SPGPrints Promotes Digital Textile Printing At Colombiatex 2017

BOXMEER, Netherlands — January 17, 2017 — SPGPrints will present the quality, productivity and cost-reducing capabilities of its comprehensive ink-jet printing solutions for textiles at Colombiatex de las Américas 2017, January 24-26 in booth 868, at the Plaza Mayor Medellín Convenciones y Exposiciones, Medellín, Colombia. The company also will highlight its rotary screen technologies including digital imaging systems and nickel screens at the exhibition.

SPGPrints’ digital textile offering covers every step in the workflow. This includes printing systems, inks and a global support network, providing technical support and consultancy.

SPGPrints’ PIKE® single-pass printer and JAVELIN® scanning printer set the standard for digital textile printing, and can be used with a variety of inks and dryer configurations to suit individual businesses. The Pike is a full-production machine that is already economically attractive at three to four million metres per year, with a potential capacity of more than 10 million meters per year. The Javelin, which received its first Latin American showing at Febratex 2016, has a potential productivity of up to two million metres per year, and is designed for companies that might be taking their first step into digital, or that wish to add to an existing digital capability. Besides the standard width of 1.85m, Javelin is also available in a 3.2m printing width to cater for the home furnishing market.

Both printers use SPGPrints’ Archer® technology, a universal inkjet platform designed to evolve with the developing print head technology. This means that an investment in Pike of Javelin will last for years, and can be retrofitted with newer print heads once available. Currently, both Pike and Javelin are equipped with Fujifilm Dimatix Samba print heads to produce sharp lines, precise geometrics, smooth gradations and solid blotches, by firing variable drops (2pL to 10pL) to achieve the perfect image. Print heads are 4mm from the substrate so risk of damage to them is eliminated. Additionally, a wide range of fabrics may be printed.

Understanding the economics of digital printing is an important part of the readiness of a company to move into digital, but those companies that have understood it, are already taking leadership positions.

“A proof of this is that amid the economic and political challenges in Latin America, the digital textile market continues to grow — and at a fast pace” said Jorgen Lindahl, senior areas sales manager (digital textiles) at SPGPrints. “As printers have been increasingly adopting digital technology as they and their customers, especially in the fast-fashion sector, realised the enormous potential for supply-chain cost reductions, and lower risk.”

“With digital, you are not printing garments to sell, but ones that have already been sold,” Lindahl continues. “Printing on-demand also means that companies can carry less stock, warehousing costs are dramatically cut, and there are much faster times-to market. All these things reduce risk – which makes working with a printer with digital capabilities more attractive. While these benefits are ideal for fast-fashion houses, similar benefits are enjoyed at the higher end of the market with easier and more affordable production of shorter runs and limited editions.”

Specially formulated digital inks with superior density and color gamut

SPGPrints develops and manufactures its own inks at its ink plant in Boxmeer, the Netherlands. Offering the widest color gamut, and superior density, the digital inks range continues to expand in response to market demands, and are specially formulated for consistency, runnability, reliability and trouble-free use.

SPGPrints’ Pike and Javelin inks are designed for the unique conditions of these printers. In addition, the company offers a full range of NEBULA® inks, specially formulated for any printing equipment using Kyocera print heads.

The SPGPrints Nebula Sublimation ink set combines bright, sparkling colours with the deepest black available in the market. These inks are idea for printing with polyesters. The sublimation inks add to the Nebula range that includes Nebula Direct Disperse inks, Nebula Reactive HD inks, and the new Nebula Acid HD inks. Nebula Acid HD inks meet all industry standards for color and water-fastness, and the specifications for all major swimwear manufacturers.

Screen solutions for improved performance

SPGPrints continues to develop solutions for screen printers to enable them to streamline their workflows while printing textiles of unparalleled quality.

In the pre-printing stage, SPGPrints’ digital laser technologies for imaging screens have proven to deliver advances in resolution and image sharpness, repeatable results, faster production and reduced operational costs.

Direct laser engraving is a single-step, dry process that eliminates costly consumables such as film, ink or chemicals, and time-consuming processes like exposing and washing. With minimal process steps, the chance of human error is greatly reduced.

For wet-process screen imaging workflows, SPGPrints offers laser exposing systems. These use exclusive multi-beam diode technology, which combines long lifetime, high productivity and resolutions of up to 2540dpi. The entire workflow remains the same as other exposure technologies such as film or ink-masking.

SPGPrints’ electroformed seamless nickel screens are renowned for their strength, durability, stability at high print speeds, and the potential for high mesh-counts.  Manufactured in Brazil, fast deliveries are assured.

SPGPrints NovaScreen® screens offer the optimum in print quality and productivity for printing all kinds of fabrics, ranging from cotton, polyester and viscose, to silk, rayon and heavy materials like car upholstery. The high mesh count with streamlined bridges between specially shaped holes maximizes paste transfer. The most recent addition to the NovaScreen program, Mesh 245, features an exceptionally high mesh count, allowing exceptionally smooth tonal degradations, fine linework and smaller dots, thereby widening the scope for creativity in geometric pattern and shirting design.

“SPGPrints has long supported the Latin American market through SPGPrints Brazil, its sales and support facility in Piracicaba,” Lindahl concluded. “Whether for digital printers, inks or screen solutions, we see this as a key market for us, and look forward to working with companies and brands here to introduce our latest technologies and continue the tradition of quality and innovation that we have found in Latin America.”

Posted January 17, 2017

Source: SPGPrints

Lectra’s Latest Fashion PLM Solution Reaps Highest Score In Industry Expert Evaluation

PARIS — January 17, 2017 — Lectra has received a glittering result in WhichPLM’s recent benchmark evaluation for the newest version of Lectra Fashion PLM which extends the scope from design and product development to production for retailers, manufacturers, and brands.

Providing greater visibility over fabric management and collection development processes, and guiding companies towards making the right decisions before production, Lectra’s extremely capable PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) platform scored at, or above, the industry average in all of the 43 functional areas WhichPLM measured, achieving the highest-scoring solution evaluated by WhichPLM to date.

“With the creation of tools that support the real business of fashion, and the extension of the solution’s footprint, we are extending our recommendation of Lectra to be shortlisted by any fashion and apparel brand, retailer or manufacturer—of any size and geographical spread,” underlined Mark Harrop, CEO and Founder of WhichPLM.

The WhichPLM benchmark evaluation measures against the industry average (a composite score of over 10 modern PLM solutions’ capabilities), the key product lifecycle functions a prospective PLM customer should seek. The study also probes the vendors’ capabilities, industry knowledge, customer insights, services and support facilities. For WhichPLM, Lectra’s technology, which clinched four four-star ratings, ‘is among the best the industry has to offer; its roadmap is clear; and its extended fashion platform reveals a persuasive vision.’

Stellar performance compared to industry average

One of the most significant additions to the Lectra solution, explains WhichPLM, is the Material Forecast module: “This is the first instance WhichPLM has seen of scientific material intelligence being made digestible and useful for non-technical users of PLM.” With the cost of raw materials, a pressing concern for the industry, particularly as an average of 60% to 75% of product cost is materials, Lectra’s module provides real visibility into accurate material consumption at the vital early stages of product development.

Further key functional areas in which Lectra’s updated Fashion PLM ‘sufficiently improved’ compared to the 2015 evaluation, to earn a higher star rating in 2016, include: creative design (CAM), color integration, material development, sample management, supplier management, auditing & compliance, sustainability, quality auditing, collaboration & integration, mobile applications, user interface and dashboards.

WhichPLM’s assertion that ‘Lectra’s integration to Illustrator remains one of the best the market has to offer,’ reflects the extension of PLM’s reach throughout the product lifecycle, and deeper links between Lectra Fashion PLM and third party applications, like Adobe Illustrator, as well as Lectra’s own desktop solutions.

“This benchmark study, carried out by reputable PLM experts, WhichPLM, clearly demonstrates the real value of the Lectra Fashion PLM. Our solution brings more people into PLM, and places our customers firmly at the center of our approach to make both core, and extended functionality, as broadly useful and intuitive as possible,” explained Céline Choussy Bedouet, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, Lectra.

Posted January 17, 2017

Source: Lectra

U.S. Military Selects Winners Of National Challenge To Redesign Chembio Warfighter Suits

WASHINGTON — January 13, 2017 — The Joint Program Executive Office for Chemical and Biological Defense has awarded 12 prizes to winners of the Proof Challenge — a chembio suit design challenge that called on the public to submit designs and ideas for a new suit.  Finalists came from a variety of fields that ranged from students to engineers. A total of $250,000 was awarded to 12 participants/teams.

“We were excited to use the Proof Challenge to reach out to the general public, beyond our military resources and experts, to source ideas and solutions for innovation,” said LeRoy Garey, the Proof Challenge product manager. “The thinking, attention to detail and fresh ideas were astounding, exceeding what we expected. This type of public collaboration is something we look forward to tapping into in the future — joining forces with the Americans we serve to help protect this country and our Warfighters.”

Proof Challenge winners include:

Challenge Finalists

Idea Name: Increase Dexterity & Tactility ChemBio Suit

Team Members: Shana Kaplan, Madeline Haas, Itohan Asemota, Nicole Raab, Angela Villanueva, and Jess Roberts

Idea Name: JSLIST Rapid Cooling System (RCS) & Integrated Cooling Ensemble

Team Members: Steven Link, Barret Schlegelmilch, Jonathan Lovett, Eric Hinterman, and Phillip Ebben

Idea Name:  SPIDER© Suit Grey Matter

Team Members: Thomas Luginbill, Brandy Johnson, Aaron Brauner, Steve Winters, and Steve Luginbill

Challenge Semifinalists/Runners-Up

Idea Name: ChemBio Duck Combat Duck Boot

Team Members: Michele Putko, Robert Putko, Catherine Putko, and Marie Putko

Idea Name: A More Fitted Hood

Team Members: William Gabler, Cassandra Kwon, Minyoung Suh, Marc Mathews, Hilary Smith, Caitlin McCall, and Raquel Weis

Idea Name: Hybrid Glove Concept

Team Members: Steve Santaniello

Semifinalists/Second Runners-Up

Idea Name: Improved Glove Fit

Team Member: Roland Bruyns

Idea Name: Custom Articulated Garments for Optimal Dexterity

Team Members: Leanne Luce, Ryan Brady, Kevin Galloway, Neil Tagner, and Matthew Borgatti

Idea Name: AgileWear

Team Members: Brian Kane, Gen Leonard, Karma Malhas, and Catherine Andreozzi

Idea Name: Closure Control

Team Members: Devon Willard, Chelsey Pyne, and Keren Espina

Challenge Side Prize Winners

Game Changer: Pulse Electric Textile for ChemBio Protection

Team Members: Francisco J. Martinez, Howard Eglewstein, and Bettina Pasquantonio

Influencer: Grey Matter

Team Members: Thomas Luginbill

Winners will be showcased on the Proof Challenge Facebook page and will work with JPEO-CBD on the next steps of bringing their suit ideas to reality.

Posted January 16, 2017

Source: Sensis

Texprocess Innovation Award 2017: Messe Frankfurt To Honor Innovations In The Apparel And Textile Industry

FRANKFURT, Germany — January 16, 2017 — Messe Frankfurt will award the Texprocess Innovation Award for outstanding new developments and advances for the fourth time on the occasion of Texprocess, Leading International Trade Fair for Processing Textile and Flexible Materials May 9-12, 2017. Entries are now possible and will be accepted at www.texprocess-award.com until the deadline — February 20, 2017.

The competition is open to exhibitors of Texprocess 2017, as well as all non-participating companies, institutes, universities, universities of applied sciences and individuals. Conditions: the developments submitted should not have been available on the market for more than two years or be on the threshold of being launched. Additionally, they may not have been selected for any other award.

The winners of the Texprocess Innovation Award 2015 will be chosen by an independent, international jury, which will judge the entries on the basis of the following criteria:

  • Level of innovation;
  • Quality of design;
  • Choice of materials;
  • Technical quality;
  • Economic quality (cost minimisation, time and process optimisation, quality improvement);
  • Ecological quality (climate protection, energy efficiency, sustainability);
  • Overall concept.

The winners will be presented with their award during the Texprocess opening ceremony in ‘Saal Europa’ (Hall 4.0) on 9 May 2017. At the same time, all award-winning products will be on show at a special exhibition in Hall 4.0.

Concurrently, the 14th Techtextil Innovation Award will be presented at Techtextil, International Trade Fair for Technical Textiles and Nonwovens.

Further information can be found on the internet at: http://m-es.se/Pq79

Posted January 16, 2017

Source: Messe Frankfurt

SHIMA SEIKI To Exhibit At Pitti Filati 80

WAKAYAMA, Japan — January 16, 2017 — Italy-based SHIMA SEIKI ITALIA S.p.A., a subsidiary of Japan-based computerized knitting machine manufacturer Shima Seiki Mfg. Ltd., will exhibit at the 80th edition of the Pitti Immagine Filati exhibition in Florence, Italy.

The company will participate in the Fashion At Work section of the exhibition aimed at appealing to the technical and creative interests of visitors by providing hardware and software solutions for design, manufacturing and processing of knitted goods.

On display will be Shima Seiki’s flagship WHOLEGARMENT® knitting machine, MACH2XS. Featuring such innovations as the original SlideNeedle™ on four needle beds as well as the company’s patented spring-loaded moveable sinker system, MACH2XS can knit beautiful, high-quality 3-D Items with dimensional structures and details that are uniquely WHOLEGARMENT®, all with very high efficiency while minimizing dependence upon labor-intensive sewing and linking.

These qualities of WHOLEGARMENT® knit production are maximized in combination with the SDS-ONE APEX3 3D design system, the latest version of which will be exhibited at Pitti Filati. At the core of the company’s “Total Fashion System” concept, APEX3 provides comprehensive support throughout the apparel supply chain, integrating production into one smooth and efficient workflow from yarn development, product planning and design to production and even sales promotion. Especially effective is APEX3’s capability to improve on the design and evaluation process with Virtual Sampling. Ultra-realistic simulation capability on APEX3 allows Virtual Sampling to minimize the time- and cost-impact that the sample-making process has on current manufacturing. With this new manufacturing model, the production cycle can be shortened to such an extent that on-demand production can revolutionize the supply chain by freeing itself from seasonal cycles.

To further enhance the planning and design capability of APEX3, Shima Seiki’s new web-based fashion service “staf®” (shima trend archive and forecast) will also be demonstrated. staf® provides a massive collection of fashion related content including an archive of fashion and color trends covering the past 50 years. This information can be neatly organized on a virtual concept board that can be shared across various devices, improving on planning efficiency significantly.

Examples of knitwear produced on SHIMA SEIKI’s latest line of computerized knitting machines will be on display as well, including WHOLEGARMENT® knitwear as well as new proposals in knit-weave hybrid textiles produced on the SRY series machine.

Posted January 16, 2017

Source: Shima Seiki

Suominen Introduces AIRLACE™ For Workplace

HELSINKI, Finland — January 16, 2017 — Suominen has announced the launch of AIRLACE™ for Workplace, a new nonwoven substrate for professional wiping that performs in the most demanding work environments and offers the best cost-in-use, according to the company. The product was made possible by Suominen’s recent investments in production technology and research and development capabilities.

Airlace for Workplace can be used in wet and dry applications. It delivers a combination of strength, absorbency and low linting with its optimum blend of cellulose and synthetic fibers. The integration of pulp makes it ideal for cleaning oil spills and grease.

Demand for better performing workplace wipes is driven by business’ need to create a safe and healthy environment for customers and employees, and also to improve overall efficiency, both of which help business owners to make their operations more profitable. Airlace for Workplace was specifically designed to answer to these needs with its strength, durability and absorption capabilities. For wipes converters, Airlace for Workplace offers easy and reliable convertibility, and its consistent quality and reduced lead times are ensured by Suominen’s recently improved global manufacturing platform.

“We have been able to make Airlace for Workplace unbeatable in absorbency,” said Eileen Calder, product manager for Workplace segment at Suominen. “When combined with exceptional dry and wet strength, both superior to those of current market leading products, we are confident to say that Airlace for Workplace offers the best performance and value in the market.”

Airlace for Workplace is part of Suominen@work nonwovens product offering. It is available globally in medium (60 and 65 gsm) and heavy (80 gsm) weights and also in color.

Posted January 16, 2017

Source: Suominen

Rockline Industries Releases Sustainability Report

SHEBOYGAN, Wis. — January 12, 2017 — Rockline Industries today released its eighth annual Sustainability Report, which outlines the company’s 2016 performance relative to its newest set of environmental sustainability goals to achieve by 2020.

In 2008, Rockline announced its intentions to create a sustainability program and set high goals, which were achieved by 2015 in the areas of waste and landfill, energy and carbon, water and transportation.  2016 was the first year that Rockline worked to achieve new goals established for the company to be met by the year 2020 in energy, greenhouse gas, water, solid waste, landfill and emissions from outbound transportation.

Key accomplishments in fiscal year 2016 included reducing energy emissions by 1 percent, reducing solid waste associated with wet wipe manufacturing by 5 percent, and reducing environmental impact from trucking transportation by 1 percent.

“We have set ambitious new goals and continue to challenge ourselves to find new ways to improve on all of our environmental metrics, especially in the areas of wastewater and landfill diversion,” said Randy Rudolph president of Rockline Industries. “We will be challenged to meet these goals due to our unprecedented growth but remain more committed than ever to continue our work in making Rockline a leader in the industry in sustainability practices.”

Posted January 13, 2017

Source: Rockline Industries

Frank Liao Appointed President Of Asia-Pacific Region For Velcro Companies

BOSTON, Mass. — January 12, 2017 — Velcro Companies today announced that Frank Liao has joined the company as president of the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region. Liao will be based in the company’s Shanghai office and will lead the development and execution of its growth strategy for the region.

Fraser Cameron, president and CEO of Velcro Companies, said: “We are very pleased to welcome Frank to our organization. He is a highly experienced executive with deep knowledge of the APAC region, which is an important part of our business today and holds great promise for growth in the future. Importantly, he has experience building profitable businesses through both organic growth and acquisitions.”

For the past three years Liao has been the China General Manager for Essentra, a manufacturer and distributor of vital component parts for a wide range of industries. Prior to that position, he held senior management positions with Celanese, GE and 3M. He holds degrees in Mechanical Engineering and International Business from Nanjin University and received an MBA degree from the University of Southern California.

Liao succeeds Andrew Ellis, who is returning to the U.S. for a new leadership role after a successful assignment in the region.

Posted January 13, 2016

Source: Velcro Companies

Fabletics Relaunches “The Core”

LOS ANGELES — January 11, 2017 — Fabletics, the activewear brand launched by Kate Hudson in 2013, is excited to announce the relaunch of its brand blog, The Core. Created as an extension of the Fabletics lifestyle, The Core is designed to inspire women to live healthy, balanced lives by highlighting everything from important health topics and simply delicious recipes, to a range of highly effective fitness moves, easy styling tips, and more. Now with expanded content, an enhanced user experience and a more streamlined aesthetic, the more than one million Fabletics members are given access to custom content that is created to help drive and shape their own goals in living a healthy, active life.
The Core’s unique and informative content is publicly available, but a special VIP Member Only section, titled “VIP Perks” is coming soon as a part of the brand’s recently elevated member benefits program.  Members will have access to exclusive content from Kate Hudson and can’t-miss interviews from wellness experts on a holistic approach to mind, body and spirit. In addition, members will gain access to exciting discounts from Fabletics partners, offering services such as in-home massages, products from sought after complimentary brands, and more. Also featuring the most enticing travel articles on The Core, VIP members’ wanderlust will be satiated by great deals on incredible getaways and wellness retreats.

Known for merging fitness with fashion, Fabletics is an innovative, high quality activewear brand that is designed with modern women’s busy lives in mind, offering high performance collections that fit seamlessly into every moment of her day. While the general public is always welcome to shop and experience Fabletics, the brand is known for being at the forefront of today’s popular membership models, as one of the first companies to offer flexible membership that comes with amazing perks, including up to 50% off retail prices always, free shipping, returns & exchanges, VIP-exclusive collections and promotions, rewards points for free product and exciting community perks. Members are invited to shop from hundreds of new styles each month or skip the month free of charge as often as they’d like, while enjoying all of their various benefits.

Posted January 11, 2017

Source: Fabletics

AmeriPride Services Promotes Two New Senior Executives

MINNEAPOLIS  — January 11, 2017 — AmeriPride Services, a leading textile rental services and supply company in North America, today announced two senior executive appointments.

Dave Rotman has been promoted to Vice President of Marketing and Supply Chain. Rotman joined the AmeriPride in 2007 and has served the company in various leadership roles. In addition to his former responsibilities as Vice President of Supply Chain, he will now oversee the marketing function for the organization, as well.

“Dave’s leadership in product marketing, project management and systems alignment has led to significant improvements across the organization, advancing our standardization efforts and improving our capabilities in reporting and technology,” said Bill Evans, President and CEO of AmeriPride. “I am confident that Dave’s company experience, industry knowledge and organizational leadership will ensure success in his new role.”

Rotman previously held leadership roles at Teleplan Wireless, Gelco Information Network, Wam!Net and 3M. He has a BA degree from the University of Minnesota.

In addition, Leo Smith has been promoted to Vice President of Customer Operations. Smith has been with the company since 2009, most recently as Senior Director of Customer Operations. In his new position, he will be responsible for ongoing efforts to increase customer satisfaction and retention, improve efficiencies and automation, and promote customer development and growth.

“During his tenure with the company, Leo has affected significant change and has overseen the development of many impactful service programs and digital tools,” said Evans. “I know he will continue to help us provide better service through technology and improve our systems to better serve our customers.”

Prior to AmeriPride, Smith served as Senior Vice President of Commercial Operations at Gelco Information Network and also held senior leadership roles at Teleplan Wireless and Dataserv. He studied at Dunwoody Institute and is a graduate of the Minnesota Management Institute at the Carlson School of Management in Minneapolis.

Posted January 11, 2017

Source: AmeriPride Services

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