With $65 Million In New Funding, FIGS Seeks To Revolutionize The Medical Apparel Industry

LOS ANGELES — January 23, 2018 — Female-founded medical apparel company FIGS raised $65 million in a most recent investment round from Tulco, bringing total funding to date to $75 million.

Founded in 2013 by Heather Hasson and Trina Spear, FIGS is transforming the healthcare experience by creating the highest quality medical apparel in the world and developing an unprecedented, branded ecommerce platform for medical professionals.

The $50 billion medical apparel industry is dominated by low end suppliers that sell in bulk to brick and mortar retailers. Disrupting an antiquated market might sound like an easy feat, but as co-CEO and co-founder Heather Hasson pointed out: “We’re not just changing an antiquated industry, we’re changing purchasing behaviors that have been ingrained in this community for over a hundred years. That has never been done.”

To do this well, FIGS lets data lead the way. Utilizing technology to make personalized digital relationships with their consumers was key to their success to date, which is sizeable. Since their last round of funding in 2016, the business has grown more than 10 times. “We have no plans to slow down,” Hasson said. “We’re using predictive data analytics and machine learning to connect with our community and bring them more of what they want.”

This new round of funding will be used for advancements in technology, customization and to buy out existing investors. The infusion of capital will also speed up the company’s existing pipeline, which includes international expansion. “International is the logical next step for our brand, which already has demand and clientele outside the U.S.,” Hasson said.

It’s also one of the reasons Tulco was eager to invest in the business. “Data analytics, machine learning and artificial intelligence are helping to transform traditional industries,” said Thomas Tull, Tulco founder and CEO. Tulco is now the sole outside investor in FIGS. “FIGS is using these tools to reimagine the workwear category and we couldn’t be happier with the results.”

Posted January 23, 2018

Source: FIGS

Unifi Announces Successful Visit From N.C. Governor Roy Cooper

GREENSBORO, N.C. — January 23, 2018 — Unifi is proud to announce a successful visit from North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper on Tuesday, January 16. Governor Cooper toured Unifi’s Yadkinville facility, and was able to see first-hand the economic impact the company is having on the state and nation. Unifi makes its REPREVE® fiber from recycled materials, including plastic water bottles, at its Yadkinville plant.

“We’re honored that Governor Cooper was able to see how Unifi contributes good paying jobs for people in North Carolina,” said Unifi Chairman and CEO Kevin Hall. “We’ve invested $130 million over the past three years to deliver on innovation and our goal to reach 20 billion bottles transformed by 2020, and more than 30 billion by 2022 as we convert them into our REPREVE sustainable and performance fibers.”

“We’re also excited that we were able to show the Governor how sustainability can make a significant difference in our circular economy,” added Hall. “We want to increase opportunities for North Carolina businesses to turn waste into value, thereby creating new revenue streams while continually and meaningfully reducing environmental impact.”

The tour brought together government, business and university leaders from across the state, who were able to collaborate before the tour during a roundtable discussion. Those in attendance included:

  • Tracey Dellinger, regional industry manager, North Carolina Economic Development Partnership;
  • Susan Fleetwood, executive director of Economic Development, Office of the Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Commerce;
  • Glenn Jackman, senior international trade manager, North Carolina Economic Development Partnership;
  • John Loyack, vice president, Global Business Services, North Carolina Economic Development Partnership;
  • Michael S. Regan, secretary department of Environmental Quality;
  • Brad Ives, associate vice chancellor for Campus Enterprises & chief sustainability officer of UNC Chapel Hill; and
  • Letitia Webster, vice president, Global Corporate Sustainability for VF Corp.

Posted January 23, 2018

Source: Unifi

Greater China Mills Launch INVISTA’s New THERMOLITE® T3 EcoMade Insulation At Outdoor Retailer + Snow Show

WILMINGTON, Del. — January 23, 2018 — Capitalizing on consumer demand for performance and sustainability — the mainland China-based Ziran Non-Woven Co. Ltd. and the Taiwan-headquartered, globally focused Shinih Enterprise Co. Ltd. — have chosen the Outdoor Retailer + Snow Show in Denver, Colorado, to launch the first commercially available THERMOLITE® T3 EcoMade insulation by INVISTA.

Warmer, lighter and using a minimum of 35 percent in recycled materials, the innovative new Thermolite T3 EcoMade insulation can enable garment brands to unlock the economic and environmental advantages of sustainable, high-performance active outdoor wear.

“Insulation is different from other textiles, because it is difficult for customers to gauge its quality based on what they can touch and see,” said Joyce Chien, business director for Shinih Enterprise Co., Ltd. “In a saturated market, it is crucial to find a way to give end-user customers confidence that the garments they are buying will meet qualified standards as well as desired sustainability level. As a leader in the industry, we are excited to partner with Invista in launching Thermolite T3 EcoMade insulation,”

One of the world’s leading non-woven manufacturers, Shinih has worked with Invista for more than 30 years. With over 50 years’ experience in the insulation market, Shinih has an in-depth understanding of what is driving consumer demand.

“Invista’s innovative Thermolite T3 EcoMade insulation technology delivers on all fronts. It is fully tested to ensure it meets stringent quality standards, GRS certification criteria and superior CLO performance, as well as a light environmental footprint. We are confident that it will shake up this demanding market,” Chien said.

New insulation weighs less, but keeps wearers warmer

The new generation of Invista’s groundbreaking insulation padding, Thermolite T3 EcoMade delivers outstanding warmth while being extremely lightweight. Combined with superior compression and recovery, Thermolite T3 EcoMade insulation sets a new milestone in terms of wearer comfort.

A high level of water resistance keeps outdoor enthusiasts dry and comfortable, even in demanding conditions. In addition, Thermolite T3 EcoMade technology has outstanding wash durability, which translates into longer garment life and lower environmental impact through fewer replacements and less trash.

Consumers drive green fashion trend

Sustainable fashion is becoming a key battleground for garment brands. According to the GfK MRI Survey of the American Consumer, over half (56 percent) of respondents are willing to pay more for environment-friendly products, and a similar number (49 percent) agree that a company’s environmental record is an important factor in purchasing decisions.

Thermolite T3 EcoMade insulation opens access to a broad range of high-performance, highly sustainable products. Because it contains a minimum of 35-percent recycled materials, the new material lowers the cost barrier for brands interested in entering this market.

The level of recyclables in the Thermolite T3 EcoMade insulation formula can be more than 35 percent. This offers brands an opportunity to tailor products to suit the sustainability and price-point requirements of consumers searching for high-performance, sustainable products.

Shanghai Shi, general manager of Ziran Non-Woven, noted that the brand-power of Invista and its track record for technical innovation made the decision to become a licensee/producer of Thermolite T3 EcoMade insulation an extremely easy one.

“As well as greatly enhancing our company image and creating an opportunity to offer customers a variety of exceptional insulation solutions, we expect this development to significantly increase revenues — by at least 20 percent over our current product line. We hope it will grow to 50 percent within the next three years as demand for performance and sustainability continues to rise,” said Shi.

Thermolite® makes history again

The new Thermolit T3 EcoMade insulation builds on 30 years of experience in keeping consumers warm and dry with products offering outstanding quality, dependability, and performance. The Thermolite brand has a history of driving innovation and supporting the aspirations of customers with impactful marketing and compelling communications that extend throughout the value chain.

“Innovation has always been part of Invista’s genetic code. It has seen us develop a broad portfolio of value-creating products, designed to deliver class-leading performance, and which put our customers at the forefront of their market segment in any geography,” said Huw Williams, Invista global segment director, activewear and outdoor.

“Thermolite T3 EcoMade insulation continues that story, providing licensees and brands with a way to heat up sales in an extremely competitive market, while at the same time helping High Street customers to keep warm without compromising their green principles,” he said.

To find out more about Thermolite T3 EcoMade insulation and other Down Alternative Technology, visit Shinih at booth at 5035-LL, and Ziran at booth 6035-LL at the Outdoor Retailer + Snow Show which runs from January 25–28 at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver.

Posted January 23, 2018

Source: Invista

Applied DNA Expands Internationally With New Central DNA Testing Laboratory In India

STONY BROOK, N.Y. — January 23, 2018 — Applied DNA Sciences Inc. today announced the establishment of a Central DNA Testing Laboratory in Ahmedabad, India, providing full forensic authentication services. The laboratory supports Applied DNA’s growing global textile business in the Asia-Pacific region with expansion capability for other supply chains present in the region, such as fertilizer and pharmaceuticals. Officially opening on February 15, 2018, the Central Laboratory is strategically located in the state of Gujarat, an economic hub for the development and advancement of cotton, other textiles, fertilizers, petrochemicals and pharmaceuticals.

Dr. Ila Lansky, a forensic scientist with more than 11 years of forensic DNA experience, will direct the Central DNA Testing Laboratory. She currently oversees all aspects of forensic analysis, testing, authentication and reporting for all samples submitted, following the standard operating procedures established by Applied DNA’s New York forensic laboratories. The Central DNA Testing Laboratory is a high throughput laboratory, providing customers with accurate reports in a short turnaround time.

“This is an important opportunity for Applied DNA to bring our proven technologies to the heart of India’s textile industry, and share our impeccable standards and operational protocols,” said Dr. Lansky. “The laboratory will have the ability to process thousands of samples, serving our textiles customers in the region.”

The Indian textile industry is currently estimated at approximately $135 billion and is expected to reach $230 billion by 2023 (IBEF 2017). It is home to such global textile brands and manufacturers as The Himatsingka Group and GHCL Ltd. Additionally, India is home to the sixth largest pharmaceutical market in the world, with an expected value of $550 billion by 2020 (IBEF 2017).

“Opening a lab in Gujarat has both strategic and practical importance for Applied DNA,” said Dr. James A. Hayward, president and CEO, Applied DNA. “Our partnership with Himatsingka has proven remarkably successful, with uptake in the commercial ecosystem and endorsement by big box retailers. Adoption of our technologies by other textile companies is growing. Working closely with such India-based industry majors as Himatsingka and GHCL, we know Applied DNA’s value in enabling source-verified supplied chains and contributing the steady growth and ensured protection of the circular economy. It only makes sense for Applied DNA to have a facility where so many of our current and future partners are based.”

Posted January 23, 2018

Source: Applied DNA Sciences

Life is Good® And Austin Adventures Team Up To Introduce Life Is Good Vacations

BOSTON — January 23, 2018 — Life is Good, a Boston-based apparel brand dedicated to spreading the power of optimism, is teaming up with Austin Adventures, a world class adventure tour operator, to launch Life is Good Vacations. These trips are uniquely designed to align adventure with a journey of self-discovery, allowing guests to connect with others and the outdoors through a refreshed, positive outlook. Life is Good Vacations are available to book now for travel dates starting in June 2018.

Life is Good has devoted 24 years to celebrating life’s simple pleasures through positive art and messaging. With the launch of Life is Good Vacations, people can now experience those simple joys while in the beauty of an incredible destination of their choice.

“These trips provide an unforgettable combo of pure outdoor fun, deep unplugged connections and true adventure,” says John Jacobs, Life is Good co-founder. “They’re a spectacular way to recharge and get a fresh perspective on the good that’s around us.”

Life is Good Vacations by Austin Adventures will kick off with a trip to Montana and the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, complete with biking, hiking, rafting, and horseback riding. Travelers will savor the destination’s local cuisine, explore its hidden gems under the direction of expert guides, and enjoy its natural wonders without the stress of planning.

“The concept of ‘adventure’ is deeply engrained in the ethos of our company. We believe that every destination we visit is equipped with its own unique experience. With this partnership, we now have an incredible opportunity to translate Life is Good’s love for nature into the actual landscapes where active individuals and families want to travel,” says Dan Austin, Austin Adventures founder.

This season, vacations include both family and adult-only trips in groups of 12 or less to:

  • Montana – Big Sky, Yellowstone & Paradise Valley;
  • Utah – Bryce Canyon & Zion;
  • Canadian Rockies – Alberta Banff to Jasper; and
  • Costa Rica – Manuel Antonio to Punta Islita.

Posted January 23, 2018

Source: Life is Good

Lectra Appoints Holger Max-Lang As Managing Director Of Lectra Central & Eastern Europe Region, Russia

PARIS — January 23, 2018 — Lectra is pleased to announce the appointment of Holger Max-Lang as managing director of Lectra Central & Eastern Europe region, Russia. Max-Lang is based in Ismaning, near Munich, Germany.

Central & Eastern Europe and Russia is a strategic region for Lectra, offering strong potential in the Group’s main market sectors thanks to: a robust automotive industry; a dynamic furniture industry, especially in Germany and Poland; and a close connection between fashion brands in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and suppliers in Eastern Europe.

Max-Lang will focus on delivering Lectra’s customer-focused strategy to empower fashion & apparel, automotive and furniture businesses to succeed as they embrace Industry 4.0. Anchored in the digitalization of industrial processes, from design to production, Industry 4.0 is redefining how factories are organized; smart and connected, they are driving the value chain, propelling a new digitalized lifecycle for products.

“The transformation to Industry 4.0 is in full swing: the Industrial Internet of Things, Software as a Service (SaaS), cloud technology, data analyses and data exploitation have become key,” underlined Daniel Harari, chairman and CEO, Lectra. “Working for Lectra for over 15 years, Holger has a deep experience and knowledge of Lectra’s DNA, and is in a very strong position to support our customers in the digitalization of their processes.”

“Industry 4.0. started in Germany. Therefore, many companies are keen to adopt its principles in our region. Lectra is very well-positioned to support our customers in their transformation,“ said Max-Lang. “In my role, I am looking forward to a growing dialogue with our customers and prospects, to bring them a full understanding of the expertise we have built – and are building. We will leverage this expertise to boost our customers’ competitiveness and generate higher added-value for their businesses.”

Following marketing and sales positions in the IT and automotive industry sectors, Max-Lang joined Lectra Germany in September 2002 as a salesperson for automotive accounts. He then held diverse sales’ roles in the region, including the position of Sales Manager for all Lectra markets in Central & Eastern Europe region, Russia. Since September 2017 Holger has held the role of Business Development Director, Automotive, with the responsibility to develop the leather cutting activity worldwide.

Posted January 23, 2018

Source: Lectra

Nest Bedding’s Love & Sleep Mattress Earns UL Greenguard Gold Certification

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. — January 23, 2018 — Nest Bedding announced its Love & Sleep mattress has earned UL GREENGUARD Gold Certification, providing individuals and families across the country with a healthier sleep solution. Greenguard Certified products aid in the creation of healthier indoor environments and release fewer pollutants that can contribute to health issues.

UL Environment’s Greenguard Certification Program requires that products meet rigorous standards for low emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into indoor environments. To receive the accreditation, the Love & Sleep mattress from Nest Bedding, the brand revolutionizing all-natural bed-in-a-box mattresses and high-end organic bedding, was tested for formaldehyde and over 300 other VOCs.

While the certification is not considered an industry standard, it elevates the Love & Sleep mattress into an elite group and is an important milestone for the brand to achieve due to the company’s dedication to producing high-quality, organic products.

“Nest Bedding was founded on the philosophy of making local, natural and non-toxic products,” said Nest Bedding Founder and CEO Joe Alexander. “We want our customers to buy our products with the assurance that we have sourced the finest materials available and they can purchase with confidence for their whole family.”

Posted January 23, 2018

Source: Nest Bedding

From Head To Toe To Torso, DuPont Tate & Lyle Eco-Solutions On Display At Outdoor Retailer + Snow Show

WILMINGTON, Del. — January 23, 2018 — The outdoor sports industry will have a unique opportunity to investigate more sustainable products, everything from high-performance apparel to the mannequins that model them, at the 2018 Outdoor Retailer + Snow Show, January 25-28, 2018. Front and center are solutions based on Susterra® propanediol from DuPont Tate and Lyle Bio Products which are used to help the industry put its highest performing, most sustainable foot forward.

Leading industry brands, retailers, reps and suppliers which make up the $887+ billion outdoor sports industry can see firsthand long-lasting, more sustainable apparel, footwear and mannequin innovations created in collaboration with DuPont Tate & Lyle. These state-of-the-art technologies — the building blocks for next generation materials — drive real progress toward reducing energy consumption and environmental impacts, a growing concern for consumers in the outdoor adventure and sports categories.

“We were looking for a better way of environmentally safe production as well as sustainability when we discovered Susterra® propanediol from DuPont Tate & Lyle,” explained Andreas Gesswein, president, Genesis Display/Mannequin & VMM. “By letting our customers know that we are using a building block based on DuPont science gives our customers peace of mind knowing how DuPont Tate & Lyle prioritizes sustainability in their solutions.”

GenesisDisplay GmbH (Genesis Display) was the first manufacturer in the world to produce mannequins with innovative and ecological raw materials. Its mannequins are produced with the largest possible percentage of organic material. The material consists of glass-fiber reinforced polyester and 47 percent high-quality bio resin. This bio resin is composed of 100 percent Susterra propanediol developed by DuPont Tate & Lyle Bio Products. The use of the Susterra propanediol in the bio resin ensures robust mannequins that are durable, longer-lasting and high-quality.

“It feels like a truly holistic approach to be able to supply the innovative building blocks which make up both the Genesis Display mannequins and the eco-friendly clothing they are modeling,” stated Laurie Kronenberg, global marketing director, DuPont Tate & Lyle Bio Products. “With both mannequins and apparel being based on the same bio-based 1,3-propanediol building block, we are able to demonstrate the endlessly versatile potential for what can be achieved across the fashion industry with sustainable solutions.”

The mannequins will be wearing a variety of new innovative apparel and footwear including the latest innovation from the CORDURA® + Susterra + Sorona® brand collaboration. The eco-efficient soft shell technology leverages soft fleece based on Sorona fibers as well as a waterproof Susterra® based membrane laminated to the durable Cordura Naturalle™ fabric.

Susterra propanediol, the building block used for the mannequins, Sorona fibers and Susterra based membranes are manufactured through a proprietary process that uses glucose from natural raw materials instead of petroleum-based feedstocks. The basic materials can be derived from renewable, farm-grown sources including corn — making the promise of carbon neutrality and independence from petroleum a real possibility. From “cradle-to-gate,” the production of DuPont Tate & Lyle Bio Products’ bio-based 1,3-propanediol consumes 40 percent less energy and reduces greenhouse gas emissions by more than 40 percent versus petroleum-based 1,3-propanediol and propylene glycol.

AT THE SHOW:

These mannequins will be on display at the DuPont™ Sorona brand booth 9010-LL and the Invista Cordura brand booth 54037-UL wearing durable sustainable apparel from the Cordura + Susterra + Sorona brand.

Posted January 23, 2018

Source: DuPont Tate & Lyle Bio Products

Aquafil And Genomatica Join Forces For Bio-Nylon — Target More Sustainable Apparel, Carpets And Fibers

TRENTO, Italy/SAN DIEGO, Calif. — January 23, 2018 — Aquafil and Genomatica have announced a multi-year agreement to create sustainable caprolactam, a key ingredient to producing 100 percent sustainable nylon. The collaboration aims to develop a commercially-advantageous bioprocess — Genomatica’s GENO CPL™ process — to make caprolactam using plant-based renewable ingredients, rather than the crude oil-derived materials traditionally used by the nylon industry.

Enabling more sustainable nylon products

Used in a variety of nylon-based products including carpets and apparel, caprolactam has a worldwide market of over five million tons per year. Genomatica’s GENO CPL™ process aims to provide an environmentally-friendly way to make caprolactam with better economics, including for smaller-scale plants. Additionally, it will enable licensees and their customers to differentiate themselves by offering a more sustainable bio-based product whose performance will be fully comparable with nylon made from crude oil-derived caprolactam, and which will not require any machine or process adjustments by the nylon supply chain. Genomatica is the licensor of the GENO CPL process.

Aquafil is a leading producer of nylon yarn and launched the ECONYL® Regeneration System in 2011 to produce nylon made from 100 percent regenerated waste. A large and growing number of globally recognized sportswear, fashion, luxury and carpet brands choose ECONYL® as the sustainable ingredient for their product. Like the ECONYL process, the GENO CPL process eliminates the significant amount of by-products common to most crude oil-derived caprolactam production, and will allow producers to diversify their sources in terms of raw material.

Opportunities for chemical producers, product makers and brands

Genomatica invites other leaders in the nylon value chain to join its bio-nylon program — and Aquafil encourages further collaboration with supply chain partners. By joining the program, companies ranging from chemical producers and product makers to agriculture companies and major brands can engage, influence priorities and gain access to Genomatica’s technologies and supply of bio-based chemicals.

“As proven by the success of ECONYL, consumers and manufacturers look forward to opportunities to play an active role in the circular economy. We aim to be a leader of sustainability for nylon, and we are excited by the opportunity to be the first to bring the benefits of this new technology to our customers, which is perfectly in line with our commitment to creating sustainable products,” said Giulio Bonazzi, chairman and CEO of Aquafil. “Genomatica brings the technology, innovation and track record to help us achieve this.”

“Visionary companies like Aquafil are delighting customers and gaining market share through more sustainable products,” said Christophe Schilling, CEO of Genomatica. “This is another example of Genomatica applying the power of biology to rethink how widely-used chemicals can be made a better way. Just as we’ve surpassed key milestones for our commercial GENO BDO process and were named winner of the ICIS Innovation Award for our new naturally sourced butylene glycol, we now aim to bring biotechnology innovation to enable better nylon products.”

Posted January 23, 2018

Source: Aquafil

Sharing The Knowledge: Loepfe Launches New Website And Social Media Channels

WETZIKON, Switzerland — January 23, 2018 — Today, Loepfe Brothers Ltd. launched the brand new website www.loepfe.com. The modern design of the website puts an emphasis on an easy-to-use navigation, which can be done either by menu or via the optional search field. The three division of the product portfolio — spinning, laboratory and weaving — are represented in the new website design. Visitors of the website very easily find the solution, they are looking for, and much more: Additional information, new ideas and in-depth knowledge about quality control in textile production complete the content of the new website. Loepfe´s experts share their know-how and application knowledge in a separate area of the website, which will be extended continuously. Therefore not only product benefits and their potential applications are communicated. In addition, the visitors will learn much more about solutions and receive additional information around textile processes.

Together with the launch of the new website, Loepfe changes its general communication strategy. For example, experts at Loepfe will regularly share their knowledge with the community. Social media platforms like Xing, LinkedIn, and WeChat will be main channels for the future communication. This will enable a real dialogue between Loepfe´s experts and other members of the textile community. Silvano Auciello, head of Sales and Marketing at Loepfe comments: “We are very enthusiastic about our new communication and are looking forward to the new possibilities to exchange ideas with customers, our sales agents, the media, and other people interested in our technology.”

Posted January 23, 2018

Source: Loepfe Brothers Ltd.

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