Páramo To Launch In The US : 32-Year-Old Brand Sees Opportunity For Innovative, Sustainable Rain Gear

Seattle, WA — November 4, 2024 — Páramo, maker of innovative, functional, and comfortable outdoor clothing that has been keeping the British dry for decades, is coming to the US. With a line of outerwear that is PFAS-free, certified fair trade, and fully recyclable, the brand will initially focus on direct-to-consumer sales through its website, while partnering with AvantLink for affiliate sales.

“Páramo makes waterproof clothing unlike anything else on the market. Our uniquely constructed PFAS-free garments are designed to last, which is the first and most important step towards circularity,” said Páramo CEO Richard Pyne. “Today, we have many customers who use their decades-old Páramo jackets because they still work. In addition, we make every garment by hand in our employee-owned, Fair Trade Certified factory in Colombia. We are excited to bring some new and interesting high-performance, ethical, and long-lasting outerwear to the North American market.”

Páramo clothing has many characteristics that appeal to the US customer:

  • Commitment to Industry-leading waterproof protection without PFAS.
    • Páramo has never added any PFAS chemicals to its products and has audited its suppliers for PFAS since 2014.
  • Comfortable in all conditions.
    • Unique directional waterproof technology provides superior breathability, even in high humidity environments. Páramo clothing moves liquid water away from the body, keeping the user dry in all types of weather.
    • Thoughtful and adjustable ventilation providing comfort in warm and cool temperatures.
    • Strong, yet soft and quiet fabrics.
  • Long-lasting, durable, and recyclable.
    • Indefinitely renewable by washing and waterproofing with Nikwax products.
    • Easily repairable. Unlike coated or membrane-based fabrics, garments can be easily repaired with a needle and thread without compromising performance.
    • Fully recyclable at the end of life through Páramo’s Re-Store Adventure program.
  • Ethically produced through World Fair Trade Certified facility, Miquelina.
    • Located in Bogota Colombia, Miquelina helps women in desperate situations by providing training and employment.
    • Miquelina is an ISO 9001 rated factory and since 2017, has been a member of the World Fair Trade Organization.
    • In 2022, Miquelina joined Páramo and Nikwax in an employee-owned trust, securing a production partnership for years to come and making all the employees at the facility employee-owners.

Launching with three men’s and three women’s jackets, along with rain pants in a full range of sizes, Páramo products can be purchased at https://paramo-clothing.com/en-us/.

Páramo products are designed in the UK and fairly manufactured in Bogota, Colombia. Páramo, its manufacturing partner, Miquelina, and Nikwax are all part of an employee-owned trust.

Posted: November 4, 2024

Source: Páramo

Cone Denim Introduces First Solar Panel Installation At Mill In Jiaxing, China

GREENSBORO, N.C. — November 4, 2024 — Cone Denim® has taken the next step toward increasing renewable energy usage and reducing greenhouse gas emissions with the construction and launch of its first rooftop solar project in Jiaxing, China.

“This project is a great accomplishment for Cone towards our sustainability efforts,” stated Cone Denim Vice President of Manufacturing, Brad Johnson. “The solar panel installation demonstrates our commitment to continued innovation across our manufacturing facilities and platforms to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.”

Cone Denim Solar Panel Launch

Johnson, alongside other members of the Cone Denim Jiaxing team, announced the official launch of the installation through a ribbon-cutting ceremony held on October 18. The celebration marked the first solar panel installation for Cone, and the fourth overall for its parent company, Elevate Textiles®.

The solar panel initiative will generate 9 MWH of electricity annually. Johnson estimates that this new clean energy source will provide a 17% reduction in the plant’s annual GHG emissions.

“This launch provides Cone Denim the opportunity to scale our efforts on clean energy and carbon reduction, all on-site in Jiaxing,” added Johnson. “By implementing this on our industrial site, we are preserving the natural landscape without requiring any additional surrounding land resources.”

The solar panel project efforts follow Cone’s recent announcement of its commitment to reach its 2030 sustainability goals. The commitments, set by parent company Elevate Textiles, are validated by the Science Based Targets Initiative and state a target for a 46.2% reduction in Scope 1, 2, 3, and GHG emissions. The company also has an ambition to attain 100% renewable electricity by 2030.

“The installation, alongside our other efforts like Zero Liquid Discharge at our plant in Parras, Mexico, proves our efforts to maintain our reputation as a sustainable supplier committed to trust, traceability and transparency,” stated Johnson. “With the solar panel addition, we hope to serve as a leader in sustainable offerings and innovations, while continuing to inspire change across the industry.”

Posted: November 4, 2024

Source: Cone Denim

ACIMT, Italian Textile Machinery: Order Intake Down In The Third Quarter Of 2024

MILAN — November 4, 2024 — In the third quarter of 2024, the order index for Italian textile machinery, as reported by the Economics Department of ACIMIT, the Association of Italian Textile Machinery Manufacturers, showed a decline compared to the period July – September 2023 (-19%). In value terms, the index stood at 50.6 points (base 2021=100).

This drop is due to the decrease in foreign markets (-23%), which account for 86% of total orders. Instead, a 15% increase was observed in Italy compared to the third quarter of 2023. The absolute index value for foreign markets was 49.1 points, while in Italy it reached 61 points. In the third quarter, the order backlog amounted to 3.8 months of guaranteed production.

Marco Salvadè, President of ACIMIT, stated: “The order index remains at low levels. The foreign demand is of greatest concern. Investments in machinery remain stalled in some of the major markets for Italian textile machinery, such as India, Turkey, and Bangladesh.”

The growth in order collection in the domestic market is not sufficient to bridge the gap recorded abroad. Furthermore, the increase needs to be compared with the same quarter in the previous year, when orders were already low. Given the weak demand in several key markets, Italian manufacturers are working to seek new opportunities in Countries where the textile industry is still technologically underdeveloped. Marco Salvadè added: “Recently, ACIMIT organized exploratory missions to Turkmenistan and Kyrgyzstan to assess the local textile market and understand the technological needs of its companies.”

Posted: November 4, 2024

Source: The Association of Italian Textile Machinery Manufacturers (ACIMIT)

AATCC Names Christina Rapa As President-Elect

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. — November 4, 2024 — As determined by a special election, Christina Rapa has assumed the role of President-Elect and will serve as the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC) President from January 1, 2025, until December 31, 2026.

Christina Rapa

Rapa has been an advocate for AATCC for more than 23 years. Starting as a Textile Engineering student at both Jefferson University and NC State and continuing through the formation of the Northwest chapter in Portland/Seattle in the early 2000s, she now serves as the Delaware Valley Section Chair.

As the Material Interest Group chair for the past three and half years, she has invited members via webinar to hear diverse speaker topics such as “Space Textiles”, “Biobased Leather”, “Advances in Regenerated Cellulose” and “Seaweed Fiber”. As an engineer in the Fabrics division at W.L. Gore and Associates, Rapa focuses on digital transformation, including 3D material creation and PLM software implementation.

When Rapa assumes the role of AATCC President on January 1, 2025, current President, John Crocker will assume the role of Immediate Past President where he will serve as the Chair to the Appropriations Committee. During his presidency, Crocker encouraged the Association to participate in several tradeshows around the world to aid in global presence and has presented on various topics on behalf of the Association and during many AATCC events. Most recently, he represented the Association in October by presenting Driving Sustainability Through Textile Standards at the 2024 Intexcon Conference in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India. He has made an active effort to build connections and relationships with the AATCC staff and members by regularly visiting the Technical Center and participating in numerous AATCC events. The AATCC is proud to have called John Crocker President for 2023-2024 and thanks Crocker for his dedicated service while looking forward to welcoming Christina Rapa to the role of President.

To determine the next President-Elect, a special election will be held in early 2025.

Posted: November 4, 2024

Source: The American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC)

AATCC: Upcoming Early Registration Deadline For The Odor & Microbial Management Conference

GRAND RAPIDS, MI.  — November 1, 2024 — Come join the discussion at AATCC’s Odor & Microbial Management Conference on December 3-4, 2024, at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel in Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA. This conference will highlight all aspects of antimicrobial and anti-odor agents that are used to manage odor and uncontrolled bacterial growth on textiles.

The program will focus on the basic understanding of odor generation, release and human detection and perception of these odors. It will cover the desire for more environmentally sensitive antimicrobial and anti-odor agents but with the recognition that all functional features come with costs. The discussions will include detection techniques, limitations of these techniques, and procedures in which the industry is moving to increase both understanding and reproducibility of test results. Global regulatory acceptance and proper claims will be covered.

AATCC individual and corporate members registering on or before November 13 pay the discounted registration rate of US$580 (nonmembers pay US$865). Registration includes lunch, breaks, and a reception. After November 13 the rates will increase.  Register early and save!

This event will be beneficial for all levels of brands and retailers interested in adding antimicrobial and anti-odor features to their products.

A reception will be held on the evening of December 3 providing conference participants with an opportunity to network with fellow attendees. Tabletop exhibits are available to industry suppliers to share the latest information about their products and services. This is an excellent opportunity to showcase your company’s products and services.  If your company would like to reserve a tabletop, please visit the AATCC website for details.

Posted: November 1, 2024

Source: The American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC)

Technical Nonwoven Manufacturer Bondex Expands South Carolina Operations With $18.8 million investment

COLUMBIA, S.C.  — October 29, 2024 — Bondex, a technical nonwoven manufacturer, announced it is expanding its Edgefield County operations. The company’s $18.8 million investment will create 13 new jobs.

Part of Andrew Industries Limited, Bondex is an innovative nonwovens and specialty roll goods manufacturer founded in 1997. The company’s products serve growing demand across various markets, including filtration, automotive, laundry felt and more, for customers globally.

The expansion includes a new needlepunch line and increased production capacity for Bondex’s facility located at 2 Maxwell Drive in Trenton.

Operations are already online. Individuals interested in joining the Bondex team should visit the company’s careers page.

“At Bondex, we are proud to deepen our roots in Edgefield County with this expansion. This investment is a testament to our team’s dedication to innovation and to the growing demand for our high-quality products. Our reputation in the area as a great place to work is something we take seriously, and we’re excited to continue building that legacy by creating new opportunities for growth and employment. We look forward to advancing both our capabilities and the local community as we grow in South Carolina.” -Bondex President Brian Little

“Whenever a company decides to expand within our borders, it is a win for South Carolina. We celebrate Bondex’s investment in Edgefield County and applaud its continued commitment to doing business in our state.” -Gov. Henry McMaster

“Bondex’s expansion announcement showcases South Carolina’s commitment to supporting our existing companies. Congratulations to Bondex and Edgefield County on this $18.8 million investment that will create new job opportunities in the local community.” -Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III

“Edgefield County Council has worked tirelessly to ensure industry can be successful. Bondex has had several expansions over the last 10 years. This latest expansion is confirmation that they have been profitable and county council’s work is bearing fruit. Congratulations to Bondex and may they continue to be successful.” -Edgefield County Council Chairman Dean Campbell

“Bondex and Edgefield County have had a great relationship for many years. This expansion signifies they make a quality product that is sought after. We are excited about this and are glad we were able to help this expansion become a reality.” -Western SC Economic Development Partnership Chairman Gary Stooksbury

Fast Facts

  • Bondex is expanding its operations in Edgefield County, South Carolina.
  • The company’s $18.8 million investment will create 13 new jobs.
  • Bondex is a leader in technical nonwoven manufacturing.
  • The company is located at 2 Maxwell Drive in Trenton, S.C.

Individuals interested in joining the Bondex team should visit the company’s careers page.

Posted: October 31, 2024

Source: Office of the Governor of South Carolina

Keypoint Intelligence Announces German Sacristan’s Keynote At FuturePrint TECH Event

FAIRFIELD, N.J. — October 31, 2024 —  Keypoint Intelligence is pleased to announce that German Sacristan, Group Director, Production Printing, will present a keynote at the upcoming FuturePrint TECH event, taking place in Cambridge, UK, on November 6-7. His keynote, titled “Navigating the Future: Trends and Opportunities in Digital Printing Technologies,” will provide valuable insights into the latest advancements in digital printing across various sectors, including commercial print, labels, packaging, textiles, and wide-format printing.

German Sacristan

German Sacristan will focus on how digital printing is transforming traditional print processes and driving sustainability. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the opportunities and challenges presented by these evolving technologies.

Key topics will highlight:

  • Market Shift: Print volume consolidations within digital printing technologies and accelerated shift from analog to digital printing.
  • Value-Added Selling: Understanding which specialty printing products print buyers are interested in purchasing.
  • Automation: AI and robotics
  • Sustainability: Rising demand for eco-friendly materials and on-demand solutions.

“Digital printing technologies are evolving at a rapid pace, offering print buyers effective tools and strategies to better communicate with their customers. I look forward to sharing insights into the trends that are shaping the future of print and what PSPs can leverage to stay ahead,” said German Sacristan.

Frazer Chesterman, Co-Founder of FuturePrint, added, “German’s keynote will provide invaluable guidance on how the industry can adapt to the fast-changing digital landscape. His expertise is critical for businesses navigating digital transformation and sustainability challenges, both of which are key themes at FuturePrint.”

For more information or to register for the event, visit FuturePrint. https://www.futureprint.events/about

Posted: October 31, 2024

Source: Keypoint Intelligence

Apparel Manufacturer Crystal International Unveils Crystal Sustainability Vision 2030

HONG KONG — October 31, 2024 — Crystal International Group Limited (“Crystal International” or the “Group”) has announced the plan of its Crystal Sustainability Vision 2030 (CSV2030), spearheading sustainability in the garment manufacturing industry. Following through on its 5-year Global Sustainability Targets which has achieved a triumphant success after three cycles of completion, the Group is charting a bold course for a more sustainable future with the newly unveiled CSV2030. The ambitious plan builds on the initial success of sustainability performance over the past 17 years and outlines the goals for tackling a broader spectrum of sustainability issues by 2030.

As Crystal’s next sustainability milestone, CSV2030 encompasses 8 impact areas across nature, people and community, addressing emerging global sustainability challenges and solidifying the Group’s commitment to responsible manufacturing. The newly announced plan outlines targets associated with climate, circularity, water, biodiversity, wellness, equity, employee engagement, as well as community engagement and partnership. The tagline “Impact for Better”, which accentuates the high aspiration of the Group, signifies the resolution to create positive impact on various impact areas to weave a better future.

With reference to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), CSV2030 development has undergone rounds of stakeholder engagement, review of industry best practices and traits, as well as the holistic analysis of macro issues. During the transition, all Crystal factories will have their own specifically defined measures required to achieve within a clear timetable.

Commenting on the strong commitment, Ms. Catherine Chiu, Vice President of Corporate Quality and Sustainability, stated, “we gear up to tackle wider global sustainability issues by the end of the decade. To achieve this long-term ambition, we will join hands with industry peers to scale up in different areas in order to support our determination in the long run. We believe we could take sustainable fashion to the new heights”.

As a sustainability leader in the industry, Crystal International will strive to continuously progress towards the new vision at all levels. The Group will be revealing a series of multi-faceted communications, to signify the commencement of this remarkable milestone and to demonstrate its motivation. More details about CSV2030 can be accessible at https://www.crystalgroup.com/csv2030.

Crystal International Group Limited is a global apparel manufacturer. Founded in Hong Kong in 1970, with a diversified product portfolio categorized into six product types, namely Lifestyle wear, Sportswear and outdoor apparel, Denim, Intimate, and Knitted fabrics. Headquartered in Hong Kong, Crystal International operates a multi-country manufacturing platform with more than 20 production facilities spanning five countries, including Vietnam, China, Cambodia, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

Posted: October 31, 2024

Source: Crystal International Group Limited

Functional Contract Textiles: The Multi-Talents At Heimtextil 2025

FRANKFURT AM MAIN, Germany— October 31, 2024 — Functional, reliable and innovative – this is how the products for the contract sector are presented at Heimtextil in Frankfurt from 14 to 17 January 2025. Interior designers, architects and hospitality experts awaits a broad and international range of textiles, specifically for use in public buildings and facilities.

Decorative Furniture Fabrics

From 14 to 17 January 2025, Heimtextil will be the first stop for architects, interior designers and hospitality experts looking for contract textiles. Here, they find the entire spectrum of textile furnishings in one place and at the same time an informative comprehensive programme, design and trend inspiration. Top international exhibitors and innovative newcomers present their latest products for the contract business. The entire textile spectrum is covered – from wallpapers, curtains and sun protection, upholstery and outdoor fabrics, bedding, bed linen, bathroom textiles, mattresses and sleeping systems, fibres and yarns to carpets.

‘Contract textiles are the champions league of home textiles. They are subject to the highest demands in terms of quality, functionality, safety and design. Year after year, our exhibitors outdo themselves with innovative products and further developments in functionality. This makes it all the more important to stay up-to-date, discover the most promising innovations and explore the new possibilities’, explains Bettina Bär, Director Heimtextil.

Whether in offices, hotels, restaurants, hospitals or public transport – textiles are an essential part of furnishings and fulfil important tasks. They provide comfort, influence the room atmosphere and are also real all-rounders. Flame-retardant, antimicrobial, water-repellent, dirt-repellent, lightfast, sound-absorbing, cooling and many other functionalities characterise contract textiles. After all, fire protection, hygiene standards and extreme areas of application demand absolute reliability in their properties. Exhibitors with corresponding products can be found quickly in the Interior.Architecture.Hospitality FINDER. An additional signet makes the relevant exhibition stands noticeable at the trade fair.

Visitors can expect offers from Atenzza Outdoor (Spain), Aydin Tekstil, Barine (Turkey), Bedding House (Netherlands), Cabanes & Ortuno (Spain), Elastron Portugal, Englisch Dekor (Austria), Futura Leathers (Italy), Gebrüder Munzert, Höpke Textiles (Germany), Indetex (Belgium), Indorama Ventures Fibers Germany, Kücüker Tekstil (Turkey), Lameirinho (Portugal), Marburger Tapetenfabrik (Germany), Martinelli Ginetto (Italy), Mundotêxtil (Portugal), OBB Oberbadische Bettfedernfabrik (Germany), Têxteis J.F. Almeida (Portugal), Textil Blanca 1941 (Spain) and The Wallfashion House (Belgium) among others.

‘We are looking forward to showcasing our new products and innovative technologies at Heimtextil. These include a textile fabric with water-based silicone protection which is resistant to external influences as well as modern and functional curtain solutions which have been developed specifically for the contract sector. Interior designers, architects and hospitality experts also find customised offers for their specific project requirements’, states Sabine Danneberg, Global Contract Sales Director at Höpke Textiles.

‘With a focus on sustainability, skin sensitivity and support for regenerative sleep, our range goes beyond standard bedding. This makes it particularly relevant for the contract sector. The listing in the Interior.Architecture.Hospitality FINDER gives us additional visibility. We look forward to meeting our customers again at Heimtextil 2025 and convincing new interested visitors of our ‘sleep enhancers’, says Petra Schweigert, Managing Partner at OBB Oberbadische Bettfedernfabrik.

Architects, interior designers and hospitality experts can also look forward to a programme tailored to their needs. This includes lectures and guided tours on topics such as AI and sustainability as well as unique special presentations. Absolute must-sees are the Interior.Architecture.Hospitality LIBRARY in Hall 4.0, the Trend Arena in Hall 3.0 and the ‘among-us’ installation by Patricia Urquiola in Hall 12.0.

Heimtextil 2025 takes place from 14 to 17 January 2025.

Posted: October 31, 2024

Source: Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH

Indorama Ventures Collaborates To Launch World’s First Commercialized PET Bottles Using Bio-Paraxylene For Suntory

BANGKOK, Thailand — October 31, 2024 — Indorama Ventures Public Company Limited, a global sustainable chemical producer, as part of a supply chain collaboration with Suntory, ENEOS Corporation, Mitsubishi Corporation, Iwatani and Neste, will launch the world’s first bio-PET bottle for commercial scale, made from ISCC+ certified bio-paraxylene This collaboration marks a significant milestone in the journey toward sustainable packaging, introducing PET bottles derived from used cooking oil. PET bottles made from this technology can significantly reduce CO2 emissions of products.

From November onwards, the Suntory Group will successively introduce these bio-PET bottles for selected products in Japan. The collaboration will see the launch of approximately 45 million PET bottles for beverages made with this innovative material with further introduction for Suntory products to be considered in the future.

By combining the expertise and resources of industry leaders across the value chain, this initiative underscores the power of collaboration in addressing global sustainability challenges.

Mr. Yash Lohia, Executive President Petchem Special Projects

Mr. Yash Lohia, Executive President Petchem Special Projects, and Chairman of the ESG Council of Indorama Ventures, stated, “This exciting collaboration reflects the shared vision and responsibility of all partners involved to contribute to a more sustainable future. We are proud to work alongside industry leaders in this pioneering effort, which not only brings new possibilities to the packaging industry but also reinforces the importance of collaboration in driving meaningful change. And we are excited to see the fruits of the collaboration on the shelves soon as high-quality Suntory products.”

Each company brings unique capabilities to the table, ensuring the success of this breakthrough initiative. Within the global supply chain through cross-industry collaboration, Indorama Ventures the world’s largest producer and recycler of PET, took Bio-Paraxylene to create Terephthalic acid, then reacted it with monoethylene glycol to produce PET Resin.

Role of each stakeholder in this project

Mitsubishi Corporation Manage entire supply chain
Neste Produce bio-naphtha from used cooking oil in ISCC+ certified plant
Mitsui Chemicals, Inc. Produce intermediate material of bio-paraxylene using bio-naphtha in ISCC+ certified plant
ENEOS Corporation Produce bio-paraxylene from intermediate material in ISCC+ certified plant using mass balance approach*2
Indorama Ventures Produce PET resin by reacting MEG with PTA (TPA) produced with bio-paraxylene in ISSC+ certified plants
Iwatani Corporation Manage operation from production to delivery of PET resin
Suntory Group Form PET resin into PET bottles for its products

 This launch represents a major step forward in reducing the environmental footprint of PET production. The mass balance approach applied throughout the production process ensures that the bio-based materials are transparently and effectively integrated into the PET bottles.

As a partner in this initiative, Indorama Ventures remains committed to fostering a circular economy for the future of packaging through various avenues. The production of bio-PET resin aligns with Indorama Ventures’ long-term sustainability strategy and strengthens its commitment to providing environmentally responsible solutions to its customers.

Posted: October 31, 2024

Source: Indorama Ventures Public Company Limited

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