Conveyor belts, also known as belt conveyors, are endless loops of a material mostly used for transportation of objects from one location to another. Conveyor belts are generally classified into curved and straight conveyor belts.

A curved conveyor belt, as the name conveys, is curved in shape. When compared with straight conveyor belts, curved conveyor belts have many advantages. Curved conveyor belts can smoothly run through any kind of curve with a very good track-holding. Most of the curved conveyor belts come with a curve shape of 45, 90, or 180 degrees. The belts in curved conveyors are generally constructed in flexible mode. Thus, curved conveyor belts are widely used for agricultural and industrial purposes, but mainly in heavy industries to carry large machineries and articles.

Curved conveyor belts are broadly categorized into vertical and horizontal conveyor belts. Vertical curved conveyor belts are more popular. Mostly, vertical curved conveyor belts are held between two cases, and are basically used for bulk material or unit carrying applications. Horizontal curved conveyor belts are usually built on the platform that conveys, and used for the transportation of heavy materials.

Curved conveyor belts can be adjusted, depending on the application. The materials used for the construction of curved conveyor belts are selected, based on their application. Cotton, canvas, PVC, rubber, silicone, and tough and strong materials including steel and stainless steel are used. Stainless steel curved conveyor belts are the most popular. Strong metal curved conveyor belts are used to convey heavy material. Cotton, canvas, and rubber curved conveyor belts are generally used for the transportation of light weight material such as food and paper products.

Curved conveyor belts are often custom designed and available in different styles and widths. Flat belts, v-belts, magnetic belts, trough belts and rubber conveyor belts are commonly available styles.

The history of conveyor belts begins in the latter half of the 17th century. Since then, conveyor belts have been an inevitable part of material transportation. But it was in 1795 that conveyor belts became a popular means for conveying bulk materials. In the beginning, conveyor belts were used only for moving grain sacks to short distances.

The conveyor belt system and working were quite simple in the early days. The conveyor belt system had a flat wooden bed and a belt that traveled over the wooden bed. Earlier, conveyor belts were made of leather, canvas or rubber. This primitive conveyor belt system was very popular for conveying bulky items from one place to another. In the beginning of the 20th century, the applications of conveyor belts became wider.

Hymle Goddard of Logan Company was the first to receive the patent for the roller conveyor in 1908. The roller conveyor business did not prosper. A few years later, in 1919, powered and free conveyors were used in automotive production. Thus, conveyor belts became popular tools for conveying heavy and large goods within factories.

During the 1920s, conveyor belts were common, and also underwent tremendous changes. Conveyor belts were used in coal mines to handle runs of coal for more than 8kms, and were made using layers of cotton and rubber covers. The longest conveyor belt now in use is 60 miles long, in the phosphate mines of Western Sahara.

One of the turning points in the history of conveyor belts was the introduction of synthetic conveyor belts. It was introduced during the Second World War, mainly because of the scarcity of natural materials such as cotton, rubber and canvas. Since then, synthetic conveyor belts have become popular in various fields.

With the increasing demand in the market, many synthetic polymers and fabrics began to be used in the manufacture of conveyor belts. Today, cotton, canvas, EPDM, leather, neoprene, nylon, polyester, polyurethane, urethane, PVC, rubber, silicone and steel are commonly used in conveyor belts. Nowadays, the material used for making a conveyor belt is determined by its application.

For more than 40 years, the 8,000 seat venue at Appalachian State University in Boone North Carolina has stood up to heavy snows and tough winters. When it opened in 1968, the facility was North Carolina's largest indoor athletic facility west of Charlotte and Winston-Salem.

Crowds have visited Varsity Gym to witness various circuses, they've also seen The Harlem Globetrotters and Herrmann's Royal Lipizzan Stallions of Austria. The list of entertainers and concerts to step on the stage in Varsity Gym is a diverse group, covering several musical genres. Bruce Springstein, Chicago, Bob Dylan, Rod Stewart, James Taylor, Linda Ronstadt, The Jimi Hendrix Experience, Steppenwolf, The Allman Brothers Band, The Fifth Dimension, Andrew Gold, Dionne Warwick, Bread, Phish, The Atlanta Rhythm Section, Pablo Cruise, Kenny Rogers, The Carpenters, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, The Cornelius Brothers and Sister Rose, Ronnie Milsap, Edgar Winter, Gary Puckett, The Lettermen, The Chairmen of the Board, The Four Tops, Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, The Temptations, The Beach Boys, Jimmy Buffett and Ray Charles all made appearances in Varsity. Several public speakers, ranging from educational too political to comedic have addressed large crowds in Varsity Gym. John Houseman, Jane Fonda, US consumer advocate Ralph Nader, entertainer Bill Murray, Harry Reasoner of 60 Minutes, US Army General Thomas Kelly, as well as Grammy Award-winning poet, writer, composer and actress Maya Angelou all stood behind the Varsity Gym podium.

But in 1967 when I was working for Noble Concrete installing the Post Tensioning cables in the thin deep beams that support the roof, I was having nightmares over the safety of the building. This was one of the main factors that helped me decide to find another line of work and get out of the construction business. And it was one of the last jobs that I was involved with.

The beams were so thin that we could hardly find room to place the steel much less the cables which were encased in a flexible metal tube. The beams were almost 8 feet deep and the cables ran from the tops of the columns to the bottom of the beam at the middle. Any miss alinement would result in the beam twisting when the stress was applied. After a nervous few days we had the cables stressed to the correct tension and locked into place.

The problem we now faced was filling the long metal tubes with grout. There was a hole in each end of the cable plates where we connected the grout line and proceeded to pump the grout under high pressure until it sprayed out the other end. However it never came out, the span was too long or there were crimped places in the tube that prevented the grout from filling the cable housings. We were told to pump all the grout that was possible from one end, plug the hole and then go to the other end and do the same thing.

The grout bonds to the cables, but I had no way of knowing how much of the cables were covered in grout and how much were just laying in water! I could picture the cables rusting and breaking at some point under a heavy snow. But I was not an engineer and I was assured that it was safe. I never liked the grouted cables, the cables that were greased and wrapped in heavy paper always worked as planned. For years after completion of the job I half expected to hear of a collapse. I am thankful to God that it has stood up this long. The good thing is that the longer concrete sets, the stronger it becomes.

Overview and Trends

Textile industry in India is considered as a pioneer industry, as India's industrializations in other fields have succeeded through the resources generated by textile industry. Though, from the early 1970s to the beginning of liberalization in 1992, the industry tended to be isolated as measures taken by the Government (with the apparent objective of protecting the cotton growers, the large labor force and the consumers) have constantly eroded its prosperity.

World over, the Indian textile industry is considered as the second largest industry. It has the biggest cotton acreage of 9 million hectares and is considered as the third largest producer of this fiber. In terms of staple fiber production it comes fourth and sixth for filament yarn production. The country reports about one fourth of global trade in cotton yarn.

With over 15 million people employment, the textile industry accounted for 20 percent of its industrial production. Covering textiles and garments, thirty percent of India's export comes from this sector, in terms of exports it is the largest contributors for the growth of Indian economy. In spite of high capital and power cost, the Indian textile and garment sector's strength comes from the availability of cotton, lower labor costs, well skilled supervisory staff and plentiful technical and managerial skills.

Although very few countries are endowed with such resources, today's globalization has brought new opportunities for the India textile industry. Concurrently, it is exposed to threats, particularly from cheap imported fabrics. Thus, India has to fight for her share in the international textile trade. Even if it is assumed that WTO will mean better distribution of the world trade, the benefits for India will not be any different than for the other developing countries. The Indian textile industry would, therefore, have to not only rely on its strengths but should also endeavor to remove its weakness.

India's apparel exporters, though, have been employing various strategies to make sure that they remain competitive in the liberalized trading environment of 2005 and beyond. Many manufacturers are taking action for improving production efficiency through advanced automation system, re-engineering of production systems, merging separate production units and backward and forward integration of operations and are keen to expand their production capacity in anticipation of enhanced demand in 2005 and beyond Among other manufacture are seeking changes through diversifying their product ranges, exporting high value apparel and improving their design capabilities and some of are planning to raise added value by setting up joint ventures with foreign firms, to take benefit of their technical, design and marketing proficiency. Others are making relationships with foreign buyers to increase their marketing capability.

Support has also arrived from the Indian government in the removal of restrictions on investment by large companies and foreign investors. The Government has also provided assistance to expand the infrastructure for exporters and has given incentives for techno-logical up-gradation. Though, most important restriction is the inflexibility in labor laws, which cause it hard for large firms to cut their workforces when require.

Textile industry in tenth plan

The Tenth Five Year Plan of India (2002-2007) forecasted a GDP growth rate of 8 percent for which an industrial growth of 10 percent is predicted.

The aim of the Tenth Plan is to facilitate the textile and apparel industry to:

. Develop world class state-of the-art production facility to accomplish and maintain a leading global position in production and export of textiles and clothing.

. Withstand demands of import penetration and uphold a dominant existence in the domestic market.

. To accomplish these aims heavy funds are needed in technology and modernization in critical areas particularly in spinning, weaving, knitting, finishing and apparel sectors.

. The technology up-gradation scheme (TUFS) introduced in 1999 intended to make investments component attractive. This scheme has been established to promote modernization and technology up-gradation in the specified sectors of textile and jute industries.

. The Government of India has also declared the National Textile Policy-2000 to expand a sound and vibrant textile industry. The objectives and plunged areas of the national textile policy cover technology up-gradation, enhancement of productivity, quality consciousness, product diversification and so on.

Schemes to strengthen investment in textiles during the Tenth Plan cover:

Rearranging spinning capacity

At present nearly 38 million spindles are already existed. About 10 million old spindles required to be scrapped, and another 15 million spindles to be modernized. Adding on, about 3 million new spindles have to be set up during the Tenth Plan period.

Loomage

The decentralized power loom sector, which reported 68 percent share of the cloth in the country, is in very strong and immediate need of renovation. The textile package declared in the Central Government included renovation of the weaving sector with 2.50 lakhs semi-automatic/automatic shuttle looms and 50,000 shuttleless looms.

Finishing

There are nearly 2324 precessing establishments in the country of which 83 belong to composite units, 165 to semi composite and others 2076 are self-governing processing houses. Among of 227 establishments are modern, 1775 are of medium technology and 322 are obsolete establishments. Reconstruction of finishing units will need a huge financial expenditure.

Schemes for expansion and development of the knitting sector, technical textiles, and woolen and jute industries are to be considered. The textile Engineering Industry is to be encouraged to modernize and offer state-of-the-art technology to the textile industry and through focused textile machinery R&D efforts, domestic reaches and development are to be initiated.

Meaning of geotextile

A geotextile is a synthetic permeable textile material applied with soil, rock, or any other geotechnical engineering related material. It is produced by synthetic fibers made in a woven or loose nonwoven form. Geotextiles, also named as geosynthetics, are normally applicable to high-standard all-season roads, can also be used to low-standard logging roads.

American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), describes geotextile as any permeable textile material applied with foundation, soil rock, earth or any other geotechnical engineering related material as an integral part of a: man-made project, structure or system.

Application

Geotextiles are mostly used for: Reinforcement of Unpaved Roadways, Paved Roadways, Separation applications in Unpaved Roadways, Paved Roadways, Sediment Control etc, as part of geo-composites.

Historical background of geotextile

Geotextiles are existed with more than fifty year. Though, the development of market and research work put in to practice in early 1960's. The first international conference on the application of fabrics in geotechnics was held at Paris in 1977.The Industrial Fabrics association International (IFAl) started geotechnical division in 1980.

The second international conference of geotextile was held at Las Vegas, sponsored by IFAI in 1982, where decision was taken to build an International Society of Geotextile (ISG) and later on ISG was created in 1983. ISG created a sub-committee SC-21 on geotextile (related to existing technical committee TC-38 on textiles); International Society for Soil Mechanics and Foundation Engineering (ISSMFE) agreed to formulate a technical committee on geotextile in 1983.

In 1992, The Indian Chapter of the International Geosynthetics Society (IGS) and the Committee for International Geosynthetics Society (India) - CIGSI were established and in 1998 the first Indian geotextile conference was held at Mumbai.

The basic functions of geotextiles

Geotextiles normally give the following functions:

. Separation/filtration
. Reinforcement
. Drainage
. Hydraulic or moisture barrier.

It is noted that due to wide changes in their characteristics of the materials for geotextile together with range of feasible fabric/grid structures, geosynthetics perform the above functions and provide considerable advantages over the conventional methods and materials.

Application-wise progression of geotextiles

Progression of the geotextiles can be generally classified into its various generations.

. The first generation geotextiles: The first generation of geotextiles used for such applications like carpet or industrial sackings.

. The second generation geotextiles: The second generation of geotextiles was made by the producers by selecting specific textiles with consideration of their appropriate geotechnical intention, but by means of conventional manufacturing techniques.

. The third generation textiles: The third generation textiles were then really intended and built up particularly for the purpose of geotechnical uses - specifically Directionally Structured Fibers (DSF), Directionally Oriented Structures (DOS) and composite products.

Geotextiles are performing progressively in civil engineering construction and are still growing as an alternative, economically viable material. In recent years, the utilization of geotextiles in the world markets has grown at extraordinary rate. In India, geotextiles have been specially used in road and airport flexible pavements and in overlays.

The growth of geotextiles in between 2000 and 2005 was grown at the rate of 4.6% annually, and during the next five years (i.e. up to 2010) it is predicted to 5.3 percent. The geotextile market is increasing in its growth rate, though these are now lower than previously forecasted and in compared to other applicators it has relatively little growth for end-user of textiles. In the quantity, geotextiles reported a little growth, more than 250,000 tons in 2000, merely 1.5 percent of the overall technical textile market. Furthermore, this sector with low unit values in small numbers gives a large margin.

Description of basic functions of geotextiles

The important functions of geotextiles as mentioned above are briefly described below:

Separation

The separation task means, the separation of two different soils, by avoiding intermixing of the two soils during the life of the structure. Geotextiles, when placed between fine soil and a coarse material (gravel, stone, etc), it averts the soil from blending and entering into the coarse material under the proceedings of repeated applied loads, hence it confirms mechanical nature of the coarse-grained soil is retained. Geotextiles are generally applied for separation when applied in roadway pavement sections. For separation, a proper geotextile must therefore be settled yet deformable; have a mass per unit area and strength that can resist mechanical stresses while installation without any damages and at the same time acts as a filter.

Filtration: As a filter, geo-textile permits liquid to pass to its own plane while avoiding the largest part of the soil particles.

For this two cases may be applicable:

. a geotextile put across the flow of liquid in the associated region between two types of soils having diverse grain sizes

. a geotextile positioned in contact with soil permits water leaking from the soil to pass through, while averting any transfer of soil particles, such as in drainage pipes.

Today, Switzerland is the leading manufacturer of textile machinery all over the world and the major players themselves consider its outstanding quality and innovative potential. The Swiss play a leading role in the textile machinery world with an estimated global market share of 40%, of which 10 percent is now produced in Switzerland and the rest 30 percent outside the country.

With the most liberal and competitive economies, Switzerland gained economic importance in the world. Switzerland stands among the top 20 states in the world family of 190 nations. In certain sectors Switzerland competes with some of the European and global leaders.

Switzerland occupies a leading position in terms of economic indicators such as competitiveness, expenditure on research and development. In cross-border direct investment, the Swiss economy is among the top, and Switzerland is one of the countries with the highest export rate as a percentage of gross domestic products (GDP).

Switzerland's highly developed economy is largely because of its well-built interlinking with the economies of other countries. The technologically progressive industrial sector is differentiated by highly specialized, internationally experienced, and flexible small and medium-sized companies. The services sector, with world-renowned banks and insurance companies also play an important role in making significant global standards. Purchasing power stability received through low inflation, low long-term capital costs, a good investment climate, as well as sound public finances gives further promise to its success.

Switzerland's major machine industries initially developed by the basic needs of the textile industry; the journey from labor-intensive to mechanized production in spinning and weaving workshops which determines that the machine industry developed through the areas where the workshops existed.

At present, the Swiss textile machinery industry covers some 70 companies - amongst 48 are members of Swissmem, the Swiss textile machinery industry occupies with 8,100 employees.

It gained exports worth Sfr 2,177 billion in 2004 (98.5% of total turnover).In the first half of 2004; exports from Switzerland were increased by 3.5%, but in the second half of the year declined by 3.3% in contrast to the same period in 2003.

In the last decade, the most crucial disparity observed, the decline of the US textile manufacturing industry with the Swiss textile machinery exports to the US experienced a drop by two thirds, while China's appeared with more than threefold, apparently in advantages, however what the figures don't make known is to what extent machines have maintained their prices in the migration from West to East.

Exports from Switzerland observed a setback of 15 percent in the first half-year 2005, in against the above-average first semester 2004 and gained a total volume of CHF 927 million. The most noteworthy harmful setback came from the European markets (-29%). While the respected growth in Asia arrived at a decline (-3%), for the first time in years the American markets observed a positive figure (+ 1 %).

In fact, the Asian markets stay hovering. Almost 51 percent of all merchandise exported from Switzerland reached to this state, while the contribution of the European markets set to 36 percent. By country-wise list, India is positioned now on first place (CHF 107 million), followed by China (CHF 93 million), Turkey (CHF 84 million), Italy (CHF 69 million) and Germany (CHF 64 million). More over in the top ten position ranking covers Pakistan, Iran, USA, Japan and Hong Kong.

The largely notable upsurge in compared to the last year semester observed, Iran (+ 139%), India (+ 131 %), Pakistan (+58%) and Brazil (+18%). Noteworthy setbacks had to be recorded in Turkey (-57%), China (-51 %), Thailand (-47%), Hong Kong (-26%) and Indonesia (-19%).

Due to a very low volume of new orders at the end of last year, in the first half of 2005 the overall decrease of exports was anticipated. Though, it has to be observed that the figures are tremendously changing from sector to sector. However, information from the sales front point out that business already bottomed out. Concluding on budgeted level, the growing figure of receiving new orders provides a chance for a pleasing outcome at the end of this year.

The leading manufacturers of textile machineries in Switzerland

Uster Technologies

Uster Technologies, the world's market leader in textile quality controlling, provides systems and services that enable the textile industry to manufacture optimum quality and competitive products "from fiber to fabric". They have a long history as the Leader in textile electronics. For more than 60 years, their testing and monitoring solutions have enabled the production of high quality yarns and fabrics.

Their proud heritage dates back to 1944 when the large local textile industry contacted the Zellweger Uster Company for help to improve the quality of yarns. The response of USTER was the development of the first yarn evenness tester. Since then, the company has introduced a steady stream of new, market-leading testing and monitoring systems for the worldwide textile industry, covering a variety of testing requirements from fiber to yarn. The beginning of 2003 was an important milestone for USTER: USTER Managers together with financial investors acquired Zellweger Uster and Zellweger Uster, to become Uster Technologies AG. A new company continuing the tradition of standards, leadership and innovation for the textile industry was born. They set the standards for quality control in the global textile industry. USTER provides the benchmarks that are the basis for the trading of textile products at assured levels of quality across global markets. They have emerged as a highly flexible and efficient company, maintaining our position as a respected and trusted partner to the industry, as the leader in quality monitoring systems.

60 years of experience and success - this not only provides their strong position as worldwide leader in textile electronics, but also the creation of the USTER trademark, which is unique in the textile industry. USTER stands for innovative total solutions within the textile chain and has established itself worldwide as the standard in quality control and monitoring. Long-term investments in research and development have contributed considerably to this success, ensuring the availability to their customers of measuring and monitoring systems that are robust, accurate and reliable, essential requirements for monitoring and optimizing quality in textile products. Their staffs, many of whom are acknowledged experts, possess a great potential of ideas, knowledge and ability.

Speaking with fibre2fashion regarding USTER STATISTICS, CEO of Uster Technologies AG, Dr. Geoffrey Scott said "USTER STATISTICS are quality benchmarks, which permit a classification of fibers, slivers, rovings and yarns with regard to world production. USTER STATISTICS are the recognized standard for quality benchmarking worldwide and represents the basis for the specification of yarn trade contracts, for the definition of fiber and yarn quality characteristics in connection with textile machine sales, as well as in all other commercial textile transactions. Companies may improve their production and setting new objectives according to the USTER STATISTICS." It is evidence that the spinning mills have extensive rate of return through the Usterized certificate.

"Within the textile industry there was and still is a clear move towards Asia. 80% of our actual market is concentrated to China, India, Pakistan and Turkey. One very stable and strong business relation is our relation to the Cotton Classing Offices in the United States, Uzbekistan and also in China. We just recently announced the purchase of 40 USTER HVI CLASSING systems for the 2005 cotton season to the USDA and confirmed that the Fiber Inspection Bureau of China is planning to extend its operation by purchasing a substantial n

China is undoubtedly the most populous country in the world. China is also the name of the most beautiful kitchenware in the world. Additionally, China is the name of one of the most trusted shipping companies in the Asian region.

China Shipping Group has different subsidiaries under its name one of which is the China Shipping Container Lines Co., Ltd. Shipping transactions for China are directly provided by China Shipping Container Lines which has been in the business for almost a decade now. Being relatively new in the marketplace, China Shipping has gained a lead over other shipping companies that operate in Asia. With that feat China Shipping has expanded its operation to major cities worldwide. It has positioned in countries like Germany and Australia to name a few. Even with its achievement, China Shipping seemed not to rest on its laurels as it continues to find better ways of serving the public and the business sector.

China Shipping has built its own logistics arm, the China Shipping Logistics Co. to provide top of the line business solutions to the leading multinational corporations. Having its own logistics company it will be easier for China Shipping to conduct market research and innovative product and service upgrade. Having these at the helm, the company will continue to boost its service performance way beyond its contemporary competitors. Needless to say, the company will continue to stay on top of the market leadership.

China Shipping is capable of competing with other leading international shipping companies and can even give them a run for their money. It is inherent among Chinese to be so determined in holding the top post in almost any field. China is the known leader in sports in the Asia and the leading sports powerhouse in sports competitions. It is also one of the world’s powerful countries and the most influential indeed. It is no wonder therefore that China Shipping will become the world’s number one provider of shipping needs solutions. Taking into account the vast number of ships it owns and other modern facilities,clients will surely take their hats off to this company.

Who would ever thought that the company is new in this industry. In a span of nine years the company has become a name to reckon with. With its steadfast determination to stay in the business with a good reputation, the company continues to soar greater heights, an achievement worthy of emulation.

First off, even a Lean Assessment should be a Value-Adding experience for your company. It's not enough for a couple of consultants to drop-in, take a look around, and then send you a report that tells you what they observed and what to do.

Most of the time you'll pay for a Lean Assessment, (though probably at a reduced rate,) so you should still expect some tangible return on your investment beyond a report. Your assessors will be looking for waste. When and where they find waste, in its many forms, and how to eliminate it should be an expected deliverable.

The following is a very brief overview of some things you should look for when hiring a consultant to assess the opportunities for Lean at your company. This also applies to the progress you have made so far if assessing for benchmarking purposes.

This is NOT an exhaustive list by any means, but it is a good start.

Although a good assessor should make the process flex to the specifics of each company, I have outlined some of the common items you should expect during and after a typical 1 - 5 day assessment.

The Lean Assessor Should Do the Following (at minimum):

1. Meet with you by phone or in person to discuss some of the specific information you wish to collect during the assessment process. Although the consultant will have his or her own approach and measurement systems, there may be data important to you that are not generally gathered. You'll get far greater benefit by mentioning your specific metrics up-front.

(At Each Plant Being Assessed)
2. Speak with a senior management team member regarding the assessment process by phone and arrange for a "process expert(s)" to guide them throughout your company during the visit. It is wise for you to mention the visit to the management team, express your support for the process, and ask that they be as helpful as possible.

3.Once on site they should hold a brief introductory meeting with at least one member of the senior management team to discuss the process, resources needed, and assure them that they will do all in their power to be helpful etc. This is also a great time for your consultant to ask senior managers where they believe the greatest needs for improvement are. Most seasoned managers probably already know where most of the opportunities lie and can be very helpful to the consultant and get him to better understand their concerns. This is true even if opportunities that are more significant are found elsewhere during the assessment process.

Phase Change Materials (PCM) in Textiles In textile industry, protection from extreme environmental conditions is a very crucial requirement. Clothing that protects us from water, extreme cold, intensive heat, open fire, high voltage, propelled bullets, toxic chemicals, nuclear radiations, biological toxins, etc are some of the illustrations.

Such clothing is utilized as sportswear, defense wear, firefighting wear, bulletproof jackets and other professional wear. Textile products can be made more comfortable when the properties of the textile materials can adjust with all types of environments.

At present, for fulfilling the above requirement Phase Change Materials (PCM) is one such intelligent material. It absorbs, stores or discharges heat in accordance with the various changes in temperature and is more often applied to manufacture the smart textiles.

Phase Change Materials 'Phase Change' is the process of going from one stat to another, e.g. from solid to liquid. Any material that experiences the process of phase change is named as Phase Change Materials (PCM).

Such materials collect, discharge or absorb heat as they oscillate between solid and liquid form. They discharge heat as they transform to a solid state and absorb as they go back to a liquid state. There are three basic phases of matter solid, liquid and gas, but others like crystalline, colloid, glassy, amorphous and plasma phases are also considered to exist.

This fundamental phenomenon of science was initially developed and used for building space suits for astronauts for the US Space Program. These suits kept the astronauts warm in the black void of space and cool in the solar glare. Phase Change Materials are compounds, which melt and solidify at specific temperatures and correspondingly are able to retain or discharge large amounts of energy.

The storage of thermal energy by changing the phase of a material at a constant temperature is classified as 'latent heat', i.e., changing from a liquid state to a solid state. When a PCM experiences a phase change, a huge amount of energy is needed. The most significant characteristic of latent heat is that it involves the transfer of much larger amounts of energy than sensible heat transfer.

Quiet a few of these PCMs change phases within a temperature range just above and below human skin temperature. This characteristic of some substances is used for making protective all-season outfits, and for abruptly changing environment. Fibre, fabric and foam with built-in PCMs store the warmth of body and then release it back to the body, as the body requires it. Since the procedure of phase change is dynamic, the materials are continually shifting from solid to liquid and back according to the physical movement of the body and outside temperature. Furthermore, Phase Change Materials are used, but they never get used up.

Phase Change Materials are waxes that have the distinctive capacity to soak and emit heat energy without altering the temperature. These waxes include eicosane, octadecane, Nonadecane, heptadecane and hexadecane. They all possess different freezing and melting points and when mixed in a microcapsule it will accumulate heat energy and release heat energy and maintain their temperature range of 30-34°C, which is very comfortable for the body.

The amount of heat absorbed by a PCM in the actual phase change with the amount of heat absorbed in an ordinary heating procedure can be evaluated by taking water as a PCM. The melting of ice into water leads to the absorption of latent heat of nearly 335 J/g. If water is further boiled, a sensible heat of only 4 J/g is absorbed, while the temperature increases by one degree. Hence, the latent heat absorption in the phase change from ice into water is about 100 times greater than the sensible heat absorption.

How to assimilate PCMs in fabrics? The micro encapsulated PCM can be combined with woven, non woven or knitted fabrics.

The capsules can be added to the fabric in various ways such as:

Microcapsules: Microcapsules of various shapes - round, square and triangular within fibres at the polymer stage. The PCM microcapsules are permanently fixed within the fibre structure during the wet spinning procedure of fibre manufacture. Micro encapsulation gives a softer hand, greater stretch, more breathability and air permeability to the fabrics.

Matrix coating during the finishing process: The PCM microcapsules are embedded in a coating compound like acrylic, polyurethane, etc, and are applied to the fabric. There are many coating methods available like knife-over-roll, knife-over-air, pad-dry-cure, gravure, dip coating and transfer coating.

Foam dispersion: Microcapsules are mixed into a water-blown polyurethane foam mix and these foams are applied to a fabric in a lamination procedure, where the water is removed from the system by the drying process.

Body and clothing systems The needed thermal insulation of clothing systems mainly depends on the physical activity and on the surrounding conditions such as temperature and relative humidity. The amount of heat produced by humans depends a lot on the physical activity and can differ from 100W while resting to over 1000W during maximum physical performance.

Specially, during the cooler seasons (approx 0°C), the suggested thermal insulation is defined in order to make sure that the body is adequately warm when resting. At extreme activity, which is often a case with winter sports, the body temperature rises with enhanced heat production. To make this increase within a certain limit, the body perspires in order to withdraw energy from the body by evaporative cooling. If the thermal insulation of the clothing is decreased during physical activity, a part of the generated heat can be removed by convection, thus the body is not needed expected to perspire so much.

The quality of insulation in a garment in terms of heat and cold will be widely managed by the thickness and density of its component fabrics. High thickness and low density make insulation better. It is observed in many cases that thermal insulation is offered by air gaps between the garment layers.

The movement of industrialisation was initiated way back in 19th century by coal mining, engineering and the two textiles industries including cotton and jute. For some decades before seventies, the jute industry's contribution in the total foreign exchange revenue of our country remained the single highest, fluctuating between 25 and 33 per cent. According to history, the share of the jute industry to the national economy has been truly exceptional.

The destiny of the ancient jute industry has been variable and there have been various ups and downs. However, the separation of the country in 1947 resulted in a major political disturbance, unparalleled in any huge industry anywhere, when all of a sudden it was found that while the entire industry settled in India, most of the jute cultivating areas went to the then East Pakistan, which regrettably became an unfriendly neighbour at that moment. It is pointless to point out that jute industry is fully depended on the natural jute fibre, which is an annually renewable agro supply that cannot be replaced economically by any other fibre. Under such crucial turnaround of state of affairs for the Indian jute industry, the British who had power over a very large segment of this industry, though not entirely, unsurprisingly panicked and decided to hand over their possession to the newly rising class of Indian industries. For many of them, It was their first giant step into a big industry. The credit goes to the Indian industrialists, the Union government and the state governments in eastern India who jointly accepted this challenge and inspired the farming fraternity to get on with jute farming in a big way.

The weather conditions in eastern India were favourable and we soon became effectively self-reliant in our fibre needs. Our neighbouring country was determined not to sell their raw jute to the jute industry in India and hence preferred to set up new jute mills with the support of the machine manufacturers in the United Kingdom. While the determination displayed by the jute industry and the farming fraternity was truly extraordinary and commendable, the sudden surfacing of several new jute mills in the then east Pakistan generated large extra capacities, but growth of new products like jute carpet backing combined with continuous increase in the food grains production in the country facilitated to solve the problem of imbalance in demand and supply. India reappeared as the largest raw jute manufacturer and maintained this status.

Growth in last 50 years

Undeterred by all adversities and countless problems, the raw jute manufacturing in India has continued to go up and so has its demand due to excessive production in the jute industry. There is a strong basic structure for the jute industry available in India. Soon after independence and resulting separation of the country, the upper class of the Indian jute industry in a truly visionary manner founded two top-notch institutions, namely the Institute of Jute Technology and IJMARI.

The Institute of Jute Technology was started by IJMA to develop human capitals in the form of jute technologists with focused expertise to utilize the potential of the jute fibre taking into account of its own features and strengths for manufacturing jute products. It was believed that Serampur College of Textile Technology did not give special attention to jute spinning and weaving and the Dundee Institute in Scotland was too far to impart expert learning and talent. The Institute of Jute Technology at Ballygunge Circular Road in Kolkata has been the most distinguished institution in this area in the world today.

IJMARI i.e. The Indian Jute Mills Research Institute was also established by IJMA with a view to founding a world class R&D institute for product improvement, quality promise, technology absorption as well as for its continued advancement. This impressive institute situated at Taratolla Road, Kolkata was built originally as an extension of the industry itself or devoted R&D work. It is now recognised as Indian Jute Industries Research Association. Mr Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India, inaugurated the outstanding IJIRA centre at Taratolla Road.

Considering the enormous economic importance of the jute sector in the national economy, the Government of India has also founded Institutions such as NIRJAFT for focused R&D work in enhancing newer jute products and associated technologies as also CRIJAF which is devoted exclusively to progressive work regarding jute agriculture. Both of these institutions, being controlled by government, have not yet fulfilled our expectations but their capability to contribute is very considerable, especially in view of projected setting up of Jute Technology Mission which is currently given consideration by the Government of India with special importance on jute agriculture. CRIJAF is now preparing itself for various activities and may perform a decisive role in increasing the fibre quality as well as production per acre. As per their calculation, the Indian jute crop has the ability to reach the level of 17 millions bales as against the present level of 11.5 millions bales without much of a spread in the land area.

The finished item of clothing is one step ahead of just the cut and sewn fabric. The following pointers will make the procedure simpler to perform. The process is divided in to three phases namely pre-production, production and post-production. Pre-Production

A. Planning

If you ever go to buy household things without a shopping list, you are bound to forget certain items or you are sure to buy more than the targeted products; same thing happens when you kick off sewing garment. It has been discovered that a tailor, who mulls over and designs a garment, complete with colour sketches and smart thinking as well as a list of ideas that he will want, he would require less money and time for manufacturing the garment than if he simply banks on fate.

A manufacturer should sit with sketchbooks and scribble pads with thoughts on garments, nice designs and bits and pieces of fabric. Mainly the pages are placed with a sketch of a garment, lists of things like hooks and eyes or approximate lengths of trim as well as buttons, embroidery thread or other accessories. If you have got some fabric at home that you would like to manufacture a garment out of, you should add a piece of that in the sketchbook with the line drawing; thus, you can choose lining fabric to compare or distinguish.

The surprising matter is that you don't need any artistic skill to apply this technique. Just sketch out a rough, add colour in and make your lists; now your action plan is prepared to be followed. You can get somebody, who has good knowledge of drawing, to delineate a primary shape of the types of garments you want to manufacture. Get them photocopied and apply them to draw on and colour. In any case, you'll be prepared when you hit the fabric stall and they're running a sale. With a sketchbook nearby, you can compare the colour of that $1.99 linen to the sample of cloth of brocade in your book and either purchase it or leave it.

One more mode of making this method work for you is to photocopy pictures of the several types of garments and pieces of garments you need to make and staple those in your sketchbook together with fabric swatches.

B. Choice of Material

Garments manufactured in 16th and 17th century had a specific weight to them that is created by the types of fabrics both on hand and used. When sources state that a particular garment was manufactured of silk lined with taffeta, they are speaking of a quite heavy bodied silk with a crisp silk taffeta lining. We can bear only such kind of silks that are much softer and thinner than would have been used.

This problem can be overcome in two manners. First, shift to a heavier but less costly material that reproduces the appearance you're struggling to accomplish. Second, if heavier material is not available, or you like to work with thinner material, you can interline the garment.

The definition of different terms associated with antimicrobial and antimicrobial finishes are broadly classified by many authors, as antimicrobial agent, bacteriostat, bactericide, disinfectant, sanitiser and detergent-sanitiser. The broad categorization of a range of agents covers:

. Antibacterial agents - Substances effective against bacteria

. Antimycotic agents - Substances effective against pathogenic fungi, and;

. Antivirus agents - Substances effective against viruses.

The USFDA definition of anti-microbial agents put in the practice to those products which have relevant application to living tissues.

Textile materials

In close proximity to the human body, cotton textile gives a perfect living environment for bacteria, yeast and fungi. All the circumstances that needed for the increase of these organisms for fulfillment in textile materials are as follows:

Nutrients

Soil, dust and many textile finishes can be the roots of nutrients for microorganisms. Perspiration includes salts, amino acids, carboxylic acids and other necessary nutrients. Dead skin cells or oils hidden away from the body skin and degraded cellulose from the textile material is a healthy resource of nutrients for the microbial growth.

Water

It has been projected that perspiration of human beings discharges an average of 100 g/hr of water, which collects in clothing and bedding. A humid environment will give adequate water to keep up the fungal growth. It is observed that bacterial growth needs more water and damp conditions.

Oxygen

The atmosphere gives a readymade resource of oxygen.

Human Body and Odour

Most fungi and bacteria will spread at ambient temperatures of 10-20 degree Centigrade and specific bacteria chooses the somewhat warmer environment of clothing or bedding that is in close proximity to the skin. Bacteria such as S Aureus, S Epidermidis, and Corynebacterium sp are established in the human skin and Staphylococcus, coryneforms, micrococcus bacteria have been detached from head, legs and arms of the human body. Human body covers two types of sweat glands namely, eccrine glands, which are scattered over the surface of the body whose secretion is inhibited by atropine and another gland is apocrine glands that built up from the hair folloicle and are originated mainly axillae. Their secretion is not inhibited by atropine and is encouraged by epinephrine. It has been demonstrated that stirred sweat together from apocrine glands do not have characteristic of perspiration odour for instance cleaned skins and have odour only in task of uncleaned skins. Eccrine secretions are not drained in the production odour however they may aid in the volatilization of the odiferous products.

Survey carried out earlier explains that bacterial expansion keeps on in human body all the time, through out the year irrespective of the seasons, however the type varies in between the seasons. A few numbers of bacteria and fungi are almost present in the human body; even the "clean" skin proves a normal population ranging between 100 - 1000 microbes/cm² of the skin. At these level microbes neither create health problem nor the odour. In a perfect condition, with all needed circumstance as mentioned above, the microbes can multiply at a faster rate and single bacterium can multiply into 1.6 million in just eight hours, which can finally produces odour, discoloration of textiles and sufficient infection of skin. The related odours are the outcomes of these microorganisms digesting nutrients in the perspiration and discharging volatile pungent waste products.

Filth of the skin in the appearance of feces and urine and other body wastages, burns, diaper rash on the skins of infants, supports the microbial expansion. Over 75 percent of foot infections were recognized by the dermophytic fungi, trichophyton interdigitale and trichophyton rubrum, which are developing in socks while wearing. Laundering techniques are not helpful in eliminating these athlete's foot fungi from the socks, which denotes the chance of the cross infection.

Hospital mops can be a resource of bacteria if they are not correctly sterile and nurse uniform has a function of passing of S Aureus. For instance, in the pillows the microbial counts in textile materials are found 1.3 x 104 per gram, in the case of socks it is counted to 4x 10s per 5 cm² and in the case of T-shirts it measured up to 5 x 106 per inch². Synthetic fibers such as nylon and polyester do not offer perfect living surroundings for microorganisms. Nevertheless, these fibers will also support microbial growth.

The existence and progression of microorganisms can be a source of health problems, odours and of course the weakening of the fabrics. Nearly all textile materials that are being utilized in the hospitals and hotels are conductive to cross infection or transmission of diseases originated by microorganisms. The increase of HIV and Hepatitis viruses by contact of impure material has produced large stress for protection of personal with functional clothing and materials.

Experiments have revealed that polio and vaccina viruses are able to keep on a variety of cotton and wool fabrics for the adequate period of times and create these materials to be potentially able to their transmission, which can capture in duration of 20 minutes and which is lower. The transmission can take place during casual contact and also during laundering process. Microbes like S Aureus can bear up, even with various detergent wash sequences.

Amongst the thousands of species that are situated in the atmosphere and on our body, there are good ones and there are bad ones. Control strategies for the bad organism must cover the acceptance of the good ones to make sure that the non-target organisms are not influenced or adaptation of microorganism is not supported.

Antimicrobial finishes

Based on the stability of antimicrobial characteristics of textile material with antimicrobial finish it can be categorized in to two types, namely temporary and durable finish. In temporary finish, the biocidal characteristics of the fabrics are without doubt vanished throughout laundering. Durability can be gained by a method of slow release, in which adequate antibacterial agents are integrated into the textile materials in the wet finishing process. The finished fabric moderates the bacteria by deliberate discharge of biocide from the materials. Except the antimicrobial agents are covalently adhered, they will have a drift to disappear totally. Integration of antimicrobial agents can be received through fiber creation in the case of man-made fibers.

What do you do when you've undertaken the diagnosis steps written about in my article titled " Compressed air leaking? Is it the valve or is it the cylinder?" in this E-zine, and you have determined that it is the air cylinder that is the problem?

The seals inside the air cylinder that allow the cylinder to function and those that keep the air inside the cylinder where it is supposed to be wear out over time through normal cylinder use.

When they do, your air cylinder could leak air to atmosphere past the rod seals. It might be losing compressed air faster through rod seal leaks than it can flow into the cylinder port from the air line. The cylinder won't produce the force you need for your application if that is the case, or, may not do the work required due to air blowing by the piston seals internally.

If the air cylinder is a non-repairable type, recognizable by the cylinder barrel being "rolled" into a groove on the end caps, then you cannot take this type apart, and it is time to discard it and buy a new one.

If your application is high cycle, and the cylinder is 1 1/2" bore and larger, it might be a cost effective idea to replace the "throw-away" cylinder with a repairable type. A repairable cylinder will be higher priced up front, yet the savings could be realized through a much longer service life with, as necessary, simple seal changes to keep the cylinder operating at peak performance.

Let us assume that your cylinder is repairable, perhaps an NFPA type, and it isn't working.

Rather than first taking the cylinder to a shop to determine the problem, take it apart in your shop. Usually all this will entail is to remove the nuts or bolts on the end of the tie rods on the rod-end of the cylinder, and pull that cap off.

The cylinder rod will be extending through the rod-end cap, so as you remove that cap, you will get the rod, piston and end cap as a unit.

Examine the cylinder rod. Is it scored or scratched? If so, then these imperfections will likely be cutting the seals where the rod passes through the rod-end cap. If it is those seals that are leaking now, replacing them will only solve the problem for a short time before they start to leak again.

Why is the rod scored? Has external debris being carried back to the rod wiper and lodged there? That may be what is scratching the rod. If there is no debris, check that the seals inside the rod bearing are not worn to the point where there's metal to metal contact abrading the surface of the rod?

If the rod is scored, replace it. Most piston rods are threaded and screw into the piston, with some sort of sealing compound to prevent the rod from vibrating loose. Examine where the rod meets the piston to be sure that it has not been tack welded. Weigh the cost of a new rod against the cost of replacing the whole cylinder to see which course of action is the right one for you.

Corrugated shipping boxes are not anything like the notorious mythological Pandora’s box. While the latter is supposedly believed to have contained all the evil things in the world including the lone good virtue that is hope, the former is sure to provide protection from all the harm the cargoes might have to go through, hoping to avoid the possible damaging effects of shipping procedure. While some shippers still use shipping boxes made of different material like the synthetics, a considerable number still continue to use corrugated shipping boxes.

Corrugated shipping boxes were invented out of the necessity of protecting breakable materials during movement of transport. Before, ordinary cardboards were formed to a box-like container as the only form of protective agent. With the improvement of packaging materials, corrugated shipping boxes came into being. It has its own cushioning system, which the corrugation provided.

Corrugated shipping boxes are made of strong fiber papyrus material. The outer portion of the box has a strong lining support that protects it from perforation. Inside the box is flute-like assembly of paper that provides cushion to the cargoes when crushed or bumped during shipping. Thus corrugated boxes have more protective value than any other cardboard boxes. These boxes come in different dimension which are usually fitted to take up the varied sizes of the cargoes to be shipped.

Corrugated boxes that are used for shipping purposes can contain and support almost any type of cargo. Fresh fruits that are one-day shipped are stored and contained in corrugated shipping boxes. So the moment you received your boxful of apples or pears, chances are you are looking at one of those corrugated boxes. Even bottles of wines and liquors are shipped using corrugated box because of the protection if provides to its contents. During transit, cargoes are most likely to encounter bumpy roads, harsh shipping procedures, and severe multi-stages of transporting from one point to another. Corrugated shipping boxes are so designed to provide the most affordable protection to your cargoe.

All shipping companies rely on the beneficial use of corrugated shipping boxes. Therefore, it is no surprise why carton manufacturer customized the production of these boxes according to the shippers’ desire. However, not only shipping companies utilize corrugated boxes. Consumer goods manufacturer, appliance fabricator and other hosts of industrial product factories have benefited from corrugated boxes. When they ship their goods and products to their consumers and end-users they most likely use corrugated boxes. The next time you buy your new TV set or refrigerator, you are likely to unpack them from a corrugated shipping boxes.

Corrugated shipping boxes are not anything like the notorious mythological Pandora’s box. While the latter is supposedly believed to have contained all the evil things in the world including the lone good virtue that is hope, the former is sure to provide protection from all the harm the cargoes might have to go through, hoping to avoid the possible damaging effects of shipping procedure. While some shippers still use shipping boxes made of different material like the synthetics, a considerable number still continue to use corrugated shipping boxes.

Corrugated shipping boxes were invented out of the necessity of protecting breakable materials during movement of transport. Before, ordinary cardboards were formed to a box-like container as the only form of protective agent. With the improvement of packaging materials, corrugated shipping boxes came into being. It has its own cushioning system, which the corrugation provided.

Corrugated shipping boxes are made of strong fiber papyrus material. The outer portion of the box has a strong lining support that protects it from perforation. Inside the box is flute-like assembly of paper that provides cushion to the cargoes when crushed or bumped during shipping. Thus corrugated boxes have more protective value than any other cardboard boxes. These boxes come in different dimension which are usually fitted to take up the varied sizes of the cargoes to be shipped.

Corrugated boxes that are used for shipping purposes can contain and support almost any type of cargo. Fresh fruits that are one-day shipped are stored and contained in corrugated shipping boxes. So the moment you received your boxful of apples or pears, chances are you are looking at one of those corrugated boxes. Even bottles of wines and liquors are shipped using corrugated box because of the protection if provides to its contents. During transit, cargoes are most likely to encounter bumpy roads, harsh shipping procedures, and severe multi-stages of transporting from one point to another. Corrugated shipping boxes are so designed to provide the most affordable protection to your cargoe.

All shipping companies rely on the beneficial use of corrugated shipping boxes. Therefore, it is no surprise why carton manufacturer customized the production of these boxes according to the shippers’ desire. However, not only shipping companies utilize corrugated boxes. Consumer goods manufacturer, appliance fabricator and other hosts of industrial product factories have benefited from corrugated boxes. When they ship their goods and products to their consumers and end-users they most likely use corrugated boxes. The next time you buy your new TV set or refrigerator, you are likely to unpack them from a corrugated shipping boxes.

Custom Dunnage is a customized product typically used in the shipping, handling, and processing of products or component parts. They are specially engineered to meet the manufacturer’s exact specifications for their particular need. Custom Dunnage can include any number of the following types of packaging products: plastic corrugated partitions, thermoformed trays, divider sheets, hanging fabric pouches, or layer pads. While there are some expendable or throw away versions of custom dunnage, most companies consider custom dunnage a type of returnable packaging.

Whatever type of custom dunnage you choose depends entirely upon the type of product you need to ship, if you need the custom dunnage returned after shipment, and how you want to ship your product. Here are come questions to ask yourself when considering custom dunnage for your packaging project:

1. What do you need the custom dunnage to do? Do you need to keep products from touching each other, or should they be packaged in bulk?

2. Is this a new or existing project that requires custom dunnage? If it is entirely new, you’ll want to design something custom-made for that project. As mentioned above, many types of custom dunnage are considered returnable packaging because they are made with materials that are durable and resilient and can be modified and adjusted to accommodate other items. Consider using what you currently have in-house before opting to purchase new custom dunnage or other types of returnable packaging.

3. How heavy are the parts you need to pack? This will help determine the best type of dunnage to support your product and your objectives.

4. Do you need the custom dunnage to be non-abrasive? Some products require special packaging protection against scratches or other types of damage. Keep in mind the type of product you are shipping: if it is delicate or susceptible to damage, you may want to consider custom dunnage that provides additional support and cushioning.

5. Do you need any ESD protection? If so, custom dunnage can be made with anti-static and conductive materials. This is especially useful for manufacturers of products with electronic components that can be seriously damaged if subjected to any type of electric shock.

6. Will the custom dunnage be returned? This is important when determining how durable you want the packaging to be. If you plan to reuse the custom dunnage over and over again, you will want the construction to be more durable.

7. Will your parts have any oil or chemicals on them? If so, you will want to consider custom dunnage specifically designed for products that are coated with oil or chemicals. Not only will you want to protect them from outside contaminants, but you will want to prevent any oil or chemicals from leaking outside of the packaging. Further, oil can cause havoc on certain types of packaging by literally attacking the materials they are made with. Make sure you take this into consideration when designing your custom dunnage and as always consult with your returnable packaging and custom dunnage specialist for guidance and direction.

8. When your products are packaged, where will they be stored? If you are storing your products in a warehouse, you need to consider the conditions of the warehouse. Is it a humid environment? Is it extremely hot or cold? Knowing the answers to these questions will help you choose the type of custom dunnage that can best protect your products.

9. How do you plan to ship your products when using custom dunnage? For example do you plan to use an LTL or full truckload common carrier? Will you ship them via UPS or FedEx? Or will you be delivering them yourself? In each case, your products will be subjected to different shipping situations, and you will want to make sure you protect them from any damage they could sustain in those environments.

10. When will you need your custom dunnage? Because it is customized, it can take several weeks to create. Make sure you give your supplier enough time to make the product that is right for you.

In closing, custom dunnage is counted on to protect products both large and small. Rarely are these items available “off the shelf” and there is very little information about the advantages and disadvantages of each type or style of custom dunnage. However, by answering the questions listed above and consulting with your returnable packaging and custom dunnage specialist, you’ll be able to ship your products with confidence.

What is Ergonomics?

Ergonomics is a way of properly designing office equipment to conform to the physical condition of the person in it. Ergonomically-sound office equipment intends to maximize productivity by reducing operator fatigue and increasing comfort. When equipment fits a person's physique, it is ergonomically designed.

Some ergonomic products are designed for people with specific needs. All ergonomic products, however, including tables, chairs, displays, tools, lighting and other equipment, are designed to make all users comfortable while working, thereby increasing productivity.

Using Ergonomic Desks

Ergonomic desks, computer consoles, and other furniture pieces are designed to provide a comfortable and aesthetically-pleasing working surface as well as securely house or conceal office equipment such as computers, peripherals and cabling.

With its modern design, ergonomic office equipment offers flexibility to the user, maximizing user comfort and efficiency.

Benefits of Ergonomics

All work environments must be safe and free of stress. Poor worker posture is a major cause of back pain, workplace stress, and repetitive strain injury, resulting in lost work time, reduced productivity, compromised health, and low worker morale.

Although some ergonomic products are priced higher, an investment in ergonomic products will repay itself through increased worker productivity and well-being. Investing in ergonomics will result in:

1. Improved worker morale and higher productivity, resulting to greater efficiency;
2. Reduced risk of litigation from repetitive stress and other job-related injuries;
3. Compliance with local health and safety laws.

Recommendation

Ergonomic products are designed to meet the needs and preferences of each worker. Individuals have diverse needs and preferences; some workers prefer sitting down while others prefer standing up. Ergonomic products are available in a wide array of choices to meet each individual’s preferences.

Ergonomic products are designed to make every workplace more comfortable and safer. An investment in ergonomics makes sense for every company. The well-being of every worker is essential to achieve optimum company growth. The more comfortable the worker is in his or her workplace, the more productive and effective that worker will be.

Beautiful, funny and sometimes racy, fruit and vegetable labels were created to catch the eye of American consumers in the produce department. Beginning in the late 1800's farmers and merchants used artwork of colorful fruits and exotic vegetables to entice customers. Before becoming available as framed art, some cooks framed their favorite labels and hung them in kitchens and restaurants. Today labels are collected for their beauty and are exhibited at museums around the Untied States.

Some early can labels even had gold foil and used expensive embossed papers. Larger labels, known as crate labels were glued to the ends of produce crates as they were shipped out of the fields to market. Artist created sun drenched landscapes and used bright colors to make their produce stand out. Drawing on the romance of the Old West, some brands had names like Bronco, Western Queen and Majestic. Gods and royalty are represented in stone lithographs against dramatic landscapes. On one label, Triton the sea god sits on a cliff overlooking the ocean in Washington state. In others, glowing oranges are set against romantic sunsets and bright red strawberries tumble over a serene California farmland. Giant artichokes floating over choppy seas and tomato ranches grace other labels.

Noise pollution from oil and gas drilling and production is an important issue for many landowners living in close proximity to these developments.

Landowners often complain about noise levels produced by natural gas compressors. The noise level varies with the size of the compressor and distance from the compressor; and it changes with shifts in wind direction and intensity. Depending on wind speed and direction, the constant roaring sounds of a gas compressor can be heard three to four miles from an oil drilling site.

Noise from oil and gas development comes from a number of sources: truck traffic, drilling and completion activities, well pumps and compressors. For some landowners, noise from oil and gas operations is so loud that it makes them feel as if they are living in an industrial zone. For people who live in rural areas, the arrival of a new, industrial noise source can greatly disturb the natural environmental sounds they are accustomed to.

An acceptable noise abatement solution is necessary to protect the area residents from unwanted noise pollution. Typically a Sound Barrier Wall would be installed to eliminate industrial sound. This is not a viable solution to oil and gas drilling however, due to its constant changing of locations.

There are new mobile absorptive sound wall units which are easy to assemble, disassemble and move. Since oil and gas drilling are temporary projects, moving from one well to another, a portable sound wall can be used to eliminate the unwanted noise during the drilling and moved from one site to the next with little effort. With the inclusion of a mobile sound wall in oil and gas drilling activities near residential areas, residents will be able to enjoy their peaceful quite neighborhood throughout the completion of the project.

Any business involved in the construction industry large or small at times need heavy equipment, from bulldozers, bobcats, front-end loaders to dump trucks, somewhere along the line the idea pops up about buying equipment instead of hiring out contractors. After looking at the pricing of new and the current budget, finding quality used equipment may be the answer.

Finding the used, second-hand or surplus construction equipment for sale is not difficult, but taking the time to make sure you are buying a reliable piece of equipment is important. The process is much like buying a used car, put on your safety eyewear and give the equipment a thorough review before signing on the dotted line or you could find yourself hanging a for sale sign on the rig.

In today’s world of business buying and selling, some companies may only show the equipment on their books for a short time. When a company buys another out they may sell off excess construction equipment or liquidate the older machinery. Some businesses may be going out of business and get rid of their equipment through an auction. If you keep on the look out for equipment that is in good shape and functional without lots of extras, good deals can be found. Look for heavy equipment sales and auctions in your area for some great buys.

Checking out Equipment before You Buy

Once you find a piece of what appears to be reliable used equipment that meets your needs, use a trusted source to check things out – a construction equipment mechanic. A mechanic can offer some basic insight about the equipment, but a trained heavy equipment mechanic understands how things work. Plus they can offer advice on future potential mechanical issues, defects or repairs that may be needed along with the associated cost all in an effort to help you come up with a fair purchase price.

They can make sure the motor is in good working order, the chassis and frame are straight and all moving parts, pulleys, and bearings are working well and without defect. Remember a good deal takes into account the whole cost including repairs to get the equipment on the job and transportation when purchasing construction equipment either new or used.

With a little homework your company can save a bundle on buying used equipment for your construction business or the next project.

World demand for dyes and organic pigments to touch $10.6 billion in 2008

According to a study on dyes & organic pigments, the worldwide demand for organic colourants (dyes and organic pigments) is projected to increase at $10.6 billion in 2008 form 4.9 per cent annually in 2003.

Generally, the dyestuff industry comprises three sub-segments, namely dyes, pigment and intermediates. The dye intermediates are petroleum downstream products which are further processed into finished dyes and pigments. These are important sources in major industries like textiles, plastics, paints, paper and printing inks, leather, packaging sector etc.

Leading players in dyes

Textile dyes have been used since the Bronze Age. They also constitute a prototype 21st-century specialty chemicals market. Three large manufacturers namely DyStar, Ciba Specialty Chemicals and Clariant are leaders in the dyes market. The biggest, DyStar, was established in a series of mergers of some of Europe's leading textile dye businesses in the 1990s. Worldwide excess capacity and price burden, fueled by the immediate growth of Asian manufacturers, have shifted most dyestuff chemistries into commodities. Regulatory barriers have nearly stopped the progress of the opening of fundamentally new dyestuffs. Despite this DyStar, Ciba Specialty Chemicals and Clariant have grown over the past 10 years with innovative products and new chemistry is being set to endure reactive and dispersant dyes as well as in older dyestuffs such as sulfur dyes.

In 2001 the biggest individual company market shares in colourant production were DyStar (23%), Ciba (14%), Clariant (7%), Yorkshire Group (5%), Japanese (5%) and other traditional groups (3%)., and various dyestuff manufacturers comprise the largest group at 43%.

The only way to growth and to keep Asian bulk dyestuff manufacturers at bay, they say, comes straight out of specialty chemicals strategy to distinguish product offerings through collaborative work with customers and charge a premium price for particular products that gives a perfect solution. This is an effective method, provided that these suppliers produce in China, India, Pakistan, and Brazil as well as in the U.S. and Europe, and that most of the textile producers aim to maintain uniform quality and product performance across worldwide.

Europe is facing the problem of overcapacity of about 30 to 40 per cent in the market from Asia, especially China. But, experts believe, Asian manufacturers manufacture a limited number of low-cost, basic dyestuffs. Most of experts of this field believe that growth lies in innovation and differentiation. Though, of the 180,000-ton-per-year worldwide market for dispersed dyes, specialty dyes consist only about 5,000 tons.

DyStar is a major manufacturer of reactive dyes, which were developed 50 years ago at ICI. DyStar was recently purchased by Platinum Equity, is made up of the dyes business of the original ICI, as well as those of Bayer, BASF and Hoechst. DyStar has developed deep-shade dyes for polyesters. New chemistries are emerging for controlling staining from azo and anthraquinone dyes, including thiophene-based azo dyes. DyStar has also developed benzodifuranone dyes for heavy red shades. It modified azo dyes to keep up their performance when applied with the new detergents. The company also set up secrecy agreements with the leading detergent producers to test new detergent chemistry and do the required dye reformulation proactively. It has added the number of reactive groups in its fluoroaromatic Levafix CA reactive dyes. The company has also been functioning on strengthening the chromophore or color component of the dye for improved lightfastness.

Recently, DyStar has made new red dye for cellulosic fibers, Indanthren Deep Red C-FR Plus, is a new speciality dye for medium to heavy shades of red and Bordeaux, suitable for the coloration of cellulosics on continuous and yarn dyeing units as well as cellulosic/polyamide blends. DyStar Textilfarben GmbH has also introduced the classic cold pad batch dyeing process (cpb). Key developments in cold pad batch technology were started in 1957 and are still ongoing:

-Development of dosing pumps (Hoechst)
- Introduction of sodium silicate as a fixing alkali (Hoechst)
- Development of microwave and oven lab fixation method (Hoechst)
- Mathematical determination of pad liquor stability under practical conditions (Hoechst) --- Optidye CR (DyStar)
- Development of silicate free alkali systems (DyStar)

The dyestuffs industry of China

In the first half of 2005, China gained a growth of 4 per cent in dyes and 11 per cent in organic pigment output. A report stated that China's demand for dyes and pigments is expected to increase at 12 per cent annually by 2008 and output of dyes and pigments will rise by 13 per cent annually by 2008.

According to statistics, in 2004, the production volume of dyeing stuffs and pigments in China reached 598,300 tons and 143,600 tons, an increment of 10.4 per cent and 13.3 per cent over that of the previous year. The total imports and exports of dyeing stuffs and pigments were projected to be 291,200 tons and 138,800 tons; an increase of 10.64 per cent and 16.15 per cent over the same time the previous year. Hence, China has developed to be a large manufacturer, consumer and dealer of dyeing materials, pigments and dyeing auxiliary.

With the rising level of automobile production and its corresponding worldwide stocks based on the rapid industrialisation in Asia, Africa and Latin America plus the rising demand in Eastern Europe, the proportion of textiles in a motor car is increasing in response to more stringent comfort and safety needs in industrialised countries like the USA, Japan and Western Europe.

Automobile textiles, which are non apparel textiles, are widely used in vehicles like cars, trains, buses, aircrafts and marine vehicles. Hence, the term automobile textile means all type of textile components e.g. fibers, filaments, yarns and the fabric used in automobiles.

Nearly two third of the automobile textiles are for interior trim, i.e. seat cover, carpets and roof and door liners. The rest is utilized to reinforce tyres, hoses, safety belts, air bags, etc.

It is projected that nearly 45 square meters of textile material is utilized in a car for interior trim (seating area, headlines, side panel, carpet and trunk). According to a survey, the percentage of textile in a motor car amounts to 2 per cent of the overall weight of a car. Apart from this, visible textile components, eliminating hidden components such as in tyres and composites, hoses and filters; amount to 10-11 kg per vehicle in absolute terms. Industrial textiles are largely utilized in vehicles and systems including cars, buses, trains, air crafts and marine vehicles. In automobile textile industry, four types of fabrics are used, namely:

. Air bag fabrics
. Fabric used as a basis for reduction in weight of body parts
. Tyre cord fabrics
. Automotive upholstery and other textile fabrics used inside the vehicle

The airbag and seat belts used as safety measures are one of the latest types of textiles in automobiles and have a potential market for technical textiles that has a considerable scope for growth and development. Because of government legislation and consumer interest, the applications have been extremely successful over the last ten to fifteen years.

In the last decade, airbags or inflatable restraints have received noteworthy significance as a safeguard for the driver and the passengers in case of an accident. Initially, the bags were made for head-on collision, but now, there are many other safety devices like side impact bags, knee bolsters, side curtain, etc, available for safety in any type of crash. Because frontal collisions are a main reason of accidental deaths, airbags are being presented as a standard product in vehicles by legislation, which has given the quick increment of airbags business in the last decade. NHTSA and HHS report that airbag systems have played an important role in saving thousands of lives since 1985. In 2002 alone, due to the airbag system a 20 per cent reduction in fatalities resulting from fatal collisions has been observed.

In 1999, there were 55 million vehicles with 81 million airbags. In 2004, the number of frontal airbag units was nearly 100 million and the number of side-impact airbags nearly 65 million. In the same year, nearly 23 per cent of the new vehicles in North America had side airbags for chest protection and 17 per cent had side airbags for head protection. By 2005, this has increased to 180 million airbags and 65 million vehicles.

Fabric application demand has increased to 325 million square meters in 2005, and 83 tons of fibre, mostly nylon has been used.

The world airbag market is estimated to rise from 66 million units in 1996 to over 200 million units in 2006, a compound annual growth rate of 12 per cent. Over this decade, Europe will put in 60 million units, Asia-Pacific 30 million units and North America 24 million units.

While North American and Western European markets are growing, considerable development is also seen in the international market. As new applications are developing for airbags, including rear seat bags, inflatable seat belts and an outside airbag system for pedestrians, new fabrics and combinations are being applied. The front and passenger bags have different requirements because of the distance from the occupant, but they both have rapid increment and deflation in a very short time span.

Rollover bags must remain inflated for five seconds. In addition to new uses, expected trends include lighter fabric for use with newer "cold inflators," blended with materials like fabric and film, new coating polymers (Silicone now dominates having replaced neoprene).

Growth of safety devices in the car interior

Increasing electronics and safety devices require more space in the interior together with new concepts for arrangement.

Worldwide market for PA airbag yarns

The fibre manufacturer Accordis Industrial Fibres BV, Arnhem/ Netherlands reported that the global market for PA airbag was 84,000 tons in 2005.

Airbags

Airbags were first introduced in the late 1960s, but it is only in the 1990s that their use increased amazingly and it is set to grow further. This validates the research and development still being made on design, deployment and base fabric material.

The prospects for the textile and making-up indus¬tries are huge in the area of airbag production. This is due to its large requirement particularly in view of the legislation, which is already imposed by many countries.

Around 1.42 meter2 of fabric is required to produce driver¬ side airbags on light trucks. This estimation gives the idea that the airbag market is of great importance for the use of technical textiles. Airbags are normally made by coated or uncoated fabrics of PA 6.6 yarns with lesser air permeability.

A fabric cushion is included as a part of textile ingredient for an airbag, which is folded into the center of the steering wheel (for the driver) or in the glove compartment (for the front seat passenger). Generally, the bag is woven by nylon 6, 6 filament yarns, which are in demand in huge quantities because of their high strength-to-weight ratio, favorable elongation, adequate thermal properties and relatively low cost of production. Other properties required are high tear strength, high anti-seam slippage, controlled air permeability and be capable for being folded into confined places for over ten years without deterioration.

Noise pollution caused by rooftop and ground-level HVAC equipment including chillers, boilers, and air handlers has become one of the most annoying as well as dangerous environmental problems in cities worldwide. As urban noise increases and residential growth multiplies, residents and communities are demanding better noise reduction solutions for heating, ventilation and air conditioning equipment. Outdoor community noise problems caused by commercial and industrial HVAC systems may require an acoustically engineered Sound Barrier Wall.

Sound barrier walls have been used extensively for years in the transportation and industrial fields. A sound barrier wall is an exterior structure, normally made of masonry or earth, designed to protect sensitive land uses, such as residential areas from noise pollution. These noise pollution abatement products are now being used to help eliminate unwanted noise from HVAC systems as well.

Traditional material for noise barrier walls for HVAC systems has been reflective products. Reflective products, like concrete or brick, simply redirect the unwanted sound waves in other directions, and can actually increase noise by unintentionally reflecting sound waves.

There is a better solution. Absorptive sound enclosures and architectural screens actually absorb the unwanted sound waves, minimizing the risk of unintentional reflected noise. Absorptive sound walls reduce reflections and are able to maintain the effectiveness of the barrier. Therefore, the overall noise level is reduced. The advanced materials found in absorptive barrier walls present a much more effective noise barrier solution. There are different solutions for this problem such as the LSE System, an absorptive sound barrier created by Sound Fighter Systems, that actually absorbs the sound waves that hit it, thereby eliminating unwanted noise.

So, if you are facing problems with noisy HVAC equipment an absorptive sound barrier wall is obviously the most effective noise mitigation solution available for this very demanding application. Absorptive walls outperform and outlast all other noise reduction products. Plus, many systems such as the LSE System are an aesthetically pleasing HVAC sound wall with the added benefit of noise pollution reduction.

Textile quotas were eliminated among WTO members at the first day of 2005 in accordance with the Agreement on Textiles and Clothing (ATC). However, resistance to quota removal spread in the US and EU. Subsequently, China reached agreements with the EU and the US in June and November 2005 respectively. The China-US agreement, effective from January 2006, governs the exports of a total of 21 groups involving 34 categories of Chinese textiles and clothing products to the US during 2006-2008. The China-EU agreement, effective from June 2005, covers 10 categories of Chinese textiles and clothing exports to the EU during 2005-2007.

On the other hand, the mainland and Hong Kong agreed in October 2005 to further liberalise the mainland market for Hong Kong companies under the third phase of the Mainland and Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA III). Along with other products of Hong Kong origin, the mainland agreed to give all products of Hong Kong origin, including clothing items, tariff-free treatment starting from 1 January 2006. According to the stipulated procedures, products which have no existing CEPA rules of origin, will enjoy tariff-free treatment upon applications by local manufacturers and upon the CEPA rule of origins being agreed and met.

Hong Kong clothing companies are reputable for ODM and OEM production. They are able to deliver quality clothing articles in short lead time, as foreign importers and retailers request clothing suppliers to tighten up supply chain management to ensure the ordered merchandise reaching the store floor at the right time. Increasingly, Hong Kong clothing companies, the established ones in particular, have shown enthusiasm for brand promotion.

Hong Kong's total exports of clothing rose year-on-year by 9% in the first 11 months of 2005. While Hong Kong's re-exports of clothing rose by 20%, domestic exports fell by 14%. In the first 11 months of 2005, Hong Kong's clothing exports to the US and EU rose by 11% and 18% respectively. While Hong Kong's clothing exports to Japan levelled off, those to the Chinese mainland declined by 11%.

Industry Features

The clothing industry is a major manufacturing sector of Hong Kong. Its gross output is one of the highest among all manufacturing sectors, amounting to HK$35.9 billion in 2003. It is the largest manufacturing employer in Hong Kong, with 1,673 establishments hiring 28,752 workers as of June 2005. It is also the leading earner in terms of domestic exports, taking up 40% of the total in the first 11 months of 2005.

Hong Kong's geographic boundary has never constrained the development of the forward-looking clothing industry. The majority of clothing manufacturers have set up offshore production facilities in an attempt to reduce operation costs. Relocation of production facilities offshore has however resulted in a steady decline in the number of clothing manufacturers in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong is not only a leading production centre but also a hub for clothing sourcing globally. Companies doing garment trade in Hong Kong are experienced in fabrics procurement, sales and marketing, quality control, logistic arrangements, clothing designs and international and national rules and regulations. The professionalism that they command and the combined services offered are not easily matched elsewhere. With a total of 15,190 establishments hiring 95,889 workers, they form the largest group involved in import-export trade in Hong Kong.

Performance of Hong Kong's Exports of Clothing

Hong Kong's total exports of clothing rose year-on-year by 9% in the first 11 months of 2005. While Hong Kong's re-exports of clothing rose by 20%, domestic exports fell by 14%. The contrasting performance of Hong Kong's re-exports and domestic exports was basically ascribed to the increasing relocation of garment manufacturing to the Chinese mainland, resulting from the removal of quotas under WTO's Agreement on Textiles and Clothing (ATC). But the declining trend of domestic exports has been reversed somewhat in recent months, due to the re-imposition of quantitative restraints on mainland-made textiles and clothing by the US and EU.

Retail sales in the US held firm in the first 11 months of 2005, rising by nearly 6% from the same period in the previous year. In the first 11 months of 2005, Hong Kong's clothing exports to the US rose year-on-year by 11%.

In the first 11 months of 2005, Hong Kong's total clothing exports to the EU surged year-on-year by 18%. Clothing exports to major EU markets like France, Germany and Italy recorded growth rates in excess of 20%.

On the other hand, Hong Kong's clothing exports to Japan levelled off in the first 11 months of 2005 partly due to the trend of direct shipment. On the back of the rising income however, Japanese consumers tend to resume their spending spree on premium clothing items. Meanwhile, Hong Kong's clothing exports to the Chinese mainland dropped by 11% in the first 11 months of 2005, compared with the same period last year.

Product-wise, Hong Kong's exports of woven wear rose by 12% in the first 11 months of 2005. While woven wear for women/girls grew by 13%, those for men/boys recorded a growth of 8% from the same period in the previous year. Knitted wear grew by 2%, with women/girls and men/boys rising by 1% and 6% respectively. While clothing accessories declined by 3%, other apparel articles, for their part, increased by 13%.

Sales Channels

Hong Kong's clothing manufacturers have forged strong relationships with their customers. They are able to understand and cater for the preferences of very broad customer bases. Exporters also have good knowledge of international and national rules and regulations governing clothing exports, such as rules of origin, quota restrictions, tariff rates and documentation requirements. Cut, make and trim (CMT) arrangements are common although many Hong Kong manufacturers have moved to higher value-added activities such as design and brand development, quality control, logistics and material sourcing.

A few well-established local manufacturers have entered into the retailing business, either locally or in overseas markets. Many of them have retail networks in major cities around the world including Beijing, London, New York, San Francisco, Shanghai, Singapore, Sydney, Taipei and Tokyo. Some well-known manufacturing retailers include Baleno, Bossini, Crocodile, Episode, Esprit, G-2000, Giordano, JEANSWEST, Moiselle and U-2.

As a global sourcing hub in Asia, Hong Kong attracts a number of international trading houses and major retailers. Buyers sourcing from Hong Kong include American and European department stores (e.g. Macy's, JCPenney, Federated, Karstadt Quelle, C & A), discount stores (e.g., Sears, Target and Carrefour), specialty chains (e.g., The Gap, The Limited) and mail order houses (e.g. Otto and Great Universal Stores). Many international premium designer labels -- such as Calvin Klein, Donna Karen, Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger and Yves Saint Laurent -- source clothes in Hong Kong through their buying offices or other intermediaries.

Textile quotas were eliminated among WTO members at the first day of 2005 in accordance with the Agreement on Textiles and Clothing (ATC). However, resistance to quota removal spread in the US and EU. Subsequently, China reached agreements with the EU and the US in June and November 2005 respectively. The China-US agreement, effective from January 2006, governs the exports of a total of 21 groups involving 34 categories of Chinese textiles and clothing products to the US during 2006-2008. The China-EU agreement, effective from June 2005, covers 10 categories of Chinese textiles and clothing exports to the EU during 2005-2007.

On the other hand, the mainland and Hong Kong agreed in October 2005 to further liberalise the mainland market for Hong Kong companies under the third phase of the Mainland and Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA III). Along with other products of Hong Kong origin, the mainland agreed to give all products of Hong Kong origin, including clothing items, tariff-free treatment starting from 1 January 2006. According to the stipulated procedures, products which have no existing CEPA rules of origin, will enjoy tariff-free treatment upon applications by local manufacturers and upon the CEPA rule of origins being agreed and met.

Hong Kong clothing companies are reputable for ODM and OEM production. They are able to deliver quality clothing articles in short lead time, as foreign importers and retailers request clothing suppliers to tighten up supply chain management to ensure the ordered merchandise reaching the store floor at the right time. Increasingly, Hong Kong clothing companies, the established ones in particular, have shown enthusiasm for brand promotion.

Hong Kong's total exports of clothing rose year-on-year by 9% in the first 11 months of 2005. While Hong Kong's re-exports of clothing rose by 20%, domestic exports fell by 14%. In the first 11 months of 2005, Hong Kong's clothing exports to the US and EU rose by 11% and 18% respectively. While Hong Kong's clothing exports to Japan levelled off, those to the Chinese mainland declined by 11%.

Industry Features

The clothing industry is a major manufacturing sector of Hong Kong. Its gross output is one of the highest among all manufacturing sectors, amounting to HK$35.9 billion in 2003. It is the largest manufacturing employer in Hong Kong, with 1,673 establishments hiring 28,752 workers as of June 2005. It is also the leading earner in terms of domestic exports, taking up 40% of the total in the first 11 months of 2005.

Hong Kong's geographic boundary has never constrained the development of the forward-looking clothing industry. The majority of clothing manufacturers have set up offshore production facilities in an attempt to reduce operation costs. Relocation of production facilities offshore has however resulted in a steady decline in the number of clothing manufacturers in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong is not only a leading production centre but also a hub for clothing sourcing globally. Companies doing garment trade in Hong Kong are experienced in fabrics procurement, sales and marketing, quality control, logistic arrangements, clothing designs and international and national rules and regulations. The professionalism that they command and the combined services offered are not easily matched elsewhere. With a total of 15,190 establishments hiring 95,889 workers, they form the largest group involved in import-export trade in Hong Kong.

Performance of Hong Kong's Exports of Clothing

Hong Kong's total exports of clothing rose year-on-year by 9% in the first 11 months of 2005. While Hong Kong's re-exports of clothing rose by 20%, domestic exports fell by 14%. The contrasting performance of Hong Kong's re-exports and domestic exports was basically ascribed to the increasing relocation of garment manufacturing to the Chinese mainland, resulting from the removal of quotas under WTO's Agreement on Textiles and Clothing (ATC). But the declining trend of domestic exports has been reversed somewhat in recent months, due to the re-imposition of quantitative restraints on mainland-made textiles and clothing by the US and EU.

Retail sales in the US held firm in the first 11 months of 2005, rising by nearly 6% from the same period in the previous year. In the first 11 months of 2005, Hong Kong's clothing exports to the US rose year-on-year by 11%.

In the first 11 months of 2005, Hong Kong's total clothing exports to the EU surged year-on-year by 18%. Clothing exports to major EU markets like France, Germany and Italy recorded growth rates in excess of 20%.

On the other hand, Hong Kong's clothing exports to Japan levelled off in the first 11 months of 2005 partly due to the trend of direct shipment. On the back of the rising income however, Japanese consumers tend to resume their spending spree on premium clothing items. Meanwhile, Hong Kong's clothing exports to the Chinese mainland dropped by 11% in the first 11 months of 2005, compared with the same period last year.

Product-wise, Hong Kong's exports of woven wear rose by 12% in the first 11 months of 2005. While woven wear for women/girls grew by 13%, those for men/boys recorded a growth of 8% from the same period in the previous year. Knitted wear grew by 2%, with women/girls and men/boys rising by 1% and 6% respectively. While clothing accessories declined by 3%, other apparel articles, for their part, increased by 13%.