United Sewing Automation Announces Test Results Of Their U.S.-Sourced And N.C.-Manufactured PPE Surgical Masks

MOUNT AIRY, N.C. — September 23, 2020 — United Sewing Automation, Inc. (USA) today announces the test results of their ASTM Rated Level 3 Disposable PPE face masks produced in their new automated manufacturing facility in Mount Airy, N.C. With the continued spread of the coronavirus, safety remains a top priority in America. While face masks have become a key component in fighting the spread of the virus, not all face masks provide optimal protection. As a result, USA recently completed extensive testing of their American-sourced and manufactured face masks in an ISO 17025 accredited laboratory and is pleased to report excellent results.

ASTM International sets the preferred international standard in healthcare best practices inclusive of testing and requirements for performance of medical grade materials. The FDA, who oversees the sale and marketing of all surgical masks, requires that manufacturers demonstrate mask performance in several critical areas: Bacterial Filtration, Particulate Filtration, Liquid Barrier Protection, Breathability, and Flammability.

USA is pleased to announce the following test results:

  • BFE – ASTM 2101 Bacterial Filtration Efficiency – passed at 99.62%
  • PFE – ASTM F2299 Particulate Filtration Efficiency – Rated Over 99.76%
  • Fluid resistance ASTM F1862 – passed at 160 mmHg
  • Flammability 16CFR 1610 – Passing Results for Class 1
  • Differential Pressure ASTM F2101-19 Breathability – Passed at 4.8 mm
  • Biocompatibility – Non-cytotoxic and Non-irritating

With testing complete, USA’s American-sourced and manufactured masks are now in compliance with the Berry Amendment and qualify for Department of Defense contracts.

Since the onset of the Coronavirus pandemic, America’s reliance on imported PPE has caused supply chain issues. In addition, the United States has been flooded with cheap, imported, inferior-quality face masks that do not provide adequate protection to fight the spread of COVID-19. In response, USA’s ownership team invested in automated equipment to manufacture American-made medical grade masks that provide proper protection for Americans.

Made from high-quality, USA-sourced materials, USA’s face masks feature a three-ply design with a built-in adjustable nose bridge and ear loops made of nylon and Spandex, providing a better fit than traditional disposable masks.

“We are very happy with the new test results,” said Ben Webb, USA’s CEO. “Our goal is to provide the highest-quality protective masks for every face in America every time one is needed. This virus is highly contagious and the American public needs to better understand that not all masks provide the proper protection. These test results prove that our masks provide a higher level of protection than lower-quality, imported masks. We want to do our part in controlling the spread of this highly contagious airborne virus.”

USA’s ownership team has many years of experience in the textile and apparel industry and had the vision in 2017 to bring apparel manufacturing back to Mount Airy, N.C. through automation. USA recently installed high-tech Ultrasonic welding machines and automated production equipment capable of producing 1,000,000+ facemasks per week, with the ability to expand to meet market demand.

Posted September 23, 2020

Source: United Sewing Automation

INDA Announces Three Hygienix Innovation Award™ Finalists To Include: Male Leak Protection, Active Lifestyle Adhesives, And Durable Fabrics

CARY, N.C. — September 23, 2020 — Hygiene and personal care industry innovations using nonwovens and engineered materials in a creative, novel and technically sophisticated approach will be presented at the sixth edition of Hygienix™ — the premier event devoted to the absorbent hygiene and personal care industry November 17-19. The new virtual format of Hygienix will focus on global pandemic impacts and up-to-the-minute discoveries in sustainable technologies, packaging and labeling challenges, the future of absorbent hygiene, product development patents of note, and intellectual property, smart diapers, testing, and market trends.

The three finalists for the award were selected from 22 nominees by INDA’s Technical Advisory Board comprised of technical professionals from INDA member companies. The finalists are:

  • Male Drip Protection from Dermasteel Ltd. is an innovative male leak protection product, with a patent-pending, proprietary design that is discreet, form-fitting, and tailored to the male anatomy. This new product provides effective containment of bodily fluids, protecting the wearer’s skin while affording him comfort and confidence.
  • Full-Care® 6217 from H.B. Fuller is a new class of adhesives for positioning femcare articles to the new variety of fabrics making up women’s underwear, thus meeting the evolving needs of millennial consumers with active lifestyles that require increased product functionality. This new product generation provides manufacturers cost savings through weight production, consistently higher peels with no adhesive transfer, higher performance on different fabrics, and excellent adhesion on both fabric sides.
  • High Gel Strength (HGS) SAF™ from Technical Absorbents Limited is a new range of fabrics that allow the design and manufacture of materials with greater integrity and robustness for demanding absorbent hygiene applications. HGS SAF nonwovens provide decreased levels of absorbency, compared to standard SAF fibers, which can be advantageous in certain washable applications where durability is more important than absorbency.

Finalists will present their innovations virtually to hygiene and personal care professionals at Hygienix on Wed., Nov. 18th for a conference participant vote. The Hygienix Innovation Award™ winner will be announced on Thursday, November 19.

Other Event Highlights

The Virtual Hygienix conference opens Tuesday morning, November 17 with an Industry Outlook session for the absorbent hygiene industry under COVID-19. This year’s event will be highlighted by world-class presentations from over 20 industry experts and virtual networking events, including tabletop displays, cocktail hours, ask-the-experts, trivia breaks, engaging conversations, focused topics, coffee breaks, and afternoon teas.

Posted September 23, 2020

Source: INDA, Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry

Gerber Technology’s Commitment To Innovation Celebrated By U.S Mint; Gerber Variable Scale Honored On American Innovation $1 Coin

NEW YORK CITY — September 23, 2020 — The United States Mint is honoring Gerber Technology’s dedication to innovation by featuring the Gerber Variable Scale on the American Innovation Coin for Connecticut. The American Innovation $1 Coin Program is a multi-year series to honor innovation and inventors from each state and U.S territory. The company’s innovative heritage is thanks to their founder, Joseph Gerber, who invented the Gerber Variable Scale in 1945 while a student at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. During his lifetime, Gerber was driven by his passion for innovation, holding over 600 patents and his inventions transformed manufacturing. Today, the company continues to build on the spirit of innovation by partnering with their customers to drive change across the manufacturing sector. As digital transformation becomes critical in the new world, Gerber is committed to being the partner their customers can trust to continue to be successful.

“When you look at Gerber Technology and the many industries we serve, nobody has had a greater and broader impact than Joe Gerber in automation,” said Leonard Marano, chief commercial officer of Gerber Technology. “Gerber’s 72-year history in Connecticut began with the Gerber Variable Scale. It is a great symbol of ingenuity and set the foundation for Joe’s innovations in computable plotting, graphic printing and flexible material manufacturing.”

On September 18th, Gerber Technology was honored by government officials during a celebration at MBI Inc, the company who is responsible for marketing and distributing the Connecticut American Innovation Coin. During the event, Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont highlighted Joe Gerber’s dedication to innovation and lauded the company’s recent efforts and commitment to helping people develop personal protective equipment (PPE) by saying, “that’s what innovation is all about.”

The American Innovation Coin was made possible by Congressman Jim Himes (CT-04) and U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) who introduced the American Innovation $1 Coin Act to the House of Representatives and the Senate, respectively.

“It’s a really great way for us to highlight our country, highlight our state, highlight a couple of great businesses here in the state of Connecticut,” said Senator Murphy. “It’s a triumphant day for Connecticut and Connecticut’s innovation.”

Before the graphing calculator, there was the Gerber Variable Scale which allowed scientists and engineers to quickly and easily understand and solve problems of scale. Just a few short years after he and his mother escaped Nazi-controlled Austria, Gerber developed the first version of the variable scale using an elastic band from a pair of pajamas. By the 1950s, the Gerber Variable scale was a major success and a universally accepted tool for engineers and architects worldwide.

“I think it’s really important that we remember and celebrate the folks who make this country happen. You heard loud and clear that Connecticut has been one of the innovation capitals in America for many, many years,” said Lamont. “We have a lot more Joe Gerbers in different spheres and industries, helping Connecticut to be a continued leader of innovation. Our best days are ahead of us and that’s what this coin represents.”

Posted September 23, 2020

Source: Gerber Technology

Joint Statement From AAFA, NRF, RILA, And USFIA On House Passage Of The Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (H.R. 6210)

WASHINGTON — September 22, 2020 — What we are witnessing in XUAR is of great concern to our entire industry. Forced labor in any form is intolerable, as is repression of ethnic minorities, wherever it takes place. The situation in this region is of a scale, scope, and complexity that is unprecedented in modern supply chains. Our country and world must unite to end these practices.

We share the goals of the legislation — to end forced labor and the larger campaign of oppression it is fueling — yet we fear this bill will not help us get closer to that end goal. Instead, the legislation would establish a “guilty until proven innocent” blanket standard, directly contradicting U.S. jurisprudence and due process, branding anything and everything associated with XUAR as made with forced labor. Such an approach would do further harm to human rights, economic development, legitimate supply chains, and will jeopardize the livelihoods of millions of workers worldwide without specifically addressing human rights concerns.

A successful solution for all involved, above all for the workers themselves, will require state-to-state engagement and collaborative partnerships. The U.S. Government must take a leadership role in an effort that combines industry, NGOs, unions, Congress, the U.S. government, and other governments. That effort must develop and implement a comprehensive and holistic strategy that most effectively advances us to our mutual end goal — to end forced labor practices and the larger campaign they fuel. We stand ready to work with all stakeholders to find an enforceable solution that effectively protects human rights.

Posted September 23, 2020

Source: The National Retail Federation (NRF)

Huntsman’s ERIOPON® E3-SAVE Advances Sustainable Polyester Production

SINGAPORE — September 23, 2020 — As global interest in sustainable textile production continues to soar, mills that have adopted Huntsman Textile Effects’ all-in-one ERIOPON® E3-SAVE textile auxiliary for polyester processing, which launched one year ago, have collectively saved more than 130 million liters of water.

Demand for polyester fabric is being driven by seemingly insatiable consumer appetite for sportswear and athleisure clothing. Sales in the sector have been on an upward trend for several years and are even proving resilient amid Covid-19 market disruption. However, dyeing of polyester and its blends has traditionally been resource intensive, time consuming and costly.

Huntsman Textile Effects’ next-generation ERIOPON E3-SAVE textile auxiliary was engineered to address these challenges. It eliminates the need for separate pre-scouring, allowing pre-scouring, dyeing and reduction clearing to be combined in a single bath. Mills that use ERIOPON E3-SAVE can thus dramatically shorten the polyester dyeing process and save water, energy and cost.

“Our innovations aim to help mills improve their productivity and competitiveness while also contributing to the textile industry’s shift to more sustainable practices and a reduced environmental footprint,” said Kerim Oner, global marketing manager, Huntsman Textile Effects. “With ERIOPON E3-SAVE, we have harnessed the unparalleled technical expertise and application know-how of our research and field teams to develop a product that is proven to reduce costs for mills and that meets current and anticipated industry sustainability standards.”

Dae Young Textile Vietnam Co. Ltd, a forerunner in sustainable textile production in Asia, was an early adopter of the ERIOPON technology. Results from bulk production show that ERIOPON E3-SAVE has reduced process time by over 20 percent and water consumption by over 50 percent, delivering annual cost savings of up to 30 percent.

“ERIOPON E3-SAVE delivers a combination of best-in-class performance and value. It allows us to have the shortest possible processing cycle, which is key for us to deal with increasing industry pressure for faster turnarounds,” Jeong Won Oh, general manager, Dae Young Textile Vietnam, said. “Alongside dramatic time savings, we are also saving water, energy and ultimately cost. Huntsman’s best-in-class products and high level of technical support help keep businesses like us productive.”

This unique polymer technology of ERIOPON E3-SAVE promotes controlled exhaustion to ensure right-first-time level dyeing. It extracts oil and oil-based impurities from the fiber during processing and displays a high affinity to disperse dyes, enabling the rapid removal of unfixed surface dyes from the fiber during reduction clearing. The technology also enhances reproducibility and improves wet- and rub-fastness.

ERIOPON E3-SAVE saves time, water, energy and cost in polyester dyeing by combining pre-scouring, dyeing and reduction clearing in a single bath. An advanced multi-action dyeing auxiliary in the dyEvolution™ range, it delivers environmental and economic sustainability.

Posted September 23, 2020

Source: Huntsman Corporation

Kelheim Fibres Nominated For The Sustainbability Heroes Award

KELHEIM, Germany — September 23, 2020 — Kelheim Fibres has been selected as a finalist for the Sustainability Heroes Award in the category “Sustainable Innovation.” The award is presented by DQS (German Association for Sustainability) and DGQ (German Association for Quality) to pioneers in sustainability and aims to further encourage active involvement in this field.

The viscose specialty fibers manufacturer has secured the selection with its innovative plant-based fibers that can substantially contribute to a plastic-free future in absorbent hygiene products such as femcare or incontinence products.

In contrast to other plant-based fibers, viscose fibers can be precisely modified and functionalized during the production process. They can be adapted to meet the exact requirements of the single components of a hygiene product in terms of their liquid management properties — from water repellent to highly absorbent — and so match the performance of synthetic fibres that are still used in the majority of these single-use products.

Whereas today, environmentally conscious consumers must often decide between feeling safe and a clear conscience, the Bavarian fiber experts are actively developing more and more products that do justice to both: Kelheim combines sustainably manufactured and completely biodegradable fibers with the technical performance of synthetic fibers. The aim is to help to reduce the use of crude-oil-based plastics in single-use products and their negative impact on the environment.

Posted September 23, 2020

Source: Kelheim Fibres GmbH

NCTO Launches Video Campaign Showcasing Textile Industry Response To PPE Crisis

WASHINGTON — September 23, 2020 — The National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO), representing the full spectrum of U.S. textiles, from fiber through finished sewn products, launched a paid social media video campaign today, highlighting the extraordinary efforts the industry has taken to respond to the shortages of lifesaving personal protective equipment (PPE) spawned by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“NCTO is launching a social media and email campaign today to show members of Congress how this industry has significantly contributed to the nation’s PPE crisis, while demonstrating the importance of immediate policies and legislation, such as Buy American mandates, to establish a sustainable domestic supply chain for the future,” said NCTO President and CEO Kim Glas.

“Our campaign underscores the importance of ending our over reliance on China for PPE and calls on Congress to craft policies that support domestic procurement requirements and the onshoring of jobs,” Glas added. “It is high time we had a national strategic plan in place to spur investment in the industry and ensure our country has a permanent domestic PPE supply chain to confront the next pandemic our country faces.”

Posted September 23, 2020

Source: The National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO)

Strafe Launches Cham Jacket And Pant For F20, Featuring Schoeller’s Electrostatic-Spun Membrane

SEVELEN, Switzerland/NEWBURYPORT, Mass. — September 23, 2020 — Schoeller, the global textile solutions manufacturer dedicated to innovation for more than 150 years, continues to see interest in its electrostatic-spun membrane technology aerobrane with the launch of Strafe’s Cham Jacket and Pant for F20. Now available on StrafeOuterwear.com, the Cham F20 kit offers consumers aerobrane’s optimum protection against wind and weather along with exceptional breathability, perfect for high-intensity endeavors.

The aerobrane membrane consists of a unique structure of ultra-fine, hydrophilic polyurethane fiber composite that differs from other film-based membranes and offers a softer feel and beautiful, fluid textile characteristics.

“We found the Schoeller aerobrane technology to be the perfect 3L fabric replacement for our new ski touring kit, which is intended to be used during high-intensity mountain activities. The material needed to be able to hold up to varying weather conditions while still being highly air-permeable, super light and packable, durable, and stretchy,” said Pia Halloran, head of design and development for Strafe.  “Working with a world renowned, innovative, and respected partner like Schoeller has been a great experience, and we look forward to more collaborations in the future.”

To produce an electrostatic spun membrane, ultra-light, microscopic fibers are placed closely on top of each other, forming a clustered but firmly connected structure that can only be detected with the highest-level microscope technology.  The membrane’s fibrous structure provides exceptional breathability while also allowing for ventilation. Aerobrane features water-resistant qualities, as water droplets on the exterior are larger than the spaces between the fibrous structures; however, the fiber structures also create an exceptional wind barrier.

“Having admired Strafe over the years, we couldn’t be prouder to work with this authentic and passionate team that is beyond committed to what they’re doing,” said Stephen Kerns, president, Schoeller North America. “Because they are living the same experiences as the outdoor enthusiasts and athletes they’re serving each day, they fully understand the importance of utilizing only the best materials, which also sets them apart.”

Designed for touring and backcountry adventures, Strafe’s Cham Jacket has been a staff and athlete favorite for many years. Now with aerobrane membrane technology and four-way stretch face, the Cham is Strafe’s most air-permeable jacket to date. The new and improved Cham Pant with aerobrane features a minimalist design that includes a lower cuff snap adjustment system to accommodate all boot types and allows for fabric retention to avoid damage while ascending with crampons.

Posted September 23, 2020

Source: Schoeller Textil AG

Unifi And HSCC To Provide REPREVE® Branded Recycled Nylon Throughout Asia

SHANGHAI— September 23, 2020 — Unifi, Inc., one of the world’s innovators in recycled and synthetic yarns, Unifi Manufacturing Inc., a subsidiary of Unifi Inc., and HSCC, a subsidiary of Highsun Holding Group, based in Fujian, China, today announced their collaboration to provide high-quality REPREVE® branded recycled nylon to textile industry customers throughout Asia. Repreve nylon products available through HSCC are REPREVE nylon filament and Repreve nylon staple fiber.

Unifi and HSCC share a commitment to quality, excellence and sustainability. The strength of Unifi’s Repreve brand combines with HSCC’s in-region manufacturing and research and development capabilities to create a formidable alliance able to improve service and product diversity in significant textile markets.

This collaboration is based on a shared sense of purpose and is the natural result of years of joint commitment to environmental conservation. Recycled fibers can reduce consumption of petrochemicals, conserve water resources and reduce carbon emissions compared to their virgin fiber counterparts. When HSCC entered the recycled nylon market five years ago, the company leveraged Unifi’s innovation and expertise to provide eco-friendly, affordable and fashionable nylon products to various end-use markets, enabling cost effective and sustainable products for consumers.

“We are proud to announce this collaboration that allows Unifi to expand its Repreve nylon offerings,” said Hongjun Ning, executive vice president of Unifi Inc., and president of Unifi Asia Pacific, one of Unifi Inc.’s operating subsidiaries in Asia. “We believe our combined efforts will advance future development of sustainability-focused nylon products around the world.”

The synergy between Unifi and HSCC provides a strategic advantage for future potential to broaden sustainable development in the synthetic fiber industry among mills, brands and retailers. “Consumer demand for recycled products is increasing around the globe, and opportunities for continued development and innovation for recycled fibers are unlimited,” said Zhen Mei, general manager of HSCC Chemical Fiber, one of HSCC’s operating subsidiaries. “We plan to apply our shared approach to sustainability to the entire process of product design, production, packaging, sales and after-sales service, so our product offerings are sustainable throughout the value chain.“

Posted September 23, 2020

Source: Unifi Inc.

Ralph Lauren Announces Strategic Steps To Re-Organize Its Business For Future Growth

NEW YORK CITY — September 22, 2020 — Ralph Lauren Corp. today announced steps to accelerate its Next Great Chapter plan to deliver sustainable long-term growth and value creation, which include establishing a simplified global organizational structure and rolling out enhanced technology platforms to support the Company’s global operations.

“Over 53 years ago, this company started with a single tie and a dream that made it into a way of life. The timeless values we were founded on have propelled us on an incredible journey — one that has seen great challenges and amazing opportunities along the way,” said Ralph Lauren, chairman and chief creative officer. “Through it all, our commitment to stay true to who we are, while evolving with the world around us, has helped to secure our future and our place as one of the world’s most beloved and inspiring brands.”

Over the past two fiscal years, the company has made marked progress on its brand elevation journey and the strategic priorities outlined in its Next Great Chapter plan, including to: 1) win over a new generation of consumers; 2) energize core products and accelerate high potential, underdeveloped categories; 3) drive targeted expansion; 4) lead with digital; and 5) operate with discipline to fuel growth. In the context of today’s rapidly evolving consumer, industry shifts and global dynamics, Ralph Lauren is accelerating key areas of the plan, beginning with the implementation of new technology platforms and the simplification of its organizational structure.

“The changes happening in the world around us have accelerated the shifts we saw pre-COVID, and we are fast-tracking some of our plans to match them — including advancing our digital transformation and simplifying our team structures,” said Patrice Louvet, president and CEO. “These steps will enable us to progress our brand elevation journey and deliver Ralph’s vision in today’s dynamic environment — inspiring our consumers around the world and creating value for all of our stakeholders.”

Simplified Organizational Structure

Creating simpler, flatter team structures will enable more agility and greater consumer responsiveness. This includes the consolidation of the company’s global Marketing and Branding functions; the establishment of a new Consumer Intelligence and Experience (CIX) organization, focused on leveraging consumer insights and predictive analytics to drive personalized consumer experiences at scale; and the re-organization of the Company’s Corporate Merchandising teams to combine core brand propositions, enabling greater connectivity and productivity. Ralph Lauren also continues to integrate Global Citizenship & Sustainability into every aspect of its business, making it a key responsibility for all leaders.

Digital Transformation

The Company is transforming how it operates with the implementation of new technology platforms across several key areas of its business. This includes rolling out a cloud-based human resources and planning system globally as well as elevating how it delivers for consumers through its Digitizing the Value Chain project. This is a company-wide initiative to simplify ways of working, better connect teams and digitize the product journey. It will enable faster and more connected decision-making from product design to market. Ralph Lauren is also continuing to invest in technologies that help deliver an enhanced consumer experience — with new digital capabilities that support areas like omni-channel shopping, personalization, social commerce and augmented reality.

Together, these organizational and digital transformation changes will:

  • Support the delivery of one elevated Ralph Lauren vision and voice globally, while maintaining strong local capabilities and expertise;
  • Enable stronger consumer insights to drive more powerful connections;
  • Empower teams to make faster decisions and collaborate more easily; and
  • Streamline the organization and simplify reporting lines.

Financial Impact

On its First Quarter Fiscal 2021 earnings call on August 4, 2020, management noted that a strategic review was underway to support future growth and profitability, and to create a sustainable cost structure. This includes the evaluation of the company’s: (i) team organizational structures and ways of working; (ii) real estate footprint and related costs across distribution centers, corporate offices, and direct-to-consumer retail and wholesale doors; and (iii) brand portfolio.

In connection with the first initiative, Ralph Lauren is today announcing plans (the “Fiscal 2021 Strategic Realignment Plan”) to reduce its global workforce by the end of the Company’s Fiscal 2021, which is expected to result in gross annualized pre-tax expense savings of approximately $180 million to $200 million, with savings realization primarily beginning in the Company’s Fiscal 2022. In connection with the reduction in workforce, the Company expects to incur total estimated pre-tax charges of approximately $120 million to $160 million.

In addition to the actions announced today, the company anticipates additional actions associated with the aforementioned initiatives as part of the Fiscal 2021 Strategic Realignment Plan.

Posted September 22, 2020

Source: Ralph Lauren Corp.

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