Modern Meadow: Pioneer In Biofabrication Designs The ZOA™ Collection

NUTLEY, N.J. — March 2, 2021 — Created for both the eco-minded and design conscious, ZOA™ is a collection of biofabricated materials that give brands an opportunity to reinvent or launch their products with function and sustainability. Designed by Modern Meadow, a pioneer in biofabrication technologies, ZOA is animal-free and made to have a positive impact on climate change.

“Biofabrication has the potential to change the way we produce products in many industries moving forward,” said Modern Meadow Co-founder and CEO Andras Forgacs. “To be able to create animal-free goods with this quality and durability can completely eliminate our needs for animal-derived products”

ZOA integrates a range of unique technologies to deliver enhanced sustainability and material performance. In the creation of ZOA, proteins-nature’s building blocks-are derived from plants and are engineered based on the desired ZOA functionality. Every material in the ZOA family is molecularly tuned for enhanced sustainability and performance. This makes ZOA an ideal alternative for brands looking to move away from animal-based products. and minimize fossil fuel inputs without sacrificing performance.

ZOA is also able to introduce color to materials in a liquid state where dyes chemically bind directly to the proteins. Not only does this allow for deeper colors and superior colorfastness, but ZOA’s unique solution-dyeing process also yields zero residual waste. Proteins are then combined with bio-based polymers to create Bio-Alloys™, ZOA’s new to the world proprietary creation, which maximizes material performance and reduces petrochemical content by more than 50% compared to conventional man-made materials.

ZOA’s first premium material is inspired by leather but leads a new class of biofabricated materials: materials assembled with biological building blocks to yield new structural and functional properties. ZOA has 80-percent lower carbon footprint than leather and 25-percent lower than man-made leathers. ZOA is abrasion-resistant, water-resistant, and retains flexibility for optimal performance and vibrant color over time and wear.

Posted March 2, 2021

Source: Modern Meadow

SDC Survey: 77 Percent Of Textile Coloration Professionals Believe There Is A Widening Skills Gap In The Dyeing Industry

HOLMFIRTH, England — February 24, 2021  — The textile dyeing industry is experiencing a global skills gap, now reaching crisis point, as younger people fail to enter the profession, according to a new survey from the Society of Dyers and Colourists (SDC).

Lack of knowledge is now harming textile production, and adding to coronavirus woes, agreed a majority of more than 100 respondents from 14 countries.

The SDC, the international dyeing and coloration membership organization and training provider, has highlighted growing concerns — and a need for more, ongoing workplace education to counter these issues, as agreed by an overwhelming 87 percent.

Findings state that a third of global employers involved in dyeing and finishing are unable to recruit the talent that they need, with a further 55 percent of participants claiming that there is a lack of transferable scientific knowledge within the industry.

A total of 77 percent agreed there was a skills crisis and 53 percent believed this was already at crisis point. Reasons for this were cited as young people having negative perceptions of the industry, or wanting to be designers rather than dyers, alongside a lack of knowledge of the chemistry behind the processes, as well as poorly promoted opportunities in dyeing.

Suggestions for deepening the international talent pool included more online learning made available globally, dedicated support from governments, and a bridging of the skills gap by working together to promote apprenticeship roles.

If the gap is not closed, respondents believe that industries will disappear worldwide, quality of finished products will be compromised, and knowledge and expertise will be lost permanently.

Graham Clayton, CEO of the SDC, commented: “We have been hearing anecdotally that there is a serious skills gap in the dyeing and coloration industry, and our new research proves that not only is this true, but that the situation is much worse than originally imagined.

“The results of our survey are worrying, but it is also evident that the industry is willing to collaborate and work proactively to ensure that a deeper crisis is avoided — and this is something that the SDC is certainly committed to supporting.”

Research was carried out in December and involved employers as well as dyeing and coloration employees at all levels.

The full report and research findings can be found in the latest white paper from the Society and Dyers and Colourists by downloading it from: sdc.org.uk/whitepaper

Posted March 2, 2021

Source: Society of Dyers and Colourists

Spinnova, Suzano To Open Commercial-Scale Factory In 2022

JYVÄSKYLÄ, Finland — February 25, 2021 — Material innovation company Spinnova and the world’s largest wood pulp producer Suzano will make an estimated 22 million euro ($26.6 million) investment to build the first commercial scale SPINNOVA® production facility in Finland. The total investment, including all needed infrastructure such as real estate, is estimated to be some 50 million euros ($60.4 million). Spinnova’s sustainable fibrer, created out of wood and waste without the use of harmful chemicals, will be available for global textile brands in 2022.

The new, industrial scale production unit will be located in Jyväskylä, Finland, home of Spinnova’s R&D hub and pilot facility. Production will be managed and operated by a new joint venture company owned 50/50 by Spinnova and its partner and investor, Suzano.
The joint venture investment is estimated to be 22 million euros in size. According to Spinnova, the total investment, encompassing all needed infrastructure such as real estate, is some 50 million euros. The real estate will be built and rented for the joint venture by the Jyväskylä real estate development company Jykia.

“Every leading textile brand is looking for ways to minimise their emissions and ecological footprint, and build a circular material foundation for their products,” said Spinnova’s CEO and co-founder Janne Poranen. “We feel humble and proud that soon we will be able to provide brands our new, disruptively sustainable fibre and fabrics.”

Suzano is a world leader in the production of eucalyptus pulp and has expanded its operations to create sustainable and innovative solutions derived from trees to the challenges faced by society. In the joint venture, Spinnova will be the exclusive technology provider, while Suzano will ensure the supply of sustainably produced micro-fibrillated cellulose obtained from eucalyptus planted by Suzano in Brazil. The fiber produced will be sold under the SPINNOVA trademark.

“Suzano uses only planted trees in its production processes. This renewable raw material is being combined with Spinnova’s technology for producing fibers that are more sustainable than the options currently available in the textile industry, which is aligned with the demands of contemporary society”, says Fernando Bertolucci, chief technology and innovation officer of Suzano.

With a process that uses no harmful chemicals and 99 percent less water than the cotton value chain, the SPINNOVA fiber can be considered the most sustainable textile fiber there is. Fiber produced this way creates minimal CO2 emissions, is quickly biodegradable and contains no microplastics. The fact that these fibres can be recycled into a new fibre again and again makes the SPINNOVA fiber disruptively circular. The Spinnova technology enables textile fiber production out of wood but also from textile waste or agricultural waste such wheat or barley straw.

Spinnova materials have been developed in collaboration with leading fashion brands such as Danish clothing company Bestseller, Finnish fashion house Marimekko, and Norwegian outdoor brand Bergans. Today, the H&M Group announces it has joined this group of brands in a partnership with Spinnova.

“The H&M Group’s ambition is to become fully circular, and we are continuously testing and actively looking to further integrate the use of sustainable materials through our group’s brands. We see Spinnova as having great potential to address several of the sustainability challenges we face today,” commented Mattias Bodin, H&M Group’s Circular Innovation Lab Lead.

Most leading apparel brands are committed to become climate neutral or even climate positive. Since Spinnova materials’ cradle to gate emissions are considerably less than those of cotton, it’s a radical improvement to existing textile fibers. Spinnova’s fiber already works well in blends with other natural fibers, especially cotton. In big volumes, Spinnova blends alone can have a big positive environmental impact.

Spinnova will be announcing a number of new brand collaborations and products later this year. The company expects to fill the new factory’s production capacity during this year.

“We believe that the SPINNOVA fiber will be the breakthrough that the textile and fashion industry has been waiting for,” Poranen added. “We have all the needed components in place: a good quality product that can replace cotton in end products, proof of concept from our production pilot, scalable technology and ample, sustainable raw material supply.”To speed up the company’s further growth, Spinnova is now actively exploring multiple substantial financing alternatives.

Posted March 2, 2021

Source: Spinnova

Meteor Adds Support For Epson I3200 PrecisionCore Printheads

CAMBRIDGE, England — February 25, 2021 — Meteor Inkjet Ltd. — a supplier of electronics, software, tools and services for industrial inkjet — further expanded its product portfolio with the introduction of a set of products for Epson’s I3200 range of PrecisionCore printheads. These products join Meteor’s previously launched solutions for Epson S3200, S1600 and S800 printheads.

Epson PrecisionCore print heads embody technology that enables outstanding image quality, productivity, durability and print head scalability. With a compact form factor accommodating four separate colors at 600dpi, the I3200 is easy to carriage-mount, making it ideal for low-cost, multi-pass printers such as those used in direct-to-garment textile printing. The head is also attractive in single-pass applications requiring ultra-low cost without sacrificing print resolution, including on-demand, color book printing and direct-to-shape product personalization. Compatible with water-based, UV or eco-solvent inks, the heads can also be used in any number of functional inkjet applications.

Meteor’s new PDS-3EI3200Z Print Driver Stack (PDS) for the I3200 is designed with space and cost efficiency at its heart. Supporting three printheads per PDS, the electronics are easily scalable to systems of any size and, coupled with Meteor’s comprehensive software, OEMs can significantly reduce the effort and risk associated with the design and delivery of superior industrial inkjet printers. Moreover, Meteor’s DropWatching Systems and printhead waveform development services are essential tools to accelerate time to market for new inkjet applications.

Jonathan Wilson, Meteor’s sales director, commented: “Through successful cooperation with Epson, Meteor is proud to present a solution which allows our mutual customers to take advantage of all the I3200 has to offer. Meteor’s electronics and software provide the fastest and easiest way for OEMs to unlock the potential of these printheads.”

Paddy O’Hara, business development manager, Epson Europe adds, “At Epson we work with market leading partners to provide the printhead driver solutions that our OEM customers demand. With the introduction of Meteor’s system for driving the I3200 series of print heads, our customers will have access to extremely versatile hardware and software, allowing them to develop printers for a wide range of applications.”

Posted March 2, 2021

Source: Meteor

SYNLawn® Earns USDA Certified Biobased Product Label

DALTON, GA — March 2, 2021 — SYNLawn®, manufacturer and innovator of synthetic grass in North America, announced it has earned the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Certified Biobased Product label. The product, SYNAugustine 347 Organic Infill System, is now able to display a unique USDA label that highlights its percentage of biobased content.

“We are thankful for our continued partnership with the USDA, and appreciate their efforts to help support biobased products,” said George Neagle, executive vice president at SYNLawn. “We are proud to provide our clients with more sustainable and eco-friendly artificial turf with a proprietary system that accounts for more than 70 percent renewable content.”

The following SYNLawn products have earned the USDA Certified Biobased Product Label:

  • SYNAugustine 547 with 19% biobased content
  • SYNAugustine 547 Bio-Based System with 70% biobased content
  • SYNAugustine X47 Organic Infill System with 67% biobased content
  • SYNAugustine 347 Organic Infill System with 71% biobased content
  • SYNTipede 343 Organic Infill System with 72% biobased content
  • SYNTipede 321 Organic Infill System with 70% biobased content
  • SYNPro 70 Organic Infill System with 72% biobased content

Third-party verification for a product’s biobased content is administered through the USDA BioPreferred Program, an initiative created by the 2002 Farm Bill (and recently reauthorized by the 2018 Farm Bill). One of the goals of the BioPreferred Program is to increase the development, purchase and use of biobased products.

The USDA Certified Biobased Product label displays a product’s biobased content, which is the portion of a product that comes from a renewable source, such as plant, animal, marine, or forestry feedstocks. Utilizing renewable, biobased materials displaces the need for non-renewable petroleum-based chemicals. Biobased products, through petroleum displacement, have played an increasingly important role in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions that exacerbate global climate change. Biobased products are cost-comparative, readily available, and perform as well as or better than their conventional counterparts.

“We applaud SYNLawn for earning the USDA Certified Biobased Product label,” said Vernell Thompson, USDA BioPreferred Program. “Products from SYNLawn are contributing to an ever-expanding marketplace that adds value to renewable agriculture commodities, creates jobs in rural communities and decreases our reliance on petroleum.”

According to a report that USDA released in July 2019, biobased products contributed $459 billion to the U.S. economy in 2016 (a 17 percent increase from 2014) and support, directly and indirectly, 4.6 million jobs. The report’s research team estimates the reduction of fossil fuels and associated GHG emissions from biobased products equivalent to approximately 12 million metric tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) prevented as of 2016. The increased production of renewable chemicals and biobased products contributes to the development and expansion of the U.S. bioeconomy – where society looks to agriculture for sustainable sources of fuel, energy, chemicals, and products.

Posted March 2, 2021

Source: SYNLawn®

O2TODAY, SINTX Technologies Enter Commercialization Agreement To Fight COVID-19

O2TODAY and SINTX executives signed an agreement to commercialize a “catch-and-kill” mask that will inactivate COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses.

SALT LAKE CITY — February 25, 2021 — O2TODAY, a mask company that develops, manufactures and commercializes face masks for medical and non-medical uses, and SINTX Technologies Inc., an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) of silicon nitride ceramics, announced today they have entered into a worldwide exclusive licensing agreement.

O2TODAY expects to release its first consumer mask integrated with SINTX’s silicon nitride during 2021. The mask will inactivate pathogens in the fabric itself, therefore reducing the spread of viral diseases and effectively fighting against COVID-19. Since the outbreak of COVID-19, SINTX Technologies has been testing the antiviral properties of silicon nitride for use in antipathogenic applications. Rigorous safety, efficacy, and wearability tests are currently underway.

O2TODAY and SINTX entered a collaboration during 2020 shortly after the COVID-19 pandemic was underway. The newly announced and signed Technology License Agreement is a two-year engagement, with an option for extension. The agreement includes a license fee, a commercial agreement on silicon nitride sales, and royalties based upon product sales of the masks and filters.

“We are thrilled to enter this agreement with SINTX Technologies, a company that has a remarkable history of conducting the science and developing products based on silicon nitride and its various formulations,” said Bruce Lorange, CEO of O2TODAY. “We are passionate about respiratory health, and have been an innovator in the design, and manufacturing of protective face wear that reduces exposure to airborne threats since 2015. We believe that this agreement will position O2TODAY as a market leader in the next generation of face masks to combat COVID-19 and other air-borne ailments caused by viruses and bacteria.”

“The development of a catch-and-kill mask containing SINTX’s silicon nitride is an important step towards offering viral protection to healthcare professionals and the general public,” said Dr. Sonny Bal, CEO and president of SINTX Technologies. “Given the effectiveness of silicon nitride in inactivating pathogens, there is an opportunity to turn what has been single-use masks into a reusable PPE, thereby extending their life for healthcare workers and essential personnel.”

O2TODAY products are distributed through airport and travel retailers, direct-to-consumer, enterprise, and healthcare channels. COVID-19 has boosted the market demand for respiratory and surgical masks with overall shipments estimated to reach over 10 billion units by 2025. Beyond COVID-19, there is a global need for respiratory hygiene, and the global reusable mask market is expected to continue growing. In addition to disease-causing viruses and bacteria, particulate pollution, dust, and smoke, and respiratory diseases are a reality in many countries, including the United States.

To control the supply chain from raw material to finished goods, and to meet the global demand for face masks driven by COVID-19, O2TODAY established a new production facility in Salt Lake City, close to SINTX’s manufacturing plant. O2TODAY produces a range of products including surgical and N95 health care respirator masks, as well as replacement filters for its line of reusable face masks.

Posted March 1, 2021

Source: O2Today/SINTX

Texo Trade Services Introduces Murosubli® Soft Touch Cosy ­ PVC-Free Textile Wallpaper For Sublimation

MOORDRECHT, The Netherlands — February 26, 2021 — Following the successful introduction of MuroSubli®, the only PVC-free textile wallpaper for sublimation, Texo Trade Services (TTS) is now expanding its product range with MuroSubli® Soft Touch Cosy for the higher-end market segment. Once again, this is a PVC-free textile wallpaper for sublimation printing. What’s more, it is partially handmade and features a chic, warm textile feel. TTS has combined all this with a stunning range of colours and a very matt finish to lend a luxurious appearance to the walls of offices, homes, shops, and shortly to trade fair stands again.

An injection of luxury for stylish spaces
MuroSubli® is the only textile wallcovering that can be printed using direct or transfer sublimation. The result is odourless printing, a very wide range of colours, and the option of designing the wallpaper according to personal preferences. Because the colour is incorporated into the polyester, the inks cannot come off. They remain beautiful and as good as new. MuroSubli® Soft Touch Cosy goes even further; it feels very pleasant to the touch and gives rooms an instant injection of luxury. The textile consists of a non-woven laminate and a fabric top layer. It is partially handmade and has a super matt finish. This stylish addition to walls in offices, homes and shops is also suitable for trade fairs and events. It is available in 135 cm widths.

April: introduction of MuroSubli® UVTex
The introduction of MuroSubli® Soft Touch Cosy is not the end of the story. In April, TTS is launching MuroSubli® UVTex, and it too is PVC-free. This is a seamless photo wallpaper that is printed on a single sheet. It can even be used to seamlessly cover large walls. Thanks to the grey coating on the back, the substrate doesn’t show through. Consequently, any unevenness on the wall will not be noticeable. It is easy to apply, fire retardant and easy to clean. Despite its fine structure, the material is extremely strong. It is scratch resistant, won’t tear and the printed images are razor sharp.

Posted March 2, 2021

Source: Texo Trade Services (TTS)

Alchemie Technology Teams Up With At One Ventures And H&M Group To Deliver Sustainability Breakthrough In Textile Dyeing And Finishing

CAMBRIDGE, England — February 26, 2021 — Alchemie Technology, a global disruptor of textile dyeing and finishing technology, is pleased to announce an investment from At One Ventures and H&M CO:LAB, H&M Group’s investment arm. The investment will support Alchemie’s commercial roll-out, aiming to accelerate the transformation of the sustainability profile of textile manufacturing worldwide. Textile dyeing is the second largest cause of water pollution globally and is the largest single contributor to carbon dioxide emissions from the textile industry. Today, it is responsible for more than 3 percent of global CO2 emissions and forecast to increase to 10 percent by 2050. Alchemie is therefore addressing one of the largest sustainability challenges in the global textile supply chain today with its breakthrough clean-tech digital manufacturing solutions.

The investment will enable Alchemie to accelerate the commercial roll-out of its disruptive digital manufacturing products in the global market: Endeavour™ smart waterless dyeing and Novara™ precision digital finishing. Alchemie’s industrial solutions provide a unique value proposition to textile manufacturers, with a lower cost, higher throughput, and radically more sustainable alternative to traditional textile processing. With the addition of software services to digitalise the supply chain, it is also enabling the move to fully connected digital manufacturing. The solution is very timely for the industry, as fashion consumers are demanding more accountability from fashion brands to reduce their environmental impact.

Alchemie’s Endeavour smart waterless dyeing technology allows garment manufacturers to eliminate the production of contaminated wastewater and dramatically reduce the carbon footprint from dyeing. Demonstrated to radically reduce lead times and enable lower minimum order sizes, alongside a 50-percent cost saving compared to traditional technologies, the Endeavour solution has been well received by textile manufacturers and fashion brands worldwide.

Alchemie has also seen a surge in market demand for its Novara precision digital finishing technology. This technology enables significant energy and materials savings compared to traditional technologies, which radically reduces the impact of fabric finishing on the environment and reduces cost. Both Endeavour and Novara are currently available for implementation, and there is a pipeline of additional sustainable fabric finishing innovations progressing to market based on the Novara technology including technologies that deliver eco-friendly, fluorine-free water repellents and advanced bio-based functional finishes.

Alchemie’s market opportunity continues to grow, with the increasing pressure in the textile industry to reduce its environmental impact and governments legislating to reduce or eliminate traditional textile manufacturing. Textile manufacturing is an industry that urgently needs new technologies that reduce environmental impact, lower cost and enable end-to-end supply chain digitalisation. Alchemie is uniquely positioned to address this underserved market and transform the sustainability profile of the textile industry.

The funding round was led by At One Ventures, a San Francisco-based venture capital fund focused on disruptive technologies that combat climate change, and H&M CO:LAB, the investment arm of H&M Group.

Dr. Simon Kew, managing director of Alchemie Technology, said: “We are very pleased that At One Ventures and H&M CO:LAB have invested in Alchemie at this pivotal point in the commercial roll-out of our sustainable dyeing and finishing solutions. The textile manufacturing industry has a significant impact on the environment, and with our Endeavour and Novara technologies, we are disrupting manufacturing processes that are responsible for over 3 percent of global CO2 emissions and 20 percent of global water pollution. Our solutions both dramatically reduce the environmental impact and radically reduce cost for dyeing and finishing, which has proven to be a compelling combination in the global textile industry. We are building on the momentum we have generated in the market with successful commercial trials of our fabrics and are looking forward to rolling out the first global commercial installations this year.”

Dr. Alan Hudd, chairman of Alchemie Technology, said: “This investment reflects the significant acceleration of interest in the modernisation and digitalisation of global textile manufacturing, a combination of government, consumer, and brand pressure has delivered an unstoppable impetus for change in the textile industry. We are uniquely poised to deliver the next generation of digital clean-tech textile manufacturing solutions and the market is truly supercharged for change. The pandemic has only accelerated the velocity of digitalisation, as retail is replaced by direct-to-consumer e-commerce platforms and consumers demand visibility and sustainability in the supply chain.”

Helen Lin, principal at At One Ventures, noted: “With their innovative first-in-market technology, Alchemie has the potential to transform textile manufacturing, effectively leapfrogging over one of the largest water pollution problems in the world today. We believe that outsized environmental returns can only be achieved when driven by commercial scale and are delighted to be supporting Alchemie to deliver this vision in the textile industry.”

Nanna Andersen, head of H&M CO:LAB, H&M Group, added: “Alchemie Technology is pioneering a truly breakthrough and cost-effective approach to solving a longstanding sustainability issue in the supply chain for textile products. We are excited to partner with Alchemie and support innovation that addresses some of the largest carbon footprint contributors of the textile industry: dyeing and finishing. The commercial implementation of their game-changing technology not only aligns perfectly with the H&M group’s vision to become fully circular, but also has the potential to benefit the entire textile industry.”

Posted March 1, 2021

Source: Alchemie

The Association Of The Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, INDA’s Board Of Directors Welcomes Seven New Members

CARY, N.C. — March 2, 2021 — INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, announced the membership election of seven industry leaders to serve on its Board of Directors for a three-year term. These accomplished professionals represent a cross-section of INDA membership and bring a high level of expertise and insight to the management of the association:

  • Richard Altice, president and CEO, NatureWorks
    Prior to joining NatureWorks, a producer of PLA bioresins, in 2018, Altice was Senior Vice President and President of Designed Structures and Solutions at PolyOne Corporation and held the Vice President role of Hexion’s global specialty epoxy business focused on coatings and composites. He has an engineering background with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from Missouri University of Science and Technology.
  • Dr. Ashish Diwanji, president, Lydall Performance Materials Inc.
    Diwanji oversees the filtration media business of Lydall. Before joining as President in 2020, Diwanji served as Lydall’s Senior Vice President, Innovation and Chief Technology Officer. Prior to Lydall, Diwanji held the Chief Technology Officer role for the Consumer Solutions division of U.S. Steel. Previously, he spent nearly 20 years at Owens Corning with his last position as Vice President of Innovations. Diwanji earned his Bachelor of Technology degree in Metallurgical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology in Bombay. He is a Distinguished Alumnus of the University of Delaware, where he earned both Master’s and Doctorate degrees in Materials Science.
  • Lee Ellen Dreschler, senior vice president Corporate R&D, The Procter & Gamble Co.
    Dreschler has held technical leadership roles across Beauty Care, Baby Care and Corporate R&D, with responsibilities from upstream Disruptive Innovation to downstream Product Supply. She leads Corporate Transformative Platform Technology (TPT), Global Packaging, Process and Open Innovation Disciplines, and Glad JV organizations with a mission to continue building P&G’s long-held reputation as a world leader of growth driven by innovation. Dreschler accelerates the way P&G delivers game-changing and sustainable products, packages, and services, leveraging early in-market learning as well as collaborations with strong academic business partners.
  • Barbara Lawless, Business director, Nonwoven Medical Fabrics, Precision Fabrics Group Inc.
    As the Business Director, Lawless is responsible for sales, marketing and new product development for single-use nonwoven medical fabrics. She began her career in product development and has been with Precision Fabrics Group for over 29 years.
  • David K. Smith, senior vice president Engineered Performance Products Autovation, Milliken & Company
    Smith leads a large and diverse global business team with P&L and functional responsibilities including sales, marketing, finance and research and development. In his current role, he is responsible for Milliken’s global industrial business which serves the Automotive, Bedding, Building and Construction, Tape, Tire and Mechanical Rubber Goods, Cable Management and Specialty Industrial markets. Smith has more than 40 years of experience at Milliken, where he’s held positions in manufacturing, accounting, sales, marketing, strategy development and execution.
  • Mike Tuck, vice president Global Product Supply, Procurement, and Manufacturing, Owens and Minor Products Division
    Tuck joined Kimberly-Clark in 1994 and served with the company through the transition to Halyard Health, now part of Owens and Minor.  He is responsible for leading global manufacturing, sourcing, procurement, and contract manufacturing for Owens and Minor’s Products Division supplying PPE and other products. Tuck also leads the Shanghai contract manufacturing, sourcing, and procurement team that leverages Owens and Minor’s vertical integration to serve customers worldwide. Tuck has a degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Florida with a Minor in Business. He recently completed the General Management Program at Wharton Business school with a focus in Finance.
  • Robert Weilminster, president, U.S. And Canada – Hygiene, Berry Global
    Weilminster has been with Berry Global since 1994, serving in leadership roles across Sales and Marketing, Finance, Corporate Development and Operations in supplying nonwoven materials to hygiene and other markets.  Prior to Berry Global he was CFO of Poly-Seal Corporation. Weilminster is a graduate of Loyola University, Maryland.

INDA’s Board of Directors provides strategic stewardship for the Association. The Board provides oversight of INDA’s finances and direction for its operating plans as well as counsel to the President to organize and perform activities that contribute to the success of the nonwovens industry and its members.

Board responsibilities include formulating, reviewing, and approving strategic plans, policies, programs, dues and operating procedures affecting the association’s 378 members. The 21-member board comprises elected Board Officers and the immediate Past Board Chair. One-third of the entire Board is elected each year for a three-year term by a majority vote of INDA’s general membership.

“This year’s group of new Board Members bring a strong set of strategic skills, experience, and insights to INDA. We value their insights in helping us create and adjust business services environment conducive to the long-term success of our industry. We look forward to developing, under their guidance, even more value and means to meet the changing needs of our members and the industry,” said Dave Rousse, INDA President.

When INDA’s Board of Directors is not in session, the Executive Committee is authorized to act in its place and includes the following officers and appointees:

  • Christopher Astley, chair – Senior vice president and chief commercial officer, Glatfelter;
  • Dr. Bryan Haynes, vice chair of Planning – senior technical director for Global Nonwovens, Kimberly-Clark Corp.;
  • Dr. Wendy Warner, vice chair of Finance – president, Personal Care, Jacob Holm Industries;
  • Todd L. Bassett, chair – managing director, Fi-Tech Inc.;
  • Paul Latten, appointee – director of Research & Development & New Business, Southeast Nonwovens Inc.;
  • Homer Swei, appointee – associate director, Product Stewardship, 
Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc.; and
  • Tom Zaiser, appointee – CEO, FiberVisions.

INDA’s Board of Directors meets semi-annually and reviews INDA performance quarterly. The Executive Committee may meet more frequently as issues arise between Board meetings. “INDA’s Board structure provides leadership continuity, directional clarity, and sound decision making to advance the success of our industry,” said Dave Rousse, INDA President.

Posted March 2, 2021

Source: INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry

Tire Mold Manufacturer King Machine Expanding Operations In Sumter County

COLUMBIA, S.C. — March 1, 2021 — King Machine, a tire mold manufacturer, today announced plans to expand operations in Sumter County. The more than $2.6 million investment will create 30 new jobs.

Founded in 1951, King Machine manufactures tire molds and tire components for the original equipment and replacement markets. The company also provides mold services, warehousing, repair and refurbishment as well as consultative technical services to support tire operations.

Located in the Black River Industrial Park in Sumter, King Machine’s expansion includes a custom-finished, 50,000-square-foot facility that will increase the company’s operating capacity.

The expansion is expected to be completed by 2024. Individuals interested in joining the King Machine team should visit the company’s careers webpage https://www.kingmachinemolds.com/employment/

“King Machine is excited to continue growing in Sumter, S.C.,” said King Machine CEO Mike Wells. “The support received from the Sumter community and Continental Tire, along with the support and expertise provided by Thompson Turner Construction has solidified our decision to continue investing and creating jobs in Sumter, S.C.”

“South Carolina is a global leader in the tire industry, and it’s great to see that trend continue with this expansion by King Machine,” said Governor Henry McMaster. “These new jobs will make a positive impact within the Sumter community, and we look forward to seeing them grow and succeed in our state.”

“We’re always excited to see an existing company grow its presence in our state,” said Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt. “Congratulations to King Machine on this latest expansion and the creation of 30 new jobs in Sumter County.”

“The expansion of King Machine in Sumter County speaks volumes not only about the growth trajectory of the company, but also the support and leadership that we have here,” added Sumter County Council Chairman James T. McCain Jr. “Our goal is to surround businesses with valued stakeholders and a qualified workforce as a foundation for operational excellence.”

“We are quite pleased to learn of the growth and expansion of King Machine in Sumter and look forward to continuing our long-standing relationship,” said Sumter Mayor David Merchant. “The jobs and investment that accompany this expansion further cement Sumter as a great place to live, work and do business.”

“This region is positioned for greatness as evidenced by the recent announcement of the expansion of King Machine in Sumter,” TheLINK Economic Development Alliance Chairman Gordon Eckley. “We work diligently to provide industries the necessary backing to realize our fullest potential and their ultimate success.”

Posted March 2, 2021

Source: South Carolina Office of the Governor

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