Kent Fountain To Lead National Cotton Council In 2021

Kent Fountain

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — February 11, 2021 — Kent Fountain, a Surrency, Ga., ginner, was re-elected National Cotton Council (NCC) chairman for 2021 during the organization’s virtual annual meeting today. Ted Schneider, a Lake Providence, La., producer, was re-elected to the position of vice chairman for 2021.

A member of the NCC’s 2001-2002 Cotton Leadership Class, Fountain served as a NCC vice president from 2016-2018 and as a NCC director in 2011. He has served on multiple NCC committees, including chairing its Quality Task Force, and served for 10 years as a director of Cotton Council International, the NCC’s export promotion arm.

Very active in the National Cotton Ginners Association, Fountain has held numerous leadership positions including serving as its president in 2012. He is a past president of the Southeastern Cotton Ginners Association and currently serves as a director for Staplcotn and the Cotton Growers Warehouse Association.

Fountain, who earned an Agricultural Economics degree at the University of Georgia, is the president/CEO of Southeastern Gin and Peanut, Incorporated in Surrency. The recipient of numerous honors, he was named Southeastern Ginner of the Year in 2001 and received the Horace Hayden National Ginner of the Year Award in 2016. He and his wife, Missi, live in Screven, Ga., and have two sons.

Elected as a NCC vice president was Jay Cowart, an Altus, Okla., warehouser.

Re-elected as NCC vice presidents were: Jordan Lea, a Greenville, S.C., merchant; Robin Perkins, a Sanford, N.C., textile manufacturer; Kirk Gilkey, a Corcoran, Calif., ginner; and Kevin Brinkley, marketing cooperative executive; and Robert Lacy, Jr, cottonseed processor; both from Lubbock, Texas. Re-elected as secretary-treasurer is Barry Evans, a producer from Kress, Texas.

Re-elected as NCC staff officers were: Gary Adams, president and chief executive officer; Marjory Walker, vice president, Council Operations; Jody Campiche, vice president, Economics and Policy Analysis; Reece Langley, vice president, Washington Operations; John Gibson, vice president, Member Services; and Harrison Ashley, vice president, Ginner Services.

Newly-elected NCC staff officers are: Don Parker, vice president, Technical Services; and Tas Smith, vice president, Producer Affairs.

Posted February 16, 2021

Source: National Cotton Council

Hyundai Reveals IONIQ 5’s Living Space And Sustainable Interior Ahead Of Virtual World Premiere

SEOUL — February 15, 2021 — Hyundai Motor Co. today released new images, revealing the spacious and versatile interior of the much-anticipated IONIQ 5, which will make its virtual world premiere on February 23, 2021.

IONIQ 5 is Hyundai’s first battery electric vehicle (BEV) model to utilize the Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP). This BEV-dedicated platform houses a flat battery that enables a spacious and customizable interior, offering personalized mobility with flexible configurations to comfortably accommodate both passengers and cargo.

Furnished with primarily eco-friendly materials and textiles, the interior design reflects consumers’ rising interest in personal transportation that supports well-being as well as demand for more ethical and sustainable products.

“IONIQ 5 is a statement of design that offers an optimistic look at what customers can expect in the new EV era,” said SangYup Lee, senior vice president and head of Hyundai Global Design Center. “The long wheelbase is translated to a new dimension of space. We designed this special space as a perfect place to recharge, Your home away from home.”

‘Living Space’ inspired interior opens a new dimension of design

IONIQ 5 sets itself apart from other midsize crossovers, especially those with internal combustion engines and conventional Steer-by-Wire systems, because the E-GMP allows for an elongated wheelbase and flat floor.

IONIQ 5’s driver and passengers can freely enter and exit the cabin on either side when parked in a narrow spot, because the flat floor allows the center console to slide back and forth. This resulted in a fundamental rethink of the conventional center console and to offer greater function than a static storage box. The newly developed ‘Universal Island’ replaces the center console and becomes the centerpiece of the IONIQ 5’s living space experience.

The driver and front passenger seats are equipped with leg rests that allow passengers to ‘relax and recharge’ while their vehicle is being recharged. All seats can be operated and repositioned, making it easier for adults in the front to care for children and pets seated in the rear.

Reducing negative environmental impact with high-quality, eco-friendly interiors

While developing IONIQ 5, Hyundai put considerable thought into what consumers were looking for in a car. One of the clear demands was the need for more eco-conscious mobility solutions with lower environmental impact. Designers addressed these concerns through IONIQ 5’s use of eco-friendly and sustainably sourced materials.

The seats are clad in an eco-processed leather that is dyed and treated with plant oil extractions from flaxseed. Other soft furnishings throughout the cabin consist of textiles derived from sustainable fibers such as sugar cane bio components, wool and poly yarns, as well as material woven from fibers made from recycled PET plastic bottles. Surfaces such as the dashboard, switches, steering wheel and door panels are coated in a polyurethane bio paint composed of oils from rape flowers and corn.

World Premiere of IONIQ 5

Hyundai will debut IONIQ 5 during the virtual world premiere event on February 23, 2021. During the event, Hyundai will unveil details about IONIQ 5’s innovative features and how customers can benefit from this dedicated BEV model.

Posted February 16, 2021

Source: Hyundai Motor Co.

Surgical Masks By Freudenberg Receive 510(k) Clearance From The FDA

DURHAM, N.C. — February 15, 2021 — ASTM Level 3 surgical masks manufactured by Freudenberg Performance Materials recently received 510(k) clearance from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The surgical masks are intended for use by healthcare personnel to protect both the patient and themselves from transfer of microorganisms, body fluids and particulate material. The face masks are intended for use in infection control practices to reduce the potential exposure to blood and body fluids.

For the U.S. market, Freudenberg Performance Materials is now providing FDA cleared surgical masks meeting the Level 3 standard of the American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM). The ASTM Level 3 surgical mask is for use in conditions where there is a high risk of fluid and spray of aerosol transmission, such as operating procedures. The masks are a single use, disposable device provided non-sterile.

Surgical masks by Freudenberg were tested for performance in five areas: fluid resistance, differential pressure, particulate efficiency, bacterial filtration efficiency and flammability. Upon completion of testing, the surgical masks consistently met ASTM Level 3 criteria in all five performance test areas. Bacterial and particle filtration efficiency test results were greater than 99 percent.

“This was a great accomplishment for our team,” said Alice Pittenger, head of sales, North America, Global Healthcare Division, Freudenberg.” It is a milestone that supports our commitment to continue manufacturing local. Meeting the ASTM Level 3 standard helps us in our goal to not only keep our healthcare workers safe, but also ensure they have a steady, reliable PPE supply so the shortages that happened at the beginning of the pandemic don’t happen again.”

The Durham, N.C., site of Freudenberg Performance Materials began mask production in 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Working closely with local partners, Freudenberg is also aiming to prevent future PPE supply shortages by establishing long-term face mask production for the U.S. market. The site manufactures surgical masks and community masks and is pursuing NIOSH N95 respirator certification.

Posted February 16, 2021

Source: Freudenberg Performance Materials

EPA Approves Livinguard’s “Self-Disinfecting Textile,” Setting The Bar In New Textile Category

SAN JOSE, Calif. — February 16, 2021 — Livinguard announced today that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved the hygiene-technology company’s patented self-disinfecting textile (EPA Reg N. 95700-2). Livinguard’s new textile is effective against Gram negative and Gram positive bacteria to the tune of 100,000 times in 10 minutes, among the highest levels of defense against disease-causing pathogens. With patents, this is a one of a kind technology.

In addition to killing 99.999-percent of bacteria, Livinguard’s technology continuously disinfects and is safe for humans and the environment. Furthermore, the EPA approval confirms Livinguard’s self-disinfecting technology remains effective on textiles tested after 30 industrial washes, giving it broad application across many industries.

“This EPA certification is confirmation of Livinguard’s patented and break-through invention, creating a new self-disinfecting-textile category, whereby the textile kills bacteria on contact, is washable and reusable,” said Sanjeev Swamy, Livinguard’s founder and CEO. “Unlocking the limitless possibilities of permanent hygiene and proactively improving the health and safety of the public is at the heart of Livinguard’s mission. We can now have self-disinfecting airplane seats, hospital and hotel linens, sports apparel, medical scrubs, footwear, uniforms and carpeting. Essentially, any business or organization that uses textiles can effectively utilize our self-disinfecting technology.”

Livinguard’s innovation pipeline continues to develop newer generation of self-disinfecting technologies

While the latest breakthrough of the EPA approval marks a crowning achievement for the hygiene-technology company, Livinguard has already incorporated newer antimicrobial technology that it currently incorporates in a line of face masks that can be worn up to 210 times (approximately six months) and a line of gloves that can be worn up to 30 times with no compromise on safety or efficacy.  Worn together, the two provide peace of mind for those seeking protection against airborne viruses and those transmitted on surfaces.

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, researchers have studied the effectiveness of Livinguard’s next-generation self-disinfecting textile against the virus. Freie University (Berlin) laboratory studies concluded Livinguard’s next-generation self-disinfecting textile efficiently inactivated SARS-CoV-2. In addition, studies conducted by researchers at the University of Arizona, Tucson’s Water & Energy Sustainable Technology center determined the textile’s efficacy against Human Coronavirus 229E. The findings from both studies can be found here: https://c212.net/c/link/?t=0&l=en&o=3069139-1&h=2370660721&u=https%3A%2F%2Flivinguard.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F09%2FLivinguard_FU-Berlin_Arizona.pdf&a=can+be+found+here

Posted February 16, 2021

Source: Livinguard AG

Motion Announces Seven Management Promotions

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — February 15, 2021 — Motion — a distributor of maintenance, repair, and operation replacement parts, and provider of industrial technology solutions — is pleased to announce seven recent promotions to key field management positions. Each brings depth of experience and achievement to further position Motion for success — in providing the best customer experience as well as in attaining company growth goals.

Logan Carden was named Nashville Division vice president and will be responsible for overseeing the sales growth initiatives of 20 branches located in parts of Indiana, Tennessee, Kentucky, Mississippi and Alabama. He will report to Chris Pacer, vice president Group Executive – Central.

Carden joined Motion in 2007, as a member of the Corporate Accounts Support Team. He continued to expand his roles within the company, ultimately earning a Corporate Account Manager role in 2013 before his move to the field sales and branch operations side in 2019 with a promotion to branch manager of Motion’s Evansville, Ind., location. Carden was quickly promoted to sales manager of the Evansville and Owensboro, Ky. locations in March 2020. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Huntingdon College in 2006, and later earned his MBA from the University of North Alabama. Originally from Birmingham, Alabama, Carden is currently based in Indiana after making the move with his 2019 promotion.

Bill Carroll was promoted to vice president of the new Philadelphia Division — Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and West Virginia — which was strategically established to serve and further the significant growth in the East Group’s territory. He will be responsible for overseeing 13 branches’ sales and guiding their market growth, and will report to Phil Donnelly, vice president Group Executive – East.

Carroll most recently managed the Philadelphia branch, and in his career has held a variety of managerial, sales, and support positions in the company and in its industry. He started in 1989 with Eastern Bearing of New Jersey, which Motion acquired in 1999. During his Motion tenure, Carroll has managed at four different branch operations in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. He has also worked in Motion’s Corporate Accounts organization in a Compliance manager role. Originally from Pennsylvania, Carroll is based near Philadelphia.

Tami DeWeese will assume leadership of the Pacific Northwest Division as its vice president. In her new role, DeWeese will oversee the sales growth, strategy and operations of 19 branch and shop locations. She will report to Jeremy Barton, vice president Group Executive –West.

A native of Washington state, DeWeese started with Motion in 2014 as a branch manager for Motion’s Portland (Oregon) branch, and in 2016 took on the added responsibility of the Longview, Wash., branch. Prior to joining Motion, she was the president of a process pump company for 13 years.

Dan Pike was promoted to St. Louis Division vice president and will be responsible for the sales growth and strategic management of 17 branch operations throughout Missouri and Arkansas. He will report to Austin Amos, senior vice president Group Executive – Midwest.

Pike began his career with Motion in 1991 as a corporate trainee, and his tenure has included various positions within the company including account fepresentative, Fluid Power specialist, branch manager, Corporate Account manager, and most recently as Area vice president Corporate Accounts for the Midwest Group. He is a native Floridian and a graduate of the University of Florida with a degree in Marketing.

Dave Purvis was named Midwest Group Area vice president, replacing Dan Pike in that role. Purvis will be responsible for leading the Midwest Group Corporate Accounts Team, which involves managing existing corporate account relationships and driving new growth opportunities. He will also be responsible for providing corporate account partners with Motion’s full offering of services and solutions to reduce these partners’ Total Cost of Ownership. He will report to Austin Amos.

Purvis started his career with Motion in 1991 at the Mattoon, Ill., branch and has held various positions within the company, including warehouse manager, operations manager and account manager. In 2011, he was promoted to corporate account manager. Prior to joining Motion, Purvis attended Eastern Illinois University. Originally from Illinois, he is currently based in Decatur.

Steve Kammeyer was named area vice president for Corporate Accounts, West Group. In his new position, he will directly engage with field personnel and leadership in creating and developing internal and external sales-driven initiatives, with a focus on corporate account customers. Kammeyer will report to and work closely with Jeremy Barton (Vice President Group Executive – West) in the execution of these efforts.

Beginning his career with Motion in 1986, Kammeyer has held various roles within the branch structure including warehousing, customer service, outside sales, and branch manager before being promoted to corporate sales manager in 2012. An Arizona native, he is based in Phoenix.

Lisa Solomon was promoted to area vice president for Corporate Accounts, Central Group, and will lead this Group’s Corporate Accounts Team. She will be responsible for enhancing existing national account relationships and driving new opportunities for growth throughout the various industry segments within the geographic area. She will report to Chris Pacer, vice president Group Executive – Central.

Solomon began her Motion journey in 2015 as a Business Development manager in Corporate Accounts and was quickly promoted in 2016 to Corporate Accounts manager. Originally from Michigan, Solomon graduated from Central Michigan University with a Bachelor of Liberal Arts in Broadcasting, Communications and Marketing.

“We are immensely proud of what these individuals have accomplished to date and are confident that their experience, acumen and drive will help to take their Divisions and the Company to a new level,” said Kevin Storer, executive vice president Branch Operations – North America and president of Motion Mexico. “Each of these promotions is well-deserved and we are looking forward to seeing the impact of their leadership, as part of Motion’s bright future.”

Posted February 16, 2021

Source: Motion

Oerlikon Neumag Presents Efficient BCF S8 Carpet Yarn System In Monocolor And Tricolor Versions

NEUMUENSTER, Germany — February 16, 2021 — Oerlikon Neumag has found the right approach for its customers with the efficient BCF S8 carpet yarn system in Monocolor and Tricolor versions. Their solution is once again in the spotlight at this year’s DOMOTEX Asia/CHINAFLOOR from March 24-26, 2021 in Shanghai. Their audience of professionals can see the advantages for themselves at Oerlikon Neumag exhibition stand W3 D26.

Whether Monocolor or Tricolor, the performance data and technological details of the BCF S8 versions have already made a huge impression at numerous exhibitions and road shows: With up to 700 filaments per thread, the BCF S8 significantly outperforms its sister, the BCF S+ (400 filaments), also guaranteeing finer titres of up to 2.5 dpf. In addition to that, the process speed of the new Witras III-37 winder is higher than ever at 3,700 m/min — and provides increased throughput of up to 15 percent in comparison to previous technologies. The bottom line is a system efficiency of 99 percent, as well as possible energy savings of up to 5 percent per kilogram of yarn.

The BCF S8 Tricolor version is all you need

From a mélange to strict separation — the trend towards multiple colors for carpets goes on. The options for differentiating product for carpet yarn manufacturers are better than ever with the BCF S8 due to even more flexible color mixture versions. More than 200,000 different color shades derived from three colors are provided by the core component of the process, the new patent-pending CPC-T (Colour Pop Compacting unit).

Posted February 16, 2021

Source: Oerlikon Neumag

VDMA: Circular Economy And Carbon Footprint Are Drivers For Lightweight Technologies

FRANKFURT, Germany— February 16, 2021 — At the annual meeting of the VDMA Hybrid Lightweight Technologies working group, which took place on February, 12, 2021, it became clear that the industry is intensively addressing holistic concepts of lightweight construction, offering its customers worldwide customized solutions for CO2 reduction. In the automotive sector in particular, there is growing pressure from supply chains to live up to the guiding principle of climate-neutral manufacturing and to be able to prove this with data. In the context of taxation based on CO2 intensity, monetary benefits can also be generated through CO2 savings.

Ecological product design is gaining importance

In addition to sustainable production, the recyclability of plastics products is becoming increasingly important against the background of resource conservation and the goal of a functioning circular economy. It is still a challenge for materials and process technology to combine the benefits of use of new lightweight material composites with good ecological product design in terms of recyclability. Industry and research are working together on new methods for the material recycling of hybrid lightweight components, which improve the eco-balance and, at the same time, offer economic advantages. In the development of new lightweight components, design for recycling must have the same priority as functionality and production efficiency.

Consideration of the carbon footprint is becoming increasingly important for mechanical engineers. The chairman of the VDMA working group, Marc Kirchhoff, TRUMPF, stated: “In addition to the own production location, it is the degree of energy and resource efficiency of the machines that we deliver to our customers. But we can also score points with the positive CO2 balance of the lightweight 
products manufactured on these machines. The focus on circular economy and CO2 footprint opens up new fields of application for hybrid lightweight construction and drives development — not least the digitalization of production processes!”

To the overall context: Achieving the climate targets and a more sustainable use of raw materials is guiding policies and legislation worldwide when it comes to implementing new regulations for sustainable business. The European Union is aiming for climate neutrality by 2050 as part of the Green Deal. To achieve this goal, the EU is planning concrete measures for this year. These include, for example, the planned CO2 pricing or quotas for the use of recycled materials in order to promote the circular economy for plastics.

But sustainability goals do not only play a role in Europe. CO2 regulations per climate protection and the expansion of renewable energies are also on the agenda of the upcoming five-year plan of the Communist Party in China — one of the most important sales markets with growth potential for lightweight construction technologies.

Posted February 16, 2021

Source: VDMA

Global Bonding And Adhesive Manufacturer Bemis Associates Shares Basics Of Bonding

Shirley, Mass. — February 16, 2021 — Bemis Associates Inc. — a manufacturer of thermoplastic films, tapes, and adhesives for bonding — recently hosted two webinars on the basics of bonding, its technology and application information.

Participants learned the origination of bonding; the importance of it and how to use bonding on materials such as fabric, metal and wood. Bemis’ experts shared insights about adhesives and how each is unique and engineered for different materials and performance requirements. The presentation also showed the differences between chemical and mechanical bonding; critical factors in adhesion and various machinery used in the processes.

The post-webinar survey responses indicated that participants really appreciated the demonstration given by the company’s strategic design manager Stephanie Lohman, and the fact that she showed live examples of half-bonded samples so participants could gain a clear understanding of what section of the application was Bemis and what section was the substrate. The survey also indicated that viewers liked hearing from three different company experts, all of whom spotlighted their individual field of expertise.

A total of 230 people attended the webinars from across the globe including Asia, Europe, and the United States. More than 77 brands were represented from 22 different countries. Feedback such as “I loved Stephanie’s overview of design suggestions of how to incorporate Bemis products into garments;” “I most enjoyed seeing examples of finished items using Bemis film;” and “I like how the process of selecting the right adhesive was explained. It will definitely help cut down on back and forth (with customers) emails in the future.”

“We’re so pleased to see the incredible response and high rate of participation to our webinar series,” said Scott Wood, director, Product and Marketing. “We have a subsequent webinar scheduled for the near future that will take a deeper dive into the more technical aspects of bonding,” Wood said.

To view a recording of the webinar, go to https://vimeo.com/511796984

Posted February 16, 2021

Source: Bemis Associates Inc.

Techtextil North America 2021 Educational Features Now Accepting Applicants

ATLANTA  — February 16, 2021 — The 2021 edition of Techtextil North America is now accepting abstracts for the Techtextil North America Symposium and additional educational features including Tech Talks, The Lab, and The Student Research Poster Program. Techtextil North America 2021 will be held August 23-25, 2021 at the Raleigh Convention Center in Raleigh, N.C.

Techtextil North America Symposium

The Techtextil North America Symposium will provide the latest research and technology across verticals — with insights into textile industry trends, challenges brought on by emerging technology and how to keep stride in an ever-changing, global business landscape. It will explore advancements throughout the supply chain and address the industry’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The highly acclaimed Symposium will feature seven paid sessions featuring presentations and discussions with academia and industry experts on the following topics:

  • Reinventing the Supply Chain;
  • Digital Transformation;
  • Sustainability in Laundering and Textile Care;
  • Circular Economy;
  • Fabric and Materials ID;
  • Government Laws and Regulations; and
  • Nonwovens and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

Submissions to present in the Techtextil North America Symposium must be sent to ali.rosenberger@usa.messefrankfurt.com by April 2, 2021.

Show Floor Education

Also returning to Techtextil North America are Tech Talks and The Lab — complimentary mini-sessions on the show floor, for which abstracts are now being solicited in (but not limited to) research, design, engineering, and innovation in the following areas:

  • New Fiber Technologies;
  • Testing and Standards;
  • Raw Materials & Sustainability;
  • Medical/Healthcare/PPE;
  • Durable Nonwovens;
  • High Performance Materials;
  • Nanotechnology;
  • Military Textile Applications;
  • Smart Textiles;
  • Automotive & Aerospace;
  • Manufacturing Technology; and
  • Textile Care.

Submissions to present in the Techtextil North America Symposium must be sent to ali.rosenberger@usa.messefrankfurt.com by May 1, 2021.

Student Research Poster Program

For students with research in technical textiles, nonwovens or a related field, the Student Research Poster Program is also now open for applications. Techtextil North America invites students perusing their undergraduate, graduate, or Ph.D. degrees to submit unpublished, technical research to be considered for this opportunity to present their findings on the show floor among industry professionals. Subject areas include but are not limited to:

Technical Textiles

  • Aerospace;
  • Automotive;
  • Coated Fabrics;
  • Composites;
  • Geosynthetics;
  • High Performance;
  • Medical & Healthcare;
  • Military, Safety & Protective;
  • Nanotechnology; and
  • Smart Textiles.

Nonwovens

  • Automotive;
  • Fibers;
  • Filtration;
  • Functionalization;
  • Geosynthetics;
  • Medical & Hygiene;
  • Nanofibers;
  • Polymers; and
  • Wipes.

Student applications must be sent to peyton.rowe@usa.messefrankfurt.com by May 21, 2021.

Informational flyers and other forms can be found at: https://techtextil-north-america.us.messefrankfurt.com/us/en/themesandevents.html

Posted February 16, 2021

Source: Messe Frankfurt North America

INDA Adds Additional Webinar Date To Explain New ASTM Standard On Facemasks

CARY, N.C.  — February 16, 2021 — INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, announced an additional webinar date of Tuesday, March 2, at 11 a.m. EST to discuss the new ASTM F3502-21 Standard Specification for Barrier Face Coverings launched by ASTM on February 15.  This standard establishes for the first time a set of test methods that evaluate the filter, fit and leakage performance of barrier face coverings, commonly referred to as “face masks” worn by the general public, and not to be confused with respirators nor medical or surgical masks. The webinar will be presented by respiratory expert, Jeff Stull, vice chair of the ASTM Committee that wrote the standard, and Dave Rousse, INDA president.  It will provide a detailed review of the new ASTM standard and the test methods it entails and the impact on the entire supply chain of facemask production. Details and registration are available here: www.inda.org/inda-webinars

The purpose of guidance for the general public to wear face masks is to control the spread of viruses. Face masks made to this new ASTM standard will also provide a degree of particulate filtration to reduce the amount of inhaled particulate matter.

The goal of the standard is to assist consumers in making informed decisions about face masks given the vast array of products currently for sale, including various patterns promoted for homemade manufacture using common textile materials. Prior to the ASTM standard, no standard test method existed which allowed comparisons among different products nor were there any minimum performance requirements. This new standard provides these performance requirements as well as a set of specifications, guidelines and expectations for face mask manufacturers and media suppliers.

“We approached NIOSH last year on developing a general public face mask standard that could use nonwoven materials beyond meltblown that still deliver an effective level of filtration, as there was so much demand for the N95 respirators and masks once the Asian supply chain was cut off,” said Dave Rousse, INDA resident. “We were delighted to get a positive response from Jon Szalajda, NIOSH deputy director, National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory, who is also the chair of the ASTM Committee dealing with standards in this area.”

“This was a worthwhile project that we worked through the ASTM process in record time,” Szalajda said. “It should provide an important benefit in the fight against COVID-19 spread by reducing consumer confusion about what works and what does not and assisting manufacturers in making effective products.”

“The development of this standard has been followed by the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA),” Rousse said, “as it considers the January 21 Presidential Executive Order on whether any emergency temporary standards with respect to masks in the workplace are necessary to reduce the risk of COVID-19 spread, and if so, to issue them by March 15. This would have a significant and rapid impact on the facemask industry. In our March 2 webinar, we will review all of these developments and provide needed information and guidance to the suppliers, converters and marketers in this important sector.”

This webinar on March 2 will be in addition to the INDA Webinar Series already scheduled for March 16, March 25 and April 6. For information on the full webinar series, visit www.inda.org/inda-webinars.

Posted February 16, 2021

Source: INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry

1...944945946...2,674Page 945 of 2,674

Sponsors

Breaking News

Load more

Digital Issue

2026 Quarterly Issue III

View Latest Digital Issue

FEATURED ARTICLES

© Copyright 2017 Textile Industries Media Group, LLC.