From the Sector

• Neuer Abteilungsleiter Commercial & Industrial Printing

Achim Bukmakowski (58) ist ab sofort bei Epson in Europa neuer Head of Commercial & Industrial Printing (C&I) in der Region DACH. Er berichtet in seiner neuen Position an Duncan Ferguson, Vice President Commercial & Industrial Printing bei Epson, und folgt Frank Schenk nach, der das Unternehmen auf eigenen Wunsch verlassen hat.

Bukmakowski startete seine Karriere bei Epson im Jahre 2000 als Corporate Account Manager und betreute zuletzt als Regional Sales Manager Commercial & Industrial Printing CEE Kunden des Herstellers, die er behält, denn er übernimmt die neue Position zusätzlich zu seiner bisherigen. Wie schon dort ist es auch hier seine primäre Aufgabe, die guten Beziehungen zu den Epson Kunden weiter zu stärken und auszubauen, um die kommenden und bestehenden professionellen Drucklösungen des Herstellers erfolgreich in diesen Märkten zu positionieren.

• Digital Pioneer Awards ceremony at the digitalCHURCH
• ITA Academy GmbH was honoured to receive the Digital Pioneer Award at the Digital Summit Event in Aachen on June 09, 2021.

The Digital Pioneer Award is given to companies that drive digitalisation with digital business models, processes or digital products. ITA Academy GmbH was honoured with the Digital Capability Center (DCC) Aachen and its support of companies in their digital transformation.

Using the latest didactic methods, sophisticated solution concepts and state-of-the-art technologies, the DCC Aachen supports people in keeping up with the digital future and becoming pioneers in digital transformation. In order to make innovative solutions such as AI and digital assistance systems tangible, the ITA Academy founded the Digital Capability Center (DCC) Aachen together with McKinsey & Company in 2017. The DCC is a model factory 4.0 in which digital applications are demonstrated and taught using the example of a realistic factory. The DCC thus offers a learning environment for companies in which participants are supported in building up competencies in the field of digital transformation in the form of practical work-shops.

The digital pioneers are to be publicised as best-practice examples in order to sensitize regional SMEs to the topic of digitisation. Around the award of the digital pioneers, the digitalHUB Aachen e.V. rolls out effective marketing activities. The pioneers achieve high visibility through the various planned campaigns and advertising opportunities.

Millet, ein Spezialist für Hochgebirgsausrüstung mit Sitz im französischen Annecy Le Vieux, begleitet seit 100 Jahren Bergsportbegeisterte bei ihrer Leidenschaft.

Die UBIC-Reihe wurde überarbeitet und besteht aus 100% recycelten Fasern
Das UBIC-Sortiment, seit vielen Jahren ein Bestseller bei MILLET, wurde in diesem Jahr überarbeitet. Die Rücksäcke werden gänzlich aus 100% recycelten Fasern hergestellt. Außerdem wurde die Integration des Variloop™-Systems verbessert, das es ermöglicht, das ganze Jahr über Alpin- und Campingausrüstung komfortabel am Rucksack zu befestigen.
Hauptmaterialien: HONEYCOMB 3LINE RECYCLED - 100% recyceltes Polyamid - PFC-freie DWR / P 600D 100% recycelt- 100% recyceltes PES - Wassersäule: 1000 mm

Trilogy Fragment 3L JKT M
Minimalistische Jacke, die leichten und abriebfesten Schutz bei jedem Wetterumschwung in den Bergen bietet.
Hauptgewebe: PERTEX® SHIELD XLIGHT 3L - 100% Polyamid / Dampfdurchlässigkeit: 20 000 g.m².24h / Wassersäule: 20 000 mm – PFC-freie DWR

Trilogy Edge Aircore Hoodie
Die extrem leichte, isolierende Jacke besteht aus winddichtem und sehr atmungsaktivem Pertex® Quantum Air, während die Primaloft® Gold Wattierung mit Cross Core™ Aerogel für ein ausgezeichnetes Gewicht/Wärme-Verhältnis selbst bei Nässe sorgt.
Hauptmaterialien: PERTEX AIR CRINKLE - 100% Polyamid – PFC-freie DWR / Isolation: PRIMALOFT® GOLD INSULATION CROSS CORE TECH 40 GR - 90% recyceltes Polyester - 10% Polyester

Trilogy Black Crag Pant
Das dehnbare und abriebfeste Cordura® Ripstop Gewebe dieser Kletterhose wird mit strategisch platzierten Dyneema® Stretch-Einsätzen kombiniert, um die Bewegungsfreiheit und die Haltbarkeit des Kleidungsstücks zu erhöhen.
Hauptmaterialien: CORDURA® AIR RIPSTOP - 53% Cordura® - 41% Polyamid - 6% Elasthan – PFC-freie DWR DYNEEMA® STRETCH - 48% Polyamid - 31% Elasthan - 21% Polyethylen

Grepon Carbon Pro: Ultraleichter und isolierter Alpinstiefel
Der ultraleichte, technische Schuh bietet volle Steifigkeit in schwierigen Routen, sowohl am Fels als auch bei Mixed-Bedingungen mit Steigeisen.
Hauptmaterialien: Italian Extreme Tenacity Upper, GORE-TEX Membran

Prolighter 30+10 W
Mit einer angepassten Passform präsentiert sich dieser Rucksack im Sommer 2022 mit einem leichteren und cleanen Design. Der abnehmbare Deckel und der Gurt ermöglichen eine 20%ige Gewichtsreduzierung.
Hauptmaterialien: N210D HONEYCOMB ROBIC - 100% Polyamid - Wassersäule: 1000 mm, PFC-freie DWR / Innenfutter: P250D OXFORD - 100% recyceltes Polyester - Wassersäule: 1000 mm, PFC-freie DWR

Kamet GTX JKT W
Damenjacke aus GORE-TEX® 3L, entwickelt für den ganzjährigen Einsatz.
Hauptmaterialien: GORE-TEX PLAIN 3L - 100% Polyamid - Dampfdurchlässigkeit: RET < 9m²Pa.W - Wassersäule: 28.000 mm, PFC-freie DWR

Summit XCS Rip Pant W
Wasserabweisende und winddichte Hose, für alpine Abenteuer. Das Stretchmaterial und die Passform garantieren Bewegungsfreiheit, während die Verstärkungen an den Knien und Unterschenkeln die Strapazierfähigkeit erhöhen.
Hauptmaterialien: X.C.S. BRUSHED RIPSTOP - 89% Polyamid - 11% Elasthan – PFC-freie DWR RUGGED TOUGHTEX - 72% Polyamid - 14% Polyester - 14% Elasthan

International technology Group ANDRITZ has received a repeat order from Zhejiang Saintyear Textile Co., Ltd., based in China, to supply a second, complete neXline spunlace line for the production of premium-quality nonwoven roll goods. The line is scheduled for start-up during the third quarter of 2022.

No later than nine months after placing a first order for a complete high-speed spunlace line, Zhejiang Saintyear Textile has decided to rely on ANDRITZ once again by purchasing another complete line dedicated to the production of first-class wipes. The production capacity will be up to 2,800 kg/h for lightweight fabrics.

ANDRITZ will provide a full line with state-of-the-art equipment – from web forming to drying. The scope of supply includes the precise opening and blending machinery from Laroche – newly acquired by the ANDRITZ GROUP, two inline TT cards, a proven JetlaceEssentiel unit for hydroentanglement, and the efficient neXdry through-air dryer.

The new, industrial, entry-level EFI™ Reggiani BLAZE scanning printer from Electronics For Imaging, Inc. is making its debut at the ITMA Asia tradeshow, 12-16 June in Shanghai, China. The high-quality printer is an easy-to-use, smart solution to help textile companies blaze their successful trail into the world of efficient, sustainable industrial inkjet printing. It is equipped with EFI Reggiani’s state-of-the-art technology, offering high quality, reliability and flexibility on the widest variety of designs.

Cutting-edge technology in a compact footprint
The EFI Reggiani BLAZE printer is designed to give textile companies the opportunity to enter the digital textile printing market with a compact solution. The new, 1.8-metre wide printer offers an innovative, low-maintenance, continuous recirculation ink system equipped with a level sensor and degassing as well as a printhead crash protective system for longer printhead life and superior uptime.
 
Thanks to its cutting-edge printhead reliability and low maintenance costs for a competitive TCO (total cost of ownership), the BLAZE printer can produce up to 125 linear metres per hour with a printing resolution up to 600x1200 dots per inch (dpi). The printer – which delivers excellent productivity as one of the fastest digital inkjet solutions in its class – has eight 300-dpi dual channel printheads and can print in up to eight colours with full variable drop size.

Flexible fabric feed and handling for higher productivity
The EFI Reggiani BLAZE is equipped with a continuous and switchable belt washing unit to remove water and fabric hairs. An embedded device for adhesive application offers the possibility to use thermoplastic, resin and permanent adhesives.
 
The printer also includes other features for enhanced productivity and value, including a 400-mm roll unwinder, expandable shafts, an air gun and a pneumatic bar for standard fabrics.

Efficient software and electronics technology
The Reggiani BLAZE printer offers a friendly and intuitive user interface with real-time image processing and flexible queue management. The software also runs a WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) job editor, as well as tools to accurately predict printing speed and ink usage.

EFI Reggiani TERRA Silver enhancement
EFI has also released an enhanced version of the EFI Reggiani TERRA Silver printer, a 1.8-metre wide printer operating with EFI Reggiani’s unique TERRA pigment ink with binder solution for high-quality, highly sustainable, direct-to-textile printing without steaming or washing.

Features:

• A new recirculating ink system for superior reliability and minimum maintenance at start up and during production
• Several printing modes to ensure maximum flexibility in terms of design capability
• New, real-time image processing that eliminates time spent in image pre-calculations
• A user friendly, intuitive interface
• A more-efficient polymerisation process that takes place as printed textile goes through the printer’s on-board dryer.

Die Rösch Fashion GmbH & Co. KG produziert ab sofort unter dem Label RÖSCH Care nach DIN EN 14683 zertifizierte medizinische Gesichtsmasken am Firmensitz in Tübingen. Die individualisierbaren Masken vom Typ II sowie Typ II R werden aus Zutaten deutscher Lieferanten unter strengen Qualitätsbedingungen hergestellt und wurden mit einer Filterwirksamkeit (BFE) von 99,97% beziehungsweise 99,2% zertifiziert.

Rösch Fashion hat auf den sich veränderten Maskenmarkt reagiert und von der Produktion von Stoffmasken auf medizinische Gesichtsmasken umgestellt. Hierfür wurde eine neue Maskenmaschine angeschafft und im Mai 2021 am Standort Tübingen in Betrieb genommen. Mit der erfolgten Zertifizierung vertreibt der süddeutsche Textilbetrieb nun medizinische Gesichtsmasken Typ II und Typ II R unter dem Label “RÖSCH Care”. Die Masken mit dreilagigem Aufbau aus hochleistungsfähigen Vlies-Lagen sind nicht nur besonders atmungsaktiv, sondern durch stabile Nasenbügel und bequeme Ohrschlaufen weich und komfortabel.

“Mit unserer Schwesterfirma RÖKONA sind wir schon seit Jahren im medizinischen Textilsektor unterwegs und konnten von diesem internen Know-how profitieren”, so Arnd-Gerrit Rösch, geschäftsführender Gesellschafter des Familienbetriebs.

Having undergone further development, the new cradle feeder 100 now offers more functions and is even smarter. The cradle feeder 100 comes with an integrated cut-off system, intelligent controls, and smart roll-off features that take textile cutting to new levels of productivity and automation.

Just like its highly successful predecessor, which was introduced in 2017, the cradle feeder 100 is capable of advancing stretch fabrics from rolls completely without tension and resulting distortions. The integrated unwind-control system continuously monitors the rate in which the material is fed onto the cutter and manages that process with even greater precision than the previous model.

At the heart of the technological advances that come with new feeder is the optional integrated cut-off feature. It slices through the material at the end of a marker even while the cutter is still busy cutting. This makes it possible to switch rolls and prepare for the next job without interrupting the production process. Especially for users who frequently need to process short markers, this translates into significant time-savings in job preparation and setup. The cut-off function can be initiated manually by the user or set to occur automatically in the cutter software.

On the occasion of releasing its 2021 Spring Report, EURATEX calls the European Institutions to implement a new Industrial Strategy which will effectively support the European textiles industry. EURATEX welcomes the fact that Textile and Clothing industry is recognised as one of the 14 essential ecosystems of the European economy, but we need to take effective measures to support these sectors, and take into consideration the global dimension.

Economic data for 2020 in EURATEX Spring Report show preoccupying trends. Figures reflect a dramatic contraction in demand and production: EU turnover contracted by -9.3% in textiles (which is in line with the general manufacturing average) and by -17.7% in clothing, compared with 2019. Furthermore, supply chain disruptions and substantial price increases of some raw materials are putting significant pressure on the T&C industries across Europe. The trade deficit for European textiles and clothing jumped from € -47 bln in 2019 to € -62 bln in 2020, an increase of more than 30%, which is almost entirely due to the import of Chinese face masks and related products. Fortunately, more recent figures from the 1st quarter of 2021 indicate some signs of recovery.

That figure illustrates very well today’s political discussions on the future of the European industry. Many European companies have made considerable efforts to adapt their production to the pandemic, but clearly this was not enough. Whether the production cost in Europe is too high or the EU should adapt its procurement rules, the industry needs have a coherent long-term plan to become more competitive and conquer new markets.

EURATEX General Assembly highlighted the critical role of the new EU Industrial Strategy. The inclusion of textiles and clothing in the fourteen ecosystems is a step in the right direction to consolidate the industrial base but we should look also at the global challenges. European companies should continue investing in innovation, design and quality, in combination with a structural move towards more sustainable textiles. At the same time, the EU should create an environment - both inside the Single Market and globally - where everybody plays by the same rules.

May 22nd was World Biodiversity Day, established for the first time in 2000 by the UN General Assembly to celebrate the adoption of the Convention on Biological Diversity signed in Nairobi (Kenya) in 1992.

Biodiversity Day celebrates the biological diversity of the planet and its species together with its protection. This year the Day had a particular focus on sustainable development with the theme “We’re part of the solution”: aware of being part of nature, we cannot exclude recognizing its protection and preservation as well. The Day follows the precedent of May 20th which celebrated bees, another inestimable heritage of our planet.

DMR Group, with its data collection system focused on the reader/user’s point of view, monitored the official keywords and analyzed the DMR Group global panel which includes more than 100,000 websites and 100,000 selected social accounts in the period between May 18th and 24th, 2021.

• 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.