Page 14 - TEXtalks October/November 2021

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3rd Quarter 2021 remains

positive for new orders

The index of orders intake for Italian textile stabilized over the last few months.
machines, as compiled by ACIMIT, the association
that groups together Italian textile machinery produc- This positive moment for Italy’s textile machinery
ers, rose by 66% for the period from July to Septem- sector is expected to continue through to the year’s
ber 2021 compared to the same period in 2020. end, as ACIMIT’s analysis notes. Indeed, Italian
machinery manufacturers are forecasting an
This growth has concerned both the Italian and increase in the orders intake for the last quarter of
foreign markets, with an increase in domestic orders the year, both abroad and domestically. ACIMIT said
of 130% compared to the same period in 2020, and that the resumption in trade showed that the climate
up 54% for foreign orders. However, the index of of confidence among companies has increased.
orders intake shows a -17% drop when compared to However, there is still a need to make the most of
the previous quarter this year, due mainly to the this moment since to make machines on the path of
summer break and demand for machinery that has digitalization and sustainability.

CEH reports high BPA

levels in Socks

The California-based Center for Environmental organic synthetic compound with the chemical
Health (CEH) has found elevated BPA levels in formula (CH)C(CHOH) belonging to the group of
socks, primarily made of polyester with spandex, diphenylmethane derivatives and bisphenols, with
from several brands. All size ranges are included, two hydroxyphenyl groups.
but the emphasis is on babies’/children’s socks.
Different blends of polyester, cotton, and spandex It is a colorless solid that is soluble in organic
were tested. The concentrations found were up to 19 solvents but poorly soluble in water. In 2013,
times over the California safe limit of the chemical, scientists published study findings that showed that
though socks predominantly made from cotton were BPA exposure could affect egg maturation in
not affected. humans. The European Commission (EC) has asked
to determine whether clothing articles expose
Based on their findings and according to California consumers to a concerning level of BPA such as
Proposition 65, the CEH sent 60-day notices to 75 infants, young children, or pregnant women are at
sock brands in September 2021. Bisphenol A is an higher risk and, if possible, to recommend limit values.

October/November 2021