ASID NJ DESIGN EXPO Reinvents The Traditional Trade Show

HOLMDEL, N.J.  — October 24, 2024 — The New Jersey Chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) has successfully reinvented its annual trade show, now titled a Design Expo.  This year’s event on Tuesday, October 8 at Bell Works featured a DJ, a panel with LuAnn Nigara of A Well-Designed Business® and Designer and HGTV host Noel Gatts on how to attract the luxury client, a raffle and a CEU on global design trends by Sub-Zero, Wolf and Cove. The lively, interactive event drew crowds of designers and dozens of exhibitors encompassing the breadth of the design trade.

A key part of the Design Expo was the “passing of the gavel” of the ASID NJ Board where Marina V. Umali, ASID, CID, and President from 2023 to 2024, officially transferred responsibilities to incoming ASID NJ President Marilyn LaVergne, Associate ASID, and the outgoing Board of Directors welcomed the new.

“The ASID NJ Design Expo was outstanding with a wonderful chance to experience the latest in today’s products and be inspired,” said LaVergne. “The panel on how to attract the luxury consumer offered valuable insights as well, and of course, there was an abundance of networking opportunities.”

Echoing the sentiment, Umali said, “Months of thought and planning culminated in this very successful Design Expo. I commend the many volunteers who devoted their time and

efforts to make this happen and our terrific sponsors as well.”

Blinds to Go and Capitol Lighting were Gold Sponsors of the event and California Closets, Metropolitan Window Fashions and Sub-Zero, Wolf and Cove were Silver Sponsors.  Chapter Sponsors are Design NJ and Room & Board.

The setting, the ballroom at Bell Works, formerly Bell Labs, by acclaimed architect Eero Saarinen added to the appeal with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking a small lake and verdant landscape.

Posted: October 24, 2024

Source: The American Society of Interior Designers (ASID)

Recycled Bicycle From igus: Starting Signal For World Tour Has Been Given

COLOGNE, Germany — October 24, 2024 — To mark the company’s 60th anniversary, the lubrication-free and low-maintenance igus:bike will spend 12 months traveling through 16 countries to raise awareness of the “circular economy of plastics”

From Cologne to the whole world: the first stop took the igus:bike from the igus factory in Cologne Porz-Lind to Cologne Cathedral. Photo — igus GmbH

The starting signal has been given, the igus:bike® is on a world tour. To celebrate igus’s 60th birthday, the innovative, bright orange bicycle made from recycled plastic will be traveling the world for a whole year. The aim: to familiarize industry partners, media representatives and consumers with a new form of urban mobility that combines a fun ride with sustainability. The urban bike represents many of the advantages of igus products, the “motion plastics”: it does not rust, requires no oil and is virtually maintenance-free. The ball bearings, drive and freewheel also do not need lubricating as they are made from high-performance plastics. At the same time, the igus:bike is an example of how the transformation to a sustainable circular economy of plastics can succeed.

The igus factory premises in Cologne Porz-Lind, Tuesday morning, 11a.m. The igus:bike starts its birthday tour right before igus employees and representatives of the press. For one year, the plastic bicycle will be on display on the streets of 16 countries across the globe, including Germany, Italy, the US and China. The mission: to show industrial customers, recycling partners, media representatives and consumers that plastics don’t have to end up in incineration or landfill, but can be used as a raw material to shape the mobility of tomorrow. The igus:bike visits various customer applications and partners in stages. With this worldwide tour, the motion plastics specialist is once again demonstrating its pioneering spirit, bringing igus and customer stories to life at every stage.

Turning fishing nets into bicycles

“As a company that has been manufacturing industrial components for movement from plastic for 60 years, we are committed to driving forward the transformation to a sustainable circular economy for plastic. The igus:bike is a milestone on this journey,” says igus CEO Frank Blase. “On this trip, we hope to inspire many companies and end consumers to also commit to sustainable solutions when using plastics.”

Plastic waste from landfill sites around the world could become a raw material for the igus:bike in future. igus manufactures the individual components using rotational and injection molding – from the frame to the bearing to the drive. The material researchers have succeeded in gradually increasing the proportion of recycled plastic since the start of development to 50% – and the trend is rising. This makes it possible to process used fishing nets, shampoo bottles and other plastic waste into regranulate for the rotational-molding machines and turn it into a valuable resource.

A fun ride combined with easy maintenance

On the world tour of the igus:bike, interested parties can see for themselves that a bicycle made of plastic is fun to ride and particularly easy to maintain at the same time. As the bike is made almost exclusively of plastic, it is weather-resistant and corrosion-free. For example, you can hose down your bike to clean it or leave it outside overnight – not only on your own doorstep, but also at campsites, harbors, festivals and company premises. In addition, the high-performance plastics allow for low-friction dry operation without additional lubricants, which often become dirt magnets on conventional bicycles. This also eliminates the need for time-consuming relubrication and cleaning. Riding comfort is guaranteed as well as the material provides cushioning due to its damping specifications. The bicycle thus symbolizes the many advantages of igus motion plastics, which everyone can experience during the world tour.

Posted: October 24, 2024

Source: igus GmbH

Oerlikon Neumag’s BCF Systems Are Gaining Ground In The Chinese Market: Chinese Carpet Yarn Manufacturer Sitong Expands Polyester Capacities

NEUMÜNSTER, Germany — October 24, 2024 — The Chinese carpet yarn manufacturer Zhejiang Sitong New Material Technology Co. Ltd. is expanding its polyester capacities with the commissioning of an Oerlikon Neumag BCF system of the BCF S+ type. This will enable the company to ensure a balanced production of polyester, polyamide and polypropylene yarns.

The three-end BCF system BCF S+ is extremely flexible: even in the design optimized for polyester yarn
production, the system produces excellent polyamide 6 yarn.

With a total capacity of 50,000 tons per year, Sitong is one of the largest BCF yarn manufacturers in Asia. With the additional four BCF S+ positions for polyester yarn, the company from Hangzhou is responding to the trend towards polyester carpet yarns. In the future, Sitong will use them to produce balanced BCF yarns made of polyester, polyamide 6 and polypropylene. “Our strategy is a broad portfolio; this makes us more robust in the face of trends and market fluctuations,” says Tang Liang, president and owner of Sitong. The decision in favor of Neumag was based on the good experiences. “Since our foundation in 2002, we have relied on technology from Europe; for polyester production, we only consider Oerlikon Neumag plants. We have established ourselves with our quality products in both the local and international markets; this shows that we have made the right investment decisions.”

BCF S+ is flexible

The new BCF S+ Monocolor plant is designed for polyester yarn production, but it also produced excellent data during the production of polyamide 6 yarn during the commissioning process. The ability to quickly switch to the cost-effective production of high-quality PA6 yarn gives Sitong a significant competitive advantage. “Trends are becoming increasingly short-lived. However, investing in a plant is a long-term decision. So it’s a strong argument if I can spin different polymers with the same system without sacrificing the quality of the end product,” Tang Liang sums up.

Carpet market in Asia is gaining in importance

The Asian carpet market is currently experiencing noticeable growth. While the focus of carpet yarn production has been in the US and Turkey so far, Chinese BCF yarn production in particular is experiencing a real boom in the post-corona years. This is due, on the one hand, to the strengthening of the Chinese automotive sector and, on the other, to the resurgence in travel. “Many hotels are currently being renovated and new ones are being built. During the pandemic, many hotels were closed, but now there is a significant backlog demand,” says Sun Peng, Sales Director at Oerlikon Neumag in China, assessing the increased demand.

Posted: October 24, 2024

Source: Oerlikon Polymer Processing Solutions Division / Oerlikon Group

Culp Unveils Rebranding Initiative, New Logos And Expanded Year-Round Design Center At Congdon Yards

HIGH POINT, N.C.  — October 24, 2024 — Culp Inc., along with its Culp Upholstery Fabrics division, is excited to announce a comprehensive rebranding initiative that includes new logos, an updated LiveSmart® brand, and an expanded year-round design center at Congdon Yards.

This initiative highlights CULP’s dedication to innovation, design, and performance, reinforcing its role as a leader in the home furnishings fabrics industry. The CULP Innovation Center at Congdon Yards serves as a collaborative hub, uniting the expertise of both the upholstery and mattress fabric divisions.

Key elements of the rebranding include:

New Logo and Visual Identity: Culp and Culp Upholstery Fabrics have introduced redesigned logos that honor Culp’s long-standing legacy in the furniture industry while also showcasing its leadership in design. The modern fonts and color palette offer a fresh take on classic elements, with the “hero mark” featuring an abstract monogram of the letters spelling “CULP” symbolizing a contemporary interpretation of the vintage monogram concept.

Refreshed LiveSmart Brand: Culp is re-introducing its LiveSmart fabric line as a total performance line, with features ranging from specialized yarn systems to diverse protective finishes. LiveSmart meets needs in the Performance, Well Being and Sustainability categories, reflecting the evolving needs of its customers. New logos, point-of-sale materials, and marketing collateral have been developed to support the refreshed brand.

Expanded Year-Round Design Center and Permanent Executive Offices: Located at Congdon Yards, Culp’s year-round design center continues to serve as a resource for designers and merchandisers seeking inspiration or fabric selections. Now with enhanced features, the space showcases large-format fabric swatches under industrial-style ceilings with views of downtown High Point. The design center, which now also houses the company’s executive offices, is open 52 weeks a year and provides ongoing access to Culp’s latest collections and design trends.

Beth Hunsberger, president of Culp Upholstery Fabrics

These initiatives mark the next chapter in Culp’s more than 50-year history as a leader in fabric innovation. “Culp is fortunate to have both a rich legacy and a forward-thinking approach to the future. We are excited to share the next generation of our LiveSmart brand with customers and continue meeting the evolving needs of the home furnishings market,” said Mary Beth Hunsberger, president of Culp Upholstery Fabrics.

Posted: October 24, 2024

Source: Culp, Inc.

OrthoLite® Bolsters Global Operations With The Hire Of Raj Santhana As Vice President Of Operational Excellence

AMHERST, Mass. — October 23, 2024 — OrthoLite® — the global supplier of branded, high-performance, comfort footwear solutions — announced the hire of Raj Santhana as the new Vice President of Operational Excellence. As part of OrthoLite’s global operations management team, Santhana will be responsible for OrthoLite manufacturing excellence and innovation as well as automation and digital transformation. He will work closely with the company’s industry-leading Global Foam Innovation Team in a new satellite office located in Singapore to further OrthoLite’s global commitment to innovate and manufacture the world’s best and most proven footwear foams.

Raj Santhana

With more than two decades of experience in footwear and manufacturing, Santhana most recently worked at Bata as the Global Head of Quality in Singapore. Prior to that, Santhana spent seven years at Adidas where he served in director roles overseeing quality footwear and manufacturing excellence in footwear.

“In addition to his vast expertise in the footwear industry, Raj holds two engineering degrees and he will be critical to driving operational excellence programs for our global team of 3,200 people at OrthoLite’s owned manufacturing facilities around the world,” said Richard Bevan, COO of OrthoLite.

Shaw Kiat Phua

Additional personnel moves include the promotion of Shaw Kiat Phua to Vice President of Global Foaming, leading OrthoLite’s Global Foam Innovation Team. SK’s team is committed to advancing OrthoLite’s market leadership as the first and most trusted name in comfort, performance and less impactful footwear foams. In his new role, SK leads the strategic direction for OrthoLite PU material development with a focus on sustainable innovations in footwear and will continue to report to Bevan, COO at OrthoLite. SK is also based in Singapore and regularly travels to OrthoLite’s manufacturing facilities in China, Vietnam, Indonesia, Europe, India, and Brazil

Since 1997, OrthoLite continues to drive innovation and continual improvement to build excellence in foam footwear products and materials consistently, at scale and with on-time delivery to more than 550 footwear brand partners.

OrthoLite has built a rock-solid reputation for innovation, reliability, capacity and is known for its collaborative approach in development with the world’s best footwear brands to create custom insole formulations that deliver unrivaled comfort and performance. OrthoLite insoles are the key interface between how a shoe is designed to perform and the discerning consumer, and its products can be found in more than 600 million pairs of footwear a year.

Posted: October 23, 2024

Source: OrthoLite

Piana Sleep Partners With Reveille Hospitality To Bring Eco-Luxurious Rinnovo Mattress To Upscale Hotel Properties

CARTERSVILLE, Ga. — October 23, 2024 — Piana Sleep, a division of Piana Technology dedicated to pushing the mattress industry forward through sustainability and breakthrough innovation, is proud to announce it has partnered with Reveille Hospitality. Led by renowned industry leader Marco Roca Sr., Reveille Hospitality is focused on bringing Piana Sleep’s new Rinnovo mattress to upscale and luxury hotel properties. Both companies share a passion for innovation and sustainability. Together, they will focus on bringing a high-quality, more sustainable night’s sleep to some of the world’s best hotel properties.

Piana Sleep Partners With Reveille Hospitality To Bring Groundbreaking Eco-Luxurious Rinnovo Mattress To Upscale Hotel Properties

The Rinnovo mattress is elevating expectations of what sustainable luxury can look like in the hospitality industry. Piana Sleep offers a sleep solution that aligns with the growing demand for eco-conscious choices. The design delivers superior comfort, contouring, and support in firm, medium, and plush options. Available in standard sizes and custom dimensions, Rinnovo ensures a perfect fit for any hotel room, enhancing a hospitality property’s unique offering. Plus, Piana Sleep’s take-back promise extends beyond recycling its own mattresses: for every Rinnovo mattress purchased, Piana offers to take back a non-Rinnovo mattress, helping to reduce waste and promote a circular economy in the hospitality industry.

“At Reveille Hospitality, we only partner with brands that meet our highest standards for quality, innovation, and sustainability,” said Marco Roca Sr, Co-founder and CEO of Reveille Hospitality. “Piana Sleep surpasses all three, marking the most exciting advancement in hotel sleep systems since the Heavenly Bed.”

Roca Sr. revolutionized the industry 25 years ago with the release of the iconic Heavenly Bed, made for Westin Hotels and Resorts and available for consumer purchase exclusively through Westin. Led by industry luminary Roca Sr., Reveille Hospitality stands at the forefront of hospitality development, management, and consulting services. With decades of collective experience to draw upon, Reveille Hospitality ensures every venture not only meets but exceeds the highest standards of excellence.

“As a pioneer of mattress innovation in hospitality, Marco’s expertise is unmatched,” said Silvia Galasso, Executive Vice President of Piana Sleep. “Together with Reveille, Piana Sleep is poised to bring the next wave of disruption, combining advanced sleep technology with visionary leadership to redefine comfort for hotel guests worldwide while contributing to the health of our planet.”

Rinnovo highlights Piana Sleep’s devotion to sustainability, minimizing waste, and conserving energy in the bedding and hospitality industries. The Rinnovo mattress is made with Piana recycled technology, resulting in up to 46% fewer CO2 emissions than a comparable all-foam mattress, takes up to 52% less energy to make, and is up to 31% lighter than an equivalent all-foam mattress.

At the heart of Rinnovo is Piana Technology’s transformative V/SMART technology. V/SMART includes fibers that are vertically arranged in a unique high-loft nonwoven design that delivers a non-toxic, odor-free, VOC-free environment. V/SMART’s groundbreaking design includes the company’s Molecular Printing technology that infuses molecular compounds into materials tailored to deliver countless health benefits, such as active cooling, customizable aromatherapy, antimicrobial protection, sleep and mood enhancers, and much more. Piana’s SmartSilver® technology further protects the mattress by neutralizing bacteria and fungi—ensuring a cleaner, healthier sleep environment. Lastly, Piana Sleep’s CoolComfort technology, combined with V/Smart’s breathability, dissipates heat and moisture to keep sleepers cool and dry.

The Rinnovo is not just healthy for guests—it’s healthy for the planet.

Posted: October 23, 2024

Source: Piana Technology

Decolorization Method Developed By University Of Fukui Researchers Heralds A Structural Reform In The Textile Industry

FUKUI, Japan, — October 23, 2024 — In the apparel industry, approximately 60% of textile products are discarded without ever being purchased. Mass disposal of textiles has a grave impact on the environment, making the textile industry the world’s second most environmentally damaging industry due to heavy usage of toxic chemicals during dyeing, processing, and finishing. This calls for urgently adopting sustainable practices to reduce the environmental burden of textile waste. Decolorizing and reusing textiles, specifically polyester fibers, which dominate the textile market, can be a way forward.

Decolorization and redyeing of fabrics using supercritical fluids

Researchers from University of Fukui, Japan have optimized a decolorization process, known as supercritical fluid dyeing, in which supercritical carbon dioxide effectively penetrates fabric fibers to remove the dyes. The extracted dyes can be reused, and the fabrics be redyed. The study was led by Professor Kazumasa Hirogaki and Visiting Professor Teruo Hori and achieved successful optimization of the decolorization process, enabling the dye removal from clothes with minimal environmental impact. This study builds on outcomes from the NEDO Feasibility Study Program/Feasibility Study Program on New Technology and was further developed under the JST COI-NEXT Program on open innovation platforms for industry-academia co-creation (COI-NEXT).

The researchers first created supercritical carbon dioxide (CO2) fluid inside a specialized heated and pressurized vessel and mixed it with a decolorizing agent before adding it to the dyed fabric. The idea was that by adding a decolorizing agent with a solubility parameter between those of the dye and the fabric, efficient decolorization could be achieved. Based on this premise, three decolorization methods can be outlined— to be used depending on the characteristics of the textile, the dyes, and the decolorizing agent.

The first method is called solvent trapping, in which supercritical CO2 dissolves and then traps the dye in a solvent phase at the bottom of the vessel. In contrast, the solid trapping method involves re-treating a processing body with a decolorizing agent or placing an adsorbent in the vessel. The supercritical fluid extracts the dye and then traps it onto the processing body or adsorbent. Finally, in the homogenous method, the decolorizing agent is completely dissolved in the supercritical fluid and the extracted dye also dissolves in the supercritical fluid.

Using these techniques, an astounding decolorization rate of over 90-100% was achieved. Notably, this strategy was found to be effective for polyester fabrics. Moreover, the processing liquids, extracted dyes, and decolorizing agents can also be repurposed and reused effectively.

Owing to its tremendous potential in terms of sustainability, the team of researchers from University of Fukui is actively seeking to commercialize this technology, with hopes of transforming the “make, use, and dispose” model of the textile industry into a truly circular and sustainable “make, use, and reuse” model.

Reference:

Research project name:

NEDO Feasibility Study Program / Feasibility Study Program on New Technology

JST COI-NEXT Program on open innovation platforms for industry-academia co-creation (COI-NEXT). 

Researchers name: Professor Kazumasa Hirogaki, Visiting Professor and President of SUSTAINA TECH Co., Ltd. Teruo Hori.          

Affiliation: University of Fukui

Link to research project summary page: https://fukumira.hisac.u-fukui.ac.jp/ 

Posted: October 23, 2024

Source: University of Fukui

Fair Labor Association Awards Fair Labor Accreditation To BELLA+CANVAS

ISTANBUL — October 23, 2024 — The Fair Labor Association (FLA) announced today that its board of directors has voted to award Fair Labor Accreditation to BELLA+CANVAS, a leader in contemporary fashion headquartered in Los Angeles, California.

The decision by the FLA board follows a rigorous, multi-year review of BELLA+CANVAS’ business systems for compliance with international labor standards designed to protect workers in its global supply chains. BELLA+CANVAS sources from eight self-operated facilities and two contract facilities across three countries.

“From the time they joined FLA, BELLA+CANVAS has been in the vanguard of responsible purchasing practices, with company leadership taking an active role in decisions that have an impact on workers,” said FLA President and CEO Jeff Vockrodt. “We welcome BELLA+CANVAS to the ranks of Fair Labor Accredited members and congratulate them on this significant achievement.”

“In my 25 years in the apparel industry, I have found it widely recognized that FLA is the penultimate North Star regarding fair labor policies, sustainability in manufacturing, and ethical business practices,” said BELLA+CANVAS President Norm Hullinger. “I am so proud to be a part of an organization that has earned Fair Labor Accreditation and look forward to working closely with the FLA team to create a path of continuous improvement for BELLA+CANVAS.”

Since becoming an FLA member in 2019, BELLA+CANVAS has continuously improved its social compliance program and kept pace with the changes to FLA standards enacted over the intervening years. The accreditation report details FLA’s evaluation of BELLA+CANVAS’ social compliance program through September 2024.

Highlights of BELLA+CANVAS’ Fair Labor Accreditation include:

  • Company-wide commitment: BELLA+CANVAS’ commitment to ethical and sustainable business extends throughout the company, beginning with the company’s co-founders and owners, who remain involved with the key production decisions that impact workers’ lives. Company leadership is actively involved in upholding workplace standards for factory workers, receiving frequent updates from the compliance team and supporting their efforts. A cross-functional leadership team collaborates to ensure that both contract and owned production remains in line with BELLA+CANVAS’ commitment to responsible purchasing.
  • Factory monitoring: BELLA+CANVAS has developed an extensive assessor manual and audit tool that are fully aligned with FLA’s expectations for high-quality factory assessments. BELLA+CANVAS works with a qualified audit service provider and has provided extensive training to assessors on gathering and verifying information at the factory level, including using highly effective worker interviews to gain insight into factory conditions. BELLA+CANVAS’ auditing procedures, assessor manual, and audit tool are all aligned to ensure that assessments meet the company’s needs without reducing the quality of the audits or placing undue burden on assessors and factories.
  • Supplier relationships: With social compliance staff located close to key production centers in Central America, BELLA+CANVAS provides oversight and support to both contract and owned factories. Compliance staff pay frequent visits to factories to provide training, follow up on the remediation of audit findings, and understand factory management’s perspectives on compliance topics. BELLA+CANVAS’ sourcing and production leaders also emphasize in-person factory visits as a crucial element of the supplier relationship, and the company maintains stable and mutually beneficial brand-factory relationships that advance the principles of responsible sourcing.

Fair Labor Accreditation helps investors and consumers make informed choices by showing that a company is actively fulfilling the highest standards in labor rights.

It is the only comprehensive program of its kind that is based on international standards and frameworks such as the International Labour Organization, UN Guiding Principles, the OECD, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Fair Labor Accredited companies are evaluated on an ongoing basis and must demonstrate continuous improvement in addressing working conditions and protecting workers’ rights. To see a list of Fair Labor Accredited companies and to learn more, please visit www.fairlabor.org.

Posted: October 23, 2024

Source: The Fair Labor Association (FLA)

Chargeurs PCC Fashion Technologies Appoints Gianluca Tanzi Chairman And Giorgio Marcarino CEO Of The New Shirting Division

MILAN — October 23, 2024 — Chargeurs PCC Fashion Technologies has established a new division dedicated to shirting fabrics and appointed Gianluca Tanzi as chairman and Giorgio Marcarino as CEO of the business unit. This operation follows the recent acquisition from Cilander of the brands Alumo, Brennet and Eugster & Huber, which represent the highest expression of Swiss tradition in fine shirting fabrics.

Gianluca Tanzi

Gianluca Tanzi commented: “Me and Giorgio Marcarino are thrilled to have the opportunity to revitalize the brands acquired. Our extensive experience and deep knowledge of the product and textile world will be crucial for advancing Chargeurs PCC’s development strategy, which includes the expansion of our portfolio, historically dedicated to inner components and interlinings, with the offering of the best fabrics aimed at the shirting sector. The combination of Swiss and French know-how will allow us to further expand our expertise and implement increasingly innovative solutions. ”

Giorgio Marcarino

Giorgio Marcarino added: “The new shirting division fits perfectly into the business and growth strategy of Chargeurs PCC, which has always distinguished itself in the textile-clothing industry by offering cutting-edge products of the highest quality. Today we have a unique opportunity to engage in cross-selling with our interlinings, offering the company an additional incentive to boost performance while offering our customers an even more comprehensive and customised service.”

The fabrics produced by the Swiss heritage brands Alumo and Eugster & Huber represent the cream of the high-end shirting industry. Chargeurs PCC aims to maximise the potential of these brands, restoring their deserved leadership in luxury shirting. As for Brennet, the company has initiated a major repositioning plan focused on enhancing performance and innovation. The approach aims to meet the rising demand of contemporary consumers for high quality shirting fabrics.

Gianluca Tanzi is a highly experienced global executive who has designed and executed successful retail, wholesale and e-commerce strategies for textile, fashion and accessories companies in Europe and the US. He has held various executive positions within prestigious fashion groups. Since 2021 he has been Chairman and CEO of Chargeurs PCC Fashion Technologies and Chairman of Chargeurs Luxury Fibers.

Giorgio Marcarino boasts decades of expertise in the high-end textile sector, where he held responsible positions in the sales, operations and marketing areas of the most important Italian textile groups. He joined Chargeurs PCC Fashion Technologies in 2022 as General Manager EMEA, and since 2023 he has held the position of Chief Commercial Officer.

Posted: October 23, 2024

Source: Chargeurs PCC

VIATT 2025 Set To Advance Sustainability And Digitalisation In Vietnam’s Textile Industry

HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam — October 23, 2024 — In recent years, Vietnam has rapidly transformed into one of the world’s key textile producers, solidifying its position as the world’s third-ranked exporter behind China and Bangladesh. With a history rooted in silk textile craftsmanship and currently embracing wide ranging modern textile production, the country’s thriving sector offers tremendous growth prospects for both domestic and international businesses. In a bid to harness the potential in Vietnam and Southeast Asia, the Vietnam International Trade Fair for Apparel, Textiles and Textile Technologies (VIATT) will return from 26 – 28 February 2025, with a renewed focus on promoting sustainability and digital transformation.

Vietnam’s textile and apparel sector comprises approximately 7,000 companies and employs over three million workers, with 80% of production capacity used for export and 20% for domestic consumption. Progress is aided by well-developed logistics networks, skilled labour and a stable political environment. As its textile industry evolves, several key trends are influencing its future direction, reflecting a growing emphasis on sustainability and technological advancement, and leading to new opportunities for exhibitors and buyers across the value chain at Vietnam’s comprehensive textile showcase.

Major trends shaping Vietnam’s textile market reflected at VIATT

More Vietnamese enterprises are adopting eco-friendly materials, including organic cotton, recycled polyester, and Tencel, while numerous global brands manufacture in Vietnam, and have committed to the “Fashion Industry Charter on Climate Action”, aiming to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050[3].

To further advance sustainable initiatives in the domestic and international textile industry, VIATT 2025 will introduce Econogy Hub, a dedicated platform for innovative, eco-friendly suppliers and service providers to connect with like-minded visitors. The show’s other new Texpertise Econogy features will include the Econogy Finder, an independent verification tool to help sustainable exhibitors effectively communicate their green credentials, and Econogy Talks, the overarching category for eco-focused seminars, forums, and product presentations.

Apart from sustainability, the Vietnamese textile industry is also embracing advanced technologies in design and manufacturing. The launch of the fair’s Innovation & Digital Solutions Zone will provide a centralised platform for exhibitors to showcase innovations such as 3D printing, AI-driven design, and digital printing, which enable manufacturers to boost efficiency and customise products to meet specific market demands.

As well as the introduction of two new product zones, the India Pavilion, organised by The Cotton Textiles Export Promotion Council (TEXPROCIL), will also make its debut at VIATT 2025. Additionally, the Japan and Taiwan Pavilions have confirmed their return, with the Japan Pavilion recognised by VIATT’s visitors as a standout showcase within Southeast Asia’s textile fair landscape. Overall, the fair will feature a diverse range of exhibitors across apparel, home textiles, and technical textiles, with many showcasing innovative and sustainable products. Highlighted exhibitors in each sector include:

Apparel fabrics, yarns & fibres and garments

  • Alumo AG (Switzerland): with over a century of expertise, this STeP by OEKO-TEX-certified company creates high-quality cotton shirting fabrics utilised by leading shirt designers. The company is dedicated to maintaining the art of weaving, ensuring that each fabric is finely crafted.
  • Wynist Retail Solutions (Taiwan): committed to sustainability, Wynist focuses on recycling and upcycling post-consumer and agricultural waste, transforming raw materials such as coffee grounds and textile waste into products with practical, on-trend industry applications.

Home & contract textiles

  • Sigma Vietnam Industrial (Vietnam): specialising in home textiles, the company’s innovative range of products includes bedding, curtains, and upholstery fabrics. It integrates traditional craftsmanship with modern design, ensuring that its offerings meet both aesthetic and functional needs.
  • Coolist Life Technology (China): the leading bio-based polyurethanes solutions and applications enterprise announced a new technology in 2024, that utilises captured carbon dioxide combined with bio-based polyol, to create a new generation of bio-based and bio-degradable foam.

Technical textiles, nonwovens, and textile technologies

  • Ultra Tech Asia (USA): as a leader in advanced textile solutions, the company offers innovative nonwoven materials for various applications, such as medical, automotive, and personal care, designed to meet the rising demand for high-performance textiles in diverse industries.
  • JB ECOTEX Limited (India): one of the leading manufacturers and exporters of high-quality recycled polyester staple fibre (RPSF) and rPET Flakes, the company has transformed millions of used plastic bottles into superior-grade, eco-friendly products. Since its inception, the company has maintained a zero liquid discharge policy, and 50% of its power is generated from renewable resources.

The Vietnam International Trade Fair for Apparel, Textiles and Textile Technologies (VIATT) is organised by Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd and the Vietnam Trade Promotion Agency (VIETRADE), covering the entire textile industry value chain. For more details on this fair, please visit [www.viatt.com.vn]www.viatt.com.vn or contact viatt@hongkong.messefrankfurt.com.

VIATT will be held from 26 – 28 February 2025.

Posted: October 23, 2024

Source: Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd

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