • U.S. exports of fiber, textiles and apparel were $25.4 billion in 2020.
  • Capital expenditures for textiles and apparel production totaled $2.38 billion in 2019, the last year for which data is available.

Posted June 29, 2021

Source: The National Council of Textile Organization’s (NCTO)

U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol Welcomes Gildan As New Member

MEMPHIS, TENN — June 23, 2021 — The U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol welcomes Gildan Activewear and their portfolio of company-owned brands, including Gildan®, Alstyle®, American Apparel®, and Comfort Colors®, as members. The Company serves as one of the world’s largest manufacturers of everyday basic apparel, and it is also one of the largest domestic consumers of U.S. cotton, which represents the majority of the fiber used in Gildan’s products.

“At Gildan, we have a vision of Making Apparel Better®, and we have long been committed to ensuring that our supply chain is ethical and sustainable from fiber to shirt,” said Glenn Chamandy, president and CEO of Gildan. “Joining the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol is a natural next step in our sustainability and transparency journey as it will increase transparency into our supply chain while also providing us with additional assurance that the cotton we purchase from the U.S. is sustainably grown with low environmental and social risks,” he added.

The U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol is a farm level, science-based program that sets a new standard for more sustainably grown cotton. It brings quantifiable and verifiable goals and measurements to sustainable cotton production as well as drives continuous improvement in six key sustainability metrics: Land use, soil carbon, water management, soil loss, GHG emissions, and energy efficiency. Members will also be provided with full supply chain transparency through the Protocol Credit Management System.

“Gildan has a proven track record of a strong commitment to sustainable practices, and we are pleased to welcome them as new members,” says Dr. Gary Adams, president of the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol. “Their company was founded on the principle of producing sustainable and ethical apparel, to which cotton is a key component. As members of the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol, we will help them further this principle by providing them third-party verified assurances that they are sourcing responsibly produced, quality fiber and reducing environmental and social risk in their field-to-mill supply chain.”

The U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol is aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and recognized by Textile Exchange and Forum for the Future, and it is also part of the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, Cotton 2025 Sustainable Cotton Challenge, Cotton 2040, and Cotton Up initiatives.

Posted June 29, 2021

Source: U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol

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