TRSA DC Leadership & Legislative Conference To Forecast Trump Era Impacts

ALEXANDRIA, Va., January 11, 2017—Attending TRSA’s March 20-21 Leadership & Legislative Conference in Washington will bring you up to speed on the latest developments in the Trump administration affecting the textile services industry as explained by highly sought-after presenters on national affairs and labor policy.

Fulfilling its charge as the industry’s only venue for professional development, industry leadership and political influence, the conference features keynoters Stephen Hayes of FOX News and Michael Lotito of Littler’s Workplace Policy Institute. Their Monday, March 20 presentations will serve as a curtain-raiser to conference participants’ visits to Capitol Hill on Tuesday morning, March 21, and the TRSA committee meetings that afternoon.

Hayes appears regularly on FOX’s “Special Report with Bret Baier” and “FOX News Sunday.” He was previously part of CNN’s political team. A senior writer for the Weekly Standard, he has two best-sellers to his credit: a profile of Vice President Dick Cheney and an analysis of al Qaeda’s axis with Saddam Hussein. He previously worked as a senior writer at the National Journal and as director of the Institute on Political Journalism at Georgetown University.

Lotito will offer ideas for new strategies that launderers can implement regarding labor and employment issues as he shares his experience from serving as lead counsel for some of the country’s largest corporations, helping them develop and implement business, legal and preventive strategic solutions. He’ll discuss federal policies and rulemaking by OSHA, EEOC and other government agencies. His media credits include The Wall Street Journal, The Hill, Politico, Bloomberg and FOX Business.

The conference is a volunteer leadership experience with industry colleagues working together to strengthen all participating companies. Emerging social and political trends driving the economy are discussed, a particularly timely endeavor this year as the Trump administration creates new federal policy. And, as always, the TRSA committee meetings that complete the conference agenda prompt development of new resources for improving everyday practices and building competitiveness.

Hill Day visits will provide an insider’s view of how the federal government is changing under the Trump administration. These meetings between launderers and members of Congress and their staffs will help TRSA build relationships with new White House appointees who control the regulatory process. These encounters support the industry, but also are appreciated by the participating representatives and senators who see these as critical to understanding their constituents’ primary concerns.

Participation in TRSA committees (TRSA members only) maximizes membership value by prompting TRSA to act on the operational and management issues that benefit you most. Your personal expertise enhances TRSA’s:

  • Professional Development Programs
  • Research Projects
  • Certification Standards
  • Publications, Videos and Webinars
  • Industry Customer Outreach

Multiple executives and managers from the same-member textile services operator (launderer) company may join different committees. These committees are scheduled to meet at the conference:

  • Associate Executive
  • Education
  • Environmental & Sustainability
  • Food & Beverage
  • Government Affairs
  • Healthcare
  • Hospitality
  • Human Resources
  • Industrial/Uniform
  • Marketing/PR
  • Safety
  • Women in Textile Services

The event begins at 3 p.m. Monday with the keynotes, followed by an issue briefing and team building reception for Hill Day participants. Every conference participant can be part of TRSA’s small-group visits on Tuesday morning to legislators’ offices. On Monday evening, groups will meet to enjoy light snacks, wine and beer while formulating strategy to convey the industry’s positions to policy makers the next morning. Female participants are invited to join the Women in Textile Services Committee for an ice-breaker after the briefing/team building. On Tuesday, following Hill Day in the morning and committee meetings in the afternoon, the event concludes with a 5-to-6:30 p.m. closing reception.

Posted January 11, 2017

Source: TRSA

Teijin Completes Acquisition Of Continental Structural Plastics

TOKYO — January 5, 2017 — Teijin Ltd. announced today that it has completed the acquisition of all the shares of Continental Structural Plastics Holdings Corp. (CSP), a producer of automotive lightweight composite technologies. This $825 million acquisition was completed on January 3, EST.

As a wholly-owned subsidiary of Teijin, CSP will remain an autonomous operation, with CSP’s management team maintaining the agility and decision making ability necessary to operate effectively in the automotive industry. Frank Macher remains as chairman and CEO, and Eric Haiss, former vice president of Teijin Advanced Composites America will be appointed as executive vice president. The CSP brand, which is well recognized in the North American marketplace for award-winning materials and products, will be maintained as the company further strengthens its global capabilities.

Through this acquisition, the Teijin Group will realize significant materials synergies, with CSP, enabling the combined companies to utilize high-performance composites technologies including glass fiber reinforced thermosets and thermoplastics, carbon fiber, aramid fibers and multi-material hybrid composite solutions. These materials will be used to manufacture a range of lightweight components including Class A body panels, pickup boxes, battery carriers and a number of structural applications that will help the global automotive industry meet design and regulatory challenges. The Teijin Group will enhance its global development capabilities as a solution provider, allowing the combined business to better address the requirements of global automakers. The automotive composite products business of the Teijin Group is targeting annual sales of $2.0 billion by 2030.

“The integration of CSP into the Teijin Group creates comprehensive opportunities for significant materials and development synergies,” says Jun Suzuki, president and CEO of Teijin Ltd. “The Teijin Group is now focused on establishing a platform for business development in automotive composite products, aiming to provide a wider range of solutions for automakers. We will accelerate the integration with CSP and shift towards becoming an enterprise that creates the value society needs.”

“Through this acquisition, CSP will be backed by the global resources we need to help us to meet the growing needs of our customers,” said Frank Macher, chairman and CEO of CSP. “Teijin is committed to supporting our focus on innovation, and we look forward to combining our materials expertise to develop the next generation of lightweight materials for the global automotive industry.”

Posted January 10, 2017

Source: Teijin

Cone Denim and CORDURA® Brand Offer a Modern Twist on Classic Selvage Denim in 50th Anniversary Collaboration

WICHITA, Kan. — January 10, 2017 — INVISTA’s CORDURA® brand and Cone Denim, a global leader in denim authenticity and innovation, are collaborating on a first of its kind, vintage-inspired selvage denim for the 50th anniversary of the Cordura brand. The new Cordura Selvage Denim is produced in Cone Denim’s legendary White Oak facility, drawing inspiration from its over 110 year history in textile production combined with 50 durable years of Cordura brand heritage.

White Oak is the oldest operating denim mill in the United States, and the only mill producing narrow selvage denim on fly shuttle looms that date back to the 1940s. The collaboration celebrates the Cordura brand 50th anniversary theme of “heritage meets innovation,” as it reimagines the past to reinvent the future.

“As we celebrate a 50-year milestone, we’re also constantly looking forward to what the future will bring in terms of durable innovation,” said Cindy McNaull, global Cordura brand and marketing director. “Both the Cordura brand and Cone Denim have a rich history involving textile production and denim fabrics, and combining our extensive experience to create the first-ever selvage denim incorporating Cordura Denim technology is a great way to honor our mutual heritage and usher in new performance denims of the future.”

Produced on American Draper X3 Shuttle looms, this signature made-in-the-USA fabric is created through a collaborative development process between Cone Denim’s ‘Cone® 3D’ (Denim, Design, and Development) R&D team and the Cordura brand. By focusing these key elements within a scientific, yet creative environment, Cone Denim and the Cordura brand were able to take joint product innovation to the next level with both this intial signature launch and future developments in the pipeline.

“Innovation is in our DNA, but heritage is also a key inspiration in our fabrics – so working with a brand like Cordura that shares the same values is a great fit for us,” said Kara Nicholas, vice president of product design + marketing at Cone Denim. “Incorporating high performance Cordura fiber in such an iconic classic design was key in bringing a new generation of selvage denim to life.”

Debuting at the Winter Outdoor Retailer Show, January 10-12, 2017, Cordura Selvage Denim is the first of many projects to come from this legacy-in-the-making  collaboration with Cone’s global network of mills in the US, China, and Mexico. For a sneak peek and to learn more, visit Cordura brand booth #39213 or Cone Denim booth #151.

Posted January 10, 2017

Source: Invista

Texworld USA, Apparel Sourcing USA Return Winter 2017 With Expanded Educational Program

ATLANTA — January 9, 2017 — With the Winter 2017 edition of Texworld USA and Apparel Sourcing USA just around the corner, Messe Frankfurt and Lenzing Innovation are pleased to announce the seminar speaker line up for the Texworld USA Seminar Series. Focusing on discussions around 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 Texworld USA January 2017 Seminar Series promises to be as exciting as ever.

“With the current economic climate and feeling of uncertainty in the fashion industry and around the supply chain, it’s more important than ever to provide our attendees with a place to gather, discuss and address the issues that are of utmost importance,“ said Dennis Smith, President and CEO, Messe Frankfurt North America. “The Lenzing Innovation team, led by Tricia Carey, has once again curated a seminar series that will feature top-notch expert panels and that will address many of these topics and trends.“

Texworld USA January 2017 Seminar Series highlights include:

Muse: Colors to Inspire

Tod Shulman – Creative Director, Pantone Color Institute

In our post-trend world, there are no hard and fast color rules. With a desire to inspire and embolden, color palettes for spring/summer 2018 display a new level of energy as they encourage adventure and exploration of the new. While commerciality is still critical, taking a more unique approach to color that can be tailored to your clients is what will help you stand out from the mainstream.

Instant Fashion: How Has And Will The Move To In-Season, Buy-Now, Wear-Now Fashion Shows Impact The Textile And Sourcing Supply Chain?

Kai Chow – Director, The Doneger Group
Marci Zaroff – Founder/ CEO, Metawear
David Sasso – VP Sales, Buhler Quality Yarns, Corp.
Tara St. James – Production Coordinator + Research Fellow, Pratt Institute / Brooklyn Fashion + Design Accelerator
Moderator: Arthur Friedman – Senior Editor, WWD

As many fashion designers move to show their collections in season, and consumer desire for comfort and practicality in their wardrobes grows, fabrics that are versatile and have special qualities are becoming more important.

Printing: Where Is The Industry Going?

Ray Weiss – Digital Imaging Specialist, Specialty Graphic Imaging Association (SGIA)

Digital textile printing is fast growing and ever-changing. Join me as I talk about recent advances in technology and the opportunities they represent. Terms like “fast fashion” and “QRM” (quick response manufacturing) will be discussed along with an overview of trends in the marketplace.

Disruption. Transformation. Growth.

Judith A. Russell – Global Marketing Strategist, Nilit America

The apparel industry is undergoing the most rapid transformation since the advent of ready-to-wear. Smart-phone toting consumers, empowered by new shopping, information and price-checking apps, have become more knowledgeable and demanding than ever. Many are eschewing shopping for more experiential activities, choosing instead to rent, share and swap clothes.
Join this panel of industry experts for a lively discussion to learn more about the major consumer shifts causing today’s transformation and what suppliers and brands can do to find growth opportunities in the “new normal”.

Creating a Preferred Fiber and Materials Strategy

Jeff Wilson – Director Business Value Strategy & Development, Textile Exchange Daren Abney – Membership Engagement Manager, Better Cotton Initiative Robert Bergman – Founder, Responsibility in Fashion
Andreas Dorner – Commercial Director Europe and America, Lenzing AG
Moderator: Eddie Hertzman – Founder, Sourcing Journal

What you need to know about sustainability in textile with an exchange of views and visions for business transformation using sustainable fiber alternatives.
As always, all Texworld USA Seminar Series sessions are complimentary for all registered Texworld USA and Apparel Sourcing USA and showgoers. Seating is available on a first-come-first-serve basis.

The January 2017 edition will also bring the debut the brand new Texworld USA Floor Sessions. New to the show floor, this brand new discussion series has been 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. Three distinct series of discussions led by industry leaders will tackle topics such as sustainability, growing an independent fashion brand, and future outlooks on the global textile industry.

“We wanted to expand our educational offering by creating a more dynamic setting for our attendees and buyers to gather, discuss and learn.” said Jennifer Bacon, Show Director. “Lenzing Innovation has brought the same expertise in curating the Textile Talks as with the seminar series, so attendees can expect some thought provoking conversations from these sessions. We’re also very excited to also partner with StartUp FASHION on a series of discussions completely dedicated to topics relevant to independent designers and startups. Now more than ever, it is so important to us that we help support these young brands and give them the tools necessary to continue to grow their businesses.“

The addition of 6 new Texworld USA Floor Sessions as part of the shows’ educational program will bring the total count of complimentary educational opportunities for attendees to 17.

Texworld USA January 2017 Floor Session Series Include:

Textile Talks

Organized by Lenzing Innovation

Join Lenzing Innovation, Textile Insight, Better Cotton Initiative and WtiN on the show floor for a series of intimate Textile Talks aimed at tackling timely topics of activewear’s influence in the apparel market, sustainability in textiles, and the latest global view on the future of the textile industry.

StartUp FASHION Independent Designer Discussions

Organized by StartUp FASHION

Hosted by StartUp FASHION founder, Nicole Giordano, the StartUp FASHION Independent Designer Discussions have been designed specifically for independent designers and startup brands looking for more insight into growing their young fashion brands through branding, PR and consumer research.

Performance Pitches

Organized by Texworld USA

Join a select group of Texworld USA and Apparel Sourcing USA exhibitors for a series of 5 minute quick-pitches on the show floor. Find out more about their newest or most innovative products and manufacturing services for all high performance apparel and activewear applications.

The new Texworld USA Floor Sessions are open to all registered Texworld USA and Apparel Sourcing USA attendees. Seating is available on a first-come-first-serve basis.

Posted January 10, 2017

Source: Messe Frankfurt Inc.

SENFA Decoprint Simplifies Textile Printing

ALSACE, France — January 10, 2017 — SENFA, the France-based Technical Textiles division of the Chargeurs Group, is helping graphics businesses diversify into textiles without having to immediately invest in new equipment. With its range of Decoprint textile solutions for sign and display applications, SENFA enables print businesses to use their existing UV, latex, and even solvent, printers to create textile graphics.

The textile revolution has begun, but the up-front investment in textile-specific hardware is not always an option for those print businesses that have already recently invested in ultraviolet (UV) or latex technology. The good news is that SENFA enables those companies to try out the market without such initial investment.

“We have recently come across plenty of printing companies who are interested in the textiles arena, but feel that they don’t have the knowledge or experience to enter this market,” explains Blaise Humphries, the SENFA-Decoprint business unit manager. “We explain to them that it’s a lot easier than they think.

“Initially, they don’t need to invest in new dedicated textile printing machines. They can print onto practically the whole Decoprint range with their existing UV, latex or even solvent printers. Whilst it’s true that there is a learning curve involved — in as much as finishing involves sewing rather than welding and laminating — the initial investment is minimal and with the development of Silicon Edge Graphics (SEG), sewing and stitching has become much more accessible.”

Many of the businesses that SENFA supplies enter the textiles market with their existing hardware and then invest in dedicated sublimation machines as experience and confidence grows.

“It is no accident that textiles will be the next big thing,” continues Humphries. “Textiles are PVC-free and are therefore much less damaging for the environment than vinyls or banners. They are much lighter, so cheaper to transport, and easier to install. Perhaps, most importantly, they simply look better than prints on plastic!”

Posted January 10, 2017

Source: SENFA

Polartec Announces the Launch of MtnLogic

LAWRENCE, Mass. — January 10, 2017 — Polartec announces the launch of MtnLogic, a top-of-the-mountain apparel brand built in collaboration with world class alpine climbers and guides. After years of working with outside brands, Peter Whittaker and the guides at RMI Expeditions recognized that, despite the vast selection of quality gear available, they still found themselves searching for the perfect alpine workwear. So they decided to work with Polartec to make their own.

Traditionally, the development of technical gear is driven by merchant demand, price, trends, and subject to superficial testing. MtnLogic starts with an actual need. An intimate understanding of how gear needs to function in the field drives the design process.

As a textile solutions provider and development partner, Polartec worked with Whittaker and the guides at RMI Expeditions to develop a full range of apparel solutions. The result of the unique and rigorous guide-driven process is a pure expression of alpine workwear: the very best tools built to the specifications of mountain professionals.

“The partnership with Polartec is a natural one,” said Peter Whittaker, MtnLogic founder. “To build the best workwear, we needed the best materials. The innovation and engineering from Polartec aligns with our solutions-based approach.”

“What sets this process apart is the combination of best-in-class fabrics from Polartec and a design process where need dictates product,” said Gary Smith, Polartec CEO. “MtnLogic was developed by guides to first solve their apparel problems, with commercial considerations secondary. It shows how a product-first approach with Polartec can enable the most authentic product creation.”

“Typically, the process starts with a merchant-driven approach,” added Whittaker. “Our process begins with ‘What do we need? How do we solve the problems that we encounter up high?’ We weren’t worried about spreadsheets or trends. We set out to build the best gear possible for our needs. For mountain guides. For climbers. The result is a pure expression of alpine workwear: the very best tools built to the specification of mountain professionals.”

The MtnLogic collection containing 19 styles developed by more than 60 RMI guides during a 12-month development timeline testing over 7,000 pieces of apparel through over 1.2 million vertical feet of climbing will be unveiled at the Polartec booth (#32093) at the 2017 Outdoor Retailer Winter Show. The MtnLogic collection will become available to consumers April 15, 2017, on MtnLogic.com as well as at Whittaker Mountaineering at the base of Mt. Rainier.

Posted January 10, 2017

Source: Polartec

American Roller Co. Launches New Website

UNION GROVE, Wis. — January 10, 2017 — American Roller Company is pleased to announce the launch of a newly designed, mobile friendly, website at www.americanroller.com. The site improves ease of navigation and provides richer content on American Roller capabilities. Through our expanded products, services, and solution searches, we are sharing the many ways we help increase our customers’ productivity. Included with this release is a new user-friendly request for quote process and video libraries that provide insight on our capabilities.

The site also integrates the company brands of Plasma Coatings and CREW, demonstrating the industry leading depth of capabilities associated with roller core fabrication, coverings, and coatings.

“American Roller is the premium, full-service roller company in the world, and this website demonstrates that breadth of capability,” said Dan Cahalane, President. “With core fabrication and a full line of rubber, urethane, and hard-facing coatings in-house, we are the only roller solution company positioned to offer our customer’s the best consultative solutions to improve productivity.”

Posted January 10, 2017

Source: American Roller Co.

Südwolle Group Positions Itself For Future Growth With New Appointments

SCHWAIG, Germany — January 10, 2017 — Südwolle GmbH & Co. KG, an important pillar of the European activities of Südwolle Group — a producer of worsted yarn in pure wool and wool blends — is strengthening its management. Effective from January 1, 2017, Robert Seibold has been appointed managing director Finance while Stéphane Thouvay has been named managing director Product Management & Innovation. Along with Seibold and Thouvay the Management Board of Südwolle GmbH & Co. KG will continue to include Manfred Heinrich (Technology & Production) and Hans-Georg von Schuh (Distribution/Sales).

Seibold, a graduate in business management and a recognized financial expert, has been working for Südwolle Group in various positions in the finance department since 1998. Initially he was Assistant to the Head of Finance and Accounting. In 2003, he was promoted and became department head within Südwolle Group as director finance before he was handed the power of procuration in 2012. From 2013, Seibold has been acting as director Finance & Business Organization with responsibility for of processes and the ERP system.

Thouvay, a native Frenchman, has extensive experience in the textile industry in which he has been working since 1997. Before joining Südwolle Group in May 2009 as director with responsibility for the segment weaving yarns, he was acting in various leadership positions at DyStar GmbH, a globally active supplier for the textile and leather industries. Most recently he acted as Global Business Unit Manager Textile Services in Frankfurt. He is a graduate of French university Ecole Nationale Supérieure des Arts et Industries Textiles and holds a degree in Business Management of the private university Damelin in Cape Town, South Africa.

Extension of Südwolle Group’s Management via promotion of long-standing managers
The appointment of long-standing managers to the management board of Südwolle GmbH & Co. KG is in line with the company’s successful evolution from a supplier to a strategic partner of its customers and the course of expansion over the past years. In his new position as Head of Finance at Südwolle GmbH & Co. KG, Seibold will report to Jacques van den Burg, CFO of the parent company ERWO Holding AG. Last year already, Jacques van den Burg had replaced Hans Münch as CFO of ERWO, who had retired as scheduled at the end of 2016. Thouvay will report as managing director of the newly created management segment Product Management & Innovation to ERWO board member Hans-Georg von Schuh.

In order to ensure that its key shareholdings, Südwolle Group and Hoftex Group AG, will continue to realize existing growth opportunities in the global textiles market, the strategic and operating management responsibilities within ERWO Holding AG have been redistributed amongst the existing board members. In this context, Klaus Steger will leave the management board of Südwolle GmbH & Co. KG to focus on the strategic leadership of ERWO Holding AG and its two main activities, Südwolle Group and Hoftex Group AG. In addition, Klaus Steger will continue to serve as executive board member of Hoftex Group AG and retain his responsibilities for overall HR, organization and procurement at Südwolle Group.

The shares in ERWO Holding AG will continue to be fully owned by the Steger family, which will retain its operating involvement in the group of companies, with Tom Steger continuing to act as Chairman of the Supervisory Board and Klaus Steger as Chief Executive of ERWO Holding AG and Hoftex Group AG.

Klaus Steger, Chief Executive of ERWO Holding AG, said: “By strengthening our management with the appointment of Robert Seibold and Stéphane Thouvay to the management board of Südwolle GmbH & Co. KG, we are consistently continuing our successful course of expansion of the past years. In this context and following our recent 50th anniversary, we put emphasis on continuity by placing our trust in long-standing and experienced managers, who have extensively proven their professional and leadership competencies. In addition, the family endorses its entrepreneurial commitment by focusing on strategic impulses and their consistent implemention going forward. Our declared goal is to remain a valued strategic partner for our customers, by distinguishing ourselves through innovation power, reliability, and highest product quality.”

Posted January 10, 2017

Source: Südwolle Group

India-Based Denim Producer Takes Nation’s First Monforts Eco Line

MONCHENGLADBACH, Germany — January 10, 2017 — India-based denim producer Arvind has installed the nation’s first Monforts Eco Line for faster production, major savings in energy, and greater flexibility in design and innovation.

The first Monforts Eco Line denim finishing range in India has been installed at the Ahmedabad mill of India’s largest producer of denim, Arvind Ltd.

The installation has been made to increase production, reduce energy usage, and respond more quickly to customer requests for specified designs and finishes.

Monforts Area Sales Director for Southeast Asia, Hans Gerhard Wroblowski, said that Arvind’s early investment in this new technology gives the company at least a year lead ahead of the competition from other Indian mills.

The Eco Line, which can handle fabric widths of 1800 millimeters and operate at high speeds of up to 80 meters/minute, is operating alongside four Montex foam finishing stenters, which are also able to handle this same width of material.

Arvind is rated in the top three denim producers in the world, and sees further export potential.

Aamir Akhtar, chief executive officer of Arvind Lifestyle Fabrics’ Denim division, said that in India the denim industry is growing at a compound annual growth rate of 13 to 15 percent.

Arvind’s own export-domestic output is around 50:50, but some of the domestic production is worked up into garments and exported, so distorting the figure: taking that factor into account, Akhtar believes that the export proportion is closer to 60 percent.

Arvind had been founded in 1931 as a maker of traditional Indian clothing, but in 1984 modernised and brought denim into the domestic market, thus starting the jeans revolution in India.

Today it retails its own brands like Flying Machine, Newport and Excalibur, and licensed international brands like Arrow, Lee, Wrangler and Tommy Hilfiger, through its nationwide retail network.

Akhtar confirmed that Arvind stays ahead of its competition through a policy of design and innovation.

“We have our own major R&D facility, and we eat, think, sleep, and breathe design.

“For all this, we need the best in technology. Having been a Monforts user from the earliest days, we had no hesitation in investing in the new Eco Line.

“Not only does this make us even more responsive to customer needs and demands, and more creative in our design and production, there is also the very great energy saving advantage and tight control over emissions.”

The Eco Line was manufactured in Monforts production facility ‘MONTEX’ in Austria and installed by Monforts’ representive in India, ATE Enterprises Private Ltd.

C V Babu, ATE’s General Manager for Sales at the company’s Ahmedabad office, said “The Eco Line system reduces energy losses and energy use, increases thermal transfer and keeps the drying energy on the textile material longer, so that it can be used very efficiently.

“As a result, energy savings of up to 50 % can be achieved. Exhaust air energy can also be reduced to a minimum, which has a positive effect on the emission load into the atmosphere,” he said.

Arvind’s current annual denim capacity is 110 million meters, with prominent products including ring denim, indigo voiles, organic denim, bi-stretch denim and fair trade certified denim.

This is apart from regular light, medium and heavyweight denims. They come in various shades of indigo, sulphur, yarn-dyes, in 100 percent cotton and various blends.

“Denim is a great lifestyle product,” said Akhtar, who himself habitually wears denim to the office. “It is also tremendously versatile. We are very, very upbeat about our global future.”

Posted January 10, 2017

Source: Monforts

CORDURA® Brand Kicks Off Year-Long Roadshow Celebrating A Half Century Of Innovation And Decades Of Durability

WICHITA, Kan. — January 9, 2017 — INVISTA’s CORDURA® brand is celebrating five decades of continuous advancements that have helped shape the world of military, workwear and outdoor products. In honor of its 50th year, the brand is launching an array of new fiber and fabric innovations, exciting end-use applications, on-trend collaborations, a “50 for 50” global roadshow and is featuring stories of the past and present from supply chain partners and brand customers.

“This very special year is going to be one for the books as we unveil our most groundbreaking innovations and collaborations,” said Cindy McNaull, global Cordura brand and marketing director. “Since commercialization of the fabric in 1967, the Cordura brand has worked hand-in-hand with its mill and supply chain partners to break molds and blaze new trails — with all signs, roads and paths leading to a next generation of durable solutions. And 2017 may be the best year yet.”

The brand kicks-off its celebration in early January 2017 with:

New Fiber Technologies. The Cordura brand has pushed its legacy T420 nylon 6,6 staple fiber to the next level of tenacity. The new state-of-the-art, patent-pending Invista T420HT fiber is the highest tenacity nylon 6,6 staple fiber Invista has ever produced. This military-grade fiber technology is super strong and exceptionally durable, offering a new dimension of lightweight comfort and protection for extreme environments. Already adopted for use in combat uniforms by a major international military, multiple wear trials with fabrics made with Invista T420HT are underway, including extensive testing by the US military.  Dickies® is the first commercial customer to use fabrics made with this new innovation and will launch its Dickies PRO™ with Cordura military-grade fiber technology collection in Fall 2017.

New Fabric Technologies. Carefully crafted blends of natural fibers and nylon 6,6 in fabrics like Cordura Denims and Cordura Combat Wool™, are driving soft-comfort performance materials of the future. Blends of cotton, TENCEL® and wool with Cordura Denim technology create durable, long-lasting and cross-functional fabrics with next generation technical benefits including moisture management, thermal regulation, and more. Collaborations with Cone Denim on a first of its kind Cordura Selvage Denim and with Artistic Milliners on new Cordura Combat Wool Denim blends usher in new technical denims of the future.

New Collaborations. Special collaborations will reflect on the past and reinvent the future. In the early 1990s, Invista’s Cordura brand and Woolrich, America’s Original Outdoor Clothing Company®, collaborated to create Wool-Dura™, a specialty blend of iconic Woolrich wool and nylon 6,6 Cordura fabric used in hunting apparel. Now, the two are back together for the 50th anniversary of the Cordura brand with a newly reimagined Wool-Dura collection of fabric and garments that take inspiration from its hunting-centric predecessor while adding a modern, cross-functional twist for today’s urban consumer. Spun and woven in Woolrich’s 187 year old mill, the Wool-Dura collection mixes the legendary durability of Cordura fiber with the natural Woolrich wool qualities of warmth, comfort and softness to create a new contemporary classic.

50th Anniversary Capsule Collections. Inspired by icons of the 1960s — like pilots, astronauts, superheroes and more with a modern spin and space age flair — the new Cordura + Struktur Studio + Artistic Milliners ‘X Venture Collexion’, features state-of-the art Cordura Denim technologies engineered by Artistic Milliners, Pakistan. The future of innovation is collaboration in this exciting retro-futuristic range of garments made with Cordura Combat Wool Denim and Cordura Denim Tencel blends featuring specialist Schoeller® ‘c_change’ and ‘cerasphere’ coating technologies.

The 50th Anniversary Roadshow kicks off at Winter Outdoor Retailer 2017 in Salt Lake City, then heads to SHOT Show in Las Vegas, Munich Fabric Starts Blue Zone, ISPO Munich in Germany, IDEX in Abu Dhabi, Techtextil in Frankfurt, Germany and more. Follow along on social media with hashtag #CORDURA50.

Posted January 9, 2017

Source: Invista

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