Kelheim Fibres Earns USDA Certified Biobased Product Label

KELHEIM, Germany — March 7, 2018 — Viscose specialty fiber manufacturer Kelheim Fibres has earned the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Certified Biobased Product label. The products DANUFIL®, GALAXY® and VILOFT® are now able to display a unique USDA label that highlights their biobased origin.
Third-party verification is administered through the USDA BioPreferred® Program, an initiative created by the 2002 Farm Bill (expanded by the 2014 Farm Bill). One of the goals of the BioPreferred Program is to increase the development, purchase and use of biobased products. Utilizing renewable, biobased materials displaces the need for non-renewable petroleum-based chemicals.

These products have played an increasingly important role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions that exacerbate global climate change. Biobased products are cost-comparative, readily available, and perform as well as or better than their conventional counterparts.

“Our fibers are completely made of pure wood pulp,” said Horst Wörner, business manager, Kelheim Fibres. “They combine perfectly the advantages of a product from renewable raw materials with the possibilities of industrial production such as a consistent quality and tailor-made design for meeting the customer’s exact needs. A clear and correct labeling of biobased products helps to create awareness for the benefits of these articles. The USDA Certified Biobased Product” Label is the perfect complement to our previously earned labels as for example the ‘compostable’ sign or the ‘OK biodegradable MARINE’ certificate.”

“We applaud Kelheim Fibres for earning the USDA Certified Biobased Product label,” said Kate Lewis, USDA BioPreferred Program. “Products from Kelheim Fibres GmbH are contributing to an ever-expanding marketplace that decreases our reliance on petroleum.”

Posted March 7, 2018

Source: Kelheim Fibres GmbH

Eventsport Presents The Next Generation Of Bandy Sticks Reinforced By TeXtreme®

BORÅS, Sweden — March 7, 2018 — INXIDE has collaborated with Eventsport and Swedish elite players to develop the next generation of bandy sticks, the RELEASE, reinforced with TeXtreme®.

”Through our partnership with TeXtreme® we were able to integrate their high performance material into our new RELEASE stick. By adding TeXtreme®, we reduced the weight while optimizing the correct dampening, balance and flex properties” says Anders Holmkvist R&D Manager at INXIDE. “Since the beginning of the project, we knew that we wanted to work with TeXtreme®. We have seen the difference TeXtreme® Technology has made in ice hockey sticks and floorball sticks which both utilize the unique qualities of TeXtreme®.”

“We’re proud of how this next generation of sticks turned out. Our partnership with INXIDE and TeXtreme® has made it possible to move from the traditional wooden stick to a composite stick, which is quite new in bandy. It will not only help the players performance on the ice, it will also reduce the amount of sticks used during a season.” says Jens Öberg, CEO, Eventsport.

TeXtreme® Spread Tow carbon reinforcements are a unique kind of composite reinforcement which helps brands who are seeking to reduce weight and improve mechanical properties of their products. Many sports have seen the use of TeXtreme® make an immediate and dominant impact on performance from Formula 1 racing, Americas Cup, advanced aerospace applications, bicycles and other sporting goods products. In addition, over 400 NHL players use sticks reinforced by this carbon fiber technology.

“TeXtreme® is becoming the new standard carbon fiber reinforcement for high-end applications where low weight and performance is key. We’re proud to be a part of and help products to be at the fore front of innovation” says Henrik Blycker, CEO of Oxeon.

Companies utilizing the TeXtreme® Technology achieve better properties on weight, stiffness, and strength on their composite products compared to those using other carbon fiber materials.

The RELEASE stick will be available at retail in July.

Posted March 7, 2018

Source: Oxeon AB

NC State Announces Educational Opportunities

RALEIGH, N.C. — March 6, 2018 — North Carolina State University (NC State) has announced two new educational opportunities both to take place at the College of Textiles, on NC State’s Centennial Campus.

April 30-May 2: Discover the Science Behind Clothing Comfort & Protection

If your work involves the production or testing of high-performance athletic apparel and/or advanced garment systems for the military and first responders, you won’t want to miss Clothing Comfort and Protection Science, a three-day course taught by experts at the world-renowned Textile Protection and Comfort Center (T-PACC) at the College of Textiles at NC State University. Led by Dr. Roger Barker, T-PACC is the nation’s leading center for research and education on advanced clothing systems.

This is the first time the center has offered an onsite short course on topics including comfort, systems ergonomics, heat strain, functionality and protection from thermal, chemical, biological and physical threats. Those who attend this limited-seating course from April 30-May 2, will not only attend lectures and take part in class discussions, they will observe tests in TPACC’s state-of-the-art labs featuring instrumented manikins. The cost to attend is $1,195 and registrations are being accepted now. The class will take place at the College of Textiles on NC State’s Centennial Campus.

The course presents the science behind the characterization and development of comfortable and/or protective textiles and clothing.

What makes clothing comfortable? How do you define the limits of high-performance apparel? How do you ensure materials provide protection from various threats?

Properties associated with human tactile response, thermal comfort and heat stress are emphasized. Inherent issues of balancing comfort versus protection are illustrated by research studies on performance garments or protective clothing systems. Methods and standards for evaluating comfort and protective performance range from bench level instruments to system level tests for ensembles using instrumented manikins, human clothing wear trials, and physiological tests. Protection from mechanical, thermal, chemical and ballistic threats are addressed, and the key role of standards is discussed.

April 16: Textiles Research Open House Brings Innovation to the Forefront

On Monday, April 16, 2018, the NC State College of Textiles will host the 2018 Textiles Research Open House. This one-day event provides an opportunity for College of Textiles students to share their research with industry professionals. Organized by the Textile Association of Graduate Students with support provided by The VF Foundation, the event aims to open a dialogue and establish networks with those involved in textiles and related industries.

Textiles Research Open House attendees will:

  • Discover the exciting research being conducted by the talented students in the College of Textiles;
  • Learn about new technologies, innovations and the global market;
  • Hear from panelists from across the textile supply chain as they discuss “Trends in Apparel and Footwear”;
  • Tour the College of Textiles and its state-of-the-art labs; and
  • Listen to Scott A. Deitz, vice president, public affairs for VF Corp., as he delivers a keynote address. Scott leads the public affairs and corporate relations functions at VF Corp. in Greensboro, N.C.

The industry panel features:

• Michael Fralix, president, (TC)2;
• Will Duncan, executive director, SEAMS;
• Bill DiIanni, director of Research and Development, International Textile Group; and
• Melissa Bastos, director of Market Research, Cotton Incorporated.

See the full agenda here. All events will take place in the James B. Hunt Library and the College of Textiles, both of which are located on NC State’s Centennial Campus.

There is no charge for this event, however registration is necessary to attend the presentations and the lunch. NC State participants should login with their Unity ID. Guests can sign in using the “guest” login option.

Posted March 6, 2017

Source: NC State

CVR Uniforms Earns Food Service Laundering Certification

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — March 6, 2018 — CVR Uniforms, Shippensburg, Pa., has earned the Hygienically Clean Food Service designation, reflecting their commitment to best management practices (BMPs) in laundering as verified by on-site inspection and their capability to produce hygienically clean textiles as quantified by ongoing microbial testing.

The certification confirms the laundry’s dedication to compliance and processing linens and garments using BMPs as described in its quality assurance documentation, the focal point for Hygienically Clean inspectors’ evaluation of critical control points (CCPs) that minimize risk. The independent, third-party inspection must confirm essential evidence that:

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

In addition, CVR Uniforms’ facility passed three rounds of outcome-based microbial testing, indicating that their processes are producing Hygienically Clean uniforms, garments and linens and diminished presence of harmful bacteria. To maintain their certification, laundry plants must pass quarterly testing to ensure that as laundry conditions change, such as water quality, textile fabric composition and wash chemistry, laundered product quality is consistently maintained.

This process eliminates subjectivity by focusing on outcomes and results that verify textiles cleaned in these facilities meet appropriate hygienically clean standards and BMPs for full- and limited-service restaurants and other food service operations.

Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) practices are examined in the Hygienically Clean Food Safety inspection process, evaluating the plant’s techniques for:

  • Conducting hazard analysis;
  • Determining CCPs, monitoring their control, correcting them if not under control;
  • Validating and verifying HACCP system effectiveness; and
  • Documenting and record-keeping to show ongoing conformance.

Inspections also evaluate practices relevant to handling and processing textile products used in food manufacturing/processing establishments for adherence to U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) directives. Introduced in January 2016, Hygienically Clean Food Service brought to linen and uniform service laundering in North America the international cleanliness standards used worldwide by the Certification Association for Professional Textile Services and the European Committee for Standardization.

“Congratulations to CVR Uniforms on their certification,” said Joseph Ricci, TRSA president and CEO. “This achievement proves their dedication to building their customers’ confidence that their laundry takes every step possible to prevent human illness.”

Posted March 6, 2018

Source: TRSA

VF Corp. Appoints Velia Carboni Chief Digital Officer

GREENSBORO, N.C. — March 6, 2018 — VF Corp. today announced the appointment of Velia Carboni to the new position of Chief Digital Officer. She will report to VF’s Chairman, President and CEO Steve Rendle and will serve on the company’s Senior Leadership Team.

“The global retail landscape is evolving at an accelerated pace, driven by the rise of digital technology,” Rendle said. “Velia will lead our digital strategy in a way that fuels growth and enables our brands to build and foster unrivaled connections with consumers worldwide. With more than two decades of experience in digital, emerging technology and consumer analytics, she is the ideal person to lead this important work for VF. We will couple her talents and experience with expanded investments across our digital platform to innovate, build strategic partnerships and win in a very competitive apparel and footwear marketplace.”

In this newly created position, Carboni will be responsible for the integration of world-class digital capabilities into all aspects of business across VF and its brands and functions globally, from channels, processes and data to operating models, incentives, and culture.

“It’s a unique opportunity to work with the VF team and its more than 20 global, iconic brands,” Carboni said. “We will collaborate across the enterprise to provide consumers with new, innovative online shopping experiences. Digital at VF will be a powerful business, growth and consumer-satisfaction tool.”

Carboni joins VF following a 25-plus year career at Fidelity Investments where she held a series of leadership roles with increasing responsibility. Carboni most recently served as senior vice president, Mobile and Emerging Platforms for the company’s Personal Investing/Retail Division. Previously she was Vice President, Mobile, where Carboni led all facets of mobile product development and expanded the company’s mobile program offerings. She also held positions in product management, finance and business analysis during her tenure with Fidelity. She began her career with Bull HN Information Systems, Inc.

Carboni has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Northeastern University where she graduated magna cum laude and an MBA from Boston University where she graduated summa cum laude.

She will be based at VF’s world headquarters in Greensboro, N.C.

Posted March 6, 2018

Source: VF Corp.

Giant Tiger Streamlines Operations And Automates Inventory Processes With An Aruba Mobile First Network

SANTA CLARA, Calif. — March 6, 2018 — Aruba, a Hewlett Packard Enterprise company, today announced that Giant Tiger, a leading Canadian discount chain with more than 240 locations and employing over 8,000 people, has deployed an Aruba Mobile First Network in multiple operations locations including its new 600,000 square foot distribution center, as part of the company’s expansion plans. The new distribution center will utilize the Aruba network to enable automated inventory operations and deliver secure and pervasive wireless connectivity.

Giant Tiger’s business philosophy is to keep operational costs low and sell a high volume of merchandise including apparel, grocery and home fashion at affordable price points. According to Eric Boudreau, Director of Network Engineering and Operations for Giant Tiger Stores Limited, implementing a mobile-first infrastructure is critical to meeting this fundamental business objective.

“Having a network that is always available and enables greater efficiencies is a huge priority for Giant Tiger,” Boudreau said. “Aruba’s mobile-first approach matched our organization’s need to streamline operations, improve inventory processes and move towards efficiencies and efficacy.”

With assistance from partner Mobia Technology, Giant Tiger deployed Aruba 300 Series indoor and outdoor access points, 7200 Series Mobility Controllers, 2920 Switches, AirWave network management and ClearPass Guest for authenticating visitors, in its headquarters and active distribution center in Ottawa, a freezer facility in Brockville, and new distribution center in Johnstown.

The ruggedized Aruba outdoor access points are ideal for Giant Tiger’s 200,000 square foot freezer facility, given the extreme temperatures in that location, and the Aruba indoor access points used in the two distribution — particularly the new facility — easily accommodated the connectivity challenges associated with ceiling heights of up to 60 feet.

For the new distribution center, in particular, wireless was the primary focus of the design. Using Aruba wireless access points, Giant Tiger could ensure pervasive coverage and full redundancy for 24×7 availability, and fast, reliable connectivity for workers, including forklift drivers who need to update the system using mobile computers while working – sometimes from 40 feet in the air.

The network enables the warehouse management system to increase both the speed and, more importantly, the accuracy of Giant Tiger’s supply picking. Increased picking accuracy results in a higher percentage of correct product on store shelves, improving the overall efficiency of Giant Tiger’s inventory process and ultimately, impacting sales positively.

“We have voice-picking RF devices and approximately 140 pickers between our Ottawa distribution facilities and the new center in Johnstown, who are picking goods conventionally, using voice pick technology through a Bluetooth headset,” explained John Hubbard, associate vice president, Warehousing, Giant Tiger Wholesale. “The pickers are directed to choose a location and are required to provide a check digit to confirm that they are at the correct pick location, and the system then tells them the quantity of units to pick. The entire picking process depends on the Wi-Fi. Without a high-performing, reliable wireless connection, our picking staff could not do their jobs as effectively.”

The network enables other mission-critical applications such as inventory control, allowing receiving dock associates to quickly scan inbound products via ruggedized handheld RF scanners while forklift operators can perform “put away” and replenishment functions using barcode scanners that are connected by USB to large screens tablets mounted on their forklifts for easy and safe viewing. In both situations, Giant Tiger team members can ensure products are tracked and correlated in the system for more efficient inventory control. The system is designed to assist staff by making their tasks easier, more efficient, and accurate.

Although Giant Tiger is currently using Aruba ClearPass primarily to deliver simplified guest access to vendors visiting the company’s home office or distribution center, the organization plans to pilot guest access in its stores in the near future. In addition, since Giant Tiger is using Aruba location-ready APs that contain built-in Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) beacons, Jeff Scobie, Senior Vice President, Information Systems for Giant Tiger Stores Limited, says the organization will evaluate how they can leverage location services as they move forward with their digital transformation process.

“With the new, Aruba mobile-first foundation now in place, we’re confident that we can layer new applications and capabilities on top of the network as we need them. And by transforming and improving how we operate, we can continue to meet our company’s core objective of delivering valued products at low prices to our customers.”

Posted March 6, 2018

Source: Aruba, a Hewlett Packard Enterprise company

EIS Becomes The Electrical Specialties Group Of Motion Industries

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — March 6, 2018 — Motion Industries Inc. — a distributor of maintenance, repair, and operation replacement parts and a wholly owned subsidiary of Genuine Parts Company (GPC) — is pleased to announce that EIS — a wholly owned subsidiary of GPC as well, which was operating independently and reporting directly to GPC — has become the Electrical Specialties Group of Motion Industries, effective January 2, 2018.

“We have been working directly with Motion Industries for many years, as EIS’s products and services complement Motion’s offerings in many ways,” said Larry Griffin, president, EIS. “Combining our resources into one offering to the industrial marketplace makes a lot of sense with our similar markets, goals and culture.”

EIS currently operates 39 branches and six fabrication facilities located across North America, supplying process materials, production supplies, specialty wire and cable, and value-added fabricated parts to electrical OEMs, motor repair shops and various assembly markets. Based in Atlanta, the company focuses on three main areas: Electrical & Electronic, Cable & Connectivity and Fabrication & Coating. EIS’s annual revenues were approximately $800 million in the previous year.

Tim Breen, Motion Industries’ President and CEO, said: “This move creates operational synergies and new growth strategies that will make both companies stronger than ever in customer service and in the competitive market. Together, we are leveraging our assets of people, facilities, size, strength, and expertise to provide even greater customer and shareholder value.”

Posted March 6, 2018

Source: Motion Industries

Reese Witherspoon’s Draper James Partners With ELOQUII On Exclusive Capsule Collection

NEW YORK CITY — March 6, 2018 — Today, ELOQUII, a trend-driven retailer for women’s sizes 12-28, announced an exclusive capsule collection with lifestyle brand, Draper James. The Draper James for ELOQUII collection of 30 designs, including dresses and separates, captures Draper James’ signature Southern aesthetic while staying true to the design and fit ELOQUII’s customer loves.

The collection celebrates femininity with its colorful and upbeat details and presents a modern twist on timeless, ladylike style. Priced from $55 to $225, the Draper James for ELOQUII collection is sold through ELOQUII stores and on ELOQUII.com. The collection will also be available on DraperJames.com, through exclusive trunk show events in Draper James stores and RentTheRunway.com.

“Here at Draper James we care deeply about our customers’ feedback and they’ve consistently asked for expanded sizing. We were determined to set out to find the right partner to better serve her, which led us to ELOQUII, a brand whose fashion and fit we love,” says Draper James Founder and Creative Director Reese Witherspoon. “It’s been such a fun and rewarding experience to work with ELOQUII on this collaboration. We are thrilled to invite more women into the family with the Draper James for ELOQUII collection.”

Draper James for ELOQUII debuts with the Escape Route collection for Spring. Standout styles include the Embellished Parrot Dress ($226), Charleston Stripe Dress ($146) and Dolly Check Print Wrap Top ($86) with matching Skirt ($100). The partnership continues with the Hello Darlin’ Summer collection full of ladylike silhouettes showcasing Draper James’ signature magnolia print and denim separates alongside playful accents including Southern slogans and shoulder ties.

“When Reese and Draper James, a woman and brand we admire for Southern charm, hospitality and style, approached us to partner, we jumped at the opportunity,” states ELOQUII Creative Director Jodi Arnold. “We are so happy to create a timeless and playful collection with a brand that shares our core values that all women should have access to amazing fashion.”

Posted March 6, 2018

Source: ELOQUII Design Inc.

RYU Apparel Appoints Cesare Fazari To Advisory Board

VANCOUVER — March 6, 2018 — RYU Apparel Inc., creators of urban athletic apparel, is pleased to announce the appointment of Cesare Fazari to the Advisory Board.

The company is pleased to announce the appointment of Cesare Fazari to its Advisory Board effective March 1, 2018. Fazari is a shareholder and a proud supporter of the RYU brand.

As a founding partner in Northwood Developments for more than 30 years, Fazari has successfully specialized in commercial retail rollout, completing thousands of turnkey locations with major commercial franchises such as Shoppers Drug Mart, Marshalls, Trade Secrets and Public Mobile to name a few. With his entrepreneurial vision, Fazari has been the seed Venture Capital investor in many successful public companies such as Hydropothacary Corp., Ianthus, Drone Delivery Services, and others.

Fazari also sits on the board as a director of the public merchant bank Fountain Asset Corporation and is on the advisory board of several public and private companies. Further, he has a vast portfolio of over one million square feet of real estate holdings which include hundreds of residential units and hundreds of thousands of square feet of commercial office space, commercial retail, industrial space and land. His philanthropic nature has led him to be actively involved in charitable organizations including The Breakfast Club of Canada, The Canadian Cancer Society and the Good Shepard Food Bank. Together with his wife of more than 30 years, they have raised three sons who together are all active in the family business. As a visionary, Fazari continues to build a portfolio of assets spanning across several industries.

Fazari said: “I am thrilled to join the RYU family as we all share the same beliefs and vision for the Company. I am excited to offer my guidance and use my experience building companies to help bring RYU to the next level.”

In connection with Fazari’s appointment, the company entered into a Corporate Advisor Agreement dated March 1, 2018, whereby, among other terms, the company agreed to grant him 2,500,000 stock options at the exercise price of $0.29 per common share until expiry on March 2, 2028.

Stock Option Grant

The Company announces that it has granted 3,610,000 stock options to its executive officers, 700,000 stock options to its directors, 3,925,000 to employees, and 3,300,000 stock options to consultants (including the amount for Fazari) for the purchase of up to an aggregate 11,535,000 common shares of the Company, pursuant to its Long-Term Performance Incentive Plan, at a price of $0.29 per common share. Common shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options held by directors and officers of the Company will be subject to a hold period imposed by the TSX Venture Exchange of four months and one day from the date of the grant of the stock options.

Each option granted to executive officers, directors, employees and certain consultants is exercisable for a period of two to ten years. These stock options vest as follows: (i) 9,972,500 stock options vest immediately, (ii) as to 150,000 stock options, 25% vest after 3 months, 25% vest after 6 months, 25% vest after 9 months, and (iii) as to 1,412,500 stock options, vest after 1 year.

Posted March 6, 2018

Source: RYU Apparel Inc.

Ternua Group Chooses Lectra Fashion PLM 4.0

PARIS — March 6, 2018 — Lectra, the technological partner for companies using fabrics and leather, is pleased to announce that the Ternua Group, a Spanish outdoor clothing and sportswear group, has chosen Lectra Fashion PLM 4.0 to increase its geographical presence by improving global teamwork.

Founded in 1994, the Ternua Group has achieved worldwide success by promoting adventure through respect for nature, producing sustainable technical clothing for outdoor sports enthusiasts worldwide. The group’s strong commitment to the environment is shown through their R&D that focuses on developing its own fabric by using eco-friendly materials such as organic cotton and recycled down.

Today, the group’s portfolio includes three brands Ternua, Astore and Lorpen, currently exporting to more than 50 countries, with operations in Europe, America and Asia. Compounding this global success, the ambitious group plans to penetrate more markets across the globe.

The group is implementing Lectra Fashion PLM 4.0 into its entire production process. Specifically developed to help fashion companies navigate the digital era, this modular and user-friendly solution will help the Ternua Group centralize and store information coming from their brands by digitalizing their supply chain. This will connect all teams involved in the design-to-production process, regardless of geographic location. Team members will also be able to communicate better with external suppliers, access accurate information and keep track of every collection’s development progress. The group can hence speed up the entire production process and help their brands deliver their collections to markets all over the world on time.

“We manage our design and product development processes in-house but outsource our production in Europe, north of Africa and Asia,” explained Aitor Barinaga, COO, Ternua Group.”For our business to expand globally, we need to go fully digital. By having a system that consolidates and standardizes data coming from all supply chain actors across the world, we can respond faster to consumer demand. We have assessed all other vendors, and Lectra Fashion PLM 4.0 is clearly the winner. It has the ability to fully integrate all processes and improve communication and teamwork across all departments through sound data management. We are more than happy to have a trusted partner as Lectra for such an ambitious project.”

“Ternua Group is constantly pushing the boundaries of innovation,” said Rodrigo Siza, Managing Director, Spain and Portugal, Lectra. “This is shown through their desire to help customers achieve their personal best by providing them with high-performance technical wear that is also environmentally friendly. We are thrilled to embark on this new journey with the Ternua Group, and we are confident that our solution and expertise will help them get their collections out to new markets on time.”

Posted March 6, 2018

Source: Lectra

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