Dow Launches Product Enabling Brighter Colors On Natural Textiles While Reducing Water And Dye Use

MIDLAND, Mich. — March 7, 2018 — The Dow Chemical Co. will launch ECOFAST™ Pure Sustainable Textile Treatment at the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC) International Conference beginning today. This breakthrough technology enables unique, brighter colors on natural textiles and significantly improves resource efficiency during the dyeing process.

Dow’s patented technology allows for the uptake of reactive, direct and acid dyes on natural fibers and fabrics, used in products from apparel to home goods. Most notably, acid dyes are used to achieve colors such as fluorescents, which, until now, were unavailable on cotton, the most preferred clothing material by consumers. Ecofast Pure also improves color fastness to provide brand owners peace of mind that the quality of a product will stand up against wear over time.

“Dow has leveraged over a century of material science knowledge to help address the performance and sustainability gaps in the textile industry,” said Esma Talu, market manager for Dow. “By pretreating textiles with Ecofast Pure, manufacturers can deliver longer lasting, new generation colors on natural textiles while simultaneously reducing water, dye and energy use.”

At the core of Ecofast Pure is Dow’s commitment to deliver breakthrough sustainable chemistry innovations, a key pillar of the company’s 2025 Sustainability Goals. Materials treated with Ecofast Pure require less rinses and lower water temperatures during dyeing to ultimately decrease water use by more than 50 percent as well as overall energy use. Manufacturers can also decrease dye use by 75 percent through increased dye uptake and reduced cycle time. This enhanced resource efficiency can even be achieved without the addition of salts to the dye bath.

“Better manufacturing processes are key to more responsible textile production,” said Talu. “Through products like Ecofast Pure, Dow is able to drive a more sustainable supply chain that requires less resources to create essential textiles for our society.”

Natural textiles commonly treated with Ecofast Pure include tubular knit fabric, yarn, denim, garments and toweling.

Posted March 7, 2018

Source: Dow Chemical Co.

Vertellus Performance Chemicals Becomes Ascensus Specialties On May 1, 2018

INDIANAPOLIS — March 7, 2018 — Vertellus Performance Chemicals LLC, a Wind Point Partners portfolio company, will change its name to Ascensus Specialties LLC, effective May 1, 2018. The new company name will coincide with a new headquarters address, located at 2821 Northup Way, Suite 275, Bellevue, WA 98004.

The name change and new address represent the final step in the company’s evolution of the sodium borohydride business from Vertellus Performance Chemicals LLC, initiated in 2016. Although the company name will change, Ascensus will continue production operations at its Elma, Washington manufacturing plant.

“While we are taking on a new name and headquarters address, our team will continue to focus on delivering best-in-class products and uncompromised quality to meet the needs of customers and channel partners around the globe,” said Michael Huff, CEO of Vertellus Performance Chemicals.

The company has established an interim website located at ascensusspecialties.com. Individuals with questions regarding the new name, headquarters and transition may contact ask@ascensusspecialties.com.

Posted March 7, 2018

Source: Vertellus Performance Chemicals LLC

Bally Ribbon Mills Announces Woven Webbing Materials For Aerospace Applications

BALLY, Pa. — March 7, 2018 — Bally Ribbon Mills (BRM), a designer, developer and manufacturer of highly specialized engineered woven fabrics, has announced a line of woven webbing for aerospace and aviation applications. The specialized narrow fabrics, 2-D and 3-D thermoset and thermoplastic fabrics, and innovative E-WEBBINGS® narrow woven fabrics are ideal for meeting specific strength requirements for structural components. The materials are widely used in such critical applications as parachutes; cargo restraint systems; seating and interior applications; crew safety system components; flight suits; air slides, seatbelts, and flotation devices. BRM woven webbing can be found in the International Space Station, and was used as a structural member on the landing system for NASA’s Mars Exploration Rover Opportunity.

Using its decades of weaving expertise, BRM designs, engineers, and manufactures materials that maximize the end products’ performance characteristics and properties — including durability, resistance to abrasion, chemicals, heat and weather. Compared to steel and aluminum materials, a strong and lightweight webbing reduces material costs, lowers fuel use, and increases safety. Custom engineered designs and special manufacturing processes can be modified to meet end user needs.

BRM’s core product offerings include narrow woven fabrics, tapes, and webbing 12 inches wide or less, used for parachutes and a host of other commercial, aviation, and military and defense applications. BRM provides advanced designs using enhanced weaving technologies and materials woven from high-performance fibers like Kevlar®, Technora®, Vectran®, Zylon®, and UHMWPE.

Also available are lightweight, cost-effective, advanced woven 2-D and 3-D thermoset and thermoplastic polymer composite structures. Using a multi-dimensional continuous weaving method, Bally produces textiles that can be fabricated into net-shape structures. These advanced weaving capabilities offer customers new solutions that reduce weight and cost. The technology weaves complex shapes automatically, eliminating many costly, time-consuming, and labor-intensive processes.

BRM’s latest and most innovative fabrics include 2-D and 3-D Thermoplastic Composite Materials (TPCM™) and the new engineered E-Webbings. TPCM is designed to be utilized as a localized reinforcement in varied molding/forming processes and provides superior specific strength, impact resistance, increased flexure and interlaminar shear resistance.  BRM’s E-Webbings product line was developed for the Internet of Things (IoT) technology sector, which is specially designed for use in integral products for commercial, personal, and military aircraft. Made from a wide variety of fibers and conductive elements, E-Webbings provide structural and conductive components that allow for the integration of sensors and other technology into the webbing.

Posted March 7, 2018

Source: Bally Ribbon Mills (BRM)

American Eagle To Carry Privé Revaux

NEW YORK CITY — March 7, 2018 — Privé Revaux, an eyewear brand that exploded onto the scene in June 2017, announces a massive retail expansion starting with American Eagle Outfitters. An extensive selection of the brand’s high quality eyewear will roll out in select stores nationwide and online starting in March.

“We are a brand focused on high-quality fashion that empowers our customer to express themselves,” says Chad Kessler, American Eagle Outfitters Global Brand President. “Our partnership with Privé Revaux is an extension of our mission to support individual style and is part of our continuous efforts to evolve as a destination offering innovative products for our customer.”

American Eagle Outfitters shoppers can find an impressive assortment of Privé Revaux’s handcrafted, on-trend frames from their core collection, as well as the recently launched Icon collection and select optical lenses featuring anti-blue light technology. Each Privé Revaux style is made with high-end materials including acetate, polarized lenses and a proprietary lightweight, yet durable metal alloy for $29.95 per pair.

“American Eagle is a brand that millennials and beyond have tremendous respect and appreciation for. Their brand is authentic and provides incredible value; both core principles behind Privé Revaux, so the fit between us couldn’t be better. I am very excited about what is to come,” says David Schottenstein, founder of Privé Revaux.

Privé Revaux was built on a shared passion for style and quality with the goal of disrupting the eyewear industry and making sunglasses accessible. Serial entrepreneur David Schottenstein along with an elite team including celebrity visionaries Jamie Foxx, Hailee Steinfeld and Ashley Benson, as well as VP of Celebrity Relations Dave Osokow and Creative Directors Rob Zangardi and Mariel Haenn, have done just that. The brand launched in June via e-commerce and direct-to-consumer with affordable, high quality and on-trend eyewear retailing for only $29.95/pair.

Posted March 7, 2018

Source: Privé Revaux

Manufacturing Leadership Council’s Board Of Governors Elects Chair And Vice-Chair Positions

SANTA CLARA, Calif. — March 7, 2018 — The Manufacturing Leadership Council’s Board of Governors announces the election of two new senior-level roles. The goal is to strengthen the council’s expansion strategy and support the development of its innovative portfolio of member programs and services dedicated to driving transformational growth for the world’s manufacturing companies.

The newly elected Board roles are:

  • ML Board Chair: John Fleming, former executive vice president of Global Manufacturing and Labor affairs at Ford Motor Co.; and
  • ML Board Vice-Chair: Michael D. Packer, director of manufacturing, Advanced Production Programs at Lockheed Martin Skunk Works®.

“I am honored to be able to serve in this new role with a Board of Manufacturing experts with deep knowledge and experience. I look forward to seeing the Manufacturing Leadership Council continue to grow as we search for new opportunities to increase the value for all of our current and future members,” said Manufacturing Leadership Board Chair John Fleming.

Manufacturing Leadership Board Vice-Chair Mike Packer also noted what a privilege it will be to serve in this newly established role. “I look forward to working with John, the Board of Governors, the Manufacturing Leadership staff, and the Manufacturing Leadership Council members as we position the organization for sustainable growth and value,” said Packer.

As part of their new roles, the ML Chair and Vice-Chair will work with other ML Board members and the ML executive team to help direct the Council’s five-year Strategic Plan, refine and improve ML member programs, officiate at Board and Council member meetings, and act as the public face of the ML Council in announcements and press releases.

“The establishment of these positions underscores the Council’s dedication and commitment to being truly member-driven,” said David R. Brousell, co-founder of the Manufacturing Leadership Council. “The wealth of experience and knowledge of manufacturing and all that affects it that both John and Mike bring to their new roles will enable the Council to identify the value drivers that will make the Council even more successful in the years ahead.”

Celebrating its 10-year anniversary this year, Frost & Sullivan’s Manufacturing Leadership Council is the world’s foremost executive leadership organization with around 1,000 senior executive members representing multiple sectors of the global manufacturing industry.

John Fleming is former Executive Vice President for Global Manufacturing and Labor Affairs at Ford Motor Company. Previous assignments also included Chairman and CEO of Ford of Europe and Chairman of Volvo Cars. He joined Ford as an apprentice in 1967 in the UK and retired after 48 years of service in 2015. Since then he has worked as a senior-level industry consultant around the world. Current roles include Senior Advisor to Changan Automobile Group in China and Beet Analytics Technology in Michigan. He is also a Board member of Republic Airways in the U.S. Fleming joined the Manufacturing Leadership Council in January 2012 and was appointed to the Manufacturing Leadership Board of Governors in November that year. He holds an Honorary Fellowship from the John Moores University in Liverpool, U.K., and production engineering qualifications from North East London Polytechnic.

Michael (Mike) D. Packer is Director of Manufacturing, Advanced Production Programs, at Lockheed Martin Skunk Works®. Previous roles include Vice President, Manufacturing Strategy and Technical Integration for Lockheed Martin Aeronautics. He has been a member of the Manufacturing Leadership Council since its inception and was appointed as a founding member of the Manufacturing Leadership Board of Governors in 2010. Packer also serves as Board member and Treasurer of SME, Board Chair of the National Center for Defense Manufacturing and Machining (NCDMM), and Board member and Treasurer of the Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC). He is a Fellow of SME and an Associate Fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA). Packer holds a Bachelor’s degree in industrial technology from Eastern Michigan University, an M.B.A. from Washington University in St. Louis, and completed the University of Michigan’s Manufacturing Executive Program.

Posted March 7, 2018

Source: Frost & Sullivan

Silver Jeans Co. Finally Reveals The Secret Behind Its Successful Plus Size Collection

LOS ANGELES — March 7, 2018 — Silver Jeans Co.™, a Canada-based brand, is finally disclosing the reason behind the popularity of their plus-size collection with a new campaign featuring Vice President of Design Janice Marks. The brand revealed that Marks, who is plus size herself, has been designing the extended sizes for Silver Jeans Co. for more than a decade.

“For the last 10 years, Janice has been behind the scenes putting her heart into making our plus collection the best,” said Silver Jeans Co. CEO Michael Silver. “Now, she’s finally stepping into the spotlight to celebrate her body and show our customers how much she understands and relates to the plus community.”

Silver Jeans Co. is known for its expertise in fit, and its plus sizes are no exception. With a collection that’s been around far longer than most brands and a designer with first-hand experience, it’s clear why it is a leader in this category.

“It’s not just about making a jean bigger, there’s a lot more that goes into it,” says Marks, Silver Jeans Co. Vice President of Design. “We really take into consideration the nuances of the plus-size body — the curves, the proportions. Designing for these women is much different than regular sizes.”

The Silver Jeans Co. plus-size collection is designed with unique patterns catering to the plus body type. Rather than grading up from regular sizes, the designers develop the ideal plus base size and model each after that, a technique that’s uncommon and truly sets Silver Jeans Co. apart.

Customers can catch the campaign, which features a behind-the-scenes look at Marks and the makings of the collection, online now at silverjeans.com.

Posted March 7, 2018

Source: Silver Jeans Co.

Ramblers Way Launches First-Ever Cradle To Cradle Certified™ Organic Wool Clothing Line

KENNEBUNK, Maine — March 7, 2018 — In a significant advancement of its commitment to creating a sustainable future, Ramblers Way announced today the availability of the first-ever Cradle to Cradle Certified™ organic wool clothing line in the world. Ramblers Way offers 16 unique styles that are certified at the Silver level — 10 for women and six for men — using the company’s ultra-lightweight organic wool jersey in six low impact colors and silk thread. More information about the Cradle to Cradle (C2C) Certified Products Program levels achieved can be found in Ramblers Way’s product scorecard.

“We’re extremely proud to receive C2C certification for our organic wool clothing as it serves as further proof that high-quality clothing can be made in harmony with nature,” said Tom Chappell, founder and CEO, Ramblers Way. “At the same time, this certification offers ongoing opportunity for Ramblers Way to continue improving and innovating, so we can create clothing that meets the lifestyle needs of conscious consumers.”

Ramblers Way collaborated with MBDC, the world’s foremost advisors in material health, product design and the Cradle to Cradle® Design Framework founded by William McDonough and Dr. Michael Braungart, to assess the clothing line against the Cradle to Cradle Certified™ Product Standard. The independent certification guides designers and manufacturers through a highly in-depth evaluation of each product component and each stage of the supply chain in five environmental and social areas: material health, material reutilization, renewable energy and carbon management, water stewardship and social fairness.

“Ramblers Way has set a new benchmark for clothing companies around the world,” said William McDonough, co-founder of MBDC, the originators of the Cradle to Cradle Certified™ Program. “As the first company to launch a full line of Cradle to Cradle Certified™ organic wool garments, Tom Chappell and his team have once again demonstrated that size has little to do with might. I think Ramblers Way is an exciting company that surprises and delights by turning its values into value for their customers and all future generations.”

The certification applies to all Ramblers Way clothing that is also certified to the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), which is a similarly rigorous, and complementary, system. GOTS uses independent bodies to verify compliance with internationally recognized organic textile standards at each step of the supply chain, from the moment wool is purchased to when it becomes a garment at one of Ramblers Way’s production facilities.

Launched with a commitment to protecting the planet and supporting local economies, Ramblers Way was born in 2009 when Tom Chappell began a journey to create a next-to-skin shirt that would keep him warm, soak up sweat, and wick away moisture. Tom identified Rambouillet and Merino sheep, two breeds with superfine and long staple fibers that, when spun together using a superior spinning process known as worsted, produce Ramblers Way’s proprietary yarn.

Ramblers Way wool is treated with natural enzymes to make it machine washable, and has never been subjected to the harsh chlorinated, industry standard process known as “Superwash.” As a result, Ramblers Way’s 4 ounce (less than 140 grams per square meter) fabric boasts superior softness and is the most lightweight jersey knit wool on the market. Ramblers Way 100-percent organic wool clothing certified to the GOTS and C2C standards is also made without harsh chemicals using some of the cleanest, low impact commercial dyes available. Therefore, while a typical synthetic t-shirt may take up to 60 years to decompose in nature, a wool t-shirt can decompose in less than six months.

“Our goal has always been to produce high-quality clothing that stays in your wardrobe for years to come. We are also constantly rethinking how to embrace designs that aren’t simply ‘less bad’ but also ‘more good,”’ said Nick Armentrout, Supply Chain director at Ramblers Way. “C2C and GOTS reinforce our commitments to sustainable agricultural, fair social practices, clean water standards, and end of life product requirements — a true circular path from the earth to the earth.”

Shoppers at the Portland, Maine store can meet a team of stitchers that produces Ramblers Way clothes in-store every day, as well as offers custom tailored garments to local customers. Ramblers Way also has stores in Portsmouth and Hanover, New Hampshire, and online at www.ramblersway.com.

Posted March 7, 2018

Source: Ramblers Way

Nanobionic® USA Announces FDA Registration

NEW YORK CITY — March 7, 2018 — Nanobionic® USA announced today that its products are regulated by the U.S Food & Drug Administration (FDA) as medical devices and general wellness products, as defined in Section 201(h) of the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act. Nanobionic USA is FDA registered, and several Nanobionic products are listed with the FDA as medical devices.

Nanobionic technology is a high-tech patented coating that releases Far Infrared Rays (FIR) to the body. Far Infrared Rays (FIR) are invisible waves of energy that have the ability to penetrate, sooth and stimulate the human body.

Nanobionic technology is the world’s most advanced far infrared technology on the market, that delivers up to 99 percent of far infrared emissivity, which is the most beneficial to the human body.

Nanobionic is a unique clinically proven patented technology that is applied to various textiles in bedding, apparel (activewear, sportswear, military), and health care sectors, to name a few. All textiles that are treated with Nanobionic technology offer the benefit of the safe and effective natural FIR energy to the body, which has been proven to stimulate local blood flow, delivering oxygen and vital nutrients to cells.

When applied to bedding products, it stimulates local blood flow, helps reduce cold hands and feet, promotes restful and quality of sleep, increases faster recovery and enhances overall wellness of being.

When applied to apparel it stimulates local blood flow, improves athletic performance, boosts energy, increases strength and endurance, enhances faster recovery, reduces fatigue, and increases general wellness of being.

Nanobionic USA’s Founder and CEO, George Psipsikas, said: “We have tirelessly worked to perfect our technology and applied it to products that people use in their daily life, becoming a game changer on how people will be benefiting from clothing, bedding and various other products to improve their life.”

A recent breakthrough study also showed that Nanobionic technology can reduce Free Radicals and Oxidative Stress on a cellular level. This is the first time ever that clinical studies have proven that fabrics (textiles) can provide such benefits to the human body, concluding that the application possibilities are endless.

Nanobionic technology has received 12 international awards for innovation, and is the next generation in bio-functional textiles, combining science, technology and nature to enhance your life.

Posted March 7, 2018

Source: Nanobionic USA

Jonathan Goff Promoted To Vice President, Youlin Pan Named Senior Research Fellow At Gelest

MORRISVILLE, Pa. — March 7, 2018 — Dr. Jonathan Goff has been promoted to vice president of Research & Development at Gelest Inc., and Dr. Youlin Pan has been named senior research fellow, adding to his current title of senior R&D manager.

Goff will broaden his role as a strategic partner in facilitating customer relationships, research initiatives and operational efficiencies. He will continue to manage the Polymer Development and Technical Services groups, and to help lead the Silanes & Metal-Organics and Research Engineering groups. An 8-year veteran of Gelest, Goff has been an integral part of the Research & Development team’s growth.

Pan is senior research & development manager of Silanes & Metal Organics, and senior research fellow. In addition to continuing to manage his research & development group, Pan will broaden his role in developing and expanding the capabilities of Gelest Research & Development and overall operations. He has been with Gelest for more than 21 years, and is a trusted resource for silicon and metal-organic chemistry expertise.

Posted March 7, 2018

Source: Gelest Inc.

JEC World 2018 Hosts Composite Challenge Program For Students

PARIS — March 7, 2018 — With JEC World 2018, JEC Group turns Paris into the world’s capital of composites. This year, JEC Group has launched its latest program, the Composite Challenge, adding it to the dozen or so existing programs and hundreds of organized events. The program gives the floor to 10 Ph.D. students, allowing each one of them five minutes to explain their research project, using a single slide. “Ever faithful to its misson, JEC Group has set up a program based on the fact that scientific research is a powerful innovation driver,” explained JEC Group President and CEO Frédérique MUTEL. “JEC’s team of experts have homed in on the most high-tech trends and knowledge to identify and encourage the sector’s next generation of leaders, thereby creating a new bridge between academics and the industry.”

Composite Challenge: Fuel For Innovation

With an introduction by additive manufacturing expert Dayton Horvath, the ceremony included a session on the fascinating topic of artificial intelligence.
After the promising presentations of the 10 Ph.D.s, this is the public who had the honor to choose Alexandre Mordasini, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne as winner of the first Composite Challenge by voting during the ceremony! He studies discontinuous fiber composite tubes for high-performance applications

Posted March 7, 2018

Source: JEC Group

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