Industry Leaders Launch HYDRO_BOT To Revolutionize Moisture Management

MUNICH, Germany — February 6, 2017 — Five textile industry leaders joined forces to launch HYDRO_BOT, a new technology for moisture management. HYDRO_BOT will solve one of the biggest challenges in sports, work and protective clothing: To transport moisture to matches human sweat rates in various climates, conditions and activity levels.

Behind HYDRO_BOT is Osmotex, a Swiss/Norwegian start-up dedicated to developing solutions for electro osmosis for moisture management.

“HYDRO_BOT is the result of ten years of intense research and development in Switzerland,” said Trond Heldal, Director of R&D and Operations at Osmotex and the lead researcher on the decade long research and development effort. “Over the past two years, the development has reached a new level with four strategic partners involved in the development effort. We are confident that HYDRO_BOT will represent a generational advancement in moisture management.”

  • The Swiss leading textile manufacturer, Schoeller Textil AG is the production partner for the  HYDRO_BOT panels.
  • The world leading premium sportswear brand KJUS is the primary product development partner and will be the first leading brand to take HYDRO_BOT to market in selected skiwear products planned for the 2018-2019 season.
  • The high-tech wearable technology company Belginova is the technology partner for HYDRO_BOT. They are providing operating systems and switches for applying the moisture management solution.  Belginova will also deliver HYDRO_BOT products through their own brand 30SEVEN.
  • Empa, the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, has played a key role in conducting cutting-edge materials and technology research. Together with Osmotex and its three development partners, Empa is now involved in the final development to ensure the necessary durability, washability and performance of HYDRO_BOT under different conditions.

“The consumer is the central focus of our developments,” said Siegfried Winkelbeiner, CEO of Schoeller Textil AG. “We want to support people in their work, leisure and sporting activities with intelligent textile products. For this reason, we develop and produce highly-functional fabrics, knits and innovative textile technologies. We are very excited about the prospects for HYDRO_BOT as we see a great synergy for even smarter textile performance.”

“KJUS is renowned as the leading innovator in ski-, golf- and lifestyle wear,” said Nico Serena, CEO, KJUS. “As such, we teamed up with Osmotex to create an industry changing ski jacket. HYDRO_BOT opens up new levels of skiwear comfort for our product development, and we are excited about the new alpine layering system in the pipeline.”

“Based on many years’ experience of developing car seat heating, I designed the world’s first safe, durable, washable heating system: Novaheat®,” said Pol Speleers, co-founder of 30Seven and Belginova. “Now we are very happy to innovate wearable clothing again using HYDRO_BOT as the engine for moisture management.”

“As the place where innovation starts we are very excited at Empa to contribute to new textile developments like HYDRO_BOT with our in-depth knowhow in materials science and computational simulation and to work with a group of outstanding companies covering the entire value chain of sports and performance clothing,” said Prof. Dr. Gian-Luca Bona, CEO, Empa.

Posted February 7, 2017

Source: Leidar

Americhem Receives ISO 14001 Certification, An Environmental Management System Standard

CUYAHOGA FALLS, Ohio — February 2, 2017 — Americhem Inc., a global provider of custom color and additive solutions for polymer-based products, recently received ISO 14001 certification for its Suzhou, China, manufacturing plant. This standard recognizes Americhem’s special focus on environmental management to ensure social well-being in addition to business goals.

The certification audit was performed by SGS. The plant also holds ISO 9001 and ISO 13485 certifications. Americhem’s China plant now becomes one of the few in the industry to carry all of these distinctions. The Suzhou team began working on improvements in early 2016.

“The certification of compliance with ISO 14001 recognizes that the policies, practices and procedures of our plant highlight our commitment to environmental protection,” said Stanley Teoh, Americhem’s vice president and managing director for the Asia Pacific region. “With this certification, our customers can rest assured that our plant exercises the highest level of dedication to our environment through waste reduction, energy efficiency, green business initiatives, safe work practices and sustainable development.”

One of the main outcomes of the certification is the development and implementation of systems that continuously reduce waste. In Americhem’s case, this led to a goal of working towards zero waste generation and emissions from the plant. This includes all facets of the facility: manufacturing areas, laboratories and offices.

Posted February 7, 2017

Source: Americhem

Lectra Appoints Jérôme Viala Executive Vice President For The Group

PARIS —  February 2, 2017 — Lectra is pleased to announce the appointment of CFO Jérôme Viala to the role of Executive vice president for the Group. As a result, Jérôme Viala has been number two on Lectra’s Executive Committee since January 1, 2017.

“Lectra will soon announce a new strategic roadmap, revealing the Group’s ambitions for the 2017-2019 period and beyond. I felt it was very important to involve Jérôme even more in our new industrial adventure,“ stated Daniel Harari, CEO, Lectra. “Jerome and I have worked together for 26 years. During these years, I have appreciated his rigor, his ability to make decisions and stand by them, and his many human qualities.”

Since becoming CFO of Lectra in 1994, and member of the Executive Committee since its creation in 2005, Jérôme Viala, 55 years old, has progressively taken on more responsibilities within the Group. He is now in charge of coordinating the industrial, customer care, consumables and parts, and international human resources’ activities. In parallel, over the last few years Jérôme has become increasingly involved in developing Lectra’s international operations, including the opening of Lectra’s subsidiaries in South Korea and Vietnam.

“Lectra’s upcoming strategic cycle, to be presented on February 9, will be exciting due to the highly innovative way it creates value for our customers, and for the Group,” underlines Jérôme Viala. “I am thrilled about the opportunity to support the implementation of our new roadmap in its many aspects.”

Jérôme Viala, a graduate of the ESC Bordeaux (KEDGE Business School, France), began his career as a credit analyst at Esso (France). He joined the finance department of Lectra in 1985, then successively held different financial positions in the Group before becoming Chief Financial Officer in 1994.

Posted February 7, 2017

Source: Lectra

LaForte Project Conquers Silkomo

COMO, Italy — February 2, 2017 — The successful development of the integrated project LaForte® which bases its success on wide-format industrial inkjet printers on paper and fabric, conquers  Silkomo, another important textile company based in Tavernerio into the textile district of Como, already in business with Aleph since 10 years.

Supporting the company with modern solutions in line with the needs of production, Aleph has proposed a technology upgrade inside Silkomo print division. Through the introduction of a new plotter for digital printing on transfer paper, the LaForte® Paper, Aleph secured to the client the best balance between speed and quality.

Silkomo truly needed a more powerful printer in order to strengthen the technical department and meet the demands of its national and international customers operating in textile and fashion markets.

The LaForte®Paper, produced and installed at Silkomo, has its own integrated management software and a production speed of 300 square meters per hour for a terrific result of 40,000 meters per month which means half million meters per annum. The further improved automatic alignment of print heads, the stability of the printing — thanks to a patented system using an innovative rotary belt with air vacuum system — and the new software matrices designed for dot layout are the elements that ensure exceptional performance rather than competitors machines. Moreover there is a significant reduction of operating costs due to the halving of the number of printing heads.

The Aleph technical department dedicated two days of training and coaching to illustrate all the printer’s capabilities.

Posted February 7, 2017

Source: Aleph

KJUS: Didi Serena Passes CEO-Baton To Nico Serena

HUENENBERG, Switzerland — February 2nd 2017 — Swiss premium sportswear brand KJUS kicks-off the year with a new organizational setup effective as of January 2017 and announces a major transition in its lead. After 16 years as CEO, KJUS co-founder Didi Serena is handing over the lead of the company to his older son Nico Serena  — now CEO and Co-President — and his longtime business partner Reto Holzmann — now CFO/COO and Co-President. As a result, the company repositions its Sales Force and introduces a Head of Global Marketing and Ecommerce. Serena’s younger son Sven relocated from Shenzhen to Switzerland in order to take over the responsibility for the supply chain. Before, he had established the KJUS R&D Center for more than four years, which has recently been moved from China to Vietnam.

“We have always worked very closely together and started the change process months ago. I am proud and very happy that Nico follows my footsteps,” says Didi Serena. “The company has been family-run from the start and I think this is the best way to continue the success story that KJUS has written so far.” Didi Serena will now focus on his role as the Board of Directors’ chairman and define the long-term direction together with the members of the Board of Directors. Furthermore, Didi will continue fostering the relationships with key players in the industry in his role as the co-founder of KJUS.

Until December, Nico Serena led the Marketing and Product departments as executive vice president and Member of the Board. In this position he successfully expanded the range by a golf wear collection and started to transform the company into a digital player. “I am very excited to take over from my father and to actively shape our success and leadership in a challenging marketplace,” he states. “I want KJUS to become the world’s finest sportswear brand.”

One of his first actions is the DRIVE2020 strategy, which will ensure an ongoing growth in all segments: Ski, Golf and Active Lifestyle. The redefined core values reflect Nico Serena’s approach of leadership and corporate culture to continue KJUS’ development as an innovative and attractive employer. “Our employees are our most precious asset; they are the beating heart of KJUS. We want to offer the perfect environment to create premium products and services for the ski and golf enthusiast of tomorrow. “

Reto Holzmann who has been with KJUS for more than 10 years, has been announced Co-President and will keep the responsibilities of CFO and COO. “I am very happy to have an experienced partner like Reto on board for our journey to the top,” Nico Serena adds. They have collaborated closely over the past years and will continue bringing together their expertise in order to meet the company’s economical and strategic goals.

Head of Global Marketing and Ecommerce Christian Mascarenhas kicks-off new marketing strategy

To establish KJUS as the world’s finest sportswear brand, the enterprise has reinforced its Marketing Department and signed Christian Mascarenhas as new Head of Global Marketing and Ecommerce. Mascarenhas launched his first campaign for KJUS this winter and introduced the world’s first fully knitted ski jacket Freelite leveraging the advantages of a consumer-centric cross-channel campaign. “With KJUS, we have the chance to rethink what is possible today and come up with solutions that matter to our audience and always have the consumer benefit in mind.” Before he joined KJUS, Mascarenhas was running brand communications for Oakley in EMEA and headed the marketing of men’s fashion brand Strellson.

Strong Sales Force about to attack the ski, golf and lifestyle markets

“We have great skills and the best expertise within our team,” says Timo Regier, Executive VP Sales. “That’s why it was natural and just a matter of time to extend some responsibilities.” As a result, Brooke MacKenzie, Managing Director of KJUS North America, joined the Board of Management last summer. Rainer Fink, Head of Sales Germany, will fulfil the Head of Sales Central Europe position. Andreas Orehounig, former Sales Manager Golf Germany, takes over additional responsibilities as Sales Manager Golf Continental Europe. Head of Sales Austria, Herbert Bründlinger, additionally leads the Italian sales team.

To keep up with the growing demand in the UK and Ireland, Alistair Brown, so far Sales Representative UK, was promoted Sales Manager Golf UK and Ireland. Newly hired Sales Representative Golf Southern UK, Nicole Taylor, will support him within these promising markets. Regier adds: “With this strong team, we will be able to attack the ski and golf markets in order to even enhance our leadership status in the industry.”

Posted February 7, 2017

Source: KJUS

BLACKYAK Wins Three ISPO Awards

MUNICH, Germany — February 2, 2017 — Outdoor specialist BLACKYAK has won three ISPO Awards with its global Fall/Winter Collection 2017/18. The Signature Jacket as well as the Heavy Duty Down Jacket got a Gold Award of the ISPO Jury.

Furthermore, the Vivid Jacket was awarded as Winner. Blackyak is delighted by winning three more ISPO Awards. Overall, the South Korea-based outdoor company has won 16 ISPO Awards now — this is an all-time record in the history of the ISPO Awards.

The Signature Jacket is awarded with Gold in the category “Hybrid Outer Layer.” In the category “Down Layer” the Heavy Duty Down Jacket is the best jacket: a second Gold Award. On top of that, the Vivid Jacket has won a Winner Award in the category “Insulated”.

The Blackyak jackets have prevailed against more than 400 submissions in five clothing categories with one Gold and one Winner Award in each category. Forty-five judges from 13 countries and two continents discussed all applications and selected the awardees.

“The awards are showing, that we weren’t pausing to rest on our laurels, we continued to develop top products, discover new materials and improve details on existing products in the collection“, says Maximilian Nortz, Managing Director International Business – Europe.

“We are very happy to win another three prizes“, is Nortz pleased by the announcement of the jury.

The Winners:
Signature Jacket
Style, function and warmth. The Blackyak Signature Jacket has been introduced to the collection as a brilliant new functional insulation item. This jacket is constructed using a mixed combination of lightweight and protective materials like Polartec® Alpha® that will provide you with a fantastic range of movement, comfort, warmth and breathability.

A high rise collar and great fitting hood tensioned with elastic for a perfect fit raise the comfort. Cuffs and hem edge are under tension with our new “Y” shaped branded elastic for a perfect fit. The shoulders have been enhanced inside with 3D mesh, whilst CORDURA® protects the shoulders from the outside. This is a perfect regulator for comfort whilst carrying backpacks.

The CORDURA® backside panel is decorated with BLACKYAK’s tradition tonal branding and detailed laser perforation allowing transfer of moisture. At the front of the jacket there are our large elasticated signature mesh storage pockets for all necessary belongings. Inside this jacket the final workmanship is very clean – a single zip pocket functions also as a storage sack.

Heavy Duty Down Jacket
The Heavy Duty Down Jacket is made for very cold conditions, such as high altitude base camps. The water-repellent treated and traceable goose down (750 cuin) keeps the body warm and insulated, while resting as well as during activities. The jacket has been expedition tested and approved and is extremely durable. The top-stitching has been removed, a construction which avoids seam failure through thread damage. Its heat retention is excellent due to BLACKYAK’s “mesh box wall” construction. This “mesh box wall” construction allows the warm air inside the jacket to circulate from chamber to chamber which provides anexcellent warmth.

Vivid Jacket
The Vivid Jacket is a multi functional insulation jacket. The main development of this jacket is the “freedom of movement cut” ensuring maximum moving space. Because of this and its water permeability the jacket is perfect to use for high activity sports in cold conditions.

In addition, it is very light with a small packing volume. Staying warm and dry is no problem with the Vivid Jacket — when you don’t need it, you will be happy that it fits in your backpack with ease.

Posted February 7, 2017

Source: BlackYak

Reifenhäuser Sells Reimotec To Dietze+Schell

TROISDORF, Germany — February 1, 2017 — With effect from February 1, 2017, Reifenhäuser Maschinenfabrik and Dietze+Schell Maschinenfabrik consolidate their activities in the niche markets monofilaments, strapping tapes and artificial turf. Reifenhäuser transfers the two companies Reimotec Maschinen- und Anlagenbau, and Reimotec Winding Technology to the Coburg, Germany-based company.

In the recent past, Dietze+Schell had already purchased Sima and Techno Plastic. Against this background a further consolidation was a strategically reasonable move for both parties to strengthen the new business unit by bundling competencies in this market.

The companies have agreed not to disclose the sales price.

Posted February 7, 2017

Source: Reifenhäuser

HeiQ Tackles The Potential Risk Of Mosquito Borne Diseases With Its HeiQ Bug Guard

ZURICH, Switzerland — February 2, 2017 — The Swiss textile technology innovator HeiQ launched HeiQ Bug Guard at this year’s ISPO Munich. HeiQ Bug Guard is a reliable and highly effective technology for durable mosquito and insect protection. Wearing apparel empowered by HeiQ Bug Guard reduces the risk of mosquito and bug bites and consequently decreases the likelihood of infection with life-threatening diseases such as Zika, Malaria and Dengue.

Mosquitoes are the most dangerous animals on earth. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that millions of people die each year because of diseases carried and spread by mosquitoes. WHO states that the global risk of the spreading Zika virus remains unchanged and requires a high level of awareness and protection against Zika-transmitting mosquitoes. Zika virus is primarily carried by Aedes mosquitoes prevalent mainly in warmer climates.

At ISPO Munich 2017, HeiQ introduced its mosquito repellent textile technology HeiQ Bug Guard to the market. This reliable and globally approved technology transforms clothing into a protective shield against disease-carrying vectors like mosquitoes preventing them from biting you. The mosquito’s ability to sting through clothing — especially thinner materials — increases the need for an effective and durable technology, such as HeiQ Bug Guard. Especially of interest for outdoor gear manufacturers, this durable textile finishing technology is also used on every-day apparel and home textiles, such as mattresses.

HeiQ Bug Guard provides prolonged contact protection against mosquitoes but also repels ticks, dust mites, bed bugs and carpet beetles. The Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (TPH) has tested and proven its exceptional efficiency and durability up to 100 washings. As a full service partner, HeiQ offers two industry standard test methods for efficacy: the exposure test (TL 830 50331) and the High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) test, which determines the permethrin level. Permethrin, the bioactive ingredient of HeiQ Bug Guard, is the only pesticide approved by the US EPA for use in clothing and gear, and is also permitted by bluesign for non-skin contact articles. HeiQ Bug Guard is applicable to all textile fiber types except for 100-percent polypropylene, and complies with Oekotex Standard 100.

Posted February 7, 2017

Source: HeiQ

Messe Frankfurt Reports Winter 2017 Editions Of Texworld USA And Apparel Sourcing USA Boasted Record-Breaking Attendance

NEW YORK CITY — February 1, 2017 — The Winter 2017 editions of Texworld USA and Apparel Sourcing USA opened their doors and show floors to exhibitors and visitors alike on Monday, January 23, 2017. Continuing through Wednesday, January 25, and once again taking place at the Javits Convention Center in New York City, the collocated shows presented an assortment of international suppliers from around the globe who showcased textiles, trims and accessories, manufacturing and private label development services, as well as finished apparel.

Texworld USA Winter 2017 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, a long-term joint venture partnership between Messe Frankfurt and CCPIT-TEX, presented 107 suppliers from 9 countries including: China, Hong Kong, India, Myanmar, Taiwan, USA and Sri Lanka. In addition, Mexico and Peru represented western hermisphere sourcing options with 12 suppliers present on the show floor.

“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 every day and we recognize that. This is why we’ve focused on curating a group of exhibitors that offer a great 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.”

On the attendee side, Texworld USA and Apparel Sourcing USA Winter 2017 ultimately welcomed a record number of verified visitors across three days. The final attendance recorded showed a staggering 20% increase over the previously documented record for any winter edition in the show’s 10 year history. Visitors represented a total of 54 countries, including: USA, France, Australia, Canada, Japan, Brazil, India, Israel, Nigeria, Guatemala, Puerto Rico, Italy, Spain, Argentina, Taiwan, United Kingdom, Ukraine, and others.

“The Winter 2017 edition of Texworld USA and Apparel Sourcing USA has been a record-breaker, both in terms of exhibitors presented and visitor attendance.” said Dennis Smith, President and CEO, Messe Frankfurt North America. “We knew that this edition would prove to be an important gauge for where the apparel market is headed and what we’ve seen is that a mood of cautious optimism is prevailing over all else. The apparel industry is far from standing still and we’re thrilled to be the industry sourcing event that buyers choose season after season.”

Texworld USA Seminar Series and new Texworld USA Floor Sessions hit the mark with attendees
As always, Texworld USA’s complimentary educational sessions proved to be a big draw for attendees. Organized by Lenzing Innovation, the seminar series focused on industry hot topics like TPP and duty-free trade, color and fabric trends, digital printing, and the impact of the buy-now-wear-now trend.

The most popular seminars by attendance included Pantone’s color trend seminar titled “Muse: Colors to Inspire”, the WWD-moderated “Instant Fashion: How Has And Will The Move To In-Season, Buy-Now, Wear-Now Fashion Shows Impact The Textile And Sourcing Supply Chain?”, and “Fashion 101: Getting Back to the Basics of Starting a Fashion Line” with Mercedes Gonzales.

The January 2017 edition also saw the debut of Texworld USA Floor Sessions. This addition to the shows’ educational programming was designed to provide attendees at all levels of the industry with the opportunity to discuss topics of interest with their peers in a more intimate setting. The discussions tackled topics such as sustainability, growing an independent fashion brand, and future outlooks on the global textile industry. The three distinct series included “Performance Pitches”, organized by Texworld USA, “Textile Talks” organized by Lenzing Innovation, and “Independent Designer Discussions”, organized by StartUp FASHION.

“This was an excellent show and a great opportunity for the market to convene. I was impressed with the high attendance at all the seminars as there is a quest for knowledge and connecting to exchange information.” said Tricia Carey. “Our new ‘Textile Talks’ platform, with short interviews on the show floor, exceeded our expectations.”

New Texworld Showcase and SPOTLIGHT display areas highlight the best of exhibitor products and services
In a move to more comprehensively present the best of what can be found on the show floor, Texworld USA revamped the well-known trend forum for Winter 2017. The new Texworld Showcase placed a heavier emphasis on curating textiles across all 16 categories of products available and allowed visitors to get a wider view of exhibitor offerings for Spring/Summer 2018.

Additionally, a heavy focus was placed on the chosend theme of the season, functional fabrics and apparel, in a new dedicated area of the Apparel Sourcing USA show floor. The SPOTLIGHT display area highlighted some of the best functional fabrics from Texworld USA exhibitors, as well as active wear and performance apparel from Apparel Sourcing USA exhibitors. The SPOTLIGHT area will return to the show floor in July 2017, where attendees can explore a new theme for the Fall/Winter 2018 season.

Posted February 7, 2017

Source: Messe Frankfurt

Red Land Cotton Launches Heirloom Linens

NEW YORK CITY — February 1, 2017 — Red Land Cotton, an Alabama-based home linens brand, is launching new lines of 100-percent cotton heirloom-inspired linens. The company, started earlier in 2016 by Mark Yeager and his daughter Anna Brakefield, is the first of its kind, growing the cotton that it then uses in its pieces. For the completely “Made In America” products, the company collaborated with Cotton Incorporated.

The cotton is grown and ginned at the Yeager Gin in Moulton, Ala., before it is shipped to South Carolina, where it is spun into yarn and then sent to a weaver. The cotton is finished in Georgia and then makes its way back to Moulton where a team of ladies in the community cut-and-sew the fabric into the final product — 140 thread count bedding modeled after heirloom pieces from the 1920s.

“A large part of our story is our family, the farm that has now been farmed for three generations and that ‘down home feeling’,” said Anna Brakefield, co-founder of Red Land Cotton. “As part of our brand, we needed to be able to say, ‘This is 100-percent cotton grown on our land by our hands.’ Without that aspect, we felt we were no different than anyone else.”

Yeager and Brakefield involved the Cotton Incorporated Product Development team from the beginning of the project. Cotton from the family farm was analyzed at the Cotton Incorporated global headquarters in Cary, N.C., and heirloom linens from a friend served as inspiration. Swatches and samples were reviewed, and Cotton Incorporated advised on the size of the yarn, the thread count, and the weaving process.

“Red Land Cotton is the only home textile brand that actually grows the cotton that goes into their products,” said Marcy Gang, executive account manager at Cotton Incorporated. “Within cotton textiles, it is unique to see a farm business expand to include finished goods.”

The two introductory lines for Red Land Cotton are “Red Land Classic” and “Madeline Gray,” which are both available in bleached and non-bleached options. For the non-bleached look, Brakefield wanted consumers to be able to see flecks of leaf and stem in the finished products, really showcasing cotton as a raw material.

Posted February 7, 2017

Source: Red Land Cotton

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