Fruit Of The Loom Celebrates New Women’s Clothing Collection, Seek No Further, With Engaging Shopping Experience In New York City

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — October 3, 2018 — Fruit of the Loom is celebrating the launch of the Seek No Further™ collection, its most stylish and versatile women’s clothing line to date with an interactive, multi-room shopping experience in the heart of SoHo, New York City, from Friday, Oct. 12 to Saturday, Oct. 13. Bringing together contemporary fashion and effortless style, Seek No Further is meant to be mixed and matched seamlessly so women everywhere can create looks they love as they transition from day to night and work to play.

With pieces that can be dressed up, dressed down, or paired together to create an entire outfit within the collection, shopping for multiple occasions can be easy! Seek No Further offers stylish options, including statement pieces, all-day essentials and activewear ranging from blazers to contemporary tanks to a variety of pants and dresses. The full line-up features:

  • Statement Pieces
    • Mix-it-up Blazer
    • Fit & Flare Pant
  • All-Day Essentials
    • V-Neck Tank
    • Shell Tank
    • Sweetheart V-Neck Tee
    • Pleated Ponte Dress
    • Wide Waistband Legging
    • Wide-Leg Crop Pant
    • Cardigan
  • Activewear
    • Track Jacket
    • Track Pant

“Our Seek No Further collection truly speaks to a woman’s need for versatile, stylish and comfortable pieces that can be easily incorporated into her own personal style,” said Karen Kendrick, vice president, Brand Communications at Fruit of the Loom. “Today, women have so many clothing options that finding a look they love can be difficult. We created the Seek No Further collection to help simplify the shopping process, offering a range of styles and colors so they can create multiple looks within the collection or mix and match the pieces seamlessly into their already existing wardrobe. We look forward to having women try our most elevated designs yet at our shop.”

The collection will be brought to life at the pop-up shop, with three distinctly designed rooms that resemble a woman’s “day in the life,” offering the ultimate exclusive shopping experience. The shop will mark the first and only time where customers may purchase Seek No Further pieces in-person. After the shop ends, Seek No Further products will be available for purchase online on Fruit.com/Seek-No-Further and Amazon. Shoppers may stop by at 111 Grand St., New York, N.Y., on Friday, Oct. 12 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. EST or Saturday, Oct. 13 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST.

Posted October 3, 2018

Source: Fruit of the Loom

Meteor Inkjet First To Offer Electronics, Softwear To Drive New SG600 Printheads From Fujifilm Dimatix

Meteor HDC-SG600CAMBRIDGE, England — October 1, 2018 — Meteor Inkjet, an independent supplier of electronics and software to drive industrial inkjet printheads, further expands its product portfolio with the addition of the HDC-SG600 Head Driver Card, Printhead Evaluation Kit and Waveform Development Kit for FUJIFILM Dimatix SG600 printheads.

Formally launched today by FUJIFILM Dimatix, the SG600 recirculating printhead is suitable for textiles, corrugated packaging, ceramics, and many other industrial print applications. The SG600 is in the same printhead family as the highly successful SG1024 but takes the native resolution up to 600dpi. This allows printer OEMs to offer much higher ink deposition or finer detailed imaging at desired print speeds.

Each Meteor HDC-SG600 Head Driver Card (HDC) drives one SG600 printhead supported through a Meteor PCC-E GbitE Print Controller Card (PCC) which can accommodate up to eight HDCs.  Multiple PCCs can be linked seamlessly to drive up to 2024 printheads. Used in conjunction with the electronics, Meteor’s powerful software supports a wide range of applications and allows print system builders the flexibility to design as much or as little of the Digital Front End as they choose.

In addition to electronics and software for the SG600, Meteor also offers a Printhead Evaluation Kit and a Waveform Development Kit to ease print system design and significantly speed time to market. Multi-head, multi-ink configurations can be evaluated and integrated using electronics and software that can then be transferred straight to manufacturing.

Clive Ayling, Meteor’s managing director commented, “We have a long history of collaboration with FUJIFILM Dimatix, having launched our first Meteor-branded drive electronics for Dimatix printheads in 2006.  We are proud to be the first supplier to offer production-ready electronics, software and evaluation equipment for the new SG600 printhead and we look forward to providing customers an easy to integrate, scalable solution with the assurance of long-term, reliable supply for both development and production requirements.”

For more information, visit Meteor at TheIJC (Stand A6) in Düsseldorf, 16-17 October 2018.

Posted October 2, 2018

Source: Meteor

IFAI Expo Preview: Sunbrella® Shade Solutions

GLEN RAVEN, N.C.  — October 2, 2018 — Sunbrella® brings innovation to shade structures at IFAI Expo, Oct. 15-18 in Dallas, Texas, demonstrating powerful ways to make shade do more no matter what the challenge. Alongside their portfolio of high-performance shade fabrics, Sunbrella will feature revolutionary textiles that elevate the design, function and customization of shade structures.

This year, fabricators can make shade do more by creating a mood with the two new pattern additions to Sunbrella Decorative Shade fabrics that will debut at the expo: Meteor, which features a high-tech, metallic look with dimensional crosshatching, and Nebula, which is inspired by ancient Japanese tie-dyeing, Shibori. Each new pattern comes in three different colorways. With Sunbrella Decorative Shade, fabricators can build high-performance shade structures that improve outdoor environments without sacrificing creativity or craftsmanship. Because the color is embedded deep inside each and every fiber, these fabrics are easy to care for, fade resistant and bleach cleanable.

“In both performance and design, we’re constantly working to make shade exceptional for our customers,” said Vince Hankins, director of industrial markets for Glen Raven. “Our expansion of unique shade fabrics will be extended through next year to allow more time for new styles and innovations to gain traction in marketplace.”

At IFAI, Sunbrella will show a variety of innovative technical solutions that make shade do more for fabricators from water and fire protection to customization. After more than 25 years in the marine market, Sunbrella® SeaMark® has now become the first choice to make shade waterproof in environments that see heavy weather. Engineered with Sunbrella fabric and an impervious waterproof backing, Sunbrella SeaMark delivers strong on performance without sacrificing style.

The Sunbrella Graphics System is helping partners make shade “speak.” Developed and field-tested by awning, sign and banner professionals, the versatile system rapidly creates custom logo designs and multicolor graphics with no minimum fabric requirement, allowing fabricators and their customers to customize spaces with brand-centric messaging.

Sunbrella will also feature Contour, a fabric specifically engineered to fit any shape or angle, permitting craftsmen to expand their offerings with shade sails and other shade structures including fixed awnings, windscreens, umbrellas, cabanas, pavilions and marine applications. Featuring 15 colors in durable Sunbrella fabrics, Sunbrella Contour is a rich, knit-textured fabric that can make shade stretch. Make shade fire retardant with FIRESIST®, a state-of-the-art, flame-retardant line of performance fabrics for the commercial awning, canopy and shade markets.

A leading fabric choice for high-end commercial shade projects that involve rigid flame-resistant requirements, FIRESIST offers a variety of design options, such as four heathered styles that debuted in 2017.

“Sunbrella recognizes the importance of shade design and giving our customers more options to create extraordinary outdoor environments,” Hankins said. “We’re excited to feature our shade innovations at IFAI.”

For more information about these offerings, visit the Sunbrella booth #1030 at the IFAI Expo or visit the new shade website at sunbrella.com/makeshade.

Posted October 2, 2018

Source: Sunbrella.

Shaw Floors Announces 2019 Color Of The Year: Whisper

DALTON, Ga.  — October 2, 2018 — For the first time ever, Shaw Floors has announced a full palette of colors for its 2019 Color of the Year: Whisper. In an unprecedented move, the palette of five hushed neutrals will be embodied in the leading floorcovering brand’s 2019 hard and soft surface product introductions.

Whisper features five colors: Glacier Ice, Clay, Blush, Mist, and Dusty Lilac. Infused with a dusty softness, the approachable palette provides the neutrals consumers love with subtle pastel undertones for interest, beauty and variety. The colors are easy to integrate into a home’s design scheme and may be used alone in a space or together as a palette.

To determine the Color of the Year, the Shaw Floors design team utilized trend tracking and immersive research trips, spanning Los Angeles to Charleston, to discern which colors resonate most among consumers. After countless hours of research and discussion, the Whisper palette emerged.

“With Whisper, we’ve moved away from our obsession with grays and are embracing colors that inject a calm, inviting serenity into the home,” stated Pam Rainey, ASID, IIDA, Shaw Floors’ vice president of product design. “The palette conveys an ethereal, dreamlike environment where we can find peace and relaxation.”

A departure from years past, in 2019, Shaw Floors will launch new products that not only coordinate with the Whisper palette, but embody the colors as well. Alongside the products, the brand will release a selection of design themes which showcase the palette in various ways .

In announcing the Color of the Year, Shaw Floors’ goal is to equip retail partners with excellent resources that enable them to connect with consumers. “We’re not encouraging consumers to rush out and redo their homes and decor year after year,” said Rainey. “Rather, this year’s palette, flooring products and design trends are tools to help RSAs engage in meaningful conversations with their consumers to help them achieve their desired interior — whether a complete transformation or a minimal update. Sharing this information and assisting the consumer establishes trust in the RSA and confidence in the consumer’s flooring selection.”

Whisper is the sixth Color of the Year for Shaw Floors. Previous years’ colors were Gold Rush (2018), Lush (2017), White Hot (2016), Lady in Grey (2015), and English Royal Navy (2014).

Posted October 2, 2018

Source: Shaw Industries Group Inc.

DyStar Releases Sustainability Performance Report 2017-2018

SINGAPORE — October 2, 2018 — The DyStar Group has released its 2017-2018 Sustainability Performance Report. Into its eighth edition, the report marks the progress of the global company that aspires to become the world’s most sustainable and responsible supplier of colorants, specialty chemicals, and services in the textile industry, but has also embarked on the business with food dyes and chemicals through its recent acquisition in United States.

The latest DyStar’s Sustainability Performance Report is the first of their reports prepared in accordance with the most trusted and widely used reporting framework – Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards: Core Option.

The 2020 Target

2017 marks the seventh year of DyStar’s journey towards reducing the production footprint by 20% for every ton of production by the year 2020. This goal encompasses the resources used for production including energy, water, and raw materials as well as addresses their corresponding outputs — greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, waste and wastewater. Results across most key performance indicators were positive, with four of the six 2020 targets being successfully met or surpassed.

In terms of the energy consumption and GHG emission, DyStar is farther from its original desired target primarily due to the impacts from three newly acquired production sites. However, intensive efforts are underway to ensure that the company’s less efficient acquisitions are provided the essential support to align with the rest of the company. DyStar is optimistic that all six targets are achievable by 2020.

Creating Responsible Products & Services

As part of DyStar’s long-term goal to imbed sustainability across the industry, they will also be focusing on expanding its sustainability services. This includes the opening of more Texanlab offices, an ISO 17025 certified, specialized testing laboratory across South Asia to provide end-to-end solutions throughout the whole supply chain.

Stepping Up on Cooperation with NGOs

Increasingly, DyStar is strengthening their partnerships with the Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs). The 2017 report features an in-depth guest interview with the NGO China Water Risk, on how can suppliers like DyStar can be a role model in creating sustainable fashion.

To encourage and facilitate sustainable practices among its suppliers, DyStar also conducts sustainability-related supplier surveys. For instance, DyStar is cooperating with the Institute of Public & Environmental Affairs (IPE), one of the most established Chinese NGO, to expand the framework of their supplier questionnaire. In recognition of its efforts, DyStar received top ranking in the CITI transparency list for industrial chemicals from IPE, placing them well ahead of many other industry peers.

Embracing Diversity, Engaging Communities

Also, to help meet clients’ demand and demonstrate its responsibility and care in the food and beverages industry, DyStar is implementing a supplier diversity program to support businesses in the USA that are at least 51% owned by minority groups, women, veterans and people with disabilities.

Highlighting DyStar’s commitment to the communities they operate in, the company encourages volunteerism among employees, and for the year of 2017, DyStar employees devoted a total of 205 volunteer hours towards community projects, which also served as a meaningful collective experience for employees to form closer bonds.

Working Together Towards Long-Term Solutions

As an industry frontrunner, DyStar and its leaders are committed to driving sustainability across the industry. However, significant challenges remain, and the stakeholders of this industry need to work together to derive long-term solutions. CEO of DyStar Group, Mr. Eric Hopmann emphasized, “It is imperative for the entire industry to improve collectively, not individually, and our ability to do so may determine the long-term profitability of the industry as a whole. It is my belief that effective partnerships coupled with stronger support and incentivization from leading companies within this industry could be key to creating a new – and much needed – equilibrium.”

Posted October 2, 2018

Source: DyStar Group

Gerber Acquires MCT Digital Integrating Two Histories Of Innovation In Automated Cutting And Finishing

TOLLAND, Conn. — October 2, 2018 — Gerber Technology announced today that it has acquired MCT Digital, adding modular laser cutting technology to its existing industrial strength finishing solution hardware and software portfolio. The addition of MCT’s high-end large format cutting builds on Gerber’s heritage in the sign & graphics and packaging industries, as well as giving Gerber a key technology platform to serve its industrial markets.

MCT and Gerber are both recognized as pioneers providing integrated software and hardware solutions. Their track records of 30 and 50 years respectively have delivered innovative technologies that has transformed the way their customers work. Gerber invented automated cutting in 1968 and the company continues to create the world’s most integrated design and production ecosystem of hardware and software in the apparel, home and leisure, and transportation markets.

Gerber also revolutionized the way vinyl was designed and cut in the sign and graphics space with the introduction of OMEGA™ software and GERBER EDGE® thermal transfer printer. Likewise, Steen Mikkelsen, CEO of MCT Digital, was directly responsible for the introduction of today’s print-to-cut workflow in the sign & graphics and packaging industries with his development of the i-cut® software. In 2016, MCT launched its current cutting system including proprietary laser cutting technology, winning product of the year at that year’s SGIA.

“The product leadership, engineering and technical knowledge of these two companies creates countless opportunities to help our customers improve their productivity, streamline their workflows and improve overall efficiency,” said Scott Schinlever, president and COO, Automation Solutions for Gerber Technology.

Gerber’s financial strength, global service and support network and long-standing customer relationships, coupled with MCT’s portfolio of print-to cut software and finishing technology, has the company well positioned to empower customers in the many markets it serves, and to also position them to fully exploit high-speed digital printing which continues to change many industries.

“We are very excited about combining our technology platform with Gerber’s global scale to drive growth,” said Nik Mikkelson, founder and CTO, MCT Digital. “The passion, focus and culture of our two companies are very well aligned and will maintain the same standard of excellence our customers expect, and our employees’ deliver.”

Posted October 2, 2018

Source: Gerber Technology

INDA Purchases Filtration And Fiber Industry Publications: International Filtration News, International Fiber Journal

CARY, N.C. — October 2, 2018 — INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, today announced the acquisition of two industry publications: International Filtration News and International Fiber Journal.

The association purchased the publications from International Media Group Inc., based in Tempe, Ariz. The purchase price and terms were not disclosed.

Under leadership of Publisher Klaas De Waal the well-respected industry publications have circulations of 8,000-plus domestic and international readers and have each served their readers for over three decades. Both are published six times a year in print and digital formats.

The acquisitions will expand INDA’s reach and relevance in the key markets the print and digital publications serve with a particular emphasis on the filtration and separation segment as INDA launches its new FiltXpo event to be held in Chicago every 18 months starting February 26-28, 2020.

“International Filtration News is a global communicator to the greater filtration industry and we will capitalize on its reach to expand INDA’s services to this fast-growing sector, as well as the visibility of INDA’s newly transformed FiltXpo events. IFN broadens our international reach into the filtration and separation space. We will invest and strengthen this platform as an influential communicator to the larger audience FiltXpo will appeal to,” said Dave Rousse, INDA President.

International Fiber Journal spotlights innovation and market successes in the areas of manmade fibers, technical textiles and nonwovens. It informs and unites engineered material producers, suppliers of machinery and equipment, and the buyers and end-users of fibers and yarns in more than 90 countries.

“Our IFJ growth plan aligns with the momentum of nonwovens in the wipes, geotextile and transportation vehicle sectors, and is well positioned to increase in value. These two publications together serve two of the largest and fastest growing sectors of INDA’s membership. Merging these into INDA enables us to provide an even greater value to our members and the overall industry,” Rousse said.

INDA will maintain the current editorial, journalist and sales staffs operating the two publications. De Waal will continue as publisher during an extended transition phase as INDA launches a search for a new, full-time publisher for both publications.

“The natural progression for International Fiber Journal and International Filtration News is to continue to serve the industry. I’m proud of the contributions we’ve made to the industry over the last 38 years. We’re pleased to pass ownership of these two publications to INDA as it serves the best interests of the industry and its future growth,” De Waal said.

International Filtration News (IFN) reports on trends and changes within the filtration and separations industry, covering research and development, and commercialization of manufacturing technologies to producers and end-users

International Fiber Journal (IFJ) is an information source for global executive management, scientists, engineers and technical personnel within the manmade fiber, technical textile and nonwovens industries

Posted October 2, 2018

Source: INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry

Piper Jaffray Expands Consumer Investment Banking, Hires Andy Cox

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — October 1, 2018 — Piper Jaffray Companies, an investment bank and asset management firm, is pleased to announce the addition of Andy Cox as a managing director within consumer investment banking, effective today. He will be based in the firm’s Charlotte office.

Cox brings more than 20 years of investment banking experience across buy-side and sell-side advisory transactions, strategic alternatives assessments and fairness opinions, as well as a range of capital-raising transactions, including initial public offerings, follow-on equity offerings, convertible debt offerings, leveraged loan and high-yield debt offerings.

Prior to joining Piper Jaffray, Cox was the co-head of retail investment banking at Wells Fargo Securities, where he maintained primary coverage of companies in the apparel & footwear, sporting goods, department store, speciality store and discount store sectors. Earlier in his career, Cox worked in investment banking at Bear, Stearns & Co. and Banc of America Securities LLC.

“We are excited to continue adding talented senior professionals like Andy to our already industry-leading consumer investment banking team,” said Scott LaRue, global head of investment banking and capital markets at Piper Jaffray.

“We have known and admired Andy for many years and are happy to have him join our team. With his deep client relationships and extensive deal experience, he will be a highly valuable advisor for both our clients and our platform,” added Damon Chandik, co-head of Piper Jaffray consumer investment banking.

Cox earned a Master of Business Administration degree from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and a bachelor of engineering degree, cum laude, in mechanical engineering from Vanderbilt University.

Piper Jaffray Companies (NYSE: PJC) is a leading investment bank and asset management firm. Securities brokerage and investment banking services are offered in the U.S. through Piper Jaffray & Co., member SIPC and FINRA; in Europe through Piper Jaffray Ltd., authorized and regulated by the U.K. Financial Conduct Authority; and in Hong Kong through Piper Jaffray Hong Kong Limited, authorized and regulated by the Securities and Futures Commission. Asset management products and services are offered through five separate investment advisory affiliates―U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) registered Advisory Research, Inc., Piper Jaffray Investment Management LLC, PJC Capital Partners LLC and Piper Jaffray & Co., and Guernsey-based Parallel General Partners Limited, authorized and regulated by the Guernsey Financial Services Commission.

Posted October 1, 2018

Source: Piper Jaffray Companies

Ecolab Obtains First-To-Market EPA-Registered Laundry Disinfectant Claim Against Clostridium Difficile

ST.PAUL, Minn. — October 1, 2018 — Controlling Clostridium difficile1, or C. diff, one of the leading causes of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), is an important operational challenge for both the healthcare and commercial laundry industries. Based on 2011 data, C. diff was estimated to cause half a million infections in the U.S. and 29,000 deaths, a mortality rate of more than three deaths every hour.

Despite the prevalence of this organism, prevention and containment pose numerous challenges because the spores can survive for weeks on a variety of surfaces, including soft surfaces such as bed linens.

To help hospitals combat the rise of C. diff infections, Ecolab Inc. has developed AdvaCare™ Disinfectant, the first laundry disinfectant with claims against C. diff. The additive kills spores of C. diff and has received U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approval for this laundry disinfection claim.

“Preventing HAIs is essential for patient safety and the overall success of a healthcare facility,” said Chris Smith, vice president and general manager, Textile Care for North and South America. “With an increasing number of pathogen sources being recognized in healthcare settings, every mode of transmission must be addressed to protect patients. AdvaCare Disinfectant works to minimize the risk of transmitting HAIs by killing microorganisms of concern2 on the linen and preventing cross-contamination in the wash water.”

AdvaCare Disinfectant is an EPA-registered laundry disinfectant — registration number 1677-193 — and it is registered in all 50 states. The concentrate formulation is approved for use in commercial, institutional, healthcare and industrial laundry operations. The current EPA-approved master label for AdvaCare Disinfectant contains use directions to kill C. diff spores on contaminated laundry and in the wash water when added to the laundering process. This claim is currently being reviewed by state-level agencies, including the California Department of Pesticide Registration (CDPR).

In addition to protecting against harmful organisms, AdvaCare Disinfectant is an effective and sustainable oxidizer solution, producing whiter whites and extending linen life compared to alternative oxidizers.

AdvaCare Disinfectant is one of many innovative technologies Ecolab provides to hospitals and healthcare facilities throughout the world. The company’s solutions and services can be found in hospital laundries, kitchens, patient and surgical rooms, and other areas to help ensure cleanliness and staff and patient safety.

Posted October 1, 2018

Source: Ecolab Inc.

H.I.G. Capital Completes The Sale Of Lexmark Carpet Mills To Tarkett

MIAMI — October 1, 2018 — H.I.G. Capital (H.I.G.), a global private equity investment firm with over $27 billion of equity capital under management, is pleased to announce the closing of the sale of Lexmark Carpet Mills Inc. to Tarkett S.A., a producer of flooring and sports surfaces solutions.

Founded in 1993 and headquartered in Dalton, Ga., Lexmark is a leading producer of broadloom carpet primarily for the hospitality market. Lexmark’s vertically-integrated manufacturing capabilities and state-of-the-art equipment provide numerous competitive advantages, including superior product quality, enhanced customization, and industry leading turnaround times. Lexmark’s proven reputation for service, quality, and flexibility has differentiated the Company as the largest independent operator in the hospitality segment.

H.I.G. recapitalized the Company in September 2013 and subsequently completed the strategic add-on acquisition of Northwest Carpets in June 2015. Since then, the Company has made significant investments in management, sales & marketing, design, and manufacturing capabilities and capacity.

Paul Cleary, CEO of Lexmark, said: “H.I.G. has been a great partner to grow with, as we’ve nearly doubled in size since its investment in 2013. We are now very excited to join Tarkett, with whom we share the same vision and entrepreneurial values, as well as a strong commitment to customer experience. Within the Tarkett group, we will be able to offer a larger choice of products to our customers and partners and provide an even stronger offering.”

Richard Stokes, managing director of H.I.G., said: “We are thrilled to have partnered with such a collaborative and successful management team which did an outstanding job executing on multiple strategic initiatives to enhance Lexmark’s go-to-market strategy and transform the business. The company generated impressive revenue and EBITDA growth, which resulted in a great outcome for management, H.I.G. and its investors. Looking ahead, partnering with a global leader like Tarkett should be highly beneficial for Lexmark’s customers, employees, and everyone involved. We look forward to the company’s continued success.”

Posted October 1, 2018

Source: H.I.G.

Sponsors