In the dynamic and global textile fiber industry with its various manufacturing processes and end-uses, news and information is breaking on a daily basis. International Fiber Journal is tracking stories relevant to our industry from manmade to natural to bio-based fibers, innovations in nonwoven, woven, braided and technical textiles, technologies for additives, bonding, coatings and polymers, and applications from apparel to hygiene to transportation, and more. Here we will post news stories relevant to textile fibers and their downstream applications on an ongoing basis. Please check back for regular updates. If you have news that you feel should be added to this summary report, please email it to Ken Norberg at ken@ifj.com.
Most recent update: August 24, 2023
Four Finalists to Compete for the 2023 RISE® Innovation Award
INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, announced the finalists that will compete for the RISE® Innovation Award. RISE®, the Research, Innovation & Science for Engineered Fabrics Conference, will take place September 26-27 at Talley Student Union, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC.
The finalists who will present their product innovations on Tuesday, September 26th, include:
ESC-8 – The JOA® Electronic Size Change Unit by Curt G. Joa, Inc.
The JOA® ESC-8™ unit allows unprecedented Adult Pant design flexibility with the ability to process nearly limitless combinations of insert and chassis sizes at industry best speeds. Additionally, this technology enables the production of a greener, more sustainable product by eliminating up to 250 tons of material, 5 tons of glue, and 500 tons of greenhouse gas emissions every year.
BicoBio Fiber by Fiberpartner ApS
The BicoBio Fiber is a bicomponent fiber core sheath construction, developed from materials with a low carbon footprint. This fiber is designed to biodegrade in the environments where most plastics are found: landfills and the ocean. The fiber’s BioBased PE is produced from sugar cane and has a negative carbon footprint. The fiber’s recycled PET is GRS certified. PrimaLoft® Bio™, a technology that enables polyester fibers to biodegrade, is utilized in the production of BicoBio Fibers. These fibers can be processed with a variety of nonwoven technologies.
Reifenhäuser Reicofil RF5 XHL by Reifenhäuser REICOFIL GmbH & Co. KG
Reicofil XHL (Extra High Loft) is the game changer for a super soft and drapeable nonwoven offering an incomparable feel the nonwoven market has never seen before. The outstanding soft touch is unique and intended for use in the hygiene sector. XHL focuses on low basis weight and high thickness with the best visual appearance. The high performance and efficient use of raw materials and energy ensure cost-effectiveness and environmentally-friendly production.
SAPMonit by TiHiVE
TiHive’s game-changing innovation, SAPMonit – a visionary French technology breakthrough – inspects millions of diapers weekly. SAPMonit delivers lightning-speed inline inspection of Super Absorbents weight and distribution, optimizes resources, detects flaws, and accelerates R&D. SAPMonit utilizes advanced see-through cameras, high-speed vision algorithms, and secure cloud integration, revolutionizing industry norms. SAPMonit has great potential for sustainability, cost reduction, and enhanced customer satisfaction.
The RISE Innovation Award winner will be announced Wednesday afternoon, September 27th.
In 2022, the RISE® Innovation Award was presented to DiaperRecycle for their Cat Litter Made from Recycled Diapers. DiaperRecycle leverages innovative technology to recycle used diapers into absorbent and flushable cat litter.
“The RISE Conference promotes innovation and technical achievements in the nonwoven and engineered material industry. For me, RISE has been the proverbial crystal ball that gives me insight into technologies I or my competition will be using tomorrow. Events like RISE are integral to having a robust, multi-generational technology and product pipeline,” said Matt O’Sickey, INDA’s Director of Education and Technical Affairs. “In my prior roles of R&D Director and Product Manager, having this glimpse into tomorrow was an invaluable edge.”
Berry Considering Sale of its Nonwovens Business
Berry Global is weighing options for selling its nonwovens business, according to Bloomberg News. The world’s largest nonwovens producer has not commented on the report. It is speculated that the unit could fetch as much as $2 billion.
Berry acquired the business from Avintiv in 2015, and before the acquisition, Avintiv, formerly known Polymer Group Inc., had invested heavily in the business both through acquisition and capital investment, which propelled it to its position as the world’s largest producer of nonwovens.
The company has manufacturing sites globally. Recent investments include a state-of-the art spunmelt line in Nanhai, China and a new spunlace asset, targeted at the global wipes market, in Cujik, The Netherlands. Additionally, the company operates sites throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia where it makes a range of nonwovens technologies serving both disposable and durable markets.
In addition to the nonwovens business, Berry operates a sizable films business which serves similar customers in the health and hygiene markets. In recent years, the company has also focused on expanding this business. In 2017, it acquired films maker Clopay for $475 million.
Greenply Produces First Fibers with new ANDRITZ Pressurized Refining System
Greenply Industries Limited has successfully produced first fibers with its new high-performance pressurized refining system from ANDRITZ at its MDF (medium-density fiberboard) production facility in Vadodara, Gujarat, India.
Sanidhya Mittal, Joint Managing Director, Greenply Industries Limited, said: “The pressurized refining system from ANDRITZ is highly efficient and energy saving, which is in line with our environmentally friendly production process. We would like to thank ANDRITZ and its team for their assistance during the installation and the high level of professionalism throughout the whole project.”
The refining system has a design capacity of 35 bdmt/h and processes wood chips for producing various types of MDF products. It is equipped with a proven S 1056M single disc refiner ensuring highly efficient pre-steaming, low electricity and thermal energy consumption, as well as excellent dewatering in the 20” plug screw feeder.
Greenply Industries Limited, founded in 1984, is one of India’s largest manufacturers of high-quality interiors and produces a broad range of MDF products, such as plywood, decorative veneers, doors, and related products. Greenply holds the FSC® certification in forest management.
INDA Announces Conference Program for Hygienix™ 2023
INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, announced the conference program for Hygienix™ 2023, November 13-16 to be held at The Roosevelt New Orleans Hotel, New Orleans, LA. The program details can be found on the Hygienix website.
The keynote speaker is Courtney Scharf, Chief Client Officer, Trend Hunter. Trend Hunter leverages big data, human researchers, and AI to identify consumer insights, and deep dive opportunities for the world’s most innovative companies, such as Unilever, Colgate-Palmolive, Georgia-Pacific, Kroger, Johnson & Johnson, Reckitt Benckiser, Samsung, and Bacardi. Trend Hunter utilizes Artificial Intelligence and research to identify and curate top insights and trends to advise brands and businesses in their pursuit of innovation.
The Hygienix program will feature thought leaders in consumer-centric innovations, the circular economy, raw material advancements in sustainability, opportunities for advanced recycling in absorbent hygiene, optimizing the packaging footprint, new approaches for odor control, and market trends and drivers.
Experts presenting at Hygienix include:
- Aquapak Polymers Ltd. – “Creating Sustainable Nonwovens for Hygiene Applications with Thermally Processable Polyvinyl Alcohol; A Water Soluble, Environmentally Friendly and High-Performance Polymer”
- Asahi Kasei Advance Corporation – “Continuous-Filament Cellulose Nonwovens”
- Confitex Technology – “Reusables Production: It’s Not All Green”
- Egal Pads, Inc. – “Closing the Circularity Gap One Used Pad at a Time”
- Essity – “Diaper Collection & Recycling in Australia”
- ExxonMobil Chemical Company – “Innovate New Levels of Strong Comfort with Hygiene Solutions”
- Henkel Corporation – “Reducing the Packaging Waste from Personal Hygiene Products”
- INNOVATEGRN – “Accelerating Innovation / Embracing a Consumer-Centric Approach”
- Kuraray Europe GmbH – “Safe and Eco-friendly Elastics for Absorbent Hygiene Products”
- Nexus Circular – “Increasing Plastics Circularity for the Hygiene Segment Through Advanced Recycling”
- W. Pelz GmbH –“Disposable Pads Meet Reusable Underwear”
- Price Hanna Consultants – “Squaring the Circle: Why Demonstration Projects = Good Sustainability Strategy” and “Wellness and Natural Materials”
- Rem Brands, Inc. – “Effective Reduction of Material Odors, In-use Odors, and Post-use Odors”
- Sequel – “Spiraling into Business: How a Dramatic Innovation to the Tampon Met the World’s Largest Manufacturer of Feminine Hygiene”
- Sparkle Innovations Inc. – Sustainability and Circularity in the Absorbent Hygiene Products Industry”
- The Hygienix program will offer a hands-on workshop as well as two pre-conference webinars. Jim Robinson, Principal, Absorbent Hygiene Insights, LLC, will lead the in-person workshop on AHP Absorbent Hygiene Systems, Monday afternoon, November 13th. This workshop evaluates SAP absorption for different SAPs and participants have the opportunity to deconstruct and examine several hygiene products including infant, adult, and period care products to increase the understanding of these systems.
The pre-conference webinars include:
- “Period Care Products—The New, the Old, and the Old-New,” by Heidi Beatty, CEO, Crown Abbey, LLC, October 25th, 11 am ET
- “Global Trends in Diapers, Baby Pants & Adult Underwear,” by Natalia Richer, COO, and Irene Richer, Market Analyst & Partner, Diaper Testing International, November 8th, 11 am ET
A highlight of Hygienix is the Hygienix Innovation Award™. Finalists will present their innovative absorbent hygiene products on Tuesday, November 14th. The winner of the award will be announced Thursday morning, November 16th. Last year’s award recipient was Pads on a Roll™ by Egal Pads. Pads on a Roll is a wrapped super-thin absorbent period pad that dispenses like toilet paper in public bathroom stalls, preventing the personal embarrassment of not having a menstrual product when needed.
Albany International Appoints Gunnar Kleveland as President and Chief Executive Officer
Albany International Corp. announced that its Board of Directors has appointed Gunnar Kleveland to succeed Bill Higgins as President and CEO, effective September 1. Kleveland will also join the Company’s Board at that time. Higgins, who previously announced his intention to retire as CEO, will remain a member of Albany’s Board.
Kleveland is a seasoned executive with nearly two decades of industrial and aerospace leadership experience at Textron Inc. Most recently, he served as President and CEO of Textron Specialized Vehicles Inc., which designs and manufactures a range of vehicles and equipment for commercial and consumer applications. During his tenure, Kleveland was instrumental in developing and executing a strategy that leveraged the business’ expertise in electric drivetrains and lithium-ion battery technology across its brands and product lines.
Mr. Kleveland (age 54) holds a degree from the RNoAF Academy, a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University and a Master of Business Administration from Midwestern State University.
Albany International Corp. is a global advanced textiles and materials processing company.
Two Executive Appointments at Mativ
Mativ recently announced two appointments to its executive leadership team. Mark W. Johnson will succeed Ricardo Nuñez as chief legal officer, general counsel and secretary for the ~$3 billion specialty materials company. Johnson will assume the leadership of the company’s legal team on Sept. 1, 2023, from Nuñez, who will be departing the company the same day. Additionally, Rajeev Kapur has been named Mativ’s new chief information officer, effective immediately. Both Kapur and Johnson will report directly to Mativ chief executive officer Julie Schertell.
Prior to joining Mativ, Johnson served as executive vice president, chief legal officer, and corporate secretary for Kimball International, Inc., where he oversaw all legal affairs, including securities, ethics and compliance, mergers and acquisitions, litigation, intellectual property protection, and regulatory matters. Johnson also led Kimball International’s ESG activities, which he will lead at Mativ. Since 2022, Johnson also served as president of Kimball International’s Hospitality business unit, responsible for full P&L management and results. He had prior leadership roles at Newell Brands and was a commercial litigation associate for McGuire Woods, LLP.
Kapur served as the company’s vice president of digital transformation and business intelligence since joining Mativ in July 2022. A pioneer in leading analytical technologies, including big data, machine learning and artificial intelligence, Kapur has held multiple leadership roles at Kimberly-Clark, Under Armor, Newell Brands, Nike, Inc., and Lucent Technologies.
Markku Koivisto Appointed Interim SVP, Americas
Markku Koivisto has been appointed as interim SVP, Americas in addition to his current role as SVP, Europe and R&D, effective immediately. This comes after Lynda Kelly, SVP, Americas & Business Development will leave Suominen for medical reasons.
The process to recruit a new SVP, Americas has been started.
“I want to thank Lynda for her contribution to the company both in her role as SVP, Americas & Business Development and in her previous role in heading the Care business. I also want to thank Lynda for her valuable contribution in our Executive Team,” said Tommi Björnman, president and CEO of Suominen.
“With a full heart, I leave Suominen to focus on my health recovery. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve the employees, customers, and suppliers of Suominen,” says Kelly.
Trützschler and Balkan Join Forces
Trützschler has partnered with Balkan Textile Machinery to complete its product portfolio for recycling by cutting and pulling solutions. The companies’ combined machinery expertise and technological know-how allow customers to produce yarns at the highest possible quality level from recycled materials.
Balkan and Trützschler are family-owned companies for which sustainability in the textile chain is a major concern. Balkan is well established in Turkey, one of the most important markets for textile recycling. Their robust and reliable machines help to cut, mix and tear textile waste to individual fibers, and to press them into bales of secondary fibers. These bales can be fed to the preparation process with Trützschler machines.
“We are now able to provide a complete line-up of technologically leading machinery which has been specifically developed for rotor and ring yarns from recycled materials,” said Markus Wurster, director sales and marketing at Trützschler Group. “Customers benefit from less complexity when planning and executing a mill project. The combined processes from Trützschler and Balkan are perfectly fine-tuned, reliable and reproducible. And of course, customers have access to Trützschler’s premium service.”
Added Osman Balkan, owner of Balkan Textile Machinery. INC.CO: “I am very happy that we can join forces with such a strong international player like Trützschler. Together we can make a significant contribution to dealing with textile waste globally.”
NC State to Create First of its Kind Textile Training and Education Program in Honduras
North Carolina State University’s Wilson College of Textiles has been awarded a $2M, two year grant from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to develop a technical textile training program, titled Hilando Oportunidades (Spinning Opportunities) in northern Honduras. USAID, through Hilando Oportunidades, is transforming the lives of Honduras’ youth by providing skills and training for careers in the textile industry.
Hilando Oportunidades forges a unique partnership between three North Carolina higher education institutions – Wilson College, Gaston College and Catawba Valley Community College – that are nationally recognized for their leadership in textiles innovation, research and education and the Universidad Tecnológica Centroamericana (UNITEC), a leader in providing technical and engineering education in Honduras. Education technology partner Shimmy, an industrial startup that provides training through mobile applications, brings an innovative training platform and a proven track record in delivering effective app-based training in challenging environments to the team.
INDA and the Waterloo Filtration Institute to Partner for FiltXPO™ 2023
INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, announced that it is partnering with the Waterloo Filtration Institute (WFI) to produce the 2-day FiltXPO™ conference program, October 10-11, Chicago, Illinois. WFI brings decades of filtration experience, resources, and a worldwide network to support the education and technical development of the global filtration industry.
Filtration and separation professionals from the global supply chain will connect at FiltXPO 2023 for advancements, innovations, and business development. The conference portion of the FiltXPO event will focus on advanced filtration technologies and science for products that create a cleaner, healthier, and safer world. More details about the conference will be released at a later date.
“We are excited to partner with INDA on the FiltXPO Conference,” said Christine Sun, Ph.D., President, Waterloo Filtration Institute. “WFI’s technical experience and reach will bring an added dimension to the event. Our team has already begun planning the conference and we look forward to sharing more details soon,” Sun added.
“INDA is proud to partner with WFI as they bring a wealth of filtration knowledge to the table,” said Tony Fragnito, President, INDA. “We are very fortunate to have their technical expertise in planning the FiltXPO Conference. Filtration professionals can expect a robust program developed with the industry expertise of WFI,” Fragnito continued.
The Nonwovens Institute (NWI) is a valued partner to INDA in bringing educational offerings to the nonwoven and engineered material industry. Behnam Pourdeyhimi, Ph.D., Professor and Executive Director, The Nonwovens Institute, and his team will teach the 2-day Filter Media Course in conjunction with FiltXPO, October 9-10, at Navy Pier in Chicago.
Professor Pourdeyhimi and his team will share the latest insights in the development, testing, and application of nonwovens in air, aerosol, and liquid filtration. Participants will gain knowledge about the physics of filtration, how nonwoven filter media is designed and used in air, aerosol, and liquid applications, testing standards, unmet needs in filter media, and the latest market trends and intelligence.
Nexam Chemical Receives Another Patent in Recycling
Nexam Chemical – which invents, develops, produces and sells additives to the plastics industry worldwide – has been informed that the European Patent Office will approve a second important patent in Reactive Recycling™ technology. This complements the patent from July this year, concerning additives to recycle polypropylene, with corresponding technology applied to polyethylene.
The patent covers a method that makes it possible to better recycle and thus increase the use of recycled polyethylene. The method works extremely well for mechanical recycling and will reduce the use of virgin plastic in the manufacture of new products.
With the help of reactive chemistry, Nexam Chemical can now improve the process properties even of recycled polyethylene, the most abundant plastic in the world. Polyethylene is used in both packaging and technical products such as plastic bags, agricultural film, liquid containers, soft and hard food packaging, electrical cables and conduits.
Autoneum Unveils Better Acoustic Comfort with Zeta-Light
Autoneum has introduced Zeta-Light, an extraordinary integrated damping function that promises to transform the acoustic performance of fiber-based trim components. This innovation delivers unparalleled insulation and airborne noise absorption and combats low-frequency vibrations in the car body.
Recognizing the importance of components that effectively mitigate both airborne and structure-borne noise within vehicle interiors, car manufacturers have long sought cutting-edge solutions. Autoneum’s Zeta-Light ingeniously meets these demands, offering a unique amalgamation of benefits. The integration of particle dampers seamlessly complements the sound-insulating and absorbing qualities of fiber-based, lightweight, and sustainable technologies like Hybrid-Acoustics ECO+ and Prime-Light, effectively countering low-frequency vibrations in the vehicle body.
One of the aspects of Zeta-Light is its ability to achieve significant weight savings while simplifying vehicle assembly. With this technology, Autoneum has tackled the dual challenge of reducing noise and vibration across a broader frequency range, all while significantly lightening the load.
SAITEX Releases 2022 Impact Report
SAITEX, a leading circular manufacturing system and platform based in Vietnam and Los Angeles, released their 2022 Impact Report today, highlighting the organization’s commitment to a harmonious relationship between humans, nature, and technology. The report showcases SAITEX’s transformative journey, as the innovative company continues to redefine the way denim is produced and reused.
With teams across the world, SAITEX has evolved into a comprehensive ecosystem that includes Saitex Garment manufacturing facilities in Vietnam and the USA, Saitex Mill, STELAPOP upcycling, REKUT, and Atelier & Repairs. This interconnected network of entities embodies SAITEX’s core principles of respect, protection, empowerment, and collaboration.
One of the highlights of SAITEX’s human-centric approach is its successful collaboration of
REKUT (@REKUTdenim) – a brand and manufacturing division composed of differently-abled workers – with Madewell and IKEA. Together, they have launched innovative products that have captured the market’s attention and exemplify SAITEX’s commitment to driving inclusivity and positive change in the industry.
SAITEX’s dedication to environmental preservation is another key aspect of their 2022 Impact Report. The vertical organization recognizes the fundamental importance of soil and water and actively takes proactive steps to minimize its ecological footprint. SAITEX carefully selects materials, implements holistic design principles, and utilizes closed-loop water systems, all contributing to its transition towards a circular economy. The report proudly highlights SAITEX’s recognition as a B-Corp “Best for the World in the Environment” category alongside Patagonia, further validating its commitment to sustainable practices.
Spinnova Receives Business Finland R&D Grant for Developing SPINNOVA® Fiber from New Raw Materials
Spinnova has received a grant of maximum EUR 1.9 million for its research and development (R&D) work from Business Finland for the period 15 April 2023 – 14 April 2025. The grant amount represents 50% of the project’s total cost estimate totaling EUR 3.9 million.
The product development project aims for pilot-scale production of SPINNOVA® fiber from textile and agricultural waste streams. The refining environment to be developed during the project can also be used for the recycling of SPINNOVA® fiber. The project aims to expand Spinnova’s technology offering by adding new refining and fiber recycling components, which could be used by factories producing SPINNOVA® fiber. This will open new strategic opportunities for Spinnova to expand its business. More energy-efficient refining is also expected to improve the competitiveness of the SPINNOVA® fiber.
“Business Finland’s grant supports our development work to become even more sustainable and competitive by being able to offer technology that can process multiple circular raw materials into textile fiber”, said Spinnova’s Chief Technology Officer and co-founder Juha Salmela.
Mativ to Sell Engineered Papers Business
Mativ Holdings, Inc. will divest its Engineered Papers business, part of the Fiber Based Solutions reporting segment, for $620 million to Evergreen Hill Enterprise, a Singapore-based group of diverse companies, according to reports.
Subject to customary closing date adjustments, Mativ expects to receive net proceeds of approximately $575 million in the proposed transaction, which would be primarily used for debt paydown.
Mativ Holdings was formed after the merger of Schweitzer-Mauduit International (SWM) and Neenah Inc.
Cone Denim Becomes First Denim Mill in North America to Join Circulose
Cone Denim® has become the first denim mill in North America to join the CIRCULOSE® Supplier Network, a network comprised of yarn and textile producers committed to streamlining and increasing CIRCULOSE® production across the supply chain.
“Our partnership in the CIRCULOSE® Supplier Network underscores Cone Denim’s commitment to drive change toward a sustainable fashion future,” said Caitlyn Holt, Cone Denim’s director of Product and Innovation. “We’re committed to making the textile value chain circular by increasing the percentage of recycled content in the denim fabrics we design, develop, and bring to market.”
Renewcell, a pioneering leader in textile recycling innovation, announced the launch of the CIRCULOSE® Supplier Network last month. The network is comprised of yarn and textile producers committed to advancing the use of CIRCULOSE® in apparel production.
CIRCULOSE® is a next-generation raw material derived from the recovery of cellulose found in worn-out clothing and transformed into a dissolving pulp made from 100% recycled textiles. The pulp serves as the foundation for various types of regenerated fibers, including viscose, lyocell, modal, acetate, and other man-made cellulosic fibers.
Joining the CIRCULOSE® Supplier Network is among several initiatives Cone Denim is undertaking as part of the leading role the 132-year-old mill is playing toward the adoption of circularity in the industry.
Indorama Ventures Triples its PET Recycling Capacity in Brazil
Indorama Ventures Public Co. Ltd., Bangkok, Thailand, announced that it has completed the expansion of its recycling facility in Brazil, which was funded by a Blue Loan from World Bank member the International Finance Corp. (IFC), Washington. In November 2020, the IFC provided $300 million in Blue Loan funding to Indorama Ventures with the objective of increasing recycling capacity and diverting plastic waste from landfills and oceans in Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, India and Brazil—countries that are grappling with mismanaged waste and plastic waste in the environment.
The plant in Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil, is increasing its annual production capacity from 9,000 tons to 25,000 tons of recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The project is part of Indorama Ventures’ Vision 2030 ambition, which include spending $1.5 billion to increase its recycling capacity to 50 billion PET bottles per year by 2025.
Indorama Ventures invested $20 million to optimize its Brazil facility’s processes and acquire new equipment, such as wash lines, to help remove labels, grind bottles in water and reduce water consumption by 70 percent, according to the company.
New Fiber Integrity Protocol for the Textile Industry to be Developed with FibreTrace®
SGS and FibreTrace®, a digital and physical traceability provider in traceable fiber technology, have joined forces to develop a new Fiber Integrity Protocol for the textile industry.
The partnership will support brands worldwide to strengthen confidence in product claims made across a range of materials through the integration of traceability technologies, such as FibreTrace® MAPPED and FibreTrace® Verified, with robustly audited pathways.
Work has begun on the development of the protocol which will combine testing, verification, chain of custody checking and product markers. To further enhance the robust implementation of verification and compliance across the full value chain, SGS is also supporting FibreTrace® to:
- Support suppliers to demonstrate compliance and accurate reporting within the FibreTrace® digital platform
- Review the compliance and traceability of fibers and materials prior to the application of FibreTrace® physical technology (for example at recycled polyester collection points)
- Help brands and retailers to carry out on-site scanning and to verify fibers with the use of FibreTrace® physical and digital technology
INDA Partners with EDANA to Expand the Reach of the Industry’s First Quality and Audit Programme for Hygiene Product Suppliers
INDA and EDANA, the leading trade associations representing nonwovens and related industries, have joined forces to implement and support the industry’s first Quality and Audit Programme (QAP) in the United States. This joint effort will increase the reach of, and support for, the program in the North American absorbent hygiene products and wet wipes industries.
Much like the harmonization of test methods years ago, this joint program has the potential to reduce complexity for both suppliers and converters of AHP and wipes. This program grew from the inefficiency of facing multiple audits from converter supplier audit programs, often assessing similar requirements, but according to differing standards.
The program went through a rigorous testing and piloting phase before being rolled out in the summer of 2022. Initially only available in Europe, the program is expanding its reach to cover Asia and the Americas.
“INDA is pleased to partner with EDANA to promote this program for the benefit and efficiency of the industry,” said Tony Fragnito, INDA President. “With this partnership, we believe QAP will become the global quality standard in the hygiene industry, thus ensuring that consumer products across the industry are of the highest quality.”
Sonovia’s Dyeing Technology Reduces Pollution in Denim Industry
Sonovia’s ultrasonic technology drastically reduces environmental pollution in the denim industry, according to a comparative study released earlier this month.
The study that took place over the past two months demonstrates that Sonovia’s technology for dyeing denim reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 60 percent, water use by 85 percent, is capable of eliminating up to 99 percent of polluting wastewater, which is a major concern in the fashion industry, and reduces land utilization by 90 percent. Traditional indigo yarn dyeing processes are water intensive requiring on average 60,000 liters of water per process, and rely on polluting chemicals such as hydrosulfite.
These findings have not gone unnoticed by industry leaders. The French luxury conglomerate Kering, which owns renowned brands such as Gucci and Saint Laurent, is partnering with Sonovia to install its ultrasonic indigo dyeing technology into their denim production lines.
Danish Defence Show to Welcome the Latest in Military Fabrics
Global textile manufacturer of military fabrics, Carrington Textiles, and its main manufacturing facility in the UK, Pincroft, announced their debut at The Danish Ministry of Defence Acquisition and Logistics Organisation (DALO) Industry Days event, taking place from 23rd to 24th August in Denmark.
After recently announcing the launch of their new stretch military ripstop fabric, Spartan HT Flex Lite, and strategically appointing a new Head of Defence and Security Fabrics, Carrington Textiles’ presence at the event represents the company’s commercial focus on building on its over 90 years of heritage of manufacturing military fabrics.
Likewise, Pincroft’s latest technology on non-skin contact vector protection for defence textiles and their recent involvement in printing the new Dutch Ministry of Defence’s camouflage pattern as part of their army’s uniform programme, are just a few of the textile services the company is showcasing at the event.
Head of Defence and Security Fabrics, Graham Dobson, says: “Combining Carrington Textiles experience in manufacturing some of the best military fabrics in the world with Pincroft’s know-how on dyeing, printing and finishing textiles for militaries since 1891, makes it the perfect mix to provide a full service for the sector. Our offer of a number of MultiCam® camouflage patterns together with many specially designed patterns makes us a competitive player in today’s military fabrics market”.
The KARL MAYER GROUP sets up a subsidiary in Bursa, Turkey
The KARL MAYER GROUP is intensifying its business activities in Turkey and is setting up a subsidiary in Bursa. The opening of the new site is planned for next October.
By establishing this subsidiary, the KARL MAYER GROUP is responding to the increasing demands of its customers and the growing importance of the Turkish market.
The company’s success on the market to date has been made possible to a large extent by its close and long-standing cooperation with Erko, the KARL MAYER GROUP’s regional representative. The two companies have been cooperating for more than 50 years and see further positive market development in Turkey in the medium to long term.
In order to exploit and shape the potential, they will sharpen the focus of their competences in the Warp Knitting and Warp Preparation Business Units: Erko A.S. will focus on sales, taking advantage of its long-standing regional network. The KARL MAYER GROUP will take over the after-sales service and offer customers a link to the Care Solutions world of the group. Customers benefit from next-level support with many innovative solutions, especially digital ones, for meeting the challenges of our time. At the same time, they can continue to build on the tried and trusted.
UNIFI: REPREVE® Lowers Climate Change Impact
Unifi, Inc., maker of REPREVE and one of the world’s leading innovators in recycled and synthetic yarns, announced the findings of an independent peer-reviewed Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) verifying that REPREVE recycled polyester lowers climate change potential compared to virgin polyester.
REPREVE is the world’s leading recycled polyester fiber brand made from post-consumer plastic bottles and pre-consumer waste materials. The innovative brand was developed by UNIFI to address the growing concern about plastic waste in the environment. REPREVE fibers and yarns are knit and woven into a variety of fabrics for use in apparel, automotive interiors, home furnishings, and other products for some of the world’s most recognized brands.
The updated, independent LCA was conducted to quantify the environmental impacts of REPREVE polyester across a variety of categories and multiple global production sites compared to virgin polyester produced in those same geographies.
The findings of the LCA confirm that REPREVE polyester reduces:
- greenhouse gas emissions by up to 42% relative to virgin filament yarn and by 60% when compared to virgin staple fiber;
- fossil fuels depletion by up to 66% relative to virgin filament yarn and by 76% when compared to virgin staple fiber; and
- water scarcity by up to 76% and freshwater consumption by up to 67% compared to virgin filament yarn.
Techmer PM Announces the Acquisition of Advanced Color Technologies
Techmer PM, a global leader in polymer materials design, has signed an agreement to acquire color and additive compounder Advanced Color Technologies (ACT). The combined technology and capabilities of the two organizations will expand Techmer’s position as the innovation leader for colorants and additives in the synthetic fibers segment. The deal is expected to close by August 31. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Located in Dalton, Ga., Advanced Color Technologies, LLC, designs, formulates, and supplies specialty colorant and additive systems that add value to their customers’ products, with world-class quality.
This acquisition demonstrates Techmer’s commitment to the fibers and plastics industries through investment in high-quality people and assets to stimulate continued innovation in the market. Russ Neuman, who founded ACT in 2013, has been in the industry for over four decades and will be Techmer PM’s vice president reporting to CEO Michael McHenry.
