GIZ And Huntsman Textile Effects Cooperate To Raise The Bar For The Textile Industry In Bangladesh Through Chemical Environmental Management

DHAKA, Bangladesh — June 16, 2014 — Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, a German federal agency that promotes sustainable development around the world, and Huntsman Textile Effects, the leading global provider of high-quality dyes and textiles chemicals, are cooperating to raise industry standards in the management of chemicals by textile mills in Bangladesh. Ten mills have so far signed up to the partners’ GIZ Chemical Environmental Management for Competitiveness Program.

The cooperation was formalized today with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Huntsman Textile Effects and Promotion of Social and Environmental Standards (PSES) a textile industry initiative jointly developed by the governments of Bangladesh and Germany, and implemented by GIZ.

The GIZ Chemical Environmental Management for Competitiveness Program will include managerial and technical training, audit and consultancy services and implementation support from local and international Environmental Management System experts from GIZ and Huntsman Textile Effects. Working closely with the local textiles sector, the two partners will support the development of industry-wide chemical management (CM) best practices in Bangladesh and accelerate the adoption of these practices, with the ultimate aim of supporting the industry’s environmental and economic sustainability.

Bangladesh’s textile industry is the nation’s largest export sector. The ready-made garment (RMG) sector was worth US$19 billion in 2012, when more than 5,000 garment factories employed about 4 million people and accounted for 45% of all industrial workers. To remain internationally competitive, local textile mills and RMG factories increasingly have to demonstrate that they operate in a socially and environmentally sustainable way.

Mr. Magnus Schmid, PSES Program Coordinator, said “Textile factories in Bangladesh are now taking environmental issues more seriously as regulatory requirements become stricter and the economic benefits of sustainability become more widely recognized. PSES has already made a great impact with our CM training program and other initiatives and we look forward to doing even more through our new partnership with Huntsman Textile Effects. With Huntsman, we are committed to helping the industry eliminate hazardous substances from the production process in order to achieve a cleaner and safer textiles sector.”

GIZ has actively supported the development of the textile sector in cooperation with the Bangladesh government for several decades. Through PSES, it has already trained more than 60 consultants from 20 service organizations in the use of its CM tool. This CM tool covers the proper handling and storage of chemicals and seeks to improve workplace safety and compliance with environmental laws and achieve cost savings. Huntsman Textile Effects will support this ongoing work, contributing expertise in the optimization of washing and dyeing processes. It will also provide audit and consultancy services to local mills under its Productivity Improvement Program (PIP).

Mr. Peter Gregory, Brand & Retail Marketing Director of Huntsman Textile Effects, said, “Huntsman Textile Effects has a long established presence in Bangladesh. As a global leader in the transition to a more sustainable textiles sector, we are pleased to join hands with GIZ in Bangladesh to help local factories optimize their production efficiency and environmental compliance whilst also building local competence to enable continued adoption. Our international staff will also receive training from GIZ on its CM toolkit so that we can extend our efforts to factories in other countries as well.”

The cooperation with GIZ is part of Huntsman Textile Effects’ commitment to the Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals programme. This global initiative of 18 leading apparel and footwear brands and retailers intends to eliminate hazardous chemicals from textiles production by 2020.

Note on statistics:
5,000 factories & 4 million workers from Deutsche Welle
Other stats from “Textile Industries in Bangladesh and Challenges of Growth” Research Journal of Engineering Sciences paper (Feb. 2013)

Posted June 17, 2014

Source: Huntsman Textile Effects
 

Business & Financial: A Long Look Ahead

By Robert S. Reichard, Economics Editor

The U.S. textile and apparel industries — even after factoring in continuing foreign competition — are looking increasingly healthy — not only for the next year or two but also over the really long pull. That’s the consensus of a growing number of studies that essentially mirror Textile World’s own upbeat outlook. To be sure, no one, including TW’s editors, anticipates any really big gains — the kind that would dramatically recoup previously lost market share. On the other hand, the feeling now seems to be that industry erosion is pretty much over — and that in certain sectors, especially where new niche markets are being developed, there could even be some modest increases. One new study that probably best sums it all up is provided by Global Insight, a top business-forecasting firm. Its economists, for example, now see a steady to slightly higher level of textile mill dollar shipments for both this year and 2015 — with any losses after that, if they indeed to do occur — expected to be minimal. And the story told in another just-released publication — the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ 2014 Occupational Outlook Handbook — isn’t all that much different. Again, zero in on textile mills — this time measured in terms of production, a physical volume concept — and the average annual rate of slippage for the next decade is again put at under 1 percent. Moreover, translate this production into Global Insight’s dollar shipments yardstick — which includes some modest price increases — and some fractional gains could be in the cards.

More Productivity Gains, Too
The Occupational Outlook Handbook study just referred to contains long-term employment as well as production estimates — numbers that together can provide some hints on textile and apparel efficiency gains. In the case of domestic textile mills, for example, the only fractional declines expected for output are being accompanied by a projected 2.5-percent annual decline in the number of anticipated jobs. That’s pretty much a confirmation that recent productivity gains will continue. And the scenario for domestic apparel manufacturers is even more positive. This time, a similar less-than-1-percent annual rate of expected slippage in production is being accompanied by an eye-opening 8-percent drop-off in the number of projected workers. To be sure, the implied 7-percent or so jump in annual productivity that this implies might be on the high side. But even if you reduce this expected efficiency gain a few percentage points, it still points to an increasingly competitive domestic apparel industry. It might also be pointed out that these productivity gains are actually a bit higher than those projected for the entire U.S. economy, where the annual efficiency increase is put at only 1.5 percent. Credit several reasons for why the two industries are likely to fare better than average. But the key factor here is clearly the willingness on the part of U.S. producers to continue shelling out more than a billion dollars a year for new, state-of-the-art plant and equipment. See “More Positive Numbers,” TextileWorld.com, May/June 2014, for a more detailed discussion on industry capital spending.

A Brightening Import Picture
Meantime, still other new government data — this time on trade — are also giving industry executives something to smile about. Specifically, incoming shipments of textiles and apparel on a square-meters-equivalent basis have actually edged a bit lower in some recent months. And that’s on top of the leveling-off of the past few years. Since 2010, for example, import totals have remained relatively unchanged after rising more than 35 percent over the previous 10 years. Again, it should be emphasized that nowhere are domestic producers about to regain any meaningful portion of previously lost markets. On the other hand, these new numbers clearly represent an encouraging shift —one that is likely to continue, given such other recent signs as sharply rising overseas supplier labor costs, the now considerably lower U.S. energy tabs, consumer preference for domestically produced goods, and the growing interest on the part of U.S. companies to bring some production back to U.S. shores. Other things being equal, the combination of these factors suggests that the U.S. industries’ relatively upbeat 10-year production and shipment projections that were outlined above could actually be somewhat on the conservative side. In any case, the changing scenario would seem pretty much to assure vibrant and profitable domestic textile and apparel industries through the foreseeable future.

June 2014

Pulling Double Duty: Phifer Insect Screening Outfits African Screen Structures In Malaria Research Operation

TUSCALOOSA, Ala., — June 11, 2014 —A popular Phifer insect screening product commonly used for pool enclosures in the U.S. is serving as a tool to aid in malaria research abroad.

The Ifakara Health Institute, one of Africa’s eminent health research organizations, is using Phifer’s 18×14 Fiberglass Insect Screening to cover large screen house structures for malaria research in Tanzania, East Africa. While building these structures, the IHI realized a need for a strong, durable screening with a specific mesh count as well as UV resistance, and Phifer’s 18×14 screening met the call.

“The screen houses allow us to test our eradication techniques in a ‘natural’ and safe environment with uninfected mosquitoes,” said Jason Moore, IFI project manager. “Such research is cutting-edge in the field as results are far more representative of what happens in nature compared to the usual, small caged experiments.”

Woven from permanent glass yarn, Phifer’s fiberglass screen is coated with protective vinyl to ensure lasting color and flexibility and produced under the most exacting conditions to meet rigid specifications. This screen will not rust, corrode or stain.

Located in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, the IHI conducts a wide range of health-related research, including biomedical and environmental studies, drug trials, vaccines and diagnostics, health-systems research, monitoring and evaluation. The institute is best-known for its contributions to malaria research.

The work in the IHI’s entomology department centers on researching and combating malaria, which, according to the Centers for Disease Control, affects more than 200 million each year and killed more than 600,000 in 2010, mostly in the African region. Work focuses on finding ways to control the disease with the goal of malaria eradication.

Posted June 12, 2014

Source: Phifer

adidas announces Detox roadmap

HAMBURG, Germany — June 11, 2014 — Sports brand adidas today announced a new roadmap towards the elimination of hazardous chemicals from its products and supply chain. In collaboration with Greenpeace’s Detox campaign, the official World Cup sponsor has laid out a credible plan for the elimination of per-and polyfluorinated chemicals (PFCs) and set key milestones to achieve full supply chain transparency. [1]

“Today’s announcement represents a major step towards the toxic-free future we need. This credible approach with achievable milestones shows adidas is back onside with Detox,” says Manfred Santen, Detox Campaigner at Greenpeace Germany.

As part of the agreement, adidas will ensure 99% of all its products are PFC-free by 2017, leading to full elimination by 2020. PFCs are used in the manufacturing of clothing and shoes to keep them dirt and water resistant. However, once released, these chemicals are known to accumulate in the environment and can impact upon human health, damaging the immune and reproductive systems, as well as leading to thyroid disease.

adidas has also set ambitious goals to achieve full supply-chain transparency by 2020. In line with the ‘Right-to-Know’ of local communities and the brand’s customers, adidas will publish discharge data from 99% of its Chinese suppliers by the end of 2014, 80% globally by mid-2016. The textile industry remains one of the biggest polluting sectors in China, where it is estimated that half of the rural population has no access to drinking water that meets international standards.

“This is a victory for adidas’ customers, for the local communities forced to live with toxic-water pollution and for our future generations. Global brands like adidas have the power and the responsibility to help us kick out these dangerous chemicals for good,” added Santen.

adidas committed to Detox three years ago [2] but up to now, the brand failed to take the credible steps needed to meet its 2020 target. Over the past three weeks thousands of sports fans, volunteers and cyberactivists joined Greenpeace call on adidas to come clean, following an investigation [3] into hazardous chemicals in football products made by adidas, Nike and Puma. Hundreds of activists in more than 30 cities worldwide took action at adidas shops, while thousands sent letters to CEO Herbert Hainer and hundreds more joined one of the biggest ever digital Mexican Waves [4].

“We have once more seen the strength of people power – adidas has listened to the global call for action and accepted responsibility for its environmental footprint. With this news adidas has regained its position as a Detox frontrunner in the sports industry – the world is watching and waiting for Nike and Puma to catch up,” added Santen.

Notes
[1] adidas text: www.adidas-group.com/media/filer_public/2014/06/11/11062014_chemical_management_progress_at_the_adidas_group.pdf
[2] See www.greenpeace.org/international/en/news/Blogs/makingwaves/detox-campaign-hat-trick-adidas-joins-nike-an/blog/36569
[3] A Red Card for Sportswear Brands: www.greenpeace.de/sites/www.greenpeace.de/files/publications/20140515-rote-karte-fuer-sportmarken-englisch.pdf
[4] See www.greenpeace.org/international/en/news/Blogs/makingwaves/detox-top-11/blog/49467

Posted June 12, 2014

Source: Adidas
 

Auburn Manufacturing To Supply Protective Fabrics To U.S. Navy

Auburn Manufacturing Inc. (AMI) — a Mechanic Falls, Maine-based developer, manufacturer and marketer of textile products for extreme-temperature industrial applications — has been awarded a $3.5 million, five-year contract by the U.S. Department of Defense to supply more than 200,000 yards of its AMI-SIL® fabric to the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard (NSY) in Bremerton, Wash., for use in hot work operations during ship repair.
 
AMI-SIL silica fabrics are third-party-certified and comply with the ANSI/FM 4950 performance-based standard for hot-work fabrics. The standard is a requirement under the National Fire Protection Association’s NFPA 51B: Standard for Fire Prevention During Welding, Cutting and Other Hot Work. The company reports the fabrics can withstand temperatures of 1800°F on a continuous basis, compared to 1000°F for AMI’s fiberglass fabrics, and have a melting point exceeding 3000°F. AMI also notes that when used horizontally for welding protection, one layer of AMI-SIL AS3600 fabric — which has a “Pad” rating per ANSI/FM 4950 — can withstand molten metal slag without burning a piece of paper directly under the fabric.

“The contract reflects the continued confidence the Department of Defense has in our products,” said Kathie Leonard, President and CEO, AMI. “We’ve been supplying hot work safety fabrics to the Navy for over twenty years under various contracts, and are now well over 1.5 million yards. Our AMI-SIL fabrics have consistently passed the government’s rigorous inspections and meet all their specifications.”

All of AMI’s manufacturing operations are carried out at the company’s facilities in Maine. Leonard noted that retaining its U.S. manufacturing based helped AMI win the contract.

June 10, 2014
 

Surya To Open Facility In Cartersville, Ga., Add 200 Jobs

Surya Inc. — an India-based vertically-integrated manufacturer of machine and hand-knotted area rugs and soft goods for the home furnishings market — is investing $30 million to open a U.S. corporate office and distribution facility in Cartersville, Ga., and add 200 employees to its U.S. workforce. 
 
Surya currently manufactures its products abroad and ships them to the U.S. for sales and distribution. The company markets its rugs and home accessories to the retailer, interior designer and hospitality markets; and operates showrooms in Atlanta; Dallas; High Point, N.C.; Las Vegas; New York City; Tupelo, Miss.; Toronto; and India.
 
The state-of-the-art, 1,000,000-square-foot Cartersville facility will handle Surya’s supply chain management, sales, and web creative development services. The company currently has a corporate facility in Calhoun, Ga., and reports that 250 jobs will be retained with the opening of the new facility.
 
“During the past several years, Surya has invested in a number of home accessories categories, resulting in significant year-over-year growth and steady expansion of our employee base and warehouse capacity,” said Satya Tiwari, president, Surya. “Our new facility will enable us to consolidate our product offerings under one roof, providing a highly efficient logistics base and the operational flexibility needed to optimally serve our designer and retailer customers. The addition of 53,000 square feet of inviting office space, designed with Surya’s energetic and collaborative culture in mind, will provide a great working environment for both existing employees and new talent as we continue to execute on our strategy to become a $1 billion company.”
 
June 10, 2014
 

Delta Apparel To Consolidate N.C. Production, Eliminate 70 Jobs

Delta Apparel Inc. — a Greenville-based manufacturer of branded and private-label activewear and headwear — has announced plans to transfer some of its fabric production for basic, blank T-shirts from its Maiden, N.C., plant to its Ceiba Textiles facility in Honduras, in an effort to lower product costs on basic T-shirts.
 
The consolidation will decrease total fabric production at the Maiden facility by approximately 35 percent and increase production at Ceiba by approximately 8 percent to some 900,000 pounds of fabric weekly. The company expects the consolidation will shorten the production cycle time by approximately 10 days and help it save some $1.1 million annually. According to Delta Apparel, reducing its U.S. production will better align inventory levels with sales expectations.
 
The move will result in the elimination of 70 jobs at the Maiden plant, which will retain 190 employees and will continue fabric production to support its U.S.-made marketed goods and private-label products along with its Mexico sewing operations.
 
“These decisions are always difficult, especially when they affect associates who have been dedicated and loyal to our Company for many years,” said Bob Humphreys, Chairman and CEO, Delta Apparel. “However, the Company can no longer justify the additional cost associated with its current level of domestic fabric production for the highly competitive blank tee shirt business. We believe this economic decision is in the best long-term interest of Delta Apparel and our shareholders.”
 
The company has begun the consolidation and expects it to be completed by the end of this month.
 
June 10, 2014
 

Louis P. Batson Named Cormatex’s U.S. Representative

Greenville-based Louis P. Batson Co. is now representing Italy-based Cormatex S.r.l. in the United States.
 
Cormatex, founded in 1938, manufactures nonwovens machinery, and woolen fiber processing and spinning machinery.
 
June 10, 2014
 

attune Consulting And SAP Collaboration Brings Best Practices To Fashion With SAP Fashion Management Application

BURLINGTON, Mass. — June 10, 2014 — attune Consulting, a premier global solutions provider to the fashion and lifestyle industries, today announced the success of its collaboration with SAP to co-develop the SAP Fashion Management application. SAP Fashion Management is a vertical wholesale, manufacturing, and retail solution designed to bring all business operations onto a single platform powered by SAP HANA® to create truly cross-channel, integrated fashion companies.  attune’s first customer implementation of SAP Fashion Management will begin in July with Tommy Hilfiger Europe.

attune initially announced its collaboration with SAP in February, outlining plans to co-develop a vertical fashion solution aimed at enabling fashion brands to manufacture their products and sell them to retailers and consumers using a single solution. With the launch of SAP Fashion Management, attune’s continued role in co-developing the solution includes:
 

  • Collaborating with SAP on the solution design, product development, and delivery of proof of concept;
  • Providing feedback and guidance throughout product testing cycles and preparing customer training materials;
  • Developing a data migration tool for existing SAP® Apparel and Footwear customers to seamlessly transition to the new solution;
  • Offering its years of industry expertise to help fashion businesses quickly realize the full benefits of SAP Fashion Management, including strategy and roadmap, proof of concept development, implementation, and training and continuous support.

“attune is privileged to be selected as a co-innovation partner with SAP, as we share a common goal of bringing best practices back into the fashion industry,” said Vajira De Silva, CEO of attune. “With SAP Fashion Management, fashion brands will be able to optimize their wholesale, manufacturing, and retail operations for the omnichannel and create more adaptable global businesses, while increasing revenues, margins, and efficiencies.”

Posted June 10, 2014

Source: Attune Consulting
 

TenCate Advanced Armor To Supply Armor Materials To Huntington Ingalls Industries

NEWARK, Ohio, — June 6, 2014 — TenCate Advanced Armor USA is selected to provide armor materials for Huntington Ingalls Industries for LHA 7. Huntington Ingalls Industries’ latest amphibious assault ship, Tripoli (LHA 7), will incorporate TenCate composite armor.  

This advanced armor will support Huntington Ingalls Industries $2.38 billion fixed-price-incentive contract for the detail design and construction of the multipurpose amphibious assault ship. The ship will be built at the company’s Ingalls Shipbuilding division.

Lightweight armor materials
TenCate Advanced Armor offers a wide range of armor materials and technologies. “We are proud that Huntington has selected TenCate materials to be incorporated into their latest ship,” says Mark Edwards, President of TenCate Advanced Armor USA. “Protecting our sailors remains a top U.S. Department of Defense objective. Our advanced materials and manufacturing capabilities have enabled Ingalls Shipbuilding to incorporate these materials in to their latest ship class.”

LHA Class ships
The LHA 7 and LHA 6 are the first two ships in the new America class of amphibious assault ships. Tripoli will be 844 feet long and 106 feet wide and will displace 44,971 long tons. The fuel-efficient gas turbine propulsion system will drive the ships in excess of 20 knots. She will accommodate 1,059 crew (65 officers) and 1,687 troops. She will be capable of carrying a Marine Expeditionary Unit, including Marine helicopters, MV-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft and F-35B Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) aircraft.

Posted June 10, 2014

Source: TenCate Advanced Armor USA
 

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