Haelixa Enhances Organic Cotton Traceability with C&A Partnership

ZÜRICH — December 5, 2024 — Haelixa has partnered with Europe-based fashion retailers C&A to advance the traceability of its organic cotton. The partnership stems from C&A’s commitment to working with others in the apparel industry to pilot and scale innovation. C&A’s targets include supporting the growth of organic cotton without synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, resulting in cleaner waterways, healthier ecosystems, and lower farmer costs.

The partnership between Haelixa and C&A began in 2022 with a pilot project, and since then, they have continuously worked together to trace raw materials. The result is this agreement with Haelixa to mark their organic cotton for the next three years. Using Haelixa’s DNA markers, C&A can trace the journey of its organic cotton from farm to finished garment. According to the C&A Sustainability Report, they are working with other organisations to foster organic cotton farming.

Alexandre Saus-Salas, head of Sourcing at C&A, commented: “Transparency and ethical sourcing are crucial in our supply chain. As part of our commitment to traceability, we have begun implementing Haelixa DNA within our organic supply chain. This gradual roll-out will continue over multiple seasons in 2025, with an impact foreseen over the next three years.”

Haelixa’s solution utilises DNA markers to create a tamper-proof, verifiable traceability that tracks organic cotton throughout the supply chain. The cotton, sourced through CottonConnect, is marked with unique DNA, which acts as a specific identifier. Once applied, the cotton is tested throughout the supply chain to verify the material using forensic PCR tests. Traceability with the fiber-forward approach ensures the final garment materials are authentic.

The marking ensures the authenticity of organic cotton and mitigates the risk of sourcing from regions associated with forced labor. Using the Haelixa markers enables C&A to make reliable statements about the presence of organic cotton in its products marked at the field level (in the ginning process).

Patrick Strumpf, CEO of Haelixa, noted, “Trust is the foundation of transparent storytelling. By tracing organic cotton from farm to finished garment, we empower brands like C&A to tell an authentic story, fostering greater consumer confidence in their sustainability efforts.”

This project is one of the initiatives that C&A has undertaken to enhance accountability through its supply chain. One of the goals listed in their Sustainability Report is enabling customers to make informed choices by increasing transparency around products and the company. The traceability of organic cotton demonstrates that innovation can support business success through customer trust.

This partnership illustrates for Haelixa that successful collaboration demands a long-term commitment to growth. The work on previous pilots has earned the trust of C&A, enabling Haelixa to execute the project at scale with speed and efficiency.

Posted: December 5, 2024

Source: Haelixa

 

 

Apex Mills Appoints Chris Rojas Assistant Plant Manager For Apex Aridyne In Graham, N.C.

INWOOD, N.Y. — December 5, 2024 — Apex Mills Corporation Inc., a U.S. manufacturer of innovative technical textiles, has named Chris Rojas as assistant plant manager for the Apex Mills, Aridyne facility in Graham, N.C. Rojas brings over a decade of production, process, and quality improvement experience in warp and circular knitting, dyeing, and finishing from multiple manufacturing facilities.

Chris Rojas

Rojas most recently served as director of global textile operations for Shawmut Inc. Before that, he was the vice president of manufacturing at Fairystone Fabrics Inc., responsible for daily plant operations, customer response initiatives, capital investments, and financial performance. Previously, Rojas served with advancing plant management responsibilities for Elastic Fabrics of America, and Milliken & Company’s facilities.

“We are thrilled to welcome Chris to our outstanding operations team at the Apex Aridyne production facilities,” said Jonathan Kurz, president and CEO of Apex Mills. “His commitment to operational excellence, safety, and quality will be invaluable in ensuring our leadership in creating innovative textile solutions that address our customers’ needs”.

“I am excited to join the Apex Mills family of companies that are recognized for their textile manufacturing leadership. It’s an opportunity to be part of a successful and diverse culture,” Rojas said. He begins his role on December 2.

Rojas earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Textile Management from North Carolina State University. Rojas succeeds Apex Mills’ Aridyne Plant Manager William Frei who is retiring at the end of 2025.

Posted: December 5, 2024

Source: Apex Mills Corporation

2024 Polartec Apex Awards Winners Announced

SPARTANBURG, S.C. — December 4, 2024 — Polartec® — a Milliken™ & Company brand and creator of innovative textile solutions for future thinking, sustainably-driven brands — is delighted to announce the winners of the 2024 Polartec Apex Awards, the annual design contest that celebrates the brands and designers who embody the ethos, Made to Go Beyond.

By awarding cleverly authentic sport, performance and lifestyle concepts, Polartec brings its commitment to People, Products and the Planet to a full circle. Guided by a shared desire to push the envelope, the winning designs reflect an “inside out” approach — where thoughtfully crafted gear supports people’s well-being, fueling growth and resilience. By enhancing lives from within, these garments empower everyone to thrive outdoors, driving a cycle of impact that connects personal performance with planetary care.

The 2024 winners have been selected from hundreds of entries based on their creative approach, the ability to address and overcome challenges, and the degree to which they successfully blend high-performance, aesthetics and functionality across sports, lifestyle, and performance categories. The 2024 winners are:

  • Direct Alpine – Alpha T-Shirt — Anyone facing winter head-on will quickly see that Direct Alpine’s Alpha T-Shirt for men is an absolute game changer. Crafted with Polartec® Alpha™ active insulation, it effortlessly adapts to the body’s needs, balancing warmth and breathability with next-to-skin comfort. From the moment you put it on to the end of your mountaineering adventure, this anatomically fitted t-shirt is ready to stand up to nature’s most challenging tests. With reinforced shoulders to prevent wear and tear and fitted thumbholes to keep the sleeves in place (and your hands warm), Direct Alpine proves that versatility and high performance can go hand-in-hand. “The Alpha T-Shirt was created in response to our customers’ demand for products belonging to the so-called fast and hike collection,” reported the Development Department. “For potential customers, every extra gram matters, and the product’s maximum functionality is crucial. We wanted to create a product that weighs next to nothing, takes up minimal space in a backpack, and at the same time provides excellent thermal comfort. Polartec Alpha™ material is outstanding for this purpose, offering warmth at a low weight. We then reinforced high-stress areas with stronger material, and the product was complete.”
  • ThruDark – Wraith Bomber Jacket — Blending urban style with tactical prowess, the Wraith Bomber Jacket brings a sense of purpose to heading out. Featuring Polartec® Alpha™ active insulation, which was originally created for the US Special Forces, it effortlessly keeps you fresh and comfortable when you’re moving fast and delivers warmth when you’re not. Built for the outdoors yet perfect for city life, the Wraith seamlessly transitions both — making it as dependable on bustling streets as it is on rugged trails. “The use of Polartec Alpha™ gives a technical, performance edge to what is a classic, everyday style,” said Louis Tinsley, ThruDark co-founder. “This considered blend of form and function creates our Wraith Bomber Jacket. A garment that can take the role of a soft shell in dynamic outdoor pursuits but can also double up as urban wear for day-to-day life. Not only pushing but blurring the boundaries between performance and lifestyle wear.”
  • SANTINI – MAGIC PACKABLE WATERPROOF UNISEX JACKET — Welcome to a whole new paradigm in breathable waterproof fabrics. Designed to keep pace with your every move, this lightweight, fully non-PFAS stowable jacket is made of 100-percent recycled & recyclable  Polartec Power Shield™ RPM shell fabric to provide all-day protection without the risk of overheating, making it a true high-performance shield. Fully thermo-sealed and exceptionally resilient, it’s built to withstand the elements while folding neatly into its own back pocket for ultimate portability. Thoughtfully designed for cycling, it ensures discreet functionality without compromising on style. For those who live to be outdoors, rain or shine, the Magic Jacket redefines freedom and functionality. “The core idea behind our Magic jacket was to develop a lightweight, multi-season, multi-purpose membrane garment that brought a clear message to the market regarding the importance of sustainability,” said Fergus Niland, Creative director Santini SMS. “The key technical aspects of Polartec Power Shield™ RPM, enabled us to create a product that has class leading breathability — a critical aspect in relation to the high output activity of cycling, while utilizing post-consumer recycled material that offered full water-proof protection.”
  • GOBIK – SUBZERO BLACK Bib Tights — The Subzero Bib Tight by Gobik is designed to excel outdoors, delivering endurance and comfort for winter’s toughest rides. Featuring Polartec Power Shield Pro made with Biolon™ nylon and a non-PFAS DWR & membrane construction, the pants provide advanced weather protection while the premium padding and antibacterial graphene threads ensure comfort over long distances. The fabric’s 48 percent plant-based content also lowers carbon footprint by up to 50 percent. With reflective details for visibility and an adjustable fit around the ankle, they’re made to embrace the coldest days, pushing the boundaries of where and when you can ride. “Designing cycling gear isn’t just about protection, it’s about enhancing every ride regardless of the weather,” noted the Gobik Design Team. “Our garments need to handle the demands of performance riding while keeping you comfortable and dry, which is where our partnership with Polartec comes in. With Polartec by our side, we create gear that empowers every rider to go beyond their limits and fully embrace the journey, rain or shine.”
  • OBERMEYER – Women’s Explorer Tech Henley — Obermeyer’s Explorer Tech Henley from the Off Grid Collection lets you beat the cold with style, making it an ideal midlayer for just about anything. Infused with the warmth of Polartec Power Air, an innovative technology that encapsulates air within a smooth shell to deliver reliable insulation while reducing shedding and microfiber pollution, the Explorer Tech Henley merges multi-season functionality with a sleek urban aesthetic. Wear it alone or layered, this versatile Tech Crew is the essential companion for anyone who wants to explore without limits. “The Women’s Explorer Tech Henley was designed as part of the layering system in the Off-Grid collection,” noted Siobhan Phillips, Obermeyer director of Merchandising. “We wanted layering pieces that had a strong sustainability and durability story; so, Polartec Power Air was a great material choice for its low-shed properties, while encapsulating air and providing sustainable warmth when out in nature. This overall concept pairs back to our new material story within the Off-Grid outerwear collection, made of our very own BlueThread™.”
  • FORLOH – Women’s Raider Polartec® 200 Fleece Vest — FORLOH’s Raider Vest for women is designed for multifaceted versatility in any outdoor setting. A perfectly adaptable layering piece, it combines rugged functionality with incredibly soft Polartec 200 fleece with proprietary Shed Less™ technology to drastically reduce microfiber shedding without compromising the performance, comfort or durability of the fleece fabric.  Engineered for everything from high-altitude hikes to wandering the city streets, its durable ripstop overlays deliver added resilience and its ample, secure pockets let you easily store all your essentials, making the Raider Vest an everyday staple. If tackling diverse environments in comfort sounds too good to be true, think again. This is a vest you can count on to adapt to whatever the day may hold. “FORLOH wanted to create a mid-layer that would work well on its own and that could be worn under a jacket as a functional thermal regulating layering piece,” said Augie Vergara, director of Product at FORLOH. “Utilizing a mixture of low-profile construction finishes and comfort-enhancing paneling, we were able to create this unique fan favorite. We chose Polartec 200 Series fleece with Shed Less technology to give our customers an amazing and timeless piece that resists fiber fragment shedding during home laundering. In this way, the Raider Polartec® 200 Fleece Vest keeps our customers  warm, dry and comfortable with less impact on our oceans and waterways.”
  • INDYEVA – Lampaat Vest — This lightweight, multi-season sleeveless jacket is made of retro-looking Polartec Thermal Pro™ shearling fleece and pairs heat retention and freedom of movement with an oh-so-comfy vibe. Taffeta pocket inserts add a distinctive look, while the indulgently soft fleece provides warmth without the bulk. Versatile enough for outdoor adventures and everyday wear, this jacket seamlessly blends modern style with practical performance, making it a go-to layer for life on the move. “We are thrilled that our latest design has won an award for innovation in outdoor fashion!” said Stéphanie Noël, co-founder, vice president of Design. “At Indyeva, we pride ourselves on pushing the boundaries with classic outdoor materials, transforming them into something unexpected and unique. This achievement highlights the strength of our brand in combining tradition with bold, forward-thinking design.”
  • SATISFY RUNNING – GhostFleece™ AD Light Half-Zip — SATISFY Running’s GhostFleece™ AD Half-Zip harnesses the advanced thermoregulation of Polartec Alpha™ active insulation to keep runners warm, dry, and fully in sync during dynamic movement. Engineered with thumb loops, gusseted underarms, and a seamless design, it offers a truly friction-free running experience. And by ensuring that nothing stands in the way when you chase the elements, it helps empower your quest to push the boundaries. The GhostFleece doesn’t just keep up, it fuels your run with inside-out performance to inspire every step of the journey. “The GhostFleece AD series redefines performance wear with Polartec’s Alpha Direct fabric — an advanced insulation technology originally engineered for tactical applications where warmth, weight, and mobility are critical,” reported the SATISFY Design Team. “By adapting this military-grade fabric, SATISFY brings elite-level functionality to the world of running and endurance sports.”
  • MILLET – Women’s Softshell jacket RUTOR XCS AIR — Engineered for high-intensity ski touring, Millet’s Rutor XCS Air jacket combines stretch and durability in a lightweight shell. Its strategic use of the new Polartec Power Dry™ mesh fabric technology wicks away moisture, delivering optimal comfort during the most intense alpine challenges. Designed for adventurers who live for high-altitude action, its hybrid construction seamlessly adapts to the body’s needs on rugged mountain slopes, delivering warmth to rapid alpine ascents without weighing you down. “The perfect windproof, water-repellent jacket for high-intensity ski touring. Innovatively placed Polartec Power Dry active insulation inside the product provides warmth without compromising breathability,” said Evan Charbouillot – MILLET Apparel product manager.
  • SUN DAY RED – 3L Wind/Rain Half Zip Jacket — Look no further than the 3L Wind/Rain Half Zip Jacket by Sun Day Red when rain or wind  threaten your game. Designed to facilitate a full range of motion and an unrestricted swing, it’s built for performance – from its use of Polartec Power Shield Pro breathable weather protection to its streamlined shape that won’t billow or bend out at the wrong moments, like when you’re lining up a putt. Perfectly suited for golf, it also offers the versatility to perform in other outdoor settings, making it a reliable choice both on and off the green. The high-performance shell fabric technology is designed for the future thinking and sustainably committed. It also provides plenty of stretch, making it easy to slip on over a polo without taking your focus off the green. “Sun Day Red has raised the bar with a collection that truly meets the demands of the game,” said the Polartec Product Team. “Crafted from three soft and lightweight layers of Polartec Power Shield Pro, their award-winning half-zip jacket delivers soft, stretchy three-Layer comfort that is also waterproof, windproof, highly breathable and quieter than other noisy, motion-restricting shells. All of which helps ensure that golfers can perform at their best rain or shine.”
  • VUORI – Aspen Shirt Jacket — The versatile indoor-outdoor vibe of Vuori’s Aspen Jacket delivers more than meets the eye. Sure, it’s the perfect blend of shirt and jacket. But with its use of Polartec Wind Pro fabric technology, this jacket feels as comfortable in rugged conditions as it does when you’re cruising the beach.  With a durable and water repellent exterior, Wind Pro makes the Aspen shirt a dependable wind resistant fleece with versatility for all weather conditions. And because it’s tailored for every environment, it lets you venture from city streets to backcountry trails in one outing.
  • ARITZIA – Polartec® 200 Aurora Zip-Up — Aritzia’s Aurora Zip-Up blends cozy warmth with a modern design that’s hard to beat. Featuring Polartec 200 Series Fleece made from 100-percent recycled polyester and featuring Polartec Shed Less technology to reduce microfiber shedding up to 85 percent during home laundering, it delivers weightless warmth and softness with a planet-friendly peace-of-mind. With a cinchable shock cord hem and sleek zippered pockets, this zip-up hoodie just may be the perfect addition to any outfit, indoors or outdoors. “Leveraging the longstanding relationship between our brands, the award-winning Polartec 200 Series Aurora Zip by Aritzia benefits from our commitment to lightweight warmth and sustainability,” said the Polartec R&D Team. “Crafted from our sumptuously soft 100-percent recycled polyester fleece, it is designed to feel effortless yet perform flawlessly, keeping you cozy without holding you back.”

The 2024 Polartec Apex Awards winners are forward-thinking product partners who recognize and embody Polartec’s commitment to innovation while inspiring others to go beyond.

Breaking barriers isn’t just about athletic performance — it’s about resilience in everyday challenges. These awards honor those who embody this spirit, celebrating the human drive to overcome and inspire.

This vision is at the heart of the “Inside Out” campaign concept, curated by Italian creative agency Wanderlust Vision, which explores how true progress begins within. With the Apex Awards, we don’t just recognize industry leaders — we honor the best in all of us.

Each winner has received a trophy in celebration of their winning designs, along with dedicated joint marketing support. In addition to receiving the Polartec award, the Apex Awards program also feature a “People’s Choice” contender — which will be selected by a public vote via Polartec’s website and announced in the coming weeks.

Posted: December 4, 2024

Source: Polartec®, a Milliken & Company brand

The LYCRA Company Previews Bio-Derived LYCRA® EcoMade Fiber At ISPO

WILMINGTON, Del. — December 2, 2024 — The LYCRA Company, developer of innovative and sustainable fiber and technology solutions for the apparel industry, announced today that it is promoting its bio-derived LYCRA® EcoMade fiber at ISPO, December 3 to 5. The company is showcasing samples featuring the renewable elastane in Hall A3, Stand 101, and offering visitors a fully immersive VR experience to learn about the product. It will also be featured in the Sustainability Hub (Hall A2) and is the subject of a presentation.

UpFit Capsule Collection from LIVE! includes leggings, top, and jumpsuit that are made with bio-derived LYCRA® EcoMade fiber, providing exceptional comfort, fit, and flexibility with the added benefit of being a more sustainable fiber. Photo — Business Wire

Bio-derived LYCRA EcoMade fiber won two ISPO Textrends Awards for Fall/Winter 2026/27. In the fibers and insulation category, this renewable elastane won a “Top 5 Award,” and a garment made with the same fabric was recognized as a “Selection” in the pants & tights category. The Brazilian activewear and swimwear brand LIVE! produced the fabric and leggings using preview samples of this highly anticipated fiber.

Launching in 2025, bio-derived LYCRA EcoMade fiber will be the world’s first large-scale commercially available renewable elastane. The award-winning product previewed at ISPO contains 70 percent renewable content and is certified under the USDA Bio-Preferred Program. The fiber delivers equivalent performance to the original LYCRA fiber, and no re-engineering of fabrics, processes, or garment patterns is required.

“We believe bio-derived LYCRA EcoMade fiber represents an exciting future where we can make real, transformative change in the industry without sacrificing performance,” said Steve Stewart, The LYCRA Company’s chief brand and innovation officer. “We are thrilled to receive this recognition from ISPO and applaud our customer LIVE! for creating the award-winning fabric and garment.”

The LIVE! brand is renowned for its high-quality, sustainable apparel, and its UpFit Capsule Collection includes the ISPO award-winning leggings, Bermuda-length leggings, a top, and a jumpsuit. These garments made with bio-derived LYCRA EcoMade fiber provide exceptional comfort, fit, and flexibility with the added benefit of being a more sustainable fiber.

“At LIVE!, we believe the future of fashion must balance innovation with environmental responsibility,” said Joice Sens, founder and creative director at LIVE!. “This collection embodies the spirit of LIVE! FUTURE, our sustainable innovation lab, and highlights the importance of partnerships like this one with the LYCRA brand, enabling us to develop products that combine cutting-edge technology with reduced impact.”

Steve Stewart is presenting “All In: The Power of Partnership” on ISPO’s Green Stage on December 4 at 16:00 CET. His presentation details how collaboration has been critical to commercializing bio-derived LYCRA EcoMade fiber and bringing it to market.

Visit The LYCRA Company’s ISPO Event Page for show information and to discover the range of sustainable solutions fueling its exhibit: COOLMAX® and THERMOLITE® EcoMade fibers made from textile waste, and LYCRA FiT400™ fiber designed for circularity, are made with the planet in mind. To learn more about bio-derived LYCRA EcoMade fiber, visit this webpage for product information.

Posted: December 4, 2024

Source: The LYCRA Company

Tosca Partners With Avery Dennison To Boost Supply Chain Efficiency And Reduce CO2 Emissions

BELGIUM — December 4, 2024 — Tosca has partnered with Avery Dennison, a global materials science company, to support its transition to reusable plastic pallets and reduce CO2 emissions across its European supply chain. By adopting Tosca’s innovative pooling model, the collaboration has delivered significant operational efficiencies while cutting nearly 500 tons of CO2 in just one year. This partnership highlights Tosca’s sustainable packaging solutions which drive supply chain efficiency while reducing environmental impact.

The Challenge: Scalable, Sustainable Solutions

Tosca were pleased to support Avery Dennison in their pursuit of a scalable, efficient solution to meet the growing demand for plastic pallets, while aligning with their strong commitment to sustainability. This includes their goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

Avery Dennison recognized the need to optimize operations due to increasing demand for wooden pallets, especially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. By partnering with Tosca, a leader in sustainable packaging and supply chain solutions, they found the solution.

Tosca’s Solution: Reusable Plastic Pallets

Tosca has provided the solution to Avery Dennison’s challenge with its durable, reusable L1 plastic pallets, designed to enhance efficiency, reduce waste, and minimise environmental impact. Initially, Avery Dennison aimed to replace its own pallets with a more efficient solution to meet growing demand. This quickly expanded to switching much of its supply chain to Tosca’s plastic pallets.

A key challenge has been convincing Avery Dennison’s customers to accept goods on plastic pallets, as more participation would optimize logistics and enhance sustainability. Both sales teams worked together to demonstrate the operational and environmental benefits of this choice.

The official partnership began in 2022, and Tosca’s plastic pallets are now used in 13 Avery Dennison factories and distribution centers, shipping to over 400 customer locations across Europe.

Operational Benefits and Sustainability Gains

The partnership between Tosca and Avery Dennison enhanced efficiency and scalability by supporting the growing demand for plastic pallets, addressing availability issues and providing a more cost effective, reliable alternative to wooden pallets post Covid-19.  In addition, Tosca’s reusable plastic pallets offer cleaner, more hygienic solutions for their warehouses. These improvements align with the company’s goal of enhancing operational efficiency while reducing its carbon footprint.

In 2023, 40% of Avery Dennison’s Euro-sized pallets had been converted to plastic, and the company already achieved nearly 500 tonnes of CO2 emissions saved annually — exceeding initial estimates.

Due to the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), Avery Dennison is rethinking their transport and sales packaging, which increasingly focuses on reuse and circularity.

“Our focus is on the recyclability and circularity of our packaging. By partnering with Tosca, we are moving in the right direction,” said Violeta Gómez Valdivieso, Central Packaging Leader at Avery Dennison. “For example, the PPWR requires that at least 40% of transport or sales packaging be reusable by 2030, and Tosca’s plastic pallets meet these requirements.”

A Strong Sustainability Partnership 

Looking ahead, Avery Dennison plans to continue to transition to plastic pallets, with Tosca’s pooling system playing a critical role in achieving both greater efficiency and sustainability in their supply chain. The possibility to use the already integrated RFID tags on Tosca’s plastic pallets for tracking opens improved traceability capabilities and streamlined order management, bringing even greater potential operational benefits in the future.

“At Tosca, we work side by side with our customers in long-term partnerships, and our successful collaboration with Avery Dennison is the perfect example of this. Both companies strongly believe in the concept of continuing the loop,” said Felix Van Ouytsel, Sales Director UK/Ireland at Tosca.

The partnership between Tosca and Avery Dennison shows how collaboration can drive significant sustainability advancements, setting a benchmark for the industry.

Posted: December 4, 2024

Source: TOSCA Ltd.

SAi Celebrates A Year Of Growth: New Hires, Faster Development, Product Innovation, And Stronger Partnerships Fuel Success

SALT LAKE CITY — December 4, 2024 — SA International (SAi) — a global supplier of software for signmaking, digital printing, and CNC machining — is pleased to announce an exceptional year of growth and transformation across all areas of its business.

From even faster product development timelines and a dynamic expansion in staffing, to new partnerships and innovative updates to flagship products, SAi has positioned itself at the forefront of the industry to deliver greater value and support for customers and partners worldwide.

2024 saw the launch of new major versions of SAi Flexi, the all-in-one design, print, cut, and RIP software

Accelerated Product Development with Enhanced Capabilities

SAi has significantly ramped up its development schedule, a feat made possible by welcoming talented developers who bring more expertise to drive software advancement at an even greater pace. This year saw the launch of new major versions of both Flexi, the all-in-one design, print, cut, and RIP software, and EnRoute, the powerful CAD/CAM software for CNC machining industries. These updates were tailored to meet evolving customer needs, with enhanced functionality and performance across multiple applications.

Expansion of Customer-Focused Teams

In addition to bolstering its development team, SAi has made a strategic investment in expanding its sales and customer service departments, improving service quality and response times for customers. The company’s continued growth has opened up new opportunities to provide a better, more responsive experience for its users across all product lines, something that the company prides itself on.

Strengthened Industry Partnerships

SAi has furthered its commitment to building strong relationships with leading industry partners, including Canon, 3M, Roland, Mimaki, Epson, and Logojet. By working more closely with these partners, SAi has co-developed solutions that drive efficiency and innovation, ensuring that SAi’s products integrate seamlessly with the hardware and technology platforms that industry professionals trust.

A New Website to Serve the SAi Community

SAi’s newly launched website provides a streamlined, user-friendly interface to deliver easier access to information, product updates, and support resources. The new site reflects the company’s dedication to creating a comprehensive digital resource for customers, making it simpler than ever for users to connect with SAi products and services.

Growth and Expansion of Adendo

The company’s learning and training branch, Adendo, has had an impactful year, providing invaluable training resources to thousands of users and helping to support skill-building across industries. Adendo has not only grown its library of educational content but is also expanding its international reach by introducing Spanish and Portuguese speaking advisors. This expansion allows Adendo to serve a wider audience, ensuring accessibility for a diverse and global customer base.

SAi Flexi provides customers with the functionality and performance needed to undertake an array of sign & display applications

“2024 has been a transformative year for SAi, marked by growth in every sense of the word,” said Mikki Webb, president and CEO of SAi. “With new team members across multiple departments, enhanced relationships with partners, innovative updates to Flexi and EnRoute, and Adendo’s continued expansion and success, we’re focused on supporting our customers with the tools and knowledge they need to thrive in their business. Our team is energized by the momentum we’ve built, and we’re excited for what lies ahead.”

As SAi looks toward 2025, the company is set to continue its journey of growth and innovation, building on a year of achievements to deliver even greater value to customers, partners, and the wider community.

Posted: December 4, 2024

Source: SA International (SAi)

Consumers are Demanding Sustainable Products. Here’s How AI Is Helping Deliver Them

By Eric Linxwiler

Consumers have grown increasingly clear about their preferences for sustainability and it’s showing in their spending habits. A new study found that more than 80 percent of consumers are willing to pay more for sustainably produced goods, which is especially notable at a time when shoppers are tightening their belts amid inflation and higher costs of living. Some consumers are willing to pay a premium of 9.7 percent more for products that meet higher environmental standards, the study reported.

These changing consumer preferences, along with tightening global ESG laws, have put pressure on brands and retailers to ensure social and environmental responsibility. Companies are increasingly turning to artificial intelligence to aid them in that quest. Some 58 percent of organizations now report that they plan to improve ESG data collection with AI, and it’s easy to see why: This technology has already proven extremely efficient in its ability to simplify and automate data collection and compliance processes. AI is rapidly becoming a critical component of the drive toward sustainability as tightening global regulations have made it increasingly difficult to maintain compliance and efficiency without sophisticated digital systems.

As AI evolves, it’s poised to take on an outsized role in supply chain operations. Future applications are on track to extend into autonomous decision-making where AI systems will not only predict but also make real-time adjustments to supply chains without human intervention. Advanced AI is likely to manage most end-to-end supply chain processes, from raw material acquisition through to customer delivery. This deeper integration promises to transform traditional supply chain models into dynamic, predictive networks that can more adeptly respond to global challenges and market fluctuations while ensuring sustainability.

Brands and retailers are understandably eager to leverage AI in their supply chains, but in truth many have not yet created the digital infrastructure to do so. One major obstacle preventing businesses from realizing AI’s potential is the lack of organized, centralized, real-time data. To overcome this, companies need to start creating a central repository of supply chain data at the PO, SKU, and factory levels.

The foundation for optimizing the benefits of AI for any organization lies in the ability to interconnect thousands of proprietary data points from multiple data sets across your enterprise. That requires aggregating all data from early-stage planning through the creation of product specifications, onto sourcing, costing, and logistics, and including detailed information on all suppliers along the supply chain up to the Nth tier. It’s only once businesses have established effective data management that they can begin unlocking AI’s full potential.

Establishing the Data Foundation for AI

Digitalizing with a multi-enterprise platform ensures that data is current, accurate, and accessible, setting the foundation for leveraging AI. These platforms provide real-time supply chain visibility, allowing businesses to monitor their supply chains continuously, identify potential issues before they escalate, and make informed decisions based on accurate, up-to-date information. Establishing this robust digital infrastructure is the key to equipping AI with the data it needs for predictive analytics and automated decision-making.

Already these platforms are deploying AI in innovative ways, and their capabilities are continually expanding. AI-powered chain of custody tools significantly enhance traceability by automating documentary verification and documenting the chain of custody of all materials. These tools proactively assess compliance risks and ensure that every link in the supply chain meets your company’s standards of sustainability and prepares all chain of custody documents necessary to comply with global ESG regulations. By automatically scanning and vetting all documents against multiple databases of blacklisted entities and identifying gaps or missing documentation before shipping, this AI dramatically simplifies compliance with global ESG laws like the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act.

AI is also reimagining quality management. One exciting new application optimizes quality inspections by analyzing thousands of data points around risk factors such as product type, materials used, and country of origin to determine the likelihood of a product line failing quality inspections. This capability allows businesses to proactively identify and address high-risk PO product lines so they can prioritize quality inspections around high-risk items, reducing inspection costs while increasing product quality.

The right multi-enterprise platform serves as an intelligent connector of data from ERP systems, supply chain partners, NGOs, and sustainability databases, offering brands and retailers a unified view of their supply chain while tying external data to specific SKUs and purchase orders. Supply chain maps illustrate the relationships between vendors and factories, and even visualize key performance and scorecard metrics such as audit results, certifications, and risk levels, so compliance managers can see at a glance any vulnerabilities in their supplier base. By centralizing key supplier data, this technology is also instrumental in helping businesses meet their requirements, including their Scope 3 carbon reduction goals, allowing them to collect and assess emissions data, efficiently implement improvement plans, and track and measure their progress.

As retail looks toward a more sustainable future, AI and advanced data management systems will be essential for creating responsive, responsible supply chains that can adapt to regulatory changes and market demands. By investing in the right digital systems, retailers can future-proof their operations while ensuring they meet consumers’ rising expectations of social and environmental sustainability.

Editor’s Note: Eric Linxwiler is senior vice President of TradeBeyond. He has more than 30 years of experience in enterprise software and cloud-based platform companies with a specialty in supply chain optimization and workflow management. Contact him at eric.linxwiler@tradebeyond.com.

December 3, 2024

Milliken & Company Receives 2024 EcoVadis Gold Rating

SPARTANBURG, S.C. — December 3, 2024 — Global diversified manufacturer Milliken & Company today announced that it earned a gold rating on its 2024 EcoVadis assessment. EcoVadis provides trusted business sustainability ratings for more than 130,000 organizations representing more than 220 industries. Milliken’s 2024 EcoVadis score, assessed across its chemical, textile, flooring and healthcare operations, again places the company in the top 5 percent of organizations rated. This is the third consecutive year that Milliken has earned a gold rating from EcoVadis.

Milliken & Company today announced that it earned a gold rating on its 2024 EcoVadis assessment, placing the company in the top 5% of organizations rated for the third consecutive year.

“We are honored to receive a gold rating from EcoVadis once again,” said Halsey Cook, president and CEO at Milliken. “This achievement reflects our unwavering commitment to sustainability and the significant strides we have made on our journey. Our dedication to promoting transparency and innovation is what drives us to continually improve and reach new heights in our sustainability efforts.”

Earlier this year, Milliken released its sixth annual sustainability report disclosing performance against its 2025 Sustainability Goals and 2050 science-based net-zero targets. The report details the company’s key impacts across its people, product, planet, and net-zero measures and provides an understanding of Milliken’s governance processes, controls, and procedures to monitor and manage sustainability matters.

“Our sustainability journey is all about making a positive impact on everyone connected to Milliken,” said Kasel Knight, Chief Legal Officer and head of sustainability at Milliken. “Third-party assessments keep us accountable, help us track our progress, and show us where we’re doing well and where we need to improve.”

To learn more about Milliken’s sustainability initiatives and read the company’s most recent corporate sustainability report, visit sustainability.milliken.com.

Posted: December 3, 2024

Source: Milliken & Company

ABB Completes The Acquisition Of Aurora Motors

ZURICH, Switzerland — December 3, 2024 — ABB announced today it has completed the acquisition of Aurora Motors. The transaction was originally announced on November 4, 2024, and financial terms were not disclosed. Aurora Motors is a $4 million U.S. vertical pump motors provider, with engineering and operations in Shanghai, China, and a corporate office and distribution center in Hayward, California.

This acquisition is part of the ABB Motion Business Area’s profitable growth strategy, and it will allow the company’s NEMA Motors Division to enhance its product offering, expand its supply chain and improve support to its global customer base.

The global NEMA motor industry, roughly $3.4 billion in size, comprises industrial electric motors primarily used within North America. NEMA motors are essential components used to run equipment in industries such as food and beverage, oil and gas, mining and aggregate, and water and wastewater and in applications like those which move air, liquids and other materials.

Posted: December 3, 2024

Source: ABB

Modern Meadow And Graphene-X Announce Collaboration On Sustainable, High- Performance Gloves

NUTLEY, N.J. — December 3, 2024 — Modern Meadow, a supplier of sustainable materials, today announced its collaboration with Graphene-X, a Hong Kong-based, tech-driven clothing and gear brand that uses advanced biomaterials, to create sustainable, high-performance black All Rounder Bio-X Gloves that incorporate both companies’ biofabricated materials. Modern Meadow’s luxury leather replacement material, Bio-Tex™, will be used in conjunction with GRAPHTHERMAL™, a graphene-integrated fabric made by Graphene-X. Together, these materials create a lightweight, durable, sleek-looking glove that provides exceptional warmth.

“At Modern Meadow, our practical and scalable bio-design technologies empower our partners, like Graphene-X, to create high-quality products that prioritize the well-being of people and the environment,” said David Williamson, PhD, CEO of Modern Meadow. “As a result, Graphene-X is able to meet the growing demand of its consumers for sustainable clothing and gear while pursuing ambitious environmental goals and complying with industry regulations.”

Bio-Tex is an animal-free material that delivers superior color vibrance, colorfastness and durability with the luxurious look and feel of leather. It is powered by Modern Meadow’s BIO-ALLOY® technology, a proprietary plant-based protein plus bio-polymer miscible blend that enables the development of new biomaterials with unprecedented performance and sustainability. Bio-Tex, which has a lower environmental cost than traditional materials, is crafted in Italy through Modern Meadow’s partnership with Limonta, a textile and materials company. Through its multiple biomaterial platforms, including BIO-VERA®, Modern Meadow is empowering designers to sustainably create high-end products that are circular in design with versatile applications.

GRAPHTHERMAL is a graphene-integrated fabric that creates an advanced thermal system designed to retain and radiate heat toward the body. This high-performance textile excels in heat retention, efficiently trapping and redistributing body heat to ensure optimal warmth in cold environments.

“These two different materials that come from two different sources complement one another, allowing us to create a unique high-performance product that is also lightweight, flexible and soft to the touch,” said Jorge Barros, founder and CEO of Graphene-X. “Our partnership with Modern Meadow reinforces our shared commitment to using science and technology to maximize sustainability in the apparel industry.”

Those interested may learn more about and purchase the All Rounder Bio-X Gloves via Graphene-X’s website.

Posted: December 3, 2024

Source: Modern Meadow

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