SCS Global Services Joins Forces With Social Compliance Auditing Association

EMERYVILLE, Calif. — June 3, 2020 — SCS Global Services, an international third-party certifier of environmental and sustainability achievements, is pleased to announce that it has joined APSCA, a professional industry association dedicated to advancing the use of reputable, independent social compliance audits as a tool to assure good workplace conditions worldwide.

“Social responsibility has long been recognized as an essential part of sustainability,” said Nicole Munoz, vice president of Environmental Certification Services at SCS. “Since our founding, we have been committed to engaging with companies around the world to assure that workers are employed in safe, healthy and respectful workplaces.”

Bonnie Holman, director of Sustainability Certifications for SCS’ Food & Agriculture Division, added, “Social compliance audits are integral to our work in sustainability certification. We are fully aligned with APSCA’s mission is ‘to enhance the professionalism, consistency and credibility of individual auditors and organizations performing independent social compliance audits.’”

Social compliance audits extend well beyond stated company policies to assure that workplace conditions meet required standards. Confidential worker interviews, direct observation of conditions in workspaces and other relevant areas, independent review of records and documentation, management interviews, and data triangulation are all part of the mix. As part of its commitment to promoting responsible social compliance auditing, APSCA has published a detailed “Competency Framework” which outlines what it takes to deliver effective auditing services.

SCS is accredited to a wide range of internationally recognized certification schemes, many of which recognize APSCA’s unique role and benefits, such Fair Trade USA, Equitable Food Initiative, and the Sedex Members and Ethical Trade Audit (SMETA). SCS can also support companies seeking to meet retailer supplier requirements by coupling APSCA certification with other recognized certification programs such as Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC) and SCS’ Responsible Sourcing programs.

Posted June 3, 2020

Source: SCS Global Services

AFA Cancels FloorTek Expo 2020 Due To The COVID-19 Pandemic And The Uncertainty Surrounding Fall Events

DALTON, Ga.— June 4, 2020 — The American Floorcovering Alliance (AFA) has announced the cancellation of the FloorTek Expo 2020 which was scheduled for September 29-30 in Dalton, Ga. The uncertainty related to the COVID-19 pandemic and potential restrictions that may be placed on travel and public events has made planning for the event difficult for AFA, potential exhibitors and attendees.

Stephanie Manis, executive director of AFA, indicated she is very disappointed at having to cancel the expo this year since several new and exciting events were planned to coincide with the expo. “We are going to use the time between now and the expected 2021 Expo in September or October to create even more cutting-edge events to help the industry thrive during these changing times,” Manis said.

The dates for the 2021 FloorTek Expo will be announced as soon as available.

Posted June 3, 2020

Source: The American Floorcovering Alliance (AFA)

Frontier Digital Fabric Development Platform Finds Increased Demand Amidst COVID-19

TAIPEI, Taiwan — June 3, 2020 — Due to the travel restrictions and trade show cancelations resulting from COVID19, Frontier, a co-working software as a service (SaaS) designed to digitize fabric materials, enhance supply chain management and boost 3D design capabilities has experienced overall growth of 300 percent among textile mills and brand partners since its launch in April 2019.

The Frontier platform is one of the largest databases of searchable online fabrics in the world containing 20,000 materials and growing from mills around the Asia Pacific area. These databases are created by allowing users to easily upload their textile products with a scanner. The heavy lifting is maintained via cloud computing to reduce upfront investment. The platform allows members to communicate, collaborate, and develop products seamlessly and cost-efficiently without having to get on an airplane, visit a convention center, or spend costly express delivery charges incurred by shipping samples back and forth. Frontier believes fewer administrative tasks make more room for creative work.

“We’ve seen a big jump in the adoption of our platform during the coronavirus as more mills and brands have wanted to move their businesses to the cloud, cut costs, and work as efficiently as possible from home,” said Bob Ryan, Frontier sales president. “Frontier is unique in that our technology visually brings fabrics to life. As touch and handfeel are such critical aspects of selecting fabrics, we’ve collected enough information where we can attempt to build up the language around the hand-feel of materials to help designers grasp their properties. In terms of drape, with the images and data we collect, our tech team will soon be able to compute how a material will fall around a silhouette.”

According to Steven Proulx, vice president, global sales at Sues International — a developer of functional materials for the activewear market — Frontier focuses on three pillars to make its platform as user-friendly and productive as possible.

The first is collaboration. Frontier makes sure its files can be easily shared to eliminate the barrier of entering digitization. The company plans to integrate chat messenger into the platform soon to encourage interactive data sharing.

The second is search. As the largest digital fabric library on the planet at the moment, Frontier wants to make sure users can easily discover and find the fabrics when they need them.

The third is compatibility. Frontier encourages connecting with other digital applications that require fabric data. It presently partners with Bespokify, virtuality.fashion, and C-Design PLM, a PLM SaaS based in France. Frontier anticipates ongoing growth with similar SaaS partnerships.

“While we look forward to the economy opening back up and getting back to our new-normal, we want to make sure our online interaction continues to build community between suppliers and brands with regards to fabric samples, inventory, price quotes, general questions and answers and more – all of which are part of Frontier,” Ryan said.

Posted June 3, 2020

Source: Frontier

MuroSubli® From Texo Trade Services: The Only PVC-Free Textile Wallpaper For Sublimation At A Width Of 320 Centimeters

MOORDRECHT, The Netherlands — June 3, 2020 — Texo Trade Services (TTS) — a specialist in transfer print media and large format, printable textiles — is bringing a new textile wallpaper onto the market: MuroSubli®. This is the only textile wall covering that can be printed using direct and transfer sublimation, as well as ultraviolet (UV), at widths up to 320 centimeters (cm), according to the company. This makes it ideal for wallpapering and decorating all kinds of walls, trade fair stands and decors. Although trade fairs and other large events are currently on hold, many people are using this period of lockdown due to coronavirus to redecorate and beautify their homes and offices. And this product is ideal for that purpose!

Large color range, colorfast and non-transparent

The disadvantage of printing wall coverings with UV-drying inks is that the ink is not odorless. Similarly, printing with latex produces a wall covering that is sensitive to scratches and cannot be cleaned. Latex ink also comes in a relatively limited color range. Other common complaints concern having an underlying surface show through the paper, or many visible seams, particularly on larger surfaces. The PVC-free textile wallpaper MuroSubli® has none of these drawbacks. It is the only textile wall covering that can be printed using direct or transfer sublimation. The result is odorless printing, a very wide range of colors, and the option of designing the wallpaper (including photo wallpaper) according to personal preference. Because the color is incorporated into the polyester, the inks cannot come off. They remain beautiful and as good as new. The textile is also very easy to clean. The reverse side of the textile comes with a grey coating that ensures that the underlying surface does not show through.

Seamless quality with a sleek result

MuroSubli is available in widths of 320 and 160 cm, which means fewer or no seams — all the better for the design. It is 50 meters in length. MuroSubli always delivers a sleek result with no stretching, crumpling or fraying. Because it has a semi-matt finish, it is also suitable for generously lit areas.

MuroSubli WR

TTS will shortly also introduce MuroSubli WR. This version of the textile wallpaper offers all of the benefits described above, and is also water- and dust-repellent. MuroSubli and MuroSubli WR are both PVC-free and DIN4102 B1 certified.

Posted June 3, 2020

Source: Texo Trade Services (TTS)

MTEX NS, SPGPrints Announce A Strategic Partnership To Better Serve Multiple Emerging Segments In The Textile Printing Market

BOXMEER, Netherlands — June 2, 2020 — MTEX NS — a provider of digital printing solutions, software engineering and service providers — has announced a new partnership with SPGPrints, a global company in conventional and digital textile printing solutions. Both companies are pleased to officially announce a strategic agreement from 2020 extending into 2022.

Over the past six months, MTEX NS and SPGPrints research and development teams have been working together to incorporate SPGPrints’ specific digital textile application know-how into the unique digital printing solutions of MTEX NS. An infinite number of tests have been conducted which lead to a series of technological and operational adaptations to perfectly fit the MTEX digital equipment to the textile customer needs. “The current generation MTEX printers, which today is a reality in the Iberian market, already has the stamp of a development cooperation between the MTEX and SPGPrints R&D team,” said Eloi Ferreira, CEO of MTEX NS. “Through this strategic cooperation between MTEX and SPGPrints we will be able to offer unique printing solutions to the digital textile printing industry worldwide, based on both companies know-how and commercial channels.”

Dick Joustra, CEO of SPGPrints, added: “This new partnership offers SPGPrints an enhanced portfolio of products and applications to serve its growing client base and to open up new channels. Furthermore, this agreement enables SPGPrints to expand its offering in some of the largest and fastest growing textile printing markets across the world and it will expand the offerings of both companies into new markets.”

The partnership does include technology for sublimation and pigment printing. These two applications are expected to show significant growth. As a global innovator SPGPrints is in a leading position of bringing more sustainable solutions to the textile printing market. MTEX digital printing equipment provides a perfect platform to create new sustainable digital textile printing solutions alongside SPGPrints’ proprietary Archer® Technology platforms PIKE and JAVELIN.

Posted June 3, 2020

Source: SPGPrints B.V.

Indorama Ventures Sets Up Special Fund To Support Local Projects

BOBINGEN, Germany — June 3, 2020 — Thailand concern Indorama Ventures PCL (IVL), Trevira’s parent company, has pledged to provide financial support to selected charities during the COVID-19 pandemic through a special appeal fund. The money is to be allocated to local projects helping people and organizations facing especial hardship due to the coronavirus crisis. During this challenging time, IVL wants to increase its support for social initiatives, especially in those regions and communities where its companies are based. This includes projects in Guben (Brandenburg) and Bobingen (Bavaria), the homes of two Trevira sites. IVL has already allocated a sum of money to these two areas, while additionally, all IVL employees — including Trevira staff — have been invited to contribute to the fund on a voluntary basis.

To be selected for funding, eligible projects must first be put forward by the staff of Indorama and subsidiaries such as Trevira. This ensures that the projects have a local connection to the areas where the companies are based. An internal, international jury evaluates the submissions and selects the projects it thinks will benefit most from support.

A total of five charities were chosen for the Guben and Bobingen regions, and on Tuesday, May 19, funds totaling 11,556 euros were distributed among three charities in Guben. Guben plant manager Thomas Rademacher visited each of the three charities in person to present them with the cheques. This gave the Trevira representative a chance to find out more about the fantastic work carried out by the charities, and to learn more about how they have been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The ‘Gubener Tafel’, a food bank run by the national Association for the Unemployed (State of Brandenburg branch) received 3,000 euros. The food bank redistributes food that would otherwise be thrown away to people in need, relying entirely on donations to carry out its work. At the beginning of the pandemic, it had to close down its operation temporarily as hygiene requirements made it impossible to deliver food to clients. However, thanks to the creativity and commitment of the food bank’s directors, it was only a short while before 300 people could once again receive support.

Posted June 3, 2020

Source: IVL

Lydall Invests In New Fine Fiber Meltblown Production Line To Meet Rising Global Face Mask Demand

MANCHESTER, Conn. — June 2, 2020 — Lydall Inc. — a  manufacturer of value-added engineered materials and specialty filtration solutions that promote a cleaner, safer and quieter world — today announced an investment in an additional fine fiber meltblown asset in response to the exponential increase in domestic and global demand of specialty filtration media for face masks. This new production line will enable Lydall — one of the few American manufacturers capable of producing high-quality fine fiber meltblown filtration media for N95, surgical and medical face masks — to significantly increase its supply and help alleviate the shortage of meltblown materials, both in the U.S. and internationally.

“In the wake of COVID-19, the need for the filtration media that makes face masks effective has increased dramatically, so much so that it is now being called the ‘golden fleece,’” said Sara A. Greenstein, president and CEO of Lydall. “As one of the only companies in North America and Europe with the technical expertise, supplier relationships and access to the right machines to produce this filtration media, we feel great responsibility to do everything within our power to increase our output, support domestic supply chains and contribute to the global fight against COVID-19. This investment is one example of Lydall’s commitment to do just that.”

The new asset will complement Lydall’s existing global meltblown capacity and is estimated to supply the filtration media for one billion face masks per year, almost a third of the 3.5 billion that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has projected as necessary to protect healthcare workers. Lydall expects commercial production to begin in its Rochester, New Hampshire facility in the fourth quarter of 2020 and plans to hire up to 15 additional employees to support the increase in production.

A technical market leader in the creation of specialty filtration solutions for nearly 100 years, Lydall has quickly pivoted to address the worldwide surge in demand for PPE and other products that support frontline workers and their patients. In addition to manufacturing the critical filtration efficiency layers for N95 respirator masks, ASTM 1, 2, 3 medical masks, and general-purpose masks, Lydall also supplies other support materials for face masks, including comfort layers, protective layers and ties straps.

“Being a trustworthy business partner is a top priority at Lydall. It is always our goal to provide our customers with a consistent supply of high-quality, specialty products and superior customer service,” Ashish Diwanji, incoming resident of Lydall Performance Materials, added. “As the principal supplier of meltblown filtration media to many of the U.S.’s largest face mask producers, we are currently operating at full capacity, with our extraordinarily dedicated team running our existing production lines 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We are pleased that the new installation of this asset will enable us to substantially increase our output of this critically-needed product.”

 

The company has also ramped up production of other much-needed filtration products like needlepunch felt for hospital gowns, medical wipes and absorbent bed pads. In preparation for the U.S. economy’s reopening, Lydall’s innovation team is advancing its filtration science to develop new, high-efficiency, HEPA-rated filtration media to improve the air quality of public spaces, including office buildings, shopping centers, hospitals and airports.

Posted June 2, 2020

Source: Lydall

PVH Corp. Announces Leadership Update At Tommy Hilfiger And PVH Europe

NEW YORK — June 2, 2020 — PVH Corp., owner of a portfolio of iconic brands including TOMMY HILFIGER and CALVIN KLEIN, announced today that Daniel Grieder is stepping down from his role of CEO, Tommy Hilfiger Global and PVH Europe after 23 years in various management roles within the organization, and will be leaving the company to pursue other interests. Martijn Hagman will succeed Grieder and become the new CEO, Tommy Hilfiger Global & PVH Europe, effective June 2, 2020.

Hagman is currently COO, Tommy Hilfiger Global and PVH Europe and CFO, Tommy Hilfiger Global, overseeing operations, finance, digital business transformation, technology, business development and the Tommy Hilfiger global sustainability program. He is a 12-year veteran of the Tommy Hilfiger leadership team and has been instrumental in Tommy Hilfiger’s impressive global expansion and the strategy that has led to PVH Europe’s consistent year-over-year growth.

“Tommy Hilfiger Global and PVH Europe came into this year on the same successful path they have been on, with strong sales trends and improving brand awareness, and connecting with consumers,” said Manny Chirico, chairman and CEO, PVH Corp. “Daniel has been a champion of growing our innovation capabilities and expanding TOMMY HILFIGER’s reach around the world, always pushing for a consumer-centric, digitally-focused and sustainable mindset, while building a very strong management team.”

“It has been a phenomenal 23 years,” said Grieder. “As we are in the midst of this seismic shift in our industry, we find ourselves in a unique position to make a change that I believe will launch us into a new era for the brand. It’s a good feeling to know I can pass my seat to Martijn — he’s been a true friend, trusted confidant and reliable co-pilot on the last 12 years of this journey. There is never a perfect moment to leave an organization you love; the options are to leave too late or too early, and I knew I wanted to make this change while still having the optimism, energy and passion I’ve always held onto in my career.”

Under Grieder’s entrepreneurial leadership, Tommy Hilfiger has been positioned as a leading lifestyle company with best-in-class product, consumer engagement, digitalization and corporate responsibility initiatives. Since Grieder became CEO, Tommy Hilfiger Global & PVH Europe, in 2014, the Tommy Hilfiger business grew from $6 billion to over $9 billion in retail sales in 2019, and the Calvin Klein European business more than doubled in revenues and earnings.

Stefan Larsson, PVH president, said: “Together, Daniel and Martijn have instilled a future-focused vision, putting consumers at its core and creating a product-driven culture. We are thankful for Daniel’s many years of strong leadership and great accomplishments. I have great confidence in Martijn as a leader with a deep understanding of the underlying value drivers of the business. His consumer-centric mindset and digitally focused leadership will successfully guide the next era of sustainable and profitable growth for Tommy Hilfiger and the European region.”

Hagman said, “It is an honor to continue to build on the achievements of the TOMMY HILFIGER brand and PVH Europe alongside an exceptional and passionate management team. My thanks to Daniel extend well beyond the unwavering support, development opportunities and leadership he has provided over the years. We are confident in continuing to execute on the current strategic plan, and our focus for the coming months will be on the recovery and rebound phase of our global businesses out of the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Grieder will help transition his responsibilities over the next few months to ensure a smooth and successful transition.

Both Grieder and Hagman have worked side by side with the brand’s founder and Principal Designer Mr. Tommy Hilfiger for many years.

“My belief and excitement for the future of our brand has never been stronger,” said Tommy Hilfiger. “Daniel’s biggest gifts to our organization have been connecting the brand more strongly with our consumers and building a culture within the organization that is devoted to staying on the cutting edge of product, innovation and culture. Martijn has been on that journey, and, together, we’re going to keep writing the future of our brand — along with our partners and consumers around the world.”

Posted June 2, 2020

Source: PVH Corp.

Domtar Corp. Announces Leader Of Its Engineered Absorbent Materials Business Unit

Lewis Fix

FORT MILL, S.C. — May 28, 2020 — Domtar Corp. named Lewis Fix the business unit manager of its Engineered Absorbent Materials (EAM) business, a wholly owned subsidiary of Domtar, based in Jesup, Ga. Fix, pulp commercial vice president, is currently responsible for the sales and marketing of Domtar’s pulp business, which produces fluff, papergrade and specialty pulp. With the addition of EAM, Fix will be responsible for building an innovative global business that includes both pulp and airlaid materials, strengthening Domtar’s standing with key hygiene customers.

“Combining EAM with our pulp business enables Domtar to provide our customers with unique material solutions,” said Steve Makris, pulp vice president at Domtar. “Under Lewis’s leadership, we will continue to build upon our essential value proposition of being innovative, insightful and collaborative. His experienced industry leadership will strengthen this business for global growth.”

EAM designs and manufactures ultrathin airlaid absorbent cores. EAM has developed industry-leading expertise in non-woven materials and absorbent technology. Some of the world’s largest branded and private label manufacturers incorporate EAM’s NovaThin® and NovaZorb® brand cores into a wide range of products that consumers and businesses rely on every day.

Posted June 2, 2020

Source: Domtar

Banana Republic Donates More Than $20 Million Of New Clothing To Americans In Need

SAN FRANCISCO — June 2, 2020 — As a brand that believes in freedom, equality and a life with no boundaries for all — not just some, Banana Republic aims to continue empowering people through clothing. In response to the current crisis in America, Banana Republic Will Work for a Better Republic by donating more than $20 million of new clothing to those in need, including millions of unemployed Americans who need support getting back to work and getting back on their feet.

In partnership with Delivering Good — a nonprofit organization that unites retailers, manufacturers, foundations and individuals to support Americans affected by poverty and tragedy — Banana Republic will donate clothing to a variety of partner organizations in states that have been most impacted, including Hour Working Women Program in New York, Central City Neighborhood Partners in Los Angeles, Family Focus Englewood in Chicago, among others. This donation will help people as they build a brighter future.

“During this unique moment in history, it’s more necessary than ever to work together to support one another, especially those in need,” said Mark Breitbard, head of Banana Republic and Gap Inc. specialty brands. “As America faces historic unemployment rates, Banana Republic Will Work for a Better Republic, helping Americans get back to work by providing confidence through clothing they can wear for interviews and in different work environments, including working from home.”

“By supporting Delivering Good, Banana Republic is helping men and women across the US, including those facing poverty, homelessness, and job loss,” said Delivering Good President and CEO Lisa Gurwitch. “Among our network of more than 700 community partners, we will focus this donation on nonprofits with workforce training and re-entry programs and markets that have been especially affected by the current crises. This donation will have such a positive impact on men, women and disadvantaged young adults.”

This donation is the latest in Banana Republic’s ongoing efforts to support its communities and be the change, together. Banana Republic believes we are stronger together and better together. WE belong. We believe in a world of equality and opportunity, for everyone. Banana Republic, along with Gap Inc. brands Athleta, Gap and Old Navy, have come together to donate $250,000 to support the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and EmbraceRace to fight for equal rights.

The Gap Foundation also previously announced a $1 million donation to local, state, national and international non-profit organizations to support underserved families during the coronavirus crisis. Banana Republic and the Gap Inc. family of brands will continue to support Americans in need. In addition, parent company Gap Inc. has leveraged its supply chain to connect hospital networks with millions of critical personal protective equipment (PPE) for frontline healthcare workers in response to COVID-19. Banana Republic’s first reusable face mask was sold in benefit to Feeding America®’s COVID-19 Response Fund. This is just the beginning of how the brand Will Work for a Better Republic and is dedicated to doing more than selling clothes.

Posted June 2, 2020

Source: Banana Republic

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