Tuesday, December 26, 2017

[ £3million worth of installations see imported energy plummet by over 50%.

AdBrite, Generated: 2009-05-17 7:47:34 -->The CHP engine operates by transforming gas into electricity at less than half the cost of imported electricity supplied by the national grid. The benefit of using a CHP engine is that the exhaust heat produced during the conversion process isn't released directly back intothe atmosphere. Instead, the exhaust heat is recovered and sent to the combination boiler which boils water to generate steam and heat that is used within the factory dye house and the technical automotive fabrics processing area.

While the need for green initiatives continues to surge, Heathcoat has pledged to actively seek eco-friendly and cost-effective methods of operation. Business Project Manager, Alison Kitchener, commented: "We have been working on ways to determine the best methods of practice to ultimately do our part in achieving a low carbon future.
"The installation of the solar panels was the first project we completed where we installed 2,225 solar panels on the roofing of five production sheds. The solar panel system was a stepping stone towards bigger scale projects to improve the sustainability of the business."
The most recent of the three installations was the reintroduction of a hydro generation scheme. With an onsite leat supplied by the River Exe, Heathcoat Fabrics decided to utilise this renewable energy source through the refurbishment of its original 1950s Gilkes turbine. The energy derived from consistent water flow is captured and converted into electricity, generating enough electricity to supply power to the main office and its research and development testing laboratories.
Cameron Harvie, Managing Director at Heathcoat Fabrics, said: "As a business surrounded by such a beautiful landscape, we decided it was imperative for Heathcoat Fabrics to look at ways in which we could operate in a more environmentally friendly and cost-effective way.
"Our aim is to ensure we are doing our part to keep Devon green, by showing our industry, community and staff that we're actively finding ways to invest in our future by reducing our carbon footprint. Implementing ways of utilising renewable energy sources is a start and these changes will help contribute towards National and International Climate change targets."
In acknowledging the importance of operating in a sustainable low carbon economy, Heathcoat has followed a stringent Environmental Policy since 1990. The business continues to operate within the terms of its environmental permit lead by an accredited ISO 14001 Environmental Source.
Management System.
http://www.heathcoat.co.uk/company/news/367-energy-generation

Thursday, December 14, 2017

[ Executive Cotton Update U.S. Macroeconomic Indicators & the Cotton Supply Chain.]

December 2017

Macroeconomic Overview: With the passing of the Thanksgiving holiday, the holiday sales period has shifted into a higher gear. Traditionally, much attention has been focused on "Black Friday", that day after Thanksgiving, which has commonly been the busiest shopping day for many retailers. However, the retail environment has shifted in recent years, with increasing proportions of sales being conducted on-line rather than in brick-and-mortar stores. This has diminished the significance of Black Friday as a bellwether for the holiday shopping season and made "Cyber Monday", the Monday following Thanksgiving when many on-line retailers offer discounts similar to those offered in brick-and-mortar stores on Black Friday, increasingly important.

Spending growth throughout the holiday season is expected to be supported by the continued strength in the labor market, a high level of consumer confidence, wealth effects associated with the series of record highs set in U.S. stock markets, and a reduction in the savings rate. Early reports regarding sales over the post-Thanksgiving weekend have been positive, for both brick and mortar and on-line retailers. Adobe Digital Insights, which tracks nearly 80% of on-line transactions at the largest on-line retailers found that on-line spending increased more than 10% year-over-year on Thanksgiving weekend and that sales on Cyber Monday were up 16.8% year-over-year, marking the largest day for U.S. on-line shopping ever ($6.6 billion, for international comparison highlighting the importance of e-commerce in China, sales on China's Singles Day were over $25 billion this year).

In a further evolution of shopping trends, data indicate that an increasing proportion of on-line transactions are occurring on mobile devices. Mobile sales represented nearly half on on-line visits to store websites on Cyber Monday and nearly one third of transaction revenue. Growth in retailer revenue coming from smartphones was up nearly 40% compared to last year. It is unknown how much of these transactions were completed in-store, but many retailers are set up to support in-store spending on mobile devices, which blurs the distinction between sales driven by brick and mortar locations versus those on-line. or retailers, a persistent central theme for the holiday season is inventory management. If a retailer mismatches order volumes with consumer demand, the retailer either misses out on potential sales or ends up having to discount. Trade data suggest that apparel retailers have been careful with order placement this year. In terms of square-meter equivalence (SME), apparel imports of all fibers are up only 1.0% versus a year ago through the first ten months of the year. For context, the U.S. population grew about one percent over the past year (+0.7%, from 324.2 to 326.4 million), indicating that economic growth has not stimulated per capita order placement.

Employment: The U.S. economy is estimated to have added 228,000 jobs in October. Revisions to estimates to previous months were mixed, with the figure for September rising from +18,000 to +38,000 and the figure for December dropping from +261,000 to +244,000. The net effect of these updates was to indicate that hiring was slightly higher over the past couple months than previously believed (+3,000 jobs). Average job growth throughout 2017 has been 174,000. Over the same time period in 2016, average job growth was 190,000.

Consumer Confidence & Spending: The Conference Board's Index of Consumer Confidence increased for the fifth consecutive month in November. The current reading is 129.5, which ranks among the highest values since the early 2000s and among the highest values ever recorded.despite high confidence readings, consumer spending increased only 0.1% month-over-month in the latest seasonally-adjusted data for October. Year-over-year, total consumer spending was up 2.6%. Apparel spending was up 0.5% month-over-month and up 1.9% year-over-year.
Consumer Prices & Import Data: Retail apparel prices were nearly unchanged both month-over-month (+0.01%) and year-over-year (-0.1%) in the latest seasonally-adjusted data (October). Average prices per square meter equivalent of apparel imported increased month-over-month (+0.7%) and year-over-year (+3.5%) in the latest seasonally-adjusted data (October). Sourcing costs for cotton-dominant apparel imports have been drifting higher since early 2017, which has been coincident with weakening of dollar against a broad range of currencies (USD down 7% in Federal Reserve's Broad Dollar Index since January 2017).

Executive Cotton Update / US Macroeconomic Data Daily / Cotton Price Data / GDP Growth / Interest Rates / ISM Indices / Leading Indicators / Consumer Conf./ Employment/ Housing / Industrial Production / Inventory/Shipments / U.S. Yarn Exports / Polyester PP / Consumer Spending / Inventory/Sales / Consumer Price / Weighted Index Asia / The Americaas / Europe / U.S. Balance Sheet / Fiber Prices.

All data given in the link below:-

http://www.cottoninc.com/sustainability/

Saturday, November 25, 2017

[ Heathcoat Fabrics, a British technical textiles specialist, ]

Heathcoat Fabrics, a British technical textiles specialist, has presented its new range of activated carbon liners for military and first response chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) protection at Milipol, a leading event for homeland security, which took place in Paris this week.

“In an industry constantly faced with adapting to new challenges and potential threats from both non-friendly powers and terrorism, the demand from military and first response personnel for CBRN protection has significantly increased,” the company reports.

Heathcoat Fabrics manufactures an extensive range of advanced technical textiles, and in the last decade, the company has had direct involvement in developing CBRN fabric technology, specifically the controlled impregnation of fabrics with activated carbon compounds.

“Having the technology to successfully impregnate a wide range of woven, nonwoven and knitted fabrics with our own or customer specific activated carbon formulations is a core proficiency of our highly specialised business,” the manufacturer explains.
Heathcoat Fabrics has demonstrated its capability and commitment to CBRN solutions with a new range of activated carbon liners at the Paris show. These newly activated carbon liners, currently undergoing testing, have been developed to incorporate the following features: lighter weight; enhanced breathability; reduced thermal burden; greater flexibility; and optimised comfort.


All research and production are conducted on-site at the manufacturing base in Tiverton, UK. The company provides a wide range of own-branded, patented high-performance product solutions. It operates a total end-to-end high service with in-house research and development, design, testing and on-site manufacturing facilities that include quality-controlled yarn texturising, warping weaving and knitting plant and the latest advanced specialist dyeing, textile enhancement treatments and finishing.
“Working with key partners Heathcoat Fabrics demonstrates our continued commitment to research, development and product innovation, which will be applied to CBRN protection and other specialist applications,” the company adds.

Source.


Author:

Innovation in Textiles

Saturday, June 3, 2017

[ Technical Textiles - Spider Silk Key to protecting US Troops. ]





Photo by Sony Pictures
“Dragon Silk,” a form of spider silk spun by genetically engineered silkworms, may sound like the stuff of science fiction, but it could hold a very real key to protecting U.S. troops. Created by Michigan’s Kraig Biocraft Laboratories, the recombinant fiber is the company’s strongest and most flexible to date. It might even protect against bullets, a possibility that has led the Department of Defense to award Kraig Biocraft with a $100,000 grant. The goal: To test its Dragon Silk for anti-ballistic applications such as body armor for soldiers.

Sunday, February 19, 2017

[OZTEK TEXTILE PRINTING AND DYEING INDUSTRIES INC.]

OZTEK TEXTILE PRINTING AND DYEING INDUSTRIES INC.


Öztek Textile Printing and dyeing was established in the year 1995 

and is presently processing 5.000.000 meters/month in weaving,
knitting dyeing, printing, finishing, coating and laminating of textiles.
The year 2001 marked the important decision of Oztek Inc to launch a
full R&D and production program in the area of “Technical Textiles”
with the mission of producing textiles for the protection and well-being
of civil and military end-users worldwide.
Please find the below Öztek Textile Military Textile Systems:
1. Multispectral Camouflage Nets: Visual, Night Vision (NIR) ,
Thermal (TIR) and Radar (up to 100 GHz) protection by
2D Multispectral Camouflage Nets-MSCN 2. CBRN Suits &
Collective Protective Systems: Chemical Biological and Radionuclear
protective suits and collective protection tents
3. Corrosion Protection Fabrics: Prevent corrosion
4. Ballistic Fabrics: Ballistic protective vest, helmet ,
shield fabrics and vests
5. Extreme Cold Weather Fabrics: Between -40 C- +50 C
windproof, water proof and highly breathable multi layer fabrics.
6. Future Soldier FS 2014: Protection form Visual, Night Vision (NIR) ,
Thermal (TIR) detection systems and water proof ,
wind proof and highly breathable Future Soldier Suit fabrics.
7. EMI Shielding Fabrics: Blockin electromagnetic waves
( especially for portable jammer users) Parachute fabrics:
Personnel and equipment parachute fabrics.
8. Ghillie Suit: Görsel, , Night Vision (NIR) ,
Thermal (TIR) detection protection, waterproof,
flame retardant, anti mosquito snipper suits
9. Flight Suit: Non flammable pilot coveral fabrics , Anti-G Suits
10. Firefighter Suit: EN 469 certified Firefighter Suit Fabrics
11. Tactical Vest &Rucksack Fabrics: Tactical vest
and rucksack fabrics ( Night vision protection can be added as request)
12. Combat Uniforms:Night Vision , antibacterial, water reppelent,
sweat absorbent and high tear &tensile strength combat unifrom fabrics.
13. DSTR System: Detachable, snapfit tactical vest and rucksack system
Home-Exhibiting-Visiting-Warship Visits-Conference-Sponsorship-
VIP Delegation-Media-About Qatar-
Established only 20 years ago, Öztek Tekstil Printing and Dyeing Industries (Hall 1, Stand A112) has grown into a formidable enterprise offering the latest in protective and technical fabrics for a wide range of applications. The company is exhibiting here at SOFEX as part of Turkey’s Undersecretariat for Defence Industries.
Öztek Tekstil now processes five million metres of fabric every month, which variously involves weaving, knitting, dyeing, printing, finishing, coating and laminating. Recognising the importance of technical textiles, Öztek Tekstil established a full R&D capability and production facility in 2001. Technical textiles refer to fabrics that are coated, dyed or specially manufactured for the protection and well-being of military and civil users.
Its military textile range includes multispectral camouflage nets; suits and protective systems against chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear threats; corrosion protection fabrics, ballistic protection; and extreme cold-weather fabrics. It also manufactures anti-bacterial, mosquito-proof and parachute fabrics.
Öztek Tekstil was the first Turkish company to print infrared-free fabrics, of which a million metres have been exported to Germany.

Thursday, February 16, 2017

[ Research in Technical Textiles.]

Smart Fabrics - Global Strategic Business Report 2017

The global market for Smart Fabrics is projected
to reach US$3.8 billion by 2022, driven by
breakthrough advancements in the field
of flexible, printed and stretchable electronics,
development of electronic fibers, yarns and
conductive inks for textile printing
and growing consumer demand for smart
performance apparel for sports and fitness.
The integration of science and advanced
technology into fabrics has led to the emergence
of a new range of clothing
and textiles, termed smart fabrics. Also referred
to as smart clothing, intelligent clothing smart
textiles and e-textiles, smart fabrics are embedded
with digital and electronic components such as
actuators, sensors, microcontrollers, and data
processes that can read and respond, thus
allowing the fabric to sense and react to
environmental conditions and external stimuli
coming from thermal, mechanical, chemical,
magnetic or electrical sources. Unlike traditional
fabrics,smart fabrics impart added functional
value, such as the ability to communicate,
transform, conduct energy, emit light, cool,
heat, and change shape.
For more information please click on:
http://www.researchandmarkets.com/publication/m22976e/595582
Though a fairly new concept, smart textiles is
nevertheless garnering increased interest given
the technology's role in enhancing
wearer's experience by providing innovative
features and functions that can boost the
garment's overall performance.
The recent years have witnessed strong
growth in the market coming from the successful
development and commercialization of
interactive apparel features and properties
such as ballistic resistance, electrical conductivity
and climate control. All of these
properties are encouraging the use of smart textiles
in end-use markets such as military, consumer,
industrial, electronics, home health monitoring,
entertainment and fashion. Focus on smart fabrics
also mirrors the textile industry's move towards
offering exclusive products targeting dedicated
activities such as running, skiing, extreme sports
and golf.The market will be driven by the
trend towards miniaturization of electronics and
the rapidly evolvingwearable electronics industry,
escalating demand for smart gadgets like wristbands
and smartwatches, and growth of low-cost smart
wireless sensor networks.The increasing ease
by which electronic components can be integrated
into fabrics and growing awareness about the
utility of these fabrics and their expanding applications
 especially in areas such as thermos-electricity, energy
harvesting, and sensing will also foster growth in the
market. Radical developments in material science
and fiber technologies including nanofibers, conductive
pressure-sensing fabrics and other hybrid fabrics are
expected to spur the market's growth in the coming
years. Sustained investments in R&D to develop
novel smart fabrics will provide new directions for future
growth.As stated by the new market research report on
Smart Fabrics, the United States represents the largest
market worldwide.Asia-Pacific ranks as the fastest growing
market with a CAGR of 15.2% over the analysis period, led
by factors such as growingbase of affluent middle class
population, digitalizing lifestyles and consumer
affinity towards innovative electronic technologies,
increasing levels of per capita spending on innovative
and disruptive technologies by businesses, industries
and consumers, and
growing R&D spending as a percentage of GDP
and the ensuing availability of funds for researching
advanced materials, and functional fibers and fabrics.
Major players covered in the report include AiQ Smart
Clothing Inc., Clothing Plus Ltd., E. I. Du Pont De Nemours
and Company,
EXO2, Intelligent Clothing Ltd.,
Interactive Wear AG, International Fashion Machines Inc.,
Marktek Inc., Milliken & Company,
Noble Biomaterials Inc., Outlast Technologies LLC,
Schoeller Textiles AG, Sensoria Inc., Smartex s.r.l,
Textronics Inc., and
Toray Industries Inc., among others.
For more information please click on:
http://www.researchandmarkets.com/publication/m22976e/595582
Pricing:
From USD 4950
Ordering - Three easy ways to place your order:
1] Order online at click here
2] Order by fax: Print an Order form from click here
and Fax to +353 1 481 1716
3] Order by mail: Print an Order form from click here
and post to Research and Markets, Guinness Center,
Taylors Lane,Dublin 8. Ireland.
Thank you for your consideration.
Best Regards,
Amy Cole
Senior Manager
Research and Markets, Guinness Centre, Taylors Lane,
Dublin 8, Ireland.
amy.cole@researchandmarkets-updates.com

Saturday, February 11, 2017

[ Turning old cotton into new textiles.]



Source:
AILA IKUSE | Evergreen reporter
In a few years, an old cotton T-shirt from high school can be recycled into a new skirt.

WSU recently won a grant from the Wal-Mart U.S. Manufacturing Innovation Fund for $365,000 to research turning cotton waste into recycled textile goods. Hang Liu and Ting Chi from the Apparel, Merchandising, Design, Textiles (AMDT) department, and Jinwen Zhang from the School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering are working on the project.

The project at WSU focuses on recycling cotton waste using a wet spinning technique. Wet spinning is one of three commonly used fiber-spinning techniques for manmade fibers like polyester or nylon. The process involves dissolving cotton waste into a solvent, and then spinning it into fabric.

“We chose wet spinning because the technique is already well-established, so we only need to solve the initial part,” Liu said. “We can use already established equipment with maybe some modifications but not a whole lot. The commercialization process should be pretty quick. I think that is part of what the Wal-Mart Foundation was looking for.”

The grant application process was broken into two phases. First, applicants had to submit a letter of intent or mini proposal. Then, if they made it past the first round, they were invited to send the review committee the full proposal, Liu said.

“Only those (the Wal-Mart U.S. Manufacturing Innovation Fund) found promising were invited to send in their full proposals,” Liu said. “We got into the second phase and submitted the proposal in early November. Luckily, we were funded.”

The project, which will take place over the next three years, is 100 percent funded by the earnings from this grant. The recycled cotton fibers will mainly be used in consumer goods at first, Liu said.

“We want to make fibers that have a good feel, elasticity and are strong enough to make into clothes or bedding, towels, these kind of products,” Liu said. “In the future, we are looking at technical textiles, such as fabrics … used in industry. There is big potential there.”

Liu wants to involve undergraduates in this project, too. As the AMDT 210 professor, several of her students are already interested in getting involved in undergraduate research.

“A portion of the fund is for undergraduate research assistants,” Liu said. “We want to involve undergraduate students. They want to learn about the research process, and they are curious about what we do every day in the lab.”

Liu and Zhang will work on the research project itself while Chi will work on the environmental side of things. Chi will conduct the Environmental Impact Summary (EIS) and work to make the process of recycling cotton more environmentally-friendly.

“In 2012, the fiber recovery rate, including reusing and recycling, for all cotton waste was five percent only,” Chi said. “Nowadays, most of the cotton waste ends up in landfills or incinerators, which not only is in contradiction with the efficient use of natural cellulose resource, but also severely harms the environment and human health.”

Rising world populations and living standards have caused a continuously upward trend of cotton demand. Supply is limited due to the decline of available land, so recycling cotton waste is a prominent challenge facing the textile industry, Chi said.

The Wal-Mart U.S. Manufacturing Innovation Fund is a collaboration between Wal-Mart and the U.S. Conference of Mayors to fund projects that show potential to create domestic jobs in manufacturing, lower the cost of consumer goods, and invigorate local economies.

In 2014, the Wal-Mart Foundation pledged $10 million to this fund, and this year is the last

awarding cycle. Over 30 projects applied for the grant, and six were funded. Other universities that received funding include North Carolina State University, Clemson University, Oregon State University, Texas Tech University and the University of Massachusetts-Lowell.

blogger's View.
WE INDIAN TEXTILE RESEARCH INSTITUTES LOST A GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY TO GET A CHANCE FOR THIS RESEARCH WORTH A GIFT OF $ 3,65,000