Sonoco Announces Price Increase For Paperboard Tubes And Cores

HARTSVILLE, S.C. — February 3, 2021— Sonoco today announced it will raise the price for all paperboard tubes and cores by a minimum of 6 percent, effective with shipments in the United States and Canada, on or after March 1, 2021.

“This price increase is necessary due to continued increases in costs for uncoated recycled paperboard (URB), our primary raw material. URB demand remains very strong, and the supply in the marketplace is extremely tight,” said Mike Thompson, director of Sales and Marketing for Sonoco’s North America Tubes and Cores Division.

Posted: February 3, 2021

Source: Sonoco

Solvay, Leonardo Launch Joint Research Lab For Thermoplastic Composites

ALPHARETTA, Ga.— February 2, 2021— Solvay and Leonardo have announced the launch of a joint research lab dedicated to the development of novel composite materials and production processes critical for the future of the aerospace industry. This collaboration represents an important milestone in enabling a step-change in composite part manufacture and in reducing environmental impacts.

The Solvay Leonardo Joint Lab will focus on thermoplastic “engineered materials” and in particular on welding and automatic lamination (in-situ consolidation) of complex and large aerospace structures with the goal of maximising product properties, increasing part production efficiency and extending the product life cycle. The focus is on thermoplastic composites as they offer unique benefits to users such as lightweighting for more fuel efficient aircraft and they do not require autoclave for part consolidation thus enabling the development of much more sustainable production lines. Leonardo and Solvay believe that this agreement will be the foundation for further platform collaboration on short and mid-term applications in aerospace and beyond.

“This collaboration is in line with the G.R.O.W. strategy of Solvay to strengthen our leadership position as supplier of innovative composite materials for aerospace and other markets,” shared Nicolas Cudre-Mauroux, Solvay chief technology and innovation officer. “We believe that the partnership with Leonardo will boost our ability to develop breakthrough thermoplastic composite solutions and substantially increase their adoption in aerospace, contributing to reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions”.

“This collaboration with Solvay is a significant step in research on advanced materials, which are part of the R&D programs to be developed by the Leonardo Labs,” underlined Roberto Cingolani, Leonardo’s chief technology and innovation officer. The research area, central to Leonardo, is a key factor of competitiveness, and it will make it possible to improve the performance and safety of our products, to expand its potential, with a direct return on the environmental impact and consumption of resources, boosting a circular and efficient production system”.

The Solvay Leonardo Joint Lab will be based at the Leonardo Lab in Grottaglie (Taranto) and at Solvay’s MSAC – Material Science Application Center in Brussels. In addition, the joint laboratory will have access to both companies’ internal infrastructures and collaborations with institutions, research centers and universities, in Italy and abroad, with a view to open innovation.

Posted: February 3, 2021

Source: Solvay

Culp Announces Investments And Enhancements To Global Cut And Sew Mattress Cover Platform

HIGH POINT, N.C. — February 2, 2021— Culp Inc. — together with its consolidated subsidiaries, CULP — today announced that, in response to the growing demand for sewn mattress covers and transforming market dynamics, the company has made strategic investments and enhancements to its global cut and sew mattress cover platform. CULP has reached an agreement to purchase the remaining fifty percent ownership interest in its unconsolidated joint venture, which produces cut and sew mattress covers in Haiti. Pursuant to this transaction, CULP will now be the sole owner with full control over the Haiti operations. The company has also entered into a supply agreement with its previous joint venture partner.

CULP commenced production in Haiti during the second quarter of fiscal 2018, with a reactive platform that complements the company’s mattress fabrics business with a near-sourced, competitive cost operation. Since the initial 80,000 square foot facility was established, CULP has made investments in additional facilities, recently adding another 40,000 square feet for additional capacity to produce and distribute sewn mattress covers.

Commenting on the announcement, Sandy Brown, president of Culp Home Fashions, the company’s mattress fabrics division, stated: “We are excited to gain full ownership of the Haiti operation, which furthers our ability to effectively manage our global cut and sew platform. With our recent investments in Haiti, we have expanded our capacity and improved our ability to meet growing customer demand. We continue to see favorable growth trends in our sewn mattress cover business, with current and expected demand exceeding pre-COVID-19 levels. This demand is primarily driven by the ongoing growth in the boxed bedding space, and we continue to work collaboratively with new and existing customers to develop fresh, innovative products. Through our production and sourcing capabilities in the U.S., Asia, and Haiti, we have a flexible, scalable global platform that provides us with a strong competitive advantage. Additionally, our recent investments in our digital and IT competencies support our front-end design capabilities and speed to market from fabric to cover. Above all, we are focused on product innovation and creative designs, backed by exceptional service, and we look forward to the global opportunities ahead for CULP’s mattress fabrics and sewn covers.”

Iv Culp, president and CEO of Culp Inc., added: “We are very pleased with our Haiti operation, which has proven to be an ideal location for our growing sewn mattress cover business. Through our strategic investments, we have demonstrated our ability to improve our operating efficiencies, and we believe there are additional opportunities within CULP to leverage the production capacity and distribution capabilities from Haiti.

“We are also updating our financial outlook for the third quarter of fiscal 2021. Our business during the quarter has been better than expected in both divisions, and we are especially pleased with the performance of our upholstery fabrics division against previous expectations. As a result, we are now projecting meaningfully improved sales and operating income for both divisions for the quarter, as compared to the third quarter of last year.”

The company expects to report its complete financial and operating results for the third quarter of fiscal 2021 in early March.

Posted: February 3, 2021

Source: Culp Inc.

SourceAmerica And The Army Go Back To Basics With New Service Uniform

VIENNA, Va. — February 3, 2021— SourceAmerica® has a history of supporting the nation’s servicemembers in many different ways. From manufacturing uniforms to providing food service at military installations and even manufacturing personal protective equipment to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, SourceAmerica, people with disabilities, and the military have worked together to provide important products and services in the defense of the nation.

In 2018, the U.S. Army announced that the Army Green Service Uniform (AGSU) would become the new dress uniform for all soldiers. The AGSU’s design would be similar to the one worn during World War II, harkening to the days of bravery and courage brought forward by soldiers from the “Greatest Generation.”

Once the decision was made to change the uniform, the question of how to bring it to life came to the forefront. The Army ultimately decided that the AbilityOne® Program was positioned to provide the best quality and value for the project. The AbilityOne Program is one of the nation’s largest sources of employment for people who are blind or have significant disabilities. Nationwide, nearly 45,000 people are employed through the AbilityOne Program, including around 3,000 veterans.

“SourceAmerica is honored to be a part of the Army Green Service Uniform project,” said Jill Johnson, vice president, Products. “Our goal is to provide job opportunities for people with disabilities. We are proud to partner with the Army to accomplish our mission through this work.”

SourceAmerica and National Industries for the Blind (NIB) are Central Nonprofit Agencies designated by the U.S. AbilityOne Commission to facilitate the participation of nonprofit agencies in the Program. As an AbilityOne-authorized enterprise, SourceAmerica connects its network of approximately 700 local nonprofit agencies to job opportunities that become available through AbilityOne.

With the decision made that SourceAmerica and the AbilityOne Program would manufacture and roll out the AGSU, it turned out that SourceAmerica’s Manufacturing and Development Program was the ideal fit for the creative testing, manufacturing, and delivery of the uniform. Two nonprofit agencies within the SourceAmerica network, Goodwill Industries of South Florida, and Puerto Rico Industries for the Blind, were selected to take part due to their expertise in manufacturing uniforms and capacity to provide expert kitting and shipping plans. Their involvement enabled people with disabilities to have a front-and-center role with the AGSU project. Additionally, two nonprofit agencies within the NIB network — Alabama Industries for the Blind and Travis Association for the Blind –—were also on board.

The AGSU team spent nearly nine months designing and testing several versions of the new uniform. This process included the people with disabilities who were manufacturing several of the test pieces, including shirts, jackets, belts, slacks, and hats. Once a final design was chosen by the Army, full production on the AGSU began. Today, the nonprofit agencies share different responsibilities in the manufacturing, packaging, and delivery of the uniforms.

“Our team is proud to be a part of this landmark project through the AbilityOne Program,” said Goodwill Industries of South Florida President and CEO David Landsberg. “People with disabilities are making an impact every day, and to see the new Army Green Service Uniform being worn by our soldiers is very empowering for the individuals who are a part of this effort.”

Walter Anderson works on the AGSU project for Goodwill Industries of South Florida. “I take pride in what I do. I love my work. I love the company. I love the military; that I’m doing it for the military. I can’t get on the field and fight for them, but I can sure make their uniform,” he said.

The U.S. Army has received its initial shipments of the uniform at a number of its installations across the nation and will continue to receive them through the end of February 2021. Because of the diligence and dedication of people with disabilities who used their expertise and skill to meet the Army’s requirements, the Army is receiving a uniform they will proudly wear for years to come.

Posted: February 3, 2021

Source: SourceAmerica

New Dates And New Event Cycle For Techtextil And Texprocess Held In Frankfurt Am Main June 21 Through 24, 2022

FRANKFURT AM MAIN, Germany — February 3, 2021— The dates for the next Techtextil and Texprocess in Frankfurt am Main have been fixed. The two trade fairs will be held June 21-24, 2022, and shift to even years.

Recently postponed due to the current coronavirus pandemic, Techtextil and Texprocess, international trade fairs for technical textiles and nonwovens and for the processing of textile and flexible materials, will next be held in Frankfurt am Main June 21-24, 2022. With the shift to 2022, the two fairs will also change their event cycle and shift permanently to even years. The dates for 2024 have also been set and they will take place from April 9-12.

“We are delighted that, after close consultations with the sector and our partners, it was quickly possible to find new dates for the postponed Techtextil and Texprocess trade fairs. The biennial event cycle for the two fairs has proved to be in the best interests of the sector so that, together, we have decided to maintain this rhythm from 2022,” said Olaf Schmidt, vice president, Textiles and Textile Technologies of Messe Frankfurt.

“We have been in even closer contact with the members of our association and our global sister associations about the pandemic over recent months. There is a widespread need to present innovations live so that postponing the Techtextil and Texprocess until 2022 currently represents the optimal solution for the sector. Moreover, the new cycle of fairs fits in even better with the sector’s international calendar of events and thus opens up better processes for all involved,” added Elgar Straub, managing director of VDMA Textile Care, Fabric and Leather Technologies, the conceptual partner of Texprocess.

The next edition of Techtextil and Texprocess in June 2022 is planned as a hybrid event that, in addition to the fair and a comprehensive program of events, will include a variety of digital services. In 2022, Techtextil and Texprocess will occupy the western section of Frankfurt Fair and Exhibition Centre — Halls 8, 9, 11 and 12 — for the first time, as was originally planned for the 2021 edition.

Information about events outside Germany

Techtextil North America and Texprocess Americas , to be held May 17-19, 2022, are not affected by the changes and will be held as scheduled. Messe Frankfurt will agree on the event cycle of the two U.S. fairs with its partners in the near future.

The biggest ever editions of Techtextil and Texprocess were held in May 2019 and attracted a total of 1,818 exhibitors from 59 countries and some 47,000 trade visitors from 116 countries.

Posted: February 3, 2021

Source: Messe Frankfurt

YKK Center Park Furusato-No-Mori Initiative Uses Technology To Visualize Carbon Dioxide Absorption

TOKYO — February 3, 2021— YKK Corp. has launched an experimental trial to visualize carbon dioxide absorption using “e-kakashi,” an AI-powered brain for agriculture provided by SoftBank Corp. that includes a carbon dioxide absorption estimation system. The trial is taking place at YKK Center Park’s Furusato-no-Mori (Hometown Forest) on the grounds of the Kurobe Manufacturing Center.

The YKK Group has established the “YKK Group Environmental Vision 2050” and the “YKK Sustainability Vision 2050,” and undertakes business activities to achieve the goals set out in those visions. Furusato-no-Mori was initially created to realize YKK founder Tadao Yoshida’s ideal of a factory in a forest, but the forest is also helping to reduce greenhouse gases, one of the goals of YKK’s two visions. YKK collected the seeds of trees that are native to Kurobe and systematically planted 20,000 seedlings representing 20 species. Today, the company continues to observe the forest and its changing state with tree height measurements, biological surveys, and other means. In the biological survey of 2019, 10 years after the seedlings were planted, YKK observed biological diversity and recorded 318 different species, 26 of which are considered endangered in Japan or Toyama Prefecture. YKK partners with local organizations to hold events such as observation meetings of the forest and its insect life and makes the forest a venue for environmental education for children.

In this latest project, YKK launched an experimental trial supported by SoftBank to visualize the carbon reduction effectiveness of green areas of YKK Center Park, including Furusato-no-Mori. The trial is scheduled to run from November 2020 to the end of March 2021 and will use an installed “e-kakashi” system. Local meteorological data and environmental data such as ground temperatures that are collected by the “e-kakashi” sensors are combined to visualize CO2 absorption rates in real time. This information is then displayed on signs in the café and lounge area of YKK’s Maruyane Exhibition Hall.

The YKK Group conducts business activities in 72 countries and regions around the world and at each location it promotes greening projects such as tree plantings in cooperation with local communities. Not only will the data from this trial be used in environmental learning programs and to promote understanding of the mechanism of CO2 absorption in green spaces, it will also be used in YKK’s greening activities around the world.

Posted: February 3, 2021

Source: YKK Corp.

INDA Webinar Series To Address Global Nonwovens Issues: Upcoming Facemask Standards, Single Use Plastics Legislation, And Impacts Of Recent Capacity Announcement

CARY, N.C. — February 2, 2021— INDA, the Association of the Nonwovens Fabrics Industry, is taking the lead to inform the nonwovens/engineered materials industry with three one-hour webinars on the toughest issues facing the North American Nonwovens Industry. These critical issues include: facemask performance standards, single use plastics (SUP) legislative policy issues, and industry impacts from recent capacity announcements in Spunbond/Spunmelt/”Spunlace” caused by COVID-19 demand for wipes, medical gowns, and facemask materials.

The one-hour webinars will be held at 11 a.m. EDT on March 16, 25, and April 6, and include subject matter experts in facemask standards, plastics legislation, and nonwoven supply/demand analysis. Topics include:

The New ASTM Performance Standard for General Public Facemasks and Resultant Design/Product Opportunities

Tuesday, March 16, 11 a.m. EDT

Presenters: Dave Rousse, president, INDA; and Jeff Stull, president, International Personnel Protection Inc.

To conserve meltblown fiber for the healthcare sector while using other nonwoven media to provide protection to the general public, INDA worked with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), and the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) to develop a performance standard for general public facemasks.  Jeff Stull, Consultant to NIOSH and steward of the ASTM process, will discuss the purpose and development of the upcoming Standard, its two performance levels, and test methods.  Dave Rousse, President of INDA, will discuss design opportunities created for makers of facemask filter media and facemask designers.

Plastics Concerns and the Nonwovens Industry

Thursday, March 25th, 11 am EDT

Presenters:  Dave Rousse, president, INDA; Jessica Franken, director of Government Affairs, INDA; and Tom Carlyle, Nonwovens Commercial manager-Americas, Lenzing AG

Legislative initiatives on Single Use Plastics introduced in California, Canada and the U.S. Congress will be harmful to nonwovens, especially those that use viscose.  All businesses involved in nonwovens should know of these impending impacts on nonwoven products and the unintended consequences to their business.  Jessica Franken will review the current legislative status in states, Congress and Canada and INDA’s engagement with other plastic industry associations to address the challenges of the European Union’s approach should it be incorporated in North America.  Tom Carlyle of Lenzing will discuss the viscose/lyocell supply and interchangeability realities.

Spunbond/Spunmelt/”Spunlace” Capacity/Demand Scenarios Prompted by COVID-19

Tuesday, April 6, 11 a.m. EDT

Presenters: Brad Kalil, director of Market Intelligence and Economic Insights; INDA, and Dave Rousse, president, INDA

The COVID-19 pandemic and the U.S. federal government response to it has quickly upped the North American footprint for meltblown production. Tightness now is being seen in Spunbond/Spunmelt and in the hydroentangled wipes substrate often called “Spunlace.” Several new capacity announcements have been made in nonwovens.

INDA’s Brad Kalil had been tracking developments in these sectors and will present the 2021 North American Supply Report data and analysis with his insights on developments caused by the pandemic response in wipes, medical gowns, and facemask material supply sectors.

“The COVID-19 Pandemic has generated many challenges to the Nonwovens Industry in North America and around the world,” said Dave Rousse, INDA President. “INDA has been active in tracking, leading and advocating on several relevant policy issues enabling our members to run their businesses with confidence that INDA is on alert, looking around corners, and positioned to inform and lead in supporting our members’ ability to conduct business with the facts they need and  unimpeded by policy development challenges. These webinars deliver on those points.”

Each webinar is $99 for a single INDA Member, $250 for up to eight INDA Members from the same company, and $500 for up to 15 INDA Members from the same company. Non-member fees for the three categories are $130, $325, and $650 respectively. There is a 15-percent discount for members and non-members purchasing all three webinars at one time. Visit www.inda.org/inda-webinars to learn more.

Posted: February 2, 2021

Source: INDA, the Association of the Nonwovens Fabrics Industry

SanMar And WonderWink® Partner To Offer Healthcare Apparel

ISSAQUAH, Wash. — February 2, 2021— SanMar Corp., a supplier of wholesale accessories and apparel, today announced a new partnership with WonderWink® to offer world-class healthcare scrubs as part of SanMar’s expansive product offering. The partnership marks SanMar’s entrance into the healthcare apparel space, combining the company’s extensive distribution network and industry expertise with WonderWink innovative design, product quality and fashionable styling.

Since 1971, SanMar has championed apparel that unites people and builds up teams, groups and communities. With a passion for corporate responsibility and investing in the social good, the family-owned company’s new position in healthcare apparel is an exciting opportunity to pair its values with a dynamic product line.

“We’re thrilled to join forces with WonderWink and supply wholesale healthcare apparel to professionals on the frontlines of the pandemic,” said Jeremy Lott, president of SanMar. “This partnership connects the high quality and comfort of WonderWink scrubs with our unparalleled distribution network. SanMar is proud that we can make a difference, in our own way, for our essential healthcare workers during this critical time.”

With the enormous challenges healthcare workers face during the COVID-19 crisis, the need for quality, reliable apparel is a key priority within the medical industry. The retail line of WonderWink scrubs is crafted to provide comfort and style while meeting all functional standards so caregivers can have confidence when treating patients. Designed with healthcare workers in mind, the scrubs include convenient features like breathable fabrics, multiple pockets, pen holders and badge loops.

“We are proud to partner with SanMar to bring WonderWink, the originator of fit and fashion in scrubs, to a new audience of healthcare professionals,” said Peter Benstock, president of Superior Uniform Group Healthcare, a division of Superior Group of Companies™. “We’ve been providing innovative apparel to healthcare heroes for over a century, so this partnership is a natural next step to continue that story of support and reliability.”

“For nearly 50 years, SanMar has seen our employees and suppliers as part of our family,” said Lott. “We look forward to including WonderWink as the newest addition — and to do good for our frontline workers while we’re at it.”

The SanMar and WonderWink collaboration will be available April 2021 on sanmar.com.

Posted: February 2, 2021

Source: SanMar Corporation

Competence Center For E-Warp Knitted Fabrics In North America

OBERTSHAUSEN, Germany — January 29, 2021 — KARL MAYER offers trendsetting solutions and impulses for the textile industry and, to this end, looks beyond the company’s usual purview. In particular, connecting the textile industry with new technologies offers diverse potential for innovations. To tap into this potential, KARL MAYER has developed its TEXTILE MAKERSPACE. The platform is intended to encourage exchange and offer interested parties the opportunity to test new technologies for their project. Among other things, the focus of TEXTILE CIRCUIT is on the promising topics of smart textiles and wearables. Innovators from various fields are investigating the possibilities offered by string bar technology to incorporate electrically conductive yarns directly on the machine. Initial results include comfortable arm cuffs for controlling robots, textile charging stations for inductively charging smartphones and a T-shirt that measures vital functions. Further projects with field-based partners are underway at the headquarters in Obertshausen.

Since the end of 2020, customers can now also develop and implement ideas for e-textiles at KARL MAYER North America. A modified standard machine and competent service technicians are available for this purpose in Greensboro. Textile Technology Product Developer Sophia Krinner, who was in charge of setting up TEXTILE CIRCUIT, also provides support from head office. The most recent IDTechEx in November 2019 also encouraged the expansion of the MAKERSPACE area through capacity in Greensboro.

At the event focusing on new technology, KARL MAYER successfully presented itself as a competent partner in the production of e-textiles and answered numerous specific project inquiries from innovative partners based in the USA. Sophia Krinner is looking forward to a variety of projects and challenges. “Customers can come to us with their ideas and work with us to try out different ways to make their ideas a reality.”

If you would like to know more about TEXTILE CIRCUIT, you can find out more at www.textile-makerspace.com.

February 2, 2021

Source: Karl Mayer

 

Bluesign Completes 2020 Revision Of All Its Chemical Substances Lists

ST.GALLEN, Switzerland  — January 29, 2021 — Coming into effect on Jan 29th, 2021, the revision incorporates new scientific knowledge on the toxicological and ecological profile of substances, new legal classification of chemical substances, new legal consumer safety limits, revised risk assessments based on the bluesign® CRITERA for chemical assessment, feedback from experts of the Chemical Experts Group (CEG) as well as new analytical standards.

The revision covers all the updates to the restrictions for chemical substances published in:

  • BSSL (Bluesign® SYSTEM SUBSTANCES LIST)
  • BSBL (Bluesign® SYSTEM BLACK LIMITS)
  • Bluesign® RSL

The Bluesign® SYSTEM SUBSTANCES LIST (BSSL) specifies limits for chemical substances in articles (consumer safety limits).

The Bluesign® SYSTEM BLACK LIMITS (BSBL) specifies threshold limits for chemical substances in finished chemical products such as auxiliaries or dyes. The compilation of substances in the BSBL includes all substances for which a precautionary hazard-based threshold limit is defined.

The Bluesign® RSL is an extract of the BSSL and contains consumer safety limits and recommended testing methods for the most important and legally restricted substances in textile and leather articles and accessories.

With the 2020 update, the structural concept regarding BSSL which defines consumer safety limits and BSBL are improved. Substance groups that are not relevant for consumer safety but had been listed in the past for a more comprehensive substances list are no longer included in the BSSL. They are now regulated by BSBL (e.g. fluorinated greenhouse gases).

Bluesign has recently developed a new tool called bluesign® SUBSTANCE NAVIGATOR which was used for the 2020 revisions of all chemical substances lists. “We are pleased to announce that 2020 revisions of BSSL, BSBL and bluesign® RSL are now complete. The lists are generated for the first time from a new substance database, the bluesign® SUBSTANCE NAVIGATOR. This brand new database is still under development and we will be announcing the launch of this powerful tool in the near future” said Hartwig Tews, bluesign Head of Technical Product Development.

Beside some layout changes, with the 2020 revisions bluesign also introduces the following innovations:

New term: Sector of Use

A new term used in the revised documents is the “Sector of Use”. This is part of an innovative concept for the assessment of chemical products, where Bluesign uses an approach similar to REACH. This allows a product, process and industry specific assessment of risks to human and the environment, that can be adapted to all kinds of industries. Typical sectors of use are for example manufacture of textile products or manufacture of rubber products.

Substance groups:

The annexes of the new BSSL and BSBL contain much more substances than before. The reason is that many entries in BSSL and BSBL refer to a substance group and not to individual substances. With the IT data base which refers as strict as possible to clearly defined CAS numbers much more chemical substances are included and as a result much more hits to substance groups can be assigned now. Finally, BSBL and BSSL have now a higher degree of completeness regarding the regulated substance groups.

All revised documents including changelogs are public and can be found as a download file on bluesign corporate website.

Posted: February 2, 2021

Source: bluesign technologies ag

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