Earth Alive Launches The Hemp And Cotton Clean Fiber Initiative

MONTRÉAL — June 21, 2018 —  Earth Alive Clean Technologies Inc. — a Canada-based Clean-Tech company, developer and manufacturer of state-of-the-art microbial technology-based products for sustainable agriculture and mining — is pleased to announce the launch of the Clean Fiber Initiative, a collaborative research project to improve the production of natural fiber crops in Canada and around the world.

Hemp is a fiber crop that is experiencing rapid expansion in North America and around the world. Legislative changes are making it easier for farmers to produce hemp, and it is an excellent option for crop rotation. Hemp has lower water requirements than other fiber crops; it is also highly regenerative for farm soils. Scaling up hemp production will require not only increasing the number of acres, but also maximizing crop yield and quality. Sustainable crop nutrition will be key.

Cotton is one of the most widespread natural fiber crops, but its environmental impact is under growing scrutiny. With 30 million acres of cotton grown around the world and the serious challenges it poses such as soil degradation, water depletion, and pesticide contamination, cotton growers are in need of new tools and approaches that protect soil quality, while maintaining crop productivity.

“We put soil health at the center of our work and we are confident that our Soil First platform will allow producers to improve the productivity of their fiber cultures, while reducing the net impact on the environment,” stated Michael Warren, CEO, Earth Alive. “By involving existing growers in the development of application protocols and in the evaluation of our products, we can monitor crop performance across a range of factors that are important to them. We are also looking at hemp seed and oil production. Additionally, one of our sites will monitor the changes in cannabidiol (CBD) levels in the plants; with legislative changes underway CBD extraction derived from hemp is expected to increase significantly in the future.”

Earth Alive currently has hemp trials underway with conventional and organic growers in Canada, as well as the United States. Cotton trials are underway in Peru and Burkina Faso. Earth Alive is calling for more producers to join the initiative. Participants will establish Clean Fiber Initiative trial sites on their commercial plantations and Earth Alive technical staff will monitor and evaluate the plots throughout the initiative.

“Sustainable agriculture isn’t just about producing nutritious food to eat, it’s also about producing safe and environmentally responsible clothes to wear,” said Simon Neufeld, chief agronomist, Earth Alive. “Fiber crops are an important revenue generator for farmers all over the world and we are focused on developing new technologies that will build and protect the soil to allow farmers to continue growing these crops for generations to come.”

Posted June 21, 2018

Source:  Earth Alive Clean Technologies Inc.

Innovative Plevo Smart Luggage Quickly Surpasses $50,000 Goal On Kickstarter

MIAMI — June 21, 2018 —  In less than 30 hours of launching on Kickstarter, the new Plevo smart luggage surpassed its campaign goal to attract more than $50,000 in support from crowdfunding backers.

“We designed Plevo to be efficient, durable and technologically advanced to make traveling easier with luggage that’s more functional, fashionable and loaded with features, so it’s great to see so many backers are supporting the product so soon in the campaign,” said Plevo Founder and CEO Federico Pelatti.

Made for both business or leisure travel, Plevo features the world’s first patented garment hanger system and smart dashboard.

“Along with its tech features, we designed it to solve one of the biggest problems we all face when traveling — keeping garments wrinkle-free,” Pelatti added. “Thanks to our patented vertical hanger system, clothes arrive ready to wear and it makes packing and unpacking much easier.”

The Plevo suitcase comes in three models — one carry-on and two for checked luggage.

Travelers face many unknowns with their luggage: including whether their bags will make the weight limit, and where the bags go if the airline loses them. Plevo is the first suitcase designed to solve both of those problems. Plevo’s GPS location tracking means customers can track their bag no matter where it winds up during transit, and a digital scale lets travelers know in an instant whether their bags will make the weight.

Additional tech features include a charging port for gadgets, a removable USB battery pack, a Smart Lock feature (with Face ID, Touch ID or Morse Code), connectivity with Plevo’s Android and iOS app, removable 360-degree wheels and lightweight, durable, water-resistant materials.

The largest Plevo model, the UP, contains a patented garment hanger to keep a traveler’s best business wear vertical and wrinkle-free during transport. The UP model is 31.4 inches by 19.7 inches by 11 inches, big enough to bring all the essentials and help busy travelers save time packing and unpacking. It also has removable 360-degree wheels, which means no more fumbling with a garment bag in one hand and a suitcase in the other when loading it into overhead airline storage.

The Infinite model is also designed to be checked-in and is a bit smaller than the UP for maximum mobility – measuring 28.3 inches by 17.9 inches by 11 inches (with an expandable textile option that makes the depth 12.5 inches).

The Runner model combines Plevo’s best features with the most portability. Measuring 22 by 13.9 by 9 inches, the Runner is small enough to be a carry-on bag. And, again thanks to the removable wheels, it’s even more compatible for overhead storage bins.

All three Plevo models are available in silver, red, blue or pink gold, and all offer these features:

  • Removable USB Battery pack;
  • Smart Lock (Face ID, Touch ID, Morse Code);
  • Built-in digital scale;
  • Android and iOS app;
  • Distance alerts;
  • Removable 360-degree wheels with separate packaging; and
  • Battery with 8.000 mAh.

UP model also includes:

  • Garment hanger;
  • GPS location tracking; and
  • Dimensions in inches: 31.4×19.7×11.

Infinite model also includes:

  • GPS location tracking;
  • Expandable textile; and
  • Dimensions in inches: 28.3×17.9×11 (depth up to 12.5 inches with the textile expansion).

Runner model also includes:

  • Removable sleeve (for storing device and personal items);
  • Dimensions in inches: 22×13.9×9, meeting airline carry-on specifications.

All Plevo models comply with TSA, DOT, FAA and IATA (International Air Transport Association) regulations — and each model comes with a 100 percent lifetime guarantee.

Posted June 21, 2018

Source: Plevo

PacSun Names Alfred Chang President

ANAHEIM, Calif. — June 21, 2018 —  PacSun today announced that Alfred Chang has been named president. Chang was most recently PacSun’s executive vice president of Men’s Merchandising & Design and Chief Brand Officer, managing all merchandising and design for the Men’s division as well as e-commerce and marketing for the company.

Chang joined PacSun in 2006 as senior buyer for Men’s Merchandising and has served in multiple senior positions at the company. Chang has been critical in expanding PacSun’s brand partnerships and establishing PacSun as a leading lifestyle retailer known for its exclusive collections of the most relevant brands and styles. In his new role, Chang will oversee PacSun’s design, merchandising, marketing, retail and e-commerce functions. He will report to Mike Egeck, Chief Executive Officer of PSEB, a new operating company composed of Eddie Bauer and PacSun.

Mike Egeck, CEO, PSEB, said: “Alfred is a passionate and innovative brand builder, and we are pleased to name him President of PacSun. His contributions to PacSun — including growing the Men’s business, cultivating brand partnerships, and leading overall brand strategy — have been instrumental to PacSun’s recent success and have positioned the business well for future growth.”

Chang said: “PacSun has experienced consistent growth in both its Men’s and Women’s divisions over the past two years, and significant opportunities lie ahead of us as we continue to enhance our customer experience and innovate on our marketing strategies. PacSun’s curation of culturally relevant brands and styles remains our core strength, and I am excited to accelerate our growth by furthering our brand leadership and welcoming new customers to PacSun.”

PacSun also announced that Brie Olson has been named executive vice president and chief merchandising officer for both Men’s and Women’s divisions, and Joel Quill has been named vice president of Stores. Olson and Quill will report to Chang.

Posted June 21, 2018

Source:  Pacific Sunwear of California LLC

Kraig Biocraft Laboratories Produces First Roll Of Pure Dragon Silk Fabric For U.S. Army

ANN ARBOR, Mich.— June 21, 2018 —  Kraig Biocraft Laboratories Inc., a developer of spider silk based fibers, announced today that it has just finished the production of its first roll of pure Dragon Silk fabric, marking the first time that the company’s proprietary recombinant spider silk fibers were used to create a 100-percent pure woven silk fabric.

The company is now preparing to assemble the Dragon Silk material into finalized ballistic shoot packs, per the U.S. Army specifications. This material is destined for ballistic performance testing, under the company’s contract with the U.S. Army, to evaluate its potential for protective apparel applications.

“Dragon Silk, which started as a simple idea in the lab for a better performing silk, is now on the verge of demonstrating its capability to provide lifesaving performance blended with high flexibility and user comfort,” said Jon Rice COO. “What a proud moment for the company and all of our employees, as we prepare to process this first roll of Dragon Silk fabric into test samples for the U.S. Army and to assess its ability to assist in protecting the brave men and women of our armed forces, who dedicate themselves to protecting all of us.”

The company previously developed sample products, in pure and blended knit configurations using its Monster Silk materials, including shirts and gloves. Today’s announcement marks the first time the company’s newer and stronger Dragon Silk will be transitioned into an end product.

Posted June 21, 2018

Source:  Kraig Biocraft Laboratories

Far Bank Enterprises Acquires Fly Water Travel

BAINBRIDGE ISLAND, Wash. — June 21, 2018 —  Far Bank Enterprises Inc., the parent company of Sage Fly Fishing, Redington, and RIO Products, today announced the acquisition of Ashland, Ore.-based Fly Water Travel, a premier travel company dedicated to arranging trips to the world’s finest fishing destinations.

The acquisition expands Far Bank’s portfolio to create a full-service, all-inclusive experience for anglers and outdoor enthusiasts who are passionate about fly fishing.

“We are thrilled to welcome Fly Water Travel to the Far Bank family,” said Larry Barrett, CEO of Far Bank. “We have admired Fly Water Travel for many years, and have great respect for the team’s focus on high-quality customer service and industry-leading expertise.”

All Fly Water Travel employees have been extended employment offers by Far Bank. The company has no immediate plans to move Fly Water Travel’s headquarters from Ashland.

Fly Water Travel co-owners Brian Geis and Ken Morrish will take on new leadership roles at Far Bank Enterprises. Geis joins the Far Bank team as Director of Travel Operations, while Morrish will hold the position of Director of Travel Sales.

“This partnership will combine elite travel-planning services and gear outfitting within a single company, allowing us to provide fly anglers and outdoor enthusiasts greater opportunities and more memorable experiences,” said Geis. “It’s all about the experience,” added Morrish. “We now have a full-service suite of products and offerings to enhance the joy of fly fishing for all our customers.”

“Customers are the center of everything we do,” Barrett said. “Fly Water Travel perfectly complements our portfolio of brands, and we’re now positioned to be even more customer-focused, providing an enhanced experience at every touch-point during a fly fishing adventure. We love fly fishing, and we’re excited to share that love with even more people.”

Far Bank Enterprises Inc., is a holding company that has as its subsidiaries Sage Fly Fishing, Redington, and RIO Products. Through these subsidiaries, Far Bank is engaged in the manufacture and sale of fine fly fishing rods, reels, waders, fly lines, leaders, tippet material, and apparel. Far Bank is wholly-owned by the Joshua Green Cor., an investment firm based in Seattle, Wash.

Posted June 21, 2018

Source:  Far Bank Enterprises

AllergyStore.com Launches Skinnies Seamless Skinwear In North America

CHICAGO — June 21, 2018 —  Skinnies are a range of therapeutic clothing products that help aid recovery from eczema, psoriasis and other skin conditions, now available from AllergyStore.com. Our garments are completely seamless, utilizing technologically advanced yarns that are designed to be anti-irritant and have recently been granted the National Eczema Association Seal of Approval.

Skinnies are high quality, durable garments for every day and wear and tear, with a combination of color, style and comfort, as well as a serious medical purpose.

“What makes Skinnies unique is the way we manufacture our garments completely seamlessly. This is especially important when trying to manage temperature regulation.  By removing the seams, you are removing points of weakness and inflexibility.  It is these points of inflexibility that can move against the skin rather than with it, creating friction and heat leading to sweat and further irritation to the skin.” David Marsden, founder, Skinnies UK.

Furthermore, the inflexibility of seams creates points of weakness that can lead to a reduced lifespan of the garment as a result of poor fit, overstretching or the abrasion of continued machine washing.

Skinnies garments also incorporate 360° stretch, which means our garments will move in harmony with your skin and not against it, offering significant improvement in comfort and temperature regulation.

Seamlessness + 360° Stretch = A powerful and technologically advanced clothing system to support the management of serious skin conditions and wounds.

In summary, Skinnies garments have:

  • Seam-free technology – no more friction, less bulky and freedom to move;
  • Better body fit – more comfortable, extremely soft and wearable;
  • Different colors – making them more fashionable and less clinical;
  • Been tested to withstand more than 50 washes for real durability;
  • Sanitized antimicrobial treatment, on silk garments only;
  • No silver used in our silk garments;
  • Greater product range available than our competitors; and
  • The ability to be machine washed and tumble dried.

Skinnies are distributed in North America solely by Allergystore.com and its authorized resellers.

Posted June 21, 2018

Source:  AllergyStore.com

Uster Technologies Launches The New USTER® TENSOJET 5

USTER, Switzerland — June 21, 2018 —  Yarn producers today know that both quality and performance are essential if they are to meet the continually-rising demands of their customers in the weaving and knitting mills. Yarns must have the look, feel and functionality to satisfy these requirements. With the launch of the USTER® TENSOJET 5, the concept of tensile testing is extended to provide a total package: precise measurement of a yarn’s strength, combined with reliable protection against quality claims based on accurate forecasts of performance in later processes.

A priority for any yarn is the ability to withstand downstream processes — without causing stoppages or affecting production efficiency. Whatever the fabric application, it is high-speed weaving and knitting which exert the greatest stress and strain forces on the yarn. So its strength and elongation properties must be suitable for the fabric-making process, as well as for the ultimate end-use.

Minimum strength and elongation properties are needed to prevent a yarn breaking or being damaged in downstream operations, as well as avoiding blemish on end-products in weaving. So accurate tensile-strength values are important, particularly for warp yarns, which are placed under tremendous stress.

USTER is committed to meeting the industry’s need for increasingly effective and accurate tensile testing. For decades, Uster laboratory instruments have set the global standards for strength and elongation measurement of staple, as well as filament, yarns. In 2018, a new generation has been launched.  The Uster TENSORAPID 5, the ‘go-to’ tensile tester providing precise data, was introduced in March. Now, the most powerful and comprehensive tensile tester ever is introduced: the Uster Tensojet 5 can operate at speeds of 400 meters per minute and integrates with the Total Testing Center to deliver a new range of overall benefits to both quality assurance and profitability for yarn manufacturers.

Weavability and profitability

The high speed of 400 m/min actually simulates the dynamic stress on the yarn during weaving, and this makes the Uster Tensojet 5 a unique tensile measuring system. It is the standard for prediction of Weavability by giving an accurate forecast of yarn behavior in subsequent processing, especially on high-performance weaving machinery. Fewer weak places in the yarn mean higher efficiency on downstream machines. The prediction of weavability increases economic efficiency, as well as weaving quality and profit margins.

The Uster Tensojet 5 performs 30,000 tests per hour, producing accurate data through this extensive and rapid measurement. Utilizing this great volume of data is what makes it possible for the system to predict weak places in the yarn. This important forecasting function would otherwise be difficult or impossible to achieve — and is way beyond the capability of other conventional testers. Graphic tools such as scatter plots show all significant information at a glance. Seamless correlation with Uster STATISTICS benchmarks makes Uster’s weavability System an essential instrument to minimize claims and to drive producers towards higher profitability.

Total Testing Center: the claim-free system

Ultimate process control comes with the connection to Uster TESTER 6. The integration of results with Uster Tester 6 allows users to profit from intelligent alarms through the Total Testing Center. Smart reports integrate results from both evenness and tensile tests, providing an overview of the quality being produced. Data analysis through connected laboratory instruments allows fast decision-making by the mill, to guarantee customer satisfaction with the yarns being delivered. The Total Testing Center thus aims to provide a ‘claim-free’ system for yarn producers.

Only through the Total Testing Center is it possible to obtain clear visualizations of weaving performance. This is provided in the form of objective grades, predicted by a combination of strength testing parameters from Uster Tensojet 5 and yarn quality parameters from Uster QUANTUM 3 yarn clearers — then collated and interpreted by the Total Testing Center. The weaving performance information is ranked on a scale from one to five Qs (grades) to allow spinners to identify batches with a high risk of yarn breaks during weaving – and to avoid complaints to a large extent.

The total package of major advantages means Uster Tensojet 5 is acknowledged not only as the industry’s ultimate tensile tester, but also as a key element in a the growth of a spinning mill’s profitability.

Posted June 21, 2018

Source:  Uster Technologies

Clariant Breaks Ground On Joint Venture Production Site In Cangzhou, China

SHANGHAI — June 21, 2018 —  Clariant and Beijing Tiangang Auxiliary Co. Ltd. (Tiangang), today conducted a groundbreaking ceremony in Cangzhou, China, just over 200 kilometers south of Beijing. The ceremony marked the start of the construction of a world-class production facility for stabilizers for plastics and textiles that will form the heart of the joint venture between both parties. The event was marked by a special event with representatives from both companies, as well as local officials.

The joint venture between Clariant and Tiangang was established in September 2017, and combines the technology and production knowledge of both companies to provide even better process and light stabilizers for various growing industries in China, including automotive and textiles. China is a key market for Clariant high-end process and light stabilizers, which include the state-of-the-art Nylostab® S-EED® chemistry — invented by the company — a unique multifunctional hindered amine light stabilizer, or HALS. Tiangang, which was founded in 1991, is already an important manufacturer of light stabilizers and UV absorbers, with two plants in China backward integrated with production of key intermediates.

During the ceremony, Clariant Global Business Unit Head of Additives Stephan Lynen, said: “This new facility enables the successful implementation of our joint venture, and we are excited about the improved proximity to customers and raw material suppliers.”

Gang Liu, deputy general manager, Tiangang announced: “We look forward to the facility coming on-stream in the first half of 2019 and start serving the growing demand for high-end additives solutions in Asia even faster. The Cangzhou National Coastal-Port Economy & Technology Development Zone is an ideal production base for additives, with very good access to necessary raw materials and other support.”

The ground-breaking took place just one day after Clariant officially opened wholly-owned plants for Ceridust® micronized waxes and AddWorks® synergistic additive solutions in Zhenjiang, 1250 km further south. Lynen added that: “Clariant is committed to sustainable growth in China and therefore continues to invest across the country to increase its local production capability and competitiveness. I am proud to announce these two instances of the Business Unit Additives making progress on this expansion strategy in such short succession and look forward to leveraging this new capacity towards achieving sales growth supported by new and sustainable developments.”

Posted June 21, 2018

Source:  Clariant

Milliken Specialty Interiors Hosts Sustainable Furnishings Council Presentation On Materiality At Showtime

SPARTANBURG, S.C. — June 21, 2018 —  Global innovation company with textile, specialty chemical and floor covering manufacturing expertise, Milliken & Company’s Specialty Interiors business, hosted a presentation by Sustainable Furnishings Council (SFC) Executive Director Susan Inglis at its newly-opened High Point showroom at Showtime.  The presentation provided an overview of the material choices in home furnishings that are most critical for sustaining a healthy future.

Supported by extensive consumer research conducted by SFC, Inglis offered insight into consumer preference for sustainable options and how these preferences have changed in the last five years. Focusing heavily on materiality — what products are made of, how they are sourced and chemicals of concern, the presentation also offered guidance on how to choose and develop more environmentally-friendly materials and products.

“Milliken has always known that materials matter,” said Milliken Specialty Interiors Marketing Manager LeAnne Flack. “People don’t just want to feel good in their spaces, but also about their spaces, and, thanks to recent industry efforts, there is no need to compromise. Fabric collections like our eco-elegant Breathe by Milliken™ provide the protection and durability consumers demand in a beautiful and much more sustainable way.”

With a global corporate environmental policy dating back to 1990, Milliken has won numerous awards for its sustainable and ethical business practices.  Milliken has a long-held, holistic approach to sustainability including the strategic sourcing of raw materials and Milliken-led advances in human-centered chemistry to meet and exceed the needs of consumers. The company joined the Sustainable Furnishings Council earlier this year.

“Because educated consumers care deeply about what goes into their homes and how their choices impact the world around them, there is an unprecedented focus on materiality in today’s furnishings business,” said Inglis. “Milliken has been a pioneer in sustainable manufacturing and product development, and all of us at the Sustainable Furnishings Council are proud to partner with this esteemed company to advance this important cause.”

Posted June 21, 2018

Source:  Milliken Specialty Interiors

Pantone Introduces Polyester Standards, Expanding Its Fashion, Home + Interiors Color Management System

CARLSTADT, N.J. — June 21, 2018 —  Pantone LLC, provider of professional color standards for the design industry, today introduces polyester standards ideal for athleisure, footwear, swimwear, sleepwear and the home and fashion accessories markets, as an addition to its Fashion, Home + Interiors System. Dyed on 100-percent warp knit polyester, these products can be effectively used for color management in polyester, poly-blends and other synthetic materials. The new Pantone Polyester Swatch Set is composed of 203 new colors, ranging from timeless neutrals to eye-popping neons, that are not available in the existing cotton library and cannot be reproduced in cotton with the same degree of clarity or intensity.

“In today’s culture where color plays an important part in our visual identity, we see an increasing desire for more saturated colors that help us stand out; colors beyond those formulated for natural fibers; colors whose appearance displays greater hue intensity, said Laurie Pressman, vice president, Pantone Color Institute. “Our new polyester offering addresses this demand for a deeper level of coloration, resulting in a comprehensive mix of colors relevant across design industries including all fashion- and lifestyle-driven markets, as well as home furnishings.”

Intended to complement the existing Fashion, Home + Interiors system, the polyester standards are available in three formats that will be familiar to fashion and home designers as their essential tools for inspiration and color management, while affording the assurance in consistency that Pantone provides:

  • Polyester Swatch Set: a convenient storage case for all 203 colors in new 2×2” removable swatches for color selection and palette development;
  • Polyester Swatch Cards: individual colors in 4”x4” swatches that unfold to 4”x8” for optimal color visualization, specification and instrumental evaluation; and
  • Polyester Spectral Data: exact dye recipes for each color to help expedite achieving color intent in production.

“We recognize that designers working in synthetic materials face increased color management challenges due to the inability to achieve more vibrant and saturated colors in these materials compared to traditional cotton standards,” said Adrián Fernández, vice president and general manager of Pantone. “The addition of standards specifically for polyester materials is intended to satisfy this gap in the market, combining our technical expertise with the color intelligence of the Pantone Color Institute, to offer our globally-renowned methods of standardization to rapidly growing segments.”

Beginning today, the Polyester Swatch Set is available worldwide, with Swatch Cards and Spectral Data to follow this year.

Posted June 21, 2018

Source:  PANTONE®

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