MillerKnoll Is The First Office Furniture Manufacturer To Announce Elimination Of PFAS From North American Brand Portfolio Of Products

ZEELAND, Mich. — December 12, 2024 — MillerKnoll has announced that from May 2025 all North American products from the collective of brands will be free of any added per- and poly- fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)¹, making MillerKnoll the first office furniture manufacturer to make this commitment. PFAS are substances also known as forever chemicals that do not breakdown easily, making them problematic for the environment.

MillerKnoll is the First Office Furniture Manufacturer to Announce Elimination of PFAS from North American Brand Portfolio of Products

“At MillerKnoll, our products meet or exceed global PFAS regulations, but we are dedicated to setting the pace in creating products and spaces that go beyond minimum safety standards,” said Gabe Wing, vice president of Sustainability at MillerKnoll. “Today we have very little inventory that includes added PFAS. We’re committing to not adding any PFAS to our products in North America from May of next year and to extend this commitment globally by fiscal year 2027 ahead of future regulations¹.”

By committing to remove ‘forever chemicals’ like PFAS from products and integrating criteria for safer alternatives into design and safety processes, MillerKnoll aims to exceed consumer expectations and meet increasing regulatory demands for chemical transparency.

This significant step comes on the heels of MillerKnoll being named a Frontrunner and Disclosure Leader in the Chemical Footprint Project (CFP) Report, by Clean Production Action for its work in 2023. CFP assesses, through a specially designed survey, where businesses are on their journey beyond regulatory compliance to manufacturing, distributing, and selling safer products. Frontrunners are top scorers who achieved 80 or more points in the survey and Disclosure Leaders share both their survey score and responses.

A Legacy of Safe Chemistry

MillerKnoll brands have led the way in setting and exceeding safe chemistry standards.

  • In 1978, Knoll was among the first in the industry to reduce air emissions and ozone depletion.
  • In 1988, Herman Miller adopted water-based adhesives and powder paint.
  • In 1984, Knoll set a goal to eliminate volatile organic compounds (“VOCs”) from all manufacturing operations, and two years later it achieved near complete removal of metal coating VOCs.
  • In 2008, Herman Miller implemented water-based veneer finish.
  • In 2013, Canvas Office Landscape wall-based workspaces became polyvinyl chloride (“PVC”)-free.
  • In 2016, Herman Miller was the first office furniture company to eliminate flame retardants from task seating products.
  • By 2019, Herman Miller had eliminated all methylene chloride blowing agents from its supply chain long before any regulations targeted this chemical.
  • In 2023, Maharam was recognized for its work in eliminating added PFAS from its products by BuildingGreen. Maharam first began to question the use of PFAS over a decade ago, leading it to co-author a third-party study with the Green Science Policy Institute that objectively evaluated the long-held performance rationale of PFAS.

Chemical Footprint Project Recognition

The Chemical Footprint Project Survey evaluates performance across four pillars of chemical safety: management strategy, chemical inventory, footprint measurement, and disclosure and verification. Through the release of both their survey score and responses, Disclosure Leaders demonstrate their willingness to publicly release where they are on the journey to safer chemicals.

This year marks the first time MillerKnoll has been recognized by the CFP, underscoring the company’s commitment to cleaner chemistry and creating healthy and sustainable products and spaces. Herman Miller was recognized three times prior to the company’s acquisition of Knoll in 2021.

In addition to MillerKnoll, this year’s Frontrunners are Walmart, Whole Foods Market, Grove Collaborative, Clorox, Ecolab, Humanscale, Naturepedic, Reckitt, Beautycounter, Case Medical, and HP. Joining MillerKnoll as a Disclosure Leader are the nine Frontrunners as well as BD, Rite Aid, GOJO, and Radio Flyer.

¹MillerKnoll will not add PFAS to any products, excluding electrical components, protective stone coating, Ethospace and Pixel pneumatic cylinders, and existing inventory.

Posted: December 13, 2024

Source: MillerKnoll

Myant To Reveal Award-Winning Health Platform Driven By Advanced Materials And AI At CES 2025

TORONTO — December 12, 2024 — Myant Corp. announced it will unveil the future of human-AI interfaces at CES 2025, showcasing award-winning, next-generation technology to empower those at risk of chronic conditions to live healthier, fuller, and longer lives. Visitors will have the opportunity to experience the Skiin Active Electroosmotic Membrane Jacket and the Skiin Cardiac Monitoring Smart Garment, respectively selected as ‘Best of Innovation’ and ‘Honoree’ in the CES 2025 Innovation Awards.

Succeeding the Skiin Connected Health & Wellness System, winner of the 2020 CES Innovation Award, the new Myant Care platform will also be unveiled.

Unveiling the Future of Cardiovascular Care

At CES, Myant invites attendees to imagine a world where healthcare is less intrusive, more compassionate, human-centric and profoundly life-changing with the unveiling of Myant Care, a comprehensive platform designed to improve quality of life by enabling an ongoing relation between users, their families and care providers.

Central to the platform is Skiin Generation 2, the world’s first passive, human centric , comfortable, continuous medical grade remote monitoring device. It integrates ECG, cuffless blood pressure, breathing pattern and volume, core body temperature, oxygen saturation (SpO2), actigraphy and posture, sleep metrics including sleep apnea diagnosis that offers unparalleled insights into managing hypertension, life-threatening arrhythmias, heart failure, sleep apnea, COPD and other conditions.

Skin Generation 2 unlocks powerful new tools for physicians, including live telemetry during teleconsultations and symptom replay. With continuous multi-modal data, including from numerous third-party point-of-care devices and services, physicians gain a holistic understanding of the user’s health, supporting early detection, more precise diagnoses, and personalized care.

A Lifelong Health Partner

At CES, Myant will showcase an array of innovations in advanced materials, biosensors, textile computing, AI and prosthetics that enable new approaches to cardiovascular care, reproductive health, infant safety and beyond. From energy-harvesting technologies to biobased engineered particles and polymers and printable electronics, Myant innovations redefine care and connectivity across all stages of life.

From newborn health and safety monitoring to personalized care in later years, Myant products and solutions offer comfort, preventive health insights, and seamless integration with expert care. To promote reproductive health, Myant will showcase textile-based pain therapy solutions that provide unparalleled comfort during menstrual cycles. For workers and medics, advanced materials developed by Myant enhance safety, healing, and diagnostics, while prosthetic users benefit from improved mobility and alignment.

Award Winning Technology

The Skiin self-drying jacket, selected as ‘Best of Innovation’ in the CES® 2025 Innovation Awards,  solves the moisture and climate challenges faced by outdoor, work, and protective wear, significantly enhancing comfort, performance, and safety for users. This textile computing pump technology also holds immense potential for wound management, drug delivery, and other medical applications.

Meanwhile, Skiin garments integrate textile-based sensors for real-time cardiac health monitoring, providing a seamless, medical-grade solution embedded in everyday clothing.

Together, these innovations highlight Myant’s leadership in textile computing technology and its transformative impact on health and quality of life.

From 7-10 January 2025, Myant will be at Booth #53617 at the Venetian Expo & Convention Center, 201 Sands Ave., Las Vegas, NV 89169, USA.

Posted: December 13, 2024

Source: Myant Corp

2023 US PET Bottle Recycling Rate Reaches Highest Level In Decades; Recycled PET Content In US Bottles Reaches Highest Level Ever

MIDDLETON, Wis. — December 12, 2024 — Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottle recycling rates across the United States reached new heights in 2023, according to the National Association for PET Container Resources’ (NAPCOR) latest 2023 PET Recycling Report published today. The United States (US) PET bottle collection rate was 33 percent in 2023, up four percentage points from 29 percent in 2022; the highest recycling rate in the US since 1996. The average amount of post-consumer recycled (PCR) PET, also known as recycled PET (rPET), used in U.S. bottles and jars was 16.2 percent in 2023, up 3 percentage points from 13.2 percent in 2022. This is the highest level ever and demonstrates increased demand for recycled PET nationwide.

Figure 1, US PET Bottle Collection Rates, 2004-2023: The PET bottle recycling collection rate remained steady, at around 30 percent, over the past decade, before reaching the highest level in nearly 30 years in 2023. Source: NAPCOR 2023 PET Recycling Report. Graphic — Business Wire

PET plastic, easily identified by the #1 resin code, is clear, durable, and versatile. It is accepted in virtually all US recycling programs and is recycled at higher rates than other plastics. A PET plastic bottle can be fully recycled and can be made with up to 100 percent post-consumer recycled material. Research shows that compared to a 12 oz. aluminum can and a 12 oz. glass bottle, a 16.9 oz. PET plastic water bottle consumes 80 percent less energy during production, creates 80 percent less solid waste, uses 53 percent less water during production, has a 74 percent lower global warming potential, and generates 68-83 percent fewer emissions contributing to acid rain and smog formation.

“PET plastic bottles play a vital role in a circular economy because they can be designed to be remade and our members are working hard to ensure they get recycled,” stated Laura Stewart, NAPCOR’s executive director. “NAPCOR’s 2023 PET Recycling Report shows that while there were fewer PET bottles available to recycle in the US, there were still more PET bottles recycled in 2023, resulting in a higher recovery percentage. When manufacturers, consumers, retailers, and recyclers work together to ensure PET is selected, collected, and recycled, our planet reaps the rewards.”

In 2023, the collection rate reached the highest level in nearly 30 years due to growth in PET plastic bottles collected and fewer bottles available for recycling compared to 2022. The US collected 1,962 million pounds of PET bottles for recycling in 2023, the highest annual weight for US bottle collection ever recorded, up from 1,911 million pounds in 2022, an increase of 2.7 percent.

The total pounds of PET bottles available for recycling in the US in 2023 was 5,952 million pounds, down 9.8 percent from 6,599 million pounds in 2022. Domestic sales of both new, also called virgin, and recycled PET resin to non-food/beverage bottle applications, e.g., personal care packaging and household cleaners, were down by significant margins compared to 2022.

As a result of voluntary brand commitments and legislation including recent mandatory recycled content laws, the trend of increasing rPET content in US bottles has accelerated in recent years after remaining flat between six and seven percent between 2014 and 2017. In 2023, the rate of rPET content in US bottles reached an all-time high of 16.2 percent. The amount of rPET used in US bottles in 2023 increased to 966 million pounds from 870 million pounds in 2022, an 11 percent difference. Of the total usage of recycled PET in US and Canadian end markets, the fraction that went to bottle applications reached a new high of 59 percent in 2023, surpassing the previous record of 54 percent in 2022.

“NAPCOR’s 2023 PET Recycling Report underscores the ever-growing demand for PCR content,” added Stewart. “To meet this demand, NAPCOR and the PET industry are eager to work with the government and other stakeholders to improve the collection and recycling of PET plastic.”

North America (the US, Canada, and Mexico) also achieved a significant milestone in recycling, reaching a new high of 41.3 percent in 2023 and yet again surpassing the global standard set by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation. In 2016, the Foundation defined successful recycling as achieving a 30 percent recycling rate across regions with a combined population of at least 400 million. Since 2019, when NAPCOR began tracking the North American rate, the region’s PET bottle recycling rate has consistently exceeded the 30 percent benchmark.

NAPCOR’s 2023 PET Recycling Report includes data on:

  • PET bottle recycling rates for North America and the United States;
  • Post-consumer PET bottle recycling activity: bottles available for collection, post-consumer bottle purchases, clean rPET flake produced, material efficiency rate & reclamation byproducts, end use applications & imports, and more;
  • PET thermoform market analysis (US & Canada): recycling activity, market data, converter activity, sheet capacity, and more;
  • rPET in the US fiber market: volumes of rPET used in the US market for textile and carpet fibers, and more; and
  • PET/rPET supply chain, 2023 through October 2024: historic pricing, rPET bales, LNO pellet, reclamation capacity, trade activity, market developments, and more.

NAPCOR’s 2023 PET Recycling Report is the 29th report of its kind based on survey data, interviews within the market, import data, and independent analysis by NAPCOR. To purchase a copy of the report and view the full contents, including the thermoform and fiber reports, visit https://napcor.com/reports-resources/.

Posted: December 13, 2024

Source: The National Association for PET Container Resources (NAPCOR)

Circulose Welcomes Sara Diez Jauregui And Kalyan Madabhushi To Its Board Of Directors

STOCKHOLM — December 13, 2024 — Circulose is proud to announce the appointment of Sara Diez Jauregui and Kalyan Madabhushi to further strengthen its Board of Directors, following the recent appointment of Chair Helena Helmersson. These additions bring world-class expertise across the value chain: Diez Jauregui offers extensive experience with leading fashion and apparel brands, while Madabhushi brings a notable career at Aditya Birla Group, a global leader in cellulosic fiber production.

With their expertise in fashion and sustainability, and global value chains, Sara and Madabhushi join the Circulose team at a pivotal moment.

Sara Diez Jauregui

Sara brings a profound understanding of the industry and commitment to sustainability with a leading background in fashion, sports retail and digital platforms.

“I am deeply honored to join the board of Circulose and grateful to Altor, Circulose’s Chair, Helena Helmersson, and the CEO Jonatan Janmark for this incredible opportunity. Being part of a board with such talented professionals is both exciting and inspiring. I look forward to collaborating with the Circulose team to advance the mission of making fashion circular the norm, not the exception,” said Diez Jauregui, board member at Circulose.

Kalyan Madabhushi

Madabhushi’s expertise in the fiber and pulp industries, coupled with his strong leadership in driving circularity across global value chains, makes him an ideal addition to Circulose’s Board of Directors.

“I am delighted to join the board alongside Sara and under the leadership of Helena. Circulose’s combination of a strong owner like Altor, an energized team, and a commitment to learnings from past challenges is a recipe for success. A lot of great progress has already been achieved, and I am confident that Circulose is well-positioned to deliver measurable impact for our partners and customers. Together, we will continue to ensure Circulose’s role as a transformative force in the textile industry.” commented Madabhushi, Board Member at Circulose.

Sara Diez Jauregui

Sara Diez Jauregui is a leader and strategic advisor with over 20 years of executive experience in the fashion, sports retail, and digital platforms industries. Known for her passion for sustainability, Sara has built a distinguished career working with some of the leading companies such as Zara (Inditex), Nike, and Zalando. Currently serving as the CEO of The Post Fiber, she is at the forefront of driving sustainable innovation in fashion. Additionally, she serves on the Board of Directors of Revolution Race, advocating for responsible practices and transformative change in the sector.

Kalyan Madabhushi

Kalyan Ram Madabhushi is a highly experienced CEO and Board Director with over 34 years of leadership in global businesses across diverse regions. Having held senior roles at Royal Dutch Shell and Aditya Birla Group (ABG), Kalyan has led transformation initiatives in the chemicals, fertilizers, and sustainable textile fibers sectors. He has served on multiple boards of international joint ventures and brings a strategic, results-driven approach to leadership. Kalyan holds an MBA in International Business and a Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering, in addition to completing executive programs at IMD Switzerland and the University of Oxford.

Posted: December 13, 2024

Source: Circulose

KARL MAYER: High-Performance Warp Knitting Machines For Heimtextil

OBERTSHAUSEN, Germany — December 13, 2024 — Heimtextil will take place in Frankfurt am Main from January 14-17, 2025, and KARL MAYER is taking advantage of the proximity of its headquarters to the Main metropolis to invite its customers visiting the trade fair to a machine presentation in Obertshausen.

Mark Smith, deputy vice president Sales, of the Business Unit Warp Knitting at KARL MAYER.

The focus of the product show will be on tricot machines, which are among the most successful in the product portfolio of the world market leader and cover a wide range of applications.

“Our tricot machines offer our customers a wide range of opportunities to increase sales in their traditional markets and develop new business areas. We look forward to presenting these to our visitors at Heimtextil 2025,” said Mark Smith, deputy vice president, Sales, of the Business Unit Warp Knitting at KARL MAYER.

A highly efficient Raschel machine for the production of sacks will also be on show at KARL MAYER.

HKS 3-M

Bestsellers from the tricot machine portfolio and an efficient special raschel machine

An HKS 3-M with a working width of 210″ and in a gauge of E 28 will be on show producing a trendy upholstery cord article. In addition to upholstery fabrics and velour, the all-rounder also produces textiles for automotive interiors, sportswear and outerwear, mosquito nets, shoe fabrics, coating carriers, terry toweling, cleaning textiles and cuddly blankets, each with a uniquely high output.

A TM 4 EL, also with a 210″ working width and in E 28, completes the range of efficient machines on display. The model is perfect for the production of price-sensitive articles. It has been equipped with KARL MAYER’s proven CFRP technology and thus offers 30% more speed than its predecessor. A stylish seersucker fabric for clothing will be produced on the TM 4 EL in Obertshausen.

An HKS 2-SE PLUS, 130″, in E 40, will also be demonstrating its skills in the production of special elastic warp knitted fabrics for swimwear, sportswear and lingerie.

Thanks to a modified knitting motion, the machine can incorporate the elastic material as a twill lapping and thus produce fabrics with exceptional performance. The new twill fabrics are extremely strong and resistant to elastic deformation. They are supple against the skin, drape well and dry quickly. The HKS 2-SE PLUS also produces the proven HKS 2-SE items.

Another successful product from the warp knitting department is sacks, for example for packaging potatoes. The robust net articles can be produced on the proven RDS 11-EL with maximum efficiency and almost ready-to-use, as will be demonstrated in Obertshausen. At a speed of 700 rpm, the simultaneous production of six fabric sheets and 100 % efficiency, 870 bags/h measuring 69 cm x 58 cm can be produced depending on the selected stitch densities and dimensions. These can be designed extremely flexibly. Variable sack lengths and lappings are possible thanks to the EL pattern drive.

KARL MAYER Development Center

The production process takes place online, from the production of the tapes on a film cutting and stretching unit to processing on the Raschel machine.

An exhibition of novel textile innovations for a wide range of applications and the latest digital product and care solutions will complement the machine presentation.

So it’s worth making a detour from Heimtextil to KARL MAYER in Obertshausen! The development center with the machine presentation will be open from January 14 to 17 from 9.00 am to 4.00 pm. Interested parties are requested to register for their personal time slot with their respective sales manager.

Posted: December 13, 2024

Source: KARL MAYER

Lindström Group Secures Top 1% Sustainability Ranking With EcoVadis Platinum Medal

HELSINKI, Finland — December 13, 2024 — Lindström Group, a global textile service company, has earned the EcoVadis Platinum Medal, placing it among the top 1 percent of more than 130,000 companies worldwide for sustainability. The recognition reflects Lindström’s commitment to integrating sustainable practices into its global operations and supply chain.

EcoVadis, a leading sustainability rating agency, assessed Lindström across 21 criteria in four areas: Environment, Labor & Human Rights, Ethics, and Sustainable Procurement. Lindström scored an impressive 83/100, with standout performance in Environmental Practices (90/100) and strong results in the other categories.

“This achievement is the result of a collective effort,” said Inari Laveri, Climate and Compliance manager at Lindström. “Our project team has worked tirelessly to enhance our policies, practices, and reporting, while our employees have actively participated in training sessions. The feedback from EcoVadis during the past few years has been invaluable, helping us identify areas for improvement and shape effective development plans.”

Lindström’s recent upgrades to its HR systems have improved monitoring and enhanced employee training. In 2024, 92 percent of employees completed Code of Conduct training, while more than 10,000 hours were spent on Health and Safety sessions.

Lindström India aligns its initiatives with the group’s global sustainability goals while addressing local challenges.

“This global recognition strengthens our resolve to advance sustainable solutions in India,” said Jayant Roy, Managing Director, Lindström India. “From optimizing laundry processes to working with local recyclers, we are actively contributing to both global and regional sustainability goals. In the coming years, we aim to sustain 100 percent textile waste recycling.”

He added, “India presents unique opportunities for innovation. By blending global expertise with local strategies, we aspire to set new benchmarks in responsible business practices.”

Lindström’s circular economy approach focuses on reducing waste and maximising resource use. The company has achieved an impressive 100% textile waste recycling in India. Certifications like ISO 14001 further underscore its dedication to environmental management.

Posted: December 13, 2024

Source: Lindström Group

3M Sponsors Recent High-Altitude Races At Mt. Siguniang And Ultra-Trail Ninghai

ST. PAUL, Minn. — December 13, 2024 — 3M, a global supplier of insulation and surface modification technology for apparel and accessories, recently sponsored the 7th annual Mt. Siguniang Mountaineering Festival and the 2024 Ultra-Trail Ninghai Race by UTMB.

The Mt. Siguniang Mountaineering Festival, located in the majestic Mt. Siguniang, or Four Sisters Mountain, is a high-altitude event that tests both the endurance and spirit of athletes. The festival featured four distinct trail races within Siguniang National Park, each named after one of the mountain’s four unique peaks, the tallest of which rises to 6,250 meters (20,510 feet).

The Ultra-Trail Ninghai Race by UTMB, a trail race held in East China’s mountain area, started in 2013 in Ningbo, Zhejiang. The racecourse begins in the western mountain area of Ninghai and passes through forests, streams, and mountains. The Ultra-Trail Ninghai by UTMB is more than just a race – it inspires countless runners to embrace the outdoors, pushing their limits while discovering the breathtaking beauty of the Yangtze Delta.

3M provided cutting-edge technology for both events by incorporating 3M™ Thinsulate™ Anti- Static Insulation (Type AS) and 3M™ Scotchgard™ Protector into race apparel. Every racer received a vest featuring 3M™ Thinsulate™ Anti-Static Insulation (Type AS) and 3M™ Scotchgard™ Protector. The vests are designed specifically for the demanding conditions of mountain environments and helped keep athletes warm by trapping heat, essential for staying comfortable in extreme cold temperatures at high altitudes. The anti-static properties reduce the buildup of static electricity, which is common in dry, cold conditions. Additionally, 30% of the fibers are made from recycled post-consumer plastic bottles.

3M™ Scotchgard™ Protector Water Resistant treatment enhances fabric performance with water repellency and stain resistance. This treatment allows fabric to maintain softness and breathability, keeping the wearer dry by preventing water absorption while maintaining fabric breathability in wet and snowy conditions.

“These athletes embody the highest levels of dedication and physical endurance,” said Melissa Blakely, Global Portfolio Director for 3M™ Thinsulate™ and Scotchgard™. “We’re excited to see 3M’s cutting-edge technologies help them achieve peak performance.”

For sales and/or further details on 3M™ Thinsulate™ Insulation and Scotchgard™ Protector, please contact Totti Liang (tliang2@mmm.com) or Joann Lin (jlin26@mmm.com).

Posted: December 13, 2024

Source: 3M

Bally Ribbon Mills Highlights Broad Product Line Of Medical Textiles And Fabrics

BALLY, Pa. — December 13, 2024 — Bally Ribbon Mills (BRM) — an industry designer, developer, and manufacturer of highly specialized engineered woven fabrics — highlights its broad product line of medical textiles and fabrics ideal for use in cardiovascular, orthopedic, and dental prosthetic applications.

Tubular prosthesis of medical textiles can become one with the repaired vessel over time and can provide less invasive options than operations like open heart surgery. BRM’s woven seamless tubular materials for stent and knitted grafts offer solutions for aortic repair and endoluminal devices. Other BRM cardiovascular textiles facilitate Trans Aortic Valve Replacement and Aseptal Defect repair.

BRM’s medical textiles also include woven tapes and webbing in flat fabrics, or straight or bifurcated tubular structures. Monofilament materials used in blood filtration, aspirating devices, and bone marrow transplants are also available. For materials used in the manufacture of dental prosthetic devices, BRM offers braided composite substrates.

BRM works closely with major manufacturers to help support medical device development due to its capability to go from prototype into full-scale production.

BRM manufactures medical textiles in a certified clean room to ensure cleanliness and quality and maintains the rigorous ISO 13485:2016 certification for the design and manufacture of medical devices. Additionally, medical textiles engineers, prototype weavers, and braiders at BRM work on a confidential basis to protect the intellectual property of customers.

Posted: December 13, 2024

Source: Bally Ribbon Mills (BRM)

AATCC Announces New Student Chapters

DURHAM, N.C. — December 13, 2024 — AATCC is proud to announce two new student chapters that have recently been established. AATCC student chapters enable university students to connect with one another outside of the classroom environment, advancing their engagement within the textile industry. Additionally, as a globally recognized association for textile professionals, AATCC’s student chapters can also benefit from the multitude of textile resources and networking opportunities available to professionals.

AUST Student Chapter – Dhaka, Bangladesh

In August, the Ahsanullah University of Science and Technology (AUST) in Dhaka, Bangladesh established their AATCC student chapter with Mohammad Tajul Islam as the faculty advisor. By establishing this new chapter, the AUST students hope to further align their educational experiences with the current industry standards, grow their textile community, enhance their textile knowledge, and contribute to advances textile science and technology.

Bangladesh is a country that is heavily involved in textile production, with much of the country’s export revenue generated from the readymade garment industry. The Ahsanullah University of Science and Technology established a program for textile technology in the late 1990s, later changed to textile engineering, which has produced more than 2400 graduates employed globally. The program boasts a holistic educational experience, collaborating with textile and research institutions across the board.

This chapter is led by Abir Hossain as Chair, Sadman Hossain Mridul as Vice-Chair, Mahbub Alam Emon as Treasurer, Imamul Hossain as Secretary, Rudrotosh Kumer Dey as Organizing Secretary, and Noor Mohammad Belal Towsif as Operational Secretary.

Faculty Advisor: Dr. Suraj Sharma

UGA Student Chapter – Athens, Ga.

In December, the University of Georgia (UGA) in Athens, Ga., re-established its AATCC student chapter with Suraj Sharma as the faculty advisor.

Chair: Kavyashree Mruthyunjaya Swamy

This chapter aims to expand the awareness around AATCC test standards and deepen their understanding of textiles by collaborating with other chapters and AATCC.

Treasurer: Yahya Absalan

The UGA student chapter was originally established in 1978 but was not active until it was recently revived.

Public Relations Officer: Tyanna Tejada

This new phase of the AATCC student chapter will be led by Kavyashree Mruthyunjaya Swamy as chair, Yahya Absalan as treasurer, and Tyanna Tejada as Public Relations officer.

Posted: December 13, 2024

Source: American Association of Textile Chemists & Colorists (AATCC)

The Chinese Junma Group Expands High Modulus Low Shrink (HMLS) Polyester Capacities By 20 Positions

ZHANGJIAGANG (Jiangsu Province), China/REMSCHEID, Germany — December 12, 2024 — The Chinese Junma Group has expanded its High Modulus Low Shrink (HMLS) capacities by 20 positions, hence becoming one of the largest tire cord manufacturers in China. At present, the company has 64 positions of HMLS systems, all of which are from Oerlikon Barmag.

The ACW high-speed winder processes HMLS yarn at speeds of up to 6300 m/min.

Junma processes the tire yarn produced in the titer range of 1100 dtex to 2200 dtex in-house into tire cord using the downstream processes of dipping and weaving. The largest HMLS single project for Junma and Oerlikon Barmag to date was put into operation in record time. After just two weeks, the various yarn specifications were approved. “The fact that we achieved the required yarn parameters so quickly shows how reliable our industrial yarn systems are,” says process engineer Li Jiangang. “Our systems guarantee a stable spinning process and reliably produce quality yarns – our many years of experience in the industry help us here.”

Wang Hongbin, General Manager at Junma, is also aware of this: “We entered the HMLS polyester tire cord manufacturing business in 2008 and at the time, we decided on Oerlikon Barmag systems. All the subsequent expansion stages have confirmed our decision from back then; today, we are convinced Oerlikon Barmag customers.”

High-end HMLS technology for the international tire market

Junma supplies its end products to renowned international tire manufacturers and sees definite growth potential in this segment of the automotive industry. “This year, we opened our first branches outside of China. And for the coming year, we are planning our first production facility in Thailand,” says Wang Hongbin. In doing so, Junma continues to rely on the expertise of Oerlikon Barmag. The HMLS process from Oerlikon Barmag scores particularly highly with production speeds of up to 6300 m/min, at which the core components of high-speed godets and winders demonstrate their reliability.

Posted: December 12, 2024

Source: Oerlikon Polymer Processing Solutions Division

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