NOTES TECH

Lenzing Takes Supply Chain Transparency to Next Level

Lenzing Group, a leading global producer of wood-based specialty fibers, is taking an important step in enhancing the transparency and efficiency of the global fiber supply chain with the launch of a pioneering real-time ocean shipment tracker in collaboration with digital supply chain solution company, project44. Adhering to Lenzing’s sustainability goals, the tracker also offers capabilities to improve the visibility of carbon emissions among partners and elevate the customer experience.

To address the industry’s increasing supply chain complexities, Lenzing has incorporated a fully integrated real-time application programming interface (API) between its systems applications and products (SAP) and the project44 platform, Movement. Combined with advanced artificial intelligence (AI), GPS sensors, and machine-learning technologies, Lenzing can now empower customers with accurate real-time insights on fiber orders, ranging from shipment status, container location, to vessel route tracking and estimated arrival times at ports around the world.

www.lenzing.com

Autoneum Unveils Better Acoustic Comfort with Zeta-Light

Autoneum has introduced Zeta-Light, an extraordinary integrated damping function that promises to transform the acoustic performance of fiber-based trim components. This groundbreaking innovation not only delivers unparalleled insulation and airborne noise absorption but also combats low-frequency vibrations in the car body.

Recognizing the importance of components that effectively mitigate both airborne and structure-borne noise within vehicle interiors, car manufacturers have long sought cutting-edge solutions. Autoneum’s Zeta-Light ingeniously meets these demands, offering a unique amalgamation of benefits. The integration of particle dampers seamlessly complements the sound-insulating and absorbing qualities of fiber-based, lightweight, and sustainable technologies like Hybrid-Acoustics ECO+ and Prime-Light, effectively countering low-frequency vibrations in the vehicle body.

One of the remarkable aspects of Zeta-Light is its ability to achieve significant weight savings while simplifying vehicle assembly. With this technology, Autoneum has successfully tackled the challenge of reducing noise and vibration across a broader frequency range, all while significantly lighting the load.

www.autoneum.com

Sonovia’s Dyeing Technology Reduces Pollution in Denim Industry

Sonovia’s ultrasonic technology drastically reduces environmental pollution in the denim industry, according to a comparative study released earlier this month.

The study that took place over the past two months demonstrates that Sonovia’s technology for dyeing denim reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 60 percent, water use by 85 percent, is capable of eliminating up to 99 percent of polluting wastewater, which is a major concern in the fashion industry, and reduces land utilization by 90 percent. Traditional indigo yarn dyeing processes are water intensive requiring on average 60,000 liters of water per process and rely on polluting chemicals such as hydrosulfite.

These findings have not gone unnoticed by industry leaders. The French luxury conglomerate Kering, which owns renowned brands such as Gucci and Saint Laurent, is partnering with Sonovia to install its ultrasonic indigo dyeing technology into their denim production lines. www.sonoviatech.com

Benchtop Minitype Spunmelt Nonwoven Lab Equipment from KMD Greenply Produces First Fibers with New ANDRITZ Pressurized Refining System

KMD Plastifizierungstechnik GmbH officially launched the first benchtop Minitype Spunmelt nonwoven equipment at Index2023 in Switzerland this spring, and it has since attracted extensive attention from the industry. KMD continues to upgrade and improve the configuration scheme, optimize the product series, and systematically launch the latest integrated model configuration, which optimizes the mini design of Spunmelt nonwoven equipment & fiber spinning equipment.

KMD Mini type benchtop equipment includes three main categories: Benchtop Spunbond & Melt-blown machines, Benchtop POY/FDY spinning machines, and benchtop extruders. Based on the function of the conventional equipment, the upgraded configuration complies with following design principles:

• Compact design, small size, easy and fast installation;

• Single hole/fewer holes spinneret designs are optional;

• Mono-&Bi-component are optional;

• Very little raw material consumption;

• Integrated & intelligent control, easy to operate;

• Fast test speed, greatly shorten the complex and lengthy R&D cycle;

• Ultra-low energy consumption, friendly to the environment;

• Components and configuration can be customized;

• Economical price, easy to invest.

In order to enable more customers to get convenient services and provide a variety of choices, KMD has recently authorized Triumph Equipment Manufacturing (Yantai) Co., Ltd. to produce several newly launched benchtop spinning machines and Spunmelt nonwoven lab machines in Asia. www.kmd-industrie.de

Greenply Industries Limited has successfully produced its first fibers with its new high-performance pressurized refining system from ANDRITZ at its MDF (medium-density fiberboard) production facility in Vadodara, Gujarat, India.

Sanidhya Mittal, Joint Managing Director, Greenply Industries Limited, said: “The pressurized refining system from ANDRITZ is highly efficient and energy saving, which is in line with our environmentally friendly production process. We would like to thank ANDRITZ and its team for their assistance during the installation and the high level of professionalism throughout the whole project.”

The refining system has a design capacity of 35 bdmt/h and processes wood chips for producing various types of MDF products. It is equipped with a proven S 1056M single disc refiner ensuring highly efficient pre-steaming, low electricity and thermal energy consumption, as well as excellent dewatering in the 20” plug screw feeder.

Greenply Industries Limited, founded in 1984, is one of India’s largest manufacturers of highquality interiors and produces a broad range of MDF products, such as plywood, decorative veneers, doors, and related products. Greenply holds the FSC® certification in forest management. www.andritz.com

AirPerm Air Permeability Tester Redesign Now Allows for PPE Specific Testing

SDL Atlas has released the next generation of its versatile AirPerm Air Permeability Tester. The AirPerm now has test head options specific for testing Personal Protection Equipment (PPE), allowing for Face Mask Testing to EN 14683 and Foam Testing to ASTM D3574 & EN ISO 7231.

Other features of the new AirPerm include:

• Touch screen controller within easy reach

• Test results stored on the main controller and exported via a USB drive

• Automatic ranging system eliminates need for operator interface during a test

• Powerful, yet quiet vacuum accommodates a variety of test plates to suit every application and features easy checks for daily verification

• 20 cm test head comes standard and is used for instrument calibration

• Eight additional heads available

• Side drawers for test head and accessory storage www.sdlatlas.com

The AirPerm makes air permeability testing affordable while maintaining confidence that test results meet international and retailer standards for textiles, nonwovens, and paper providing quick, straightforward results in the unit of measure of your choice.

Committed to providing customers confidence in standard based testing, SDL Atlas has offices and experts in the United States, United Kingdom, Hong Kong and China, plus agents serving over 100 countries, SDL Atlas is ready to support its customers with instruments, consumables, and services anywhere in the world.