Precision Textiles To Celebrate Sustainability Milestone At ISPA Conference

FAIRFIELD, N.J. — September 10, 2024 — Sustainable bedding solutions provider, Precision Textiles, is set to make a significant impact at the International Sleep Products Association (ISPA) Sustainability Conference taking place September 25-26, 2024 in Charlotte, N.C. The company will celebrate a major sustainability milestone: saving 13 million plastic bottles from waste streams as the company highlights its commitment to sustainability and its PRESERVING THE PLANET Initiative.

Earlier this year, as part of its PRESERVING THE PLANET initiative, Precision Textiles partnered with Unifi Inc., the makers of REPREVE® recycled performance fiber, for use in its ENDURE IFR and ADVANTAGE SB product lines. As a result, every 100-yard roll of the company’s filler cloth is made using 228 recycled plastic bottles. This means the company and its customers are using their purchasing power to eliminate more than 20 million plastic bottles from the waste stream annually, making an immediate positive impact on the environment.

“When we set our initial goal to help eliminate 20 million bottles from oceans and landfills, we thought it might be a bit ambitious. But in just six months, we’ve already surpassed 10 million bottles saved, putting us on track to exceed our original target,” said Scott Tesser, CEO of Precision Textiles. “According to the World Economic Forum, if we as a community don’t change our habits, by 2050, there could be more plastic in the ocean than fish. That’s a really alarming prediction making our sustainability efforts that much more urgent. This milestone is a clear indication of the impact we and our customers are making, and it motivates us to continue pushing forward to exceed our goal and to inspire others to help make a difference.”

Building on this remarkable milestone, Precision Textiles continues to innovate with eco-friendly products that align with its PRESERVING THE PLANET initiative. At the conference, attendees will not only learn about the company’s ongoing efforts to reduce plastic waste, but they will also get an exclusive sneak peek at its newest innovation, IQFIT Performance Plus, which represents the next generation in FR technology along with Precision Textiles’ commitment to providing sustainable solutions for the bedding industry.

Reinforcing its role as a pioneer in reducing the industry’s carbon footprint while delivering top-tier products, Precision Textiles aims to set a new standard for sustainability in the bedding industry. The company’s PRESERVING the PLANET initiative includes an all-encompassing strategy that incorporates a commitment to the exclusive use of FSC certified suppliers for its rayon-based product needs, an Arbor Day Foundation partnership pledge to plant a minimum of 10,000 trees in the U.S. this year, along with the company’s ongoing R&D work to engineer products that are USDA Bio-Preferred and UL Greenguard GOLD certified.

Posted September 10, 2024

Source: Precision Textiles

Introducing Snowfall®, A New Era of Innovative Colorful Flooring Featuring Thrive® Matter Yarn

BRISTOL. Va. — September 10, 2024 — New snowfall® by Burmatex®, is a groundbreaking carpet tile that seamlessly blends innovative design with environmental responsibility. Crafted with Universal Fibers® Thrive® matter yarn, the world’s first carbon-negative recycled yarn, it takes its design inspiration from the undulating patterns made by snowfall.

Thrive matter stands alone as the most environmentally conscious solution-dyed, high-performance nylon fibers in the World. This, combined with Burmatex’s unique BioBase recycled backing, makes snowfall a carbon-neutral product, setting a new standard for interiors.

Snowfall offers an expansive and versatile color palette with 16 shades, ranging from neutrals and contemporary greens to luminous peaches and icy blues. Each shade is carefully curated to reflect the natural beauty of winter landscapes, making it ideal for contemporary, trend-led workspaces that require both style and functionality.

The versatile random-pattern-match design and beautiful color palette makes it ideal for zoning different areas within an office, offering a practical solution for open-plan environments. Whether used to define collaborative spaces, quiet zones, or meeting areas, the snowfall tiles can seamlessly adapt to various design needs.

Burmatex Designer, Holly, shares her insights on the snowfall creative design process: “Snowfall was born out of a desire to capture the understated elegance of snow patterns and the shadows they create. We wanted to develop a range that not only stands out visually but also provides versatility for various interior applications.”

Vivien, Burmatex head of Design, emphasized the importance of collaboration in the product’s development, “The more we work with Thrive matter yarn from Universal Fibers, the more we discover its incredible potential. Our collaboration with Universal Fibers has been instrumental in pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the development of sustainable flooring options.”

Anna Plumb, vice president of European Sales and Marketing at Universal Fibers, highlights the joint effort, “Snowfall is a perfect example of what can be achieved when companies work closely together. By combining our yarn expertise with Burmatex’s design vision, together we have created a sustainable product that not only meets our commitment to lowering embodied carbon but also delivers exceptional design and performance.”

Snowfall is supported by Burmatex’s comprehensive recovery take-back service — by partnering with local organizations, they find new homes for used carpet tiles, ensuring that they continue to serve a purpose within the community. By using the recovery take back service, you can ensure none of your used carpet tiles end up in landfill.

Posted September 10, 2024

Source: Universal Fibers

ITMA Asia + CITME 2024 Exhibitor Preview: Karl Mayer Group

OBERTSHAUSEN, Germany — September 10, 2024 —  The KARL MAYER GROUP is looking forward to ITMA ASIA + CITME, October 14-18, 2024 at Hall 4, stand C27 at the Shanghai National Exhibition and Convention Center.

The international textile industry has been changing rapidly, and not just since this year. Global crises and paradigm shifts characterize an environment with many uncertainties and turbulence. In this volatile market, the Chinese textile industry continues to report growth rates, particularly through exports. Despite its successes, the entire sector must overcome many challenges. Chinese manufacturers also need to proactively adapt to market dynamics, tap into new growth opportunities and achieve profitability despite increasing cost pressure. In addition, the issue of sustainability is becoming increasingly important and the shortage of skilled workers is making itself increasingly felt.

Under the motto “Master the Change”, the KARL MAYER GROUP presents innovations from its strong brands KARL MAYER, STOLL and KM.ON, which are focusing more than ever on the business requirements of their customers. Visitors can expect an exhibition of forward-looking solutions from the fields of mechanical engineering, digitalization, textile products, applications and customer support.

A wide range of warp knitting and flat knitting machines from the Group’s product portfolio and textile trends will also be on display at an accompanying in-house show at KARL MAYER (CHINA). The event in Changzhou starts the day before the trade fair opens. One highlight will be the opening of the new showroom of the KARL MAYER subsidiary in China with solutions from all areas of technology.

Paths to new market potential for warp knitting

For the warp knitting industry, there will above all be suggestions for more sales and new business. One highlight of the exhibition is an HKS 2-S in the new gauge E 44, which opens new doors in the outdoor fashion sector with its fine, lightweight yet dense textile products and high efficiency. The supple articles score points above all for their unsurpassed protective effect against UVA rays — as a result of their extremely close-meshed structure — and high breathability. This makes them extremely interesting for use in sun protection clothing.

The KARL MAYER stand also will be showcasing functional, fashionable products for sportswear items for the growing yoga trend and apparel fabrics with the look and feel of typical cotton fabrics. The warp-knitted alternatives are pleasant to wear thanks to the comfortable stretch, easy to care for and can be produced sustainably and highly productively due to the technology used. Another new and promising highlight on the KARL MAYER stand is the use of an E-40 warp knitted fabric as a top layer for thick down jackets.

In addition to clothing fabrics, shoe textiles are more popular than ever before. Breathable and stylish warp knits from a HKS 3-M ON PLUS and spacer fabrics from double raschel machines will be presented. The functional spacer textiles are also interesting as sustainable mono-material solutions for upholstery in car seats and mattresses and with jacquard for the fashion industry.

Visitors to the KARL MAYER stand can also look forward to a presentation of the latest Care Solutions offerings. The focus will be on the customer portal myKM.ON, which gives users access to the digital world of the KARL MAYER GROUP, and the brand new Energy Efficiency Solution (EES), which supports warp knitting companies on their way to lower electricity consumption and greater sustainability.

The accompanying in-house show at KARL MAYER (CHINA) will focus on the performance demonstration of selected machines, including the latest representatives of the three-bar HKS and TM series, a TM 2-SE in E 36, a MT 84/1/40 S and a RE 4-1 in E 36. In addition a new mid-range machine for the double raschel sector will be launched and the new Care Solutions products will also be presented.

Flexibility, speed and price awareness for the success of flat knitting mills in the commodity market

At ITMA ASIA + CITME, STOLL will be presenting machine innovations for success in the volume market with a focus on a good responsiveness to changing demand trends.

On show will be a CMS 703 ki knit and wear, which combines the unrivaled high flexibility of all STOLL “knit and wear” models with maximum efficiency and an extremely attractive price. The production repertoire includes finished articles as well as fully-fashion products. With a working width of 72″/183 cm, the usual size range of consumers can be ideally covered, especially in Asia.

Another exhibit with an excellent price-performance ratio and maximum flexibility is the CMS 503 ki L.  A working width of 50″ makes an unlimited variety of patterns possible for a wide range of full-fashion applications. Articles can also be produced in larger sizes, which are increasingly in demand in America, but also in Asia and Europe.

The ADF 530-32 ki FLEX is the leader in terms of production diversity among STOLL’s exhibits. The productive all-rounder can produce a unique range of different knitted items. Trousers, a dress, a top, a sweater and a fabric for upholstery applications – all these articles will be produced on the ADF 530-32 ki FLEX during the trade fair. This flexibility is made possible by the innovative, automatically adjustable comb gap control. Among other things, the innovative solution extends the gauge range of the classic STOLL multi-gauge spectrum and opens up new scope for incorporating different strength ranges into garments, for example to realise cuffs.

The exhibition for the flat knitting industry will be complemented by examples from the production repertoire of STOLL machines. The highlight of the textile innovation show is the presentation of the new STOLL Trend Collection NOCTURNO.

Further machine innovations will be on display at the in-house show at KARL MAYER (CHINA). Some of the models are part of the repertoire of the new showroom, are mainly manufactured at the Changzhou site and are also part of the STOLL range for the volume market, including various representatives of the CMS series, which cover a wide range of gauges from E3.5.2 to E20.

More efficient processes through digital solutions

At ITMA ASIA + CITME, KM.ON will be presenting innovative digital solutions for warp knitting and flat knitting companies. The Digital Production Management (DPM) – a game-changing solution for the shop floor organization of warp knitting companies that offers seamless monitoring and control of production processes in real time, creating the basis for optimizing operational processes — and the Quality Monitoring System (QMS), a revolutionary AI-based innovation for quality management on warp knitting machines, will be part of the trade fair lineup.

STOLL PPS powered by KM.ON enables greater efficiency in flat knitting. With the production planning tool for controlling, planning and optimizing production, reaction and throughput times can be shortened and delivery reliability improved — essential performance features in today’s highly dynamic markets.

For a faster workflow from idea to market launch, the innovative products of the CREATE family will be presented.

Lower costs and environmental impact during warp preparation

Customers from the warp preparation sector can look forward to solutions for greater efficiency and sustainability.

The highlights include a latest-generation direct warper, which impresses with a very good price-performance ratio. The beams produced are of the highest quality and enable maximum efficiency in their processing in the weaving mill. Another plus point is the high operational reliability of the machine. Behind the unique performance are sophisticated technical solutions, including an optimized pressure roller system without service-prone hydraulics.

With the new CASCADE system, customers can reduce steam consumption and thus costs and environmental impact during the sizing process. The basis for this is efficient energy recycling within the cylinder dryer, which is explained using illustrative material.

With the Smart Size Box, a technology has also been developed that monitors the condition of wear components and therefore makes a valuable contribution to predictive maintenance. as will be demonstrated at the trade fair.

To ensure high machine availability, a combined Care X-Tend and Connectivity Package will also be presented.

New pillars and more business through technical textiles

At ITMA ASIA, KARL MAYER’s Technical Textiles business unit will be presenting promising sales potential in the composites market with non-crimp fabrics made of glass and carbon fibers. The customized reinforcement textiles can be produced extremely efficiently and with the highest quality on KARL MAYER’s multiaxial warp knitting machines and used in a wide range of lightweight construction applications, as a digital media presentation will show. Conventional textile manufacturers who want to enter this new field of technology can also benefit from KARL MAYER’s experience and expertise.

The in-house show in Changzhou will also feature innovative weft insertion machines with an excellent price-performance ratio in the volume market. On display will be a 2nd generation TM WEFT for the production of lightweight warp knitted fabrics for outerwear and interlinings, as well as a newly developed machine that focuses on the production of lightweight glass fabrics for use in the construction industry, for example as plaster grids or crack tape, thanks to its special performance.

Posted September 10, 2024

Source: Karl Mayer

Reliance Retail Ventures, Delta Galil Announce Strategic Partnership In India

MUMBAI, India & CAESAREA, Israel — September 10, 2024 — Reliance Retail Ventures Ltd. (Reliance Retail), India’s foremost retailer, and Delta Galil Industries Ltd. — a global manufacturer and marketer of branded and private label intimate, activewear, loungewear and denim apparel for ladies, men and children — today announced a strategic partnership in India. This collaboration, marked by a 50/50 joint venture, aims to redefine the apparel landscape in the Indian market.

The partnership intends to establish an apparel innovation platform dedicated to meeting the unique demands of Indian consumers. Delta Galil, renowned for its innovation and product excellence, will leverage this venture to expand its footprint in the rapidly growing Indian market, offering its acclaimed portfolio of intimate apparel and activewear brands across retail, wholesale and digital channels. Through the collaboration, Delta Galil will also support the joint venture, which will design and manufacture products for Reliance’s own well-established brands.

Welcoming Delta Galil as a key strategic partner into the Reliance Retail portfolio, V Subramaniam, managing director, Reliance Retail Ventures, stated: “Delta Galil’s reputation as a global innovator in intimate apparel and activewear aligns seamlessly with Reliance Retail’s commitment to delivering quality and innovative products to Indian consumers. Together, we are poised to elevate the consumer offerings in the intimate apparel and activewear segments across our retail platforms.”

Delta Galil’s CEO, Isaac Dabah, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the strategic significance of the collaboration. “Reliance Retail is one of the fastest-growing retail companies in the world and we are extremely proud to partner with the company as we look to tap into India’s dynamic consumer market, home to more than 1.4 billion consumers,” Dabah said. “This collaboration will allow us to combine our product design, innovation and manufacturing prowess with Reliance Retail’s extensive retail network and distribution reach, paving the way for accelerated growth of the intimate apparel and activewear categories throughout the country.”

As the largest retail company in India, Reliance Retail wields unparalleled domestic sales and distribution expertise. The joint venture will enable Reliance Retail to tap into Delta Galil’s deep industry expertise and innovation capabilities in intimate apparel and activewear, key product categories that are poised to grow significantly in the Indian market.

Posted September 10, 2024

Source: Delta Galil

Knitwear Company Gerard Fres Optimizes Quality Management With Pivot88

LAVAL, Canada — September 10, 2024 — Gerard Fres Ltd. (GFL), a sweater manufacturer founded in France and based in Dhaka, Bangladesh, has adopted Pivot88, a TradeBeyond company, to optimize its quality inspection processes. Pivot88’s innovative supply chain platform will enable Gerard Fres to streamline quality management, ensuring higher standards of product quality and compliance.

Established in 1997 and known for its focus on sustainability and ethical production, Gerard Fres has been a pioneer in the knitwear industry, specializing in pullovers and exporting around 6 million pieces annually to various countries including France, Germany, Belgium, Italy, Canada, Brazil, and Australia. By incorporating Pivot88’s technology, Gerard Fres aims to further its mission of ensuring supply chain efficiency from product design to end-consumer satisfaction, while maintaining consistent quality and ethical and sustainable production principles.

“Pivot88’s Resilience solution aligns perfectly with our mission to deliver top-quality knitwear while upholding our ethical responsibilities and commitment to sustainable production,” said Elliott Fres, managing director at Gerard Fres Ltd. “This partnership will empower us to streamline and improve our quality management processes, which are critical to ensuring the highest standards of quality in our garments.”

Pivot88, known for its robust compliance, quality testing, and traceability solutions, will provide Gerard Fres with a platform that offers real-time oversight and comprehensive data analytics. This will enable Gerard Fres to conduct more effective and efficient quality inspections, ensuring compliance with the highest industry standards.

“Our collaboration with Gerard Fres is a testament to the versatility and effectiveness of our solutions in enhancing supply chain management and quality assurance processes,” said Michael Hung, CEO of TradeBeyond. “We are excited to support Gerard Fres in their journey toward greater operational excellence and sustainability.”

The integration of Pivot88’s into Gerard Fres’s quality inspection processes will bring significant improvements in operational efficiency and product quality, further solidifying Gerard Fres’s position as a leader in the knitwear industry. Pivot88’s solutions are designed to integrate seamlessly into existing supply chain management systems, providing real-time analytics and insights. This allows for proactive decision-making and more effective risk management.

By implementing Pivot88, Gerard Fres joins a prestigious roster of global leaders in the apparel and footwear industry, including renowned names like Hugo Boss, Adidas, and Oakley. This move signifies Gerard Fres’s commitment to innovation and excellence by leveraging the same platform that has been instrumental in enhancing the supply chain operations of these industry giants.

September 10, 2024

Source: Pivot88/Gerard Fres

Coats Among The Best Places In Manufacturing And Production

LONDON — September 10, 2024 — Coats Group plc has been selected for the 2024 Fortune Best Workplaces in Manufacturing & Production™ List by Great Place To Work® and Fortune magazine.

Great Place To Work and Fortune annually select top workplaces in Manufacturing and Production that are dedicated to creating exceptional workplace cultures. The team at Coats has once again been recognized for its commitment to prioritizing its people, fostering a culture of trust, and empowering colleagues worldwide to achieve their full potential.

The Best Workplaces in Manufacturing & Production award is based on analysis of survey responses from over 96,000 current employees at Great Place To Work Certified™ companies in the manufacturing and production industry. The survey also considers the breadth and impact of company workplace programs. Organizations are assessed on their efforts to create great workplaces and positively impact people and communities across multiple countries.

Farnaz Ranjbar

“We are proud to have once again been recognised as one of the top workplaces worldwide, reflecting the strength and value of the inclusive culture fostered across Coats,” said Group Chief Human Resources Officer Farnaz Ranjbar. “Our commitment to create a more inclusive, diverse and equitable workplace at Coats is unrelenting, and it is thanks to our dedicated employees from all around the globe that we have been placed on this list. We remain focused on forging strong long-term relationships and delivering value for all stakeholders.”

“Congratulations to the Best Workplaces in Manufacturing & Production,” said Michael C. Bush, CEO of Great Place To Work. “These companies not only outperform the average for their industry but have created workplaces that outshine the average in every category, proving the importance of building trust with workers, no matter the industry.”

Great Place To Work selected the 2024 Fortune Best Workplaces in Manufacturing & Production by analyzing confidential survey responses from more than 1.3 million employees in the U.S. in 2023 and 2024. Coats India and Honduras were also named among the local Best Workplaces in Manufacturing & Production, reaffirming the successful impact of the company’s approach to culture.

Coats was named one of the United Kingdom’s Best Workplaces for Women™ in 2024 and among the World’s 25 Best Workplaces™ in 2023 by Fortune and Great Place To Work.

Posted September 10, 2024

Source: Coats

ETV Looking To The Future With Monforts

Pictured during her visit to ETV is Germany’s Economics and Climate Protection Minister Mona Neubaur (third from left), with members of the ETV and Monforts management teams, including Dirk Tunney (far left) and Gunnar Meyer (far right). Image courtesy ETV.

TW Special Report

At a time when European commission finishers are finding it increasingly difficult to operate due to extremely high overheads, ETV, based in Gescher, Germany, is going from strength to strength — and alert to new opportunities going forward.

Founded in 1950, the privately held company is currently installing a third Monforts Montex 8500 finishing range with a working width of 3.2 meters, fully equipped with a Montex®Coat coating unit, an EcoBooster heat recovery unit, crash calender and computer-controlled winders and unwinders.

Longevity

For ETV managing director Dirk Tunney, the company’s longevity is in part due to a timely move away from traditional textile applications such as clothing and home textiles 25 years ago, to focus on adding value and functionality to technical textiles, films and membranes.

“The large discounters now dominate the procurement markets, particularly in the home textiles sector,” he says. “Stationary retail hardly exists anymore and the market is characterized by the price structure of cheap imports from non-European countries.”

Since repositioning itself in 1999, ETV has grown into a powerhouse in its selected fields, dyeing and finishing around 1,500 tons of yarn and 1.6 million linear meters of fabric each year. In addition, the company annually prints around 4 million linear meters of fabrics, foils and membranes, along with coating up to 40 million linear meters of fabrics and nonwovens.

ETV was also early in addressing the need for sustainable processes with a thermal exhaust air aftertreatment unit, a printing paste recycling station and the use of 100-percent recycled industrial water as a result of its own in-house water and sewage treatment plant.

Energy costs

Escalating energy costs in Germany, however, have understandably been a cause for concern for the company.

“Up to and including 2020, our energy expenditure was less than 10 percent of our total overheads which ensured we were competitive on the market, but at their peak in 2022, gas prices in Germany had increased tenfold and electricity prices increased fivefold,” Tunney said. “Our industry today has to live with electricity prices that are approximately twice as high and gas prices that are approximately three-and-a-half times higher than before 2021. In the future, we are assuming a level of 12 to 13 percent so we are talking about additional expenditure of up to 400,000 euros depending on our future product production program, which as a contract processor we have only a limited influence on.

“Energy is certainly no longer cheap in Germany and we have moved from being an exporter of electricity to an importer and will no longer be able to supply ourselves in the future if we don`t change anything. It’s worrying that without our European neighbors our lights would sometimes go out.”

Industry standard

Monforts Montex tenters are now industry standard for the fabric finishing industry, providing many advantages in terms of production throughput and especially in energy efficiency and savings.

The Monforts Eco Booster, integrated into the chamber design of ETV’s Montex tenter, is a single heat recovery system with automatic cleaning that can further save up to 35 percent in energy costs. The Eco Booster consumes only minimal amounts of water during the cleaning cycle and the entire process is controlled and monitored automatically.

The Montex Coat serves a very diverse number of markets and enables full coatings, pigment dyeing or minimal application surface and low penetration treatments to be carried out. Knife coating, roller coating or screen printing can also all be accommodated with this system. In addition, the Montex Coat provides the ultimate in flexibility and the ability to switch quickly from one fabric run to the next, without compromising on the economical use of energy or raw materials.

“We certainly anticipate energy savings in addition to increased productivity and process reliability with this latest line and in addition, we will be working with Monforts on alternative energy options,” Tunney said.

Green hydrogen

Monforts is currently leading a consortium of industrial partners and universities in the three-year WasserSTOFF project, launched in November 2022, to explore all aspects of this fast-rising new industrial energy option.

The target of the government-funded project is to establish to what extent hydrogen can be used in the future as an alternative heating source for textile finishing processes. This will first involve tests on laboratory equipment together with associated partners and the results will then be transferred to a tenter frame at the Monforts Advanced Technology Center (ATC) in Germany.

“Green hydrogen’s potential as a clean fuel source is tremendous, but there is much we need to explore when considering its use in the textile finishing processes carried out globally on our tenter dryers and other machines,” says Monforts Managing Director Gunnar Meyer. “Everybody knows that textile finishing is a high energy consuming process and to make the processes more efficient, we already offer several solutions, but as a technology leader we are also rising to the challenge of exploring alternative heating options to be ready for the future.”

ETV’s relative proximity to the Monforts headquarters in Mönchengladbach makes it an ideal site for the WasserSTOFF project.

“The project for a hydrogen-powered coating tenter frame is very suitable for our region,” Tunney said. “Germany’s textile industry has a long tradition and with more than 1,400 companies, is not unimportant to the country, but without support from politics, both ideologically and financially, something like this cannot be done.

“If we want decarbonization, paths must be identified and funds made available. We absolutely have to remain open to technology in order to position ourselves in the best possible way. Otherwise it will result in deindustrialization, which none of us want. We look forward to a closer collaboration with Monforts and its project partners going forward.”

On September 6 this year, Germany’s Economics and Climate Protection Minister Mona Neubaur visited ETV to get a first-hand view of how the textile industry is rapidly adapting to a changing landscape.

“The future of German industry will be decided in North Rhine-Westphalia,” she said. “This requires courageous companies to move forward. Innovative ideas strengthen our competitiveness and make a significant contribution to becoming the first climate-neutral industrial region in Europe. Green hydrogen will play an important role in this and I am very pleased that through companies like ETV and Monforts and their partners, we are now moving quickly from preparation to action.”

September 10, 2024

Organic Cotton Accelerator Calls On Textile Industry To Support Farmers Transitioning To Organic Cotton

AMSTERDAM — September 10, 2024  — As the global demand for sustainable textiles continues to rise, Organic Cotton Accelerator (OCA) urges industry leaders, businesses, and stakeholders across the industry to take decisive action in supporting farmers transitioning to organic cotton. OCA is joining forces with the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) in the #BehindTheSeams campaign, highlighting the critical need to bolster the supply of organic fibers by supporting growers during the challenging transition from conventional to organic farming.

The #BehindTheSeams 2024 campaign, running throughout September, aims to offer unique insights into the people and practices behind organic textiles. It showcases the environmental and social benefits of organic-certified cotton, while calling on the industry to help scale the supply of organic fibers by empowering farmers.

Bridging the gap: supporting farmers during the in-conversion period

With a growing demand for organic cotton, the industry still faces a supply shortfall. The solution lies in empowering more farmers to grow organic fibers. #BehindTheSeams is spotlighting “organic in-conversion” farming and urging brands and the entire industry to support farmers during the critical transition period from conventional to organic. OCA and GOTS are highlighting this often-overlooked, yet vital stage of organic-in-conversion — the crucial period when farmers shift their practices to meet organic certification requirements. This transition, which can span up to three years, presents several challenges for farmers as they navigate fluctuating crop conditions and market uncertainties. During this time, they need unwavering support from the industry to succeed.

To support these farmers, OCA provides critical resources such as capacity-building, premium payments, and market linkages. During the 2023-2024 cotton season, OCA worked with over 35,000 in-conversion farmers in India and Pakistan, as part of a broader program that supports over 80.000 farmers. This impact has been made possible through the commitments of 16 brands  participating in OCA’s Farm Program.

A win-win partnership for brands and farmers 

Transitioning to organic farming requires significant knowledge and resources, and it`s an experience that no farmer should face alone. Brands that commit to purchasing in-conversion cotton invest in the additional support and inputs farmers require as they make the switch to organic practices. This commitment helps farmers navigate the challenging transition period, resulting in certified crops with significant environmental and economic benefits. OCA enables and facilitates this process, but more brands need to join OC’s Farm Programme to expand support for farmers. OCA’s Farm Programme addresses existing challenges in organic cotton farming by providing farmers with tools, expertise, and market commitments from buyers, ensuring higher earnings and a secure supply of organic fibre. The programme ensures that brands benefit from price clarity, verified impact data, and long-term supply commitments, all alligned with globally recognised organic standards.
 
Joining the movement for organic cotton 

The #BehindTheSeams campaign calls on brands, retailers, and stakeholders across the textile industry to act now by supporting farmers during this critical in-conversion phase. By joining OCA’s Farm Programme, companies can make a tangible impact on the future of organic cotton, securing not only a sustainable supply of organic fibers but also contributing to global sustainability goals.

Posted September 10, 2024

Source: Organic Cotton Accelerator

Color Management Success Paves Way For Upcoming Testing Workshop

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. — September 9, 2024 — Every year AATCC hosts workshops to provide hands–on learning for specific testing topics at the AATCC Technical Center. AATCC workshops limit the class size to allow ample opportunity to dive deep into the content.

This year, AATCC hosted a Color Management Workshop from August 14-15 and will be hosting a NEW Textile Testing Workshop for Specifiers from September 17-18 at the Technical Center.

The AATCC Color Management Workshop was met with overwhelming success, attracting a diverse array of industry professionals including merchandisers, retailers, manufacturers, product developers, color approval managers, and designers. Participants delved into crucial topics such as basic color principles, the effects of lighting on color perception, and strategies for developing cost-effective and fashionable color palettes.

The workshop’s comprehensive curriculum also covered the implementation of digital color programs with suppliers and techniques for controlling shade from concept to production. By bridging theory with practical application, attendees gained valuable insights and actionable strategies to enhance their professional capabilities in color management. The enthusiastic response from participants underscored the workshop’s relevance and AATCC’s commitment to providing timely, high-quality education to meet the evolving needs of the textile and fashion industry.

The Textile Testing Workshop for Specifiers is a new addition and aims to help people understand which tests are important for various product categories and performance claims—and which are required by law. This workshop is tailored to designers, product managers, marketers, and entrepreneurs who define the fit, function, look, and performance for the products that reach the market. AATCC understands that many of these individuals may never set foot in a lab but need the understanding of textile testing to accurately make claims, set requirements and approve reports. The knowledge and resources acquired will empower those to make informed decisions when selecting textile products. The intensive two-day workshop will teach professionals how to interpret results for textile materials. Attendees will gain an understanding of the significance of standardized testing, testing considerations for functional and performance properties, color measurement principles and more.

Attendees will benefit from direct access to the expertise of AATCC staff and members who specialize in standards development, textile testing, quality control, and claim substantiation. Participants will acquire practical tools and knowledge that can be immediately applied. Registration includes luncheons, breaks, and digital copies of the Analytical Methods for a Textile Laboratory and Selecting a Textile Testing Lab.

Reliable textile testing provides crucial data and insights that drive innovation while ensuring quality and safety. Testing substantiates that materials and products meet specifications, comply with regulations, and deliver promised performance. Standardized test methods allow objective evaluation and comparison of textile properties like strength, comfort, fit, durability, safety, and sustainability. Test data identifies opportunities to improve manufacturing processes and guides new product development. Testing also helps safeguard consumers by screening for harmful substances and verifying qualification for end use. Investing in proficient textile testing capabilities allows companies to enhance quality, solve problems, validate claims, and develop better products. AATCC has been providing essential textile testing education and resources since 1921 to help advance the industry.

Register here: www.aatcc.org/ttws

Posted September 10, 2024

Source: AATCC

September Import Cargo To Remain Elevated Ahead Of Possible Port Strike  

WASHINGTON — September 9, 2024 — The nation’s major container ports are expected to see another busy month in September ahead of a potential labor strike at East Coast and Gulf Coast ports, according to the Global Port Tracker report released today by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates.

“This is a critical time as retailers prepare for the all-important holiday season, and we need every port in the country working at full capacity,” NRF Vice President for Supply Chain and Customs Policy Jonathan Gold said. “Many retailers have brought cargo in early and shifted to alternate ports as a precaution, but it is vital that labor and management at the East Coast and Gulf Coast ports actually sit down at the negotiating table and bargain in good faith for a new contract so we can avoid a disruption of any kind when their contract expires. A strike would be another blow to the supply chain as it continues to face challenges, and to the nation’s economy at a time when inflation is finally coming down and the Fed is poised to lower interest rates.”

The contract between the International Longshoremen’s Association and the United States Maritime Alliance covering East and Gulf Coast ports is set to expire on September 30. The ILA has continued to threaten to strike if a new contract is not reached by then. NRF last week renewed its call for both sides to come to an agreement before the contract expires, with NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay saying a disruption “would significantly impact retailers, consumers and the economy.”

“Import levels are being impacted by concerns about the potential East and Gulf Coast port strike,” Hackett Associates Founder Ben Hackett said. “This has caused some cargo owners to bring forward shipments, bumping up June-through-September imports. In addition, some importers are weighing the decision to bring forward some goods, particularly from China, that could be impacted by rising tariffs following the election.”

U.S. ports covered by Global Port Tracker handled 2.32 million Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units — one 20-foot container or its equivalent — in July, the latest month for which final numbers are available. That was up 8.1 percent from June and up 21 percent year over year for the highest July on record. Ports have not yet reported August’s numbers, but Global Port Tracker projected the month at 2.37 million TEU, up 20.9 percent year over year and the highest level since the record of 2.4 million TEU set in May 2022.

September is forecast at 2.31 million TEU, up 14% year over year; October at 2.08 million TEU, up 1.3 percent; November at 1.92 million TEU, up 1.6 percent, and December at 1.89 million TEU, up 0.9 percent. That would bring 2024 to 24.98 million TEU, up 12.3 percent from 2023. The first half of 2024 totaled 12.1 million TEU, up 14.8 percent over the same period in 2023.

If the forecasts prove correct, 2024 will have seen a seven-month stretch of import levels at or above 2 million TEU, the longest since a 19-month stretch through September 2022. January 2025 is forecast at 1.96 million TEU, down 0.3 percent year over year.

The import numbers come as NRF is forecasting that 2024 retail sales — excluding automobile dealers, gasoline stations and restaurants to focus on core retail — will grow between 2.5 percent and 3.5 percent over 2023.

Posted September 10, 2024

Source: National Retail Federation (NRF)

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