Checkpoint Systems Launches NeedleLok Theft Solution

New anti-theft tags from Checkpoint Systems, Thorofare, N.J., promise to protect fine garments without leaving a pin hole. According to the company, the single-piece NeedleLok™ solution — which may be used on delicate fabrics such as intimates, and light and thin fabrics — is easy to apply and remove, protects the needle when not in use for safety, and has highly visible red ink vials to provide a visual deterrent. Checkpoint offers an acousto-magnetic or radio frequency ferrite that works with an electronic article surveillance system. NeedleLok is offered in three locking strengths — S3, Standard Lock or Super Lock.

“Unlike other retail anti-theft solutions that simply aren’t appropriate for fine garments, NeedleLok will gently spread fabric threads instead of piercing them, therefore avoiding leaving a visible hole after removal,” said Stuart Rosenthal , vice president of Sales and Marketing for Checkpoint’s Alpha High-Theft Solutions. “This, combined with powerful anti-theft features, make it the perfect solution for protecting intimates and other thin/fine fabric garments.”

January/February 2018

Datacolor’s ColorReader Offers Handheld Color Matching Capability

Datacolor®, Lawrenceville, N.J., has introduced ColorReader, an ultra-portable, handheld color identification and matching tool. ColorReader, a complement to its professional device ColorReaderPRO, is targeted to professionals as well as homeowners who wish to identify the colors of paints and everyday objects including textiles. ColorReader is Bluetooth® connected and works with the ColorReader mobile app. The device identifies colors based on NCS® 1950 and RAL® Classic, Design and Effect color standards.

“We hear time and time again from designers, homeowners and painters who’ve spent a lot of time and money trying to find the perfect paint to match their color inspiration – whether it be a decorative throw pillow or even a piece of artwork,” said Susan Bunting, product marketing manager, Datacolor. “In the end, they settled for a color that still wasn’t quite right. Therefore, we set out to develop the latest product in our line of color management solutions. We wanted an easy-to-use color identification tool that is affordable for all.”

January/February 2018

Fiberactive Organics Introduces Sewpure™ Thread

Fiberactive Organics LLC, Apex, N.C., has introduced Sewpure™ organic cotton 3-ply thread in multipurpose Tex 40 and heavy-duty Tex 70 versions. According to the company, Sewpure Tex 40 is durable enough for sportswear and home décor items, but still thin enough to be used in overlock, zig-zag and domestic sewing machines. The Tex 70 thread may be used for jeans, outerwear, duffle bags and other canvas products.

The basic thread is untreated and maintains its natural cotton color, which is suitable for manufacturers who will piece dye garments after sewing. Fiberactive plans a short range of earthly hues, and will expand the palette depending on demand. The company also reports it has the capability to produce custom-colored threads to match Pantone colors or DTM swatches. Sewpure is GOTS certified; and supplied on recyclable plastic cones and recycled content cardboard tubes, as well as packaged in compostable, vegetable-based plastic.

“Sewpure is specifically designed for customers that have had to turn away from using organic cotton thread because of strength issues,” said Julie Moore, founder, Fiberactive Organics. “It’s not enough to make organic cotton thread. If we’re generating plastic trash and greenhouse gasses in order to bring that thread to our customers we’re not doing the whole job. Being sustainable involves every part of every product, and how it’s made, and how it’s shipped.”

January/February 2018

L.L.Bean To Explore Loomia Blockchain Technology

Freeport,. Maine-based L.L.Bean announced it will explore blockchain technology with San Francisco-based Loomia. The partnership will explore how apparel equipped with Loomia’s data-gathering technology can assess the use and performance of the apparel products and offer insight on the use rate of items returned under the company’s 100-percent satisfaction guarantee. L.L.Bean will first test the technology by incorporating Loomia Electronic Layer (LEL) into outerwear items including jackets and boots. The discreet flexible circuitry LEL can heat, light and sense, while remaining washable and dryable, according to Loomia. Consumers will be able to share the data — related to temperature, motion and frequency of wear — with L.L.Bean for rewards.

“Working with Loomia will enable L.L.Bean to continue its 106-year-old mission of utilizing the latest advancements and technologies to design durable, functionally innovative products that help to further folks’ enjoyment of the outdoors,” said Chad Leeder, L.L.Bean’s innovation specialist.

January/February 2018

True Fit Announces $55 Million Series C Investment

Boston-based True Fit Corp. has closed a $55 million Series C investment led by Georgian Partners. Existing investors Jump Capital, Signal Peak Ventures and Intel Capital, as well as new investor Cross Creek Capital, also were involved in the deal.

True Fit reports it will use the funding to further develop its artificial intelligence data platform; advance its personalized style, fit and analytics solutions; and expand its offerings with new capabilities. The company tripled its growth year-on-year in 2017, surpassed the 55 million mark for registered users and has a presence on the top 200 major global enterprise retail websites.

“The retail industry is experiencing an exciting and profound shift toward great, personal experiences, and rich, data-driven personalization is at the core driving the growth,” said William R. Adler, CEO, True Fit. “We’re thrilled to welcome Georgian Partners to our investor group and Board of Directors. The Georgian team is extraordinary, and their thesis for building the world’s best AI-driven data platforms makes this a very natural partnership.”

January/February 2018

Success For Texworld USA, Apparel Sourcing USA

The Winter editions of Texworld USA and Apparel Sourcing USA recently wrapped at the Javits Center in New York City. According to show organizer, Atlanta-based Messe Frankfurt Inc., the events attracted the largest group of exhibitors and visitors for a January show with 371 and more than 4,000 respectively. Attendees — from designers to industry buyers — gathered to see the latest trends and offerings in textiles, trims, accessories, manufacturing and private label development services and finished apparel. The complimentary educational seminars, organized by Lenzing Fibers, also provided a networking and learning opportunity for visitors.

“As organizers, we recognize that our responsibilities extend far beyond providing a space for the industry to do business here in New York City,” said Jennifer Bacon, show director, Fashion & Apparel, Messe Frankfurt. “We believe in building a true industry event that unites the best talent from the industry with access to education and valuable resources, as well as a chance for our vibrant community to connect and exchange ideas.”

January/February 2018

Stoll, Myant Collaborate On Smart Textiles

Germany-based H. Stoll AG & Co. KG has announced a collaboration with Toronto-based Myant Inc., an innovation company with a focus on designing, developing and producing connected textile-based products using printed technologies and fiber science. The partnership aims to populate functional computing textile manufacturing in the United States and Canada with 500 state-of-the-art Stoll knitting machines to advance the research, development and engineering of functional computing textiles.

“Our collaboration with Myant represents a completely new approach to smart textiles,” said Andreas Schellhammer, CEO, Stoll. “The demand for smart fabrics has never been higher as companies race to create garments, wearables, industrial, defense, healthcare and household items to connect humans to the Internet of Things. Myant is leading the creation of a new economy in functional computing textiles with Stoll machines. They have the vision and the right interdisciplinary team to make this a global revolution.”

“Myant and Stoll are taking a big step to democratize manufacturing and resuscitate a ‘making’ culture in Canada and the U.S.,” said Tony Chahine, CEO and founder, Myant. “Our goal is to reduce the barriers to entry in textile innovation and production and promote collaboration between scientists, doctors, engineers, designers, students, and anyone with a creative idea. I believe that true innovation is only possible when the inventor can actually make the invention. The Stoll machines will have a massive impact on commercialization in the smart textile industry, which is in need of disruption, and will help to speed up the prototyping to production cycle.”

January/February 2018

Wave Of New Innovation In Product Launches At The Wearable Technology Show

LONDON — February 28, 2018 — Leading the charge for future emerging connected technology, exhibitors at this year’s Wearable Technology Show will be showcasing some of the hottest and most innovative new products and prototypes of the year.

One hundrede exhibitors from more than 20 countries will be on the show floor to unveil their latest innovations in smart technology, many of which will never have been seen before in Europe. Toshiba, WiTGrip and Thrive Wearables will all be exclusively be launching new launches and there will be over 20 others including:

  • AIO Sleeve by KOMODO Technologies. A revolutionary, all-in-one wearable solution. From in depth activity tracking, to monitoring one’s overall health and wellness by using something KOMODO calls Health Score. The AIO App monitors unique heart rate patters and generates a score based on a five star system, all inside the comfort of a smart compression sleeve.
  • ORA-C by Optinvent. The world’s first smart safety cap. A new type ofwearable for professionals that uses a cutting edge patented AR display technology. Running on Android, Optinvent disrupts the smart glass experience with this new offering, that allows users to have an improved hands free, ergonomic experience. The ORA-C uses the company’s patented see-through retinal display, includes a microprocessor and a complete set of sensors.
  • HearingFitness™ App by Oticon. The start of data-driven hearing care, the HearingFitness app gives insight into the daily use of the world’d first internet-connected hearing aids, Opn by Oticon. Using the app enables a more personalised hearing care than ever before, as it continually optimises a user’s solution to their specific, individual and changing needs and sound environments.
  • INA by Savor Health. Intelligent Nutrition Assistant is developed by a team of data-scientists and oncology-credentialed medical professionals specifically for cancer patients. Designed to improve clinical and quality of life outcomes and empowers patients to take control of their disease.

This year’s Wearable Technology Show will also boast a diverse 200-strong speaker conference programme with contributions from some of the biggest names in wearables, digital health, AVR and IoT, including Microsoft, Samsung, HTC, Sky, Toshiba, NHS, Hugo Boss and Stella McCartney plus many more.

“Attendees are always drawn to the show by the expanse of new innovation we have on the ground to announce and demonstrate. This year, that will be no exception. There will be a vast range of new products on show from a wide cross section of industry sectors; health to business, and lifestyle to leisure, there’ll be something for everybody.” commented COO John Weir.

He added: “The show is a great platform for brands big and small to exhibit the best that smart technology has to offer. From start ups to household names, we can expect some exciting products and prototypes to be here. Coupled with our speaker conference programme, delegates can expect to garner insight to some of the latest innovation and how that’s shaping the technology of tomorrow.”

Organizers are expecting 5,000 attendees at the Wearable Technology Show next month, which takes place on 13-14 March at ExCeL London and is co-located with the AVR 360 Show, IOT Connect and the Digital Health Technology Show, making it Europe’s biggest launch event for emerging connected technology.

Posted February 28 ,2018

Source: Wearable Technology Show

Under Armour Announces Retirement Of Chief Revenue Officer

BALTIMORE — February 28, 2018 — Under Armour Inc. today announced that Karl-Heinz (Charlie) Maurath will retire as its chief revenue officer effective March 31, 2018.

“We express our heartfelt thanks to Charlie who has played a pivotal role in establishing Under Armour as one of the world’s largest athletic brands,” said Kevin Plank, Under Armour Chairman and CEO. “Through proven and thoughtful leadership, Charlie’s contributions to building our world-class sales organization have positioned our brand for sustainable, long-term growth. On behalf of the entire organization, we wish him the very best in his well-earned retirement.”

Maurath joined Under Armour in September 2012 as President, International with responsibility for growing the company’s business overseas. He was named Chief Revenue Officer in November 2015, leading all global regions inclusive of North America, EMEA, Asia-Pacific and Latin America, as well as the global Direct-to-Consumer business. During his tenure, Under Armour successfully transitioned into a $5 billion global brand with revenue outside of North America growing at a 50% CAGR and reaching 22% of total revenue.

“Under Charlie’s direction, we have grown from an American company selling product in other countries to a successful international business of more than $1 billion in revenue,” said Patrik Frisk, Under Armour president and COO. “With an incredibly strong foundation, we look forward to building on his great work as this team continues to grow our global footprint, delivering the Under Armour experience to athletes around the world.”

The four regional leaders and the head of global retail will report directly to Patrik Frisk upon Maurath’s departure, while Paul Fipps, chief digital officer will have oversight of the company’s global ecommerce business.

Posted February 28 ,2018

Source: Under Armour, Inc.

Beaulieu Launches EqoBalance® Nylon Carpet Yarns

Belgium-based Beaulieu Yarns has introduced the EqoBalance® family of biomass-balance nylon 6 yarns for carpet. The biomass balance method ensures that at the beginning of the supply chain, natural renewable raw materials can partially or even fully replace fossil resources in the process of turning polymers into yarns with the goal of reducing the use of fossil resources as well as reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

According to the company, the EqoBalance yarns reduce carbon dioxide equivalents per kilogram by up to 75 percent compared to its traditional fossil-based yarns, but do so without compromising on quality or performance of the end product. The yarns also meet the standards for TÜV SÜD certification standard CMS 71 — Certification of the use of renewable resources.”

“Carpet tufters are requesting more environmentally-compatible yarns to support their overall commitment to greater sustainability and more efficient resource use,” said Karena Cancilleri, vice president of Engineered Products, Beaulieu International Group.

“We see biomass balance as the fastest path forward and, through EqoBalance, are excited to pioneer this milestone for the contract market as part of our long-term strategy to give customers a fundamental new choice to step into sustainable products and contribute to a better world.”

January/February 2018

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