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May 2009

The potential market for disposable hygiene products in India is vast and largely untapped, reports Reena Mital.
Following the launch of its latest expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) membrane, called Tetratex Extreme, in September 2008, Donaldson Membranes has now increased the range of substrates to which
NonWoven Solutions LLC has installed a production line inside its newly constructed 0.37 ha (40 000 square feet) facility in Lakemoor, Illinois, USA.
Z-Laser, an international designer and manufacturer of laser modules, systems and projectors for positioning applications, has introduced two new lines for the textile industry-- the Z M18-B and the Z
The Institute of Environmental and Human Health at Texas Tech University (TIEHH) has opened a new, state-of-the-art fabric laboratory to help researchers continue creating products that can protect bo
In March 2009, the German Federal Patent Court ruled that a German patent licensed to Kinetic Concepts (KCI) from Wake Forest related to KCI's VAC technology is invalid.
Polymer particles that are irradiated with radiation from a high energy source have been developed by the Super Absorbent Company of Lumberton, North Carolina, USA.
Researchers at the Institut fur Textil- und Verfahrenstechnik (ITV), Denkendorf, Germany, have developed new resorbable guidance devices for the regeneration of peripheral nerves.
Derma Sciences says its Bioguard barrier wound dressing has gained approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Sales of the gauze-based dressings are expected to commence in June 2009.
A unique antimicrobial technology that can be integrated into everything found within the hospital setting, including textiles, bedside tables, light switches and even air-conditioning filters, could
HDK Industries has commissioned a new manufacturing line, including three 3.5 metre cards, at its Rogersville, Tennessee, USA, facility.
Knowaste, a developer of recycling technologies for diapers and personal care products, has announced it will open a processing plant in Ilirska Bistrica, Slovenia, in 2009 after signing a joint ventu
Kimberly-Clark has launched Huggies Pure & Natural diapers, a super premium diaper that includes natural, organic materials and ingredients "to provide gentle protection for new babies, as well as
An improved breathable absorbent article has been developed by SCA Hygiene Products of Gothenburg, Sweden.
Suppliers to the nonwovens industry are looking to capitalize on new initiatives in China that are aimed at boosting industrial activity.
Nanofibres are already being widely employed in nonwovens for applications such as fine filtration.
On a recent tour of technical textiles companies in Northern France and Belgium, our reporter Guy Kitteringham received the message loud and clear--innovate and offer customer-led solutions if you wan
University research related to technical textiles is moving forward on a variety of fronts in the USA.
The fourth international conference to be organized by the Institute of Nanotechnology, Stirling, UK, dealt with the latest research and development in smart, nano- and technical textiles for medical,
Airtex Gmbh of Rheurdt, Germany, a specialist in heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) products, now offers its textile ventilation systems made using the polyester fibre CS Bioactive.
Recent health scares - such as last year's bird flu, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in 2003 and now swine flu - only add to the urgency to provide cheap and effective barrier filtration to p
Rawlings sporting goods Co Inc, the official helmet supplier to professional baseball in the USA, has created a batter's helmet that the company claims will offer increased protection from impacts at
ConvaTec, a developer and marketer of medical technologies for community and hospital care, has appointed Paul Moraviec as President of its Continence and Critical Care Business Unit and ConvaTec EMEA
Fiberweb has agreed to acquire the 50% interest of its joint venture partner Nordenia International in Coronor Composites for a cash consideration of Euro3.1 million.
A current-producing surface for a wound dressing has been developed by Vomaris (formerly Silverleaf Medical Products).
A Kuwaiti government unit involved in homeland defence, disaster management and response to incidents involving hazardous materials in the Persian Gulf has purchased a number of chest straps embedded

American & Efird Inc of Mt Holly, North Carolina, USA, has introduced its Dry line, including Anefil Nylon(r) Dry and Anefil Poly(r) Dry, which are sewing threads designed to maintain non-wicki

E-textile components must get down to the cost of basic trim items such as zips and buttons in order to achieve mass market penetration.
NanoHorizons, the developer and manufacturer of SmartSilver nanoscale antimicrobial additives, has joined with four other companies to create the Silver Nanotechnology Working Group under the sponsors
BASF is launching a plastic containing carbon nanotubes (CNT).
Sergio Tacchini and Quicksilver are amongst brands introducing Fibretronic technology into their latest products.
The human body and anatomical functions were the inspiration for a new concept car with a TenCate smart textile frame.
The ECCO Biom is a complex running shoe enhanced by P2i's ion-mask technology and constructed using biomechanical principles and natural motion that allows the foot to move in its preferred path.
NanoHorizons, the manufacturer of SmartSilver antimicrobial silver additives, is partnering with the Silver Research Consortium whose mandate is to carry out research aimed at improving existing produ
BioSolar, the California-based developer of bio-based materials from renewable plant sources, plans to expand its BioBacksheet technology to accommodate copper-indium-gallium-selenide (CIGS) and cadmi
At the recent Smart Systems Integration Conference in Brussels, Belgium, technologists from IMEC - an independent nanoelectronics and nanotechnology research centre - and its associated laboratory at
Having just announced the successful start up of a new Nomex production unit at its facility in Asturias, Spain, DuPont is introducing a patented new smart fibre technology.
SurfaceSkins are new hand hygiene devices intended primarily for use in hospitals and other public buildings where the potential spread of germs - most notably hospital superbugs such as MRSA and C-Di
Outlast is intensifying its relationship with Bekaert Textiles, the Belgian group which has the worldwide license for producing new mattress tickings with the Outlast Matrix Infusion (OMI) application
Smart textiles and nanotechnology were very much to the fore at the fourth annual public conference of the European Technology Platform (ETP) for the Future of Textiles and Clothing.
In order to give impetus to the technical textiles industry in India, a government-commissioned study by a management consultancy firm has recommended inclusion of several more focus areas - such as p
Kimberly-Clark, the health and hygiene specialist, has acquired Jackson Products Inc, a privately owned company with headquarters in Fenton, Missouri, USA, that makes safety products.
A new process that could revolutionise the reliability and durability of surgical implants, such as hip and knee replacements, has received recognition for its medical and commercial potential.
Monofilaments producer Luxilon Industries has introduced several new products for the medical sector and is involved in a number of research projects aimed at developing products for niche and develop
UK-based medical device producer Xiros has opened a new laboratory at its Horsforth, Leeds, facility to research and produce advanced resorbable materials that aid tissue regeneration after surgery.
The European Technology Platform (ETP) for the Future of Textiles and Clothing brings together the region's textile and clothing industry, its related research and education communities, representativ
In US Patent 7 449 013, Procter & Gamble describes disposable absorbent articles, such as sanitary napkins, panty-liners and incontinence pads, that have side wrapping elements (side flaps or "win
A low-cost nano-silver dressing with antibacterial and anti-toxic properties has been developed by the Chung-Shan Institute of Science & Technology.
A fire-retardant, insulating material based on continuous filaments of basalt has been developed by Federal-Mogul Corp, a multi-billion dollar supplier of industrial products that is based in Southfie
Hoffmann Air Cargo Equipment (ACE) GmbH and DSM Dyneema have jointly developed a third generation lightweight air cargo net that is one of the first worldwide to achieve a total weight of below 8 kg.
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