Browzwear, Wink Software To Unveil Social Product Development Platform At PI Apparel

NEW YORK CITY — June 24, 2016 — 3-D pioneer Browzwear and upstart Wink Software LLC will partner to demonstrate their powerful integration of a 3-D tool with an innovative view of effective workflow at the upcoming PI Apparel event on Jun 27-28 in New York. Wink Software will unveil its BeProduct™ Social Product Development (SPD) platform. This fresh new approach to leveraging cloud and social media technologies promises to improve the way fashion and consumer goods companies design and develop products by simplifying the user experience and enabling new levels of collaboration.

The latest innovation from longtime fashion systems developer and former Yunique Solutions Inc. founder Daniel Pak, BeProduct automates many of the time-consuming tasks and upkeep that limit the effectiveness of manual, spreadsheet, email and PLM-managed processes, while taking into consideration and applying the increasing use of 3-D tools in the industry.

Browzwear CEO Sharon Lim says “Product development driven by 3-D and then going back to 2-D data workflow for execution has been practiced by engineering companies for more than 2 decades, while in the fashion industry, product development is 2-D driven which leads to a fragmented product life cycle”.

This view is coherent with Pak who adds, “After spending years developing PDM and PLM capabilities, I saw an opportunity to apply smarter, more user-practical technologies to create a simpler and more productive product development platform. BeProduct does much of the work for designers and developers by automating tasks and providing more powerful search capabilities. We also wanted to help companies better leverage the power of their teams and extended business community through increased collaboration. We are pleased that those companies that are evaluating and adopting the platform confirm that BeProduct is the breakthrough that we envisioned.”

Examples of the highly intuitive BeProduct usability include social media sharing capabilities and Excel®-like information reporting capabilities. The solution automatically coordinates all available metadata associated with images, colors, locations, and other assets to improve search capabilities and results. The flexible platform comes with a wide range of productivity apps that can be used out-of-the-box or easily adapted by users to their specific needs. An online BeProduct App Marketplace is available to the user community where they can download and optionally share apps that they may build themselves. The cloud-based Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platform delivers advanced integration with Adobe® Illustrator® and Dropbox® and is compatible with most computers and mobile devices.

BeProduct will co-locate with Browzwear in the PI Apparel exhibit space to demonstrate its integration with Browzwear’s 3D design solutions.

Posted June 24, 2016

Source: Browzwear

55th Dornbirn-MFC: Communicating The Future Of Man-Made Fibers

DORNBIRN, Austria — June 2016 — Dornbirn-MFC is the global flagship event and innovation platform where approx. 800 researchers and technicians from 30 nations meet this year. The considerable interest and the rising number of participants of the retail and the brands complete the innovation network. Like every year, the guiding principle of the event is “sustainability”. This is not only manifested in the content of the lectures – our consequent attitude will be further expressed by the fact that Dornbirn-MFC is a certified “Green Event“ and that the catering will be“Green Food“.

Sponsors contribute a lot to Dornbirn-MFC`s success

Dornbirn-MFC is being organized by the Austrian Man-Made Fibers Institute on a nonprofit basis. Long-term sponsors, such as the province of Vorarlberg, the city of Dornbirn, Lenzing AG, the associations CIRFS, IVC, and for the first time EDANA, the European Association of the nonwovens producers, constitute the basis of the success of the innovation congress.

In addition to Lenzing AG (AT), the world`s largest cellulose fiber producer, the congress management has managed to get the European “Carbon player“ SGL Group (DE) along with its subsidiary Fisipe (PT, acrylic fiber producer) as main sponsor on board. The German polyester fiber producer Märkische Faser and Messe Frankfurt/AVANTEX join the esteemed group of main sponsors and utilize the innovative potential within the Dornbirn-MFC network.

Further the creme de la creme of the European fiber producers as additional sponsors is worth mentioning and gratifying in this regard; Advansa GmbH (DE), Glanzstoff Industries GmbH (AT), IFG Asota GmbH (AT), Dralon GmbH (DE), Perlon GmbH (DE)

For the first time, machinery- and chemical industry will provide sponsorship: CHT Beitlich GmbH (DE), Groz Beckert KG (DE), IKV Innovative Kunststoffveredelungs GmbH (DE), Lindauer Dornier (DE), Rieter Holding AG (DE), SAURER AG (CH)

The innovation platforms, such as Ecoplus GmbH (AT), Smart Textiles Plattform (AT), as well as the largest Austrian industry consulting group SYNGROUP (AT) and the Linz University of Art (AT) appear as sponsors.

Exploit synergies and joint forces

An essential part of the success of Dornbirn-MFC is the cooperation with international partners. Also this year, there will be close cooperation with prominent institutions and organisations.

Cooperation with the Community-Platform SALTEX in Dornbirn

On 5th and 6th of October 2016,  the SALTEX – the Community-Platform for Smart Textiles and  Composites and its industrial automatization will take place on the exhibition grounds in Dornbirn for the first time. The focus will be the interdisciplinary exchange of knowledge transfer and the progressive interlinking of the sectors involved.

Cooperations with Turkish Specialist Publishers

Collaboration with Turkish specialist media aims to raise awareness of Dornbirn-MFC in Turkey which is the most potential market place for the European textile industry.

Teknik Fuarcilik is the editor of “Tekstil Teknoloji“ and “Nonwoven Technical Textiles Technology“ and also co-organizer of the machinery exhibition ITM in Istanbul. The publisher supports Dornbirn-MFC as well in the print sector as online. www.teknikfuarcilik.com

There is further partnership with “Textile Dunyasi“. Also this cooperation enables comprehensive coverage and presence on the Turkish market.

Cooperation with EDANA

EDANA is the single, powerful “Voice of Nonwovens” – the association represents more than 240 companies along the nonwovens value chain which has a turnover value of about USD 30 billions. With the support of EDANA a block of international, high qualitative lectures could be organized with specific focus on the fast growing global nonwovens segment.

Partnership with Messe Frankfurt/AVANTEX Paris

AVANTEX Paris is a textile fair where fashion and HiTec meet together. It is held in Paris twice a year (February and September) organized by Messe Frankfurt France.

According to the motto “Fashion and Research links together”, a symbiosis of the 2 events is created where HiTec fabrics are developed being shown to a great audience on the fairs in Paris – Dornbirn-MFC Congress, respectively the network “Dornbirn-MFC Innovation Community”, works as an idea generator for the HiTec fabrics.

Dornbirn-MFC enriched with several side events

Dornbirn-MFC is the innovation generator and communication platform. Several side events will be scheduled around the congress and co-organized by Dornbirn-MFC.

CIRFS, 15th Global Meeting of Chemical Fibers Associations

Workgroup Textiles in Automotive

The semiannual meeting of the workgroup ”Textiles in Automotive” takes place in Dornbirn as many times before under the supervision of Ms Eveline Weber, Adam Opel AG/GM.

Fashion show on the legendary Major`s Evening

Fisipe from Portugal, the highly specialized subsidiary of the main sponsor SGL Group will provide wonderful artificial furs and other fabrics out of acrylic fibers for the catwalk.

Eyecatcher TexCar in the Foyer

Groz-Beckert is the world’s leading provider of industrial machine needles, precision parts and fine tools as well as systems and services for the production of fabrics. The company will present the longitudinally cut car of a major European car brand in original size in the foyer to demonstrate the various aspects of fiber usage.

Novelties for this Year`s Congress

In order to facilitate interaction and experience the congress more lively some panel discussions and workshops will be scheduled in the programme.

Young Scientist Forum

The day before the beginning of the congress approx. 15 young research talents nominated by the sponsors will hold a workshop organized by a Managing Partner of the biggest Austrian Industry Consulting Group SYNGROUP.

Topic: ”Future Design of the Innovation Process – Challenges & Opportunities“

CEO Panel as a novelty on the opening day

A high-caliber panel discussion will conclude the plenary on the opening day. The panel will be led by the owner of the most reputed global consulting company in the textile segment, GHERZI. The CEOs and board members of the top fiber producers Indorama Group, Lenzing AG, Advansa, Fisipe, Märkische Faser and Dralon will be on stage and discuss Asia`s dominance and remaining Europe in this context and how the economic environment will change in the future.

“Sportive and Functional“ Panel on the Closing Day

The closing of the whole congress will be a panel discussion supervised by a well-known marketing professor at the University Niederrhein. Top managers of the brands Adidas, Skinfit, Urbanrock, Icebreaker and others will be on stage and create a challenging discussion concerning the requirements on the innovation pipeline and which influence new communication channels (eg. social media) will or might offer.

Thematic Focus on the 55th Dornbirn-MFC

This year you can find more than a 100 expert lectures in the programme, whereas close to 50 percent of the industry and it is worth mentioning the international origin (more than 10 percent from Japan):

  • Fibers and textiles in automotive;
  • Fibers for nonwovens;
  • Fiber innovations;
  • Finishing and functional additives; and
  • Textiles.

The details to the expert lectures you will find in the main programme on the newly designed homepage including a download function.

Posted June 24, 2016

Source: Dornbirn Man-made Fibers Congress

Toray Increases Carbon Fiber TORAYCA® And TORAYCA® Prepreg Supply For Airbus

CHUO-KU, Tokyo — June 21, 2016 — Toray Industries Inc. has announced that its TORAYCA® prepreg with high strength and intermediate modulus carbon fiber T800S has been approved as a material for the primary structure of the A380 aircraft by Airbus S.A.S., and Toray has started supplying the material to the Airbus plant in Germany. The A380 is the world’s largest, most spacious airliner and is designed to offer passengers the smoothest, quietest flight. In May 2010, Toray signed a long-term basic supply agreement with Airbus Group S.E. to supply carbon fiber prepreg for aircraft applications primarily for Airbus S.A.S. and the approval of the TORAYCA prepreg material is based on this agreement. Toray has been supplying carbon fiber TORAYCA for Airbus aircraft, and this is the first time for Airbus to use TORAYCA prepreg.

In addition, Toray is increasing the supply of its high performance carbon fiber TORAYCA to the Airbus business. For instance, the fiber is selected for the fan case of PW1100G-JM engine made by Pratt & Whitney. PW1100G-JM is the engine of the new single aisle aircraft A320neo, which was delivered for the first time in January, 2016. Moreover, high performance carbon fiber TORAYCA has been adopted for the primary structure of A330neo. Ever since TORAYCA was selected for the secondary structure of A320 for the first time in 1970s, Toray has been supplying high quality, high performance carbon fibers for a wide range of Airbus aircraft such as the A320, A330, A350 XWB and A380. Toray continues to promote development of its materials for Airbus Group companies including for next-generation planes. Under its medium-term management program Project AP-G 2016 launched in April 2014, Toray positions the carbon fiber composite material business as a Strategically Expanding Business that leads the Group’s profit expansion over a medium- to long-term. The company aims to globally expand the business led by the aircraft application by focusing its management resources on the business.

Posted June 23, 2016

Source: Toray Industries Inc.

Lectra Appoints Céline Choussy Bedouet To Its Executive Committee

PARIS — June 23, 2016 — Lectra is pleased to announce the appointment of Céline Choussy Bedouet, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer to the Executive Committee, starting on July 1, 2016.

“Céline’s experience, demanding nature, expertise, as well as her knowledge of our market segments have made Lectra’s marketing a strategic asset. This has been demonstrated by the many initiatives she has successfully undertaken over the last three years,” declares Daniel Harari, Lectra CEO and Chairman of the Executive Committee. “By reinforcing the Executive Committee, represented today by Edouard Macquin, Jérôme Viala, Véronique Zoccoletto and myself, we will be in a stronger position to attain our 2016 objectives and prepare for the future. Céline will play a critical role in Lectra’s next strategic cycle, which will be presented in February 2017,” he added.

The marketing division’s development was an essential component of the strategic roadmap and the company’s transformation plan, launched at the end of 2011 and supported by an investment of €50 million throughout 2012-2015 for the future. Its workforce was strongly increased at headquarters and in the main subsidiaries, especially in China and the United States. Lectra’s image and reputation have been strengthened, through a range of innovative solutions, worldwide marketing and communications campaigns in the fashion, furniture, and automotive industries, major international events at the Bordeaux-Cestas technology campus, as well as customer testimonials with even more impact.

“I am honored and delighted to be appointed to the Executive Committee, especially given that Lectra is preparing to announce its 2017-2019 roadmap, which will enable us to reach the next step in our development. I am pleased and proud to be able to contribute to innovative projects that are being planned, all the while understanding the importance of the new mission I have been given,” explains Céline Choussy Bedouet.

With a master’s degree in management from ESC Bordeaux (Bordeaux Management School), France, Céline Choussy Bedouet began her career in 2000 at Dassault Systèmes where she headed up the implementation and monitoring of the company’s strategic partnership with Mircrosoft in the United States. In 2008, Céline Choussy Bedouet joined Autodesk as Marketing Manager for Europe. Later on, she was in charge of global manufacturing marketing campaigns before joining Lectra in September 2013.

Posted June 23, 2016

Source: Lectra

Resource-Optimized Shrinkage Technology For Basic And Sensitive Denim Fabrics

By Hans Gerhard Wroblowski, A. Monforts Textilmaschinen GmbH & Co. KG

The textile industry consumes huge amounts of energy and resources in all the textile manufacturing stages.

For example the shrinkage finishing process particularly requires large volumes of moist chemical apply and thermal energy — but a significant part of these resources is wasted.

Energy is lost via hot exhaust gases, effluent and hot waste air (cylinder dryer) in particular. The handling of thermal energy as well as raw materials in an efficient and sustainable way is therefore currently a hot topic in the textile industry.

Sustainability: Target Of Textile Machinery Suppliers

  • Save electrical energy, oil, gas, compressed air, chemicals;
  • Reduce specific energy demand;
  • Save valuable raw material;
  • Reduce life cycle cost; and
  • Reduce emission load in atmosphere.

Over the years A. Monforts Textilmaschinen has been concentrating its intensive R&D activities on developing energy-saving machine concepts and systems, focusing on efficient water and chemical apply units — so called eco — application units.

One of the most recent pioneering innovations to emerge is the development of the Eco Applicator with its controlled kiss roll (tangential application) technology.

This innovative system comprises a new application technique and a highly efficient adjustable moistening system that enables — in combination with the latest developed efficient Thermo-Stretch unit (skewing, stretching and drying) — thermal energy and resources to be utilised in a target manner.

Thermo Stretch Unit

An innovative combination of 3 processes (skewing / weft straightening, stretching and drying) within one:

  • Stretching unit with more cloth content (softstretch) with width control;
  • Skewing/ straightening and stretching under warm and moist condition(soft skew);
  • Skewing / stretching with up to 10 times less tension;
  • Pick counting and control before shrinking;
  • No crease marks during the stretching and skewing process; and
  • Drying: automatic residual fabric moisture control before shrinkage.

Eco Line System

The Eco Line system reduces energy losses and energy use, increases thermal transfer and keeps the drying energy on the textile material longer, i.e. so that it can be used very efficiently.

As a result energy savings of up to 50-percent can be achieved.

Exhaust air energy can also be reduced to a minimum, which has a positive effect on the emission load in to the atmosphere.

The main advantages of Eco Line, respectively the Eco Applicator, is its potential to optimise the liquor applied, which is the result of using an individual use of two tangential application units in one.

A decisive factor for using this technique is a factor which represents a milestone in the ecologically sound use of chemicals whilst achieving the best minimized chemical or water application result.

The quality of the tangential process can also be optimised by applying a specific moistening film – Softener or product to increase dye fastness of the dyed denim.

The Monfortex Eco Line with his tangential Eco Applicator technology offers a real potential for reducing processing time and costs, thereby recouping the investment outlay of the innovative system very quickly.

Posted June 22, 2016

Source: A. Monforts Textilmaschinen GmbH & Co. KG

Epson To Acquire Italian Textile Printer Manufacturing Company Robustelli

TOKYO/COMO, Italy — June 23, 2016 — Epson Group company Epson Italia S.p.A. has agreed with the Robustelli family to acquire 100-percent of the capital of Fratelli Robustelli S.r.l. The agreement aims to drive synergies and further increase customer value by expanding the scope of the two companies’ longstanding collaboration in digital ink-jet textile printing.

The entry of Robustelli into the Epson Group will allow it to leverage Epson’s manufacturing capability to bring the advantages of its digital ink-jet textile printers to more customers around the world. The move will assist Epson in using Robustelli’s expertise to accelerate the development of digital ink-jet textile printers that further enhance the companies’ abilities to meet customer needs with a wider lineup of products. As part of the enhanced acceleration, the two companies plan to focus on joint R&D efforts to achieve this goal.

The digital textile printing market worldwide is expected to grow at an annual rate of approximately 25 percent. In addition to using its manufacturing network to meet this growing demand, Epson will deploy its worldwide sales and service network to provide Monna Lisa to more countries and regions around the world.

Sunao Murata, COO of Epson’s Professional Printing Operations Division, is scheduled to be appointed as president of Robustelli. Murata commented: “This is a very exciting development for the Epson Group. As the market for high-quality digital textile printing expands, I believe that formalizing our partnership with Robustelli in this way puts us in a great place to meet the needs of the growing numbers of customers who are seeking to leverage the advantages of advanced digital solutions that will help drive their businesses forward. We will work closely with our colleagues at Robustelli to take Monna Lisa to the next level and remain leaders in the field.”

“We are happy and proud to become members of the Epson Group”, said Valerio Robustelli, one of the proprietors of F.lli Robustelli. “Our cooperation with Epson led to the development of Monna Lisa, an industrial digital textile printer that is today a market benchmark for high-quality textile printing. The combination of our respective skills is the natural conclusion of a process of innovation to satisfy customers in Italy and the rest of the world.”

Located in Como, the heart of the Italian and European high-quality printing textile industry, Robustelli specializes in the development, manufacture, and sale of digital inkjet textile printers, notably the Monna Lisa series, which it began developing with Epson in 2003. This product has established a strong brand image by providing beautiful gradations and color reproduction, winning plaudits from customers.

Posted June 22, 2016

Source: F.LLI Robustelli s.r.l. 

Radici Yarn Recognized For 20 Years Of Oeko-Tex® Standard 100 Certification

BERGAMO, Italy — June 22, 2016 — Radici Yarn S.p.A. — a RadiciGroup company and leading European manufacturer of a vast range of nylon yarn and staple fiber for apparel, technical and industrial applications — is among the 33 companies in the fashion textiles sector that have received an award for being certified to Oeko-Tex® Standard 100 for 20 years. The award ceremony was held June 21, at MUDEC in Milan.

Following last year’s event at the MA*GA Museum, during which Noyfil S.p.A. and Noyfil SA — RadiciGroup company leaders in the production of polyester yarn headed by CEO Oscar Novali — were recognized for being certified to Oeko-Tex Standard 100 for 20 years, at this year’s Oeko-Tex award ceremony organized by the Varese Chamber of Commerce, Radici Yarn S.p.A. was one of the honorees. The Bergamo-based RadiciGroup company — founded in 1974 and today engaged in the manufacture of nylon yarn and staple fiber — was among the 33 firms who received an award yesterday for 20 years of certification to Oeko Tex Standard 100, currently the world’s most well known and highly regarded voluntary eco-friendly label for textile products.

“This is an important recognition for our company,” Oscar Novali, CEO of Radici Yarn SpA, commented. “It’s an award that testifies to our commitment to monitor the safety of our products constantly using a scientific method. Observing the requirements of Oeko-Tex® means that we offer the maximum guarantee to the final user; it means that we can relate to our customers and the market in a transparent manner and guarantee accurate and reliable information on the products we supply. And this is clearly an added value that our company offers the market.

Among the attendees of the award ceremony at the Museum of Culture in Milan was Filippo Bona, R&D manager of Radici Yarn. “Our customers’ attention to environmental certification, particularly concerning consumer health, has increased greatly in the last few years, as has the interest of all operators in the apparel textiles production and supply chain.”

“The speed of change in textile safety issues requires us to be continuously updated,” Mr. Bona continued. “It is essential that we carefully analyse every new development. For this reason, we interface directly with the various trade associations, research institutions, certification bodies and everyone who is directly involved in our production chain in order to constantly improve the environmental performance and safety of our products. The performance must be scientifically measurable and comparable: only in this way can we be truly reliable.”

Posted June 22, 2016

Source: Radici Yarn SpA

BV Investment Partners Announces Investment In C.F. Stinson

BOSTON — June 22, 2016 — BV Investment Partners — a middle-market private equity firm focused on the information business services and communications sectors — today announced that it has made a sizable investment in C.F. Stinson, a tech-enabled designer and marketer of textiles to the commercial interiors industry. BV is investing in partnership with Keith and Glenn Stinson, the third generation of family ownership. Keith and Glenn will continue to run the business and maintain a significant ownership interest in the company.

Founded in 1952 and based in Rochester Hills, Mich., Stinson is a leading tech-enabled and value-added designer and marketer of fabric to the commercial interiors industry. Central to its business and its success, Stinson leverages a patented, tech-enabled sample system developed by its wholly owned subsidiary, Sample Technologies. This system allows customers at all levels of the supply chain to easily access Stinson’s fabrics and order samples which is integral to the  design and specification process across multiple market segments.

Andrew C. Davis, Managing Director of BV, said, “Stinson is the Fund’s third investment with a tech-enabled distribution theme and has a number of attractive characteristics that align well with BV’s investment strategy and philosophy.  The Company is mission critical to its suppliers and customers, uniquely positioning it within the textile supply chain.  Furthermore, Stinson serves diverse commercial markets including the attractive hospitality and healthcare industries, with a substantial percentage of its business derived from the growing demands of the U.S. healthcare delivery industry.  We are thrilled with this opportunity to invest in an exceptional business and partner with industry veterans and true domain experts, Keith and Glenn.”

Keith Stinson, president and CEO, said: “As third-generation family owners, my brother and I were careful in selecting a financial partner that aligns with our culture, values and vision for the future. It is clear to us we have found this in BV and we look forward to collaborating with the BV team to continue to accelerate the growth of C.F. Stinson.”

Glenn Stinson, vice president and COO, added: “BV has experience within the tech-enabled distribution segment and has a long and successful track record of working with market leading firms. We are looking forward to the next phase of Stinson’s growth in partnership with BV and we are confident the BV team will help us continue to better serve our customers, suppliers and employees.”

Sean Wilder, principal, BV, said: “Stinson has a very strong brand and reputation in its industry, established over the course of several decades. We are honored and thrilled to be partnered with Keith, Glenn and the rest of the Stinson team to help build upon Stinson’s strong legacy and success to date. Stinson is a pioneer and leader when it comes to leveraging data and technology to efficiently and reliably deliver best-in-class services.  BV’s successful investments in ECRM and Plasco ID represent B2B, software-driven businesses that we have helped grow exponentially, both organically and through acquisition, and we look forward to pursuing and accomplishing similar results with C.F. Stinson.”

Posted June 22, 2016

Source: BV Investment Partners

Tenowo Announces Expansion Of North American Operations

LINCOLNTON, N.C. — June 22, 2016 — Tenowo Inc. — a Hoftex Group AG business and manufacturer of engineered nonwovens — announces plans to expand its plant in the Indian Creek Industrial Park in Lincolnton, N.C. The expansion will involve the addition of 70,000 square feet of new building space and the installation of a new production line.  Three additional new lines have been planned for the near future.

The Lincolnton facility was founded in 1992 and is a leading producer of decorative and functional nonwovens for the automotive, industrial and apparel industries. The latest expansion involves a total investment of $12.5 million and is the fourth at this location since 2009. Overall, Tenowo has invested $20 million in the expansion of existing production capabilities and the installation of new manufacturing technologies.

The new production line will transfer Tenowo’s unique Multiknit technology from Germany to the United States, resulting in the only production capability of its kind in North America. Multiknit products are primarily used in automotive seating applications and offer several advantages over conventional foam padding, including enhanced breathability and improved temperature regulation.

“This technology provides Tenowo Inc. with a unique value-added product to offer to the automotive market and allows the company to diversify our portfolio in North America.  We are excited to be able to deliver this new technology to our customers while adding jobs in Lincolnton and contributing to the local economy,” stated Chris Peart, president and CEO of Tenowo, Inc. “The support that we received from the Lincoln Economic Development Association (LEDA), Lincoln County and the state of North Carolina was critical to moving forward,” he added.

Dr. Harald Stini, Global Managing Director for Tenowo commented: “This location has been very successful for our company over the last several years and we view it as a key location for strategic growth. We are always evaluating potential investments in production technology in geographic locations where there are strong market development opportunities, especially in cases where we have unique intellectual property. We will continue to invest aggressively when such opportunities present themselves.”

Groundbreaking for the new building occurred on May 12th and the first commercial production is planned for January 2017.

Posted June 22, 2016

Source: Tenowo Inc.

United States Industrial Fabrics Institute Endorses The Trans-Pacific Partnership

ROSEVILLE, Minn. — June 21, 2016 — The United States Industrial Fabrics Institute (USIFI), a division of the Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI), announced its formal support for the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) free trade agreement Tuesday. TPP was signed in February by the United States and eleven other countries and awaits congressional approval.

The decision to endorse TPP came after an in-depth review of the finalized text and a determination that USIFI’s key objectives were met under the terms of the agreement. These objectives included securing:

  • A strong yarn-forward rule of origin for the vast majority of textile and apparel products;
    Reasonable, multi-year tariff phase-outs for sensitive industrial textile products;
  • Preservation of the Berry and Kissell Amendments, U.S. government procurement laws mandating domestic preferences for national security purposes; and
  • Provisions that allow for effective customs enforcement cooperation among the TPP parties and other standard textile chapter terms included in U.S. free trade agreements.

“The U.S. textile industry can compete globally under trade rules that are reasonable and fair. We extend our thanks to USTR Ambassador Michael Froman and the U.S. textile negotiating team for their strong consideration of our input and analysis regarding provisions important to U.S. industrial textile manufacturers,” said Ted Anderson, USIFI Board Chairman and CEO of BondCote Corporation.

“While every agreement includes tradeoffs, we recognize that the overall outcome on TPP is balanced and reflects core textile industry objectives. As a result, based on the text as drafted and agreed to by the TPP nations, we endorse this agreement,” Anderson added.

USIFI is a coalition of domestic U.S. fiber, fabric and end-product manufacturers which serves member company interests in both domestic and international affairs. USIFI is a division of the Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI), which represents more than 1,500 members in the specialty textile industry worldwide.

Posted June 21, 2016

Source: IFAI

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