Bulletin Board: January/February 2018

Houston-based Ascend Performance Materials has announced a price increase on nylon 6,6 polymers, compounds and fibers effective February 1. The company cited rising raw material costs as the reason for the increase.

The Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry (INDA), Cary, N.C., has added a new Absorbent Hygiene Products Training Course to the educational options offered through its Professional Development Center. Dates for the course and full details can be found at inda.org/education. INDA also recently launched a “Career Corner” on its website where employers can view resumes of students interested in entry level career opportunities, internships and co-op programs in the nonwovens industry. In addition, INDA has issued a call for presentations for its Hygienix™ Conference 2018. The deadline for abstracts is April 2.

Renton, Wash.-based AIM Aerospace has achieved AS9100 Rev. D Quality Management Systems Certification for three plants in Washington State — Renton, Sumner and Auburn. The certification — developed specially for the aircraft, space and defense industries — certifies in part that the company has robust and sustainable processes in place to consistently deliver products on time, while mitigating risk.

Ellerbe, N.C., FilSpec USA recently joined the Advanced Functional Fabrics of America (AFFOA) innovation institute as a Fabric Innovation Network member.

Black Mountain, N.C.-based Parameter Generation & Control — a manufacturer of humidity and temperature conditioning systems — is celebrating its 40th anniversary.

Pindler, Moorpark, Calif., has introduced three new collections of decorative fabrics — the Andean Collection, the Indoor/Outdoor Sunbelievable™ Collection and the Fusion Collection. Each line is available at Pindler’s 16 showrooms across the country.

Cotton Incorporated, Cary, N.C., recently replaced its COTTON University™ educational resource for all things cotton with CottonWorks™, a new website designed to bring even more information and assistance to textile professionals in a more streamlined and easy-to-navigate manner. The site, located at cottonworks.com, offers online courses, webinars and videos, resources for problem solving, market and trend analysis, and real life education and support.

Greensboro, N.C.-based Cone Denim’s Cone Denim Parras and Cone Denim Yecapixtla operations, both located in Mexico, have received OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certification for selected denim products. With certification awarded to China-based Cone Denim Jiaxing in 2015, the company reports it now has the capability to offer Oeko-Tex certified fabrics on a global basis.

Luxembourg-based Orion Engineered Carbons raised prices on all specialty carbon blacks January 1. The company reports the increases vary depending on the grade, sales region and end market application.

SEAMS, the National Association and Voice for the U.S. Sewn Products Industry, has launched a new visual brand identity and redesigned website located at seams.org.

BBPantonePantone, a wholly owned subsidiary of X-Rite Inc., announced the Pantone Color of the Year for 2018 is Pantone 18-3838 Ultra Violet.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the introduction of UV STANDARD 801 — a test for calculating the ultraviolet protection factor of a textile material. The standard was developed and created by the Germany-based Hohenstein Group, Switzerland-based Testex AG and Austria-based Institut für Ökologie, Technik und Innovation GmbH (OETI).

Brussels-based EDANA, the international association serving the nonwovens and related industries, has issued a call for papers for FILTREX™ Asia 2018. More information about submission requirements can be found at the event’s website accessed through edana.org’s conferences and symposia section. The deadline for entries is March 30.

The Cotton Egypt Association recently unveiled a new “Be Human” brand identity and digital platform to promote Egyptian Cotton™.

January/February 2018

January/February 2018: Textile Activity At A Glance

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January/February 2018

ASICS Brand Expands In Boston With Grand Opening Of Creation Studio And New Executive Hires

BOSTON — February 27,2018 — Today, ASICS officially opens its doors to the brand’s new Creation Studio at 125 Summer Street in Boston. The Creation Studio brings together teams driving key areas of the business including footwear apparel, equipment, marketing, digital and commerce. ASICS now holds a significant bicoastal presence in the United States, in both Irvine, Calif., and Boston.

“There is great momentum behind our brand right now and we are incredibly proud of the Creation Studio located in the heart of downtown Boston,” said Gene McCarthy, president and CEO, ASICS America Corp. “This space creates an environment that not only pays homage to our founding principle, a Sound Mind in a Sound Body, but enables creativity and collaboration for our teams to drive this brand forward.”

The new space was designed to epitomize the brand’s Japanese craftsmanship and attention to detail, encouraging the pursuit of mental and physical health and well-being. Neutral colors and natural materials including wood veneer wall panels and a branded living plant wall bring a calming and natural element into the environment, reminiscent of a Zen rock garden. Undulating white louvers and wood veneer panels are applied to vertical surfaces, creating texture and depth at each corner. The louver system also creates organic movement throughout the space which compliments a raked sand filled garden.

IA Interior Architects led the project with ASICS and according to Reetika Vijay, AIA Leed AP at IA Interior, “It was incredibly important for the brand to remain true to their heritage, while making their mark in Boston. Drawing inspiration from the brand’s Japanese roots resulted in an innovative, yet tranquil, multifaceted environment.”

New Leadership Team

Over the last six months, ASICS has made significant moves across their leadership team to recruit new talent and key industry executives. The Boston-based team now includes Andrew Richard, vice president of Commerce; Ian Dickinson, vice president, Footwear Merchandising; and David Ayers, vice president of Apparel. Further, Koichiro Kodama has been appointed vice president, Corporate Strategy; and Joni Lee Gaudes has been named vice president, General Counsel. Kodama and Gaudes will both be based in Irvine.  Additionally, the marketing team adds new talent to their roster under the direction of Sarah Bishop, vice president of Marketing. The hires include: Katelyn Nugent, director of Performance; Ben Cesar, director of Sports Marketing; and Karen Menez, director of Communications.

Boston Community Impact

As part of ASICS’ commitment to the Boston community, the brand is announcing (through their partnership with PHIT America), that 10 local schools will implement the Morning Mile Program. The program gets kids up and running every morning in schools where physical education programs have either been reduced or discontinued. The first school to enact the program is the Michael J. Perkins Elementary School with additional schools to follow in the upcoming months.

“We are thrilled to have a leading global brand like ASICS expand in Boston,” said Mayor Martin J. Walsh, City of Boston. “We look forward to seeing this brand grow and thrive in our city and we are extremely grateful for their community impact efforts to get our kids moving.”

In celebration of the opening, Mayor Walsh and McCarthy came together with ASICS athletes, three-time Olympian and World Champion track and field athlete and bobsledder, Lolo Jones (U.S.), and three-time World Champion wrestler and 2012 Olympic Gold Medalist Jordan Burroughs (U.S.), to officially open the Creation Studio and announce the ASICS community impact initiative with PHIT America.

Office details:

  • Address:
    • 125 Summer Street, Floor 2 Boston, MA 02110
  • Square Footage/Workspace:
    • 18,818 USF workrooms;
    • 2 showrooms with operable partition; and
    • Café space with whiskey bar and branded Green Wall.
  • Employees:
    • 96 total seats;
    • 76 workstations;
    • 6 offices; and
    • 14 bench seats.

Anima Sana In Corpore Sano, meaning “A Sound Mind in a Sound Body,” is an old Latin phrase from which ASICS is derived and the fundamental platform on which the brand still stands. The company was founded more than 60 years ago by Kihachiro Onitsuka and is now a leading designer and manufacturer of running shoes, as well as, other athletic footwear, apparel and accessories.

Posted February 27,2018

Source: ASICS

Walmart Steps Up Its Style Game With The Launch Of New Apparel Private Brands

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — February 27,2018 — Spring style has sprung at Walmart as the retailer today introduced four new apparel private brands for women, men and kids. Customers can now strut the latest seasonal fashions from Time and Tru, Terra & Sky, Wonder Nation and George, exclusively available nationwide in Walmart stores and on Walmart.com starting March 1. The latest looks elevate Walmart’s apparel category and represent the retailer’s commitment to quality and delivering stylish fashion at an incredible value.

Each brand will help customers dress to impress with hundreds of new pieces across apparel, shoes and accessories, delivering on the fresh, seasonal styles, ultimate comfort and uncompromising quality customers are looking for – all at the prices they expect from Walmart. New brands include:

  • Time and Tru: A new brand for women with styles that let her authentic, true self shine through, offered in an inclusive size range from XS-XXXL. Time & Tru includes timely, versatile looks that can be pulled together for women on the go and are on-trend with unexpected details and fabrics that make the classics feel modern and complimentary.
  • Terra & Sky: A new brand created specifically for plus women, with effortless style and a fit that flatters, available in sizes 14W-30W. Terra & Sky has well-made pieces with on-trend styles that show off curves in comfortable, ultra-soft fabrics.
  • Wonder Nation: Walmart’s first kid-centric brand that lets kids take on all of their adventures in style, available in sizes 4-18. Built with fun, comfort and durability in mind, Wonder Nation lets kids be kids while feeling and looking great wear after wear, wash after wash.
  • George: Exclusively for men, George brings style, comfort and durability, offered in an inclusive size range from S-XXXL. With enhanced details in every single piece, George keeps men looking good effortlessly, with updated classics and relevant trends.

“We listened to our customers and are proud to deliver apparel choices that meet at the intersection of everything they desire: on-trend styles, comfort and quality, all at unbeatable prices,” said Deanah Baker, senior vice president of apparel, Walmart U.S. “These new brands are a thoughtful reflection of current trends and styles, while considering our customers’ busy, on-the-go lifestyles.”

The new apparel brands deliver comfort and quality with improvements such as stretch where it matters, soft fabrics, tagless garments and adjustable waistbands. Prices range from less than $5 to $30 to fit everyone’s budget.

Walmart is partnering with celebrity stylist Elizabeth Stewart to launch the new brands this week. She will share insights on apparel trends for the season and what customers will find available at Walmart to keep them dressing to impress, answering the apparel needs for the entire family.

“From statement-making details, like ruffles, peasant styles and denim for women to trending patterns and colors for men to bright, happy colors like cobalt for kids, customers should be excited for what’s in store!” said Stewart. “Whether you want to dress to make a statement or feel good in your every day, look no further than Walmart for the latest spring trends at great prices.”

Walmart, making itself a destination for apparel, is also making improvements to its apparel departments to help customers find style inspiration and shop new looks for everyone in their family. Beginning in early March, apparel departments will include signage with stylized photography to inspire looks from each new brand. By fall 2018, the majority of stores will make upgrades to apparel displays and include more signage throughout the departments. Select stores will be remodeled to include open floor plans for visibility and shopping ease, and upgraded fitting rooms to better serve customers trying on clothes in stores.

Posted February 27,2018

Source: Walmart Inc.

Levi Strauss To Eliminate Thousands Of Chemical Formulations From Supply Chain As Part Of Major Sustainability Breakthrough

SAN FRANCISCO — February 27,2018 — Levi Strauss & Co. (LS&Co.) today announced a transformative new operating model that will create a more sustainable supply chain and a cleaner jean. Called Project F.L.X. (future-led execution), this new model replaces manual techniques and automates the jeans finishing process, allowing the company to reduce the number of chemical formulations used in finishing from thousands to a few dozen.

Traditionally, denim finishing — which creates worn, faded design elements on jeans — has been a highly manual, labor-intensive and chemical-reliant process. Digitization enables a responsive and sustainable supply chain at an unparalleled scale.

“Thirty years ago, jeans were only available in three shades: rinsed, stonewashed and bleached. Today those three shades have exploded into endless variations, all produced with very labor-intensive jobs and long lists of chemical formulations,” said Bart Sights, vice president of technical innovation at Levi Strauss. and head of the company’s Eureka Innovation Lab. “We’re designing a cleaner jean for the planet and the people who make Levi’s® jeans, and we’re doing it on a scale that no one else has achieved to date.”

This new operating model is a major step forward in LS&Co.’s commitment to achieving zero discharge of hazardous chemicals by 2020 and accelerates the elimination of many chemical formulations that the company’s Screened Chemistry program identified as “phase outs.” Among the chemicals that will be eliminated is potassium permanganate, an oxidizer that is used industry-wide to replicate authentic vintage finishes.

“This is a significant win for the industry,” said Robert Strand, executive director for the Berkeley-Haas Center for Responsible Business. “It’s inspiring to see how LS&Co. used constraints to drive innovation, paving the way for a more sustainable apparel industry. This is an important step forward that I hope others will follow.”

Beyond eliminating many chemicals, Project F.L.X. is expected to reduce textile waste by more accurately making what the market needs and may also provide the opportunity to save water in the future. The company has already proved it can use nearly 100 percent recycled water in the final manufacturing stages with Project F.L.X. and is exploring the possibility of rolling out this water recycling capability more broadly over time.

To help unlock the benefits of digitally enabled design and development, LS&Co. turned to long-standing partner Jeanologia, a leader in eco-efficient solutions for fabric and garment finishing. Since 1993, Jeanologia has operated with the ambition of advancing sustainable apparel manufacturing by delivering disruptive technologies, including ozone, laser and e-flow finishing systems. The company’s like-minded focus on scalability was essential to supporting LS&Co.’s end-to-end, transformative vision.

Posted February 27,2018

Source: Levi Strauss & Co.

Applied DNA And American & Efird To Collaborate On New Anti-Counterfeiting Sewing Thread Platform

STONY BROOK, N.Y. — February 27,2018 — Applied DNA Sciences Inc. (Applied DNA) today announced that it is collaborating with American & Efird, (A&E) to utilize its CertainT® platform to develop secure sewing threads for brand protection.

“The CertainT Program is an innovative solution for brands and retailers in their supply chain. A&E and Applied DNA Sciences together are creating new security applications for sewing thread benefiting from revolutionary SigNature® T DNA and Beacon® technology,” Les Miller, CEO, A&E, stated. “Our customers are increasingly more vigilant and security minded. DNA technology can protect a wide range of products, from luxury consumer brands to industrial applications where integrity of components is mission critical. We are excited to be collaborating with Applied DNA Sciences and developing cutting edge technology solutions for our customers.”

A&E has a long history of leading the thread industry, particularly working with the U.S. government to ensure supply of Berry Amendment-compliant products, industrial and consumer brands that require stricter controls on product quality and integrity, and working with stakeholders globally to ensure they meet their corporate sustainability goals.

“Many products, from running shoes, to performance athleisure wear, to luxury brands, can benefit from a secure sewing thread. A&E’s extensive portfolio of products combined with the CertainT platform provide a powerful opportunity to provide a trusted solution for customers who need a true anti-counterfeiting brand protection solution,” stated Dr. James Hayward, president and CEO of Applied DNA.

Posted February 27,2018

Source: Applied DNA Sciences

Mitsui USA And PurThread Enter Into Distribution Agreement For PurThread’s Technology In Japan

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. — February 27,2018 — Mitsui & Co. (U.S.A.) Inc. and PurThread Technologies Inc. have entered into a distributorship agreement for Mitsui USA to bring PurThread’s patented permanent antimicrobial fibers and yarns to textiles and soft goods across Mitsui & Co.’s  vast production and distribution networks in Japan.

Amidst growing global health concerns, consumers and businesses alike are seeking solutions to reduce their exposure to pathogens that can cause odor and potential illness.  Developed with manufacturers and product designers in mind, PurThread’s innovative fibers and yarns embed pure, natural silver salts to enhance its partners’ products with unsurpassed antimicrobial capability, durability, and freshness without any special handling requirements. Mitsui’s commitment to the development and market introduction of state of the art technologies in functional textiles creates a strong foundation from which its collaboration with PurThread is built.

“We are extremely pleased to have entered into an agreement with such a highly esteemed global company, whose broad interests span across many sectors where PurThread offers significant benefits. Sectors such as healthcare, apparel and home goods are all areas where PurThread’s proven technology provides permanent antimicrobial fabric protection,” said Lisa Grimes, president & CEO of PurThread Technologies. “We highly respect Mitsui & Co. for the diligence, research, and testing they have invested which has led to this agreement, and we look forward to working together to bring superior antimicrobial protection to every sector in Japan.”

Yasunori Kondo, general manager of Mitsui USA’s Lifestyle Business Department, said: “We are delighted to be collaborating with PurThread on the development and marketing of products using their advanced antimicrobial technology in the Japanese market.  With Mitsui’s extensive network in the high functional textile industry, we are confident our synergies will have a great impact.”

Posted February 27,2018

Source: PurThread Technologies Inc.

Revtown Launches First Denim Collection

PITTSBURGH — February 27,2018 — Revtown, a new denim brand, recently launched its first collection of hand-crafted, premium jeans, exclusively available at www.revtownusa.com.

Revtown Jeans are built with DECADE DENIM™, the brand’s patented fabric that is infused with four-way, dynamic stretch, and constructed with the strongest fibers in apparel design today.

“We’re thrilled to announce the launch of Revtown,” said Henry Stafford, Founder and CEO of Revtown. “With Decade Denim, we’ve created a level comfort, fit and feel that hasn’t been experienced in a pair of jeans. Two months in, we’re off to a great start. And we’re proud to deliver our jeans directly to the consumer for less than half the price of a typical pair of designer jeans.”

This first Revtown collection is designed for men. A women’s collection is in design for next year.

Revtown was founded by a group with extensive experience in the apparel world. Stafford and Steve Battista, Revtown’s chief marketing officer, worked together for nearly a decade at Under Armour as leaders of product, and brand, respectively. Stafford was chief merchandising officer at American Eagle Outfitters before spending more than six years at Under Armour, overseeing product and all of the company’s North American business. Battista served as Under Armour’s head of brand and creative, among other leadership roles over 17 years.

The company’s founders also include Matthew Maasdam and Chris Lust. Maasdam, Revtown’s chief digital officer, served 14 years as a Navy SEAL and later as the U.S. Navy’s aide to the President of the United States, before running e-commerce operations for Under Armour. Chris Lust, founder and partner of Dock Street Capital Management and SLC Capital Management, will serve as Revtown’s CFO.

The Revtown product team boasts some of the top designers and engineers from the most innovative athletic apparel brands today, complemented by a denim manufacturing team that has made over 150 million pairs of jeans, with a combined 100 years of denim production experience.

Revtown Jeans come in two styles, SHARP and AUTOMATIC. Sharp jeans are fitted with a refined look, more dress than casual, yet with the flex of DECADE DENIM™. Automatic jeans are for “any guy, any time, any place.” Automatic jeans are designed to be mobile, not baggy, providing ultimate comfort without having to size up.

Revtown also offers Revtown Shirts, made from world-class Pima cotton. Revtown Shirts come in four essential styles, including Crew, V-Neck, Henley and Polo. Also available as Revtown launches are Revtown Crates, offering two pairs of jeans and any three shirts for just $210.

Posted February 27,2018

Source: Revtown

ITM 2018 Exhibitor Preview: Stäubli

PFÄFFIKON, Switzerland — February 27,2018 — The ITM trade fair for textile industrials is opening its doors in Istanbul mid-April. Stäubli is looking forward meeting with customers and all other interested parties at booth 217 in Hall 2 where latest machinery solutions for the weaving and knitting industry can be seen.

Even if the Turkish textile manufacturing market is currently facing a challenging situation in terms of worldwide concurrence, the Turkish weaving industry remains an important manufacturer of high quality shirting fabrics, denim, as well as carpets.

As an industry partner, Stäubli constantly analyses customers’ most important needs and integrates solutions to them in the development of its new products. Working in this way, Stäubli offers an extensive machinery range that perfectly meets weavers’ expectations and offers mills increased advantages in terms of reliability, long service life and versatility in application:

  • Automatic weaving preparation solutions (drawing in and warp tying);
  • Shedding solutions for frame weaving machines (cam motions, electronic dobbies);
  • High-speed Jacquard machines with customer-specific harnesses;
  • Carpet and technical textiles weaving systems; and
  • Automation solutions for the knitting process.

Amongst the products being exhibited at the ITM are:

SAFIR S40 drawing in machine – the compact solution for denim and shirting warps

Today, thousands of weaving mills around the world rely on Stäubli-automatic drawing-in machinery that supports an improved weaving preparation process. At the ITM, weavers can see live for the first time in Turkey the SAFIR S40 automatic drawing in machine dedicated to coarse and middle yarn types for denim, bed linen, and shirting fabrics, as well as fabrics for leisure wear. Built of a mobile drawing in machine serving one or more stationary drawing in stations the machine offers compact space requirements and versatile layout possibilities, thus it fits in any mill.

LX Jacquard machine for exquisite flat fabrics, terry cloth and technical fabrics

This successful machine is shown in combination with a Stäubli harness. Built with uncompromising high-quality materials and designed to perform with utmost precision at very high speeds, the LX Jacquard machine allows mills to weave sophisticated fabrics for virtually any application – from colourful African damask to OPW (one piece woven-) airbags, to terry towel.

Stäubli also offers a Jacquard machinery Series for ribbons and labels. At ITM the model LX12 can be seen. Easy to adapt and versatile, it is suitable for all types of needle looms and allows a straightforward access for making machine adjustments. It supports excellent results when weaving labels, decorative ribbons, trimmings or elastic ribbons for lingerie

Dobbies and cam motions for any application

The third generation of Stäubli’s rotary dobbies, the S3060/3260 series, can be seen at the Stäubli stand and the booths of many other weaving machine manufacturers with different applications. This new generation of rotary dobbies offers new heights of performance and reliability.

Carpet samples showing perfect surfaces and clear designs

Carpet samples demonstrating illustrating technological advancements are shown; including high density applications, weft effects and light carpets.

D4S automatic toe-closing device for an optimized knitting process

The D4S automatic toe-closing device will be presented on a circular sock knitting machine. Visitors can experience how the time consumption in the sock knitting process can significantly be reduced.

Original Stäubli spare parts for longest service life

Stäubli supplies a full range of original-quality spare parts to ensure the longest service life of its machines. Customers can easily manage and handle their replacement parts needs using the convenient interactive spare parts catalogue.

Posted February 27,2018

Source: Stäubli

Karl Mayer Acquires Continuous Dyeing Technology With Indigo From Master

OBERTSHAUSEN, Germany — February 27,2018 — Italy-based Master S.r.l. and Karl Mayer signed an agreement for transferring the continuous dyeing technology with indigo and other dyestuffs of warp chains for denim fabrics.

Karl Mayer takes over from Master patents, trademarks, projects and dyeing technology for machines model: IndigoFlow, IndigoRope and IndigoGenius.

Master — pioneer and leader in the continuous dyeing with indigo and other dyestuffs, after the delivery of currently ordered machines, will stop the manufacturing of these kind of machines and will focus its activity to develop and manufacture new machines for packages and hank dyeing.

Karl Mayer — in its center of excellence for denim sector, Karl Mayer Rotal, will further develop the Nitrogen technology, by integrating it into its current product range PRODYE-S and PRODYE-R.

Posted February 27, 2018

Source: KARL MAYER Textilmaschinenfabrik GmbH

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