Sustainable Textile Industry: Recycling Becomes A Focus

REMSCHEID, Germany — September 24, 2020 — Mountains of waste, plastic-infested oceans, negative CO2 footprints – the need for more sustainable ways of living has never been more urgent. Consequently, it is logical that recycling solutions are becoming increasingly important within the textile industry. This was also tapped into at the first virtual Global Fiber Congress in Dornbirn with a session that focused specifically on the topic. In front of around 400 participants, Markus Reichwein, head of Product Management at Oerlikon Barmag, also spoke about solutions currently on the market.

As the only manufacturer, the Oerlikon Group’s Manmade Fibers segment offers the entire mechanical recycling chain — from preparing the recycled materials, producing the melt all the way through to the textured package. Here, the company utilizes the VacuFil solution supplied by its subsidiary Barmag Brückner Engineering (BBE) — which, in addition to mastering bottle-to-bottle and bottle-to-textile processes, is also able to process textile waste into chips. This permits the running of textile production operations very much in line with the zero-waste philosophy.

VacuFil ensures a stable process in the case of recycled quality yarns

The reliable removal of contaminants is vital for a stable and efficient spinning process and outstanding yarn quality. At the same time, stable operating conditions with minimal fluctuations are essential. The greatest challenge here is the differing qualities of the bottle flakes fed into the system, as the extrusion process is barely able to balance these fluctuations. Here, the VacuFil concept counters with blending silos, which reduce the differences in the viscosity of the polymers considerably and guarantee high yarn and fabric quality.

The VacuFil concept is installed upstream to an Oerlikon Barmag POY system, which transforms the recycled melt into filament yarn of the accustomed high quality. As texturing solutions, Oerlikon Barmag offers its state-of-the-art automatic eAFK-series systems, including the latest generation of the eAFK Evo, which was unveiled at the ITMA Barcelona last year. Yarn manufacturers wishing to continue texturing manually can use the eFK series.

With the VarioFil R+, producers of smaller batches now also have a compact system with an integrated recycled materials preparation unit at their disposal. The system offers a special extrusion system for bottle flake materials, the very latest metering and mixing technology for spindying and expanded 2-stage melt filtration. The four spinning positions are each equipped with an Oerlikon Barmag 10-end WINGS POY winder.

While mechanical recycling has already been extensively developed, chemical recycling for mixed fabrics is still presenting the textile industry with huge challenges. The Oerlikon Group’s Manmade Fibers segment is currently working on solutions and concepts for transforming these fabrics into new textiles.

Posted September 24, 2020

Source: Oerlikon

Italian Textile Machinery: A Digital Certification Project

MILAN — September 24, 2020 — Regarding the digitization of production processes, ACIMIT, the Association of Italian Textile Machinery Manufacturers, has launched a project aimed at defining a form of digital certification, which can be used by Italian manufacturers to certify the ease of integration of their machinery into the production systems of their textile customers.

The first step in this project has been the elaboration of a shared reference vocabulary for Italian textile machinery manufacturers, which resulted in the creation of a conceptual model of machine and process production management data that can be useful for textile manufacturers in identifying and calculating related productive KPIs (Key Performance Indicators). This model was developed by the Manufacturing Group of the School of Management of Politecnico di Milano, under the scientific guidance of prof. Marco Taisch, an international expert on digital transformation processes in the manufacturing sector, and within the bounds of the Industry 4.0 paradigm, supported by researcher Elisa Negri.

Alessandro Zucchi, president of ACIMIT, explained how this project arose: “A group of member companies felt the need to propose to their customers machinery that can communicate with each other in a common language, facilitating the integration of data between these machines within their customers’ operating systems (ERP, MES, CRM, etc.). We therefore turned to prof. Taisch to define a project together that could be useful to all manufacturers in the industry, accelerating their digitization process.”

As stated by Marco Taisch: “New technologies are being developed today that will become increasingly critical for manufacturers. The ability to conduct predictive analytics, using sensors capable of reading data, and the capability of connecting machinery (the so-called Internet Of Things – IOT) are technologies based on the concept of information that allow for the collection of data, their analysis and the ability to use such data in business processes. The goal of this project by ACIMIT is to work together and exploit a competitive advantage proposed to its member companies, in turn allowing for a rethinking of KPI measurement systems adopted within each individual company, and adapting them to a standard language shared by a wider community.”

As for the long term, the project aims to build customer loyalty, thanks to a common vision of machine data and an easier and more uniform integration of information derived from the machinery of different manufacturers in the operating systems of client companies. All this will be rendered concrete in the creation of the ACIMIT Digital Label, a digital certification of adherence for member companies applying this data model.

“The idea of a digital label,” adds Taisch, “will allow customers to be provided with a continuous flow of information that is easily interpreted, and above all will allow for the development of additional services and new business models for greater competitiveness within the industry.”

Zucchi concludes by stating, “Our proposal to Italian textile machinery manufacturers is to adopt the common language provided in the model to allow their machinery to communicate. The entire Italian textile machinery supply chain will benefit from this, by presenting a single data model for the interface between machines and production systems – and their customers will also benefit, in facilitating the collection and integration of machine data and simplifying business analyses.”

Posted September 24, 2020

Source: ACIMIT, the Association of Italian Textile Machinery Manufacturers

Gordini Introduces New Material Innovation With Clutch™ Synthetic Leather In F20 Styles Now Available 

ESSEX JUNCTION, Vermont — September 24, 2020 — Continuing to redefine the cold weather experience through glove innovation, Gordini introduces its Clutch™ Synthetic Leather for Winter 20, featured in more than 10 glove and mitt styles for men and women. The signature material offers an animal-free alternative that outperforms traditional leathers and suedes. Clutch styles are now available at www.gordini.com, as well as at retailers nationwide including Scheels, Ramsey Outdoors and Stratton Mountain, Winter Park and Steamboat resorts.

“Responsible design continues to be top of mind for our Gordini team, as we strive to enable our customers to enjoy the outdoors and all its elements for longer periods of time,” said David Gellis, Gordini president. “What we’re able to offer with our Clutch synthetic leather is improved durability, breathability and functionality in great-looking gloves that are more consistent in color, quality and thickness than animal leathers — all with a lighter impact on the planet.”

Proven in work gloves on the toughest job sites, Clutch synthetic leather is 4-6 times more abrasion resistant than the most durable natural leathers used in gloving. Machine washable, the material is 40 percent more breathable than cowhides of the same thickness, offering better circulation to manage moisture and prevent sweaty hands. Because Clutch is animal-free, the manufacturing process is more reliable and resource efficient than traditional tanning, estimated to use as much as 60 percent less water than leather manufacturing.

Posted September 24, 2020

Source: Gordini

NCTO President & CEO Kim Glas Testifies At U.S. International Trade Commission Hearing On Challenges Related To U.S. PPE Production

WASHINGTON — September 24, 2020 — The U.S. International Trade Commission held a public hearing on September 23-24 as part of its investigation of conditions impacting U.S. industry sectors and supply chains in the production of medical goods related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO) President & CEO Kim Glas is testifying on panel 5 today, the hearing’s second day.

“Amid the devastating challenges of responding to COVID-19, NCTO members have been at the forefront of deploying manufacturing resources to address the critical need for personal protective equipment (PPE),” Glas said in testimony prepared for delivery.  “Our members quickly mobilized, proactively retooling production lines and retraining workers to provide U.S.-made PPE to frontline medical workers.”

“Despite these heroic efforts to confront the ongoing crisis, the onshoring of a permanent PPE industry will only materialize if proper government policies are implemented to incentivize the long-term investment needed to sustain PPE production in the United States,” Glas said.

Glas’ testimony as prepared for delivery can be found here.

Posted September 24, 2020

Source: National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO)

Gerber Technology Launches Fashion Transformation Initiative

NEW YORK CITY — September 24, 2020 — Today, Gerber Technology announced a new Transformation Initiative that makes a worldwide network of fashion experts available to help manufacturers, designers and retailers adapt and digitalize for success in the post-COVID world.

COVID-19 continues to reshape the way we live, work, dress and buy clothes, highlighting the need for digitalization, eCommerce, and flexible working conditions, requiring fashion companies to transform their supply chains. Every business is unique and Gerber understands each business is at a different stage in its digital transformation. Through Gerber’s new “Fashion Transformation Initiative”, a team of trusted advisors will work closely with customers to digitize and optimize their supply chain. To ensure a successful transformation, Gerber is offering a free assessment to help identify where a business is in its digital journey, allowing them to offer proper resources, expertise and guidance. Over several months now, Gerber has been a trusted advisor for business and process transformation, helping close to 2,000 companies retool their processes to support personal protective equipment (PPE) production and digitize their supply chains.

“We have a very integrated consulting approach that can help you through this evolution. We start to work with manufacturers and designers to determine where they are in this journey of digital transformation and really assess what the next logical step is specific for their business,” said Michelle Steenvoorden, vice president of Professional Services at Gerber Technology. “It’s going to be personalized for everyone depending on industry and business goals. We’ve created a free assessment to help people discover where they are in their digital journey, whether they’re a craftsman just beginning to digitize or an innovation leader. We’re here to help our customers optimize their supply chains, work towards cost-saving goals and really be well suited to take on the next evolution in their industry.”

COVID-19 has exposed inefficiencies across the fashion and apparel industry, highlighting the need for brands, retailers and manufacturers to evaluate and retool their processes. For fashion companies to be successful in the new era, they need to focus heavily on creating a customer-friendly eCommerce experience, reconfiguring their supply chains and improving visibility, as well as deciding which markets to focus on and looking for new opportunities for growth. Gerber’s consulting services are partnering with customers to help them with each of these focus areas and empower them to reach the next level. By leveraging Gerber’s expertise and industry-leading technology, customers will build a strong, digital back bone that will improve their agility and efficiency, enabling them to quickly respond to customer trends and market challenges.

To help their customers digitally transform, Gerber will rely on the power of their end-to-end integrated platform and support their customers as they bring it to fruition in their own factories. With Gerber’s integrated solution, fashion companies can leverage tools such as AccuMark® and YuniquePLM® to fully connect their design room to the cutting room, improve collaboration among their teams and build a strong eCommerce experience.

“When we were looking to implement a PLM solution, the head of IT said YuniquePLM was the Cadillac of PLM systems. It’s the best solution on the market,” said June Evans, Director of Technical Design at Filson. “We ultimately chose YuniquePLM because of how easy it is to use and the integration with AccuMark. YuniquePLM is an incredible asset and has helped tremendously over the last several months as we all adjusted to working remotely.”

Posted September 24, 2020

Source: Gerber Technology

United Sewing Automation Announces Test Results Of Their U.S.-Sourced And N.C.-Manufactured PPE Surgical Masks

MOUNT AIRY, N.C. — September 23, 2020 — United Sewing Automation, Inc. (USA) today announces the test results of their ASTM Rated Level 3 Disposable PPE face masks produced in their new automated manufacturing facility in Mount Airy, N.C. With the continued spread of the coronavirus, safety remains a top priority in America. While face masks have become a key component in fighting the spread of the virus, not all face masks provide optimal protection. As a result, USA recently completed extensive testing of their American-sourced and manufactured face masks in an ISO 17025 accredited laboratory and is pleased to report excellent results.

ASTM International sets the preferred international standard in healthcare best practices inclusive of testing and requirements for performance of medical grade materials. The FDA, who oversees the sale and marketing of all surgical masks, requires that manufacturers demonstrate mask performance in several critical areas: Bacterial Filtration, Particulate Filtration, Liquid Barrier Protection, Breathability, and Flammability.

USA is pleased to announce the following test results:

  • BFE – ASTM 2101 Bacterial Filtration Efficiency – passed at 99.62%
  • PFE – ASTM F2299 Particulate Filtration Efficiency – Rated Over 99.76%
  • Fluid resistance ASTM F1862 – passed at 160 mmHg
  • Flammability 16CFR 1610 – Passing Results for Class 1
  • Differential Pressure ASTM F2101-19 Breathability – Passed at 4.8 mm
  • Biocompatibility – Non-cytotoxic and Non-irritating

With testing complete, USA’s American-sourced and manufactured masks are now in compliance with the Berry Amendment and qualify for Department of Defense contracts.

Since the onset of the Coronavirus pandemic, America’s reliance on imported PPE has caused supply chain issues. In addition, the United States has been flooded with cheap, imported, inferior-quality face masks that do not provide adequate protection to fight the spread of COVID-19. In response, USA’s ownership team invested in automated equipment to manufacture American-made medical grade masks that provide proper protection for Americans.

Made from high-quality, USA-sourced materials, USA’s face masks feature a three-ply design with a built-in adjustable nose bridge and ear loops made of nylon and Spandex, providing a better fit than traditional disposable masks.

“We are very happy with the new test results,” said Ben Webb, USA’s CEO. “Our goal is to provide the highest-quality protective masks for every face in America every time one is needed. This virus is highly contagious and the American public needs to better understand that not all masks provide the proper protection. These test results prove that our masks provide a higher level of protection than lower-quality, imported masks. We want to do our part in controlling the spread of this highly contagious airborne virus.”

USA’s ownership team has many years of experience in the textile and apparel industry and had the vision in 2017 to bring apparel manufacturing back to Mount Airy, N.C. through automation. USA recently installed high-tech Ultrasonic welding machines and automated production equipment capable of producing 1,000,000+ facemasks per week, with the ability to expand to meet market demand.

Posted September 23, 2020

Source: United Sewing Automation

INDA Announces Three Hygienix Innovation Award™ Finalists To Include: Male Leak Protection, Active Lifestyle Adhesives, And Durable Fabrics

CARY, N.C. — September 23, 2020 — Hygiene and personal care industry innovations using nonwovens and engineered materials in a creative, novel and technically sophisticated approach will be presented at the sixth edition of Hygienix™ — the premier event devoted to the absorbent hygiene and personal care industry November 17-19. The new virtual format of Hygienix will focus on global pandemic impacts and up-to-the-minute discoveries in sustainable technologies, packaging and labeling challenges, the future of absorbent hygiene, product development patents of note, and intellectual property, smart diapers, testing, and market trends.

The three finalists for the award were selected from 22 nominees by INDA’s Technical Advisory Board comprised of technical professionals from INDA member companies. The finalists are:

  • Male Drip Protection from Dermasteel Ltd. is an innovative male leak protection product, with a patent-pending, proprietary design that is discreet, form-fitting, and tailored to the male anatomy. This new product provides effective containment of bodily fluids, protecting the wearer’s skin while affording him comfort and confidence.
  • Full-Care® 6217 from H.B. Fuller is a new class of adhesives for positioning femcare articles to the new variety of fabrics making up women’s underwear, thus meeting the evolving needs of millennial consumers with active lifestyles that require increased product functionality. This new product generation provides manufacturers cost savings through weight production, consistently higher peels with no adhesive transfer, higher performance on different fabrics, and excellent adhesion on both fabric sides.
  • High Gel Strength (HGS) SAF™ from Technical Absorbents Limited is a new range of fabrics that allow the design and manufacture of materials with greater integrity and robustness for demanding absorbent hygiene applications. HGS SAF nonwovens provide decreased levels of absorbency, compared to standard SAF fibers, which can be advantageous in certain washable applications where durability is more important than absorbency.

Finalists will present their innovations virtually to hygiene and personal care professionals at Hygienix on Wed., Nov. 18th for a conference participant vote. The Hygienix Innovation Award™ winner will be announced on Thursday, November 19.

Other Event Highlights

The Virtual Hygienix conference opens Tuesday morning, November 17 with an Industry Outlook session for the absorbent hygiene industry under COVID-19. This year’s event will be highlighted by world-class presentations from over 20 industry experts and virtual networking events, including tabletop displays, cocktail hours, ask-the-experts, trivia breaks, engaging conversations, focused topics, coffee breaks, and afternoon teas.

Posted September 23, 2020

Source: INDA, Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry

Gerber Technology’s Commitment To Innovation Celebrated By U.S Mint; Gerber Variable Scale Honored On American Innovation $1 Coin

NEW YORK CITY — September 23, 2020 — The United States Mint is honoring Gerber Technology’s dedication to innovation by featuring the Gerber Variable Scale on the American Innovation Coin for Connecticut. The American Innovation $1 Coin Program is a multi-year series to honor innovation and inventors from each state and U.S territory. The company’s innovative heritage is thanks to their founder, Joseph Gerber, who invented the Gerber Variable Scale in 1945 while a student at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. During his lifetime, Gerber was driven by his passion for innovation, holding over 600 patents and his inventions transformed manufacturing. Today, the company continues to build on the spirit of innovation by partnering with their customers to drive change across the manufacturing sector. As digital transformation becomes critical in the new world, Gerber is committed to being the partner their customers can trust to continue to be successful.

“When you look at Gerber Technology and the many industries we serve, nobody has had a greater and broader impact than Joe Gerber in automation,” said Leonard Marano, chief commercial officer of Gerber Technology. “Gerber’s 72-year history in Connecticut began with the Gerber Variable Scale. It is a great symbol of ingenuity and set the foundation for Joe’s innovations in computable plotting, graphic printing and flexible material manufacturing.”

On September 18th, Gerber Technology was honored by government officials during a celebration at MBI Inc, the company who is responsible for marketing and distributing the Connecticut American Innovation Coin. During the event, Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont highlighted Joe Gerber’s dedication to innovation and lauded the company’s recent efforts and commitment to helping people develop personal protective equipment (PPE) by saying, “that’s what innovation is all about.”

The American Innovation Coin was made possible by Congressman Jim Himes (CT-04) and U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) who introduced the American Innovation $1 Coin Act to the House of Representatives and the Senate, respectively.

“It’s a really great way for us to highlight our country, highlight our state, highlight a couple of great businesses here in the state of Connecticut,” said Senator Murphy. “It’s a triumphant day for Connecticut and Connecticut’s innovation.”

Before the graphing calculator, there was the Gerber Variable Scale which allowed scientists and engineers to quickly and easily understand and solve problems of scale. Just a few short years after he and his mother escaped Nazi-controlled Austria, Gerber developed the first version of the variable scale using an elastic band from a pair of pajamas. By the 1950s, the Gerber Variable scale was a major success and a universally accepted tool for engineers and architects worldwide.

“I think it’s really important that we remember and celebrate the folks who make this country happen. You heard loud and clear that Connecticut has been one of the innovation capitals in America for many, many years,” said Lamont. “We have a lot more Joe Gerbers in different spheres and industries, helping Connecticut to be a continued leader of innovation. Our best days are ahead of us and that’s what this coin represents.”

Posted September 23, 2020

Source: Gerber Technology

Joint Statement From AAFA, NRF, RILA, And USFIA On House Passage Of The Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (H.R. 6210)

WASHINGTON — September 22, 2020 — What we are witnessing in XUAR is of great concern to our entire industry. Forced labor in any form is intolerable, as is repression of ethnic minorities, wherever it takes place. The situation in this region is of a scale, scope, and complexity that is unprecedented in modern supply chains. Our country and world must unite to end these practices.

We share the goals of the legislation — to end forced labor and the larger campaign of oppression it is fueling — yet we fear this bill will not help us get closer to that end goal. Instead, the legislation would establish a “guilty until proven innocent” blanket standard, directly contradicting U.S. jurisprudence and due process, branding anything and everything associated with XUAR as made with forced labor. Such an approach would do further harm to human rights, economic development, legitimate supply chains, and will jeopardize the livelihoods of millions of workers worldwide without specifically addressing human rights concerns.

A successful solution for all involved, above all for the workers themselves, will require state-to-state engagement and collaborative partnerships. The U.S. Government must take a leadership role in an effort that combines industry, NGOs, unions, Congress, the U.S. government, and other governments. That effort must develop and implement a comprehensive and holistic strategy that most effectively advances us to our mutual end goal — to end forced labor practices and the larger campaign they fuel. We stand ready to work with all stakeholders to find an enforceable solution that effectively protects human rights.

Posted September 23, 2020

Source: The National Retail Federation (NRF)

Huntsman’s ERIOPON® E3-SAVE Advances Sustainable Polyester Production

SINGAPORE — September 23, 2020 — As global interest in sustainable textile production continues to soar, mills that have adopted Huntsman Textile Effects’ all-in-one ERIOPON® E3-SAVE textile auxiliary for polyester processing, which launched one year ago, have collectively saved more than 130 million liters of water.

Demand for polyester fabric is being driven by seemingly insatiable consumer appetite for sportswear and athleisure clothing. Sales in the sector have been on an upward trend for several years and are even proving resilient amid Covid-19 market disruption. However, dyeing of polyester and its blends has traditionally been resource intensive, time consuming and costly.

Huntsman Textile Effects’ next-generation ERIOPON E3-SAVE textile auxiliary was engineered to address these challenges. It eliminates the need for separate pre-scouring, allowing pre-scouring, dyeing and reduction clearing to be combined in a single bath. Mills that use ERIOPON E3-SAVE can thus dramatically shorten the polyester dyeing process and save water, energy and cost.

“Our innovations aim to help mills improve their productivity and competitiveness while also contributing to the textile industry’s shift to more sustainable practices and a reduced environmental footprint,” said Kerim Oner, global marketing manager, Huntsman Textile Effects. “With ERIOPON E3-SAVE, we have harnessed the unparalleled technical expertise and application know-how of our research and field teams to develop a product that is proven to reduce costs for mills and that meets current and anticipated industry sustainability standards.”

Dae Young Textile Vietnam Co. Ltd, a forerunner in sustainable textile production in Asia, was an early adopter of the ERIOPON technology. Results from bulk production show that ERIOPON E3-SAVE has reduced process time by over 20 percent and water consumption by over 50 percent, delivering annual cost savings of up to 30 percent.

“ERIOPON E3-SAVE delivers a combination of best-in-class performance and value. It allows us to have the shortest possible processing cycle, which is key for us to deal with increasing industry pressure for faster turnarounds,” Jeong Won Oh, general manager, Dae Young Textile Vietnam, said. “Alongside dramatic time savings, we are also saving water, energy and ultimately cost. Huntsman’s best-in-class products and high level of technical support help keep businesses like us productive.”

This unique polymer technology of ERIOPON E3-SAVE promotes controlled exhaustion to ensure right-first-time level dyeing. It extracts oil and oil-based impurities from the fiber during processing and displays a high affinity to disperse dyes, enabling the rapid removal of unfixed surface dyes from the fiber during reduction clearing. The technology also enhances reproducibility and improves wet- and rub-fastness.

ERIOPON E3-SAVE saves time, water, energy and cost in polyester dyeing by combining pre-scouring, dyeing and reduction clearing in a single bath. An advanced multi-action dyeing auxiliary in the dyEvolution™ range, it delivers environmental and economic sustainability.

Posted September 23, 2020

Source: Huntsman Corporation

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