UBQ Materials: Developing Car Parts Of The Future With Motherson Group

TEL AVIV, Israel — November 23, 2020 — Global automotive Tier 1 manufacturer Motherson Group announced its collaboration with Israeli cleantech company UBQ Materials. The companies are joining efforts to implement the carbon-negative UBQ ™ thermoplastic into auto parts manufactured by Motherson Group for the automotive industry.

UBQ™ is a patented material converted from 100% unsorted household waste, containing food leftovers, mixed plastics, paper, cardboard, packaging materials and diapers. The unsorted waste stream is reduced to its most basic natural components and then reassembled and bound together into a matrix, creating a novel climate-positive material with applications across industries.

By diverting landfill-destined waste, UBQ™ prevents the emission of methane, groundwater leakage and other environmental harms. Every ton of UBQ™ produced prevents 11.7 tons of CO2-eq from polluting the environment, leading Life Cycle Assessment auditors Quantis to designate UBQ™ as “The Most Climate Positive Thermoplastic Material on the Market.”

In February 2020, UBQ Materials embarked on its first partnership in the automotive industry with Daimler, manufacturer of Mercedes Benz. As a result of successful progress and advanced developments, UBQ Materials was introduced to Motherson. Motherson selected UBQ Materials as an innovation partner in Plug and Play’s Startup Autobahn, a platform that connects emerging technologies to pilot opportunities with multinational corporations.

Motherson is looking to provide sustainable solutions to aid in their customers’ sustainability commitments. “Motherson is a global tier-one manufacturer and supplier to the industry and as such, we are very conscious of continually seeking ways to be more sustainable, to reduce the environmental impact of our business, and to look for ways of increasing use of recycled and sustainable materials”, explains Barrie Painter, EVP, Global Sales and Marketing and Strategic Technology at Motherson.

“We have embarked on a very ambitious project”, says Sophie Tuviahu, VP of Business Development and Sales at UBQ Materials. “Automotive standards are demanding and we aim to be an approved raw material in a wide scope of applications in the automotive industry.”

Motherson is currently testing and evaluating the incorporation of UBQ™ in the production of a range of interior and exterior automobile parts. Following further trials and examinations, Motherson and UBQ have every intention to see this collaboration through to serial production.

Posted November 24, 2020

Source: UBQ Materials

Italian Textile Machinery: Opening Of Technology Training Center In Pakistan

MILAN — November 24, 2020 — The inauguration ceremony for the Italy-Pakistan Textile Technology Center (IPTTC) was held November 16 in Faisalabad, Pakistan, at the National Textile University (NTU). The training center, which is the first of its kind for Italian textile machinery technology in Pakistan, was inaugurated by the Italian Ambassador to Pakistan, Andreas Ferrarese, and Rizwan Shafi, CEO of Crescent Bahuman Ltd.

Intervening at the ceremony in a video conference call from Italy was Alessandro Zucchi, the president of ACIMIT, the Association of Italian Textile Machinery Manufacturers, as a partner in the project together with the PISIE (International Polytechnic for Industrial and Economic Development). Zucchi remarked that, “With the creation of the Italy-Pakistan Textile Technology Center, ACIMIT wishes to strengthen previously existing fruitful relations with the Pakistani textile industry”

Financed by the Italian Government, the project intends to support the development of the local textile industry, by equipping the technology center with Italian machinery that will allow the local denim industry to improve the quality of its products, through ongoing research and innovation. The machines installed were supplied by the following companies: Brongo, Tonello and Triveneta Grandi Impianti.

In 2019, the Pakistani market was the sixth largest destination for Italian exports (totaling 80 million euros), and in the first half of 2020, Pakistan was the third foreign market for Italian machinery manufacturers in the sector, just behind Turkey and China. “I’m certain this initiative will reap benefits in terms of image, not just for the Italian manufacturers that have supplied the machinery, but for the entire Italian sector as well”, commented ACIMIT’s president.

Among the activities that ACIMIT and the Italian Trade Agency will develop in the upcoming future as a follow-up to the technology initiative are the realization of seminars for students, professors and representatives of local manufacturers, as well as the training of local personnel by the Italian companies that supplied the center with its machinery, with the participation of professors, students and local operators in missions to our country¸ helping them become better acquainted with Italian technology.

Posted November 24, 2020

Source: ACIMIT

Atlas Copco Launches Remote Compressor Monitoring System, AIRkeeper

ROCKHILL, S.C. — November 23, 2020 — Remote monitoring and control for the G-range of compressors is now available with Atlas Copco’s newest mobile app, AIRkeeper. Designed for G-ranges between 10-30 horsepower, users can control the compressor’s operating parameters anytime, anywhere using a Bluetooth connection from either a smartphone or tablet.

The fully programmable AIRkeeper offers several features, including remote starting and stopping, adjusting the pressure band and even a leakage detection program to ensure the compressed air system is working optimally. Importantly, the real-time monitoring systems notifies the user immediately if the compressor needs attention. The app also stores all booklets and instruction guides needed for the compressor.

“AIRkeeper was designed specifically with the end-user in mind to provide easy, secure access to pivotal information,” said Trey Ragsdale, vice president of industrial air for Atlas Copco Compressors in the U.S. “From the quick installation, intuitive interface, and customization features, AIRkeeper is truly the perfect companion for users who need to keep in-touch with their compressor, anytime and anywhere.”

Installation and configuration of the mobile app can be done completely by the user through the intuitive setup process. The download and configuration of the app takes less than 10 minutes to complete and is available from the App Store and Google Play and works on both Apple and Android devices.

Posted November 23, 2020

Source: Atlas Copco

3M And Safran Announce Partnership To Design Cleaner Aircraft Interiors

ST. PAUL, Minn./HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. — November 23, 2020 — 3M and Safran Cabin are bringing together their strengths and technologies in a partnership announced today. The pandemic has had a large impact on global air travel and the industry seeks solutions to restore passenger confidence and promote a recovery.

Known for its multi-platform technologies and efforts to fight against COVID-19, 3M will leverage its deep roots in innovation by providing technologies to help design cleaner aircraft cabin interiors for “Travel Safe” — a joint initiative of Safran Interior companies to verifiably elevate the hygiene of aircraft interiors.

“Today, passengers choose their airline — considering not only safety, interactivity and connectivity, but interior hygiene assurance,” said Stephen Shafer, vice president and general manager of 3M’s Automotive and Aerospace Solutions Division. “The most important factor is the protection of travelers and their families, and 3M continues to apply its technology to enable passenger safety in the skies. Safran is a leader in the industry and we have great synergy between the two companies.”

Safran will certify 3M technology that enhances cleaning and protection features of aircraft cabin equipment and provides the capability to mitigate or improve the removal of bacteria and viruses, including SARS-CoV-2. These solutions can be permanently embedded into aircraft interior surfaces during the manufacturing process, or they can be applied to upgrade existing interiors.

“Clean interiors are an industry imperative, and we have with 3M an innovative partner and expert in cleaning, disinfection and protection, who can blend the latest in clean technology with the specialized plastics, decors, and composites used in aircraft interiors,” said Norman Jordan, CEO of Safran Cabin.

The exclusive partnership will leverage the research capability of both companies to realize a shared vision for seamless, safe and stress-free travel. It’s expected that these new aerospace materials will be available in 2021.

Posted November 23, 2020

Source: 3M

Richard Collier Appointed New CEO At Jack Wolfskin

IDSTEIN, Germany — November 23, 2020 — Richard Collier will be the new CEO of Jack Wolfskin, effective December 1, 2020. In this role, he will be responsible for the successful further development of the strategic brand positioning, and the continued internationalization for Jack Wolfskin.

In June 2020, the company had already confirmed that their current CEO Melody Harris-Jensbach and Callaway Golf had been amicably preparing a succession arrangement. This arrangement follows the completion of the Jack Wolfskin integration into the Callaway Group, which was acquired in 2019. Harris-Jensbach, who has been CEO of the leading outdoor supplier since 2014, will continue to support the company in an executive consulting capacity.

“Richard’s broad and impressive experience in a multi-national, multi-brand company will help drive the further development of Jack Wolfskin,” said Callaway Golf Executive Vice President, Apparel and Soft Goods, Joe Flannery. “In addition to his international business acumen and leadership skills, he has a strong understanding of Jack Wolfskin’s core market. I am convinced that his experience and expertise will help drive continued innovation and success for the business.”

Chip Brewer, CEO of Callaway Golf, added: “We would like to thank Melody for her professional and trustful cooperation. She has recently done an excellent job in integrating Jack Wolfskin into the Callaway Group and is responsible for ensuring that the modern outdoor collection and brand positioning increasingly appeal to new and young target groups. These initiatives have enhanced the brand’s desirability in the market.”

Harris-Jensbach said: “I would like to thank Callaway for their trust and professional cooperation. For the integration of Jack Wolfskin into the Callaway Group, we have jointly advanced the most important projects and started to develop the international growth potential that our new shareholder foresees for Jack Wolfskin. I wish Richard Collier all the best in continuing this work.”

Collier is moving to Jack Wolfskin from the Helly Hansen Group, a supplier of technical ski, sailing and workwear based in Oslo, Norway. He has worked there for the last 17 years, most recently as chief product officer. During his tenure, Collier contributed significantly to their product, brand, operational and financial performance, and built their social responsibility and sustainability credentials from the ground up.

Prior to joining the Helly Hansen Group, he worked for Tandberg Telecom, Kurt Salmon Associates and Adidas, where he held senior sales and marketing positions. Collier is a British citizen, speaks German, and is married with three children.

“I know Jack Wolfskin and its products well, and I am very excited to join this great brand,” Collier said. “Having worked in the outdoor industry for many years, I admire how the Company has grown and evolved, while continuing to introduce exceptional, eco-conscious products in the marketplace. I look forward to working with this incredible team to drive even more growth and success.”

Since 2014, Melody Harris-Jensbach has led Jack Wolfskin through several shareholder changes and successfully turned around the business and realigned the collection and brand positioning of the leading outdoor brand. Before joining Jack Wolfskin, Harris-Jensbach held various executive positions including board member and chief product officer for Esprit, and deputy chairman and chief product officer at Puma. Since the Summer of 2020, she has been a member of the supervisory board of Lenzing AG, a manufacturer of sustainable fiber solutions.

Posted November 23, 2020

Source: Callaway Golf

U.S. Chemical Production Grows For Fourth Straight Month In October

WASHINGTON — November 23, 2020 — The U.S. Chemical Production Regional Index (U.S. CPRI) rose 0.9 percent in October following a 0.8 percent gain in September and a 1.0 percent increase in August, according to the American Chemistry Council (ACC). During October, chemical output expanded in all regions, with the largest gains occurring in the Northeast region. The U.S. CPRI is measured on a three-month moving average (3MMA) basis.

In October, chemical production continued to improve in many segments including, chlor-alkali, other inorganic chemicals, organic chemicals, industrial gases, plastic resins, synthetic dyes and pigments, consumer products, adhesives, other specialty chemicals and fertilizers. Production trends eased in coatings, manufactured fibers, synthetic rubber and crop protection chemicals.

As nearly all manufactured goods are produced using chemistry in some form, manufacturing activity is an important indicator for chemical demand. The manufacturing recovery continued for a fourth consecutive month in October, with overall factory activity up by 0.8 percent (3MMA). The trend in production rose in nearly all key chemistry end-use industries, with the strongest gains seen in iron and steel, aerospace, foundries, tires, machinery and apparel.

Compared with October 2019, U.S. chemical production was off 4.9 percent on a year-over-year (Y/Y) basis, the seventeenth consecutive month of declines, but shows steady improvement over the past several months. Chemical production remained lower than a year ago in all regions, with the largest year-ago declines occurring in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and West Coast regions.

U.S. Chemical Production Regional Index, Percentage Change

(Seasonally adjusted, 3-month moving average)
Oct 20/

Sep 20

 Oct 20/

Oct 19

 Key products
Gulf Coast 1.1% -3.8% petrochemicals, inorganics, plastics resins, and synthetic rubber
Midwest 0.9% -5.4% agricultural chemicals, plastics, and paints
Ohio Valley 0.7% -6.3% organic chemicals, plastics and synthetic materials, and specialty chemicals
Mid-Atlantic 0.8% -6.8% consumer products
Southeast 0.9% -5.6% inorganic chemicals, fibers, and consumer products
Northeast 1.1% -6.7% consumer products and specialty chemicals
West Coast 0.8% -6.5% basic chemicals, agricultural chemicals, and consumer products
     U.S. Total 0.9% -4.9%

The chemistry industry is one of the largest industries in the United States, a $565 billion enterprise. The manufacturing sector is the largest consumer of chemical products, and 96 percent of manufactured goods are touched by chemistry. The U.S. CPRI was developed to track chemical production activity in seven regions of the United States. The U.S. CPRI is based on information from the Federal Reserve, and as such, includes monthly revisions as published by the Federal Reserve. To smooth month-to-month fluctuations, the U.S. CPRI is measured using a three-month moving average. Thus, the reading in October reflects production activity during August, September, and October.

Posted November 23, 2020

Source: American Chemistry Council (ACC)

Braskem, Haldor Topsoe Achieve First Production Of Bio-Based Monoethylene Glycol (MEG) From Sugar

SÃO PAULO — November 23, 2020 — Braskem, a large petrochemical company in the Americas and producter of biopolymers, and Denmark-based Haldor Topsoe, a global supplier of catalysts, technology, and services for the chemical and refining industries, have announced that they achieved their first-ever demo-scale production of bio-based monoethylene glycol (MEG). As a result of the collaboration between the two companies, the MOSAIK™ technology development has been progressing according to schedule at the demonstration unit located in Lyngby, Denmark.

The demonstration unit was started up in 2019 with the primary goal to demonstrate all key design features of the pioneering technology that transforms sugar into renewable MEG. Since then, the remaining process units of the plant have been built and put into operation, and the production process has been optimized.

MEG is a raw material for polyethylene terephthalate (PET), which has numerous applications and is an essential feedstock in sectors such as textiles and packaging, especially beverage bottles. Currently, MEG is predominantly made from fossil-based feedstocks, such as naphtha, gas, or coal. The global MEG market represents a value of approximately $25 billion.

The technology will also co-produce, in a lower quantity, monopropylene glycol (MPG), which has a wide variety of applications ranging from unsaturated polyester resins (UPR), commonly used in construction materials, to cosmetic products.

The next phase will involve providing samples to strategic partners for testing and validation. The results of the demonstration plant operations and the validation of products will be essential for the decision to deploy the technology on a commercial scale.

The development of bio-MEG is strategic to Braskem. “This first-ever production of MOSAIK-MEG is a major step forward in our project and underlines Braskem’s commitment to the Circular Economy through renewable chemicals. This technology has the potential to revolutionize the PET market. That’s why we are increasingly closer to start building this new value chain, so we can deliver the sustainable solution that society is looking for”, says Gustavo Sergi, executive officer of Renewable Chemicals and Specialties at Braskem.

“We are extremely pleased to have achieved the first production of bio-based MEG together with Braskem. Topsoe’s strategic vision is to deliver technologies to reduce or even eliminate carbon emissions from the production of fuels and chemicals. Advancing technologies to produce bio-based chemicals and making them a commercially attractive option is an essential step on the way to a more sustainable future,” said Kim Knudsen, chief strategy & innovation officer at Haldor Topsoe.

Posted November 23, 2020

Source: Braskem

ParticleScreen™ Face Covering Fabric Powered By TurboDry® Technology Introduced By NexTex 

ATLANTA — November 23, 2020 — NexTex Innovations announces the launch of ParticleScreen fabric technology developed for facial coverings that can be comfortably worn for extended use and while being active. ParticleScreen is a patent-pending, three-layer fabric system that delivers superior blocking against airborne particles while keeping its wearers comfortable for prolonged periods of time.

NexTex, an Atlanta-based textile technology innovator that builds strategic partnerships with brands, entrepreneurs and manufacturers to bring textile innovations to market, rapidly responded to this challenge and created a customized, high-performance facial covering fabric technology.

“As the coronavirus pandemic has progressed, one of the chief complaints from consumers is that facial coverings are uncomfortable,” said Chad Lawrence, NexTex’s CEO. “This presents a dilemma for the user:  if a mask or facial covering is uncomfortable, they’re more likely not to wear it for as long or at all. ParticleScreen fabric technology provides a breathable, particle-blocking solution while keeping the skin around your face dry and temperature regulated. The fabric development process — from concept to commercial availability — took under six months, which was remarkable!”

ParticleScreen fabric technology is made with NexTex’s TurboDry® technology, a unique fabric that keeps users’ skin significantly drier than regular wicking materials. Its patent-pending, one-way moisture transport process produces comfort and drying speeds unlike any material on the market. When used for facial coverings, a three-layer defense is created by combining a TurboDry inner layer against the skin, a proprietary film in the middle, and an outer layer, which can optionally be treated to have durable water-repellant and antimicrobial properties. This unique construction means ParticleScreen fabrics block particles on par with the most advanced, non-medical facial coverings.

“NexTex is very nimble and strategic in how we approach our business,” Lawrence said. “We quickly responded to consumer needs, and with our excellent fabric technology partner, we were able to make ParticleScreen fabric technology available to the market in record time.”

ParticleScreen facial coverings are washable and reusable, making them among the most sustainable masks on the market. The fabrics used in the masks are also bluesign® and Oeko-Tex® certified.

Posted November 23, 2020

Source: NexTex Innovations

The National Retail Federation (NRF) Expects Holiday Sales Will Grow Between 3.6 And 5.2 Percent

WASHINGTON — November 23, 2020 — With retail sales rebounding strongly due to continued consumer resilience, the National Retail Federation today forecast that holiday sales during November and December will increase between 3.6 percent and 5.2 percent over 2019 to a total between $755.3 billion and $766.7 billion. The numbers, which exclude automobile dealers, gasoline stations and restaurants, compare with a 4 percent increase to $729.1 billion last year and an average holiday sales increase of 3.5 percent over the past five years.

“We know this holiday season will be unlike any other, and retailers have planned ahead by investing billions of dollars to ensure the health and safety of their employees and customers,” NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said. “Consumers have shown they are excited about the holidays and are willing to spend on gifts that lift the spirits of family and friends after such a challenging year. We expect a strong finish to the holiday season and will continue to work with municipal and state officials to keep retailers open and the economy moving forward at this critical time.”

NRF expects that online and other non-store sales, which are included in the total, will increase between 20 percent and 30 percent to between $202.5 billion and $218.4 billion, up from $168.7 billion last year.

“Given the pandemic, there is uncertainty about consumers’ willingness to spend, but with the economy improving most have the ability to spend,” NRF Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz said. “Consumers have experienced a difficult year but will likely spend more than anyone would have expected just a few months ago.

“After all they’ve been through, we think there’s going to be a psychological factor that they owe it to themselves and their families to have a better-than-normal holiday. There are risks to the economy if the virus continues to spread, but as long as consumers remain confident and upbeat, they will spend for the holiday season.”

Kleinhenz said households have strong balance sheets supported by a strong stock market, rising home values and record savings boosted by government stimulus payments issued earlier this year. Jobs and wages are growing, energy costs are low and reduced spending on personal services, travel and entertainment because of the virus has freed up money for retail spending.

As a result of store shutdowns and stay-at-home orders last spring, not all retailers and categories have rebounded as quickly, including small and mid-sized retailers. However, in the aggregate retail sales have seen a V-shaped recovery, growing both month-over-month and year-over-year each month since June. As calculated by NRF, sales were up 10.6 percent in October versus October 2019, likely driven in part by early holiday shopping. For the first 10 months of this year, retail sales were up 6.4 percent versus the first 10 months of 2019.

With ecommerce sales up 36.7 percent year-over-year during the third quarter, many households are expected to depend on digital shopping to make many of their holiday purchases, just as they have for much of their everyday spending this year. The online spending includes websites operated by bricks-and-mortar retailers, which have become major players in the online market as retail channels have merged.

Weather traditionally plays a role in holiday sales, and while details vary by region, the National Weather Service is forecasting cooler and wetter weather in the north and warmer and drier weather in the south. Kleinhenz said that combination has correlated with stronger retail holiday spending in the past and could be a factor this year.

The NRF forecast is based on an economic model that takes into consideration a variety of indicators including employment, wages, consumer confidence, disposable income, consumer credit, previous retail sales and weather. NRF defines the holiday season as November 1 through December 31. Numbers forecast by NRF may differ from other organizations that define the holiday season as a longer period or include retail sectors not included by NRF, such as automobile dealers, gasoline stations and restaurants.

The forecast comes as NRF’s latest research shows 42 percent of consumers started their holiday shopping earlier than usual this year. NRF’s “New Holiday Traditions” campaign has urged consumers to shop safe and shop early amidst the pandemic, and 59 percent had begun by early November, up from 49 percent at that point a decade ago. Other holiday information is available on NRF’s Winter Holidays web page.

Posted November 23, 2020

Source: The National Retail Federation (NRF)

The European Textiles Industry Makes A Final Call To Reach An Agreement On E.U.-U.K. Negotiations – Nearly 130,000 Jobs Are At Stake

BRUSSELS — November 23, 2020 — A new study, commissioned by EURATEX with the University of Leuven*, reveals that a “no deal” Brexit would have a detrimental impact on the textile and clothing industry (T&C) with job losses over 100,000 for the E.U.27 and over 27,000 for the United Kingdom. Output losses for the United Kingdom would be 41.8 percent of its value added in T&C production, while the E.U.27 as a whole would lose about 9.7 percent.

Negotiators are making a final effort, but a “no deal” can still occur if there is no timely ratification of the Withdrawal Agreement, or if the Withdrawal Agreement is ratified but no agreement on the EU-UK future relationship is struck before the end of the transition period.

A soft Brexit scenario would minimize the damage, but it would still disrupt European value chains and lead to heavy job losses. A soft Brexit would still be significant with, for United Kingdom, 4,759 jobs lost and an output loss of 7.3 percent of its value added; while for the E.U.27, 17,786 jobs will be lost and there would be output losses of 1.7 percent of its value added.

Under a no deal Brexit, the output losses for the United Kingdom would be 41.8 percent of its value added in production, while the E.U.27 as a whole would lose about 9.7 percent of its GDP. For the United Kingdom, this corresponds to absolute job losses of 27,141 jobs, while for the E.U.27 as a whole the job loss would amount to 101,756 jobs lost.

With no surprise, the largest share of the E.U.27 job losses take place, in decreasing order, in Italy, Romania, Portugal, Germany, France, Spain and Poland. Under a hard Brexit, about respectively 27,000, 12,000 and 11,000 jobs will be lost in Italy, Romania and Portugal, which corresponds to about 27 percent, 12 percent and 10 percent of the E.U.27 total working population in the sector.

However, as a proportion of the sector employment and value added in the country, Ireland, Belgium, the Netherlands, Sweden, France, Denmark and Czechia would be the most affected countries within the E.U.27,  both in terms of value added as in job losses. For Ireland and Belgium, a “no deal” Brexit would lead to respectively -23 percent and -14 percent of job losses in the sector and an output loss of -40 percent and -25 percent of their sector value added.

Dirk Vantyghem, director general of EURATEX commented on the study results: “These figures reflect companies’ legitimate concern with a no-deal Brexit. E.U.-U.K. trade relations are an essential component of their competitive business model, on both sides. For the T&C industry, we have offered a win-win solution (integrating the UK in the PEM Convention), which would limit disruptions in the T&C value chain to a minimum.”

EURATEX President Alberto Paccanelli, complemented: “I call on political leaders on both sides to use their common sense, and think about the jobs which are at stake. Our companies try to maintain employment levels, despite the impact of Covid19; we cannot add more burden to them.”

* Study conducted by Prof. Hylke Vandenbussche. Faculty of Economics and business, University of Leuven, Belgium. Full details available with EURATEX (contact Roberta Adinolfi – adinolfi@euratex.eu) .

Posted November 23, 2020

Source: EURATEX

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