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AZL Aachen GmbH: Kick-off meeting for "Trends and Design Factors for Hydrogen Pressure Vessels" project (c) AZL Aachen GmbH
21.12.2023

AZL Aachen GmbH: Kick-off meeting for "Trends and Design Factors for Hydrogen Pressure Vessels" project

The kick-off meeting for the "Trends and Design Factors for Hydrogen Pressure Vessels" project, recently held at AZL Aachen GmbH, was a successful event, bringing together more than 37 experts in the field of composite technologies. This event laid a solid foundation for the Joint Partner Project, which currently comprises a consortium of 20 renowned companies from across the composite pressure vessel value chain: Ascend Performance Materials, C evotec GmbH, Chongqing Polycomp International Corp. (CPIC), Conbility GmbH, Elkamet Kunststofftechnik GmbH, F.A. Kümpers GmbH & Co. KG, f loteks plastik sanayi ticaret a.s., Formosa Plastics Corporation, Heraeus Noblelight GmbH, Huntsman Advanced Materials, Kaneka Belgium NV, Laserline GmbH, Mitsui Chemicals Europe GmbH, Plastik Omnium, Rassini Europe GmbH, Robert Bosch GmbH, Swancor Holding Co. Ltd. Ltd., TECNALIA, Toyota Motor Europe NV/SA, Tünkers do Brasil Ltda.

The project follows AZL´s well proven approach of a Joint Partner Project, aiming to provide technology and market insights as well as benchmarking of different material and production setups in combination with connecting experts along the value chain.

The kick-off meeting for the "Trends and Design Factors for Hydrogen Pressure Vessels" project, recently held at AZL Aachen GmbH, was a successful event, bringing together more than 37 experts in the field of composite technologies. This event laid a solid foundation for the Joint Partner Project, which currently comprises a consortium of 20 renowned companies from across the composite pressure vessel value chain: Ascend Performance Materials, C evotec GmbH, Chongqing Polycomp International Corp. (CPIC), Conbility GmbH, Elkamet Kunststofftechnik GmbH, F.A. Kümpers GmbH & Co. KG, f loteks plastik sanayi ticaret a.s., Formosa Plastics Corporation, Heraeus Noblelight GmbH, Huntsman Advanced Materials, Kaneka Belgium NV, Laserline GmbH, Mitsui Chemicals Europe GmbH, Plastik Omnium, Rassini Europe GmbH, Robert Bosch GmbH, Swancor Holding Co. Ltd. Ltd., TECNALIA, Toyota Motor Europe NV/SA, Tünkers do Brasil Ltda.

The project follows AZL´s well proven approach of a Joint Partner Project, aiming to provide technology and market insights as well as benchmarking of different material and production setups in combination with connecting experts along the value chain.

The kick-off meeting not only served as a platform to foster new contacts and get informed about the expertise and interests of the consortium members in the field of hydrogen pressure vessels, but also laid the groundwork for steering the focus of the upc oming project's ambitious phases. As a basis for the interactive discussion session, AZL outlined the background, motivation and detailed work plan. The central issues of the dialogue were the primary objectives, the most pressing challenges, the contribut ion to competitiveness, and
the priorities that would best meet the expectations of the project partners.

Discussions covered regulatory issues, the evolving value chain and the supply and properties of key materials such as carbon and glass fibres and resins. The consortium defined investigations into different manufacturing technologies, assessing their matu rity and potential benefits. Design layouts, including liners, boss designs and winding patterns, were thoroughly considered, taking into account their implications for mobile and stationary storage. The group is also interested in cost effective testing m ethods and certification processes, as well as the prospects for recycling into continuous fibres and the use of sustainable materials. Insight was requested into future demand for hydrogen tanks, OEM needs and strategies, and technological developments to produce more economical tanks.

The meeting highlighted the importance of CAE designs for fibre patterns, software suitability and the application dependent use of thermoset and thermoplastic designs.

The first report meeting will also set the stage of the next project phase, which will be the creation of reference designs by AZL's engineering team. These designs will cover a range of pressure vessel configurations using a variety of materials and production concepts. The aim is to develop models that not only re flect current technological capabilities, but also provide deep insight into the cost analysis of different production technologies, their CO2 footprint, recycling aspects and scalability.

AZL's project remains open to additional participants. Companies interested in joining this initiative are invited to contact Philipp Fröhlig.

06.10.2023

Acteev erweitert Angebot für geruchshemmende und medizinische Textilien

Die Acteev® Textiltechnologie, eine Tochtergesellschaft der Ascend Performance Materials,  wächst über ihre Anti-Geruchs-Wurzeln hinaus. Ein neues, hochzähes Nylon, eine antistatische Faser und ein zertifiziertes biobasiertes Nylon ergänzen das Angebot zur Geruchsbekämpfung.

Die Flaggschiffprodukte der Marke tragen jetzt die Bezeichnung Acteev FREE. Sie ermöglichen die Fertigung von Sport- und Freizeit-, Outdoor-, Dessous- und weiteren Bekleidungsartikeln mit geruchshemmenden Stoffen. Acteev FREE lässt sich mit anderen Fasern zu ganz spezifischen Mischungen kombinieren und uneingeschränkt einfärben.

Acteev TOUGH ist eine hochzähe Nylon 6,6-Stapelfaser mit niedrigem DPF, die für strapazierfähige Anwendungen wie Arbeitskleidung, Schuhwerk, Rucksäcke, Gurte und Kletterseile entwickelt wurde. Sie eignet sich für robuste Textilwaren aller Art, von Industrieoveralls bis hin zu taktischer Ausrüstung für Militär und Polizeibehörden. Als Stapelfaser in Mischungen für Unterwäsche verträgt sie sich gut mit Baumwolle und Wolle in Artikeln, die eine gleichmäßige Färbung erfordern.

Die Acteev® Textiltechnologie, eine Tochtergesellschaft der Ascend Performance Materials,  wächst über ihre Anti-Geruchs-Wurzeln hinaus. Ein neues, hochzähes Nylon, eine antistatische Faser und ein zertifiziertes biobasiertes Nylon ergänzen das Angebot zur Geruchsbekämpfung.

Die Flaggschiffprodukte der Marke tragen jetzt die Bezeichnung Acteev FREE. Sie ermöglichen die Fertigung von Sport- und Freizeit-, Outdoor-, Dessous- und weiteren Bekleidungsartikeln mit geruchshemmenden Stoffen. Acteev FREE lässt sich mit anderen Fasern zu ganz spezifischen Mischungen kombinieren und uneingeschränkt einfärben.

Acteev TOUGH ist eine hochzähe Nylon 6,6-Stapelfaser mit niedrigem DPF, die für strapazierfähige Anwendungen wie Arbeitskleidung, Schuhwerk, Rucksäcke, Gurte und Kletterseile entwickelt wurde. Sie eignet sich für robuste Textilwaren aller Art, von Industrieoveralls bis hin zu taktischer Ausrüstung für Militär und Polizeibehörden. Als Stapelfaser in Mischungen für Unterwäsche verträgt sie sich gut mit Baumwolle und Wolle in Artikeln, die eine gleichmäßige Färbung erfordern.

Acteev CLEAN ist eine Faser mit antistatischen, haar-, staub- und flusenabweisenden Eigenschaften für Kleidung und textile Haushaltswaren wie Polstermöbel. Ihre Funktionalität ist in die Faser selbst eingebettet und erfordert keinerlei nachträgliche oder chemische Behandlung, was Acteev CLEAN für hautnah getragene Anwendungen prädestiniert. Die Faser ist schon bei geringer Beimischung wirksam, kann mit anderen Fasern zu Garnen versponnen werden und bietet dennoch eine statikfreie Leistung.

Acteev BIOSERVE ist ein aus pflanzlichen Quellen gewonnenes Nylon, das darauf ausgerichtet ist, die Nachhaltigkeitsziele von Markeninhabern ohne Leistungseinbußen zu unterstützen.

Darüber hinaus umfasst das Angebot Acteev MED, eine Produktlinie mit diversen Formfaktoren, darunter Fasern für hautnahe Anwendungen wie Kompressionsbekleidung sowie für Vliesstoffe zur feuchtigkeitsregulierenden Wundversorgung und für Wundnahtfilamente.

Jedes Produkt im Acteev Portfolio ist auch in einer CO2-Fußabdruck reduzierten Ausführung lieferbar.

Source:

Ascend Performance Materials

12.06.2023

Circular Polymers by Ascend launches Cerene™

Nylon 6, nylon 6,6, polypropylene, PET and calcium carbonate are available through the company’s proprietary carpet recycling process

Circular Polymers by Ascend, a market-leading recycler of post-consumer carpet, today the launch of Cerene™, a line of recycled polymers and materials made from the company’s proprietary carpet reclaiming technology. Cerene is available as polyamide 6 and 66, PET, polypropylene and calcium carbonate as a consistent,
sustainable feedstock for many applications, including molding and compounding.
Recycling experts from Circular Polymers will be showcasing Cerene at Compounding World Expo on June 14-15 at the Messe Essen in Germany.

Ascend Performance Materials, a fully integrated producer of durable high-performance materials and the majority owner of Circular Polymers by Ascend, is known for its innovations in nylon 6,6. Cerene will continue that legacy with offerings in nylon 6,6 while also bringing to market recycled polymers such as nylon 6, PET and PP.

Nylon 6, nylon 6,6, polypropylene, PET and calcium carbonate are available through the company’s proprietary carpet recycling process

Circular Polymers by Ascend, a market-leading recycler of post-consumer carpet, today the launch of Cerene™, a line of recycled polymers and materials made from the company’s proprietary carpet reclaiming technology. Cerene is available as polyamide 6 and 66, PET, polypropylene and calcium carbonate as a consistent,
sustainable feedstock for many applications, including molding and compounding.
Recycling experts from Circular Polymers will be showcasing Cerene at Compounding World Expo on June 14-15 at the Messe Essen in Germany.

Ascend Performance Materials, a fully integrated producer of durable high-performance materials and the majority owner of Circular Polymers by Ascend, is known for its innovations in nylon 6,6. Cerene will continue that legacy with offerings in nylon 6,6 while also bringing to market recycled polymers such as nylon 6, PET and PP.

“Customers around the globe are seeking consistent and reliable post-consumer recycled materials,” said Maria Field, business director of Circular Polymers by Ascend. “Cerene is mechanically recycled using a process that minimizes our carbon footprint and environmental impact.”

Circular Polymers by Ascend converts post-consumer carpet into fiber and pellets. The company uses a proprietary process in its California-based facilities to achieve high efficiency in recycling, successfully providing a new life for virtually every component of the carpet and backing. The company has redirected 85 million pounds of carpet from landfills into new goods since 2018.

Source:

Circular Polymers by Ascend

08.11.2022

Ascend buys majority stake in recycler Circular Polymers

Ascend Performance Materials has purchased a majority stake in California-based Circular Polymers, a recycler of post-consumer, high-performance polymers including polyamide 6 and 66, polypropylene and polyester (PET). The deal provides Ascend with a consistent supply of high-quality PCR materials for its ReDefyne™ sustainable polyamides, launched at K 2022.

Circular Polymers, which as part of the deal is renamed Circular Polymers by Ascend, reclaims and processes post-consumer carpet via a unique technology and has redirected approximately 85 million pounds of waste from landfills into new goods since 2018.

“We are focused on helping our customers reach their sustainability goals and Circular Polymers by Ascend provides materials that offer strong performance with a considerably smaller environmental footprint, compared to other technologies like pyrolysis,” said Phil McDivitt, president and CEO of Ascend. “Since we launched ReDefyne, the demand for our circular products has been significant across all segments of our business, including automotive, consumer, electronics and high-performance fibers and textiles.”

Ascend Performance Materials has purchased a majority stake in California-based Circular Polymers, a recycler of post-consumer, high-performance polymers including polyamide 6 and 66, polypropylene and polyester (PET). The deal provides Ascend with a consistent supply of high-quality PCR materials for its ReDefyne™ sustainable polyamides, launched at K 2022.

Circular Polymers, which as part of the deal is renamed Circular Polymers by Ascend, reclaims and processes post-consumer carpet via a unique technology and has redirected approximately 85 million pounds of waste from landfills into new goods since 2018.

“We are focused on helping our customers reach their sustainability goals and Circular Polymers by Ascend provides materials that offer strong performance with a considerably smaller environmental footprint, compared to other technologies like pyrolysis,” said Phil McDivitt, president and CEO of Ascend. “Since we launched ReDefyne, the demand for our circular products has been significant across all segments of our business, including automotive, consumer, electronics and high-performance fibers and textiles.”

Ascend has a sustainability strategy based on three pillars: empowering people, innovating solutions and operating without compromise. Ascend has committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by 2030 and recently announced two new efforts to reduce the carbon footprint of its products.

Source:

Ascend Performance Materials / EMG

30.11.2021

Koketa is including US-made Acteev® in leggings and undergarments

Koketa, a brand of premium womenswear based in Peru, has begun sampling leggings, undergarments and workout wear featuring Acteev® Protect fabric. Produced by U.S. manufacturer Ascend Performance Materials, Acteev incorporates the odor-fighting and mildew-destroying antimicrobial benefits of zinc ions embedded into the matrix of superior nylon yarns and fabrics.

“When it comes to what’s closest to your most vulnerable skin, being safe and sanitary is a top priority,” said Juan Daniel Del Carpio, commercial director for Koketa. “The Koketa woman wants beauty, comfort and protection, and a partnership with Acteev makes it easier than ever for us to deliver all three.”

Koketa garments with Acteev feature Koketa’s signature innovative styles, including unique knit patterns, on-trend colors and flattering silhouettes. The Acteev fabric is buttery-soft and breathable yet long-lasting and resistant to pilling.

Koketa, a brand of premium womenswear based in Peru, has begun sampling leggings, undergarments and workout wear featuring Acteev® Protect fabric. Produced by U.S. manufacturer Ascend Performance Materials, Acteev incorporates the odor-fighting and mildew-destroying antimicrobial benefits of zinc ions embedded into the matrix of superior nylon yarns and fabrics.

“When it comes to what’s closest to your most vulnerable skin, being safe and sanitary is a top priority,” said Juan Daniel Del Carpio, commercial director for Koketa. “The Koketa woman wants beauty, comfort and protection, and a partnership with Acteev makes it easier than ever for us to deliver all three.”

Koketa garments with Acteev feature Koketa’s signature innovative styles, including unique knit patterns, on-trend colors and flattering silhouettes. The Acteev fabric is buttery-soft and breathable yet long-lasting and resistant to pilling.

Additionally, clothing made with Acteev is resistant to unwanted odors, keeping garments as fresh after 100 washes as they are on day one. The active ingredient – labeled safe by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration – targets the bacteria and microbes that can cause odor, mildew and discoloration.

“Zinc is nature’s safeguard,” said Juan Toro, global principal business development leader for Acteev in the Americas. “It is a mineral needed for human health, and we have harnessed its power to protect the garments in a natural, sustainable way.”

Source:

Ascend Performance Materials / EMG

Ascend Performance Materials, APMPR063 ©Ascend Performance Materials
SARS-CoV-2, Influenza A inactivated by zinc-embedded nylon fabric.
22.09.2021

SARS-CoV-2, Influenza A inactivated by zinc-embedded nylon fabric

  • A paper published in ACS Applied Materials Interfaces details effectiveness, describes protocol for future testing

An international team of scientists and engineers from the University of Cambridge, the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, ResInnova Labs and Ascend Performance Materials has found that a nylon fabric embedded with zinc ions successfully inactivated 99% of the viruses that cause COVID-19 and the common flu.

Face masks, protective clothing and filters are used to slow the spread of viruses. But poor-quality masks can harbor active viruses from infected wearers, posing a transmission risk.

“A major challenge is absorption and inactivation,” said Vikram Gopal, Ph.D., co-senior author and chief technology officer at Ascend Performance Materials. “Respiratory viral illnesses, such as COVID-19, and the flu, are transmitted through droplets and aerosols. Polypropylene, the material in commonly used disposable masks, is a hydrophobic plastic and does not absorb moisture. Instead, the viruses can sit on the surface of the mask, posing a transmission risk when the mask is handled.”

  • A paper published in ACS Applied Materials Interfaces details effectiveness, describes protocol for future testing

An international team of scientists and engineers from the University of Cambridge, the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, ResInnova Labs and Ascend Performance Materials has found that a nylon fabric embedded with zinc ions successfully inactivated 99% of the viruses that cause COVID-19 and the common flu.

Face masks, protective clothing and filters are used to slow the spread of viruses. But poor-quality masks can harbor active viruses from infected wearers, posing a transmission risk.

“A major challenge is absorption and inactivation,” said Vikram Gopal, Ph.D., co-senior author and chief technology officer at Ascend Performance Materials. “Respiratory viral illnesses, such as COVID-19, and the flu, are transmitted through droplets and aerosols. Polypropylene, the material in commonly used disposable masks, is a hydrophobic plastic and does not absorb moisture. Instead, the viruses can sit on the surface of the mask, posing a transmission risk when the mask is handled.”

Cotton also has problems, Dr. Gopal said. “Cotton effectively absorbs moisture, but it doesn’t inactivate the virus – again, posing a transmission risk,” he said. In the paper published in ACS Applied Materials Interfaces, the researchers described how a fabric made of nylon 6,6 embedded with active zinc ions absorbed virus-containing moisture droplets and effectively inactivated the particles. The fabric produced a 2-log, or 99%, reduction of virus particles in one hour.

The research team also was able to demonstrate that nylon with active zinc ions remains stable over time, keeping its virus-inactivating properties after 50 washes. “The study shows how nylon textile fabric with zinc outperforms the widely used cotton and polypropylene materials at virus absorption and inactivation,” Dr. Gopal said. The findings have significant implications for future development of PPE, Dr. Gopal said. “Pathogen-free PPE does more than just cut down the risk of transmitting the virus,” Gopal said. “By making PPE washable and reusable, you reduce the need for single-use products, keeping hundreds of millions of masks out of landfills.”

Jason Kent, BTMA
26.08.2021

New CEO at British Textile Machinery Association (BTMA)

Jason Kent has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer of the BTMA Group, which also includes subsidiaries nw texnet and The Textile Recorder (Machinery & Accessories) Exhibitions Ltd (TREX), effective from Monday 23rd August 2021.

Jason has been a non-executive member of the BTMA board for over eight years and brings a wealth of experience with him, having spent 35 years working in the carpet tufting machinery industry.

As a time-served mechanical technician engineer, he ascended through a series of positions of greater responsibility with Cobble Blackburn until its acquisition in 2013 by the Vandewiele Group, where he undertook the role of Managing Director for the tufting machinery business.

He also studied part-time for his MBA back in 2011 and is also a Chartered Fellow of the Chartered Management Institute.

“I am very privileged to be joining the BTMA,” said Jason Kent. “I believe there are many generational changes ahead that our members must face and the BTMA needs to be ready and capable of supporting such challenges.”

Jason Kent has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer of the BTMA Group, which also includes subsidiaries nw texnet and The Textile Recorder (Machinery & Accessories) Exhibitions Ltd (TREX), effective from Monday 23rd August 2021.

Jason has been a non-executive member of the BTMA board for over eight years and brings a wealth of experience with him, having spent 35 years working in the carpet tufting machinery industry.

As a time-served mechanical technician engineer, he ascended through a series of positions of greater responsibility with Cobble Blackburn until its acquisition in 2013 by the Vandewiele Group, where he undertook the role of Managing Director for the tufting machinery business.

He also studied part-time for his MBA back in 2011 and is also a Chartered Fellow of the Chartered Management Institute.

“I am very privileged to be joining the BTMA,” said Jason Kent. “I believe there are many generational changes ahead that our members must face and the BTMA needs to be ready and capable of supporting such challenges.”

 “As I see it, we have three initial goals in providing better business outcomes for our members through active engagement in addressing industry skills deficits, ensuring we are at the forefront of the industrial digitalisation revolution, and leveraging opportunities brought about through innovation and the associated global focus on sustainability.”
Founded in 1940, the British Textile Machinery Association actively promotes British textile machinery manufacturers and their products to the world. The non-profit organisation acts as a bridge between its members and the increasingly diverse industries within the textile manufacturing sector.

More information:
BTMA
Source:

AWOL Media for BTMA

INDA: RISE® - Virtual Conference opens and Speakers announced (c) INDA
26.07.2021

INDA: RISE® - Virtual Conference and Speakers announced

The 11th edition of RISE®, Research, Innovation & Science for Engineered Fabrics Conference will be presented virtually on Sept. 28-30 with more than 150 professionals in product development, materials science, and new technologies.

The conference will culminate on Sept. 30 with the presentation of the 2021 RISE® Innovation Award recognizing problem-solving innovations that advance the nonwovens industry.

The program includes presentations from industry leaders, round-table discussions and question-and-answer sessions on the key themes of material science developments for sustainable nonwovens, sustainability, increasing circularity in nonwovens, and promising innovations in nonwovens, processes and materials:

The 11th edition of RISE®, Research, Innovation & Science for Engineered Fabrics Conference will be presented virtually on Sept. 28-30 with more than 150 professionals in product development, materials science, and new technologies.

The conference will culminate on Sept. 30 with the presentation of the 2021 RISE® Innovation Award recognizing problem-solving innovations that advance the nonwovens industry.

The program includes presentations from industry leaders, round-table discussions and question-and-answer sessions on the key themes of material science developments for sustainable nonwovens, sustainability, increasing circularity in nonwovens, and promising innovations in nonwovens, processes and materials:

  • Promising Materials Development Using PLA
    presented by Behnam Pourdeyhimi, Ph.D., William A. Klopman Distinguished Professor and Executive Director, North Carolina State University, The Nonwovens Institute
  • Phantom Platform: The Polyolefin-cellulose Coformed Substrates Technology at Its Best, featuring insights from Fabio Zampollo, CEO, Teknoweb Materials S.r.l.
  • Biotransformation Technology in Polyolefin Fibers and Nonwoven Fabrics, Focus on Fugitive Used Articles
    with speakers, DeeAnn Nelson, Ph.D., Development Program Manager, and Nick Carter, Vice-President of Marketing and Business Intelligence, both from Avgol Nonwovens
  • High-Loft, Ultra-Soft Hygiene Solutions,
    presented by Paul Rollin, Ph.D., Global Team Lead – Nonwovens, ExxonMobil Chemical Company
  • Innovating a Sustainable Future for Nonwovens; A European Perspective
    given by Matthew Tipper, Ph.D., Operations Director, Nonwovens Innovation & Research Institute Ltd., (NIRI), UK
  • Filtration Media Functionalized with Zinc Oxide
    by Wai-shing Yung, Ph.D., Technical Director, Ascend Performance Materials
Ascend expands HiDura™ LCPA production capacity (c) Ascend Performance Materials
APMPR059
09.06.2021

Ascend expands HiDura™ LCPA production capacity

  • New capacity brought online to meet growing demand

Ascend Performance Materials has expanded production capacity for HiDura long-chain polyamides in its Greenwood, S.C., plant. The multi-million dollar expansion will help the company meet growing demand for its new product line.

Launched in Nov. 2020, Ascend’s HiDura PA610 and 612 products are used in a variety of consumer goods, industrial, renewable energy, automotive and electric vehicle applications. “Exceptional ductility, UV weatherability and hydrolysis resistance give HiDura resins and engineered plastics reliable, long-term performance in some of the harshest conditions,” said Kaan Gunes, business manager for HiDura at Ascend. Gunes cited applications in solar photovoltaic supports, battery seals and brush bristles to illustrate the versatility and durability of HiDura. “Each of these parts faces extreme conditions, whether the 25 years a solar PV installation will be exposed to the elements or the constant contact with corrosive chemicals inside a battery cell. The various grades we developed are designed to improve the reliability of our customers’ products.”

  • New capacity brought online to meet growing demand

Ascend Performance Materials has expanded production capacity for HiDura long-chain polyamides in its Greenwood, S.C., plant. The multi-million dollar expansion will help the company meet growing demand for its new product line.

Launched in Nov. 2020, Ascend’s HiDura PA610 and 612 products are used in a variety of consumer goods, industrial, renewable energy, automotive and electric vehicle applications. “Exceptional ductility, UV weatherability and hydrolysis resistance give HiDura resins and engineered plastics reliable, long-term performance in some of the harshest conditions,” said Kaan Gunes, business manager for HiDura at Ascend. Gunes cited applications in solar photovoltaic supports, battery seals and brush bristles to illustrate the versatility and durability of HiDura. “Each of these parts faces extreme conditions, whether the 25 years a solar PV installation will be exposed to the elements or the constant contact with corrosive chemicals inside a battery cell. The various grades we developed are designed to improve the reliability of our customers’ products.”

Ascend, which is the largest fully integrated producer of polyamide 66 resin, used its extensive polymerization knowledge to expand capacity at its Greenwood facility. “We have been polymerizing PA66 in Greenwood for decades,” said Michael Walters, senior site director for Ascend in Greenwood. “Our people understand how to consistently produce high-performance, high-quality materials safely and were excited to see the success of HiDura build off their work.” Ascend continues to expand its HiDura grades to meet the growing needs of its customers.

Source:

EMG

Bunzl Distribution brings American antiviral technology to Mexico retailers
19.04.2021

Bunzl Distribution brings American antiviral technology to Mexico retailers

US-made Acteev Protect™ masks have embedded zinc ion technology which deactivates many viruses and eliminates bacteria

Bunzl Distribution, a leading supplier of packaging, disposable supplies, and cleaning and safety products, has signed on as the distributor in Mexico for Acteev Protect™ masks, made in the United States by polyamide manufacturer Ascend Performance Materials. A global distributor, Bunzl provides supplies to supermarkets, food processing plants, retailers and convenience stores in Mexico.

Bunzl will distribute the Acteev Protect Nonwoven Mask, a reusable general purpose mask that features powerful antiviral and antibacterial properties. Acteev technology embeds active zinc ions in a polymer matrix which destroys microbes, deactivates many viruses and eliminates bacteria and fungi.

US-made Acteev Protect™ masks have embedded zinc ion technology which deactivates many viruses and eliminates bacteria

Bunzl Distribution, a leading supplier of packaging, disposable supplies, and cleaning and safety products, has signed on as the distributor in Mexico for Acteev Protect™ masks, made in the United States by polyamide manufacturer Ascend Performance Materials. A global distributor, Bunzl provides supplies to supermarkets, food processing plants, retailers and convenience stores in Mexico.

Bunzl will distribute the Acteev Protect Nonwoven Mask, a reusable general purpose mask that features powerful antiviral and antibacterial properties. Acteev technology embeds active zinc ions in a polymer matrix which destroys microbes, deactivates many viruses and eliminates bacteria and fungi.

Recent testing on Acteev fabric completed at the University of Cambridge has demonstrated that Acteev technology deactivates the virus that causes COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, with greater than 99.9% efficacy. Ascend has submitted several masks designs to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to obtain the appropriate regulatory clearances to make specific claims regarding the technology’s antiviral properties in the United States.

Carlos Green, Director General of Bunzl de México, says the company is pleased to bring products featuring better safety and protection to the Mexico market. “Our customers are more focused than ever before on doing business safely, and Acteev masks offer an added level of protection in the workplace,” he said. “We’re excited to offer our customers this premium product that provides some of the best protection available.”

In addition to antiviral, antifungal and antibacterial protection, the washable, reusable masks are lightweight, breathable and odor-fighting, making them comfortable to wear during a long shift at work or for outdoor workout. “Workers in industrial settings, such as chemical and food processing plants, and convenience stores and other retail outlets deserve the right protection as they keep society and the economy moving in Mexico,” said Juan Toro, Ascend’s principal business development leader for Acteev in the Americas.

“We are proud to partner with Bunzl to help deliver a reusable mask that provides both antiviral properties as well as an opportunity reduce the number of masks consumed, saving the companies money.”
Acteev Protect shows promise for use beyond masks, according to Ascend. The technology was originally developed for workout wear, and now the company is working textile applications ranging from gloves to scrubs to high-end athleisure.

Sorpol Ltd. brings American antiviral technology to Israel (c) Ascend Performance Materials, APMPR055
19.01.2021

Ascend Performance Materials: Sorpol Ltd. brings American antiviral technology to Israel

Sorpol Ltd., a leading importer and distributor of industrial raw materials in Israel, has launched a website to sell Acteev Protect™ masks, made in the USA by polyamide manufacturer Ascend Performance Materials. The two companies also plan to partner in the distribution of Acteev surgical masks, N95 respirators, nonwoven media and textile fabrics as they become available.

Laboratory tests have demonstrated Acteev fabric effective at deactivating 99.9% of the viruses SARS-CoV-2, the cause of COVID-19, and H1N1, a flu virus. Acteev technology also eliminates bacteria and fungi.

Ofer Soreq, Sorpol’s marketing director, said the Acteev Protect line fits in neatly with the mission of the company.

Sorpol Ltd., a leading importer and distributor of industrial raw materials in Israel, has launched a website to sell Acteev Protect™ masks, made in the USA by polyamide manufacturer Ascend Performance Materials. The two companies also plan to partner in the distribution of Acteev surgical masks, N95 respirators, nonwoven media and textile fabrics as they become available.

Laboratory tests have demonstrated Acteev fabric effective at deactivating 99.9% of the viruses SARS-CoV-2, the cause of COVID-19, and H1N1, a flu virus. Acteev technology also eliminates bacteria and fungi.

Ofer Soreq, Sorpol’s marketing director, said the Acteev Protect line fits in neatly with the mission of the company.

Recent testing on Acteev fabric completed at the University of Cambridge has demonstrated that Acteev technology deactivates the virus that causes COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, with 99.9% efficacy on contact. Ascend has submitted several masks designs to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to obtain the appropriate regulatory clearances to make specific claims regarding the technology’s antiviral properties in the United States.

In addition to antiviral, antifungal and antibacterial protection, the washable, reusable masks are lightweight, breathable and odor-fighting, making them comfortable to wear during a long shift at work or for outdoor workouts.

Acteev Protect shows promise for use beyond masks, according to Ascend. The technology was originally developed for workout wear, and now the company is working on textile applications ranging from gloves to scrubs to high-end athleisure

Source:

EMG / Ascend Performance Materials

Ascend announces alliance with The S Group to commercialize Acteev Protect™ yarns and fabrics (c) Ascend
Acteev Protect™ yarns and fabrics
09.12.2020

Ascend announces alliance with The S Group to commercialize Acteev Protect™ yarns and fabrics

  • Partnership offers customers access to full-scale garment design, manufacturing and packaging

Ascend Performance Materials has announced a commercial agreement with The S Group, a globally recognized provider of apparel design, development and manufacturing. The alliance will focus on commercialization of Acteev Protect™ antimicrobial yarns, fibers and fabrics, offering customers full-scale supply chain service from garment design to delivery.

The agreement pairs Ascend's world-class manufacturing operations with The S Group’s track record of success in the wholesale and direct-to-consumer apparel industry. “Our customers will now benefit from a revolutionary antimicrobial material combined with end-to-end support to guide a product from ideation to actualization,” said Lu Zhang, vice president of Acteev.

  • Partnership offers customers access to full-scale garment design, manufacturing and packaging

Ascend Performance Materials has announced a commercial agreement with The S Group, a globally recognized provider of apparel design, development and manufacturing. The alliance will focus on commercialization of Acteev Protect™ antimicrobial yarns, fibers and fabrics, offering customers full-scale supply chain service from garment design to delivery.

The agreement pairs Ascend's world-class manufacturing operations with The S Group’s track record of success in the wholesale and direct-to-consumer apparel industry. “Our customers will now benefit from a revolutionary antimicrobial material combined with end-to-end support to guide a product from ideation to actualization,” said Lu Zhang, vice president of Acteev.

The S Group offers complete supply chain management for apparel brands, including product development, manufacturing, logistics, quality assurance, packaging and order fulfillment. The company lists some of the world’s most recognized brands among its partners, including Lululemon, New Balance and Mack Weldon. Athleisure, performance, scrubs, and seamless products such as intimates, leggings, active wear, socks and gaiters will be available.

Gary Peck, CEO of The S Group, says his team is excited about the commercial potential of Acteev, especially given the new reality of global health concerns. “Garment design has primarily focused on functionality, sustainability and comfort,” said Peck. “The past year has made us all aware that safety can be a valuable feature of fabrics as well, and Acteev checks all those boxes.”

Acteev is Ascend’s patent-pending technology that embeds zinc ions in a polymer to create fibers with long-lasting antimicrobial properties. The result is a fabric that destroys odor-causing bacteria and fungi. Acteev technology is available in a wide range of textiles featuring the flexibility, softness and durability of nylon 6,6.

Recent testing on knit fabric completed at the University of Cambridge has demonstrated that Acteev technology deactivates the virus that causes COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, with 99.9% efficacy on contact1. Ascend is working with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and other governmental agencies to obtain the appropriate regulatory clearances to make specific claims regarding the technology’s antiviral properties.

Ascend Performance Materials: HiDURA (c) Ascend Performance Materials
17.11.2020

Ascend introduces HiDura™ long-chain polyamides

Ascend Performance Materials has launched several new grades of its HiDura™ long-chain polyamides for engineered plastics, monofilaments and cable ties. HiDura polyamide 610 and 612 are designed to provide exceptional dimensional stability and long life with enhanced resistance to chemicals, impact and abrasion.

Ascend, one of the largest fully integrated producer of PA66 resin, has developed multiple new grades of HiDura PA610 and 612 for use in automotive fuel system and brake line applications, cable ties for solar power systems, battery seals and monofilaments for brush bristles.

“Customers choose Ascend because they can rely on our materials’ performance in some of their most challenging applications,” said Kaan Gunes, HiDura business manager. “We developed HiDura to endure in extreme conditions and uses. Whether used in a connector for solar panels or as brush bristles, our customers can count on HiDura LCPAs to perform well over the life of the application.”

Ascend Performance Materials has launched several new grades of its HiDura™ long-chain polyamides for engineered plastics, monofilaments and cable ties. HiDura polyamide 610 and 612 are designed to provide exceptional dimensional stability and long life with enhanced resistance to chemicals, impact and abrasion.

Ascend, one of the largest fully integrated producer of PA66 resin, has developed multiple new grades of HiDura PA610 and 612 for use in automotive fuel system and brake line applications, cable ties for solar power systems, battery seals and monofilaments for brush bristles.

“Customers choose Ascend because they can rely on our materials’ performance in some of their most challenging applications,” said Kaan Gunes, HiDura business manager. “We developed HiDura to endure in extreme conditions and uses. Whether used in a connector for solar panels or as brush bristles, our customers can count on HiDura LCPAs to perform well over the life of the application.”

“Our customers are responding to broader shifts in the market and their products’ reliability is a key differentiator,” said Isaac Khalil, senior vice president of Ascend’s polyamide business. “We support our customers’ growth plans with high-performance materials and the application development, processing and technical expertise to get the most out of those materials.”

Information about HiDura, including application profiles and technical data sheets, can be found at https://www.ascendmaterials.com/hidura.

Source:

EMG/ Ascend Performance Materials

Ascend, Poliblend und Esseti Plast (c) Ascend Performance Materials
03.09.2020

Ascend schließt Kauf von Poliblend und Esseti Plast ab

Im Zuge seiner globalen Wachstumsstrategie hat Ascend Performance Materials nun die Akquisitionen der italienischen Firmen Poliblend und Esseti Plast abgeschlossen. Mit diesen strategischen Zukäufen erweitert Ascend sein Portfolio um weitere technische Kunststoffe, Rezyklate und Masterbatches.

„Poliblend und Esseti Plast ergänzen unser derzeitiges Angebot auf hervorragende Weise“, sagte John Saunders, Vizepräsident Europa bei Ascend. „Unsere Erfahrung und Stärke als voll integrierter Großhersteller von Polyamid 66 wird nun durch weitere PA66 Materialien, PA6, POM, Rezyklaten und dem umfangreichen Masterbatch-Portfolio von Esseti Plast erweitert. Dies ermöglicht unseren Kunden, aus einem breiteren Angebot an leistungsstarken Qualitätsmaterialien auf globaler Ebene zu wählen.“

Hiermit etabliert sich Ascend nun mit einer zweiten Produktionsstätte in Europa. Zu dieser Vereinbarung gehört ebenso Poliblend Deutschland, eine Vertriebsorganisation in Deutschland.

Die Akquisitionen wurden bereits im Februar 2020 bekannt gegeben, jedoch aufgrund der sich in Italien und anschließend in den Vereinigten Staaten verbreitenden COVID-19-Fälle verzögert.

Im Zuge seiner globalen Wachstumsstrategie hat Ascend Performance Materials nun die Akquisitionen der italienischen Firmen Poliblend und Esseti Plast abgeschlossen. Mit diesen strategischen Zukäufen erweitert Ascend sein Portfolio um weitere technische Kunststoffe, Rezyklate und Masterbatches.

„Poliblend und Esseti Plast ergänzen unser derzeitiges Angebot auf hervorragende Weise“, sagte John Saunders, Vizepräsident Europa bei Ascend. „Unsere Erfahrung und Stärke als voll integrierter Großhersteller von Polyamid 66 wird nun durch weitere PA66 Materialien, PA6, POM, Rezyklaten und dem umfangreichen Masterbatch-Portfolio von Esseti Plast erweitert. Dies ermöglicht unseren Kunden, aus einem breiteren Angebot an leistungsstarken Qualitätsmaterialien auf globaler Ebene zu wählen.“

Hiermit etabliert sich Ascend nun mit einer zweiten Produktionsstätte in Europa. Zu dieser Vereinbarung gehört ebenso Poliblend Deutschland, eine Vertriebsorganisation in Deutschland.

Die Akquisitionen wurden bereits im Februar 2020 bekannt gegeben, jedoch aufgrund der sich in Italien und anschließend in den Vereinigten Staaten verbreitenden COVID-19-Fälle verzögert.

Source:

EMG

Ascend to purchase compounding and masterbatch businesses of Poliblend and Esseti Plast. (c) Ascend Performance Materials, APMPR041
Ascend to purchase compounding and masterbatch businesses of Poliblend and Esseti Plast.
13.02.2020

Ascend to purchase compounding and masterbatch businesses of Poliblend and Esseti Plast

Ascend Performance Materials, the largest fully integrated producer of polyamide 66 resin, announced today it signed an agreement to purchase Poliblend and Esseti Plast GD from D’Ottavio Group. The acquisition includes a manufacturing facility in Mozzate, Italy, the masterbatch portfolio of Esseti Plast GD and the engineering plastics portfolio of Poliblend, which consists of virgin and recycled grades of PA66, PA6, PBT and POM.

Poliblend offers compounding and masterbatch services, including color and additive concentrates that enhance the appeal and end-use performance of plastics products, packaging and fibers. Its certifications include ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO TS 16949.

Giancarlo D’Ottavio, Poliblend’s president, will continue to run Poliblend’s operations and join Ascend’s European management team. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. The acquisition is expected to close in the second quarter.

Ascend Performance Materials, the largest fully integrated producer of polyamide 66 resin, announced today it signed an agreement to purchase Poliblend and Esseti Plast GD from D’Ottavio Group. The acquisition includes a manufacturing facility in Mozzate, Italy, the masterbatch portfolio of Esseti Plast GD and the engineering plastics portfolio of Poliblend, which consists of virgin and recycled grades of PA66, PA6, PBT and POM.

Poliblend offers compounding and masterbatch services, including color and additive concentrates that enhance the appeal and end-use performance of plastics products, packaging and fibers. Its certifications include ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO TS 16949.

Giancarlo D’Ottavio, Poliblend’s president, will continue to run Poliblend’s operations and join Ascend’s European management team. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. The acquisition is expected to close in the second quarter.

Source:

EMG

Foto: Ascend Performance Materials, APMPR037
10.10.2019

Ascend zeigt neue Materialtypen auf der K 2019

Ascend Performance Materials stellt auf der K2019 neue Sorten seines Vydyne® PA66 für Kabelbinder und Befestigungselemente, Folien und elektronische und elektrische Anwendungen vor.

Vydyne ThermaPlus™ ist ein wärmestabilisiertes Polyamid 66 für Kabelbinder und Befestigungselemente. Durch die Verwendung der von Ascend entwickelten mehrstufigen Hitzestabilisierungstechnologie bringt Vydyne ThermaPlus eine Temperaturbeständigkeit von bis zu 230 °C, ohne die Prozesseffizienz zu beeinträchtigen, auf die sich die Verarbeiter verlassen.

Vydyne ThermaPlus ermöglicht Verarbeitern die Verwendung ihrer aktuellen PA66-Produktionsanlagen ohne Auswirkungen auf die Effizienz in der Herstellung von Kabelbindern und Befestigungselementen für Fahrzeuganwendungen unter der Motorhaube.

Ascend Performance Materials stellt auf der K2019 neue Sorten seines Vydyne® PA66 für Kabelbinder und Befestigungselemente, Folien und elektronische und elektrische Anwendungen vor.

Vydyne ThermaPlus™ ist ein wärmestabilisiertes Polyamid 66 für Kabelbinder und Befestigungselemente. Durch die Verwendung der von Ascend entwickelten mehrstufigen Hitzestabilisierungstechnologie bringt Vydyne ThermaPlus eine Temperaturbeständigkeit von bis zu 230 °C, ohne die Prozesseffizienz zu beeinträchtigen, auf die sich die Verarbeiter verlassen.

Vydyne ThermaPlus ermöglicht Verarbeitern die Verwendung ihrer aktuellen PA66-Produktionsanlagen ohne Auswirkungen auf die Effizienz in der Herstellung von Kabelbindern und Befestigungselementen für Fahrzeuganwendungen unter der Motorhaube.

„Die saubere und effiziente Verarbeitung von PA66 hat es zum Material der Wahl für Hersteller von Kabelbindern und Befestigungselementen gemacht“, sagte Christelle Staller, Ascends Director of Sales für Europa. „Bei der Entwicklung von Vydyne ThermaPlus war es uns wichtig, ein Produkt zu entwickeln, das diese Verarbeitbarkeit beibehält und den steigenden thermischen Belastungen unter der Motorhaube gerecht wird.“

Source:

EMG

Mit hoher Schweißnahtfestigkeit und Langzeit-Temperaturbeständigkeit bis 230°C bietet Vydyne® XHT die richtigen Leistungseigenschaften für Bauteile im Motorraum, wie integrierte Lufteinlassverteiler. (c) Ascend Performance Materials APMPR038
Mit hoher Schweißnahtfestigkeit und Langzeit-Temperaturbeständigkeit bis 230°C bietet Vydyne® XHT die richtigen Leistungseigenschaften für Bauteile im Motorraum, wie integrierte Lufteinlassverteiler.
17.09.2019

Ascend stellt seine neuen Produkte Vydyne® XHT, LCPA und HTPA auf der K 2019 vor

HOUSTON – Ascend Performance Materials kündigte heute die Markteinführung mehrerer neuer Spezial-Polyamide auf der K 2019 an, um den wachsenden Anforderungen seiner Kunden zu begegnen. Unter den neuen Produkten befinden sich langkettigen Polyamide, Vydyne® XHT und neue hochtemperatur Polyamide.

Vydyne XHT, ein neues Portfolio aus hitzestabilisiertem Polyamid 66 und Copolymeren, ist widerstandsfähig gegenüber Langzeittemperaturen von bis zu 230°C. Durch eine Kombination aus speziellen Polymerverbindungen und einer mehrstufigen Wärmestabilisierungstechnologie erweitern XHT-Produkte die Grenzen der Temperaturbeständigkeit – ohne Einbußen bei der Verarbeitbarkeit, Beständigkeit und den mechanischen Eigenschaften, für die PA66 bekannt ist.

„Bei Motoren mit unterschiedlichen Leistungen und Drehmomenten, sind konstante Werte bei hohen Temperaturen für Anwendungen unter der Motorhaube unverzichtbar“, so Vikram Gopal, Senior Vice President für Technologie bei Ascend. „Vydyne XHT wurde von uns entwickelt, um unseren Kunden, die sich heute mit unzureichender Leistung in einem engen Betriebsbereich begnügen müssen, eine Alternative zu bieten.“

HOUSTON – Ascend Performance Materials kündigte heute die Markteinführung mehrerer neuer Spezial-Polyamide auf der K 2019 an, um den wachsenden Anforderungen seiner Kunden zu begegnen. Unter den neuen Produkten befinden sich langkettigen Polyamide, Vydyne® XHT und neue hochtemperatur Polyamide.

Vydyne XHT, ein neues Portfolio aus hitzestabilisiertem Polyamid 66 und Copolymeren, ist widerstandsfähig gegenüber Langzeittemperaturen von bis zu 230°C. Durch eine Kombination aus speziellen Polymerverbindungen und einer mehrstufigen Wärmestabilisierungstechnologie erweitern XHT-Produkte die Grenzen der Temperaturbeständigkeit – ohne Einbußen bei der Verarbeitbarkeit, Beständigkeit und den mechanischen Eigenschaften, für die PA66 bekannt ist.

„Bei Motoren mit unterschiedlichen Leistungen und Drehmomenten, sind konstante Werte bei hohen Temperaturen für Anwendungen unter der Motorhaube unverzichtbar“, so Vikram Gopal, Senior Vice President für Technologie bei Ascend. „Vydyne XHT wurde von uns entwickelt, um unseren Kunden, die sich heute mit unzureichender Leistung in einem engen Betriebsbereich begnügen müssen, eine Alternative zu bieten.“

Das Portfolio von Vydyne XHT umfasst vier glasgefüllte Typen, die sich optimal für anspruchsvolle Anwendungen im Automobilbereich wie Ladeluftkühler, Luftansaugkrümmer, Abgasrückführung und Resonatoren eignen. Alle XHT-Typen bieten ein ausgezeichnetes Fließverhalten und eignen sich als Regranulat, wodurch überschüssiges Material wiederaufbereitet und die Produktionseffizienz gesteigert werden kann.

Ascend stellt außerdem ein neues Produktportfolio aus den langkettigen Polyamiden PA610 und PA612 vor. Mit ihrer geringen Feuchtigkeitsaufnahme und einer hohen Beständigkeit gegenüber Chemikalien und UV-Strahlung eignen sich die langkettigen Polyamiden für eine Vielzahl von Anwendungen, darunter Monofilamente, Batterieabdichtungen, Kabelbinder, Automobilkühlsysteme, Kraftstoffanschlüsse sowie Sportartikel.

„Unsere Kunden sind Innovationstreiber und sehen steigende Anforderungen in ihren jeweiligen Branchen“, so Phil McDivitt, Präsident und Vorstandsvorsitzender bei Ascend. „Für größte Zuverlässigkeit, Funktionalität und Flexibilität bauen wir unsere vertikale Integration und starke Stellung im Bereich PA66 aus, um diese Innovationen zu ermöglichen“.

Zusätzlich werden die Aktivitäten des Unternehmens im Bereich der Hochtemperatur-Polyamide ausgebaut. Die neuen Produkte des HTPA-Portfolios von Ascend bieten als Metallersatz und für Hochtemperaturanwendungen im Automobilbereich höhere Festigkeit, Steifigkeit und Temperatur- und Chemikalienbeständigkeit.

Auf der vom 16. bis 23. Oktober in Düsseldorf stattfindenden K 2019 werden Vertriebs, als auch technische Expertern am Stand von Ascend (6A07) anwesend sein.

(c)Ascend Performance Materials
01.08.2018

Ascend Performance Materials übernimmt Britannia Techno Polymer

Houston - Ascend Performance Materials, der weltweit größte integrierte Hersteller von Polyamid 6.6 (PA66), hat heute die Übernahme von Britannia Techno Polymer (BTP) bekanntgegeben, einem Compoundeur technischer Kunststoffe mit Sitz in den Niederlanden. Mit der Akquisition erhält Ascend eine europäische Fertigungsbasis und erweitert seine globalen Compoundierkapazitäten.

„Diese Übernahme verschafft uns einen sechsten Produktionsstandort und eine starke Präsenz zur Betreuung unserer europäischen Kunden mit erstklassigen Polyamid 6.6 Compounds und regionalem Fertigungsknowhow“, sagt Phil McDivitt, Präsident und CEO von Ascend. „Wichtig dabei: BTP teilt unser entschlossenes Engagement für Sicherheit, Qualität, Innovation und Kundenservice. Gemeinsam werden wir unser Angebot erweitern und auch künftig das hohe Niveau an Zuverlässigkeit und technischem Service wahren, auf das unsere Kunden vertrauen.“
BTP wurde im Jahr 2006 von Andrew Leigh gegründet. Als Compoundeur technischer Thermoplaste hat sich das Unternehmen auf die Fertigung proprietärer Polyamidcompounds spezialisiert. BTP ist u. a. nach ISO 9001 und TS 16949 zertifiziert.

Houston - Ascend Performance Materials, der weltweit größte integrierte Hersteller von Polyamid 6.6 (PA66), hat heute die Übernahme von Britannia Techno Polymer (BTP) bekanntgegeben, einem Compoundeur technischer Kunststoffe mit Sitz in den Niederlanden. Mit der Akquisition erhält Ascend eine europäische Fertigungsbasis und erweitert seine globalen Compoundierkapazitäten.

„Diese Übernahme verschafft uns einen sechsten Produktionsstandort und eine starke Präsenz zur Betreuung unserer europäischen Kunden mit erstklassigen Polyamid 6.6 Compounds und regionalem Fertigungsknowhow“, sagt Phil McDivitt, Präsident und CEO von Ascend. „Wichtig dabei: BTP teilt unser entschlossenes Engagement für Sicherheit, Qualität, Innovation und Kundenservice. Gemeinsam werden wir unser Angebot erweitern und auch künftig das hohe Niveau an Zuverlässigkeit und technischem Service wahren, auf das unsere Kunden vertrauen.“
BTP wurde im Jahr 2006 von Andrew Leigh gegründet. Als Compoundeur technischer Thermoplaste hat sich das Unternehmen auf die Fertigung proprietärer Polyamidcompounds spezialisiert. BTP ist u. a. nach ISO 9001 und TS 16949 zertifiziert.

„Wir haben bereits eine langjährige Beziehung mit BTP und freuen uns darauf, unsere operative Effizienz und Erfahrung zu optimieren“, ergänzt John Saunders, Leiter des Europageschäfts von Ascend. Wir heißen Andy Leigh und das BTP-Team bei Ascend herzlich willkommen.“

Die Belegschaft von BTP wird zügig in Ascend integriert. Leigh tritt dem globalen Managementteam von Ascend als Director of Compounding Technology bei. „Dies ist ein spannendes Kapitel für beide Unternehmen“, so Leigh. „Wir freuen uns darauf, unsere Aktivitäten in die von Ascend zu integrieren und ein operatives Weltklassemanagement zu erhalten.“

Source:

Ascend Performance Materials

Business interaction Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH
Business interaction
14.09.2017

Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles attracted more trade buyers this year resulting in strong business outcomes

Overseas exhibitors found the fair an effective platform to open up the Asian market
Buyers benefited from wide range of quality exhibitors

Overseas exhibitors found the fair an effective platform to open up the Asian market
Buyers benefited from wide range of quality exhibitors

The 23rd edition of Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles is over, with both exhibitors and buyers satisfied with the business outcomes resulting from the fair’s four days. The largest home textiles trading event in Asia was held from 23 – 26 August, attracting 1,106 exhibitors from 30 countries and regions. Given the strengthening market conditions in China the fair maintained its popularity, with the number of trade buyers increasing to 38,964 from 99 countries and regions (2016: 37,779 from 98 countries and regions). The show also attracted more international buyers this edition, with a 16% increase in those coming from abroad. “Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles has once again proven its leading position in Asia as a business and order platform for the industry. There was a noticeable positivity from both exhibitors and buyers this edition regarding the current and future situation of the domestic market, so we are optimistic about the industry for the next year,” Ms Wendy Wen, Senior General Manager of Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd said.

Overseas exhibitors found the fair an effective platform to open up the Asian market

As the leading event of its kind in the region, the fair successfully attracts a number of Chinese and Asian buyers every year, ensuring suppliers can develop their business further in the region. This year, seven country and region pavilions including Belgium, India, Korea, Morocco, Pakistan, Taiwan and Turkey were formed, with exhibitors from all of satisfied they could meet their target buyers.

While being in the minority at the fair, European brands still managed to catch the attention of visitors due to strong interest in their products from Asia. The Italian upholstery supplier Enzo Degli Angiuoni Spa was satisfied with the number of Asian buyers, particularly Chinese, that they met at the fair. Mr Stefano Laurenzano, Export Area Manager expressed: “A lot of visitors that saw us here last year have come back again and are serious about cooperating with us. Here you can get a lot of new contacts and discover the Asian market. We’ve had mainly Chinese buyers, but have had more Asian buyers from South Korea, India, Malaysia and elsewhere to visit us this year. We are seeing more business here in recent years.”

Being a newcomer to the fair, Iceland Duvet ehf felt the potential in China. “We’ve had enough buyers including retailers and manufacturers visiting our booth to make our participation worthwhile. The interest from the buyers has been genuine. Being a European brand helps more than at fairs in Europe as we can stand out more here,” Mr Ragnar Ludvik Runarsson, representative said.

Indian exhibitor, Paramount Textile Mills Ltd has been joining the fair for three years. “Apart from meeting our existing customers, we’ve had enquiries from potential new customers from China as well as overseas including the US and South America,” Mr Ram. M., Director of Marketing & Finance said.

Also with three years’ participation, Mr Samir Tazi, General Manager of PIF Textile Emotions from Morocco affirmed the show’s effectiveness in meeting important buyers and decision makers. “It’s easier for us to meet them here compared with some smaller European fairs. Thanks to Intertextile Shanghai, we have also met the major players in China.” Talking about this year’s result, he continued: “We were very busy. We met with more people than any other fairs. There are a lot of new buyers and also returning buyers checking out our new products.”

Participating in the Korea Pavilion, Sangwon Textile Co Ltd found the fair helpful in attracting distributors and wholesalers from Southeast Asia. Mr Jeon Hyeon Tae, Sales Manager said: “We have found about five potential and quality distributors from Taiwan, India, Philippines and Singapore on the first day. We also got to meet a number of wholesalers who prefer to buy from us directly at the fair.” He added that Intertextile Shanghai is also an ideal platform to launch new products for their existing clients.

As the largest pavilion this year, the Turkey Pavilion was in the limelight of the show, with both new and veteran exhibitors finding it useful to exhibit in Intertextile Shanghai. Bezmez Ev Tekstil did not intend to receive any orders in their first show, but was surprised to obtain three in just one day. These concrete results reassured their likelihood of coming back next year. “We definitely see the potential for Turkish products here in China as Chinese companies prefer quality products nowadays,” Mr Ayhan Bezmez, representative, further commented. Mr Fahri Goksin, Vice President of Gokhan Tekstil agreed with Mr Bezmez that Chinese buyers are in favour of new things like imported goods and Western brands. His company has been in the Shanghai fair for six years and continued to get satisfactory results. “We’re looking for retailers, wholesalers and online buyers. We’ve had all of these visiting our booth already.”

Domestic exhibitors satisfied with the number of potential customers and orders received

Recently, there is strong signs suggesting that the home textiles market in China is recovering with both imports and exports rising gradually. The positive outcome that Chinese exhibitors achieved at the August’s fair have resonated with the market condition. It is no surprise to see a number of domestic booths packed with visitors throughout the days. SohoCUT is a case in point. To them, Intertextile Shanghai is the place for actual business. “Compared with other fairs we’ve been to, this is the exhibition where a huge number of international buyers gather. We met buyers from China, Mexico, Russia, the US, India and Southeast Asia. We even got large orders for the first two days.” Mr Wheatley Weng, Managing Director said.

The fabrics of Wujiang Linwang Weaving Mill is also sought after at the fair. Being a company that do both exports and domestic trade, they are happy to connect with local and overseas customers during the show. “We’ve collected around 100 leads on the first day, of which 70% are domestic and the remaining being international. The overseas visitors are from Italy, Poland, Germany, Denmark, Chile and Korea that our products precisely meet their requirement. We see high chances of cooperation after the fair.” Mr Kenny, Sales Manager said.

Given the prevailing smart home concept in China, Somfy China Co Ltd which specialised in advanced sun-protection system has become one of the highlights at the fair. Ms Nancy Nan, Chief Executive Officer mentioned: “The visitor flow has been really high that our booth is swarmed by buyers. Amongst those visitors, there is no lack of medium to high-end customers who placed orders immediately.”

Editors assembled to promote high-end products

To cater to the ascending standards of Chinese customers, Intertextile Shanghai once again brought editors together in hall 5.1 to maximise their exposure to their target buyers. As foreign brands with subsidiaries in China, JAB and Prestigious see the growing interest in their premium products in China. “We pay attention to the changing buying habits of Chinese consumers and, as such, have started promoting a series of products under a unified lifestyle trend. It’s obvious that we are gaining more awareness from buyers at the fair,” Mr William Lin, Vice President of JAB ANSTOETZ Interior (Shanghai) Co Ltd said. He also appreciated the specific display area for imported fabrics and the organisers’ attempt to attract more designers, which helped them meet more potential customers. Apart from getting onsite orders, Prestigious Textiles (Shanghai) Ltd also considers the show a promotion platform. “There is great demand for our products in China. Though we achieved similar sales compared with last year, through this fair our brand has been well introduced to the market,” Mr Lewis Liu, Sales Director expressed.

Originating from China, Euroart Co Ltd was another editor that successfully showcased their latest collection at the fair. “It is a good time to join the most influential home textiles exhibition in Asia as we have just launched new products in May. We are satisfied as some of our existing clients plus new visitors came to our booth,” Ms Guo Jianhua, Director Assistant said.

Industry players benefit from the expanded Digital Printing Zone

The demand for digital printing solutions has been growing in recent years, especially as the industry has put more emphasis on green production. As such, the Digital Printing Zone expanded in size this edition, incorporating a Seminar Area and more exhibitors.

As an Italian company, MS Printing Solutions Srl experienced the potential of the sector in China. “The fair has been busy, and we’ve had steady flow of buyers coming through. The potential in digital printing here is just beginning. The Chinese government is pushing companies to reduce their pollution, so it has a big advantage in this regard over traditional textile printing,” Mr Walter Oggioni, Regional Sales Manager stated, adding that the company has been growing very fast globally, especially in China, Turkey, India and Pakistan.

This potential holds for domestic machine manufacturers as well. Specialising in the production of digital printing machines, Guangzhou Xu Cheng Electronic Technology Co Ltd was at the fair to meet fabrics suppliers. Mr Jesse Luo, Overseas Manager explained: “Compared with exhibitions for textile machinery, Intertextile Shanghai attracts more fabrics suppliers, which are our target clients. It helps even more as we are located in this special zone. We’ve been talking to a lot customers, including overseas buyers who are also interested in our machines.”

A series of seminars also provided opportunities for the industry to share their insights on this emerging sector. As a speaker, Foshan Sanshui Yingjie Precision Machinery believed the session was mutually beneficial for them and the audience. “Attendees are from the whole sector including manufacturers and end users, so we can discuss different perspectives. It will facilitate our improvement,” Mr Peng Jichang, General Manager said. Mr Scott Bai, representative of Huntsman Textile Effects (China) Co Ltd also benefited from visiting the zone and the seminar. “Together with seminar, the Digital Printing Zone can professionally present the current situation for the industry. When suppliers and users come together, we can discover the way to enhance this technology.”

Buyers benefited from wide range of quality exhibitors

Intertextile Shanghai is the largest trading platform in Asia with the whole spectrum of home textiles and accessories on offer. Hence, visitors, be they Chinese or overseas, can access a wide range of quality suppliers that meet their sourcing needs. Australian buyer, Mr Glenn Whitchurch from Trabeth Textiles, was impressed with his sourcing journey. “The polyester quality of domestic exhibitors has been unbelievable. What’s more, we’ve found the Chinese suppliers to be very flexible in meeting our needs, they’re clearly keen to accommodate overseas buyers.” Mr Whitchurch also commented favourably on the product range at Intertextile Shanghai compared to European fairs.

One ongoing trend at the fair over recent years is the increasing quality of domestic suppliers, which attracts buyers to come back and source. Mezanin V SRL from Moldova is a long-term supporter of the show, and place orders every year. Its Vice Director, Mr Mihail Tornea remarked: “It is an important event for us to meet new suppliers from China. We are selective with the suppliers we work with, but the Chinese companies here meet our requirements. As a sourcing event, Intertextile Shanghai is the best place to be.”

The fair’s VIP buyer programme also assists buyers in meeting worldwide exhibitors at ease. Mr Bibo Lan is the co-founder of Loft Curtains in the US and he is excited to meet lots of potential suppliers here. “The arrangement for VIPs is satisfying and it helps a lot to have my target exhibitor information in advance. The largest benefit of our visit is that we met Libeco from Belgium, while we also confirmed to work with a blackout supplier at the fair,” he said.

Chinese buyers agreed that Intertextile Shanghai is the most effective sourcing platform in Asia. “Overseas suppliers like Turkey exhibitors are our main interest. So far, we have connected with four to five exhibitors in hall 4 and will place orders with them soon. In terms of exhibitor number and the product range, I feel that the fair has improved a lot. It is my favourite show with a lot of overseas products to discover,” Mr Huang Shenghua, General Manager of Ziranfeng Home Textile Co Ltd said.

Concurrent events inspired the industry

Apart from facilitating business between exhibitors and visitors, the fair also incorporated various design elements via a series of concurrent events. These included display area like Trend Area, International Fiber Art Exhibition and Home Furnishing Crossover Exhibition where participants could find innovative designs and ideas.

This was also the first time the Andrew Martin International Interior Design Summit and the fair took place concurrently. Experts from the interior design, architecture and art sectors were invited to share and discuss their views on the transformation of design in the new information era. Mr Kot Ge, founder of a domestic interior design studio, LSDCASA was delighted to join, and shared: “This show always attracts many top interior designers and it’s my pleasure to meet them here. Interior design and home textiles are closely related and new concepts can bring along improvement.”

Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles – Autumn Edition was organised by Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd; the Sub-Council of Textile Industry, CCPIT; and the China Home Textile Association (CHTA). The next Autumn Edition will take place in August 2018, while the Spring Edition runs from 14 – 16 March 2018.
To find out more about this fair, please visit: www.intertextilehome.com.
For more information about Messe Frankfurt textile fairs worldwide, please visit: http://texpertise-network.messefrankfurt.com.

 

Intertextile Shanghai Home Messe Frankfurt
Intertextile Shanghai Home
27.04.2017

August’s Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles provides opportunities in the rejuvenated Chinese home textiles market

With less than four months to go before Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles takes place, the domestic market is showing strong signs of rejuvenation. China’s economy has stabilised recently, with 2016 GDP recording a 6.7% increase and reaching USD 10.7 trillion, while the National Bureau of Statistics also stated that the total sales of consumer goods last year rose 10.4% to nearly USD 4.8 trillion. Not only will the estimated 10 million couples getting married every year contribute to the strong demand for home textiles products, but the ascending living standards resulting from increased urbanisation together with the flourishing hospitality industry are also driving forces for the market. Apart from the domestic market, the Chinese home textiles industry is also actively opening up new markets around the world, particularly in the ASEAN region where exports continue to increase.

With less than four months to go before Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles takes place, the domestic market is showing strong signs of rejuvenation. China’s economy has stabilised recently, with 2016 GDP recording a 6.7% increase and reaching USD 10.7 trillion, while the National Bureau of Statistics also stated that the total sales of consumer goods last year rose 10.4% to nearly USD 4.8 trillion. Not only will the estimated 10 million couples getting married every year contribute to the strong demand for home textiles products, but the ascending living standards resulting from increased urbanisation together with the flourishing hospitality industry are also driving forces for the market. Apart from the domestic market, the Chinese home textiles industry is also actively opening up new markets around the world, particularly in the ASEAN region where exports continue to increase.


Along with the national 13th Five-Year Plan, the home textiles industry has also set its own development plan for the coming five years. Industry leaders, the China National Textile and Apparel Council and the China Home Textile Association, have announced that the home textiles industry is to be modernised by incorporating more innovative, technological and artistic elements. Annual growth of 5.5% and 3.2% for revenue and exports, respectively, are targeted, while automation is to be further promoted to enhance productivity.
Ms Wendy Wen, Senior General Manager of Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd added that the prevalent whole-home trend in China will also stimulate the market as a whole. “More and more companies are starting to promote the whole-home concept which emphasises unified styles of decoration throughout the entire home to customers. Compared to demonstrating home textile products separately, showcasing whole-home furnishing is more appealing to Chinese buyers and will encourage sales. The synergy among products, especially those between home textile products and furniture is the emerging trend at present,” said Ms Wen.

Source:

Messe Frankfurt