FLOR Celebrates 10 Years Of Blending Sustainability And Beautiful Design With Aquafil’s ECONYL® Regenerated Nylon

ATLANTA — June 2, 2021 — FLOR® — a high-end area rug brand for homes, offices, and every space in between — today commemorates 10 years of area rugs featuring Aquafil’s ECONYL® regenerated nylon that blend beautiful design, smart functionality, and environmental responsibility into all the spaces people live. The premium design brand began using Econyl nylon in 2011 and was the first flooring company to begin using recycled nylon in its products. Today, Econyl regenerated nylon, a sought-after responsible solution for well-known fashion and interiors brands, is featured in most FLOR area rugs, rather than brand-new nylon that uses new resources.

Econyl is made from 100-percent waste — fishing nets, textile scraps, old carpet, etc. — that would otherwise pollute the Earth. The regenerated nylon performs the same as virgin nylon and can be recycled, recreated, and remolded infinitely. Not only a waste solution, Econyl reduces the global impact of nylon by up to 90 percent compared with the material produced from oil.

“Aquafil and FLOR began working together ten years ago, all thanks to a shared interest in creating responsibly sourced products,” said Giulio Bonazzi, chairman and CEO at Aquafil. “Our efforts to create a circular supply chain led to the development of Econyl in 2011 and, even in those early days, FLOR fully embraced our vision and became one of the first companies to embrace sustainable design before it was commonplace. That same year, they began to convert their existing products to our yarn system, creating beautiful area rugs that integrate environmental responsibility into all the spaces people live. This is aligned with the brand’s efforts to continually reduce the carbon footprint of its products, which we’ve supported over the last decade.”

FLOR’s use of regenerated nylon in its carpet tile is a key part of its efforts to lower the carbon footprint of its products. Recently, the company introduced its new backing, CQuestTMGB, which is made of post-consumer recycled content from carpet tiles, bio-based additives, and pre-consumer recycled materials, which are net carbon negative. With its combined new backing and yarn made from regenerated nylon, FLOR offers area rugs that look beautiful while being good for the planet.

“As a longstanding Aquafil collaborator, we at FLOR are honored to celebrate ten years of including Econyl regenerated nylon in our beautiful, smart, and responsible area rugs,” said James Pope, general manager of FLOR. “Our sustainability journey is woven into who we are — like the yarn in our rugs — and with thoughtfully sourced materials and a commitment to lower our carbon footprint, our products are designed with our customers and the Earth in mind.”

Posted June 2, 2021

Source: FLOR

Nextel 312 Ceramic Fibers And Textiles From 3M No Longer Subject To Export License Requirements

ST. PAUL, Minn. — June 2, 2021 — 3M — a producer of technical high-temperature, continuous aluminum oxide fibers — has announced that 3M Nextel 312 ceramic fibers and textiles have been released from export license requirements under the U.S. Commerce Control List (CCL), export control classification number (ECCN) 1C010.c.

A final rule published March 29, 2021, by the U.S. Department of Commerce removes export license requirements for Nextel 312 products, including Nextel 312 fibers, rovings, yarns, sewing threads, tapes, sleevings and fabrics.

Nextel 312 products can perform at higher operating temperatures compared to other high-temperature textile materials such as aramids, quartz or glass. Tested to withstand continuous use temperatures of up to 2192°F (1200°C), the Nextel 312 products are now available globally, reducing previous barriers that slowed down global customer adoption.

3M has also added capacity for all Nextel fiber grades over the past couple of years to better respond to the needs of existing customers and serve new customers in various industries and applications around the globe.

Posted June 2, 2021

Source: 3M

Expanded Product Categories At Techtextil North America

ATLANTA — June 2, 2021 — Techtextil North America returns to Raleigh, N.C., August 23-25, 2021, bringing with it the latest innovations and supply chain solutions for the technical textiles and nonwovens industries. Visitors will have the chance to source manufacturing technology, machinery, and textile products ranging from high-tech fibers, functional apparel fabrics and smart textiles to composites and nonwovens.

In addition, this year’s event will see expanded product categories through the incorporation of two new pavilions.

Textile Care Pavilion

The new Textile Care Pavilion, powered by the Clean Show, will showcase the latest products & technologies for the textile care sector — from treatment to finishing to after-market care. The Textile Care Pavilion will include innovative products and services in the following categories:

  • Washing/drying equipment;
  • Water technology/utilities/energy saving;
  • Green product technology;
  • Agents and systems for the cleaning, finishing and disinfection of textiles; and
  • Logistics and material flow.

Texprocess Americas Pavilion

Supported by SPESA, the Texprocess Americas Pavilion will feature manufacturers and distributors of machinery, equipment, parts, supplies, systems, technology, supply chain solutions, and other products and services used for the development of sewn products. Product categories include, but are not limited to:

  • Stitching, joining and fastening materials and technology;
  • Fabrics/materials;
  • Textile finishing; and
  • Product processing and finishing.

Exhibit space in both pavilions is available, but limited. Interested companies can learn more and apply for a booth via the Techtextil North America website (https://techtextil-north-america.us.messefrankfurt.com/us/en/exhibitors.html).

Attendee Information

Advanced pricing ends June 18, 2021, and standard pricing will run from June 19 through the last day of the show. Full pricing details can be found on the show’s website. Additional discounts are available for students and military.

Registration can be accessed here.

For more information on the upcoming edition of Techtextil North America, August 23-25, 2021 in Raleigh, please visit: www.techtextilna.com.

Posted June 2, 2021

Source: Messe Frankfurt North America

Industry Veteran Sammy Dobbs Joins GlenGuard FR Team

GLEN RAVEN, N.C. — June 2, 2021 — Sammy Dobbs has joined Glen Raven Technical Fabrics (GRTF) as director of New Business Development for the company’s GlenGuard® brand of flame-resistant and arc-resistant fabrics, which are used to make protective apparel.

Dobbs joins GRTF with more than 28 years of sales and marketing experience in the flame-resistant clothing industry, most recently with VF Corp. where he was the business development manager for the company’s Bulwark® brand. Prior to VF, Dobbs worked for Workrite Uniform Co., G&K Services and Aramark Uniform Service.

“Sammy’s unique understanding of the market and his sales and marketing experience will be invaluable as we take the GlenGuard brand to the next level,” said Patti Bates, general manager – Protective.

Dobbs will target key end user accounts for GRTF’s GlenGuard brand, primarily in the Oil & Gas and Utility segments. His responsibilities will include technical training, product education, marketing to end users, as well as cultivating new and existing distribution partnerships.

Dobb’s will be based in Houston, Texas. He joins current GRTF GlenGuard team members, Jeff Michel, vice president, Protective Fabrics; and Rich Lippert, vice president, Technical Sales.

GlenGuard is an inherent, solution-dyed, flame-resistant fabric for workwear and is available in several weights and colors. GlenGuard fabrics are engineered using the highest quality advanced materials, expertly designed for a dynamic modern workforce, and assembled using advanced manufacturing technologies to deliver the world’s most innovative AR/FR fabric.

Posted June 2, 2021

Source: Glen Raven Technical Fabrics (GRTF)

ITMA ASIA + CITME 2020 Exhibitor Preview: Loepfe Brothers Ltd.

WETZIKON, Switzerland — June 2, 2021 — Loepfe showcases the market-leading YarnMaster® PRISMA along with its well-established counterpart YarnMaster ZENIT+. With this dual offering, Loepfe uniquely leads both on technology and performance as well as on the proven reliability and price dimensions.

YarnMaster PRISMA dazzles with its innovative use of four distinct sensor technologies — a unique blend that for the first time combines infrared optical, RGB optical, capacitive and triboelectric sensors and collaborating in perfect harmony, along with connectivity for the digital age. These elements not only allow the detection of previously invisible yarn faults and irregularities, but also the collection and analysis of data for effective online quality management through Loepfe’s MillMaster® TOP management cockpit.

Loepfe’s Head of Product & Solutions, Guido Wieland commented: “YarnMaster ZENIT+ is highly regarded as our workhorse and has been well-established over the years. And while our competitors are still using sensor technology that has been developed more than a decade ago, with YarnMaster PRISMA we have clearly set the global benchmark for yarn clearing sensor technologies. Drawing on today’s smart technology, we have taken performance in its various applications to a whole new level. The whole team is excited to see the enthusiasm generated by the YarnMaster PRISMA — and our motivation to deliver even more intelligent solutions is at an all-time high. Watch this space!”

Due to the prevailing Covid-19 travel restrictions, Loepfe will be represented at ITMA Asia 2021 by its partners C.N.T. – CIMACO Ltd. and Point Hope (Textile Machinery) Ltd., while Loepfe representatives will be available for ad-hoc conference calls at any time.

Posted June 2, 2021

Source: Loepfe Brothers Ltd.

Bemis Associates To Offer Industry’s Most Highly Advanced Reflective Solutions, 3M™ Scotchlite™ Reflective Material

SHIRLEY, Mass. — June 2, 2021 — Bemis Associates — bonding innovation and design partner to the world’s leading technical, performance, luxury, and lifestyle brands — has just announced a partnership with one of the most recognized brands in applied science.

This partnership designates Bemis as an authorized distributor and converter of 3M™ Scotchlite™ Reflective Material. As a result, customers can continue to work directly with Bemis to incorporate 3M Scotchlite Reflective Material into their finished garments and accessories. This also means customers have the opportunity to feature 3M Scotchlite Reflective Material branding on their products’ final hangtags.

3M is a pioneer in developing the science behind retroreflection and has been advancing the technology in new and groundbreaking ways for more than 80 years. They have held a longstanding and leading role in reflective solutions. Both companies have demonstrated a proven track record in developing reflective materials that offer brightness, durability, and high quality. “This partnership made perfect sense to us,” said Mike Johansen, president, Bemis Associates. “Combining our engineering and design expertise in the adhesive arena with 3M’s worldwide technical, marketing, and lab support in reflective materials allows us to offer customers a solution that is unparalleled,” he said.

Behind the Science

3M’s retroreflectivity helps the eye perceive objects in low-light conditions when illuminated by a light source. In more scientific terms, retroreflection occurs when light rays are returned in the direction from which they came. Retroreflective materials appear brightest to an observer located near the original light source. Since very little light is scattered when the light is returned, retroreflective materials enhance the contrast of the wearer for an observer located near the original light source.

“The collaboration between 3M and Bemis makes the most of the natural synergy between our companies, providing comprehensive solutions to a broader base of activewear customers,” said Malou Marasigan, global business director and APAC Area Leader, Scotchlite Reflective Materials. “3M Scotchlite reflective materials and Bemis’ adhesive portfolio present a differentiated offering, enabling innovation and creativity in designs while helping keep consumers visible under low-light conditions.”

Posted June 2, 2021

Source: Bemis Associates  

Morocco’s Textile And Apparel Industry Association AMITH Joins ITMF

ZURICH — June 2, 2021 — In May 2021, the Moroccan textile and apparel industry association AMITH joined ITMF as a new member association. AMITH represents the entire textile and apparel value chain of Morocco. The industry comprises around 1,200 companies that employ around 195,000 people. In 2019, the Moroccan textile and apparel industry exported goods with a value of around 3.5 billion euros ($4.27 billion).

The International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF) founded in 1904 is the international forum of the global textile value chain. Its members are from textile and apparel production countries that represent around 90 percent of global production.

“With AMITH joining ITMF a win-win-situation is created. An important player and voice of North Africa’s textile and apparel industry will make use of the international network and platform that in return will be benefit from AMITH’s perspective and input”, stated Dr. Christian Schindler, director general of ITMF.

Fatima-Zohra Alaoui, general manager of AMITH, commented: “Joining ITMF provides us and our members with a unique access to a platform of the global textile value chain. The world is getting more and more integrated. Therefore, cooperation along the textile value chain and understanding its complexity is paramount”.

Posted June 2, 2021

Source: The International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF)  

Zhejiang Huajiang Science And Technology Co. Orders Complete Web-Forming And Needling Line From DiloGroup

EBERBACH, Germany — June 2, 2021 — Due to recovery progress in the automotive sector, investments in nonwoven production lines for the manufacture of glass fiber-reinforced thermobonded structural parts for automotive interiors are being considered. DiloGroup has received a repeat order from Zhejiang Huajiang Science and Technology Co. Ltd. for a complete web-forming and needling line to process blends of glass and polypropylene fiber through a state-of-the-art fiber preparation system, web-forming, carding and crosslapping and needling units. The fiber preparation system from DiloTemafa is adapted to the special requirements for processing glass fiber in the most efficient way and to provide homogeneous blends with polypropylene (PP).

The component-dependent “Baltromix” blending system using highly precise weighing pans provides accurately dosed fiber material on the collecting apron, which is further opened and blended in a carding willow. This carding willow is used in most of DiloGroup complete line installations as a successful tool for further opening and blending tasks, in many cases together with a smaller chamber for final blending.

In many installations DiloTemafa also provides the recycling of quality fiber derived from the whole process which is sucked off at many stations in the fiber preparation and web-forming system in order to save fiber material. Installations for fiber transport and for fiber recycling within a line together with re-opened edge trim material from a needling station and for dedusting the machines by a drum filter or bag filter station can be specifically engineered and designed by DiloGroup air system engineering department.

The efficiency of a whole line processing mineral fiber largely depends on the efficiency in dedusting all machine components from bale opening through needling. Solutions for this demanding task are part of the expertise of DiloSystems as general contractor. At the card, the so-called “fancy roller” is part of the system to provide the means to build the web on this double-doffer system without leaving too much fiber within the card clothing wire. Dilo works closely together with a range of customers and card wire suppliers to provide an optimum wire system for processing the demanding range of mineral fibers successfully.

In the needleloom this expertise to prolong the intervals for cleaning stops is vital to efficiency. Therefore, blowing nozzles to clean the perforated plates, stripper and bed plates, are installed within the needleloom. The dust exhaust is separated at a filter station. The majority of Dilo lines today include an elaborate air system and the necessary components for fiber transport, dust transport and the transport of recycled fibers which are introduced at the beginning of the line.

Posted June 2, 2021

Source: DiloGroup

Lectra Completes The Acquisition Of Gerber Technology

PARIS — June 1, 2021 — Lectra finalizes today the acquisition of all outstanding shares of Gerber Technology, on a cash-free debt-free basis, for 175 million euros ($213 million) — financed through a 140 million euro loan and the Group’s available cash — plus 5 million newly issued Lectra shares to AIPCF VI LG, Gerber Technology’s sole shareholder.

This strategic combination, of which all stages have now been successfully completed, has led to the creation of a leading global Industry 4.0 player for the fashion, automotive and furniture markets.

“The union of our respective innovative expertise, our state-of-the-art offers and our talented resources will enable us to bring long-term value to our customers. We will now be in an even better position to support our customers throughout the world in accelerating the digital transformation of their operations,” said Daniel Harari, Chairman and CEO of Lectra.

This acquisition, which was announced on February 8, was approved by Lectra’s Board of Directors on March 25 and by Lectra’s shareholders today.

Posted June 2, 2021

Source: Lectra

Heimtextil Launches Digital Materials Library

FRANKFURT, Germany — June 1, 2021 — Progressive material innovations presented digitally: following the cancellation of this year’s fair due to the corona pandemic, Heimtextil is extending its range of digital services and launching a new online materials library entitled “Future Materials Library.” 24 future-oriented materials for interior applications can now be found at www.heimtextil.messefrankfurt.com/future.

Heimtextil is now showing a selection of innovative materials from all over the world in the digital Future Materials Library. At the last physical Heimtextil in 2020, visitors had the opportunity to explore the Future Materials Library with all their senses. Now, in the online version of the library, visitors can discover the potential of previously unknown textiles at any time. The Future Materials Library invites visitors to open their minds to experimental approaches and revolutionary ideas.

The curators of the new materials library are London-based futures-research agency, FranklinTill. “We are transitioning to a materials revolution that will help restore the balance in our relationship to our planet. As part of the Heimtextil Trends 21/22, we present a new selection of materials for interior applications with exciting innovations from all over the world,” said Caroline Till of FranklinTill.

A mix of commercially viable products and developments in an early stage

Imaginative designers and environmentally-aware manufacturers: the Future Materials Library 2021 offers materials pioneers a platform and presents a first-class mix of economically proven and revolutionary developments. FranklinTill has organized the materials in four themes: Regenerative Crops, Remade Fibres, Harvesting Waste Streams and Sustainable Colour.

An example of a supplier of regenerative crops is the British company Tengri, which obtains rare yak fibers directly from a cooperative of nomadic yak shepherds in the Khangai region of Mongolia. In this way, Tengri enriches the pool of sustainable natural materials that, in addition to yak fibers, includes hemp, nettle and flax.

When it comes to remade fibers, the Finnish pioneers from Ioncell supply a pioneering material: they use an ionic liquid to turn used textiles, pulp, old newspapers and cardboard into strong textile fibers, which are then used to make long-lasting, high-quality fabrics.

The French-Dutch company Tarkett also exploits waste products and gives fitted and used floor coverings a second life. With the aid of ground-breaking technologies, the two main components of carpet tiles — yarn and backing — are separated and a yarn purity of 95 percent guaranteed.

Against the background of 28 million metric tons of food being thrown away every year in Japan, the country’s Food Textile company is dedicated to the reduction of food waste, which it uses to make sustainable dyes. In a patented process, blueberries, red cabbage, coffee and matcha are turned into natural, brilliant textile dyes.

With their different approaches, these textile pioneers provide an exciting contribution to the transformation of the current linear system of production and consumption into a circular model. This is in line with the objectives of the ‘Future Materials Library’, which aims to convince both producers and consumers of the benefits of the circular-flow economic principle.

Resources are running low

Thus, the new Heimtextil materials library tackles one of the main problems of the modern age: the shortage of resources on earth. In particular, textile production creates huge and continuously growing quantities of waste. And, over past decades, the design business has developed a “take, make and discard” model of consumption that is incredibly harmful for our planet. In the climate-emergency era, however, future-oriented designers are learning from nature and working together with it. They endeavour to make use of the power of highly efficient natural circular systems to create textiles and materials that are better for both humans and the planet.

Heimtextil Trends: a guide for the international sector

The Future Materials Library is part of the Heimtextil Trends that, for almost three decades, have been offering orientation for the sector by revealing design tendencies for the coming season. Even in the crisis, the Heimtextil Trends remain a vital part of the overall concept of the fair and provide important content for all target groups involved within the worldwide sector. Accordingly, Heimtextil aims to spotlight style-defining design developments taking place within the larger context of lifestyle trends. At the same time, the Heimtextil trend experts scan the exhibitors’ product world and identify unequivocal trends in the sector. In this connection, particular attention is paid to sustainable aspects along the entire value chain — in both the new digital library and live during the fair next January.

To the Future Materials Library: www.heimtextil.messefrankfurt.com/future

Posted June 2, 2021

Source: Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH

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