ExxonMobil Makes Polypropylene Commitment Launching New Achieve Advanced PP

HOUSTON — April 24, 2018 — ExxonMobil has introduced Achieve™ advanced PP, featuring new products that offer a significant step beyond traditional polypropylene (PP) performance. Built on technology innovations, these products allow customers to challenge reality. Now customers can rethink what is possible in a range of applications, including: automotive parts, rigid packaging, nonwovens, and appliances. The performance of Achieve advanced PP combined with value chain collaboration enables customers to unlock new business opportunities.

Achieve advanced PP eliminates trade-offs associated with conventional polymers. For example, improving the stiffness and toughness balance in automotive applications is possible; in rigid packaging, stiffness and processing efficiency can now be increased together; and, in appliance parts, high gloss can be attained economically.

“Achieve advanced PP specifically addresses our customers’ desire for innovation and growth. Through collaboration and our combined expertise, these advanced PP solutions can unlock new business opportunities,” said Cindy Shulman, ExxonMobil vice president of Plastics and Resins. “Our Achieve advanced PP launch further demonstrates our commitment to the industry, complementing our recently announced plans for a PP investment on the U.S. Gulf Coast.”

Delivering extraordinarily tough automotive parts, this advanced PP is inspiring compounders and auto makers to challenge reality. With 35 percent higher impact versus standard impact copolymers, Achieve advanced PP enables tougher, lighter vehicle components that are durable and safe. Plastomer loading can be reduced by up to 50 percent for cost saving opportunities.

Enabling remarkably rigid containers, cups and tubs for the retail and food service industry, Achieve advanced PP is encouraging manufacturers to challenge reality. Exploiting high melt strength, designers can deliver stiffer packaging and gain economic benefit from excellent processing. Opportunities exist to downgauge wall thickness by up to 15 percent and increase line speeds by 7 percent for higher output. Packaging made with Achieve advanced PP is microwaveable, reusable and is widely recyclable.

Achieve advanced PP sets the benchmark for tremendously comfortable nonwovens. It allows brand owners to challenge reality by providing outstanding barrier properties and up to 15 percent higher fabric strength that can be tailored to meet the needs of diapers, wipes, adult incontinence, and feminine care products.

Delivering amazingly eye-catching appliances, this widely recyclable advanced PP is ideal for upgrading standard impact copolymer solutions or replacing over-engineered ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene). Achieve advanced PP helps brand owners challenge reality because parts with 20 percent higher gloss than standard PP can now be economically produced.

“Achieve advanced PP is motivating brand owners and manufacturers to rethink what is possible with PP,” said Shulman. “Using this advanced PP eliminates trade-offs in performance, processing and end-of-life handling.”

Customers can use Achieve advanced PP to challenge reality and unlock new opportunities, while being supported by the ExxonMobil brand values of global reliability, product consistency and technical support that are critical for business growth.

Posted April 24, 2018

Source:  ExxonMobil Chemical

J. Robert Scott Debuts Furniture At Jerry Pair Atlanta

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — April 24, 2018 — J. Robert Scott Inc., a custom luxury furniture and textile manufacturer, has announced expanded furnishings to be showcased at the Jerry Pair Atlanta location.

“J. Robert Scott has enjoyed a decades-long relationship with Jerry Pair,” said Richard Chilcott, the company CEO.  “This has made it possible to extend our reach into the Atlanta market to offer clients highly customized as well as standard pieces.”

Launching during the April 24-25 spring market at ADAC (Atlanta Decorative Arts Center) J. Robert Scott is pleased to present the sophisticated Atlanta design community with a selection of luxury furnishings and textiles that satisfy the spectrum of design requirements from residential to hospitality and corporate interiors.

Posted April 24, 2018

Source: J. Robert Scott Inc.

Americhem Engineered Compounds To Display Engineered Thermoplastics For Aerospace Market At NPE2018

CUYAHOGA FALLS, Ohio — April 24, 2018 — Americhem — a designer and manufacturer ­­of custom color masterbatch, functional additives, engineered compounds and performance technologies — has introduced new compounds for the aerospace industry that meet or exceed all applicable flammability, smoke and toxicity standards for injection-molding and extrusion applications. A collection of these products will be on display at Americhem’s Booth S17031 at NPE2018, taking place from May 7-11 in Orlando.

“These new products are perfect for manufacturers of interior components in the aerospace industry,” said Don Hone, business manager, Americhem. “The compounds are fully compliant with Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR) sections 25.853a & 25.853d for flame, smoke and toxicity, as well as OSU heat release test requirements that limit the peak and total heat release rate of the materials.”

Americhem’s aerospace compounds are comprised of Nylon, PC, PPSU and PEI polymers. Examples of end-use applications for these Americhem aerospace compounds include:

  • Cabin trim;
  • Panels and partitions;
  • Arm and foot rests;
  • Video bezels;
  • Insulation blankets;
  • Lighting and signage;
  • Trays;
  • Overhead storage compartments;
  • Profile extrusions;
  • Galley carts;
  • Lavatory systems;
  • Brackets; and
  • Seating and support structures.

These most recent additions to Americhem’s existing aerospace compound portfolio complement custom formulations based on PEEK, PEKK, PAEK and fluoropolymer resins for insulation materials. Other desirable functionality for the aerospace market is also available through custom formulation, including impact modification, internal lubrication, UV resistance and structural reinforcement through carbon fiber and glass fiber. The products come with complete product support, are available globally with no minimum order quantity restrictions and short lead times, are available in a wide variety of custom colors, and can be custom formulated to meet specific application requirements.

Posted April 24, 2018

Source: Americhem

Gerber Announces New AccuMark® Platform Version 11 Supporting A Fully Integrated Design To Product Workflow

TOLLAND, Conn. — April 24, 2018 — Transformation in the fashion industry from physical to digital processes is happening quicker as consumers’ demands continue to increase. “This is an exciting time for fashion — and a demanding one,” said Mary McFadden, executive director of CAD, Gerber Technology. “With faster fashion cycles, brands and manufacturers need to digitize their processes to stay competitive and the new version of the AccuMark Platform allows a fully integrated design workflow that translates to the manufacturing equipment.”

The AccuMark 11 Platform allows companies to embrace their digital reality — giving them tools from design, grading, marker making, 3D simulation to production — allowing efficiency throughout the entire workflow.

Software advancements include:

AccuMark 2D — more than 259 new features including digital print file creation that is automated with batch processing. Enhancements in Version 11 allow AccuMark users to customize and scale image placement and save patterns in full scale PDF formats. Version 11 also supports increased image sizes, notch types in digital print files and longer marker lengths.

AccuMark 3D — version 11 includes the integration of the Avametric fabric simulation engine which not only enhances the realism of fabric thickness and draping it also connects 3D for design with e-Commerce for virtual try on leading to measurably higher shopper conversion rates. A new library of avatars has also been added that includes extended sizes for women up to U.S. size 24 and men up to U.S. size 58.

AccuPlan™ — V11 continues to expand on integrating the manufacturing workflow from ERP order to finished product. With AccuPlan V11, users can now customize a work order containing the elements that are needed to import work orders from their ERP system. AccuMark, AccuNest™ and AccuPlan together with equipment from Gerber allow for end-to-end management of production orders via integrated cut tickets, and customers can view production efficiency data via GERBERconnect™.

“Whether you are upgrading your existing AccuMark or purchasing a completely new system, Version 11 of the AccuMark Platform will enhance design throughput,” continued McFadden. “Capabilities in digital printing and 3D for fast fashion cycles will help companies stay on trend by delivering new lines to consumers rapidly.”

The AccuMark Platform includes a family of products designed to help companies unleash creative vision and embrace their digital reality. The software is the gold standard for intelligent pattern design, grading, marker making and production planning. It helps increase productivity and accelerate time to market.

Posted April 24, 2018

Source: Gerber Technology

Tim Görder Appointed Head Of Solution Partner Support At Jowat SE

DETMOLD, Germany — April 24, 2018 — Tim Görder has been appointed global director of Solution Partner Support (SPS) at Jowat, effective June 1. In his new position, Görder will be responsible for coordinating the support provided to solution partners around the world. He aims to substantially expand the role of the SPS department as a central point of contact. Customers of Jowat will benefit from a superior service, thanks to the close cooperation with strong partners and optimally coordinated solutions.

On June 1, 2018, Görder will take over as global director of Solution Partner Support. He succeeds Manfred Kubo, who has headed the department since it was established two years ago and who will retire after over 17 years with the enterprise. Görder has previously served six years as product manager for the Paper/Packaging division.

Solution Partner Support is a globally active department at Jowat, which coordinates the cooperation with and support provided to manufacturers of application technology, machines and substrates across industries and applications. In his new role, Görder will look to increase the level of service as well as the network efficiency of the department with the help of a global team. In addition to serving as a central point of contact for solution partners, the department also facilitates the transfer of know-how. As a competent partner in all bonding-related questions, Jowat supplies not only adhesives for the development of processes and testing machines and application units but also provides know-how and trains machine operators. New ideas and trends are identified and developed together. This close cooperation makes it easy to react immediately to the requirements which may arise for the adhesive. In addition, all components — from the substrate to the adhesive — can be adapted optimally to each other. The result are jointly designed and implemented solutions for the problems in the bonding process.

“As the enterprise has grown globally, it has become increasingly important over time to coordinate Jowat’s cooperation with solution partners,” says Klaus Kullmann, managing director of Sales and Marketing at Jowat SE. “We are happy that Tim Görder has agreed to take on the position of Global Director for this challenging task. Under his direction, Solution Partner Support will strengthen Jowat’s international footprint.”

Posted April 24, 2018

Source: Jowat SE

Safety Supply Corp. To Acquire LFS Glove, A Division Of LFS

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — April 23, 2018 — Safety Supply Corp., a manufacturer of high-quality personal protective equipment, today announced its agreement to acquire LFS Glove, a division of LFS Inc. This newly formed subsidiary of Safety Supply is registered as Bellingham Glove Inc. and will be part of the Radians group of companies, joining such brands as RadWear® USA, Crossfire®, VisionAid™, and RadPlugs.

“The team at Bellingham® Glove is very enthusiastic about this new partnership,” said LFS Glove Vice President Bill Stevens. “Bellingham Glove and Radians have both built reputations for innovation and excellence in the past 20 years. Combining our strengths will allow us to serve and supply our customers even more effectively.”

According to Mike Tutor, CEO of Radians, “Our acquisition of LFS Glove will help Radians to continue our aggressive expansion of our hand protection category. The combination will provide our customers with an outstanding selection of gloves to meet a multitude of applications in the industrial and retail markets, including lawn and garden gloves, eco-friendly gloves, and gloves designed especially for women.”

Radians President Bill England commented, “Radians plans to work closely with the Bellingham Glove team during the integration of our operating systems, sales team, and inventory to ensure that best-in-class processes and systems are maintained to allow for a smooth transition and excellence in customer service.”

Once the systems integration is completed later this year, customers will be able to conveniently order both Radians products and Bellingham gloves on a single purchase order.

As part of the acquisition, Radians has opened a new sales office for Bellingham Glove Inc.

Posted April 23, 2018

Source:  Safety Supply Corp.

LIM College Now Offers Online Bachelor’s Degree Program In Fashion Merchandising

NEW YORK CITY — April 23, 2018 — LIM College, which is located in New York City and focused exclusively on the study of business and fashion, is offering its first-ever online bachelor’s degree program, a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Fashion Merchandising.

With a curriculum that’s nearly identical to LIM’s existing on-campus BBA in Fashion Merchandising, the online program will prepare students to conduct business across the entire breadth of the fashion industry. Bringing LIM’s signature New York City-centric point of view to the distance learner, students will be taught by fashion and business experts while receiving comprehensive academic and career development support.

Online students will also have the option to experience the New York City fashion world firsthand via a week-long immersion program that includes visits to fashion companies and industry events, as well as networking and career development activities with LIM College faculty, staff, and alumni.

Since “learning by doing” is a key component of the LIM College educational experience, students will be required to complete three internships for credit while earning their degree online. LIM College staff will help students identify and secure those internships, and students will enjoy access to a special online directory that identifies fashion and fashion-related companies throughout the U.S.

Program courses include: Fashion Forecasting, Fashion History & Global Attire, Fashion Show Production, Global Retailing, Omnichannel Retailing, Product Development & Merchandising, Street Style, Retail Management, and Fashion Branding & Promotion.

New students will be able to enroll in the online BBA program at six points during the year. Full-time students may be able to complete the program in less than 3 years, and part-time students can earn their degree at a pace that suits their individual needs.

Said LIM College President Elizabeth S. Marcuse: “Since 1939, LIM College has led the way in fashion business education. As the higher education landscape continues to evolve, our methods of delivering an LIM College education may expand, but our goal remains the same – to provide our students with the practical and theoretical knowledge necessary for a successful career in the business of fashion.”

Posted April 23, 2018

Source:  LIM College

Ethical Thread: Focus of A&E’s 2017-18 Corporate Sustainability Report

MOUNT HOLLY, N.C. — April 22, 2018 — American & Efird (A&E) released its 2017-18 Corporate Sustainability Report, just in time for Earth Day. The report’s theme of Ethical Thread emphasizes the company’s unwavering commitment to its industry-leading sustainability program and shares its goals and accomplishments over the past year.

Highlighting areas of safety, environmental sustainability and corporate social responsibility in its annual report, A&E spotlights its continued progress and improvements in global water recycling and reuse, Zero-Waste-to-Landfill efforts, and reduction in carbon footprint among others.

“We strive to produce and distribute responsible, premium quality, ethical thread products every day through excellence in innovation and good manufacturing practices,” said Les Miller, CEO, A&E. “We are committed to ethical manufacturing. It’s the right thing to do for our customers and stakeholders, but also our future generations.”

Supporting many of the world’s top industrial and consumer brands with thread products, A&E is well-regarded throughout the textile industry for its leadership role in innovation, product quality, and sustainability. A&E continues to abide by its pledge to create a better world through responsible corporate actions, environmentally protective efforts, and numerous contributions to the communities in which it operates.

This year’s notable Sustainability Highlights include the following:

Water Conservation

  • Over 1.5 billion liters of wastewater has been recycled and reused since 2013. This amount of water would be enough to supply 75 million people with water for one day at 20 liters per person.
  • 48% reduction in global water consumption (liters per kg of thread) since 2006.

Solid Waste

  • Zero-Waste-to-Landfill status has grown to 16 global manufacturing operations and support facilities in 2017, with 5 other operations over the 91 percentile mark. A&E’s global goal is to achieve this sustainability designation in every manufacturing operation worldwide.

Carbon Footprint and Energy Conservation*

  • 11% reduction of global carbon footprint (CO2e in kg per kg of thread) since 2006.
  • 7% reduction in global power consumption (kwh per kg of thread) since 2006.

Categories addressed in this report include: Water Stewardship, Solid Waste, Carbon Footprint, Energy Conservation, Social Responsibility, Employee Health and Safety, Sustainable Products, Product Stewardship, Sustainable Packaging, and Supply Chain Sustainability.

*A&E uses the definitions and calculation methodologies found in Greenhouse Gas Protocol to determine our GHG emissions as developed by the World Resources Institute and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development. A&E tracks Scope 1 and Scope 2 GHG emissions.  

Posted April 23, 2018

Source: American & Efird

Men’s Clothier J.Hilburn Announces Andy Janowski As CEO

DALLAS — April 23, 2018 — J.Hilburn, a producer of custom-made menswear, announces the appointment of Andy Janowski to CEO effective today, as the company continues to evolve its brand and positions itself for continued growth.

Janowski most recently served as executive chairman of the J.Hilburn board of directors. He brings more than 30 years of experience in the apparel industry, including as former CEO of Smythson where he grew the brand by 50 percent during his tenure. Janowski previously also held executive roles at Burberry and Gap Inc.

“The extraordinary success of J.Hilburn over the past 11 years clearly established the brand as the leader in custom-made men’s clothing,” said Janowski. “As men’s tastes evolve, J.Hilburn is now well positioned to expand on its luxury customer experience and meet the changing style needs.”

The transition marks an important milestone as the industry moves from traditional business attire to address the increasing demand for casual sophistication in menswear.

“As an initial investor, Battery Ventures believed early on in the power of the J.Hilburn model,” said Michael Brown, Battery Ventures General Partner and J.Hilburn Board Director. “With Andy’s appointment and the current leadership team, we could not be more confident with that investment and the future of the company.”

J.Hilburn is led by an expansive network of nearly 2,000 expert Stylists across all 50 states and features a mix of online and retail sales.

“As we continue to innovate our high-touch men’s shopping experience, our Stylists will remain the core of our DNA,” said Janowski. “This is the right brand at the right time. We are going to do nothing but grow.”

The announcement follows the departure of J.Hilburn Co-founder and CEO, Veeral Rathod, who resigned to pursue other opportunities. The company and board of directors would like to take this opportunity to thank Veeral for his dedication to the brand over the last 11 years and wish him the best in the future.

Posted April 23, 2018

Source:  J.Hilburn

AmeriPride Healthcare Recertified In Texas And Canada

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — April 20, 2018 — AmeriPride Services’ Amarillo, Texas, location and its sibling Canadian Linen and Uniform Services outpost in Lethbridge, Alberta, again have earned Hygienically Clean Healthcare certification. The designation reflects 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.

These laundries were first certified in 2014. Recertification confirms the organization’s continuing dedication to infection prevention, compliance with recognized industry standards and processing healthcare textiles using BMPs as described in its quality assurance documentation, a focal point for Hygienically Clean inspectors’ evaluation. The independent, third-party inspection must also confirm essential evidence that:

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

To achieve certification initially, laundries pass three rounds of outcome-based microbial testing, indicating that their processes are producing Hygienically Clean Healthcare textiles and diminished presence of yeast, mold and harmful bacteria. They also must pass a facility inspection. To maintain their certification, they 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. Re-inspection occurs every two to three years.

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 hospitals, surgery centers, medical offices, nursing homes and other medical facilities.

Hygienically Clean Healthcare certification acknowledges laundries’ effectiveness in protecting healthcare operations by verifying quality control procedures in linen, uniform and facility services operations related to the handling of textiles containing blood and other potentially infectious materials.

Certified laundries use processes, chemicals and BMPs acknowledged by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation, American National Standards Institute and others. Introduced in 2012, Hygienically Clean Healthcare brought to North America the international cleanliness standards for healthcare linens and garments used worldwide by the Certification Association for Professional Textile Services and the European Committee for Standardization.

Objective experts in epidemiology, infection control, nursing and other healthcare professions work with Hygienically Clean launderers to ensure the certification continues to enforce the highest standards for producing clean healthcare textiles.

“Congratulations to the AmeriPride and Canadian Linen plants on their recertifications,” said Joseph Ricci, TRSA president and CEO. “Their achievement proves their ongoing commitment to infection prevention and that their laundry takes every step possible to prevent human illness.”

AmeriPride now has 13 Hygienically Clean Healthcare certified facilities throughout the United States. Other locations are Little Rock, Ark.; Phoenix; Watkinsville, Ga.; Topeka, Kan.; Twin Falls, Idaho; Bemidji and Minneapolis, Minn.; Springfield, Mo.; Omaha, Neb.; Roswell, N.M.; Memphis, Tenn.; and Lubbock, Texas. Seven AmeriPride laundries hold the Hygienically Clean Food Safety certification: Tuscumbia, Ala., Bakersfield, Calif.; Fresno, Calif.; Twin Falls, Idaho; St. Cloud and Minneapolis, Minn. and Amarillo, Texas.

In January, Philadelphia-based Aramark Corp. announced the completion of its acquisition of AmeriPride, making AmeriPride part of Aramark’s uniform rental and career apparel business, headquartered in Burbank, Calif.

Posted April 20, 2017

Source: TRSA

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