From the Sector

Joint booth to host demonstrations of Apollo wicketer and Meridian laser anilox cleaner
Hudson-Sharp and Paper Converting Machine Company (PCMC), both part of Barry-Wehmiller, will be showcasing equipment at K2019 (hall 3, B16), held 16 to 23 October, 2019, in Düsseldorf, Germany. Hudson-Sharp joined PCMC as of October 1, 2019, and attendees may visit the companies’ joint booth during the show to view live demonstrations of two innovative machines.

Hudson-Sharp will be demonstrating its brand-new high-speed Apollo wicketer, with quick changeover features, automation, enhanced ergonomics and user interface, and increased output speeds. The Apollo’s smart features will enable customers to reduce scrap rates and collect improvement metrics to assist in production decisions.

PCMC will be showcasing its Meridian laser anilox cleaner, which quickly deep-cleans anilox cells with a laser to remove deposited particles inside of the cells. This cleaning technology extends the life of anilox rolls and does not require any chemicals, sodium bicarbonate, polymer beads, water or detergents—making it a sustainable technology with a very low environmental impact. PCMC’s newest Meridian models include updated controls and a new internal traversing vacuum system.

• Comprehensive 3D printing expertise in the automotive, aerospace, consumer goods and medical application sectors
• Hands-on application presentation with a leading RV and trailer manufacturer
• Content-rich Live Talks with industry-leading business partners
• Live demonstration of pigmented plastic filaments with BASF Colors & Effects

BASF 3D Printing Solutions (B3DPS) exhibited for the second time at K 2019 in Düsseldorf, Germany. At the world’s biggest trade show for plastics and rubber industry, B3DPS welcomed visitors from October 16 through 23 at the BASF SE stand C21/D21 in Hall 5 and presented its extensive portfolio of 3D printing materials and service solutions aiming at enabling industrial additive manufacturing at scale. What’s more, the company’s 3D printing experts did offer insights into the latest technological innovations and application developments in the “competencies” section.

Customized 3D printing highly attractive to RV and trailer market
The Concept Caravan at the BASF stand gave visitors hands-on experience of the impressive spectrum of applications offered by B3DPS. Alongside complex samples of printed modular construction elements, over one hundred individual parts have been 3D-printed using advanced photopolymer, filament and powder-based ready-to-print material formulations. The RV and trailer market is exceptionally attractive as it can greatly benefit from unique advantages offered by additive-based manufacturing, namely the high customizability of parts with complex geometries as well as the rapid availability of production parts without incurring tool costs. The very diverse material characteristics of the construction elements meet the production requirements for both vehicle exteriors and interior fittings. In addition, the final coating of manufactured parts plays a decisive role in many application areas, and this is also covered by the comprehensive BASF technology portfolio.

Singapore - Huntsman Textile Effects today confirmed that it has joined the ZDHC Roadmap to Zero Programme as a Contributor. This adds a new dimension to Huntsman’s long-standing efforts to promote sustainable chemistry and best practice in the textile and footwear industries and help lead the sector’s shift to a cleaner and more transparent global supply chain.

Huntsman Textile Effects is proud to be joining over 25 leading brands working together to drive industry-wide change in responsible chemicals management and commits to working on this task in a collaborative and open manner.

As a ZDHC Contributor, Huntsman Textile Effects has uploaded detailed safety and sustainability information of its key products onto the ZDHC Gateway Chemical Module. This will support brands and mills in selecting products and practices to make their supply chains more sustainable. Huntsman Textile Effects will also continue to work to help brands improve their competitiveness while protecting consumers, workers and the environment.

The addition of industry-leader Huntsman Textile Effects to the ZDHC Contributor base represents a significant strengthening of ZDHC as a robust, broad-based solution with the potential to harmonize the industry’s approach to sustainable chemistry and the elimination of hazardous chemicals.

“Huntsman Textile Effects firmly believes that collective action is the best way forward for our industry and that working with ZDHC will help us further accelerate the shift to a cleaner and more transparent supply chain,” said Rohit Aggarwal, President, Huntsman Textile Effects. “As one of the world’s leading suppliers of sustainable textile dyes, inks and chemicals, we have seen time and time again that brands and mills that embrace sustainability can also boost their productivity and competitiveness and reduce costs. Our approach has always been to marry environmental and economic sustainability for a stronger, cleaner and more viable textile sector.”

Huntsman Textile Effects has been a leader in promoting sustainability through continuous innovation and industry collaboration for many years. It champions an inclusive and holistic approach that ensures compliance to industry regulation and standards and considers the impact of the textile value chain on the ecosystem, economy and society at large.

Communicating brand values and product characteristics in an emotional way and staging them in an appropriate manner is becoming increasingly important for brand manufacturers. To connect with the end consumer, they need to have paperboards that enhance the visual and tactile experience. In response to these needs, Sappi is now introducing the next generation of its popular and proven Algro Design portfolio – with an enhanced paperboard version and a change of name.

More and more consumers want exclusive, customised packaging that reflects a brand’s unique selling points and special character. For even more flexibility and design scope, Sappi is expanding its range of premium solid bleached boards to include an additional variety as of 1 October 2019: Algro Design Advanced. This gives customers a choice of four different reverse side surfaces within the popular Algro Design portfolio, which means one more paperboard variety than before. The paperboards differ with regard to the reverse side coating; the top sides are identical and always double coated. As part of the ongoing development of the popular Algro Design paperboard, the term “Nature” is now added. This further underlines the brand’s natural look on the uncoated reverse side and its haptic character. A specification of this kind is in great demand today, as the reverse side of the paperboard is being used more and more frequently as the outward face of a finished box. The product itself and all properties remain the same.

Berlin - 200 exhibitors, around 1,000 visitors and over 20 speakers from Germany and abroad – the ATSG textile fair premiered in Berlin from 11 to 13 September 2019 brought together exhibitors, speakers and trade visitors from all over the world. Jason Prescott, CEO of JP Communications, said he was satisfied with the event at the Estrel Conference Center: "The first step has been taken, now we will establish the ATSG as an important event of the Berlin fashion and textile world".

The ATSG was the first fair of its kind in Germany. "There are many fashion trade fairs for sale from wholesale to retail. Berlin has so far lacked an event for companies of all sizes, including micro-brands and small fashion labels," continues Jason Prescott. The exhibited product categories included fabrics, technical clothing, mixed and knitted fabrics, home textiles, leather, natural and synthetic fibres, readymade goods and fashion accessories. Visitors to major European fashion brands as well as small, independent brands from the Berlin fashion scene were able to take a close look at raw materials and finished garments and discuss their ideas personally with the exhibitors. In parallel, China Textile Brand Show (Berlin), sponsored by Chinese Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM), made its debut bringing in more than 150 superb Chinese manufacturers with their best collections for Germany and EU market.

Opening Ceremony, Lectures and Fashion Show

The ATSG was opened by Chinese government representatives and international association delegates. More than 20 lectures on the three days provided the latest impulses for thought and discussion. In their lectures and panel discussions, speakers from all over the world presented current positions on topics such as "All China? Or is there more to it?", "Application examples of artificial intelligence in the fashion industry", "Optimal logistics concepts for Europe", or "The importance of sustainability in the European fashion industry".

Wilson Zhu, COO at Li & Fung, one of the world's largest trading houses based in Hong Kong, explained in his keynote speech his view on the digitization of global supply chains: "From raw materials in the textile factory to consumer tracking: In retail, every step of the value chain is determined by digitization.

Companies need to be close to consumers and their supply chains must enable a seamless flow of data and information from start to finish". Customers and their requirements have also changed: "They want to know about origin, recyclability and production standards and use their information to adjust their purchasing behavior accordingly.” Other speakers included Jeff Streader of the brand investment platform Go Global and Salman Khokhar of Brand Lab Kollective Moda. The fashion show on the second day featured creations by local Berlin labels (Damur, Danny Reinke, Aline Celi, Yoona Tech) as well as Asian brands exhibiting at ATSG.

Successful kick-off

Exhibition organiser Jason Prescott draws a positive balance: "Looking back on the three days, I am very proud of what went well. Which has been confirmed for us: We're on an exciting path, have taken our first steps here in Berlin and will continue to develop the exhibition." The creators of ATSG 2019 are taking ideas for the year 2020 with them, especially from the many intensive discussions with exhibitors and visitors: "The ATSG has offered visitors and exhibitors a unique opportunity to identify new growth strategies, look around for market partners, learn from each other and establish networks. We are very pleased that the concept was used here in Berlin," concludes Chase Vance, Director of JP Communications.

• Customer Story
• Technology takes uniform making to the next level
• To meet new challenges in the professional garment market and preserve over a century of savoir-faire, Balsan chose Lectra to modernize its production tools.

The challenge

A Groupe Marck company, Balsan designs and manufactures corporate and ceremonial clothing, tailored and customized uniforms, and personal protective equipment and clothing for the public and private sector which comply with international standards. The biggest challenge is to meet the new expectations of customers who seek increasing levels of customization with ever-shorter time-to-market deadlines.
The professional garment sector is subject to the same pressures as prêt-à-porter, and Balsan’s challenge was to produce customized clothing more quickly using intelligent manufacturing methods.

Results

Balsan was a pilot partner for the Fashion On Demand by Lectra solution. This alliance allowed Groupe Marck to take a new approach, involving not only the use of Fashion On Demand by Lectra’s connected cutter, but upstream software solutions as well, which are configured based on the company’s needs to best match its work methods while updating and accelerating the production process. “Using a measurement chart, Fashion On Demand by Lectra allowed us to generate well-adapted and customized patterns with which to produce our garments. The solution also provides extensive flexibility: we can send the model to the cutter, select the cutting orders and  even group them by fabric, and detect defects and launch re-cuts when necessary. This improves overall performance and delivers estimated productivity gains of 7%”. Stéphane Quiniou, Industrial and Quality Director, Groupe Marck

Lectra's response

Balsan was a pilot partner for the Fashion On Demand by Lectra solution. This alliance allowed Groupe Marck to take a new approach, involving not only the use of Fashion On Demand by Lectra’s connected cutter, but upstream software solutions as well, which are configured based on the company’s needs to best match its work methods while updating and accelerating the production process.

At PRINTING United in Dallas (Texas), Sappi presents its high-quality speciality papers to meet the highest demands

To be close to the market and to anticipate customers’ needs: this is what Sappi, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of innovative sublimation, printing and speciality papers, is known for. At this year’s PRINTING United tradeshow in Dallas, Texas (USA), Sappi is going to present its new Transjet Drive dye sublimation paper at booth 5123 from 23 to 25 October as well as different papers for large format inkjet printing. In addition, Sappi’s Ultracast casting and release papers will be shown. These products deliver superior textures with 100% replication for a wide range of aesthetic and functional applications.

“Dawn of a new era” is the promising title of the PRINTING United pre-announcement, as this year all relevant technologies and manufacturers will be present in one place for the first time. For Sappi, this tradeshow is the perfect platform to showcase its ground-breaking portfolio of high-quality speciality papers.

• Transaction completed in Ingolstadt
• Extraordinary profit contribution after tax of EUR 60 million expected
• Board of Directors approves submission of building application for Rieter CAMPUS in Winterthur
• Project volume of around CHF 80 million expected

Rieter completed the real estate sale in Ingolstadt (Germany) to GERCHGROUP AG of Düsseldorf (Germany) on September 13, 2019. As reported in December last year, Rieter expects an extraordinary profit contribution after tax of around EUR 60 million from this transaction.

The employees in Ingolstadt will move into a new building in the second half of 2021. Rieter will thus create a modern working environment for innovative research and development work and the respective support functions.

On September 13, 2019, the Board of Directors of Rieter Holding Ltd. has made the decisions required for the building application regarding the Rieter CAMPUS project to be submitted in good time. The Rieter CAMPUS in Winterthur will consolidate customer center, product and technology development and administration. Rieter expects to implement the project with a project volume of around CHF 80 million. Archaeological excavations and the demolition of the building “Werkhalle 40” are currently underway.

The Rieter CAMPUS will make an important contribution to the implementation of the innovation strategy and thus to the successful further development of the company. Approval of the building application is expected in spring of 2020.

With the announcement of the eligible vehicle models, the World Car Awards 2020 kickedoff today at the IAA Motor Show in Frankfurt, Germany. This year again, the majority of contenders is equipped with lightweight components for acoustic and thermal management from Autoneum. The world’s leading automobile industry awards will be presented at the New York Motor Show in the spring of 2020.

A total of 46 new vehicle models have passed the initial screening and are now contenders for trophies in the categories “World Car of the Year”, “World Luxury Car”, “World Performance Car”, “World Urban Car” and “World Car Design of the Year”, including five new fully-electric models alone. Whether it’s a lightweight underbody, a noise-absorbing carpet system or a heat-reducing engine encapsulation – most of the eligible vehicles benefit from Autoneum’s innovation leadership in thermal and acoustic management. Autoneum’s expertise extends to new forms of mobility such as electric vehicles: Also thanks to numerous Autoneum components, Jaguar’s fully-electric SUV “I-PACE” impressed the jurors for the World Car Awards 2019, which was the first model ever to be named “World Car of the Year”, “World Car Design of the Year” and “World Green Car” at the same time.

On the occasion of today’s eligibility announcement, Autoneum CEO Martin Hirzel said: “Once again, the contenders are testimony to our innovation leadership. The World Car Awards also confirm our forward-looking approach: Nominated e-models feature Autoneum components as well. Welcoming our industry’s transformation early on, we today supply environmentally sustainable, lightweight components for most electric models available worldwide.”

Gerry Malloy, President of the World Car Awards Association, added: “As a market leader, Autoneum is the ideal partner for us. Our shared commitment to innovation was a decisive factor in forming a partnership back in 2014. Nowadays, this is a crucial aspect for manufacturers and suppliers who wish to remain successful in times of industrial and technological change.”

The World Car Awards, which have been presented annually since 2004, are the world’s leading nd most widely recognized automotive industry awards. A jury comprising of more than 80 international automotive journalists selects winners in five categories. The winners of the 2020 World Car Awards will be announced in April next year at the New York Motor Show.

Montalvo, international specialists in web tension control, announces its latest addition to their growing load cell portfolio, the N Micro Cantilever Load Cell. N Micro Load Cells are ideal for narrow web, light tension applications requiring precise, superior tension control measurement. Montalvo’s N-Micro load cell are commonly used in applications producing labels, tapes, and more, delivering higher quality results for higher quality end product.

Director of Sales and Marketing, Bryon Williams says, “Montalvo is one of the few web tension control specialists continuously developing new products for the constantly evolving industry. The N Micro is designed for narrow web applications, often running multiple webs of material that all need to be precisely tensioned at the same amount to effectively perform as one end product. It is a cost-effective solution for these applications whether they are running web or more.