Panda Biotech Selects Wichita Falls, Texas, As Site Of The Largest Hemp Fiber Processing Center In The United States

DALLAS/WICHITA FALLS, Texas — September 1, 2020 — Dallas-based Panda Biotech has selected Wichita Falls, Texas, to be the home of its state-of-the-art industrial hemp processing center in the United States. The Panda Texas Plains Hemp Gin™ will also be the first facility in the nation to cottonize hemp fiber on a commercial scale for the American textile industry and export customers. In addition, Panda Biotech’s Hemp Gin is likely the only facility in the world dedicated to both the processing and cottonization of hemp fiber in industrial quantities outside of the People’s Republic of China.

The world-class facility will position Texas — and the United States — as a globally recognized leader in the processing of sustainable hemp fiber and hurd for industrial applications.

The largest industrial hemp fiber decortication facility in the United States

Panda Biotech has contracted for a 500,000 square foot facility and surrounding 97-acre campus that was formerly the home of General Motors’ Delphi assembly plant.

The company plans on installing the largest industrial hemp decorticating, or processing, equipment ever used to separate the outer bast fiber from the inner woody core, or hurd. Panda Biotech’s top mechanical engineers worked with a leading international equipment manufacturer to “super-size” their existing line of decorticators. At full production, the two 10-ton/hour decorticators are expected to process close to 300 million pounds of Texas-grown industrial hemp per year. The fiber will be refined for textile applications, and the hurd will be processed for a variety of industrial purposes. Panda estimates the two decortication lines will generate approximately $30,000,000 per year for Texas farmers.

The first processing line is currently being manufactured and is on schedule for delivery in Dec. of 2020. Panda Biotech expects its Wichita Falls facility to commence partial operations in 1Q2021 and both lines to be fully operational by 1Q2022. Panda will fill contracts with Texas agricultural producers in the region for the 2021 growing season.

The only U.S. facility dedicated to commercial hemp cottonization

The Panda Texas Plains Hemp Gin represents a significant advancement in the domestic supply chain for textile-grade hemp fiber as it is the first and only facility in the United States dedicated to both the decortication and degumming, or cottonization, of hemp fiber on a commercial scale. The “cottonization” process removes the lignin that binds hemp fibers together in bundles and “opens” them for further refinement. Once “cottonized,” the hemp fiber is ready to be seamlessly blended with other natural or man-made fibers — such as cotton, silk, wool and polyester — and spun into yarns that will be knit or woven into fabric.

Panda Biotech has successfully cottonized hemp fiber decorticated on smaller versions of the equipment to be installed later this year on its Wichita Falls campus. The fiber was subsequently spun into yarn, knit into fabric, printed, and cut and sewn into fully finished, high-end apparel.

The company is working with a number of well-known brands to develop yarn blends in multiple counts, from 8s to 40s, for sustainable and innovative textiles that will use Panda Biotech’s proprietary cottonization process. Panda is also in discussions with industry leaders in the construction and composite sectors for the purchase of hurd.

At full production, Panda Biotech expects its Wichita Falls facility to annually produce more than 35 million pounds of apparel-grade, cottonized hemp fiber suitable for use in a variety of yarns for knit and woven textiles.

Wichita Falls Selection

Several unnamed cities vied for the opportunity to be the home of the Panda Texas Plains Hemp Gin facility. Panda Biotech made the award to Wichita Falls based on an available outstanding facility, the city’s geographical location, access to highly experienced Texas producers, an excellent workforce, a low cost of living and pro-business community. On July 7, the Wichita Falls City Council unanimously approved an incentive package to attract Panda Biotech to the city.

“After conducting a state-wide search of potential buildings, in addition to meeting with officials in various cities, we selected Wichita Falls as the perfect location for Panda Biotech’s flagship hemp processing center, said Scott Evans, executive vice president of Panda Biotech. “The facility we’re moving into boasts 11 acres under roof and enough land to allow for expansion into strategic, new business endeavors that Panda is planning.

“In addition to the local agricultural community, city and county officials have been outstanding to work with and supportive of what they expect to be a global calling card for Wichita Falls as the hub of the next multi-billion-dollar industry,” Evans added. “We’re very excited that this facility will not only help to supply a growing worldwide demand for industrial hemp fiber, but also help to create a new, sustainable industry.”

“Panda Biotech’s vision for the industrial hemp industry is unparalleled, and we’re ready to partner with them to build something extraordinary,” said Henry Florsheim, president and CEO of the Wichita Falls Chamber of Commerce. “This project will have a tremendous impact on our agricultural community and our manufacturing sector at a time when many communities are struggling with economic development. With Panda’s efforts and our support, Wichita Falls will become the worldwide epicenter of industrial hemp research, processing and product development.”

Panda Biotech Seeds Texas’ Hemp Industry

In the lead up to today’s announcement, Panda Biotech helped to jump start the Texas hemp industry by donating 60 tons of free hemp fiber seed to Texas agricultural producers in May of this year. Producers subsequently planted hemp fiber fields in every agricultural region across Texas. Panda donated the seed to help farmers gain valuable experience from their first trial crop of industrial hemp including an understanding of how the hemp seed responded to their local soil and climate conditions.

Panda Biotech created their seed donation program in close collaboration with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension. Producers who voluntarily provide data on their planting and harvest will receive Panda Biotech’s Research Summary Report that will be prepared by Texas A&M AgriLife to help ensure the 2021 Texas industrial hemp harvest reaches its full potential.

The earth’s most sustainable crop

Hemp is widely regarded as the most green and sustainable crop on the planet. Hemp requires 70-percent less water than most major crops used in the manufacture of textiles. In addition, hemp requires very little herbicides, fungicides or pesticides, and has significant soil remediation qualities. Industrial hemp agriculture has been scientifically proven to minimize carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, absorbing more CO2 per acre than any forest or commercial crop.

Benefits of industrial hemp fiber and hurd

Industrial hemp used for manufacturing applications is highly valued for its natural durability and environmental sustainability. The processed fiber, hurd and cellulose from industrial hemp can be used in the production of a multitude of products including textiles, a wide array of building materials, paper products, automotive components, nanomaterials, composites and bioplastics. In addition, research indicates that hemp-based supercapacitors offer a less expensive alternative to materials currently used in rechargeable batteries for applications such as smartphones and electric cars. As a result, industrial hemp is poised to transform numerous multi-billion-dollar industries.

Formation and growth of the industrial hemp industry

The U.S. hemp industry was made possible due to the passage of the federal Hemp Farming Act of 2018. Panda Biotech was subsequently formed after the provisions of the Act were incorporated in the 2018 U.S. Farm Bill that was signed into law by President Trump on Dec. 20, 2018. Both chambers of the Texas state legislature unanimously passed House Bill 1325, that was signed into law on June 10, 2019, by Texas Governor Greg Abbott. On January 27, 2020, the USDA approved Texas’ hemp regulations. The Texas Department of Agriculture began issuing licenses for the growing, handling and processing of hemp on March 16, 2020. The law ensures Texas farmers are able to participate in a rapidly growing industry with a new viable crop option that should be a boon to rural economies.

The global industrial hemp market has been projected to grow from $4.6 billion in 2019 to $26.6 billion by 2025 driven largely by eco-conscious consumers who increasingly require environmentally friendly products and services.

Posted September 1, 2020

Source: Panda Biotech

Itematech Exhibits At Cinte Techtextil 2020 From September 2-4 Showcasing The Most Comprehensive Technical Fabrics Weaving Solutions

SHANGHAI — August 28, 2020 — Itematech — a manufacturer of best-in-class weaving machines, spare parts and integrated services born from the merging of Itema and Panter (ex PTMT) technologies — is exhibiting at Cinte TechTextil China (Hall E01 – Booth E1) September 2-4 at the Shanghai New International Expo Center, Shanghai.

Itematech is the brand-new Technical Division exclusively dedicated to producing weaving machines for the benefit of technical fabrics weavers launched in 2019 by Itema, an Italy-based global provider of advanced weaving solutions, including best-in-class weaving machines, spare parts and integrated services. The strategic alliance between Itema and PTMT (formerly Panter) leads to a complete and never-before-seen product portfolio, which ranges from negative and positive rapier, to air-jet and projectile weaving machines. Thanks to the strong know-how resulting from the merger of the two historic weaving manufacturers expertise and competences, technical fabrics manufacturers will now on find in Itematech a unique partner and technological reference point to meet and exceed all their needs when it comes to weaving the full range of technical applications.

Paolo Pezzoli, Itematech sales director, commented: “As a partner and weaving machinery supplier to textile manufacturers worldwide, at Itema we strongly believe in the endless opportunities and the growth potential of technical applications, that represent a consistent and growing portion of our annual overall turnover. China is a strategic area, along with Asia in general, where the adoption of our technology for technical textiles is on the rise. A significant number of weaving machines by Itematech are used for technical textiles, like geotextile, coating, filter fabrics to list just a few applications”.

During Cinte Techtextil, Itematech team will concentrate in showcasing the company strong offering for technical fabrics weavers. Itema is uniquely positioned to offer technical textile manufacturers the top three weft insertion technologies – Positive and Negative Rapier, Airjet and Projectile, in what is the most comprehensive portfolio on the market today for technical applications.

Unirap Single Positive Rapier Weaving Machine

UniRap, Itematech Single Positive Rapier Machine, embodies versatility and provides endless weaving possibilities. Combining the advantages of a positive rapier weft insertion with the gentle yarns treatment ensured by the free fight transfer system, UniRap enables complex and creative fabrics weaving with practically no limitations and maximum textile efficiency. Ranging from refined lamè to high tenacity monofilament yarns, passing through bouclé yarns up to carbon, polyester and polypropylene tape, UniRap provides the possibility to weave sophisticated technical fabrics and innovative fashion styles.

Hercules Positive and Negative Rapier Weaving Machine

Hercules is a Positive and Negative Rapier Weaving Machine designed to excel in technical textiles weaving. Offering both negative and positive rapier transfer systems, Hercules represents the perfect combination of mechanical sturdiness and textile efficiency ensuring the greater profitability in the market for applications such as Agrotextile, Heavy and Standard Coating Fabrics, Conveyor Belts and Filter Fabrics, Fiberglass, Geotextile, Mesh Fabrics and many others.

R95002 Rapier Weaving Machine

R95002 Rapier Weaving Machine is known to be the most positive negative rapier machine in the market, due to the uniqueness of its weft transfer system which provides unparalleled versatility of yarns and patterns. The continuous roll-out of customized special versions tailored for technical applications, including OPW Airbag, Fiber Glass, Bolting Cloth, among others, the wide weaving width up to 540 cm, as well as new and advanced devices make the R95002 by Itema the perfect machine to weave the full range of technical textiles, including ones with the finest monofilament, multifilament high tenacity yarns, and multiple pick insertion fabrics.

P7300HP Projectile Weaving Machine

Technical fabrics are the specialty of the legendary and unique P7300HP Projectile Weaving Machine due to the unparalleled versatility and reliability of its weft insertion system. The unmatchable uniqueness of the positive weft transfer consists in the single insertion driven by the projectile, which catches the weft and carries it directly with no exchanges, providing unmatched efficiency.

The P7300HP continues to harness great interest from projectile weaving aficionados and represents an unbeaten and unbeatable benchmark for those looking to weave the widest fabrics — up to 655cm weaving width — and high-specialty materials, such as agrotextile, geotextile and carpet backing. When it comes to weaving tape yarns, the Itema projectile weaving machine provides the highest performance compared to all the other insertion technologies currently available on the market.

A95002 Airjet Weaving Machine

When it comes to weaving very high-density fabrics A95002 Airjet Weaving Machine is customized with dedicated devices to ensure best-in-class results. Key components are reinforced to ensure optimized machine control and reliability whilst reducing consumption and assuring superior textile efficiency.

To discover the Itematech innovations for technical fabrics and the utmost Customers’ dedication, make sure to visit the Company stand at Cinte Techtextil (Hall E01 – Stand E1).

Posted August 28, 2020

Source: Itema

Year-To-Date Numbers Show Decline In Robotics (18%), Machine Vision (8%), And Motion Control (6%) Orders Compared To 2019

ANN ARBOR, MI — August 28, 2020 — Last week, the Association for Advancing Automation (A3) and ITR Economics delivered a Global Economic and Automation Outlook, providing year-to-date updates and forecasts through 2021 based on recent market data reflecting the impact of COVID-19. A3 statistics showed robotics, machine vision, and motion control markets all contracted in the first half of 2020, compared to the same period in 2019. The recorded economic outlook webinar is available for viewing until Wednesday, September 2, 2020.

Market Statistics

Robotics

“It’s clear that our industry is feeling the effects of COVID-19, its strain on supply chains, and the overall economic uncertainty due to our current circumstances,” said Alex Shikany, A3 Vice President, Membership & Business Intelligence. “Despite the numbers reflecting these recent challenges, our latest market surveys tell us that there is optimism for what the next six months will bring.”

With 13,524 units ordered, the North American robotics market decreased 18 percent from the first half of 2019. Order revenue totaled $716 million, which is also down 18 percent compared to the first half of 2019.

“Despite the overall contractions, there were two notable industry bright spots in life sciences (+97 percent) and plastics & rubber (+49 percent),” Shikany said.

A3’s recent survey of its robotics industry members showed optimism about what’s to come. When respondents were asked what they believe will happen to their sales in the next six months, 36 percent believe they will increase moderately (between 1 and 10 percent), while 22 percent believe they will increase significantly (more than 10 percent). Only 19 percent of respondents believe there will be further decreases, while 23 percent believe their sales will remain flat.

More details can be found in the economic outlook webinar..

Machine Vision

The North American machine vision market is also below one year ago levels, decreasing 8 percent in total to $1.3 billion.

Machine vision components, consisting of cameras, lighting, optics, imaging boards, and software, fell 9 percent in total to $174 million. Machine vision systems, including application specific machine vision (ASMV) and smart cameras, fell 8 percent to $1.1 billion.  For a summary of these figures, and more details in each category, register to watch the webinar recording.

When asked about the next six months, A3 vision and imaging members were similarly optimistic, with 42 percent believing sales will increase moderately (between 1 and 10 percent), and 17 percent believing sales will increase significantly (more than 10 percent). A greater share of vision respondents (27 percent) believe there will be further decreases, while 15 percent expect sales to remain flat.

Motion Control

Order revenue in motion control and motor markets totaled $1.669 billion in the first half of 2020, marking a 6 percent decrease from last year.

All product categories (including motion controllers, AC drives, motors, AC motors, actuators, sensors, and support) experienced year-over-year decreases in revenue. Electronic drives was the only category which increased, growing 1 percent to $251 million. A full order growth rate overview is explained in the economic outlook webinar.

Survey data from A3 motion control and motor members revealed 49 percent expect moderate increases in the next six months, but only 6 percent expect significant growth. Motion control and motor respondents showed slightly less optimism on what the next two quarters will bring, with 32 percent expecting further declines. Only 13 percent believe the market will remain flat.

Economic Outlook

Alan Beaulieu, president of ITR Economics and leading economic forecaster, discussed the future health of global manufacturing and highlighted growing industries, including logistics, warehousing, automotive, and electronics. He also presented economic and manufacturing updates on various key regions important to automation, including North America, EU, China, and Mexico.

Beaulieu reported an encouraging seasonal rise this June-July in total U.S. retail sales, noting the increase is the second best on record. Additionally, he discussed the beneficial surge in US disposable personal income, which he noted doesn’t happen in a recession.

The US stock prices index is showing a return climb to pre-pandemic levels, and the Housing Market Recovery Index is likewise showing positive input.

According to research, there will be an increased foreign demand in 2021 for US Exports in the robotics trade.  Here all of Beaulieu’s forecasts in the recorded webinar.

Posted August 28, 2020

Source: Association for Advancing Automation (A3)

Sodexo Supports Accelerated Growth With Coats Digital’s VisionPLM

WALSALL, England — August 28, 2020 — The Global Supply Management (GSM) Team has selected Coats Digital’s VisionPLM to boost productivity and drive connectivity across the supply chain, supporting the business on a Global level.

The GSM Team supplies workwear to Sodexo’s employees from chef’s jackets, aprons and lab coats to headwear and polo shirts.

To support it through a period of rapid growth, Sodexo Services Asia decided to invest in a Product Lifecycle Management solution to help streamline product development, purchasing and production management processes.

Sodexo GSM Team: “Whilst our internal and external demands for uniforms are growing fast, we were struggling to keep up with product development and production using disconnected manual processes and tools. Managing key business processes on spreadsheets, reports, documents and catalogues was slow and resulted in significant inefficiencies and inaccurate data. As well as the inherent inefficiencies of this approach, there were examples of out of date catalogues being used and margin control and management was a real challenge.”

“Something needed to change and we needed to streamline and automate key processes in a way that supported more effective collaboration across regions and with supply chain partners, as well as giving us fast access to accurate information.”

After reaching out to a number of providers, the GSM Team selected Coats Digital’s fashion specific Product Lifecycle Management solution, VisionPLM.

Sodexo GSM Team: “Coats Digital has provided us with a single system which stores and manages all information relating to key product development and sourcing processes, easing the connection between factories, distributors and buyers. This enables us to see one single-centralised version of the truth, and importantly, manage supplier and buyer performance alongside robust product development and approval processes. This will increase productivity and efficiency and improve data accuracy, resulting in faster speed to market and reduced costs.”

Developed specifically for fashion retailers, brands, sourcing companies and manufacturers of all sizes, VisionPLM streamlines and integrates key business processes, from design, material and product development, to supplier capacity management, order allocation and purchase order tracking. This results in significant improvements in visibility, coordination and control, across the business and with supply chain partners. VisionPLM can be tailored to each individual business needs and is proven to increase speed to market, improve productivity and reduce internal costs.

Elliot Hurst, Business Development Executive at Coats Digital, said: “We are delighted to be working with Sodexo on this exciting project. Over the last six months we have worked closely with the GSM Team to understand existing processes and challenges and deliver a solution which reflects industry best practice and Sodexo’s specific requirements.  We are confident that VisionPLM will play a key role in increasing the efficiency and speed of key product development and sourcing processes, supporting Sodexo on their journey.”

Posted August 28, 2020

Source: VisionPLM / Sodexo

Toray Integrated Annual Report 2019 Wins Gold Award In Specialized Annual Reports Category Of International ARC Awards 2020

TOKYO — August 28, 2020 — Toray Industries Inc., announced today that the Toray Integrated Annual Report 2019 has won a Gold Award in the Integrated AR & CSR: Traditional Format Section of the Specialized Annual Reports Category of the International ARC Awards 2020. The link to the awards page is: https://www.mercommawards.com/arc/awardWinners/categoryWinners/specialized.htm#in tTra

MerComm Inc., oversees the International ARC Awards, the world’s largest annual report competition. The contest attracts numerous entrants from around the globe, including corporations, non-profit organizations and associations, and government agencies. The 35th International ARC Awards 2020 assessed entries from 76 countries. This is Toray’s second Gold Award since the Toray Annual Report 2011.

Toray positions stakeholder engagement as fundamental to corporate activities, and the Integrated Annual Report is a vital communication tool in that regard. The company will continue striving to disclose timely and easily understood information about its management and business activities through this report and other publications, its website, and other communication tools.

Toray Integrated Annual Report 2019

English version URL: https://www.toray.com/ir/annual_reports/

Japanese version URL: https://www.toray.co.jp/ir/integrated_report/

Posted August 28, 2020

Source: Toray Industries, Inc.

New Nonwoven Production Line Formally Inaugurated By Sandler AG: Bavarian Minister Of Economic Affairs Acknowledges The Family-Run Company’s Commitment

SCHWARZENBACH/SAALE, Germany— August 27, 2020 — Sandler formally inaugurated a new production line for nonwovens for face masks. Hubert Aiwanger, Bavarian Minister of Economic Affairs, was personally on site together with other guests from politics and business.

In early April, the nonwovens manufacturer from Schwarzenbach/Saale, Germany, had announced the investment in a new line to increase production of nonwoven filter media for face masks and thereby expand its contribution to the security of supply of these products. The new nonwovens line enables the production of filter media for about 600 million mouth-nose-protection masks a year and had started production on schedule in mid-August. Among many investment initiatives announced in response to the bottlenecks caused by the pandemic, this line is the first of its kind to come on stream to establish German supply chains for medical protective masks. With a small celebration under hygiene conditions, the production line was formally inaugurated.

CEO Dr. Christian Heinrich Sandler welcomed the about 50 guests, emphasizing that it was and continues to be a matter of course for the company to contribute to overcoming the pandemic. “The main reason for investing in a new production line was our goal to increase our production capacity for nonwovens for face masks as quickly as possible. On August 14th, as we promised our Federal Minister of Health Mr. Jens Spahn, we began putting the new line into operation. In September, we will commence 24/7 operation.”

Dr. Sandler again thanked the representatives of federal, state and regional politics for the excellent, unbureaucratic cooperation; the suppliers and partners for their commitment and partnership. He also thanked his Sandler team: “We have set up our own team for nonwovens for face masks in our company — for the assembly of the new production line, as well as for the development of new nonwovens for face masks, the cooperation with our partners and the sale of our products. Without these employees we would not have achieved our goal.”

In his celebratory speech, Hubert Aiwanger, deputy prime minister and minister of economic affairs of the State of Bavaria, highlighted the importance of the new investment: “The supply shortages at the beginning of the corona crisis have shown how important the regional Bavarian production of protective equipment is. Sandler, being a domestic manufacturer of nonwovens for high-quality masks, is helping to combat the pandemic with innovative products. It is a stroke of luck for Bavaria that we have Sandler with us and I am delighted that the company continues to expand the site.”

Jens Spahn, German federal minister of health, had sent a video message, congratulating and thanking the company for its commitment.

Dr. Hans-Peter Friedrich, vice-president of the German Bundestag, Dr. Oliver Bär, Hof district administrator, and Hans-Peter Baumann, mayor of the town of Schwarzenbach/Saale, also took the opportunity to personally congratulate Sandler and to express their appreciation.

In May, Sandler AG, PIA Automation (automation specialist from Amberg), and Zettl Group (leading supplier of products for automotive interiors from Weng) had established the “Mask-Alliance-Bavaria.” Together, they set up an entire value chain for the manufacture of face masks in Bavaria. Management representatives of both partner companies were also guests at the inauguration of the new production line in Schwarzenbach.

Posted August 28, 2020

Source: Sandler AG

Champion® Athleticwear Drops New Collection Designed For Gamers: First Patent Pending Sweatshirt Design Since 1952

WINSTON SALEM, N.C — August 26, 2020 — Today, Champion Athleticwear, makers of authentic athletic apparel since 1919, launched a Gamer Collection that incorporates features and benefits that address the specific needs of esports athletes, casual gamers and fans everywhere. Champion has been there for every athlete for more than 100 years — on the court, on the field, in the gym — and most recently in the gaming world. Through this collection, Champion is partnering with a coalition of influential esports teams, brands and influencers including HyperX, Dignitas, VENN, PlayVS, the Esports Awards, and influencers FaZe Pamaj, Nate Hill and FaZe Blaze to celebrate the new Gamer Collection.

Champion wants to recognize gamers and the unique style of the gaming world by creating apparel that celebrates their lifestyle. Champion’s design team worked closely with gamers and athletes to find the ideal blend of streetwear, comfort and functionality. In doing so, they created a collection perfectly suited for gaming needs of all kinds.

Design features of Champion’s newest patent pending hoodie in over 50 years includes an oversized hood that can be worn over headsets of all sizes to block outside distractions, narrowed sleeves and a unique rib cuff that will stay put when pushed up onto the forearm. Additionally, the pockets are lined with ultra-warm microfleece to keep hands warm and limber between games. The hoodie offers a kangaroo pocket with zippers to confidently stow phones and a top loading pocket to hold console controllers. Another zip pocket at the left chest has an internal credit card slot. An interchangeable Velcro patch adorns the right chest and on the left shoulder, allowing gamers to customize their look for any occasion through personal expression with team patches to show affiliation in tournaments.

“As a brand that embraces all sports, we wanted to create an unofficial uniform for gamers that modernizes the classic hoodie and recognizes that they are athletes with distinctive needs for their sport,” said David Robertson, director, Champion Global Brand Marketing. “Our Reverse Weave® patents came about as we were trying to solve the needs of athletes at the time, and we’ve taken the same approach to create a brand-new design for the gamer lifestyle. We are incredibly excited to unveil this new line of hoodies and pants for gamers and esports athletes.

“I’ve always loved hoodies, but this the first hoodie I’ve seen that was designed for gamers. It’s unique in a lot of ways from the oversized hood that you can wear with a headset to the oversized pockets, large enough to hold my controller,” said professional Fortnite player for FaZe Clan, Nate Hill. “I’ve never had a customizable hoodie where you can take off and add different style patches for different looks. In addition to the unique features, this hoodie is super comfortable and stylish. … I’m of the mind ‘look good play good,’ as a gamer this is a must have hoodie.”

The Gamer Collection includes a pullover hoodie, full zip hoodie and pants in classic colors such as black and heather gray, allowing for mixing-and-matching. The collection utilizes a modern fleece fabric that is soft and breathable with odor control technology to allow gamers to confidently live in the collection day in and day out. The pants retail for $50, the pullover hoodie for $80 and the full zip hoodie for $90.

To shop the Gamer Collection, visit Champion.com and Champion’s retail stores. The Velcro patch designs are sold separately with select graphics available for a limited time only. To learn more about the Champion Gamer Hoodie, visit Champion.com and follow the brand on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

Posted August 27, 2020

Source: Champion Athleticwear

Port Logistics Group Delivers More Than 17 Million Face Masks As Partnered Brands Respond To COVID-19

LOS ANGELES — August 27, 2020 — Port Logistics Group, a provider of omni-channel logistics services, announced its ongoing support of a face mask distribution effort on behalf of its partnered brands, delivering more than 17 million masks to date.

Port Logistics Group serves a range of apparel brands and retailers and many of these customers have risen to the challenge of addressing the personal protective equipment (PPE) shortage. “From our smallest brand operation to our largest apparel customers which have pivoted to provide PPE, it is inspiring to see so many brands helping to provide relief in every way they can,” said Janise Kring, executive vice president of Operations at Port Logistics Group. “As we navigate through these extraordinary and uncertain times, it is heartening to see brands refocusing their resources in support of COVID-19 relief efforts.”

With warehouses and distribution centers strategically located near major North American ports, Port Logistics Group has been uniquely suited to manage face mask fulfillment spikes across multiple channels, including direct-to-consumer, specialty stores, major retailers and wholesale distributors. Kring added: “Our key contribution has been flexibility in managing heavy order volume increases to ensure the face masks get to their destinations and fulfillment expectations are met, all while adhering to the CDC guidelines for keeping our associates safe.”

Port Logistics Group will continue its mask distribution efforts as it plans for the seasonal peak shipping requirements of its customers in third quarter and fourth quarter.

Posted August 27, 2020

Source: Port Logistics Group

Dan Orwig Joins Peerless Clothing As President

Orwig

NEW YORK CITY — August 26, 2020 — Peerless Clothing International, a North American manufacturer of men’s tailored clothing, announced that Dan Orwig will take over as president on September 14.

Orwig will be departing his current role as group president of Men’s Apparel for Itochu Prominent USA. Itochu has partnered with Peerless for many years on product development and supply chain solutions. Orwig’s move will solidify the long-standing Peerless Itochu relationship.

Orwig succeeds John Tighe, who left the company earlier this month.

“Dan has worked closely with Peerless for many years,” noted Peerless CEO Alvin Segal. “We are excited to have him join our executive team. With Dan’s strong track record working across the retail marketplace, I am confident his leadership will position Peerless well for the future.”

“Peerless has always inspired me by how they react and capitalize on market trends,” said Orwig. “As the leader of men’s tailored apparel, no one does it better. It’s exhilarating to now have the opportunity to be part of this first-class organization. Peerless has a dynamic team with years of proven success. I’m looking forward to working with them to help position the company for continued growth. I want to thank Mr. Segal and the management team for considering me for this position.”

Peerless Clothing International is the largest producer of men’s and boy’s tailored clothing in North America, supplying most major department and specialty stores in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Posted August 27, 2020

Source: Peerless Clothing

DSM Enables Protective Cycling Jersey With Dyneema® Fabric For Tour De France

GELEEN, the Netherlands — August 27, 2020 — Royal DSM — a global science-based company in Nutrition, Health and Sustainable Living — today announced that Dyneema® is driving the performance of Team Sunweb’s protective cycling jerseys in the 2020 Tour de France. Together with its partners, Team Sunweb and Craft Sportswear, DSM has helped to deliver a jersey that, when combined with a protective baselayer, offers cyclists effective abrasion protection at speeds up to 60 kilometers per hour (km/h), while also reducing the severity of open wounds at even higher speeds. In this way, DSM underlines its commitment to protect people and the environment they live in.

Professional cycling places its participants in considerable danger; in recent years, the Tour de France has averaged 1.5 crashes per stage, while crashes in one-day classics are even more frequent. Cycling jerseys can support riders by enabling protection for a large portion of the body, while allowing for moisture transport to the surface and offering low thermal resistance. However, cycling jerseys made with conventional materials offer limited protective performance.

To address these needs and enable a safer riding experience, DSM has teamed up with Craft Sportswear and Team Sunweb to develop a cycling jersey that offers much-needed increases in abrasion resistance without compromising the comfort or low weight that cyclists demand. The new jersey is the latest protective cycling apparel solution, following the launch of the protective bib shorts (2015) and the protective baselayer (2019). The jersey will be worn for the first time by Team Sunweb in this year’s Tour de France. When combined with the protective baselayer, the new jersey offers complete protection against abrasions up to 60km/h, a speed below which professional cyclists spend 95 percent of race time in a typical stage.

Dyneema has been used to protect workers in high-stake industries for more than 30 years — and the expansion into fabrics means both professional and recreational cyclists can enjoy the intrinsic performance capabilities of Dyneema® in their protective garments without sacrificing wearer comfort.

“Being 15 times stronger than steel on a weight for weight basis, Dyneema fiber offers an excellent solution to increasing the abrasion resistance of a fabric, reducing the severity of road rash in case of a crash, without compromising the rider weight or comfort,” states Piet Rooijakkers, head of R&D Team Sunweb “What’s more, the new jersey can form part of a modular protection solution, where riders can easily take off or put on layers according to race and weather conditions. In this way, the new jersey will support our riders significantly in the Tour de France and beyond.”

“The new cycling jersey with Dyneema will make a real difference to cyclists facing the dangers of professional competition, and help ensure the health of both people and the environment,” states Wilfrid Gambade, president, DSM Protective Materials. “The jersey is physical proof of the great achievements collaboration with expert partners can deliver. Moving forward, we will work with Craft and Team Sunweb to integrate bio-based Dyneema fibers into protective cycling jerseys — contributing even further to a safe and healthy world!”

In line with its commitment to protect people and the environment they live in, DSM introduced the world’s first-ever bio-based high-modulus polyethylene (HMPE) fiber in May 2020. Bio-based Dyneema fiber offers the same exact performance as conventional Dyneema with a carbon footprint that is 90-percent lower than generic HMPE. The continued partnership between DSM, Craft and Team Sunweb will not only provide innovative, lightweight solutions for cyclists, but also environmentally sustainable alternatives that contribute to a circular economy.

Posted August 27, 2020

Source: DSM

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