Unitex’s Newburgh, N.Y., Plant Earns Hygienically Clean Healthcare Certification

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — September 21, 2018 — Unitex Textile Rental Services, Inc.’s Newburgh, N.Y., laundry has earned Hygienically Clean Healthcare certification, reflecting its commitment to best management practices (BMPs) in laundering as verified by on-site inspection and its capability to produce hygienically clean textiles as quantified by ongoing microbial testing. The Newburgh laundry joins three other Unitex facilities (two in New Brunswick, N.J., and one in Mt. Vernon, N.Y.) with the certification. Unitex, a 90-plus year family-owned and managed healthcare launderer, serves the U.S. mid-Atlantic and Northeast regions.

The Hygienically Clean Healthcare certification confirms the organization’s continuing dedication to infection prevention, compliance with recognized industry standards and processing healthcare textiles using BMPs as described in its quality assurance documentation, a focal point for Hygienically Clean inspectors’ evaluation. The independent, third-party inspection must also confirm essential evidence that:

  • Employees are properly trained and protected;
  • Managers understand regulatory requirements;
  • OSHA-compliant; and
  • Physical plant operates effectively.

To achieve certification initially, laundries pass three rounds of outcome-based microbial testing, indicating that their processes are producing Hygienically Clean Healthcare textiles and diminished presence of yeast, mold and harmful bacteria. They also must pass a facility inspection. To maintain their certification, they must pass quarterly testing to ensure that as laundry conditions change, such as water quality, textile fabric composition and wash chemistry, laundered product quality is consistently maintained. Re-inspection occurs every two to three years.

This process eliminates subjectivity by focusing on outcomes and results that verify textiles cleaned in these facilities meet appropriate hygienically clean standards and BMPs for hospitals, surgery centers, medical offices, nursing homes and other medical facilities.

Hygienically Clean Healthcare certification acknowledges laundries’ effectiveness in protecting healthcare operations by verifying quality control procedures in linen, uniform and facility services operations related to the handling of textiles containing blood and other potentially infectious materials.

Certified laundries use processes, chemicals and BMPs acknowledged by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation, American National Standards Institute and others. Introduced in 2012, Hygienically Clean Healthcare brought to North America the international cleanliness standards for healthcare linens and garments used worldwide by the Certification Association for Professional Textile Services and the European Committee for Standardization.

Objective experts in epidemiology, infection control, nursing and other healthcare professions work with Hygienically Clean launderers to ensure the certification continues to enforce the highest standards for producing clean healthcare textiles.

“Congratulations to Unitex on their certification,” said Joseph Ricci, TRSA president and CEO. “This achievement proves their commitment to infection prevention and that their laundry takes every step possible to prevent human illness.”

Posted September 21, 2018

Source: TRSA

Champion Thread Bolsters Customer Success With Appointment Of Industry Veteran Robbie Owens

GASTONIA, N.C.— September 21, 2018 — Champion Thread Co. (CTC) has appointed 40-year textile and sewn products industry veteran Robbie Owens to the newly created position of technical service and development manager. Owens is focusing on helping customers achieve maximum benefits and improvements from CTC products.

“We are excited to have Robbie joining us at such an important time in our growth cycle”, said CTC President Matt Poovey. “His deep experience in engineering, production management, and sales in the textile and sewn products industries uniquely qualifies him to help our customers get the most out of their resources and investments in our products.”

Owens began his career as a yarn manufacturing engineer and headed engineering for the Dixie Yarns spinning plant in Chattanooga. His broad experience in cut and sew segment includes managing a top-of-bed production plant at Royal Home Fashions. Prior to joining CTC, Robbie directed sales for a US-based thread supplier.

“I am pleased to have this opportunity to work with Champion Thread and their clients,” said Owens. “I was immediately impressed with the depth and breadth of the CTC product line and how it is driving rapid growth across so many segments of the diverse textile and sewn products industry.”

Posted September 21, 2018

Source: Champion Thread Company (CTC)

ITMA Asia + CITME 2018 Exhibitor Preview: CHTC Fong’s

HONG KONG — September 21, 2018 — CHTC Fong’s has been committed to the development and manufacturing of dyeing and finishing equipment for more than 50 years. In the past decades, CHTC Fong’s devoted to the development of energy-saving and emission reduction machines and now it becomes the basic conditions for dyeing factories. Today, we live in a digital era, though in the traditional textile industry, CHTC Fong’s has been with the times. Together with its well-known brands: Fong’s, Monforts Fong’s, Xorella, Then, Goller, FWT and Monforts, CHTC Fong’s dedicated in the development of Smart Dyeing & Finishing and join with the customers to build the intelligent dyeing factory.

The CHTC Fong’s Group is proud to present the “one-stop” sustainable solution in dyeing and finishing range of “pre-treatment, dyeing, post-treatment and waste water treatment” at ITMA ASIA + CITME 2018 in Hall 6, D05 and yarn conditioning and heat setting in Hall 2, E04, National Exhibition and Convention Center, Shanghai, China from Oct 15th to Oct 19th. CHTC FONG’S will exhibit a full line of the most advanced and innovative products and technology including our new product- FONG’S TECWIN High Temperature Dyeing Machine, THEN AIRJETWIN Aerodynamic High Temperature Dyeing Machine, GOLLER DYEPADDER ECONOMICA Nip-in-Trough, MONFORTS FONG’S MONTEX 6500 Stenter Frame Range, MONFORTS FONG’S MONTEX 6500 AIR FILTRATION OMNI Stenter Frame and MONFORTS FONG’S MONFONGS STRAHM HiPer Shrink Astra. In addition, CHTC FONG’S will also demonstrate the innovative smart dyeing and finishing at the booth. We are looking forward to your visits.

FONG’S TECWIN

High Temperature Dyeing Machine

FONG’S TECWIN is designed to adopt the ever-changing textile market nowadays. The reliability and versatility is further improved from the last generation.

TECWIN is equipped with several patented designs:

Combined Air & Front Spray Nozzle：Front spray nozzle improves the degree of dye liquor interchange before the fabrics entering the main nozzle. The color balance and quality of fabric can then be enhanced. If optional blower is equipped, blower will provide high pressure aerodynamic flow in spray nozzle, in order to effectively increase the degree of dye liquor interchange. It is specifically designed for dyeing fabrics that demand high quality.
Automatic Adjustable Nozzle: Adjustment of nozzle setting is automatically done by means of motor drive system, and hence manual adjustment of nozzle is not required.

Liquid Dispersion Storage Chamber: Special designed stainless steel bottom sieve facilitates the liquid dispersion process giving the best results ever.

Upper and Lower Overflow:  Innovative use of upper and lower overflow rinsing systems can deal with various kinds of fabrics. Lower Overflow Rinsing is to maintain a pumping operation with low water level and to improve dye liquor separation. Upper Overflow Rinsing is adopted for conventional overflow rinsing function.

Furthermore, the Dye Liquor Separation Design allows body size fabrics to stack in a much organized way which maximizing the loading capacity, providing smoother operation and lowering the liquor ratio. Equipped with the adjustable loading chamber with optimized chamber design to resolve the separation difficulties occurred when running double rope fabrics.

THEN AIRFLOW AIRJETWIN

Aerodynamic High Temperature Dyeing Machine

AIRJETWIN high temperature airflow dyeing machine, the latest generation of dyeing equipment, is now being offered to fulfill the various requirements of dyeing process nowadays. Through finite element analysis (FEA), the airflow and water flow situation is well-analyzed for design optimization. In addition, by combining different THEN’S and FONG’S product advantages, the entire performance is further enhanced through a holistic design integration.

Single-Blower for Multi-Tube Design: By utilizing single blower with frequency inverter and optimizing pipe network design, the air volumetric flow rate of each tube is evenly distributed.

Integrating Nozzle System: By adjusting various combinations of multiple spraying nozzle and sprayers, the best dyeing performance of a huge variety of fabrics can be achieved.

XY Internal Plaiter: Fabric is plaited to and fro inside the dyeing vessel to achieve an organized fabric stacking pattern inside the storage chamber. It enables smooth fabric lifting, higher fabric lifting speed and reduction of fabric entanglement in the chamber.

Overhead Cleaning System: Effective cleaning is provided through purging to rinse the kier head, thus ensuring no residue color is left.

The 2018 New GOLLER DYEPADDER ECONOMICA Nip-in-Trough with Double Impregnation Mechanism

The 2018 New GOLLER DYEPADDER ECONOMICA Nip-in-Trough with Double Impregnation Mechanism provides even dyeing for knitted fabric without crease mark and distortion incurred. The newly-designed double impregnation mechanism provides further improvement on the impregnation effectiveness in combination of a lower running tension. As the ECONOMICA guarantees reproducibility and handling in the highest standard, a smooth and clear fabric surface can be expected after dyeing.

The deflection-controlled rollers of ECONOMICA are working according to the principle of the swimming rollers, irrespective of the overall pressure of the padder- the deflection of the squeezing rollers is always consistent with the set values to ensure an even dyeing over the fabric width. On top of the deflection-controlled rollers, the large diameter guide rollers ensure a smooth knitted fabric transport with minimal tension incurred, which is beneficial to the dyeing process as a whole. The double impregnation mechanism consists of a trough with a padder inside and with the minimum level of working liquor required. This mechanism provides sufficient impregnation and low-tension running condition for knitted fabric during the dyeing process. Furthermore, Thermplates keep the temperature of the dyebath as per the set value throughout the dyeing process – no matter it’s cool or hot.

With the precise dosing of dyestuff-alkali mixed, the application of precise and homogeneous pick-up and the linear nip of the deflection-controlled rollers, the GOLLER DYEPADDER ECONOMICA Nip-in-Trough with Double Impregnation Mechanism will always be the most ideal open-width dyeing range for knitted fabrics dyeing in small to medium batches used.

MONFORTS FONG’S MONTEX 6500 AIR FILTRATION OMNI

Stenter Frame Range

Advanced Chamber German Design

Proven for Most Homogenous Temperature Distribution

Originate from Monforts Germany developed technology

Montex 6500 Air filtration Omni (Abbeviation 6500 Omni), is based on the Montex 6500 stenter range in combination of the most advanced heat recovery and air filtration technology to evolve this stenter range into a more advanced environmental friendly machine.

The heat recovery and air filtration device of this 6500 Omni stenter can filter the wax and oil from the exhausted air with high efficient but low energy consumption. The heat recovery is so high which could contribute the textile industry to achieve low carbon release target a step further.

The modular design could allow different space requirement by different textile mills. Also this device run with automatic cleaning function controlled by PLC by running its nozzles along the bar over the top of the filtration units. This will minimize the daily maintenance to the machine.

TwinAir : Monforts patented Twin-Air technology allows top and bottom airflow to be regulated separately. It results in drying without marking and the most even temperature possible across the fabric. Also, it also could be equipped with Optiscan for Auto-Balance system.

Nozzle System CAD Stream: its “Lay-on-Air”fabric supporting properties in air and with bulking effect through increased volume by its microtumbler effect. Attractive cost/benefit ratio with higher evaporation rates. It also provides continuous fabric support even at the chamber transition points.

Reinforced Pin Chain: Besides the normal version of pin chain with tensile strength 2500N, we will also exhibit the reinforced version of pin chain with tensile strength 8000N in the show.

Qualitex 750 Programmable logic process controller (PLC): Expandable and adaptable for practically all tasks arising in modern textile finishing. It has Programmable control functions, Operation of the range via panels along the machine, Storage of set-up data sets, Integration of setting values for measuring and control devices, Batch management, Network interfacing, Automatic nozzle pressure control, Prepared for teleservice, Maintenance and two-loop system via touch panels.

Central Processing Control Software “Q-soft”: This software is for production planning and documentation with a central interface. All process data can be stored in a standardized database (ODBC=Open Data Base Connectivity) where all set points and actual values are filed with read and write access for set points. Three levels of networking interfacing are possible: 1) Interfacing to your network, 2) Output to a PC with graphic presentation (Monforlogic), 3) Interfacing with a process control system to include machines from other manufacturers as well.

Monforts Fong’s New High-Efficiency Relaxation Dryer

Hiper Shrink Astra – MONFONGS STRAHM

In addition to our stenter frame range, Monforts Fong’s recently has introduced a new high-efficiency relaxation dryer which technology inherited from a Swiss textile machine company. This new dryer is named “Monfongs Strahm”, with model name “Hiper Shrink Astra”, for open-width and tubular knitted fabrics.

Its unique Swiss mechanical design focuses at high drying efficiency, low residual shrinkage, soft hand-feel and low operating costs. Its design also incorporates a heat recovery system (EnRec 1&2) that reduces energy consumption tremendously by half when it is compared with some conventional dryers.

It is different from general energy saving principle in the industry, which has higher capacity than that of traditional dryers. The Latin word ‘Astra’ in the model number of the machine embraces our hope of that product will become the star of tomorrow in the dryer products of textile finishing Industry.

Ahead Of Progress with Monforts at ITMA ASIA + CITME

The potential of Industry 4.0, in combination with the drive to reduce waste and minimise raw materials usage, has led to some significant new developments by Monforts.

At this year’s ITMA Asia + CITME, in Hall 6 at booth H6/D05, visitors can learn about the company’s latest Qualitex 800 control system, which along with the Web-UI app, allows the remote visualisation of Monforts technologies via smart phones and tablet devices.

“We are already embracing many Industry 4.0 principles in our approach to new machine concepts and the Qualitex 800 has all the intuitive features operators will be familiar with from touchscreen devices,” explains Monforts Vice-President of Sales and Marketing Klaus Heinrichs. “It is making navigation extremely easy for operators, cutting down the time required for becoming familiar with a new system and allowing complete control of all machine parameters.”

Resource efficiency is being addressed via the latest technologies such as the company’s Eco Line for denim, based on two key technology advances – the Eco Applicator for minimum application of the selected finishing chemicals and the ThermoStretch.

As an alternative to conventional padding, especially for wet-in-wet solutions, the Monforts Eco Applicator can significantly reduce the amount of finishing chemicals required prior to the stretching and skewing of the denim fabric.

In many textile mills globally, the cost of energy for running integrated manufacturing lines – especially those for fabric finishing that can involve numerous sequences of heating and subsequent drying – is now eclipsing the cost of paying people to operate them.

The ability of the Eco Applicator to significantly reduce energy costs has seen it rapidly accepted on the market.

The Monforts ThermoStretch unit meanwhile carries out the skewing (weft straightening), stretching and drying in a continuous process.

“The Eco Line system reduces energy requirements and losses, increases thermal transfer and keeps the drying energy on the textile material longer,” says Monforts Area Sales Director and Head of Product Management for Denim Hans Wroblowski. “As a result energy savings of up to 50% are being achieved.”

Monforts is also the only manufacturer which is able to offer completely integrated coating lines from a single source and at ITMA Asia + CITME 2018, the company’s specialists will be on hand to explain how its latest coating heads are being tailored to drying technology for maximum benefits.

For an unprecedented range of options, Monforts now offers multi-functional coating heads for both its industrial texCoat and Allround coating units. Module options include those for screen printing, magnetic coating and knife coating, either integrated into new lines or retrofitted into existing installations.

“Our system has the shortest fabric path from the coating unit into the stenter and all of these options are available in wider widths,” says the company’s Head of Technical Textiles, Jürgen Hanel.

“Whatever your company’s specialism, we have the technologies and the process knowledge to help you take your business to the next level,” adds Klaus Heinrichs. “We look forward to meeting customers old and new in Shanghai.”

XORELLA XO-Series

Vacuum Conditioning and Heat Setting Machine

XORELLA’s XO-Series energy saving vacuum conditioning and heat setting machines has been well used in improving the quality       of yarn and also heat setting of garment. The Xorella XO-Steaming treatment could even penetrate the textile products for humidification; twist setting, preshrinking    the synthetic filament, antistatic, colour fixation of digital printed fabric and heat          setting of garment. The latest saturated steam generating system could reduce 30% of connected power loading and save between 15% to 25% energy consumption.

In order to satisfy the requirement of different users, Xorella provides both round and cubical machine and also variety of loading and door opening systems for customer selection. Nowadays, XO-Series machines were used in more than 50 countries in the world.

Fong’s Water Recycling System

With global service for the dyeing and finishing industry, CHTC Fong’s Group has focused on its principal business in design, research and manufacture of innovative and energy saving dyeing and finishing machines to help a sustainable balance between the industry development and environment protection. In recent years, Fong’s has researched and developed the wastewater treatment technology, to achieve fully automatic operation water recycling system with dual-membrane processes, providing one-stop sustainable solutions of dyeing wastewater treatment especially for the dyeing and finishing industries.

Fong’s Water Recycling System which can reuse any kind of qualified discharge water by using the most advanced and reliable dual-membrane processes (ultrafiltration system combined with reverse osmosis membrane system). The recycled water can be directly used for all dyeing processes after most of the mineral salts, calcium, magnesium hardness, Chroma, turbidity and COD composition are effectively removed from the waste water. The quality indicator of recycling water is superior to the normal tap water.

Posted September 21, 2018

Source: CHTC FONG’S

Rubberlite’s New SUR-fex® Series Of Functional Coatings Offer Flexibility, Breathability

Huntington, W.Va., — September 7, 2018 — More stretch, exceptional breathability, and guaranteed comfort make Rubberlite Inc.’s new SUR-fex® products ideal for use in medical, apparel, cosmetics, footwear, equestrian, padding or skin contact applications.

“Our SUR-fex SF series of water-based functional coatings allows us to enhance the surface of many substrates to improve functional characteristics for use in medical, apparel, cosmetic and general padding applications,” said Alan Fenno, market development manager for Technical Composites. “The open cell and ‘soft hand’ characteristics of these coatings are unique and offer comfort and breathability.”

The SUR-fex ® microcellular open-cell frothed coatings do not occlude airflow reducing heat build-up and ensuring comfort. SUR-fex SF100 is soft to the touch while maintaining flexibility which provides greater functional benefits, including outstanding wash durability, enhanced coefficient of friction, thermoformability, and no off-gassing. SUR-fex SF200 is cured at lower processing temperatures allowing coating to be directly cast on a broad range of flexible substrates, such as knits, foam, film, and foil.

“Our custom engineered equipment gives us the precision needed in application, material handling and curing to achieve unparalleled results in coating and performance,” said Keith Kerns, senior project engineer.

Rubberlite offers a unique portfolio of microcellular polyurethane foams to meet demanding requirements across a diverse range of applications. Under the trademarks of HyPUR-cel® high resilient foams and viscoelastic foams, Rubberlite engineers a broad range of polyurethane products and distributes products from several of the leading manufacturers of elastomeric and polyolefin foams in the world. With value-add

propositions in coatings and laminations, combined with best-in-class technologies, Rubberlite is well positioned to provide customer solutions in foam design, technical composites, and novel textile coating applications. Rubberlite, Inc. is headquartered in the United States and markets products throughout North and South America, Asia and Europe.

Posted September 21, 2018

Source: Rubberlite

Culp Announces Changes in Executive Management Structure

HIGH POINT, N.C. — September 20, 2018 — Culp Inc. today announced the company’s board of directors has approved changes in the executive management structure of the company, effective October 1, 2018.

Robert G. (Rob) Culp, III, one of the company’s founders, will remain as chairman of the board, but he will change his role to become less involved in the day to day management of the company. He will continue in his role as a strategic advisor and remain involved in customer and home furnishings industry relationships.

Franklin N. Saxon, president and CEO of Culp Inc., will assume the additional role of vice chairman of the board of directors. Saxon joined the company in 1983 and has been a member of the board since 1987. He has served as president and chief executive officer since 2007.

Robert G. (Iv) Culp, IV, president of Culp Home Fashions, the company’s mattress fabrics division, has been named chief operating officer of Culp Inc. He will assume expanded responsibilities for overseeing the operations of all the company’s businesses, in addition to his continued leadership of Culp Home Fashions. Iv Culp has been employed by the company since 1998 and has served in various capacities during his tenure, including as division president since 2004. Boyd B. Chumbley will continue to serve as president of Culp Upholstery Fabrics, and Paul Saunders will continue as chief executive officer of eLuxury, the company’s new e-commerce division. Both will report to Iv Culp in his new role.

“I have been very fortunate to serve this company since the day it opened,” Culp III said. “At the same time, I am happy to have the opportunity to turn more of the daily management of the firm over to others, and I have complete confidence in their ability to keep Culp Inc. on a successful trajectory. These changes are part of a natural evolution for the company’s leadership. The entire board is excited about the energy and vision of our leadership team. I look forward to participating with them in the company’s continued success.”

“We have a deep and talented management group that is functioning well together,” said Saxon. “I expect a smooth transition as we continue working to maintain Culp’s position as a premier provider of products for the home furnishings industry. Iv Culp is an excellent manager who has proven himself while leading the growth and success of the mattress fabrics division. He is very well suited by experience and talent to take on additional responsibilities as our chief operating officer. I know he will perform well in this expanded role.

“We are also very pleased that we will continue to have the leadership and guidance that Rob Culp has provided to the company since its founding. Rob has unparalleled relationships within our industry, and he is highly admired and respected both within our organization and throughout the markets we serve,” added Saxon.

Posted September 21, 2018

Source: Culp

Gap Inc. Announces Hill City, A Premium Performance Lifestyle Brand For Men

SAN FRANCISCO — September 20, 2018 — Gap Inc. today announced the upcoming launch of Hill City, a high performance men’s apparel brand offering technical clothing that transitions seamlessly through the day — from working out to work to weekend. The product line fuses a clean aesthetic with hidden technical innovation that is felt, rather than seen, allowing men to focus on purchasing fewer, more versatile pieces.

“Active is a key growth area for Gap Inc. and Hill City is our response to consistent feedback from customers looking for a premium men’s product that combines highly technical fabrications, performance and style,” said Art Peck, President and CEO, Gap Inc. “Hill City brings a new perspective to men’s apparel that is complementary to our iconic portfolio of brands and leverages the benefits of our uniquely scalable operating platform — from our supply chain, to e-commerce to customer relationships and data.”

Hill City is slated to launch mid-October available exclusively at hillcity.com, and pieces from the brand will also be displayed at 50 select Athleta locations.

“Men’s lives are evolving. We no longer want to dress as either an ‘athlete’ or ‘outdoorsman’ or a ‘businessman’ — we are all of those, and we’re also fathers, friends, and active members of our communities. We don’t want a different look for each aspect of our lives,” said Noah Palmer, general manager of Hill City. “That’s why our team set out to rethink men’s apparel with one brand that could fill a man’s entire closet with versatile, high performance pieces that can take him from a hike to a dinner out, without sacrificing a sense of style.”

Incubated alongside the highly successful Athleta business, Hill City has been designated a B Corp certified brand by integrating sustainability throughout many of its products, using high-quality renewable, recycled fibers to create performance fabrics.

Posted September 20, 2018

Source: Gap Inc.

Epson Launches All-New Print Academy YouTube Channel

LONG BEACH, Calif. — September 20, 2018 — Epson today announced the launch of the Epson Print Academy™ YouTube channel, featuring educational content designed for customers using Epson Professional Imaging products. Initially launching for the photography market, the Epson Print Academy channel will expand to include content for other professional imaging markets, such as signage, graphic design and textile.

“The importance of the print has remained paramount to our industry,” said Dan (Dano) Steinhardt, marketing manager, Epson America Inc. “The new Epson Print Academy YouTube channel is designed to help a new generation of photographers and printmakers create exhibition quality prints, in addition to helping all Epson Professional Imaging customers hone their skills and produce the highest-quality output.”

The Epson Print Academy YouTube channel will feature a variety of videos designed to both educate and inspire. Educational videos will take viewers through a detailed explanation of workflows, from monitor calibration, color management, and printing. Additional footage will focus on celebrating the craft of printing and will include visits to photographic festivals, events, workshops, and insider’s view of renowned studios, showcasing how the print continues to be an integral part of a variety of industries. The cumulation of videos aims to be a central resource for Epson Professional Imaging products.

The Epson Print Academy was first established in 2001 to help photographers better understand the then new world of digital photography and inkjet printing. Now, almost two decades later, Epson is expanding the Epson Print Academy to provide updated technical information and insight into advanced techniques catering to today’s creative professionals.

Posted September 20, 2018

Source: Epson America

Fashion Retailer Torrid Promotes Liz Muñoz To CEO

CITY OF INDUSTRY, Calif. — September 20, 2018 — Torrid Inc. announced today that Liz Muñoz has been promoted to CEO of the nation’s leading fashion retailer for women sizes 10 to 30. Muñoz, who served as president for Torrid, assumed her new role on Wednesday, August 29.

“Being chosen to lead Torrid as CEO is an opportunity that, as a first-generation American Latina, has surpassed my wildest dreams. At a time when being curvy, unique and comfortable in your own skin is finally cool, I can’t think of a more exciting time to be in this business when more than 80 percent of women in the U.S. wear our sizes,” said Muñoz. “I’m thrilled to build upon Torrid’s evolution and continue to create modern, well-fitting and fashionable clothes that help women change their lives in a positive way.”

Working her way up the ranks at Torrid for more than eight years, Muñoz has continuously broken all of the rules of fashion — from proportions to patterns to styling details. She’s driven Torrid to pioneer the notion of ‘First at Fit’ for the curvy, real American woman.

“As a ‘big girl’ myself and a mother of two boys, focusing on fit for the Torrid woman isn’t just a trendy or business-oriented move, it’s deeply personal to me,” said Muñoz. “Long before other mainstream retailers jumped on board, fit has been part of our DNA.”

In three and a half years, Muñoz fit over 36,000 items of clothing at Torrid on professional size 18 models — along with herself and other “big girls” — refusing to cut corners. She moved jean pockets, waistbands and inseams to where manufacturers said they shouldn’t be. Even with intimates, she flew customers overseas so that engineers could see the diversity of bodies they were molding bras for — with sizes up to 50H.

The goal of it all is to create the ultimate fit for the majority of women, so that they could look and feel their best. To this day, Muñoz spends several hours a week fitting and tweaking the details of each design pattern to fit the Torrid woman. For her, fit is everything.

“After being forced to settle for the best of the worst for so many years, curvy women don’t really know how clothes should fit their bodies,” said Muñoz. “At Torrid, curvy women everywhere are now able to get the flawless, custom fit they deserve. I am thrilled that this is the first brand where I can finally wear the clothes that I design.”

Prior to joining Torrid in 2010 and being promoted to president of the company in January 2018, Muñoz was President of Lucky Brand Jeans.

Posted September 20, 2018

Source: Torrid

Codeveloped Fabric Utilizing Teijinconex Neo Adopted For New TAKIBI Series Of Outdoor Clothing

TOKYO, Japan — September 20, 2018 — Snow Peak and Teijin Ltd. announced today that they have co-developed a new material fabric for outdoor apparel, utilizing Teijin’s dyeable and flame-retardant meta-aramid fiber Teijinconex neo. The new fabric is used for a new product for TAKIBI series, Snow Peak’s high-performance outdoor clothing. The new TAKIBI Down Jacket will be introduced at Snow Peak stores on September 21, and pants, coveralls and vests have been released already via the company’s shop and its retail shops.

Since 2016, Teijin has been working with Snow Peak on the new TAKIBI Series utilizing its Teijinconex heatproof material. Teijinconex neo, which was modified for the TAKIBI series over the past two years, combines high mobility with fashionable comfort suitable for outdoor use in both the city and the countryside

Teijinconex neo is a heatproof and flame-retardant material similar to Teijinconex, but also boasts excellent dyeability. The TAKIBI series featuring Teijinconex neo offers both safety, including frame retardancy around campfires, and comfort.

Snow Peak creates high-quality camping and mountaineering products that inspire people to enjoy the outdoors and commune with nature. Since 2014, the company has been accelerating the development of outdoor clothing designed for both urban and country life.

The collaboration with Snow Peak illustrates Teijin’s technological capability to adapt original high-functional materials for solutions in diverse fields, such as special colors and textures for TAKIBI outdoor clothing.

Going forward, Snow Peak and Teijin expect to introduce additional outdoor wear offering enhanced performance and comfort.

Teijinconex neo lineup of Snow Peak includes the following items:

  • TAKIBI down jacket
  • TAKIBI pants
  • TAKIBI coveralls
  • TAKIBI vest

Posted September 20, 2018

Source: Teijin Ltd.

 

Cinte Techtextil China Succeeds As An Effective Business Platform Once Again

HONG KONG — September 20, 2018 — Quality buyers, new business opportunities and a still-growing domestic market: this was the consensus from participants as Cinte Techtextil China concluded on September 6. The exhibitor and visitor numbers may have remained roughly the same this edition, but exhibitors all agreed that quality over quantity matters, and at the 2018 edition, this was certainly in evidence throughout the September 4-6 show in Shanghai. These exhibitors totaled 480 from 22 countries and regions (2016: 480, 26 countries and regions), including an 8 percent rise in overseas participants. The number of visits recorded a slight increase, totaling 13,203 from 55 countries and regions (2016: 13,085, 67 countries and regions).

“This edition, Cinte Techtextil China has further solidified its position as Asia’s leading business platform for the technical textiles and nonwovens industry,” remarked Wendy Wen, senior general manager of Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd., at the conclusion of the fair. “The fair’s strong reputation in China ensures that the leading players in the industry return here to do business every two years, while it was pleasing to hear from many exhibitors that there was a steady flow of new, high-quality buyers visiting their booths with the intention to do business. Couple this with the synergy effect between exhibitors from having 12 product application areas under one roof, and you have the most effective business platform in the region.”

Exhibitor comments

“For Cinte Techtextil, we exhibit here specifically to find new clients for technical applications, and the fair is effective for this. For these applications, we need customers from the entire supply chain, and here the mix of buyers is good, so we can meet relevant potential partners for a range of applications. Sustainability is playing a more important role in China, and we’ve had more requests this edition for products with sustainable production. Chinese manufacturers are also looking for new possibilities, so there is strong potential here for us to grow,” said 
Dr. Marina Crnoja-Cosic, head of Business Management, Global Business Management Industrial Applications, Lenzing, Austria.

“China is one of the most important markets for technical fabrics and has been growing every year. The visitor flow has been strong, so we’ve met some new potential customers, while our existing buyers have also been to see us. The Chinese buyers here are very professional. When they come to our booth, they have specific questions and requirements for us. Being an overseas brand, we feel an advantage here as they are keen to source from European companies,”
 said Cristiano Capitanio, sales manager – Asia Pacific, Itema S.p.A., Italy.

“There is a lot of demand for our recycled fibers here in China. I am satisfied with the number of visitors to our booth, and we have collected many new contacts. This is our first participation here, so we have got to know what specific products the Chinese market is interested in. There is big potential from Chinese buyers for our products,”
 said Thomas Dumortier, CEO, Belrey Fibres NV, Belgium.

“We’re targeting Asian customers here, and we’re satisfied with the number and quality of buyers we’ve met. 40 percent have been new contacts, and they’ve shown strong interest in our products. The Chinese market has been very good this year, and is still growing fast. Environmental protection has become an important issue, so more customers are showing interest in filtration products. I am very convinced that the market for our products will continue to grow in the next 3 – 5 years,” said
 Florian Kisling, managing director, Perlon GmbH, Germany.

“This is our first time at the fair, and we’re here to build a customer base, seek distribution partners and find raw material suppliers. I can say already it’s been worthwhile for us to exhibit here. The buyers have been qualified, focused and know what they want, and we will be able to generate new business from the fair. The feeling I get here is the Chinese market is very open, especially to imports. People here are willing to do business and look for solutions, and even though we’re new to the market, they trust our overseas experience. There is a clear agenda here of environmental protection too, and strong demand for high-tech products,”
 said Gerhard Mangold, deputy general manager, FPC, Saudi Arabia.

“We are very satisfied as we’ve had many potential customers visit our booth. They are from around the world, including Sweden, France, Spain, Canada, India and Asia. About 95 percent of them are new to us as well. The fair has been a good opportunity for us to introduce our company and products to more buyers,”
 said Jacob Kye, sales & marketing representative, Easychem Co. Ltd., Korea.

“This edition we met many Chinese auto manufacturers with clear sourcing targets who wanted to learn about our new filtration products. This fair has a high reputation in China, so we can effectively promote our brand image here. Stricter environmental protection policies in China have led to a rise in the demand for filtration products, as well as advanced technology and solutions from overseas,”
 said Zhang Meng, technical support engineer, Johns Manville Shanghai Nonwovens Co. Ltd., China.

“The buyers here closely match our target, and have a strong intention to source. Negotiations on future cooperation have gone very well this week. Domestic producers are seeking greener and high-tech functional fabrics, so our products, which are based on European and American standards, have been quite popular recently, and there is more room for growth the future,”
 said Alan Hsiao, sales manager, Advance Hitech Textile Intl Corp., Taiwan.

Buyer feedback

“I came here to source nonwovens for various applications, and I have been able to find what I was looking for from both international and Chinese exhibitors. It is useful to have the big global brands here, as well as discover some medium-sized companies from China that I can source from,”
 said Ramia Bisset, Newway Fabrics Trading Ltd., France.

“Coming to this fair you can always find new products. It’s a good opportunity to meet our existing suppliers, as well as discover new ones. I’m looking for European suppliers as well as Chinese, and the local producers’ quality is impressive. As we are representing Indian fibre manufacturers in different sectors, it’s very useful at this fair to have such a wide range of suppliers in the one place,”
 said Viraj Roongta, Director – sales & marketing, Stuti Exports Pvt. Ltd., India.

“Cinte Techtextil is a comprehensive international trade fair, with many leading global brands present which I find beneficial. As there is a lot of development happening in the US and Europe, I can find many new products from the international exhibitors at this fair that meet my needs. The fair is also a good platform to discover new technologies and solutions,”
 said Tony Liu, director of sales, Sinty Sci-Tech Co. Ltd., China.

The next Cinte Techtextil China will take place in autumn 2020. The next Messe Frankfurt fair in the technical textiles sector in China is the China International Nonwovens Expo & Forum (CINE, supported by Techtextil) which will be held in June 2019, also in Shanghai. Cinte Techtextil China is organised by Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd; the Sub-Council of Textile Industry, CCPIT; and the China Nonwovens & Industrial Textiles Association (CNITA).

Posted September 20, 2018

Source: Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd

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