HanesBrands Invests In 19 Baldwin Precision Application Systems

ST.LOUIS — February 8, 2018 — Baldwin Technology Co. Inc.’s exclusive and innovative Precision Application System — which realizes substantial savings of water, chemistry and energy while increasing productivity — was designed with companies like HanesBrands in mind.

HanesBrands — whose venerable apparel lines include Hanes, Champion, Playtex, Bali and Maidenform, to name a few — has set significant environmental stewardship goals to reduce energy consumption and water use. The company’s recent investment in Baldwin’s Precision Application Systems, with a textile finishing technology that allows for accurate and controlled placement and therefore, reduced use of end-of-line chemicals and water, will help HanesBrands achieve its environmental sustainability goals. Additionally, Baldwin’s groundbreaking application system improves output through greater flexibility, fewer production steps and increased uptime.

Mike Abbott, HanesBrands global director of Research and Innovation, said: “Baldwin fulfilled our requirements to provide a solution that optimizes our productivity while reducing our environmental impact.” HanesBrands thoroughly evaluated the technology for eight months in live production conditions with positive results. Abbott continued: “During the evaluation period of the system, we have had outstanding results in productivity increase, and we can clearly see that this technology will make a great contribution to our future efficiency and sustainability savings.”

Peter Hultberg, Chief Commercial Officer at Baldwin, said: “We are honored to partner with one of the world’s strongest apparel brands to help the company achieve not only its business goals, but also its corporate responsibility goals. The trust the HanesBrands team placed in Baldwin and our innovative application technology marks an important milestone for Baldwin and our quest to redefine the standards of sustainable textile finishing.”

The HanesBrands contract includes an option to supply 15 additional Precision Application Systems.

Posted February 8, 2018

Source: Baldwin Technology Co. Inc.

Aquafil Signs An Agreement With Invista Reinforcing Its Presence In Asia Pacific, One Of The Fastest Growing Markets In The World

ARCO, Italy — February 5, 2018 — Aquafil S.p.A. [ECNL] has signed an agreement with INVISTA, one of the world’s largest integrated producers of chemical intermediates, polymers and fibers, to acquire certain tangible and intangible assets related to Invista’s nylon 6 business activity in Asia Pacific.

The assets to be acquired concern Invista’s business of Polyamide 6 BCF fiber in Asia Pacific with a turnover of about 50 million dollars and, after business integration, with an expected margin in line with Aquafil Group’s consolidated EBITDA margin. The total appreciation of the deal is not relevant for the Group and will be financed by its internal resources.

Closing is expected March 29, 2018.

“This is a milestone for the further development of Aquafil in the Asia Pacific region — commented Giulio Bonazzi, president and CEO of the Group — This deal will accelerate Aquafil’s investment program in the area of Asia Pacific that remains the region with highest potential in terms of demand growth for synthetic fibers.”

The transaction does not include Invista’s other businesses in Asia, such as its nylon 6,6, polyester, polyols and licensing businesses and related brands.

Posted February 8, 2018

Source: Aquafil S.p.A.

BEARPAW Makes Major Expansion Moves In Europe And China

CITRUS HEIGHTS, Calif. — February 8, 2018 — BEARPAW, provider of fashion footwear for men, women, and children, has taken another big step towards expanding its presence in Europe and China with the establishment of two new entities. The company is forming Zhenjiang Boom Trading Co. Inc. (ZBT), to increase its territory in China and Bearpaw Europe BV to further extend its reach in the European market. Both organizations will fall under the Romeo & Juliette Inc. umbrella within Bearpaw holdings.

“After our recent partnerships with Bleckmann Fashion & Lifestyle Logistics and Rust-Oleum, now is the perfect time to expand upon our existing presence in the European markets and to establish our footing in China. Creating Zhenjiang Boom Trading Company, Inc. (ZBT) and Bearpaw Europe, BV will enable us to roll out global expansion plans in a manner that allows us to stay consistent with our established business in the U.S.,” said John Pierce, president of Bearpaw.

Bearpaw will continue to increase company’s efforts with existing partners across Scandinavia, Baltics, and throughout Central, Eastern and Western Europe. With the new developments taking place, the company has hired John Richey as its new General Counsel.

Through new initiatives in Europe and China, Bearpaw is on a mission to better service the international market and provide their worldwide customer base with the best in quality products. Over the last 15 years, the company has introduced an extensive line of footwear and an assortment of apparel and outerwear. Not only a leader in winter footwear, the brand has been making significant strides in the sandal category with its recent Spring collections. Bearpaw product is now available throughout the United States and in over 45 countries throughout the world.

Posted February 8, 2018

Source: BEARPAW

ACMA Champions Policies To Grow The Composites Industry

WASHINGTON — February 8, 2018 — The American Composites Manufacturers Association (ACMA) held its third annual Infrastructure Day on February 6-7, 2018, during which 34 ACMA members joined together to meet with more than 100 Members of Congress and their staffs to advance legislation to drive federal investment in innovative material solutions for transportation, water and energy infrastructure. These meetings also stressed the importance of harnessing federal resources for standards development for innovative materials such as composites, an essential step for integrating 21st Century solutions more broadly into America’s infrastructure network.

During President Trump’s first State of the Union addresses, he called on Congress to advance his $1.5 trillion plan to repair our nation’s crumbling infrastructure. With infrastructure spending emerging as a top priority, the event was an aptly-timed opportunity to secure the composites industry’s stake in the policy discussion.

“While ACMA applauds this administration’s commitment to infrastructure, we need to ensure we are not wasting taxpayer dollars on failing, outdated technology that will not provide the solutions our nation needs,” said Tom Dobbins, ACMA president. “During this fly-in, our members advocated for 21st Century infrastructure improvements to be made with 21st Century materials.”

The event featured participation by Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), a longstanding ally to the industry who played a critical role in the development of language in the 2016 Water Resources Development Act that supports the study of composites in waterways, dams, levies and other critical water infrastructure.

“Rhode Island is home to some of the best composite companies and craftsmen in the world, so I see firsthand the cutting-edge materials they’re making and the broad range of uses for those materials,” said Whitehouse. “Whether it’s infrastructure, marine trades, aerospace, defense, or wind energy, composites are creating new jobs and playing an important role in our economy — one that will continue to grow in the years to come.”

Infrastructure Day participants had the chance to hear insights from agency officials on federal programs addressing critical at-risk infrastructure and opportunities for innovation. During a special panel session, representatives from the Department of Transportation, American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Environmental Protection Agency, Water Infrastructure Network and Vinyl Institute provided insight on how composites are a part of the equation to help our most important infrastructure assets withstand 21st century demands.

Engaging with agency officials is an important part of ACMA’s mission to develop codes and standards which combined with federal legislation help grow the industry at all levels.

“These events represent an outstanding opportunity for ACMA members to build new business and create opportunities in federally influenced infrastructure markets,” said Leon Garoufalis, President and COO of Composites One. “One of the many excellent benefits of our ACMA membership is the ability to engage directly with government officials who can help shape laws and standards that allow our industry to grow.”

Posted February 8, 2018

Source: The American Composites Manufacturers Association (ACMA)

Freudenberg Strengthens Floor Mat Business

WEINHEIM, Germany — February 7, 2018 — Freudenberg is further expanding its car floor mat business. In Germany, the Japan Vilene Co. — a Freudenberg Business Group — has signed an agreement to acquire Hanns Glass GmbH & Co. KG. The company is a leading global automotive supplier of car floor mats with a strong European presence and a portfolio complementary to VIAM, one of Japan Vilene’s core businesses with operations in Asia and North America. In 2016, the company generated about 31 million euros in sales and has some 260 employees. The transaction is conditional upon approval from the German Federal Cartel Office and is expected to be completed in the second quarter of this year.

“With the acquisition of the Hanns Glass Group, the VIAM Group will gain access to the European automotive market and, in the future, will be able to supply European carmakers from local production sites,” said Freudenberg Group CEO, Dr. Mohsen Sohi.

The Hanns Glass Group is headquartered in Grafing, near Munich, and has production sites in Paderborn and Meuselwitz, Germany, and Cheb, Czech Republic. These sites will serve as the VIAM Group’s European base.

Posted February 7, 2018

Source: Freudenberg

Nano-Care Deutschland AG Develops a Highly Sophisticated Impregnation For Textiles To Replace C8 Fluorocarbon Technologies

SAARWELLINGEN, Germany — February 7, 2018 — Nano-Care Deutschland AG, a mid-sized company based in Saarwellingen, will offer a coating system for water and oil repellency that aims to revolutionize textile finishing. “Removal of C8 fluorocarbon technology, which will be banned due to its emissions of PFOS and PFOA, leaves a significant performance gap in the market,” says Oliver Sonntag, Nano-Care Director. “The great challenge for us has been to retain existing high standards of oil repellency — whilst eliminating long-chain fluorination. We have solved this problem by creating a special silicon dioxide backbone.”

The result — Nanoflex F-Bond, marketed under the umbrella brand INTELLIGENT HYBRIDS — is based on liquid concentrates and is applied using common industrial dipping methods. For many years there has been strong pressure for innovation in the textile finishing sector to meet increasing regulation and ecological demands. As a spin-off from the Leibniz Institute for New Materials (INM), Nano-Care Deutschland sees a market potential amounting to the hundreds of millions Euros. “Our particular focus is on military, work-wear and health sectors which have to satisfy especially high performance requirements and currently have only temporary permission to use C8 technologies. Their elimination — particularly outside the European Union — is an important step towards achieving ‘ecological sustainability’ in the textile industry.”

Nano-Care Deutschland has been developing innovative coatings for textiles and other surfaces since its founding in the year 2000. On reorganizing its corporate structure at the beginning of 2018, the new Textile Effects’ department will develop further specialization in the sector. Specifically the company partners private label clients, be they manufacturers of surface coatings, distributors of chemical products or users of high-tech surface finishes. Currently, companies and consumers in more than 65 countries benefit from their multi-functional performance advantages.

Posted February 7, 2018

Source: Nano-Care Deutschland AG

New Cut Resistant Clothing Brand CutPRO® Offering Advanced Protection To The Glass And Metal Industry

KNARESBOROUGH, England — February 7, 2018 — PPSS Group has teamed up with one of the UK’s leading universities in order to create and supply the ultimate bespoke cut-resistant garment designs, taking durability and quality to a completely new level.

CutPRO® cut resistant clothing has been specially created for those working in the glass and metal production and processing industries where quality and long-lasting protection for workers is paramount for both employers and employees alike.

CutPRO will effectively help reduce the risk of serious cuts and injuries.

PPSS Group is an internationally operating firm specialized in the design, manufacturing and supply of high performance body armor, slash and bite resistant clothing, and now CutPRO.

PPSS Group CEO Robert Kaiser said: “CutPRO is the result of extensive research and contribution from health and safety professionals of leading flat glass and sheet metal processing companies from around the world. It is also worth pointing out all garments are being produced here in the European Union.

“All cut resistant garments are made from UK produced Cut-Tex PRO, a globally respected, ultra-high performance, light, durable and easy to wear fabric that is in excess of 5 times more cut resistant than Kevlar® products rated level 3 at 5N.”

Robert Kaiser added: “We are really excited about CutPRO. It is a new brand of high performance cut resistant clothing. In terms of performance it really doesn’t get any better than this.”

CutPRO offers ANSI/ISEA 2016 Blade Cut Resistance Level A5 and the highest levels of cut, abrasion, puncture and tear resistance possible (according to EN 388 – Protection Against Mechanical Risks).

All garments are individually packed and of course fully CE marked (Cat II PPE).

CutPRO Cut Resistant Clothing is specialised in the design and production of bespoke cut resistant garments, tailored to suit the operational needs of international clients and customers.

Posted February 7, 2018

Source: PPSS Group

Louisiana’s Loop Linen Certified For Food Service Laundering

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — February 6, 2018 — Loop Linen has earned the Hygienically Clean Food Service designation, reflecting their commitment to best management practices (BMPs) in laundering as verified by on-site inspection and their capability to produce hygienically clean textiles as quantified by ongoing microbial testing. Loop Linen is a fourth-generation family-owned linen and uniform service company located in New Orleans suburb of Westwego.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Posted February 6, 2018

Source: TRSA

lululemon athletica inc. CEO Laurent Potdevin Resigns

VANCOUVER, British Columbia — February 5, 2018 — lululemon athletica inc., the healthy lifestyle inspired athletic apparel company, today announced that Laurent Potdevin has resigned as CEO and as a member of the company’s Board of Directors, effective immediately. lululemon expects all employees to exemplify the highest levels of integrity and respect for one another, and Potdevin fell short of these standards of conduct. The Board of Directors has immediately begun a search process for a proven and highly-experienced global CEO.

“While this was a difficult and considered decision, the Board thanks Laurent for his work in strengthening the company and positioning it for the future,” said Glenn Murphy, executive chairman of the Board. “Culture is at the core of lululemon, and it is the responsibility of leaders to set the right tone in our organization. Protecting the organization’s culture is one of the Board’s most important duties.”

In his newly expanded role as Executive Chairman, Murphy will focus on achieving long-term, sustainable results for all stakeholders. Three of lululemon’s senior leaders are being elevated and will take on additional responsibilities, reporting to Murphy: Celeste Burgoyne, executive vice president, Americas, will oversee all channel and brand-facing aspects of the global business, including stores and e-commerce, as well as brand marketing; Stuart Haselden, COO, will have responsibility for all operations related to finance, supply chain, people, and technology; and Sun Choe, senior vice president of Merchandising, will guide all aspects of product development, design, innovation, and merchandising.

Murphy added: “The Board is entirely confident that Celeste, Stuart and Sun — three leaders deeply tied to the recent momentum in the business — can continue to execute on lululemon’s growth strategy and drive global performance. Based upon their contributions to the recent expansion of the business, their history of collaboration with one another and their strong support across the lululemon organization, we believe this trio of leaders will take lululemon from strength to strength.”

Today, lululemon also reaffirmed its updated guidance provided on January 8, 2018, that reflects the ongoing momentum of the business. In addition, the company’s growth strategies remain on track to achieve $4 billion in revenue in 2020. The company’s continued success in the market it created is rooted in its strong connection to its guests and vertically integrated business model; embodiment of the active, mindful lifestyle; and category-disrupting product innovation that blends fashion and function.

Biographies

Glenn Murphy

Executive Chairman of the company, and Chairman of the Board

Glenn Murphy has taken an active role in the strategic direction of the company since joining the Board in 2017. He has more than 30 years of success leading retail organizations to grow and succeed. He is the founder and CEO of FIS Holdings, a consumer-focused investment firm deploying a combination of operating guidance and capital flexibility. From 2007 to 2014, Mr. Murphy served as Chairman and CEO at Gap Inc. during a period of global growth and improved financial performance. Previously, Mr. Murphy served as Chairman and CEO of Shoppers Drug Mart Corporation and held senior leadership roles at Loblaw Companies.

Celeste Burgoyne

Executive Vice President, Americas

Celeste Burgoyne, Executive Vice President, Americas, will continue to oversee all channel and customer-facing aspects of the North American business, including stores and e-commerce, and will now add oversight of the company’s international regions, as well as brand marketing. Burgoyne joined lululemon in 2006 to lead the U.S. expansion and has since held a series of roles of expanding responsibility, including Senior Vice President, Retail, North America where she was responsible for overseeing all Canadian and U.S. retail. Celeste started her career with Abercrombie & Fitch, where she held various leadership positions during her 10 years with the company.

Stuart Haselden

COO and CFO

Stuart Haselden, COO, will continue to oversee all operations related to finance, supply chain, legal and technology, and will now add oversight of our strategic planning and people & culture functions. Stuart joined lululemon as CFO in 2015. Prior to joining lululemon, his career spans 15 years of executive leadership at global apparel retailers, including Saks Incorporated and J. Crew Group, Inc., where he most recently served as Chief Financial Officer.

Sun Choe

Senior Vice President of Merchandising

Sun Choe, Senior Vice President of Merchandising, will continue to oversee merchandising and will now add all aspects of product design, innovation and development to her portfolio. She joined the company in 2016 as Chief Global Product Merchant with extensive experience in senior leadership roles at well-known brands, including Madewell, West Elm and Urban Outfitters.

Posted February 6, 2018

Source: lululemon athletica inc.

Epson Launches New Digital Fabric Printing Microsite For Fashion Designers

NEW YORK CITY — February 6, 2018 — Today at its annual Digital Couture Project fashion and technology showcase, Epson America introduced a new microsite — “Epson Brings Technology & Fashion Together” — dedicated to connecting digital fabric printing technology and solutions to fashion designers and entrepreneurs. The new site provides fashion designers with an informative digital fabric printing destination, offering solution-based guidance for a range of digital fabric printing applications including, dye-sublimation, direct-to-garment, and direct-to-fabric printing on a variety of fabrics. The “Epson Brings Technology & Fashion Together” microsite also connects fashion designers directly to digital fabric printers to help advance the integration of digital fabric printing technology in today’s design workflows.

“Digital printing technology has changed every industry it’s touched, and now it’s revolutionizing the fashion industry by offering fashion designers amazing new ways to produce their designs on a range of fabrics,” said Mark Radogna, Strategic Marketing, Epson America Inc. “The digital fabric printing market is evolving quickly, and as the leader in this innovative new product segment, Epson is taking the lead to help educate fashion designers about the benefits of this emerging technology.”

For fashion designers, Epson digital fabric printing technology provides many benefits over traditional methods of printing fabrics for fashion design.

  • Brilliant Image Quality — Printing fabrics digitally produces high quality prints with virtually unlimited color and design options.
  • Reliable Performance — In most cases, a digital textile printer can print designs on the same fabrics that designers typically screen print to in as little as seven working days, compared to weeks or even months.
  • Design Without Limits — When printing fabrics digitally, design choices are virtually unlimited – nearly anything that can be designed on a computer can be printed onto fabrics.
  • Print on Virtually Any Fabric Type — Epson has a digital fabric printing solution for virtually any fabric type – from polyesters and blends to natural fibers such as silks, cotton, linen, wool, and rayon.
  • Better for the Environment — Digital fabric printing provides significant reductions in both water and electricity consumption when compared to traditional methods of fabric printing. For many fabric printers, digital fabric printing can reduce water use by up to 90 percent and electrical usage by up to 30 percent.
  • Affordable, Scalable Solution – Digital fabric printing offers an excellent performance-to-price ratio with reliable productivity to meet your business needs.

The “Epson Brings Technology & Fashion Together” website is available at epson.com/fashion.

Posted February 6, 2018

Source: Epson America

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