Phil Hart To Receive The Prestigious 2024 Maglin-Biggie Supplier Partner Lifetime Achievement Award

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — June 13, 2024 — TRSA is thrilled to announce that Phil Hart, president and CEO of Kannegiesser ETECH, Minneapolis, has been honored with the 2024 Maglin-Biggie Supplier Partner Lifetime Achievement Award. This award is a testament to Hart’s exceptional leadership, his significant contributions to the linen, uniform and facility services industry, and his steadfast dedication to excellence.

Phil Hart, president and CEO of Kannegiesser ETECH

“It is a truly unexpected surprise to be nominated for this award,” Hart said. “Many of the names of the prior recipients are people that I have a great deal of respect for and have learned much from. To be associated with those leaders in our industry is truly an honor.”

Revered by his colleagues for creating an outstanding workplace environment and fostering a culture of success and contentment among customers and staff, Hart’s philosophy is that the team should get the credit. This exemplifies his modest approach and belief in shared success. His core principle, “We Do What’s Right,” has garnered him respect from customers and has cultivated a high level of accountability and trust within the Kannegiesser ETECH team. Renowned for his patience and eagerness to educate, Hart engages meaningfully with individuals, remembering personal details and showing sincere interest in their lives. His actions, such as personally ensuring the safe return of ill team members from job sites, demonstrate his faith in his team’s potential and his role as a true leader.

Since joining Kannegiesser USA in 2004, Hart’s visionary leadership has played a crucial role in evolving the company from a European supplier to a formidable U.S. corporation. His pivotal role in the acquisition of ETECH stands as a tribute to his strategic foresight and the acknowledgment of American technological excellence by Kannegiesser. As CEO for the past seven years, Kannegiesser ETECH has become a byword for responsiveness and innovation, always seeking ways to make challenging ideas feasible while maintaining sharp business acumen.

Hart’s TRSA leadership positions and accomplishments include:

  • Founding chair and ongoing member of the Supplier Partner Council Board of Directors
  • Member of the TRSA Board of Directors
  • Contributor to the Strategic Planning Committee
  • Instructor at the Production Management Institute (PMI) and Maintenance Management Institute (MMI)
  • Steadfast supporter of TRSA programs through advertising and sponsorship
  • Host of international plant tours, promoting global industry insights
  • Proponent for team engagement in TRSA events, both in-person and virtual
  • Participant in DEI Committee meetings at the TRSA Legislative Conference

Kannegiesser ETECH considers it a great privilege that Hart receives this award. Michael Harre, chief sales and service officer, said that, “His loyalty, continuous striving for improvement, and dedication to the industry, have set a high standard within our organization. Moreover, Phil’s valuable contributions have helped advance our industry, making him a deserving recipient of this award. Kannegiesser, as a supplier, is deeply committed to the same principles and values. Over the past two decades, Phil has exemplified dedication and excellence, and this award reflects our shared commitment to advancing the industry and setting new standards. We extend our sincere congratulations to Phil Hart and celebrate this well-deserved honor.”

Hart will receive the award at TRSA’s 111th Annual Conference & Exchange, this Sept. 24-25 at The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, CO. Registration and details can be found at www.trsa.org/annual conference.

Posted: June 15, 2024

Source: TRSA

Trivantage® Announces Expanded Product Offerings For Designers & Workrooms

BURLINGTON, N.C. — June 14, 2024 — Trivantage, a one-stop shop for fabrics, hardware, and accessories, announced today newly expanded product offerings specially for designers and workroom customers that includes not only high-quality fabrics but also thread, hand tools, notions, and other supplies needed to save time and get the job done right.

“At Trivantage, we aim to have everything our customers’ need to keep their shops going strong and their clients happy,” said Lindsay Shakarjian, marketing director for Trivantage. “They can also count on us for responsive service from a dedicated care team, hassle-free ordering, and fast shipping for a best-in-class experience that is second to none.

“We’ve always been known for our fabric selection, but now we have so much more, allowing customers to get everything they need, all in one place,” she added.

Trivantage is a turnkey solution for customers who want to spend less time ordering supplies and more time on their craft. Shopping for the essentials just got easier with Trivantage’s expanded selection now including:

  • Sewing machine accessories;
  • Hand tools;
  • Cutting tools;
  • Threads;
  • Invisible zippers;
  • Clasps, needles, and pins;
  • Tapes; and
  • High-quality fabrics.

Customers of the largest supplier for awning, marine, upholstery, and related industries also have access to online resources where they can browse fabric by color, pattern, or collection while stocking their shops with the essentials they need. They can shop the Sunbrella x David Rockwell Currents Collection, new collaborative concepts inspired by nature; find the perfect curated upholstery thread and bobbins with the performance features they need; and shop the latest Sunbrella patterns and colors that are on trend and in demand.

Additionally, Trivantage is offering designers and workroom customers 50 percent off the first year of premium membership of Trivantage Plus, the industry’s first customer membership program.

“Trivantage Plus marries our core customer benefits with membership advantages designed for customers to level up their businesses,” Shakarjian said. “Designers and workroom customers can now enjoy half off their first year’s membership and unlock exclusive benefits, including product discounts they can’t get anywhere else.”

The annual Trivantage Plus membership program offers several key benefits to help customers gain a competitive edge plus peace of mind:

  • Flat-rate, same-day shipping on parcel package orders;
  • Complimentary memo samples;
  • Special offers on machines, software, and more from industry partners like Consew;
  • Year-round discounts on select Trivantage products and brands; and
  • Virtual seminars.

“We are dedicated to providing exceptional service through responsive support, deep inventory, efficient shipping, and access to resources tailored to customer needs,” Shakarjian said.

“Trivantage is also committed to helping customers save time and money with one-stop shopping,” she added. “We make it quick and easy for customers to get what they need when they need it, so they can focus on what matters: their business.”

Posted: June 15, 2024

Source: Trivantage

Mario Jorge Machado Elected President Of EURATEX

BRUSSELS — June 14, 2024 — Portuguese textile entrepreneur, Mario Jorge Machado, has been elected president of EURATEX during its General Assembly on 14 June. The assembly also nominated Alberto Paccanelli as honorary president.

Alberto Paccanelli (left) and Mario Jorge Machado (right)

Machado has an extensive career in textiles. He is currently a shareholder and director of Adalberto Textile Solutions, S.A., where he applies advanced management practices to boost competitiveness and innovation.

He has been president of the Textile and Clothing Association of Portugal (ATP) since 2019, and he stands out for his strategic leadership in the textile and clothing sector, promoting innovation and sustainability. He represents ATP on the Board of CIP – Confederação Empresarial de Portugal and chairs CIP’s strategic council for the environment and sustainability.

With a degree in Production Polymer Engineering from the University of Minho, his expertise ranges from continuous process improvement to the development of B2B commercial teams and B2C business models. His vision encompasses operational excellence and the implementation of sustainable practices, contributing to the evolution of the textile industry.

On the day of his election, Machado was asked about his vision for EURATEX. “The latest indicators show that European industry has lower growth rates than its competitors; this is something we have to reverse,” Machado said. “Policy makers have to realise that the textile industry can not be a bargaining chip in global negotiations. We see what the United States is doing to support its industry, and we see what China is doing to support its industry. Europe has fallen behind in supporting its industry. My mandate at EURATEX will be to push for an effective and smart industrial strategy.

During the past term, the EU has issued many legislations on sustainability and circularity targeting the manufacturing industry. However, if we want this strategy to be successful, we need more focus on the consumers’ dimension. That’s why EURATEX has a very important role to play in lobbying for the legislative process to be carried out in accordance with the sector’s ability to adapt.”

From the left: Ismail Kolunsag, Barbara Cimmino, Mario Jorge Machado and Grégory Marchant.

The Assembly also nominated Alberto Paccanelli as Honorary President, recognising over a decade of commitment to EURATEX and the European textile industry.

“In those 13 years of engagement, I have witnessed a dramatic change to our industry, which requires a strong and united voice in Brussels. In the past year we have been asking the European institutions to consider different demands:

  • Sustainability and competitiveness have to go hand in hand, with a realistic path of implementation.
  • Imported products must comply with the same rules applied to European made products. Reciprocity in market access is essential and has to be granted; tangible and non-tangible barriers in many interesting foreign markets, such as India, Mercosur and the US, should be dismantled.
  • Companies need funding to transform themselves towards drivers of sustainability and innovation.
  • Consumers must be honestly informed of product characteristics and traceability, to avoid green washing. Public authorities are also “consumers” of textile products (think of military uniforms); they should apply green public procurement, and not just look for the cheapest product on the market.

We have made good progress but there is more work to be done. I have full confidence in Mario Jorge to continue on this path.”

EURATEX General Assembly also elected 4 other members of the Presidency Team: Michael Kamm (ZWILLING Gruppe, Germany), Barbara Cimmino (Yamamay, Italy), Grégory Marchant (UTT, France) and Ismail Kolunsag (Cross Tekstil, Turkey). During the Assembly, EURATEX also welcomed new memberships from CEMATEX and Forschungskuratorium Textil e. V., and a partnership with Reju. (France).

Posted: June 14, 2024

Source: EURATEX

KARL MAYER Receives The German Award For Sustainability Projects 2024 For Its Solution For Sustainable Indigo Dyeing

OBERTSHAUSEN, Germany — June 13, 2024 — As an innovative pioneer in textile machinery and plant engineering, the KARL MAYER GROUP is committed to ecological and social responsibility. The global player is now delighted to receive special recognition for its commitment. On June 11, 2024, the global player received the German Award for Sustainability Projects 2024 in the “Production” category at the Bertelsmann Representative Office in Berlin, where it also took first place out of a total of four award winners.

ntv moderator Torsten Knippertz (left) in an interview with Arno Gärtner, CEO of the KARL MAYER GROUP (© Thomas Ecke / DISQ / ntv / DUP UNTERNEHMER)

The prestigious prize is awarded by the German Institute for Service Quality, the DUP Entrepreneur Magazine and the news channel ntv. The patron is the former Minister of Justice and Economics Brigitte Zypris, who is also a member of the jury team. The high-caliber decision-making committee examines projects from all sectors of the economy that implement sustainability in an exemplary manner – this year 70 companies from a total of 342 nominations.

The KARL MAYER GROUP impressed the jury with the development of BLUEDYE, a pioneering, high-impact solution for environmentally friendly denim production. The jury praised the project as a good solution that can serve all production improvement goals, including optimizing quality and environmental protection as well as reducing costs. The project is considered to be highly relevant for the sustainable production of jeans.

Arno Gärtner, CEO of the KARL MAYER GROUP, accepted the award and appreciates the recognition.

“As a global company, we are very aware that sustainable products and solutions must never come at the expense of profitability for our customers. Our project has developed a technology for dyeing denim fabrics that reduces consumption of water and chemicals — usually very high — by at least 50 percent respectively, while at the same time reducing operating costs by up to 20 percent and meeting the exacting demands that buyers place on the color quality of denim fabrics and yarns. A more sustainable, trendy pair of jeans that meets the fashion demands of consumers — this is exactly how we aim to exploit new technology to make a significant contribution to sustainable jeans production,” said Arno Gärtner.

Less chemicals, water and costs, same product quality

Dyeing Box of BLUEDYE

Blue jeans are one of the most popular but at the same time most environmentally problematic items of clothing. Conventional denim dyeing in particular uses vast amounts of water and chemicals. BLUEDYE is a pioneering alternative to the environmentally harmful processes used in today’s denim production. It contributes to no less than four of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals for companies.

BLUEDYE’s nitrogen-based dyeing technology minimizes the significant amounts of water and chemicals traditionally used in the denim dyeing process. The need for the main pollutants hydrosulphite and caustic soda can be reduced by more than 60 percent and the amount of water required by at least 50 percent. In addition, there is less yarn waste. BLUEDYE thus contributes to sustainable production (goal 12).

The winners of the Award for Sustainability Projects 2024 in the “Production” category
(© Thomas Ecke / DISQ / ntv / DUP UNTERNEHMER)

Fewer chemicals used also means less water pollution — an advantage that, in combination with the considerable water savings, ensures clean water and thus the fulfillment of goal 6. Fewer pollutants in the production process also result in a healthier, more humane working environment, as called for in Goal 8.

And, as defined in Goal 9, BLUEDYE promotes innovation by introducing state-of-the-art technologies. In 2018, KARL MAYER was granted patents for an advanced denim dyeing technology and developed a marketable system with maximum customer benefit based on its extensive textile machinery expertise.

With BLUEDYE, companies in the denim industry can make their production processes more efficient and environmentally friendly and improve their competitiveness, and this has been proven: The positive effects of BLUEDYE were evaluated by comparative measurements on a pilot plant at a field test customer. Consumption data from a production plant that has been already in operation for some time was used as reference values for comparison

In addition to the environmental performance, the economic efficiency and product quality strike the right note. BLUEDYE can reduce operating costs by up to 20 percent, while at the same time meeting the high customer requirements for the color quality of the fabrics and the color saturation of the yarns in jeans.

To get a closer look at the product’s qualities, register for processing tests at the denim center of excellence at KARL MAYER ROTAL.

Posted: June 14, 2024

Source: KARL MAYER GROUP

Teijin Frontier Develops OctaⓇ sf Spun Yarn Offering Exceptional Softness, Comfort

TOKYO — June 6, 2024 — Teijin Frontier Co. Ltd., the Teijin Group’s fibers and products converting company, today announced the development of Octa®sf, a polyester spun yarn that provides a soft, gentle feel; fluffiness, light weight; moisture absorption; and heat retention for textiles used in sportswear and outerwear.  To create this novel spun yarn, Teijin Frontier developed an ultra-fine staple fiber with a hollow, 8-fin modified cross-section, which the company processes using special spinning and drawing technologies. Octa sf  overcomes softness limitations of existing staple fiber made of filament yarn modified, and addresses demands for new materials that combine high performance with desirable tactile feel.

Cross-section of “Octa®sf” blended yarn

The gaps created by the fiber’s 8-fin modified cross-section, combined with the softness of the extremely fine-spun yarn, provide a gentle feel a natural fullness and warmth. Octa sf yarn also delivers practical functionality such as water absorption and diffusion, thanks to its eight hollow fins; bulkiness and lightness due to the gaps between the fibers; and heat retention resulting from the presence of dead air. Furthermore, the modified cross-sectional shape of the staple fibers and large gaps between them make it easy to blend them with other natural fibers, such as wool, as well as with synthetic fibers, such as lyocell. It can also be combined with polyester functional materials made by Teijin Frontier, allowing customers to develop a wide variety of textiles.

Cross-section of ultra-fine modified (hollow 8-fin) raw cotton

Teijin Frontier is currently developing special structure fabrics that utilize Octa yarn, primarily for outerwear and mid-layer applications. In addition, the company is developing related materials for base layers and innerwear, which require a softer, more comfortable texture compared to outerwear.

With existing filament yarn with modified cross-section yarns, there are limitations to the soft texture that can be achieved due to the thickness of each single yarn and the cross-sectional shape of the raw yarn. Therefore, Teijin Frontier began developing an ultra-fine staple fiber  with a hollow 8-fin cross-section and a spun yarn using this. Until now, it has been difficult to develop ultra-fine staple fiber that maintains a hollow 8-fin cross-sectional shape, but Teijin Frontier has succeeded in developing ultra-fine staple fiber with a hollow 8-fin cross-section by using its own special spinning and drawing technology. Furthermore, by applying our unique spinning technology to this staple fiber, we have been able to develop Octa sf, an extremely fine hollow 8-fin modified cross-section spun yarn that combines a fluffy, soft texture, comfort to wear, and functionality.

Technology overview

Textiles using Octa®SF

The Octa sf  yarn leverages advanced technologies and processes. In staple fiber production, the company uses a special spinneret design to achieve ultra-fine fibers with modified cross-sections. Also, Teijin Frontier’s production process optimizes the crimp characteristics, oils and cut length of staple fiber. In the spinning stage, special technology improves the blend of polyester staple fiber and other fibers, as well as the carding conditions, to enhance the quality of the yarn.

Knitting structure and density settings for textiles using Octa sf yarn are adjusted based on the application requirements. Optimizing dyeing and processing technology to achieve high-quality color and functionality.

Teijin Frontier will begin selling textiles made from Octa sf yarn for outdoor wear and sportswear in the fall/winter of 2025. Subsequently, the company will expand the use of the material into other applications such as fashion apparel, aiming for sales of 100,000 meter in fiscal 2025 and 500,000 meter by fiscal 2028.

Posted: June 14, 2024

Source: Teijin Frontier Co., Ltd.

BGL Announces The Sale Of Superior Huntingdon Composites To Liberty Lane Partners

CLEVELAND — June 12, 2024 — Brown Gibbons Lang & Company (BGL) is pleased to announce the sale of Superior Huntingdon Composites (Superior Huntingdon), a manufacturer of innovative fiberglass reinforcements and veils used in advanced structural composite applications, to Liberty Lane Partners, a private equity firm based in New Hampshire, and St. Cloud Capital. BGL’s Engineered Materials investment banking team served as the exclusive financial advisor to Superior Huntingdon in the transaction.

Headquartered in Huntingdon, Pa., Superior Huntingdon, formerly a portfolio company of Stonewood Capital Management, is a leading manufacturer of custom and standard-formulated fiberglass continuous filament mat and Conformat® branded reinforcements, and Surmat® branded veils. Customers rely on the company’s innovative materials in the manufacturing of their products to enhance the performance and surface quality of their composite-based products for critical applications. These tailored solutions optimize customers’ manufacturing processes by reducing production scrap, improving cycle time, and increasing production efficiency across a diverse set of composite manufacturing processes. The company’s products are commonly used in power and energy transmission & distribution, storage and management, infrastructure, building products, transportation, marine end markets, and other advanced composite applications.

Superior Huntingdon’s products are engineered to provide application-specific enhancements, including light weighting, strength and durability, corrosion resistance, prolonged life span, and lower maintenance as substitutes for steel, aluminum, wood, and other legacy materials. The Company’s highly flexible manufacturing capabilities, coupled with its deep technical knowledge, have earned it a reputation as a trusted partner capable of delivering proprietary material science solutions to the composites industry.

The acquisition positions Superior Huntingdon for substantial growth in an industry where accelerating advancements in materials science and product technologies continue to create opportunities for fiberglass composite materials across high-end growth markets. Additionally, secular tailwinds, including environmental regulatory imperatives and ESG/sustainability trends, are accelerating the adoption of fiberglass composites as manufacturers seek to achieve superior application performance and improve the “cradle-to-gate” and “cradle-to-grave” impact across the product lifecycle.

BGL’s Industrials Group has extensive global transaction experience and domain knowledge across a broad range of end markets, with a focus on engineered materials, green & cleantech, and energy transition. Our emphasis is on providing investment banking advisory services to middle-market companies that offer unique value propositions to their customers and exclusive product and service offerings.

Posted: June 13, 2024

Source: Brown Gibbons Lang & Company

Epson Partners ASEAN Fashion Designers Showcase To Bring ASEAN International Fashion Week To Singapore

SINGAPORE — June 13, 2024 — Epson, a global supplier of professional printing technology, joined hands with ASEAN Fashion Designers Showcase (AFDS) for the first time to host the ASEAN International Fashion Week (AIFW) at the iconic ArtScience Museum in Singapore.

Lisa Fitria from AFDS Indonesia shines at the Epson Runway Show with her collection

The annual fashion event aims to showcase and celebrate the unique style and diversity in the ASEAN region. This year, Epson and AFDS also took the opportunity to leverage the platform to raise awareness on environmentally conscious textile printing. The event saw more than 850 attendees comprising of members of the public, designers and industry partners.

Sustainable Fashion Runway Showcases


Collection designed by Terry Yeo, AFDS Singapore, showcased at Epson Runway Show

Partnering with 11 designers from AFDS, the Epson Runway Show, showcased the reality of sustainable fashion through Epson’s digital textile printing technology. Each designer’s unique pieces were brought to life using Epson’s SureColor series printers including SureColor F6430, SureColor F9430H and SureColor F10030.

The showcase highlighted the possibilities of how innovation and technology can create more ecoconscious practices in the fashion industry. All designers featured in the Epson Runway Show utilized dye-sublimation printers to create their pieces, demonstrating the potential for high-quality, sustainable fashion.

During the opening address, Siew Jin Kiat, Regional Managing Director at Epson Southeast Asia, highlighted Epson’s collaboration with renowned Japanese fashion designer, Yuima Nakazato. The avant-garde collection from the designer demonstrates advancements in sustainable, printed fabrics enabled by Epson’s solutions. The fabric is now thinner, more flexible, and optimized for printing using Epson’s sustainable direct-to-fabric digital textile printing technology.

Fashion Panel Discussion on Sustainability

Fashion panel discussion on sustainability

In addition to the fashion runway showcases, Epson and AFDS also hosted an insightful panel discussion to deep dive on the impact and importance of sustainability in the fashion and technology industry.

The panellists for the session included:

  • Desmond Gay, Regional Manager of Commercial Products, Epson Southeast Asia
  • Hayden Ng, President Founder of ASEAN Fashion Designers Showcase
  • Rocco Leo Gaglioti, CEO of FNL Network (USA)
  • Aidarkhan Kaliyev, Founder of Aspara International Fashion Week (Kazakhstan)
  • Marianna Micelli, Founder of Mad Mood Milano Fashion Week (Italy)
  • Eduardo Perez Gonzales Ocantos, Fashion Designer for Ocantos (Argentina)
  • Juan Gerscovich, CEO / Creative Director of Industry of All NationsTM.

The session was moderated by Neva Weber, International PR and Media Director of ASEAN International Fashion Week.

Some of the key topics discussed include Epson’s significant advancements in sustainability and innovation within the textile printing industry. Desmond highlighted how Epson’s dye-sublimation printers reduce water consumption in comparison to analogue printing methods. The dye-sublimation inks are also certified with Oeko-Tex Eco Passport, a certification in tested for harmful substances, thereby improving working conditions. He also emphasized Epson’s commitment to becoming carbon negative and underground resource-free, noting that all electricity used at Epson-owned sites globally now comes from renewable sources, cutting 400,000 tonnes of carbon emissions annually. Desmond also shared Epson’s future plans, including the construction of the first biomass power plant within the next three years, further solidifying their dedication to sustainable energy solutions.

Pop Up Store

Epson’s exhibition at ASEAN International Fashion Week

Beyond catching a glimpse of the latest fashion collection on stage, fashion enthusiasts were also able to try on the runway pieces and purchase them. As part of the pop up, the public were able to view the exhibition of Epson’s textile printers —  SC-F6430H and SC-F130 —  that support textile production as well as bespoke gift productions. It was an engaging experience for the public to better understand the cutting-edge technology behind the innovative printers.

“At Epson, we believe that innovation and technology play a crucial role in driving positive change in the fashion industry. Our products are designed to address the varied needs of both commercial and industrial sectors, with a strong emphasis on supporting people and protecting the environment. Additionally, our extensive collaboration with AFDS is a testament to our commitment in raising awareness and driving adoption of ecoconscious printing practices in the fashion community. We look forward to continuing fostering a more sustainable future for generations to come”, said Derek Tan, head of Sales and Marketing, Epson Singapore.

“We are thrilled to partner with Epson again to bring sustainable fashion to the centre stage in Singapore. The partnership allows us to spotlight a fashion collection that truly represents the essence of the region while raising awareness on sustainable circular fashion practices. We look forward to a long-term partnership with a shared vision for the future of fashion and technology,” added Hayden Ng, Premier Founder/Singapore Fashion Ambassador, ASEAN Fashion Designers Showcase.

Posted: June 13, 2024

Source: Epson Singapore

SGS Opens New Furniture Testing Laboratory In Guadalajara, Mexico

GENEVA, Switzerland — June 13, 2024 — SGS, — a global testing, inspection and certification company — has expanded its consumer product testing capabilities in Mexico with the opening of a new furniture testing laboratory in Guadalajara.

Interior of SGS’s expansive new furniture testing laboratory in Guadalajara

The state-of-the-art facility spans 1,200 square meters and provides comprehensive testing solutions for domestic, commercial, upholstered and outdoor furniture. Its scope covers safety and stability testing, alongside physical and mechanical testing for ageing, textile and finishing requirements; ensuring products meet stringent U.S. standards.

Luis Julián Molina Rodríguez, Connectivity & Products director in Mexico, said: “We are delighted with the opening of our new furniture testing lab which demonstrates our commitment to supporting the Mexican furniture industry to increase competitiveness and accelerate routes to new international markets.

“Our local experts look forward to working in partnership with manufacturers, retailers and buyers to ensure well-designed, functional, durable and safe products, conforming to recognized regional, national and international standards, reach the consumer.”

Strategically located to address the increasing trend of nearshoring, the new facility complements SGS’s existing capabilities in Naucalpan, near Mexico City which provide:

  • Chemical testing;
  • Ageing testing;
  • Flammability for textile; and
  • Sharp edges (16 CFR 1500.48).

This laboratory is CPSC accepted and follows ASTM F2057-23. The award of BIFMA (Business and Institutional Furniture Manufacturers Association) accreditation and ASTM recognition is expected in the summer.

SGS furniture testing

SGS provides the world’s most comprehensive range of testing, inspection, certification and advisory services, powered by leading technology and digital tools. Its global network of experts supports clients at every stage – from design, production and regulatory compliance to the import and export of goods. SGS’s global laboratory network offers state-of-the-art facilities across the Americas, Europe and Asia.

Accredited to UKAS, HOKLAS, CNAS and VINAS, SGS is a member of BIFMA, the AHFA (American Home Furnishings Alliance), the KCMC (Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturer’s Association) and the BNBA (Bureau de Normalisation du Bois et de l’Ameublement).

Posted: June 13, 2024

Source: SGS

Society Of Dyers And Colourists (SDC) Announces Royal School Needlework Chief Exec., Dr. Susan Kay-Williams, As New President

BRADFORD, England  — June 13, 2024 — Global industry body the Society of Dyers and Colourists has elected a new president for 2024-25 following its recent annual general meeting in Leeds, England. The educational charity has also welcomed several new members to its board.

Dr. Susan Kay-Williams

The long-time education provider welcomes Dr. Susan Kay-Williams, chief executive of the Royal School of Needlework (RSN) — and fellow of the SDC since 2015 — as its president for the next 12 months.

Susan takes over from the society’s most recent president Chris Carr, professor of Textile Technology at the University of Leeds and former trustee of the SDC, who focused his time on progressing the charity’s sustainability agenda.

Commenting on her new position, Kay-Williams said: “I’m delighted to be taking on the role as president for the society. There are two areas that I’d like to focus on during my 12-month tenure as president. The first is broadening participation within the SDC and the second is reviewing or updating how we introduce color to schools.

“I’d like to see how we can widen awareness and participation beyond textiles. Many new companies are being formed, especially with an environmental perspective, where color is key, and it would be great to see them as part of the SDC.”

Kay-Williams has extensive experience in the not-for-profit sector. Having served as the first head of marketing for Girlguiding, Susan also spent part of her career as the chief executive for Garden Organic and has since been the chief executive of the RSN since 2007.

Major commissions during her tenure include hangings for Dover Castle, the wedding dress of the current Princess of Wales, and a dress for the Oscars for Naomie Harris. Kay-Williams wrote her first book on color ‘The Story of Colour in Textiles’ in 2013, her most recent work includes the 150-year history of the RSN in 2022.

Stuart Wilkinson is the SDC’s president-elect, meaning he will serve his time in office in 2025-26. He has served as the chair of the Northern region and Huddersfield region of the SDC in previous years. He is also a member of the Colour Index™ board and has most recently served as a trustee for the SDC as honorary secretary.

On his future presidency, Wilkinson commented: “As president, I want to encourage young people to join the industry as this is where I believe our future lies. I also intend to embrace other color-using industries. I have a great interest in history, so I am delighted that the society is creating an archive from all our wonderful collections of dyes, fabrics, photographs, and historic documents, and I hope to encourage people to utilize this resource.”

One new trustee on the society’s board, a new SDC honorary secretary and four new audit committee members have also been appointed for the next three years. The current honorary treasurer was also re-elected unopposed for another three-year term of office.

At a meeting immediately after the board’s AGM, Ian Lewis was elected as chair and Siva Pariti as vice-chair.

Posted: June 13, 2024

Source: Society Of Dyers And Colourists (SDC)

Zeftron’s Tim Blount Announces Retirement: Industry Executive Spent Four Decades In Commercial Carpet Industry

DALTON, Ga. — June 12, 2024 — After more than four decades with Zeftron nylon, Tim Blount announced he will retire effective June 15.

Tim Blount

“It has been an incredible journey, and I wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude for the partnership, trust and friendship we have shared over the years,” Blount said.

Blount joined BASF in 1978 to fine-tune and develop the infrastructure to launch the Six Again Recycling program nationwide, the first of its kind in the industry. His role evolved as he began managing a team of 15 marketing representatives in the United States and Canada who called on the A/D community to promote the attributes of Zeftron compared to the competition. Blount also worked with mill representatives during special events to help build relationships in specific regions and territories. He focused on nurturing these relationships, understanding the company’s requirements and delivering tailored solutions to address their needs.

Zeftron was purchased by Honeywell in 2005 and Shaw Industries in 2007. Blount has been a constant with Zeftron, and he has dedicated himself to promoting the brand, moving away from more technical work and into sales and marketing roles.

“What makes Zeftron unique is working with individual customers to meet specific needs or helping accommodate delivery needs for their customers,” Blount said. “It’s never been what can we offer you. It’s always been about what our customers need and how we can help.”

“Tim has been a mainstay in this industry for decades.  His commitment to the customer and his professionalism is unmatched,” said Sherrel Hooie, Business Director, Fiber & Resin Sales. “On a personal note,  Tim’s drive and wise counsel have been invaluable to me over the years, and he will be sorely missed.”

Zeftron is in the process of adding new personnel to support customer needs and plans to announce plans in the weeks ahead.

Posted: June 12, 2024

Source: Zeftron® Nylon — Zeftron nylon is a part of Shaw Industries Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway company

1...161162163...2,515Page 162 of 2,515

Sponsors

Breaking News

Load more

Digital Issue

2025 Quarterly Issue Number I

View Latest Digital Issue

FEATURED ARTICLES

© Copyright 2017 Textile Industries Media Group, LLC.