BRUSSELS — November 16, 2017 — In Europe every year, millions of tonnes of sugar beet pulp are only re-used as low-value products like animal feed and fertilizer, or are processed into green gas. However, thanks to new cutting-edge extraction techniques, this pulp can now be transformed into high-value components used in sports equipment, automotive parts or even in the aviation industry, increasing its current worth by up to 50 times! This is not a distant dream, but the concept of the very real PULP2VALUE project: 1 of 65 highly innovative projects funded by the 3.7 billion-euros-worth Bio-Based Industries Joint Undertaking, aimed at a more sustainable, environmentally friendly growth.

At a time when demands for greener products and a more circular economy are ever growing, bio-based industries in many ways hold the key to the European future. Not only will they massively contribute to decarbonisation and reduction of the fossil-based dependence through a better and more efficient use of local natural resources; in doing so, they also hold a vast economic potential. In 2014, the bio-based industries already employed 3.3 million people in Europe, a number set to grow even further with the expected creation of an extra 400,000 skilled jobs by 2020 – 80 percent of which will be in rural areas! On top of that, the exploitation of by-products and crops like thistles, dandelions and flax will allow farmers across Europe to diversify and grow their income, as well as boost the development of local economies.

“As confirmed in the independent interim evaluation report produced by an independent group of experts for the European Commission, the BBI JU is successful in bringing together actors from different countries and different sectors, combining knowledge and joining forces to attract consistent private investment”, Bio-Based Industries Joint Undertaking Executive Director Philippe Mengal declares. “By the end of 2016 already, every euro invested by the EU was leveraging 2.6 euros of private investment: proof that the BBI JU is actively boosting European economy.”

The BBI JU was created with the aim of acting as a catalyst for the development of a bio-based European economy. Central to this is the biorefinery — scaling up novel bio-based processes to treat all kinds of organic waste and side-streams & transforming them into high value products and ingredients. In order to fulfil its mission, it is crucial for the BBI JU to keep promoting research and innovation across whole value chains, overcoming fragmentation and bringing together key stakeholders to further de-risk investment, ultimately establishing and organizing new value chains and allowing for the creation of innovative and new sustainable business models.

“We are key to shaping the bio-based sector as a business community which provides the basis for a strong bio-based economy in Europe. At our Stakeholder Forum in The Square Brussels Meeting Centre on 7 December, we will bring that community together to share best practices, look towards the next phase in the initiative and witness the work of the projects already begun.”, Philippe Mengal concluded: “It is only by joining public and private forces that we will be able to turn Europe not just into a pioneer but the worldwide leading player in all things bio-based, allowing us to conquer a global market share… On the way to creating sustainable competitiveness for Europe, and value for its citizens.”

Posted November 16, 2017

Source: BBI JU

PARIS — November 16, 2017 — Lectra the French business school ESCP Europe and their joint ‘Fashion & Technology’ Chair examined the multiple ways the fashion industry’s ecosystem can use customer data, during a recent round table event at the start of the fifth Fashion Tech Week in Paris.

Elise Beuriot, senior category leader, EU Luggage, Amazon, Olivier Dancot,
 vice president of data, Lectra, Fabrizio Fantini, founder and CEO, Evo Pricing, and
 Gulnaz Khusainova, founder and CEO, Easysize, agreed straight away on one key point: the analysis of customer data lends itself to limitless applications along the entire fashion value chain. Its impact is immense, whether in terms of customer satisfaction, competitiveness, revenues or waste limitation.

As early as the design phase, a wealth of data offers many sources of inspiration for stylists. For teams in charge of collections, “complex models allow the analysis of data like online traffic and purchase history in order to design and offer the products that consumers expect, which is a priority for a company obsessed by the customer, like Amazon,” stated Elise Beuriot. For sales, “decisions based on data trigger millions of orders. The impact on the inventory is enormous,” she added.

“Fashion is an industry where unsold items generate a lot of waste. Algorithms and big data analysis can reduce left-overs by anticipating demand several weeks ahead in order to optimize the price and replenishment,” observed Fabrizio Fantini. “Fashion companies who exploit data to inform their decisions become more efficient. They are better armed to protect their margins, but can also sell for less, and potentially reach a larger number of consumers.”

Other IT models aggregate customer data in real time ‘to determine, among hundreds of factors, those which have the biggest influence on buying decisions. Value doesn’t necessarily lie in the volume of data but in the depth of the analyses,’ claimed Gulnaz Khusainova. Easysize is careful that collected data is anonymous, she underlined, because ‘consumers need to keep control of their data, and know how it is used’.

For editors of software dedicated to fashion businesses, and suppliers of cutting machines designed for the clothing industry, “analyzing usage data from our solutions enables the offer to evolve, making each step in the value chain more efficient and perfectly adapted to the needs of the brands, retailers and manufacturers. What is at stake is better quality products, placed on the market as quickly as possible and at a reduced cost,” explained Olivier Dancot.

“It is easy to collect data, but difficult to extract actionable information. Everything hinges on data analysis,” concluded Céline Abecassis-Moedas, professor and co-scientific director of the ‘Fashion & Technology’ Chair and moderator of the round table. “Due to its emotional dimension—from the stylist’s inspiration to the consumer’s desire to buy—fashion is not an industry like others. However, all the components that make up its ecosystem can truly benefit from the judicious exploitation of customer data. Examples discussed this evening illustrate the diversity of what is possible.”

Posted November 16, 2017

Source: Lectra

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — November 15, 2017 — The University of Michigan’s Tauber Institute for Global Operations presents the Fall 2017 Integrated Product Development Trade Show, featuring innovative products created by art & design, business, engineering, and information students.

Event:  Fall 2017 Integrated Product Development Trade Show

When:  Wednesday, December 6, 6:30-8:30 pm

Where:  U-M STAMPS Gallery, 201 Division St., Ann Arbor, Mich.

Who:  Free and open to the ublic

Taught jointly by faculty of the Ross School of Business and the Stamps School of Art & Design, the annual Integrated Product Design course challenges cross-disciplinary student teams from the College of Engineering, Ross School of Business, Stamps School of Art & Design, and School of Information to design, build, and market a brand new product, and then to face free market competition through the IPD Trade Show.

The Fall 2017 IPD challenge: Efficient & Satisfying Use of Small Living Spaces

In addition, the student-designed household product must be suitable for use by people living, studying and working in a hyper urbanized environment that enables more efficient and satisfying use of their living spaces; and be profitable at a consumer cost of less than $250.

Members of the University of Michigan community and the general public are invited to meet the student design teams, test out prototypes of their new household products, and vote for the “best of the best” at the Fall 2017 Integrated Product Development Trade Show, December 6 at the new U-M STAMPS School Gallery in downtown Ann Arbor.

The Tauber Institute for Global Operations is a joint venture between the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business and the College of Engineering, working together with industry partners to facilitate cross-disciplinary education in global operations management.

Posted November 15, 2017

Source: The University of Michigan’s Tauber Institute for Global Operations

NEW YORK CITY — November 2017 — After the success of Texworld USA in July, the important global sourcing show will be returning to the Javits Convention Center January 22-24, 2018. Texworld USA is a dynamic industry event and business platform bringing together the best apparel fabric, trims and accessory suppliers in the heart of New York City from around the world. Over its 10-year history, Texworld USA continues to provide industry experts, designers, fabric buyers, merchandisers and sourcing professionals a unique opportunity to meet directly with a wide range of manufacturers and global suppliers from Asia, the Middle East and North America.

Texworld USA is where professionals and experts come for affordable apparel fabrics, trims and accessories for every product line for today’s modern consumer  women’s, men’s, juniors and childrenswear. The fair showcases textiles of innovative structures, material mixes and surprising color palettes across 14 product categories.  Attendees and visitors stay updated on the latest trends in textiles, and have an exclusive opportunity to network and meet designers and suppliers from around the world while taking advantage of complimentary educational seminars, all under one roof.

“It’s no secret that consumer buying patterns are changing quickly and that the customer is looking for more value than ever when purchasing apparel.” said Jennifer Bacon, show director, Fashion & Apparel. “This is impacting brands and our buyers and therefore, we are focused on curating a group of exhibitors that offer a wonderful product at a great price. Ultimately, our buyers can visit other textile or apparel shows to network and get inspiration on trends, but Texworld USA is the show to find in-demand, on-trend fabrics at realistic and affordable prices. We’re an order writing show, now more than ever.”

More than 240 exhibitors and new manufacturers will be showcasing their latest fabrics for Texworld USA’s Winter Edition 2018 in NYC. The show floor will feature exhibitors specializing in cotton, denim, embroidery, lace, functional fabrics and more.

Texworld‘s educational seminar series, organized by Lenzing Fibers will return for Winter 2018 featuring sessions hosted by curated panels of industry experts, discussing the global textile and sourcing landscape. Be inspired as Texworld USA’s trend display area will feature fabrics from over 14 product categories. Visitors will also have the opportunity to take a peek at the newest color and textile offerings for spring/summer 2019.

Last winter’s Texworld USA show boasted over 225 exhibitors representing 12 countries, including: Canada, USA, Colombia, India, United Kingdom, China, Hong Kong, Japan, and more. Turkey, Korea and Taiwan returned with dedicated country pavilions. The Lenzing Pavilion also returned to the show floor with 17 exhibitors focused on integrating sustainable fibers into a wide range of product categories. From cotton to functional fabrics and knits to lace, Lenzing Pavilion exhibitors showcased the best use of TENCEL® and Lenzing Modal®.

Apparel Sourcing USA Winter 2018, occurring in conjunction with Texworld USA, will say hello to exhibitors specializing in womenswear, menswear, children’s, accessories, etc. and will spotlight a true style icon: denim.  As one of the only events on the east coast to focus on sourcing finished apparel, contract manufacturing and private label development, Apparel Sourcing USA is a long-term joint venture partnership between Messe Frankfurt and CCPIT-TEX and provides attendees direct access to suppliers all over the globe. The January 2017 show showcased 107 suppliers from 9 countries including: China, Hong Kong, India, Myanmar, Taiwan, USA and Sri Lanka. In addition, Mexico and Peru represented western hemisphere sourcing options with 12 suppliers present on the show floor.

Posted November 15, 2017

Source: Messe Frankfurt

NEW YORK CITY — November 15, 2017 — Airweave, a sleep solution brand in Japan, forges into a new product category in the United States and unveils another innovative technology with the airweave Hyperdown Duvet.

With its unique composition and intelligent design, the Duvet features a proprietary synthetic fill (Hyperdown) that, thanks to its molecular makeup, is ultra-lightweight and has the ability to convert moisture into heat. In addition Hyperdown is antimicrobial, hypoallergenic, and odor-resistant. The Duvet is encased in luxurious 449 thread count of cotton sateen, expertly finished so that it conforms to your body to stay in place while you sleep and provide maximum heat retention.

“We strive to create technologically advanced products for the most comfortable sleep environment possible,” said airweave Founder and CEO Motokuni Takaoka. “The Hyperdown Duvet is the perfect wintertime complement to our line of mattresses.”

The Hyperdown Duvet joins airweave’s line of mattresses and cushions including the Mattress, Top Mattress, and Ritz Paris Travel Collection in the US. It first debuted in Japan in 2016 where it is sold in 150 retailers across the country and online at airweave.jp. Total sales of the Hyperdown Duvet in Japan for 2017 are projected to hit $2 million. Passengers flying first class on Japan Airlines can enjoy the comfort of the Duvet on select international flights. The Hyperdown Duvet has been recognized by the Omotenashi Selection — a curation of products made in Japan awarded for their exceptional, thoughtful design and shared all over the world.

The Airweave Hyperdown Duvet is the new-school solution for warmth this winter.  Say goodbye dirty down, heavy comforters and electric blankets. With unparalleled warmth and comfort, you stay in a deeper state of sleep that leaves you feeling refreshed when you wake up … and longing to get back into bed.

Posted November 15, 2017

Source: airweave