Kemin Textile Auxiliaries’ Garmon Chemicals Brand Becomes First Textile Chemical Company To Produce Its Own Enzymes For Garment Washing

REPUBLICA DI SAN MARINO — February 1, 2021 — Kemin Industries, a global ingredient manufacturer that strives to sustainably transform the quality of life every day for 80 percent of the world with its products and services, announced today that Garmon Chemicals (Garmon), the Kemin Textile Auxiliaries business unit, has launched Kemzymes, a new range of enzymes developed specifically for garment washing, to become the first textile chemical company to produce its own enzymes.

When Kemin acquired Garmon in 2018, the two companies came together with a goal of revolutionizing the garment finishing industry. By bringing Kemin’s scientific expertise and innovation to the chemical solutions brand for the denim and fashion industry, Garmon was able move forward with research that was once out of reach for its customers.

After investing two years of research into its newest product range, Garmon was able to apply the superior science of Kemin to its knowledge and experience in garment finishing to become the first textile chemical company to self-produce a range of enzymes not found in any other industry products. Kemzymes offer an unparalleled combination of sustainability, performance and cost competitiveness.

The first Kemzymes products available are two lines of stonewashing enzymes: Kemzymes KS and Kemzymes K.

Kemzymes KS are the uncompromised, concentrated version of Garmon’s new neutral cellulase enzymes for denim stonewashing. Designed to work at room temperature and included in the ZDHC Gateway, Kemzymes KS open the possibility to truly eliminate the use of pumice stones.

Kemzymes K, also included in the ZDHC Gateway, are strong powder enzymes for denim stonewashing. Delivering a perfect combination of abrasion power, sustainable characteristics and superior value for its price point, Kemzymes K are designed to become the best seller of denim stonewashing enzymes for all types of industrial laundries.

“As the first textile chemical company to produce our own enzymes — not just blend them, as many do — we set our own standards very high,” said Kimberly Nelson, president, Kemin Textile Auxiliaries. “The textile chemicals market is saturated with options, but they do not create the results Kemzymes achieves. To continue distinguishing Garmon as a brand with research-backed products and proven solutions, performance was the key target when we developed Kemzymes.”

Relentlessly tested by dedicated teams using the most modern equipment available, Kemzymes looked to Kemin’s expertise in enzymes and Garmon’s historical success with chemical solutions to improve on every aspect possible.

For Garmon, sustainable performance and beautiful vintage looks are the minimum — the brand has raised the bar on nearly every other aspect of garment finishing. As its latest solution, Kemzymes are so precise they outperform every other popular enzyme used in the denim-washing industry — even Garmon’s own previous products.

Kemzymes KS and K are available now for testing in most international markets.

Posted: February 1, 2021

Source: Kemin Textiles Auxiliaries/Garmon Chemicals (Garmon)

Volvo Car Malaysia Launches Antimicrobial Facemask With NANOTEXTILE As Sustainability Effort

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — February 1, 2021 — Volvo Car Malaysia had collaborated with NanoTextile Sdn Bhd (NANOTEXTILE) producing the anti-microbial reusable face mask in pursuing sustainability. Nalin Jain, managing director of Volvo Car Malaysia had expressed to embark the project in helping the environment as many surgical masks are being disposed every day that led to environmental pollution. As well, this project was also initiated to help single mothers while engaging with trained vocational graduates from GIATMARA and local artisans to help them earn a sustainable living during the pandemic.

A study was conducted upon designing the face masks, showing that people had a few concerns when wearing a surgical face mask; 1. Cost 2. Waste 3. Allergic reaction 4. Sizing. Hence, this reusable facemask is made to address these problems. They are made up of 100-percent cotton, soft and washable, enhanced with anti-bacterial, water-repellent, and self-cleaning features on the inside and outside layer, that allows for bacterial and viral protection up to 100 gentle washes.

NANOTEXTILE’s award winning technology has anti-bacterial efficacy that is laboratory tested with the achievement of more than 99.9 percent. It has resulted in the destruction of possible infection of the fabric by viruses and bacteria and simultaneously decreases the penetration of contaminated droplets in contact. Whilst the mask added five more layers of protection using PM 2.5 filter, which is tested to be 90-percent effective in viral particle filtration. Thus, it will keep the wearer protected and comfortable even though the mask is worn for a long time.

Undeniably, nanotechnology still faces some challenges in the textile industry. However, as Nalin strongly believes in the nano-enabled technology, “with more R&D put into it, nanotechnology will be the answer to sustainable textiles.” NANOTEXTILE aims to promote the technical textile continuously with its broad potential of nanotechnologies. The truth is that there is a wide area of nanotechnology invention that is ready for exploitation and market entry such as the demand in the sustainable effort.

Consumers able to purchase the facemask starting February 1, 2021 onwards from all Volvo’s dealerships. As a curated premium item, the face masks are available in 2 sizes — medium and large. Varied in 3 colors; dark blue (Sunflower), navy blue (Stargazer), sky blue (Jasmine Flower) and exclusively incorporated with Batik Tekap pattern. Nalin voiced out, “Batik has always been a pride of our country and we at Volvo Car Malaysia do recognize and embrace local arts and culture.” They believe that it is important to sustaining our Batik heritage.

“Sustainability will always be a journey that allows us to discover layers and interconnections between everything we do and the rest of the world. Sharing our journey and experiences, learning from, and supporting each other, is a key foundation of our organization, and this is no different for the individuals, company, and stakeholders who help us in our businesses,” Nalin added. With sustainability programs, we should ensure the fabrics are always re-energized by using advanced technology. As the future of sustainability envisioned by Dr. Thomas Ong, the CEO of NANOTEXTILE highlighted: “Nanotechnology supports the movement in the processing part. It provides the technology that adds value and quality to the fabrics, working toward a single vision; a path contributing to sustainability.” Without quality, there will be no sustainability. In the meantime, it is crucial to focus on the technology that can protect our health and hygienic matter.

Volvo Cars is well-known for approaching sustainability principles. They have already taken measures on energy efficiency and pollution reduction at their plants and offices. In short, the all-around initiatives on the facemask’s production; will help the environment and the living continuity of the local community amid pandemics, the sustainability of the textiles as well as our national heritage. Overall, all firms should follow suit in taking steps to ensure that sustainability is practiced.

Posted: February 1, 2021

Source: NanoTextile Sdn Bhd (NANOTEXTILE)

Hexcel’s HexPly® M9 Prepreg Receives Type Approval Certification From DNV GL

STAMFORD, Conn. — February 1, 2021 — Hexcel is pleased to announce Type Approval Certification of its HexPly® M9 prepreg materials by DNV GL. The addition of the HexPly M9 prepreg range to Hexcel’s already comprehensive DNV GL certified portfolio provides ship and boat builders with optimal prepreg processing options.

HexPly M9 prepregs enable short cure cycles at 100˚C and above and provide an excellent balance between ease of processing and mechanical performance. Available in high tack and medium tack variants, HexPly M9 prepregs are available with a wide range of unidirectional, woven, and multiaxial reinforcements. Partnered with Hexcel’s own HexTow® IMC2 and HexTow HM54/HM63 fibers, designers and engineers can optimize highly loaded composite structures such as masts, wing sails, and foils with increased glass transition temperatures (Tg) and excellent long-term fatigue performance.

Hexcel has completed the DNV GL certification for HexPly M9 in response to the rapidly increasing demand for type-approved high-performance prepreg materials for large composite structures in the commercial marine craft.

Hexcel’s collaboration with Chantiers de l’Atlantique on its new Silenseas cruise ship concept — a concept that uses composite Solid Sail® propulsion as well as dual-fuel engines to reduce emissions and operating costs — is one such application. In this case, DNV GL type approval provides third-party assurance of the product’s quality, performance and consistency, and also helps to streamline the approval of composite parts that replace traditionally metallic structures.

Hexcel has supplied advanced composite materials to the marine industry for more than 40 years and manufactures a comprehensive range of DNV GL certified products including woven reinforcements, multiaxial fabrics, prepregs, and adhesive films. Hexcel is committed to developing new composite technologies for the marine sector, helping builders evolve their designs to produce lighter, more fuel-efficient, and a sustainable craft for the future.

“Our latest Type Approval Certification is an important part of our strategy to provide the most complete package of DNV GL certified composite materials for the marine sector,” said Andreas Sageder, Product Manager at Hexcel. “With the addition of our M9 prepreg resin systems, mast, ship, and boat builders have an expanded range of processing and cure options available for parts requiring higher Tg and improved fatigue performance.”

Posted: February 1, 2021

Source: Hexcel Corporation

Mission Linen Supply’s Chico, Calif., Plant Achieves Certification For Hygienically Clean Healthcare

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — January 29, 2021 — Mission Linen Supply — a family-owned company that has provided products and services to hospitality, healthcare and industrial businesses for more than 90 years — has recently achieved the Hygienically Clean certification for Healthcare for its Chico, Calif., location. Headquartered in Santa Barbara, Calif., the company employs more than 2,500 people in five western states. The Chico location joins Mission’s Sacramento location in holding the Hygienically Clean certification. Hygienically Clean is the quantified, validated standard and measure for hygienically clean textiles in North America since 2011, and achieving this certification reflects its commitment to best management practices (BMPs) in laundering as verified by on-site inspection and its capability to produce hygienically clean textiles as quantified by ongoing microbial testing based on established hygienically clean healthcare textile methods and standards.

The Hygienically Clean Healthcare certification confirms this organization’s continuing dedication to infection prevention, compliance with recognized industry standards and processing healthcare textiles using BMPs as described in its quality assurance documentation, a focal point for Hygienically Clean inspectors’ evaluation. The independent, third-party inspection must also confirm essential evidence that:

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

To achieve certification initially, laundries pass three rounds of outcome-based microbial testing, indicating that their processes are producing Hygienically Clean Healthcare textiles and diminished presence of yeast, mold and harmful bacteria. They also must pass a facility inspection. To maintain their certification, they must pass quarterly RODAC and semi-annual USP 62 testing (RODAC results less than or equal to 20 cfu per square diameter and USP 62 results must show an absence of specified microorganisms) to ensure that as laundry conditions change, such as water quality, textile fabric composition and wash chemistry, laundered product quality is consistently maintained. Re-inspection occurs every two to three years.

This process eliminates subjectivity by focusing on outcomes and results that verify textiles cleaned in these facilities meet appropriate hygienically clean standards and BMPs for hospitals, surgery centers, medical offices, nursing homes and other medical facilities.

Hygienically Clean Healthcare certification acknowledges laundries’ effectiveness in protecting healthcare operations by verifying quality control procedures in linen, uniform and facility services operations related to the handling of textiles containing blood and other potentially infectious materials.

Certified laundries use processes, chemicals and BMPs acknowledged by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation, American National Standards Institute and others. Introduced by TRSA in 2012, Hygienically Clean Healthcare brought to North America the international cleanliness standards for Hygienically Clean healthcare linens and garments used worldwide by the Certification Association for Professional Textile Services and the European Committee for Standardization

Objective experts in epidemiology, infection control, nursing and other healthcare professions work with Hygienically Clean launderers to ensure the certification continues to enforce the highest standards for producing clean healthcare textiles.

“Congratulations to Mission Linen Supply on their most recent certification,” said Joseph Ricci, TRSA president and CEO. “This achievement proves their commitment to infection prevention and that their laundries take every step possible to prevent human illness.”

Hygienically Clean reflects the evolution of healthcare laundry certification in light of growing global concerns about infection control, documenting practices that ensure elimination of potentially harmful microbial content while adding quantifiable verification of continuous improvement in overall cleanliness.

Posted January 29, 2021

Source: TRSA

Hyosung Introduces Its Expanded regen Sustainability Offering Featuring 100-Percent Recycled, Multi-Function Fibers At ISPO Munich Online

SEOUL, South Korea — January 30, 2021 — As we begin to dream of and conceive a post COVID-19 world, we realize that several trends developed during the pandemic will continue — namely clothing that provides comfort and reassurance, and that’s made with sustainable sources. Additionally, this clothing needs to be multi-functional in that it can cross the boundaries between home wear, activewear and outdoor wear. And, it must last overtime.

As a solutions provider across the value chain from mill to brand to consumer, Hyosung consistently forecasts market trends to develop a comprehensive fiber offering to help its customers envision products that suit these trends. The company will present many its new sustainable and multi-function regen fibers at ISPO Munich Online February 1-5, 2021.

“We are experiencing significant interested in our 100-percent GRS recycled creora® spandex, Mipan regen nylon, and regen polyester — all of which save valuable resources from being removed from the earth,” said Mike Simko, global marketing director Hyosung -Textiles. “Having such a comprehensive package of recycled, multi-function fibers is quite unique and we’re excited to offer our partners the best possible range of sustainable product offerings.”

In addition to its 100-percent recycled regen creora spandex, Mipan regen nylon, regen polyester, Hyosung will present its recycled regen multi-function offering to include:

  • regen askin/ MIPAN regen aqua X: cool-touch polyester and nylon with UV protection;
  • MIPAN regen robic: high-tenacity nylon;
  • regen cotna: cotton-like polyester with the feel of a natural fiber;
  • regen aerocool: rapid moisture absorbing and drying polyester;
  • regen aerosilver: anti-microbial polyester; and
  • regen aerolight: lightweight polyester with high-performance moisture management.

Hyosung is proud to have one of its new fabrics selected as a top 10 finalist in ISPO Textrends Outer Layer Category — a multi-function, performance stretch Dobby woven made with askin cool-touch polyester and creora ActiFit spandex with added UV protection for excellent fit and recovery.

Posted January 29, 2021

Source: Hyosung

Eastman, Governor Lee Announce World-Scale Plastic-To-Plastic Molecular Recycling Facility To Be Built In Kingsport, Tenn. — Company Will Invest Approximately $250 Million

KINGSPORT, Tenn. — January 29, 2021 — Eastman Chemical Co.  Board Chair and CEO Mark Costa and Tennessee Governor Bill Lee today announced the company’s plans to build one of the world’s largest plastic-to-plastic molecular recycling facilities at its site in Kingsport, Tenn. Through methanolysis, this world-scale facility will convert polyester waste that often ends up in landfills and waterways into durable products, creating an optimized circular economy. Over the next two years, the company will invest approximately $250 million in the facility, which will support Eastman’s commitment to addressing the global waste crisis and to mitigating challenges created by climate change, while also creating value for its stakeholders.

Utilizing the company’s polyester renewal technology, the new facility will use over 100,000 metric tons of plastic waste that cannot be recycled by current mechanical methods to produce premium, high-quality specialty plastics made with recycled content. This process of using plastic waste as the main feedstock is a true material-to-material solution and will not only reduce the company’s use of fossil feedstocks, but also reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 20-30 percent relative to fossil feedstocks.

“With the growing demand for products made with recycled content and the urgent need to address the global plastic waste crisis, now is the time for Eastman to take this step. We are grateful for our partnership with Governor Lee in making today’s announcement possible,” Costa said. “Thanks to the support of the State of Tennessee and our local officials, we are able to build this facility in our home state, which we believe positions Tennessee to be a leader in enabling the circular economy and an example for others to follow. This will be a great investment for our local community and our customers, while also creating small business jobs to develop the recycling infrastructure necessary to support investment in a sustainable future.”

“Eastman has been a leader in the materials sector for over 100 years and continues to be a valued partner to our state,” Governor Lee said. “I’d like to thank the company for investing in Kingsport and its highly skilled workforce, and for focusing on innovative technology that enhances the quality of life for people not just in Tennessee, but around the world.”

Eastman was one of the pioneers in developing methanolysis technology at commercial scale and has more than three decades of expertise in this innovative recycling process. Eastman’s experience with methanolysis makes it uniquely qualified to be a leader in delivering this solution at commercial scale. Polyester renewal technology will be an especially impactful solution, as low-quality polyester waste that cannot be mechanically recycled and would typically be diverted to landfills, incineration or end up in the environment can instead be recycled into high-quality polyesters suitable for use in a variety of end-use durable applications.

“While today’s announcement is an important step, it is just part of the company’s overall circular economy strategy,” Costa said. He added that Eastman is actively working on next steps forward with its circular economy initiatives including partnerships and direct investments in Europe.

This facility, which is expected to be mechanically complete by year-end 2022, will contribute to the company achieving its ambitious sustainability commitments for addressing the plastic waste crisis, which includes recycling more than 500 million pounds of plastic waste annually by 2030 via molecular recycling technologies. The company has committed to recycling more than 250 million pounds of plastic waste annually by 2025.

Posted January 29, 2021

Source: Eastman

NCTO: Industry And Union Coalition Outlines Policy Recommendations In Letters To President Biden, Congressional Leaders

WASHINGTON — January 29, 2021 — A broad coalition of industry organizations and labor unions, representing a broad spectrum of manufacturers and workers who stepped up to make essential PPE and other products throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, sent a letter today to President Biden and congressional leaders outlining recommendations on specific policy initiatives that must be adopted to re-establish a permanent PPE industry in the United States.

As noted in the joint letter (See a link to the full letters below):

“The heroic efforts of the U.S. textile industry and its exemplary workforce throughout this crisis clearly demonstrate that domestic industry has the technical capabilities and capacity to make the United States self-sufficient in terms of our national PPE needs. However, the permanence of this [industry] is dependent on the development of government policies designed to help domestic manufacturers survive the current economic crisis and incentivize the long-term investment needed to bring PPE production back onshore. If appropriate policies are not implemented, the valuable and substantial progress made over the past year to onshore a vibrant PPE industry will evaporate in the face of China’s global manufacturing dominance in the PPE sector.”

The associations are requesting that President Biden and Congress adopt the policy recommendations outlined in the letter through legislation, executive order and other appropriate means.

The coalition sent a letter to President Biden and a second letter to Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer (D-NY), Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) outlining these requests.

See the full letters here:

Industry Labor Letter COVID Relief to Congress

Industry Labor Letter COVID Relief to President Biden

The letters were signed by the following organizations. Please see relevant contacts where provided:

  • National Council of Textile Organizations;
  • AFL-CIO;
  • Coalition for a Prosperous America;
  • Georgia Association of Manufacturers;
  • Hand Tools Institute;
  • INDA: Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry;
  • National Cotton Council;
  • Narrow Fabrics Institute;
  • Parachute Industry Association;
  • Rhode Island Textile Innovation Network;
  • SEAMS: Association of the U.S. Sewn Products Industry;
  • SPESA: Sewn Products Equipment & Suppliers of the Americas;
  • South Carolina Textile Council;
  • U.S. Industrial Fabrics Institute;
  • United States Footwear Manufacturers Association;
  • United Steelworkers;
  • Warrior Protection and Readiness Coalition; and
  • Workers United/SEIU.

Posted January 29, 2021

Source: National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO)

Primaloft Expands Use Of Its High Performance Primaloft® Cross Core™ Technology With Increased Emphasis On Sustainability

LATHAM, N.Y. — January 29, 2021 — PrimaLoft Inc., a global supplier of advanced material technology, is increasing the use of post-consumer recycled content in its high-performance PrimaLoft® Cross Core™ Series, which now includes a stretch version for freedom of movement. The Cross Core platform fuses existing PrimaLoft fibers with next-generation materials. The initial line of products utilize Aerogel, a highly porous, lightweight structure originally developed by NASA scientists that acts as one of the world’s best insulators. Beginning Fall ’21 products in the Cross Core Series will contain up to 90 percent post-consumer recycled (PCR) content, while maintaining high performance attributes.

“Our Relentlessly Responsible mission places equal focus on innovation, performance, and sustainability,” said Mike Joyce, president and CEO of PrimaLoft. “Our Cross Core series of technologies includes some of our highest-performing products, to date. It’s important that we marry that performance with an increased emphasis on the sustainability component. We’ve been able to include much higher ratios of recycled content and will continue to innovate on additional sustainable materials and processes.”

The current products in the PrimaLoft Cross Core Series utilize Aerogel for increased thermal performance. Originally developed by NASA for use in aeronautical applications, silica Aerogel is composed of more than 95-percent air and is the lightest solid material known to man and one of the most effective insulation materials. PrimaLoft engineers have found a way to integrate Aerogel material into the fibers, allowing PrimaLoft to develop apparel insulation that withstands the extreme challenges of outdoor garments. When Aerogel is fused with PrimaLoft Insulation, it provides a significant boost in warmth without increasing weight. This enables PrimaLoft customers to achieve both enhanced warmth and decreased weight, allowing for the freedom to design both highly technical apparel and fashionable pieces with a variety of silhouettes.

“When we first began experimenting with the idea of using Aerogel in insulation fibers, our focus was on getting the formula right so that we were delivering a new level of thermal performance,” said Vanessa Mason, PrimaLoft senior vice president of Engineering, Insulation and Polymers. “Once we became the first to crack that code, we knew we needed to continue to innovate on the sustainability side and find a way to use as much recycled content as possible, while maintaining that performance. We’re excited with our progress and will continue to explore how we can introduce additional sustainable practices to this technology.”

This unique use of Aerogel technology can be found in several PrimaLoft products:

PrimaLoft Gold Insulation with Cross Core technology blends the long-standing pinnacle PrimaLoft Gold Insulation with Aerogel to deliver unprecedented lightweight warmth, all while using 90 percent post-consumer recycled material, up from 35 percent in the previous version.
PrimaLoft Gold Insulation with Cross Core technology is also now available in a Stretch version that maintains the same thermal performance characteristics while also introducing 5 percent stretch to allow for greater freedom of movement. This version utilizes 70-percent post-consumer recycled content.

PrimaLoft Gold Insulation Hi-Loft Ultra with Cross Core has a distinctive accordion-like construction that enables unending loft and quick compression recovery for long-lasting, lightweight warmth. Great for use in puffier jacket silhouettes and sleeping bags, this product now offers 74-percent post-consumer recycled material.

PrimaLoft Silver Insulation ThermoPlume® with Cross Core Technology is the next level of warmth in loose-fill synthetic insulations. By blending each individual fiber of the small, silky plumes with Aerogel technology, this insulation delivers the aesthetic and performance of natural down with up to 12-percent more warmth compared to previous ThermoPlume insulations. This loose-fill insulation has excellent compressibility for long-lasting durability and a water-repellent finish to ensure wet weather protection.

Products in the PrimaLoft Cross Core Series have been adopted by more than 50 brands like Maloja, Mammut, Vaude, Dynafit, La Sportiva, Millet, Bergans, Haglöfs, Norröna, Montane, RAB, L.L.Bean, Sitka, Black Diamond, Patagonia and Strafe.

Posted January 29, 2021

Source: PrimaLoft Inc.

Gaston College Is Developing A World-Class Fiber Innovation Center In Belmont, N.C.

BELMONT, N.C. — January 28, 2021 — The Gaston County Board of Commissioners and Gaston College are working in partnership to transfer $5.3 million in funding to the college for the addition of a new Fiber Innovation Center on the College’s Kimbrell Campus in Belmont.

The new Fiber Innovation Center (FIC) will be a facility expansion of the Kimbrell Campus and be a resource of the Manufacturing & Textile Innovation Network, a partnership between Gaston College’s Textile Technology Center and Catawba Valley Community College’s Manufacturing Solutions Center. The MTIN partnership, announced on December 15, 2020, was formed to develop a regional workforce focused on advanced materials and textile testing development. The collaboration also affords better support to each Center’s clients in the textile and manufacturing industries, expand services to other related industries, and provides opportunities for research and development.

Gaston College President John Hauser has been working closely with County Commissioners and has moved forward with selecting an architect for the Fiber Innovation Center. Speaking before Commissioners on Tuesday, January 26, he showed two optional preliminary floor plans of 40,000 square feet and 22,000 square feet. Also, an exterior site plan showing the location of the new building on the Kimbrell Campus and an exterior concept design.

“We have started initial design meetings with the architect with the involvement of executives at Parkdale Mills, one of the Textile Technology Center’s vital partners and clients,” Dr. Hauser said.

“I engaged Parkdale early in the project and they have been strategically involved with the initial concept design of this facility that will transform the Kimbrell Campus to a world-class Fiber Innovation Center. At the same time, we were developing training and workforce development programs that will complement the full array of services at the Kimbrell Campus.”

Davis Warlick, executive vice president of Parkdale Mills, told Gaston County Commissioners that there is currently no facility like the proposed Fiber Innovation Center that can produce advanced fibers for advanced materials for industry. “This center will be a breakthrough for the textile industry because the fiber idea or concept conversion will be all under one roof. Currently, the system we have today is timely, expensive and highly fragmented.”

“The new Fiber Innovation Center will focus on sustainability, better performance and better product materials so we can produce the products that we need, and it will not be made in China or Asia but in Gaston County,” Warlick said.

The Fiber Innovation Center will provide a state-of-the-art facility to develop and test advanced fibers for the advanced materials industry for products such as crucial personal protective equipment, smart textiles for the defense sector, and many other proprietary products developed by national and international clients of the MTIN.

The FIC will be the only facility in North America open to industry that will house the entire range of advanced fiber development capabilities where scientists can start with an idea, move to small-scale trials, and work up to a commercially viable product ready for production. Through growing local and regional support from the textile industry, the college expects the Kimbrell Campus will become a world-class Fiber Innovation Center.

Funding for the project originated with the North Carolina Office of State Budget and Management. Initial guidelines stated that the funds were to be expended by December 31, 2020. Out of concern that the spending deadline could not be met, Gaston College and Gaston County administration negotiated with the OSBM and an agreement was reached for the funds to be directed initially to Gaston County with the provision that the funds be transferred to Gaston College at a later date. The funds were spread across multiple CARES ACT funding areas to support the County’s needs. The subsequent transfer of those funds to Gaston College through Gaston County’s Capital Funds are expected to be approved officially by the County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday, February 23 at 6 p.m.

In addition to providing support for the textile and manufacturing industries, the new Fiber Innovation Center will enable Gaston College to expand its Academic and Industry Training programs. The College will offer a two-year Associate in Applied Science degrees in Textile Technology and in Cybersecurity, a Career Now program which gives a pathway to these AAS degrees to high school students, participation in the Apprenticeship 321 program that allows Textile Technology Technician students to earn apprenticeship hours with industry and college credits toward their AAS in Textile Technology, STEM courses for traditional college and high school students to earn college credits toward career pathways in textile technology and cybersecurity, and other industry-related educational opportunities.

After the initial design work for the Fiber Innovation Center is completed, the College, with assistance from the State Construction Office, and approval of the Gaston College Board of Trustees, will engage a contractor for the project. The construction of the project expansion is expected to begin by summer.

Posted January 28, 2021

Source: Gaston College

 

Indorama Ventures (IVL) Remains On Track To Deliver Its 2021-2023 Strategy That Will Double EBITDA And Deliver Double Digit ROCE By 2023

BANGKOK, Thailand — January 28, 2021 — Indorama Ventures Public Co. Ltd., a global chemical producer, hosted its annual IVL Capital Markets Day 2021 announcing its strategic progresses. Highlights are as follows:

Our Platforms. People. Systems – prepared for growth

Despite the challenges of 2020, IVL’s vertically-integrated and multi-regional platforms have proven resilient on the back of strong volume growth and prudent capital management to maintain strong operating cash flows. Impact on demand and spreads across segments largely temporary and expected to make a strong recovery along with the economy.

In addition, the management team has used 2020 to prepare for growth by re-organizing the business, building strong leadership teams at every vertical and enabling the teams with strong support systems  — centers of excellence, shared services, one ERP for, example.

Olympus transformation ahead versus first year plan

Execution of the company’s cost saving transformation project, called Olympus, is off to a strong start as IVL is ahead of first year plan by more than 25 percent. Encouraged by internal assessment and out performance, we have increased our Project Olympus ambition to deliver $610M million impact by 2023 — versus $350 million announced last year — comprising of more than 2,500 Cost Transformation and Business Full Potential initiatives.

Segment strategies refreshed

Each segment has refreshed its strategy to reflect the changing macro environment, higher ambition from transformation, opportunity to harness the ‘One IVL’ advantage and new growth and adjacency opportunities.

Sustainability and Circular Economy

IVL remains committed to ESG and continues to be recognized by rating agencies as a leader in the Chemicals Industry. In addition, IVL is on track to meeting its 2025 global commitment on recycling

Strong Financial Performance expected

IVL expects to double its EBITDA and deliver double-digit ROCE by 2023. In doing so, IVL will generate healthy cash flows to meet its capital management goals, invest in value accretive attractive projects, sustain its dividend policy to reward shareholders and continuously de-leverage its balance sheet from 1.46 to 0.6x

Aloke Lohia, group CEO of Indorama Ventures, said: “Despite a challenging year, 2020 has given me even more conviction in our businesses. Through the pandemic, we have strengthened our platforms, empowered our people and advanced our systems agenda, therefore positioning ourselves well to take advantage of opportunities in the recovery, to unlock the full potential of IVL and to ready the company for the next era.”

Posted January 28, 2021

Source: Indorama Ventures Public Company Limited (IVL)

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