J+J Flooring Group Certified As A Zero Waste To Landfill Manufacturer

DALTON, Ga. — June 10, 2015 — J+J Flooring Group, a leading manufacturer of commercial specified flooring, announced today it has been certified as a Zero Waste to Landfill manufacturer by GreenCircle Certified LLC., a prominent third-party certifier of environmental claims. J+J Flooring Group is the first commercial flooring manufacturer in the United States to achieve this landfill free status. It is also the first company in the industry to have its waste diversion efforts audited and verified by a recognized, third-party certifier of environmental claims.  
 
Over the years, through effective reuse, recycling and repurposing methods, J+J Flooring Group has significantly decreased the amount of waste it directly sends to local landfills. This long-standing initiative concluded in August of 2014 when the company officially stopped sending any material directly to the landfill.
 
Now in 2015 and beyond, any waste at J+J’s Dalton, Ga., campus that cannot be recycled, reused or repurposed — approximately two percent of its total waste — will be sent to Covanta, the country’s largest energy-from-waste operator. The waste received by Covanta will be converted into energy to help provide steam power to the Redstone Arsenal, a U.S. Army garrison that services a number of tenants including the Army Materiel Command, the Missile Defense Agency of the Department of Defense and NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center.
 
To further demonstrate commitment to waste diversion, J+J Flooring Group selected GreenCircle to verify its waste diversion process. This certification included a material flow analysis of J+J’s Dalton campus as well as a review of its downstream material management organizations receiving J+J’s waste. After verification of the processes, sources and procedures, GreenCircle awarded J+J Flooring Group a Zero Waste to Landfill Certification.
 
“Our focus on waste reduction and recycling over the past 20 years is what has allowed us to reach this significant milestone. It is the result of a common passion and drive between all J+J associates,” said J+J Flooring Group Director of Sustainability Russ Delozier. “This marks another significant step in J+J’s journey to holistic sustainability.”
 
Landfills not only represent a waste of resources, but according to the EPA, they pose significant risks to the environment. Landfills in the U.S. are the third largest emitters of the greenhouse gas methane (CH4), which is 34 times more harmful than CO2. Hydrologically, toxic liquids can leach from a landfill and cause water management concerns.
 
J+J Flooring Group’s landfill reduction, an effort started nearly a quarter of a century ago, has been accelerated by the company’s 20/20 Vision.  This roadmap includes the company’s sustainability goals to be met by 2020 and demonstrates its commitment to corporate responsibility.

Posted June 11, 2015

Source: J+J Flooring Group
 

PA Group Software Enhances Lean Manufacturing Operations At World’s Largest Insect Screening Manufacturer

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — June 10, 2015 — PA Group USA is implementing manufacturing software solutions at Phifer, Incorporated that will enhance lean manufacturing practices. PA Group has fully implemented machine monitoring, planning and scheduling, and product life cycle management software solutions in one Phifer manufacturing division with two more scheduled to go live this summer. Phifer is based in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and has grown to become the world’s largest manufacturer of aluminum and fiberglass insect screening.

The three software components are part of a suite of solutions commonly referred to as Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) that are focused on giving manufacturing executives greater visibility into manufacturing operations. PA Group has published a case study to highlight the software implementation process and business outcomes of the Phifer MES project.

“As I worked on this case study with Phifer it became very clear to me just how valuable the insight they were gaining was. It was powerful to hear a customer say that your software is opening new opportunities to look at their business in ways that they never even imagined,” stated PA Group Marketing Director Josh Davis.

Posted June 11, 2015

Source: PA Group
 

The Rupp Report: Stäubli – Supplier For The Technical Textiles Industry

At Techtextil, which took place May 4-7, 2015, there occasionally is some time to talk about the business, the markets and, of course, the products. The Rupp Report had the chance to talk to Joel Jegou, communications manager, Stäubli Group — a Frenchman with a fine sense of humor.
 
As a former supplier to the weaving industry founded in 1892, Stäubli today is a mechatronics solutions provider with textile machinery, connectors and robotics divisions. More than 4,000 employees of the Switzerland-based group, including the companies Multi-Contact and Schönherr, generate an annual turnover of more than 1 billion Swiss francs. The Group is present in 25 countries through its sales and customer service subsidiaries, and has agents in 50 countries.
 
Global Visitors
Jegou mentioned that the Group is attending Techtextil for the third time. “We are very happy with the outcome, and the visitor’s frequency was ok for us.” Visitors came from all over the world. Jegou said Stäubli welcomed people from India, France, the United States, Belgium, Korea, South America, but also some Japanese, Romanians and visitors from the United Kingdom and Uzbekistan.
 
When asked about the fact that Techtextil now takes place over four days, Jegou said: “This is very good, however, the event should start on Tuesday and not on Monday. For some people, it is difficult to travel on Sunday to prepare the booth.”
 
Promising Feedback
Stäubli was happy with the feedback for its products: “Yes, we’ve presented our solutions for technical textiles with two machines, and had some very promising talks with visitors, particularly for the new multilayer Magma 12T. This warp-tying machine for technical yarn ties monofilaments, coarse multifilaments, PP ribbons, bast fibers, coarse staple fibers, and many other fiber types. It can handle universal applications, handling the range from coarse technical yarns to medium yarn-count range. Its rigid design includes an optical double-end detection system, ensuring a high-quality warp tying process.”
 
The other showcase was the Unival 100 with its individual servo-driven thread control. This servo-driven single-end-control jacquard machine claims to offer an expanded range of benefits for producing sophisticated technical textiles such as automotive and aeronautic textiles, technical textiles in the sports, industrial, medical sectors, and new fabric constructions, even with glass fibers, carbon, and Kevlar. Weavers should be able to produce fabrics that meet the full range of specified requirements.
 
Solutions For Heavy Textiles
Is Stäubli also offering some machines and products for heavy weight textiles? “Of course,” Jegou said. “The 2688 range of electronically controlled rotary dobbies is suitable for producing many types of technical fabrics, especially forming fabrics. The range includes various types of dobbies matched to the performance of the weaving machine and taking the weaving parameters into account. These dobbies can be used on all types of weaving machines, positioned low or high.” As the kind of an OEM producer of dobbies and jacquard machines, Stäubli can rely on a long and large experience with all important weaving machinery brands.
 
The Unival 500T dobby offers a nearly unlimited range of applications, expansion options and settings, said Jegou. “With its robust construction and a dedicated drive for each individual heald frame, this servo-controlled dobby is particularly well suited for producing technical fabrics such as filter fabrics.”
 
Not only in fashion, but also for technical textiles, Jacquard machines are playing an important role today, such as the LX2493 Jacquard machine. With the patented M6T module, it is said to ensure optimal efficiency in fabric production, being ideal for coarse yarns and extreme weaving widths. The optional servo-drive control allows the installation of up to four machines on the top of the Stäubli TF Series weaving system.
 
Complete Weaving Systems
More and more technical weavers are also looking for complete weaving systems. Can Stäubli provide something for these people? “Yes,” said Jegou. “For this sector, we have the TF Series. By enhancing the extensive product range, the newly developed TF Series weaving system is designed to serve the steadily growing technical textiles market by providing high-performance technologies. Individually configurable, the TF Series features two types of basic set-ups to fulfill customer requirements.”
 
Market Situation
As a “classic” textile machinery manufacturer, Stäubli is heading strongly towards technical textiles, and according to Jegou, the percentage of sales into the industrial fabrics sector is growing, reaching currently some 10 percent. Main markets are Europe, Korea, China, the United Kingdom and Japan.
 
And how is Jegou judging the recent market situation for technical textiles – referring to his product portfolio? “Well, for sure, this market is growing constantly, and we don’t see the end of that growth yet.”
 
The Future
Of course, as most of the present textile machinery manufacturers, the Stäubli Group is also attending ITMA 2015 in November. One could say that this Techtextil was the kind of a mini ITMA. Hall 3.0 was packed with exhibitors that one can normally see at ITMA. However, if Jegou compares this event and the one in 2013 does he see any differences?
 
“Yes, a lot of differences. This show was much better structured for the textile machinery people than the one in 2013. And, as you can see in this hall, there are much more machinery companies than ever before. So the answer to the very last question “will your company take part at the next Techtextil in 2017?” was quite obvious: “Of course!”
 
There are more impressions to come from Techtextil in the next issues of the Rupp Report. So stay tuned.

June 9, 2015

Bolt Threads Raises $40 Million To Bring The Next Generation Of High Performance Fabrics To Market

EMERYVILLE, Calif. — June 4, 2015 — Bolt Threads, a new company developing the next generation of high-performance textiles, announced its emergence from stealth and $32.3 million in Series B funding. Foundation Capital led the round, which included new investors Formation 8 and Founders Fund. The company has raised a total of $40 million to fuel research and commercialization of its Engineered Silk technology.

Bolt Threads uses proprietary technologies to create Engineered Silk fibers based on proteins found in nature. These programmable fibers, which can be tuned to provide superior comfort and performance, represent the most significant innovation the textile industry has seen for decades. Bolt Threads will use its Series B funding to increase production of better, smarter, more sustainable fibers and grow its team of technology and apparel experts.

“While it’s one of the oldest industries in existence, I believe textiles is still ripe for innovation,” said Steve Vassallo, general partner at Foundation Capital. “Bolt Threads is uniquely positioned to commercialize technology that people have dreamt about for decades. They have developed a way to make Engineered Silk fibers at a commercial scale, at a cost that makes it viable for widespread use in consumer products – something no one else has done. I had been looking into the industry for years before I began working with the founding team in 2010, and I couldn’t be more excited about the potential for Bolt Threads’ Engineered Silk to transform the textile industry.”

The process of natural silk production inspired the company’s co-founders, CEO Dan Widmaier, Chief Scientific Officer David Breslauer and Vice President of Operations Ethan Mirsky. They founded the company in 2009 to create materials with exceptional performance properties.

“We started Bolt Threads based on our fascination with the properties of spider silk, particularly how to use the elegant solutions found in nature to create something even better,” said Widmaier. “Our technology combines biology and computational methods to create performance fibers with carefully crafted properties. We’re very excited to sustainably develop the next generation of performance fabrics that will transform what we wear and how we live.”

Bolt Threads is American-based, conducting research at its headquarters in Emeryville and using feedstock grown in the Midwest for production. The company is also collaborating with textile manufacturers in North Carolina to commercially scale production.

The founding team originally received grant funding from multiple sources, including the National Science Foundation, and raised Series A funding from Foundation Capital, Mission Bay Capital, and Zygote Ventures. Each of the Series A participants also contributed to Series B funding, along with Formation 8, Founders Fund, and Alafi Capital.  

Posted June 9, 2015

Source: Bolt Threads
 

Aurora Opens U.S. Manufacturing Operation With Ultra-Wide-Width Coating And Finishing

YORKVILLE, Ill. — June 2, 2015 — Aurora Specialty Textiles Group  Inc. (ASTG) has officially opened the doors to a new North America textile factory that offers ultra wide width coating and finishing capabilities. The streamlined 124,000 square foot, state-of-the-art manufacturing operation is located in Yorkville, Ill. A highlight of the plant is the company’s new fully automated EHWHA ultra wide width coating and finishing line, which works easily with a broad range of woven and non-woven substrates up to 134 inches wide.

The equipment and plant represent a significant, multi-million dollar investment by ASTG. The EHWHA’s ultra wide width capabilities work with fabrics up to 134 inches wide (3.4m) and fabric weights from 85 to 407 grams per square meter. The EHWHA also has a finishing pad, weft straightener, Matex Coating Head with high precision knife over roll and knife over air coating and a reverse roll coater.  

Functional capabilities include bleaching, fabric preparation, singeing, sanding, finishing, coating, calendering, slitting, dyeing and sheeting. Topical finishes include, but are not limited to, flame retardants, water-repellents, non-wicking agents, release coat agents, soil and stain release agents, antimicrobials, a full range of starches, prepare-for-print, crease-resistant finishing and wrinkle-free finishing. Overall, the EHWHA enhances Aurora’s ability to serve both current and new customers, including those in the print media industry.

Posted June 9, 2015

Source: Aurora
 

Winners Announced For 11th Annual AATCC Concept 2 Consumer® Design Competition

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. — June 8, 2015 — AATCC announces the winners of the 2015 AATCC Concept 2 Consumer® Student Design Competition. AATCC received 44 entries from fourteen colleges and universities for its eleventh annual design competition.
 
This year’s theme, Hot Technology for Cool Days, challenged students to create a cohesive outerwear collection including technology features in the fabric selection or product design for 8 to 30-year old individuals. Color palettes were chosen from the Pantone Winter 2016 Trend Palettes. See the full competition guidelines.
 
Awards included a first place cash award of $1,000 along with a copy of Pantone’s Cotton Passport and a $100 Spoonflower gift certificate; a $750 award and a $100 Spoonflower gift certificate for second place; and two $100 awards for honorable mentions and $50 Spoonflower gift certificates.
 

  • 1st Place – Fold Me Away-Tech Me Away! by Ornella Santoni, Drexel University
  • 2nd Place – Illusion by Armani Dodd, Drexel University
  • Honorable Mentions:
    • City Escape by Brenna Conner, Kansas State University
    • Mount-Tech by Emily Kopcik, University of Delaware

 
AATCC would like to extend appreciation to the competition judges* and developers:
 

  • Allison Tate*, Senior Marketing Associate at Spoonflower, Inc.
  • Brooks Tippett, VP of Operations at Pantone
  • Ellen Sheppard*, Apparel Product Development Manager at REI Private Brands
  • Heidi Carvalho, Independent Industry Professional
  • Jason Craig*, Senior Designer-Outdoor at The North Face
  • Jeana Hatch*, Manager, Product Development at Cotton Incorporated
  • Kerry King, Director, R&D at Spoonflower, Inc.
  • Mary Berghoff*, Apparel Product Developer at SmartWool
  • Mary Brannon, Apparel Technology Coordinator at Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising
  • Neenah Maier*, Sportswear Designer at REI Private Brands
  • Nora Khanna, Product Development Manager at Pantone

 
Posted June 9, 2015

Source: AATCC
 

Shaw Industries Achieves LEED Silver Certification For Nantong Facility

DALTON, Ga. – June 8, 2015 — Shaw’s Asia manufacturing facility in Nantong, China has achieved LEED Silver status in the New Construction category.  The certification is applicable to the entire facility, including administrative and manufacturing space.

LEED certification is recognized globally as the premier mark of achievement in green building. To receive certification, building projects satisfy prerequisites and earn points to achieve different levels of certification (Certified, Silver, Gold and Platinum). Points are accrued in five green design categories: sustainable sites, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources and indoor environmental quality.
                                 
“The achievement of LEED New Construction Silver certification within our Nantong, China manufacturing plant reflects Shaw Industries commitment to sustainable business practices globally.  This is the result of a tremendous amount of work performed by a cross-cultural team dedicated to ensuring this facility is a world class manufacturing operation,” said Tim Baucom, vice president of the commercial division at Shaw Industries.
 
The state-of-the-art facility in Nantong opened in 2013 and strengthens the company’s global position, providing streamlined service to customers in the Asia-Pacific market. It is Asia’s first manufacturing facility to produce Cradle to Cradle Certified Silver carpet.  The 200,000 SF (18,500 m2) the Nantong plant features new machinery and the latest industry leading technology. All products manufactured in Nantong are a subset of what is currently produced at Plant 15 in Cartersville, Ga., featuring EcoWorx and EcoLogix backing. These products are globally consistent — meaning the same quality, same warranty — and the same standards, all backed by the same environmental certification and reclamation guarantee.  

Posted June 9, 2015

Source: Shaw Industries
 

YuniquePLM at Jacqueline Riu Will Consolidate Systems and Processes

NEW YORK CITY — June 8, 2015 — French apparel brand Jacqueline Riu has selected Gerber Technology’s YuniquePLM™ to manage its expansion into additional markets. Jacqueline Riu offers a range of upmarket apparel and accessories for women, and operates over 200 retail outlets in French metropolitan areas as well as Saudi Arabia and Belgium.

To accommodate its expanding product lines and growing demand, Jacqueline Riu turned to YuniquePLM to consolidate its creative processes and streamline its supply chain. Previously, information had been stored in various locations and in a variety of different formats, effectively limiting collaboration and speed to market.

YuniquePLM is web-based product lifecycle management software that enables the fashion and apparel industries to communicate effectively, accelerate workflows and eliminate errors. The latest enhancements include a development calendar and new line planning function, as well as 3D file support and mass sample requests development.

“We look forward to working with Gerber Technology and gaining supply chain efficiency with YuniquePLM as we continue to reach more customers and offer a greater selection of products,” said Arnaud Dubly, Jacqueline Riu CEO. “By integrating YuniquePLM and our supply chain management and ERP software, information will be located in one central spot, ultimately working to make our design and production teams more efficient.”

Bill Brewster, general manager of Yunique Solutions, said, “Our global team of industry professionals is able to serve customers from around the world. Our partnership with Jacqueline Riu continues our commitment to our growing user-base in France. We look forward to working alongside Jacqueline Riu. The integration of YuniquePLM with Adobe® Illustrator®, along with the software’s development calendar, will help drive new levels of creativity and efficiency.”

Posted June 9, 2015

Source: Gerber Technology
 

Gerber Technology Introduces YuniquePLM V6.1 User View Export, 3D File Upgrades, And UI Enhancements

NEW YORK CITY — May 28, 2015 — Apparel manufacturers who are utilizing product lifecycle management (PLM) software already gain the benefits of better visibility into their company’s line planning and development calendar processes, to enhance their ability to manage these often complex projects and achieve increased line profitability through the better cost management that is enabled by these systems.

In response to user feedback, Gerber Technology Inc. has upgraded its product lifecycle management (PLM) software, YuniquePLM for the fashion and apparel industry with two key enhancements: the ability to generate and export user-created product and line report views; and increased functionality in its 3D file support module.

The recently released YuniquePLM V6.1, an update of YuniquePLM V6 introduced last fall, also incorporates more than 50 user interface enhancements. Gerber Technology boasts a management team of experienced industry professionals who are responsive in adapting their software solutions to meet users’ needs.

Upgrade features augment system’s primary function of connecting production teams

The latest modifications augment YuniquePLM system’s primary function: To connect the design and production teams of apparel manufacturers with their supply chain to facilitate time- and cost-efficient production flow. The system is designed for businesses of all sizes to accelerate time-to-market, reduce lead time and improve margins by managing the details and costs of line plans, tech packs and samples, and by simplifying communication and collaboration with global vendors and partners.

User-generated product view mode added, with export to external programs

The user-generated report views enhancement of YuniquePLM V6.1 allow users to display unique product views based on selected images, data, and fields, and then export this data for sharing and collaboration with other members of the company’s design, production, and management staff, and with external partners and vendors. The user can extract desired data such as lines, styles, colors, or costs quickly from YuniquePLM system and export all of this data to Microsoft Excel format, to maximize its flexibility and utility in displaying, communicating, and sharing this information with the product design and production teams and other key partners.

Once created, each report view profile can be saved by the user for easy retrieval at a later date. The saved profile allows generation of new reports using the same images and data fields. In addition to Excel spreadsheets, exported report files can also be saved as PDFs for distribution outside the system, to be used in a line meeting, for example, or in generating a report.

3D style/sample support module gains expanded viewing options and annotation capability

YuniquePLM V6 was designed to be compatible with 3D printing technology and advanced CAD development software, which have seen wider use in the fashion and apparel industry in recent years.
 
YuniquePLM V6 system enables users to view, store and analyze 3D files used for trim, accessory, and fastener parts and prototypes.

YuniquePLM V6.1 expands this functionality, adding the ability to view, spin, zoom, and pan 3D CAD files within a garment style and sample, as well as to annotate the files with callout comments using a markup tool.
 
The files, stored in one location, are accessible either internally or through a partner via a vendor portal.
In addition, within the style and sample areas of YuniquePLM V6.1, users can view 3D files exported from Gerber’s AccuMark 3D pattern design, grading, marker making, production software.
 
According to Bill Brewster, vice president and general manager for Yunique Solutions, enhanced 3D features incorporated in the latest YuniquePLM V6.1 upgrade help design and production professionals to more easily incorporate the creative power and increased efficiency of 3D design, visualization and production into their workflows. “It’s about ease of use—you want to be able to truly design using 3D and then leverage those digital assets throughout your whole value chain—and now you’ll be able to,” said Brewster, who also notes that 3D technology, which has been emerging in the fashion and apparel industry for many years, has reached a turning point in its progress. (1)

Upgrade incorporates dozens of user interface enhancements and improvements

YuniquePLM V6.1 also features more than 50 user interface enhancements and improvements, including saved search capabilities, color/swatch generation, increased flexibility in the use of artwork/images, and enhanced measurement management functionality.
 
(1)  [Source: http://apparel.edgl.com/news/gerber-technology,-yunique-solutions-launch-new-advancements-at-ideation2014-for-plm,-3d-product-dev96193]
     
Overview of additional key features of
YuniquePLM V6:
YuniquePLM V6 system, introduced in October 2014, offers significant system updates from the previous version to improve speed, efficiency, and usability. New features include a line planning function and product development calendar tool, mass sample request development, silhouette templates, keystroke efficiency, and user management tools.
Line Planning Function: The line planning function centralizes all information needed for product line planning and makes it accessible for collaborative review by every department involved in the process—design, production, sales, marketing, financial, and purchasing. Designers can enter planned colors and materials, tracking them against styles in the line list as the projects move from development to approval. Cost data is integrated early in the planning process, which enables more effective controls and accountability. Information can be driven from the “top down,” or with “bottom up” input, and built-in notifications alert the user to specific additions, deletions or alterations or inconsistencies.

Development Calendar: The calendar tool provides a visual layout that integrates all departments involved in planning, design, production, marketing, and manufacturing. The calendar indicates product development milestones, tasks and important dates. Multiple events can be created, along with associated action items, the duration of each item, scheduling information, and employee teams responsible for their execution. Critical Path Management (CPM) features identify essential tasks that must be completed ahead of other, dependent tasks in the project timeline. Color-coded bars within the calendar identify the real-time status of each project. The calendar can automatically synchronize the planned start and end dates of entered projects, providing a visual representation of obstacles to development and completion.

Mass Sample Request Development: YuniquePLM V6 can process mass sample requests across multiple styles, with the request consolidated on one page. This simplified method reduces the time-consuming data entry keystrokes previously necessary for the bulk creation of prototype garments for potential buyers, etc. Sample requests can be updated through a style or silhouette; silhouette sample requests are linked to all styles.

Posted June 9, 2015

Source: Gerber Technology
 

PolyOne Joins Leading Brands To Eliminate Hazardous Chemicals Discharge In Textile Manufacturing

CLEVELAND – June 9, 2015 – PolyOne today announced it has joined the Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals (ZDHC) Group as an associate member. The Group is led by leading global clothing and footwear brands and is committed to steering the industry towards a goal to reduce discharge of harmful chemicals to zero by 2020.

“Bringing associate members on board with a strong track record of delivering specialty solutions broadens our technical knowledge base,” explains Cheryl Kreindler, ZDHC Program Manager. “PolyOne has already brought innovative ideas to the table in regards to reducing water consumption and contamination, which are major challenges for the industry.”

“PolyOne is committed to environmentally sound practices, services and solutions that deliver value for our customers and the wider industries we serve,” added John Van Hulle, president of global color, additives and inks for PolyOne. “Our textile industry expertise means we can apply existing solutions, and potentially shape new ones, that can contribute to achieving the ZDHC Group’s goals.”

Posted June 9, 2015

Source: PolyOne
 

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