Fibres, Yarns & Fabrics

The Switzerland based International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF) has published its State of Trade Report for the 4th Quarter of 2011. The organisation reports that estimates for Global Yarn and Fabric Output in Q1/2012 are negative but that the outlook for Q2/2012 is positive.

DSM, producer of Dyneema, has introduced a new fibre designed for the production of ropes that it says provide unrivalled strength, stiffness and durability. DSM says DM 20 is an innovative fibre that completely redefines the capability of HMPE ropes and forms the basis of Dyneema Max Technology.

Rhode Island, USA based stretch fabrics producer Darlington Fabrics has launched an innovative family of fabrics called Fasten-Air which stretch for comfort and function in personal protection applications and utilise familiar hook and loop closures.

Naturally Advanced Technologies (NAT) which produces and markets CRAiLAR, a natural fibre made from flax and other bast fibres, has entered a joint development agreement with leading cellulosic manmade fibres producer Lenzing. The agreement calls for the companies to evaluate the blending of CRAiLAR Flax fibres with Tencel (Lyocell) and Lenzing Modal.

Developer of biomedical textiles for medical devices, Biomedical Structures (BMS), has introduced a new advanced tapered medical textile solution for tendons, ligaments and other orthopaedic applications. The company says its advanced weaving capabilities provide a high-precision medical textile solution able to match the anatomical construction of tendons and replicate performance.

Teijin has announced plans to establish Teijin Product Development China Co., Ltd. in August this year to conduct fibre and textile product research and development in Nantong, Jiangsu Province commencing April 2013. The move will enhance the Teijin group’s R&D functions in China and enable collaborative development with local partners to respond quickly to business opportunities in the fast-growing market.

Naturally Advanced Technologies Inc. (NAT), which produces and markets CRAiLAR, a natural fibre made from flax and other bast fibres, has earned the USDA Certified Biobased Product Label for its CRAiLAR Flax Fiber.

Lear Corporation, a leading supplier of automotive seating and electrical power management systems, announced today that it has signed an agreement to acquire automotive fabrics manufacturer Guilford Mills

Teijin Fibers Limited, a Teijin Group company, has announced that it is supplying Nanofront high-strength polyester nanofibre for the palms of Srixon's new Pro Tour golf gloves

Phase change materials (PCM) developer and marketer Outlast Technologies has been acquired by Golden Equity Investments, (GEI), a Colorado private equity firm that invests in operating businesses.