From Pre-Treatment To Finishing: Textile Chemicals & Dyes At Techtextil Frankfurt 2026 For The First Time As A Separate Product Area

FRANKFURT, Germany — December 11, 2024 — From fiber production to coating: For the first time, Techtextil bundles the range of exhibitors in the field of Textile Chemicals & Dyes in an independent product area from April 21-24, 2026, in Frankfurt. The leading international trade fair for technical textiles and nonwovens is creating a central hub for suppliers and users. It thus emphasizes the increasing demand and relevance of Textile Chemicals & Dyes for the global textile industry.

Techtextil 2026 concentrates Textile Chemicals & Dyes in a separate product segment for the first time. It thus emphasizes the broad range of applications and the growing economic importance of these products. The leading trade fair for technical textiles and nonwovens is responding to the growing demand from users and the requirements of suppliers for a centralized and concentrated industry platform for textile chemicals and dyes. Techtextil is creating new synergies with this future bundling. Textile Chemicals & Dyes will be located in the same hall as Fibers and Yarns and Performance Apparel Textiles. Preliminary stages, suppliers and users will come together in the immediate proximity of each other. This makes it easier for them to communicate specific requirements and needs and find solutions more quickly.

‘Textile Chemicals & Dyes are becoming increasingly important for the production of technical and performance textiles. At the same time, the demands on suppliers and users are increasing, for example with regard to environmental regulations or supply chains. At Techtextil, we will bring the players even closer together in future. In this way, we enable dialogue, comparability and raise even more awareness for this promising sector,’ says Sabine Scharrer, director, Brand Management Technical Textiles & Textile Processing at Messe Frankfurt.

Their growing importance is underlined by a 2021 analysis by the market research firm MarketsandMarkets. According to the study, the global market for textile chemicals is expected to grow to a volume of $33.1 billion by 2026. The study cites a number of factors as drivers of this growth, including the increasing demand for chemicals for the rapidly growing technical textiles market.

Techtextil is the most important international platform for technical textiles, nonwovens, functional apparel textiles and textile technologies. Textile Chemicals & Dyes are an important part of this portfolio and are relevant for all application areas such as outdoor and protective clothing, industry, automotive, aerospace, medical technology, filtration and construction.

Whether for nonwovens, coated textiles or functional clothing textiles – chemicals and dyes are indispensable for textile production. In various pre-treatment, dyeing and finishing processes, they determine the visual appearance of fibres, yarns, nonwovens and textile surfaces. More importantly, they give them important functions. Textile chemicals give outdoor rain jackets their water-repellent impregnation, work clothes their performance and ensure crease-free and soft bed linen despite frequent washing. Moreover, they sterilise medical textiles for safe use in operating theatres, protect erosion protection fleeces in road construction from UV radiation and make industrial textile filters oil and water repellent. They also ensure the flame protection of firefighter suits and improve the durability of airbags so that they function reliably for the life of the car.

Techtextil Frankfurt 2026 will be held from April 21 through 24, 2026.

Posted: December 11, 2024

Source: Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH

ANDRITZ Introduces New Pilot Line For Dry Molded Fiber Production

GRAZ, Austria — December 11, 2024 — International technology group ANDRITZ has inaugurated a new technical center in Montbonnot, France, dedicated to advancing solutions for dry molded fiber production.

Coffee cup lids are one example of products made with DMF technology. Photo – ANDRITZ

Dry molded fiber (DMF) production uses a nearly waterless process to convert cellulose fibers into three-dimensional products for sustainable packaging. Based on its strategic partnership with the Swedish DMF pioneer PulPac, ANDRITZ is now able to offer complete dry molded fiber lines.

The new technical center with its pilot line will support ANDRITZ’s development of industrial-scale solutions for high-speed, turnkey dry molded fiber production plants for the packaging industry. It will also enable customers to conduct trials, receive support on R&D projects, and create new products with customized shapes and barrier properties.

Andreas Lukas, Senior Vice President of ANDRITZ Nonwoven & Textile, states: “Wood pulp processing has been a core competence of ANDRITZ for a long time. Our new pilot line is an important step in advancing our solutions for responsible convenience packaging from wood pulp. By combining ANDRITZ Dan-Web’s airlaid forming capabilities with PulPac’s molding technology, we are striving for the highest capacity, product quality and flexibility in this field.”

The launch of the new DMF pilot line underscores ANDRITZ’s commitment to invest in the development of environmentally friendly solutions that support the green transition.

Posted: December 11, 2024

Source: ANDRITZ

Textile Supply Chain Trends Of 2024 And Predictions For 2025

By Rohit Dev Sethi

The textile supply chain in 2024 was defined by a focus on technology integration, sustainability, and shifts in sourcing strategies. As the industry moves into 2025, these trends are expected to evolve, with new approaches that reshape how textiles are produced, sourced, and delivered. Here, we examine the key trends that defined 2024 and provide a forecast for what lies ahead in 2025.

1. Emphasis on Sustainable and Circular Practices

2024 Recap: Sustainability has been a major focal point for the textile industry, and 2024 solidified its importance. Brands responded to consumer demand for more environmentally friendly products by adopting circular business models. Companies began rethinking their production and supply chain processes to prioritize the reduction of waste, increased use of recyclable materials, and more efficient resource usage. Circularity was driven by both regulatory pressures and consumer demand, with nations like the EU enforcing strict environmental regulations for textile waste management and recycling practices.

2025 Outlook: In 2025, circularity and sustainability will remain integral. The industry is likely to see an increase in collaborations between brands and recycling firms to optimize post-consumer waste management. Moreover, the focus will expand to cover more regenerative agriculture practices, pushing the shift toward eco-friendly materials like organic cotton, hemp, and bamboo. Greater transparency around supply chain emissions is expected, with brands embracing carbon footprint certifications to appeal to eco-conscious consumers.

2. Digital Transformation and Automation

2024 Recap: The integration of digital technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and blockchain had a substantial impact on the textile supply chain in 2024. AI-powered predictive analytics helped companies forecast demand, reducing excess inventory and minimizing losses. IoT-enabled devices provided real-time data on production processes, allowing firms to monitor quality and reduce inefficiencies.

Blockchain, in particular, was significant for traceability, allowing brands to track a garment’s journey from raw material to retail. This increased transparency helped build consumer trust and supported compliance with regulatory requirements for sourcing and labor conditions.

2025 Outlook: In 2025, digital transformation will continue to advance. AI and machine learning models will become more sophisticated, allowing for even better demand forecasting and customization. Robotics and automation are expected to increase, especially in garment manufacturing, to address labor shortages and reduce production costs. Digital twins—virtual replicas of physical assets—will see greater adoption, enabling firms to simulate and optimize supply chain scenarios in real-time.

Additionally, blockchain’s role in supply chain transparency will expand. More brands are likely to adopt this technology, as consumers continue to demand ethical sourcing and traceable products.

3. Nearshoring and Reshoring of Production

2024 Recap: Geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions in recent years led brands to explore nearshoring and reshoring options in 2024. Many companies found that sourcing closer to home reduced lead times, improved reliability, and allowed for greater control over production. Nearshoring, particularly in the Americas and within the EU, allowed brands to respond more quickly to consumer demands and changing fashion trends.

This shift was especially relevant given the challenges of global logistics and rising freight costs, as it reduced the industry’s reliance on traditionally low-cost regions like China and Southeast Asia.

2025 Outlook: Nearshoring is set to become even more prominent in 2025. As companies increasingly seek stable and resilient supply chains, regions like Eastern Europe and North Africa will grow in importance for the EU market, while Mexico and Central America will be pivotal for North America. This shift will not only help reduce transportation emissions but also allow brands to market their products as “locally made,” a trend that resonates with consumers who prefer locally sourced products.

Furthermore, the development of automated manufacturing processes will make it financially viable to produce goods closer to end markets, further driving the nearshoring trend.

4. Enhanced Focus on Traceability and Transparency

2024 Recap: Consumers in 2024 became more aware of the social and environmental impacts of their purchases, which pressured brands to enhance supply chain transparency. Traceability technologies enabled brands to verify the origins of their raw materials and ensure ethical labor practices across the supply chain. Certifications such as GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) and OEKO-TEX became common, as brands sought to build credibility in sustainability.

2025 Outlook: In 2025, the focus on traceability will continue to expand. More consumers will demand proof of ethical sourcing, and brands will respond by making product origins easily accessible. Technologies like RFID tags and blockchain will be key in offering a “material passport,” allowing customers to track the journey of their purchases from farm to store. Compliance with traceability standards will become non-negotiable, especially in the EU and North America, as more legislation around ethical sourcing is expected.

5. Shift Toward Digital-First and Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) Models

2024 Recap: 2024 witnessed a notable shift in how consumers interacted with brands. Many brands turned to digital-first and DTC models to connect more intimately with customers and gather real-time feedback. This model allowed companies to reduce dependence on third-party retailers, enabling quicker response to trends and consumer demands. It also provided brands with valuable insights into consumer behavior, allowing for more targeted product development and marketing.

2025 Outlook: In 2025, the DTC model will gain further traction, especially for niche and sustainable brands that wish to establish a direct relationship with their customers. E-commerce platforms are expected to incorporate augmented reality (AR) and virtual try-ons to create immersive shopping experiences. Additionally, the role of data analytics in DTC will grow, as brands use it to personalize offerings and improve customer retention.

6. Rise of Slow Fashion and Customization

2024 Recap: Fast fashion saw a decline in 2024, as more consumers gravitated towards slow fashion and customization. Customers began to prioritize quality over quantity, leading brands to adopt made-to-order models and encourage mindful purchasing. Slow fashion aligns well with sustainability goals, as it reduces overproduction and waste.

2025 Outlook: In 2025, slow fashion is expected to become more mainstream, with customization options becoming a key differentiator for brands. Mass customization technologies will allow brands to offer a variety of options in styles, colors, and sizes, creating a personalized experience that meets individual needs. This trend will help reduce excess inventory and align with consumer demands for unique and ethical products.

7. Focus on Workforce Well-being and Skill Development

2024 Recap: Labor practices and workforce well-being became significant topics in 2024, with an increasing number of companies investing in fair wages, safe working conditions, and skill development programs for their employees. This shift was partially driven by consumer awareness and stricter labor laws that demanded ethical practices across the supply chain.

2025 Outlook: The focus on workforce well-being will intensify in 2025. As automation becomes more prevalent, companies will invest in reskilling their workforce to keep up with new technologies. Additionally, brands will prioritize fair treatment, and benefits for factory workers as part of their commitment to ethical practices. A focus on human rights will enhance the brand’s image, fostering trust among consumers.

Conclusion

The textile supply chain in 2024 was marked by innovation, sustainability, and resilience. As 2025 approaches, these trends will deepen, driven by advancing technology, changing consumer values, and global shifts in trade and sourcing. Brands that embrace these trends proactively will not only enhance their resilience but also appeal to an increasingly conscientious consumer base. By focusing on sustainability, digital transformation, ethical practices, and transparency, the textile supply chain will evolve to meet the challenges and expectations of the future, setting a new standard for responsible fashion.


Editor’s Note: Rohit Dev Sethi is managing director of India-based ColossusTex


December 10, 2024

SPINNOVA® Fibre Producer Woodspin And PUMA Sign Multi-Year Letter Of Intent

JYVÄSKYLÄ, Finland — December 10, 2024 — Woodspin Oy, the producer and seller of the sustainable wood-based SPINNOVA® fibre and the global sports brand PUMA SE have signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) to secure access to fibre volumes for several years. Woodspin is a joint venture company of Spinnova and Suzano.

The LOI is a non-binding agreement for booking volumes of wood-based SPINNOVA® fibre from Woodspin.

Spinnova and PUMA will collaborate to develop products from SPINNOVA® fibre for future collections, particularly in products of PUMA’s Sportstyle category.

“We are very excited to announce an LOI for SPINNOVA® fibre with a major global brand like PUMA. This marks an important step in building the market and industrial adoption of SPINNOVA® fibre, which is needed to scale the fibre and Spinnova’s technology,” comments Shahriare Mahmood, Spinnova’s Chief Product and Sustainability Officer.

”This partnership with PUMA showcases the potential of sustainably sourced and renewable raw material to transform the fashion industry by inspiring and empowering people to make more sustainable choices,” says Jari Aittakari, Woodspin’s Sales Director.

“Spinnova’s innovative fibre technology represents a new gateway into the world of manmade cellulosic fibre (MMCF) production, using water instead of chemicals to help produce these fibres,” says Howard Williams, Director Global Innovation Apparel & Accessories at PUMA.

Posted: December 10, 2024

Source: SPINNOVA PLC

NCTO Statement On Launch Of U.S. Section 301 Investigation Into Nicaragua’s Acts, Policies, And Practices Related To Human Rights, Labor Rights, And Rule Of Law

WASHINGTON — December 10, 2024 — National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO) President and CEO Kim Glas issued a statement today on the Biden administration’s initiation of a Section 301 investigation into Nicaragua’s acts, policies, and practices related to human rights, labor rights, and rule of law.

National Council of Textile Organizations President and CEO Kim Glas issued the following statement:

“The U.S. textile industry strongly condemns the actions of Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega and Vice President Rosario Murillo as detailed by the Biden administration in announcing the launch of a Section 301 investigation today.  We support upholding the fundamental principles of human rights, labor rights, and rule of law enshrined in all free trade agreements with the United States, and we appreciate that there should be repercussions for the Ortega-Murillo regime targeted towards eliciting meaningful reforms to adhere to these principles.

While we acknowledge that there should be consequences for violations of these principles by the Ortego-Murillo regime, we ask that any response by the Biden administration be carefully calibrated.  The U.S. trading relationship with Nicaragua does not exist in a vacuum given the interconnected nature of the U.S.-Central American textile and apparel supply chain.  Nicaragua is part of the U.S.-CAFTA-DR agreement, and these partner countries are part of a critically intertwined regional textile and apparel production chain supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs and economic development in this sector.

Specifically, the U.S. textile industry exported nearly $350 million of textile and apparel products directly to Nicaragua last year, making it the third largest export destination in the CAFTA-DR region.  Furthermore, many in the U.S. textile industry export yarns and fabrics to other countries in the region such as Honduras and Guatemala for fabric formation and/or finishing before being shipped to Nicaragua for final assembly.

Additionally, there is $1.1 billion in two-way textile and apparel trade primarily between the Northern Triangle countries and Nicaragua to make apparel for the U.S. market.  These intra-regional shipments, combined with U.S. exports to Nicaragua, represent an estimated $1.5 billion in overall trade of textile inputs within the coproduction chain among the U.S., Nicaragua, and the rest of the CAFTA-DR region.

Any U.S. penalty actions against Nicaragua should be leveled at those directly responsible for the abuses and not in a manner that harms working people.  Notably, the textile and apparel sector is the largest employer of women in Nicaragua.  Furthermore, placing 301 tariffs on textile and apparel trade with Nicaragua would in effect reward China by bolstering their competitive position relative to the CAFTA-DR region.

Destabilizing the U.S.-CAFTA-DR production platform would have serious implications for U.S. and regional workers, migration, economic development, and pending and future investment.  We stand ready to assist the U.S. Trade Representative’s office as it conducts its investigation and will further engage in the public comment process to promote a policy response that advances and balances shared values of fairness, opportunity, and economic stability in the Americas.”

Posted: December 10, 2024

Source: National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO)

Rieter Appoints Emmanuelle Gmür As Chief Human Resources Officer And Member Of The Group Executive Committee

WINTERTHUR, Switzerland — December 10, 2024 — The Board of Directors of Rieter Holding Ltd. has appointed Emmanuelle Gmür to the Group Executive Committee of the Rieter Group with effect from January 1, 2025. As Chief Human Resources Officer, she succeeds Tom Ban, who has decided to pursue his career outside Rieter.

Gmür has extensive knowledge in human resources and a proven track record in strategic leadership and organizational development, management consulting and change management. She has vast international experience and knowledge of the textile industry.

In the period from 2013 to 2024, Gmür was active as chief human resources officer, Global head of Communication and as a member of the global management board of the Triumph Group, Bad Zurzach (Switzerland). At the same time, she was a member of the Supervisory Board of Triumph France SA, Obernai (France) from 2020 to 2024 and deputy chairwoman of the Supervisory Board of Triumph Austria AG, Vienna/Wiener Neustadt (Austria) from 2015 to 2024. She previously worked as Global Head of Learning and Development for the Triumph Group in Bad Zurzach (Switzerland) from 2010 to 2013. From 2007 to 2010, she held the position of Head of Consulting at Qualintra SA, Geneva (Switzerland). From 1999 to 2006, she held various positions at British Telecom plc, London (United Kingdom), among others as a consultant for leadership and organizational development and as a business transformation consultant.

Thomas Oetterli, Chairman of the Board of Directors and CEO of the Rieter Group

“Emmanuelle Gmür has extensive international expertise in all areas of human resources management. She is a respected expert and leader and will consistently drive forward the further development of the human resources department. As Chief Human Resources Officer, she will enrich the Rieter team with her expertise and profound business acumen and support the Group Executive Committee in implementing the new strategy,” says Thomas Oetterli, chairman of the Board of Directors and CEO of the Rieter Group.

Gmür holds a Core MBA from the Helsinki University of Technology, Helsinki (Finland) and a Master of Science in Business from the École supérieure de commerce de Reims (France). She was born in 1976 and is a French citizen.

Posted: December 10, 2024

Source: Rieter Ltd.

Loepfe Brothers Ltd. — At The Forefront Of Mastering Polypropylene Clearing

WETZIKON, Switzerland — December 10, 2024 — Loepfe has been at the forefront of mastering polypropylene clearing for years, and PRISMA is the latest proof of this expertise. As PRISMA is an evolving system, Loepfe proudly announces a further improvement in P-clearing. Designed for spinning mills facing fluctuating humidity levels, the system is proven to offer better fabric quality while maintaining the cut rate.

Over the past 12 months, extensive trials have been conducted, and tons of data has been collected and used to upgrade the level of accuracy in polypropylene detection. The data was used for optimization in signal processing and to offer an additional setting function specifically for spinning mills that must contend with pronounced climatic fluctuations.

Polypropylene clearing

Contamination of cotton with synthetic fibers remains a significant concern for spinning mills. Polypropylene contamination, typically stemming from bale packaging, can lead to a myriad of issues throughout the production process. These include broken needles in knitting applications, thread breakage during weaving, and visible defects in the final product after dyeing. Effective contamination clearing substantially enhances yarn quality, while overly stringent measures can negatively impact production efficiency and increase waste.

For spinners, clever P-clearing balances the need for quality yarn with the imperative to maintain operational efficiency. Loepfe’s approach combines advanced technology, precise signal processing, and tailored settings to address various production scenarios, now enhanced to account specifically for humidity fluctuations.

New climate compensation

In response to the unique demands of spinning mills operating in environments with significant humidity variations, PRISMA now features an innovative climate compensation setting. Extensive testing of this new functionality at affected spinning mills has demonstrated several benefits, including:

  • Enhanced overall classification accuracy
  • Improved clearing performance
  • Consistent cut rates coupled with superior final fabric quality
  • Same cuts and better clearing performance

The new function makes it easy to counteract the changing climate in a spinning mill. The system then takes into account the increasing humidity and calculates an average value between the standard deviation and the peak values.

By providing this enhanced climate compensation setting, Loepfe empowers spinning mills to sustain peak performance and exceptional quality, even when confronted with challenging environmental conditions.

P-Clearing Matrix

The P-Matrix allows operators to input specific parameters, starting with a pre-generated clearing curve by the Autostart function that considers the most crucial factors for optimal and efficient clearing results. By easily adjusting the settings – raising or lowering the clearing curve – operators can tailor outcomes to meet their individual production needs.

The key influences on polypropylene clearing include:

  • Raw material (fiber length and short fiber content)
  • Yarn count
  • Twist amount in the yarn
  • Yarn hairiness
  • Humidity (impact on hairiness)

How to set P climate compensation

Go to Default Group Settings and set Climate Compensation to 50%. Select the checkbox Adjustable in Group to show it in Group Settings optional. This 50% will be applied to all the groups by default. The service key is required to access the Default Group Settings.

The Climate Compensation value may be influenced by the yarn count and cotton variety. It is recommended to start with a value of 50% as various trials show that the best result can be achieved between 35% and 75%.

Posted: December 10, 2024

Source: Loepfe Brothers Ltd.

Sächsisches Textilforschungsinstitut e.V. (STFI) Investigates Textile Applications For PU Potting Compounds

CHEMNITZ, Germany — December 10, 2024 — Potting compounds made of polyurethane (PU) are traditionally used to protect and isolate electrical and electronic parts, e.g. in battery modules or as an insulating layer on circuits or for embedding LEDs. In addition to their electrically insulating properties, they are heat-resistant and mechanically flexible. Furthermore, the transition from the liquid to the solid aggregate state is so convenient that these PU compounds can applied precisely. The Sächsisches Textilforschungsinstitut e.V. (STFI) is currently developing two applications on textiles. The first involves examining PU potting compounds as a cover layer for sensors that are used to monitor mechanical stress. The second approach is dedicated to 3D printing on pre-stressed textiles to subsequently produce three-dimensionally deformed structures.

The ongoing research project “Texsafe” (Reg. No. 49MF220096) focuses on the development of large-area textile sandwich-structured surface elements for monitoring mechanical loads. For this purpose, coating materials are required to permanently record the permittivity by changing mechanical param-eters during elastic deformation. In addition, these materials must be able to withstand high loads of up to 1000 kg non-destructively and protect the textile against mechanical damage. Polyurethane-based potting compounds from WEVO-CHEMIE GmbH, Ostfildern-Kemnat with viscoplastic proper-ties and a high elongation at break have proven to be particularly suitable for this purpose. These requirements are fulfilled by the Wevopur products from Wevo, which have already been successfully evaluated in extensive test series. The first functional samples have been produced on a small scale, enabling the detection of mechanical loads. The potting compound proved to be particularly suitable due to its low mixing viscosity, as the textile was well wetted or saturated. The next step is to scale up to large-area textile sandwich-structured surface elements. Applications include truck loading space detection, parking lot and floor sensors for access control and observation areas.

3D printing on textiles has already been the subject of successful developments at STFI for several years. In this context, new materials for the various 3D application processes are constantly being tested. Selected Wevopur products were also tested as part of the research project “Machine and process development for 3D printing on pre-stretched textiles” (Reg. No. KK5081706WO1).

Materials with high flexural strength and SHORE hardness in the upper Shore D range were required for the selective reinforcement of pre-stretched textiles using 3D printing. Stretchable PES knitted fabrics were stretched homogeneously and without distortion in the longitudinal and transverse directions using a newly developed tensioning system with defined forces. Following this, the textiles were printed with various geometries using 3D printing. In addition to the classic FDM process, in which thermoplastic filaments are used, the LDM process was also tested. In this process, pasty materials or liquids are used.

Products from the Wevopur series also proved to be very useful here. The materials were applied to the pre-stretched textiles using a 2-component print head. This reinforced the textiles at certain points. After that the printed textile was relieved of pressure and defined deformations were created. This is also called “4D printing”. For example, this technology can be used to produce individual textile lampshades or acoustic panels and open further application possibilities in architecture. The customized viscosity and good adhesion of Wevo materials such as WEVOPUR 71/25 MT/3 with WEVONAT 300 ensure a good and durable bond with the textile.

Posted: December 10, 2024

Source: Sächsisches Textilforschungsinstitut e.V. (STFI)

Chlorine Gas Systems: New Electric Safety Valve Makes The System Safer

WERTHEIM, Germany — December 10, 2024 — Chlorine gas plays a key role in the disinfection of drinking and industrial water. However, handling the chemical can pose considerable health risks — from irritation of the eyes to fatal pulmonary edema. To further improve occupational safety during use, Lutz-Jesco has developed the VakuStop — a vacuum regulator for dosing systems that is equipped with an emergency stop function to prevent uncontrolled chlorine gas leaks directly at the chlorine gas tank in the event of an emergency. The new product will be on display from 11 to 14 March 2025 at the Aquatech 2025 water technology trade fair in Amsterdam (Hall 1, Stand 01.244). Lutz-Jesco will also be presenting dosing pumps from the Memdos Smart series for dosing aggressive chemicals as well as electrolysis systems from the Easychlorgen and Minichlorgen series, which safely produce the disinfectant sodium hypochlorite from commercially available salt.

The new VakuStop is based on the C2213/14 vacuum regulator, which Lutz-Jesco has upgraded by adding an automatic safety valve. The system is designed as a compact device that can be fitted to the valve of a chlorine gas tank in just a few simple steps. It can also be connected to a gas warning device or the PLUS safety blow-off valve. In normal operation, the vacuum regulator enables the controlled dosing of up to 10 kg of chlorine gas (CI2) per hour into the piping system provided that there is a sufficient vacuum in the dosing line.

The new VakuStop is based on the C2213/14 vacuum regulator, which Lutz-Jesco has upgraded by adding an automatic safety valve

If the negative pressure drops, for example due to a leakage, the chlorine supply is automatically interrupted. If chlorine gas escapes due to a defect in the dosing system, the electric safety valve of the VakuStop closes immediately, preventing any further escape of gas. This emergency-off function is also triggered in the event of a chlorine alarm, a cable break, if overpressure is detected or if the pushbutton is actuated. In these cases, a stop lever clearly protrudes from the housing as an indicator to signal the interruption. The valve only opens again when an employee operates the lever manually after eliminating the cause of the fault.

“Chlorine gas can present a serious risk to human health – from irritation of the eyes and skin to life-threatening pulmonary oedema. With the new VakuStop, we are helping to minimise the risks involved in handling chlorine gas and further improve occupational safety in the industry,” says Heinz Lutz, CEO of Lutz Holding GmbH.

Lutz-Jesco offers the new VakuStop as part of a comprehensive safety system to increase the safety of larger chlorine gas systems. The centrepiece is a control unit that connects to a gas warning device and up to twelve VakuStops. In the event of a chlorine alarm, the control unit can close all twelve safety valves simultaneously – even during a power failure. The control unit is available with an optional integrated uninterrupted power supply (UPS). This uses twelve safety valves to guarantee safety at full loads.

Memdos Smart diaphragm dosing pump for low-pulsation dosing of aggressive chemicals for water treatment

Lutz-Jesco will also present diaphragm dosing pumps from the Memdos Smart series at Aquatech 2025. They enable low-pulsation dosing of aggressive chemicals for water treatment and are powered by a drive with a stepper motor controlled by a microprocessor, which allows asynchronous running. This enables operation of the motor at a higher speed during priming, thereby creating negative pressure which draws in the liquid more quickly. As a result, the vacuum phase, a dead time with standard motors, is reduced to a minimum. After priming, the stepper motor can then operate at a slower speed to expel the fluid in a controlled and even manner without an abrupt increase in pressure.

“The stepper motor enables an almost constant supply stream, which permits the gentle, low-pulsation dosing of aggressive chemicals – without pressure peaks and with minimised dead time,” says Steffen Roth, Head of Development at Lutz-Jesco GmbH. “We firmly believe that stepper motor-driven diaphragm dosing pumps will dominate the market in the future when it comes to high-precision and reproducible industrial dosing tasks.” The Memdos Smart is available in eight performance levels – with delivery rates between two and 180 litres per hour. The pump is controlled from an intuitive 3.5-inch touch display, which can also be integrated into a higher-level control system. “In the era of Industry 4.0, this enables seamless integration of the dosing pump into industrial automation systems.“

An alternative to commercially available chlorine products for water treatment: electrolysis systems generate disinfectant in-situ from commercially available salt

Lutz-Jesco will also exhibit two alternatives to standard chlorine products for water disinfection at Aquatech 2025: the Easychlorgen and Minichlorgen electrolysis systems. They produce the disinfectant sodium hypochlorite from commercially available salt – directly at the point of use. “Using salt as a starting substance is much safer than handling concentrated sodium hypochlorite solution, calcium hypochlorite or chlorine gas,” says Thomas Beutel, an expert in swimming pool technology and the design of technical dosing systems at Lutz-Jesco GmbH. “This significantly reduces the need for personnel to handle hazardous substances, which not only has considerable benefits for occupational safety but also prevents accidents.” The Easychlorgen is available with chlorine capacities of 250, 500, 1,000 and 2,000 g/h, the Minichlorgen with capacities of 30, 60 and 90 g/h.

Posted: December 10, 2024

Source: Lutz Holding GmbH

Fiber Customers Rely On LENZING™ Acetic Acid Biobased

LENZING, Austria — December 10, 2024 — The Lenzing Group, a supplier of regenerated cellulose fibers for the textile and nonwovens industries, announces a significant milestone in its partnership with C.P.L. Prodotti Chimici S.r.l., a supplier of chemical products for the textile industry. LENZING™ Acetic Acid Biobased, a by-product of pulp production, is at the center of this collaboration. Oniverse, which also owns the renowned fashion brand Calzedonia, will not only rely on Lenzing for its fibers in the future but will also use LENZING Acetic Acid Biobased for dyeing textiles.

Lenzing has always developed solutions together with partners to meet the industry’s requirements for a circular economy. The strategic partnerships with C.P.L., the first licensing partner for LENZING Acetic Acid Biobased, and Oniverse underline the trust of customers in Lenzing’s biorefinery products. These collaborations are a successful example of the increasing relevance of transparency and more environmentally friendly and sustainable products in the industry. In addition, Lenzing enables improved visibility of its own products for partners and customers through co-branding, whether in the textile and nonwovens sector or in the biorefinery product portfolio.

Elisabeth Stanger (MBA), Senior Director Biorefinery & CoProducts, Lenzing Group

“The collaboration with C.P.L. and Oniverse is another important step towards promoting the circular economy. Thanks to its high purity and low carbon footprint, our LENZING Acetic Acid Biobased plays a central role in many industrial processes. This strategic alliance underlines the industry’s trust in Lenzing and our biorefinery products,” said Elisabeth Stanger, senior director Biorefinery & Co-Products.

“Our partnership with Lenzing, which has been based on trust and respect since the early 1990s, has always maintained a high level of quality. We are looking forward to the next step that combines quality with sustainability,” says Marco Lanzetti, owner of C.P.L. Prodotti Chimici. “As the first license partner for LENZING Acetic Acid Biobased, we are proud to be able to promote Lenzing as a brand to our customers, such as Oniverse, in the textile market, reduce our carbon footprint and achieve our sustainability goals.”

“This partnership is a good example of circular economy, showing how different supply chains can work together to optimize waste and reduce the impact of their activities on the environment,” says Federico Fraboni, head of Sustainability at Oniverse.

The biorefinery process at Lenzing makes optimal use of the renewable raw material wood, the starting material for pulp and fiber production, and converts it into valuable products such as bio-based acetic acid. LENZING Acetic Acid Biobased, which has a carbon footprint that is more than 85 percent lower than fossil-based acetic acid, is used in the food, pharmaceutical, cosmetics, chemical and textile industries and in processes in the textile sector, such as washing, dyeing and finishing.

Posted: December 10, 2024

Source: The Lenzing Group

Sponsors