medi USA Introduces The New Ready-To-Wear circaid® juxtafit® Essentials Armsleeve

WHITSETT, N.C. — September 5, 2018 — Medical device manufacturer medi USA announced the launch of the new ready-to-wear circaid® juxtafit® essentials armsleeve. The juxtafit essentials armsleeve is an inelastic compression wrap for the management of lymphedema and lipedema.

Designed with patented juxtaposing band technology and made with a soft and breathable fabric, the juxtafit essentials armsleeve applies graduated compression from the wrist to the upper arm. The easy-to-use juxtaposing bands promote patient self-management and improve quality of life, enabling patients themselves to easily adjust their compression wrap throughout the day. The juxtafit essentials armsleeve also contains silver to prevent odor and the spreading of bacteria in the garment. circaid products are designed with a patented Built-In-Pressure System™ (BPS™) that enables multiple, measurable, targeted compression ranges in a single product.

“It is extremely valuable for patients with lymphedema to be as independent as possible in self-management of their condition, and to maintain their quality of life,” said Christopher Miles, senior manager of Clinical Services at medi USA, Occupational Therapist and Certified Lymphedema Therapist. “The circaid juxtafit essentials armsleeve is easy to use, low-profile to fit under clothes, and is lightweight and breathable so patients feel comfortable wearing it.”

The juxtafit essentials armsleeve is available in left and right variants, three lengths and six sizes for optimal comfort and efficacy. medi also offers custom versions of the circaid juxtafit essentials armsleeve, as well as ready-to-wear and custom options for hand compression.

The new ready-to-wear juxtafit essentials armsleeve joins a full range of compression products offered by medi in their circaid inelastic compression line. medi creates compression products that fit every patient for all stages of venous and lymphatic conditions.

Posted September 6, 2018

Source: medi USA

ExxonMobil Signs Framework Agreement for Proposed Chemical Complex in China

SPRING, Texas — September 5, 2018 — ExxonMobil said today that it has signed a cooperation framework agreement with the Guangdong Provincial People’s Government to advance discussions concerning the proposed construction of a chemical complex in the Huizhou Dayawan Petrochemical Industrial Park. The new facility would help meet expected demand growth for chemical products in China.

The multibillion-dollar project, which remains subject to a final investment decision, would include a 1.2 million-tons-per-year ethylene flexible feed steam cracker, two performance polyethylene lines and two differentiated performance polypropylene lines. ExxonMobil’s decision to proceed with the project will be based on a number of factors, including receipt of permits and project competitiveness. Startup is planned for 2023.

“Our agreement with the Guangdong Provincial Government demonstrates ExxonMobil’s interest in advancing this project from concept to completion,” said John Verity, president of the ExxonMobil Chemical Company. “We value the government’s support and its experience in moving such a large-scale project forward.”

The new complex would rely on advanced proprietary technologies in direct crude steam cracking and performance polymers manufacturing. It would support progress toward China’s national petrochemical development priorities, which include self-sufficiency, diversified feedstock sources, rebalancing fuels versus chemicals and advancing new competitive technology. The framework agreement also confirms Guangdong Province’s support in progressing the Huizhou LNG receiving terminal, in which ExxonMobil intends to participate, including supply of LNG.

The company is also evaluating other chemicals manufacturing projects in Asia to help meet expected demand growth in the region. ExxonMobil expects to grow chemicals manufacturing capacity in Asia Pacific and North America by about 40 percent. That growth will be achieved in part by adding 13 new facilities, including two world-class steam crackers in the United States that are part of the company’s Growing the Gulf initiative. These investments would enable the company to meet increasing demand in Asia and other growing markets.

The company recently commenced operations at its new 1.5 million ton-per-year ethane cracker at the company’s integrated Baytown chemical and refining complex in Texas. ExxonMobil and SABIC have also created a new joint venture to advance development of the Gulf Coast Growth Ventures project, a 1.8 million tonne ethane cracker currently planned for construction in San Patricio County, Texas. The facility will also include a monoethylene glycol unit and two polyethylene units.

ExxonMobil’s downstream and chemical businesses both have a presence in China, and the company operates primarily through its Shanghai-based ExxonMobil (China) Investment Co. Ltd. affiliate. The company is also a joint venture partner with Sinopec, Fujian Province and Saudi Aramco in China’s first integrated refining and petrochemical facility to include international participation.

ExxonMobil is committed to social investment where it operates and supports programs that focus on the environment, health and education.

Posted September 6, 2018

Source: ExxonMobil

Signing Ceremony Of EPC Contract For Borouge’s PP5 In Ruwais To Increase Polypropylene Capacity By 25 Percent

ABU DHABI, UAE — September 5, 2018 — On September 5, 2018, Borouge signed, with Marie Tecnimont Group, the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contract for its fifth polypropylene (PP5) plant in Ruwais, which will grow Borouge’s polypropylene capacity by 25 percent to 2.24 million tonnes per year (t/y) and unlock new opportunities to reinforce local industries.

With a nameplate capacity of 480,000 t/y, the new PP5 plant will be integrated with the existing Borouge 3 plant in Ruwais and will be expected to come on stream in Q3 2021. Enabled by Borealis’ proprietary Borstar® technology, Borouge’s PP5 plant will play an important role in helping ADNOC deliver against its downstream strategy announced in the recent Downstream Investment Forum, held in May 2018, with the aim to significantly expand its refining and petrochemical operations — through the creation of the world’s largest integrated refining and petrochemicals complex in Ruwais — undertake highly targeted overseas investments to secure greater market access, and increase ADNOC’s, and its subsidiaries’, range and volume of high-value downstream products.

Building the PP5 plant in Ruwais significantly contributes to achieving Borouge’s ambition of growing the polymers production capacity by 11% to reach 5 million tonnes per year which is effectively linked to the growth ambitions of both ADNOC and Borealis to grow polymers production capacity.

The PP5 plant will become the tenth Borstar® plant in Ruwais that contributes to ensuring global supply of creative polypropylene products based on the partnership between ADNOC and Borealis. The Ruwais-based plant will help Borouge expand its product portfolio and deliver leading solutions to its customers across the globe, especially in the packaging industry.

Posted September 6, 2018

Source: Borouge

Levi Strauss & Co. Announces Management Changes To Accelerate Direct-To-Consumer Growth, Consolidate End-To-End Accountability And Elevate Marketing

SAN FRANCISCO — September 6, 2018 — Levi Strauss & Co. (LS&Co.) today announced a series of leadership moves designed to streamline decision-making and consolidate accountability for core business growth drivers.

LS&Co. has taken action to:

  • Create a consolidated Product, Innovation & Supply Chain organization led by Liz O’Neill, who has been appointed executive vice president and president. This new organization combines the key product functions of design, merchandising, product development and planning into a single team; further integrates supply chain into the consumer journey; and enhances LS&Co.’s opportunity to fully leverage emerging innovations like Project F.L.X. technology. Formerly LS&Co.’s chief supply chain officer, O’Neill brings more than two decades of apparel experience to this newly created role. She will be responsible for the end-to-end view of the product lifecycle, from ideation to what ultimately shows up in stores and online.
  • Establish a new Direct-to-Consumer organization led by Marc Rosen, executive vice president and president. Rosen, who previously led LS&Co.’s ecommerce business, will now be responsible for delivering a seamless consumer experience across both brick-and-mortar and ecommerce. Marc is a veteran retailer who was one of Walmart’s most respected business leaders for nearly 15 years. Consumers expect brands to connect with them wherever and whenever they choose to shop. The expansion of LS&Co.’s retail network along with the emergence of digital have increasingly given the company a direct relationship with consumers — one that did not exist when LS&Co. was exclusively a wholesaler. With the consolidation of LS&Co.’s brick-and-mortar and ecommerce organizations, Carrie Ask, executive vice president and president, global retail, is leaving LS&Co. to pursue another role. “Carrie made an indelible impact on LS&Co., accelerating profitable growth through a deep understanding of consumer wants and needs and instilling the rigor of a disciplined retailer. She is an exceptional talent who will continue to shape the future of retail,” Bergh said.
  • Promote Jen Sey, senior vice president and LS&Co.’s Chief Marketing Officer, to report to Bergh. Sey, a 19-year veteran of LS&Co. and most recently chief marketing officer for the Levi’s® brand, has spearheaded the Levi’s® brand’s resurgence. Marketing has fueled this growth, and LS&Co. continues to increase investment in this important driver. Sey’s organization now includes research and marketplace insights.
  • Establish a new Strategy and Analytics organization, elevating the importance of data and analytics and pairing it with strategy to shape the future. This addition reflects the company’s belief that it has an untapped competitive advantage in unleashing the power of data and analytics. The company is currently recruiting for an executive to lead this organization. He/she will report to Bergh.

“With these shifts, we are creating a ‘designed-for-the-future’ organization – one that is poised to take advantage of innovation and reflect how consumers shop,” Bergh said. “Levi Strauss & Co. has never been stronger, and we expect these actions to accelerate our momentum and position us to win for the long term.”

As LS&Co. moves to implement these changes, James “JC” Curleigh, president, global brands, announced his plans to leave the company to pursue new opportunities. Over the past six years, Curleigh and his team have returned the Levi’s® brand to profitable growth through a strategic focus on building brand energy, driving product innovation and establishing market solutions around the world.

“JC joined LS&Co. with a mission to re-establish Levi’s® as a leading lifestyle brand. Today, our brands are more relevant and we are more connected to popular culture than we’ve been in decades,” Bergh said. “His leadership has been critical to driving our current success, and his unique brand of leadership will no doubt continue to inspire and drive results. I want to thank him for all that he has done for the company. We will miss him.”

Posted September 6, 2018

Source: Levi Strauss & Co.

Naked Brand Group Limited Enters Into Non-Binding Letter Of Intent To Acquire A Leading U.S. Online Women’s Retailer

SYDNEY — September 6, 2018 — Naked Brand Group Ltd. has entered into a non-binding letter of intent to acquire a leading U.S. online retailer of women’s apparel. The purchase price under the transaction is expected to be $42.5 million, which would include cash, stock and assumption of approximately $6.1 million of the retailer’s debt.

Combined with Naked’s existing Frederick’s of Hollywood e-Commerce license revenue, which has grown 36 percent in the last 12 months, a successful closing of this acquisition is expected to take Naked’s projected e-Commerce revenues in excess of $70 million for FY2019. Including integration synergies, management expects the combined e-Commerce business to generate a projected EBITDA contribution of $11.3 million and projected net income of $5.3 million for FY2019. Projections for revenue are based on an assumption of approximately 26 percent year-over-year revenue growth for Frederick’s of Hollywood and minimal growth assumed for the retailer’s business.

The prospective acquisition represents an integral component of Naked’s major focus on expanding the Company’s direct to consumer product and brand mix. If the transaction is consummated, e-Commerce would represent approximately 43 percent of projected group revenues, with overall direct to consumer channels (including owned retail and outlet stores) reaching 70% of projected revenue contribution, for FY2019.

The intimate apparel industry in the United States is expected to grow to $250 billion by 2022.

“We are continuing to make strides in our digital and e-Commerce focused strategy that we believe will accelerate our growth trajectory and drive meaningful EBITDA contribution in FY2019,” said Justin Davis-Rice, CEO, Naked Brand Group. “The acquisition would augment our proprietary digital operating platform to create ongoing synergies that we believe will produce over $70 million in e-Commerce revenues in the United States for FY2019 and will be accretive to Naked shareholders over the long term,” concluded Davis-Rice.

The letter of intent is non-binding and the Company has not entered into a definitive agreement for the proposed transaction. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that the transaction will occur. The proposed transaction is subject to negotiating the terms of, and executing, a definitive agreement relating to the proposed transaction and obtaining and satisfying all other necessary closing conditions.  Furthermore, the terms of the transaction are still subject to discussion and may be changed as a result of any material positive or adverse change to the business of either party. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that a transaction will be entered into or that the proposed transaction will be consummated on the terms described in this press release or at all.

Posted September 6, 2018

Source: Naked Brand Group

JCPenney Introduces Affordable, Boho Styles For Women With Launch Of Artesia™

PLANO, Texas — September 6, 2018 — As JCPenney focuses on driving its women’s apparel business, the retailer is launching Artesia, a new boho style brand for women. Arriving just in time for the fall fashion season, Artesia offers an effortlessly chic collection of relaxed silhouettes, flowy fabrics and peasant-style tops and dresses that bring a modern twist to the vintage, bohemian trend. Available exclusively at JCPenney, the brand will launch in nearly 400 stores and at JCPenney.com beginning Sept. 7.

“We strategically chose to bring Artesia into our women’s assortment to fill a void on our floor. The carefree, eclectic aesthetic of the boho trend appeals to many women and the fit is flattering on countless different shapes and sizes,” said Jodie Johnson, senior vice president and head of merchandising for JCPenney. “With the introduction of Artesia, our customer can embrace the bohemian trend without spending a fortune, reinforcing our commitment to bring her elevated, on-trend looks at an incredible value.”

The debut collection of Artesia features an updated, free-spirited look, with items including crochet cardigans and dusters, peasant blouses and tiered flounce tops combined with beautiful details such as flutter sleeves, lace, tassels and fringe. Women will gravitate to the earthy tones and rich paisley prints of the brand, with each piece available on sale for less than $30. Located on the women’s floor next to the retailer’s a.n.a® denim shop, Artesia is designed to pair with denim pieces from the Company’s popular casual women’s brand.

Artesia will be showcased in the JCPenney women’s fall fashion mailer this month and promoted via the Company’s email, social and digital marketing channels. Customers can look forward to shopping new, whimsical styles from Artesia each month.

Posted September 6, 2018

Source: J. C. Penney Company, Inc.

ITMA Asia + CITME 2018 Exhibitor Preview: Graf + Cie AG

RAPPERSWIL, Switzerland — August, 2018 — Graf will present its wide portfolio of solutions at ITMA ASIA + CITME 2018. The exhibition is held in Shanghai from October 15-19, 2018, at the National Exhibition and Convention Centre. Graf + Cie AG welcomes the interested visitors in hall 1, booth D01.

The company Graf, located in Rapperswil (Switzerland), is a leading supplier of clothings for flat cards, roller cards and combs for combing machines. As a complete system provider, Graf offers a comprehensive package from the product and technical advice through to service and service equipment. This full range of products and services is designed to deliver maximum value to customers. Graf also supports its customers by developing custom-made solutions for all their application needs.

Graf’s new products and product systems always have one goal: to strengthen the customers’ position in their markets. Graf + Cie AG will show its wide portfolio of solutions for the spinning and fiber preparation process.

Ri-Q-Comb flex, the innovative circular comb series with adjustable height for up to 20% lower imperfections.

The new top combs FIXPRO C35 and C40 will be presented for the first time at an international trade fair. With 35 or 40 teeth respectively, nep values can be improved by up to 30%.

The EasyTop System of flat clothings stands for optimal settings of the carding gap and reduces the loss in good fiber. In addition, the handling of flat clothing replacement is much easier and can be done without special equipment.

The reputable product line of flexible flat clothings, well-known by the brand names resist-O-top or InLine-X-Top, stand for better quality in combination with higher lifetime compared to competitor-products in the short to medium staple range.

Besides the applications on display, Graf provides a wide range of solutions in the carding-, combing- and nonwoven-processes.

Posted September 6, 2018

Source: Graf + Cie AG

Hexcel’s Acousti-Cap® Technology Helping To Reduce Aircraft Noise In NASA-Boeing Flight Test

STAMFORD, Conn. — September 6, 2018 — Because aircraft engine noise contributes to environmental noise around airports and populated cities, the aerospace industry has been working on new aircraft designs that will emit less noise so they can meet the ever-increasing requirements imposed on the industry to reduce noise pollution. Shielding and absorbing aircraft engine noise at the source represents one of the most effective ways to address this issue.

Hexcel, a global leader in advanced composite technology, has been at the forefront of acoustic technology development with its Acousti-Cap® broadband sound-reducing honeycomb, which enables engine designers to reduce the noise from takeoffs and landings yet without adding significant weight to the aircraft.

“Hexcel has continued investing in the evolution of Acousti-Cap® product technology to improve performance and reduce cost,” said Imad Atallah, Group Product Manager for Honeycomb at Hexcel. “Collaboration with industry leaders, including NASA and Boeing, has been key to that development,” he added.

The 2DOF (Two Degrees of Freedom) honeycomb core acoustic liner was introduced in 2008 and was subsequently adopted and installed on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner inlet, the Boeing 747-8 inlet and transcowl, and more recently on the Boeing 737 MAX inlet. This success enabled continued technology development and evolution in MDOF (Multi-Degrees of Freedom) where the acoustic septum is inserted in the honeycomb cell at different heights, as well as having two septums in honeycomb chambers. This type of technology allows for improved acoustic attenuation at a broader frequency range, as well as increased absorption.

“Hexcel’s Acousti-Cap® technology has shown great performance benefits over competing technologies from the beginning” said Clark Smith, director of Technology – Core Products at Hexcel. “We have continued to improve the technology through taking advantage of the single cell treatment concept, by adding capability that the industry was looking for,” he added.

Hexcel’s latest Acousti-Cap technology was recently tested in a joint NASA-Boeing flight test on a B737 MAX test platform, and the results beat expectations as reported by Aviation Week. Collaboration between Hexcel and NASA over several years on the development of MDOF technology led to the successful test results on this latest flight test.

The ability to attenuate a broader noise frequency range and increase acoustic absorption with the Hexcel liner has allowed an optimized design of the overall inlet that reduces drag and improves noise attenuation. Hexcel continues to invest in acoustic liner technology and is proud of the positive results of this NASA-Boeing flight test.

Posted September 6, 2018

Source: Hexcel Corp.

DuPont Expands Kinston, N.C., Facility To Meet Growing Global Demand For Sorona® Polymer, Support Circular Economy

WILMINGTON, Del. — September 6, 2018 — DuPont Industrial Biosciences today completed the expansion of their Kinston, N.C., manufacturing facility that produces bio-based, high-performance DuPont™ Sorona® polymer. From the expansion, DuPont has increased the facility’s capacity to produce Sorona polymer by 25 percent. This investment is reflective of the growing demand for Sorona polymer throughout the carpet and apparel markets and an emerging global focus on building the circular economy.

“This expansion is a direct result of the significant growth in global demand for Sorona polymer and a testament to DuPont’s commitment to manufacturing innovative products in North Carolina,” said Dr. Michael Saltzberg, global business director of DuPont Biomaterials. “We are grateful for the support from partners that made this project possible including: Lenoir County Economic Development, North Carolina Community College System, Lenoir Community College, Duke Energy Corporation, North Carolina Department of Commerce and North Carolina Department of Transportation.”

DuPont Sorona polymer is made from 37 percent renewable plant-based ingredients and has many versatile applications. As compared to similar materials, like nylon 6, Sorona® polymer uses 30 percent less energy and releases 63 percent fewer greenhouse gas emissions. In addition to reducing its reliance on fossil fuels, Sorona polymer combines eco-efficiency with function, as its high-performance qualities can be used in a variety of applications. Fibers made with Sorona polymer exhibit exceptional softness, inherent stain resistance and uncompromising durability, offering a sustainable, high-performing material option for customers throughout the supply chain.

DuPont Industrial Biosciences employs more than 90 workers in Kinston through the manufacturing of Sorona® polymer. With the startup of the line, four additional employees also are being recruited.

“We are thrilled at the continued success of both the outstanding team at the Kinston facility, as well as all of our team members and partners that have helped to drive the success of a high-performance, sustainable polymer in the marketplace,” said René Molina, global product manager for DuPont Biomaterials.

Posted September 6, 2018

Source: DuPont Industrial Biosciences

Standfast & Barracks Encourages Own Customers To Join Wave Of Innovation Provided Through Durst

BRIXEN, Italy — September 6, 2018 — Digital production now accounts for more than half the business revenues at Standfast & Barracks with customers being encouraged be part of the new wave of innovation provided through Durst, manufacturer of advanced digital production technologies.

Less than three years since a devastating flood closed the factory for more than four months, Standfast & Barracks continues to cement its partnership with Durst. It expects 60 percent of turnover to be from digital production by the start of next year. The cutting-edge technology is also helping to drive export growth that by the end of 2018 will represent 20 percent of sales, of which half are to the USA.

Standfast & Barracks produces more than 150,000 yards of printed fabric per month. And until five years ago, this was all done by conventional printing. Turnover at 15.4 million pounds ($20 million) is now back at the same levels prior to the flooding, with sales success largely down to digital print production advances. The UK fabric printing company has two Durst Alpha 190 systems, which are part of a new generation of super high-performance multi-pass printers with the One-Step Greentex P ink.

Standfast & Barracks has now trademarked its innovative direct-to-fabric Greentex pigment printed collection, Ecofast™,  which is sustainable and has highest lightfastness in its class. Using the system that allows printing on almost any type of surface, Standfast & Barracks plans to formally launch the new Ecofast line at Heimtextil in January 2019. Durst’s technology will enable the company to open up market opportunities in areas such as contract and apparel, including outdoor and roller-blinds.

Standfast & Barracks, with a heritage stretching back almost 100 years, employs 200 people and is one of the most versatile and distinctive printers in the world. It is part of the British luxury furnishings group Walter Greenbank Plc and has an international reputation for a commitment to quality, innovation and advanced technologies.

A perfect example is the Durst Alpha is the Alpha 190, part of the Alpha Series that features different configurations and print widths for industrial printing of fashion garment and apparel, home textiles and upholstery. Durst developed the One-Step Greentex P ink especially for the Alpha Series. The environmentally friendly pigment and the reactive and dispersion inks are based on Durst Water Technology.

Stephen Thomas, managing director of Standfast & Barracks, said: “Our order books are definitely growing and we are actively encouraging our customers to do more digital printing, pointing out the many benefits. Our investment in Durst’s digital technology continues to trigger new waves of innovation. Digital gives unlimited opportunities and colour variations with the ability to develop new application and products and continue to develop our business — all with the support of Durst. Digital is by far our biggest growth area. It’s the future.”

Martin Winkler, segment manager Durst Textile Printing, said: “Standfast & Barracks is an exceptional example of how innovative companies are pushing the barriers by continue to invest in new digital technologies. We take great pride by working in partnership with our customers to help them to bigger and better things. And we look forward to continuing to work closely with Stephen and his great team to further help them grow opportunities that are virtually unlimited with digital.”

Posted September 6, 2018

Source: Durst Textile Printing

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