Karl Mayer Group reports it has acquired the Stoll Group — both family-owned companies based in Germany. The Stoll Group will formally become part of Karl Mayer July 1, 2020. The acquisition grows Karl Mayer’s portfolio in the flat knitting sector, and Stoll reports it will benefit from Karl Mayer’s global sales, service and production sites.
“The acquisition is an important step in our growth strategy and we are proud to welcome Stoll into our Group,” said Arno Gärtner, CEO, Karl Mayer Group. “Stoll is an internationally recognized brand in the textile industry and has comprehensive technological expertise and an experienced team in the knitting sector.”
“This alliance brings together two very strong brands in textile machinery building whose solutions portfolios and regional presence complement each other brilliantly,” said Andreas Schellhammer, CEO, Stoll.
NexGen™PVC-free mattress protectors defend against dust mites, allergens, stains and spills.
Seam Seal International has launched a new line of non-PVC mattress protectors for the mass market.
By Rachael S. Davis, Executive Editor
A mattress cover or mattress protector offers a last line of defense against spills, dirt and allergens; and can also reduce abrasion on the mattress — all of which may help extend the mattress’s lifetime.
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is the moisture barrier of choice in many covers, especially products sold at a lower price point through mass retailers. However, PVC has a strong odor; and exposure to PVC may have adverse health effects, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Enter Guntersville, Ala.-based Seam Seal International, which recently expanded its ProtectEase brand with NexGen™ mattress protectors. Seam Seal opened in 1996 offering seam sealing technologies for waterproofing fabrics. The company branched off into film-laminated fabrics in 2006; and in 2013, added finished waterproof bedding products to its offerings.
Seam Seal’s new fabric technology is aimed at replacing outdated PVC bedding products sold at big box retailers. The patented, environmentally conscious NexGen mattress protectors offer a full range of hypoallergenic protection against dust mites, allergens, stains and spills, and also are odor-free.
“You know when you open the package of a cheap shower curtain, the room smells for a day or so,” said Chris Wright, CEO “We are the anti-PVC company and only use poly films considered ecofriendly. We are offering the ‘NextGeneration’ of fabrics, hence the product’s name.”
NexGen’s fabric composition is proprietary, but Wright reports that the process used to produce the nonwoven fabric lends a supple hand and superior strength not typically found in other nonwovens or PVC products. “Technically, we call it a polyolefin trilaminate, and we use the same fabric for the bottom and sidewalls of the basic mattress protectors.
The supple hand of the lightweight material also removes any noise and discomfort associated with PVC-based products. “This combination of better health and protection with a quieter, softer material positions NexGen as an obvious disrupter in a category filled with me-too products,” Wright noted.
The fabric has passed ASTM fabric barrier/penetration tests D2776, D3786 and D1683; and has also been subjected to third-party lab tests in order to support the claims it protects from “bed bugs, dust-mites and pet dander.” NexGen fabrics also are compliant with California’s Prop 65 toxic content legislation.
According to Wright, NexGen mattress protectors can be machine washed with warm water and air-fluff tumble dried, although cleaning with a damp cloth is the recommended method of washing to prevent over drying in the machine, which may damage the film over time.
NexGen mattress protectors currently are available at major retail stores as well as online.
“Our background is in engineered specialty fabrics with an emphasis on multi-layer nonwovens,”Wright said. “Those fabrics are used in everything from landfill linings to emergency hazmat suits. We say around here, ‘if we can protect a fireman from hydrofluoric acid, we can certainly protect your mattress from a Kool-Aid spill!’”
For more information about NexGen™ mattress protectors contact Chris Wright, 866-615-4179; info@seam-seal.com; protect-ease.com
New York City-based Designtex and Hologenix LLC — the inventor of Celliant® thermo-reactive fiber technology — have collaborated to launch Designtex Celliant upholstery fabrics. The line includes four fabric styles across 50 colors.
Wrangler®, Greensboro, N.C., has expanded its Wrangler RIGGS Workwear® line to include apparel designed for specifically women.
Ross Stores, Dublin, Calif., reports it will open 75 new Ross Dress for Less® and 25 dd’s Discounts® locations during fiscal year 2020.
The North American facilities of Schaumburg, Ill.-based INX International have attained ISO 45001 Occupational Health & Safety Standard certification. INX locations now are registered to three standards — ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and the new ISO 45001.
The Dalton, Ga.-based American Floorcovering Alliance (AFA) has announced Floortek Expo will be held September 29-30, 2020, in Dalton.
Green Buffalow, Fort Collins, Colo., has launched new Wildland Firefighter Uniforms that have been developed to be protective and comfortable for women as well as men.
Prescient Color Ltd., India, recently changed its name to Americhem Polymers India Pvt. Ltd. after joining the Americhem family almost two years ago.
Lee Vintage Modern Union-All
Greensboro, N.C.-based Lee® has introduced the Vintage Modern Collection for spring 2020. Jeans are inspired by designs from the brands historic archives and are available through online retail partners including Nordstrom and Madewell.
Japan-based YKK Corp. has introduced a zipper that closes using magnetic force. The open-end zippers may be engaged and closed using the magnetic force by simply bringing the left and right sides of the zipper together, according to the company. The zipper is suitable for sportswear and childrenswear, among other applications.
England-based Global Inkjet Systems (GIS) has released version 3 of its Atlas Graphical User Interface (GUI) software. Updates include increased functionality with interface options and new language packs.
Aurora Specialty Textiles Group, Yorkville, Ill., was presented with an Operational Excellence award by the Valley Industrial Association. The award recognizes leadership in operational strategic planning and implementation.
England-based PPSS Group has launched a black version of its high-performance cut-resistant Cut-Tex PRO fabric.
HanesBrands, Winston-Salem, N.C., has launched the C9 Champion brand on Amazon Fashion as part of a multi-year, exclusive agreement. More than 100 of C9’s most popular styles for the whole family will be available at Amazon.com.
Gerber Childrenswear LLC, Greenville, S.C., recently launched the Gerber Modern Moments baby apparel line. The clothing, available exclusively at Walmart beginning in March, is made using organically grown cotton.
Tokyo-based Teijin Frontier Co. Ltd. reports it has developed an eco-minded adhesive for rubber reinforcement that does not use resorcinol-formaldehyde, but offers the same level of performance as a resorcinol-formaldehyde latex (RFL).
Kohl’s has partnered with Lands’ End to offer the retailer’s entire assortment of women’s, men’s, kid’s and home merchandise on Kohls.com. Orders will be fulfilled and shipped directly by Lands’ End. In addition, Kohl’s will offer seasonal Lands’ End merchandise in 150 of its stores. Lands’ End merchandise will be available through Kohl’s beginning fall 2020.
CARY, N.C. — March 26, 2020 — Washington Representative Joe Fitzgibbon (D-34) joined the Association of Washington Cities and INDA, Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, in applauding Governor Inslee’s signing of HB 2565, a law intended to address the labeling of certain disposable wipes.
The law, spearheaded by Rep. Fitzgibbon, Chairman of the Washington House Environment and Energy Committee, represents a months-long cooperative effort between a coalition of Washington wastewater and municipal sector stakeholders led by the Association of Washington Cities and INDA, the trade association representing the wipes industry. The groups came together to tackle the problem of consumers flushing baby wipes, surface cleaning wipes and other “nonflushable” wipes that are not designed to be disposed in sewer systems. The law requires packages of these wipes to carry prominent “Do Not Flush” labeling to help guide consumers to dispose of them appropriately in the trash.
“I introduced this legislation in response to concerns voiced by Washington sewer system operators that consumers are flushing certain categories of wipes that are not intended to be,” said Representative Fitzgibbon. “I was pleased to sponsor legislation that brought together municipalities and industry to find a common sense solution to this problem and am proud that Washington is the first state in the nation to tackle this issue in a meaningful way.”
“Improperly flushed wipes can be a contributing cause to sewer clogs and wastewater spills,” said Peter King, CEO of the Association of Washington Cities. “This bill was a collaborative effort between government and industry, which will provide consumers with clear disposal direction and protect the public’s sewer and wastewater systems.”
“Baby wipes, cosmetic wipes and other disposable wipes provide tangible benefits to consumers, while hard surface antibacterial and disinfecting wipes are an indispensable tool for household cleaning and reducing exposure to viruses impacting public health as we’ve seen recently. However, unlike wipes labeled “flushable,” these kinds of wipes were not designed nor marketed to be disposed in the toilet,” said INDA’s President Dave Rousse. “We would like to thank Representative Fitzgibbon for his leadership and the Washington cities and wastewater community for their constructive engagement on legislation that will go a long way to ensuring that consumers understand which wipes are ‘Do Not Flush’ and require disposal in the trash can.”
Posted March 26, 2020
Source: INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry
MEMPHIS, Tenn.— March 24, 2020 — The U.S. cotton industry commends congress and the Administration for reaching agreement today on a broad-based economic relief/stimulus package for individuals and businesses, including the agriculture sector.
National Cotton Council (NCC) Chairman Kent Fountain, a Georgia cotton ginner, said it was of utmost importance that the bill includes restored funding authority for the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) and dedicated funding for producers in response to the coronavirus so USDA can develop relief measures for all of agriculture in response to the economic losses and business disruption caused by COVID-19.
“We believe this is a good first step towards addressing the needs of the agricultural economy, but more funding authority will likely be needed once there is a better assessment of the full impacts of the current crisis,” Chairman Fountain added.
The NCC is assessing economic impacts and losses across the U.S. cotton industry and will work with USDA and Congressional leaders on recommended policy options to respond to these urgent needs being felt across the industry from producer to textile manufacturer. These overarching needs are outlined in a letter sent today from Chairman Fountain to USDA Secretary Perdue and Members of Congress.
The NCC joined with other agricultural organizations on letters recently sent to President Trump and Congressional leaders saying it was critical that any fiscal and economic response to help businesses survive the crisis match the scale and intensity of the steps being taken to end the pandemic. The letters emphasized that individuals and family-owned companies operate on their cash flow, and that cash flow has been severely disrupted – their costs are up and their revenue flows are down, if not entirely shut off
HAVERHILL, Mass./BURLINGTON, Mass.— March 25, 2020 — Baril Corp. and ViruDefense Inc. today announced that the two companies have been collaborating over the past six weeks to develop high-capacity, U.S.-based manufacturing capabilities of surgical N95-F respirator masks combining the filtration capabilities of N95 masks with the fluid resistance of surgical masks. This aggressive effort is in response to the market’s increased need and significant supply chain disruptions brought on by the surge of COVID-19 in China, causing China to shift from the largest exporter to the largest importer of masks and other personal protective equipment (PPE).
The new dual-function, advanced N95-F masks will be manufactured at Baril Corp.’s Massachusetts facility and are regulated by the NIOSH division of the CDC. They meet both NIOSH requirements for filtration and FDA requirements for fluid resistance, biocompatibility, and flammability. Subject to NIOSH approval, the respirator will be launched by ViruDefense under the mark VDI-100 Surgical N95-F Respirator Mask.
Baril has secured materials to manufacture in excess of 10 million respirator masks with commercial production by June 2020. The initial capacity is expected to be in excess of 250,000 per week. Subject to the availability of capital to increase production capacity, this number is expected to rapidly grow to 1 million respirators per week by Q3.
“Manufacturing this advanced surgical N95-F respirator mask using a high capacity manufacturing process aligns well with our core capabilities at Baril Corporation,” said Dan Baril, CEO, Baril Corp. “Our adaptive engineering team and by-design reserve capacity allowed us to start on this project immediately, while our US-based supply chain relationships allowed us to decrease lead times dramatically. We are putting our 40+ years of experience to work to bring a high-quality product to the market as rapidly as possible to address this very important, unmet need.”
“As nurses and other caregivers on the frontlines of this pandemic continue to struggle to care for patients without access to desperately needed personal protective equipment, respirators and other vital supplies, the Massachusetts Nurses Association has been calling for all sectors of our society, including state and local governments, as well as the private sector, to do whatever is necessary to mobilize all resources to protect the public,” said Donna Kelly-Williams, RN, President of the Massachusetts Nurses Association (MNA). “This is a powerful, local example of that effort in action, and we look forward to working with all parties in the months ahead to address this public health crisis.”
“When we started working on this project in early February, most believed we were unnecessarily panicking — that this was a temporary China issue, not a devastating global problem,” said Dr. Pieter Muntendam, founder of ViruDefense. “The team at Baril fully engaged immediately, and we now find ourselves in a leading position with additional capacity for the manufacturing of an advanced N95-F surgical respirator.”
ViruDefense has reached out to the State of Massachusetts, Partners Healthcare Inc. and other organizations in Massachusetts to collaborate and provide funding that will enhance manufacturing capacity and allow an adequate supply of N95-F respirator masks to medical personnel, first responders, law enforcement, retail workers, and other essential personnel across Massachusetts.
HYANNIS, Mass. — March 25, 2020 — Sencorp Thermoforming, a division of SencorpWhite and a manufacturer of thermoforming equipment for more than 50 years, announced today that it can modify its thermoforming machines to form face masks for the medical professionals combating the COVID-19 pandemic. Last week, the Cape Cod, Massachusetts company successfully modified two machines; each one has the capability to produce about three million face masks per week.
Medical workers and first responders in the United States are short on the supply of N95 protective face masks and shields. These essential components of personal protective equipment (PPE) help safeguard clinicians from accidental droplets containing coronavirus as they tend to patients, work in labs, and assist at drive-through testing facilities. The coronavirus is more contagious than the flu, and it is critical that these first responders get the medical supplies they desperately deserve.
“We received a call from a large PPE manufacturer of face masks to see if we could respond quickly to the unprecedented global demand,” said Brian Golden, vice president for Sencorp. “We converted two 2500 style machines typically used for consumer products in the plastic industry to run the material used in the production of the N95 masks. Our talented staff of machine builders stepped up to the challenge. With necessary modifications two machines were prepped for shipment in less than a week. Each machine is capable of producing about 3 million masks per week.”
Brian Urban, Sencorp’s president and CEO, also credited the company’s skilled workforce for their dedication during this national emergency.
“Despite concern for themselves and their families, our dedicated employees are working in staggered shifts to meet this unprecedented demand,” Urban said. “These sophisticated thermoforming machines require a large skilled workforce that SencorpWhite has in place. In addition, unlike others, we are self-sufficient, manufacturing parts in-house so we can quickly respond in urgent situations like this. Our machines are proudly Made in America right here on Cape Cod.”
SencorpWhite has several product lines that are critical in the supply chain across America, including vertical carousels used within hospital pharmacies, medical supplies distribution, and grocery pickup. Medical pouch and tray sealing machines protect medical devices, consumables, and clinical supplies and our software drives efficiency in the distribution and manufacturing supply chain.
“We are happy to do our part,” Keith Blackwell, Thermoforming Supervisor at Sencorp said. “It is not without its challenges, but we are here to help. There is nothing more important than keeping our healthcare workers safe. They are the most important resource in this crisis.”
PPE manufacturer and supplier Radians donates over 14,000 N95 respirators to help protect Memphis first responders and medical community during COVID-19 crisis.
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — March 25, 2020 — Radians, a Memphis-based top-tier manufacturer and supplier of quality Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), donated more than 14,000 N95 particulate respirators to Memphis and Shelby County.
Radians® added the N95 respirator to its PPE portfolio in 2018. “We knew that adding N95 respirator to our portfolio was important,” said Radians President Bill England. “But with the COVID-19 pandemic, they have become a critical PPE item to help protect those with the highest risk of exposure. We’re happy that Radians is able to make this donation in our hometown.”
Radians CEO, Mike Tutor, said the donation: “represents Radians’ corporate responsibility to help the Memphis community during challenging times. With a worldwide shortage of respirators, we knew this donation would quickly assist our local first responders and medical community as they help the Memphis community rise above the COVID-19 crisis. The respirators will also be of service at the COVID-19 test sites that are being set-up across the city.”
Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland said, “Thank you, thank you, thank you. This is a prime example of people stepping up during uncertain times and answering the call to help. Our first responders greatly appreciate this and will put Radians respirators to good use.”
Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris personally thanked Radians and said, “The support and collaboration among our community is critical in reducing the spread of the novel coronavirus. I would like to thank Radians for supporting us with the resources needed to respond to this public health concern. This donation will provide vital support to our first responders as they commit daily to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in Shelby County.”
CHATSWORTH, Calif. — March 24, 2020 — In partnership with local, community-based, medical uniform stores nationwide, Careismatic Brands, the largest U.S. supplier of scrubs, today announced a donation of $1 million of Cherokee and Dickies branded scrubs to impacted hospitals across the country, specifically for healthcare workers on the front lines of COVID-19. In this challenging environment, healthcare workers on the front lines currently need to frequently change — even dispose of — their scrubs throughout the day in an effort to not contaminate themselves or others with the virus.
“In addition to a critical nationwide need for personal protective equipment, hospital healthcare workers on the front lines caring for COVID-19 patients are also in need of fresh scrubs,” said Mike Singer, CEO, Careismatic Brands Inc.
“This donation is extremely meaningful and will have great impact on our front line healthcare workers serving patients with COVID-19. Careismatic Brands is the leader in medical apparel and they have been a strong and dedicated partner to healthcare for decades. We are grateful to be a part of this donation program,” said David Marshall, senior vice president and chief nursing executive at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.
“We are in an ideal position to help meet demand, as well as give back to healthcare workers who are bravely caring for COVID-19 patients with great personal sacrifice. Allocating needed supplies to many hospitals across the U.S. requires a solid infrastructure combined with supply chain leadership to properly flow supply and avoid significant overages in some areas and dangerous undersupply to others. We are honored to step up as a company in this time of need,” stated Singer.
Careismatic Brands will be working with state governments and key hospital supply chain/procurement/purchasing professionals to connect them with local, community-based retail partners to deliver the scrubs in increments of 12 to 120 units, directly to where they are needed most.
To receive these free scrubs, the company requests that hospital executives email Careismatic Brands at Scrubs@Careismatic.com. Requests should include the hospital name, hospital contact and cell phone, hospital delivery address, and the quantity requested for each women’s, men’s and unisex scrubs plus the size range needed in tops, pants and jackets in each size (regular/petite/tall in XXS/S/M/L/XL/2X/3X/4X/5X). Careismatic Brands will do its best to meet specific requests, based upon available remaining inventory quantities.
Cherokee and Dickies scrubs by Careismatic Brands are sold in local, community-based retail specialty stores and online commerce sites selling high-quality, trusted branded scrubs. These stores most often are owned by local health care workers, their families and friends. As the scrubs market share leader, Careismatic Brands has deep inventories of multiple brands of scrubs in its Dallas distribution center with additional supplies flowing daily.
Posted March 25, 2020
Source: Careismatic Brands Inc. (formerly Strategic Partners Inc.)
W. CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa. — March 25, 2020 — Global standards organization ASTM International is providing no-cost public access to a suite of two dozen important standards used in the production and testing of personal protective equipment to combat the COVID-19 (coronavirus) public health emergency.
In an effort to support manufacturers, testing labs, healthcare professionals, and the general public, the available standards cover personal protective equipment including face masks, medical gowns, gloves, and hand sanitizers.
“ASTM International is committed to supporting healthcare providers, manufacturers, labs, and others in their efforts to address this global pandemic,” said to Katharine Morgan, ASTM International president. “Providing access to these standards at no cost will help companies manufacturing these products to understand necessary safety, quality and performance requirements, helping our world work better.”
The suite of available standards include test methods, performance specifications, and terminology. They were developed and maintained by ASTM International’s committees on personal protective clothing and equipment (F23), textiles (D13), rubber (D11), pesticides, antimicrobials, and alternative control agents (E35), and medical and surgical devices and materials (F04), and are available here for public access.
