Houdini Makes Open-Source Fleece Jacket To Fight Plastic Waste In The Textile Industry

STOCKHOLM — September 1, 2020 — To help push the textile industry towards circularity, outdoor brand Houdini and its innovation partner Polartec have teamed up to make their award-winning circular innovation — the fleece jacket ”Mono Air Houdi” — open source.

Outdoor company Houdini has for the last decade been a sustainability pioneer within the clothing industry. The brand is now introducing Project Mono Air, an open-source initiative where all the work behind their latest circular innovation, the Mono Air fleece jacket, is shared online. On the Project Mono Air website anyone can download a complete run-down of the garment’s components — from patterns down to the last button — as well as follow every design decision, learn about the fabric technology and explore the circular design principles that lay the foundation of all Houdini garments.

The goal behind the initiative is to help the textile and product design industry become circular and waste free through knowledge sharing and cross-industry collaboration.

”Our vision is to enable a waste-free world where people can enjoy nature experiences without negatively impacting the environment. The insight that sparked the idea of Project Mono Air was that if we want to really change the industry for the better, we need to work together. We all share the problems that are caused by unsustainable design and manufacturing, so why not share the solutions to tackle them?

One garment is not going to solve the problem, but we hope it can be one step on the way towards speeding up the pace of innovation — and hopefully spark change even beyond the textile industry”, says Eva Karlsson, CEO at Houdini.

The Mono Air Houdi, which was first revealed in January and awarded gold at the prestigious ISPO Awards, was created to address the issue of plastic and textile waste on a larger scale. The garment is designed in a groundbreaking Polartec® Power Air™ fabric technology, made from circular mono material and engineered to reduce microfiber shedding by 80 percent. With its cutting-edge outdoor performance, the jacket pushes boundaries both in terms of sustainability and functionality.

“Polartec Power Air is a step forward in reducing the environmental impact of what we make and wear,” said Steve Layton, president of Polartec. This groundbreaking technology can be a real enabler for circularity. It’s processes and constructions like these, which make circularity possible. And it’s designs like Houdini’s which help show the world how clothing can be made sustainably.”

”The biggest challenge for all brands working with circularity is to design products that are sustainable without compromising on performance. This is what we have been able to solve with the Mono Air: to create a garment that enables both sustainability and cutting-edge performance. The goal with the open- source project is not to create many Mono Air fleece jackets, but to let the work behind it become useful in the development of other products and innovations. If this can lead to new circular breakthroughs in the textile industry — be it in the hands of a basement designer or billion dollar brand — we are on the right path” says Jesper Danielsson, head of Design and Innovation at Houdini.

The open-source files and more information about the project can be found at the Project Mono Air website, launching October 7.

Posted October 9, 2020

Source: Houdini

Italian Textile Machinery At Online Innovate Textile & Apparel October 15-30, 2020

HOUSTON — October 9, 2020 — As a result of the cancellation of key industry in-person exhibitions dedicated to the textile machinery, this year the Italian Trade Agency and ACIMIT, the Association of Italian Textile Machinery Manufacturers, are digitally attending Innovate Textile & Apparel, the first ever innovation-based virtual trade show for the textile sector. A one-of-a-kind virtual platform, Innovate Textile & Apparel will be live October 15-30, 2020, and will be supported by more than 100 textile leading industry organizations and associations around the world.

For the Italian textile machinery industry Innovate Textile & Apparel is going to be one of the first occasions to experiment a full digital B2B approach to the international market and, at the same time, to show the most updated technology for the technical and innovative textiles sector to a potential global audience.

The Italian presence at Innovate Textile & Apparel is organized through a Digital Pavilion, where 21 Italian machinery manufacturers involved in the production of machines for technical textiles will show their innovative solutions. Collectively, they will exhibit a wide range of advanced technologies, products and services, able to meet the highest customers’ requirements, even tailor-made. From printing and dyeing machines to woven and non-woven solutions systems but also Radio frequency dryers, twisting and covering machines and much more.

These are the companies showcasing at Innovate Textile & Apparel: A.Piovan, Dell’orco & Villani, Drm, Efi Reggiani, Erhardt+Leimer, Ferraro, Guarneri Technology, I.C.S. Italian Color Solution, Lawer, Loptex, Macchine Caru’, Matex, Mcs Officina Meccanica, Mesdan, Monti Antonio, Officina Master Di Livi Raffaello, Ramallumin, Ratti Luino, Stalam, Tonello, Unitech Industries.

Italy is today one of main producers and exporters of textile machinery in the world. In 2019, the production of Italian textile machinery amounted to 2.3 billion of Euro, 82 percent of which — worth 1.9 billion Euro ($2.2 billion) — was exported to approximately 130 countries, with 8 percent of this figure exported into North America. The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted heavily on the sector with consequently negative orders in the first two quarters of 2020. Nonetheless, Italian exports to the US market testify the will of American textile customers to still invest in “Made in Italy” equipment. In the first seven months of 2020, Italian sales of textile machinery in the United States reached a value of about $60.6 million. The most relevant share of the Italian machines exported to the U.S. market was for finishing machines, 52 percent, followed by spinning machines, 16 percent.

Posted October 9, 2020

Source: ITA- Italian Trade Agency

Material Exchange And Eurofins Softlines & Leather Form A New Collaborative Partnership To Support Material Compliance In Footwear And Apparel

HONG KONG/STOCKHOLM — October 8, 2020 — Material Exchange Ventures AB, a Stockholm based start-up and provider of the Material Exchange — a digital material platform — is proud to announce a new partnership with Eurofins Softlines & Leather to streamline material compliance and create much needed transparency within fashion supply chains.

Leveraging Eurofins Softlines & Leather’s robust testing capabilities, the new partnership will provide a direct link for material suppliers to apply for testing with Eurofins Softlines & Leather, which in turn will streamline the supplier selection process for buyers. Eurofins Softlines & Leather has developed the material compliance testing protocol with Footwear Distributors & Retailers of America (FDRA) to support suppliers within the Material Exchange Digital Library as part of a reduced cost program, enabling them to easily and efficiently complete tests.

The availability of material test reports within the Material Exchange system will provide greater transparency for brands and retailers on the regulated restricted substances for major markets providing more visibility to buyers when they are selecting materials in the Material Exchange. In addition, the added benefits of enhanced global regulatory compliance and decrease in testing cost to the trade will most certainly be realized.

Working with the support and guidance of the FDRA, who represents almost 90 percent of major footwear brands and retailers in the United States, Material Exchange and Eurofins Softlines & Leather have set forth a program of standardised chemical tests that are essential during the material selection process for brands and retailers.

Research from the FDRA suggests, material testing is predominantly completed in the final stages of product development by brands, however, only a limited amount of testing is done at material selection. This joint partnership can greatly enhance compliance, efficiency and transparency from the start of the manufacturing lifecycle by testing materials first, and housing the results in the system for brands to access.

Posted October 8, 2020

Source: Eurofins Softlines & Leather

Bringing Colour Back! FESPA Launches Campaign For March 2021 Expo

DORKING, England — October 8, 2020 — FESPA has launched the promotional campaign for its March 2021 event, scheduled to take place at the RAI exhibition center in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, from March 9-12, 2021.

With its message of cautious optimism — “Bringing Colour Back” — FESPA is setting out to deliver a safe, focused event that allows the specialty printing community to reconnect face-to-face after a year of unprecedented disruption, and provides a springboard for the sector’s sustained recovery.

The event website is now live at www.fespaglobalprintexpo.com, offering initial information for exhibitors and visitors. The site includes venue details and floor plans, as well as evolving guidance around the comprehensive health and safety measures being implemented in response to COVID-19. Visitors can also now register their interest and access information about entrance fees and promotional codes for discounted entry.

For exhibitors, the site features a new online ‘showroom’ where they can publish product information and technical content to support their participation, as well as managing inquiries from prospective buyers.

The March 2021 event will comprise FESPA Global Print Expo for screen, digital wide-format and textile printing, alongside European Sign Expo for non-printed signage. Visitors can also enjoy the popular Printeriors and World Wrap Masters features, to be inspired by the latest materials and applications in interior décor and vehicle wrapping.

CEO Neil Felton said: “By the time we open the doors on FESPA next spring, many businesses will have been in a state of suspended animation for more than 12 months, closed off to real-world connections and experiences. But it’s our human instinct to meet, network, discuss and discover. Talking to print businesses, there’s a definite appetite among decision-makers to get out, come up close to new products and unearth fresh ideas. They want to be re-energized and turn their focus to the future.”

He continued: “At the same time, our exhibitors want the proven platform of FESPA to showcase a year’s worth of innovations and re-engage effectively with their customers and prospects, in ways that simply can’t be replicated online. We really can’t wait to play our part in bringing colour, energy and positivity back into our community, and to help everyone to move forward again.”

The choice of Amsterdam to host FESPA 2021 enables visitors from across Europe to travel easily to the event, thanks to the excellent road, rail and air connections to the Dutch city.

The March 2021 event will be the first live FESPA event to take place after all 2020 events were moved to 2021 due to the dynamic development of the COVID-19 pandemic. FESPA Mexico, Brasil, Africa and Eurasia have all moved to new dates in 2021.

Posted October 8, 2020

Source: FESPA

The National Retail Federation: Imports Set New Record As Retailers Replenish Inventories And Stock Up Early For Holidays

WASHINGTON — October 8, 2020 — Imports reached an all-time high this summer as retail sales bounced back from the pandemic and merchants replenished inventories and stocked up early for the holiday season, according to the monthly Global Port Tracker report released today by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates.

“After staying at home this spring, consumers are buying again and retail supply chains are working overtime to keep up with demand,” NRF Vice President for Supply Chain and Customs Policy Jonathan Gold said. “Nothing about this year is predictable, but retailers are making sure their shelves and warehouses are well-stocked for the holidays. They are also stocking up earlier than usual because they know many consumers will be shopping early this year to avoid crowds and shipping delays. Some holiday merchandise that normally wouldn’t arrive until Halloween is already here.”

U.S. ports covered by Global Port Tracker handled 2.1 million Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units in August, the latest month for which after-the-fact numbers are available. That was up 9.7 percent from July and up 8 percent year-over-year. It was the highest number of containers imported in a single month since NRF began tracking imports in 2002, beating 2.04 million TEU seen in October 2018 ahead of a scheduled tariff increase. A TEU is one 20-foot-long cargo container or its equivalent.

September was estimated at 2.08 million TEU, a 10.9 percent year-over-year increase. September’s actual total won’t be known until next month but could become the second-highest month on record. October is forecast at 1.86 million TEU, down 1.1 percent year over year.

Those numbers would amount to a record 7.96 million TEU during the July-October “peak season” when retailers rush to bring in merchandise for the winter holidays, topping 7.7 million TEU in 2018. Three-quarters of peak season imports – an estimated 6.1 million TEU – have already arrived, preparing retailers for the early shopping NRF expects this year.

November is forecast at 1.61 million TEU, down 5.1 percent year-over-year, and December at 1.53 million TEU, down 11.2 percent. That would bring 2020 to 20.5 million TEU, a drop of 4.9 percent from last year to tie 2017 for the lowest annual total in three years. The first half of 2020 totaled 9.5 million TEU, down 10.1 percent from last year.

January 2021 is forecast at 1.67 million TEU, down 8.2 percent from January 2020, while February is forecast at 1.49 million TEU, down 1.5 percent year-over-year.

Hackett Associates Founder Ben Hackett said the summer import growth reflects retail sales that have seen year-over-year gains each month since June, including 2.6 percent in August.

“The U.S. economy is beating forecasts with consumption up and imports setting new records,” Hackett said. “Retail sales are a big part of consumer spending, so one would expect to see an increase when the economy improves and consumers are confident. But less than six months after the biggest decreases on record this spring, retail sales have bounced back to pre-crisis levels.”

Global Port Tracker, which is produced for NRF by the consulting firm Hackett Associates, provides historical data and forecasts for the U.S. ports of Los Angeles/Long Beach, Oakland, Seattle and Tacoma on the West Coast; New York/New Jersey, Port of Virginia, Charleston, Savannah, Port Everglades, Miami and Jacksonville on the East Coast, and Houston on the Gulf Coast. The report is free to NRF retail members, and subscription information is available at NRF.com/PortTracker . Subscription information for non-members can be found at www.globalporttracker.com.

Posted October 8, 2020

Source: The National Retail Federation (NRF)

TRSA Presents Global Textile Services Market Analysis

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — October 8, 2020 — TRSA recently hosted a webinar in conjunction with the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) to present the findings of its Global Textile Services Market Analysis. The two-hour presentation aired on September 29 and was aired again separately with broadcasts for executives in both the Asia-Pacific and Middle East markets on September 30. Roughly 350 global linen, uniform and facility services executives tuned into the series of broadcasts.

Claire Casey, global managing director, public policy practice, EIU, kicked off the webinar with an in-depth discussion of the report, which looked at market sectors, key indicators and major linen, uniform and facility services companies in five regions and 13 countries worldwide to guide investment, expansion and strategic decision-making in the global linen, uniform and facility services industry.

Casey noted that while industry demand will weaken through 2021, the industry will achieve modest growth worldwide through 2024, with demand for workwear improving as industries across the global economy recover from the COVID-19-driven downturn. Healthcare demand will drive a stable outlook for flat linen goods. Hotels, hurt by COVID-19-related declines in business and leisure travel, will face adverse impacts through 2022. Thereafter, hotels will expand quickly, according to the analysis.

Casey also detailed the economic forecasts and trends for several market sectors, including:

  • Construction;
  • Energy, oil and gas;
  • Healthcare;
  • Hotels; and
  • Manufacturing.

A total of 10 companies were profiled in the report, including Aramark, Cintas, CWS, Elan, Elis, Johnson Service Group, K-Bro, Rentokil Initial, Spotless and UniFirst. The analysis provided key insights into worldwide trends, as well as how companies are dealing with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Following Casey’s presentation, Vaibhav Sahgal, consultant, public policy group, EIU, joined the webinar to lend further insight into the study. The presentation concluded with a question-and-answer session moderated by TRSA President & CEO Joseph Ricci.

After the Q&A wrapped up, several executives from leading global linen, uniform and facility services companies joined the webinar for a panel discussion on worldwide trends affecting the industry. Panelists included:

  • Jim Kearns, executive vice president, Alsco Linen & Uniform Rental Services, U.S.;
  • Juha Laurio, CEO, Lindstrom Oy, Finland;
  • Harley Oaten, executive general manager, Spotless, Australia; and
  • Henning Siemens, regional managing director, workwear, CWS International GmbH, Germany.

Ricci moderated the panel discussion. Pan Wei, executive chairman and secretary general, China Laundry Association (CLA), shared insights about the Chinese linen, uniform and facility services market via a prerecorded video.

Event partners included the national associations of Germany, DTV; Belgium, FBT; the Laundry Association of Australia, LAA; and the Textile Services Association of the UK. Additional event partners included Texcare International, which has been rescheduled to Nov. 27-Dec. 1, 2021, in Frankfurt, Germany; the Middle East Cleaning Technology Week, rescheduled for 28 – 30 September 2021, at the Dubai World Trade Centre; and the rescheduled World Textile Services Congress (WTSC), slated for Dec. 1-2, 2021, in conjunction with Texcare International in Frankfurt. Kleen-Tex, a global manufacturer and distributor of mats, sponsored the webinar.

Posted October 8, 2020

Source: TRSA

Durst UVC-R Air Disinfection System — Quality Of Life For The New Normality

BRIXEN, Italy — October 8, 2020 — Durst, a manufacturer of advanced digital printing and production technologies, is responding to the COVID pandemic with another initiative. As early as April, during the lockdown, Durst had started the production of community masks as a first preventive measure, now Durst is stepping up its efforts and presenting an innovative solution for reducing the viral load in indoor environments — the Durst UVC-R Air Disinfection System.

The new normality that shapes our private and professional life is determined by masks, distance rules and disinfectants. This situation will not change in the short or medium term. Even if there will be a vaccine against COVID-19, new types of viruses and mutations will most likely occur. Therefore, over the last few months, Durst has put its expertise in the laboratories, in production, in UV technology, in flow simulations and in the safety guidelines together, to bring a piece of quality of life back to the new normality, with the Durst UVC-R Air Disinfection System.

In the Durst Labs, the main transmission paths and descent rates of droplets and aerosols that transport virus-containing liquid particles were analyzed, as well as the effectiveness of countermeasures with continuous air exchange and UV irradiation. The solution: Durst UVC-R combines both air exchange and UV irradiation in one system, effectively reducing infectious aerosols, viruses and germs in indoor environments. Through an antiviral membrane, the room air is led into a closed system and irradiated with UV-C light.

The disinfected air is continuously released back into the room through an air outlet.

Special features of the Durst UVC-R

  • Closed, radiation-protected chambers with high-performance UV-C modules in airflow-optimized and mirrored channels.
  • Generation of ozone-free UV-C radiation with a wavelength of 254 nanometers.
  • Suction nozzles over the entire surface on both sides of the system at the level of the aerosol origin
  • Antiviral coating of the membrane surface.
  • Whisper-quiet with a typical noise level of 25 dB (A).

“We checked the efficiency of the UV-C sources in our laboratories and analyzed the ideal exposure time and volumetric flow,” said Christoph Gamper, CEO and co-owner of the Durst Group. “An external laboratory for medical technology and disinfectants in Germany is currently in the process of verifying our results. At the same time, the efficiency of the Durst UVC-R is tested in real mode with “pseudoviruses” or so-called bacteriophages.

Efficiency Durst UVC-R

The Durst UVC-R’s center disinfection zone measures 4 x 4 x 2.5 meters. However, Durst points out that no specific statements about square meters or volume size can be given as a general answer in terms of efficiency, as the efficiency depends on many factors such as temperature, air flows in the room, ceiling height, number of people, etc. Therfore Durst gives the following example for the efficiency: 4 people sit at a table and are surrounded by a volume of 8 m³. Each person inhales and exhales about 0.5 m³ of air per hour, a total of 2 m³. Durst UVC-R disinfects 12.5 times this volume or 25 m³ in 15 minutes and 50 times the breathing volume of 4 people or 100 m³ in one hour.

If the UVC-R is placed in a larger room, a constant mixing of the room air around the disinfection center is taking place, which means that by the permanent release of purified air the viral load is reduced even outside the central zone.

“We see in Durst UVC-R not only a preventive measure to reduce the viral loads,” Christoph Gamper. “Together with the South Tyrolean industrial designer Christian Zanzotti we have developed portfolio, that can harmoniously be integrated into many interior concepts. Furthermore, the anti-viral coated membrane can be personalized with our digital printing systems.”

Durst offers the 1st series of the UVC-R as a Limited Edition for pre-order on www.durstgroup.com/uvcr . Within the next weeks the entire UVC-R portfolio will be available in a webshop. Start of delivery of the 1st series is planned for early December. The UVC-R Durst. Advanced Digital Printing and Production Technology www.durst-group.com Durst Phototechnik AG 3 systems can be viewed at the Durst headquarters in Brixen, South Tyrol/Italy.

Posted October 8, 2020

Source: Durst

The Materials Science Group At Synalloy Introduces BioLube ECO-7

CLEVELAND, Tenn. — October 8, 2020 — The Materials Science Group at Synalloy just unveiled a new lubricant technology based on renewable resources. BioLube ECO-7 is designed for fiber extrusion and certain knitting applications. This product is a significant departure from typical materials streams.

Mike Junkins of Synalloy offered this statement: “I believe our researchers have developed something significant.  We have a lubricant that is 100-percent active, water soluble, biodegradable, and made from renewable vegetable materials.  It is dilutable with water to form stable lubricant emulsions and is easily rinsed away with water.  We have enough flexibility with this chemistry to modify properties to work in a number of applications”.

Posted October 8, 2020

Source: Synalloy Chemicals

AMETEK Surface Vision Partners With PPE Manufacturers To Help Reduce The Spread Of Infection Through Nonwoven Technology

HAYWARD, CA — October 7, 2020 — AMETEK Surface Vision, a provider of online surface inspection solutions, is supporting nonwoven material manufacturers as they deliver personal protective equipment (PPE) at unprecedented rates.

High-quality nonwoven materials are essential for PPE used by frontline workers and the general public, providing critical air permeability while protecting against airborne particles.

With nonwoven production lines running at full capacity to meet the increased demand for PPE during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is vitally important that material quality is maintained to the highest possible standards.

A team of scientists working from Riken’s centre for computational science in Japan, recently performed a detailed study comparing different materials used in the manufacture of face masks. Powered by the Fugaku supercomputer, which performs more than 415 quadrillion calculations per second, the study concluded that face masks made from nonwoven materials are more effective at preventing the spread of COVID-19 when compared to cotton or polyester.

While the cotton and polyester masks blocked at least 80 percent of droplets emitted in a cough, the nonwoven mask blocked nearly all droplets.

These results reinforce the importance of nonwoven products in the manufacture of PPE products used in the healthcare and hygiene industries.

The inspection and monitoring solutions supplied by AMETEK Surface Vision support nonwoven quality and consistency for a range of production processes, delivering defect detection that integrates into high-speed production of single-use items.

AMETEK Surface Vision’s SmartView® and SmartAdvisor® systems combine cutting-edge software and proven hardware, performing the real-time detection and classification needed to identify nonwoven material defects.

“We combine the right lighting, camera technology, and software to manage process upsets and contaminations that could compromise the integrity of critical PPE,” Breck Lewis, senior applications and commercial technology manager at AMETEK Surface Vision, said. “Our customers, communities, and frontline personnel require the best protection, and our goal is to bring them an unparalleled defect detection system.”

More details can be found in AMETEK Surface Vision’s new brochure, “Detecting Defects in Personal Protective Equipment,” which explains the importance of high-quality nonwoven material for the PPE market and discusses the typical defects that might be encountered.

The brochure also highlights AMETEK Surface Vision’s modular, customizable solutions for PPE and explains why color-camera systems provide extra benefits for defect detection in this application.

Posted October 8, 2020

Source: AMETEK Surface Vision

J.Jill Names Claire Spofford As CEO

QUINCY, Mass. — October 7, 2020 — J.Jill Inc. today announced the appointment of Claire Spofford as CEO, effective no later than February 15, 2021. She will also become a member of the Board of Directors. Jim Scully will remain Interim CEO to ensure a smooth transition of the role. Spofford a veteran retail executive with more than 20 years of experience, most recently served as president of Cornerstone Brands.

“After an extensive period of successfully navigating through the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic and a strategic restructuring of the business, J.Jill has emerged stronger both operationally and financially to continue to execute on our initiatives and capitalize on the growth opportunities ahead,” said Michael Rahamim, Chairman of the Board. “As we enter this next phase, we are excited to welcome Claire back to the J.Jill organization. Claire’s extensive experience driving growth and profitability at respected retail companies coupled with her knowledge of our customer and brand make her the ideal candidate to lead the business forward. We look forward to building upon the legacy of this great brand.”

As president of Cornerstone Brands Spofford oversaw a portfolio of four interactive, aspirational, home and apparel lifestyle brands including Ballard Designs, Frontgate, Garnet Hill and Grandin Road. She led the team there in evolving the brands into profitable, digitally driven omnichannel businesses. Prior to being appointed President of Cornerstone Brands, Spofford served as President of Garnet Hill, one of the company’s lifestyle brands. Previously, she was Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of J.Jill, Inc. She held numerous leadership roles at Orchard Brands including Interim President and Chief Executive Officer, as well as Group President for Premium Brands and President of Appleseeds. Prior to Orchard Brands, Spofford served as Vice President, Global Marketing of Timberland.

“I am honored to rejoin the team and for the opportunity to lead J.Jill as we look to build on our strong heritage and position the company for the future,” said Spofford. “J.Jill is a unique brand that is not only dedicated to helping women look great and feel good, but also to supporting women in the community, and I have a deep admiration and love for the brand and the important role it plays in women’s lives. I am excited to work alongside the talented team as we continue to evolve and meet the needs of our customer day in and day out.”

Spofford currently serves as a board member for Reclaim Childhood and previously served on the board of directors for White Flower Farm and as a board member for Project Adventure, Inc. Spofford received her MBA from Babson College and her Bachelors of Arts in English and Political Science from the University of Vermont.

Rahamim continued, “As we look to chart the next chapter for J.Jill, we want to thank Interim Chief Executive Officer, Jim Scully, for his exceptional stewardship, guidance and leadership over the course of the past 10 months. With a solid foundation in place to build upon, we are well positioned to execute against our long-term business strategy.”

Posted October 7, 2020

Source: J.Jill Inc.

Sponsors