Texworld USA Returns To The Javits Convention Center In January 2018 With More Than 240 Exhibitors From Around The Globe

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

EPIC Brands Acquires Sport Science — Industry Veteran Kevin Williams Named CEO

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — November 16, 2017 — EPIC Brand Management Group LLC has announced the acquisition of Sport Science LLC, a performance wear company known for activewear engineered with a unique polyester blend that delivers superior moisture management in a fabric that looks, feels and wears like cotton. Kevin Williams, president of EPIC, has been named president & CEO of Sport Science, while Sport Science founder Neal Caplowe, will become executive vice president, Business Development & Sales.

“Sport Science is known in the active wear industry because of its unique combination of superior performance management and wearability,” commented Williams. “We’re excited to bring EPIC’s skills and resources in strategic brand building, e-commerce, merchandising, and sales expertise, to focus Sport Science’s participation within the running market, where the brand is strongest.”

Williams said they will retain the Sport Science brand.

Caplowe started Sport Science in 2005 after seeing a need for both performance and comfort in active wear made in the United States.  “I didn’t believe you had to sacrifice one for the other when it came to performance wear, so we engineered a unique fabric that doesn’t short-change either. That’s been our value proposition all along,” Caplowe said.  “Now with EPIC’s leadership, vision and resources, we’re well positioned for growth in our core markets.”

Sport Science has a long history of providing custom graphic-design and printing services for retailers, manufacturers and performance-related events.  A recent example — and in a related announcement — the company was named the Official Finisher Shirt for the Indie 5K®, held in Austin, November 30th, during The Running Event 2017®, the premiere conference and trade show for the independent running specialty channel.

Together, the leadership team of Williams and Caplowe have more than a half-century of experience in the apparel and performance wear industry. Prior to founding EPIC, Williams held executive positions at CovilleBrands, Coville Inc., and several independent marketing and sourcing consultancies. He is currently the President of the America Apparel Producers Newtork (AAPN). Prior to Sport Science, Caplowe founded Coming Attractions Inc., a leading graphic-design tee-shirt and performance wear concern.

Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.

The company will be headquartered in Winston-Salem. NC, home of EPIC Brands.

Posted November 16, 2017

Source: EPIC Brand Management Group

Pendleton® Partners With PFSweb’s LiveArea To Build And Launch Its New eCommerce Site

ALLEN, Texas — November 15, 2017 — PFSweb Inc., a global commerce service provider, was engaged by Pendleton Woolen Mills, an American apparel and home products brand, to build its new eCommerce site — www.pendleton-usa.com — on Salesforce Commerce Cloud.

Founded in 1863, Pendleton is a family-owned company with a healthy respect for the past and an innovative approach to the future. Known for their woolen products, the company specializes in creating quality apparel for men and women, home and accessories. Their products are distributed through 41 Pendleton retail stores, selected department and specialty stores, and their direct-to-consumer website and catalog.

Pendleton was looking to upgrade its online shopping experience for today’s multi-device shoppers and enable its team with new tools to help it grow its online business. After choosing Salesforce Commerce Cloud, they quickly began looking for the right implementation partner to help achieve these goals.

“We needed a provider that could build our new site quickly so we could compete in today’s marketplace,” commented Jane Brisby, vice president, Marketing, Pendleton. “We had an aggressive timeline and are thrilled with the results that the LiveArea team delivered. We look forward to a continued successful partnership.”

Under the agreement, PFSweb’s LiveArea professional services team provided user experience design services along with technology services for the development and creation of the new Pendleton site.

“It is exciting to see another successful site launch from our Commerce Cloud practice,” said Mike Willoughby, CEO, PFSweb. “Complex integrations along with the aggressive timeline set this project up to be a great case study on our capabilities as a leading eCommerce systems integrator.”

The new Pendleton site went live in October 2017. This client was previously disclosed on PFSweb’s Third Quarter Earnings conference call.

Posted November 15, 2017

Source: PFSweb

Taking Customization To The Next Level: Badger Sportswear Acquires Garb Athletics

STATESVILLE, N.C. — November 15, 2017 — Badger Sportswear, a manufacturer of athletic apparel and team uniforms, announced today that it has purchased Garb Athletics, a boutique manufacturer of custom-tailored sports uniforms, recently named to Inc. Magazine’s fastest growing companies list for 2017. This acquisition, when coupled with Badger’s previously announced acquisition of Alleson Athletic, bolsters Badger’s team uniform offering with premium-crafted, fully customized apparel.

Garb occupies a unique space in the team uniform market. Using Garb’s proprietary digital technology, team dealers and coaches can quickly and easily design a truly custom uniform with unlimited decoration options, including tackle twill, embroidery and sublimation, all for one set price. The customized garments are manufactured at Garb’s facility in the Philippines, individually vacuum-sealed in branded packaging and delivered to dealers in less than four weeks.

“The Garb acquisition is entirely consistent with our stated mission to provide all athletes and fans with superior performance apparel at accessible prices,” said John Anton, CEO, Badger Sportswear. “By leveraging our broad dealer network, coupled with Garb’s best-in-class digital technology, we will make it easier for every high school and middle school team in the country to design truly custom, affordable hand-crafted uniforms.” This is possible thanks to Garb’s pre-populated school logo database, which contains nearly every school in the United States.

Garb Athletics was founded in 2006 by Steve Rosenbeck, who saw an opportunity to service the custom segment of the team uniform market with a premium tailored product that could be designed easily, priced simply, and manufactured and delivered quickly. Building on relationships previously developed in the Philippines, he set up a nimble sewing and fabrication operation. To save time and drive sales for authorized team dealers, he partnered with Joseph Snow, a highly experienced software developer, and originally part of the development team for EA Sports’ Madden Football, to create Garb’s proprietary, user-friendly online platform.

“I am so proud of the team and what we have built together at Garb Athletics,” said Steve Rosenbeck, CEO, Garb Athletic. “But it is time to scale our model, and we look forward to working with Badger to grow our customer base while continuing to deliver premium-crafted, custom uniforms at prices all customers can afford.”

The terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Posted November 15, 2017

Source: Badger Sportswear

Hyosung Announces New Global Marketing Leadership For Textiles Businesses

SEOUL, South Korea — November 15, 2017 — Hyosung Corp., a spandex producer with the creora® brand, announces the appointments of a new marketing director and key managers for Textiles Performance Unit to drive Hyosung’s “commitment to excellence” in the textile industry long term.

Mike Simko, global marketing director, will lead the Hyosung’s global marketing of creora® spandex, MIPAN® nylon and specialty polyester fibers to deliver innovation and superior brand and retail collaborative services. Simko, who previously worked for Invista and DuPont, joins Hyosung with more than 20 years of textiles, chemicals and industrial experience with leadership positions in global marketing and sales, strategic planning, business development, R&D as well as manufacturing.

“We are delighted to welcome Mike to Hyosung as his various leadership experiences and in-depth industry knowledge will be invaluable to the marketing effort,” shared Hyosung Chairman and CEO Cho Hyun Joon. “His addition along with other new personnel in Europe, Asia, and USA combined with our continued investment in production facilities, underscores Hyosung’s long term commitment to the Textiles Industry. We plan to continue to launch innovative products, deliver superior value and work with mills, brands and retailers globally.”

Simko will be located in New York City and will be joined by Sejin Roh, marketing manager. Sejin has a degree in textiles management and has had experience in marketing, business and product development roles for the last 5 years at Hyosung.

Also new to Hyosung is Deborah Richert, textiles marketing manager located in Portland, Ore. Deborah has more than 20 years of sales, marketing, brand, product merchandising and business development roles in textiles industry. She has previously worked for Nike, New Balance, Puma, and Schoeller Textiles.

“It’s an exciting time to join this dynamic organization and I look forward to leading the expanding/growing team” said Mike Simko. “ Look for our newest innovations in spandex, nylon and polyester along with the latest fabric trends at the upcoming ISPO show in January”.

Posted November 15, 2017

Source: Hyosung Corp.

Airweave Unveils Hyperdown Duvet In The United States

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

Four Tours Highlight February TRSA Production Summit Agenda

ALEXANDRIA, Va — November 15, 2017 — Visits to four industry facilities distinguish the agenda for TRSA’s Production Summit and Plant Tours, February 21-22, 2018, in Anaheim, Calif. Now in its fifth year, the twice-yearly Summit enables linen, uniform and facility services operators to take home a wealth of ideas for improving performance and production management by meeting with peers and viewing high-productivity plants,.

Three of the four facilities to be visited are on the same site: Magic Laundry Services’ 7-acre campus in Montebello, where these operations, each with washer-extractors and tunnel washers, share newly expanded loading docks. Otherwise the three are separate operating plants, dedicated to distinct workflows for hotels’ customer-owned goods (COG). Summit attendees whose companies serve any market (F&B, healthcare, hospitality, industrial) will recognize how wider use of such “cells” might more effectively address the industry’s ever-growing number of textile products requiring separate processing.

The other destination will be the MODRoto manufacturing plant in La Mirada, where you’ll get acquainted with the variety of molding techniques that distinguish cart designs as MODRoto personnel describe and demonstrate processes. You’ll see how carts are engineered to pack big loads with minimal tare weight and provide other ergonomic benefits.

Summit general sessions and breakouts examine current industry productivity trends and help attendees hone management and technical skills. These presentations and lessons learned from plant tours enable you to improve everyday production management decisions immediately following your Summit participation.

Meeting agenda highlights include a keynote presentation by Lisa Rosser, a military hiring and retention strategist, providing techniques and tips to attract veterans with valuable skills and training. A retired Army Reserve lieutenant colonel, her military career spanned 22 years (active and reserve) including roles in performance management, recruiting, staffing, training and skills development.

Other topics to be presented:

How Certification Inspection Assesses Hygiene. You’ll become familiar with the checklist for Hygienically Clean certification, learn to identify critical control points throughout the laundry process and prepare to upgrade plant quality management documentation.

Contributing to Positive Company Culture. Speakers presented by TRSA’s Women in Textile Services Committee will discuss how to foster your company’s core values and develop your team around them, a must for creating shared and personal accountability for achieving department and corporate goals.

Preventive Maintenance to Protect Your Bottom Line. Tactics will be shared to improve PM to generate significant savings, including best practices for plants of all sizes, communication tactics that keep PM on schedule, and guidelines for Production’s role in PM.

Breakout sessions on the Anaheim agenda include:

  • Effective Inventory Control for Production Departments
  • How Smart Phone Apps Enhance Your Business
  • Maximizing Return on TRSA’s Apprenticeship & Internship Programs
  • New OSHA Fall-Protection Rule Compliance

Designed to offer the greatest benefits to general, plant and production managers, engineering and maintenance personnel as well as others responsible for production supervision, inventory control and product quality, the Production Summit and Plant Tours series maximizes participants’ continuing collaboration with experienced professionals from TRSA member companies, the industry’s most productive and profitable organizations. One hundred percent of the attendees who evaluated the October 2017 Summit indicated they would return to another Summit.

Posted November 15, 2017

Source: TRSA

New Qualitex 800 Visualization Now Available For The Complete Portfolio Of Monforts Textile Finishing Machines

MÖNCHENGLADBACH, Germany — November 15, 2017 — Since the launch of the new Qualitex 800 visualization system for the advanced Montex 850 tenter, it has met the highest acceptance and appreciation by textile machine operators and mill managers worldwide due to its intuitive and easy operation.

Due to the overwhelming success and as a further step towards harmonization, Monforts has now launched this “child play” machine operation tool for all its continuous dyeing ranges (Thermex) and Sanfor compressive shrinking ranges (Monfortex), as well as for all coating units (texCoat).

Mill managers appreciate the optional data bank connection and the setup preprogramming.

Qualitex 800 features the slider effect on a 23 inch screen for quick access to the relevant machine parameters and a free programmable dashboard for complete machine overview at a glance.

Posted November 15, 2017

Source: A. Monforts Textilmaschinen GmbH & Co. KG

Huntsman Textile Effects Raises The Bar For Non-Fluorinated Durable Water Repellents

SINGAPORE —  November 15, 2017 — Continuing to lead the textile sector’s transition to more sustainable and eco-friendly business models, Huntsman Textile Effects has introduced the new PHOBOTEX® RSY non-fluorinated durable water repellent (DWR) that raises the standard for repellency especially on high-performance synthetic textiles. This new product will allow brands and retailers to meet global demand for eco-friendly clothing that require extreme rain- and stain- protection.

The market for outdoor apparel is growing worldwide, and customers expect comfort and high-performance protection. Rain-, stain- and soil-resistant effects are therefore critical. At the same time, the industry is shifting away from traditional formulations based on per-fluorinated chemicals (PFCs) due to environmental health and safety concerns.

“Phobotex RSY durable water repellent raises the bar for performance on synthetics, allowing brands to offer high-performance weather protection to outdoor enthusiasts with an assurance of eco-friendly sustainability. As a trusted partner to the industry, Huntsman Textile Effects continues to lead the transition to non-fluorinated DWR alternatives that meet stringent environment, health and safety standards,” said Lee Howarth, Global Marketing Manager for Finishing at Huntsman Textile Effects.

Phobotex RSY durable water repellent is an environmentally friendly, non-fluorinated formulation that our customers and global brands can rely on to produce sustainable textile products without compromising performance. This new addition complements Huntsman Textile Effects’ comprehensive range of durable water repellents and reinforces our position as the textile industry’s leading provider of non-fluorinated technology.

Providing effective protection in extreme environments, Phobotex RSY durable water repellent repulses rain, sleet and snow and performs well on synthetics and blends. It is ideal for high-performance outerwear fabrics, offering breathable comfort and durable water repellence. Fabrics treated with Phobotex RSY durable water repellent also repel stains, so they stay looking new for longer and can be easily spot cleaned.

Working closely with mills, Huntsman Textile Effects, the global leader in textile dyes and chemicals, offers unparalleled technical support and application know-how to help them meet the requirements of the world’s top brands and retailers.

Phobotex RSY durable water repellent is based on non-fluorinated technologies and complies with the latest requirements of bluesign®, the Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals MRSL (Manufacturing Restricted Substances List) and the Restricted Substances Lists of the world’s global brands. Fabrics treated with Phobotex RSY durable water repellents are suitable for OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 when applied as recommended.

Furthermore, Phobotex RSY durable water repellent meets the criteria for Textile Effects’ HIGH IQ® Repel performance assurance scheme that ensures fabrics conform to stringent performance requirements.

Posted November 15, 2017

Source: Huntsman Textile Effects

Unifi Recycles 10 Billionth Bottle; Announces Goal To Recycle 20 Billion By 2020, 30 Billion By 2022 

GREENSBORO, N.C. — November 14, 2017 — In honor of America Recycles Day, Unifi Inc., announces it has recycled more than 10 billion plastic bottles. Building from that momentum, Unifi is targeting 20 billion bottles recycled by 2020 and 30 billion bottles by 2022. To recognize customers who have partnered for this achievement, Unifi is launching the REPREVE Champions of Sustainability Awards.

“Reaching 10 billion bottles is an impressive milestone, and by committing to recycle an additional 20 billion by 2022, we will continue to expand our portfolio of REPREVE-based performance products,” said Kevin Hall, CEO, Unifi. “With nearly 70 percent of plastic bottles in the United States going to landfills, America Recycles Day is a perfect time to remind people to recycle more and buy sustainable products. Repreve provides a solution for plastic bottles as long as they make it to a recycling bin.”

To put this achievement into perspective, consider this:

  • 10 billion bottles can fill the Empire State Building 7.2 times[i]
  • 10 billion bottles placed end to end can circle the earth more than 50 times[ii]
  • The recycled bottles used to create Repreve fiber, filament and chip instead of virgin equivalent can save enough energy to power 95,000 homes for one year[iii]

Unifi saw an opportunity to incorporate recycled plastic bottles into Repreve, providing a sustainable solution to brands and retailers. The Repreve Champions of Sustainability Awards will acknowledge those companies who are committed to manufacturing sustainable products with Repreve performance fibers.

Hall added: “Unifi could not have reached the 10 billion bottle milestone without the commitment from our customers to provide earth-friendly products, and the Repreve Champions of Sustainability Awards give us the opportunity to thank our partners who helped make it possible. A vast difference can be made if more companies recognize the impact they have on our planet and take steps to reduce it. The Repreve Champions of Sustainability Awards are meant to honor and inspire companies to source responsibly and take sustainability strategies to the next level.”

The 2017 winners of the Repreve Champions of Sustainability Awards will be announced at the 2018 Outdoor Retailer Winter Market in Denver, Jan. 25-28.

Posted November 14, 2017

Source: Unifi

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