BASF In Lemförde Expands Sustainable Product Portfolio

LEMFOERDE, Germany — December 2, 2024 — BASF completes the certification program International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) PLUS at its production site in Lemförde, Germany to produce biomass-balanced thermoplastic polyurethanes. Also, the annual recertification according to REDcert2 was successfully completed for numerous thermoplastics and polyurethane systems. This allows BASF to expand its sustainable product portfolio and continue its commitment to supporting customers in achieving their sustainability goals.

Supporting customers with certified sustainable solutions

With the mass balance approach, BASF supports its customers in pursuing their sustainability goals. This approach allows for the replacement of fossil resources with renewable and recycled raw materials in the Verbund production setup of BASF and assigns them to the respective product. By replacing fossil raw materials with renewable resources, customers receive a product with a lower CO2 footprint. The formulation and quality of the corresponding end products remain unchanged. For example, Elastollan® 1185 A10 FCI, which is used for films or hoses in sensitive applications (food contact or medical engineering), can be offered as a product variant certified according to ISCC PLUS.

“With this drop-in solution, our customers receive a product with a reduced CO2 footprint compared to conventional materials, without requiring any technical changes on their part. Reducing the need of fossil resources and greenhouse gas emissions are highly relevant for today’s producers and consumers,” says Artur Pfeif, Product Management TPU at BASF Performance Materials Europe.

Global standards for correct biomass allocation

The certification according to ISCC PLUS covers the entire value chain and ensures that the certified share of fossil raw materials is replaced by renewable raw materials. This paves the way for BASF to offer mass balance certificates to its customers for specific products of thermoplastic polyurethanes. It is an internationally recognized certification scheme for mass balance methodology.

Also, the European standard REDcert2 ensures the correct allocation of renewable resources in BASF’s value chain. REDcert2 and ISCC PLUS are sustainability certification schemes for the use of sustainable biomass as raw material in the chemical industry. Both certificates confirm that sustainable biomass has been correctly allocated as a raw material in the chemical production system and are awarded based on on-site audits by independent auditors.

When claiming sustainability of a sales product, traceability of renewable or recycled raw materials must be proven as part of the mass balance certification process. “With this important step, complete transparency regarding high sustainability requirements can be achieved across the entire value chain, also for our customers,” summarizes Eileen Orlich, Sustainability Management at BASF Performance Materials Europe.

Posted: December 2, 2024

Source: BASF Polyurethanes GmbH

Microban Launches New Nature-Inspired Odor Control Technology

HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. — December 2, 2024 — Microban International, a global supplier of odor control technology, announces Freshology™, a patent-pending, nature-inspired* solution for combatting odors, at ISPO Munich, December 3–5, booth #508 in hall A3.

The new technology offers advanced performance by neutralizing a wide range of odors, keeping textiles fresher for longer. It meets GB/T 33610 and ISO 17299 testing standards for four of the most common odorants: isovaleric acid (IVA), acetic acid (HOAc), ammonia (NH3) and nonenal, making it a groundbreaking solution for tackling unpleasant smells.

“Freshology was developed by balancing and optimizing performance between different chemical profiles,” said Ryan Scott, senior product development chemist at Microban. “The technology offers key advantages for consumers: it effectively traps a wide range of body odors, unlike products that target only one specific odorant. Additionally, it improves moisture management and enhances the softness and feel of treated fabrics.”

Freshology is integrated into synthetic materials such as polyester, nylon and spandex during the finishing process and captures odors until the fabric is washed. During washing, the technology releases the trapped odorants, renewing the product’s effectiveness. It is nonionic, which allows for the incorporation of additional technologies or treatments during manufacturing without compromising the integrity of the product.

The technology is heavy metal-free, making it a more desirable solution than those with metal-based chemistries. It is also mill-friendly, allowing for easy incorporation into existing manufacturing processes.

Visit the Microban booth during ISPO Munich for an overview of Freshology at 10:00 a.m. each day by James Clayton, director of innovations at Microban.

For additional information on Freshology, please visit https://www.microban.com/odor-control/technologies/freshology.

*The Microban technology used in this product contains plant extracts and minerals found in nature and used in multiple consumer product applications.

Posted: December 2, 2024

Source: Microban International, Part of Barr Brands International

Union Partners With Envalior To Deliver Sustainable Snowboard Binding Made Of Durethan® Blue

DÜSSELDORF, Germany — December 2, 2024 — Envalior today announces it has partnered with Union Binding Company, a snowboard binding manufacturer based in Italy, to deliver redesigned Travis Rice Falcor Signature Snowboard Bindings. The asymmetric binding utilizes Envalior’s Durethan® Blue, a nylon, which enables Union to make its most sustainable snowboard binding to date. The new material is a member of Envalior’s sustainable product family, attributed with 90% of sustainable raw materials, based on a mass balance approach via the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) PLUS certification program that ensures sustainability and traceability throughout the supply chain.

Envalior and Union Binding Company team up to unveil the redesigned Travis Rice Falcor Signature Snowboard Bindings, featuring eco-conscious Durethan® Blue nylon for the most sustainable snowboard binding yet. Photo – Union Binding Company

What makes the redesigned snowboard bindings unique is the all-new 2 Layer baseplate construction, which allows for two individual layers: the core and the frame. The two layers enable the use of unique engineering materials to achieve the desired ride and feel of the binding. Durethan BLUEBKV315ZH2.0 allows the core of the binding to be stiff and responsive, while the frame is softer and more flexible than traditional snowboard baseplates, allowing for a unique ride feel and increased side to side freestyle flex.

Performance meets sustainability

Union selected Durethan Blue for its redesigned snowboard binding because the material is partially crystalline thermoplastics, offering high mechanical strength and stiffness, good dielectric properties, and good friction and wear properties. It serves as the ideal drop-in replacement for fossil-based products. Durethan is offered as bio-based, mass balanced, and recycled-based and leads to a product carbon footprint reduction of more than 60 percent CO2-eq in comparison to conventional, fossil based material.

Ninety percent of Durethan Blue’s raw materials are sustainable, based on a  mass balance approach, which allows companies to track the flow of sustainable and non-sustainable materials within their supply chains. The ISCC PLUS certifications assure that the amount of bio-based or recycled material corresponds to the amount used in production processes. Manufacturers can gradually transition away from fossil resources to renewable alternatives while maintaining product quality and performance.

Durethan Blue has passed all of Union’s in-house quality control tests for strength, durability in cold temperatures and product lifecycle. Every pair of Union bindings goes through rigorous testing during the R&D and design phase, initial production and the main production cycle.

”At Envalior, we are committed to sustainability, and this innovative solution demonstrates that sustainability and high performance can coexist, thanks to our ISCC-certified material and mass balance concept,” said Günter Margraf, director of Sustainability for Envalior. “Our material meets the demands of winter sports without compromising performance, and we’ve integrated this solution into our existing production processes, making the shift to sustainable options easier. Sustainability isn’t just a goal—it’s the path forward.”

“Union is committed to increasing the use of more environmentally friendly materials because it’s crucial to show that we can continue to use plastics in our lives—as long as we find sustainable options and use them responsibly. This approach ensures we’re not compromising the future of our planet,” said Pier Patriarca, lead Product Engineer at Union Binding Company.

Posted: December 2, 2024

Source: Envalior

MaterialsZone Launches Fully Integrated, AI-Guided Product Development Feature 

TEL AVIV, Israel, — December 2, 2024 — MaterialsZone, the Lean R&D solution for materials innovation, today announced the launch of its AI-Guided Product Development feature, providing MaterialsZone users with direct access to AI-generated experiment suggestions to streamline development cycles within their existing workflow.

With this feature, MaterialsZone empowers researchers with greater autonomy in their experimentation processes and enhances their ability to align development efforts with R&D timelines — a critical advantage in today’s fast-paced, competitive market.

Building on successful use cases, the feature transforms trial-and-error-based experimentation by providing real-time experiment recommendations to guide researchers through iterative improvements. An advanced AI-driven feedback loop gradually narrows the parameter space, accelerating progress toward achieving product requirements and researcher goals while considering critical material and process constraints, including cost optimization and carbon footprint reduction.

As each suggested experiment is completed and documented within the MaterialsZone platform, the AI model is used to refine recommendations according to the latest data, enhancing precision and efficiency. Available to researchers and technicians, this seamless cycle integrates data enrichment, machine learning, experiment synthesis, and feedback, optimizing development and reducing experimental cycles — all within a no-code framework.

“This feature is a testament to our commitment to empowering R&D teams and delivering an exceptional user experience,” said Ori Yudilevich, CPO of MaterialsZone. “By putting the power directly in the hands of our end-users, we enable them to achieve their goals faster, more effectively, and with greater accuracy.”

Posted: December 2, 2024

Source: MaterialsZone

Tonello Unveils THE Laser Manifesto At Denim PV Milan

SARCEDO, Italy — December 2, 2024 — Tonello is thrilled to announce its participation in the upcoming Denim PV show in Milan, December 4-5, where we will debut our latest project: THE Laser Manifesto.

This groundbreaking collection celebrates Italy’s artistic and cultural heritage, reinterpreted for the modern age through the lens of cutting-edge laser technology. From iconic statues and sculptures to breathtaking paintings and frescoes, our designs blur the line between tradition and innovation, proving that creativity knows no bounds.

At the core of this project is THE Laser Lab, our revolutionary system designed for stores and labs. This powerhouse of precision enables the creation of intricate details, high-resolution graphics, and captivating textures, transforming garments into wearable works of art.

And that’s not all — THE Laser Lab will be live at the fair, ready to demonstrate its incredible capabilities. Visitors can experience the magic firsthand with on-the-spot customizations, including bandanas, denim patches, and even your favorite clothing items.

Exclusive presentation: THE Laser Manifesto – From Concept to Catwalk

On December 4 at 12:30 p.m., Marco Visentin, Laser designer and a key member of the Tonello R&D Team, will take the stage at the Pitch Area of Denim PV to present THE Laser Manifesto: From Concept to Catwalk: Laser-Driven Fashion Redefined.

Marco will showcase how laser technology is revolutionizing the world of denim, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in garment finishing.

“Today, laser finishing allows us to transform garments into works of art, blurring the line between imagination and reality. From concept to catwalk, we’re redefining how design ideas take shape — adding unprecedented depth, detail, and dimension through the power of technology.”

Experience the future of design

Join us at booth D5 to witness the unveiling of THE Laser Manifesto and explore a world where art, culture, and technology collide. Don’t miss this opportunity to see innovation in action and discover how Tonello is shaping the future of fashion.

Posted: December 2, 2024

Source: Tonello srl

Cotton Incorporated And Melissa Wood Health Invite You To Slow Down This Holiday Season

NEW YORK — November 27, 2024 — Cotton Incorporated is proud to announce a meaningful collaboration with Melissa Wood-Tepperberg, founder of Melissa Wood Health, designed to inspire intentional living and mindfulness this holiday season. Rooted in comfort, sustainability, and self-awareness, this collaboration encourages slowing down and incorporating intentionality into the fabric of everyday life.

Cotton x Melissa Wood-Tepperberg

As the pace of life accelerates, the need to pause and reconnect has never been more essential. Wood-Tepperberg has built her community on the power of mindfulness and simple, intentional choices. Cotton, a timeless symbol of natural comfort and sustainability, amplifies this message by encouraging people to live more thoughtfully and authentically.

“Cotton is more than a fabric — it’s a reflection of intentional living,” said Kim Kitchings, senior vice president of Consumer Marketing at Cotton Incorporated. “This collaboration with Melissa Wood Health highlights how something as simple as choosing natural cotton can bring us closer to a slower, more mindful way of life, while making sustainable choices that feel as good as they are meaningful.”

To celebrate this collaboration, an exclusive, intimate gathering in New York City brought together tastemakers and friends to explore the synergy between mindfulness and comfort. The initiative continued with a live guided meditation session hosted by Melissa on Instagram (@discovercotton) on Monday, November 25. This practice invited participants to step back from the holiday hustle, cultivate presence, and reflect on their intentions for the season.

The campaign further unfolds through inspiring content on social media and Melissa’s podcast, Move With Heart, inviting audiences to explore how cotton plays a vital role in slowing down and reconnecting with themselves and the world around them.

“Living intentionally begins with small, meaningful choices,” Wood-Tepperberg said. “From the energy you create to the fabrics you wear, these decisions shape how you feel and engage with your surroundings. Cotton, as a natural material, represents mindfulness at its core — grounding us in comfort and sustainability while encouraging us to live in alignment with what truly matters.”

By weaving mindfulness into every stitch, Cotton and Melissa Wood Health are inspiring a new way of approaching the holidays — one rooted in simplicity, authenticity, and presence. Together, they invite everyone to rediscover the beauty of slowing down, embracing the comfort of natural fibers, and making choices that connect us to a more intentional way of life.

This holiday season, let cotton remind you to pause, reflect, and savor every moment.

Posted: November 27, 2024

Source: Cotton Incorporated

Wolverine Worldwide’s Work Group Appoints Mike Maloney As Chief Product Officer

ROCKFORD, Mich.  — November 26, 2024 — The Work Group of Wolverine World Wide Inc. has announced the appointment of industry veteran Mike Maloney as its new chief product officer.  Maloney will spearhead product development, merchandise strategy, and market expansion initiatives for all brands within the Work Group, including Wolverine, CAT Footwear, Bates, Harley-Davidson Footwear, Merrell Work and Hytest. He will report directly to Tom Kennedy, president of the Work Group.

Wolverine Worldwide’s Work Group Appoints Mike Maloney as Chief Product Officer

Maloney has more than 19 years of footwear industry experience at prominent companies such as Adidas, Under Armour, Columbia Sportswear, and Designer Brands. A seasoned product expert, he possesses a unique blend of merchandising, product development and design, and marketing expertise enabling him to approach product strategy from multiple angles. Due to his leadership in global categories and deep understanding of licensing, Maloney is prepared to navigate the complexities of the footwear market effectively.

“Mike’s expertise will be instrumental in driving our Work Group vision forward, enabling us to maximize our portfolio approach through his expertise across merchandising, product innovation, and strategy,” said Mr. Kennedy. “Additionally, Mike’s consumer-first approach and experience in casual and athletic brands will advance our ability to grow in adjacent categories, most prominently lifestyle.”

“I’m excited to join the team at Wolverine Worldwide during such a pivotal moment for the organization,” said Mr. Maloney. “The direction we are taking in product innovation and brand strategy aligns seamlessly with my vision of creating footwear that truly enhances the lives of our consumers. I look forward to leveraging my extensive experience to elevate our Work Group Brands and develop cutting-edge solutions for the dedicated individuals who depend on our footwear every day as well as create demand-driving products that allow us to reach new consumers.”

Posted: November 26, 2024

Source: Wolverine

ALLIED Feather + Down’s ExpeDRY Insulation Now Powers Performance And Sustainability For Montane

MONTEBELLO, Calif.  — November 26, 2024 — ALLIED Feather + Down (AF+D) —global suppliers of high performance, ethically sourced and recycled down — will be supplying their high performance ExpeDRY ultra dry down to Montane for their fall 2025 down apparel line.

ExpeDRY represents the evolution of performance down for use in extreme situations, replacing chemical treatments with gold particles permanently bonded to down clusters. ExpeDRY keeps water vapor from condensing into droplets, providing better real-world performance than all other treatments. The ExpeDRY filled products will also dry significantly faster in-home laundry making care easier and utilizing much less energy through the life of the products.

Montane — Photo Alex Buis

Montane will offer ExpeDRY in 100% of their down jackets, being the first to adopt the technology over all down jackets.

“ALLIED introduced the world’s first water resistant down back in 2015, and we’ve learned a lot since then,” said Matthew Betcher, Creative director with ALLIED. “Traditional WR down works great when in direct contact with water, but that is not what’s happening inside down insulation chambers. Water vapor is the biggest issue and ExpeDRY helps keep this vapor from condensing, allowing it to evaporate though the shell more effectively, keeping the down drier for longer, and helping it to dry out faster if it does get wet.

“It is also equally important that even in performance technologies, we continue to strive to reduce our environmental impact,” added Betcher. “So, removing another unnecessary chemical from our supply chain will help significantly with that. It’s only a matter of time before we all realize that the C0 chemicals we are using might not be so great for the planet after all.”

“At Montane, we are really excited to introduce such a new and disruptive technology from our long-term partners Allied Feather & Down,” said Liam Steinbeck, Materials manager with Montane. “ExpeDRY is fully aligned with our philosophy as a brand to be one of the first to market with the latest most innovative technologies, bringing unparalleled performance and comfort in the most demanding environments.”

Poised to render current, chemical-intensive treatments obsolete, ExpeDRY down insulation is cleaner and better performing than all current water-resistant down technologies. Created in partnership with FUZE Technologies and relying on gold particles permanently bonded to down plumes, ExpeDRY is permanent and since it is completely chemical free, there are no PFAS or other concerns. In all real-world simulations, ExpeDRY is far better at keeping insulated jackets dry and warm in any environment, and at a significantly lower impact than the WR treatment alternatives.

For more information on ExpeDRY and ALLIED Feather + Down, please visit us at ISPO in booth A1.112.

Posted: November 26, 2024

Source: ALLIED Feather + Down

Connecting Ideas: TRSA’s 7th Annual Summit Draws Record Attendance And Inspiring Discussions

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — November 26, 2024 — TRSA hosted its 7th Annual Marketing, Sales & Service Summit on November 12 in Atlanta. The event, which had its largest attendance ever with more than 75 participants, was held in conjunction with TRSA’s 13th Annual Healthcare Conference, which took place November 13-14 at the same site, the Westin in Buckhead.

L to R) Jason Risley, senior editor/director of content management at TRSA; Dana Craig, director of project management,  Alsco Uniforms,: Eric Smith, director of sales & marketing, Alliant Systems

The Summit began with a keynote address titled “Unleashing Innovation: The AI Effect” by Tom Edwards, Managing Director of Consulting at Ernst & Young LLP. He highlighted key applications of AI in the linen, uniform, and facility services industry, such as maintenance automation and customer-service enhancements. Edwards emphasized the importance of understanding AI in the future workplace, stating, “AI will not replace a person’s job, but a person who knows how to use AI will.” He also mentioned exciting advancements in AI, including the ability to generate images and videos from text.

The event featured a mix of educational content. Customer service topics included a presentation by Jon Locke, the director of operations at Prudential Overall Supply, titled “The Customer-Client Relationship: Balancing Satisfaction” and a customer panel featuring Kevin Hensley, director of sourcing at Sonic Automotive; and Paula Owens, director of purchasing, distribution and sustainability at Ted’s Montana Grill. Ray Shabandarian, director of service consulting at Performance Matters served as moderator allowing attendees to hear from the customer’s perspectives on how they define a successful relationship with their service providers.

The following presentations rounded out the offerings at the Summit:

  • The Value of SEO, Steve Cooker, vice president of client services, Infinite Laundry/LinenMaster
  • Renewals and Extensions: Strategies & Best Practices, Ray Shabandarian, director of service consulting, Performance Matters
  • Unlocking the Power of AI in Your Role, Eric Smith, director of sales & marketing, Alliant Systems
  • Telling is not Selling: The Power of Questions, Ed Kwasnick, director of business development, ARCO/Murray

Facilitated roundtable discussions continue to be one of the Summit’s most requested sessions. Attendees chose from one of five topics and break into groups to delve deep into conversations. Laura Woodall with Simple, hoped that next year the time should be expanded. “My table had some very good conversations and idea sharing, we could have kept going” she added.

The Summit closed with a panel presentation on podcasts featuring industry podcast professionals Dana Craig, director of project management at Alsco Uniforms; Jason Risley, senior editor/director of content management at TRSA; and Smith, who’d presented earlier on AI issues. Craig hosts the “It Pays to Keep Clean” podcast, Risley runs the “Linen, Uniform & Facility Services Podcast – Interviews & Insights by TRSA” and Smith oversees the “LaundryTalks” podcast. The discussion was moderated by Susie Jackson, senior director of marketing communications at TRSA. Following the panel discussion and questions from the audience, TRSA President & CEO Joseph Ricci sat down with Zach Ostendorf from Clean & Simple Marketing for a live presentation of “The Wash,” where Ostendorf asked Ricci several questions while the duo ate progressively spicier hot wings.

During networking breaks throughout the day, several companies presented their top marketing ideas from the past year in a competition dubbed “The Best of the Best.” At the conclusion of the Summit, attendees voted on the winner of the contest. The winner was Simple, a new division of NOVO, which introduced their brand through a LinkedIn ad campaign featuring the company’s mascot Karl the Fish.

A joint networking reception with Healthcare Conference attendees followed the Summit. Casey Lott, director of marketing at Kannegiesser ETECH, and a seasoned Summit attendee summed up his experience, “I enjoyed all of the speakers and the different perspectives that brought to the topics and conversations. It really is a great opportunity to know how our customers’ customers view the ecosystem of the laundry industry.” First-time attendee Brian Davidson, national sales manager, Alsco Inc., added that the summit was, “extremely beneficial to say current, see other industry partners and hear about new developments such as AI.”

Next year’s Summit will be held on November 18, 2025 in Boston, MA. For more information about TRSA and future events, please visit www.trsa.org.

Posted: November 26, 2024

Source: TRSA

INDA: President Biden Announces Limited Trade Actions on Fine-Denier Polyester Staple Fiber in Section 201 Safeguard Case

WASHINGTON — November 26, 2024 — Last week, the White House announced that President Joe Biden would not implement a tariff rate quota on imports of fine-denier polyester staple fiber (PSF) in response to a section 201 safeguard case filed by U.S.-based fiber producers.

The president announced an import quota only on imports of fine-denier PSF under the temporary importation under bond (TIB) program, which is predominately used in woven textiles and apparel and is not expected to impact nonwovens.

President Biden opted not to implement a tariff rate quote or other measures that were recommended by the U.S. International Trade Commission citing that other industries, including nonwoven manufacturers, would be negatively impacted by such actions, President Biden’s proclamation stated that:

“While the USITC Commissioners recommended that I impose a tariff-rate quota on fine denier PSF imports, I have determined not to do so…[t]herefore, I have decided to tailor this safeguard remedy to TIB entries of fine denier PSF. Furthermore, I have determined not to impose a tariff-rate quota on imports of fine denier PSF in the interest of balancing the competing interests of domestic fine denier PSF manufacturers and the impact of the safeguard remedy on downstream United States producers, including manufacturers of textiles, defense products, and consumer products, that rely on fine denier PSF.”

This decision comes after several U.S.-based nonwovens producers commented to the White House Trade Policy Staff Committee and the USITC that the nonwovens industry would be harmed by actions that would raise the costs of fine-denier PSF. INDA submitted comments outlining the concerns of many nonwovens producers. Government affairs director Wes Fisher testified before the Trade Policy Staff Committee at the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative hearing on September 30th.

Posted: November 26, 2024

Source: INDA, Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry

 

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