Graphene, The Wonder Material, Goes Textile

BÖNNIGHEIM, Germany — March 2, 2015 — What does a graphite or lead pencil have to do with a spectacular discovery in the world of materials research? Graphene is a single layer of carbon just one atom thick, in the form of a honeycomb lattice made up of hexagons (see Text Box 1). This layer, just a few nanometres thick, can only be seen under a scanning tunnelling microscope and holds within it the technology of tomorrow. The material is multifunctional: ultra-thin and therefore transparent, an extremely efficient conductor of electricity and heat, with higher tensile strength than steel, yet flexible and abrasion-resistant and impermeable to gases.

These outstanding properties of graphene mean that it has many potential uses in industry. While research is making rapid progress especially in the field of conductivity, the use of graphene in the textile sector has so far been somewhat overlooked. This is where a research project run by scientists at the Hohenstein Institut für Textilinnovation gGmbH in Bönnigheim, in partnership with the companies IoLiTec Ionic Liquids Technologies GmbH from Heilbronn and FUCHSHUBER TECHNOTEX- GmbH from Lichtenstein, and Belgian project partners Centexbel and Soieries Elite, comes in. The team led by Project Manager Dr. Roshan Paul is working within the EU research funding programme “M-era.Net” on the German sub-project called “GRAFAT – Using graphene for the surface modification of textiles in heat protective clothing” (sponsorship ID 03X0157A). “Over the next three years, the consortium will be investigating to what extent the surface of textiles can be changed using graphene modifications (see Text Box 2), in particular with a view to later applying the process to heat protective clothing. Graphene has all kinds of positive properties which would revolutionise this sector. This research makes us world leaders in using graphene modification on textile surfaces,” says Dr. Paul. The transformation of the various graphene modifications into stable aqueous dispersions is being carried out by Iolitec.

The aim of the Hohenstein research team is to develop stable techniques for applying aqueous graphene dispersions, so that they can be used as a permanent coating on different textile surfaces. A range of different graphene modifications (e.g. graphene oxide, “multi-layer graphene”) are being considered, since they each have different properties. The newly developed surface modifications for the various textiles will then be analysed for their suitability for heat protective equipment. In the research work, the company FUCHSHUBER TECHNO TEX has the task of converting the application formula that has been developed to an industrial scale and ensuring that the treated textiles can be cleaned and processed. The aim is to produce a demonstrator model.

Using graphene to modify the surface can significantly improve the flame-retardant properties of a textile. Graphene can act as a physical barrier, effectively preventing the penetration of heat and gases. At the same time, graphene also has the potential to prevent the thermal decomposition of the textile. Another benefit of graphene is its resistance to abrasion and rupture, about 200 times higher than that of steel. These qualities also make graphene extremely interesting for applications in the field of personal protective equipment.

Normally, the functionalisation of textiles for PPE requires a multi-stage process. This may no longer be necessary if graphene can be applied in a single-stage process. The material used for PPE could then be thinner and therefore lighter. This in turn increases the wearer’s mobility.

“If their functionality can be successfully proven, textiles with graphene-modified surfaces could find many uses in the PPE sector, especially in heat protective clothing,” says Dr. Paul. This would open up a new market segment for the use of graphene, further enhancing the economic success of innovative companies and the industry in general.
 

Text box 1:
Graphene is a layer of pure carbon, just one atom thick. A distinction is made between single-layer and multi-layer graphene and graphene with more than 10 layers, which is called graphite (pencil lead). Even though the structure is the same, the different numbers of layers result in different properties.

A graphene layer is about 0.3 nanometres thick, just one hundred-thousandth of the thickness of a human hair. Each carbon atom in the layer is bonded to three more carbon atoms, creating a two-dimensional honeycomb-like layered structure.

Text box 2:
Graphene and oxygen can be converted into graphene oxide which can contain different amounts of bound oxygen. By linking or functionalising it with other molecules or atoms, different chemical properties can be produced in the material.

Posted March 10, 2015

Source: Hohenstein Institute
 

BASF Now Offers Biobased PolyTHF

LUDWIGSHAFEN, Germany — March 5, 2015 — BASF has made bio-based Polytetrahydrofuran 1000 (PolyTHF® 1000) available for the first time. The company is now providing this intermediate to selected partners for testing various applications in a large scale. “The bio-based PolyTHF 1000 is identical in quality to the petrochemical-based product,” said Andrej Brejc, Director Renewable Diols from BASF’s Intermediates division, adding, “The opportunity to expand the range of products and applications made from renewable raw materials allows us and our partners to further explore the long-term market acceptance of this innovative technology.” PolyTHF is derived from 1,4 butanediol (BDO), which BASF has produced under license from Genomatica.

BASF is the world’s leading provider of PolyTHF. It is primarily used to make elastic spandex fibers for a large variety of textiles, including underwear, outerwear, sportswear and swimsuits. PolyTHF 1000 is mainly applied as a chemical building block for thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), which is used to make for example parts of ski boots and skates, shoe soles and instrument panel skin for automotive applications as well as hoses, films and cable sheathing. It is also used as a component of thermoplastic polyetheresters and polyetheramides. Other applications include cast elastomers, which are used, for example, for the production of wheels for skateboards and inline skates.

Posted March 10, 2015

Source: BASF
 

New Nonwoven Material Made Entirely From Plant-based Materials Wins 2015 INDA RISE® Durable Product Award

CARY, N.C. — March 3, 2015 — INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, has awarded the 2015 RISE® Durable Product Award to Fitesa Simpsonville, Inc. for a new nonwoven material made entirely from plant-based materials for the hygiene and personal care markets.

Fitesa 100 Percent Biobased Spunbond was selected for the prestigious award from three other finalists based on votes from attendees and other INDA members at INDA’s Research, Innovation & Science for Engineered Fabrics Conference (RISE®) & N3M Conference Feb. 9-12 in Miami, Florida.

The RISE Durable Product Award is presented to a durable nonwoven product chosen for their innovative use of nonwoven fabric and/or technology that is commercially sold and used in the consumer or industrial marketplace.

The fabric’s sheath/core bicomponent configuration contains two biobased polymers and features extreme softness and robust strength. This spunbond material offers a sustainable alternative to customers in such diverse applications as agriculture and landscaping, industrial wipes, as well as disposable soft goods.

“We are pleased to be recognized by INDA for our collaboration with Braskem and NatureWorks to develop a product that highlights and supports Fitesa’s commitment to performance and sustainability by replacing traditional petrochemical based materials with renewable products made from plants,” said Ray Dunleavy, Fitesa Marketing, Strategy, and Business Development Director.

The production of both the Braskem’s I’m green™100 percent biobased polyethylene and NatureWorks naturally advanced 100 percent biobased Ingeo polylactide used to make the new fabric provide significant carbon footprint reductions by removing CO2 from the atmosphere.

The companies were motivated to launch the product by increased consumer interest in green and sustainable product options, growing demand for products produced with renewable resources, sustainability initiatives by large consumer product companies and pricing volatility of petrochemical-based polymers.

The other finalists for the 2015 RISE® Durable Product Award were: Conversion Technologies International’s CT melt blown filter cartridges, Louis P. Batson Company’s elliptical needle loom Ellittica, and Polymer Group, Inc.’s highly breathable AAMI 4 Laminate.

Posted March 10, 2015

Source: INDA
 

The Rupp Report: Successful Technical Textiles (Part III)

For many traditional textile people, technical textiles in general, and nonwovens in particular, and its technical expressions are sometimes not easy to understand. With this glossary of technical terms from the sector — which is only the tip of the iceberg — The Rupp Report closes its short round-up of technical textiles.
 
Next week, The Rupp Report will start with previews from exhibitors at the next Techtextil, which will take place in Frankfurt, May 4-7, 2015. Exhibitors are invited to send it their previews to jrupp@textileworld.com
 
 Nonwovens/Technical Textiles Glossary
 

Airlaid
Airlaid is one of the dry nonwoven processes. The most important feature of the airlaid process is the processing of short fibers from 1 millimeter (mm). The basic principle is that the short fibers are passed through an airflow and manufactured into nonwoven material.
 
Aramid fibers
The fibers are very stable, have a high tensile strength and are resistant to acids and alkali. They are also very heat and fire resistant. Aramid fibers do not melt at high temperatures, and only start to char at temperatures around 400° C.
 
Basalt fibers
Melts at 1,450° C. Can be produced from natural basalt filament fibers, which are used as the basis for a wide range of textile technology processes and various applications.
 
Bionics
Interface between physics, technology and biology, in which structures and functionalities of living systems are researched and used for technical constructions.
 
Bonding
Bonding together a sheet or web structure. Can be achieved:

  • Mechanically — for example, needle punched;
  • Thermally — for example, by adding thermoplastic fibers; or
  • Chemically — for example, by spraying.
Carbon fibers
Using special technical processes, carbon is formed into fine fibers. The resulting fibers have a very high tensile strength, are electrically conductive, resistant to chemicals and temperature and easy to process (similar to glass fibers).
 
Carded processes
In a continuous process, the basic fibers are carded, aligned in parallel and needled into nonwoven material.
 
Composites
Composites are materials consisting of at least two coexistent components, i.e. which do not dissolve into each other and whose properties are combined to form a material which is very stable and stiff.
 
Cellulose wadding
Soft, thick material made from cotton or rayon fibers.
 
Cellulose
Natural polymer (macromolecular polysaccharide) that is the main component of plant cell walls.
 
Carbon Fiber Plastics (CFP)
Carbon fiber plastics (CFP) are a fiber composite which is manufactured by embedding carbon fibers in epoxy resin.
 
Coverstock
The outer layer of an absorbent hygiene product that is in direct intimate contact with the user’s skin. It allows instant transfer of the fluid from the point of contact to the inside of the product. Sometimes also referred to as topsheet.
 
Defibered wood pulp
Wood pulp that has been put through a hammer mill to separate the fibers into ‘fluff’ which increases the bulk and, as a result, can be used to form absorbent hygiene product (AHPs).
 
Diaper
Article worn by babies to absorb urine and contain faeces.
 
Disposable
Term used by the AHP industry to denote products intended for single use.
 
Dissolving grade wood pulp
Technical name for fluff pulp.
 
Double-blind
clinical study
Clinical trial in which the method for analyzing data is specified in the protocol before the study has begun and the study subjects have been randomly assigned for either application of the study material or an alternative material, and in which neither the study subjects nor the physician(s) conducting the study know which treatment is being given to the study subject.
 
Elemental chlorine-free (ECF)
Bleaching process that substitutes chlorine dioxide for elemental chlorine in the bleaching process. Compared to elemental chlorine bleaching processes, ECF bleaching reduces the formation of many chlorinated organic compounds.
 
Extrusion
Manufacturing process that allows continuous production of polymer materials for example into long objects of a fixed cross-sectional profile.
 
Fiberization
Separation of wood and other plant material into fibers or fiber bundles by mechanical (sometimes assisted by chemical) means.
 
Fiber spraying
In this process, pieces of glass fiber and impregnated resin are combined into one form. The fiber spraying process is used, for example, to produce parts for boats made from glass-fiber reinforced plastic (GFP).
 
Fluff pulp
Common name for wood pulps used in the absorbent core of absorbent hygiene products such as diapers, feminine absorbent pads and airlaid absorbent products.
 
Glass-fiber reinforced plastic (GFP)
GFP is a fiber/plastic composite consisting of plastic and glass fibers.
 
Glass fibers
A glass fiber is a long thin fiber made from glass. In the production process, thin fibers are drawn out of molten glass and processed further into a number of end products. Characteristic properties include high stability and chemical and thermal durability.
 
Hot-melt adhesives
Solid thermoplastic adhesive that melts rapidly when heated and sets to a bond when cooled. Unlike many other adhesives, hot melt adhesives do not set due to the evaporation of a solvent.
 
Lamination
Bonding sheets together.
 
Laying products
A laying is a special textile surface structure, which can be used, for example, to reinforce fiber composites. In contrast to woven materials, laid webs are much more drapeable and have better mechanical properties in composite structures, since the fibers are used in an attenuated form and the direction of the fibers can be defined specifically for the respective application.
 
Meltblown technology
In the meltblown process, the spun filaments are deposited randomly and reinforced directly after they are removed from the spinneret and the stretching unit. If the filaments are stretched to an extreme degree by a compressed airflow, the resulting product is known as meltblown.
 
Nappy
Term used for a diaper in the United Kingdom.
 
Nanotechnology
Nanotechnology is the investigation, application and production of structures, molecular materials and systems with a dimension or production tolerance of typically less than 100 nanometers. The nanoscale of the system components alone results in new functionalities and properties to improve existing or develop new production and application options” (BMBF definition).
 
Non-crimp fabrics (NCF)
NCF is the term used to describe laid web products for fiber composites. The fibers are not woven together, but are placed in layers, and held together by a filament. Layings have better mechanical properties than woven materials.
 
Nonwovens
Generic term for textile fabrics not produced by weaving or knitting (stitching), but from a random combination of synthetic fibers. Sheet or web structures bonded together by entangling fiber or filaments (and by perforating films) mechanically, thermally or chemically. They are flat, porous sheets that are made directly from separate fibers or from molten plastic or plastic film.
 
Fabrics which are produced neither by weaving nor by stitching fibers, and are known as composites. Examples of textile composites are felts and fleeces.
 
Nonwoven fabric
A pleonasm. Wrong description of nonwovens. The nonwoven as such is already the fabric.
 
Polyester (PET)
Thermoplastic material that can be spun into fibers or continuous filaments. Its properties include strength and high modulus. It can be easily recycled.
 
pH
Measure of the acidity or alkalinity of a fluid or substrate. The pH of any fluid is the measure of its range from 0 to 14 on a logarithmic scale, where 0 is most acid, 14 most alkaline and 7 is neutral.
 
Polyethylene (PE) film
Thin plastic that comes in sheets of different thicknesses and sizes rolled or folded.
 
Polypropylene (PP)
Thermoplastic material similar to polyethylene but somewhat stiffer and with a higher softening point (temperature). Very often applied for nonwovens.
 
Plasma technology
Surface treatment using plasma (ionized gas), to which the textile structures are exposed in a chamber.
 
Polylactic acid
Polylactic acids or polylactides (PLA) are biodegradable polymers made from lactic acid. Polylactic acids are biocompatible.
 
Prepregs
A prepreg is a semi-finished product which consists of continuous filaments and an unhardened duroplastic plastic matrix, which is used in lightweight construction.
 
Pultrusion
The pultrusion process is a method of producing fiber-reinforced plastic profiles in a continuous procedure.
 
REACh
Registration, Evaluation, Authorization of Chemicals. The REACh regulation controls the production, marketing and handling of industrial chemicals. On 1 June 2007, legislation on chemicals came into effect throughout Europe.
 
Rovings
Bundles of continuous, untwisted, stretched filaments which are often used in the production of fiber composites and particularly for fiber/plastic composites. If individual filaments consisting of glass, aramid or carbon are combined without twisting, they are initially referred to as a smooth filament yarn, and, from a certain strength (fineness >68 Tex) as a roving.
 
Sheet Molding
Sheet Molding Compound (SMC) technology
 
Compound SMC  technology
SMC resin mats, consisting of duroplastic resins and glass fibers, are processed in pressing tools to make technically sophisticated components.
 
Spunbond process
With the spunbond process, the spun filaments are deposited randomly and reinforced directly after they are removed from the spinneret and the stretching unit. The nonwoven materials produced using this process is referred to as spunbond.
 
Spunlace process
This technology uses high-speed jets of water to strike a web to intermingle the fibers. Spunlaced nonwovens made by this method have specific properties such as soft hand and drapeability. It is the most common used mechanical bonding technology after needle punching. The process employs jets of water to entangle fibers and thereby provide web and eventually fabric integrity.
 
Web formation
Producing nonwovens with different technologies such as:

  • Drylaid;
  • Carded;
  • Airlaid;
  • Spunmelt;
  • Spunlaid (or spunbonded);
  • Meltblown;
  • Wetlaid;
  • Electrostatic spinning; or
  • Flash spun.
Wetlaid process
Applied to produce nonwovens, the fibers are mixed with water to create a suspension. The mixture is sieved and dried by passing the lengths of fleece over heated drums.
 

Sources: EDANA, Commerzbank and author’s own knowledge

March 3, 2015

Gildan Announces Completion Of Acquisition Of Comfort Colors

MONTREAL — March 2, 2015 — Gildan Activewear Inc. today announced that it has completed the acquisition of Comfort Colors, effective March 2, 2015. Gildan previously announced on February 4, 2015 that it had entered into an agreement to acquire substantially all of the assets of Comfort Colors.

Posted March 3, 2014

Source: Gildan
 

Jasani To Receive 2015 Chapin Award For Service To AATCC

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. — March 2, 2015 — In recognition of his outstanding service to the Association, AATCC has named Kantilal (“Kanti”) A. Jasani as the 2015 recipient of the Harold C. Chapin Award. A member of AATCC since 1972, Kanti Jasani has served the Association with honor and distinction. Jasani has viewed his career in textiles and membership in AATCC as a harmonious blending of service to the worldwide textile community.

Jasani is currently the AATCC Regional Board Member for the Central Atlantic Region, and also serves on the AATCC Board of Directors. Jasani has served on various test method committees for over 20 years. He has also served on the AATCC Foundation Student Research Support Grant Committee since 2000. Jasani also served on the AATCC Olney Award Committee from 1998-2002, and chaired this committee in 2003.

Nationally, Jasani was AATCC Regional Vice-President from 2003-2005, and AATCC Central Atlantic Regional Board member from 2005-2008. Locally, he joined the AATCC Delaware Valley Section in 1999, and is currently an active member of this section. He also was a member of the AATCC Hudson Mohawk Section from 1975 to 1993, and held several positions in this section.

Most recently, Jasani chaired the Association’s Wet Processing of Textiles with Spandex: Best Practices Conference held at the Textile Technology Center in Belmont, NC, USA. This program was designed to share industry concerns and case studies related to fastness issues at various stages of manufacturing operations; and ultimately, use this collective knowledge to improve existing test methods and create new methods.

Jasani is a champion of the Association and promotes its mission and vision locally, nationally, and internationally. His vast experience in the textile industry is reflected in the many contributions he makes to the Association.

The Association will present the Chapin Scroll during the International Conference Awards Luncheon that will take place March 26, 2015, in Savannah, Ga.

Posted March 2, 2014

Source: AATCC
 

Wells Lamont Industrial Named Glove Supplier For All Fruit Of The Loom Production Facilities

NILES, Ill.— March 2, 2015 — Wells Lamont Industrial announced today that Fruit of the Loom, a global manufacturer of iconic family apparel, athletic apparel and sporting equipment brands, has chosen to equip employees in its production facilities with Wells Lamont gloves starting in 2015. The announcement demonstrates the Fruit of the Loom’s longstanding commitment to exceed high safety standards in its production facilities. Fruit of the Loom President and CEO Rick Medlin was recognized in 2014 by The National Safety Council as one of ten CEOs “Who ‘Get It’” and who demonstrate a personal commitment to worker safety and health. From employee safety training to factory safety assessments, Fruit of the Loom keeps safety top-of-mind. For minimizing injury and protecting employee hands, the company turned to sister company Wells Lamont Industrial.

“As a Berkshire Hathaway company we look to support our sister companies and were thus introduced to Wells Lamont Industrial,” says Wendy Emmitt, Senior Manager of Safety for Fruit of the Loom. “We were so pleased to discover their hand and arm solutions were not only more cost effective, but were of the highest quality in the industry.”

Wells Lamont Industrial is a worldwide leader and US manufacturer of hand and arm protection. With thousands of products ranging from high cut resistance gloves and sleeves, to standard palm dips and liners, Wells Lamont Industrial is able to meet Fruit of the Loom’s various hand protection needs. In addition, its hand and arm solutions are crafted with the highest quality materials and manufacturing processes.

“Whether cutting fabric, welding balancing beams, stitching footballs or handling logistics, we have thousands of employees that require gloves to keep their hands protected,” says Emmitt. “Having the guidance and support to ensure we use the right product for each job is critical and Wells Lamont Industrial has proven to be the right partner in making those decisions.”

Looking for high cut resistance, the company’s first orders were for Wells Lamont Industrial’s Cut-Tec™ Light Weight glove. The cut resistant glove is made from highly engineered composite fiber and Lycra® and provides durability and cut protection without sacrificing tactile sensitivity.  For its distribution center and warehouse, Fruit of the Loom employees use Wells Lamont Industrial’s acclaimed FlexTech™ (Y9287 & Y9277) palm dip gloves.

“We look forward to expanding our hand protection efforts with Wells Lamont Industrial and further increasing employee safety at all our facilities,” says Emmitt.

Posted March 3, 2015

Source: Wells Lamont
 

Rennovia And Johnson Matthey To Co-Develop Commercial Catalysts For Biobased Adipic Acid Process

LONDON/SANTA CLARA, Calif. — February 27th, 2015 — Rennovia Inc., a specialty chemical company focused on the creation of novel processes for the cost advantaged production of chemicals from renewable feedstocks, and Johnson Matthey, a global specialty chemicals company, announced today that they have entered into a joint development agreement for the co-development and manufacture of catalysts to be used in the scale-up and commercialization of Rennovia’s process for the production of bio-based glucaric acid and adipic acid.

This agreement, for the co-development and manufacture of catalysts, builds upon the existing collaboration, announced in March 2014, under which Rennovia and Johnson Matthey Davy Technologies are working together on the engineering and construction of a mini-plant to optimize and scale the process, which will enable commercial production of these products. The focus of the joint development effort announced today will be to develop and supply catalysts for the mini-plant and future commercial plants.

“Our agreement with Johnson Matthey is another major milestone in Rennovia’s goal to commercialize the production of its bio-based glucaric acid and adipic acid products,” said Robert Wedinger, President and Chief Executive Officer of Rennovia. “We are excited to be working with the Johnson Matthey group on both the mini-plant and the catalyst supply for this program.”

“Johnson Matthey is delighted to be co-developing catalysts with Rennovia for its adipic acid process,” said Geoff Otterman, Division Director of Johnson Matthey’s Process Technologies Division. “This is a further opportunity for Johnson Matthey to demonstrate its expertise in sustainable technologies through the co-development, scale-up and manufacturing of custom designed catalysts for new biobased chemical processes”.

Posted March 3, 2015

Source: Rennovia
 

X-Rite Announces Next-Generation Spherical Spectrophotometers For Color Measurement

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — March 2, 2015 — X-Rite Inc.— a color science and technology company, and its subsidiary Pantone LLC — announced a new series of spherical benchtop spectrophotometers that provide accurate measurement of color across the entire supply chain, from concept design through final product. The X-Rite Ci7800, a master-level instrument, and the compatible cost efficient Ci7600 represent the next generation of spectrophotometers, helping users meet color specifications and improve process controls.

In a complex global supply chain, there are many points at which color errors can occur, from design, specification and formulation, to manufacturing and the assembly of raw materials, parts and the final product. Communicating color standards digitally and having accurate, reliable sample-to-sample color measurement of materials can mitigate errors, reducing costly rejects, product rework and speeding time to market.

“The new X-Rite Ci7800 and Ci7600 are specifically designed to help users overcome color management challenges,” said Chris Winczewski, Vice President, Product Marketing for X-Rite. “These instruments set a new benchmark for measuring, managing and communicating color data. The Ci7800 and Ci7600 are the most accurate and reliable benchtop sphere spectrophotometer in the market today. They are easier to service and offer an unprecedented audit trail for each sample taken, improving overall color compliance in the supply chain.”

Ideal for the plastics, textile, automotive and paint/coatings industries, the Ci7800 and Ci7600 can adjust to any color supply chain, including those anchored by instruments from other suppliers. Product highlights include:

  • Advanced Auditing Capabilities: An on-board camera captures images of each measurement, providing a visual record of every sample as well as a detailed audit trail of the settings at the time of measurement. The result is a seamless, automated and consistent color measurement and management process that can be easily audited for invalid measurements and sample defects. On-board sensors capture temperature and humidity at the time of measurement.
  • Automated Instrument Set-Up: Easy to use software makes instrument configuration simple and eliminates error with pre-loaded customer settings for measurement consistency.
  • Measurement Flexibility: The instruments come with up to five apertures and three automated UV filters for increased measurement flexibility across opaque, transparent and translucent materials.
  • Migrate Legacy Colors: The instruments help ensure that legacy data remains valid and the new devices fit seamlessly into existing environments regardless of data format.

Posted March 3, 2015

Source: X-Rite
 

Kevin Myette with Bluesign is AATCC’s Conference Keynote Speaker

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. — February 26, 2015 — Kevin Myette, North American director for Bluesign Technologies AG, is the keynote speaker for AATCC’s International Conference. With his strong background in sustainability, Myette says, “The topic of sustainability in apparel, footwear and textiles in general is a hot one….. Yet, consumers are consuming like never before.”  His presentation is entitled, “Doing Well or Just Looking Good?”

At Bluesign, Myette oversees the implementation of the Bluesign system for North America, and is optimizing the Bluesign system for brands globally.  Myette developed his product and supply chain experience while directing product integrity and development for REI.  During his 27 years at REI, he was also responsible for managing the organization’s product sustainability programs—both private and wholesale brands.
 
Myette has participated and remains an active member in a number of groups including: ASTM, GC3 (Green Chemistry and Commerce Council), AFIRM (Apparel and Footwear International Restricted Substance Management), ZDHC (Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals) in order to promote better understanding, standards, testing, safety, and chemistry/environmental issues for products and supply chains.
 
He is a co-founder of the “eco index” effort, a cross outdoor industry under the industry trade organization, Outdoor Industry Association (OIA). This work has become known as the Higg Index under the Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC) and is fast becoming the most influential global positive initiative to improve product and supply chain sustainability.
 
AATCC’s International Conference will be held at the Hilton DeSoto in Savannah from March 24-26. Myette’s Keynote Address will be held on the morning of Mach 25.

Posted March 3, 2015

Source: AATCC
 

1...1,7571,7581,759...2,522Page 1,758 of 2,522

Sponsors

Breaking News

Load more

Digital Issue

2025 Quarterly Issue Number II

View Latest Digital Issue

FEATURED ARTICLES

© Copyright 2017 Textile Industries Media Group, LLC.