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

Twintex Launches Recyclable Blazer

FUNDÃO, Portugal — June 12, 2024 — Recognized as Pioneer in Sustainability in Garment Industry, Twintex from Portugal embraces the challenge of developing and industrialize a recyclable blazer.

Sustainable blazer

With its EcoLife Concept, Twintex has been a benchmark in sustainable solutions for the garment industry for more than a decade.

Endeavours in these fields come all the way from the photovoltaic Megawatt electricity production center or usage of natural gas for boilers; to the “ Crown Jewel” — the Twintex LifeCard, a Loyalty Program granting Twintex workers and direct relatives discounts in endless local services and commerce, from healthcare to petrol station, or swimming pools, embracing more than 1650 active beneficiaries.

It is now the moment to raise the bar and challenge Twintex ́s Research and Development Team to create a recyclable blazer.

With the support of the European Union through the PRR Program, Twintex is now ready to share with its stakeholders the wonderful solution achieved.

It is Twintex ́s certainty that this new step will positively change the way this matter was affecting the recycling of a blazer, and how the carbon foot print of this garment could be a barrier to a sustainability conscious consumer.

Now Twintex is presenting the solution to the world aiming that brands sign their DNA to the concept, seducing the modern consumer, and making a better planet for all.

Posted: June 12, 2024

Source: Twintex

KARL MAYER North America Invites You To Its Second Textile Innovation Conference, June 25 – 27, 2024 In Greensboro, N.C.

OBERTSHAUSEN, Germany — June 12, 2024 — KARL MAYER North America looks forward to welcoming a large number of trade visitors to its second Textile Innovation Conference. The top-class event will take place from June 25 to 27, 2024 in Greensboro, N.C., and is primarily aimed at brands, designers and manufacturers within the textile industry.

Textile supply chain partners and R&D specialists will also benefit from the conference topics, as the industry is in a state of transition, challenged by deeply intertwined overseas supply chains, limited domestic manufacturing capabilities, and sustainability constraint measures. Additionally, overseas companies that exploit the “de minimis” tax loophole, especially ultra-fast fashion players avoid U.S. taxes by dividing their shipments into many small packages of limited value. In doing so, they are driving many U.S.  textile mills to permanently close their operations.

The Textile Innovation Conference’s approach to all these challenges is to meet with thought leaders who can share their industry insight and at the same time connect business partners who can collaborate to drive growth.

Mariano Amezcua, President of KARL MAYER North America

“The primary goal of the conference is to connect the US-based textile supply chain so brands can compete and win with American-made products.  The success of the North American textile industry also depends on the ability to develop new talent and implement advanced technologies. The conference therefore provides a platform for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and presentation of technological advances in the textile industry,“ said Mariano Amezcua, president of KARL MAYER North America.

The Textile Innovation Conference combines an exhibition of selected technologies with a first-class lecture program. The list of speakers includes representatives from fashion, sportswear, and footwear brands such as New Balance, Under Armour, Dillard’s and Myant as well as renowned educational and research institutions such as North Carolina State and Kent State universities. KM.ON, the software company of the KARL MAYER GROUP, will introduce  its latest solutions for the warp knitting industry: Digital Production Management (DPM) for the massive simplification of management, leadership and planning; and, the Quality Monitoring System (QMS) as a revolutionary solution for quality management on warp knitting machines. CREATE DESIGN, a software solution to streamline the development and design process for knitwear, will also be presented.

The accompanying technology exhibition with machines from KARL MAYER and STOLL will also focus on the topics of increasing productivity, improving quality, and reducing operating costs.

By providing a platform for discussion and learning, while bringing together diverse stakeholders, our second Textile Innovation Conference will contribute to the overall advancement and sustainability of the textile industry,” Amezcua confirmed.

More information and registration at: https://www.karlmayergroup.com/en/news-events/events/textiles-innovation-conference/

Posted: June 12, 2024

Source: KARL MAYER GROUP

 

Spinnova Continues Collaboration With Luhta Sportswear And Releases A T-Shirt Made With SPINNOVA® Fiber

JYVÄSKYLÄ, Finland — June 12, 2024 — Luhta Sportswear Co.’s brand Rukka has released a t-shirt made using SPINNOVA® fibers. The shirt comes in two different colors — deep blue and white. The shirt is made from a blend of 29 percent wood-based SPINNOVA fiber, 68-percent cotton and 3-percent elastane. Luhta Sportswear’s brand Icepeak has previously launched an over-the-shoulder bag for the Finnish athlete’s Olympic Team’s outfit for the XXIV Olympic Winter Games. The t-shirt is part of Rukka’s 2024 Olympic collection and the first product containing SPINNOVA fibers available online for consumers by the brand.

“We have set as one of our sustainability goals circular economy compliant collections by 2040. We are therefore particularly interested in material innovations that support this goal and work very closely with our material partners to find these. Spinnova, a Finnish pioneer in this field, is a good example of innovative material development,” stated Luhta Sportswear Co.’s Sustainability Director Annamaria Väli-Klemelä.

“We are very proud to have been chosen by an important Finnish brand like Luhta to be the material of choice for their new product. This is a showcase that our fiber can be used in different applications and use cases. As we have mentioned before, while Spinnova’s core is to sell and deliver fiber production technology, we will continue important brand collaborations to help the market find increasing use cases for our fiber and to show what it can do,” said Tuomas Oijala, CEO of Spinnova.

T-shirt is available in Rukka’s online store in Finland.

Posted: June 12, 2024

Source: SPINNOVA PLC

Online Filo•Sophy, The Creative Proposals For Filo62

BIELLA, Italy — June 12, 2024 — “Filo•Sophy, the concept of the creative proposals that we have developed for the 62nd edition of Filo is divided in three parts: Street-Tease, Wiki Filo and Filo-Logic.”

Gianni Bologna explained: “They can seem discordant and discontinuous, but they have been deliberately collected in this context to stress the underlying philosophy which re-assesses the “intermediate presence” keeping together limits by marking their distance. The rhapsodic style of the representation by images is the visual representation of the concept, as we keep reflecting on the fact that images already represent a shortcut of the surrounding world and its interpretation, a kind of synthetic grammar for comprehension (and acceptance) of what we define as “reality”, or at least for what we wish and hope the reality to be. And not always it is.”

The creative proposals that pass by one another at a fast pace in the video design an idea of aesthetics which accounts for transformation and challenges which cross our world, our way of being, and consequently, our style of dress. In doing so, they always remain faithful to what distinguished Filo from the very beginning, making it a unique exhibition within the international panorama: the focus on product and production processes, to offer to textile professionals an effective inspiration for creating their collections.

This approach is reflected in the words by Paolo Monfermoso, responsible for Filo, said: “Filo•Sophy,  the title we have chosen for the creative proposals that we launch today, has a high creative and innovative content, as occurs with each edition of Filo, thanks to the excellent work done by Gianni Bologna. Indeed, every time our product development proposals succeed in attracting and expressing the idea of “creative dialogue” which is highly appreciated by our exhibitors. By emphasising the continuous research on product, and so the philosophy of “know-how” typical of our production, the creative proposals represent the flagship of Filo since they are designed, created and produced exactly to be “used” by the exhibitors in their daily work.” Paolo Monfermoso also says: “Rightly so, dealing with a content of great value, also the “composition” of the Filo•Sophy video is particularly refined: the choice of images, their rhythm, background music, and the direction make it a little great textile show made available by Filo to national and international professionals working in the textile-clothing system.”

The 62nd edition of Filo will be held on the 18th and 19th of September 2024 at Allianz MiCo Milan (via Gattamelata 5).

Posted: June 12, 2024

Source: Filo

 

Ambercycle And Hyosung TNC Join Forces To Scale Decarbonized, Circular Polyester

SEOUL, South Korea, and LOS ANGELES, Calif. — June 12, 2024 — Hyosung TNC has partnered with Ambercycle to become the first manufacturer in South Korea to introduce a textile-to-textile, circular polyester into supply chains.

The collaboration advances the partners’ shared vision of a circular textile ecosystem that repurposes end-of-life products into high-performing fibers for brands looking to curb their environmental impact.

The partnership will tap Hyosung’s 58 years of advanced fiber manufacturing capabilities and nearly two decades of experience producing high-quality, sustainable textiles to support the integration of Ambercycle’s circular polyester material, cycora®, into brand supply chains.

“Our collaboration with Ambercycle is another important step we are taking to help our customers meet their sustainability goals and scale solutions that both present and future generations can enjoy,” said Chi Hyung Kim, CEO, Hyosung TNC. “We’re impressed with cycora for its quality but also for its potential to divert tons of textile waste from landfills and incinerators and reduce the extraction of raw materials used in the production of virgin polyester.”

Based in Los Angeles, Ambercycle is rapidly scaling cycora, a regenerated polyester chip that meets the spinnability standards of virgin materials and outperforms other recycled materials, according to testing by the European Center for Innovative Textiles (CETI), a leading research institute. Ambercycle’s molecular regeneration technology will add to a growing portfolio of circular solutions manufactured by Hyosung TNC, the company behind regen™, a global premier recycled fiber brand.

Developed at its research and development center, Hyosung was the world’s first company to develop regen nylon from discarded fishing nets in 2007 and achieved another significant milestone by becoming the first company to globally receive the Global Recycled Standard (GRS) certification for its recycled regen polyester. The company was also the first to introduce RCS-certified 100-percent recycled regen spandex in 2020, and USDA, SGS-certified bio-based spandex made from partly renewable resources in 2021.

“The fashion industry is searching for accessible, high-quality circular solutions. This partnership is a testament to that demand and an important step to ramp up the production of cycora and make it easier for brands to source regenerated materials for their fashion lines. We’re closely aligned with Hyosung on both our high-quality standards and our commitment to circularity, so we are thrilled to have them as a partner in our commercialization journey,” said Shay Sethi, CEO of Ambercycle.

Posted: June 12, 2024

Source: Ambercycle / Hyosung TNC

U.S. Textile Executives Highlight Industry’s Importance; Underscore Challenges & Policy Priorities During Visit By USTR’s Chief Textiles And Apparel Negotiator

WASHINGTON — June 12, 2024 — Several National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO) member companies hosted the newly named U.S. Trade Representative’s (USTR) Chief Textiles and Apparel Negotiator Katherine White at their North Carolina facilities Tuesday and Wednesday as industry leaders provided insights into their state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities and the impact of trade policies on this vital domestic supply chain and local communities.

During White’s inaugural visit to a key hub of American textile manufacturing, U.S. textile executives spanning the fiber, yarn, fabric and finished product textile and apparel industry demonstrated he industry’s innovations and advances in U.S. manufacturing and illustrated the industry’s important contribution to the U.S. economy.

White’s visit comes at a pivotal time for the U.S. textile supply chain, which produced $64.8 billion in output in 2023 and employed more than 500,000 workers. The industry is a key contributor to our national defense and supplies over 8,000 products a year to the U.S. military as well as critical personal protective equipment (PPE) items for national health and safety.

However, the industry is facing severe economic headwinds due to a multitude of economic factors, supercharged predatory trade practices by foreign competitors and insufficient enforcement of trade laws and free trade agreements.

Textile leaders helped provide context about the state of the industry and highlighted the opportunities and challenges confronting it. In total, White visited six U.S. textile plants, including American & Efird, Parkdale Mills/U.S. Cotton, TSG Finishing, Shuford Yarns, Schneider Mills and Unifi.

White also participated in an industry roundtable at Gaston College Textile Technology Center, at which executives discussed the competitiveness of the domestic industry and outlined urgent priority issues in Washington.

The industry continued to press for: increasing Section 301 China tariffs on finished textile and apparel imports; closing the de minimis loophole; expanding the Western Hemisphere co-production chain and maintaining the yarn forward rule of origin, stepped up customs enforcement of textile and free trade agreement enforcement and penalties, and ways to support domestic supply chains through Buy American and Berry Amendment policies that help to onshore production, spur investment, maintain the safety and security of  U.S. armed forces and generate new jobs.

Chief Textiles and Apparel Negotiator White said: “I want to thank NCTO President and CEO Kim Glas for hosting USTR in North Carolina for a tour of domestic textile manufacturers. I look forward to hearing from textile companies about the challenges they face in their day-to-day operations as we seek ways to enhance the resilience of critical American industries.

“President Biden and Ambassador Tai are committed to a trade policy agenda that levels the playing field for our domestic industries and workers, so they have the tools they need to compete in today’s global economy,” she added.

NCTO President and CEO Kim Glas said: “We want to sincerely thank Katie, who is taking on the role as chief textiles and apparel negotiator at a critical time for this industry. We appreciate her first visit in the new role is to see and meet with our industry first-hand. The U.S. textile industry is one of the most dynamic, innovative industries in the U.S. economy and our co-production chain with our Western Hemisphere trade partners is essential. Trade policies are critical to this manufacturing sector and workforce.

“Predatory trade practices employed by China and other countries are harming the domestic textile supply chain and our Western Hemisphere trade partners, and our industry is calling for urgent action by our government to address them head on. We are in an urgent economic situation where these serious issues the industry is facing need to be resolved immediately. We believe USTR’s development of supply chain resilience policies is a strong step in the right direction for helping secure the U.S. textile supply chain into the future. We look forward to working closely with Katie and Ambassador Katherine Tai to advance policies that bolster our domestic production,” Glas added.

Posted: June 12, 2024

Source: The National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO)

INDA Applauds The U.S. House Of Representatives For Passage Of The WIPPES Act (HR 2964)

WASHINGTON — June 12, 2024 — INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, applauds the U.S. House of Representatives for passing the Wastewater Infrastructure Pollution Prevention and Environments Safety (WIPPES) Act (H.R. 2964). The WIPPES Act, which creates national standards for “Do Not Flush” labeling for non-flushable wipes, passed out of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce in December of 2023, and today it cleared the House floor in a bipartisan vote. The bill now awaits consideration in the Senate Science, Commerce, and Energy Committee.

This bipartisan legislation is intended to address the growing problem of sewer system clogs caused by improper disposal of consumer wipes that are not intended to be disposed of in toilets. This federal solution is the result of a years-long industry collaboration with wastewater operators which has resulted in the passage of similar legislation in seven states. The WIPPES Act will create a national standard based on existing state laws to ensure non-flushable wipes will carry prominent “Do Not Flush” labeling on packaging.

“INDA has championed this legislation for the past two years and we are encouraged to see it pass out of the House. We extend our thanks to the bill sponsors, our industry and wastewater partners, and INDA members as we take another step forward to make “Do Not Flush” labeling nationwide,” said Wes Fisher, director of Government Affairs.

The WIPPES Act lead sponsors in the House are Representative Lisa McClain (R-Maine) and Representative Mary Peltola (D-Ark.) and the bill was introduced in the Senate by Senator Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) and Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine).

Posted: June 12, 2024

Source: INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry

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