IDEA®2019 Exhibitor Preview: Beaulieu Fibres International

WIELSBEKE, Belgium — February 27, 2019 — Beaulieu Fibres International (BFI), a European polyolefin fiber supplier, will cement its place at this year’s IDEA®19 Miami, as an important all solution provider for polyolefin carded nonwovens in Personal Care and Hygiene, Geotextiles, Automotive, Floorcoverings and Filtration applications.

At this leading North American event BFI will launch its PET-core-BICO Fibers for hygiene applications as well as its new UltraBond staple fiber, again demonstrating its commitment to help customers stay at the forefront of carded nonwoven products.

Recent BFI investments have enlarged the company’s product range, further helping producers to maximize value from their production equipment and to pursue exciting opportunities in emerging areas.

Highlights for IDEA19 visitors include:

PET-core-BICO Fibers launch and complete Meralux range on display

IDEA19 will see the global premiere of PET-core-BICO for hygiene applications. This staple fiber completes the offer for the hygiene market. It comes in a dtex range from 1,3-6,7dtex/40mm in both polymer-configurations PP/PET and PE/PET. The specific use of PET in the core improves the resilience/loft of the nonwoven. The use of PE in the sheath provides softness as required in top sheets, for example, while the configuration with PP in the sheath answers the requirements for ultrasonic bonding.

Also on display will be the complete range of Meralux-fibers, bicomponent fibers with a special cross section shape that combines good coverage and better liquid management in one staple fiber. This enables a higher loft/bulk, unique opacity and enhanced fluid distribution, providing significant improvements to the dryness of nonwoven for hygiene and medical applications.

American premiere of UltraBond fiber

For the first time in North America, BFI will be showcasing UltraBond, a new, unique fiber created for automotive and flooring needlepunch applications. A patented polyolefin bonding staple fiber, UltraBond eliminates the need for latex or other chemical binders to bind nonwovens, providing significant sustainability and cost efficiency benefits.

The staple fiber is already showing potential as a replacement for traditional binders like PE and low melt PET included in Carpet Backing, Contract Carpet, Outdoor/Residential Carpet and in automotive applications.

Karena Cancilleri, vice president Engineered Products, Beaulieu Fibres International, comments, “Together with our customers, we look forward to exploring the potential of this unique thermal bonding fiber in other applications such as laminated nonwovens or as an alternative to dry powders.”

Posted February 27, 2019

Source: Beaulieu International Group

New Advanced Solution From GIS To Drive Fujifilm Dimatix High Performance Printheads

CAMBRIDGE, England — February 26, 2019 — Global Inkjet Systems (GIS), the leading strategic partner for OEMs and system builders, announces its new advanced solution to drive a wide range of Fujifilm Dimatix printheads, including the latest high-performance Starfire SG600.

The new GIS Head Management Board (HMB-FD-HV) can drive up to 4 x Fujifilm Dimatix Starfire SG600 or 4 x Starfire SG1024 off each board.  In addition, the HMB-FD-HV can be configured to drive large numbers of the Polaris, Sapphire, Emerald, Nova, Galaxy and S-Class printhead ranges from a single board.

This new compact HMB is based on GIS’s Ethernet platform, which includes data management, waveform generation and printhead diagnostics, all accessed via Gigabit Ethernet with a robust protocol and standard Ethernet components. It supports the full binary and greyscale capabilities of the Fujifilm Dimatix printheads with multi-level waveforms, meniscus activation and jet straightening control.

The HMB-FD-HV works in conjunction with the GIS Atlas® customisable User Interface and Atlas Machine Control Services software (MCS) – a powerful server technology for managing the entire printing and sub-system process – from image to swathe conversion and integration of workflow through to print queues, transport and beyond.

“This new Head Management Board for the Fujifilm printhead range demonstrates the huge flexibility and capability of the GIS Ethernet platform. We are able not only to support the new SG600, but also to offer an upgraded solution to users of other well-established Fujifilm printheads” said Debbie Thorp, Business Development Director.

OEMs and system builders are invited to engage with GIS now to discuss their integration needs for the Fujifilm Dimatix printhead range.

Posted February 26, 2019

Source: GIS

UK Firm Supplies Slash Resistant Clothing To Protect Public Facing Professionals From Knives

KNARESBOROUGH, United Kingdom — February 26, 2019 — UK based PPSS Group has recently seen record sales for its SlashPRO® Slash Resistant Clothing brand, offering tested, certified and reliable levels of cut resistance.

Poverty and social exclusion, religious and political extremism, drugs, social media as well as serious mental illnesses have all been blamed for the global rise of knife crime.

The news of individuals grabbing a kitchen knife and causing serious harm and injury to others has become a rather normal daily occurrence today.

Knives have recently also become the weapon of choice for many so called “lone-wolf” attackers due to the low planning required to conduct a knife attack whether against an individual or mass group.

Homeland security agencies, such as police, prison, border control, immigration and customs units, as well as private security companies from around the world have now turned to the firm to purchase garments protecting their officers from such weapon

SlashPRO® Slash Resistant Clothing is made from 100% Cut-Tex® PRO, a highly acclaimed, cut resistant fabric made in Great Britain.  According to the manufacturer the fabric is comfortable to wear, skin friendly and Latex free

The company’s CEO, Robert Kaiser said: “Slashing dangers are now relatively frequent for these workers and it is has become a realistic and daily occupational risk. The cutting of an artery or blood vessel can cause rapid blood loss, shock and even fatality, and it is our mission to protect professionals at risk, with a range of easy-to-wear, slash resistant clothing.”

“There are men and women out there who have made a professional choice in their lives to protect other human beings, facilities, venues, events and infrastructure from the bad guys”.

“We at PPSS Group genuinely believe those men and women have the moral and legal right to be equipped appropriately, and slash resistant clothing is appropriate and ultimately can save valuable lives”.

Posted February 26, 2019

Source: PPSS

EU Nations Adopt INDA/EDANA Flushability Guidelines

CARY, N.C./Brussels, Belgium — February 26, 2019 — INDA and EDANA, two global trade associations representing wipes manufacturers, announce support from additional European Union countries for the industry’s standard for assessing the flushability of wet wipes.

Key provisions of the fourth edition of  the Guidelines for Assessing the Flushability of Disposable Nonwoven Products (GD4) have now been adopted by Belgian and Spanish authorities. GD4 contains test methods and strict pass/fail criteria to determine if a wipe can be marketed as “flushable.”

In 2015 Belgium adopted and put into law the previous Guidance Document provisions (GD3) and is favourably inclined toward enhancing those requirements with adoption of GD4 provisions.

More recently, the Spanish standard UNE 149002 was released January 31, 2019, establishing criteria required to label a product as “flushable.” Those criteria include the key disintegration/dispersion test method of GD4 as well as the pass/fail limits of GD4. Additionally, for wipes not marketed as “flushable” but likely to be inadvertently disposed of in the toilet, such as baby wipes and disinfecting wipes, labeling practices that include the INDA/EDANA “Do Not Flush” symbol are prescribed.

These guidelines are proven to be effective. A 2017 Water UK study of sewer blockages found that less than 1% of the blockage material was identified as products designed to be flushed.

“International acceptances of GD4 are noteworthy as the adoptions included the approval of the wastewater sector in each country, indicating the desire to achieve consensus and therefore strength and unity in addressing the larger issue of developing public awareness and support for proper disposal of the various types of wet wipes on the market, “said Dave Rousse, President of INDA.

“Other countries in Europe are in the process of adopting these standards, indicating a growing consensus that, accompanied with the prescribed labelling provisions, they  ensure proper protection for wastewater systems,” said Pierre Wiertz, General Manager, EDANA.

Rousse and Wiertz believe GD4 acceptance within the wastewater and regulatory sectors in these countries provides important validation that these test methods, pass/fail criteria, and “Do Not Flush” labelling practices are good for citizens and local wastewater treatment facilities.

Posted February 26, 2019

Source: INDA/EDANA

Lisa Pruett Joins Downlite As Chief Sales And Marketing Officer

MASON, Ohio — February 26, 2019 — Downlite, America’s premiere manufacturer of down, feather and synthetic bedding products, and major supplier of responsibly-sourced down to outdoor and apparel markets, recently appointed Lisa Pruett as chief sales and marketing officer reporting to Josh Werthaiser, Downlite CEO.

In this new position, Pruett will work with the Downlite leadership team to align the company’s sales and marketing functions to drive business growth. The buckets of activities reporting to Pruett include Sales, Customer Care, Product Management, Planning & Analytics, and Marketing.

“Lisa has over two decades of high-level business strategy experience, and expertise in building high-performing, cross-functional teams and customer relationships,” said Werthaiser. “Her team-building and leadership skills will guide us as we dive into more intense R&D, develop more bespoke product offerings, and raise the bar on our customer service.”

Before joining Downlite, Pruett was executive vice president Sales at Easyway, a cut and sew, private-label manufacturer of lifestyle furnishings to well-known luxury retailers, where she directed the operations of the Customer Engagement Team consisting of 25 employees in sales, business intelligence, product design and customer service.

Prior to her career in the private sector, Pruett, a Gulf War veteran, served four years as an officer in the United States Army. She holds a BS Economics, United States Military Academy at West Point;

MBA, Georgia State University, J. Mack Robinson College of Business; and MS Finance, University of Michigan – Dearborn. Pruett is an active participant in the Cincinnati community volunteering with various organizations as well as an Advisory Board member for Phototype and Omega Processing Solutions.

“Downlite has built a 36 -year reputation by fostering customer, vendor, employee and partner relationships, and for its commitment to product innovation and good stewardship”, said Pruett. “I am delighted to join a company whose values side with my core tenets.”

Pruett will join the Downlite team during Spring New York Home Fashions Market, March 17-20, 2019, in the Company showroom located in the Textile Building, 295 Fifth Avenue, Suite 912.

Posted February 26, 2019

Source: Downlite

Aurora Specialty Textiles Group Expands Operations, Hires Erik Nees As Sales Account Manager

YORKVILLE, Ill. — February 25, 2019 — Erik Nees, former manager of Sales at Alice Manufacturing, has been hired by Aurora Specialty Textiles Group as sales account manager. In this role he will oversee industrial sales, which includes working with new and current customers in the tape, bedding, medical and technical textiles industries.

Nees worked at Alice Manufacturing from 1992 until the end of 2018, when Alice Manufacturing, also known as Alice Mills, closed doors. At Alice Manufacturing, Nees managed sales in the home furnishings, career apparel, industrial applications and medical sectors, targeting global and North American accounts.

“Erik brings a high degree of professional salesmanship to ASTG and an extensive background in the textile industry,” said Dan LaTurno, president of Aurora Specialty Textiles Group. “We are very excited to have Erik join our sales team and look forward to working with him and introducing him to our current and future customers during Techtextil NA.”

Visitors to Techtextil NA 2019 can meet with Nees by visiting Booth 1823, February 26 to 28, 2019, at the Raleigh Convention Center in Raleigh, N.C., USA. The product groups for Aurora include Woven Fabrics, Knitted Fabrics, Nonwovens, Coated Textiles, Canvas Products and Research & Development.

At Techtextil NA, Nees and Aurora senior management will be on hand to discuss Aurora’s state-of-the-art manufacturing capabilities, quick turn-around times and cost-effective wide-width finishing and bleaching capabilities.

“I’m delighted to join the team at Aurora. I’m impressed with their new facility as well as their commitment to innovation and continual efforts to meet their customers’ needs,” said Nees. “Ultimately, I am very excited for the opportunity to use my 26-plus years of experience in fabric sales, formation and converting to grow Aurora’s customer base.”

Aurora has spent the last five years investing in a new state-of-the-art, North American manufacturing operation strategically equipped with next-generation bleaching, finishing, fabric skewing and coating technologies.

That investment is paying off for their customers. With its new technologies, convenient location and streamlined operations, Aurora is ideally poised to help their customers meet and surpass market demand for their products.

Posted February 25, 2019

Source: Aurora Specialty Textiles Group

Wrangler® Opens Its Archives To Globally Unveil ICONS Collection

GREENSBORO, N.C. — February 25, 2019 — Every icon has an origin story. In 1947, the first mass-produced cowboy jean from Wrangler was designed to withstand the work of ranch hands and rodeo cowboys. By 1952, Wrangler had expanded its western-influenced shirt and jacket styles and became a revolutionary style move for the icons. The brand went global in 1962 as the world showed its incredible enthusiasm for the simple functionality and outlaw appeal of America’s workwear staple, denim. As Wrangler moved into the next millennium, it embraced a whole new generation of musicians, artists and actors, while staying true to its Western heritage.

To celebrate this authentic attitude and era-defining style, Wrangler introduces its Wrangler ICONS™ Collection of jeans, shirts and jackets for a generation who will create and be part of the iconic moments of today.

“From rockers to free spirits, artists to outlaws, in the rodeo and on the street, Wrangler has outfitted those who live by their own rules and refuse to be defined,” said Jenni Broyles, Wrangler vice president, general manager North America. “The Wrangler ICONS Collection captures the essence of the stars that created an era of groundbreaking music, culture and style and combines it with the hottest trends in denim today.”

Six iconic denim styles, steeped in heritage and forever linked to the 70-year Wrangler journey, have been re-issued and re-styled for the modern world. The definitive, cult icons are available in five different stages of wear and fade to give the collection its unique edge (new, six month, one year, two year and three year):

  • New: Denim comes in crisp, rich, and dark, straight from the mill.
  • Six month: Lighter color, crisp, without fade patterns, this look comes from wearing and washing raw denim.
  • One year: Darker fade patterns recall a year of wear, while keeping to the denim connoisseur’s trend for rarely washing jeans.
  • Two year: The lighter, less contrasted look of faded denim that comes from two years of wearing and washing regularly.
  • Three year: In line with the evolution of the “no wash” trend, this denim recreates the look of a jean that has been washed only a handful of times, with authentic fade patterns.

11MWZ, Men’s Western Zipper: The original Wrangler jean, the versatile 11 oz. denim weight Men’s Western (11MW), featured a button-fly until the Men’s Western Zipper (MWZ) was introduced in 1966, further establishing Wrangler as the go-to for hard working cowboys and western aficionados. For the 2019 reissue, the original style’s exaggerated “kick,” historically cut generously to fit over a cowboy boot, is streamlined for today’s consumer. Otherwise, with the same slim profile, higher rise and original tobacco stitching against the revolutionary broken twill denim, it’s just as any mid-century rodeo star would remember it. Available in new, six-month, one year, two year and three year wear and fade patterns.

11WWZ, Women’s Western Zipper: Based on the original 1950s fit and taking style cues from the Wrangler original Cowboy Cut, this slim-fitting jean has a high rise to contour and accentuate the waist and hips. Available in new, six month, one year, and three year.

124MJ, Men’s Western Jacket: The archetypal denim jacket, Steve McQueen wore it buttoned up and collar popped, while John Lennon took a more bohemian approach, wearing his open and over a shirt or sweater. Regardless of how you style it, the design is timeless, and the reissue is virtually unchanged. The sleeves are slimmed, and the body is slightly lengthened and the proportions, positioning of the heritage tobacco stitching, rounded pocket flaps and copper buttons are all true to the original. Available in new, six month, three year.

124WJ, Women’s Western Jacket: Featuring iconic Wrangler detailing, such as the W pocket stitching, rounded pocket flaps and copper buttons, this era-authentic piece revisits the same proportions and tobacco-colored stitching, while the silhouette is slightly slimmed for a modern take on this timeless design. Available in new, six month, three year.

27MW, Men’s Western Shirt: Created for cowboys but embraced by rock stars, the 27MW launched in the mid-1960s, this piece quickly became a blueprint for the western-style shirt. The reissue remains faithful to the original, with authentic detailing on the shape and depth of the yokes, cuffs and plackets, color and positioning of the stitching, and iconic details such as the W pocket stitching and pearl snaps. Available in new, one year, two year.

27WW, Women’s Western Shirt: The inspiration for this piece lies in the classic style of western wear, pioneered by Wrangler in the late 1940s. The women’s western shirt features authentic detailing from the era, including the shape and depth of the yokes and the style of the cuffs and plackets. Available in new, one year, two year.

Beginning late February, the Wrangler ICONS collection will be available on Wrangler.com, with select styles available at premium department stores and boutiques. The collection ranges from $88 to $148.

Posted February 25, 2019

Source: Wrangler

New Team Takes Alloy Apparel To New Levels

COSTA MESA, Calif. — February 25, 2019 — Alloy Apparel is excited to introduce its new team, who are the minds behind the exciting spring collection! Coming from powerhouses such as Puma, Adidas, VF Corp., Dstld, and Gap, the spring line is inspired by the team’s strong design and merchandising background, as well as a passion for elevating the brand to new levels.

The new Alloy team is dedicated to producing apparel that is high in quality, and in turn directs their efforts towards impeccable manufacturing and design. The team is also devoted to focusing on more sustainable alternatives like using eco-friendly fabrics and economically sound processes.

Following the debut of Alloy’s Powerstretch denim in late fall of 2018, the spring collection has introduced new style offerings such as dressy and casual lightweight knits made exclusively with the tall and curvy woman in mind. The collection focuses on offering jumpsuits (highly requested and inspired by their customers), dresses, tops, cardigans, loungewear, and flowy wide leg pants in a range of colors perfect for the season.

Within the spring collection, Alloy will be introducing a capsule of sustainable styles featuring bamboo knits that are uniquely designed to be dressed up or down. The benefits of this bamboo fabric are that it’s breathable, soft, and eco-friendly with a luxurious hand feel. The updated silhouettes feature a wrap top, twist front dress, and super soft jumpsuits. These items will be available during the spring and summer of 2019.

Many of Alloy’s customer fall favorites have been updated as well! The beloved Booty Bootcut pant is offered in three new colors, the Elena pant in two new prints, and the Julia pant in a rich royal blue and a range black and white prints. Alloy’s Powerstretch denim line is being carried over as well, in perfect washes for spring along with a new wine color and camo print.

While the spring collection and updated items absolutely have an elevated feel and look, Alloy Apparel is still dedicated to providing incredible price points. The line ranges in price from $30 – $70, truly providing style (and luxury) at an affordable price.

Posted February 25, 2019

Source: Alloy Apparel

Indorama Ventures Completes Acquisition Of Brazil’s Largest Polyester Fibers Plant

BANGKOK, Thailand — February 25, 2019 — Indorama Ventures Public Co. Ltd. (IVL), a global chemical producer, announced the completion of its acquisition of M&G Fibras Brasil, in Cabo de Santo Agostinho, Brazil. The Cabo plant manufactures and supplies Polyester Staple Fiber, with total polymerization capacity of 75,000 tonnes/annum.

Indorama Ventures had previously announced its agreement to acquire M&G Fibras Brasil on 2 November 2018, following the acquisition of Brazil’s largest PET asset announced in the first quarter of 2018. This acquisition is the Company’s debut into the fiber business in Brazil and is a strategic step forward. It provides IVL a unique opportunity to add capacity in fibers and establish its presence in South America’s largest economy, Brazil.

The acquisition will significantly boost IVL’s presence in the fast-growing market in Brazil, where the domestic demand is expected to grow in response to a recent recovery in consumption. In addition, IVL is well-positioned to expand more into nonwoven applications which are growing strongly in Brazil, supported by the presence of global brands. The acquisition will also strengthen the company’s ‘Home and Lifestyle’ portfolio.

IVL has an excellent track record of successfully integrating acquired business into its operations, and driving synergistic growth. IVL anticipates lowering its fixed costs by creating synergies and operating efficiencies, driven by supply chain optimization with the delivery of PTA from a nearby location, and consolidation of its commercial offices by joining with IVL’s PET site. Further synergies will be realized through logistic advantages due to established free trade agreements with other Latin American countries.

Commenting on the closing of the acquisition, Aloke Lohia, Group CEO of Indorama Ventures, said:

“We are putting the puzzle pieces in place, and this acquisition is a perfect piece in the fibers market. Not only does it help strengthening our industry-leading positioning, but it also enhances our ability to serve the growing needs of customers with high-quality fibers. This acquisition will help develop our strategy in Brazil and ensure continued employment and development of the national economy as well as strengthen the fibers industry.

We are excited to welcome M&G Fibers to the IVL family, and look forward to leveraging our integration capabilities to ensure that we generate the greatest value for our customers and shareholders.”

Posted February 25, 2019

Source: Indorama Ventures

Retailers Welcome Progress On Trade Negotiations And Delay Of Tariff Increase

WASHINGTON — February 24, 2019 — The National Retail Federation issued the following statement from President and CEO Matthew Shay after the administration delayed a tariff increase on Chinese goods set to take effect this week.

“We welcome the progress made between the U.S. and China and commend the administration for its efforts to address unfair trading practices. The decision to avoid a tariff hike is a positive development, and we encourage the administration to build on this momentum and reach a resolution that will eliminate uncertainty for American businesses and consumers. We look forward to continued progress and an agreement that will end tariffs and achieve a more fair and balanced trading relationship.”

According to data released by Tariffs Hurt the Heartland — a campaign backed by NRF — recent tariffs imposed by the administration cost U.S. businesses $2.7 billion in November 2018 alone. Tariffs Hurt the Heartland also released a report prepared by Trade Partnership that found American workers would lose nearly one million U.S. jobs if tariffs on $200 billion of Chinese imports increased from 10 to 25 percent.

Posted February 25, 2019

Source: The National Retail Federation (NRF)

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