Kaluga
French technical textiles manufacturer Porcher Industries has opened a new manufacturing subsidiary - Porcher Modern Materials - in the Borovsk district of Russia’s Kaluga Region. The opening ceremony which took place on 18 December was attended by Vladimir Potyomkin, Deputy Governor of Kaluga Region, as well as Porcher representatives including Viktor Burkov, Director General, Porcher Modern Materials.
Tokyo
Teijin Frontier Co., Ltd., the Teijin Group’s fibre product converting company, has announced the start of full-scale production at N.I. Teijin Airbag Fabric (Nantong) Co., Ltd., a joint venture engaged in manufacturing and sales of fabrics for automotive airbags.
Muttenz
Clariant has signed an agreement to sell its Textile Chemicals, Paper Specialties and Emulsions businesses to SK Capital. The total consideration of the sale amounts to approximately CHF 502 million, out of which approximately 460 million in cash, equivalent to 6.3 times the estimated full year 2012 recurring EBITDA of those businesses. The divestment has been approved by the Boards of both companies. Subject to regulatory approvals, the transaction is expected to close by the end of the second quarter of 2013.
Bönnigheim
Germany’s Hohenstein Institute is now offering testing and certification of protective/safety gloves in accordance with a number of industry standards.
Perth, WA & Greer, SC
Alexium International Group (Alexium) announced it has received its second progress payment on a US Air Force contract this month, with additional progress payments on the contract expected over the next five months. Alexium’s says its financial position is strengthening, based on growing revenues from the US Air Force contract, awarded earlier this year and continued revenues from its commercial roll out of its novel FR nylon treatment.
Singapore
Huntsman Textile Effects has launched two AEEA-free (amino-ethyl-ethanol-amine) alternatives for two of its key silicone softeners used in the manufacture of apparel and home textiles.
Dewatering breakthrough from RHL means textile finishers can finally say goodbye to conventional rubber squeezing
A revolutionary new version of the famed Roberto roll is said to be the first fibre-based squeezing system to offer full resistance to harsh chemicals. The global launch of the RoberteX squeezing roll means that processors no longer have to rely on outdated rubber rolls for water extraction in demanding conditions, according to UK producer Richard Hough Ltd. (RHL).
Almelo
TenCate Advanced Armour has announced the opening of a permanent sales office in the Middle East with Mr Yohann Barnaud, who has been managing TenCate Advanced Armour sales in the Gulf Cooperation Council region and Eastern Europe, being appointed director.
Leicester
Formax, a leading global manufacturer of carbon fibre and speciality composite reinforcements, has appointed Dan Norton to manage the company’s Automotive Business Sector.
Almelo
TenCate Advanced Composites has announced that it has been successful in qualifying to supply carbon fibre reinforced thermoplastic (CFRTP) composite material for a leading global automotive customer.
London
UK based Armadillo Merino was presented with the NatWest ‘Product Business of the Year 2012 Award’ in London on Friday. The Derbyshire based ‘new start’ company’s knitted tops and leggings in single jersey and rib structures, made from super-fine merino wool, are said to be the ultimate in comfort, with qualities that are ideally suited to those professionals exposed to endurance, extreme weather or potential risk of fire or burns.
New composites for automotive applications have been in the news this past week along with news of a new forthcoming in-depth Automotive Textiles report. In the meantime, it has been announced that bio-polyesters are to be used in the interior of the 100% electric Nissan Leaf and Teijin’s V-Lap lightweight, sound-absorbing polyester material has been selected for use in the carpeting of the new Mitsubishi Outlander.
Automotive Textiles: Latest news, new report to be published
The presence of Boeing and Citroen at the latest confrence held by CELC – the European Confederation of Flax and Hemp – illustrates how seriously the potential of flax and other bast fibre fabrics to replace glass in composites is now being taken.
Brescia
Leading seamless circular knitting machine builder Santoni has reported strong sales of its machines into the sportswear sector especially for the production of merino wool based seamless garments. Sportswear manufacturers are mainly interested in the Italian company’s SM8 TR1 machine for single jersey garments with mesh effects – particularly in 24 gauge for zonal knitting or body mapping in natural fibres such as merino wool.
Maudlin, SC
South Carolina based Mount Vernon Mills is now offering its Amsoft finish on all fabrics available within the brand’s six collections, to enhance the comfort of flame resistant garments made with Mount Vernon FR fabric.
Tokyo
Teijin has announced today that it has started operating its pilot plant for the fully integrated production of carbon fibre reinforced thermoplastic (CFRTP) components at its Matsuyama Factory in Ehime Prefecture, Japan. Plans to build the pilot plant were announced exactly a year ago and capital expenditure is said to have been over two billion yen.
Duffield
UK based Armadillo Merino reports that the Italian navy is set to order thousands of its British developed hi-tech garments, which give unprecedented next-to-skin protection and performance in action.
‘Automotive Textiles: Moving towards a new global equilibrium’, a forthcoming new report from Textile Media Services, provides the latest analysis of the fast-altering automotive textiles industry.
Automotive Textiles (3rd edition) - Moving towards a new global equilibrium
‘Agrotextiles: A growing landscape with huge potential’, a new forthcoming report from Textile Media Services, provides a unique overview of woven, knitted and nonwoven fabrics and other textiles used in agriculture, forestry, horticulture, floriculture and landscape gardening, as well as in fishing and aquaculture.
Eugene Gerden reports from Moscow
Leading Russian textile producers are considering switching to the production of synthetic fabrics and technical textiles from traditional natural fibre fabrics, in an attempt to increase the industry’s profitability and to reduce dependence from the ever rising global cotton prices.
Schwarzenbach/Saale
Sandler AG has launched the start-up phase of a new production line for meltblown filter media just four months after commencing installation and assembly.
Perth, Western Australia & Greer, SC
Alexium has announced a major advancement in the development of its Flame Retardant (FR) treatments and curing methods. The company has developed its novel, non-halogenated FR chemistry for nylon so it can be applied with a standard oven as well as Alexium’s microwave technology. The ability to use traditional heat curing methods, aims to significantly lower entry barriers to key markets and speed up market introduction.
Lenzing
Lenzing is repositioning its Lenzing Modal brand to reflect the new Modal production technology it now employs. The Austrian company says the slogan ‘Makes the World a Softer Place’ will now be changed to ‘CO2 Neutral Softness by Edelweiss Technology’.
Milan
ACIMIT (the Association of Italian Textile Machinery Manufacturers) will mark 2013 with a push towards internationalisation with 30 new members. This is the primary objective emerging from the initiatives promoted by ACIMIT for the upcoming year, and approved at the Association’s Board of Directors meeting held last 13 November.
Heiligenkreuz
Lenzing says it has launched an innovative project in the technical nonwovens sector by opening a newly constructed pilot plant to develop fibre products for high-tech electrical applications at its Heilgenkreuz plant.
Tayport
Forward thinking Scottish industrial textiles manufacturer Scott & Fyfe Ltd celebrated the official opening of its new Innovation Space and Museum on 12 November, which the company describes as another important step on the way to a long-term sustainable company based on a partnership business model.
Frankfurt
25 German textile machinery manufacturers presented their latest solutions at two VDMA conferences this month in Istanbul and Gaziantep in Turkey. Almost 600 participants from the Turkish textiles industry used the opportunity to learn how German technology can help the sector to cope with the tough competition from Asia and several German companies were able to close deals with Turkish customers during the events.
Wollongong
Healthcanal.com reports that Australian scientists are part of a team which is developing a new artificial muscle with exciting possibilities for use in self-powered intelligent textiles that could automatically react to environmental conditions like heat or sweat.
Seoul
Korean company Yejimiin is introducing a new generation of sanitary pads in December. 숲속이야기 Tencel is the first pad on the market to feature a top sheet based on 100% Tencel and in addition to being available in the Korean market, the product is to be exported to the USA for Korean women living overseas.
Shanghai
Textiles Intelligence and the China National Textile and Apparel Council (CNTAC) have agreed to cooperate in making Chinese language editions of two of Textile Intelligence’s business and market information publications available to the Chinese fibre, textile and clothing industries.
Textiles Intelligence reports to be published in Chinese language
Report summary
The threats posed by chemicals and other hazardous substances are greater than ever. The need for personal protection has been clearly demonstrated over the past two decades by the large number of incidents involving the spread of contaminants, chemical industrial disasters and terrorist attacks. In response to such need, great strides have been made in the provision of personal protection and in preparing for future incidents.
Chemical protective clothing: providing a life-critical barrier
Report summary
This report provides new information on the latest developments in: environmentally friendly apparel; environmentally friendly fabrics for apparel and protective clothing; fabrics for sports apparel; fabric treatments; fibres for performance apparel; moisture management fibres; sports apparel; and temperature regulating apparel.
Performance Apparel Markets: Product developments and innovations (Q3, 2012)
Burlington, NC
Glen Raven, Inc. has been recognized as the North Carolina Manufacturer of the Year in the large companies category —defined as companies with more than $250 million in annual revenue. The NC Manufacturer of the Year award program is organised by the North Carolina Chamber of Commerce, with sponsorship by McGladrey LLP and Fifth Third Bank.
2-4 October 2012, Grand Connaught Rooms, London, UK
The carbon fibre industry is alive and well according to the recent international gathering of more than 120 engineers and marketing executives. The conference, organised by Smithers-Rapra is the 15th annual meeting of this group.
Indonesia
Lenzing successfully conducted a test run of its fifth production line at its Indonesian subsidiary PT South Pacific Viscose in October. With an additional nominal capacity of 80,000 tons of viscose fibres per annum, the annual total capacity of SPV will increase to 320,000 tons once Line 5 has been fully launched.
Leicester
Formax, a leading manufacturer of carbon fibre and speciality reinforcements, reports it has taken major steps to improve energy efficiency at the company's UK headquarters. The installation of 216 solar panels and the insulation of the production facility's roof are part of Formax’s on-going commitment to reduce energy consumption and create a more sustainable manufacturing environment.
Livingston
Gore-Tex producer W.L. Gore & Associates has invested in a new building at its Livingston site in Scotland. According to an STV report today, the environmentally friendly construction of the £5 million building has allowed energy consumption to be reduced by 25%.
Bönnigheim
According to scientists at Germany’s Hohenstein Institute, in addition to modern sportswear, the market is increasingly demanding functional undergarments for the fashion and business sectors.
Amsterdam
TenCate Protective Fabrics in partnership with Lion Apparel has secured a major order for the delivery of TenCate Tecashield inherently heat and flame retardant fabrics for the turn-out gear of the Amsterdam-Amstelland fire brigade in the Netherlands. The TenCate fabrics will be mainly used for the lightweight outer shell, the protective thermal liner and reinforcement inserts.
Greenville, SC
Graniteville Specialty Fabrics, a recognized leader in the production of specialty coatings and coated fabrics, has announced that it has purchased a state-of-the-art technical coatings line. The new high-speed equipment further expands the South Carolina based company’s capabilities by fully encompassing a broad range of width options in woven, knit, nonwovens and films.
Graniteville installs state-of-the-art technical coatings line
Birmingham
In July 2012, UK based Umeco was acquired by New Jersey headquartered composites giant Cytec, a merger which aims to bring value to the group’s customers and the markets it serves by leveraging Cytec’s technology leadership with Umeco’s highly-responsive supply chain and application development capabilities.
Cytec exhibits composites solutions at Composites Engineering 2012
Tayport
Scottish industrial textiles manufacturer, Scott & Fyfe Ltd, has announced the launch of a new line of carbon fabrics for the composites industry. The product range will come under the company’s new Polycarb brand.
Coldwater, MI
Pennsylvania headquartered Monadnock Non‐Wovens, an industry leader in high performance melt blown nonwoven roll goods for filtration, industrial, healthcare and consumer markets, is to add a second location in Midwest USA.
Bönnigheim
According to scientists at Germany’s Hohenstein Institute, in addition to modern sportswear, the market is increasingly demanding functional undergarments for the fashion and business sectors.
Bönnigheim
Scientists at the Hohenstein Institute in Bönnigheim, in conjunction with several industry partners, have developed special functional underwear for fire-fighting deployment teams.
Roubaix
A new ‘cutting edge’ facility for technical textiles, nonwovens and composites development opened its doors in the city of Roubaix, in the Lille region of Lille of Northern France, this month.
Terrassa
The Molecular and Industrial Biotechnology Group (GBMI) of the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya - BarcelonaTech (UPC) has improved the antimicrobial properties of medical textiles using an enzymatic pre-treatment combined with simultaneous deposition of nanoparticles and biopolymers under ultrasonic irradiation.
Researchers eliminate infectious bacteria from medical textiles
Perth, Western Australia & Greer, South Carolina
Alexium International Group Limited (Alexium) has announced that it expects to receive a cash payment of approximately $205,000 from the Australian Government under the 2012 Research and Development Tax Incentive (Australia) scheme.
Leicester
Formax, a leading manufacturer of carbon fibre and speciality reinforcements, will be exhibiting at the UK’s largest ever composites design and manufacturing event from 7-8 November. Composites Engineering 2012 will be held at the NEC Birmingham, where Formax will be showcasing a range of technical solutions for automotive, marine, wind energy, sports and industrial markets.
Galashiels
Researchers at a top Scottish university have helped develop headwear that uses smart textiles for women with cancer related hair loss. Micro-encapsulated textiles, which offer added comfort as well as aroma-therapeutic benefits to cancer patients, are now being used in a luxury handmade headwear range.
Mumbai
The India International Textile Machinery Exhibition, INDIA ITME 2012, which is being held for the 9th time at Bombay Convention & Exhibition Centre in Mumbai from December 2nd – 7th, is an excellent opportunity for the DiloGroup to present its portfolio of equipment to the Indian market, especially as the exhibition is also an important platform for the Asian market in general.
Hong Kong
According to events organiser UBM Asia, the Cashmere World show which has relocated from Beijing to Hong Kong, has had a successful debut in Hong Kong. The fair is said to have benefited from the presence of important international buying offices in Hong Kong enjoyed synergies with the co-located Fashion Access (25 – 27 September 2012) show. Close to 2000 buyers from 50 countries were on hand to view the fibres, yarns and finished cashmere products on offer.
Munich
Dr. Christian Heinrich Sandler, Chief Executive Officer of Sandler AG, has been awarded the Bavarian Order of Merit by Bavarian State Premier Horst Seehofer. Given as a ‘token of honouring and appreciative recognition for outstanding services rendered to the State of Bavaria and the Bavarian people’, the order is an appreciation of exceptional commitment to the common welfare in the state.
Dornbirn
Adrian Wilson reports
Advancing the contribution technical textiles play in regions affected by natural disasters such as floods and earthquakes is the goal of the new €9 million European FP7 S(P)EEDKITS project.
High Point, NC
The management team of Vita Nonwovens has successfully completed a management buyout of the business from Vitafoam, Inc., a division of UK parent company The Vita Group, Ltd. Vita Nonwovens is a producer of high quality nonwoven materials for use in bedding, furniture, hygiene, automotive, filtration, and building products.
Focusing on the topic of “consumption,” over 135 delegates from brands, retailers, government organizations, NGOs and academia joined in the 6th annual conference of the RITE Group (Reducing the Impact of Textiles on the Environment).
Migdal Ha'emek
Nilit announced yesterday that it will be introducing its Nilit Breeze cooling yarn to Asian markets at the forthcoming Intertextile Shanghai 2012 tradeshow. Nilit Breeze, the Israeli company’s most recent innovation, is said to be a revolutionary nylon 6.6 fibre that has been proven to cool wearers by almost one degree Celsius in comparison to fabrics knitted with standard fibres.
Graz
International technology group Andritz which offers a full range of complete nonwovens lines for the production of technical textiles will be presenting its expertise in complete lines and advanced systems for high-end technical nonwovens at the India ITME exhibition which runs from 2-7 December in Mumbai. The group’s Küsters, Asselin-Thibeau, and Perfojet businesses will be showcasing integrated solutions for all nonwovens segments for the Indian market.
Perth, Western Australia & Greer, South Carolina
Alexium International Group (Alexium) announced today that its growing revenues are from multiple sources as a result of commercial development agreements, license payments, and a project funded by the US Department of Defense.
Singapore & Weesp, Netherlands
Huntsman Textile Effects and the Netherlands’ DyeCoo Textile Systems are joining forces to develop and grow DyeCoo’s Supercritical CO2 textile processing technology with the aim of creating more sustainable products which will benefit the industry as a whole.
Cary, NC
The Board of Directors at INDA, Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, this week appointed David Rousse as its new President. As of 15 October Rousse will assume the position currently held by Rory Holmes, who has announced his retirement in mid-2013. Holmes has held the position since 2003.
Mönchengladbach
Monforts’ Klaus A. Heinrichs talks about his company’s participation in the VDMA’s Blue Competence initiative.
Blue Competence is an initiative launched by the German Engineering Federation (VDMA) to demonstrate the know-how and experience of its members for sustainable solutions. Key points of the campaign are technologies and products that conserve raw materials, reduce emissions and sustainably improve the living conditions of people.
Cary, NC
INDA, Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry has announced that nominations are now open for the prestigious IDEA13 Achievement Awards, which it organizes in partnership with Nonwovens Industry magazine.
Lenzing
Vienna stock exchange listed Lenzing, the global leader in man-made cellulosic fibre production, has acquired a 100% shareholding in the Czech pulp producer Biocel Paskov A.S. Lenzing has held a 75% stake in the company since it acquired its majority stake from the Austrian Heinzel Group, which has now sold its remaining 25% shareholding to Lenzing.
Misgav
Seamless knits specialist Tefron has announced today that it has entered into a licensing agreement with X-Technology Swiss R&D AG (XTS), under which it has been granted exclusive rights to manufacture, market and distribute XTS sportswear brands in North America.
Tefron to distribute hi-tech sportswear brands in North America
In marking its 50th anniversary in 2011, the Dornbirn Conference celebrated the contribution of the manmade fibres industry to society over the last half a century.
At the 2012 event in Austria from September 19-21 – with over 100 individual presentations and record attendance of over 800 delegates – the emphasis was very much on what the industry can now contribute over the next fifty years and what major changes are on the horizon.
“Fashion Stories” was the Autumn/Winter 2013/14 theme at Première Vision, the trade show for high-fashion fabrics held in Paris September 19 – 21. Combining historical references with a high-tech future, juxtaposing urban living with nature and the elements, and seeking adventure whilst yielding to emotion, a new generation of compact, dense, and tactile fabrics incorporated surprising technical aspects, developing a new relationship between fashion and active sportswear. This was achieved via all manner of woven, knit, and assembled double cloths which displayed a new level of technical know-how, allowing fabrics to express dual personalities.
Fashion Fabrics Display Dual Personalities at Première Vision
Kempten
Oerlikon Saurer’s Allma Product Line will be showing at this year’s CINTE 2012, Asia's top biannual trade fair for technical textiles and nonwovens, which takes place from 22 to 24 October in Shanghai. The Kempten, Germany based company will welcome customers and interested visitors to its stand to inform them about the latest developments in the production of tire cord and industrial yarns.
Huddersfield
A new advanced Thies yarn dyeing installation in the UK went from the drawing board to full production in just six months. The first dedicated yarn dyeing plant to be installed in the UK for many years is now fully operational at Park Valley Dyers in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire; featuring a complete Thies dyeing installation.
Nuremberg
Just weeks after the closing of the Olympics, Nike has been granted an interim injunction against adidas for patent infringement by adidas’ adizero Primeknit shoe which it released in July on the eve of the London games. The patent or patents in question protect Nike’s revolutionary Flyknit shoe range which sport seamlessly knitted uppers produced on Stoll flat knitting machines.
Dornbirn
Lenzing launched Tencel Biosoft, a new hydrophobic and home-compostable fibre at last week’s Dornbirn Manmade Fibres Conference, which is said to have unique benefits for wipes and hygiene applications.
Northwich
Two of the longest established names in the UK fibre and fabric processing industries have merged to create a new Cheshire, North West England, based business which will provide complete downstream machinery solutions to the international performance textiles, automotive and aerospace industries.
Milan
Italian seamless garment manufacturer Cifra SpA has launched a brand new line of beauty and sports apparel called Doubleskin, which combines the Milan based company’s seamless warp knitting technology with Rhodia’s bioactive fibre Emana. Doubleskin is available from this week via a brand new website and online shop.
CETI, Lille
Futurotextiles 3 on the theme of the ultra-light
Futurortextiles is a avant-garde project, begun in 2006 . It brings together science, technology, design, fashion and art, all concerned by innovative textiles in such varied sectors as clothing, transport, sport, housing, architecture, geo-textiles, health and protection. After the success of the first two editions in 2006 in Lille and in 2008 in Courtrai, lille3000 is holding a new edition in 2012: Futurotextiles 3.
29 November – 1 December 2012
PIN – Polo Universitario Città di Prato, Piazza Ciardi 25 – Prato (Italy).
Wearable SmarTextiles: From Technology to Concept.
A hands on analysis of electronics in innovative textiles and prototype development.
This course is designed to give you the framework for creating fashion garments and accessories that have electronics integrated at the textile level.
Tayport
A forward thinking Scottish industrial textiles manufacturer is planning to put ownership of its business into the hands of its employees. Scott & Fyfe Limited, the Tayport based technical textiles manufacturer has announced it will transform itself into an employee owned company. The business is currently owned by the Tough family.
Perth, WA & Greer, SC
Alexium International Group Limited (Alexium) (announced today that the Australian patent office has granted a patent for the “Method for Attachment of Silicon-containing Compounds to a Surface and for Synthesis of Hypervalent Silicon-compounds” (Australia Patent No. 2006290509).
Alexium granted Australian patent for smart surface technology
Huddersfield
The UK government announced yesterday over £2 million worth of support for a new skills programme led by a consortium of employers and the Textile Centre of Excellence in Huddersfield that will improve the skills of people already working and develop the next generation of skilled talent for these industries. The partnership includes manufacturers from textiles, technical textiles, apparel and textile services sectors, trade associations and Creative Skillset.
Helsinki
Ahlstrom has signed an agreement to acquire the Swedish company Munktell Filter AB in a strategic move to grow its advanced filtration business particularly in life science and laboratory applications.
Cary, NC
Four unique new products have been nominated as finalists for the second annual RISE Durable Products Award that will be presented at INDA’s RISE Conference in late October.
The RISE Durable Product Award will be awarded to a durable nonwoven product using nonwoven fabric and/or technology that is commercially sold and utilized in the consumer or industrial marketplace.
The recently-announced bankruptcy of Konarka illustrates just how tricky it is to bring groundbreaking new technologies to market – however smart they may be.
Perth, Australia and Greer, SC, USA
Reactive Surface Treatment (RST) technology provider Alexium announced today that it has been awarded a $200,000 contract by the US Air Force Research Laboratory to demonstrate its Cleanshell CB treatments for chemical and biological protection applications. The contract follows two other purchase orders by the US Army in the last twelve months and is expected to further validate RST technology for defence applications.
Krefeld
Andritz Küsters, a leading supplier of calender technology for the textiles, nonwovens, and paper industries, has developed an innovative calender concept for the growing technical textiles market incorporating proven technologies from the production of paper and nonwovens.
Valencia
International Newsletters has announced that the speaker on nanotextiles has been confirmed for its TCL2012, International Conference on Textiles Coating & Laminating. Dr. Dirk Hegemann from the prestigious Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA) will address the subject Nano Textiles: What can be expected from it?
Perth, WA & Greer, SC
Alexium announced this week that it has successfully demonstrated its Reactive Surface Technology (RST) treatments for functionalizing temperature-sensitive fibres such as high-performance polyolefins to add new properties such as antimicrobial, adhesion promotion, and flame retardancy.
AATCC will conduct a symposium focusing on Advances in Nonwovens, Technical Textiles & Sustainable Materials October 10-11 in Atlanta. The program will feature papers on protective performance materials, sustainable materials, multi-functional material additives and engineered fibrous materials.
Advances in Nonwovens, Technical Textiles & Sustainable Materials Symposium
Frankfurt
All the signs are that Texprocess, Leading International Trade Fair for Processing Textile and Flexible Materials, in Frankfurt am Main from 10 to 13 June 2013, will be a success. With a year still to go before the doors open, over 50% of exhibition space has already been sold and the market leaders are on board.
Frankfurt
With ten months still to go, Techtextil, the International Trade Fair for Technical Textiles and Nonwovens in Frankfurt am Main from 11 to 13 June 2013, is already almost fully booked.
“Over 90% of the exhibition space occupied in 2011 has been reserved; 86% has actually been firmly booked. Never before have we had such a good result at such an early stage”, says Olaf Schmidt, Vice President Textiles & Textile Technologies.
Tokyo & Shanghai
The Teijin Group announced today that Tokyo-based Toho Tenax Co., Ltd., the group’s carbon-fibre composites business company, and Shanghai-based Teijin Aramid Asia Co., Ltd., the group’s aramid-fibre business, will participate in China Composites Expo 2012. The show is Asia’s largest composites exhibition and will take place at the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Center in Shanghai from 5-7 September.
Cary, NC
Entering its third decade as three important days each year for the global filtration business, the Filtration 2012 International Conference and Exposition will return to the Pennsylvania Convention Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania from 13-15 November 2012.
Advanced composites manufacturer Umeco is helping put a spring in the step of Paralympian athletes taking part in the London games next week by supplying materials for prosthetic limbs known as blades to specialist supplier Ottobock HealthCare.
Chemnitz
Karl Mayer Malimo has developed a new range of geogrids with load-bearing capacities which it says have never been achieved before. The innovative textiles have a tensile strength of 1000 kN in both the weft and zero inlay directions.
Manchester
The University of Manchester and Beyond Surface Technologies AG have joined forces in the development of sustainable technologies for textiles.
The two organisations have come together to provide alternatives to fossil-based raw materials currently used in textile processing.
In a year of several key sporting events, most notably the London 2012 Olympic Games, the major brands in the summer sportswear industry are battling for market share, according to the latest issue of Performance Apparel Markets from the business information company Textiles Intelligence.
Bolton
RHL calendering and squeezing equipment scores in geotextiles and medical sectors
New investment during 2012 by US technical nonwovens producers is said to be highlighting the benefits of calendering and water extraction technology from Richard Hough Ltd. (RHL), of the UK. Significant installations so far this year have been commissioned by leading suppliers to the geotextiles and medical sectors.
Frankfurt
Experts wishing to give a lecture at the symposiums during Techtextil in Frankfurt, the international trade fair for technical textiles and nonwovens being held from 11 to 13 June 2013, are invited by the organisers to submit their manuscripts. The deadline for receipt of the manuscripts is 31 October 2012.
Lenzing
Lenzing Tencel and Lenzing Viscose fibres, which are based on the renewable raw material wood, were recently awarded the OK compost HOME certificate from Belgian certification company Vincotte. Vincotte examines and recognizes products which are suitable for both industrial composting as well as for disposal in individual garden composters.
Report summary
This report provides information, analysis and valuable insight on developments relating to the performance apparel industry in the following categories: acquisitions, divestments and mergers; corporate social responsibility (CSR); financial results; joint ventures, cooperation, licensing and distribution; manufacturing facilities; and research and development facilities.
Report summary
Mizuno is one of the world's longest established suppliers of sporting goods. Once associated only with golf and baseball, Mizuno is now renowned worldwide in a variety of sports and recreational activities.
Report summary
Summer sportswear represents one of the largest single categories of sporting goods - a market worth over US$315 billion worldwide.
Report summary
This report provides new information on the latest developments in: environmentally friendly yarns and finishing treatments for performance apparel; fibres and yarns for performance apparel; fabrics for performance apparel; fabrics for workwear; safety wear for cyclists; and sports apparel.
Performance Apparel Markets: Product developments and innovations (Q2 2012)
The recent symposium on cosmétotextiles held at Interfilière Paris highlighted the growing success of these hybrid fabrics, as well as posing questions about their future.
A cosmetic textile is defined by the French Office for the Standardisation of Textile and Clothing Industries as “a textile article that contains a substance or a preparation that is intended to be released sustainably on to the different superficial parts of the human body, especially the skin, and which claim particular properties such as cleansing, perfume, change of appearance, protection, maintenance in good condition, or correction of body odours.”
London
Sir Chris Hoy became Britain’s most successful Olympian last night, taking his sixth gold medal in the mens keirin event at the London Velodrome. The highly anticipated victory topped a fantastic day for Team GB who won four golds, taking their tally to 22 gold medals, three more than they won at the Beijing games.
Report summary
This report provides a round-up of recent corporate developments in the global technical textiles sector, including acquisitions, business news, events, financial results, investments, joint ventures and market forecasts.
Report summary
This report provides information on the latest developments in fabrics for technical textiles, fibres for technical textiles, finishing treatments, geosynthetics and textiles for medical devices. The report includes news from the following innovative companies and organisations: Agricel, Biomedical Structures (BMS), DSM, Lankhorst Ropes, National Nonwovens, Teijin Aramid, Teijin Techno Products, Texas A&M University, and Waseda University.
Report summary
This report includes statistical data and analysis of global trends in man-made fibre production. In addition to the statistics, the data are broken down into several types of synthetic and cellulosic fibres. The report also includes detailed forecasts -- by fibre type, country and region -- of man-made fibre capacities to the end of 2013 as well as an outlook for man-made fibre production.
Report summary
Production of nonwovens in Turkey doubled in the five years to 2011, an achievement partly credited to the recent, rapid acceleration in foreign direct investment in the country.
Lubbock
In an article for Commodity Online yesterday, Seshadri Ramkumar, Associate Professor of Nonvwovens at Texas Tech University, reports that the technical textiles market in India will skyrocket to US $ 28.7 billion by 2016-17. The prediction comes from information provided by India’s Textiles Ministry officials.
http://www.innovationintextiles.com/industry-talk/india-technical-textiles-to-reach-287-billion/
Grimsby
The domestic Chinese market for advanced wound care products is said to be in the relatively early stages of development. However, China announced a $124 billion investment over three years to reform its healthcare system in 2009 and as a result, future market opportunities are considered substantial.
Earlybird registration discount for GOCarbonFibre 2012
London
GOCarbonFibre 2012, which takes place from 2-4 October 2012 at the Grand Connaught Rooms, London, UK, will deliver its most ambitious programme to date, bringing together key influential figures from across the industry including:
Industry rumour mills have been running at warp speed (no puns intended) since we published an article on Nike’s Flyknit integrally knitted running shoe upper in February on our Knitting Industry website - see Nike Flyknit – a seamlessly knitted running shoe!.
Now having taken a closer look at the knitted upper, we can reveal that Flyknit is without any doubt made on an electronically controlled flat knitting machine.
Atlanta
Messe Frankfurt USA announced today it has hired Kristy Meade as Group Show Director, Textile Events, responsible for managing the teams producing Techtextil North America and Texprocess Americas, Texworld USA Winter/Summer, Apparel Sourcing and Home Textiles Sourcing Expo.
Manchester
According to a new series of Textiles Intelligence reports, textile and clothing markets are likely to remain subdued in 2012, given the considerable uncertainty in the global economy, and the fact that the debt crisis in the Eurozone continues to hit business and consumer confidence.
Melbourne
Wool’s credentials as a textile fibre that promotes health and wellbeing were presented by Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) at the International Federation for Home Economics (IFHE) World Congress this week in Melbourne.
By Rachel Marusak Hermann, swissinfo.ch
The high performance fabrics beloved of mountain sport enthusiasts are fast becoming a fixture on clothing racks. Their growing popularity is providing a boost for the Swiss textile industry.
Bönnigheim
According to the Hohenstein Institute, 50 % of everyone in Germany practices sport at least once a week, which is still fourth place in a European country comparison. Wearing knee-length compression socks, the institute says, was long viewed as uncool by sportsmen and women, but more and more active sportsmen and women have reported the positive effects of wearing these special elastic socks.
Muttenz
Specialty chemicals producer Clariant is rebranding and from today, 16 July 2012, will have a new appearance, a new logo and a new motto. A striking new high quality movie has also been made to communicate the new image. The Swiss company says the rebrand marks a new episode in its history because with its current portfolio it is better situated than ever before.
Sevelen
A new technology which combines the outstanding natural features of cork with those of high performance fabrics has won one of the coveted Outdoor Industry Awards the Outdoor 2012 show in Friedrichshafen, Germany.
Hamburg
Sustainability is becoming increasingly important in the textiles supply chain. Since Texcare 2012 (Frankfurt/Main) it is stretching out its fingers into the dirt trapping mat industry, too. For the first time Milliken from Manchester and Austria based Kleen-Tex Industries presented product ranges with piles made from recycled polyester and nylon fibres.
Brussels
EDANA, the international association serving the nonwovens and related industries, has released a public summary of its annual statistics on Nonwovens Production and Deliveries for 2011. The report is said to show growth in production volume for 2011 of 5.7%, with several market segments recording their best output ever in both tonnage and square metres, including baby diapers, medical, personal care wipes, civil engineering, automotive and agriculture.
Atlanta
Clarion Events North America (Clarion) announced yesterday the launch of ExpoProducción, a new trade fair primarily for the apparel and sewn products manufacturing industry in Mexico and Central America.
Swindon
TenCate Advanced Armour has been selected by QinetiQ as the supplier of armour for the Foxhound LPPV 4x4 military vehicle. Initial production of 200 vehicles has been followed by an order of a further 100 vehicles to be delivered by General Dynamics European Land Systems, Force Protection Europe, to the UK Ministry of Defence. No financial details have been disclosed.
Swindon
TenCate Advanced Armour has been selected by QinetiQ as the supplier of armour for the Foxhound LPPV 4x4 military vehicle. Initial production of 200 vehicles has been followed by an order of a further 100 vehicles to be delivered by General Dynamics European Land Systems, Force Protection Europe, to the UK Ministry of Defence. No financial details have been disclosed.
Frankfurt
Visitors to ITMA ASIA + CITME 2012 are said to have greatly appreciated the commitment of the German textile machinery industry on the issue of sustainability. On occasion of the region’s leading textile machinery exhibition from 12th to 16th June in Shanghai, the VDMA Textile Machinery Association presented its sustainability initiative Blue Competence for the first time in the Asian market.
Grimsby
UK based Super Absorbent Fibre (SAF) manufacturer Technical Absorbents Ltd (TAL) has developed a new fabric technology which is said to keep wearers of heavy outer clothing cool even when working in the most challenging environments.
Milan
According to ACIMIT, the association representing the Italian textile machinery builders, last month’s ITMA ASIA + CITME exhibition provided positive indications for Italian exhibitors, in spite of the current uncertain economic outlook. In addition, the association says the Italian green label certification initiative was greeted with special appreciation.
Istanbul
METYX Composites organized and hosted its signature event, METYX Third Composites Summit in Istanbul, Turkey, June 4-8, 2012, in conjunction with event sponsors Airex AG, Aksa, Duratek, PPG Fiber Glass, Reinforced Plastics Magazine, Scott Bader, The Turkish Carbon Society, the Turkish Composites Manufacturers Association, and Umeco.
Shanghai
ITMA ASIA + CITME 2012, Asia’s leading textile machinery exhibition, which was held at Shanghai New International Expo Centre (SNIEC) from 12 to 16 June 2012, ended on a high note for the organisers with record numbers of visitors and exhibitors.
Bergamo
Italy’s RadiciGroup has introduced a low environmental impact version of its Radyarn polyester yarns. R-Radyarn is said to be a low environmental impact product made from 100% post-consumer recycled PET bottles.
Tokyo
Japanese polyester producer Teijin Fibers, announced today that it is supplying its Nanofront high-strength polyester for use in replacement insoles for running shoes made by New Balance. The insoles will be marketed by New Balance Japan and sold in its directly owned shops in Tokyo and Osaka, as well as other sports retail stores nationwide beginning this month.
Farnborough
Umeco Structural materials, a leading provider of high performance prepregs and adhesives to the aerospace, space and military industries, will be exhibiting examples of Airbus-qualified prepregs on its stand at the Farnborough show, which takes place between 9 and 13 July 2012.
Lenzing
Following the successful completion of an environmental impact assessment, work has started on Lenzing’s new 67,000 tonnes per annum Tencel fibre production facility at Lenzing in Upper Austria. The build is expected to take two years.
Messe Farnkfurt has announced it will hold a two day high level ‘Techtextil India Symposium’ from October 30 - 31, 2012 in Mumbai.
Report summary
Over the next five years the global carbon fiber market is forecast to have an annual growth rate of 17%, reaching 118,600 tonnes, with an estimated market value of $7.3 billion by 2017.
From 2012-20 the market for carbon fiber-reinforced plastics (CFRP) is projected to grow 16% annually and the industrial sector is forecast to become the primary growth market.
Report summary
Textiles are getting smarter, and much of this is being enabled by nanotechnology. “Smart Textiles and Nanotechnologies: Applications Technologies and Markets” provides the most in depth look to date at the impact of nanotechnology on the global textile industry.
Smart Textiles and Nanotechnologies: Applications, Technologies and Markets
From rags to riches – World of Wipes 2012
Many of the benefits of disposable nonwoven wipes in the workplace over laundered and reusable cleaning materials (what are referred to in the US as ‘shop towels’) have been pretty well demonstrated over the past 30 years.
Eugene Gerden reports from Moscow
The Russian government is investing more than USD$20 million in the implementation of a major project, regarding with the design and further launch of production of innovative textile fabrics.
Russia to establish large scale production of innovative fabrics
New York
TenCate Advanced Armour has been selected as supplier to Daimler AG for the ballistic protection of the Daimler Zetros protected transport trucks for the German Bundeswehr.
Manchester, NH
In an ambitious drive to reach zero manufacturing waste in its North American facilities, Freudenberg North America's 16 companies will increasingly pursue industrial processes that focus on recycled product content, plant recycling, lower water and energy consumption and increased use of sustainable materials over the next decade, the company said in a statement this week.
Mumbai & New Delhi
Teijin carbon fibres and composites company Toho Tenax announced today that it will develop and market carbon fibre fabrics for India’s composite industry in collaboration with Hindoostan Technical Fabrics Limited, a carbon and aramid textile manufacturer wholly owned by Hindoostan Mills, Ltd., a major textile company in India and part of the Thackersey Group. This will be the first time Toho Tenax has partnered a textile manufacturer in India’s carbon fibre sector.
Tokyo
Teijin Fibers has launched a new polyester knitted fabric that is said to offer total comfort during perspiration through enhanced absorption, quick drying and prevention of both chill and stickiness.
Hamburg
All over the world there are do-gooders who give their all to serve a noble cause. In the management of an enterprise, however, they would become a liability because the primary goal of an enterprise is to earn money. For a long time, combining benevolence and the need to earn money has been inconceivable.
Heanor
A consortium, led by Umeco involving Aston Martin Lagonda, Delta Motorsport Ltd., ABB Robotics and Pentangle Engineering Services Ltd., has been established to examine the potential for using high-performance composites in mainstream automotive applications.
Heanor
Composites group Umeco will be exhibiting and presenting its new corporate identity at this year’s JEC Asia show, which takes place at the SUNTEC International Convention & Exhibition Centre in Singapore between 26 - 28 June 2012.
Southfield, MI
A leading supplier of technical textiles to the automotive sector has developed a novel knitted exhaust sleeve which offers thermal management benefits. Federal Mogul Corporation’s new Thermflex sleeve which is made from basalt yarns which can withstand temperatures up to 750°C is believed to be a three layer structure which can be widened or narrowed at will to fit various geometries.
Bühler & Sevelen, Switzerland
Two of the strongest and most innovative textile and technology companies in the stretch knits and wovens sectors are joining forces. Swiss companies Schoeller Textil AG from Sevelen (St. Gallen) and the Eschler Group from Bühler (Appenzell Ausserrhoden) are to unite under the banner of Swiss quality, global presence and wide ranging know-how.
Wellington
Jeremy Moon, founder and CEO of Icebreaker, the New Zealand company that pioneered the outdoor merino wool apparel category, has been awarded the World Class New Zealand Award for Manufacturing, Design and Innovation.
Heanor
UK headquartered Umeco Structural Materials will be exhibiting its latest products for the land security and defence sectors at the 2012 Eurosatory International Show, which takes place at the Paris Nord Villepinte Exhibition Centre, Paris, France from 11 - 15 June.
Elland
Personal protective equipment specialist, Praybourne Products, has launched an exclusive range of coveralls using Protal 5 fabric from Waxman Fibres partnership producers. The innovative product was launched at the Health and Safety Expo at the NEC in Birmingham (15-17 May).
Shanghai
Around 1300 exhibitors from 28 countries are gearing up to showcase their latest technologies at ITMA ASIA + CITME 2012 as the countdown for the third combined show begins.
Leading textile machinery builders flock to ITMA ASIA + CITME
Seoul
Lenzing has announced the launch of its first product made from Tencel which is specifically designed for use in face masks. Tencel Skin, which has been specially developed for substrates used in face masks for skin care applications will go on show at next month’s ANEX nonwovens show in Korea.
Seoul
As sustainability continues to be a key topic influencing purchasing decisions throughout the global supply chain, the careful selection of raw materials like fibres is one of the first steps towards green products.
This report provides information, analysis and insight on: acquisitions, divestments and mergers; corporate social responsibility (CSR); events; financial results; joint ventures, cooperation, licensing and distribution; legal issues; regional headquarters, distribution and manufacturing operations; and store closures.
UniFirst is one of the world's largest suppliers of uniforms and protective apparel. The company was established in the 1930s as a family-owned laundry business and has since greatly expanded the scope of its operations to include the design, manufacture, sale, rental and cleaning of a comprehensive range of workwear garments.
Profile of UniFirst: a leader in the uniform and textile services industry
High visibility apparel plays a critical role in making the jobs of those who work in hazardous environments safer.
High visibility materials have also found their way into an increasing number of apparel categories, partly as a result of technological advances and partly as a result of improvements in design. They have even found their way into fashion.
High visibility apparel: providing protection, comfort and style
This report provides new information on the latest developments in fabrics for performance apparel, flame retardant fabric treatments, fibres and yarns for protective apparel, moisture management technology, sportswear, sustainable fibres, and water repellent finishing treatments.
Performance Apparel Markets: Product developments and innovations (Q1 2012)
Atlanta, GA
The first edition of Texprocess Americas took place April 24 – 26, 2012 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, Georgia. The show was co-located with Techtextil North America and aimed to create a synergy making the largest and best technical textiles, textile machinery, nonwovens, sewn products and equipment trade show in the Americas.
Atlanta, GA
The ninth edition of Techtextil North America, now incorporating ATME-I, took place April 24 – 26, 2012 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, Georgia. The show was co-located with Texprocess Americas which resulted in a dynamic synergy creating the largest and best technical textiles, nonwovens, textile machinery, sewn products and equipment trade show in the Americas.
Report summary
Low & Bonar is a global leader in the supply of fibres, yarns and fabrics for a broad range of end use markets, including civil engineering, building products, transport, sports and leisure, agriculture and other industrial applications.
Profile of Low & Bonar - A Pioneer in the European Technical Textiles Industry
Report summary
This report provides information on the latest developments in fabrics for medical textiles, fabrics for technical textiles, fabric treatments, and fibres for technical textiles, geosynthetics and textiles for medical equipment.
Report summary
This report is the third in a series of three in which the world's top 40 nonwovens producers are profiled.
The World Nonwovens Industry - Part 3 - Ten Smaller Producers
Report summary
This report provides a round-up of recent corporate developments in the global technical textiles sector, including acquisitions, business news, financial results, investments, joint ventures and market forecasts.
Report summary
This report includes statistical data and analysis of the Japanese man-made fibre and technical textile industry under the following headings: man-made fibre production and consumption; man-made fibre consumption for technical applications; and production of technical textiles. It also includes an outlook for the Japanese technical textile industry, and contains a wealth of recently released data for 2011.
Statistics: Fibre Consumption for Technical Textiles in Japan
Boennigheim
Hohenstein scientists led by Dr. Jan Beringer, in conjunction with Hochschule Reutlingen and Rökona Textilwerk GmbH in Tübingen, have developed innovative test methods to investigate the acoustic and aeroacoustic properties of textile materials.
New tests for acoustic and aeroacoustic properties of textiles
Friedrichshafen
The international trade show OutDoor is strengthening its roots at Messe Friedrichshafen. A new contract with the European Outdoor Group, the European industry association, ensures that Friedrichshafen will continue to host the meeting of the world’s OutDoor industry through 2013 and for the years to follow.
11 May 2012, Westerly, RI
Rhode Island, USA based stretch fabrics producer Darlington Fabrics has launched an innovative family of fabrics called Fasten-Air which stretch for comfort and function in personal protection applications and utilise familiar hook and loop closures.
Victoria, BC and Portland, OR
Naturally Advanced Technologies (NAT) which produces and markets CRAiLAR, a natural fibre made from flax and other bast fibres, has entered a joint development agreement with leading cellulosic manmade fibres producer Lenzing. The agreement calls for the companies to evaluate the blending of CRAiLAR Flax fibres with Tencel (Lyocell) and Lenzing Modal.
Milan
The Italian textile machinery industry is getting ready for the ITMA ASIA + CITME exhibition which will be held in Shanghai from 12-16 June where its focus will be on technologically sustainable solutions.
Warwick, RI
Developer of biomedical textiles for medical devices, Biomedical Structures (BMS), has introduced a new advanced tapered medical textile solution for tendons, ligaments and other orthopaedic applications. The company says its advanced weaving capabilities provide a high-precision medical textile solution able to match the anatomical construction of tendons and replicate performance.
Burlington, NC
Dr. Sam Moore of Hohenstein Institute America will present interim findings from a long term study of the effects of nano silver particles on the environment. The presentation will be made at the joint conference of the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC) and the Southern Textile Research Conference (STRC) to be held May 20-22, 2012 at Litchfield Beach & Golf Resort in Pawley’s Island, SC.
Cary, N.C.
Four finalists have been selected to compete for the World of Wipes Innovation Award competition being held as part of the annual World of Wipes (WOW) Conference, set for June 5-7 at the Hotel InterContinental in Chicago, Illinois.
Hamburg
In this third part of a three part feature on sustainability Sabine Anton-Katzenbach discusses how retailers, producers and importers have begun campaigning for working conditions that are socially sustainable, within the scope of their corporate social responsibility (CSR).
The mass manufacturing of textiles and apparel will return to developed regions like Europe and the USA, but probably not in any recognisable shape from the past. The only question is what timeframe this will take.
Long Beach, NY
BioPosture, a manufacturer of BioMemoryFoam eco-friendly mattresses, pillows and health products has announced it is entering into an exclusive licensing agreement and a strategic partnership with California-based Hologenix, the makers of Celliant technology for the health care sector.
27 April 2012, Shanghai
According to Germany’s VDMA Textile Machinery Association, the forthcoming ITMA ASIA + CITME in Shanghai is an excellent platform for German technology suppliers who will play a key role in the technological upgrading of the Chinese textiles industry.
Perth, WA & Greer, South Carolina,
Alexium International Group has announced today it has received a letter of intent from Duro Textiles to license Alexium’s novel flame retardant (FR) treatment under an exclusive commercial agreement. The scope of the license would cover Duro’s nylon product areas for military, government agencies, upholstery, and industrial workwear markets in North America.
Muttenz
Specialty chemicals supplier Clariant and Swiss textiles innovator Schoeller have worked with USA based sports performance brand Under Armour to develop its latest coldblack sportswear collection which offers advanced UV protection and reflection. The new collection was launched in March 2012 and is said to be creating a sensation in the US sports market.
Tokyo
Teijin Techno Products Limited, a Teijin group company producing advanced aramid fibres, announced today that it has developed the world’s first mass-producible aramid nanofibre to offer reliable heat and oxidation resistance together with high quality.
24 April 2012, Paris
French warp knitting machine engineering company Schinasi International Textile Machines (SITM) has developed what is thought to be the world’s finest weft insertion device for a tricot warp knitting machine in gauge E40 (40 needles per inch).
Leicester
Leicestershire, UK based carbon fibre and speciality composite reinforcements manufacturer Formax has announced that it’s new glass Malitronic Multiaxial machine is now operational and working at full capacity.
