DHL Partners With Holt Renfrew As Sole Logistics Provider For Its Air Freight And Customs Brokerage Services

MIAMI — July 25, 2018 — DHL Global Forwarding, the air and ocean freight specialist within Deutsche Post DHL Group, announced that Holt Renfrew, Canada’s specialty retailer of luxury brands, has chosen DHL as sole logistics provider for its air freight and customs brokerage services. DHL Supply Chain, the Americas’ leader in contract logistics within the Group, will also be part of the new partnership, providing key warehousing needs and expertise.

“At DHL Global Forwarding we are excited to enter into a new relationship with Holt Renfrew to provide them with unparalleled logistics expertise for their air freight and customs needs,” said Renata Mihich, managing director for DHL Global Forwarding, Canada. “They are in a unique position as Canada’s specialty luxury retailer with close to two centuries of experience in providing high-end fashion products to Canadians throughout the country. Coupled with DHL’s unmatched global network, Holt Renfrew is able to deliver those luxury goods into the hands of consumers in a more timely and efficient manner.”

The new multi-year deal includes air freight shipments of designer brand clothing for men and women, accessories, beauty products and fragrances from Europe, the U.S. and Asia to the retailer’s nine stores in Canada. Additionally, DHL Global Forwarding will provide a dedicated warehouse with specialized IT infrastructure managed by DHL Supply Chain in Europe.

DHL has a significant infrastructure and operational presence in most global retail markets, with a portfolio of services that spans everything from supply chain strategy and network design to in-store logistics. DHL Global Forwarding has invested in several Fashion and Apparel Centers of Excellence in key Asia Pacific markets. The company also provides boutique fashion houses to large apparel manufacturers expertise in air freight, ocean freight, customs brokerage and also a combination of products and services to deliver their goods.

Posted July 25, 2018

Source: DHL

Trinseo Celebrates Its 10th Anniversary Of LOMAX Technology At Its Plant In Georgia

BERWYN, Pa. — July 24, 2018 — Trinseo — a global materials solutions provider and manufacturer of plastics, latex binders, and synthetic rubber — is celebrating the 10th anniversary of its LOMAX™ technology at its plant in Dalton, Ga., on July 24. The plant runs largely on alternative energy, significantly reduces carbon dioxide (CO2) and greenhouse gas emissions, thanks to manufacturing process of Lomax Technology.

Lomax Technology uses methane gas collected from a nearby landfill as the primary energy source to manufacture Trinseo’s latex binders. The methane is piped to a landfill gas energy recovery facility and then to the Trinseo plant, where the energy is used to power the plant’s boiler. This virtually eliminates the need for natural gas. The resulting steam energy runs approximately 95 percent of the manufacturing processes at the plant. Because the methane is being harnessed for energy instead of being released into the atmosphere, Lomax Technology helps mitigate emissions by reducing Trinseo’s use of fossil fuels. This allows customers to develop high performance products with sustainable attributes.

The latex binders manufacturing site in Dalton was the first to install this technology in 2007. From carpet backing and paper coatings, to multiple adhesives and construction applications, latex binders made with Lomax Technology provide lower environmental impact with maximum performance.

Lomax Technology reduces the carbon footprint of carpet backing by approximately 25 percent, enabling the customers to make flooring products more durable and more sustainable. Styrene Butadiene (SB) latex made with Lomax Technology provides the same performance characteristics of conventional latex, yet comes with a lower environmental footprint, a particularly important feature as demand continues to increase for more sustainable products across the entire industry’s supply chain.

An independently reviewed Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) study showed that SB latex manufactured with Lomax Technology reduces the carbon footprint of SB latex manufacturing by approximately 25 percent. The study was carried out utilizing ISO 14040 and ISO 14044 standards, and peer reviewed by The University of Stuttgart, Germany.

Lomax Technology is a win-win for Trinseo and its customers; the success of the technology demonstrates Trinseo’s commitment to sustainability and to the principles of Responsible Care®.

Posted July 25, 2018

Source: Trinseo

First-Ever Medical Scrub Collection To Use Advanced Bio-Mineral Fabric Technology To Promote Restorative Comfort For Health Care Professionals

LOS ANGELES — July 25, 2018 — Barco™ Uniforms today announced the launch of Barco One Wellness, the first-ever medical scrub collection infused with health-promoting bio-minerals aimed at helping the body self-regulate and recover — a necessity for busy healthcare professionals who work hard to care for others. Barco One Wellness is the second brand under the Barco One label for the company, based on the overwhelming success of the original Barco One collection that launched a year ago.

These infused bio-minerals are found to enhance blood circulation and increase tissue oxygenation, as well as maintain consistent optimal body temperature by circulating energy back to the body. As the first company to incorporate a Far Infrared reflective finish on the inside of the fabric of its scrubs, Barco’s new Barco One Wellness apparel line harnesses the energy from the infrared spectrum that is likely to have restorative benefits, with the goal of promoting recovery for the wearer’s body. The natural mineral-based elements of elvan, amethyst, red clay, platinum and germanium interact with the human body. The bio-mineral infused fabric promotes relaxation for a deeper sleep and supports the reduction of inflammation and stimulates natural cell regeneration.

Designed to help busy health care professionals perform at their peak every single day, the original Barco One brand, which launched last year, is exceeding its original projections by a significant margin and has transformed the industry with purposeful innovation and an emphasis on sustainability. The brand uses arc-tech™, a groundbreaking, proprietary fabric technology that delivers 5-points of performance including eco-friendly recycled fabric, 4-way stretch, soil release, moisture-wicking and wrinkle resistance. Boosting its sustainability, each Barco One scrub set is made from 10 recycled plastic bottles.

The Barco One brands are known for transitioning health care professionals from work-to-life and life-to-work by offering cutting-edge fashion silhouettes and layering pieces that extend well beyond the health care work environment and spill over into everyday life. The jackets, jog pants, vests and tees are wardrobe extensions, designed with such versatile style that they can easily be worn as off-duty weekend wear or even travel wear.

“We are inspired everyday by the compassion and dedication of health care professionals because they put their patients’ wellbeing first, so we designed the Barco One Wellness apparel collection with comforting, restorative benefits for those who deserve it the most,” said David Murphy, president and CEO of Barco Uniforms. “We honor these professionals by sourcing and incorporating fabrics that can make a difference in their lives, through performance and feel.”

“At Barco, purposeful innovation is in our DNA and our focus is on improving the work and lives of our professionals,” added Murphy. “We carefully consider what more we can be doing to meet their specialized needs. We’re committed to making scrubs like Barco One Wellness that perform at the highest level while keeping the wearer cool and comfortable.”

Posted July 25, 2018

Source: Barco™ Uniforms

Kordsa Acquires Fabric Development, Textile Products In The United States

ISTANBUL — July 25, 2018 — Reinforcement technologies leader Kordsa, after expanding its lines of business to composite technologies in 2016, has acquired Fabric Development Inc. (FDI) and Textile Products Inc. (TPI), which provide advanced composite materials to the commercial aviation industry, with an investment of approximately $100 million. Kordsa sees this opportunity as a very important step towards reinforcing its composite market position in the US as well as becoming a strong player in the growing aviation industry supply chain.

Kordsa CEO Ali Çalışkan said: “Over the years, we leveraged our expertise in tire reinforcement technologies into construction reinforcement and composite technologies and expanded our lines of business. As Kordsa, we touch every corner of daily life and reinforce life. In parallel to our strategic decision to focus on composite technologies, we inaugurated Composite Technologies Center of Excellence, which operates as an innovation hub combining industry and university under the same roof as well as is home to basic research, design R&D and production in 2016.

“Our business journey today is brought to a new level with this brand-new investment which will lead us to become a global player in the field of commercial aviation having an important presence in the commercial aviation value chain. This new step will ensure us to be a strategic supplier of key players in aerospace and civil aviation, particularly Boeing and Toray Composites Materials America Inc. With this acquisition, we also aim to strengthen our strong global leadership in reinforcement technologies.

“We used to reinforce the tires of the aircrafts, now we are honored to say that we will also reinforce the wings and hulls of the aircrafts with our composite technologies, as well as the landing tracks of those aircrafts with our construction reinforcement technologies. Kordsa, now operating in 10 facilities throughout 4 continents, will continue to reinforce life and take firm steps forward.”

Posted July 25, 2018

Source: Kordsa

Cotton Is Parent-Preferred For Back-To-School Apparel

NEW YORK CITY — July 25, 2018 — With summer in the rearview, the road ahead can signal anxiety for students and parents alike. But both can breathe easier with cotton in the mix. According to responses to the Cotton Incorporated Lifestyle Monitor™ Survey, cotton is the fiber parents prefer for their children’s back-to-school apparel. Parents should also know that according to experts, both students and adults can get a better night’s sleep on cotton sheets and in cotton sleepwear.

The majority of parents (85%) prefer their children to be dressed in cotton, and a majority (53%) say that they usually or always check the garment label to be sure the garments are made of cotton.

“There are a lot of reasons why cotton is a comfortable choice for back-to-school wardrobes,” says Dr. Mikhail Varshavski.  “Cotton fabrics have unique characteristics such as breathability and a more rapid release of bacteria in a laundry load, compared to synthetics.  Some synthetics can actually encourage the growth of bacteria, which can create health issues and smell unpleasant.”

Dr. Varshavski points out that cotton can also contribute to a good night’s sleep. “Studies have demonstrated that the breathability of cotton sheets and sleepwear keep the body comfortable, which leads to uninterrupted sleep.  A good night’s sleep can do a lot for mental focus and general good health.”

Dr. Varshavski, better known to his patients and social media followers as “Doctor Mike,” recently partnered with Cotton Incorporated to raise awareness about the benefits of cotton for sleep and personal health.

This year, back-to-school clothing shoppers plan to spend about $277 per person, according to the Monitor™ Survey. Performance is of key interest to parents, who want quality clothing that is durable. Nearly two-thirds of back-to-school clothing shoppers say they would be willing to pay more for their child/children’s clothing offering:

  • shrink resistance (72%);
  • stain resistance (70%);
  • fade resistance (68%);
  • odor resistance (64%); and
  • durability enhancement (64%) performance technologies, compared to clothing without those features.

Posted July 25, 2018

Source: Cotton Incorporated

Huntsman Textile Effects introduces HIGH IQ® Sun Protect

SINGAPORE — July 25, 2018 — Huntsman Textile Effects has extended the HIGH IQ® performance assurance scheme to help mills, brands and retailers meet consumer demand for garments and accessories with built-in sun protection. HIGH IQ® SUN PROTECT provides an Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) of up to 50 and above, providing the wearer with the highest level of protection for the lifetime of the garment.

Consumers around the world are increasingly aware of the harmful effects of sun exposure. Children are known to be particularly vulnerable, but all those who work outdoors or who enjoy outdoor activities are at risk.

Tested against the highest industry standards, HIGH IQ Sun Protect guards against damaging UV-A and UV-B rays to ensure maximum protection. It does not impair the natural aesthetics of the fabric, and prolonged exposure to sunlight and multiple laundering will not degrade the protection or fade the colors.

“Consumers today want maximum protection from the sun’s harmful rays, especially when it comes to protecting children. With Huntsman’s HIGH IQ Sun Protect assurance program, we offer peace of mind when outdoors and exposed to the sun. Our innovative technology ensures protection at the highest levels in textiles that carry the HIGH IQ Sun Protect label, while remaining durable over the lifetime of the garment,” said Lee Howarth, global marketing manager, Huntsman Textile Effects.

Only mills that meet Huntsman’s stringent requirements earn the right to use the HIGH IQ performance assurance hang tags as point-of-sale product branding.

HIGH IQ Sun Protect is ideal for a broad range of fabrics and garments, including clothing for children and babies, swimwear, sportswear, workwear and school uniforms, as well as hats, pram covers, umbrellas and other accessories.

The technology used to produce the HIGH IQ Sun Protect effect comply with the requirements of bluesign® for safe and sustainable textile production. Furthermore, fabrics produced with HIGH IQ Sun Protect effect are suitable for Standard 100 by OEKO-TEX®.

The global leader in intelligent effects, Huntsman Textile Effects developed the HIGH IQ global performance assurance program to help mills, brands and retailers produce high-performance textiles with built-in sun protection, freshness, friction protection and water repellence, in bright whites and color that lasts. The program is based on innovative dyes and effects and unparalleled technical support and application know-how from Huntsman Textile Effects to help mills improve their productivity and competitiveness.

Posted July 25, 2018

Source: Huntsman Corp.

Bolger & O’Hearn Products Now On ZDHC List Of Approved Chemistries For Global Textile Industry Supply Chains

Fall River, Mass. — July 24, 2018 — With the recent collaboration between bluesign® and ZDHC, several of the chemistries developed by Bolger & O’Hearn Specialty Chemicals are now listed on the official ZDHC list of sustainable, approved textile industry chemistries.

ZDHC is a global sustainability leader at the forefront of effectively phasing out hazardous substances from the supply chains serving the textile, apparel, leather and footwear industries. According to materials from ZDHC. The guidance documents and tools of ZDHC, such as the ZDHC Manufacturing Restricted Substance List (ZDHC MRSL), the ZDHC Wastewater Guidelines and the ZDHC Gateway platform have become a major industry reference for holistic sustainable chemical management.

bluesign® is now the first established Level 3 Accepted Certifier for ZDHC MRSL Conformance.

Chemistries developed by Bolger & O’Hearn that are now approved by bluesign® and ZDHC include Stormproof/Breathable™ OmniBloq™ — an advanced DWR technology engineered to keep apparel dry and consumers comfortable, even when exposed to pounding wind and rain — and Altopel F3, an advanced fluorine-free water repellent.

“Bolger & O’Hearn has a long-standing commitment to environmentally preferably chemistry and we are excited to be associated with the force that the ZDHC brings to the outdoor industry,” said Shawn Honeycutt, Bolger & O’Hearn sales manager.

The team from Bolger & O’Hearn will be at Summer Outdoor Retailer in Denver, Colorado, this week — July 23-25, 2018 — to meet and discuss how their new Stormproof/Breathable™ OmniBloq™ DWR technology can help brands provide stormproof performance apparel and gear for their consumers.

OmniBloq’s Stormproof/Breathable™ capabilities represent an entirely new DWR category for the performance industry. Simply put, Stormproof/Breathable™ garments have been engineered to deflect heavy, wind-driven rain, yet are lightweight and allow perspiration to evaporate. Applied at the factory, this technology is now ZDHC-approved.

Posted July 24, 2018

Source: Bolger & O’Hearn

Second Kornit Vulcan Order To Speed Up Digital Print Growth Path At T-Shirt & Sons

DUESSELDORF, Germany — July 24, 2018 — Kornit Digital, a global market participant in digital textile printing innovation, announces that T-Shirt & Sons, Westbury, England, has placed an order for a second high-productivity, low cost-per-print Kornit Vulcan system in a few weeks’ time.

T-Shirt & Sons is a producer of quality printed clothing and accessories for high-profile clients across the globe within retail, art, music and charity markets. The company also offers dropship production services to garment retailers. T-Shirt & Sons has been one of the largest direct-to-garment printers in Europe over the last few years, with an impressive installation of 16 Kornit Avalanche 1000 systems, spread over two locations in the United Kingdom and the Netherlands.

On average, T-Shirt & Sons produces 9,000 garments per day, with peak time deliveries amounting to 18,000 garments per day. In May 2018, the company invested in its first Kornit Vulcan system to offer high-definition prints with an unparalleled color gamut and exceptionally soft hand feel to its customers. The smooth installation process, quick ramp-up and fast ROI of their new direct-to-garment workhorse, convinced T-Shirt & Sons to invest in a second unit quickly. The second Kornit Vulcan system will be installed in the third quarter of 2018.

The hybrid differentiator

Andy Lunt, co-founder of T-Shirt & Sons with his brother Jon in 1989, explains the decision based on digital print market trends: “Digital printing is a gamechanger to the garment decoration industry. The Kornit Vulcan keeps amazing us with its low cost-per-print, consistent ultra-high speed and its quality of print. We spotted the opportunity to bridge the gap between the ‘one-off’ fulfilled garment and the conventional ‘long-run’ screen printed garment. However, we needed a platform that makes financial sense to produce these medium runs digitally alongside flexibly printing one-offs at high speed during peak season. The Kornit Vulcan is the first one that delivers. We now print a run of T-shirts in less time than it would take for a screen job to be prepared, let alone for the screen print to be sampled, printed and delivered! This leading-edge solution saves us both time and money.”

Eyal Manzoor, managing director at Kornit Digital EMEA GmbH, comments on the importance of this installation: “With mass customization trending towards hyper-customization, digital print will quickly become an undeniable game changer for textile companies worldwide. The UK is a frontrunner when it comes to making textile history, and we consider T-Shirt & Sons a figurehead of how to transition from traditional to digital print in a business-savvy manner. Medium size runs on high-tech industrial equipment are the new margin makers as T-Shirt & Sons have demonstrated from their first Kornit Vulcan installation. A trend worth picking up on, validated by this company’s second Kornit Vulcan offer in a few weeks’ time.”

Kornit’s direct-to-garment flagship is the fastest of its kind in the market, capable of producing up to 250 high-quality garments per hour, with dark and light garments printed at the same speed. The Vulcan produces excellent photorealistic quality, featuring 60 new-generation print-heads with an advanced recirculating ink system in a six-color-plus-white configuration. The system caters for multiple print sizes and configurations with a maximum print size of 70×100 cm / 27.5×39.5 inch. Like all other Kornit systems, the Vulcan was developed around the company’s unique NeoPigment™ patented printing process. Kornit’s water-based inks work on a variety of fibers (natural, man-made, synthetics and blends) and allow for inline pretreatment. After printing, garments are cured with a standard hot-air dryer. The inks are Oeko-Tex 100 certified and GOTS pre-approved.

Posted July 24, 2018

Source: Kornit Digital

Dry-Tex Opens Its Long-Awaited Innovation Lab, Allowing For Better Fabric Testing And Greater Sustainability  

SHANGHAI, China — July 24, 2018 — Dry-Tex has officially launched its new Innovation Lab. The Shanghai-based textile mill has established the lab as a response to the outdoor market’s demand for exciting fabrics. The Innovation Lab develops and tests new textiles, all while meeting the sustainability requirements of the bluesign® system as well as requirements from the industry’s global leaders.

Today, Dry-Tex is highly regarded for its textile advancements, most notably with regard to laminates, wovens, and stretch fabrics. Drawing from its extensive expertise and wide range of existing products, Dry-Tex can develop and test never-before-seen fabrics with a variety of high-performance, in-demand features such as breathability, moisture wicking, waterproofing, and many more.

“Given the tremendous scope of this undertaking, the Innovation Lab was years in the making, requiring considerable capital and brainpower,” said Andy Dong, president of Dry-Tex. “Since most of our customers are focused on the outdoors, they’re always looking for unrivaled innovations. I’m proud to say Dry-Tex is equipped to provide the innovations they’ve been looking for.”

Since Dry-Tex is a bluesign system partner, an added bonus for customers that look to the Innovation Lab is its implementation of environmentally sound materials and production practices. The bluesign system is an independent global program that establishes strict guidelines that ensure responsible, eco-friendly manufacturing processes for the textile industry.

“My team and I have traveled endlessly, seeking out the world’s best and most sustainable fabrics for the outdoor performance market,” said Chris Parkes, president, Concept III. “I believe the Innovation Lab will generate some exciting textiles while also ensuring the high compliance standards Dry-Tex has set for themselves.”

A long-standing partner of Dry-Tex, Concept III is best known for working alongside leading mills and technology innovators to develop and source new materials for outdoor and performance-wear brands.

“What Andy has now done at Dry-Tex is truly impressive,” said Parkes. “His lab’s dedication to testing new fabrics and his commitment to responsible production are major steps in helping this industry reach new heights.”

Dry-Tex will be present at Outdoor Retailer in Denver from July 23-26. If you are interested in learning more about the Innovation Lab, stop by the Concept III booth #54069-UL.

Posted July 24, 2018

Source: Concept III

ITMA Asia + CITME 2018 Exhibitor Preview: Stäubli

PFÄFFIKON, Switzerland — July 24, 2018 — Stäubli Textile will be presenting its machinery range and latest solutions at two inviting booths at this year’s ITMA Asia. At Booth E01 in Hall 3, weavers will learn about innovations in weaving preparation and see high-speed shed formation solutions for all sorts of woven applications in action. Carpet weavers will see brand new pattern samples that impressively demonstrate Stäubli’s innovative binding technologies. At Booth D14 in Hall 4, knitters are invited to meet with Stäubli knitting specialists and observe the latest automation device in action — it drastically shortens the sock knitting process. ITMA Asia is an ideal opportunity to find out all about Stäubli’s comprehensive product range, which is perfectly suited to the needs of Asian mills.

Stäubli’s extensive range of products and solutions includes:

  • shedding solutions for frame weaving (cam motions, dobbies);
  • electronic Jacquard machines with harnesses, in formats for every woven application;
  • weaving preparation solutions for mastering warp preparation and warp tying;
  • weaving systems for carpeting and technical textiles; and
  • Deimo automation solutions for sock knitting.

Automation in weaving preparation – Stäubli unveils a world premiere in warp beam preparation

With its SAFIR automatic drawing-in machines, Stäubli has made a name for itself as an advanced solution provider for reliable automation in weaving preparation for the widest range of applications. Visitors to ITMA Asia will now see a further development: the SAFIR S30 set up especially for handling filament yarns. Featuring a new 16 frame/rod capacity, this setup is ideal for high-density warps with fine filament yarns. The SAFIR product range features state-of-the-art AWC (active warp control) technologies such as double-end detection, colour repeat, and S/Z-yarn management. These technologies are the result of continuous research and development driven by Stäubli’s values such as the vision to provide innovations that deliver further advantages to customers. This spirit of innovation has now led Stäubli once again to go one step further in the warp preparation process:

As a world premiere at ITMA Asia, Stäubli will unveil the new BEAMPRO yarn repeat reading-in machine, an automation aid at the sizing machine for sizing coloured warp sheets. Visitors can learn more about this weaving preparation solution at the show.

Frame weaving solutions for water-jet applications

As another novelty, Stäubli will be presenting its latest high-position rotary dobbies for water-jet applications, the S2658 and S2678 series. The S2678 will be on display in combination with the new de82/83 har­ness motions for high mounting, featuring an ingenious design incorporating valuable features such as maintenance-free bearings. These machines can be installed in the high position on the weaving machine, supporting the production of quality patterned fabrics.

In addition to the electronic rotary dobbies, Stäubli’s S1300 and S1600/S1700 series of cam motions will also be exhibited. These machines are available for high-speed weaving using every type of weft insertion system.

Jacquard weaving – Large format application on display

Visitors will see two complete Jacquard installations featuring different kinds of weft insertion. These installations are equipped with the LX and LXL Jacquard machines, designed for the production of terry and large-format clothing fabrics. Dedicated to large formats, the LXL setup is equipped with 19,584 harness cords (format of the machine exhibited is 10,240 hooks). The display will show the heavy payload capacities of this machine when weaving dense clothing fabrics. The LX setup (format of the machine exhibited is 4,096 hooks) will be shown producing terry fabric, operating 6,652 harness cords with two repeats. At the two-level booth, visitors will be able to observe the precise operation of these machines from the ground floor and from above.

A DX Jacquard machine will be shown in an area also demonstrating the broad range of Stäubli harnesses.

Jacquard weaving solutions for name selvedges

Two different examples of this will be shown: the CX 172 and the UNIVALETTE electronic Jacquard machine. The latter features individual warp-thread control, opening vast possibilities for a wide variety of applications. Both machines allow weavers to apply added value to their woven fabrics.

Carpet samples showing innovative binding technologies

Exclusive samples woven on ALPHA carpet weaving systems will be shown, exhibiting binding technologies and patterns ranging from extra-high-density carpets with traditional patterns to ultra-modern designer carpets.

Automatic toe-linking device for a shorter sock production process

Stäubli will be showing the recently launched D4S device on two circular knitting machines. This automation solution allows closing the toe of the sock directly on the knitting machine. It significantly shortens the sock production process.

Original Stäubli spare parts for extended longevity

Stäubli offers original spare parts even many years after purchase of the machine. A sampling will be on display at the booth.

Visitors to the fair will get a good overview of the vast application areas of Stäubli machinery at many places in the weaving hall and are invited to visit the two Stäubli booths E01 in Hall 3 and D14 in Hall 4. The pioneering products of Stäubli are the result of a well-balanced combination of performance, technical perfection, and proven solutions.

Posted July 24, 2018

Source: The Stäubli Group

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