Cole Haan Introduces ZERØGRAND With Stitchlite™ Wool And Partners With Housespecial To Bring The Idea To Life

NEW YORK CITY — September 25, 2018 — Cole Haan has released ZERØGRAND with Stitchlite™ Wool, the newest style transforming the familiar to extraordinary this Fall.

Cole Haan continues to push boundaries with ZERØGRAND with Stitchlite Wool, the next iteration of ZERØGRAND footwear for men and women. Like a sweater for your feet, the ZERØGRAND with Stitchlite Wool was designed to keep feet dry and warm throughout the colder months, making it the ultimate thermal, breathable and flexible shoe that will last all season long.

“We are absolutely thrilled to introduce the ZERØGRAND with Stitchlite Wool,” said David Maddocks, chief marketing officer & general manager of Business Development at Cole Haan. “To make an even bigger splash, we have chosen to collaborate on an animated video to bring the idea to life in a way that showcases our personality and sense of humor. This is one of those projects that makes you enjoy the work you do and the people with whom you work.”

To add to the excitement surrounding the launch of ZERØGRAND with Stitchlite Wool, Cole Haan teamed up with animation company HouseSpecial to collaborate on an extraordinary video that brings Stitchlite Wool to life. Well-known for creating some of the most-recognized animated content in the world, HouseSpecial’s ability to design for motion and to develop iconic characters has attracted clients like Sony, Target, Apple, Honda and now Cole Haan.

“These are the types of collaborations we revel in — a creative, forward-thinking client with a sense of humor, a firm grasp on who they are and aren’t afraid to have fun with their brand as they engage fans with the unexpected,” said Lourri Hammack, founding partner and EP at HouseSpecial.

Co-directed by Kirk Kelley and Mark Gustafson, the directing duo collaborated closely with Cole Haan on the light-hearted, playful video that brings the ZERØGRAND with Stitchlite™ Wool collection to life with an entertaining performance put on by sheep and alpacas in a pasture jamming out to Domingo “Sam The Sham” Samudio’s 1965 hit “Wooly Bully.” Cole Haan licensed the original recording for the video.

Kelley, HouseSpecial founding partner and ECD whose animation direction skills shine in M&M’s 2018 Super Bowl spot with Danny DeVito explains, “The best part of the process is visualizing how the whole thing might work. Taking interesting bits and pieces … whether trees or rocks on a hillside or the way a sheep chews … and then digitally synthesizing the hundreds of elements into a beautiful visual story. Of course it doesn’t hurt that the whole idea of sheep wearing shoes and forming a band is a bit absurd.”

Gustafson, who was Animation Director on Wes Anderson’s Fantastic Mr Fox, had this to say about the collaboration, “A large part of the joy of making this film was collaborating with the folks at Cole Haan who trusted us and the story enough to let it sing for itself. My only regret is that I exhausted all my sheep puns in the first week of production. Baaaad news.”

Featuring innovative fabrication, the ZERØGRAND with Stitchlite Wool offers functional, thermal properties that provide natural insulation when the temperatures begin to drop. The dual-gender Oxford (and Chukka for men) integrates a premium wool blend that provides a combination of moisture wicking, odor control, breathability, and dynamic fit. These upgraded and innovative properties provide ongoing comfort for anyone who is working, moving, or exploring, and for everywhere in between.

The style’s zonally-engineered upper moves with the natural motion of the foot, providing flexibility and fit. The one-piece knitted upper wicks away moisture while simultaneously allowing air in for all-day breathability and comfort.

All styles in the collection are equipped with Cole Haan’s GRAND.ØS technology, which is crafted specifically for an on-the-go lifestyle, with emphasis on flexibility, cushioning, and anatomical fit.

Posted September 25, 2018

Source: Cole Haan

Hygienix Innovation Award™ Finalists are Game Changers for Hygiene Products

CARY, N.C. — September 25, 2018 — Disruptive technologies that use nonwovens and engineered materials to change the game for consumer hygiene and personal care products will be presented by three companies vying for INDA’s Hygienix Innovation Award 2018.

Selected by INDA’s Technical Advisory Board, this year’s finalists for the prestigious honor are: Avgol Nonwovens’ beneFIT™ Control, a next-generation antimicrobial solution for diapers, adult incontinence and feminine care; Bostik’s Brilliance™, the world’s first high-performance polyolefin-based elastic attachment adhesive; and Calla Lily Personal Care’s Tampliner™,  a three-in-one tampon innovation.

More than 500 senior-level professionals are expected to attend the fourth edition of Hygienix, the premier event for the absorbent hygiene & personal care markets, November 5-8 at the Loews Portofino Bay Hotel in Orlando, Fla.

Representatives from Avgol, Bostik and Calla Lily will present their innovations at Hygienix on Nov. 6 and the attendees will then vote for the winner. INDA President Dave Rousse will present the Hygienix Innovation Award on Nov. 8 at 11:50 a.m., culminating the information-packed conference.

Hygienix Innovation Award Finalists

The following products were chosen as the front-runners for the award from a pool of dozens of applications submitted. The major criteria for this award are creativity, novelty of approach, uniqueness and technical sophistication:

  • beneFIT Control – Developed by Avgol, this next-generation antimicrobial solution for hygiene applications helps to reduce contamination and odor; improve comfort and wellness; and retain a bright white fabric appearance in diapers, adult incontinence and feminine care products.
  • Brilliance – Bostik’s new elastic attachment adhesive provides various benefits for disposable hygiene products, including reduced odor, improved fit, reliable performance, softer substrates and customization flexibility.
  • Tampliner – This high-quality organic cotton tampon combined with a soft mini-liner and breathable virtual applicator is a new innovation from UK-based Calla Lily Personal Care Ltd. that was designed by a gynecologist.

Event Highlights

Hygienix also will feature the announcement of the INDA Lifetime Technical Achievement Award on Nov. 6 and the INDA Lifetime Service Award on Nov. 7. Last year’s recipients were Dr. Bryan Haynes, Kimberly-Clark Corp.; and Robert Averell of Auriga Polymers Inc., respectively.

Hygienix will kick off on Nov. 6 with an optional three-hour Absorbent Hygiene Workshop led by former P&G Research Fellow Terry Young. This year’s event will be highlighted by presentations from 23 industry experts, 19 hours of networking, tabletop displays, receptions, coffee breaks and a welcome reception at Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville on the Universal CityWalk.

Posted September 25, 2018

Source: INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry

 

IFAI Exhibitor Preview: Groz-Beckert

ALBSTADT, Germany/DALLAS — September 24, 2018 — IFAI Expo is one of the most important regional trade fairs in Texas, USA, for manufacture of clothing and technical textiles. In 2018, it will take place from October 15-18 in the “Kay Bailey Hutchinson Convention Center” in Dallas. Groz-Beckert will be taking part with the Sewing product area at booth #2016.

Increasing demands on productivity and ever more complex applications, combined with the growing variety of materials, are key challenges faced by the sewing industry. In response to these challenges, Groz-Beckert has a variety of special application needles (SAN®) — offering the perfect needle for every situation, tailored to the relevant application.

For sewing technical textiles, for example, the special application needle SAN 5.2 delivers the best results due to its properties. The special shaft reinforcement increases the needle stability, for example, and the double coding in the point area improves the thread guidance in both linear and multi-directional sewing processes. For extremely fine loop and weave materials, on the other hand, special applications needles SAN 10 and SAN 10 XS are used. The shaft geometry of both needles is gentle on the material and guarantees fault-free processing. The special shape of the needle eye also helps to reduce the number of skipped stitches and needle and thread breakages. Equipped with a titanium nitride coating (GEBEDUR®), both needles also offer improved wear protection and a longer lifetime. This leads to a significant improvement in efficiency in the sewing operation.

In addition to the high demands placed on the sewing operation itself, topics such as occupational health and safety and environmental protection are also becoming ever more important in today’s market. The regulations often go beyond the legal requirements, as brand owners and stores apply their own codes of conduct and monitor compliance closely.

The Quality Management INH (Ideal Needle Handling) developed by Groz-Beckert offers support here. It is tailored perfectly to the processes in sewing operations and facilitates problem-free and time-saving handling and documentation of broken and damaged sewing machine needles. The process thus has a direct positive impact on occupational health and safety, productivity and the environment.

With the Online Customer Portal Sewing, Groz-Beckert also supports its customers online in all aspects of the production process. The ever-expanding knowledge database provides customers with a wealth of information on sewing technology as well as many details about Groz-Beckert products and services – around the clock, anywhere in the world. In addition to videos on different types of stitch formation, a product catalog is also available in the portal, with a quick and reliable product search function. These products can then be ordered quickly and easily in the linked Online Shop.

Posted September 25, 2018

Source: Groz-Beckert

 

ITMA Asia + CITME 2018 Exhibitor Preview: ITEMA

COLZATE, Italy/SHANGHAI, China — September 25, 2018 — Itema — the world’s largest privately held provider of advanced weaving solutions, including best-in-class weaving machines, spare parts and integrated services — has prepared an impressive product line-up for ITMA ASIA+CITME 2018 in Shanghai on October 15-19, 2018.

Itema in China

Featuring a top-notch organization in China – Itema Weaving Machinery China – counting 150 employees and an assembly line based on the most modern lean manufacturing concepts implemented at the Company’s headquarters in Italy, Itema assembles the latest generation machinery in the world-class manufacturing sites both in Europe, as well as in China, with the same attention to detail and quality, reliability and performance guarantee that Itema Customers look for when they purchase Itema machines. The only manufacturer in the weaving industry to adopt this future-oriented strategy, Itema firmly believes that Chinese and worldwide weavers always deserve the latest and most advanced technology available in the market.

Itema at ITMA Asia + CITME 2018

Visitors to ITMA Asia will have multiple chances to appreciate and study the Itema weaving technology, with a total of 15 Itema weaving machines on display, of which 6 in Itema booth (Hall 3 Booth C25) and the rest in Partner booths across Hall 3.

Absolute stars of the Itema machines’ line-up will be two brand-new rapier machines, both representing the Second Generation of well-known Itema models, the R9500²denim and the R9000².

Itema R9500²denim: to make its debut in China

The second generation of the Itema denim-dedicated rapier weaving machine, the R9500²denim will be exhibited for the first time in China for the benefit of Asia-Pacific weavers.

Launched in April 2018, the Itema R9500²denim already became the success case of the year, amassing interest and requests from all over the world. ITMA Asia visitors will see first-hand the extraordinary advantages provided to denim weavers by the R9500²denim.

Unparalleled cost savings, superior fabric quality and outstanding user-experience are the key words of the R9500²denim which features breakthrough devices and enhanced skills guaranteeing an unrivalled competitive advantage in the market to denim mills.

Saving is the crucial point of the R9500²denim. Not only the optimization of the main mechanical components allows a considerable energy consumption reduction but the machine is equipped with the iSAVER™, a revolutionary device, never-before-seen in the industry, that eliminates the waste selvedge on the left-hand side of the fabric thus leading to unparalleled savings. Designed and developed by ItemaLab – the Itema advanced innovation department, the iSAVER combines the most innovative mechatronic principles and provides the saving that the weaver never expected that would have been possible to get. Furthermore, for the first time in the weaving industry, a sustainable approach to fabric production is possible thanks to a significant reduction in resource use and wastage.

The R9500²denim is produced with the same quality guarantee in both Itema world class manufacturing plants in Italy and in China, guaranteeing the fastest time to market and the same excellent machine to worldwide Customers.

Itema R9000²: presented to the weaving world for the first time at ITMA Asia 2018

Produced and assembled in the Itema manufacturing plant in China, the R9000 comes at ITMA Asia in a fully revamped version by borrowing some of the latest Second Generation technological advancements implemented on the Itema R9500²denim. The R9000 Second Generation will set the machine even further apart from its competition due to tangible and substantial benefits for the weaver. In fact, the R9000² has been implemented with optimized components and mechanical highlights leading to significant energy saving and performance improvements compared to the previous model. Moreover, the new machine’s ergonomy guarantees an outstanding user-friendliness by facilitating machine accessibility for the weaver when carrying out daily textile operations and the Itema Electronic NCP – New Common Platform – comes here loaded on a high-performance, super sensitive touch-screen console. The R9000² on show at ITMA Asia – weaving a fashion apparel style – is equipped with the Itema FPA – Free Positive Approach weft transfer which – due to no guiding elements in the shed – ensures superior versatility. Furthermore, the R9000² will run with the Stäubli dobby 2678 providing enhanced speed and superior machine’s performances.

Itema booth: the complete line-up

In addition to R9000² and R9500²denim, two more rapier machines and two airjet machines will be exhibited in the Itema booth.

The R9500terry, the champion of the worldwide high- end terry weaving market comes to ITMA Asia fully loaded with its famous and unique advantages and will weave a heavy bath mat style to show its unparalleled textile versatility and superior fabric quality.

Last, but not least, Itema will showcase at ITMA Asia the R9500 in the widest weaving width of its range, 540cm. The continuous roll-out of customized special versions tailored for technical fabrics, as well as dedicated devices for each application, make the R9500 by Itema the perfect machine for the manufacture of the full range of technical textiles, including ones with the finest monofilament yarn, multifilament yarn with high tenacity, and multiple pick insertion fabrics. Considering the prevalence of technical fabrics production in China and in Asian Countries, the R9500 540cm weaving a coating fabric style will definitely represent an attention point in the weaving hall.

On the airjet side, ITMA Asia will be the stage for two Itema airjet machines, the A9500 weaving an apparel fabric and the A9500p weaving a bottom weight fabric.

Developed to run faster and launched in the market during ITMA Asia in 2014, the A9500p is today a real market success due to its tireless production capacity demonstrated in the most demanding Indian mills where a huge number of A9500p daily weave non- stop and with superior fabric quality the widest range of apparel fabrics at the highest production speed. The A9500p on display during the upcoming ITMA Asia will be equipped with all the outstanding

technological advancements which make this machine the most innovative airjet in the playground, including the Itema Double Tandem Nozzles which provide superior fabric quality and significant cost savings.

Moreover, an absolute key improvement for the benefit of apparel and fashion fabrics weavers will be exhibited on the A9500 – 280cm – on show. The machine will be equipped with the new Pneumatic Tuckers for 10mm selvedges which ensure a superior fabric quality and represent a substantial added value for weavers.

Itema booth: spare parts and after-sales service

In addition to Itema’s line-up of the latest and most innovative new weaving machines in the market, the Company will also feature its spare parts and after-sales support: fast and reliable service when it comes to offering Customers peace of mind through high-quality replacement parts, customized upgrade kits to optimize machine performance and retrofit latest Itema innovations on existing looms, electric, electronic and mechanic repairs to give new life to looms, as well as training to ensure Itema weavers get the most out of their weaving machines. Come by Itema booth to meet our dedicated Product Care and Spare Parts teams.

Lamiflex – an Itema Group Company – booth

In Hall 3 – Booth E9, Lamiflex representatives will be on hand to demonstrate the most comprehensive portfolio of original flexible rapier tapes, sprocket wheels and other accessories on the market. Lamiflex invented the first flexible rapier tape in the market and is now an undisputed technological leader when it comes to advanced composite materials design and manufacture of best-in-class tapes and accessories for weaving, as well as a broad range of other industries. First result of synergies between Itema and Lamiflex is the brand-new TLC triple-layer carbon tape featured on the R9500²denim.

To learn more about Itema’s technological innovations, make sure to visit ITEMA Stand @ ITMA Asia: Hall 3, Booth C25.

ITEMA WEAVING MACHINES AT ITMA Asia + CINTE 2018 (Hall 3, Booth C25):

  • Rapier R9500²denim – 220cm – Stretch Denim
  • Rapier R9000² – 220cm – Fashion Apparel
  • Rapier R9500terry – 280cm – Terry Bath Mat
  • Rapier R9500 – 540cm – Coating Fabric
  • Airjet A9500 – 280cm – Apparel
  • Airjet A9500p – 190cm – Bottom weight

Posted September 25, 2018

Source: Itema Group

VDMA Textile Machinery c/o Walter Reiners Foundation Awards Five Young Engineers With A Total Of 17,500 EURO

FRANKFURT AM MAIN, Germany — September 25, 2018 — Peter D. Dornier, member of the Executive Board of the VDMA Textile Machinery Federation and Chairman of the Walter Reiners Foundation for the Promotion of Young Engineers, honored five young talents. Numerous entrepreneurs and managers from the German textile machinery industry took part in the award ceremony at the Digital Capability Center (DCC) in Aachen, Germany.

The prizewinner in the dissertation category, Dr.- Ing. Benjamin Weise, comes from the Institute of Textile Technology at RWTH Aachen University (ITA). He has dealt with a complex production process for the manufacture of modified multifilament yarns, which offers new perspectives for the development and manufacture of textile charge carriers.

M.Sc. Susanne Fischer, winner of the Master’s thesis category, has systematically and comprehensively solved the challenging task of integrating motion sensors into a finger glove at Reutlingen University.

The 2018 creativity award winners are team Mr. Jan Merlin Abram and Mr. Alon Tal from ITA Aachen as well as Mr. Eric Otto from the Institute for Textile Machinery and High-Performance Textile Materials Technology (ITM) in Dresden. The students Abram and Tal have developed a guideline for the design of hybrid morphing textiles. In addition to the classic functions in conventional and, in particular, composite applications, locally defined, functionally effective joint, torsion, expansion and compression mechanisms can be integrated into the textile.

The prizewinner Otto is awarded for a concept study for the development of a circular knitting machine with a variable diameter needle cylinder, which can lead to further flexibility in the circular knitting process.

Posted September 25, 2018

Source: VDMA

Helen M. Sahi Appointed Vice President, Global Corporate Sustainability, Of Unifi

GREENSBORO, N.C. — September 25, 2018 — Unifi Inc. today announced the appointment of Helen M. Sahi as vice president, global corporate sustainability, effective September 17, 2018.

“Helen’s background includes significant responsibility and success in the technical, strategic and partnership aspects of sustainability policies and initiatives, and her vast experiences will help drive Unifi’s sustainability strategy and key programs across our global operations,” said Richard Gerstein, executive vice president of global branded premium value-added products and chief marketing and innovation officer. “We look forward to Helen further developing our relationships with chief sustainability officers throughout the textile and apparel supply chain and advancing the use of sustainability metrics into our operations, product line management and innovation initiatives.”

Helen has nearly three decades of experience helping companies such as Avery Dennison Corp. and Bank of America set and achieve their sustainability strategies and goals. Throughout her career, Helen has built effective partnerships with external organizations and NGOs to support and advance their sustainability efforts.

“Unifi has a great sustainability story to tell, including the company’s Champions of Sustainability customer recognition program. Through their brand partnerships, Unifi’s REPREVE® has become the leading global branded recycled fiber with a goal of transforming 30 billion plastic bottles into fibers by 2022,” said Sahi.  “I have great respect for Unifi’s commitment to sustainable innovation and I am eager to start working closely with the team.”

In her role, Helen will lead, develop and drive the sustainability strategy and execution for Unifi, and will integrate sustainability into the everyday fabric of the company’s business. Helen’s responsibilities include ensuring that Unifi’s sustainability strategy and practices are aligned with the company’s business objectives, and that all sustainability efforts are evaluated through a robust set of metrics.

Posted September 25, 2018

Source: Unifi Inc.

ITMA Asia + CITME 2018 Exhibitor Preview: Reiners + Fürst

MÖNCHENGLADBACH, Germany — September 24, 2018 — The latest generation of TURBO spinning rings provide excellent results especially for Compact and Siro-Compact yarns. Since the introduction of this further milestone by leading German ring and traveler manufacturer R+F more than 25 Mio units of Turbo rings have been installed and contribute to the customers’ success. The enhanced surface allows increasing machine efficiencies by up to 10 percent — especially when producing yarns of sensitive fibers or with highest spindle speeds.

Managing Director at R+F Benjamin Reiners said, “The new Turbo rings with benefits including low yarn hairiness, longer service life and increased machine efficiency by up to 10 percent are extremely beneficial for the demanding Chinese spinners.”

“We have been in the Chinese market since more than 25 years and R+F products are well accepted by the textile industry. We are overwhelmed by the positive feedback for Turbo rings by Chinese spinners,” Reiners added.

At ITMA Asia, 2018 Reiners + Fürst will also present new ring travelers for 100% Viskose, as well as Modal, Micromodal und Tencel. The end-users benefit from low yarn hairiness and longer traveler service life.

World-wide R+F customers achieve highest efficiencies of the ring frames benefitting from unique traveler surface treatments for optimized spinning conditions of each application.

Customers especially value the professional service and support R+F is providing particularly for finding solutions of increasingly complex applications. Visitors are invited to stop by at R+F’s booth at ITMA Asia: H 1 – Stand D 10

Posted September 24, 2018

Source: Reiners + Fürst GmbH u. Co. KG

Indorama Ventures, Loop Industries To Introduce New Era In PET And Polyester Recycling

BANGKOK, Thailand/MONTREAL, Quebec — September 24, 2018 — Indorama Ventures Public Co. Ltd., one of the world’s leading petrochemical companies, and Loop Industries Inc., a technology innovator in sustainable plastic resin and polyester today announced a joint venture to manufacture and commercialize sustainable polyester resin to meet the growing global demand from beverage and consumer packaged goods companies.

This partnership brings together Indorama Venture’s world-class manufacturing footprint and Loop’s proprietary science and technology to become a reliable world leader in the ‘circular’ economy for 100-percent sustainable and recycled PET resin and polyester fiber.

The Indorama Ventures/Loop Industries partnership launches a commercial solution for consumer packaged goods companies in response to the rapid growth in global plastic consumption for which there is a great need to responsibly collect and reuse these materials. Through this joint venture, Indorama Ventures and Loop Industries will be able to perpetually recycle the ever increasing amounts of PET plastic and polyester fiber proving the promise of and encouraging the shift to a circular economy.

The 50/50 joint venture will have an exclusive world-wide license to use Loop’s technology to produce 100-percent sustainably produced PET resin and polyester fiber with plans to begin commercial production in Q1 2020. The production from the facility will be fully subscribed by leading global consumer brands.

Commenting on this new venture, Group CEO of Indorama Ventures Aloke Lohia said: “At Indorama Ventures, we continue to pursue the right opportunities to fill gaps that are intrinsic to our sustainable and profitable business by deploying resources in order to support the circular economy. This joint venture with Loop Industries emphasizes our belief in recycling and is aimed at investing in new technologies that can steer further our aspiration of being a world-class chemical company making great products for society.”

“We are excited to launch this partnership with Indorama Ventures, who provide a global leadership platform in petrochemical manufacturing and a shared commitment to sustainability. This joint venture combines each of our companies’ area of expertise so that we may both play a leading role in the global shift by business and consumers to the circular economy,” said Daniel Solomita, founder and CEO of Loop Industries. “This is a first strategic step in our global commercialization plan and mission to accelerate the world’s shift toward sustainable plastic and away from the traditional, take, make and dispose economy.”

Posted September 24, 2018

Source: Indorama Ventures Public Company Limited

Rockline Industries Donates 3,000 Cases Of Cleaning And Personal Care Products To Support Hurricane Florence Relief Efforts

SHEBOYGAN, Wis. — September 24, 2018 — Rockline Industries — a manufacturer of consumer, health care, industrial and institutional wet wipes — has donated more than 3,000 cases of supplies to Hurricane Florence relief efforts. The products were offered to help provide comfort and make household cleanup and personal cleanliness easier after widespread flooding and storm-related damage.

The company facilitated donations through Convoy of Hope, a nonprofit charity leading recovery efforts and providing relief to Hurricane Florence victims. The organization was one of the first to mobilize in the region and start providing assistance. Convoy of Hope teams on the ground have been distributing relief supplies to storm survivors, coordinating volunteers and assisting in cleanup efforts. Rockline’s contribution included a variety of wet wipes such as facial and body care wipes, disposable baby wipes and household cleaning wipes. As people face a long recovery ahead after tremendous flooding, household cleaning wipes are in especially high demand and can be useful in the cleanup process.

“On behalf of all Rockline employees, our hearts go out to the millions of Americans impacted by Hurricane Florence,” said company president Randy Rudolph. “With such devastating damage and continued threats from flooding, we hope to offer our resources and support to those in need.”

Posted September 24, 2018

Source: Rockline Industries

NCTO Welcomes The Official Launch Of The Rhode Island Textile Innovation Network

WASHINGTON — September 24, 2018 — The National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO) congratulates the state of Rhode Island and its textile and apparel industry for the official launch of the Rhode Island Textile Innovation Network (RITIN). The Slater Mill Museum in Pawtucket was the site of the event.

At the launch, RITIN unveiled its new website and held an expo featuring local manufacturers. The activities dovetailed with NCTO’s We Make Amazing campaign promoting the U.S. textile industry, namely that Rhode Island’s textile industry is involved in research, development, design and manufacturing of an incredible array of end products and providing career opportunities with on-the-job training and advancement.

“Rhode Island companies make some of the world’s most amazing textiles and are an important cog in the U.S. textile and apparel supply chain, especially with respect to innovating and manufacturing textiles used by America’s military,” said NCTO President and CEO Auggie Tantillo.

Welcoming the official launch of RITIN, Tantillo added: “Thanks to e-commerce and other emerging technologies, the global textile and apparel sector is experiencing an era of rapid change. Rhode Island is to be commended for being proactive in helping to ensure that its industry remains at the forefront in leveraging those changes to America’s benefit.”

RITIN fosters collaboration among textile industry leaders, designers, academia and government with a mission to make Rhode Island a leader in advanced textile manufacturing and to develop solutions to recruit and train the sector’s future workforce.

Created in late 2016 by U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse and the University of Rhode Island Business Engagement Center, RITIN operates with planning grants received in late 2017 from Real Jobs RI and the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation. Polaris MEP, an affiliate of the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NIST MEP) provides RITIN’s program management.

NCTO is a Washington-based trade association that represents domestic textile manufacturers, including artificial and synthetic filament and fiber producers.

  • U.S. employment in the textile supply chain was 550,500 in 2017.
  • The value of shipments for U.S. textiles and apparel was $77.9 billion in 2017.
  • U.S. exports of fiber, textiles and apparel were $28.6 billion in 2017.
  • Capital expenditures for textile and apparel production totaled $2.4 billion in 2016, the last year for which data is available.

Posted September 24, 2018

Source: National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO)

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