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%.
