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Photo NASA
05.11.2024

Fibre-reinforced materials for next-generation space missions

A new generation of space materials left Earth November. 5 as they head to the International Space Station (ISS) to undergo testing in the brutal conditions of low Earth orbit.

Developed at the University of Bristol, these high-performance materials could be used to build future space stations, spacecraft for interplanetary travel or a new ISS.

They will be placed on the Bartolomeo platform, located on the front of the ISS, where they will orbit Earth up to 9,000 times over the next 12 to 18 months at speeds of 17,000 mph.

The carbon fibre reinforced composites will need to survive temperatures between -150ºC and +120ºC, space debris travelling seven times faster than a bullet, severe electromagnetic radiation, high vacuum and atomic oxygen, which erodes even the toughest materials.

Prof Ian Hamerton, Professor of Polymers and Sustainable Composites in the University of Bristol’s world-leading Bristol Composites Institute, said:  

A new generation of space materials left Earth November. 5 as they head to the International Space Station (ISS) to undergo testing in the brutal conditions of low Earth orbit.

Developed at the University of Bristol, these high-performance materials could be used to build future space stations, spacecraft for interplanetary travel or a new ISS.

They will be placed on the Bartolomeo platform, located on the front of the ISS, where they will orbit Earth up to 9,000 times over the next 12 to 18 months at speeds of 17,000 mph.

The carbon fibre reinforced composites will need to survive temperatures between -150ºC and +120ºC, space debris travelling seven times faster than a bullet, severe electromagnetic radiation, high vacuum and atomic oxygen, which erodes even the toughest materials.

Prof Ian Hamerton, Professor of Polymers and Sustainable Composites in the University of Bristol’s world-leading Bristol Composites Institute, said:  

“Space is the most challenging environment for which to design new materials. You’re pitting your materials expertise, skills and ingenuity against extremes of temperature, mechanical stress, radiation, high speed impacts and more.

“Any one of those might be difficult, and, unfortunately, gaining access to repair them is not an easy option, so the materials we build must survive without maintenance.  

“The opportunity to test our materials in the proving ground of space is priceless and will help our University of Bristol scientists on the ground improve fibre-reinforced materials for next-generation space missions.”

There are four laboratory-made polymers heading to the ISS, each of which has been reinforced with carbon fibres and two contain nanoparticles. All four are the result of University of Bristol research and one is patented.

 If the materials cope in the harsh environment, they could be used to create longer-lasting space components, allowing spacecraft to travel further, and spend more time in space.

Future communities on new planets will need protection against galactic cosmic radiation. Dr Ali Kandemir, Senior Research Associate at the University of Bristol, is one of several Bristol researchers, supported by the UK Space Agency (UKSA), examining the effects of simulated galactic cosmic radiation on the materials, in a European Space Agency (ESA) project.

Dr Kandemir said: “We want materials that are resilient in the space environment and, importantly, materials that can shield humans from that radiation.

“We also want to make these materials sustainable, so that when they reach the end of their life they can be recycled and used again for the same purpose.”

The launch of the Space X Dragon CRS-2 spacecraft this morning is the culmination of five years of work for Prof Hamerton and his team.

It has included the efforts of early career researchers, postgraduates and several Aerospace Engineering undergraduates at the University of Bristol, whose final year research projects have been linked to the space materials project.

The practical support of the University of Bristol-hosted National Composites Centre (NCC) was crucial to the scale up of the composite materials.

Prof Kate Robson Brown, Vice-President for Research, Innovation and Impact at University College Dublin, and a collaborator on the project, said:

“After nearly five years of research to develop novel composite materials for space applications it is very exciting to see our experiment launch to the International Space Station.

“I am proud to be part of this mission, and to be working with the multidisciplinary and multisector research team to deliver integrated real world and digital testing for innovative materials which will help to drive growth in the new space economy.

“This mission also demonstrates how space research funding creates career changing opportunities for early career researchers and PhD students in a sector of huge value to both Ireland and the UK.”

Funding to support the project was supplied by the ESA, the UKSA, Oxford Space Systems and others.

 

Source:

University of Bristol

05.11.2024

Africa Textile Renaissance Plan: New era of textile manufacturing

ARISE IIP, the pan-African developer and operator of world-class industrial parks, has partnered with African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) and Rieter, the supplier of systems for manufacturing yarn from staple fibers in spinning mills. The unprecedented partnership will spearhead the “Africa Textile Renaissance Plan” – a transformative initiative aimed at revitalizing the continent’s textile sector. This ambitious project will leverage ARISE’s extensive network of industrial parks to support a new era of textile manufacturing in Africa.

In order to facilitate the implementation of the Africa Textile Renaissance Plan, Afreximbank, Arise IIP and Rieter AG signed a framework agreement on October 14, 2024. The framework agreement outlines the collaboration to establish 500 000 metric tons of African cotton transformation capacity over the next three to five years, supported by USD 5 billion in financing.

The Africa Textile Renaissance Plan aims to achieve the following key objectives:

ARISE IIP, the pan-African developer and operator of world-class industrial parks, has partnered with African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) and Rieter, the supplier of systems for manufacturing yarn from staple fibers in spinning mills. The unprecedented partnership will spearhead the “Africa Textile Renaissance Plan” – a transformative initiative aimed at revitalizing the continent’s textile sector. This ambitious project will leverage ARISE’s extensive network of industrial parks to support a new era of textile manufacturing in Africa.

In order to facilitate the implementation of the Africa Textile Renaissance Plan, Afreximbank, Arise IIP and Rieter AG signed a framework agreement on October 14, 2024. The framework agreement outlines the collaboration to establish 500 000 metric tons of African cotton transformation capacity over the next three to five years, supported by USD 5 billion in financing.

The Africa Textile Renaissance Plan aims to achieve the following key objectives:

  • establish 500 000 metric tons of African cotton transformation capacity over the next three to five years, with potential expansion of an additional 500 000 metric tons,
  • localize machine repair expertise in Africa,
  • create up to 500 000 jobs,
  • reduce Africa’s annual textile imports,
  • boost exports to the US under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), focusing on full value addition within the continent and to export to the rest of the world and
  • develop a strong financing structure to support capacity building.

Countries benefiting from the program will be selected based on criteria such as power and gas availability, and textile parks with standard infrastructure or equity contribution. Training centers will be established in selected countries to develop and improve skill levels.

The partnership aims to secure financing of textile projects, streamlining the process through:

  • standardized loan documentation and security packages,
  • expedited two-month application process and
  • standardized business plan templates.

To foster long-term growth, Rieter has committed to gradually establishing a manufacturing presence in Africa subject to commercial viability, including the:

  • setup of a repair and maintenance facility in ARISE’s industrial park in Benin,
  • establishment of spare parts warehousing and
  • phased introduction of machine assembly operations.

Gagan Gupta, CEO and Founder of ARISE IIP expressed his enthusiasm for the project: “The Africa Textile Renaissance Plan represents a significant milestone in the continent’s industrial development. I’m convinced that this initiative will not only boost local manufacturing and create thousands of jobs but also position Africa as a global leader in sustainable textile production.”

Prof. Benedict Oramah, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Afreximbank, stated that the Africa Textile Renaissance Plan is a “game-changer” for African trade. He remarked: “By transforming Africa’s cotton into high-value textile products, we are not only driving industrialization but also reducing dependence on imports while building a competitive export base. This partnership complements our ongoing efforts, such as the transformative change we are spearheading in Africa’s Cotton-4 plus (C4+) countries, alongside other partners. It underscores Afreximbank’s unwavering commitment to industrialization and export development.”

Thomas Oetterli, CEO Rieter Group, said: “We are thrilled to support this important initiative with our commitment, expertise and consulting knowledge. We are convinced that the Africa Textile Renaissance Plan marks an important starting point for the future development of the textile industry in Africa.”

Source:

Rieter AG

30.10.2024

World’s first sports t-shirt made from 100% textile waste

For the first time, a piece of clothing is made entirely from textile waste – no bottles, no packaging, no virgin plastic. 100% biorecycled fibers. By developing and industrializing CARBIOS’ enzymatic depolymerization technology to achieve 100% “fiber-to-fiber” recycling, the consortium collectively advances the textile industry's shift towards a circular economy.

CARBIOS, a pioneer in the development and industrialization of biological technologies to reinvent the life cycle of plastic and textiles, and its “fiber-to-fiber” consortium partners On, Patagonia, PUMA, Salomon, and PVH Corp., parent company of Calvin Klein, unveil the world’s first enzymatically recycled polyester garment made from 100% textile waste using CARBIOS’ pioneering biorecycling technology.

For the first time, a piece of clothing is made entirely from textile waste – no bottles, no packaging, no virgin plastic. 100% biorecycled fibers. By developing and industrializing CARBIOS’ enzymatic depolymerization technology to achieve 100% “fiber-to-fiber” recycling, the consortium collectively advances the textile industry's shift towards a circular economy.

CARBIOS, a pioneer in the development and industrialization of biological technologies to reinvent the life cycle of plastic and textiles, and its “fiber-to-fiber” consortium partners On, Patagonia, PUMA, Salomon, and PVH Corp., parent company of Calvin Klein, unveil the world’s first enzymatically recycled polyester garment made from 100% textile waste using CARBIOS’ pioneering biorecycling technology.

This technological feat contributes to advancing textile circularity when, today, the majority of recycled polyester is made from PET bottles, and only 1% of fibers are recycled into new fibers.  The collective achievement marks an important milestone for the consortium’s ultimate aim of demonstrating fiber-to-fiber closed loop using CARBIOS’ biorecycling process at an industrial scale, and marks an important step forward for the textile industry’s shift towards a circular economy.

A plain, white T-shirt was a deliberate choice to showcase the technological achievement that made its production possible from mixed and colored textile waste.  By using CARBIOS’ biorecycling technology, polyester is broken down using enzymes into its fundamental building blocks which are reformed to produce biorecycled polyester whose quality is on par with oil-based virgin polyester.  Petroleum can now be replaced by textile waste as a raw material to produce polyester textiles, that will in turn become raw materials again, thus fueling a circular economy, with the added benefit of a lower carbon footprint and avoidance of landfill or incineration.

The t-shirt’s production began with all consortium members (On, Patagonia, PUMA, PVH Corp. and Salomon) supplying rolls and production cutting scraps to CARBIOS in Clermont-Ferrand, France.  This textile waste consisted of some mixed blends with cotton or elastane, as well as various treatments (such as durable water repellent) and dyes which render them complex to recycle using conventional methods. The collected waste was deconstructed into its original monomers, PTA and MEG, using CARBIOS’ biorecycling technology at its pilot facility. The resulting monomers were then repolymerized, spun into yarn and woven into new fabric by external partners, demonstrating the seamless integration into existing manufacturing processes.  The resulting sports t-shirt made from 100% textile waste meets the quality standards and sustainability objectives of the apparel brands present in the “fiber-to-fiber” consortium.

CARBIOS’ demonstration plant in Clermont-Ferrand, France, has been up and running since 2021, and its first commercial plant, the world’s first industrial-scale enzymatic PET recycling plant, is currently under construction in Longlaville, France.  In addition, CARBIOS recently announced several letters of intent with PET producers in Asia and Europe, confirming global interest in its biorecycling technology and advancing the international roll-out of its licensing model.

Source:

Carbios

Bio-Derived LYCRA® EcoMade Fiber Samples at Kingpins Amsterdam Photo (c) The Lycra Company
24.10.2024

Bio-Derived LYCRA® EcoMade Fiber Samples at Kingpins Amsterdam

The LYCRA Company, a leader in developing innovative and sustainable fiber and technology solutions for the apparel industry, presented the first garment and fabric samples made with seed quantities of bio-derived LYCRA® EcoMade fiber at Kingpins Amsterdam. This highly anticipated fiber is launching in the first half of 2025 and will be the world's first large-scale production of renewable elastane.

Bio-derived LYCRA® EcoMade fiber is made with 70 percent renewable content, certified under the USDA Bio-Preferred Program. Garments and fabrics made with this fiber deliver equivalent performance to those made with original LYCRA® fiber, and no re-engineering of fabrics, processes, or garment patterns is required.

“There’s no need to sacrifice performance for renewable content with bio-derived LYCRA® EcoMade fiber,” said Nicolas Banyols, chief commercial officer of The LYCRA Company. “We are committed to transitioning to renewable resources as a key part of our sustainability strategy, and it can help brands and retailers reduce their environmental impact, too.”

The LYCRA Company, a leader in developing innovative and sustainable fiber and technology solutions for the apparel industry, presented the first garment and fabric samples made with seed quantities of bio-derived LYCRA® EcoMade fiber at Kingpins Amsterdam. This highly anticipated fiber is launching in the first half of 2025 and will be the world's first large-scale production of renewable elastane.

Bio-derived LYCRA® EcoMade fiber is made with 70 percent renewable content, certified under the USDA Bio-Preferred Program. Garments and fabrics made with this fiber deliver equivalent performance to those made with original LYCRA® fiber, and no re-engineering of fabrics, processes, or garment patterns is required.

“There’s no need to sacrifice performance for renewable content with bio-derived LYCRA® EcoMade fiber,” said Nicolas Banyols, chief commercial officer of The LYCRA Company. “We are committed to transitioning to renewable resources as a key part of our sustainability strategy, and it can help brands and retailers reduce their environmental impact, too.”

More information:
Lycra bio-based
Source:

The Lycra Company

24.10.2024

Ontex realizing key strategic milestones, delivering solid results

In September, Ontex reached a binding agreement to sell its Brazilian business activities to Softys SA for an enterprise value of approximately €110 million, enabling improved focus on retail brands and healthcare in Europe and North America. Net proceeds of approximately €82 million are due at closing, which is expected during the first half of 2025, subject to customary conditions.

In October, the social negotiations regarding the transformation of the operating footprint in Belgium were successfully concluded. This transformation fits in Ontex’s footprint optimization, allowing to further strengthen Ontex’s competitive position. The total one-time cost is estimated at €(66) million, of which €(37) million was already recorded in the second quarter.

Q3 2024 results

In September, Ontex reached a binding agreement to sell its Brazilian business activities to Softys SA for an enterprise value of approximately €110 million, enabling improved focus on retail brands and healthcare in Europe and North America. Net proceeds of approximately €82 million are due at closing, which is expected during the first half of 2025, subject to customary conditions.

In October, the social negotiations regarding the transformation of the operating footprint in Belgium were successfully concluded. This transformation fits in Ontex’s footprint optimization, allowing to further strengthen Ontex’s competitive position. The total one-time cost is estimated at €(66) million, of which €(37) million was already recorded in the second quarter.

Q3 2024 results

  • Revenue was €468 million, up 1.7% like for like. Volumes, including mix effects, were up 4.4%, driven by contract gains and supportive demand in adult care, and by growth in baby care with new retail customers in North America. Sales prices were 2.6% lower, as expected, reflecting raw material index decreases and investments in increased competitiveness. Forex fluctuations were supportive, adding 0.7%, bringing total growth at 2.4%.
  • Adjusted EBITDA was €56 million, up 29% year on year, thanks to volume and mix growth and the cost transformation program delivery, contributing €8 million and €14 million respectively. The operational efficiency improved further by 3.7%, driving stronger profitability and competitiveness. Index-driven lower raw material costs more than compensated for lower sales prices, leading to a €4 million positive net impact. The increase of other operating and SG&A costs had a €(12) million effect, mostly due to continued inflation. Forex fluctuations had an adverse effect of €(2) million. The adjusted EBITDA margin thereby rose to 12.0%, up 2.4pp year on year.
  • Operating profit was €8 million, compared to €29 million in 2023. The decrease relates to the transformation of the Belgian operating footprint and reflects the additional one-time provisions taken following the recent successful conclusion of the social plan negotiations.
  • Discontinued operations generated a €14 million operating profit, compared to €12 million in 2023. While revenue was 3.0% lower like for like and the adjusted EBITDA margin dropped to 7.6%, reflecting more challenging market conditions, this was compensated by a net gain on disposal, that was triggered by the agreement to divest the Brazilian business.
  • Net financial debt for the Total Group dropped €9 million to €579 million over the quarter. Combined with the adjusted EBITDA improvement, the leverage ratio thereby fell from 2.5x at the end of June to 2.4x at the end of September.

2024 outlook

Ontex’s management confirms its guidance for adjusted EBITDA margin, free cash flow and leverage for the full year. While new customers are on-boarded in North America, the ramp-up is phased more gradually over the third quarter and the coming months, leading management to review its revenue growth guidance, now expecting:

  • Revenue [1] to grow between 2% and 3% like for like;
  • Adjusted EBITDA margin [1] of 12%;
  • Free cash flow higher than €20 million;
  • Leverage ratio below 2.5x at year end.
More information:
Ontex BV results
Source:

Ontex BV

24.10.2024

SGL Carbon SE: Impairment in the Carbon Fibers business unit

With the publication of the half-yearly figures for 2024, SGL Carbon already announced that the company expects to achieve its adjusted EBITDA guidance for fiscal year 2024 at the lower end of the range of €160 to 170 million. Based on the preliminary figures for the first nine months of the fiscal year 2024, SGL Carbon confirms this statement.

With the publication of the half-yearly figures for 2024, SGL Carbon already announced that the company expects to achieve its adjusted EBITDA guidance for fiscal year 2024 at the lower end of the range of €160 to 170 million. Based on the preliminary figures for the first nine months of the fiscal year 2024, SGL Carbon confirms this statement.

According to preliminary figures, Group sales of SGL Carbon for the first nine months of fiscal year 2024 decreased by 4.8% year on year to €781.9 million (9M 2023: €821.7 million). Preliminary adjusted EBITDA, on the other hand, remained at a comparable level to the prior-year period, at €127.6 million (9M 2023: €130.0 million). Despite the slight sales decline, the adjusted EBITDA margin improved to 16.3% after nine months in 2024 (9M 2023: 15.8%). The reasons for the improved adjusted EBITDA margin are, in particular, product mix effects in the Graphite Solutions and Process Technology business units. By contrast, the ongoing weakness in demand for carbon and textile fiber products in the Carbon Fibers business unit and the early termination of a customer contract at Composite Solutions weighed on the Group's sales and earnings development.

The business unit Carbon Fibers manufactures carbon and textile fibers for the wind and automotive industries as well as various industrial applications. As expected by the Company for the fiscal year 2024, demand for carbon fibers from the wind and automotive industries remains weak. In addition, there is increasing competitive and price pressure due to global overcapacity for both carbon fibers and textile fibers. The company does not expect demand to recover in the coming months and the realizable prices for these products will remain at a low level beyond 2025. Furthermore, SGL Carbon expects that the anticipated improvement in sales and earnings for the Carbon Fibers business unit will be delayed and is revising its existing medium-term planning for Carbon Fibers.

Due to the associated expected deviation an event-driven impairment test is currently being carried out. This indicates a non-cash impairment charge of €60–80 million, which will be recorded in the fourth quarter of 2024. The impairment relates exclusively to Carbon Fibers; the operating business of the other business units is not affected.

SGL Carbon's equity ratio after the impairment is approx. 40% (September 30, 2024: 43.3% according to preliminary figures).

The review of all strategic options for the Carbon Fibers business unit, which was announced by SGL Carbon on February 23, 2024, and has already begun, remains unaffected by the impairment and is currently continuing.

IDEA® Achievement Awards Graphic INDA
21.10.2024

Nomination for the 2025 IDEA® Achievement Awards

INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, in collaboration with Nonwovens Industry Magazine, is now accepting nominations for the 2025 IDEA® Achievement Awards. Industry professionals in the nonwoven and engineered materials sectors are invited to submit their innovative products—or those of their clients—for consideration.

The IDEA Achievement Awards honor innovations introduced since IDEA22, recognizing excellence in six categories. Winners will be announced during IDEA25, which will be held at the Miami Beach Convention Center, Miami Beach, Florida, from April 29 to May 1, 2025.

Award Categories:

INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, in collaboration with Nonwovens Industry Magazine, is now accepting nominations for the 2025 IDEA® Achievement Awards. Industry professionals in the nonwoven and engineered materials sectors are invited to submit their innovative products—or those of their clients—for consideration.

The IDEA Achievement Awards honor innovations introduced since IDEA22, recognizing excellence in six categories. Winners will be announced during IDEA25, which will be held at the Miami Beach Convention Center, Miami Beach, Florida, from April 29 to May 1, 2025.

Award Categories:

  • Raw Materials – Best new raw materials introduction
  • Nonwoven Product – Best new nonwoven fabric introduction
  • Short-Life – Best new short-life product introduction
  • Long-Life – Best new durable product introduction
  • Equipment – Best new equipment introduction
  • Sustainability Advancement – Recognizing sustainability and/or circularity advancements in raw materials, nonwoven fabrics, processes and equipment, and end-use products.

Entries must be submitted by December 16, 2024 for consideration. Finalists in each category will be selected by INDA’s Technical Advisory Board, with the top three in each category moving forward. Voting will take place on the Nonwovens Industry website, allowing industry professionals to determine the winners. Additionally, the recipient of the Entrepreneur Award will be chosen exclusively by Nonwovens Industry Magazine.

More information:
IDEA® Achievement Award
Source:

INDA

Hygienix Innovation Award 2024 - Finalists Graphic INDA
17.10.2024

INDA: Finalists for the 2024 Hygienix Innovation Award™ announced

INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, announces the three finalists competing for the 2024 Hygienix Innovation Award™. Harper Hygienics, Hello Hazel, and HIRO Technologies will present their absorbent hygiene products at Hygienix™, taking place November 18-21 at The Renaissance Nashville Hotel, Nashville, Tennessee.

INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, announces the three finalists competing for the 2024 Hygienix Innovation Award™. Harper Hygienics, Hello Hazel, and HIRO Technologies will present their absorbent hygiene products at Hygienix™, taking place November 18-21 at The Renaissance Nashville Hotel, Nashville, Tennessee.

  • Harper Hygienics S.A.: Cleanic Naturals Hemp – Sanitary Pads (Day & Night), Pantyliners
    Cleanic Naturals Hemp by Harper Hygienics S.A. is an innovative femcare line, crafted with sero™ regenerative hemp fibers produced by Bast Fibre Technologies and processed on our unique Hemplace™ technology platform. These sanitary pads and pantyliners are designed for women’s comfort throughout their cycle. Hemp’s antibacterial and hypoallergenic properties make it a natural solution for sensitive skin, ensuring all-day safety and comfort. Plus, sero™ hemp fibers are 100% natural, offering an eco-conscious approach to personal care.
  • Hello Hazel, Inc.: Hazel High & Dry Briefs
    Hazel’s High & Dry Briefs – the first and only disposable briefs for leaks designed to look, fit, and feel like real underwear. Engineered with a novel, ultra-thin, highly absorbent core seamlessly integrated beneath a unique elasticated cover that moves naturally with her body, offering unparalleled comfort, discretion, and reliable protection. Purposefully developed to reduce stigma and address both physical and emotional needs, the Briefs successfully attracted many new consumers who previously opted out of the category.
  • HIRO Technologies, Inc.: World’s First MycoDigestable™ Diapers
    Introducing the world’s first MycoDigestible™ diapers, powered by HIRO’s frontier fungal technology. HIRO’s MycoDigestible™ solution introduces plastic-eating mushrooms in a safe, user-friendly way that seamlessly integrates into everyday life. The HIRO Diaper combines exceptional absorbency with natural materials like unbleached TruCotton™ and Kraft softwood fluff pulp, offering 12-hour protection while being gentle on both baby and planet.

The 2024 winner will be revealed on Thursday, November 21st at 11:00 am.

The 2023 Hygienix Innovation Award went to Sequel Spiral™ Tampon, which features a unique spiral design engineered for enhanced fluid absorption and leak prevention. This breakthrough product received FDA clearance as a medical device and is available online and in a growing number of retail outlets.

Source:

INDA

Dress for Venice
Dress for Venice
14.10.2024

Bemberg™ by Asahi Kasei lands at Smart Closet initiative with “A Dress For Venice”

Smart Closet is an innovative event dedicated to new generation fashion where C.L.A.S.S and Equipe International, through the InsideOut approach by C.L.A.S.S., come together to represent a smart wardrobe - beautiful, innovative, responsible - together with a new language of values with the aim to share the fully transparent journey behind each product and company, to show their outer and inner values. All values and concepts that are part of Bemberg™ identity.

Bemberg™ is the brand name of the regenerated cellulose fiber cupro, produced only by Asahi Kasei in Japan. It is a special fiber with a circular economy footprint thanks to the fact that it is made from a regenerated cellulose obtained from the manufacturing process of cottonseed oil with a closed-loop process. It guarantees certified sustainability credentials through its transparent and traceable approach. It delivers high quality and versatile applications, comfortable whatever the season: its blissful sensation glides on linings, outerwear, underwear, sportswear and even couture pieces. All perfect characteristics that fit in Smart Closet initiative.

Smart Closet is an innovative event dedicated to new generation fashion where C.L.A.S.S and Equipe International, through the InsideOut approach by C.L.A.S.S., come together to represent a smart wardrobe - beautiful, innovative, responsible - together with a new language of values with the aim to share the fully transparent journey behind each product and company, to show their outer and inner values. All values and concepts that are part of Bemberg™ identity.

Bemberg™ is the brand name of the regenerated cellulose fiber cupro, produced only by Asahi Kasei in Japan. It is a special fiber with a circular economy footprint thanks to the fact that it is made from a regenerated cellulose obtained from the manufacturing process of cottonseed oil with a closed-loop process. It guarantees certified sustainability credentials through its transparent and traceable approach. It delivers high quality and versatile applications, comfortable whatever the season: its blissful sensation glides on linings, outerwear, underwear, sportswear and even couture pieces. All perfect characteristics that fit in Smart Closet initiative.

The project chosen to participate with is the incredible capsule collection A Dress For Venice designed by eco-designer Tiziano Guardini, illustrated by artist Jacopo Ascari, and produced by Martina Vidal Venezia, a Venetian brand that has enriched the garments with some elements in Burano lace, an ancient art candidate to enter the UNESCO list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity!
 
Inspired by the city of water, it’s made with Bemberg™ fabrics created by Infinity Srl with the textile printing done by Creazioni Digitali, which with the CreŌ | project  printed on Bemberg™ fabrics with low-water pigment inks technology . This collection truly represents and includes all the values of beauty, innovation and supply chain partnerships, all elements.

More information:
Bemberg™ Dress for Venice
Source:

C.L.A.S.S. Eco Hub

Graphic LM Wind Power
14.10.2024

Wind Turbine Blade Recycling: ZEBRA Project Demonstrates Closed-Loop System

The ZEBRA (Zero wastE Blade ReseArch) project marks a significant leap forward in the recycling and circular economy for wind turbine blades. This collaborative effort demonstrates a breakthrough in the complete recycling of thermoplastic blades achieving significant environmental and economic benefits.

The ZEBRA project is a unique partnership led by the French Institute for Technological Research, IRT Jules Verne. Joining forces are industry leaders Arkema (resin supplier), Owens Corning (glass fiber supplier), LM Wind Power (blade manufacturer), SUEZ (dismantling and waste processing), CANOE R&D center (recycling technology), and ENGIE (life cycle analysis).

Each company played a crucial role in the development of the closed-loop recycling process:

The ZEBRA (Zero wastE Blade ReseArch) project marks a significant leap forward in the recycling and circular economy for wind turbine blades. This collaborative effort demonstrates a breakthrough in the complete recycling of thermoplastic blades achieving significant environmental and economic benefits.

The ZEBRA project is a unique partnership led by the French Institute for Technological Research, IRT Jules Verne. Joining forces are industry leaders Arkema (resin supplier), Owens Corning (glass fiber supplier), LM Wind Power (blade manufacturer), SUEZ (dismantling and waste processing), CANOE R&D center (recycling technology), and ENGIE (life cycle analysis).

Each company played a crucial role in the development of the closed-loop recycling process:

  • Arkema developed and validated the generation of recycled Elium® monomer through thermolysis, and, together with its subsidiary Bostik, an innovative adhesive for the blade assembly that is recycled together with Elium® paving the way for industrial-scale implementation.
  • Owens Corning successfully recovered glass fiber at pilot scale, enabling its reintroduction into the production process for their Sustaina® product line.
  • LM Wind Power manufactured two wind turbine blades with Arkema’s Elium® resin and Owens Corning’s Ultrablade® fabrics; one blade including a large structural element made with recycled Elium® resin.
  • SUEZ provided cutting and grinding expertise for processing the blades.
  • CANOE R&D center optimized recycling for production and carbon blade waste, additionally developing methods for repurposing waste streams through mechanical recycling.
  • ENGIE conducted a comprehensive life cycle analysis demonstrating the environmental benefits of closed-loop ZEBRA blades and validated their economic viability.

A Sustainable Future for Wind Energy
The ZEBRA project successfully recycled Elium® resin and Ultrablade® fabrics from wind turbine blades and manufacturing waste, reformulating them back into usable materials. This closed-loop process addresses the growing challenge of end-of-life blade management within the wind energy industry.

  • Recycled Elium® Monomer: Arkema achieved a yield of over 75% in the thermolysis process, paving the way for industrial-scale production of recycled resin.
  • Recovered Glass Fiber: Owens Corning successfully retrieved glass fiber for remelting and reintegration into their Sustaina® product line.
  • Life Cycle and Cost Analysis: ENGIE's study confirmed the significant environmental benefits and economic viability of ZEBRA blades when assuming a closed-loop recycling system from production to end-of-life.

ZEBRA blade using Elium® thermoplastic resin, Bostik’s highly compatible adhesive and Ultrablade® fabrics is bringing the best closed-loop recycling solution compared to traditional thermoset system. The operating cost and investments for recycling facility are significantly lowered. The CO2 emission linked to the recycling operations is reduced as well. All those results are making the closed-loop recycling solution of ZEBRA blades a viable option both on economic and environmental standpoints.

By demonstrating the feasibility of full wind turbine blade recycling, the ZEBRA project paves the way for a more sustainable future in the wind energy sector.

Source:

LM Wind Power

Photo COLOURizd™
11.10.2024

Strategic Partnership between COLOURizd and Re-Matters

Re-Matters Textile Recycling Solutions is an innovative start-up promoting circular value streams within the textile industry. The company announced a strategic partnership with COLOURizd, a pioneer in sustainable textile coloration technology.
 
This collaboration aims to support the transformation of the industry by combining COLOURizd' cutting-edge dyeing technology with Re-Matters' circular expertise to drive more sustainable practices throughout the supply chain.
 
Established in 2023, Re-Matters was created in response to mounting global environmental concerns and the rising need for sustainable textile solutions. Leveraging over 40 years of experience from their parent company, Ereks Blue Matters, Re-Matters offers engineering and consultancy services to the textile supply chain in assisting organizations in minimizing their environmental footprint through tailored solutions that emphasize reduction, reuse, recycling, and regeneration.
 

Re-Matters Textile Recycling Solutions is an innovative start-up promoting circular value streams within the textile industry. The company announced a strategic partnership with COLOURizd, a pioneer in sustainable textile coloration technology.
 
This collaboration aims to support the transformation of the industry by combining COLOURizd' cutting-edge dyeing technology with Re-Matters' circular expertise to drive more sustainable practices throughout the supply chain.
 
Established in 2023, Re-Matters was created in response to mounting global environmental concerns and the rising need for sustainable textile solutions. Leveraging over 40 years of experience from their parent company, Ereks Blue Matters, Re-Matters offers engineering and consultancy services to the textile supply chain in assisting organizations in minimizing their environmental footprint through tailored solutions that emphasize reduction, reuse, recycling, and regeneration.
 
COLOURizd' innovative QuantumCOLOUR technology enables the coloring of recycled materials without the need for bleaching or color removal. This technology preserves the integrity of the fibers and enhances yarn properties, such as strength, reduced pilling, and decreased hairiness. The process uses just 1 liter of water per kilogram of yarn and produces zero wastewater, making it an ideal solution for companies looking to improve their sustainability profile.
 
Re-Matters and COLOURizd will exhibit at the upcoming Textile Exchange Conference in Pasadena, CA, USA, from October 28 to 31, 2024.
 
This year's theme, The Case for Change, will explore how integrating best practices for climate and nature into business operations can build resilience for the future. Both companies will showcase their innovative solutions and discuss their collaborative efforts to promote a more sustainable textile industry.

Source:

COLOURizd™ / Re-Matters

09.10.2024

Lenzing acquires stake in TreeToTextile

The Lenzing Group, a supplier of regenerated cellulose fibers for the textile and nonwovens industries, acquired of a minority share in TreeToTextile AB, joining the existing shareholders H&M Group, Inter IKEA Group, Stora Enso, and LSCS Invest. The group of owners is united by the strong belief that sustainably produced fibers will have the power to change the textile industry to the better.

TreeToTextile was established as a joint venture in 2014 with the objective of developing a more sustainable process for cellulosic fiber production. The company has operated pilot lines since 2015 and invested in a demonstration plant in 2021. The next step in the company's evolution will be to scale up the production and make its fibers available on the market.

Lenzing Group has produced sustainable regenerated cellulosic fibers and dissolving wood pulp for over 85 years. “We are excited about TreeToTextile’s award-winning technology and production process, which further reduces environmental impact, promotes the transition to a more sustainable future and is fully in line with our corporate strategy,” says Rohit Aggarwal, CEO of the Lenzing Group.

The Lenzing Group, a supplier of regenerated cellulose fibers for the textile and nonwovens industries, acquired of a minority share in TreeToTextile AB, joining the existing shareholders H&M Group, Inter IKEA Group, Stora Enso, and LSCS Invest. The group of owners is united by the strong belief that sustainably produced fibers will have the power to change the textile industry to the better.

TreeToTextile was established as a joint venture in 2014 with the objective of developing a more sustainable process for cellulosic fiber production. The company has operated pilot lines since 2015 and invested in a demonstration plant in 2021. The next step in the company's evolution will be to scale up the production and make its fibers available on the market.

Lenzing Group has produced sustainable regenerated cellulosic fibers and dissolving wood pulp for over 85 years. “We are excited about TreeToTextile’s award-winning technology and production process, which further reduces environmental impact, promotes the transition to a more sustainable future and is fully in line with our corporate strategy,” says Rohit Aggarwal, CEO of the Lenzing Group.

Dr. Roxana Barbieru, CEO of TreeToTextile, adds: “Now with the additional expertise and sustainability leadership of our new shareholder Lenzing Group, our speed to market will increase significantly, to reach our ambitious goals and become an important player in the textile industry.”

Source:

Lenzing AG

09.10.2024

EDANA welcomes one-year delay in the implementation of the EUDR

EDANA welcomes the European Commission’s proposed one-year delay in the implementation of the Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), as outlined in their recent press release. This amendment, while still needing approval from both the Council and the European Parliament, marks a significant step toward ensuring that our industry has the necessary time to effectively comply with the terms of this important regulation, while also continuing to meet their sustainability goals.

While the long-awaited guidelines for implementing the EUDR have now been released alongside the announcement, the EU's information system, designed to track materials and commodities, is still under development. As a key representative of the nonwovens sector, EDANA supports the regulation’s objectives and remains a constructive partner, actively contributing to discussions with policymakers and industry stakeholders.

EDANA welcomes the European Commission’s proposed one-year delay in the implementation of the Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), as outlined in their recent press release. This amendment, while still needing approval from both the Council and the European Parliament, marks a significant step toward ensuring that our industry has the necessary time to effectively comply with the terms of this important regulation, while also continuing to meet their sustainability goals.

While the long-awaited guidelines for implementing the EUDR have now been released alongside the announcement, the EU's information system, designed to track materials and commodities, is still under development. As a key representative of the nonwovens sector, EDANA supports the regulation’s objectives and remains a constructive partner, actively contributing to discussions with policymakers and industry stakeholders.

This additional phase-in time will enable further collaboration with the authorities and our coalition partners, ensuring a smooth transition for all affected industries. EDANA remains committed to promoting sustainable supply chains and responsible practices, while helping ensure compliance across the sector. Our ongoing work aims to foster long-term, sustainable growth for the industry.

Source:

Edana