Milliken Specialty Interiors Signs Five-Year Lease at High Point Showroom, Currently Accepting Appointments for December 

SPARTANBURG, S.C. — November 28, 2017 — As part of its ongoing efforts to target the interiors textiles market, Milliken & Company has signed a five-year lease at the High Point Showroom. While the build-out is not expected to be complete until June 2018, Milliken is currently accepting appointments for the December show.

The new space is located on the fourth floor of the Market Square Textile Tower. The company will use the space to showcase the full breadth of its innovative interior textiles business, including products suitable for use in home, office and hospitality environments.

The December show will prominently feature the introductory line of Breathe by Milliken™, environmentally-friendly performance fabrics. Designed to address the growing demand for more sustainable products, Breathe is a plant-based, fluorine-free performance fabric available in natural or synthetic fibers made from recycled plastic bottles. Although launched just this year, Breathe has already earned placements with top retailers such as Pottery Barn.  Milliken will use the December show to debut its expanded Breathe line, which now includes more fabrics that offer the superior protection, elegance and sustainability consumers desire.

The High Point lease is the next step in Milliken’s strategy to increase its visibility and leadership position in the interiors market.  In recent months, Milliken has combined several business units to create its integrated Specialty Interiors business, launched a website (www.millikenspecialtyinteriors.com) to better serve the market, and built the team with well-respected industry veterans to propel this expansion.

“The interiors textile market is a major area of focus for Milliken,” said Jennifer K. Harmon, vice president, Milliken Specialty Interiors. “Establishing a permanent presence at High Point is further evidence of our commitment not only to expanding our presence in this important market, but to driving innovation and educating key audiences about the unique capabilities and solutions Milliken can provide. We invite those who are interested in learning more to set up an appointment to get a sneak preview.”

Posted November 28, 2017

Source: Milliken Specialty Interiors

Lobachevsky University Scientists Launch The Production Of A Unique Hemostatic Agent

NIZHNY NOVGOROD, Russia — November 29, 2017 — The development of the unique agent called Tectum, which accelerates blood coagulation in a matter of seconds, is nearing completion: scientists of Lobachevsky University are planning to launch in Nizhny Novgorod the production of this unique means for stopping bleeding.

Tectum is a medical product rather than medical drug, since it has no systemic effect on the body and fulfills a local function. In other words, it is possible to stop the blood with both a clamp and with this newly developed gel. However, Tectum has a number of significant advantages over other hemostatic agents.

The substance, which was obtained by researchers almost by accident when they tested some new polymers, has proved to be a very important medication that is much in demand. Its ability to significantly accelerate the process of blood coagulation was appreciated very soon. Later, in the course of joint work with medical doctors, the chemical formula of the substance underwent major changes.

The work has resulted in a medical product that, unlike many of its competitors, does not swell to “seal” the wound, but speeds up the natural process of blood clotting. Thanks to this property of the new agent, the bleeding can be stopped very quickly, which is especially important in emergency situations.

According to Mikhail Gorshenin, one of the authors of the new drug who is the director of the Tectum Company, it took four years to develop the agent and to produce the first batch.

“Tectum can be useful to rescue workers, surgeons, ambulance medics,” Gorshenin notes. “Besides, the military also show their interest and our product has successfully passed the tests at the State Research Institute of Military Medicine.”

Now the development team is working to organize the production of Tectum. After all the permits from Roszdravnadzor and Rospotrebnadzor have been received, the drug will appear on the market. Currently, the product line includes a hemostatic gel and a nonwoven dressing impregnated with the gel. In addition, a special hemostatic solution for the purposes of military medicine is being developed. It is also planned that Tectum will be sold in pharmacies and anyone will soon be able to buy it to have a means for stopping bleeding in emergencies. It is expected that the process of completing all necessary documentation and obtaining permits will take about a year, and after that the medical novelty will go on sale. So far, there is no exact price tag, but the developers note that it will be cheaper than other hemostatic agents.

Posted November 30, 2017

Source: Lobachevsky University

Under Armour And Lindsey Vonn Launch Signature Collection

LAKE LOUISE, Alberta — November 30, 2017 — Today, Under Armour and Lindsey Vonn debut the world champion alpine skier’s Signature Collection. The Lindsey Vonn Signature Collection includes six unique pieces built to take you from the ski lodge to the slopes with modern cuts and bold colors. The collection reflects Vonn’s personal style, on top of the authentic performance elements consumers know and love from Under Armour. Vonn was involved from the beginning, collaborating with Under Armour’s designers to help inform and create the collection from start to finish.

Vonn’s confidence and her style philosophy inspired the design of each piece in the collection. Unlike traditional skiwear, the collection features nonconforming patterns such as vintage camo, iridescent purple, ombré copper and rose gold zippers. Without compromising style and tapping into Vonn’s experience on the mountain, each piece is designed to function in a way that benefits athletes.

“I’m thrilled to finally share my new Under Armour Lindsey Vonn Signature Collection,” said Vonn. “The Under Armour team gave me freedom to express myself throughout the entire ideation and design process; I love being able to ski in looks that not only perform, but are also fashion-forward and different from anything else you would see on the slopes. Under Armour helped me bring my vision to life and the incredible amount of thought and detail that went into each piece is what makes this collection so special.”

“There is no doubt that Lindsey is an athlete that is ‘Unlike Any.’ Her athletic achievements, and her dedication and perseverance to overcome setbacks has been remarkable,” said Topher Gaylord, general manager of Outdoor, Under Armour. “With this Signature Collection, we wanted to showcase a different side of Lindsey — her unique style, confidence, and fearlessness that you see, both on and off the mountain.”

Winter sport and fashion enthusiasts alike will appreciate the collection’s attention to detail, functionality and versatility, including technical fabrics, custom finishes and oversized fleece-lined collars. Vonn’s deep involvement and personal touch is seen throughout the collection, down to the details. For example, the custom LV Logo displayed on her collection is taken directly from her signature; each item honors a milestone in her historic athletic career; and the lining of the jackets feature a custom print that showcases her accomplishments.

The name of each piece in this collection commemorates a milestone in Lindsey’s historic career to date. The collection includes:

UA Maribor Jacket – a waterproof bomber jacket featuring a white goose down body and hood. The jacket was named after her 2013 run in Maribor, Slovenia where she secured her 59th World Cup victory.

UA Louise Jacket* – a jacket that features an asymmetrical front, tall collar and camo print, giving this piece a modern look. The jacket is named after Lake Louise – a place that has been nicknamed Lake Lindsey due to the success she has consistently seen on this course; Vonn has been on the podium 25 times at Lake Louise.

UA Santa Caterina Ski Pant – a ski pant with a leather-like finish and a zippered flare.  Bormio-Santa Caterina, Italy is where Vonn competed in her first World Championship in 2005.

UA Bansko Sweater – a sweater featuring a high, oversized collar with a ribbed knit fabric and fleece. The piece is a nod to her 10th World Cup victory, which she won in Bankso, Bulgaria in 2012.

UA Sicario Legging* – a legging featuring a unique iridescent print and a 4-way stretch fabric. In 2006, Lindsey was awarded the Spirit Award in San Sicario, Italy from athletes and fans after coming back from a crash and competing, despite injuries.

UA Cortina Beanie* – a beanie with a full knit body and double pom-poms. This playful look is named after Cortina D’Ampezzo, where she broke several records; in 2015, Vonn won her 63rd race and overtook the record for the most wins ever by a female skier.

*Items available for presale starting November 30, 2017.

Pieces of the collection will be available for presale starting November 30, 2017 on UA.com. The full collection will be available for purchase in Fall/Winter 2018.

Posted November 30, 2017

Source: Under Armour, Inc.

Gore Launches New GORE-TEX® INFINIUM™ Product Brand

FELDKIRCHEN-WESTERHAM, Germany — November 30, 2017 — For more than 40 years, the GORE-TEX® brand has stood for performance, functionality, quality, comfort and trust. W. L. Gore & Associates (Gore) is building upon this expertise to lead the GORE-TEX brand into a new evolution stage that goes way beyond “waterproofness”.

Beginning in Fall 2018 the new product brand GORE-TEX INFINIUM™ will join the existing GORE-TEX brand, expanding its offering with an entirely new class of apparel, footwear and accessories. GORE-TEX INFINIUM products will be for those who like to be active and whose top priority is functional clothing. Using its extensive knowledge of “comfort science,” how the human body reacts in concert with different climate demands, Gore has developed innovative new product technologies for specific activities and users, while also offering them a performance upgrade that does not need to be waterproof.

GORE-TEX INFINIUM products will be available in selected retail stores and can be identified through the white diamond logo on the products. At the same time, Gore will continue to bring innovations in the waterproof-breathable category to market and those products can be identified by the black diamond logo of GORE-TEX products.

Gore will work with select partners to launch the GORE-TEX INFINIUM product brand with four innovative new product technologies in Fall 2018:

  • GORE-TEX INFINIUM THERMIUM footwear
  • GORE-TEX INFINIUM Soft-Lined Shells
  • GORE-TEX INFINIUM Insulated Garments
  • GORE-TEX INFINIUM Stretch Gloves

“The new GORE-TEX INFINIUM product brand will join the GORE-TEX brand offering consumers new product options,” said Christian Langer, Global Sales and Marketing Leader, Gore Fabrics Division. “It could be a favorite pair of shoes that keep your feet comfortably warm and stylish through the winter; yet because the insulation is so thin they don’t have the bulky insulation look consumers are accustomed to seeing. Or gloves that provide enhanced tactility, keep fingers warm in winter and let you use a smartphone without taking them off.”

Along with extensive ongoing laboratory and field research into how consumers can be more comfortable across different kinds of climates and weather conditions, Gore, with the introduction of GORE-TEX INFINIUM product brand, is developing new technologies responding to the way more people are choosing to experience being outside. While many consumers pursue individual outdoor athletic pursuits, such as backpacking, skiing or other specialized activities, there has been an increase in people wanting to spend more time outside comfortably & protected in more general ways as a part of their daily lives. GORE-TEX INFINIUM products will enable Gore and their brand partners to meet the needs of all those areas.

“The introduction of the new GORE-TEX INFINIUM product brand marks a key milestone for Gore. Together with the existing GORE-TEX product brand consumers will find even more innovative products to pursue their outdoor passions whether they plan a Himalaya expedition or ride a bike to work. With this brand evolution we want to address new growth areas together with our brand partners and are well positioned for future opportunities”, said Langer.

Posted November 30, 2017

Source: Gore Fabrics Division

Alcantara’s Annual Sales And Profits Have Shown Major Gains

LOS ANGELES — November 30, 2017 — Alcantara, the manufacturer of Italian-made luxury material, has seen its annual sales triple and operating profits increase more than five-fold since the recession.

The company will have a major presence at this year’s Los Angeles Auto Show, as well as at auto shows in Detroit, Chicago and New York over the next six months. The U.S. market currently accounts for about 10 percent of Alcantara’s global sales.

The company’s net sales have risen from 64.3 million euros in 2009 to more than 187 million euros in 2016. Operating profits have jumped from 7.9 million euros to 45.1 million euros during the same period. The company’s Chairman and CEO Andrea Boragno notes that Alcantara’s automotive business has experienced especially strong growth in China and the United States as a result of an increase in brand awareness among automakers and consumers.

Major automakers, such as Acura, Audi, BMW, Dodge, Jaguar, Lamborghini, Lincoln, Maserati, Nissan and Porsche are expected to have cars equipped with Alcantara at this year’s Los Angeles Auto Show.

“As you can see from our strong business results, our emotive, high-tech artisan approach to luxury resonates well with automakers and consumers alike,” says Boragno. “Our relationship with the design community in the automotive industry, as well as throughout the fashion, home furnishings, consumer electronics and marine industries, has helped us significantly increase sales and brand awareness over the last decade.”

Partnerships Equal Growth

Alcantara’s CEO adds that the company sees an unrivaled potential for growth through partnerships with the world’s leading brands.

Premium fashion brands such as Adidas and Swarovski, for example, have launched exclusive collections in collaboration with Alcantara. The material’s versatility extends to some of the world’s most prestigious furnishing brands, including Torre, Cappellini and Ligne Roset, which have featured Alcantara on their product lines.

In the consumer electronics market, Microsoft utilizes Alcantara on its Surface Pro laptops and Sennheiser has incorporated Alcantara in the design of its on-ear headphones.

Investment to Double Production Capacity by 2022

To meet growing demand for its material, the company plans to significantly increase its production capacity. Boragno reports that a five-year investment program totalling 300 million euros is expected to double Alcantara’s overall production capacity.

The five-year expansion plan calls for annual sales to reach 300 million euros, compared to 187 million euros last year. Brand value also is expected to triple from Interbrand’s 2015 value estimate of 100 million euros to 300 million euros over the same period. The number of employees is expected to grow from 598 to around 800, as well.

Sustainability: A Key Value of the Alcantara Brand

Alcantara’s CEO believes the company’s strong commitment to sustainability is a key part of Alcantara’s competitive strategy. A commitment to sustainability is consistent with the long-term goal of increasing the company’s financial value.

“Alcantara is the first Italian industrial company and among the very first companies in the world to have achieved the status of Carbon Neutrality,” Boragno noted. “Since 2009, we have published our own Sustainability Report, which provides transparency for everything we do. We also have worked very hard to build a supply chain that focuses on responsible procurement.”

Posted November 30, 2017

Source: Alcantara S.p.A.

SEAMS Launches New Website And Visual Brand Identity

WAKE FOREST, N.C. — November 30, 2017 — SEAMS, the National Association and voice for the U.S. Sewn Products Industry for over 50 years, announced today the launch of its newly revamped website and visual brand identity. This redesigned website offers quick and easy access to essential information for the resurgence and growth of Made in America initiatives. The new visual branding and logo elevates the company’s corporate identity while preserving its rich heritage and supports its unique network of manufacturers, suppliers, vendors and retailers/brands.

The website also delivers stronger brand storytelling for the new digital world with a comprehensive member search, extensive resource section, news and events, and industry educational best practices. The new website is live today and is located at the same address: www.seams.org

“We are excited about the launch of our updated brand, new website and the robust information it provides the industry,” said Jeremy Wootten, president of SEAMS. “SEAMS is dedicated to promoting sound economic growth for our members and leading the resurgence of “Made in America” on the world stage. We believe that this new site will allow our visitors to have a very informative experience as we continue to grow and increase our member’s market presence.”

“The new site features the industry’s only ‘Make Something/Source Something Power Search’ to quickly find its U.S. member base,” stated Will Duncan, executive director, SEAMS. “And the new brand reflects who we are as an association and giving back, the market we serve, and the innovation that comes from the members.”

“This fresh new look for the Association with its mobile-responsiveness and easy-to-navigate design, improved design features and educational resourcefulness, really adds business value for our membership and sewn products industry at large,” added Wootten.

Posted November 30, 2017

Source: SEAMS

Teijin Produces New Knitting Material Laminated With Breathable Film

TOKYO — November 30, 2017 — Teijin Frontier Co. Ltd., the Teijin Group’s fiber-product converting company, announced today that it has developed a polyester high-gauge knitting material laminated with a breathable film to produce thin, lightweight and breathable textiles. Teijin Frontier will sell its new material mainly for spring/summer 2019 sportswear.

Textiles laminated with breathable film are widely used for high-functional sportswear due to their breathability, waterproofness, lightweight and stretchability. Soft, stretchable knitting materials laminated with film will meet an increasing demand for comfortable and functional wear for multi-use, but conventional double layered knitting materials using crimped thread have limitations when relatively light or and thin materials are sought. But now Teijin Frontier has solved these problems with new dyeing and lamination technologies to produce a high-gauge knitting material using non-crimped thread.

Teijin Frontier’s new material is thin, lightweight and compact as well as stretchable, form-stable and moisture-permeable. Its glossy, translucent appearance and smooth texture drape beautifully.

Diverse Teijin Frontier technologies incorporated in the new material include:

Filament

  • Polymer technology
  • Ultra-fine denier filament extruding technology
  • Dyeing and fluffing control technology

Knitting

  • High-gauge knitting technology with non-crimped thread

Processing

  • Dyeing technology for thinness and lightness
  • Technology for laminating knit fabric with stretchable film

Teijin Frontier is now exploring sport and fashion marketing opportunities for two versions of its new material: a high-function type that using PASMO® high-tenacity polyester and an eco-friendly type adopting recycled polyester. Annual sales are expected to reach 300,000m by the fiscal year ending in March 2021.

Posted November 30, 2017

Source: Teijin Ltd.

CSI Launching Color Insights 2018

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — November 30, 2018 — Color Solutions International (CSI), a member of the DyStar® Group and global provider of color standards for design industries, today introduced the Color Insights 2018 report. This multi-platform forecast offers seasonal inspiration, key color by trending hue and valuable color data to support product development within women’s and men’s fashion, active wear, kids and lifestyle, as well as home and commercial design.

The CSI team of color experts manages the seasonal color palettes of over 100 Brands and Retailers on an annual basis. Colors are selected from CSI’s Color Wall, Color Library or created through custom dyeing which represents over 10,000 colors. CSI’s color management process has created an extensive database of historical color usage information. This year CSI supported the development of approximately 900 color palettes. Utilizing their historical color data, CSI launched in 2017 a proprietary color validation process called relative color popularity (RCP) index in their seasonal trends.

“Our Color Insights 2018 report is a unique color forecast based on market research, historical color data and our RCP index. We decided that our customers would benefit from receiving a palette of must-have colors for creating their 2018 seasonal color palettes rather than an individual color” stated Ron Pedemonte, Vice President Americas.

The report highlights key colors that play an important role across categories. Blues remain classic, yet in 2018, they are expanding into cobalt blues from the depths of Indigo to bright bold accents with a red cast, giving it a new perspective against relevant workwear blues seen as washed down mid-tones. Softer shades of purple become more sophisticated by evolving into a redder casted tone seen in lilac and mauve and warm muted blush tones to rich copper oranges; a modern twist to deep reds. Tinted neutrals emerge, becoming a solid foundation to a palette. Greens are complex, with nature’s influence giving a renewed interest in rich saturated emerald greens to dark forest pine with levels of youthful acidic tones crossing into gold yellows. “There is a delicate balance with these colors. They are inspired by urban dwelling and nature’s forest, bringing our environment into our mindset and lifestyle.” Heather Sandwall, Color and Trend Director.

Posted November 30, 2017

Source: DyStar® Group

Archroma Partners With Fashion Institute Of Technology On Color Center

REINACH, Switzerland/ NEW YORK CITY — November 30, 2017 — Archroma announced today that its Archroma Color Management service business has partnered with the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) and its Textile Development and Marketing Department to create the first Archroma Color Center. The Archroma Color Center @FIT is a facility where FIT students can utilize leading-edge industry color management tools for their design projects, gaining hands-on expertise that equips them for successful careers in the fashion and textiles industries.

FIT students designed the space under the direction of Sean Cormier, an associate professor at the college’s Textile Development and Marketing program. Key components for the room were donated by Archroma.

The Archroma Color Center @FIT includes a large-scale color reference that recreates the 4,320 hue Color Atlas by Archroma® as a wall-hung, flip-through display. A complete six-set Color Atlas – featuring an easy-to-use system of detachable fabric swatches – has also been donated to the lab, which students use to select hues for their design projects. Colors from the physical Color Atlas library are easily found using the cutting edge online Color Search tool. A set of color design tools representing each shade in Color Atlas has also been donated for students to incorporate into their individual class presentations.

Students use the Color Atlas as a guide in developing color stories for various projects that are done in the FIT textile program, including a ‘color pitching’ assignment where they must create two new colorways, one warm and one cool, for a chosen print. Students are also asked to use the library to research colors, then they dye sample fabrics and matching trim materials. The students also use the on-line color matching system, visiting retail stores where they spot trends and capture color info on their phones. Students have asked to use color chips from the Center for projects they have in other classes, like product development, or for developing mood boards for vocational club presentations.

“It’s key that FIT students not only graduate with the theoretical knowledge about how our industry works, but that they are exposed to the most advanced design libraries, tools, software and equipment,” says Sean Cormier. “With Archroma’s generous donation of materials, our students are actually using and becoming familiar with a modern color selection system that they will encounter when they walk into the marketplace after graduation.”

“We’re giving the students a realistic environment to learn in,” says Brad McClanahan, Global Head of Service Businesses at Archroma. “These are the same tools that they will use in industry, assembling color palettes for seasonal design presentations and production specifications. We want the next generation of industry professionals to have hands-on experience with the next generation of tools.”

Posted November 30, 2017

Source: Archroma

Devan Launches New Antimicrobial Brand Line

RONSE, Belgium — November 30, 2017 — Devan Chemicals, a provider of finishing technologies, recently launched a new multifunctional antimicrobial brand line. The brand line consists of its well-known, but recently rebranded quat-silane antimicrobial solution, combined with extra features. This enables textile manufacturers to apply multiple functionalities via one single treatment.

BI-OME®, Devan’s recently rebranded antimicrobial solution, has been launched with interesting extra features. The specialty chemical provider has combined its antimicrobial technology with other functional finishes in its product range and now offers a variety of combinations:

  • BI-OME Quick dry combines the antimicrobial properties (for odour control) with advanced moisture management properties to promote efficient and faster evaporation to aid cooling and comfort;
  • BI-OME Stretch combines the antimicrobial solution with stretch recovery properties for better fit;
  • A more revolutionary variation is BI-OME AV, which has an antiviral activity in addition to its antimicrobial properties; and
  • Of course, BI-OME, the antimicrobial solution without any extra features, remains available.

Devan’s experience with antimicrobial technology goes back a long time. More than 25 years of research led to the creation of the BI-OME product range. Thanks to the combination of a cross-border support package (mill training, quality control, etc.) and unique product excellence (non-migrating, no use of silver), Devan’s antimicrobial technology is widely chosen across the globe.

BI-OME is fully BPR and EPA compliant, Oekotex and Bluesign registered, can be delivered worldwide and is applicable for apparel, home textiles, bedding, transport & mobility, etc.

Posted November 30, 2017

Source: Devan Chemicals

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