Highlighted will be Dimension-Polyant’s new and commercialized X-Pac VX21 Ocean Edition (OE) – the company’s new fully sustainable version of its top-performing X-Pac VX21 laminate, which many leading brands rely on.

The face fabric of new X-Pac VX21 OE four-layer laminate is constructed with GRS-certified, 100 percent recycled regen Ocean nylon made from discarded fishing nets. All X-Pac is reinforced by Dimension-Polyant’s patented X-PLY® fiber reinforcement technology made with 100 percent post-consumer recycled PET. A lightweight taffeta backing, also made with 100 percent recycled post-consumer PET, provides enhanced stitch holding. As with all X-Pac materials, VX21 OE is made in Dimension-Polyant’s 100 percent carbon neutral plant.

Dimension Polyant has announced that Peak Design, a company committed to become a better and more sustainable company by reducing environmental impact, as the first  brand partner to adopt X-Pac VX21 OE in an exclusive colorway, Coyote Brown, in its award-winning bag — The Everyday Backpack.

“Peak Design has a tremendous reputation for the designing and making the highest quality packs and bags for travel and camera gear and we are thrilled that it has selected our newest fabric made from discarded fishing nets to help support its environmental impact initiatives,” said Taylor North, head of Technical Fabrics, Dimension-Polyant US. “We look forward to hearing all the great consumer feedback on the bag now that it’s available for purchase online.”

X-Pac VX21 OE laminates are currently available in black, white, artic grey, and sea green and will be presented along with its broad portfolio of additional high-performance X-Pac laminates at Performance Days and ISPO Munich later this fall.

Posted: October 22, 2024

Source: Dimension-Polyant

The new facilities, acquired from Gear Cleaning Solutions, are set to begin operations October 21, 2024, and will adhere to the rigorous NFPA 1851 standards, ensuring the highest level of compliance. With Texas being one of only two states (including California) where NFPA 1851 compliance is mandated by law, this expansion marks a significant milestone for Gear Wash, allowing the company to meet the critical needs of first responders in one of the nation’s largest states.

“We are thrilled to establish our first locations in Texas,” says Taylor Burke Gilman, president of Gear Wash. “This expansion is a game-changer for our company and the communities we serve. Our advanced methods, equipment and technologies will give first responders in Texas the utmost confidence in their protective gear. We’re here to ensure their safety, and now we can do so with even greater impact.”

Gear Cleaning Solutions has built a stellar reputation for its NFPA 1851-compliant services, strong relationships with manufacturers, and comprehensive administrative and quality assurance support. These attributes align perfectly with Gear Wash’s mission, making the acquisition a strategic fit that enhances the company’s ability to deliver top-tier PPE care nationwide.

“As a firefighter-owned business, we’ve always treated our customers like family, knowing just how important this work is,” said Rick Johnson, previous owner of Gear Cleaning Solutions. “It’s hard to step away from something we’ve worked so hard on, but we believe it’s the right choice for us and for the future of Gear Cleaning Solutions. We’re confident Gear Wash shares our values and will help us continue to grow while keeping firefighter safety at the forefront.”

With the addition of these Texas facilities, Gear Wash now operates 12 brick-and-mortar locations and one mobile unit across the country. This expansion further solidifies the company’s commitment to providing comprehensive PPE solutions—from inspection and cleaning to repair and alteration — managed by trained and certified professionals who understand the critical importance of protective gear in fire services and other high-risk environments.

Gear Wash also offers temporary gear rentals, ensuring that first responders are never without the protection they need. This seamless, efficient process makes it easier than ever for departments to maintain compliance, extend the life of their gear and, most importantly, keep their personnel safe.

Posted: October 21, 2024

Source: Gear Wash

The IDEA Achievement Awards honor groundbreaking innovations introduced since IDEA22, recognizing excellence in six categories. Winners will be announced during IDEA25, which will be held at the Miami Beach Convention Center, Miami Beach, Fla., from April 29 to May 1, 2025.

Award Categories:

• Raw Materials – Best new raw materials introduction
• Nonwoven Product – Best new nonwoven fabric introduction
• Short-Life – Best new short-life product introduction
• Long-Life – Best new durable product introduction
• Equipment – Best new equipment introduction

Sustainability Advancement – Recognizing sustainability and/or circularity advancements in raw materials, nonwoven fabrics, processes and equipment, and end-use products.

Entries must be submitted by December 16, 2024 for consideration. Finalists in each category will be selected by INDA’s Technical Advisory Board, with the top three in each category moving forward. Voting will take place on the Nonwovens Industry website, allowing industry professionals to determine the winners. Additionally, the recipient of the Entrepreneur Award will be chosen exclusively by Nonwovens Industry Magazine.

For detailed criteria and eligibility information, visit: https://www.inda.org/awards/IDEA-Achievement-Award.html

To nominate a product, visit: https://www.nonwovens-industry.com/idea-reg-achievement-awards

2022 IDEA Achievement Award Winners:

Equipment:

• Herrmann Ultrasonics, Inc.: Elastic Thread Anchoring (ETA) Sonotrode

Raw Materials:

• Rem Brands, Inc: ODOGard

Short-Life Product:

• LifeSavers LLC: LifeSavers Wipes

Long-Life Product:

• MANN+HUMMEL GmbH: Nanofiber Cabin Air Filter

Sustainability Advancement:

• Glatfelter Corp. and Blue Ocean Closures: Fiber-based Screw Caps

Nonwoven Product:

Suominen Corporation: HYDRASPUN® Aquaflo

Entrepreneur:

• Doug Brown, President of Biax-Fiberfilm/5K Fibres

IDEA25 will feature hundreds of exhibitors showcasing the latest innovations in nonwoven and fiber technologies, along with a dedicated, multi-day Sustainability in Nonwovens Conference. Attendees can also participate in “Nonwoven Essentials,” a series of expert-led training sessions designed to enhance industry knowledge and expertise.

For full details on the IDEA Achievement Award criteria and eligibility, visit: IDEA Achievement Awards.

Posted: October 21, 2024

Source: INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry

Rouru joins Suominen from KONE Corp., where she has worked as vice president, People & Communications, Global Functions. She has extensive experience in human resources management and change leadership in Asia, America, and Europe.

“I am delighted to have Minna Rouru joining Suominen. Minna combines strong international HR experience with business and communications acumen. I trust in her ability to continue building the Suominen culture, as well as promoting the competence of our work community. She will also be a valuable addition to our Executive Management Team,” said Tommi Björnman, president and CEO of Suominen.

Posted: October 21, 2024

Source: Suominen Corporation

Freudenberg’s investment of more than 42 million euros in the Morinda facility marks the company’s largest financial commitment in India to date. The new plants are equipped to serve both domestic and international markets, reinforcing Freudenberg’s dedication to India’s “Make in India” initiative. The facilities will cater to key sectors such as automotive and industrial manufacturing, ensuring the company remains competitive by optimizing material flows and leveraging modernized equipment.

Speaking at the inauguration, Dr. Mohsen Sohi, CEO of Freudenberg Group, remarked: “Our investment in the new facilities in Morinda reflects Freudenberg’s strong commitment to the Indian market and the ‘Make in India’ vision. This expansion not only aligns with our global growth strategy but also boosts our ability to serve customers with greater efficiency, innovation, and quality. As we celebrate 175 years of Freudenberg’s legacy of excellence, we are proud to further strengthen our presence in India.”

Sustainability is a core focus of the new facilities. Energy-efficient machinery and eco-friendly practices, such as photovoltaic cells that supply 15 percent of the plant’s energy needs and water-recharging stations, have been incorporated to reduce the environmental footprint.

Sivasailam. G, managing director at Freudenberg Performance Materials India and director & CEO of Freudenberg Regional Corporate Center India, added, “The inauguration of our new manufacturing plants in Morinda showcases our long-term commitment to sustainable growth in India. By bringing our operations together in this advanced facility, we aim to create new job opportunities and nurture local talent. This investment helps us better serve our customers across different industries, offering high-quality products and solutions made in India for both domestic and international markets.”

Freudenberg’s expansion in Morinda is set to generate significant job opportunities, with plans to grow the local workforce by 20 percent, adding approximately 200 new positions. The site will also serve as a global engineering hub, attracting top talent from regional universities, particularly around Chandigarh.

Posted: October 18, 2024

Source: Freudenberg Group

“All of us at Modern Meadow have a passion for technology and innovation, and I am proud to lead us into our next chapter as we continue to advance our mission of commercializing transformative sustainable alternative materials, such as BIO-VERA,” Dr. Williamson said. “Modern Meadow is at a pivotal stage — one in which we are building on our major production milestone to produce 500,000 square meters per year of our BIO-VERA. This milestone highlights the market readiness and cost-efficiency of BIO-VERA, positioning Modern Meadow to meet increasing demand from original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), brands and premium tanneries that are actively adopting the material.”

Modern Meadow’s strategy includes:

• Streamlining operations for increased efficiency
• Expanding its European market presence
• Supporting commercialization and brand adoption efforts by extending its operational runway.

The company will also continue to strengthen and expand the BIO-VERA brand by developing refreshed brand messaging, in close collaboration with its commercial partners, to bring the brand to life for consumers and industry alike.

Posted: October 18, 2024

Source: Modern Meadow

This year’s event served as a dynamic platform for innovation, collaboration and business opportunities in the textiles industry, with a bustling show floor of roughly 380 exhibitors between both expos. Exhibitors showcased the latest technological advancements and products, including space for exhibitors to hold meetings with colleagues and customers.

Steve Schiffman, president and CEO of ATA, expressed his excitement about the continued growth and impact of the expo. “Advanced Textiles Expo continues to evolve and this year set in motion a variety of changes designed to create greater engagement and continuous improvement while keeping people on the show floor,” he said. “Our community values networking opportunities that introduce them to new people and new ideas, and we’re delighted that expo is the platform where that happens. Whether that was at the Textiles Challenge, Industry Night or the Women’s Networking Walk, Advanced Textiles Expo keeps bringing the textiles industry together every year.”

The expo also included more than 25 educational “campfire” sessions, with education spanning 15 markets. Educational sessions included textiles in the new space age, how to be more environmentally conscious in fields such as medical textiles and fabrics, updates on the Awnings Safety Act and other federal law changes, and general topics such as climate change, succession planning and supply chain updates.

The final day featured a Marine Fabricators Association Roadshow, which presented a new topic every hour: From how to build a U-Zip with a built-in rain flap, to selecting the best project materials and general tips and tools in marine fabrication.

Exhibitor demonstrations included everything from welding technology to no-weld canopy system demonstrations, new generation cutting, piece cutting machines and more.

Attendees and exhibitors alike competed in the highly anticipated Textiles Challenge, a fun gameshow-like activity that put contestants to the test both in their knowledge and skill regarding all things textiles. Dan King of Davey Textile Solutions took home first place, while Felix Arwen from NASA Johnson Space Center came in second place, and Justin Wagner from Applied Research Associates Inc. (ARA) placed third.

A series of networking events brought together fabricators, manufacturers, suppliers and thought leaders. Attendees and exhibitors alike met to unwind after the closure of the show floor on day one at the opening reception. Later that night, the fun continued at Industry Night, hosted at the iconic House of Blues. Attendees enjoyed live music and a delicious catered barbecue dinner, making it a night of celebration and networking in a lively atmosphere.

Attendees took advantage of other educational sessions and networking opportunities, like a morning fun run/walk Sept. 25, Speed Networking, NextGen Networking and a live recording of the podcast, Talking Textiles.

Advanced Textiles Expo devoted its last day to women in the textiles industry, beginning the morning with a Women’s Networking Walk, and continuing with women’s leadership sessions that were both educational and empowering. Connie Huffa, CEO of Fabdesigns Inc., and Michelle Lea, chief marketing and sustainability officer at NILIT Ltd., shared both their experiences and the latest from their industries, and answered audience questions about being a woman in the textiles industry. A development session about setting boundaries and prioritizing a work-life balance followed the forum.

Camari Henderson-Zenon, a fabricator and owner of Camari’s Custom Canvas, agreed on the importance of coming together with others in textiles at her first expo.

“As a woman in textiles, attending Advanced Textiles Expo provides me the opportunity to stay current on all aspects of the textile market by networking with other men and women in the trade,” she said. “Along with a platform to share hands-on experiences, both good and bad, with vendor reps to positively shape the trajectory of the industry.”

Emerging Technologies Conference also returned this year September 23–24, following its successful debut last year. Exhibitors learned about topics such as technology transfer in textiles, smart clothing innovations and the use of AI in advanced fabrics. They also participated in the highly anticipated LEGO® networking session and a biomaterials workshop that explored sustainable textile innovations. The conference included its own opening reception, another opportunity for attendees to network.

David Fezer, an exhibitor from Alpha Tubular Motors, said being in his company’s “hometown” made Advanced Textiles Expo extra special this year.

“We had an incredible experience at Advanced Textiles Expo in Anaheim this September. We’re already looking forward to the next year in Indianapolis and can’t wait to see everyone again,” Fezer said. “Thank you to everyone who made this event such a success!”

As the premier event for the textiles industry, Advanced Textiles Expo 2024 continues to prove itself as the top-tier opportunity for professionals to discover new trends, forge partnerships and explore the future of textile technologies.

The next Advanced Textiles Expo will be held November 5–7, 2025, in Indianapolis. For more information, please visit AdvancedTextilesExpo.com.

Posted: October 17, 2024

Source: Advanced Textiles Association® (ATA)

Harper Hygienics, Hello Hazel, and HIRO Technologies will present their groundbreaking absorbent hygiene products at Hygienix, taking place November 18-21 at The Renaissance Nashville Hotel, Nashville, Tennessee.

Meet the 2024 Hygienix Innovation Award Finalists:

• Harper Hygienics S.A.: Cleanic Naturals Hemp – Sanitary Pads (Day & Night), Pantyliners
  Cleanic Naturals Hemp by Harper Hygienics S.A. is an innovative femcare line, crafted with sero regenerative hemp fibers produced by Bast Fibre Technologies and processed on our unique Hemplace technology platform. These sanitary pads and pantyliners are designed for women’s comfort throughout their cycle. Hemp’s antibacterial and hypoallergenic properties make it a natural solution for sensitive skin, ensuring all-day safety and comfort. Plus, sero hemp fibers are 100% natural, offering an eco-conscious approach to personal care.
• Hello Hazel, Inc.: Hazel High & Dry Briefs – Hazel’s High & Dry Briefs – the first and only disposable briefs for leaks designed to look, fit, and feel like real underwear. Engineered with a novel, ultra-thin, highly absorbent core seamlessly integrated beneath a unique elasticated cover that moves naturally with her body, offering unparalleled comfort, discretion, and reliable protection. Purposefully developed to reduce stigma and address both physical and emotional needs, the Briefs successfully attracted many new consumers who previously opted out of the category.
• HIRO Technologies, Inc.: World’s First MycoDigestable Diapers – Introducing the world’s first MycoDigestible diapers, powered by HIRO’s frontier fungal technology. HIRO’s MycoDigestible solution introduces plastic-eating mushrooms in a safe, user-friendly way that seamlessly integrates into everyday life. The HIRO Diaper combines exceptional absorbency with natural materials like unbleached TruCotton and Kraft softwood fluff pulp, offering 12-hour protection while being gentle on both baby and planet.

The 2024 winner will be revealed on Thursday, November 21 at 11:00 am.

The 2023 Hygienix Innovation Award went to Sequel Spiral Tampon, which features a unique spiral design engineered for enhanced fluid absorption and leak prevention. This breakthrough product received FDA clearance as a medical device and is available online and in a growing number of retail outlets.

Hygienix 2024 Conference Highlights:

• Three workshops on Monday (Absorption Systems including recent innovations for Adult Incontinence, Menstrual Care, and Baby and Infant Care Markets)
• Tabletop exhibit displays
• Networking receptions
• Two “Lunch Arounds” featuring boutique and small brand owners
• Engaging lightning talks from tabletop exhibitors
• Premium content on key industry topics, including market data and trends, circularity, sustainability innovations, FemTech, treatment advancements, mobile applications for absorbent hygiene products, and bio-based SAP innovations

For more information or to secure sponsorship opportunities, visit hygienix.org.

Posted: October 17, 2024

Source: INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry

SPARTANBURG, S.C. — October 15, 2024 — Diversified global manufacturer Milliken & Company is pleased to announce the appointment of Marcio Manique as senior vice president of protective fabrics for its textile business. In this critical role, Manique will oversee the fire service, workwear, and napery businesses, in addition to managing Westex: A Milliken Brand.

“Marcio has an impressive background and proven track record of driving growth and innovation across various industries,” said Allen Jacoby, executive vice president and president of Milliken’s textile business. “His expertise brings a level of excellence to the protective fabrics space that will be reflected in every corner of our business.”

Manique has previously held leadership roles at E.I. DuPont de Nemours and DSM. Most recently, he served as a Global Business Director at Avient Protective Materials. He holds a bachelor’s degree in metallurgical engineering from FEI-Brazil, an MBA from São Paulo University, and a postgraduate degree in materials science from the University of São Paulo-Brazil. Additionally, Manique is a certified Six Sigma Master and Black Belt and has completed the Authentic Leader Development program at Harvard Business School.

“I am honored to join Milliken’s longstanding legacy of innovation and especially look forward to collaborating with our talented and passionate team of experts,” Manique said. “Together, we will continue Milliken’s tradition of protecting workers and those who protect us, advancing innovation, performance, and sustainability in the markets we serve.”

October 15, 2024

Source:Milliken & Company

As two of the leading nonwovens industry organizations in the world, INDA and NWI are uniquely positioned to offer a nonwovens training program that combines classroom learning with hands-on activities in NWI’s state-of-the-art nonwoven production and testing labs on the Centennial Campus of North Carolina State University.

All courses are led by expert trainers with decades of experience in nonwovens applications and technology. Guest lecturers from industry will support the program and provide unique insights. The knowledge shared during the INDA/NWI short courses cannot be found elsewhere.

“Internal expertise, industry guest lecturers, state-of-the art equipment – this course has it all!” commented a recent INDA/NWI short course attendee.

2025 INDA/NWI Training Course Schedule:

• Elementary Nonwovens – January 28-29, 2025
• Intermediate Nonwovens – February 4-7, 2025
• Spunbond Technology – March 4-6, 2025
• Carded Nonwovens Technology – April 1-3, 2025
• Filter Media – April 28-29, 2025
• Fiber and Filament Extrusion Fundamentals – June 10-12, 2025
• Meltblown Technology – August 12-14, 2025
• Nonwoven Product Development and Innovation – September 9-12, 2025
• Intermediate Nonwovens – September 30-October 3, 2025
• Elementary Nonwovens – October 28-29, 2025

“INDA is excited to have reached a formal agreement with NWI earlier this year, building upon our long-standing partnership to deliver world-class training programs for nonwovens industry professionals,” said Dr. Matt O’Sickey, INDA’s director of education and technical affairs. “By solidifying our collaboration, INDA and NWI are focused on serving the training needs of our industry with the highest-quality content that delivers technical excellence and business intelligence to individuals working in nonwovens.”

“The 2025 schedule of training courses covers the key nonwoven platforms and technology concepts with an excellent mix of technical and business-minded content,” said Tom Daugherty, NWI’s deputy director. “The program is designed to provide value to experienced industry professionals, as well as those who are new to nonwovens. A new course for 2025 is Carded Nonwovens Technology. The addition of this course is based on direct feedback from our attendees, as we are committed to evolving our training program to meet the needs of the industry.”

Short Course Value Packs

As part of the 2025 short course program, INDA and NWI are offering a Short Course Value Pack incentive to provide maximum value to those organizations who are committed to workforce development. Value Packs are available in bundles of 5, 10, 15, and 20 registrations, with discounts ranging from 10 percent to 25 percent, depending on the size of the Value Pack.

Dr. Behnam Pourdeyhimi, NWI’s executive director, said, “Workforce Development is a pillar of NWI’s service offering, and the INDA/NWI portfolio of training courses is unmatched in the value it offers to organizations operating in and/or serving the nonwovens industry. The Short Course Value Pack program represents a strategic opportunity for business leaders to invest in the knowledge and expertise of their workforce to achieve a competitive advantage in nonwovens, while doing so at an extremely favorable price point.”

For more information and to purchase a Short Course Value Pack, visit https://thenonwovensinstitute.com/short-course-value-pack/

Market Specific Courses

In addition to the slate of nonwoven fabric-focused courses, end-product-specific courses include Filter Media (taught in conjunction with NWI), Wipes and Absorbent Hygiene. NWI and INDA also offer workshops in conjunction with conferences and expos, on-demand content, customized training courses and webinars on hot topics.

For more information and to register for an upcoming INDA/NWI training course, visit https://www.inda.org/training/

Posted: October 15, 2024

Source: INDA, The Association Of The Nonwoven Fabrics Industry / NWI, The Nonwovens Institute