Fibre Extrusion Technology Ltd (FET) To Exhibit At COMPAMED 2024

LEEDS, England — September 4, 2024 — Leeds-based Fibre Extrusion Technology Ltd. (FET) will be exhibiting for the first time at COMPAMED 2024 in Düsseldorf to reflect the company’s increasing profile in the medical sector. COMPAMED is an international trade fair for the medical technology supplier sector, showcasing a comprehensive range of high-quality medical technology components, services and production equipment for the medical industry

This show takes place in Düsseldorf, Germany, November 11-14, 2024, and FET can be found in Hall 8b Stand N36. FET are experts in medical fiber technology and innovations, designing and delivering high performance equipment for a range of precursor medical products. This includes turnkey solutions for nonwoven medical devices, wound care and dressings and synthetic absorbable sutures.

FET’s established expertise lies in laboratory and pilot melt spinning equipment for a vast range of applications, especially precursor materials used in high value medical devices and specialized novel fibers from exotic and difficult to process polymers. FET has successfully processed over 100 different polymer types and its systems can melt spin resorbable polymers in multifilament, monofilament and nonwoven formats, collaborating with specialist companies worldwide to promote greater sustainability through innovative manufacturing processes. Where melt spinning solutions are not suitable, FET provides a viable alternative with pilot and small scale production wet and gel spinning systems.

The FET range of laboratory and pilot extrusion lines is ideally suited for both process and end product development of sustainable materials. “Last year we celebrated FET’s 25th anniversary” commented FET’s Managing Director Richard Slack “and we look forward to meeting customers at COMPAMED 2024, where we can discuss their medical and fiber technology needs.”

Posted: September 5, 2024

Source: Fibre Extrusion Technology Ltd (FET)

Culp Announces Results For First Quarter Fiscal 2025, Highlighted By A 14.2% Sequential Increase In Sales And Stable Cash Position

HIGH POINT, N.C. — September 4, 2024 — Culp Inc. (together with its consolidated subsidiaries, CULP) today reported financial and operating results for the first quarter ended July 28, 2024.

Fiscal 2025 First Quarter Financial Highlights

  • Consolidated net sales of $56.5 million
    – up 14.2 percent compared sequentially to last quarter
    – sequentially, upholstery fabrics segment sales up 19.7 percent and inventory down 4.6 percent, mattress fabrics segment sales up 9.0 percent and inventory down 8.6 percent
  • Year-over-year and sequential operating improvement in upholstery fabrics segment
    – segment operating income of $1.7 million, up 28.9 percent year-over-year and 75.6 percent sequentially
    – segment operating margin of 6.0 percent for the quarter
  • GAAP consolidated loss from operations of $(6.9) million (includes $2.7 million in restructuring expense and related charges)
    – Non-GAAP loss from operations of $(4.1) million (see reconciliation table on page 12)
    – Operating performance for the quarter affected by manufacturing inefficiencies primarily related to the significant restructuring activity underway in the mattress fabrics segment
  • $13.5 million in cash, $4.0 million in outstanding borrowings used to fund worldwide working capital and restructuring initiatives
    – Stable net cash position of $9.5 million (see reconciliation table on page 8), with only $560,000 use of cash since end of fiscal 2024 despite significant restructuring activity

Financial Outlook

  • Due to the significant restructuring activity underway, the company is only providing limited financial guidance at this time.
    – Consolidated net sales for second quarter expected to be flat sequentially
    – As a result of the restructuring initiatives, currently expect to return to near break-even adjusted EBITDA (excluding restructuring and related charges) in the second quarter of fiscal 2025, and to return to positive consolidated adjusted operating income (excluding restructuring and related charges) in the third quarter of fiscal 2025.
  • The company’s expectations are based on information available at the time of this press release and reflect certain assumptions by management regarding the company’s business and trends and the projected impact of restructuring actions and ongoing external headwinds.

Iv Culp, president and CEO of Culp Inc., said, “Our sales results for the first quarter reflected strong sequential improvement as compared to the fourth quarter of last fiscal year, with mattress fabrics sales up 9.0 percent and upholstery fabrics sales up 19.7 percent. While we continue to experience challenged macro industry conditions, our sequential sales growth was better than expected, and year-over-year consolidated sales were flat despite the overall industry weakness.

“Our upholstery fabrics segment also delivered a significant improvement in operating income, both year-over-year and sequentially, with 6.0 percent operating margins for the quarter. The strategic actions we have taken in this segment are working, as we have reduced our cost structure while maintaining and enhancing our ability to grow sales. However, as expected, operating performance for our mattress fabrics segment was pressured by manufacturing inefficiencies primarily related to our significant restructuring activity. While this negatively and disproportionately affected operating performance for the quarter, our use of cash was minimal, with our net cash position only $560,000 lower as compared to the end of fiscal 2024. We are pleased that both segments reduced inventory from the end of fiscal 2024 despite the strong sequential increase in sales.

“We are also encouraged by the progress of our restructuring initiatives. While mattress fabrics operating results are being pressured by these actions in the first half of the fiscal year, especially in the first quarter, we believe we are on schedule to deliver our targeted improvement outcomes, including a return to near break-even adjusted EBITDA in the second quarter and a return to positive consolidated adjusted operating income in the third quarter. The restructuring is a significant undertaking that impacts people, plant consolidations, equipment relocation, and process improvements, but with it, we are successfully lowering our cost structure despite weak demand. We are extremely thankful for our dedicated employees as they execute our plan to return to profitable operating results post-restructuring.

“Looking ahead, we are encouraged by (1) our solid and improving market positions in both businesses; (2) our consistently profitable upholstery fabrics business; (3) expected further improvement in our hospitality fabrics and Read Window businesses; and (4) the steady progress we are making to restructure our mattress fabrics business. We anticipate industry conditions may remain pressured during fiscal 2025, although we also believe there is some stabilizing of industry trends. We expect the strategic actions we are taking will position us for a return to profitability at current demand levels and further growth opportunities as market conditions improve,” added Culp.

Restructuring Update

The restructuring plan announced on May 1, 2024, primarily focused on the company’s mattress fabrics segment, is progressing as planned. The consolidation of the company’s sewn mattress cover operation in Haiti was completed during the first quarter, and the consolidation of the company’s North American mattress fabrics operation is well underway (including the phased wind-down and closure of its manufacturing facility in Canada and move of certain knitting and finishing equipment to its facility in North Carolina).

The company still expects to generate $10.0 million to $11.0 million in annualized savings and operating improvements after the restructuring initiatives are fully implemented by the end of the calendar year, with most of the restructuring benefit realized during the second half of fiscal 2025.

In addition, based on restructuring activities that have been completed along with updated estimates on those that remain in process, the company now expects to incur total restructuring and restructuring-related costs and charges of $5.1 million in fiscal 2025, of which $3.0 million is now expected to be cash expenditures. The company expects to fund approximately $2.0 million of the cash costs with proceeds from the sale of excess manufacturing equipment and proceeds from a building lease termination in Haiti.

These restructuring and restructuring-related costs and charges exclude any gain on the sale of real estate, the amount and timing of which is currently unknown but which will ultimately reduce the amount of the restructuring charges incurred. The company is actively marketing and showing the real estate, and currently anticipates receiving approximately $9.0 to $10.0 million in cash proceeds (net of all taxes and commissions) from its eventual sale.

First Quarter Fiscal 2025 Results versus First Quarter Fiscal 2024 Results

  • Net sales were $56.5 million, down 0.2 percent compared with the prior-year period, with mattress fabrics sales down 3.9 percent, and upholstery fabrics sales up 3.7 percent.
  • Loss from operations was $(6.9) million (which included $2.7 million in restructuring expense and related charges during the period), compared with a loss from operations of $(3.1) million for the prior-year period (which included $517,000 in restructuring and related charges during the period).
  • Adjusted loss from operations was $(4.1) million, compared with an adjusted loss from operations of $(2.6) million for the prior-year period. (See reconciliation table on page 12). Operating performance compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2024 was negatively affected by manufacturing inefficiencies primarily related to significant restructuring activity underway in the mattress fabrics segment.
  • Net loss was $(7.3) million, or $(0.58) per diluted share, compared with a net loss of $(3.3) million, or $(0.27) per diluted share, for the prior-year period. The effective tax rate for the first quarter was negative (3.4) percent, reflecting the company’s mix of taxable income between its U.S. and foreign jurisdictions during the period.

Business Segment Highlights

Mattress Fabrics Segment (“CHF”)

  • Sales for this segment were $28.1 million for the first quarter, down 3.9 percent compared with sales of $29.2 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2024. Sequentially, sales were up 9.0 percent compared with sales of $25.8 million for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024.
  • While year-over-year sales were affected by weakness in the domestic mattress industry, the sequential improvement in sales was driven by higher order levels, which CHF believes are indicative of its product innovation and improving market position.
  • Operating loss was $(3.5) million for the first quarter, compared to an operating loss of $(1.4) million in the prior-year period. Operating performance for the quarter was pressured by lower year-over-year sales volume and manufacturing inefficiencies, including inefficiencies related to the significant restructuring initiatives to wind-down CHF’s Canadian operation and move certain knitting and finishing equipment to Stokesdale, North Carolina.

Upholstery Fabrics Segment (“CUF”)

  • Sales for this segment were $28.5 million for the first quarter, up 3.7 percent compared with sales of $27.4 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2024. Sequentially, sales were up 19.7 percent compared with sales of $23.8 million for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024.
  • Sales for CUF’s residential fabric business and hospitality/contract fabric business (including Read Window) were both higher than the prior-year period and higher sequentially, driven by stronger demand (and, with respect to the sequential improvement in residential fabric, partially affected by the timing of Chinese New Year, which pressured sales during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024).
  • Sales from CUF’s hospitality/contract business accounted for approximately 33 percent of CUF’s total sales during the first quarter.
  • Operating income was $1.7 million for the first quarter, compared with operating income of $1.3 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2024. Operating margin for the first quarter of fiscal 2025 was 6.0 percent, compared with 4.8 percent for the first quarter of fiscal 2024. Operating performance for the first quarter of fiscal 2025, as compared to the prior-year period, was positively affected by higher sales, lower fixed costs, and lower SG&A, offset somewhat by higher freight costs.

Balance Sheet, Cash Flow, and Liquidity

  • As of July 28, 2024, the company reported $13.5 million in total cash and $4.0 million in outstanding debt under the company’s China credit facility.
  • Cash flow from operations and free cash flow were negative $(206,000) and negative $(550,000), respectively, for the first three months of fiscal 2025, compared with cash flow from operations and free cash flow of negative $(4.4) million and negative $(4.2) million, respectively for the first three months of fiscal 2024. (See reconciliation table on page 10 of this press release.) The company’s cash flow from operations and free cash flow during the first three months of fiscal 2024 were affected by operating losses, partially offset by lower working capital (mainly from lower inventory balances) and planned strategic investments in capital expenditures mostly related to the mattress fabrics segment. Both segments continue to do an effective job managing inventory during very challenging business conditions.
  • Capital expenditures for the first three months of fiscal 2025 were $501,000. The company continues to manage capital investments, focusing on projects that will increase efficiencies and improve quality, especially for the mattress fabrics segment.
  • As of July 28, 2024, the company had approximately $32.7 million in liquidity consisting of $13.5 million in cash and $19.2 million in borrowing availability under the company’s domestic credit facility. The company also had $4.0 million in borrowings outstanding under its China credit facility as of July 28, 2024.
  • As reflected in the borrowings outstanding, the company intends to utilize some borrowings under its domestic and/or foreign credit facilities during fiscal 2025 in connection with its restructuring activities and to fund worldwide working capital to grow the business. Importantly, the company still expects to maintain a positive net cash position and to fund approximately $2.0 million of the cash costs associated with the restructuring from the eventual sale of excess equipment and proceeds from a building lease termination in Haiti.
  • Assuming the completion of all restructuring actions and the sale of associated real estate by the end of fiscal 2025, the company currently projects its cash as of the end of fiscal 2025 to be higher than its $10.0 million in cash as of the end of fiscal 2024.

Posted: September 5, 2024

Source: CULP, Inc.

Dow Introduces Its First Bio-Circular Attributed Product For Carpet Tile Backing

MIDLAND, Mich. — September 5, 2024 — Today, Dow announced the introduction of its first bio-circular product* for the flooring industry, an addition to the ENGAGE™ REN Polyolefin Elastomers (POE) product portfolio. The flooring innovation* will be used in the manufacturing of carpet tile backing to provide dimensional stability and adhesion support for fibers.

This new bio-circular product* brings the same high performance as the rest of the ENGAGE™ POE portfolio while helping customers meet their sustainability goals. ENGAGE REN POEs offer a viable alternative to virgin petrochemical products by utilizing alternative feedstocks produced from residues of biological origin and responsibly sourced waste, such as used cooking oil, and converting them into bio-circular products* with a lower carbon impact. Dow’s resins from bio-circular feedstocks are ISCC PLUS-certified under a mass balance approach for chain of custody, allowing customers to account for these materials in their supply chains.

“This innovation represents a crucial step toward expanding our circularity offerings into new markets,” said Joanna Giovanoli, senior marketing manager for Dow’s Packaging and Specialty Plastics business. “By supporting our flooring customers with bio-circular feedstock options that maintain high performance, we can give waste a new life, potentially reducing carbon footprints and reliance on fossil feedstocks. This is how we are moving Dow and our customers closer to shared sustainability goals.”

Bio-circular materials are a key pillar within Dow’s vision for a lower-carbon plastics ecosystem. Dow’s “Transform the Waste” target aims to commercialize 3 million metric tons of circular and renewable solutions by 2030, which involves using plastic waste and alternative feedstocks, including bio-circular. These raw materials, made from waste residues or by-products from an alternative production process, support a circular economy by enabling material reuse.

“We are committed to developing innovative products that meet the sustainability needs of our customers and help drive toward a circular economy,” said Rosalyn Kent, associate TS&D scientist for Dow’s Packaging and Specialty Plastics business. “To do this, we continue to explore alternative feedstock options that reduce the impacts of production and invest in new partnerships that progress bio-circular raw materials to produce high-quality resins.”

*bio-circular attributed under mass balance chain of custody approach

Posted: September 5, 2024

Source: Dow

 

 

Garson And Shaw: Half Of Gen Z Believes Pressure To Buy Fast Fashion Damages Mental Health

ATLANTA — September 5, 2024 — The relentless pressure to keep up with fast fashion risks taking a serious toll on young people’s mental health. As New York Fashion Week approaches, showcasing the height of consumption culture, the second-hand clothing sector offers a vital solution for mindful shopping and combating the fashion industry’s shocking levels of waste.

According to research from Garson & Shaw, one of the world’s largest second-hand clothing wholesalers, 41 percent of Americans agree that the pressure from the fast fashion industry harms mental health, rising to 50 percent of Gen Z. The same research shows that 10.4 billion wearable clothing items are thrown away in the US every year. Some 65 percent of young people throw away at least one item of wearable clothing every month, compared to 55 percent of Millenials, 36 percent of Gen X and 25 percent of Boomers. The eco-impact of fast fashion is also creating eco-anxiety, with 47 percent of Gen Z stating that they are ‘disgusted’ by the environmental impact of fast fashion.

These alarming figures are revealed in Garson & Shaw’s recent report ‘Promoting the Circular Textile Industry: A call for strategic policy action in the Americas,’. Their research shows that it is the constant pressure to cycle through clothes that’s driving up anxiety amongst young people. Some50 percent of Gen Z have bought fast fashion just to follow a trend or to keep up with friends/colleagues and over a third (34 percent) have not worn a clothing item after posting a picture on social media or being seen in it by friends.

Yet the second-hand clothing sector offers a more mindful and sustainable way to shop and ultimately makes consumers feel better about their fashion choices whilst saving the planet. American consumers said they felt ‘empowered’, ‘good about myself’ and ‘proud’ when buying second-hand clothing compared to buying new clothes.

“The second-hand clothing sector can make young people feel good about buying clothes again,” said Lisa Jepsen CEO of Garson and Shaw. “We can even help boost the US economy through mindful fashion by creating jobs and investment through climate friendly practices.”

The positive environmental impact of the second-hand clothing sector is vast. Garson & Shaw found reducing the need to produce new clothes by reusing existing items, could save around 20 trillion gallons of water over the next decade, which amounts to almost 30 million Olympic swimming pools. If current second-hand usage trends continue, the US will reduce carbon emissions by a remarkable 167 million metric tons from 2023 to 2033, which is equal to removing nearly 40 million gasoline cars from the road for one year or all the cars in California and New York combined.

To that end, Garson & Shaw will launch their #MindfulFashion social media campaign to run throughout the Fall fashion season, with the aim of promoting a shift towards a circular economy in fashion and to drive discussion on mental health and sustainability in the sector.

With the right education, infrastructure and incentives, many of the items thrown away could enter the circular economy, supporting jobs and livelihoods around the world. The sector already employs over 342,000 Americans and last year generated $25.5 billion in annual retail sales, with the potential to increase to $75.5 billion by 2033, creating $8.8bn in annual tax revenues for the US economy.

Posted: September 5, 2024

Source: Garson and Shaw

Patagonia Reaches New Heights In Their Sustainability Journey By Joining Pack4Good

VANCOUVER — September 5, 2024 — Global outdoor apparel company Patagonia is taking another step forward in its environmental commitments by joining Pack4Good, a sustainable packaging initiative from Canopy, a solutions-driven non-profit organization dedicated to protecting forests, species, and climate.

Building on a strong foundation of working with Canopy to eliminate the destruction of Ancient and Endangered Forests caused by the production of viscose textiles since 2013, Patagonia is now focusing on Next Generation (Next Gen) packaging solutions that come from more sustainable sources such as agricultural waste instead of trees. The company has committed to ensuring none of their packaging comes at the expense of the world’s most climate- and biodiversity-critical forests.

Paper packaging — like delivery boxes, hang tags, and shoe boxes —  is responsible for 3.1 billion trees being logged annually, many from climate-critical forests. The pressure on the world’s forests is intense, and using alternative sources of fibre for paper and packaging, that doesn’t use trees, is a priority for Canopy and Patagonia.

“Patagonia is excited to announce its partnership with Canopy’s Pack4Good initiative,” said Jennifer Patrick, Packaging and Branding Director, Patagonia. “As part of our goal to build the best product and constantly improve everything we do, we are taking steps to review and develop new, more-responsible packaging materials in partnership with Canopy.”

Since its initial partnership with Canopy, Patagonia has been at the forefront of shifting the viscose and rayon supply chain, being among the first brand leaders to source exclusively from producers rated as “green shirt” in Canopy’s annual Hot Button Report. In its ongoing efforts to minimize their environmental impact, Patagonia has been using 100-percent recycled content for all its packaging and catalogues.

The next phase of Patagonia’s sustainability journey will involve collaboration with Canopy to develop and scale up Next Gen packaging solutions. Next Gen Solutions utilize innovative materials such as agricultural waste and non-forest alternative fibres, significantly reducing reliance on primary forest resources.

“We are so pleased to be welcoming Patagonia to the Pack4Good family,” said Nicole Rycroft, founder and executive director of Canopy. “This commitment comes at a crucial time when the need for low-carbon alternatives to forest-based packaging is more pressing than ever. By supporting the scale-up of Next Gen materials, Patagonia is not only contributing to the preservation of Ancient and Endangered Forests, it is leading the outdoor apparel sector towards a more sustainable future.”

Today’s announcement brings the Pack4Good initiative to 445 brands worth more than $249 billion in annual revenue.

Posted: September 5, 2024

Source: Canopy

Three Finalists To Compete For The 2024 RISE® Innovation Award

CARY, N.C. — September 3, 2024 — INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, has announced the finalists for the 2024 RISE® Innovation Award. On October 1-2, technology scouts, product developers, and business development professionals will gather at the James B. Hunt, Jr. Library, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, N.C., to explore groundbreaking nonwoven research and advancements.

Finalists will present their innovations to RISE participants on Tuesday, October 1. The Award winner will be revealed on Wednesday afternoon, October 2.

Meet the 2024 Award Finalists

Dual-Layer Filtration Media by Ahlstrom Italia S.p.A. — Ahlstrom’s new dual-layer filter media technology enhances engine air intake filtration performances, offering up to double the dust holding capacity and extending filter lifetime by more than 50 percent compared to single-layer media. It also enables smaller, lighter filter designs, meeting current and future engine specifications, including fuel cells. Dual-layer filter media can be offered with flame-retardant functionality for various transportation and industrial applications, ensuring safety, improved performances and reduced environmental impact.

ENDURA™ rPP Spunbond & SMS by Berry Global — A pre-consumer recycled Spunbond and SMS product, recognized by SCS Recycled Content Certification. With Spunbond products containing up to 90 percent recycled content and SMS products containing up to 40 percent recycled content, customers/consumers are provided a product with greenhouse gas emissions benefits, validated with life cycle assessment tools assumptions based on the actual production. ENDURA Spunbond products have the opportunity to reduce CO2 emissions per kilogram of production by 70 percent, versus previous generation of product.

PlantPanel X by Hempitecture Inc. — PlantPanel X is a rigid continuous insulation material used in exterior above-ground applications. With an R Value of R3.25 per inch, PlantPanel adds to thermal and acoustic comfort and performance. Engineered with a density to resist compression and deflection, PlantPanel is used in split-insulation wall and roof assemblies with either a rain screen cladding or roofing material, depending on the application. With 100% biobased and recycled content, PlantPanel is a sustainable, low carbon continuous insulation solution that’s easy to install and safe to handle.

2023 RISE Innovation Award winner:

TiHive won the 2023 RISE Innovation Award for their SAPMonit technology. TiHive’s innovation, SAPMonit — a technology breakthrough, inspects millions of diapers weekly. SAPMonit delivers lightning-speed inline inspection of superabsorbents’ weight and distribution, optimizes resources, detects flaws, and accelerates R&D.

For more information or to register for RISE, visit https://www.riseconf.net/

Posted: September 5, 2024

Source: INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry

Winners Of The ITMF Awards And ITMF Start-Up Awards 2024 To Be Honored In Samarkand

TASHKENT, Uzbekistan — September 3, 2024 — The presentation and awarding of winners for the prestigious ITMF Awards and ITMF Start-up Awards for the global textile industry will take place in Samarkand on September 10, 2024. The event will be the final chord of the inaugural joint conference of the International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF) and the International Apparel Federation (IAF) which will take place in the city on 8-10 September.

The ITMF Awards recognize outstanding achievements by actors in the global textile industry in two categories: Sustainability & Innovation and International Cooperation. These awards highlight the textile industry’s commitment to sustainability and global cooperation, showcasing innovation and collaborative efforts that are driving progress towards a more sustainable future. The award winners, selected by an expert jury, will present their unique projects in a special session.

ITMF Sustainability & Innovation Award

The ITMF Sustainability & Innovation Award aims to recognize achievements in the textile industry with an emphasis on innovation, design, development, and production in accordance with the highest standards of sustainable development and environmental stewardship. Projects are evaluated by the jury based on criteria such as the value proposition of the chosen approach, environmental impact, outcomes achieved, novelty, socio-economic impact and economic viability.

The winners for 2024 are:

  • GuoWang High-Technique Fiber Co., China, for “Low Carbon and Sustainable Innovations in PET Fiber Production”;
  • HeiQ AeoniQ Holding AG, Switzerland, for “Hyper-Scaling HeiQ AeoniQ”.
  • Samsara Eco, Australia, for “Endless Plastic Recycling: A Solution for Textiles Out of Use.”

ITMF International Cooperation Award

The ITMF International Cooperation Award aims to recognize progress in international cooperation within the textile industry in line with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) outlined by the UN.

The winners for 2024 are:

  • DITF, Germany, and RBX Creations, France, with the project “Next Generation Cellulosic Fibers from Hemp”.
  • HKRITA, Hong Kong, China, with the “Open Lab.”

In addition, the conference in Samarkand will host a presentation and award ceremony for the ITMF Start-up Awards, created to give startups a platform to showcase their innovations and connect with leading companies from across the entire textile value chain.

The winners of the ITMF Start-up Award 2024 are:

  • RE&UP Recycling Technologies, the Netherlands, with the project “RE&UP – Scalable Recycling Technology for High-Performance Fibers”;
  • Sci-Lume Labs, United States, with the project “Bylon – Oil and Waste-Free Melt-Spun Fibers”.
  • Sycoretec CAS, China, with the project “SYCORE-TEX – Topological Soft Gel Materials for Ultra Thermal Insulation”
  • Syre Impact, Sweden, with the project on recycling textiles into new textile products.

The International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF) and the International Apparel Federation (IAF) are hosting the conference “Innovation, Cooperation, and Regulation — Driving Forces of the Textile and Apparel Industry,” in collaboration with the Uztextileprom Association. The event, set to take place in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, will gather over 500 industry professionals, including representatives from leading international textile companies, brands, financial institutions, and retailers. Attendees will have a unique opportunity to explore the future of the textile industry, discover the latest innovations, and expand their network of global partners.

Online registration is open until September 6. You can register to participate and receive additional information about the event at

https://www.itmf-iaf-conference-2024-samarkand.org/.

Posted: September 5, 2024

Source: The International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF) / The International Apparel Federation (IAF)

 

Filo 62nd Edition: Limonta Supports Companies In Management Of Sustainability Information

BIELLA, Italy— September 4, 2024 — In the textile industry, the traceability management of sustainability information has become a crucial challenge.

Companies face complex management challenges to monitor and document the entire chain of custody of raw materials, ensuring that each stage of production meets environmental and social standards.

An effective solution is presented by Limonta in the Dialoghi di Cofronto of the 62nd edition of Filo, in the talk entitled “The digital product passport and the chain of custody to support companies in the transition towards sustainability”.

The appointment is at Allianz MiCo-Milano, Filo Networking Area:

Thursday 19 September 2024, at 11 am

Commitment to sustainability and control of sources of supply as well, impose precise and transparent data management to ensure complete and verifiable traceability. Transparency of supply chains has become an issue of primary importance, particularly in a context where violations can have significant legal and reputational consequences.

This complexity can be controlled and contained by adopting a tool that simplifies and automates the flow and collection of all this information.

The 62nd edition of Filo takes place September 18-19, 2024, at Allianz MiCo – Milano (via Gattamelata 5).

Posted: September 4, 2024

Source: Filo

 

 

 

Applied DNA Selected By LRQA For Isotopic Testing Pilot Project In Pakistan

STONY BROOK, N.Y.— September 4, 2024 — Applied DNA Sciences Inc. (Applied DNA), a developer of PCR-based DNA technologies, today announced the receipt of a subcontract award from LRQA following a competitive tender for a pilot isotopic testing program. Under the terms of the subcontract, Applied DNA, together with its traceability partner, Isotech — a Stratum Reservoir company — will employ CertainT® to conduct isotopic testing and analysis to support cotton traceability in Pakistan. Financial terms of the subcontract were not disclosed.

CertainT is Applied DNA’s textiles traceability platform that uses forensic, multiple-proof-point evidence to enable source and authenticity verification of materials and products at any point as they are transformed through global supply chains. LRQA is a leading global assurance company that brings together decades of unrivaled expertise in assessment, advisory, inspection, and cybersecurity services.

The subcontract with Applied DNA was issued in support of the Global Trace Protocol project, a U.S. Department of Labor-funded initiative implemented by LRQA (known as ELEVATE during the Project’s inception) that is designed to reduce child and forced labor in global supply chains through traceability. The project engages with trace experts, global brands, Pakistan’s cotton sector, and worker organizations to design, implement, and assess the pilot trace tool to improve its future application and develop publicly available commodity-agnostic trace resources for enhanced due diligence.

Jeff Wheeler, director of the Global Trace Protocol project at LRQA, stated: “New import regulations and legislation now require extra documentation to verify cotton origin and ensure that cotton does not come from high-risk sources. The Global Trace Protocol project is developing traceability technology tools that provide greater transparency and integrity to textile value chains globally, including through our work with Applied DNA.”

Applied DNA and Isotech will utilize best practices in the isotopic analysis of raw materials and products at key points in the cotton textile value chain, aligning with the Project’s overarching goals. Some of the testing components include the use of isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) on samples from farms, gins, yarn spinners, and mills/manufacturing units identified by the Project. CertainT will establish a baseline as part of the pilot Project of the framework for isotope testing and analyses.

MeiLin Wan, vice president of Textiles at Applied DNA, said, “Our CertainT platform employs isotope testing as well as DNA tagging and genomic testing as forensic authentication technologies to establish traceability to prove origin. Our recent announcement with Indus Apparel of isotope testing with DNA tagging showcases the scalability and accessibility of cotton authentication technologies that will also help Pakistan’s cotton industry to enable compliance with U.S. import regulations and similar enforcement in other geographies.”

Global Trace Protocol Project Funding

Funding for the Global Trace Protocol project is provided by the United States Department of Labor under cooperative agreement number IL-35808-20-75-K-. 100 percent of the total costs of the Global Trace Protocol project is financed with federal funds, for a total of USD 4,000,000*.

The isotopic testing pilot project contract is awarded to Applied DNA through a subcontract from LRQA in support of the Global Trace Protocol project.

*This announcement does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the United States Department of Labor, nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the United States Government.

Posted: September 4, 2024

Source: Applied DNA Sciences, Inc.

 

Sunrise Group Enhances Men’s Shirts with Pilbloc™ Fiber

BANGKOK, Thailand — September 4, 2024 — Sunrise Group Co. Ltd., a multinational textile and garment enterprise, is proud to announce the incorporation of Pilbloc™ fiber into its men’s shirt production line. This fiber, sourced from Thai Acrylic Fibre Co. Ltd., is set to elevate the quality and durability of Sunrise’s apparel offerings.

Sunrise Group is renowned for its comprehensive manufacturing capabilities, which span the entire textile production process. From planting, spinning and fabric creation to dyeing, finishing, printing, embroidery, and garment assembly, the company ensures meticulous control and high standards at every stage. With production facilities strategically located in China, Vietnam, Cambodia and Australia, the company demonstrates its capacity to cater to diverse markets while maintaining a focus on premium quality.

Pilbloc anti-pilling fiber is designed for its superior performance in reducing fabric wear and tear, engineered to resist friction and abrasion, which are common causes of pilling. Pilboc ensures that garments maintain a smooth and pristine surface even after extensive use and multiple washes, according to Thai Acrylic Fiber.

“Our partnership with Thai Acrylic Fibre Co. Ltd. and the adoption of Pilbloc represent a significant advancement in our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction,” said Gao Min, general manager of Sunrise Group. “We are excited to offer our clients enhanced products that combine both style and longevity.”

We are thrilled to associate with Sunrise Group in incorporating our Pilbloc fiber into their apparel. This collaboration highlights our mutual commitment to advancing innovation and maintaining the highest standards of quality,” said Tuhin Kulshreshtha, vice president – Business Development & Marketing

Posted: September 4, 2024

Source: Thai Acrylic Fibre Co., Ltd. (TAF)

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2025 Quarterly Issue Number II

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