AATCC Future Leaders Award Presented To Meredith McQuerry At International Conference

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. — April 15, 2019 — The AATCC Future Leaders Award was presented to Meredith L. McQuerry on April 11, 2019, at the International Conference held in Fort Worth, Texas. The Future Leaders Award recognizes promising young professionals in the fields of textiles, apparel, and related material sciences. These young professionals are the future of our industry and the future leaders of AATCC. Award recipients are determined by each AATCC Interest Group.

McQuerry is a tenure-track assistant professor in the Retail Entrepreneurship Department at Florida State University. McQuerry joined AATCC in 2012, the same year she graduated with a BS from the University of Kentucky, where she double-majored in Merchandising, Apparel, and Textiles, and Career and Technical Education (Family and Consumer Sciences). In 2013, she received an MS from the University of Kentucky, majoring in Merchandising, Apparel, and Textiles (Textile Science), and in 2016, earned a PhD in Textile Technology Management from North Carolina State University.McQuerry has over $380,000 in research grants. She has 12 journal articles published, and seven manuscripts in preparation for submission. One of the journal articles, published with Emil DenHartog and Roger Barker in 2016, received the AATCC J.W. Weaver Paper of the Year Award. She also is a graduate advisor, and undergraduate mentor for students with research scholarships and grants.

Among her many skills, she is certified in Six Sigma Green Belt. She was also a winner of the 2013 AATCC Herman and Myrtle Goldstein Student Paper Competition. She currently is an invited member on the AATCC Strategic Planning Committee and is a faculty advisor for the Florida State University AATCC Student Chapter.

Nominees for the AATCC Future Leaders Award must be AATCC members who are 39 years old or younger and actively engaged in the greater textile or related industries. They must display leadership skills and have a history of service to AATCC or the greater textile and related industries. A key quality of successful candidates is a desire to become more involved with the objectives of AATCC: to increase expertise, encourage research, and establish channels for the interchange of professional knowledge. Nominees must agree to join the AATCC Young Professionals Committee and must participate, as their professional commitments allow, in the work of the committee. The award includes a framed certificate signed by the AATCC president and the Interest Group (IG) chairs and a special pin.

The AATCC is the world’s leading not-for-profit association serving textile professionals since 1921. AATCC, headquartered in Research Triangle Park, N.C., USA, provides test method development, quality control materials, and professional networking for members in about 50 countries throughout the world.

Posted April 16, 2019

Source: AATCC

AAFA Celebrates Fashion’s Future With The American Image Awards

NEW YORK CITY — April 16, 2019 — The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) hosted the AAFA American Image Awards last night with a sold-out event celebrating the accomplishments of the fashion and retail industry at the iconic Plaza Hotel in New York City. Hosted by award-winning actress Brooke Shields, the gala honored leaders, influencers, and innovators in the apparel and footwear industries and benefited the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) Foundation.

The AAFA American Image Awards honorees included Person of the Year, Isaac Ash, President and CEO of United Legwear & Apparel Co.; Retailer of the Year, American Eagle Outfitters; Company of the Year, Birkenstock; Designer of the Year, Eileen Fisher; Media Brand of the Year, WWD; and Fashion Collaboration of the Year, Disney Princess X Ruthie Davis.

“It is no secret that our industry has been navigating profound change in the way we sell and bring product to market. Our honorees have not only welcomed these changes, but have thrived,” said Rick Helfenbein, AAFA president and CEO. “The American Image Awards is about celebrating the future of fashion. This year’s honorees exemplify where the industry is heading, and it was a privilege to showcase their success.”

“We thank the AAFA and all those who attended the American Image Awards for the support to the CFDA Foundation. Through the Foundation, we are able to devote funds towards important causes and initiatives, such as HIV/AIDS, Fashion Targets Breast Cancer, disaster relief, domestic manufacturing, and education and professional development,” said Steven Kolb, President and CEO of the CFDA.

Jay Schottenstein received an enthusiastic reception upon accepting his award for Retailer of the Year. Schottenstein spoke about the age of Amazon and Millennials and the company’s secret to success — happy customers, great quality and exciting product, and motivated, positive employees. Guests were treated to a fun and engaging video from Ruthie Davis X Disney which noted the launch of a new princess collection for Aladdin featuring highlights of this empowering collaboration. Guests listened attentively as honorees Ruthie Davis, designer, and Heather Sanchez, Senior Licensing Manager for Consumer Products, spoke about the successful partnership. Eileen Fisher accepted the Designer of the Year award. Known for her commitment to social issues and timeless designs, Fisher engaged audiences with her inspiring journey through the fashion industry, as well as her latest inspiring projects. Legendary for both his business acumen and generosity, Isaac Ash was presented with the Person of the Year Award. Ash received a resounding response and spoke about his deep-rooted philosophy in giving back to those in need as an everyday occurrence. During his electrifying speech, Ash committed to donating 500,000 pairs of socks to Delivering Good. The Media Brand of the Year award was presented to Paul Jowdy, Chief Business Officer and Publisher of WWD & Fairchild Live, and James Fallon, the WWD Editorial Director. David Kahan, CEO of Birkenstock Americas, accepted the Company of the Year Award. Kahan spoke about the brand’s heritage, its fashion collaborations, and the company’s vision for the future.

The red carpet buzzed with stars, fashion executives, and designers in celebration of the night’s honorees. Designers and Creative Directors included Peter Som (Fashion Designer), Naeem Khan (Fashion Designer), Nick Graham (Fashion Designer), Brandon Maxwell (Fashion Designer, Judge of Project Runway), Stacey Bendet (CEO, Alice and Olivia), Sara Eisen (Squawk on the Street, Co-Anchor and Closing Bell, Co-Anchor, CNBC), among others. Victor Luis (CEO of Tapestry), Josh Schulman (CEO of Coach), and President of Tapestry, Todd Kahn, represented the heavy-hitting business contingency. Celebrity highlights included the stunning Katherine McNamara, actor from “Happyland;” Holly Taylor, actor from “The Americans” and TV Personality Lala Anthony.

“On behalf of AAFA’s Board of Directors, let me congratulate this amazing group for their inspirational work and contributions to our industry,” said Gary F. Simmons, chairman of the American Apparel & Footwear Association. “AAFA is delighted to showcase the success of the industry and to support its future growth through our collaboration with the CFDA Foundation.”

Posted April 16, 2019

Source: AAFA American Image Awards

SPESA’s 2019 Advancements In Manufacturing Conference

By Rachael S. Davis, Executive Editor

1 of 26
Michael McDonald, SPESA president opened the event.
McDonald
Carrie Bhada, executive director, North Carolina Textile Foudation, NC State University
Dr. Mike Fralix, president and CEO, [TC]2
Yoram Burg, president, EFI Optitex
Burg
Leonard Marano, vice president, Gerber Technology
Clockwise from back left: Marano, Burg and Dr. Fralix
Michael Rabin, president, Morgan Tecnica America
Rabin
Dr. Fralix
Lloyd Wood, deputy assistant secretary for Textiles, Consumer Goods and Materials, U.S. Department of Commerce, international Trade Administration
Mariano Amezcua, president, DAP America
Roberto Mangual, CEO, Exenta
Mangual
Toni Lublin, communications and partnership manger, Lectra North America
Kirby Best, president & chairman, PAAT International
The panel for "The Internet Of Sewn Products & Industry 4.0" discussion.
Rick Frye, director of engineering, Brother International
Frye
Frank Henderson, CEO, Henderson Sewing Machine Co.
Henderson
Dr. Fralix

Billabong Unites Females Across The Globe Through Surfing In A Progressive New Brand Campaign

IRVINE, Calif. — April 16, 2019 — Billabong, an action sports and lifestyle company, unveils their latest female content series for 2019, “Know the Feeling.” The progressive video series features multiple female surfers, including world renowned athlete Laura Enever, as well as three young women, Monica Guo, Meryem El Gardoum and Natasha Sand, who are pioneering women’s surfing in China, Morocco and Sri Lanka. Shot in each of the women’s hometowns, the campaign shares both the inspiring women’s stories of breaking through cultural norms to become surfers and also a local perspective on the food, environment and people that make their surf community unique.

The “Know the Feeling” video series is about the magic of the ocean that connects us all. It’s for the women who see the sea not as limiting, but as an invitation. This latest campaign from Billabong showcases the power of what surfing can bring to an individual and community, and how wherever our travels take us, no matter what language you may speak, in the ocean we are all connected with the same voice. The bond we forge across the sea is a freedom, a familiarity. And when you feel it, you’ll know.

“Know the Feeling” can be viewed this season by heading to the Billabong Womens YouTube channel, where the four-part series will debut on the below dates:

  • April 16th – Know the Feeling: Launch;
  • April 30th – Know the Feeling: Sri Lanka;
  • May 14th – Know the Feeling: Morocco; and
  • May 29th – Know the Feeling: China.

The product featured in the campaign is from the latest Summer 2019 collection and is available at Billabong.com.

Posted April 16, 2019

Source: Billabong

perPETual Global Technologies: 2 Billion Plastic Bottles Transformed

LONDON — April 16, 2019 — perPETual Global Technologies Ltd. just completed recycling its 2 billionth used plastic bottle using its own proprietary developed and patented sustainable recycling process.

perPETual achieved this on the April 16, 2019, with its manufacturing partner based in India, where they are currently recycling approximately 2.5 million bottles daily.

The perPETual process

Every year, 600 billion plastic bottles are used across the globe, and pollution from plastic waste has been hitting headlines for years. However, Dr Vivek Tandon, CEO and cofounder of perPETual, has a different vision of used plastic. “Isn’t it crazy,” said Dr Tandon, “that dirty, toxic crude oil mined out of the ground is referred to as “black gold” whereas plastic bottles used just once to contain clean drinking water are referred to as waste after just one use? We at perPETual see used plastic bottles not as waste, but as a valuable resource which can be efficiently transformed to replace conventional oil-based chemicals. We have developed the world’s only known profitable, commercial scale process which can help reduce the world’s plight of waste plastic bottles by making it highly profitable to recycle them.”

Using breakthrough, patented technology, perPETual has developed a depolymerization process to break down plastics back into esters (the base chemical building block to make poly(esters)). perPETual’s process uses 86% less water and 75% less energy than the conventional method of producing esters from crude oil. The esters produced by perPETual are currently used to produce high-quality, sustainable filament yarns which are used by many of the worlds leading clothing and apparel brands, as can be found on the perPETual website. Many of these brands, impressed with the high quality of yarn produced, have expressed intentions of using 100% sustainable polyester made from used plastic bottles in their products in the future.

“I am so pleased to have crossed this milestone with our partner in India,” said Dr Tandon. “To date, perPETual has maintained a low profile, but due to customer demand for more product and the successful scaling up of our process, we now seek both financial and industrial partners to expand our process globally. Together we can make a material difference to our world.”

Posted April 16, 2019

Source: perPETual Global Technologies Ltd.

medi® USA Introduces Compression Sock With Padded Footbed For Wearing Comfort

WHITSETT, N.C. — April 16, 2019 — Medical device manufacturer medi® USA announced the launch of its latest innovative knee-high compression sock, duomed relax. This budget-friendly addition to medi’s variety-rich duomed line of compression provides another option for energizing and improving leg health with guaranteed, graduated compression for active men and women. Available in 15-20 and 20-30 mmHg compression classes, duomed relax enhances the lives of patients living with mild to moderate venous health conditions comfortably and confidently, providing stability and relief at an affordable value.

duomed relax provides superior comfort with a breathable material suitable for all-day wear that is also easy to apply. With extra padding along the heel and footbed, and a top band that fits the calf snugly for a no-slip fit, duomed relax provides the ideal economical, active compression sock.

“We’re thrilled to have a compression solution that is not only comfortable, but also incredibly easy to apply. Users will love to wear it, thereby increasing their compliance rates and improving their overall venous health,” said Medical Compression Category Manager Maggie Moriarty.

duomed relax is available in five standard sizes, in 15-20 and 20-30 mmHg compression classes, and in white or black. It joins a full range of value compression stockings offered by medi in its duomed elastic compression line. With 5 product offerings, 5 total sizes, and the most color options available — a whopping 10 within its portfolio — duomed has the broadest range for the best fit in an economy stocking. We also offer stylish patterns, unlike any other competitor because in a world full of exciting choices, it’s nice to have economical variety!

medi continues to innovate amongst its diverse portfolio, creating compression solutions that improve the quality of life for every patient across all stages of venous and lymphatic conditions while standing behind its motto of “I feel better.”

Posted April 16, 2019

Source: medi USA

Materials Innovation Company Checkerspot Closes $13 Million Series A Led By Builders VC

BERKELEY, Calif. — April 16, 2019 — Checkerspot Inc., a materials innovation company, announced today that it has closed its Series A financing for $13 million. The round was led by Builders VC, and included Breakout Ventures, Viking Global Investors, KdT Ventures, Plug and Play Ventures, Sahsen Ventures, and Godfrey Capital, among others. Jim Kim, general partner of Builders VC, will join the board of directors.

A 2018 graduate of the Illumina Accelerator, Checkerspot’s innovation platform integrates biotechnology, chemistry and fabrication. The company’s focus to date is on two classes of materials: polyurethanes and textile finishes, each of which is derived from novel triglycerides (oils) from microalgae. Nature has evolved to produce novel molecular building blocks, like fatty acids from triglycerides, that are unexplored or underutilized in materials science. They are overlooked because many of these plant-derived materials cannot be supplied at large scale. The plants that produce them only thrive in growth conditions that are incompatible with commodity scale agriculture. Biotechnology and industrial fermentation processes enable Checkerspot to deliver these unique materials not previously accessible at commercial scale.

The company’s initial commercial progress has focused on high value consumer applications, including a performance textile wicking finish now marketed in partnership with Beyond Surface Technologies. Through other commercial relationships, the company is set to expand into other industrial verticals where performance materials can competitively differentiate products and brands. Last year, Checkerspot and DIC Corporation announced a Joint Development Agreement to create a new class of novel, high performance polyols.

“Checkerspot is differentiated in its approach by focusing on more rapidly bringing to market high value materials with unique properties presently unavailable with traditional manufacturing processes. At Builders we partner with companies that are developing real solutions to modernize antiquated industries. Checkerspot’s approach of integrating biotechnology and materials science, then demonstrating the value of rapid prototyping and applications development, is exactly that. We fully expect that Checkerspot’s platform development and expansion into a wide range of industries will usher in a new way of thinking for how product designers apply and source performance materials,” said Jim Kim of Builders VC.

“Driven by consumers, many brands recognize market demand continuing to increase for new materials and ingredients that deliver novel performance, and are also more sustainable. Suppliers to these brands are responding. We’re pleased to welcome new investors that share our conviction on how we are prioritizing our market entry points, demonstrating our capabilities and creating value quickly,” said Charles Dimmler, CEO and co-founder of Checkerspot.

“We are breaking new ground at the intersection of molecular biology and materials science, and this financing will allow us to continue to build out our existing materials and products while at the same time allow us to further expand the application of these materials across multiple industries. Fundamentally, we see microalgal triglycerides as scaffolds upon which to build entirely new classes of materials,” said Scott Franklin, CSO and co-founder of Checkerspot.

Posted April 16, 2019

Source: Checkerspot Inc.

Naia™ From Eastman Joins 10th Annual Copenhagen Fashion Summit As Supporting Sponsor

KINGSPORT, Tenn. — April 16, 2019 — Global specialty materials provider Eastman, the maker of sustainably sourced Naia™ cellulosic yarn, announces its participation in the 10th annual Copenhagen Fashion Summit, May 15-16. Naia is a supporting sponsor of the world’s leading business event on sustainability in fashion, where the brand will feature and share news about custom fabrics from partner mills. Naia is also sponsoring the Pitch Stage, where innovators will present sustainable fashion business solutions as part of Copenhagen Fashion Summit’s Innovation Forum.

“Naia gives designers a sustainable design choice with fabrics that are both beautiful and versatile,” said Ruth Farrell, Eastman global marketing director of Textiles.

At the summit, Naia will demonstrate the yarn’s texture versatility with a Naia, MicroModal and elastane blend from partner mill Wing Yue. It’s a two-tone double face knit with a super-soft hand, according to Farrell. Naia will also feature a luxurious, satin-back crepe-woven fabric made of Naia and viscose by Yilmazipek and a printed, lightweight satin-woven Naia/silk blend from Haiyan Jiayuan that renders a wholly sustainable fabric with a silk-like hand. The fourth featured fabric is made of 100 percent Naia by Nishiyama for a lightly crinkled satin weave with shine. Farrell describes it as having a “beautiful surface effect that demonstrates the luxury possible with a sustainable fabric.”

The Summit’s CEO Agenda 2019 outlines eight core priorities for fashion leaders: supply chain traceability, combating climate change, sustainable material mix, circular fashion system, efficient use of water, energy and chemicals, respectful and secure work environments, promotion for better wage system and the fourth industrial revolution.

Eastman, the creator of Naia, proves its commitment to these transformational priorities via its closed-loop production process in which safe solvents and water are recycled and reused, ensuring a low tree-to-yarn carbon and water footprint. Listed on the Higg Materials Sustainability Index, Naia has a smaller environmental impact than generic modal, triacetate, and viscose. In developing the yarn, Eastman considers the entire life cycle, from responsible sourcing to end-of-life disposal.

Made with wood sourced from sustainably managed pine and eucalyptus plantations and forests, Naia is certified as biodegradable in fresh water, having received the OK biodegradable WATER conformity mark from TÜV AUSTRIA.

Naia recently joined C.L.A.S.S. (Creativity Lifestyle And Sustainable Synergy) to support the fashion industry’s shift toward the circular economy, empowering businesses to be competitive and socially responsible.

“We continue to work with NGOs, industry partners and certifying entities to shape the future of sustainability and circularity in fashion and textiles,” said Natalia Allen, Eastman sustainability leader of Textiles.

Naia will be exhibiting at Copenhagen Fashion Summit’s Innovation Forum Studio 1 Stand No. 10.

Posted April 16, 2019

Source: Eastman

Finnish Textile Startup Infinited Fiber Co. Signs New Partnerships With H&M Group, Fortum And Virala

ESPOO, Finland — April 16, 2019 — Infinited Fiber Co. Ltd. (IFC) has raised 3.7 million euros in funding from investors, including H&M Group, Fortum and Virala. IFC is currently running a 50-ton pilot plant in Finland and plans to increase the annual capacity of the next generation sustainable textile fiber production up to 500 tons in order to meet the growing demand from the market.

“I’m very proud that we have created a technology that enables textile waste to be used over and over again by producing a strong, sustainable fiber without compromising quality and comfort. We are delighted to welcome the global fashion retailer H&M Group, as well as Fortum, a leading clean energy and resource efficiency company, and Finnish investment company Virala, to be our new partners in closing the loop for textiles,” said Petri Alava, CEO of IFC.

“We’re excited about the partnership with Infinited Fiber Company. Their innovation aligns perfectly with the H&M group’s sustainability goals and our vision to become fully circular. Infinited Fiber has proven significant potential to accelerate the journey from a linear to a circular fashion industry. We look forward to being part of developing and scaling this technology in the coming years”, said Erik Karlsson, Investment Manager for Sustainable Fashion at H&M group’s investment arm CO:LAB.

“Fortum is studying possibilities to grow business that is based on the more efficient use of biomass. We believe strongly in biorefining, new technologies and their role in a more sustainably produced textile fiber”, said Heli Antila, head of Fortum’s business focusing on bio-based solutions.

In addition to cotton rich textile waste, the Infinited Fiber manufacturing process can use most material containing cellulose, e.g. recycled paper, cardboard and agricultural waste such as straw — nevertheless the reborn fiber will be the same. Properties of the Infinited Fiber include a natural soft look and feel, consistent proven quality, 30-40-percent better color uptake than competing fibers, it’s antibacterial and bio-degradable and has excellent moisture absorption qualities. In addition, it has a total cost competitiveness in the textile production supply chain.

“A problem in the textile industry is the growing demand for cotton that simply isn’t available. We have proven that for example in denim applications, the commercial quality requirements can be reached with our Infinited Fiber. The global denim industry is pushing us to bring our solutions to the market. Our reborn Infinited Fiber is re-usable forever, carbon neutral and applicable like natural cotton without any microplastics harming the environment,” said Alava.

The business model of IFC is to license the Infinited Fiber technology for global fiber producers in textile and non-woven industries. The end-use applications include fashion, disposable personal care products (e.g. wipes, diapers, pads) and technical products (e.g. automotive filters, dairy, construction applications). The production process is protected by several patents in key market areas.

The sale of the first licensed commercial plant with a capacity of 25,000 tons is scheduled for 2020-2021. The pilot plant started up production in March 2018 and is selling solutions to several leading global brands.

Posted April 16, 2019

Source: Infinited Fiber technology (IFC)

Gerber Technology Expands Its MCT Digital Cutting System Into European Market At FESPA

TOLLAND, Conn. — April 16, 2019 — As the need for on-demand manufacturing increases across an ever-widening array of substrates, producers in the sign & graphic and packaging industries need a system that offers speed and versatility to meet every request that comes in. In order to remain competitive, companies must offer more material options and quicker turnaround times without diminishing the quality of their product.

As the most versatile digital cutting solution on the market, the Gerber MCT Cutter has all the tools, including laser, to complete the most challenging jobs for a wide range of substrates, while increasing productivity and delivering high-quality results. The innovative system allows users to control target registration, cut file editing and machine production from one, integrated user interface.

Six months after having acquired MCT Digital, Gerber is expanding its MCT digital cutting system worldwide into the sign & graphics and packaging markets. The highly-integrated system of hardware and software has won a number of accolades in the North America market.

“We are excited to bring such strong innovation in digital finishing to the European sign & graphics and packaging markets, and look to build on Gerber’s deep heritage of automated finishing and integrated production software,” said Gerber Technology’s Scott Schinlever, president and COO, Automation Solutions.

The most versatile cutting solution on the market, the Gerber MCT Cutter, is equipped with an industry-leading 100w laser for textiles and acrylics, as well as 11 interchangeable tools and the industry’s most integrated production and vision-guided software, TigerVision™.

“We went from doing everything by hand to having a giant digital worker who is very accurate and fast,” said Jonathan Merendlender, founder of Printed Ink (Huntingdon Valley, PA) who has been using a Gerber MCT Cutter since October 2018. “Aside from the obvious benefits of custom shapes, 3D lettering, and fabrication, the CNC router drastically cut down on labor and increased capacity almost instantly.”

The Gerber MCT Cutter will be making its European debut at FESPA, the largest international wide format professional printing exhibition that showcases the latest innovations for digital printing and laser cutting. To see what’s now trending for the sign and graphics industry, visitors can get a live demo of the most versatile cutting solution on the market at booth B5-E20.

Posted April 16, 2019

Source: Gerber Technology

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