Bolger & O’Hearn Named 2020 Manufacturer Of The Year By Rep. Alan Silvia On Behalf Of The Massachusetts Commonwealth’s Legislature, House/Senate Manufacturing Caucus

FALL RIVER, Mass. — October 6, 2020 — There’s an old saying that success is when preparation and opportunity meet. That’s true, but in 2020, preparation also put Bolger & O’Hearn in a position to help New England front line workers fight the deadly COVID-19 pandemic.

Since March of this year, Bolger & O’Hearn has donated thousands of gallons of hand sanitizer to hospitals and community organizations in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, including Boston’s Brigham and Women’s Hospital, the Lifespan Health System in Rhode Island and the city of Fall River. Recognizing the immediate need for life-protecting hand sanitizer, Bolger & O’Hearn tapped their supply chain for the ingredients and converted part of their manufacturing operations to support delivery.

Bolger & O’Hearn also diverted business operations at the beginning of the pandemic to supply high -powered, durable water repellent (DWR) technologies to medical PPE manufacturers to make thousands of urgently needed hospital medical gowns.

In response to Bolger & O’Hearn’s early and ongoing actions supporting the region and the US textile industry, the company has been named “2020 Manufacturer of the Year” on behalf of the Fall River, Massachusetts, legislative district by House Representative Alan Silvia on behalf of the Massachusetts’ legislature’s House/Senate Manufacturing Caucus.

Their ability to respond quickly was the product of more than 50 years of operations in New England and a decade of revolutionary work developing Stormproof/Breathable durable water repellents for the sportswear industry and US military.

Bolger & O’Hearn had — over the previous ten years — invested heavily in the development of high-performance water and stain repellent finishes. This includes Altopel F3®, a fluorine-free water repellent, and OmniBloq® — an all-purpose oil, water and stain repellent.  In addition, they had been expanding their line of specialty textile coatings and adhesives technologies used in the manufacture of medical equipment.

Those chemistries are needed to manufacture Levels 1,2, and 3 FDA-approved medical PPE.

Posted October 6, 2020

Source: Bolger and O’Hearn

Supima Presents The Third Annual Supima Design Lab: Supima Design Lab 2020

PARIS — October 6, 2020 — Supima presents the third annual Supima Design Lab in its very first all-digital format, which will take place on Thursday, October 8, and be streamed live on Supima’s Instagram along with Fashion Network. Once again Supima brings together a select group of up and coming and leading designers from around the world. This year’s Supima Design Lab will showcase exclusive collections designed using American-grown Supima cotton featuring designs by the winner and finalists of the 2020 Supima Design Competition, the selection of the 2020 Hyères Fashion & Photography Festival and by leading International designers.

Created exclusively for the Supima Design Lab, each design showcases the endless possibilities of fabrics made with Supima cotton. Stemming from a commitment to design, sustainable innovation and superior quality, Supima is unwavering in its ongoing programs that create platforms for designers to express themselves despite the challenges of Covid-19.

This Year’s Digital Runway show will be presenting “Made with Supima” Exclusive Designs by the winner and finalists of the 13th Annual Supima Design Competition:

  • Amanda Forastieri, Drexel University – This Year’s Winner;
  • Sakura Mizutani, Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising;
  • Jenny Feng, Fashion Institute of Technology;
  • Jennie Nguyen, Kent State University;
  • Terrence Zhou, Parsons School of Design; and
  • Kyra Buenviaje, Rhode Island School of Design.

Finalists of 35th International Festival of Fashion, Fashion Photography and Accessories of Hyères

  • Katarzyna Agnieszka (France) Andrea Grossi (Italy);
  • Aline Boubert (France) Marvin M’Toumo (France);
  • Xavier Brisoux (France) Maximilian Rittler (Belgium);
  • Emma Bruschi (France) Céline Shen (France); and
  • Timour Desdemoustier (Belgium) Tom van der Borght (Belgium).

Selected Leading Designers

  • Thierry Colson;
  • Lutz Huelle;
  • Dice Kayek;
  • Jean Paul Knott; and
  • On Aura Tout Vu.

As a special addition to this year’s Supima Design Lab, there will be a round table orchestrated by Benjamin Simmenauer, Permanent Professor at Institut Français de la Mode, Fashion Expert & Brand Strategist. The round table includes a select panel of industry leaders for an in-depth discussion of the Supima Design Lab – From the Fields to the Runway. This year’s panelists include :

  • Jean-Pierre Blanc, Founder, International Festival of Fashion, Photography and Accessories of Hyères;
  • Godfrey Deeny, International Editor-in-Chief, FashionNetwork;
  • Marc Lewkowitz, President & CEO, Supima; and
  • Buxton Midyette, VP Marketing & Promotions, Supima.

“We are truly honored to continue working with our SDC Partner School finalists, the selection from the Festival de Hyères and our Leading Designer group. During the pandemic, we knew it was more important than ever to stay nimble and shift the Supima Design Lab into a virtual format to support these emerging designers achieve success in the fashion industry,” said Buxton Midyette, vice president, marketing and promotions, Supima

Posted October 6, 2020

Source: Supima

SINTX Technologies Develops New Mask Fabric With Silicon Nitride

SINTX Technologies Silicon Nitride coating on polypropylene fibers.

SALT LAKE CITY — October 6, 2020 — SINTX Technologies Inc., an original equipment manufacturer of silicon nitride ceramic for medical and non-medical applications, announced progress toward the manufacture of a “catch-and-kill” mask that will inactivate respiratory viruses. Exposure to silicon nitride has been shown to neutralize several bacterial species and viral strains.

The company said that it has successfully dispersed and embedded silicon nitride particles into nonwoven and woven fabric fibers. Optimization of this process, fabric safety and efficacy testing, and manufacturing scale-up are the next steps beyond this critical milestone.

“By investing in our human resources and equipment, we expedited this development in-house, rather than relying on outside parties,” said Dr. Bal, president and CEO of SINTX Technologies. “The attached scanning electron image shows silicon nitride particles preferentially bonded to polypropylene fibers, at the micron level, without stray particles. Fabrics containing silicon nitride from this process will be tested for their antiviral effect. Previous scientific data have shown that silicon nitride strongly inactivates SAR-CoV-2, the virus causing the COVID-19 pandemic.”

“Initial process development activities have shown promising results and we are hopeful that we will soon have a mask that catches and kills the coronavirus,” said Bruce Lorange, CEO of O2TODAY, who has an agreement with SINTX to develop and commercialize antimicrobial face masks. “We are excited by the rapid progress we are making and looking forward to sharing more updates as we have them.”

“We believe that the consumer market for a face mask capable of inactivating bacteria and viruses extends well beyond the present concerns about COVID-19,” said Dr. Bal. “In densely-packed Asian cities, for example, respiratory viruses and air pollution are common health concerns, and protective mask use existed even before COVID-19. Similar concerns may endure in Western countries as well, long after a COVID-19 vaccine is freely available. We believe that our antipathogenic masks and the underlying fabric technology will have lasting consumer demand.”

Posted October 6, 2020

Source: SINTX Technologies Inc.

Medicom Announces New U.S.-Based Mask Manufacturing Plant

United Medical Enterprise facility in Augusta, Georgia

MONTREAL — October 6, 2020 — The Medicom Group, manufacturers of surgical and respiratory masks, today announced the expansion of its U.S. mask-manufacturing operations. The company will be adding a second factory with triple the square footage of its existing United Medical Enterprise facility in Augusta, Ga.

The new production facility, also located in the Augusta region, will accommodate new state-of-the-art surgical and N95-type mask production equipment with updated technology. Several new machines are already on site and more are due to arrive in the coming weeks. The additional manufacturing capacity will allow Medicom to increase supply of medical-grade masks and N95-type respirators for the U.S. market during the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak and help ensure that the U.S. is well-equipped to meet future needs.

“Medicom has been a trusted name in personal protective equipment for over 32 years,” said Guillaume Laverdure, Medicom president and global COO “Diversified supply has been a long-term strategy for Medicom and we are happy to announce that we will be quadrupling our production output in the U.S. to supply products that will help protect healthcare professionals for years to come. We chose to remain in Augusta, Georgia, as we have many long-term employees who have years of mask manufacturing expertise, which will ensure a seamless expansion.”

In addition to the new U.S. site announced today, over the last several months, Medicom has added factories in Singapore, the U.K. and Canada, as well as a second factory in France, in addition to adding capacity at established factories in France, China and Taiwan.

With more than three decades of scientific infection control expertise, an extensive global network of raw material suppliers and manufacturing operations strategically distributed across three continents, Medicom has become a highly sought-after partner by governments and healthcare institutions worldwide seeking to ensure reliable, high-quality local production of face masks, medical gowns and other protective apparel, now and in the future.

Posted October 6, 2020

Source: AMD Medicom Inc.

Medical Apparel Brand Jaanuu Unveils Performance Driven Mission And Collection

LOS ANGELES — October 6, 2020 — Direct-to-consumer performance medical apparel company Jaanuu has unveiled its latest evolution in branding and its company mission with a new campaign ‘Challenge Accepted’, inspired by the incredible journey and commitment taken by healthcare workers to perform at their best, overcome challenges and achieve greatness.

“I’ve had a chance to reflect personally on my journey as a physician, and how truly physically and emotionally taxing this year has been,” said Jaanuu co-founder Dr. Neela Sethi Young. “I’ve seen and studied my colleagues’ battles and fears. I wanted the company I co-founded to reflect these challenges and the strengths to overcome them.”

Along with the evolved branding and mission, Jaanuu also announces two groundbreaking new fabrics to their scrubs collections; EDGEryx™ and SPINryx™. EDGEryx™ is a revolutionary woven fabric constructed with 4-way stretch properties for superior comfort and durability, providing advanced flexibility and mobility while maintaining structure. SPINryx™ is a soft knit fabric solution providing a new definition of performance fabric by intersecting extreme flexibility and comfort, offering sweat-wicking and all-day breathability. Jaanuu’s new compression fabric is engineered to provide an ergonomic base layer to partner with Jaanuu scrubs for all-day total muscle and body support through long shifts.

“Innovation and heart have always been at the core of Jaanuu — and the timing was right to rethink our mission and revamp our products with further advancement in our fabric technology. We’ve worked with healthcare professionals for over a year to iterate and deliver the most innovative medical scrubs in the world,” said Saurabh Shah, chief strategy officer.

The revamped collection is optimized to meet healthcare professionals’ needs with new advanced antimicrobial-finished fabrics, durable mesh linings, functional details such as hidden pockets and badge loops, and versatile silhouettes all specifically designed for optimal long-wear performance.

“As Jaanuu has grown and evolved over the years, we have continually been amazed and inspired by the medical professionals who wear our apparel to perform at their best, every day. This year has driven that home more than ever and was the catalyst for reimagining our ‘why’ and highlighting the incredible challenges faced, accepted and overcome by our customers daily,” commented Jaanuu co-founder and CEO Shaan Sethi. “We’ve cemented our core values to reflect this: empowering, authentic, intimate, raw and real and inclusive, because those values represent Jaanuu’s heart and soul.”

Posted October 6, 2020

Source: Jaanuu

David’s Bridal Announces Nationwide Expansion Of Alterations Business

CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa. — October 6, 2020 — David’s Bridal announced today the expansion of their alterations business to include non-David’s Bridal merchandise. The bridal industry and special occasion company will make its fleet of superior alterations specialists available as a trusted resource to perform alterations for those in need of expert services, at a competitive price, in an expediated timeframe.

“More than being in the bridal business, we’re in the business of serving her, our customer,” said Bob Walker, David’s Bridal’s chief field operations and store experience officer. “What we have learned is that the teams in our 300+ store locations receive requests on a daily basis from customers in need of alterations advice or assistance on non-David’s merchandise, and they don’t know where to go. Smaller boutiques and e-commerce companies typically don’t offer alterations services, so a customer is left with limited options.  Over the past few months we have taken a close look at our capabilities and realize we can make our highly talented alterations experts available to all.”

“We are thrilled to announce our ‘All in One Place Alterations’ program, and to have the opportunity to make our exceptionally talented team of alterations professionals available to our customers, both existing and new,” said Rosa-Lan Jarman, vice president of Alterations at David’s Bridal. “On any given day, our stores receive inquiries from customers about tailoring her fiancé’s tuxedo, the dresses she is taking on her honeymoon, or even her newest pair of jeans or jumpsuit! We have become a trusted resource, have hundreds of local store locations, and because of the size of our team, we have the ability, privilege, and authority to expand our operations. We want to be there for everyone in need of alterations and can promise our teams’ unmatched skill will result in a 100% quality guarantee.”

David’s Bridal employs over 2100 alterations specialists, boasting the largest in-house alterations team in the country. The brand stated this program is a long time in the making, and individuals in need of alterations services — from tuxedos to suits to jeans to little white dresses, and even non-David’s Bridal wedding gowns — can easily make an appointment by texting “alterations” to their virtual stylist, Zoey, at 38201, or by visiting www.davidsbridal.com.  This announcement is the latest advancement in the transformation for David’s who has most recently unveiled several initiatives to better serve their customer including their launch of 3D and AR technologies on their website, their partnership with Affirm, and their Virtual Stylist and Appointment Experience.

Posted October 6, 2020

Source: David’s Bridal

Central National Gottesman (CNG) Expands Into Nonwovens & Fibers, Growing Its Global Product Category Offerings

PURCHASE, N.Y. — October 6, 2020 — Central National Gottesman Inc. (CNG), which owns sales and distribution businesses in the global pulp, paper, tissue, packaging, wood products and metals industries, announced today that its Central National division will expand its product offering to include nonwovens & fibers.

The new category includes viscose and lyocell, the plant-based fibers used in textiles, nonwovens and other products. These fibers are alternatives to fossil fuel-based fibers used in everyday household items, including diapers, wipes, and feminine hygiene products, and will help reduce the impact of single-use plastics on the environment.

“We are proud that our expanding product scope includes the pioneering use of plant-based materials for the production of nonwovens, fibers, packaging, bio-chemicals and bio-energy as sustainable substitutes for petroleum products,” said CNG President and CEO Andrew Wallach. “Our goal is to be a part of the solution to transition away from fossil fuels in pursuit of a more circular economy.”

Wallach added that the new product category will be led by Jeff Hurley in a newly created position to enter into the fast-growing nonwovens space. Hurley comes to CNG from NicePak Products, a leading producer of wet wipes for consumer, health care and food service markets, where he served in both technical and commercial roles.

“Jeff’s knowledge and expertise in this category adds a high level of understanding of these materials, as well as insight into their uses and environmental advantages,” said Warren Pullen, Central National’s Executive Vice President overseeing the new category launch. “His leadership positions in R&D/innovation, manufacturing, sales and business development make him the ideal person to head this new category.”

CNG has traditionally focused on paper, pulp and packaging, but recently expanded its category offerings to include wood and metal products to meet growing global demand. The company distributes more than seven million metric tons of product annually, with an expertise in global trade, finance and supply chain management that streamlines the process of delivering products around the world.

Posted October 6, 2020

Source: Central National Gottesman Inc.

Accelerating Circularity® Releases Research & Mapping Report


CAMPBELL HALL, N.Y. — October 6, 2020 — Accelerating Circularity Inc. has released a report with the results of their research on the potential for circular supply chains on the east coast of the United States. The report answers the basic questions of why, what, where, who and how materials can become a part of circular, textile-to-textile recycling systems. It includes information on spent post- industrial and post-consumer materials, stakeholders including collectors, sorters, and preprocessors, and chemical and mechanical recyclers.

The report maps the current state of actors in future circular supply chain networks, which will be the building blocks for circular models that will be critical to the industry’s future.

According to Karla Magruder, president, Accelerating Circularity, “Understanding the materials available, what supply chain steps are in place, and what is missing for textile-to- textiles circular systems will speed up the transition to new systems. This research has deepened our awareness that everything in a circular system must be connected for it to work. For everything to be connected we must all participate; it is something the industry has to do together. Nobody can go it alone.”

A Call to Action asks brands and retailers, industry stakeholders, and recyclers to do their part by contributing, more knowledge through information sharing and feedback. Brands and Retailers are asked to share the fiber contents of their products. Collectors, Sorters, and Preprocessors are asked to provide feedback on sorting specifications. Recyclers are asked to self-assess into process categories.

The full report, interactive data visualizations, and calls to action can be found at www.acceleratingcircularity.org/research.

Accelerating Circularity’s work has been made possible by a grant from the Walmart Foundation and support from Gap Inc., Nike, Target, and VF Corp.

Posted October 6, 2020

Source: Accelerating Circularity, Inc.

Executive Panel Highlights TRSA Virtual Healthcare Conference

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — October 6, 2020 — The December 1-3 TRSA Virtual Healthcare Conference will host an executive panel discussion involving the impact of the COVID-19 crisis and the response from the linen, uniform and facility services industry. Moderated by TRSA President & CEO Joseph Ricci, the panel will address specific industry challenges and opportunities such as new products and services.

The interactive panel will be live allowing for a Q&A session with conference participants, and will help answer the question: Where do we go from here? Panelists represent the largest regional and fastest growing healthcare acute and non-acute linen and garment services companies including:

  • Rich Bott, CEO, Emerald Textiles;
  • Joseph LaPorta, President & CEO, Healthcare Linen Services Group;
  • David Potack, President, Unitex Healthcare Laundry Services; and
  • David Stern, CEO, Novo Health Services.

This panel will be the culmination of the Virtual Healthcare Conference that kicks off with a virtual welcome reception and break-out sessions on Monday, Dec. 1, 7-8 pm EST.

The conference starts on Tuesday, December 2, opening with the keynote presentation from internationally respected health futurist and medical economist Jeffrey C. Bauer, Ph.D., who will discuss The Future of Healthcare – Post COVID – and What You Can Do About It. Bauer is the author of more than 250 publications on healthcare delivery and is a sought-after speaker regarding key trends in medical science, technology, reimbursement, public policy, health reform, strategy and creative problem solving.

Don’t Miss the Virtual Plant Tour

December 3 is the premiere of TRSA’s first-ever Virtual Plant Tour, featuring Ecotex Healthcare Linen Service of Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada. A 2020 TRSA Best Laundry Plants of the Year award winner (March 2020), this healthcare laundry built in 2017 highlights innovative concepts featured in short segments that will explore the various aspects and technology of this 35,000-square-foot facility.

The virtual plant tour format divides the plant into six separate segments covering the what, why and how for each. A live Q&A will follow each segment. The following team from Ecotex will be on hand to answer all questions and provide additional insight: President Bryan Bartsch; CEO Randy Bartsch; General Manager Rod Reeder; Director of Client Services Jeff Scott; and Corporate Director of Engineering Dan Steele.

Additional general and break-out sessions on Dec. 2-3 (see full agenda and brochure at www.trsa.org/healthcare) will cover these topics:

  • Reusable Healthcare PPE;
  • Healthcare Benchmarking Survey Results;
  • Workplace Diversity, Equity & Inclusion;
  • The Hygienically Clean Certification Process: Lessons Learned;
  • Using UV Lighting for Disinfection;
  • How to Build Personal Clothing Laundering Capabilities/Servicing LTC Facilities; and
  • Plant Disinfection Guidelines for COVID-19 Prevention.

The agenda is fully interactive with breaks that offer opportunities for additional networking. At the close of the day on Dec. 2, stay tuned for magician and mentalist Gary Ferrar, who will provide a virtual performance full of unexpected moments and unique effects. Ferrar has appeared on NBC and USA networks and on the Travel Channel. Ferrar has asked us to pass on these instructions to participants: “Due to the interactive nature of this virtual event, it is recommended that you put on pants and turn on your camera.”

TRSA’s Healthcare Conference is the premier laundry industry event focused on the business, handling and processing of hospital, surgery centers, medical offices, nursing homes and other medical facilities, including compliance and clinical trends. Mark your calendar and gather with operators responsible for processing more than 90% of North America’s healthcare linens and garments.

Register by October 16 to save an additional $100 on virtual registration pricing! Visit www.trsa.org/healthcare for coupon code and details.

Posted October 6, 2020

Source: TRSA

NCTO Supports House Resolution Opposing Expansion Of Generalized System Of Preferences Program (GSP) To Include Apparel, Textiles, Footwear

WASHINGTON — October 6, 2020 — The National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO), representing the full spectrum of U.S. textiles, from fiber to finished sewn products, voiced strong support for a House resolution opposing the inclusion of apparel, textile and footwear products in the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) program.

“I want to thank Congressman Albio Sires (D-N.J.) and Congressman Adriano Espaillat (D-N.Y.), Congresswoman Karen Bass (D-Calif.) and Congressman Mario  Diaz-Balart (R-Fla.) for introducing this important resolution, which expressly opposes the expansion of GSP to include apparel, textiles and footwear. Such a move would not only jeopardize the U.S. textile industry but also erode the critically negotiated trade preferences between the United States and our trading partners,” said NCTO President and CEO Kim Glas.

“In designing the GSP program 45 years ago, Congress intentionally excluded import-sensitive items to prevent domestic industries from being adversely impacted.

“An expansion of GSP for such imported products would put at risk the entire U.S. apparel and textile industry and its workforce — not to mention its $77 billion in annual output, $30 billion in annual exports and $20 billion in investment over the last decade,” Glas said.

“Further, it would undermine our free trade agreements in the Western Hemisphere, a critical export market for U.S. textiles that supports two million direct jobs. The Western Hemisphere accounts for 70 percent of apparel and textile exports and $35 million in two-way trade. We can’t thank all of the co-sponsors enough for their tremendous leadership on this issue and we support this critical resolution.

The resolution underscores how expanding GSP would impact Western Hemisphere trade and undermine trade preference benefits under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).”

Posted October 6, 2020

Source: The National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO)

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