From our perspective, innovation is all encompassing — from product development to customer feedback. Our innovations help to enhance daily life in a variety of manners, but we also find value in taking innovation one step further. We have a unique opportunity to contribute to the industries we serve by supporting the collective research, education and training to benefit our communities. In this way, we can meaningfully connect with end users, with other manufacturers and within various markets we serve, ultimately leading to collaborations with far-reaching impacts.

Explore, with us, three avenues where Milliken divisions are moving beyond innovation to affect change surrounding trending industry focus areas.

Educating the market

As a trusted manufacturer of arc-rated, flame resistant textiles for more than 60 years, Westex by Milliken fabrics are used in a variety of daily wear AR/FR personal protective equipment (PPE) garments to help protect workers from serious hazards like arc flashes and flash fires.

Westex by Milliken supplies their proven fabrics to garment manufacturers, and while those relationships are key to the business, we also value our role as an educator within the industry. Because of our extensive work in the research and development sphere when creating these world-class textiles, the Westex by Milliken team understands the technical, compliance and practical aspects of well-rounded protection programs for workers in the electrical maintenance, oil and gas, utilities, and metals industries, among others.

To help educate those in these industries about the hazards of arc flash and flash fire incidents, Westex by Milliken curates more than 80 educational resources available in its online resource center, including:

• Timely blog posts and white papers discussing trending topics within the industry
• Case studies analyzing real-world situations
• eZines sharing relevant articles and dissertations
• Demonstration videos and webinars, highlighting life-threatening incidents like arc flash and flash fire, and how AR/FR apparel may help protect wearers in such situations

The goal with these training resources is to better inform the industry about PPE — what it is, how it protects workers, why it is important, and how to build a program that works for you or your company. Through their efforts to reach and educate people, Westex by Milliken partners with end users so they feel empowered and well educated on the various needs of their protection programs.

Championing industry initiatives

The commercial architecture and design industry has, in recent years, seen a major push towards pursuing healthier indoor environments through enhanced building techniques, supplies and materials. By understanding the impact product selections have on our health and well-being, the Milliken floor covering division is uniquely positioned to lend insight into this trending conversation.

One of 16 founding members of the Well Living Lab, a collaborative research initiative led by Delos and Mayo Clinic, Milliken is proud to champion healthy environments from a manufacturing perspective. The scientific research center uses exclusively human-centered research to understand the interaction between health and well-being, and indoor environments.

Beyond research, Milliken is putting these standards into action through our work with the International Well Building Institute (IWBI). Last week, Milliken’s NeoCon showroom became the first-ever WELL Certified™ Platinum showroom in The Mart – the home of the celebrated commercial design show in Chicago. Through pioneering these efforts, we remain dedicated to advancing well-being through a variety of avenues beyond product collections.

Making our mark

Headlining recent news, a growing consumer plastics concern is taking shape — and the chemical industry is poised to help find a solution. Milliken’s Plastics Additives business is at the forefront of this issue — producing technologies that reduce the amount of plastic needed and allow for increased use of recycled plastic content, while also actively participating in industry conversations.

While most of the discussion centers around single-use plastics — like straws and plastic bags — the overarching goal remains to reduce the total amount of plastic products that, once used, head to landfills.

Historically, post-consumer and post-industrial recycled polypropylene (a common plastic) has lacked impact and melt flow properties, making it difficult to process and meet stringent OEM specifications. Through Milliken’s DeltaMax™ Performance Modifiers, converters can now use up to 100% recycled polypropylene content in the manufacturing process, without sacrificing physical properties. In industries like automotive manufacturing, where suppliers are required to use anywhere from 10-40% recycled content, Milliken is leading the way.

Contributing to the larger industry conversation, several Milliken associates participate in industry organizations, like the PLASTICS Recycling Committee and the Association of Plastic Recyclers. Last month, Milliken Global Strategy and Marketing Manager of Plastic Additives, Prem Patel, presented on ‘additives for upcycling’ at the 2018 NPE Re|Focus Sustainability & Recycling Summit.

From protective wear to plastics, Milliken is innovating beyond product development to consistently spark engaging opportunities that help us build for the future in ways that benefit us all.

Championing Industry Initiatives photo: Milliken Guest House, courtesy of Eric Laignel.⠀