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Indian Technical Textile Association

(ITTA) E-bulletin: September 2013 Inside This Issue

International News • Healthcare offer opportunities for disposable

nonwoven products

• TenCate Advanced Armour reveals innovative lightweight ballistic inserts

• Technical textile sector challenge for needle makers

• Global geotextiles market to reach $6.4bn in 2018

• Freudenberg's Soundtex reduces noise in high traffic areas

• CG TEC introduces new developed Basalt Fiber Bar

• Biodegradable Nanofibrous Scaffold Designed for

Cell Growth, Tissue Recovery

• NTT starts new ‘Koreoxpreoxidized PAN’ production line

• Railway construction to boost China’s geotextile

industry

• New report on polyester spunbond market

• K-C says Pull-Ups Night Time Training Pants are just as absorbent as diapers

• PGI looks at possible takeover of Fiberweb

National News • First large FRP boat built using DIAB core materials

- made in India

• NTC to set up centre of excellence for technical textiles in Gujarat

• EFC approval for Scheme for promotion & usage of Geotechnical textiles in North Eastern Region (NER)

• Continuation of the Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme in 12th Plan period

• TECHNOTEX 2014 Launched

• Technical Textile Units registered for 10% capital subsidy under TUFS during August 2013:

• Activities of ITTA

• Events

Issue No. 11 | September 2013

Indian Technical Textile Association Tel : 022 – 2500 3098

A-Block, Gr. Floor, BTRA Email : [email protected]

L.B.S Marg, Ghatkoper (West) Web: www.ittaindia.org

Mumbai – 400 086 India

Our Valued Members

We invite you to ITTA monthly E-bulletin Issue No 11. Kindly share your views to

[email protected]. Enjoy the read.

International Technical Textile News

Healthcare offer opportunities for disposable nonwoven products

With the improving quality of healthcare in Asian countries along with aging demographics around the world and HAI prevention in full swing, the medical nonwovens market is poised for positive growth in the years ahead. According to data from INDA, Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, the global medical nonwovens market in 2012 consumed 355,000 tons, with 170,000 in North America, 116,000 in Asia and 69,000 in Europe. In terms of dollars in North America for 2012 the medical nonwoven roll goods market was valued at $755 million. In tonnage, the medical nonwovens market represents 8.9% of the North American market, making it the fourth largest segment. The market is dominated by surgical gowns and drapes. In North America alone, disposable surgical gowns, operating room drapes and their pack parts account for 80% of the medical nonwoven category the INDA data says. The remaining categories include: other apparel—scrub suits, caps, masks, shoe covers, patient apparel and isolation gowns—at 8%; sterile packaging—CSR sterilization wrap—at 7%; and wound care—sponges, tapes, non-adherent dressings and pads—at 5%. Asia and Eastern Europe drive global growth

Over the next several years, positive developments in the Asia-Pacific health care system should provide a lot of opportunity for growth. “By 2017, Asia-Pacific will continue to grow






faster (+9.7% annually) than North America and Europe,” says Brad Kalil, director of market research and statistics, INDA. “Therefore, despite a potential slowdown in North American sales to the medical sector, INDA and EDANA expect a continuous overall increase in the medical nonwovens segment, with annual growth rate of 6.5% through 2017.” Conversely to Asia, the North American market for medical nonwovens is maturing and growth is slowing. “A high proportion of surgical apparel and drapes in Mexico and Canada are reusable products, which would appear to be a potential area for growth, but market penetration, particularly by disposable apparel has been slow in both countries,” says Kalil. “We do not expect this to change in the near term.” Likewise, the U.S. market for nonwoven gowns and drapes is at maturity, with high penetration, thus there is little opportunity for growth. “Surgical drapes are used in about 90-95% of all major surgical procedures within the U.S., and nonwoven surgical gowns have a captive share, in the high 80% range of the market,” says Kalil. “We expect the U.S. medical nonwovens market will grow in the 2.5% range, keeping pace with an aging population and major surgical procedures, in addition to the potential for innovation through customized procedure trays.” Europe, on the other hand, shows potential in penetration rate of medical nonwovens. “New European standards and regulations including EN 13795:2011 together with an increased focus on infection prevention, demographic changes and surgical procedures drive the changes towards use of single-use medical nonwovens,” says Kalil. Within Western Europe, penetration rates for single-use nonwoven surgical drapes are currently estimated in the 60-70% range while gowns are in the 50-60% range, though large differences occur between countries. The growth potential lie in the Central, Southern and Eastern European markets, according to Kalil. In China single-use medical nonwoven products are rarely used, while conventional textiles are favored, though hospitals tend to be meticulous clean. Because of the lack of health insurance, patient’s families are responsible for providing healthcare needs such as clothing and food to care for family members while in the hospital. In India, the production and use of single-use medical nonwovens is slowly increasing, but there is limited knowledge of their benefits. Like in China, family members are responsible for providing necessary equipment while in the hospital. Specific self-service medical device shops have opened where patients and family members can buy the utensils and products used for operations including drapes and gowns.






HAI Prevention in Full Swing

In addition to aging demographics where currently the generation that is 65 and older is increasing 2-3 times faster than any other age group, the key growth drivers for medical nonwovens are infection prevention and healthcare economics. “In developed countries aging populations will require more healthcare visits and surgeries. In addition, the elderly have declining immune systems making them more susceptible to HAIs and treating HAIs adds immensely to healthcare costs, which are currently estimated at $26-33 billion annually in the U.S.,” says Kalil. “As part of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, Medicare/Medicaid may not cover HAIs making the healthcare provider responsible and thus more vested in their prevention. That and a greater societal awareness and concern with ‘germs’ lead to more hygienic healthcare procedures and therefore an increase in medical nonwovens and cleaning wipes. As the awareness of the importance of hygiene in healthcare facilities and operating rooms continues to increase through education and communication the acceptance and usage of medical nonwovens should increase.” The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has published a report that shows the critical need for single-use medical nonwovens in effective infection control. EDANA, the association representing the nonwovens and related industries, through its Medical Devices Committee, welcomed the survey titlet, “Healthcare associated infections and antimicrobial use in European acute care hospitals,” in an effort to raise understanding and awareness of the impact and cost to both the patient and healthcare professionals for HCAIs. The survey, conducted in more than 1,000 hospitals in 30 European countries, provides the most comprehensive database on healthcare-associated infections and antimicrobial use in European acute care hospitals to date. The report says that any given day, about 80,000 patients—or 1 in 18 patients—in European hospitals have at least one healthcare-associated infection. The most common types of such infections are respiratory tract infections, surgical site infections, urinary tract infections and bloodstream infections. In addition, at least one in three patients, receive at least one antimicrobial agent on any given day in European hospitals. Based on the survey results, the ECDC has made recommendations that should be further developed and implemented across Europe. These recommendations include increasing the skills for surveillance of healthcare-associated infections and antimicrobial use; and raising awareness of HCAIs among healthcare workers across the EU.






“Experience has shown that in surgery single-use surgical barrier materials—surgical gloves, gowns, drapes, and masks—are a key factor to prevent transfer of micro-organisms,” says Pierre Wiertz, general manager of EDANA. Although in Europe the market penetration of single-use gowns and drapes has reached on average 60 to 65% taking into account geographical differences, this is still significantly lower than in the U.S. EDANA says. “The mission of EDANA’s MEDECO (medical devices committee) is therefore to promote the benefits of single-use nonwovens products to decision makers, influencers and end-users in surgery, wound management and infection control,” says Wiertz. Fiber Technology to Limit HAIs

A development-stage company is offering a proven antimicrobial technology to make surgical privacy curtains bacteria resistant, cutting down on hospital acquired infections, a problem that is responsible for 100,000 deaths per year in the U.S. alone. This technology, intrinsic to the fiber, has been developed by PurThread, a Durham, N.C. company founded by former head of Foss Manufacturing, Steve Foss. Beyond medical applications, the technology has potential in consumer, military and industrial applications. Freudenberg Offers Cutting Edge Technology Freudenberg has been a pioneer in the development of nonwoven products for medical applications—starting with Ostomy filters as early as the 70s. In addition, Vilmed nonwovens were the first nonwovens used to replace wovens for wound pads. Today, the company continues to be an innovative leader and has joined forces to deliver with its strategic partner JVC (Japan Vilene Company) cutting edge technology. “The medical industry is a field of high strategic importance to the Freudenberg Group and in particular Freudenberg Nonwovens,” says Henk Randau, general manager, industrial nonwovens North America. The company develops unique nonwoven solutions for Transdermal Delivery Systems, Advanced Wound Care, Active Wound Care and Ostomy applications. Recently the success of hydroactive nonwovens has proven the importance of cutting edge nonwovens technology for the wound care industry. Super Absorbent Solutions for Wound Care

Technical Absorbents Ltd. (TAL) has been conducting extensive promotion and educating the medical market about its core Super Absorbent Fibre (SAF) technology for a number of years. Primarily this has been aimed at the growing advanced wound care (moist) sector. It is focused on increasing the usage of SAF, based on the wide-ranging benefits it brings to






product design and performance in such applications. As a result it is currently involved in a diverse range of projects along the supply chain from converters to end product manufacturers. Technical Absorbents is able to supply SAF – which can be tailored to suit specific requirements – and also SAF containing nonwovens, wovens, yarns and tapes. Such a diverse product mix allows the company to provide exacting super absorbent solutions, and in some cases can simplify the product development process for customers.

Ahlstrom Expands Sterilization Range

Ahlstrom has introduced its expanded interleaved Sterile Barrier Systems (SBS) offering, Ahlstrom Reliance Tandem. This expansion introduces SMS (spunbond-meltblown-spunbond) technology into the company’s offering. Ahlstrom’s sterile barrier systems are a trusted and an integral part of the central sterilization department in hospitals. Previously, the company’s interleaved offering consisted of crepe and wetlaid technologies. To help customers stay ahead, Ahlstrom now offers a complete interleaved portfolio with the introduction of SMS into its Ahlstrom Reliance Tandem portfolio. Ahlstrom Reliance Tandem uses its newest technology, SMS, in combination with its existing technologies to provide the optimal combination of sterile barrier system sheets for sequential wrapping. nonwovens-industry.com

TenCate Advanced Armour reveals innovative lightweight ballistic inserts

TenCate Advanced Armour has developed world’s lightest insert for protecting against one of the most common gun threats globally; the AK47 Mild Steel Core. The new TenCate Multi-light™ ultra lightweight ballistic solution offers unmatched protection and user comfort to soldiers and law enforcement personnel whilst ensuring high tactical mobility. These 750 square centimeter ballistic inserts have a record weight of less than 1 kilogram with less than 15 millimeter in thickness.






To create the new TenCate Multi-light™ insert series, TenCate Advanced Armour used advanced composite materials and state of the art technologies from the aerospace industry and adapted those into the production of these ballistic inserts. In doing so, TenCate Advanced Armour has created the best and lightest soldier or law enforcement protection from AK47 MSC ever. From this new TenCate Multi-light™ CX Plus series, the ML133 insert offers a NIJ 0101.04 level III plus AK47 Mild Steel Core for a record weight of less than 1 kilogram (250x300mm), with less than 15 millimeter in thickness. Cyril Veillat, Business Manager of TenCate Advanced Armour in Europe and Asia-Pacific stated: ‘This is the ultimate protection that soldiers and law enforcement personnel will not feel during their harsh jobs.Achieving such a high level of protection at such a low weight clearly supports the value proposition of the TenCatecompany. By offering increased protection, end-user comfort and mobility by the application of advanced materials technology and manufacturing with the end-user requirements in mind, this solution is an example of our core customer promise ‘protecting people’. This way, our research and development work ensures both increased safety and comfort for the end-user’. -TenCate Advanced Armour

Technical textile sector challenge for needle makers

Technical textiles are being used increasingly for the

replacement of traditional materials in challenging

applications, and their end uses are becoming

increasingly diverse. As a result, manufacturers of

needles and threads have been faced with the need to

develop highly specified products, according to

Textiles Intelligence.

Needles must be able to withstand the physical demands of the stitching processes used to

manufacture technical textile products, and threads must maintain their integrity in the

extreme environments in which many technical textile products are used.In order to cater

to the requirements of the industry, many manufacturers of sewing needles tailor the

geometry of the needles they produce to the demands of the technical textile which is being

sewn. They are also applying special coatings to sewing needles in order to improve their

performance and enhance production efficiency.

For instance, Organ Needle's NY2 series of sewing needles helps to counteract the problem

of skipped stitching. And in Groz-Beckert's MR sewing needle, the risk of needle deflection

has been reduced through the use of a special blade and scarf geometry. Schmetz'sServ 7

sewing needle has a blade with a conical reinforcement which increases needle stability






and helps to prevent the needle from deflecting. In addition, titanium nitride coatings are

used to strengthen the needle, and anti-adhesive coatings are applied to prevent

substances from adhering to the needle during sewing.

Sewing threads which are designed to be used in technical textile applications must

possess a number of important characteristics in order to ensure that they maintain their

integrity under extreme conditions. Such characteristics include high strength and

flexibility, as well as resistance to chemicals, high temperatures, fungi and mildew.

One example of such threads is Amann's K-tech range of threads made from tow spun para-

aramid fibres. Another is Gore Tenara sewing thread by WL Gore & Associates.This is made

using PTFE fibre, making it highly resistant to UV light, extreme weather conditions and

chemicals. Also, glass fibre is increasingly being used to manufacture sewing threads in

order to provide resistance to extremely high temperatures.

-Textiles Intelligence

Global geotextiles market to reach $6.4bn in 2018

According to a new market report “Geotextiles Market by Product Type (Woven, Non-woven, Knitted) for Roadways, Erosion Control and Drainage – Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast, 2012 - 2018, “the global market for geotextiles was valued at USD 3.2 billion in 2011 and is expected to reach USD 6.4 billion in 2018, growing at a CAGR of 10.3% from 2012 to 2018.In terms of volume, the demand for geotextiles was 1,904.0 million square meters in 2011 and is expected to reach 3,398.4 million square meters in 2018, growing at a CAGR of 8.6% from 2012 to 2018.

Increasing demand from roadway construction, especially from BRIC countries, is expected to drive geotextile demand over the next five years. Special focus on the use of geotextiles in infrastructural activities coupled with favorable regulatory support is also expected to have a positive impact on global demand.However, the fluctuating cost of commonly used raw materials such as polypropylene and polyester is expected to have an adverse effect on the market over the forecast period. In addition, the absence of defined standards across the countries has also emerged as a key challenge for market participants.






Among the product types, non-woven geotextiles was the largest consumed segment, accounting for over 60% of the overall demand in 2011. However, woven fabrics are expected to show substantial growth over the forecast period. Road construction was the largest application segment for geotextiles, and was valued at USD 1,502.8 million in 2011. Asia Pacific dominated global geotextiles demand, accounting for over 41% of global volumes in 2011. European geotextiles market revenue is expected to reach USD 1,647.7 million in 2018, while North America market revenue is expected to grow at a CAGR of 9.9% from 2012 to 2018. Key geotextile manufacturers include Royal TenCate, GSE Holdings, NAUE, and OfficineMaccaferri among others. These companies along with other leading manufacturers in the market have been profiled in the report. -Transparency Market Research

Freudenberg's Soundtex reduces noise in high traffic areas

Airports, train stations add porous material to ceiling installations.

Shenyang Taoxian International Airport has used Freudenberg’s Soundtex technology to reduce noise in the service halls in a recent expansion. With more than 11 million passengers per year, Shenyang Taoxian is a regional hub for China Southern Airlines. To reduce noise in the service halls and keep

aircraft noise out of the building, the airport built 80,000 square meters of Soundtex material into the metal ceiling. The 0.2 mm thick substrate improves room acoustics and shortens reverberation time, according to Perry Liao, sales responsible for SoundTex and Freudenberg & Vilene in Suzhou. The expansion at the airport was inaugurated in mid-August. Favored in airport buildings for its effective sound absorption, simple installation and lack of harmful substances or flammability, Soundtex is a porous sound-absorbing material, which converts sound energy into thermal energy by creating friction between the oscillating particles of the sound-propagating medium (air) and the strucutre of the porous material. In addition to sound absorption, Soundtex features a low material thickness meaning substantial savings in transport and storage, high running lengths, cost-efficient installation, a reduced risk of condensation water forming in the ceiling cavity and compatibility with integrated cooling and heating systems.






Soundtex has previously been used in projects in highly-frequented areas all over the world including the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad, India or at the main Station in Berlin. nonwovens-industry.com

CG TEC introduces new developed Basalt Fiber Bar

Concrete and steel are such a well relied on team. So

dependable, that the two terms melt into one

expression “ferroconcrete” – widely used all over the

world. Concrete by itself would not stand the high

tensile strain that occur in bridge piles, ceiling and

paving tiles or in support walls. Steel on the other side

has a high tensile strength and is therefore

compounded with concrete as rebar to reinforce the concrete.

CG TELs newest development, the basalt fiber bar, was presented in September at the

Composite Europe in Stuttgart. According to the CEO´s, Andrea and Oliver Kipf, the future

replacement for steel rebar. Compared to basalt fiber, steel rebar has a big disadvantage, it

is susceptible to corrosion. So far steel has been covered with large quantities of concrete

to protect the steel from air and water so as to avoid corrosion and get durable

components. CGTEC´s basalt fiber reinforced profile bars, is far more corrosion resistant

than steel. Therefore a lot less concrete coverage is needed. Additionally it is lighter, alkali-

resistant and nonconducting.

Also the tensile strength of the BFK (basalt fiber reinforced) rebar is a lot higher than usual

material, which saves quite some numbers in needed rebar material .One more advantage

is the similar temperature expansion characteristics between concrete and basalt fiber

bars. That is the reason that temperature induced tension hardly occurs. CG TEC produces

the BFK rebar on highly automated production lines in a single manufacturing process. The

bars are easily dimensioned for their individual demands through this process.

The basalt fiber, drawn from melt spinning of volcanic stone qualifies for a great variety of

applications. The design of the basalt fiber reinforced bar could be a future factor in the

fields of medicine technology, mechanical engineering or the automotive industry and

fierce rival for carbon and glass fiber. It is similar to these materials in its characteristics

(tensile strength, E-modulus, etc.) but has a far better cost-benefit ratio.

-Composites Europe






Biodegradable Nanofibrous Scaffold Designed for Cell Growth, Tissue Recovery

Nanomaterials experts in association with pharmaceutical researchers succeeded in designing biodegradable nanofibrous scaffold by using bioactive glass nanoparticles, which is appropriate for cell growth and tissue recovery in the treatment of injured bone tissues. The product of this plan has applications in medical fields after the preparation and after passing the complementary in vitro tests as drug carrying scaffold and bioactive agents to grow bone cell and to cure the injured bone tissues. In order to improve the mechanical properties and

bioactivity of the nanofibers, bioactive glass nanoparticles were added while simvastatin drug (aiming to speed up the growth of the bone tissue) was loaded in the fibers to increase the efficiency of the scaffold. Years ago, Hench et al showed that bioactive glasses had good ability to make bonds with bone tissue, and they made desirable joint with the bone. Results of other researches display that simvastatin (the drug to reduce cholesterol in blood) has positive effect on bone metabolism. Therefore, it was decided that these two materials are combined with polycaprolactone nanofibers in this research to produce a nanofibrous scaffold suitable for the bone tissue. In this research, polycaprolactone composite nanofibers loaded with simvastatin drug and bioactive glass nanoparticles were produced through electrospinningmethod, and their biological and mechanical properties were investigated in laboratorial and also in human’s body simulated media. Results of biodegradability and drug delivery tests showed that the presence of glass nanoparticles increase the degradability of the nanofiber web in body’s simulated media due to their hydrolysis ability in aqueous environment. Therefore, more drug is released in comparison with the nanofibers without nanoparticles. -Iran Nanotechnology Initiative Council


Indian Technical Textile Association

A-Block, Gr. Floor, BTRA

L.B.S Marg, Ghatkoper (West)


NTT starts new ‘Koreoxpreoxidized PAN’ production line

undergoes further carbonization at higher temperatures and becomes an activated carbon

fiber when it goes through a vapor or chemical

while KoreoxPreox PAN belongs to a family of acrylic carbon fibers, it is an advanced

functional fiber with high flame

softness and pliable touch, alo

light fiber.

As for properties, Koreox is naturally black like carbon fiber. It has a specific electric

resistance of 108-1010O.cm and does not have as much electric conductivity as carbon

fiber, having 10-2-10-3 O.cm.The outstanding feature of Koreox lays in flame

and self-extinguishing properties.As is indicated by the L.O.I (Limitating Oxygen Index),

Koreox has the highest level of about 50 in such value, compared with other high

fibers.A value of over 26.5 in L.O.I. is regarded as self

retardant.

The material surpasses this value by far and might well be called "quasi

fiber, which does not burn in the atmosphere. Even when brough

material does not burn, melt or shrink, but carbonizes maintaining the original form.In

body protection and garments, when used for flame

cause secondary burns, thus enabling the user to minimize th

The L.O.I. index of Koreox also makes it anti

best to protect the skin with the maximum comfort. For these reasons, it finds good use in

the outfit of the F1 pilots.

-NTT

Indian Technical Textile Association Tel : 022

Email :

Web:

NTT starts new ‘Koreoxpreoxidized PAN’ production line

NTT will grow its production capacity of preoxidized

PAN by 500 tons per year, setting up a new production

line that is finally coming to be operational. Tests are on

their final phase, and by the coming September 23rd, it

will be fully operative.Koreoxpreoxidized PAN is a flame

retardant fiber made by the slight carbonization of a

carbon fiber polyacrylonitrile precursor.

Preoxidized PAN transforms into a carbon fiber when it


fiber when it goes through a vapor or chemical activation process.This demonstrates that


functional fiber with high flame-resistance, softness and flexibility. It maintains a wool

softness and pliable touch, along with its excellent flame-resistance. Moreover it is a very


1010O.cm and does not have as much electric conductivity as carbon

3 O.cm.The outstanding feature of Koreox lays in flame

extinguishing properties.As is indicated by the L.O.I (Limitating Oxygen Index),

Koreox has the highest level of about 50 in such value, compared with other high

fibers.A value of over 26.5 in L.O.I. is regarded as self-extinguishing and is called flame

The material surpasses this value by far and might well be called "quasi-

fiber, which does not burn in the atmosphere. Even when brought near a flame, the


body protection and garments, when used for flame -or heat-resisting suits, it does not

cause secondary burns, thus enabling the user to minimize the physical danger to the body.

The L.O.I. index of Koreox also makes it anti-bacterial and hypoallergenic, therefore the


Tel : 022 – 2500 3098

Email : [email protected]

eb: www.ittaindia.org

NTT will grow its production capacity of preoxidized

PAN by 500 tons per year, setting up a new production

line that is finally coming to be operational. Tests are on

their final phase, and by the coming September 23rd, it

will be fully operative.Koreoxpreoxidized PAN is a flame

slight carbonization of a

carbon fiber polyacrylonitrile precursor.

Preoxidized PAN transforms into a carbon fiber when it


activation process.This demonstrates that


resistance, softness and flexibility. It maintains a wool-like

resistance. Moreover it is a very


1010O.cm and does not have as much electric conductivity as carbon

3 O.cm.The outstanding feature of Koreox lays in flame-resistance

extinguishing properties.As is indicated by the L.O.I (Limitating Oxygen Index),

Koreox has the highest level of about 50 in such value, compared with other high-tech

extinguishing and is called flame

non-flammable"

t near a flame, the


resisting suits, it does not

e physical danger to the body.

bacterial and hypoallergenic, therefore the







Railway construction to boost China’s geotextile industry

The construction of railway, particularly in

China’s central and western regions, would

boost China’s geotextile industry, according to

China National Textile and Apparel Council.

The investment in national infrastructure

development and the growth of geotextile

industry are closely related.

Between 2010 and 2020, an amount of about 4 trillion yuan would be invested for water conserving projects, which provide a broad market for the geotextile industry. From January to May this year, the railways invested 132.2 billion yuan, up 25.4 percent year-on-year, increasing the pace of growth of geotextile sector.

At present, China’s central and western regions will be investing in railway construction, which would provide an important direction and sustained momentum for the development of the geotextile industry. Since the beginning of 2013, the orders with geotextile companies are relatively full and profits are better. Ling County in Shandong province is China’s largest geotextile production base. Here, geotextile production rose by 20 percent to 6.49 billion yuan this year, with profit increasing by 8 percent to 530 million yuan. Since the second half of 2012, the faster growth of environmental projects has also contributed to continued momentum and rapid growth of the geotextile sector. -Fibre2fashion News Desk

New report on polyester spunbond market

Price Hanna Consultants LLC, a management consulting

firm whose principals have specialized in the nonwoven

products, hygiene absorbent products and related fields,

worldwide, for over 30 years, have published a new

report which provides comprehensive global and

regional information on spunbonded polyester nonwoven capacities, demand

manufacturing costs, and market segment profitability in 2013 to 2018.






The report provides detailed information on regional and global nameplate and output

capacity by producer, country, line and technology. Using this information, the report

describes regional and global supply to demand deriving estimates of machine utilization

and the supply/demand balance in each region. These models provide a method of

predicting where and when additional capacity will be needed to serve growing demand.

Regional and global demand and growth estimates are shown by major product category

for each year 2013 to 2018.

Cost of manufacturing benchmark models are provided for each major product category in

selected global regions. Market pricing for major product categories is shown from most

global regions. Using this information, pro forma income statements are provided for major

product categories in selected global regions. The report was published in August 2013 and

is available in hard copy and/or electronic PDF form.

Europe (including Russia and Turkey), North America and China are the major geographic

areas of production and demand followed by Asia-Pacific and the Middle East/North

Africa.Capacity consolidation and expansion has occurred since 2008. New capacity has

been announced for 2013 to 2015 and more will be needed to serve growing demand. The

majority of spunbonded polyester nonwoven capacity and demand is in coarse denier fiber

which is growing faster than fine denier.

Important producers include Freudenberg Nonwovens, Johns Manville, Fiberweb, Unitika,

Bonar Colbond, Kolon, 3M, Toyobo, Shaoxing Zhejiang, Asahi, Toray, Guangdong Jin Long,

Shandong Taipeng and others. Some organizations are currently evaluating market entry.

http://www.nonwovens-industry.com

K-C says Pull-Ups Night Time Training Pants are just as absorbent as

diapers

Using superabsorbent technology, Pull-Ups Brand

Night Time training pants retain more than 30 times

their weight in fluid, equivalent to a quarter of a liter,

according to recently released data from the brand

owner Kimberly-Clark. Research shows that six out of

seven Moms have stopped and started the potty

training process, often due to inconsistency. With

Pull-Ups Night Time training pants, parents can

continue their potty training routine at night with a






"glow-in-the-dark" feature that motivates their toddlers to embrace a fun routine while

getting ready for bed.

"Most parents have had a couple years of experience with diapers and are very familiar

with how absorbent they are so they continue using them at night, which can cause potty

training setbacks," says Dr. Heather Wittenberg, Pull-Ups Potty Training Partner. "Pull-Ups

Night Time training pants are just as absorbent as the leading size 4 diaper. They are a fun

way to celebrate a toddler's next step in the potty training process, while also ensuring a

consistent routine at bedtime."

Pull-Ups is helping parents begin potty training with a fun routine that ensures "Big Kid" success with their training pants at bedtime. The Bedtime Light Show is a simple, three-step ritual that parents can use to help their toddlers get into the habit of wearing Pull-Ups Night*Time training pants:

1) "Charge 'em Up" by putting the Pull-Ups Night*Time training pant under a bright light source for at least 30 to 60 seconds

2) "Hit the Lights" after children put on the pants. Make sure the room is dark — even draw the shades and close the door

3) "Be a Big Kid at Night" with the new glow-in-the-dark feature. It's just bright enough to keep children motivated but soft enough to keep bedtime calm

The Pull-Ups Night Time training pants glow-in-the-dark panels currently feature popular

Disney characters many toddlers will recognize and love - Rapunzel, Minnie Mouse, Sulley,

Buzz Lightyear and Mater from Cars.


PGI looks at possible takeover of Fiberweb

UK-based Fiberweb says it has received a takeover

proposal from U.S. rival Polymer Group Inc. (PGI). PGI

has been given until Sept. 17 to formalize a bid or

step away. Fiberweb says that if PGI makes an offer at

its desired price, its board will recommend approval

by shareholders.







National Technical Textile News

First large FRP boat built using DIAB core materials - made in India

Built in its entirety at the Craftway Engineers

boat-building yard, the 23 meter long FRP boat is

the first of 13 highly sophisticated composite

vessels to be constructed on site in India.

A member of the SHM group of companies,

Craftway Engineers is rapidly developing the

industry of FRP vessels in India. Sophisticated

composite crafts were previously imported from

Europe or the U.S.A., but can now be constructed at Craftway’s state of the art boat-building

yard, which is one of the largest in India. Major customers include ONGC (Oil and Natural

Gas Corporation Limited), the Indian Navy, Maharashtra Maritime Board, Maharashtra

Police and all the major port authorities of India.

When in 2011 ONGC announced a tender for 13 composite ISVs (Immediate Support

Vessels), the experienced engineers at Craftway knew where to turn. Having had various

interactions with DIAB at boat shows in Mumbai and Goa prior to this project, the Craftway

designer recommended Divinycell H80 and H60 for the construction of the boats, which

will be operated by the Indian Navy. Primarily designed for use in offshore development

areas, they are light surface vessels capable of operating in sea state 6 conditions, in opens

seas as well as in coastal waters. The crafts reach a speed of 40 knots and have room for 20

people.Combining structural strength with very low weight, Craftway uses

Isopthalic/Vinylester resins, multi-axial fiberglass and PVC cores in the construction of the

hulls.

Involving DIAB even before winning the tender, Craftway highly appreciated the company’s

local presence, short lead times and excellent sales support. Staying in constant touch with

the Craftway team, DIAB offered various services throughout the process of this first joint

project, which is definitely not the last. Craftway has already started using DIAB core

materials for the construction of other hulls, such as the 12-15 meter patrol boats and the

15 meter ambulance boats, paving the way for more FRP vessels made in India.

-DIAB






NTC to set up centre of excellence for technical textiles in Gujarat

Both NTC and the Gujarat government will each invest around Rs 20 crore for the

project

Having successfully modernised its 24-odd textile

mills, the National Textile Corporation (NTC) is now

planning to strengthen its technical textiles and

textile retail operations. As part of this, the public

sector enterprise (PSE) is on its way to set up a

centre of excellence (CoE) in technical textiles in

Gujarat.

"While we are setting up technical textiles plants across the country, we intend to develop

our own expertise in the segment. We are also investing in strengthening on research in

technical textiles that can be helpful for us as well as the industry at large. In this regard,

we are setting up a centre of excellence (CoE) in Gujarat that will work in the segment,"

said a senior official at NTC. Confirming the same, a senior state government official in

Gujarat said, "NTC had approached us for partnering in setting up a CoE in technical textile.

We have given an in-principle approval for now."

Both NTC and the Gujarat government will each invest around Rs 20 crore for the project.

The CoE will conduct research on its own in varied aspects of technical textiles including

geo-tech, medi-tech and mobi-tech, among others. Moreover, the CoE will also assist other

textile companies in implementation of technical textile projects across the country.

Talking further about the project, the NTC official said, "While Gujarat government has

given us an in-principle approval, we are waiting for certain documentation to be cleared

before we can work on the same."

NTC has also been planning to set up greenfield technical textiles plants in partnership with

private players. Backed by the Ministry of Textiles, NTC is planning to set up in all 12

technical textiles plants across the country on a public private partnership (PPP) mode.

Further, NTC is also planning to strengthen its retail presence in the country by launching

its own brand of men's wear clothing in the country. "We are planning to launch an all

men's wear textile brand called 'Indian Republic' by October this year. The brand will have

its own exclusive stores that will be completely franchised," the NTC official informed.






While in all 300 franchised stores are being planned, the current financial year will see

opening up of 100 stores across the country by March 2014 by NTC. To be spread across an

average space of 600-1200 sq ft, each 'Indian Republic' store will figure an investment of Rs

10-15 lakh. The PSE also recently signed anMoU with the National Handloom Development

Corporation (NHDC) for retailing of handloom products across the country.

Meanwhile, the company has tied up with three international firms from Japan, USA and

Germany for its upcoming greenfield technical textiles plant. "NTC's first two technical

textile manufacturing plants will come up in Udaipur (Rajasthan) and Elluru (Andhra

Pradesh). The international firms will help in technology sharing and marketing of the

products," the NTC official added.

-Business Standard

Expenditure Finance Committee (EFC) approval for Scheme for

promotion & usage of Geotechnical textiles in North Eastern Region

(NER)

With a view to increasing the usage of

geosynthetics in the development of infrastructure

related to roads, river bank erosion control and

slope protection & erosion control in hills and

embankment projects in North Eastern Region

(NER), Ministry of Textiles has designed a scheme

for usage of geo textiles in North East Region with

an outlay of Rs.500 Crores to be implemented

during the 12th five year plan.

This scheme has been approved by Expenditure Finance Committee (EFC), under the

Chairmanship of Secretary (Expenditure) on 19.08.2013.

-MOT






Continuation of the Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme in 12th Plan

period

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs had given its approval for continuing the

Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme (TUFS) during the 12th Plan period with a major

focus on powerlooms in accordance with the Budget announcement for the financial year

2013-14.

The total budget outlay for continuation of the scheme will be about Rs.11,900crore, out of

which Rs. 2,400 crore have been allocated for the financial year 2013-14.

The major features of the scheme are:

i. To promote indigenous manufacturing of the textile machinery, Interest Reimbursement

(IR) on second hand imported shuttleless looms shall be reduced from 5 percent to 2

percent. On the other hand, for new shuttleless looms capital subsidy would be raised from

10 percent to 15 percent, IR from 5 percent to 6 percent, Capital Subsidy from 10 percent

to 15 percent and margin money subsidy from 20 percent to 30 percent with an increase in

subsidy cap from Rs. 1 crore to Rs. 1.5 crore

ii. Capital subsidy for handloom and silk sectors would be increased from 25 percent to 30

percent. In addition to this, margin money subsidy cap would be increased from Rs.45 lakh

to Rs. 75 lakh in respect of MSME and Jute sectors

iii. Sectoral cap of 26 percent will be applicable only for the spinning segment and sectoral

caps for all other segments have been removed to enable balanced growth across the value

chain.

iv. A pilot project for Hire-Purchase of new shuttleless looms shall be introduced with a

plan outlay of Rs.300 crore within TUFS to enable poor powerloom weavers, having limited

capacity to make capital investments, to upgrade their looms through payment of easy

installments.

These features will help induce capital investment in the textile sector to achieve growth in

the fibre, yarn, fabric and garment production chain. It will generate 11.5 percent annual

growth in volume terms in cloth production and 15 percent in value exports by increasing

domestic value addition and technological depth and by enhancing the global

competitiveness of textiles products to generate an additional employment to 15.81 million

workers

-PIB






TECHNOTEX 2014 Launched

The Union Minister of State for Textiles Smt. Panabaka

Lakshmi launched 31 August, 2013 TECHNOTEX-2014:

International Exhibition and Conference at a ‘Curtain Raiser

Ceremony’ in Mumbai. TECHNOTEX – 2014 will be held from

March 20-22, 2014 at the Bombay Exhibition Centre,

Goregaon, Mumbai.

Speaking on the occasion, Smt. Lakshmi said technical textiles industry in India is still in its nascent stage, but offers huge

growth potential. She said that “even the high level committee on manufacturing, chaired by the Prime Minister, has recognized the importance of technical textile sector in the national economy, as well as the potential for increasing production and exports in the sector.”

The market size of technical textiles in India has steadily grown from about Rs. 42,000 crores in 2007-08 to Rs. 91,236 crores in 2013-14 at a CAGR of about 11%. “With proper policy support, promotional efforts, and standardization and regulation, the sector has the potential to reach Rs. 1.58 lakh crore by the year 2016-17 at an anticipated year-on-year growth rate of 20% during the 12th Five Year Plan,” observed the Minister.

Smt. Lakshmi further added that while government efforts have been significant in promoting this sector, private industry participation and investment, which is one of the major objectives of TECHNOTEX – 2014, will provide the necessary impetus for the growth of this sector in India.

Technical textiles are textile material and products used for their technical performance and functional properties. They include tyre cord, fabrics, airbags, industrial textiles, furniture lining, tents, fire services equipments, bullet proof jackets, parachutes etc. The third edition of TECHNOTEX, organized by FICCI in collaboration with the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, is expected to see large participation of industry leaders, exporters and policy makers to identify new business opportunities and find innovative solution.

-PIB






Technical Textile Units registered for 10% capital subsidy under TUFS during August 2013:

Under Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme

(TUFS) technical textile units are required to

register with office of the Textile

Commissioner for availing of 10% capital

subsidy. During the month of August 2013, Five

technical textile units have been registered

with this office for availing 10% Capital

Subsidy under TUFS for Technical Textiles with

a proposed investment in machineries to the

tune of Rs. 13. 33 crores (approx).

• M/s Savitridevi Polyfabric(India) Pvt. Ltd., Medak , Andhra Pradesh

• M/s Bageashavara Polymers Pvt. Ltd. Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh

• M/s Plenty Plastics Pvt. Ltd., Valsad, Gujarat

• M/s Navkar Poly Films Pvt. Ltd., Indore ,MP

• M/s Viraj bSyntex (P) Ltd., Kanpur, UP.

So far, 759 units have been registered with the office of the Textile Commissioner as

technical textile manufacturing units for availing 10% Capital subsidy with a total

investment in proposed machineries to the tune of Rs. 4315.72 crores (approx).

www.txcindia.gov.in






Activities of ITTA

1. ITTA Committee on Geosynthetics Education:

The 6th meeting of ITTA Committee on Geosynthetics Education was held on 24th July, 2013

in the conference hall of ITTA. The committee finalized the syllabus for BTech/BE and

MTech/ME. The committee also indentified the universities for interaction to obtain their

views on the syllabus prepared by the committee and the mechanism to incorporate the

same in the under graduate/post graduate courses.

The 7th meeting of the committee was held on 27th August, 2013 in the conference hall of

ITTA. The committee finalized the syllabus for short term courses on geosynthetics for

working professionals and discussed the suggestions received from stake holders on the

syllabus proposed by the committee.

2. Visit of ITTA delegation to Coal India, Kolkata .

Ministry of textiles facilitated visit of ITTA members of geosynthetics segment to Coal

India, Kolkatta to explore the possibility of using geosynthetics in coal mining industry.

Coal India is operating around 450 coal mines including both open cast & underground

mines across India.

ITTA Delegation comprising of representatives of Reliance Industries Limited, Techfab

India, Meccaferri Environmental Solutions Pvt Ltd. , Flexituff Geosynthetics, CTM

Geosynthetics and Intfab visited the office of Coal India, Kolkata on 6th August and had

interactions with Mr.R.N.Biswas, CGM and his team of 15 people from Kolkata Office.

During the course of interaction, Coal india had come up with their problems and the

probable solutions were discussed at conceptual level using geosynthetics

On 7th September the ITTA delegation visited their underground site at Jhanjra and open cast site at Sonepur Bazaria, and had interaction with concerned officers.






The areas where solutions with geosynthetics could be offered were drilled down to the below applications especially the infrastructure supporting their operations :

General for application in all coal mines

• Improving the performance and conditions of the access roads (geotextiles & geogrids)

• Stabilization of the slopes of the dumps (reinforcing the bunds with geogrids / const of wrap around bunds with geotextiles / installation of slope surface erosion control mats )

• Dewatering using geotextile tubes for separation and disposal of coal sludge

Specific problems if encountered at various sites

• Retaining Walls using Gabion / geogrids / geotextiles to address site specific problems if any

The path forward suggested by Coal India was to approach their central design team – Central Mine Planning & Design Institute (CMPDI) for necessary approvals and incorporation of geosynthetics in the designs that are being prepared for enabling the respective coal sites to implement the same. Once approved by CMPDI, the opportunity for geotextiles and geogrids in volumes will be huge.

3. The 16th meeting of the Board of Directors of ITTA

The 16th meeting of the Board of Directors of ITTA was held on 06th August, 2013 in the

conference room of ITTA.

Policy issues concerning technical textiles to be taken up with different ministries

Ministry of Textiles has requested ITTA to forward various policy issues concerning

technical textiles to be taken up with different ministries. Based on the suggestions

received from members a comprehensive note was sent to Ministry of Textiles on 29th

August, 2013. The various policy issues suggested are as follows:

• Regulations Stipulating installation of frontal airbags mandatory in India(to be

taken up with MORTH)

• Regulations stipulating usage of Protective workwear in hazardous working

environment (to be taken up with Ministry of Labour and Employment.)






• A Case for the Mandatory Use of Geosynthetics in India( to be taken up with

MORTH)

• Implementation of IS 16008 for Shade Nets (To be taken up with Ministry of

Agriculture)

• Permission to import second hand Shuttle-less looms under Export Promotion

Capital Goods( EPCG) Scheme.( to be taken up with Ministry of Commerce)

• Increase the incentive/entitlement to 5% from existing 2% for exports of Technical

Textiles under Focus Product Scheme.(to be taken up with Ministry of Commerce)

• Grant the benefit of Market Linked Focus Product Scheme (MLFPS) to exports of

Technical textiles, when exported to European Union (EU) and USA .(to be taken up

with Ministry of Commerce)

• Extend the benefit of 3% rate of Interest subvention scheme on Pre and Post

shipment Rupee Export Credit to Technical Textiles(to be taken up with Ministry of

Commerce)

• Note on Adverse impact of Levy of 5% VAT on Industrial Fabrics in Maharashtra

Budget 2013-14 (to be taken up with state government of Maharashtra)

4. Steering Committee on TECHNOTEX- 2014

The first meeting of Steering Committee on TECHNOTEX- 2014 was held under the

chairpersonship of Ms Zohra Chatterjee, Secterary(Textiles) on 31st July 2013 at Udyog

Bhavan, New Delhi. ED, ITTA attended the meeting.

5. 3rd Annual General Meeting (AGM) of ITTA

The 3rd Annual General Meeting (AGM) of ITTA will be held on 27th September 2013 at 11

AM in the Boundary Hall, First Floor, Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) Club, Bandra Kurla

Complex, Bandra (East), Mumbai-400051.






ITTA welcomes its new Members:

Rajdhani Universal Fabrics Pvt ltd.

Bannari Amman Institute of Technology

Mohini Fibers Pvt Ltd.

Saint Gobain

Magnum Medicare Pvt Ltd






Events:

IFAI Expo Americas 2013

Oct 23, 2013 To Oct 25, 2013

Orange County Convention Center, United

States Of America

March 10, 2014 To March 12, 2013

Russia

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