Fiber Innovations, Sustainability in Focus DORNBIRN GFC

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The world’s largest fiber innovation congress – Dornbirn-GFC –will dedicate this year’s event to Fiber Innovations, Circularity, Energy and Emerging Tech. The European show, held in Dornbirn, Austria, kicks off September 11-13, and this marks the 63rd event, dedicated to the fiber industry.

The fiber conference is poised to be a groundbreaking event that will bring together experts, innovators, and stakeholders from the global fiber industry. As the premier conference in the field, it aims to foster collaboration, share insights, and explore the latest advancements shaping the future of fibers and textiles.

One of the key highlights of the conference will be the lineup of esteemed speakers and panelists who will delve into a wide range of topics. From sustainable fiber production to cuttingedge textile technologies, attendees can expect thought-provoking discussions and deep dives into industry trends that are driving innovation and sustainability. More than 125 international speakers from industry and research will present their latest papers.

In addition, Dornbirn-GFC will offer young companies a stage for the fourth time as part of the 4th Innovation Days. In the exhibition area, visitors will find 25 important companies from the fiber industry. The presentation of the Young Scientist Award by Lenzing AG and the Paul Schlack Award in cooperation with CIRFS are planned and will provide insights into the research topics of the next generation.

Event Focus

Fiber innovations is the core focus, including all applications like apparel, home, automotive, technical textiles etc. Nonwoven applications alone show very high innovative potential and will be part of this group. Natural fibers like cotton, wool and others will enrich the wholistic approach in the fibers space. Raw materials for the manmade fiber production like Pulp and upstream materials for synthetic fibers will extend this core pillar.

Circular Solutions & Recycling & Sustainability. Due to rising awareness of the climate change and the implementation of the “Green Deal”, “Sustainable Development Goals,” “ESG” and others, this pillar became enormously relevant over the years including:

• Sustainability in general for textiles and nonwovens

• New and upcoming sorting- and separation technologies

• Mechanical recycling and chemical recycling

Energy Solutions: As energy is becoming significantly important for the whole value chain in terms of costs and sustainability, there will be a strong focus on energy innovations at the next congress.

Emerging Tech: Topics around Digitalization, AI, Transparency and Traceability will get high influence in the value chain and thus open up new approaches in innovation. www.dornbirn-gfc.com

Loop Industries and Ester Industries Ltd. Announce Joint Venture Agreement in India

Loop Industries, Inc., a clean technology company whose mission is to accelerate a circular plastics/fiber economy by manufacturing 100% recycled polyethylene terephthalate (“PET”) plastic and polyester fiber, has concluded an agreement with Ester Industries Ltd., one of India’s leading manufacturers of Polyester Films and Specialty Polymers, to form a 50/50 India joint venture. The purpose of the India JV is to build and operate an Infinite Loop™ India manufacturing facility which will produce a unique product offering of lower carbon footprint recycled dimethyl terephthalate (“rDMT”), recycled monoethylene glycol (“rMEG”) and specialty polymers in India, using the Infinite Loop™ technology which offers significant advantages over traditional mechanical PET recycling. www.loopindustries.com

Suominen Invests in Sustainable Products in Bethune, US

Suominen will strengthen its capabilities in sustainable products by enhancing and upgrading one of its production lines in Bethune, South Carolina, USA. The investment is made in line with Suominen’s strategy and supports company’s vision to be the frontrunner in nonwovens innovation and sustainability.

“With this investment we strengthen our position as the leader in sustainable nonwovens in Americas market and respond to the increased demand of environmentally friendly products. This investment also enhances our operational performance in terms of safety, quality and productivity,” said Tommi Björnman, President and CEO of Suominen.

The total value of the investment is approximately EUR 10 million and the investment project will be completed in the first half of 2025. www.suominen.fi

Kimberly-Clark to Sell PPE Business to Ansell for $640 Million

Australia-based Ansell announced it has entered into a binding agreement to acquire 100% of the assets that constitute Kimberly-Clark’s Personal Protective Equipment business {(KCPPE) for US$640 million.

The Acquisition is expected to complete by September 2024, subject to satisfaction of antitrust approval and other customary closing conditions.

Commenting on the Acquisition, Managing Director and CEO Neil Salmon said:

“For many years, we have assessed a combination with KCPPE as one of our most attractive acquisition opportunities and I’m delighted that we have now reached agreement with Kimberly-Clark that the optimal path forward for this business is under Ansell ownership.

The KimtechTM and KleenGuardTM brands we are acquiring and the experienced KCPPE business team behind them have strong reputations for quality and innovation built over many years of industry leadership. These are similar qualities to Ansell, however KCPPE has particular areas of strength across product portfolio, geographic position and sustainability differentiation that will meaningfully enhance Ansell’s overall position in the marketplace and customer differentiation.

Our existing footprint, in addition to our global organization and supply chain, creates the opportunity to generate significant synergy value from the acquisition while also enhancing our combined organic growth potential and we are excited about the benefits this will create for Ansell’s customers and shareholders.” www.ansell.com

INDA Honors Three Nonwoven Industry Professionals with Lifetime Awards

NDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, announced three worthy recipients for the INDA Lifetime Service Award and Lifetime Technical Achievement Awards.

David Powling, Paul Latten and Arnold Wilkie are being recognized for their key contributions to the advancement of the nonwovens industry and INDA.

“It is our pleasure to recognize David, Paul, and Arnold with these well-deserved awards. INDA appreciates their contributions in advancing the nonwovens industry and being advocates for INDA,” said Tony Fragnito, INDA president and CEO. “These Awards honor individuals with long-established records of service and technical achievement. All three have given their best both personally and professionally to the nonwovens industry and INDA.”

Powling and Latten will receive their awards at the World of Wipes® (WOW) International Conference, June 18 beginning at 4:30 p.m. Wilkie will receive his award at the RISE® Conference, October 1 at 4:30 p.m. www.inda.org

TMAS of Sweden Joins ITMF

MAS, the Swedish Textile Machinery Association, has become the latest Associate Member of the ITMF (International Textile Manufacturers Federation), which continues to expand as the international forum for the global textile manufacturing value chain. ITMF members include companies responsible for approximately 90% of global textile and apparel production. The Federation’s reach continues to be extended through ventures such as this year’s Annual Conference, which will take place in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, from September 8-10, alongside the International Apparel Federation’s 2024 Fashion Convention. This follows on from the highly successful 2023 ITMF Annual Conference which took place in Keqiao, China. TMAS members have a similar global perspective as the leading Swedish companies providing textile technology. www.itmf.org

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INDA Finalists for the 2024 World of Wipes Innovation Award®

INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, announced the three finalists for the World of Wipes Innovation Award®, to be presented at the World of Wipes® (WOW) International Conference, June 17-20, at the Hyatt Regency Minneapolis in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

The three products vying for this Award are multi-purpose cleaning wipes from Kimberly-Clark Professional, a bio-binder technology from OrganoClick, and facial care wipes from Rockline Industries. The winner will be announced on Thursday morning, June 20th.

The three companies competing for the Award are:

Scott® Xtreme Multi-Purpose Cleaning Wipes by Kimberly-Clark Professional: Scott® Xtreme Multi-Purpose Cleaning Wipes are great for tackling extreme cleaning tasks, like removing oil, grease, grime, paint, adhesives, caulk, and more, yet are gentle enough to clean hands. Featuring a patented citrus cleaning solution, the dual-action cleaning fabric incorporates a textured side to increase scrubbing action for cleaning tough soils and a smooth side for wiping surfaces clean. Scott® Xtreme Multi-Purpose Cleaning Wipes are truly a must-have for any DIY job and cleaning on-the-go.

OC-Biobinder® Lily1450 by OrganoClick: OC-Biobinder® represents a series of bio-based and biodegradable binders

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intended for the nonwoven and paper industry. They are produced from renewable raw materials and residual streams from the food industry and replace traditional fossil-based plastic binders. OCBiobinder® is available with many different properties adapted to the production of home compostable nonwoven materials such as premium napkins, table cloths and wet wipes.

Facial Care Wipe with Glycine Amino Acid Complex by Rockline Industries: Rockline has innovated a new Skin Care Wipe containing a unique multifunctional complex of two medium chain glycine, a phospholipid and a blend of special glycol ingredients that provides for a multitude of skin care benefits as well as providing a unique preservation system for nonwovens. The Skin Care Wipe provides substantiated improved skin smoothness, elasticity, and hydration alongside an anti-ageing claim. This innovation is amongst the first to use these unique glycine ingredients in a Skin Care Wipe formulation.

INDA’s Technical Advisory Board selected the finalists based on the creativity, uniqueness, and technical sophistication employed in finding novel ways to expand the utilization of nonwovens. Categories considered for the award were wipes-related raw materials, roll goods, converting, packaging, active ingredients, binders, additives, and end-use products. For more information or to register for WOW 2024, visit: www.worldofwipes.org

Polymers

PET/PBT/PBAT/PBS/PTT/PLA/PETG/PC/PA6/PA66..

Recycling

POLYMER: Physics / Chemistry

GAS & COAL CHEMICAL

BDO/EG/MeOH/Heat recovery and comprehensive u�liza�on

HP

Hydrogen Peroxide, H2O2

Own R&D Center and pilot plant R&D

Project EPC Contrac�ng (Turn-key)

POLYTEX is a professional chemical engineering company and technology supplier integra�ng R&D, engineering, equipment manufacturing, procurement and EPC management services. From technology licensing, project planning, equipment manufacturing and engineering design, procurement and construc�on management, as well as start-up and opera�on services, Polytex provides diversified services and one-stop solu�ons to customers all over the world.

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