Ocean State Innovations Appoints Brian Pinson As Vice President Of Sales

PORTSMOUTH, R.I.— February 4, 2020 — Ocean State Innovations, a Brand and Oppenheimer Company, announced the appointment of Brian Pinson as vice president of sales. Pinson will be working from Greenville, S.C., and will report to the senior management of Ocean State Innovations.

With more than 29 years of management and leadership experience in the textile industry, Pinson will make a great addition to the Ocean State Innovations team. Most recently, he served as the sales manager for ITG Corp, and has also worked for Burlington Industries. His roles involved controlling costs, managing inventories, generating revenue and cultivating new business opportunities. Pinson is a 1989 graduate of Clemson University.

“We are excited to bring Brian on board as the VP of sales. With this addition to our team, we are continuing to grow our company’s expertise in order to provide the best textile solutions,” said Edward Ricci, Ocean State Innovations, CEO.

Posted February 4, 2020

Source: Ocean State Innovations

Eastman Naia™ Cellulosic Staple Fiber Debuts At Première Vision

KINGSPORT, Tenn.— February 4, 2020 — Eastman, the maker of sustainably sourced Naia™ cellulosic filament yarn, announces the expansion of its Naia™ fiber portfolio at Première Vision-Paris (PV), the international fashion and textile exposition, February 11-13. With the introduction of its new cellulosic staple fiber, Naia offers another versatile eco-conscious material choice for sustainable fashion.

“We are thrilled to expand our product offerings, and we have been working with a strong network of innovative spinner partners around the world to introduce our new Naia cellulosic staple fiber,” said Ruth Farrell, global marketing director of textiles for Eastman. “Working with our value chain partners, we’re facilitating quick and easy access to Naia fibers for our mills, and ultimately brands, regardless of their location.”

Naia staple fiber has inherent softness, is quick drying and reduces pilling. It blends well with other eco-friendly materials, such as lyocell, modal and recycled polyester — to produce sustainable fabrics and garments that are ideal for everyday wear.

Eastman will be working with several best-in-class spinners worldwide to create Naia staple fiber, including Karacasu Tekstil in Turkey, Shandong Long Run Textile and Dezhou Huayuan Eco-Technology on Mainland China, Pratibha Syntex and RSWM Ltd. in India and Linz Textil in Austria. These industry-leading spinners blend Naia™ staple fiber with other sustainable fibers to meet the needs of manufacturers across the globe.

Naia is responsibly sourced from sustainably managed pine and eucalyptus forests and plantations. Eastman has aligned its entire forestry supply chain with Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC) sourcing standards, including controlled wood procedures. Eastman and its wood pulp suppliers hold FSC (C140711) and/or PEFC™ Chain of Custody certifications. Furthermore, Eastman has partnered with Canopy to demonstrate its ongoing commitment to sustainable forestry management. The recently released 2019 Hot Button Ranking and Report shows Eastman’s commitment to sustainable forestry management, as the company has been reported to have zero risk of sourcing from ancient and endangered forests.

Produced in a safe, closed-loop process where solvents are recycled back into the system for reuse, Naia is made through optimized, low-impact manufacturing. Naia has a low tree-to-fiber environmental footprint and a third-party-reviewed life-cycle assessment compliant with ISO 14044. Naia is also certified as biodegradable in freshwater and soil environments and is compostable in industrial settings, having received the “OK biodegradable” and “OK compost” conformity marks from TÜV AUSTRIA. Most recently, Naia staple fiber received the “OK compost” certification for home settings.

Posted February 4, 2020

Source: Eastman

Berry Global Increases Production To Aid In Coronavirus Protection

EVANSVILLE, Ind. — January 31, 2020 — Today, in response to questions from the investment community on its recent quarterly call, Berry Global Group Inc. reports it is prioritizing the production of nonwoven healthcare products in its Nanhai, China, and Suzhou, China, facilities, which are used to manufacture products that can help protect against airborne particles like the Coronavirus.

Nonwoven materials produced at the facilities are used in face masks, N95 respirators, and protective apparel, all of which have recently been in high demand in the plan to prevent the spread of not only the Coronavirus, but also other communicable diseases.

A look inside the company’s current Nanhai production efforts can be viewed through media coverage found on its LinkedIn page.

“Our thoughts go out to those affected by the Coronavirus. Our dedicated teams are working around the clock to manufacture as much of these materials as possible to help prevent the spread of the virus,” said Curt Begle, president of Berry’s Health, Hygiene, and Specialties Division.

Berry has advised employees in the affected areas to use extra caution including the use of Company-issued face masks, hand sanitizer, and hand soaps.

Posted February 3, 2020

Source: Berry Global Group Inc.

Canada Goose Announces Kate Upton As Goose Person

TORONTO — February 3, 2020 — Today, Canada Goose announced internationally renowned supermodel, actress and Polar Bears International (PBI) Ambassador, Kate Upton, as a Goose Person. Goose People are a diverse group of brand ambassadors who embody the company’s values, stand for something bigger than themselves, and inspire others through their pursuit of greatness.

Upton was first introduced to the performance luxury apparel brand in 2013 when she wore a white Chilliwack Bomber during a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition photoshoot — the first-ever fashion shoot in Antarctica. Since then, she’s been a friend of the brand, trusting its products for her personal and professional adventures. In 2018, Upton became an Ambassador for Polar Bears International, working alongside Canada Goose, who has been a partner to PBI for more than 10 years. As a passionate advocate for polar bears and their habitat, as well as a champion for women, Upton will join the brand in empowering people to take action in environmental conservation.

“I first discovered Canada Goose when I was in Antarctica and temperatures were as low as -20°F… that jacket kept me from freezing! I’ve used their products from the most extreme cold temperatures to rainy downpours and their quality is second-to-none,” said Upton. “After being a long-time fan, I’m proud to officially partner together and to support the incredible work they do for the environment. I’ve learned that what’s happening in the Arctic, doesn’t stay in the Arctic — and Canada Goose is a company that is making a difference.”

Upton is the face of the brand’s Spring 2020 Campaign, which includes a seasonal expansion of the Polar Bears International collection. The capsule first debuted in Fall/Winter 2007 with parkas and accessories for men, women and children in a signature bright hue, known as “PBI Blue.” Now, for the first time, the Canada Goose PBI collection includes five spring styles, including rainwear, windwear and lightweight down options. Fifty dollars from the sale of each jacket goes directly to PBI, providing critical funding for polar bear and environmental research and advocacy. Since the launch of the collection, Canada Goose has donated more than $3.5 million to the organization.

“Kate is a progressive thinker, a role model, and a passionate advocate who has a positive influence on the world. We admire and are inspired by her focus on making this a better place for future generations,” said Dani Reiss, Canada Goose president & CEO. “As an authentic and driven entrepreneur who inspires those around her, Kate naturally exudes our brand values, and we are thrilled to have her represent this important collection.”

Canada Goose’s Spring 2020 campaign also launches with the unveiling of the short film, Bare Existence, produced in partnership with Stept Studios. This poignant documentary shows a unique perspective on the important work that PBI does every day to fight climate change, aiming to drive awareness and understanding of the global significance of the Arctic. This eye-opening feature can be viewed at canadagoose.com/bare-existence.

Posted February 3, 2020

Source: Canada Goose

FAM Brands Acquires Contemporary Women’s Brand Wildfox

LOS ANGELES — February 3, 2020 — FAM Brands announced today that it has acquired Wildfox, a contemporary women’s apparel brand. The Los Angeles-based apparel manufacturer has assumed design, production and manufacturing, to seamlessly continue the line of retro-inspired collections and accessories. It intends to partner with the existing Wildfox factory base to continue the business with as little disruption as possible.

Wildfox, known for its contemporary women’s and girl’s collections, was founded in 2008 as an effortless, yet edgy California brand for the stylish set. Today, Wildfox continues to develop its lifestyle brand with sophisticated, yet fun pieces represented in its signature soft buttery fabrics.

“Wildfox, synonymous with California style, caters to a wide range of contemporary Women’s apparel and accessory categories. The brand shares our passion for creating high-quality clothing and exceptional customer experiences. Well known for vintage-inspired style and ultra-comfortable signature essentials, Wildfox provides a perfect base for even further category extensions. We are thrilled to welcome Wildfox into our portfolio of brands,” FAM Brands CEO Frank Zarabi said.

Wildfox has become a favorite line among A-list celebrities and international influencers and has grown to include a full range of tops, bottoms, dresses, intimates, outerwear, swimwear and sunglasses. This collection of vintage inspired looks is available in luxury department stores such as Bloomingdales and Nordstrom, specialty boutiques and top online accounts including Revolve and Shopbop. In addition, it has a broad international presence in top retailers such as Selfridges and Harrods, as well as top boutiques throughout Europe, Canada, Australia and Asia.

FAM Brands is making a significant financial investment in the brand, coming not only from the initial acquisition but also from design expansion and infrastructure improvements. Mr. Zarabi went on to say, “I am excited to see the explosion of the brand when combining top design talent with strong financial backing.”

The newest acquisition broadens FAM Brands’ distribution channels and extensive brand portfolio. Wildfox is now available online and in stores.

Posted February 3, 2020

Source: FAM Brands

Registration Opens For 2020 World Of Wipes® International Conference: Panel Discussion With Target Highlights Program June 22-25, 2020, In Minneapolis

CARY, N.C. — February 1, 2020 — Buyer demographics, sustainability, industrial and flushable wipes, substrates, preservatives, and single use plastics are among a few of the must-see topics to be presented to wipes brand owners, converters, and the entire professional wipes supply chain at INDA’s 14th edition of the World of Wipes® (WOW) International Conference, June 22-25, 2020, in Minneapolis.

Registration for the WOW 2020 conference is now open at https://www.worldofwipes.org/.

The WOW conference is expected to connect over 400 senior wipes professionals from 19 countries to advance their wipes business. The 14th edition of WOW offers four value-packed days combining relevant technical and educational content with business engagement opportunities. A sample of session topics and presentations include:

Assessing and Meeting Consumers Needs with Wipes

  • Target Corp. – The retailer point of view on reaction time;
  • RPK Consulting – Developments in sustainable substrates; and
  • Crown Abby – European market overview.

Buyer Demographics and Characteristics

  • Fancy LLC – Retailer Bans on non-woke wipes – are consumers buying it?;
  • 
American Cleaning Institute – Generational cleaning habits; and
  • Crown Abby – 100 Most Influential Web Wipe Brands and their industry impact.

Industrial Wipes

  • Contec Inc. – Marketing of industrial wipes;
  • ITW Texwipe – Industrial wipes news; and
  • Ecolab and American Hospital Association – Healthcare wipe insights.

Preservatives

  • Lonza – Restrictions, regulations & new preservative options; and
  • Vertellus Personal Care – Trends impacting preservative options.

Single Use Plastics & Substrates

  • TÜV Austria Belgium NV – Biodegradability and composability certification;
  • OWS – Biodegradability and compostability testing;
  • INDA – Regulatory and legislative landscape;
  • DuPont Biomaterials – Renewable performance additives;
  • Pure Cycle – New technology enabling PP recycling;
  • Southeast Hemp Fiber – Hemp & CBD oil: market challenges & government regulations;
  • RPK Consulting – Alternative materials for disposable nonwoven wipes; and
  • Pulcra – Finishes to emulate PET performance.

Trade and Market Data

  • Crowe LLP – International trade and tariff wars – strategies to protect your business;
  • INDA – Industry statistics and tariff & regulatory issues; and
  • 
Euromonitor – Global market for personal care wipes – product segmentation.

Among the highlights of WOW 2020 is the World of Wipes Innovation Award®. The award recognizes a product or technology innovation within the entire wipes value chain that expands the use of nonwoven fabrics and demonstrates advancements in creativity, novelty of approach, uniqueness, and technical sophistication.

INDA is currently accepting nominations through March 9 for the World of Wipes Innovation Award. Online nominations may be submitted via https://www.inda.org/awards/wow-innovation-award.html

Three finalists will be chosen to present their innovation at WOW 2020 with the winner announced Thursday, June 25.

Posted February 3, 2020

Source: INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry

AKAS Tex Is Now Licensed By Cotton Inc. As Provider Of The TransDRY™ Finishing Technology

BENSALEM, Pa. — February 1, 2020 — Textile manufacturer AKAS Tex is proud to announce that it is now a licensed provider of TransDRY™ Finishing Technology by Cotton, Inc. TransDRY™ technology is a high-tech application that manages moisture, enabling fabrics to wick it away from the body. Its patented technology works better than or as well as the most high-performance synthetic moisture-wicking fabrics worn by athletes and amateurs alike.

Typical cotton textiles quickly absorb moisture and can become saturated, holding up to 20-40 percent more moisture than synthetic materials. TransDRY technology fabrics dry just as fast or faster than similar synthetic products by absorbing less moisture and spreading it more quickly. Fast evaporation of moisture means that wearers stay cooler and drier, whether they’re working out at the gym, running a marathon or taking a yoga class. With TransDRY technology, wearers enjoy the breathability and comfort of cotton with the added comfort of a stay-dry feel due to its fast-drying performance. This versatile finish can be used across all knit and woven product categories and is durable throughout the lifetime of the garment.

“We’re pleased to provide manufacturers and consumers with a product that works in such a unique manner — the TransDRY technology keeps wearers dry by reducing the overall capacity of the fabric to retain moisture. It creates channels that enable more movement and distribution of moisture away from the body. Because moisture is spread over a greater surface area, it evaporates faster. Combined with the breathability of cotton, it keeps the wearer cooler and drier than traditional synthetic wicking fabrics,” says Sid Sharma, president of AKAS Tex.

As one of the select few licensed providers of TransDRY Technology in North America, AKAS Tex is already making fabrics using this technology for select customers and is gearing up to offer this amazing material to manufacturers and other businesses that create and sell moisture-wicking garments, socks and more.

AKAS Tex is a family-owned and -operated technical textiles manufacturer that has offered locally-sourced, made in the USA fabrics for decades. It is committed to quality assurance, green manufacturing, great value, and quick turnaround in a wide range of industries: including apparel, automotive, food, furniture, industrial, healthcare, hospitality, the military, and more.  A global manufacturer of proprietary textiles for clients around the world, AKAS Tex designs and produces innovative, high-performance fabrics that provide effective, affordable textile solutions.

Posted February 3, 2020

Source: AKAS Tex

COBRA International And Aditya Birla Chemicals’ Closed Loop Recycling Of Epoxy Parts Selected As Finalist In JEC Innovations Awards 2020

CHONBURI, Thailand — February 3, 2020 — COBRA International, Chonburi, Thailand.  COBRA International, one of the world’s largest OEM manufacturers of composite products for Water Sports, Automotive, Marine and Civil Engineering,  and Aditya Birla Chemicals, a manufacturer of epoxy resins and advanced materials, are proud to announce that their latest sustainability project has been recognized by the JEC Innovations Awards committee and selected as a finalist for the 2020 JEC Innovation awards.

Working in partnership with customers Starboard and Maui Fin Company (MFC), COBRA has successfully integrated novel recyclable epoxy resin systems (Aditya Birla’s proprietary Recyclamine® technology) into its series production of water sports components and further demonstrated a closed loop process to re-use the recovered reinforcement fabrics and thermoplastic polymers produced by recycling of the thermoset composite.

The successful accomplishment of the project is a massive leap forwards towards sustainable development and circular economy. Using Aditya Birla’s recyclable epoxy systems Epotec YDL5552-THR9351 to infuse watersports fin molds and the recyclable epoxy RTM system Epotec YDL5540-THR9151 to produce components, COBRA and their partners have initiated a sustainable closed loop recycling process that will significantly reduce composite material waste volumes.

In late 2019, the first molds were made and various fins were produced to customer designs. Following mechanical testing confirming comparable properties to existing parts, fins were also tested on the water by Starboard and MFC riders to ensure the new process did not affect the boards handling or feel.

Following the success of this initial project, COBRA and Aditya Birla are now focusing on scaling up the recycling infrastructure. Starboard and MFC will offer recyclable epoxy fins to customers in early 2020 and COBRA is working on the next stages to use recyclable epoxy resins for larger components and molds within the group.

The JEC Innovation Awards, organized by the JEC Group, are recognized as the industry’s most prestigious awards that identify, promote and reward the most innovative composite technology developments worldwide. The award winners will be announced in Paris during JEC World 2020 on the 4th March 2020.

COBRA and Aditya Birla will showcase this novel recycling technology at JEC World 2020, presenting watersports board fins produced with recyclable epoxy resin, mould tooling featuring reclaimed glass fibers and injection molded components produced with reclaimed thermoplastic materials on their booth.

Posted February 3, 2020

Source: COBRA International and Aditya Birla

Messe Frankfurt’s Upcoming Shanghai Textile Fairs In March To Be Postponed

HONG KONG — February 3, 2020 — Messe Frankfurt announced today that its three textile fairs in Shanghai will be postponed from March to a later date because of the Novel Coronavirus outbreak. This includes Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics – Spring Edition, Yarn Expo Spring and Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles – Spring Edition, which were due to be held in Shanghai March 11-13 at the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai.

This follows the recent announcement that the company’s other fairs to be held in China in the coming two months – Prolight + Sound Guangzhou, SPS – Industrial Automation Fair Guangzhou (SIAF) and Asiamold in Guangzhou, and Toy & Edu, Baby & Stroller and Licensing China in Shenzhen – have also been postponed until later in the year.

“Messe Frankfurt has been an active player in the China market for over 30 years now, so we stand fully behind the government’s efforts to control the outbreak,” said Wendy Wen, senior general manager of Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd. “This includes the recent suspension of large-scale trade and economic events in a number of cities, so with this and the well-being of all our stakeholders in mind, we have made the decision to reschedule our upcoming textile fairs in Shanghai to a later date. Our teams are making every effort to find suitable alternatives, but we will only make the decision to go ahead with these fairs when it is deemed safe to do so.”

Further announcements on the fairs will be made in due course. Exhibitors or visitors with any queries about the textile fairs should email textile@hongkong.messefrankfurt.com.

Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics is co-organised by Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd; the Sub-Council of Textile Industry, CCPIT; and the China Textile Information Centre. The co-organisers of Yarn Expo Spring are Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd and the Sub-Council of Textile Industry, CCPIT. Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles is co-organised by Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd; the Sub-Council of Textile Industry, CCPIT; and the China Home Textile Association (CHTA). All three fairs are held concurrently with the PH Value and CHIC textile fairs, which will also be postponed.

Posted February 3, 2020

Source: Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd

Indorama Ventures Commences Olefins Plant Commercial Operations In Westlake, La.

BANGKOK, Thailand — February 3, 2020— Indorama Ventures Public Co. Ltd. (IVL), a global chemical company, has commenced the commercial operations of its olefins gas cracker at Indorama Ventures Olefins (IVOL) plant in Westlake, La., on January 31, 2020.

The site has an ethylene production capacity of 440 kilotons per annum (KTA) and is highly integrated with the U.S. Gulf Coast ethylene pipeline infrastructure for efficient distribution. This cracker is strategically positioned in the U.S. gulf coast and allows to leverage shale gas availability. The facility is strategically positioned for long-term captive ethylene supplies to Indorama Ventures Oxide and Glycols (IVOG) plant in Clear Lake, Texas, and the recently acquired integrated EO and PO assets in Port Neches, Texas.

Tony Barre, Site Director of Indorama Ventures Olefins LLC, commented: “I am very proud of the achievements of our IVOL operating team, who have safely achieved commercial operations and plant has already achieved an operating rate of over 80 percent.”

Alastair Port, president of Indorama Integrated Oxides and Derivatives, said: “I am very delighted with the startup of our Gas cracker and are thankful to my colleagues who worked relentlessly. This has been possible with tremendous support and partnership with local authorities and communities.”

Dilip Kumar Agarwal, CEO of PET and Integrated Oxides and Derivatives of Indorama Ventures, said: “This is a significant milestone for IVL and strategic step forward in expanding our North American portfolio and footprint. The new plant is very strategic to the continual growth of IVL’s Integrated Oxides and Derivatives segment, in-line with the company’s strategy.  I personally want to thank my colleagues for their tenacious efforts and their safety mindset for the commercial startup of the cracker in Westlake, La.

“We look forward to working with the community of Southwest Louisiana to further enhance the economy, quality of life and ensure it receives the benefits of this investment.”

Posted February 3, 2020

Source: Indorama Ventures

Sponsors