Technical Textiles Innovation
Guest Interview
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Innovatec commissions second Oerlikon Nonwoven meltblown system
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ANDRITZ to acquire Laroche, France
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HeiQ Viroblock Wins Prestigious and Coveted Swiss Technology Award 2020
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Manual lever now even more ergonomic
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Publication of AVK Composites Report on transport
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Customized polyester thanks to viscosity build-up in the VacuFil vacuum filter
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We shed light on the recycling jungle
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Tackling coronavirus with meltblown and spun-bond technologies
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Key role for Kipaş in the EU's multi-million New Cotton Project
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Stäubli – innovation driver and long-term shaper of the Swiss machinery landscape
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HeiQ is listed on the London Stock Exchange
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CDP's 'A List': Lenzing is the only first-time discloser recognized with prestigious double 'A' score for global climate and forests stewardship
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Redesigning our future - The new WeftMaster SFB
TECHNICAL TEXTILES INNOVATION
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Technical Textiles Innovation Guest Interview: We are always trying to give the best and unique solution to the industry
editor-in-chief Prakash kinny contributor Thomas Chang circulation Pamela Jones administration Joe Pereira accounts Ramesh Jain photography Tony Fernandes Retail Price : Rs. 100.00 Inside India Annual subscription : Rs. 400.00 Outside India Annual Subscription : US $ 30.00
Mr. Sanjay V Raut, President-Technical and New business, Garware Technical Fibers Limited. Ÿ Can you take me through GTFL and its growth over a period of time in Technical Textile Industry Garware is a brand known in synthetic cordage industry in India right since its inception being pioneer in PP ropes for fishing and industrial applications and subsequently HDPE twines for fishing. This brand has got strengthened over time globally. Later on we added Shipping ropes and PPMF stitching thread. A big inflexion point came when we started making high quality HDPE fishing nets for India and global markets in both twisted and braided variety. This also enabled us to get into sports net's segment. Simultaneously we diversified into Geo synthetics with woven fabrics. We added warp knitting Raschel knotless machines which enabled us to get into the vast arena of Aquaculture nets and Agriculture nets. Thus GTFL is now a truly technical textile company with footprint in multiple applications and with multiple types of these textiles. Ÿ Your take on the growth of technical textile market in India and future of TT across the globe
editorial office TECHNICAL TEXTILES INNOVATION
House No. 157, Satpala, Bhandra Lee Post: Agashi, Tal: Vasai Dist: Palghar (401 301) State: Maharashtra, INDIA Mobile: +91-7798189485/09892723562 Email: info@timesinternational.in prakashkinny@yahoo.com techtexin@gmail.com www.timesinternational.in JAPAN Katsuhiro Ishii Media Representative ACE MEDIA SERVICE INC. 12-6,4-chome,Nishiiko,Adachi-ku, Tokyo121-0824Japan Tel:81-3-5691-3335 Fax:81-3-5691-3336 amskatsu@dream.com
Despite the economic slump and the overall demand for textiles going down because of the Covid-19 pandemic, the sector remains the second largest employer in India. "By transforming a Covid-19 crisis to an opportunity, India has proven its ability to innovate and rise to the challenge with limited resources and time. Therefore, it is even more essential for the government and industry to collaborate to boost technical textiles, a high-value segment of this sector," While the technical textiles industry is at a nascent stage in India, it holds "vast potential for growth. With the government's aim to create world class infrastructure in the country, in addition to the implementation of several policies and schemes to boost the textile sector," the technical textiles segment is poised for growth. And useful physical properties such as durability, elasticity, and versatility make technical textiles even more useful "in times of changing climate, global warming, and complex industrial processes. Presence of large and global and domestic players has influenced the growth in technical textiles and has helped build sector prominence".
TAIWAN, R.O.C Kenly chang BUILDWELL INTERNATIONAL ENT., CO., LTD. Head Office:No.120, Huludun 2nd St., Fongyuan City, Taichung County 42086, Taiwan, R.O.C Tel:886-4-25123015 Fax: 886-4-25122372 E-mail address: buildwel@ms23.hinet.net India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Srilanka, Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand, China, HongKong, USA, Germany, Spain, Italy, U.K. & France
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OCTOBER-DECEMBER 2020
According to a recent Invest India report (Aug 2020), the global demand for technical textiles is expected to grow to $220 billion by 2025 from $165 billion in 2018, at a CAGR of 4%. The report, titled "Technical Textiles: The Future of Textiles", goes on to say that the Asia-Pacific has captured 40% of the global market, with North America accounting for 25%, and Europe at 22%. In India, the market is estimated at $19 billion, growing at a CAGR of 12% over the past five years. "It contributes to about 0.7% to India's GDP and accounts for approximately 13% of India's total textile and apparel market, According to the baseline of ministry of Textiles survey India's technical textiles market shows a growth of 20% from $16.6 billion in 2017-18 to $28.7 billion by 2020-21, In terms of exports, in 2018-19, India exported an estimated $1.9 billion of technical textiles, with exports growing at a CAGR of 4% over the past four years Consumption of technical textiles in India is at only "5%-10% against "30%-70% in some of the advanced countries". Therefore, a National Technical Textiles Mission has been set up "that aims at an average growth rate of 15%-20% to increase the domestic market size of technical textiles to $40 billion-$50 billion" by 2024, Sourcehttps://www.fortuneindia.com/venture/good-times-ahead-fortechnical-textiles/104686 Ÿ How GTFL Technology is helping the farmers in rural area to work efficiently and effectively. Our below Products helps rural farmers to get more productivity, efficiency and protection against weather 1. Shade Net are made by warp knitted nets to protect the fields from extensive solar radiation, for wind protection & harmful effects of blustery weather and frosts. 2. Insect repellent net made of woven HDPE fabric 3. Knitted mono filament nets are used for production of bird protection nets to protect the crop from damage caused by birds and pests. 4. Polypropylene is used to produce ground cover textiles for long term weed control, moisture conservation and landscaping purpose. 5. In India, fishing is also mainly a rural affair with fishing bases sprawling multiple coastal towns. Our nets and ropes help them derive more benefit by virtue of better catch and fuel saving.
company. The value of fishermen's operation is enhanced through fuel saving and better catches. GTFL has become one of the leading suppliers of netting materials to the global farmed salmon sector. GTFL gets a substantial portion of its revenues from aquaculture, with its products found all over the world. GTFL's latest nets are made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE), instead of the more traditional nylon. Our HDPE nets have edge over to Nylon considering underwater application. GTFL's latest innovation incorporates metallic copper particles within the net material (V2 net - patented). Addition of copper further increases the material density and gives anti fouling effect to the net. The metallic particles lead to a continuous release of a small amount of copper ions into the water. Which helps in delaying fouling growth and therefore it also delays requirement of cleaning of nets frequently which is about 50% reduction in cleaning cycles. Ÿ How GTFL 59 patents, with many first helps to increase the productivity and efficiency in fishing, farming, shipping, sports, geosynthetics, among others.
Any "New product development" starts with understanding of the problems faced by our customers & providing a practical solution for the same. Most of the times the problems are very unique and not have been addressed by any other supplier earlier. At GTFL we believe in the satisfaction of customer. We target on the problem & based on the same we design and innovate our products. Generally the patents of product or technology innovations doesn't have practical application due to the limitation of application or cost, but all our patented products are very cost effective and gives right and practical solutions. Due to the same our products helps to increase the productivity and efficiency of the end application, which translates into the monetary gain for our customers. Ÿ What are GTFL latest technology in regards to Technical fibres that might/is unique from other player from the same field
Since the inception of GTFL, we are always trying to give the best Is there any new projects in technical textile industry that and unique solution to the industry. Such as in case of Aquaculture industry we have introduced our GTFL is opting towards, if any patented product V2 nets few years ago, which have an inherent GTFL is constantly working on new arenas aided by its 20+ strong anti fouling property to the nets during use in sea. R&D setup. We always work with newer fibres and yarns in This product ours is well accepted by global players in fish farming industry, because of this product fish farming industry are now multiple applications. Ÿ Can you elaborate more on GTFL R&D Unit which has saving on their net cleaning cost as well as cleaner nets gives a been spinning out innovations for the global salmon farming, more water exchange which helps fish to get more dissolved oxygen which ensures better fish health. helping improve productivity and efficiency Our other patented product "X12 lice shield" which is again for GTFL's R&D unit is comprised of unique combination of industry Aquaculture, has also gain accolades from the global fish farming researchers, PHD holders & Engineers in Polymer technology & industry. This product blocks the entry of free swimming larval of the Sea Textiles. At GTFL we believe in the satisfaction of customer. We target on Lice (Known as Caligus). This mechanical blocking of larvae is a the problem faced by the Aquaculture industry based on the same preventative method of controlling lice larvae. Sea lice affects the fish health and increases fish mortality, which is we design and innovate our products. In terms of the aquaculture industry, Salmon fish farming is biggest direct loss for the fish farmers. in the world and as fish would an alternate food source the Ÿ What are GTFL plan post covid-19 to rectify/overcome the loses faced, if any requirement is always growing. To cater the needs of the Aqua industry in terms on increasing • Business in Q1 was deeply impacted due to the COVID19 productivity, efficacy and quality of end product, we have induced lockdown. Manufacturing and Sales came to a standstill across the country developed our products and received the patents. Ÿ
Ÿ W h a t a r e t h e E n h a n c i n g v a l u e o f G T F L . Q2 -We were able to register significant top and bottom line growth in Q2 with good demand across both domestic and Fishing/Aquaculture customers globally international markets. The Aquaculture nets (Fish nets) are a small part of the overall cost but can significantly impact the bottom line of fish farming
TECHNICAL TEXTILES INNOVATION
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TECHNOLOGY Innovatec commissions second Oerlikon Nonwoven meltblown system
Production capacities for European supplies of protective equipment expanded
A 2-beam meltblown system – here with integrated ecuTEC+ for electrostatically-charging the filter media.
increasingly in demand since the start of the coronavirus pandemic and whose domestic manufacture is being supported by the German Government. Here, the highly-efficient Oerlikon Nonwoven meltblown technology from Neumünster is supporting the production of these highly-effective filter media.
The capacities for respiratory masks available in Europe to date are predominantly manufac-tured on Oerlikon Nonwoven systems.
Just a few days ago, the second newly-delivered Oerlikon Nonwoven meltblown system was commissioned at Innovatec's state of the-art machine park. With it, the nonwovens manufacturer – based in Troisdorf in North RhineWestphalia – immediately started producing polypropylene filter nonwovens: in particular for use in protective face masks, which have been
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“Back in June 2020, Oerlikon Nonwoven delivered the first so-called 2-beam system to Innovatec", reports Rainer Straub, Head of Oerlikon Nonwoven. Together with the second production line, the Troisdorf-based enterprise has been able to almost double its filter nonwoven output to date. The North RhineWestphalian company now has filter media production capacities that can be used to manufacture up to 2.5 billion operating room filter masks or a billion highlyeffective FFP2 masks per year. The, according to its own information, leading manufacturer of meltblown mask nonwovens in Europe is participating in the German Government's 'Nonwovens Production' grant program to ramp up its output capacities and has for this reason already received a visit from top German politicians, including Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Peter Altmaier and North Rhine-Westphalia Minister President Armin Laschet. Together, politicians and industry want to ensure that the production capacities for protective equipment continue to grow in Germany and that above all critical supply chains are secured at both national and European levels. And companies such as Innovatec and Oerlikon Nonwoven are actively contributing towards this.
OCTOBER-DECEMBER 2020
TECHNOLOGY
ANDRITZ to acquire Laroche, France International technology Group ANDRITZ has signed an agreement with Laroche, based in Cours, France, to acquire LM Industries comprising Laroche SA and Miltec SA, France. ANDRITZ will take over all Laroche entities and their business worldwide. Closing of the transaction, which is subject to approval by the ANDRITZ Supervisory Board, is expected at the beginning of 2021. Laroche is a leading supplier of fiber processing technologies such as opening, blending and dosing, airlay web forming, textile waste recycling and decortication of bast fibers. The product portfolio further complements the ANDRITZ Nonwoven product range. ANDRITZ is now able to offer the complete supply and value chain, from the raw material, to opening and blending, web forming, bonding, finishing, drying, and converting. Laroche's highperformance technologies for opening and blending enhance the ANDRITZ scope of supply for spunlace, needlepunch and wetlaid production lines. Moreover, both companies have agreed to further strengthen the development of their existing technologies for high-speed and high-capacity applications and also to continue pursuing the development of textile recycling processes in
order to stay ahead of the changes the industry is facing. Laroche SA has been developing fiber processing technologies for more than 100 years. With integrated manufacturing, the company supplies lines for a wide range of industries/products: spinning, bedding and furniture, automotive, acoustic and thermal insulation, geotextiles, filtration, wipes, and many more. Robert Laroche, President of Laroche: "This acquisition is the logical conclusion in view of the successful long-term relationship between ANDRITZ and Laroche. We have been working in close cooperation for more than ten years and are very much looking forward to becoming a member of the ANDRITZ family." Andreas Lukas, Senior Vice President and Division Manager, ANDRITZ Nonwoven: "By adding Laroche's state-of-the-art products and expertise to our existing capabilities, ANDRITZ Nonwoven will further strengthen its market and technology position."
HeiQ Viroblock Wins Prestigious and Coveted Swiss Technology Award 2020
Carlo Centonze and his daughter Anna (Image from HeiQ) HeiQ Viroblock has bagged the coveted Swiss prize in Switzerland, Swiss Technology Award, Technology Award 2020! The leading technology yesterday announced the 2020 prizes, and among all TECHNICAL TEXTILES INNOVATION
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TECHNOLOGY the notable finalist innovations of the year, HeiQ was bestowed the highest honor as First Prize Winner for its breakthrough antiviral textile technology HeiQ Viroblock. This is the most notable recognition for the young company's innovative spirit and technologies as well as its contribution to stemming the spread of the global pandemic. Developed in record time and launched after the Swiss authorities announced the lockdown in March 2020, HeiQ Viroblock has had a major impact on the global textile industry and is being unprecedently adopted by mills around the world. HeiQ Viroblock is one of the world's most efficient and effective antiviral/antimicrobial technologies and has been applied by more than 150 brands worldwide to over 1 billion products from face masks, apparels to home textiles, mattresses and curtains to date.
face masks and other PPE (personal protection equipment) to different corners of the world where are needed. Now, Swiss consumers can also acquire HeiQ Viroblock enhanced face masks online. Reacting to the news of HeiQ Viroblock winning this year's Swiss Tech Award, Co-founder and CEO Carlo Centonze says: "I am both amazed and honored that HeiQ has won this award a second time in just ten years, and from among some incredible tech innovation finalists. It confirms our resolve to push the boundaries and push innovations to help the world with its most pressing and imminent problems. This award is recognition for our company and team that have spared no efforts to develop and launch HeiQ Viroblock at such speed and make a valuable contribution to the global pandemic efforts. We remain true to our mission: enhancing the everyday lives of people with smart and efficient textile effects." The technology that makes HeiQ Viroblock a HeiQ, Viroblock and HeiQ Viroblock are trademark(s) or registered trademark(s) of HeiQ Materials AG. unique innovation What exemplifies HeiQ Viroblock is its ability to turn any fabric antiviral. It's among the first textile About HeiQ technologies in the world to be proven effective Founded in 2005 as a spin-off from the Swiss Federal against SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19). HeiQ Viroblock Institute of Technology Zurich (ETH), HeiQ is a leader consists of a combination of HeiQ's patent-pending in textile innovation creating some of the most vesicle and silver technologies. The two mechanisms effective, durable and high-performance textile of attack result in an over 99.9% destruction of viruses technologies on the market today. HeiQ's mission is to in 5 minutes that is unrivaled in the industry. HeiQ improve the lives of billions of people by perfecting an Viroblock is a unique patent-pending formulation of everyday product: Textiles. Combining three areas of 72% bio-based ingredients, made with 100% expertise – scientific research, specialty materials cosmetic-grade materials from the International manufacturing and consumer ingredient branding – Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients list. HeiQ HeiQ is the ideal innovation partner to create Viroblock is also a shining example of Swiss differentiating and sustainable textile products and cooperation between academics and the industry. The capture the added value at the point of sale. With a total silver technology was developed at ETHZ capacity of 35'000 tons per year HeiQ manufactures in (Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich), the the USA, Switzerland and Australia supplying its vesicle technology at EPFL (École polytechnique specialty chemical products in over 60 countries fédérale de Lausanne), and the production was scaled worldwide. up at FHNW (Fachhochschule Nordwestschweiz). About HeiQ Viroblock (NPJ03) technology HeiQ Viroblock has demonstrated unparalleled Ÿ Breakthrough patent-pending combination of two technologies: speed from laboratory to consumer With unprecedented speed of a mere two months as compared to average launch time of 12-18 months, o HeiQ's registered silver technology for antiviral and HeiQ launched the new antiviral textile technology antibacterial effect (non-nano) – attracts and binds the HeiQ Viroblock on March 16, 2020 – two hours after virus and inhibits growth of bacteria Switzerland declared a state of emergency. This was o HeiQ's cosmetic liposome vesicle technology acting made possible with the indispensable support of Swiss as a booster – destroys the viral membrane research Partner FHNW and the EPFL which helped o HeiQ has supplied HeiQ Viroblock to ca.300 accelerate product validation. The fast scale-up of customers globally since its launch and on boarded production was enabled by the FHNW School of Life over 300 brands with this technology. Sciences with their new Process Technology Center o HeiQ Viroblock is estimated to have been applied to (PTC) by special permit. With its agile operations and more than 1 billion masks worldwide. global footprint, HeiQ also brought HeiQ Viroblock o From April to May, HeiQ helped the Swiss Army 14
OCTOBER-DECEMBER 2020
TECHNOLOGY source 100'000 protective isolation gowns, chartering a full Swiss Airliner repurposed for transport of Personal Protective Equipment. o HeiQ launched disposable and washable masks featuring several of HeiQ's high performance technologies with good initial success. o The masks continue to be rated with 5 stars by consumers on Brack.ch. A customer who has travelled across half the globe even sent us a thank you card stating how comfortable the mask was for his 12-hour flight. What is more: 2 out of this list
• All ingredients are listed on International Nomenclature for Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI). • Certified by Beta Analytics laboratories as a 72% biobased technology. • HeiQ on media recently: HeiQ on CNN. • HeiQ on "Good Morning America" with DL1961. • HeiQ on Forbes and Yahoo Finance with Serta Simmons Bedding (SSB), world's largest mattress maker who would be the first to introduce mattresses with HeiQ Viroblock technology into North America. • HeiQ is the most featured textile technology company on Vogue, with DL1961, Malwee and Albini Ÿ HeiQ's contribution to the COVID-19 pandemic: • Applied on at least one billion face masks during the online of "most comfortable masks" are with the HeiQ Viroblock technology. current pandemic • Strong antimicrobial effect proven by ISO20743 and o HeiQ co-sponsored 1800 masks at the VentureLab antiviral effect by ISO18184 tests (view test reports top 100 Swiss Startup Award online) • The technology was one of the first in the world to Ÿ Some of the brands that have adopted HeiQ have been tested effective against SARS-CoV-2 (the Viroblock: Burberry, Mammut, Cornelia James, virus that causes COVID-19): 99.99% reduction in 30 DL1961, SertaSimmons Bedding, Outdoor Research, Buff, Craighoppers, Aviro, Albini, Malwee and the minutes • Instantaneous antiviral effect on Sendai virus, Medical Supply Company of Switzerland. demonstrated within 2-5 minutes.
Modernized AS H 32 and AS H 38 yarn suction devices
Manual lever now even more ergonomic
The new AS H 32 and AS H38 hand injectors have been designed for applications that re-quire a particularly high suction performance. Finer adjustment of the yarn suction force, lower the case of the AS H 38 series. In addition to this, string-up compressed air consumption for the same yarn tension, without 'ramp-up' is possible in certain applications. Also smooth, ergonomic compressed-air valve – all promises new is a smoother, more ergonomic compressed-air valve, fulfilled by the modernized AS H 32 and AS H 38 yarn which makes deploying the yarn suction devices more suction devices. Also known as hand injectors, these yarn comfortable for users. Furthermore, the required yarn suction devices are standard components of all spinning po- suction force can be adjusted more finely. The new 'highsitions. The AS H 32- and AS H 38-series high-performance performance devices' have been designed for applications hand injectors are superior to those of other manufacturers, that require a particularly high suction performance. For above all as a result of their lower compressed air several months now, they have been successfully operating consumption for the same yarn ten-sion. This is made in pilot projects within the context of a BCF yarn application possible due to the higher yarn suction forces, particularly in in Europe and a tape yarn system located in the US. TECHNICAL TEXTILES INNOVATION
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TECHNOLOGY
Publication of AVK Composites Report on transport AVK member institutes report on their research projects This is the second edition of the AVK Composites Report to be published this year. It offers AVK member institutes the opportunity to report the latest news on their research projects. This year's Composites Report focuses on the area of transportation.
The next edition of the report will be published in spring 2021.
Find out more on the AVK website www.avk-tv.de or by clicking the direct link to the electronic report: https://www.unserebroschuere.de/AVK_Composite2 The Fraunhofer Institute for Chemical Technology _2020/WebView/ (ICT) explains how hybrid lightweight construction technology can be used for commercial vehicle cabs, About AVK and the Institute for Plastics Processing (IKV) shows AVK, the German Federation of Reinforced Plastics, is how fibre reinforced plastics can be used in building the professional German association for fibrethe mobility solutions of the future. The Institute for reinforced plastics and composites. It represents the Composite Materials (IVW) simulated the damping interests of manufacturers and processors both in behaviour of bonded plastic joints under dynamic Germany and at the European level. stress, while the Institute of Textile Technology (ITA) reports on the transport of repair patches for fibre Its range of services includes specialised workgroups, reinforced composites. A paper by the Institute for seminars and conferences as well as the provision of Lightweight Engineering and Polymer Technology at market-specific information (www.avk-tv.de). the TU Dresden on the use of high-performance fibre In Germany, AVK is one of four support organisations composites – this year's AVK Innovation Award of GKV, the General Association of the Plastics winner in the field of Research and Science – also Processing Industry. Within Europe, it is a member of demonstrates its powers of innovation. the European umbrella association for composites, EuCIA (European Composites Industry Association). Print editions of the report are available in both AVK is a founding member of Composites Germany. German and English as well as online as an e-report.
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OCTOBER-DECEMBER 2020
TECHNOLOGY Recycled PET
Customized polyester thanks to viscosity build-up in the VacuFil vacuum filter The BB Engineering VacuFil process enables the reutilization of polyester waste into high-end textile filament and fiber products. Sustainable handling of natural resources is a global task, something that needs to be addressed now and not just in the future. This relates in particular to the further development of the circular economy for post consumer or post production waste. For this reason, the recyclability of PET products made by the manmade fiber industry is attributed special significance. Modern resource friendly packaging would not be conceivable without manmade PET fibers and commodities generally made from chemicals, such as beverage bottles, cleaning materials, etc. As a raw material that is along with polyolefins and polyamide such a dominant raw material, it is essential that polyester is also recycled. For PET bottle material, the recycling of polyester materials and the possibilities for converting the waste into new high end products within the polyester filaments, fibers and nonwovens market are state of the art Across the globe, consumers in the markets are demanding sustainable products and the careful utilization of resources-increasingly in the textile sector as well. Leading fashion companies, sports apparel and furniture manufacturers and the automobile industry, i e for car seats and interior cladding components, are increasingly focusing on sustainable products and products made from recycled materials. Today, they are already telling suppliers of filaments, fibers and nonwovens that they will be switching from exclusively virgin polyester to recycled polyester in some cases up to 100 percent for the manufacture of their textile products in the near future Consumers’ social awareness has been the trigger for this development.
being recycled and comprehensive cleaning before they are shredded into polyester flakes It is then possible to spin these flakes. directly into POY filaments (DTY in the downstream process), staple fibers, nonwovens and BCF endless filaments. Today, the technology is so refined that the products achieve a quality standard that corresponds to virgin material in many applications. However, there are also many cases in which the material quality and/or property achieved does not comply with the market requirements For numerous textile applications, parameters such as viscosity and homogeneity are crucial and must be subject to virtually no fluctuations. In other words, to enable recycled polyester to be used here in the first place necessitates its pre treatment. And this is carried out by the VacuFil recycling process, a BB Engineering GmbH development The VacuFil enables the manufacture ofextremely homogeneous, viscosity stable rPET melt and hence a precisely definable and reproducible raw material for downstream processes (i. e spinning plant). As a manufacturer of components and systems for producing manmade fibers, BB Engineering ( is familiar with the dire impact that even the smallest viscosity deviation has on the spinning plant process. With the VacuFil the company has succeeded, depending on the intended end application, in aligning the melt with the process in a targeted manner. Macro and microscopic melt homogeneity is achieved by means of homogenization drying, controlled plasticizing, gentle filtration and controlled vacuum degassing.
In the downstream processes, the melt can either be first granulated or fed directly into the end product’s manufacturing process. Recycled polyester, produced using the BBE VacuFil process, can even be used for more challenging downstream processes, including the manufacture of FDY filaments, for example Here the material is subjected to extreme loads throughout the entire manufacturing process. In the FDY single stage process, the filaments are drawn and taken up at Manmade fibers and filaments made from recycled speeds of up to 4 500 m/min. bottle flake material require corresponding single variety collection or pre sorting of the bottle material The original idea namely to manufacture sub premium goods using recycled polyester raw material, i e for use in insulating materials is short sighted from today’s perspective Recycled polyester has long been prevalent within the high end textile segment. Viewing polyester as a valuable resource rather than as waste is an important and proper development.
TECHNICAL TEXTILES INNOVATION
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TECHNOLOGY
Visco+filter components–the heart of the BB Engineering's VacuFil recycling system
Matthias Schmitz, VacuFilProduct Manager, and Dr. Klaus Schäfer, Managing Director BBE is headquartered in Remscheid/Germany and is a joint venture between Brückner Group GmbH, the world market leader for machines for the polyester foil industry and headquartered in Siegsdorf / and Oerlikon Textile GmbH Co KG, the world market leader for systems for the manmade fiber industry and eadquartered in Remscheid/Germany BBE is a pioneer in the development of processes for using recycled materials, particularly polyester flakes, and converting them into contemporary, market appropriate products for filaments, fibers and nonwovens for manmade fiber industry consumers. 18
“Our decades of competence kicked in while we were developing the VacuFil. What Oerlikon Barmag brings to the table as a technological leader in the field of filament yarn spinning systems, BBE complements with considerable know how in the area of extrusion and filtration and in systems construction and engineering!”, states Dr Klaus Schäfer, CEO of BBE. BBE is the exclusive supplier of extrusion filter technology for various manmade fiber industry polymers, particularly polyester, for its arent companies As a result of its association with the OCTOBER-DECEMBER 2020
TECHNOLOGY Brückner and Oerlikon Textile groups, BBE is always aware of the requirements of the further processing industry in terms of granulate and melt made from recycled polyester. It is also, and particularly, for this reason that the further development of post consumer PET material and post production PET material is of special interest to BBE’s parent companies and the reason for them bundling their recycling know how to form the BB Engineering joint venture. BBE is located at the same site in Remscheid as Oerlikon Barmag When it comes to the downstream processes with the VarioFil spinning system the basis for spinning high end manmade POY and FDY fiber filaments for textile and industrial applications that has been tried and tested for decades now BBE is already an established manufacturer of compact and flexible systems for the manmade fiber industry. VarioFil R spinning systems have been used for converting PET regranulates and directly PET flakes into POY/DTY for both textile and carpet applications And spin dyed products made from PET recycled granulates are also being produced using VarioFil systems. The development, construction and assembly of VacuFil and VarioFil units are carried out exclusively in Remscheid, very much in line with the company’s tried and tested ‘Made in Germany’ machine construction philosophy. VacuFil premiered at the ITMA 2019 in Barcelona, garnering considerable attention at the trade fair Since then, numerous tests have been conducted on the pilot system at the Remscheid site using authentic waste material supplied by various customers. The polyester recycled using the VacuFil has been successfully spun into POY and FDY Various target viscosities and starting materials are not a problem for the VacuFil thanks to the innovative key component, the Visco+ vacuum filter. A reactor is not required The VacuFil unites gentle large scale filtration and swift intrinsic viscosity build up for consistently outstanding melt quality. The attached vacuum unit, which is automatically regulated between 1 and 30 mbar, removes volatile contamination, ensures a controlled IV increase and additionally achieves an ideal melt homogeneity, which is vital for the downstream spinning performance. Comprising an inline viscosity measuring unit connected to the vacuum system, the IV can be continuously and reliably adjusted Hence, producers are able to generate the specific kind of recycled polyester they require for their application The excellent degasification performance additionally TECHNICAL TEXTILES INNOVATION
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relieves energy intensive pre drying. With their modular structure and a performance spectrum of between 300 kg/h and maximum 3 000 kg/h, VacuFil systems open up various possibilities for processing polyester waste Bottle flakes, agglomerated spinning waste or a mixture of both can be processed into high quality PET granulate or fed directly into downstream processes (i e the spinning plant). The entire recycling process is controlled and monitored by Oerlikon Barmag’s GUIDE system, guaranteeing the accustomed reliability. With an optional 3 DD mixer, the market proven mixing technology manufactured by BBE, producers can not only add additives to the melt, they can also easily change rPET ratios in the main melt from between 5 and 50 percent stream in order to comply with legal standards. Customer requirements can be optimally catered for with various system configurations ..“The close collaboration between the future operators of the system and our experts ensures that projects are successful. Tests carried out using authentic raw material supplied by customers in our small scale production system guarantee a sophisticated process that complies with the mentioned requirements. With our process visualization system, customers always have a close eye on the broad operating window and the optimum operating point. And if this is occasionally not the case, our software supplies useful process optimization information This saves costs and increases productivity!”, explains Matthias Schmitz, VacuFil Product Manager. About BB Engineering GmbH BB Engineering GmbH is a german machine building company founded in 1997 as a joint venture between Oerlikon Barmag, a subsidiary of Oerlikon Textile GmbH Co KG and Brückner Group GmbH Nowadays, the company employs more than 160 members of staff at its location in Remscheid, Germany, focusing their business on development, engineering, design and manufacturing of extrusion and filtration technologies as well as complete spinning (VarioFil) and recycling machines (VacuFil) for the plastic and textile industry. The services offered range from the design and planning phases all the way through to the implementation of projects.
TECHNOLOGY We shed light on the recycling jungle Upcycling, downcycling, recycling and better use of raw materials are only a few terms for different sustainability efforts in the textile industry. The subject is complex and can have many different characteristics.
On the one hand there is the raw material PET bottles, i.e. former one-way water bottles, from which fleece fabrics or even carpets can be made in the second life cycle. Yesterday's fashion items, i.e. used textiles, can also become a sought-after raw material and play a role in yarn production. A further recycling option belongs to the area of optimised raw material utilisation: Thanks to advanced machine technologies, highquality yarns are nowadays produced from production waste or even from noils. Outdated trousers become a top fashion item? Unfortunately, textile recycling is not that simple. In Germany alone, over one million tonnes of old clothes are collected every year. But this huge mountain of material has to be sorted, classified and processed before it can be used as raw material. Some of it is marketed as used clothing. Another part is used as raw material and further processed, for example to make cleaning cloth, insulation material in cars or even bank notes. And a very large proportion is destined to end up in the incinerator because of its poor initial quality. The simplest recycling route: Water bottle with a future A basic distinction is made between chemical and mechanical recycling processes. The recovery of polyester granulate from PET bottles is assigned to the chemical side. The bottles are shredded into flakes, whose polymers are then dissolved. These dissolved
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polymers represent the spinning mass from which new fibers or directly a new web is produced. For this process, Truetzschler Man-Made Fibers offers a line for producing high-quality carpet yarns, the socalled BCF yarns (Bulky Continous Filaments), directly from PET flakes. The process has three stages and consists of melting R-PET (recycled polyethylene terephthalate from PET bottles), spinning of a multifilament yarn via the spinneret, and subsequent drawing and texturing. Texturing refers to the permanent crimping of the filament. However, fibers for short staple fiber yarns (Truetzschler Spinning) or for webs (Truetzschler Nonwovens) can also be the target. For the Truetzschler installation concepts, it makes no difference whether the polyester fiber comes from a secondary raw material or a virgin raw material. From a purely chemical point of view, it is not traceable which raw material the fiber is based on. Mechanical recycling The degree of difficulty of recycling processes always depends on the initial quality of the (secondary) raw materials. Blended fabrics, for example, represent a basic problem in the recycling of used clothing fiber materials – because sorting accuracy is really scarce on the used textiles market: Cotton, viscose, polyester, silk, polyamide, polyacrylonitrile, wool, linen and other materials can be mixed together in one fabric. On OCTOBER-DECEMBER 2020
TECHNOLOGY
Example for production waste: Blow room waste the other hand, secondary raw materials can also be sorted by type: Waste or noils directly produced in the spinning mill are of excellent quality and can be perfectly recycled. The path to a new beginning The later the secondary raw material is obtained, the more complex the recycling process becomes. Waste from spinning preparation can be processed comparatively well. One example of this are the socalled noils, i.e. combed-out fibers and neps, which are undesirable especially where high-quality yarns are concerned. Since the material has already passed through the blow room and over the cards, it is highquality "waste". This is a recyclable raw material that is used, for instance, in banknotes or hygiene products or is spun into yarn itself. It is also possible to reclaim the share of good fibers from production waste, such as blow room and carding waste, and reintroduce it into the spinning preparation process. A separate Truetzschler waste recycling line with particularly intensive cleaning by the Waste Cleaner CL-R increases the degree of opening and enables recycling down to the last good fibers. Used textiles require many intermediate steps before the resulting raw material can be turned into yarn in a spinning mill. Prior to running on Truetzschler machines, the material must first be sorted and cut, TECHNICAL TEXTILES INNOVATION
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before it becomes a single fiber again. The result are bales made of opened and separated secondary fibers, which can then be fed again to the spinning preparation. Bales made of 100% recycled fibers can be processed via a simplified Truetzschler spinning opening line. Additional intensive cleaning of the fibers is no longer necessary, as they have already been cleaned before being processed into textiles. When processing blends of recycled fibers and raw cotton or synthetic fibers, the use of a T-BLEND line is recommended. This can guarantee the accuracy of the desired blending ratio, even at the highest production levels. To avoid losing too many fibers in the preparation process, the recycled fibers are no longer exposed to a separate intensive pre-cleaning process, but are mixed with the raw material afterwards. TrĂźtzschler Waste Recycling Line, for example for pre-cleaning of blow room or card waste. These bales of secondary raw materials are not only used to produce yarns, but also carded nonwovens on Truetzschler Nonwovens lines. The classic method applied here is hydroentanglement. Thermobonding, after the addition of bicomponent fibers, and chemical bonding are also possible. Sustainability and recycling: More than just a trend
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Example for regenerates: Fibers from torn jeans
The textile industry has put sustainability on the agenda. Efforts focus on environmental and resource protection, the substitution of chemicals, the promotion of sustainable fibers and humane working conditions.From cultivation to recycling or disposal, however, there are a variety of approaches to achieve these goals. As one of the leading textile machinery manufacturers, Truetzschler faces up to this responsibility. When designing our machines, we have been paying attention to shortened processes, optimised raw material utilisation, durable machine components and machines that significantly improve the recycling process, and not just since yesterday. Together with our customers we can thus make a contribution to a sustainable textile production chain.
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About Truetzschler: The Truetzschler Group is a German textile machinery manufacturer headquartered in Moenchengladbach, Germany. The family business is divided into the business units Spinning, Nonwovens, Man-Made Fibers and Card Clothing. Machines, installations and accessories for spinning preparation, the nonwovens and man-made fibre industry are produced in eight locations worldwide. In addition to four factories in Germany, TrĂźtzschler has production sites in China (Shanghai), India (Ahmedabad), USA (Charlotte) and Brazil (Curitiba) as well as a development location in Switzerland (Winterthur). The company has a worldwide service network with service companies and centres in all important textile processing markets. Fore more information visit: www.truetzschler.com OCTOBER-DECEMBER 2020
TECHNOLOGY Protective equipment demands high-end nonwoven products
Tackling coronavirus with meltblown and spun-bond technologies Since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, the worldwide demand for protective masks and apparel has resulted in a record number of new orders in the high double-digit millions of euros at Oerlikon Nonwoven. The meltblown technology from Neumünster is recognized by the market as being one of the technically most efficient methods for producing highly-separating filter media made from plastic fibers.
The rising demand for protective masks and other medical protective equipment since the start of the coronavirus pandemic and the associated global ramping up of production capacities has also resulted in an increase in the demand for nonwovens for the production thereof. Initially, this resulted in bottlenecks in the provision of meltblown filter nonwovens. To this end, there had until this point be very few producers of medical filter nonwovens outside China. Meanwhile, the demand for spunbond systems is also rising. "Due to the structure of our group, we are in the fortunate position to swiftly reallocate and free up our production capacities. This means that we are able to relatively quickly deliver not only meltblown systems, but also spunbond equipment", explains Dr. Ingo Mählmann, Head of Sales & Marketing at Oerlikon Nonwoven, talking about the positive situation at the company. The capacities for respiratory masks available in Europe to date are predominantly manufactured on Oerlikon Nonwoven systems. "Our machines and systems for manufacturing manmade fiber and nonwovens solutions enjoy an outstanding reputation throughout the world. Ever more manufacturers in the most diverse countries are hoping to become independent of imports", comments Dr. Mählmann. The Oerlikon Nonwoven meltblown systems are being delivered to Germany, China, Turkey, United Kingdom, South Korea, Italy, France, North America and – for the very first time – to Australia until well into 2021. Quality and efficiency in demand Depending on the purpose of the application, medical PPE (personal protection equipment) should be breathable and comfortable to wear, protect medical staff against viruses, bacteria and other harmful substances and form a barrier against liquids. For these reasons, they are often made of either pure spunbond or of spunbond-meltblown combinations. Here, the meltblown nonwoven core assumes the barrier or filter task, while the spunbond has to retain its shape, while being tear-resistant, abrasion-proof, absorbent,
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particularly flame-resistant and nevertheless extremely soft on the skin. Oerlikon Nonwoven is one of only a few European systems manufacturers able to offer both meltblown and spunbond systems. The systems are convincing with their combination of effectiveness and productivity, while simultaneously being highly-efficient. The homogeneous nonwoven formation ensures highquality end products. "We offer our customers systems that are explicitly tailored to their requirements. We supply them with the total package – from the extrusion process all the way through to the nonwoven roll goods, all from a single source", states Dr. Mählmann. All masks are not created equal – thanks to the ecuTEC+ Protection against infections such as coronavirus can only be guaranteed with the right quality. On the one hand, this relates to how the masks are made. On the other hand, it is above all – as is so often the case – about what's inside. Because the nonwoven used in protection classes FFP1 through FFP3 respiratory masks plays a decisive role. The nonwovens can be electrostatically-charged in order to further improve the filter performance without additionally increasing breathing resistance. Here, Oerlikon Nonwovenʼs patented ecuTEC+ electrocharging unit excels in terms of its extreme flexibility. Nonwovens manufacturers can freely choose between numerous variation options and set the optimal charging method and intensity for their specific applications. In this way, even the smallest particles are still attracted and reliable separated by a relatively open-pored nonwoven. Nevertheless, mask wearers are still able to easily breathe in and out due to the comparatively loose formation of the fibers. To this end, it comes as no surprise that all meltblown systems currently destined for the production of mask nonwovens are equipped with the ecuTEC+ unit.
TECHNOLOGY Key role for Kipaş in the EU's multi-million New Cotton Project Monforts customer Kipaş has been selected as the sole denim manufacturing partner in the €6.7 million European Union-funded New Cotton Project, involving the brands adidas and H&M, working in a consortium with suppliers, innovators and research institutes.
Infinited Fiber Company's textile fibre regeneration technology – from shredded textiles to cellulose carbamate fibre.Image: Infinited Fiber Company.
Kipaş Vice Chairman of the Board Ahmet Öksüz (centre) receives the certificate of excellence for machine utilisation from Monforts Regional Representative Thomas Päffgen and Ahmet Ciliç CEO of Neotek, the Monforts service partner in Turkey
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TECHNOLOGY Kipaş, based in Kahramanmaraş, Turkey, is currently installing its third Monforts Montex stenter along with a third Monfortex compressive shrinkage system in a combined configuration dedicated to denim production. This follows the successful installation and commissioning of the second Montex and Monfortex lines at the Kahramanmaraş plant in 2018, which Kipaş Vice Chairman of the Board Ahmet Öksüz said had immediately exceeded expectations. “ We p e r f o r m e d a v e r y t h o r o u g h t e c h n i c a l investigation based on the latest Industry 4.0 analysis before the purchase, to determine what we needed, and the Monforts technology met all our requirements,” he said, in an interview with Textilegence magazine. “The Monfortex is equipped with a variety of features not found on classical shrinkage machines and the production can be monitored from beginning to end. It also exceeded our expectations in energy cost savings.”
cellulose-rich textile waste into fibres that look and feel like cotton. “We are very excited and proud to lead this project which is breaking new ground when it comes to making circularity in the textile industry a reality,” said Infinited co-founder and CEO Petri Alava. “The enthusiasm and commitment with which the entire consortium has come together to work towards a cleaner, more sustainable future for fashion is truly inspiring.” Take-back programmes Adidas and H&M will establish take-back programmes to collect the clothing that is produced, to determine the next phase in their lifecycle. Clothing that can no longer be worn will be returned to Infinited, for regeneration into new fibres, further contributing to a circular economy in which textiles never go to waste, but instead are reused, recycled or turned into new garments.
Kipaş subsequently received a special certificate from Monforts in recognition of its exceptional utilisation of The aim is to prove that circular, sustainable the technology to its full potential. fashion can be achieved today, and to act as an The latest Montex stenter now being installed at Kipaş is a 12-chamber unit with a working width of 2 metres featuring all of the latest automation features. The Monfortex unit, also with a working width of 2 metres, is in a 'double rubber' configuration, comprising two compressive shrinkage units and two felt calenders in line. This allows the heat setting of elastane fibres and the residual shrinkage of the denim to be carried out simultaneously, for a significant increase in production speeds.
inspiration and stepping stone to further, even bigger circular initiatives by the industry going forward.
The EU has identified the high potential for circularity within the textile industry, while simultaneously highlighting the urgent need for the development of technologies to produce and design sustainable and circular bio-based materials. Making sustainable products commonplace, reducing waste and leading global “Around 90-95% of denim fabric production now efforts on circularity are outlined in the European contains elastane fibres and the Monforts system has Commission's Circular Economy Action Plan.
allowed us to simultaneously increase our production and quality in this respect,” Mr Öksüz said.
Fashion brands produce nearly twice as many clothes today as they did 20 years ago and demand is expected to continue growing. At the same time, the equivalent of one garbage truck of textiles is landfilled or burned every second. Most of the textile industry's environmental problems relate to the raw materials used by the industry – cotton, fossil-based fibres such as polyester, and viscose as the most common man-made cellulosic fibre, The patented technology of Infinited, which is are all associated with serious environmental leading the consortium of 12 companies, turns concerns.
Regenerated cotton For the next three years within the New Cotton Project, Kipaş will manufacture denim fabrics based on the cellulose-based fibres of Infinited Fiber Company of Finland, made from postconsumer textile waste that has been collected, sorted and regenerated.
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TECHNOLOGY Stäubli – innovation driver and long-term shaper of the Swiss machinery landscape December 9, 2020 marks the 80th anniversary date of the Swissmem Textile Machinery Division. Stäubli, a member of Swissmem since January 1897, was among the founders of this section, dedicated to the textile industry. The section was established during very difficult times, World War II, but has achieved success for both partners: Today the Swissmem Textile Machinery Division is celebrating its 80th anniversary, and the Stäubli Group, as a founding member headquartered in Switzerland, enjoys worldwide renown as an innovation driver in textile mechatronics.
1892: Stäubli machine shop for repairs and machine construction in Horgen, Switzerland Remaining forward-looking and optimistic – and continuing to innovate during the present time in which people and businesses everywhere are struggling with a global crisis – are values that have been intrinsic to the Stäubli Group since the very beginning. Stäubli has always seen crisis and difficulty as a chance to think out of the box and to embrace new opportunities. In 1940 the Stäubli family took part in the founding meeting of the Textile Machinery Division of the Swissmem association. Goals of this Textile Machinery Division were to secure supplies of raw materials, develop international relations, to approach markets in a united and effective way, and to continue making high-quality products in Switzerland and selling them throughout Europe and the rest of the world, even during difficult times. The division has
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been globally promoting Swiss textile machinery in recent years with the slogan 'Innovation: it's in our DNA'. At Stäubli, the innovation gene dates back to 1892 and is abundantly evident today in the 500-some R&D engineers working in the Group to invent, redesign or improve Stäubli mecatronics solutions and there by bring further benefits to Stäubli customers. In their united quest for excellence, the various Stäubli teams bundle their expertise, long-term business experience, and the input of sales and technical teams who collaborate closely with customers and thus learn the real needs of the weaving mills and the markets. This rich combination results in a diversified product portfolio that meets the requirements of any woven application and covers the needs of any weaving company. Stäubli also goes a step further: The
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2020: Stäubli production unit in Sargans, Switzerland
SAFIR S60 automatic drawing-in machine featuring AWC and ICS technology
NOEMI electronics architecture featured in the LX/LXL/LXXL electronic Jacquard machines company's solutions support market trends, help to shape the industry, and provide the flexibility to adapt to future changes and challenges. Ingenious features and technologies, robust high-quality construction, comprehensive services, and spare parts availability even years after delivery make Stäubli solutions an essential part of modern weaving mill operations around the world. Standard-setting technologies in weaving preparation and shed formation Stäubli sets worldwide standards in the weaving industry. Prime examples are Active Warp Control (AWC) and Initial Condition Settings (ICS), applied in
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the company's SAFIR automatic drawing-in machines. AWC enables automatic supervision and management of yarn types and colors during automatic drawing in. ICS represents state-of-the-art technology for efficient style and warp changes, enabling easy startup after style change with specific yarns, such as hairy or technical yarns. These and other leading-edge technologies help to optimize the process flow within the mill and greatly enhance operational performance. The SAFIR range of automatic drawing-in systems offers two machinery concepts (one stationary and one mobile) and offers a choice of four machine models. These systems efficiently process not only standard
TECHNOLOGY yarns, filaments and effect yarns but also technical yarns such glass fibers for fine filter applications. In the Jacquard weaving sector, Stäubli is the leading provider of weaving equipment for airbag and largeformat weaving. The LX/LXL/LXXL Jacquard machines are available in many formats, with up to 25,600 hooks, and formats of up to 51,200 hooks can be achieved by combining two machines. These machines feature NOEMI, a new-generation electronic control system that sets a new standard for reliability in high-speed weaving. The electronics architecture of NOEMI boasts a reduced number of connectors for extremely stable data transmission. The machines offer good operation. Mills that use an LX Jacquard machine combined with individually adapted Stäubli Jacquard harnesses have a reliable and highly efficient solution with a single purpose: producing high volumes of first-quality fabric with
minimum downtimes. Today's innovations tomorrow The Swissmem Textile Machinery Division will celebrate its next future milestone in 2030, at which time we will certainly look back on 2020, a year that will mark history books due to the pandemic which has devastated individuals and businesses around the world. To face this crisis, mankind has been called upon to adapt and remain flexible, and businesses have been challenged to innovate. The Stäubli Group is determined to meet this challenge by providing flexible and reliable solutions for long-term use and by driving innovation further, always with one goal in mind: to provide modern and market-oriented solutions for the textile industry and thereby equip the industry for sustainable performance and achievement.
HeiQ is listed on the London Stock Exchange
From left to right: HeiQ Group CFO Xaver Hangartner, Chairwoman of the HeiQ Board Esther Dale-Kolb and HeiQ Group CEO Carlo Centonze (Image by HeiQ)
HeiQ is a global, profitable pioneer in the $24 billion textile chemicals market, directly serving the $10 billion antimicrobial textile market with its recent Swiss Technology Award-winning HeiQ Viroblock technology. Founded in 2005, HeiQ has grown into a
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high growth, cash generative company which employs more than 100 people around the world. The Company has created some of the most effective, durable and high-performance textile technologies in the market today which cool, warm, dry, repel, purify and stop OCTOBER-DECEMBER 2020
TECHNOLOGY viruses. So far, HeiQ has developed over 200 technologies in partnership with over 300 major brands, including Burberry, GAP, New Balance, Patagonia, Speedo, The North Face and Zara. The Company's shares were admitted to the Standard Segment of the Official List of the Financial Conduct Authority at 8:00 am on Monday 7th December 2020 by way of a reverse take over into Auctus Growth Plc. The admission follows an oversubscribed placing and subscription, raising £60 million (before expenses) from institutional and other investors. Led by an experienced management team, HeiQ rapidly researches new solutions for partners, quickly delivers scaled up manufacturing from its sites across the world and helps partners market the product to end consumers – aiming for lab to consumer in a matter of months. HeiQ's latest innovation – HeiQ Viroblock – is an award-winning antimicrobial technology which helps in the fight against enveloped viruses, including SARS-CoV-2 (the virus causing COVID-19). This technology is already being used by more than 150 major brands such as Burberry. The Company's aim is to deliver growth for its shareholders by driving increased sales of HeiQ's core products and by entering additional lucrative markets through disruptive innovations: Ÿ Increasing market penetration of core innovations, including HeiQ Fresh AIR (developedfor a leading Swedish home furnishing retailer); HeiQ Smart Temp (used by Japan'sbiggest casual wear retailer and American clothing brand, Hanesbrands, Inc.) and HeiQClean Tech (winner of the Swiss Environmental Award in 2019). Ÿ Building on the significant momentum achieved by HeiQ Viroblock: developing HeiQ'slicensing and royalty business, which will see the brand name HeiQ Viroblock licensedtogether with the technology to third parties in return for royalty payments. Ÿ Developing new disruptive innovations: numerous projects in the R&D pipeline, includingHeiQ GrapheneX for industrial filtration. The industrial filtration market was over $29billion in 2020 - CAGR of 6.9% from the period of 2020 to 2025. HeiQ Co-Founder & CEO Carlo Centonze said, "Today's listing is a major milestone for HeiQ, and we
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are delighted to welcome our new investors aboard the ship. We have spent the past 15 years building HeiQ to become one of the leading textile materials innovators in the world, and the cash generative profile of our business demonstrates the success we have experienced." He continues, "The fundraise will enable HeiQ to build on the significant momentum achieved so far in 2020. There are many opportunities to capture more market share through increased sales of our core products to major brands. These have grown 17% in the first half of the year and, in parallel, we have entered lucrative new markets with additional innovations." HeiQ Chief Financial Officer Xaver Hangartner added, "The antimicrobial market, which has grown into a mainstream request, also presents a compelling growth opportunity going forward. The launch of HeiQ Viroblock more than doubled HeiQ's revenue in the first half of 2020. We look forward to innovating the antimicrobial field and regularly updating the market regarding new partnerships and contracts in the future." HeiQ, Viroblock and HeiQ Viroblock are trademark(s) or registered trademark(s) of HeiQ Materials AG. About HeiQ Founded in 2005 as a spin-off from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (ETH) and listed on the London Stock Exchange Main Market (LSE:HEIQ), HeiQ is a leader in textile innovation creating some of the most effective, durable and high-performance textile technologies on the market today. HeiQ's mission is to improve the lives of billions of people through pioneering textiles and materials innovation. Combining three areas of expertise – scientific research, specialty materials manufacturing and consumer ingredient branding – HeiQ is the ideal innovation partner to create differentiating and sustainable textile products and capture the added value at the point of sale. With a total capacity of 35'000 tons per year HeiQ manufactures in the USA, Switzerland and Australia supplying its specialty chemical products in over 60 countries worldwide.
SUSTAINABILITY CDP's 'A List': Lenzing is the only first-time discloser recognized with prestigious double 'A' score for global climate and forests stewardship
Ÿ The global environmental non-profit CDP honors Lenzing with a double 'A' score for its leading performance in environmental transparency and action. Ÿ The Lenzing Group has been recognized by the global environmental non-profit CDP, securing a place on its prestigious 'A List' for tackling climate change, as well as acting to protect forests – two of the three environmental themes covered by CDP.CDP's annual environmental disclosure and scoring process is widely recognized as the gold standard of corporate environmental transparency. This year, more than 5,800 companies were scored based on data submitted through CDP's questionnaires. Through significant demonstrable action on climate and deforestation risks, Lenzing is leading on corporate environmental ambition, action and transparency worldwide. "We are particularly proud to be the only first-time discloser who has achieved an 'A' score for tackling climate
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change and acting to protect forests. The double 'A' score reconfirms our long-term sustainability strategy and is an exciting acknowledgement of our efforts on transparency as well as sustainable raw material sourcing", says Stefan Doboczky, CEO of the Lenzing Group. Lenzing's key actions to tackle climate change Already in the year 2019, Lenzing became the world's first producer of wood-based cellulosic fibers making a strategic commitment to dramatically reducing its carbon footprint and cutting its emissions per ton of product by 50 percent by 2030. This target has been scientifically verified and approved by the Science Based Targets initiative. Furthermore, by the year 2050, Lenzing aims for Net-Zero emissions. Sustainable fiber innovations such as the introduction of the first TENCEL™ branded CarbonNeutral® fibers and a blockchain-enabled traceability platform
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SUSTAINABILITY are an integral part of Lenzing's sustainability strategy since they help to combat climate change and trigger a new level of transparency along the entire value chain. In addition to that, pioneering technologies like REFIBRA™ and "Eco Cycle" contribute to a circular economy by combining the environmentally responsible lyocell fiber production with the upcycling of cotton waste materials. The implementation of a pulp plant in Brazil and a state-of-the-art lyocell fiber production site in Thailand, which is designed as a carbon neutral plant, represent two further important milestones in Lenzing's carbon neutrality strategy. The pulp plant in Brazil will feed more than 40 percent of the electricity generated as "green energy" into the public grid. Lenzing's key actions to protect forests Lenzing is proud of its decades-long clean record of sustainable wood sourcing, evidenced by its longstanding credible commitment to wood certifications. The company's commercial wood sources are 100 percent either certified by FSC®1 or PEFC™2, or controlled in line with FSC ® standards. The combination of a stringent wood sourcing policy and the dedicated commitment to the CanopyStyle Initiative confirms that the production of Lenzing's wood-based cellulosic fibers does not contribute to deforestation. Furthermore, Lenzing initiated a social impact and afforestation project in Albania. The forest areas in this country are in the greatest need for improvement in the European region. The project addresses the most urgent issues that society will have to tackle in the upcoming 10 years: land degradation, biodiversity loss, deforestation and climate change. Paul Simpson, CEO of CDP, says: "We extend our congratulations to all the companies on this year's 'A List'. Taking the lead on environmental transparency and action is one of the most important steps
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businesses can make, and is even more impressive in this challenging year marked by COVID-19. The scale of the risk to businesses from climate change, deforestation and water insecurity is enormous, and we know the opportunities of action far outweigh the risks of inaction. Leadership from the private sector will create an 'ambition loop' for greater government action and ensure that global ambitions for a net zero sustainable economy become a reality. Our 'A List' celebrates those companies who are preparing themselves to excel in the economy of the future by taking action today." How companies enter the 'A List' – process and methodology In 2020, over 515 investors with over US$106 trillion in assets and 150+ major purchasers with US$4 trillion in procurement spend requested companies to disclose data on environmental impacts, risks and opportunities through CDP's platform. Over 9,600 responded – the highest ever. A detailed and independent methodology is used by CDP to assess these companies, allocating a score of A to D-based on the comprehensiveness of disclosure, awareness and management of environmental risks and demonstration of best practices associated with environmental leadership, such as setting ambitious and meaningful targets. Those that don't disclose or provided insufficient information are marked with an F. CDP's scoring for forests is conducted through the lens of the four commodities that cause most deforestation: timber products, cattle products, soy and palm oil. Companies need to score an A on at least one of these forest-risk commodities to earn a place on the Forests 'A List'. The full list of companies that made this year's CDP 'A List' is available here, along with other publicly available company scores: https://www.cdp.net/en/companies/companies-scores
TECHNOLOGY Redesigning our future - The new WeftMaster SFB
WeftMaster SFB
WeftMaster SFB Print
Have you ever wondered how your parcels arrive safely? We know the answer! E-commerce has gained ground worldwide - and it's here to stay. Warehouses and trucks are working hard to ensure that a whole variety of goods are not only available for customers, but also that they are shipped in the fastest possible way. In this hectic online shopping world, tarpaulins are all around us! Protecting goods from adverse weather and other factors helps to ensure satisfied end-customers. Loepfe's WeftMaster SFB-L yarn brake is the perfect system for producing these coated technical fabrics on projectile and rapier looms in the most economical way. The WeftMaster SFB weft brake has been in use on projectile and rapier weaving machines worldwide for many years. Since its foundation in 1955, Loepfe has been a reliable, expert partner to the weaving industry. Still today Loepfe remains totally committed to the further development of its various weaving products. For instance, the control electronics for the SFB weft brake were recently redesigned for the future. The new electronics can now control 4 brakes instead of the previous 3, which saves space and simplifies the brake deceleration setting. In addition, the inputs are now also galvanically isolated. Projectile looms are designed for the production of a wide variety of fabrics and are considered to be space-saving, especially when producing heavy fabrics. Thus the applications are almost endless, especially in the field of technical textiles. The focus is always on the high-quality requirements of the various end-products. Especially when yarns with a low tensile strength are used, weft tension is a decisive parameter. Too much stretching can lead to uneven fabric or - in the worst case - to weft thread breaks, which lead to expensive machine stoppages. Therefore, a constant, even weft thread tension is essential for all yarn types. By using the WeftMaster SFB electronic weft thread brake, the number of weft breaks can be reduced by at least 50%. Its
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use pays off for the weaving mills within a very short time and significantly improves the quality of the fabric. Every weft break is a potential source of error (including start-up faults, the formation of stripes, etc.). You can find more information on how the WeftMaster SFB w e f t b r a k e i n c r e a s e s m a c h i n e e ff i c i e n c y h e r e https://www.loepfe.com/en/navigation/gnav/knowhow/011-wm-efficiency The WeftMaster SFB weft brake is in use for the production of: Ÿ Tarpaulin fabrics for trucks, advertisements, agriculture and architecture Ÿ Filter fabric, e.g. for water filtration or also paper production Ÿ Geotextiles Ÿ Screen prints Ÿ Canvas Ÿ Conveyor belts, straps Ÿ Blood filters Ÿ Microphone filters for mobile phones Ÿ Speaker filters for mobile phones Ÿ Carbon fiber fabrics for auto parts Ÿ Carpet backing Ÿ Bigbags Ÿ Potato bag fabrics Ÿ Silk fabrics for underwear Ÿ Wool fabrics for suits The requirements of the different fabrics are highly varied and weaving mills often depend on individual solutions. In this awareness, Loepfe offers its customers suitable solutions for all types of projectile and rapier weaving machines. Furthermore, weaving mills can always count on the straight-forward and quick assistance of Loepfe experts. Learn more about the features of the SFB here or contact one of our experts at service@loepfe.com
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