H&V Introduces Low-Formaldehyde Embroidery Backing
EAST WALPOLE, MASS.- October 27, 2008 - Hollingsworth & Vose Company (H&V), a leading supplier of engineered papers and nonwovens, announced today it has reduced formaldehyde to near zero levels across its entire StitchBackers® line of wet-laid nonwoven embroidery backings.
"The transition to low-formaldehyde backing responds to the demands of fabric converters, embroiderers, and customers seeking more environmentally friendly clothing components," said Jim Vogt, Director of Marketing, Hollingsworth & Vose Industrial Specialties business unit. "We have reduced residual formaldehyde to very low levels while preserving the properties critical to efficient and high-quality embroidery processing."
Vogt said low-formaldehyde production for the StitchBackers line will be implemented across its global manufacturing operations in North America, Europe, and Asia. Although formaldehyde is a naturally occurring compound in many materials, apparel and home furnishing textiles often include added formaldehyde to improve wrinkle resistance and durability.
Because these products will be sold in international markets, H&V has adopted the Japanese standard JIS L 1041:1983 as its benchmark for permissible amounts of formaldehyde. This standard sets a maximum formaldehyde limit of 75 parts-per-million (PPM) for most fabrics used in garments. "H&V's embroidery backing products will contain formaldehyde levels significantly below this rigorous standard," said Vogt.
The low-formaldehyde embroidery backings are available immediately on a global basis and can be ordered under the present StitchBackers grade numbers. For more information, customers can contact Jeanne Gibson at (540) 745-7635 or jeanne.gibson@hovo.com, visit www.hollingsworth-vose.com/products/industrial/embroidery, or contact their local H&V distributor.
About H&V
Hollingsworth & Vose Company (www.hollingsworth-vose.com), established in 1843, is a global leader in the supply of technically advanced filtration media, battery separator materials and industrial nonwovens. The company operates manufacturing sites and research centers in the Americas, Europe and Asia.
Press Contact: Jeanne Gibson at (540) 745-7635 or jeanne.gibson@hovo.com
