E-Textiles Funding Boost To Relieve The Pain Of People Living With Arthritis

SOUTHAMPTON, England — July 13, 2018 — The pain of millions of people living with arthritis in the United Kingdom could be eased through new e-textile technologies being developed within Electronics and Computer Science (ECS) at the University of Southampton.

Dr. Kai Yang, a Principal Research Fellow in the Smart Electronic Materials and Systems (SEMS) research group, has been awarded a £600,000 Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) Fellowship to expand practical research that could help mitigate the pain generated by the common healthcare condition.

Osteoarthritis is a leading cause of pain and disability that affects people’s independence and quality of life, and represents a massive burden on NHS resources. The number of people with osteoarthritis-affected knees is estimated to increase from 4.7 million in 2010, to 6.5 million by 2020, and 8.3 million by 2035, due to the UK’s ageing population.

Kai’s research is exploring the use of e-textile technology as a therapeutic application enabling self-management of healthcare conditions to help people feel better and live longer.

She says, “The Fellowship will allow me to build on my previous research into developing cutting-edge electronic textiles for wearable therapeutics, where dry electrodes printed on everyday clothing fabric can deliver a small electrical current to interfere with the pain signals and stimulate the release of the body’s natural endorphins easing the pain.

“People who are in severe pain are less mobile and this technology could enable them to become more independent, engage in more activities and experience better health for longer. Wearable e-textiles will provide a comfortable to wear, easy to use and cost-effective solution to end-users.”

The three-year Fellowship will see Kai expand her team, and widen collaboration with industry, clinicians and – most importantly to her – the end-user.

“All of my research is driven by the end-user,” she says. “I focus on what they need and that governs the direction of my research. The biggest impact for research is to make it useful for the individual. It doesn’t matter how clever the technology is if the end-user doesn’t like it or can’t use it.”

The Fellowship is underpinned by two existing projects in the SEMS group. The Medical Research Council (MRC) SMARTmove project Kai is also leading has developed the printed electrodes for healthcare applications. The EPSRC-funded FETT project, led by Professor Steve Beeby, has identified manufacturing and packaging processes that enable circuits to be reliably and invisibly incorporated in textiles. Kai’s Fellowship will combine these technologies, demonstrating a complete e-textile wearable solution targeted initially at pain relief but with potential for many other healthcare and medical related applications.

Kai’s research is also being supported by FortisNet – an interdisciplinary hub of expertise in regenerative medicine, orthopaedics, prosthetics and assistive technologies launched by the University’s Institute for Life Sciences.

Posted July 13, 2018

Source: University of Southampton

Ted Baker Signs New Licensing Agreement With Delta Galil

NEW YORK CITY — July 13, 2018 — Global British lifestyle brand Ted Baker has signed an exclusive new licensing agreement with Israeli’s Delta Galil Industries Ltd., the global manufacturer and marketer of branded and private label apparel products for men, women and children.

The new five-year agreement will allow Delta Galil to develop, produce and distribute men’s underwear, loungewear and thermal wear for Ted Baker exclusively worldwide. The full collection will include a range of men’s underwear, thermal base layers, pajama sets, and loungewear, launching in Spring/Summer 2019.

Ricky Green, global wholesale director at Ted Baker said: “I am delighted to collaborate with Delta Galil as Ted’s exclusive underwear and loungewear partner. We’re excited to introduce the collection to all markets and work together closely to develop the products.”

Isaac Dabah, CEO, Delta Galil said: “Ted Baker is well known for its high-quality fabrics and distinctive designs, and we are very excited to partner with the brand and expand it into new categories. This partnership represents a significant opportunity for Delta Galil to grow its global portfolio of premium brands, as Ted Baker’s elevated apparel resonates with men across the world.”

Delta Galil will be the 22nd license agreement Ted Baker has (including but not exclusive to fragrance, homewares and tailoring). Further building onto its product categories and commitment to being a global British lifestyle brand.

Posted July 13, 2018

Source Ted Baker London

UBM Fashion Announces Exciting Launch Of All New ShopTheFloor Digital Platform

NEW YORK CITY — July 12, 2018 — UBM Fashion, an organizer of trade shows for the fashion industry, today announced the debut of the all new, updated version of ShopTheFloor – the fashion industry’s largest digital tradeshow and social marketplace.  ShopTheFloor’s new and improved B2B platform includes a refreshed look and feel, updated, easy-to-use experience, and direct access to the largest, qualified network of new and notable fashion brands and retailers.

“In an ever-changing retail landscape, it’s important to keep things fresh and moving.  As part of this, we are excited to announce the launch of the all new ShopTheFloor” said Vince Tsai, SVP and GM for ShopTheFloor. “This launch includes a redesign of the shopping and order taking process, as well as a new mobile-friendly responsive design to accommodate our “on-the-go” retail buyers.  In addition, we recently launched ShopTheFloor Premium, which includes a set of features like SalesMatch and Lead Analytics to better help brands further grow and drive new business.”

UBM Fashion commissioned branding and advertising agency CoolGraySeven to develop and execute ShopTheFloor’s new visual brand identity and tagline ‘mobilizing fashion + commerce’, which reinforces ShopTheFloor’s position as the fashion industry’s largest digital tradeshow and social marketplace.

“We wanted to build a world for ShopTheFloor that was dynamic, compelling and would evoke the idea of constant movement and connectivity. It was also important for us to tell the story of ShopTheFloor’s broad range of fashion categories and product classifications. The new visual identity for ShopTheFloor brings all of these pieces together under a single, cohesive style that feels modern and cool.” said Andrew Egan, founder/executive creative director of CoolGraySeven

In addition to an updated look and feel, the NEW ShopTheFloor benefits include:

For Brands:

  • Enhanced brand profile and product showroom management and order capture;
  • Prime visibility and exposure opportunities to over 25,000 retail buyers; and
  • Powerful new lead generation tools.

For Buyers:

  • Curated shopping experience with a dedicated trend forecasting team, top industry picks and inside tips to what retailers are buying; and
  • Simple order capture process with the ability to order multiple SKU’s, sizes, and colors.

Posted July 13, 2018

Source UBM Fashion

James Fielding Joins Xcel Brands Inc. Board Of Directors

NEW YORK CITY — July 12, 2018 — Xcel Brands Inc. announced today the appointment of Jim Fielding to its Board of Directors. An expert merchant who has been a leader in both media and retail, Fielding currently serves as president, Consumer Products and Innovation at Twentieth Century Fox Film Corp. and Fox Network Group, one of the major American film studios.

Robert D’Loren, chairman and CEO, Xcel Brands Inc. said: “We are thrilled to have Jim Fielding join our Board of Directors. Jim brings extensive experience in licensing, merchandising, media and entertainment, and retail, while also bringing strong relationships in the media and retail industries to our Board and Xcel.  We look forward to working with him as Xcel expands its reach and partnerships within television and new media.”

A 25-year veteran in the consumer retail space, Fielding previously served as the Global Head of Consumer Products for Dreamworks Animation and Awesomeness TV.  Prior to that, Fielding served as the CEO of Claire’s Stores Inc., where he oversaw strategic growth and international development for the retail chain’s 3,000-plus stores worldwide. Previously, he was the President of Disney Stores Worldwide, a role in which he led a $1.2 billion global business that operated 360 stores in 12 countries, as well as the DisneyStore.com e-commerce business. Prior to his 11-year tenure at the Walt Disney Company, Fielding served as General Merchandise Manager for the co-ed division of Lands’ End. He previously held several key roles in the merchandising world at companies such as the Gap, the J. Peterman Co. and Dayton-Hudson.

“I’m honored to join the Xcel Board and look forward to working with my colleagues and management to support and advance their vision to reimagine shopping, entertainment, and social as one,” said Fielding.

Fielding’s appointment to Xcel’s board fills a vacancy following the retirement of Richard Kirschenbaum.  In accordance with Xcel’s board procedures, Fielding will be a candidate for re-election to the board at the company’s annual meeting of stockholders.

Posted July 13, 2018

Source: Xcel Brands, Inc.

Valmet To Supply A Third Advantage Tissue Production Line To Lila Group In Turkey

ESPOO, Finland — July 13, 2018 — Valmet will supply a complete Valmet Advantage DCT 200 tissue line to the Turkish tissue manufacturer Lila Group in Corlu, 100 kilometers west of Istanbul. The TM3 line will be equipped with all state-of-the-art options available including stock-preparation and an extensive automation package to achieve production with high efficiency and low energy consumption. Start-up is planned for 2020.

Valmet has previously delivered two Advantage DCT 200 tissue lines to the same mill. TM1 started up in 2007 and TM2 in 2012. In addition to the new tissue line, Lila Group also ordered a rebuild of their TM1 and TM2 to Advantage ViscoNip press configuration.

The orders were included in Valmet’s second quarter of 2018 orders received. The value of the order will not be disclosed.

“For us it is important to collaborate with a supplier who understands our demands and has the capability to deliver equipment that can meet our targets for efficient production, low energy consumption and high tissue quality. From our experience, we know that Valmet provides the best technology for our needs. In addition to the new tissue machine, we also have high expectations to improve our operations on TM1 and TM2 with the rebuild of the press sections,” says Orhan Ogucu, Chairman of Lila Group.

“The Valmet Advantage DCT 200 concept with the Advantage ViscoNip press has become standard in the Turkish tissue market. We are happy to once again be trusted as a partner, supporting Lila Group’s expansion plans and are looking forward to working together realizing their targets,” says Björn Magnus, Sales Director, EMEA, Valmet.

Technical information about the delivery

Valmet’s tissue machine delivery will comprise of a complete Advantage DCT 200 tissue production line with stock preparation equipment and the Advantage tissue technology. The scope will also include an extensive automation package with DCS, QCS and Softness sensor. Start-up, commissioning and training are also part of the delivery.

The new machine TM3 will add a capacity of 70,000 tons of tissue products for the domestic and export market.

Posted July 13, 2018

Source: Valmet Corporation

Orion Engineered Carbons Specialty Carbon Black Price Increase

LUXEMBOURG — July 13, 2018 — Orion Engineered Carbons announced today that it will implement price increases on all Specialty Carbon Blacks worldwide beginning September 1, 2018.

These actions are due to the continuously rising costs for raw materials and freight.  Increases will vary depending on the product grade, sales region and end market. These price increases are needed to maintain the service levels and technical support customers expect with Orion’s high quality Specialty Carbon Blacks.

Orion will review its costs and markets on an ongoing basis and will keep customers informed of any changes that may occur. In case of questions, contact your local Orion sales representative.

Posted July 13, 2018

Source: Orion Engineered Carbons S.A.

H&M Group Praised By Greenpeace For Leading The Way On Responsible Water And Chemicals Management

STOCKHOLM, Sweden— July 12, 2018 — At H&M group we have been working on a responsible water and chemicals management in our supply chain for many years, having one of the strictest standards in the industry. With our commitment to eliminate the use of hazardous chemicals, we took this to yet another level and increased our ambition to lead the way towards a toxic-free fashion industry as a whole together with other brands and partners.

Among the big fashion brands/companies, H&M, Inditex, Benetton and Fast Retailing are leading the pack. Greenpeace report Destination Zero: seven years of Detoxing the clothing industry.

The latest report from Greenpeace praises the progress and achievements of committed companies, like H&M group, on key areas such as water, chemicals and circularity. It also raises the challenges the industry as a whole faces, which we remain committed to tackle, together with our partners, other brands and increasingly also with the support of policy-makers. Our global partnership with WWF or our work with other brands within the Swedish Textile Water Initiative (STWI), which aims to improve industry standards on water and chemical management and energy use, are some examples of that.

“Solving environmental challenges is not something a single company or organisation can do on their own. Collaboration is fundamental when it comes to industry-wide challenges such as water and chemicals management, and it is also necessary to set up next steps at industry level as it is stated in the report from Greenpeace,” says Ylva Weissbach, Sustainability Business Expert on chemicals at H&M group.

H&m Group’s Goals On Water And Chemicals Management And Circularity

  • Our vision to lead the change towards a toxic free fashion future includes our commitment to eliminate the use of hazardous chemicals and hence achieve zero discharge of such substances from the production of our products by 2020 and to achieve full traceability of input chemicals by 2030.
  • Our partnership with WWF aims to lead the fashion industry on key environmental impacts towards solutions that fit within the boundaries of our planet, both at H&M group’s value chain and beyond, having a special focus on water and climate.
  • The way we address our water and chemicals management is crucial to achieve H&M group’s ambition to become circular, which includes among others, our aim to only use recycled or other sustainably sourced materials by 2030 and to become climate positive by 2040.

Posted July 13, 2018

Source: H&M Group

Kaman Composites/Wichita Announces New Work With Bell

WICHITA, Kan. — July 12, 2018 — Kaman Composites – Wichita Inc. (KCW), announced today that Bell Helicopter (Bell) has signed a purchasing agreement for KCW to build flight critical skin and skin to core composite assemblies for Bell model 407, 409 and 412 helicopters. KCW, a subsidiary of Kaman Aerospace Group Inc. and part of its Aerosystems Division, is a leading supplier of complex composite structures, components, and assemblies for the commercial and defense aerospace industry.

“This award demonstrates the strength in the ongoing collaboration between Kaman and Bell as we look forward to deliveries commencing later this year with production continuing through 2022,” said Mark Withrow vice president and general manager, Kaman Composites U.S.

“KCW’s continued outstanding performance and value across multiple platforms with skin and skin to core composite assembly production made this award possible,” added John Unghire, senior director, Business Development.

Posted July 13, 2018

Source: Kaman Aerosystems

Cathleen Benko Joins Nike Inc. Board Of Directors

BEAVERTON, Ore. — July 12, 2018 — NIKE Inc. today announced that Cathleen Benko has been appointed to the company’s Board of Directors.

Benko, 59, is vice chairman and managing principal of Deloitte LLP.

“Cathy’s proven leadership in advising the world’s most influential technology companies will be a tremendous benefit to Nike’s digital transformation,” said Mark Parker, chairman, president and CEO, Nike Inc.

A former leader in Deloitte’s “Digital Giants” practice, Benko has guided several highly-respected global businesses in driving transformational efforts critical to creating shareholder value.

Appointed Deloitte Consulting’s first Global e-Business Leader and subsequently serving as its technology sector leader, Benko was instrumental in positioning the firm’s services and capability development for the post-internet marketplace. She subsequently went on to serve as Deloitte’s first Chief Talent Officer where she devised a more agile and inclusive career development model. As the leader of Deloitte’s award-winning Women’s Initiative and broader Inclusion focus, Benko led vanguard efforts that spurred innovation in diversity.

A graduate of Harvard Business School (HBS), Benko currently serves as a member of Catalyst’s Board of Advisors and chairs the HBS Advisory Council.

Posted July 13, 2018

Source: NIKE Inc.

Lakeland Industries Announces Promotion Of Charles D. Roberson To COO

RONKONKOMA, N.Y. — July 12, 2018 — Lakeland Industries Inc. — a global manufacturer of protective clothing for industry, healthcare and to first responders on the federal, state and local levels — today announced the appointment of Charles D. Roberson to the position of COO, effective immediately. Roberson’s appointment is a promotion from his role as the company’s senior vice president, head of International Sales & Research & Development.  He replaces Stephen M. Bachelder who retired as COO from the company in March 2017.

“Charlie has been an invaluable contributor to Lakeland’s strategic direction and global growth for many years. As one of the industry’s most respected professionals, we are pleased to have appointed him as COO,” said Christopher J. Ryan, president and CEO of Lakeland Industries. “Under his leadership, we have doubled our international sales and elevated Lakeland to a very prominent worldwide market position. More recently, he also has spearheaded the development of new products which are unique to the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) market and are expected to continue to drive revenue growth and profitability.”

As COO, Roberson will leverage his 33 year career in textiles, 27 of which are in the PPE industry, to further enhance Lakeland’s sales, marketing, product development, manufacturing, distribution and customer service activities. With six patents for PPE fabrics and garments, he was the designer of Lakeland’s ChemMAX chemical protection product line. His experience in the industry and with Lakeland position Roberson to accelerate the company’s new product initiatives, including the domestic and worldwide launch of innovative Arc/FR rated rainwear for the electric and gas utility sectors and disposable garments for pharmaceutical clean room applications.

Roberson, age 55, has served as Lakeland’s senior vice president of International Sales since March 2009 and head of Research & Development since 2008. In 2008, he added the responsibilities of being the company’s head of Research & Development. Roberson joined Lakeland in 2004 as Technical Marketing Manager and later served as International Sales Manager. He has represented Lakeland to various standards writing bodies and currently sits on the Board of Trustees for the International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA).  Prior to joining Lakeland, Roberson was employed by Precision Fabrics Group Inc. as a market manager from 1995 to 2001 and as a Nonwovens Manufacturing manager from 1991 to 1995. He began his career as a manufacturing manager for Burlington Industries Inc. in its Menswear Division from 1985 to 1991.

Posted July 13, 2018

Source: Lakeland Industries Inc.

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