Milliken & Company Announces Acquisition Of Zebra-chem

SPARTANBURG, S.C. — March 1, 2021 — Milliken & Company, a global diversified manufacturer with more than a century and a half of materials science expertise, has formally acquired Zebra-chem GmbH, a global chemicals company known for its peroxide and blowing agent masterbatches. With more brands and governments globally setting goals to increase their use of recycled materials, plastics manufacturers are faced with the challenges of using recycled plastics effectively. Peroxide masterbatches, like those from Zebra-chem and Milliken, make it possible to incorporate up to 100-percent recycled content into these new plastics.

“Milliken’s long-term focus on innovation and sustainability encourages us to consider how we contribute to some of today’s leading challenges, like how to effectively incorporate recycled plastics in manufacturing,” stated Halsey Cook, Milliken & Company president and CEO. “I’m excited to welcome the exceptional talent within Zebra-chem as they join the passionate team at Milliken to move the needle on sustainable innovation.”

Headquartered in Bad Bentheim, Germany, Zebra-chem carries a respected portfolio of chemical blowing agent and peroxide masterbatches for application in most thermoplastics and engineering plastics.

“Zebra-chem’s leading position in Europe allows Milliken to leverage its congruent innovation platforms, global presence and commercial expertise to accelerate market solutions that improve and increase manufacturing with recycled plastics,” said Wim Van de Velde, vice president, Europe, Middle East and Africa, for Milliken’s Chemical Division. “Our combined skillsets will facilitate faster and more customized solutions that achieve our customers’ sustainability goals.”

Combining the strengths of Milliken and Zebra-chem opens up new potential to expand solutions that accelerate and improve plastic recycling. Customers will benefit from enhanced research and development capabilities, shared knowledge, and a broadened product portfolio from trusted, leading manufacturers.

As Zebra-chem integrates into Milliken, daily operations will continue without interruption, including relationships with existing suppliers and customers.

Jones Day represented Milliken in the transaction, and BDO acted as Milliken’s financial advisor.

Posted March 1, 2021

Source: Milliken & Company

Belgian Textile Technology Industry Gears Up For Strong Showcase At ITMA ASIA + CITME 2020

BRUSSELS — March 1, 2021 — Despite the fact that the coronavirus pandemic continues to have an impact on international business travel, the Belgian textile machinery technology industry is gearing up for what is expected to be the first major Asian showcase towards the post-pandemic relaunch of the economy. Preparations for the seventh edition of ITMA ASIA + CITME are going as planned!

ITMA ASIA + CITME 2020 will take place from June 12-16, 2021, at the National Exhibition and Convention Centre (NECC) in Shanghai. It will be held over six halls with a gross exhibition space of 170,000 square meters. Among the major Belgian exhibitors are Picanol, Vandewiele, BMSvision, Bonas and Hammer-IMS.

Luc Tack, CEO of Picanol and president of Symatex, commented: “The trade show represents an important platform to help us connect with the Asian buyers at a time when the global economy is improving. ITMA ASIA + CITME is, without doubt, the most important trade show for the textile industry in Asia. As China is one of the most important markets for textile machines, it gives us the ideal opportunity to be closer to our customers. And we can only realize this objective by being present in the very heart of this market. Missing the show in June is simply not an option for the Symatex members, and we are extremely confident that our presence will have a positive impact in terms of realizing our ambitious commercial goals for 2021!”

Stijn Pauwels, secretary general of Symate, agreed: “Our Belgian companies are eager to resume their international marketing and sales efforts. The positive economic growth is excellent news for the industry, recovery will take some time but we fully embrace opportunities like ITMA ASIA + CITME 2020 to accelerate the commercial relaunch. Our Belgian exhibitors are certainly gearing up for a strong showcase in Shanghai!”

Answering the Asian industrial needs

As offering the most performing technology is the key to customer success, the Belgian machinery industry is strongly R&D driven, and is one of the nation’s biggest investor in R&D. It invests 8 percent of its added value in R&D and employs more than 11 percent of the total Belgian manufacturing industry research head count. The industry accelerated its research efforts on energy efficiency in the last decade and achieved an average energy consumption reduction for its products of 18 percent. The long term strategy directs the Belgian machinery industry towards continuous strategic and open innovation to accelerate its product development pace and to provide its customers with cutting edge technology. Symatex, managed by Agoria (the Belgian federation of the technology industry), is active in both the economic and technical areas to support its members. The ITMA ASIA + CITME 2020 visitors will have the privileged opportunity to find out about the latest innovations.

Posted March 1, 2021

Source: Symatex

Barry Arkles, Gelest Founder And CEO, Elected To National Academy Of Engineering

Dr. Barry Arkles

MORRISVILLE, Pa., — March 1, 2021 — Dr. Barry Arkles, Gelest Inc. chair, founder and CEO, was elected to membership in the National Academy of Engineering (NAE). Election to the NAE is “among the highest professional distinctions accorded to an engineer.” Dr. Arkles is recognized for his “contributions to organosilicon materials and organometallic and biochemical reagents.”

Dr. Arkles contributed scientific advances and inventions with positive impacts extending beyond the professional community to the global public. His record of innovation and accomplishments in applied materials science, surface chemistry and biotechnology is demonstrated by his contributions to medical devices, such as contact lenses, and semiconductor fabrication, particularly ILD (interlayer dielectrics) and interconnect metallization.

NAE membership recognizes outstanding individuals who have contributed to “engineering research, practice, or education, including … significant contributions to the engineering literature” and to “the pioneering of new and developing fields of technology, making major advancements in traditional fields of engineering, or developing/implementing innovative approaches to engineering education.”

“Dr. Arkles’s election to NAE membership recognizes the value of the characteristic hybrid chemicals technology he and Gelest have cultivated,” said Mitsubishi Chemical Corp. (MCC) President and CEO Masayuki Waga. “We are proud of his achievement.”

“Gelest’s technology, led by Dr. Arkles, combines organic and inorganic chemistry and has great potential as an approach to various problems that could not be solved by organic or inorganic chemistry alone,” Mr. Waga added. He said he expects to grow Gelest’s technology by combining it with MCC’s specialty technology related to organic chemistry.

“Barry Arkles is a very rare combination of technical excellence, entrepreneurial acumen and research management expertise which was evident early in his career and has continued to date,” said Dr. Robert D. Miller, Academy member, IBM Emeritus at IBM Almaden Research Center and Adjunct Professor of Material Science and Engineering at Stanford University.

Posted March 1, 2021

Source: Gelest Inc.

Farm To Home Launches Second Collection With TENCEL™ Lyocell Available Exclusively At QVC®

NEW YORK CITY — March 1, 2021 — ECOfashion Corp’s home brand, Farm to Home, has just launched its second collection exclusively with livestreaming and multiplatform ecommerce retailer, QVC, blending certified organic cotton and TENCEL™ branded lyocell fiber — with a naturally smooth touch and sheen that cannot be achieved from cotton alone. The Serenity “ECOlyptus” Reversible Waffle Comfy-Let & Sham Set shines as a standout item. Farm to Home’s eco-chic new collection also includes sheet sets, pillowcases, pillows, robes and throw blankets.

To co-create products using qualitative materials, the team at ECOfashion Corp/Farm to Home partnered with the Lenzing Group to integrate TENCEL fibers into this stunning collection. TENCEL Lyocell is a wood-based cellulosic fiber derived from sustainable wood sources. It utilizes wood pulp from sustainably-managed forest, reusing the solvents and water in a “closed loop” production process. Manufacturing TENCEL Lyocell is easy on water, energy and chemical usage. TENCEL branded lyocell fibers add durability, longevity, and breathability.

ECOfashion Corp Founder and CEO, Marci Zaroff has had a 20-year relationship with Lenzing. Fascinated by its softness, performance and sustainable attributes, Marci traveled to Austria to learn more about TENCEL fibers and explore Lenzing’s headquarters. Soon thereafter, she trademarked the term ECOlyptus to market the TENCEL Lyocell story for her brands, believing that the ECOlyptus name would help consumers better understand the eucalyptus source of the fiber in conjunction with Lenzing’s award-winning, cutting-edge technology and manufacturing process.

“From farm to finished product, the Farm to Home brand offers no compromise in style or sustainability. Grown and sewn with human and planetary wellness in mind, our ‘home sweet organic home’ brand is thrilled to be introducing the pure and plush genius of TENCEL Lyocell fibers into our new QVC collection,” shared Marci.

Adds Harold Weghorst, global vice president, marketing and branding at Lenzing, said: “Marci is a frontrunner in sustainable fashion and home textiles and a true supporter of TENCEL, and I have high respect and appreciation for her. With her signature dedication and experience, I am very confident about the success of her new Farm to Home brand, and wish her the best of luck with this wonderful launch.”

Leading with modern design, high quality, comfort and full transparency, Farm to Home offers affordable and authentic organic home fashion for today’s conscious consumer. Farm to Home starts at the source to foster soil health and climate change mitigation for a truly sustainable future, bringing to life high quality, super soft and accessible organic home products.

With its first full collection of six certified organic cotton categories sold out on QVC, Farm to Home is proud to offer styles that people love and seek, while making a difference. “Co-creating such a groundbreaking relationship with QVC is a real win-win-win,” Zaroff added. “With a commitment to GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) Certification, Farm to Home supports farmer and worker welfare, and our products are free of GMOs, harmful chemicals, and toxic dyes and finishes. QVC’s livestreaming and multiplatform ecommerce capabilities help to connect source to story and is an unparalleled opportunity to educate and empower consumers, so we can ALL do well by doing good — collectively dreaming of a better world.”

Posted March 1, 2021

Source: Farm to Home

U.S. Nonwovens Announces New Company Name; Rebrands As Radienz Living

MELVILLE, N.Y. — March 1, 2021 — U.S. Nonwovens, a North American manufacturer of home and personal care products for the private label and branded markets, announced today that it has rebranded as Radienz Living.

The company, which is headquartered in Melville, N.Y, operates with more than 1,400 employees across nine locations in North America, and manufactures a broad portfolio of products in the home and personal care categories, including disinfecting and antibacterial wipes, facial cleansers, baby wipes, fabric care, and unit dose solutions for laundry and auto dish. Radienz Living is a supplier to major retailers like Walmart and Walgreens, and to Fortune 500 and branded customers. Radienz Living also manufactures and nationally distributes laundry brands, such as Ajax and Final Touch, and cleaning wipes, such as Redi Wipes.

“The new Radienz Living brand identity is more than a name change, it’s a culture shift,” Radienz Living CEO Matt Stillings said. “We are proud of the work we have done as U.S. Nonwovens and view our rebranding not as an absolute departure from all that has been achieved under this name but rather as an exciting next step in our journey as a company. We look forward to this new era as Radienz Living and continuing to grow our company and portfolio of products under this new name.”

In 1995, U.S. Nonwovens was established as a manufacturer of dryer sheets. Since then, the company’s manufacturing volume has grown substantially, as Radienz Living now produces more than 5 million bottles, packs and canisters of home and personal care products each week. Through these superior in-house capabilities led by experienced teams of industry experts, the Radienz Living rebrand renews the company’s commitment to agility in innovation, trust and reliability, and sustainable creation, and aims to create customer partnerships made for life and reassure long-term clients of the brand’s intentions.

The Radienz Living rebrand also marks a corporate unification. In 2019, Wind Point Partners, a Chicago-based private equity firm, acquired a controlling interest in U.S. Nonwovens. Since then, Radienz Living has invested more than $25 million in doubling its disinfectant wipes capacity to aid in the COVID-19 crisis, and in a new state-of-the-art manufacturing and distribution center in Pennsylvania. Later that same year, it acquired Soluble Packaging Solutions (SPS), which is North America’s largest independent manufacturer of unit dose packaging for dish, laundry and other categories.

With this rebrand, both U.S. Nonwovens and Soluble Packaging Solutions will unite under the Radienz Living name, a change that will allow for an expansion of the company’s private-label and branded laundry and dish unit dose offerings.

“We are excited about the initiative to reinforce the promise of U.S. Nonwovens and Soluble Packaging Solutions in the marketplace through their rebranding to Radienz Living,” Wind Point Partners Managing Director David Stott said. “This environment has proven the value of having a clear commitment to meeting customers’ needs in fresh and affordable ways in the growing areas of household and personal cleaning. The Radienz Living management team is doing great work to strengthen our delivery on that promise.”

Posted March 1, 2021

Source: Radienz Living

Techtextil North America, Texprocess Americas to Pivot to New Event Cycle After 2022

ATLANTA — March 1, 2021 — Collocated events Techtextil North America and Texprocess Americas will change their event cycle and shift permanently to odd years after the 2022 editions.

Last year, Techtextil North America and Texprocess Americas postponed their 2020 editions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The largest co-located event for technical textiles, nonwovens, machinery, sewn products, technology, and equipment in the Americas will next be held May 17-19, 2022, in Atlanta. Beyond 2022, however, due to a shift of the events’ parent shows — Techtextil and Texprocess Frankfurt — to an even-year cycle, the North American editions will also undergo a cycle change, with the subsequent events scheduled for May 10-12, 2023 in Atlanta, and remaining in the odd year thereafter.

“The shift in cycle for Techtextil North America and Texprocess Americas may take some getting used to,” said Kristy Meade, Group Show Director – Technical Shows at Messe Frankfurt North America. “But given the changes being made in Frankfurt in response to the pandemic, we must act with the best interest of the industry in mind. As the premier events for the textile and sewn products industries, we know that many companies rely on a presence at our shows for global exposure; hosting the Frankfurt and North American events within the same calendar year would make it hard, if not impossible, for many companies to participate in both, and the last thing we want to do is limit our customers’ ability to do business.”

The North American team has received support in this decision from their partners at ATME-I and SPESA:

Said Michael McDonald, SPESA president: “Two of the most important lessons we learned this past year are that nothing can replace the value of live trade shows when it comes to making personal connections, and that the ability to adapt is key to success. SPESA is excited to welcome our members and the entire sewn products industry to Atlanta once again for Texprocess Americas 2022 and again in 2023 as we pivot to a new odd-year show cycle. We look forward to many more successful shows in the future. We are confident that making the switch to odd years will allow Texprocess Americas to continue to be the best equipment trade show in the Americas and an invaluable resource for our industry.”

This cycle change will also affect Techtextil North America’s standalone event, which will switch to an even-year cycle starting in 2024. The next edition will take place August 23-25, 2021, in Raleigh, N.C. Please visit the show’s website for more information. Booth sales are currently active for this event and early bird registration is set to open mid-March. To receive the latest updates and announcements, from show features to new exhibitors, to educational content and more, subscribe here!

Posted March 1, 2021

Source: Messe Frankfurt Inc.

California’s Kleen Kraft Services Earns Hygienically Clean Food Safety Certification

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – February 26, 2021 – Kleen Kraft Services of Commerce, Calif., recently earned the Hygienically Clean certification for Food Safety. Kleen Kraft has been serving the uniform rental and facility maintenance needs of Southern California since 1951. This certification accomplishment reflects this laundry’s commitment to best management practices (BMPs) in laundering as verified by on-site inspection and its capability to produce hygienically clean textiles as quantified by ongoing microbial testing

The Hygienically Clean Food Safety certification confirms the laundry’s dedication to compliance and processing garments and linens using BMPs as described in its quality assurance documentation, the focal point for inspectors’ evaluation of critical control points (CCPs) that minimize risk. The independent, third-party inspection must confirm essential evidence that:

  • Employees are properly trained and protected;
  • Managers understand legal requirements;
  • OSHA-compliant; and
  • Physical plant operates effectively.

To maintain their certification, laundry plants must pass quarterly testing of outcome-based microbial testing, indicating that their processes are producing Hygienically Clean garments and other reusable textiles with diminished presence of harmful bacteria.  Testing ensures that as laundry conditions change, such as water quality, textile fabric composition and wash chemistry, laundered product quality is consistently maintained. This process eliminates subjectivity by focusing on outcomes and results that verify textiles cleaned in these facilities meet appropriate hygienically clean standards and BMPs for animal processing, dairies, fruit/vegetable, bakeries, grain and other food and beverage industry segments.

Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) practices are examined in the Hygienically Clean Food Safety inspection process, evaluating the plant’s techniques for:

  • Conducting hazard analysis;
  • Determining CCPs, monitoring their control, correcting them if not under control;
  • Validating and verifying HACCP system effectiveness; and
  • Documenting and record-keeping to show ongoing conformance.

On-site inspections also evaluate practices relevant to handling and processing textile products used in food manufacturing/processing establishments for adherence to U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) directives. Introduced in 2014, Hygienically Clean Food Safety brought to North America the international cleanliness standards for laundering garments and other textile products for food manufacturing used worldwide by the Certification Association for Professional Textile Services and the European Committee for Standardization.

“Congratulations to Kleen Kraft on this certification,” said Joseph Ricci, TRSA president and CEO. “This achievement proves their laundry takes every step possible to prevent human illness.”

Posted February 26, 2021

Source: TRSA

Fenner Precision Polymers Officially Opens New Treatment Line Facility For Coating Technical Fabrics And Textiles

MANHEIM, Pa. — February 26, 2021 — Fenner Precision Polymers — a Michelin Group Company and supplier of reinforced polymer technology — hosted state, county, and local officials for a ribbon-cutting ceremony and tour of its new $4 million fabric treatment line today in Manheim, Pa. Pennsylvania Senator Ryan P. Aument (R-36) joined local officials to observe state-of-the-art operations where technical fabrics are treated with specialized coatings and procured by clients in a variety of market sectors including aerospace, infrastructure, and energy.

On touring the treatment line, visiting officials saw how technical fabrics of varying widths receive multiple passes of specialty resins, the drying method, and the process for precisely measuring the thickness of applied coatings in order to meet clients’ custom specifications. Visitors also learned about the company’s commitment to sustainability and how its operation’s environmental controls support clean, safe, and healthy air standards.

“Fenner Precision Polymers is a shining example of what it will take to rebuild our local, state, and national economies,” Pa. Senator Aument said. “At every level of the organization team members collaborate to bring about the type of innovation that puts Pennsylvania on the map and our citizens back to work. I could not be more proud of their efforts and the engineered solutions they create together here in Manheim.”

Also attending along with Senator Aument were:

  • Scot Funk – Mayor, Manheim Borough;
  • Carol Phillips – President, Manheim Borough Council;
  • Suzanne Reiley – President, Board of Directors, Manheim Area Chamber of Commerce; and
  • Ezra Rothman – Manager, Economic Development Strategies, EDC of Lancaster County.

“We see this as just one part of a much larger growth story for our company,” said Jack Krecek, Divisional managing director, Fenner Precision Polymers. “It’s an investment in our company as well as the surrounding community. In fact, we anticipate filling several new positions to support this operation, and that benefits everyone.”

Posted February 26, 2021

Source: Fenner Precision Polymers

January/February 2021

The Champion® Defender Series hoodies feature protective elements including a face covering.

Winston-Salem, N.C.-based Champion® recently launched the Champion Defender Series hoodies featuring personal protective equipment (PPE) functions in the designs. Available in two styles, the Reverse Weave, anti-odor fabric hoodies feature a built-in or removable face covering with inner pocket for a filter or disposable mask as well as elongated cuffs with thumbholes to cover the hands. The styles are available exclusively on Champion.com in unisex men’s sizes.

England-based Optima 3D Ltd. has launched a new website located at optima3d.co.uk. The company currently offers three machines — the S-500 3D weaving machine, Optima Series R-2000 flexible rapier loom, and the Optima Series M-300. Information about the machines can be found on the new website.

Wilmington, Del.-based Sorona® has unveiled a new website in celebration of its Common Thread Fabric Certification program and apparel sub-brands Agile, Aura, Luxe, Profile and Revive. The website, which features all new iconography and photography, also offers a dedicated Customer Portal where partner companies can access brand assets.

Charlotte, N.C.-based Elevate Textiles — along with its portfolio of brands American & Efird, Burlington, Cone Denim, Gütermann and Safety Components — has joined the Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC), a group committed to improving supply chain sustainability.

Spartanburg, S.C.-based William Barnet & Son LLC has signed an agreement to sell and distribute yarns in the United States produced by The Filament Factory (TFF), Germany. TFF manufactures a new product named Ec0Pet, which features CiCLO® technology for biodegradation acceleration.

Techtextil North America 2021 — to be held at the Raleigh Convention Center, Raleigh, N.C., August 23-25, 2021 — is now accepting abstracts for the Techtextil North America Symposium, Show Floor Education programs and The Student Research Poster Program. Symposium submissions should be sent to ali.rosenberger@usa.messefrankfurt.com by April 2; abstracts for the show floor education events should be sent to ali.rosenberger@usa.messefrankfurt.com by May 1; and student poster abstracts should be sent to peyton.rowe@usa.messefrankfurt.com by May 21. Additional information can be found at the Techtextil North America website.

Luxemborg-based Orion Engineered Carbons S.A. will increase pricing for its acetylene black by 20 percent globally on March 2, 2021.

As result of continued uncertainty caused by the coronavirus pandemic, Messe Frankfurt GbmH, Germany, has announced new dates for its Techtextil and Texprocess trade fairs as well as a permanent shift in the fair’s cycle. The shows will move to an even year cycle with the next events scheduled for June 21-24, 2022 and the following fair booked for April 9-12, 2024.

SDL Atlas’ Textender

SDL Atlas, Rock Hill, S.C., recently introduced the Textender, a testing instrument designed to measure stretch, recovery and growth properties of fabrics. According to the company, the instrument meets both ASTM D2594 and ASTM D3107 standards as well as modified requirements of retailers selling knit and woven fabrics made using stretch yarns.

Menomonee Falls, Wis.-based Kohl’s has announced a partnership with Eddie Bauer to offer outerwear and outdoor apparel for the whole family to Kohl’s customers fall 2021. Items will be available in as many as 500 stores nationwide with products also available on kohls.com.

The American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC), Research Triangle Park, N.C., now offers a Skew & Shrinkage Template to be used when assessing dimensional changes in fabrics. The organization also has introduced an improved version of the AATCC 1993 Standard Reference Detergent Powder.

January/February 2021

Reborn Clothing Co. Names French/West/Vaughan (FWV) As Agency Of Record

RALEIGH, N.C. — February 25, 2021 — French/West/Vaughan (FWV), one of the nation’s 20 largest independently-held public relations and integrated marketing agencies, has been selected by Reborn Clothing Co. to support the brand’s integrated marketing strategy development and execution. Reborn Clothing Co. is a textile upcycling company on a mission to turn consumer and corporate waste into new, useful items.

“I met Emily Neville when she founded Reborn Clothing as an NC State University student in 2017 and have watched her company grow over the years,” said Rick French, Chairman & CEO of FWV. “Even then, her vision for Reborn and its potential for creating positive change in the textile industry was impressive. During a time when a brand’s environmental impact is more important than ever, FWV will use creative storytelling to bring awareness to the global climate crisis solution Reborn offers. We are honored to support Emily and the company’s continued growth.”

Reborn Clothing Co. started as a way for individuals to get clothing out of the back of their closets and made into new products, but the company quickly discovered an opportunity for textile waste reduction on a larger scale. Today, Reborn offers sustainable solutions to consumers and organizations of all sizes. Operating from manufacturing facilities in North Carolina, Reborn works with top brands, colleges and universities to transform surplus branded apparel and textile waste into enduring products.

“We have ambitious plans for Reborn in 2021, and we are excited to engage French/West/Vaughan to support us as we head into another year of projected growth,” Neville said. “FWV’s reputation and the list of top apparel brands on its client roster is impressive, so I know we are in capable hands.”

FWV kicked off work in January with Reborn Clothing Co., the latest company to be added to the list of apparel companies. The agency has worked with over the years including Wrangler, Lee, Jantzen, Peter Millar, Speedo, and Tasc Performance Apparel, among countless others.

Posted February 25, 2021

Source: French/West/Vaughan (FWV)

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