NCC Congratulates Senator Amy Klobuchar As Senate Ag Ranking Member

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — December 19, 2024 — The National Cotton Council (NCC) congratulates Senator Amy Klobuchar on her appointment as the new Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Committee. Senator Klobuchar’s extensive experience and deep-rooted commitment to agricultural issues make her an exceptional choice for this pivotal role.

The NCC is confident that Senator Klobuchar’s leadership will bring significant benefits to the agricultural sector. Her understanding of the challenges faced by farmers, combined with her ability to work across party lines, will ensure that the needs of the agricultural community are effectively addressed.

Posted: December 19, 2024

Source: The National Cotton Council (NCC)

AAFA: Multi-Industry Letter Urges IP Protection And Raises Counterfeit Concerns As Immediate Trump Administration Priorities

WASHINGTON — December 19, 2024 — A cross-industry group of representatives of U.S. manufacturers and owners of intellectual property (IP) rights today sent a  letter to President-elect Donald Trump  to recognize his commitment to protecting American businesses, consumers, and national security by cracking down on the illicit trafficking of counterfeit goods.

The cross-industry co-signers include

  • the Alliance for Automotive Innovation (AAI),
  • American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA),
  • Anti-Counterfeiting Educational Foundation (ACEF),
  • Automotive Anti-Counterfeiting Council (A2C2),
  • Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM),
  • Communications Cable and Connectivity Association (CCCA),
  • Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA),
  • Footwear Distributors and Retailers of America (FDRA),
  • MEMA – The Vehicle Suppliers Association,
  • Personal Care Products Council,
  • Sentinel Connector Systems,
  • Sports & Fitness Industry Association,
  • The International AntiCounterfeiting Coalition (IACC),
  • The Toy Association, and
  • TIC Council.

The group outlines immediate considerations for the first 100 days of President-elect Trump’s Administration. Trade in counterfeit products is considered a high-risk area that threatens America’s innovation economy, the competitiveness of businesses, and the livelihoods of U.S. workers. In some cases, it also poses risks to national security and the health and safety of consumers.

The letter applauds previous Trump Administration actions, including the 2019 Memorandum on Combating Trafficking in Counterfeit and Pirated Goods which resulted in the interagency report issued by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), developed because “…illicit activity impacts American innovation and erodes the competitiveness of U.S. manufacturers and workers.”

It provides several recommendations on steps the Administration can take to establish a strong foundation for IP protection, including:

  • Nominate and support the confirmation of critical Administration positions key to protecting and enforcing intellectual property (IP) rights:
    • An Intellectual Property Enforcement Coordinator (IPEC) to oversee and coordinate IP enforcement actions and policies across the Administration.
    • An Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), to protect IP and drive innovative digital policies for creators and innovators.
    • The Commissioner for U.S. Customs and Border Protection has already been nominated. CBP has designated the protection of IP rights as a Priority Trade Issue (PTI).
  • Convene an Interagency Working Group to Fight Against Illicit Trade, Protect IP, and Eradicate Counterfeits to combat the trafficking of counterfeits and other infringing products within the first 100 days to connect (at least quarterly) with stakeholders.
  • Resume steps to implement recommended actions outlined in the 2020 DHS report on Combating Trafficking in Counterfeit and Pirated Goods.
  • Evaluate actions for holistic counterfeit prevention with Executive Orders, Regulation, and/or needed Policy Changes.
  • Support passage of the SHOP SAFE Act as introduced [H.R.8684 / S. 2934] in the 118th Congress to incentivize e-commerce platforms to improve their systems to detect and prevent the sale of counterfeit products.

Posted: December 19, 2024

Source: The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA)

Milliken & Company Becomes First Textile Manufacturer To Offer Non-PFAS Materials For Every Layer Of Firefighter Turnout Gear

SPARTANBURG, S.C. — December 19, 2024 — Global diversified manufacturing leader Milliken & Company reported that it is the first textile manufacturer to offer non-PFAS materials for all three layers of firefighter turnout gear, including outer shell, thermal liner and moisture barrier. Access to all three layers from a single U.S.-based supplier allows garment manufacturers to test the fabrics as a system while ensuring a complete chain of custody for the material — which can minimize delays and get gear into the hands of firefighters faster.

“Milliken is proud to be the only U.S. manufacturer offering non-PFAS fabric for every layer of turnout gear, but more importantly, we’re proud that these fabrics exceed performance standards,” said Marcio Manique, senior vice president of Protective Fabrics for Milliken. “Our team is passionate about helping to protect first responders, and our certification results prove that firefighters don’t have to compromise on health, protection, or comfort when choosing the right turnout gear.”

The three layers in the non-PFAS composites include:

  • Milliken Horizon™: a non-PFAS, lightweight outer shell that provides industry-leading retention of strength and appearance year after year.
  • Milliken Assure™: a non-PFAS, non-halogenated, flame-resistant moisture barrier that exceeds NFPA 1971-2018 requirements.
  • Milliken Equinox™: a non-PFAS, slick thermal liner that offers superior wicking and moisture management, resulting in quick dry times and high levels of comfort and protection.

Third-Party Testing Results

The recently published NFPA 1970-2025 standard was issued with reduced performance criteria in anticipation of non-PFAS products having poorer performance; however, the Milliken composites were able to meet and exceed the more stringent NFPA 1971-2018 standard during the third-party testing process in November. Every individual layer that make up both composites are UL certified.

Detailed results from the third-party testing include:

  • Composite 1: Horizon/Assure/Equinox 3-Layer
    • Total Heat Loss (THL): 275
    • Thermal Protective Performance (TPP): 40.9
  • Composite 2: Horizon/Assure/Equinox 2-Layer
    • Total Heat Loss (THL): 293
    • Thermal Protective Performance (TPP): 38.2

NFPA requirements = THL: 205 (minimum) and TPP: 35 (minimum)

Massachusetts and Connecticut have already passed bans on the use of PFAS in firefighters’ protective equipment beginning as early as 2027. Milliken’s composites are the only high-performing, non-PFAS, non-halogenated FR options readily available on the market today. The company eliminated the use of PFAS chemistry from its fire service fabrics in 2021, and across its entire textile fibers and finishes portfolio in 2023.

These fabrics are available for use in wear trials now. For more information, visit https://contact.milliken.com/assure.

Posted: December 19, 2024

Source: Milliken & Company

SAATI Germany: Optimizing Production With Mahlo Technology

SAAL/DONAU, Germany — December 18, 2024 — SAATI Germany, a manufacturer of highly developed technical fabrics, has further optimized its production processes by using innovative measurement and control technology from Mahlo. The company installed its first Mahlo systems back in 2020 and took the next step this year.

The globally active SAATI Group produces filter fabric for blood transfusion devices, aramid fabric for bulletproof vests and functional fabric for mobile phones and tablets, among other things. SAATI is known for its high precision and quality, which is maintained at all stages of production. The high quality standards are particularly important as many of the materials produced have to fullfil vital functions, such as in medical technology or the security industry.

The installation of a Mahlo distortion control system Orthopac FMC-15 and a Famacont PMC-15 yarn density meter in the outfeed of a tenter frame was a further step in this optimization process.

As Saati produces highly technical fabrics, the exact thread count (up to over 300 F/cm) is an essential quality feature. The PMC-15, a camera-based measuring system, can continuously record and log this parameter. At the same time, the FMC-15 records residual distortion and contributes to the elimination of so-called back sheet distortion in the fabric by automatically controlling the take-off roller of the tenter frame. This ensures the consistently high quality of the end products and reduces potential sources of error.

The investment in these systems proved so successful that SAATI initiated the next stage of process optimization in 2024. „With the installation of an Orthopac GRVMC-15 straightening machine before the infeed of the tenter frame, we have further perfected the control of fabric quality,“ says Operations Manager Thomas Brockmeier. The heavyweight among the Mahlo straightening systems with a working width of 2,800 mm enables SAATI to correct skew and bow distortions in the raw fabric even before the tenter frame. This is because a weft yarn that is only slightly skewed or curved can render the fabric unusable or visually unfit for use.

By combining the GRVMC-15 with the FMC-15 already installed in the outfeed, SAATI now has a fully automatic system that offers maximum monitoring and control options. The co-operation of these two technologies enables the company to deliver precisely shot-straight items. “I am delighted that we were able to complete the project so successfully,” Brockmeier said. “For us, this means an enrichment in terms of quality and production reliability.“

The successful integration of Mahlo technologies not only strengthens the production capacities of SAATI Germany, but also emphasizes the company‘s high standards for the quality and precision of its products. SAATI is thus setting a further example of innovation and efficiency in the textile industry and securing a decisive competitive advantage in the global market.

Posted: December 18, 2024

Source: Mahlo Automation GmbH

The National Cotton Council (NCC) Applauds Inclusion Of Producer Economic Assistance

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — December 18, 2024 — The National Cotton Council (NCC) applauds Congressional leadership for including emergency economic assistance for cotton producers. The much-needed economic and disaster relief will help mitigate the financial stress caused by a combination of increased production costs, weakening market prices, and production losses caused by natural disasters.

Joe Nicosia, NCC chairman, stated, “We extend our gratitude to the House and Senate leadership for providing critical support to U.S. cotton producers. We urge all members of Congress to support the end-of-year spending package so that farmers can receive the additional support they desperately need.

“Current economic projections demand an improved safety net to give production agriculture greater long-term stability. We urge the next Congress to move quickly in early 2025 to pass a new farm bill that will contain improved safety nets, including higher reference prices, that will be applicable to next year’s crop.”

Posted: December 18, 2024

Source: The National Cotton Council (NCC)

American Apparel And Footwear Association (AAFA) Praises Inclusion Of Haiti Hope/Help In Continuing Resolution

WASHINGTON — December 18, 2024 — The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AFFA) recently responded to introduction of a stopgap measure, or Continuing Resolution, to keep the U.S. Government funded for the next three months.

“We urge Congress to pass this measure, not only because it keeps the government funded past Friday’s deadline but also because it includes a crucial 5-year renewal of the Haiti HOPE/HELP program, which allows duty-free access for certain apparel and textile products from Haiti to the U.S. market. This renewal is urgently needed to help combat the crisis that continues to unfold in our island neighbor by anchoring much needed textile and apparel jobs, which in turn support U.S. jobs, in the region at a crucial time. At the same time, we are deeply disappointed that this measure doesn’t include the much-needed long-term renewal of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) and the long overdue retroactive renewal Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), which has now been expired for nearly four years. Congress must prioritize passage of these vital programs to support a return to a predictable and investment-based trade policy,” said AAFA president and CEO Steve Lamar.

“We have an incredible opportunity right now to take advantage of the sourcing diversification that is going on in the industry to encourage some of that trade and investment to Haiti. Yesterday’s decision was made ahead of the September 2025 expiration and provides more certainty so that companies can make sourcing decisions and investments accordingly,” said AAFA’s Beth Hughes, vice president of Trade and Customs Policy.

AAFA has been a longtime supporter of the Haitian Hemispheric Opportunity through Partnership Encouragement (HOPE) and the Haiti Economic Lift Program (HELP) Acts. Find more about this program in letters sent to Congressional leadership in September and April of this year. A multi-association letter sent in November outlines key priorities across trade preference programs including AGOA and GSP. AAFA continues to advocate for a 16-year AGOA renewal and retroactive renewal of GSP.

Posted: December 18, 2024

Source: The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA)

RUDOLF Appoints Marcos Furrer CEO, Dr. Gunther Duschek Chief Technology And Operations Officer And Dr. Oliver Kusterle Chief Sustainability Officer; Dr. Wolfgang A. Schumann Becomes Chairman Of The Board Of Directors

GERETSRIED, Germany — December 16, 2024 — RUDOLF, a global medium-sized specialty chemical company, is adopting a new management structure at the beginning of 2025 to accelerate the implementation of its strategic goals.

The aim remains to further strengthen RUDOLF‘s international market position and to sustainably, expand the company‘s innovative strength in an increasingly dynamic competitive environment.

Global strategy – local execution

The reorganization also underlines RUDOLF‘s commitment to remain a leading player in the specialty chemical industry and to make a sustainable contribution to the future of the textile, construction, paper and coating additives industries.

Change in the management structure

At the beginning of 2025, Wolfgang Schumann and Dr. Wolfgang A. Schumann will take over the chairmanship of the newly established Board of Directors as its co-chairs. In his new role, Dr. Schumann will focus specifically on developing strategically important business in Asia in order to further expand the company‘s market position there.

“It is with great pleasure and confidence that I hand over the role of CEO to Marcos Furrer,” said Dr. Schumann. “I am equally pleased that Dr. Gunther Duschek as CTOO and Dr. Oliver Kusterle as CSO, in their existing global responsibilities, will round off the operational management team in terms of continuity and commitment. This new management structure is a decisive step for the future of our company. It will apply from the beginning of 2025.

“In my new role as chairman of the Board of Directors, I will focus specifically on the development of the strategically important business in Asia and continue to be the point of contact for our joint ventures. I am convinced that this realignment will enable us to further expand and strengthen our market position.

“I would like to thank all employees for their commitment and support over the past years and look forward to continuing to advance the vision of RUDOLF together with the new management team and to serve our customers worldwide even better.”

Marcos Furrer has been appointed as the new CEO of the RUDOLF Group and will also take on the role of chief marketing officer (CMO). His many years of experience in the speciality chemical industry and his strategic insight make him the ideal person to drive RUDOLF‘s global vision forward.

“I am very pleased to take on the role of CEO of the Rudolf Group,” Furrer said. “You can literally feel the Group‘s more than 100 years of activity in the textile chemical business. The excellent team and the special customer proximity are the cornerstones of our success, which I would like to build on in order to further develop the successful strategic path. I am convinced that with this new approach we will not only strengthen our international market position but also make our contribution to a sustainable future. Together with our dedicated team, I look forward to advancing the vision of RUDOLF and serving our customers worldwide even better.”

Posted: December 18, 2024

Source: RUDOLF

Project STOP And Accenture Team To Tackle Mismanaged Waste With Innovative Digital App

BANYUWANGI, East Java, Indonesia — December 18, 2024 — Project STOP is delighted to announce a strategic collaboration with Accenture to scale up the ongoing Project STOP Banyuwangi Hijau program in East Java, Indonesia. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in the effort to develop and implement effective household waste management and recycling systems in Indonesia.

With the introduction of the Project STOP Banyuwangi Hijau App, the project makes an important contribution to transforming waste management in Indonesia by digitizing processes, enhancing accountability and streamlining operations. The app has already reached nearly 30,000 households, with plans to expand to 377,000, and aims to improve customer registration, fee collection and route optimization in low-connectivity rural areas.

The initiative is part of Project STOP’s broader mission to create comprehensive, economically sustainable waste management systems in Southeast Asia at scale. Project STOP was co-founded by Borealis and Systemiq in 2017, and since then has connected more than 450,000 people to a waste management system. Through collaborative efforts with national and local governments in Indonesia, local communities, private sector companies and academia partners, Project STOP aims to reduce plastic leakage into the environment, enhance public health and create green jobs. The app will support Project STOP with rolling out effective household waste management systems to hundreds of thousands of people without access to a formal managed waste system today, stopping the influx of waste into the environment and oceans at source.

Accenture is supporting this effort primarily through Accenture Song, Accenture’s tech-powered creative group. Leveraging a team of digital innovators and technology experts, Accenture Song co-developed the app, applying human-centered design principles to address key challenges in waste management. This collaboration reflects Accenture’s ongoing commitment to combining creativity, technology, and sustainability to tackle complex social and environmental challenges. Through this innovative work, both organizations aim to create a blueprint for future waste management programs across Indonesia and beyond.

“At Accenture, we believe technology can be a powerful catalyst for solving the world’s most pressing challenges,” said Ronny Laudien, Experience Architect at Accenture Song. “By working closely with Project STOP and applying our expertise in digital innovation, we’re creating scalable, sustainable solutions that address both environmental concerns and improve the quality of life for communities. This project is a testament to the impact that can be achieved when technology, creativity, and purpose come together.”

Optimizing waste management with digital solutions

The Project STOP Banyuwangi Hijau App provides practical solutions for rural areas where waste management systems are now being developed. Its key features include:

  • Real-time registration: Residents can easily sign up for waste collection services digitally.
  • Fee collection system: Digital payments make it easy for users to pay for services, improving efficiency and transparency.
  • Route optimization: Waste collectors can plan the most efficient routes, reducing time and operational costs.
  • Designed for low-connectivity areas: The app is tailored for use in regions of Indonesia with limited internet access, ensuring inclusivity.
  • Fit-for-purpose devices: Built for smaller screen sizes and cost-effective devices, making it accessible to waste management workers and communities in rural areas.
  • Map views: Helps identify households not yet participating in the program, allowing targeted outreach and better service coverage.

Beyond improving waste collection with the new App, Accenture and Project STOP will explore new ways to enhance transparency in the recycling process. Through materials tracking and tracing technology, plastics collected in ocean-bound areas will be monitored through the recycling chain, thus minimizing social and environmental risks and promoting greater accountability and efficiency.

“We are grateful to have Accenture as a partner in Project STOP Banyuwangi Hijau,” said Markus Horcher, director, Sustainability & Public Affairs at Borealis. “This collaboration is a great example of how working together across sectors fosters the development of innovative solutions that create sustainable and long-lasting impact.”

Steven Sujoto, program director, Project STOP Banyuwangi Hijau at Systemiq, said: “As co-founders of Project STOP, we believe that addressing the root causes of plastic pollution requires bold partnerships and innovative solutions. Our collaboration with Accenture in Project STOP Banyuwangi Hijau is a powerful example of how technology and systems thinking can drive transformational change. With this app and Project STOP’s system enabler approach, we are creating a replicable model for sustainable waste management that not only protects the environment but also benefits communities across Indonesia.”

Since its introduction, the Project STOP Banyuwangi Hijau App has received external recognition, receiving prestigious awards from the Art Directors Club (ADC), earning one bronze and two other awards, recognizing it as an exemplary Native Android App promoting sustainable waste disposal in Indonesia. The ADC awards brings together approximately 800 leading figures in creative communication annually, honoring outstanding achievements in communication and design.

Posted: December 18, 2024

Source: Borealis

Toray Reaffirms Its Support Of The Composite Core Conductor Market As DOE Awards GRIP Projects

TACOMA, Wash. — December 17, 2024 — Toray Composite Materials America Inc., a manufacturer and supplier of carbon fiber and prepreg materials, congratulates the project awardees of Round II of the Department of Energy (DOE) Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships (GRIP) program. The GRIP program aims to ensure all American communities have consistent access to affordable, reliable, and clean electricity.

On October 18, the DOE awarded $2 billion to 38 projects in the second round of the GRIP awards. The projects, spanning 42 states and the District of Columbia, will safeguard the U.S. power grid from extreme weather, reduce community costs, and increase grid capacity to accommodate load growth from electrification, manufacturing, and data centers.

In light of the recent government initiative, Toray Composite Materials America reaffirms its commitment to providing high-quality standard modulus carbon fiber to support the expanded transmission capacity of the U.S. power grid and adding grid-enhancing technologies.

Source: CTC Global, ACCC® Conductor

Toray, with its TORAYCA™ carbon fiber, has a long history of providing quality material for composite core conductor manufacturers such as CTC Global, the manufacturer of the most stringently tested and widely deployed composite core conductor in the world. The company uses high-strength carbon fiber in its ACCC® Conductor, which doubles the conductor’s current capacity and reduces line loss by up to 30 percent compared to conventional steel cable core conductors. Anne McDowell, vice president of commercial operations at CTC Global, stated: “We’re helping utilities across the country deliver the greatest amount of electricity at the lowest capital cost, and are proud of the progress we have made in improving U.S. grid capacity and reliability.”

“As the world’s leading manufacturer of carbon fiber, we are well-positioned to support CTC Global and other conductor manufacturers looking to provide enhanced conductor solutions to the power grid,” said Tim Kirk, vice president of marketing and strategy of Toray.

Posted: December 17, 2024

Source: Toray Composite Materials America, Inc.

Piana Technology Achieve’s Net-Zero Energy Consumption At Nonwovens Facility, Fulfilling Brand Promise

CARTERSVILLE, Ga. — December 17, 2024 — Piana Technology, the 442-year-old Italian-made textile company renowned for its innovations in the fiber and nonwovens markets, proudly announces it has offset its energy consumption at its Nonwovens facility in Cartersville, Ga., by 100 percent. Piana Technology’s expanded solar panel system has made it possible for its Nonwovens facility to operate at net zero energy.

“This is an exciting milestone for our ongoing sustainability goals, and it will set a new high bar for all of our manufacturing facilities,” said Andrea Piana, CEO of Piana Technology. “At Piana, we always consider the environment and our impact in everything we do. We know we’re creating a blueprint for other companies and manufacturers to follow. This is the future. You can do it better and do it greener.”

The expanded photovoltaic (PV) system became operational this month. With two additional upgrades, Piana Technology’s grid electricity consumption is now offset by 100 percent. Any solar overproduction is fed back into the city’s grid, contributing to the local energy supply. The two expanded systems add an extra 1,244,564 kWh per year to the facility’s production capability. This will enable the company to avoid an additional 920 tons of CO2 emissions per year, equivalent to the carbon sequestration of 250 acres of trees.

Piana Technology collaborated with Southern View Energy, a local solar electrical design and installation company, to bring this project to fruition. Their careful design and construction of this project was a massive boon towards the company’s sustainability initiatives.

Posted: December 17, 2024

Source: Piana Technology

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