2024 Quarterly Issue IV

Woodcock

The American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC), Research Triangle Park, N.C., has announced Gregg Woodcock as its new executive director. In addition, Christina Rapa was named president-elect. Her term begins January 1, 2025, and lasts for two years.

Dario Aguilar was appointed managing director, Latin America, for San Francisco-based Levi Strauss & Co.

Helsinki-based Suominen has named Minna Rouru chief people and communications officer.

Williamson

Dr. David Williamson has transitioned from president and COO to CEO of sustainable materials company Modern Meadow, Nutley, N.J.

Natalia Scherbakoff has joined Houston-based Orion S.A. as chief technology officer. She succeeds David Deters who is retiring.

Beaulieu International Group (B.I.G.), Belgium, named Jean-Baptiste De Ruyck CEO.

Natureworks, Plymouth, Mass., has appointed Roger Tambay chief growth officer, and Roger Kempa CFO.

Jacoby

Milliken & Company, Spartanburg, S.C., recently named Allen Jacoby president of the Textile Business and company executive vice president. He replaces David Smith who is retiring after 45 years of service to Milliken. In other Milliken appointments, Marcio Manique has joined the textile business as senior vice president, Protective Fabrics. Manique will oversee the fire service, workwear and napery businesses, as well as manage Westex: A Milliken Brand.

Wolverine World Wide Inc., Rockford, Mich., named Susie Kuhn president of the company’s Active Group. She is responsible for the Merrell, Saucony and Chaco Brands.

Lux

Stefan Lux is the new managing director of Germany-based KM.ON GmbH as well as the KM.ON business unit of the Germany-based Karl Mayer Group. He succeeds interim director Carla Janz.

Raul Thomas recently retired after a 37-year career with Switzerland-based Uster Technologies AG. He was honored at a celebration held at the Gaston College Textile Technology Center in Belmont, N.C. In honor of his legacy, Uster has awarded a transfer scholarship at the Technology Center and NC State University’s Wilson College of Textiles.

Nike Inc., Beaverton, Ore., announced that Elliott Hill has returned to the company as president and CEO. He replaces John Donahoe who is retiring. In addition, Tom Peddie was named vice president and general manager of the North America Geography at Nike.

Doug McBurney is the new Global Procurement executive at MMI Textiles, Brooklyn, Ohio.

Jay Hertwig has joined Atlanta-based industrial yarn and fabric solution provider Hamilton International as vice president of Sales and Marketing.

Jonathan Horton has joined the direct sales team as Western Regional manager for Herculite Products, Emigsville, Pa.

Ren

Charlotte, N.C.-based Elevate Textiles has named Elizabeth K. “Liz” Ren head of Corporate Development and Strategy.

The Board of Directors at Albany International, Rochester, N.H., has appointed Christopher Stone president of Albany Engineered Composites Inc. In addition, Merle Stein was named president of the Machine Clothing business segment.

Dan Bugaj was named head of Business Development for American Cord and Webbing (ACW), Woonsocket, R.I.

Liedtke

Eric Liedtke has joined Baltimore-based Under Armour as executive vice president of brand strategy.

Dr. Raoul Farer recently joined The Nonwovens Institute, Raleigh, N.C., as executive director. He also serves as a professor in the Wilson College of Textiles’ Department of Textile Engineering, Chemistry and Science (TECS) at NC State University.

Israel-based Delta Galil Industries has appointed Yaniv Benedek CFO.

2024 Quarterly Volume IV

Green Theme Technologies And Golden Long John Integrate Clean Textile Dye And Finishing Technologies

ALBUQUERQUE, New Mexico — November 18, 2024 — Green Theme Technologies (GTT), creators of the waterless and PFAS-free EMPEL® textile finishing platform, has teamed up with Golden Long John to promote the next generation of cleaner and more efficient fabric dye and finishing processes.

The textile manufacturing industry generates trillions of gallons of wastewater each year. Traditional textile dyeing and finishing rinses chemical dyes and water repellency onto fabrics. Post-production toxic water is then dumped into rivers and oceans.

Last year, Golden Long John, a major textile supplier of the global footwear industry, introduced GTT’s EMPEL® finishing platform in their Vietnam factories. Their partnership has led to the combination of their two industry leading technologies, the EMPEL® high performance water repellent finish and Golden Long John’s direct dye process.

“We believe, Cleaner IS Better and this is a big step forward for the fashion and textile industries,” said Martin Flora, President of GTT Business Development. “Similar to GTT’s EMPEL® application, Golden Long John applies dye chemistry directly onto fabrics. Better performance with much less pollution is our vision for the future.”

GTT and Golden Long John will showcase their innovations at the Functional Fabric Fair in Portland Or., on November 20th and 21st. Both companies are now enjoying steady growth from brands like Nike that need consistent and better performance while achieving their environmental goals.

Posted: November 18, 2024

Source: Green Theme Technologies, Inc. (GTT)

Herculite Products Reaches Two Years With No Lost Time Incidents

EMIGSVILLE, PA— November 18, 2024 — Herculite Products Inc., an innovator and manufacturer of high-performance and custom fabrics, proudly announces a significant safety milestone: two consecutive years with zero loss-time incidents (LTI). This achievement underscores our associates’ unwavering commitment to safety, operational excellence, and the well-being of their teammates.

Safety is a core value at Herculite, and this milestone reflects the dedication and diligence of every associate in upholding the company’s high safety standards. Reaching two years without a single LTI is an excellent accomplishment, demonstrating Herculite associates’ commitment to following safety protocols, participating in regular training, and maintaining constant vigilance while on the job.

Herculite President and CEO Peter McKernan said: “At Herculite, our goal to be world-class starts with Safety. Our Associate-driven culture is empowered to work safely and ensure our fellow associates share the same level of commitment to safety. I am extremely proud of all our Associates for reaching this milestone.”

Herculite Vice President of Operations Gary Harrelson said: “We are all excited about the positive results we are seeing with our Safety Culture.  All associates take ownership in our Safety Journey and remain vigilant in ensuring that we foster a work environment that is safe for everyone.”

Over the past two years, Herculite has invested in various safety initiatives, including:

  • Enhanced Training Programs: Regular, comprehensive safety training for employees and management.
  • Upgraded Safety Equipment: State-of-the-art tools and personal protective equipment to ensure maximum on-site safety.
  • Robust Safety Protocols: Continuous review and improvement of standard operating procedures to prevent incidents before they happen.
  • Employee Wellness Programs: Support programs that ensure all employees’ mental and physical health.

Herculite associates recognize that maintaining a safe workplace is an ongoing process, and they remain committed to upholding and exceeding industry safety standards. As Herculite celebrates this milestone, we seek ways to continue this track record of safety excellence. Our associate-led safety team, Safe-Pack, will continue to foster a proactive safety culture by empowering fellow teammates to prioritize health and safety to achieve our goal of setting new benchmarks in the industry and contributing positively to the communities in which Herculite operates.

Posted: November 18, 2024

Source: Herculite Products Inc.

2024 Quarterly Issue IV

Duer’s performance flannel button-down shirt featuring graphene fiber

Vancouver-based denim and lifestyle apparel brand Duer has launched a performance flannel button-down shirt made using a graphene nanofiber. The graphene fights static, keeps the fabric fresh, is cooling when hot, and confers warmth without weight.

Geneva-based testing, inspection and certification company SGS has unveiled a comprehensive suite of per-and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) testing services.

Q-Lab, Westlake, Ohio, has launchead a redesigned website. Located at Q-Lab.com, the site offers new tools and resources to visitors to simplify searches, among other improvements.

Switzerland-based Heberlein Technology and Indonesia-based Busana Apparel Group have both joined the Zurich-based International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF)
as a corporate members.

Germany-based Monforts recently celebrated its 140th anniversary under the motto “140 Years of Performance, Innovation and Partners.”

Forbo Flooring Systems has introduced the first collection in its Evolve+ series, Tessera Topology, which features Thrive® matter low-carbon-foot-print yarn from Bristol,Va.-based Universal Fibers®.

Italy-based Thermore has introduced Invisiloft®, a slim insulation product that offers high warmth with minimal thickness.

Spartanburg, S.C.-based Polartec, a Milliken & Company brand, won the 2024 R&D 100 Award in Mechanical/Materials for its Power Shield™ Pro fabric.

2024 Quarterly Volume IV

Kelsun™ Fiber: Seaweed Reinvented

The Kelsun™ Universal Blanket Shirt from OuterKnown

Sustainable fashion brand OuterKnown has launched the first commercial product featuring Keel Labs’ Kelsun™ fiber.

By Rachael S. Davis, Executive Editor

Slippery and slimy are words that come to mind when describing seaweed, not soft, smooth and comfortable like natural textile fibers. But Keel Labs, formerly known as AlgiKnit and the creator of Kelsun™ fiber, has harnessed alginate — a biopolymer found in seaweed — and developed a process to turn it into an environmentally friendly textile fiber. The fiber, designed as a plug-and-play replacement for conventional fibers, may be used in applications throughout the textile industry, according to Keel Labs.

The company was founded by Tessa Callaghan and Aleks Gosiewski. As design students, they wanted to tackle waste in the fashion industry and took on the mission of creating a material solution that is as environmentally friendly as possible. Kelsun is 100-percent biobased, and also is biodegradable in wastewater. The seaweed used also is responsibly sourced.

After years in development, Keel Labs is excited to announce the first commercial product launch for Kelsun fiber. The Kelsun Universal Blanket Shirt was developed in partnership with OuterKnown, a Culver City, Calif.-based apparel brand. The fabric is a 30-percent Kelsun/70-percent regenerative organic certified (ROC™) cotton, which retains the look, feel and performance of the original Universal Blanket Shirts in OuterKnown’s product line.

OuterKnown was founded by pro surfer Kelly Slater and John Moore, Creative director, with a commitment to sustainable choices. The brand focuses on high-quality, responsibly sourced materials including organic, recycled or regenerated fibers, and biobased materials.

“The Blanket Shirt was one of the first products in our line, and it remains one of my favorite pieces,” Slater said. “From the beginning, it was important to me to design and build a shirt that was high quality, made from sustainable materials, but felt vintage soft. … It’s been 10 years since we made the first one, and we are proud to be partnering with Keel Labs on the next generation of this shirt with a version made from Kelsun, a 100-percent biobased fiber derived from seaweed. Working with suppliers that share our love for the ocean is a great fit for Outerknown. I’m excited to see this grow.”

“We are thrilled to announce our partnership with Outerknown for the first commercial launch of Kelsun fiber,” said Keel Labs Co-Founder and CEO Callaghan. “At Keel Labs, we are deeply committed to our mission of harnessing the potential of our oceans to create better products for people and the planet alike. Working alongside a brand like Outerknown, that shares our dedication to creating a better world, and our steadfast love of the sea to bring our products to life couldn’t be more fitting. This is a pivotal moment, not just for Keel Labs, but for the industry as a whole, standing as a marker for what lies ahead when conviction, action and collaboration combine. This garment is the first — though not last — of its kind, and we can’t wait to continue sharing the evolution and expansion of our partnership.”

2024 Quarterly Volume IV

KOLAB Collection Launches NFC (Near Field Communication) -Tagged Sustainable Clothing Line

NEW YORK — October 22, 2024 — KOLAB Collection, a global clothing brand dedicated to sustainable clothing, will launch its NFC-tagged clothing line today with its Fall/Winter 2024 collection. Designed to be passed down, KOLAB Collection is one of the first clothing companies to use NFC (Near Field Communication) tagging technology on a wide scale and day-to-day basis by using NFC tags to aid in authentication, inventory management, resale management, and traceability. This ensures that its outerwear can be easily handed down to the next wearer.

Each jacket is equipped with KOLAB’s NFC-enabled, waterproof & laundry-proof info tag, allowing customers to access its unique history and lifetime details.

The Fall/Winter collection focuses on minimalism, with clean silhouettes and a palette of neutral blues, greens and khakis inspired by the colors of New England, as well as urban and natural settings. The Fall/Winter collection will feature new designs for signature items like the Mixed Fabric Chore Jacket, Waterproof Tech Jacket, Padded Parka and other clothing. The collection includes features like hidden pockets, ventilation systems, and adjustable elements to optimize functionality without compromising style.

Paul Ng, Founder of KOLAB Collection, shares, “After years of development, my team and I are excited to introduce the KOLAB Collection to the world. Our sustainable fashion line reflects the values that we believe in—functionality, style, and durability. We are confident in the exceptional quality of our pieces, from YKK zippers to stitching techniques that ensure a flawless fit, giving our pieces the longevity to be passed down rather than discarded. To make this process seamless, we are one of the first clothing companies to utilize NFC tagging technology on a wide scale to ensure that wearers can always trace the provenance of each item.”

Posted: November 18, 2024

Source: KOLAB

Jones Family Of Companies And ECO Fiber Inc. Enter Joint Venture To Launch ECO Fiber Packaging, A Sustainable Cold Chain Packaging Solutions Company

HUMBOLDT, Tenn. — November 18, 2024 — Jones Family of Companies Inc. and ECO Fiber Inc. are excited to announce the formation of a joint venture to expand their offerings in the sustainable cold chain packaging market. This new venture combines the strengths of ECO Fiber’s expertise in packaging solutions with Jones Family of Companies’ nearly 90 years of experience in textiles and commitment to sustainability. Together, they are establishing a new company, ECO Fiber Packaging, which will provide innovative, sustainable cold chain packaging solutions to meet the evolving needs of the industry.

Both companies recognized that a new corporate model would maximize their combined potential, prompting the creation of ECO Fiber Packaging. As part of the venture, Jones Family of Companies has acquired the textile assets of ECO Fiber Inc., and a Joint Venture Agreement has been executed. ECO Fiber Packaging will operate as a wholly new entity under its own brand, with the joint commitment of both companies to deliver high-quality, environmentally responsible packaging solutions.

“We’re thrilled to see the possibilities this joint venture will bring,” said Ralph Jones III, CEO and Chairman of the Board of Jones Family of Companies. “The Schneider family and ECO Fiber team bring immense talent and dedication, which perfectly complements Jones’ legacy of quality and sustainable practices. Together, we’re poised to set a new standard in cold chain packaging.”

Jones Family of Companies is a pioneer in sustainable practices and a leader in the USDA BioPreferred Program. This federal program encourages the use of renewable agricultural resources in product manufacturing, reducing dependence on petroleum. Jones’ USDA- certified biobased insulation products, made from renewable materials like cotton and jute, meet rigorous standards for temperature-sensitive applications in industries such as frozen foods, pharmaceuticals, and medical supplies. This dedication to environmental responsibility is a natural alignment with ECO Fiber’s values of sustainability and product excellence, making this partnership a powerful combination of service, quality, and innovation.

With Jones’ manufacturing and warehousing facilities in Tennessee, New Hampshire, and Indiana joining ECO Fiber Packaging locations in North Carolina and Texas, the new company now has expanded reach and capacity to serve customers nationwide with even greater reliability and efficiency. ECO Fiber Packaging is committed to enhancing the service, quality, and product lineup that customers have come to trust from ECO Fiber, while advancing their commitment to sustainable practices.

Key leaders from both companies will continue to serve as champions of the ECO Fiber Packaging brand. Kent Schneider, co-founder of ECO Fiber Inc., and Andrew Dailey, Sr. VP Strategic Accounts and Bus Dev from Jones Family of Companies will work together to deliver exceptional service and drive innovation in the cold chain packaging space.

“It has been an incredible experience working alongside the Jones Family of Companies,” said Schneider. “We share a deep commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainable practices, and I look forward to furthering that collaboration with Andrew and the entire Jones team.”

Schneider co-founded ECO Fiber Inc. with his father, Brian, in 2021, building the company on principles of sustainability, environmental stewardship, and uncompromising quality. Andrew Dailey brings decades of expertise in textile sustainability and has established himself as a well-respected specialist in the cold chain packaging industry. Together, they bring a unique blend of experience and passion to the new venture, ensuring the highest standards of service and innovation.

Posted: November 18, 2024

Source: Jones Family of Companies, Inc.

S&S Activewear Taps Industry Veteran Eric Levin To Lead Hard Goods Division

BOLINGBROOK, Ill. — November 15, 2024 — S&S Activewear (“S&S”), a technology-enabled distributor of apparel and accessories, announced the appointment of industry veteran Eric Levin as general manager of its newly designated Prime Line Hard Goods division.

In his role as General Manager, Levin will be responsible for leading a dedicated division focused specifically on hard goods, leveraging his extensive experience in the promotional products industry. A specialized sales team devoted to hard goods will report directly to Levin as he works closely with the executive team at S&S and alphabroder to shape the division’s strategic and organizational design.

Eric Levin

“I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to lead the Prime Line Hard Goods division,” Levin said. “Throughout my career, I’ve gained valuable, first-hand experience within the hard goods and decorated apparel industries. That specialized knowledge developed into a unique ability to pinpoint areas prime for growth and improvement within the business and industry at large.”

Levin brings over 33 years of industry leadership to this role, having previously founded Jetline, a successful promotional products business that merged with Prime Line in 2015. Two years later, Prime Line was acquired by alphabroder and became the supplier’s hard goods division, where Levin served as executive vice president of strategy and growth.

“We’re excited for the future of the hard goods division with Eric at the helm,” said Frank Myers, CEO of S&S Activewear. “His expertise and strong customer relationships position us for significant growth in this new phase.”

To learn more about S&S, visit www.ssactivewear.com.

Posted: November 18, 2024

Source: S&S Activewear

KARL MAYER: More Business With Composites, Greater Efficiency In Warp Knitting With Weft Insertion

OBERTSHAUSEN, Germany — November 14, 2024 — During ITMA ASIA + CITME 2024, KARL MAYER presented “Master the Change” solutions for numerous areas of the textile industry, including the technical textiles segment. At its stand in the Shanghai National Exhibition and Convention Center, the global player showed how the non-crimp fabrics from its highly productive composite machines can be used to exploit promising sales potential with lightweight construction applications. At an in-house show accompanying the trade fair at KARL MAYER (CHINA) in Changzhou, there was also a performance demonstration of innovative warp knitting machines with weft insertion with a 2nd generation TM WEFT and the new WEFT GRID ECO. Thanks to its special performance, the newcomer focuses on the production of lightweight glass fabrics for use in the construction industry, for example as plaster grids or crack tape.

Multiaxial non-crimp fabrics for a high-margin market

Jan Stahr, Regional Sales Manager

The response to the two exhibitions was not as high as at a typical technical textiles trade fair. In particular, the number of visitors from countries outside Asia was below the expectations of Jan Stahr, Regional Sales Manager of KARL MAYER’s Technical Textiles Business Unit. Nevertheless, the market expert draws a positive conclusion. “We held numerous high-quality discussions with different customers. Among them were a surprising number of traditional warp knitting companies who talked to us about entry opportunities in the carbon composite sector,” says Jan Stahr.

The reactions to the samples of non-crimp fabrics exhibited in Shanghai and to the application video shown met all expectations. Particularly pleasing was the visit to the KARL MAYER stand by an up-and-coming carbon composite player, which is characterised by a high willingness to innovate. Representatives of his top management came to exchange ideas. The reasons for the great interest in carbon fiber-reinforced composites are, on the one hand, the affordable raw material prices since China’s entry into fiber production and, on the other hand, an increased demand for lightweight components, especially in the field of e-mobility. The carbon composite business attracts newcomers and those switching to it with higher margins than in the glass fiber reinforcement segment.

MAX GLASS ECO

There was also a promising exchange about the MAX GLASS ECO. The reliable production machine for the extremely economical production of standard articles made of glass fibers is particularly interesting for the wind power market, which is currently picking up speed again in China and India after years of consolidation. The timing of the machine presentation via video and with samples could not have been better!

Warp knitting machines with weft insertion with market tailoring

Ocean Wave Fabric TM WEFT

Another crowd-puller was the TM WEFT for the in-house show at KARL MAYER (CHINA). Many visitors took the opportunity to see the performance of the highly efficient machine for themselves – thanks to a targeted upgrade, the new version is 20% faster than its predecessor. Some customers also decided to invest during the event. Demand is being fuelled in particular by the trend-driven fashion sector. “We are seeing more and more outerwear fabrics being produced at TM WFT instead of interlining articles,” explains Jan Stahr. In line with this development, the exhibition machine in Changzhou produced a chic ocean wave fabric with striking 3D surface effects. TM WEFT customers include many weaving companies that have been able to reduce their machinery and therefore their personnel requirements by switching to the highly efficient warp knitting machine with weft insertion.

Confirmation from the market

The new WEFT GRID ECO aroused interest due to its price-performance ratio. It achieves a working speed of 1,800 rpm and has convinced customers to conduct performance tests in their production in the coming weeks. However, the growth impulses from the construction sector, the main customer for WEFT GRID ECO products, is still below expectations.

The feedback from the presentations at ITMA ASIA + CITME 2024 confirms that KARL MAYER’s Technical Textiles Business Unit is on the right track.

Posted: November 18, 2024

Source: KARL MAYER GROUP

Sicomin Partners With Skaw Sailing And SHORETEAM On The SKAW (A) Worlds First Foiling Scow Yacht To Be Built With Sustainable GreenPoxy Resins

SICOMIN, France — November 18, 2024 — Sicomin, a global supplier in advanced bio-based epoxy systems, is excited to announce its latest collaboration with Skaw Sailing and SHORETEAM for the pioneering SKAW (A) foiling cruising yacht. Built by SHORETEAM and designed by Benoit Marie and Clément Bercault, the SKAW (A) is a ground-breaking monohull scow that brings together a high-performance foiling design and a reduced environmental impact through Sicomin GreenPoxy® resins.

Skaw A interior view

The SKAW (A) represents the first-ever foiling cruising scow yacht, crafted for optimal speed, maneuverability, and eco-responsibility. The vessel leverages Sicomin’s GreenPoxy range to set new standards in sustainable performance. This innovative bio-based epoxy solution achieves industry-leading mechanical properties while significantly reducing the carbon footprint compared to traditional petroleum-based resins.

The SKAW (A) will be constructed using Sicomin’s high-modulus GreenPoxy solutions, including SR InfuGreen 171 for the infusion of larger parts and SR GreenPoxy 170 for the hand laminating and bonding of the secondary structures. Both resins provide the strength, durability, and quality essential for a high-performance yacht design and enable SHORETEAM to achieve the ultra-lightweight 5000kg displacement and advanced mechanical performance necessary to achieve optimal foiling.

“Our goal was to design a yacht that embodies both exceptional performance and environmental responsibility,” said Benoit Marie, Founder, Skaw Sailing. “With Sicomin’s GreenPoxy technology and SHORETEAM’s expert craftmenship, we have achieved a lightweight, strong, and sustainable yacht that pushes the boundaries of foiling technology for cruising.”

Sicomin’s GreenPoxy products, specifically formulated for demanding applications such as marine foiling, offer enhanced mechanical properties including mechanical strength and durability, making them the ideal choice for the SKAW (A).

“Our SR InfuGreen 171 and SR GreenPoxy 170 were an ideal fit for this ambitious project”, added Tom Kerriou, Sicomin. “We are excited to see our sustainable GreenPoxy epoxy solutions contribute to the success of this design and we look forward to supporting Skaw Sailing and SHORETEAM in bringing this innovative yacht to life.”

Posted: November 18, 2024

Source: Sicomin

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