Cotton Inc’s Blue Jeans Go Green Program© Recognized For Leadership And Innovation

BEL AIR, Md. — June 30, 2014 — Three leading international recycling organizations gathered in Miami, Florida for the first-ever international conference on the used clothing recycling industry. Nearly 100 members of the Secondary Materials and Recycled Textiles Association (SMART), the Bureau of International Recycling’s Textiles Division (BIR), and the Council for Textile Recycling (CTR) held the first International Textile Recycling Summit (ITRS) at the Fontainebleau Hotel on Miami Beach. Conference attendees were there to discuss industry trends, concerns, and emerging markets.

The three organizations represent for-profit textile recycling companies, non-profit organizations involved in textile recycling, apparel manufacturers, representatives from academia, and governmental agencies, all of which are focused on recycling, especially used clothing and textiles.

In addition to the conference seminars and panel discussions the organizations presented the Leadership in Sustainable Apparel – Recycling Innovator Award to Cotton Inc. for their Blue Jeans Go Green© program. Blue Jeans Go Green© Co-director of Strategic Alliances, Marissa Barlin was on-hand to accept the award.

“Blue Jeans Go Green and Cotton Inc. are honored to be the first recipients of this award,” said Barlin. “Since the program began in 2006 the denim collected has not only been used by builders and home-owners, we have also been able to provide grants of the insulation to civic institutions and to Habitat for Humanity programs throughout the U.S.”

Since its inception, Blue Jeans Go Green© has diverted more than 600 tons of denim out of landfills. To date, more than 2-million square feet of Ultratouch© denim home insulation has been generated from the denim recovered by the Blue Jeans go Green© program. Ultratouch© home insulation is manufactured by SMART member-company Bonded Logic of Chandler, AZ.

Barlin says denim of any color, and in any condition, can be converted into home insulation. For information on recycling unwanted denim products go to BlueJeansGoGreen.org.

Panel discussions held during ITRS included discussions of the global sustainability of the clothing industry and reuse and recycling as seen from the perspective of clothing manufacturers and retailers. Other panel discussions focused on the challenges of the core industry of used clothing collection, reclaimed wipers and fiber conversion and global trends, and innovations in the used clothing/textile recycling industry.

According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s most recent report on municipal solid waste, 20.44 billion pounds of clothing and footwear was discarded in 2012. An additional 2.58 billion pounds of towels, sheets and pillowcases were also thrown away. The 2012 EPA report indicates only 14.4% of clothing and footwear products were recovered (recycled) and only 17.8% of towels, sheets and pillowcases were recovered.1   Of the clothing, footwear, towels, sheets, and pillowcases that were thrown away, SMART estimates 95% of those items could have been reused or recycled.2

 SOURCES:
1  Municipal Solid Waste Generation, Recycling, and Disposal in the United States: Tables and Figures for 2012. Tables 15 and 16,

2  Secondary Materials and Recycled Textiles Association Media Kit:   http://www.smartasn.org/about/SMART_PressKitOnline.pdf

Posted July 1, 2014

Source: Secondary Materials And Recycled Textiles
 

Hinks Named Interim Dean Of Textiles Of NC State University’s College Of Textiles

Dr. David Hinks will serve as interim dean of NC State University’s College of Textiles, starting July 1. Provost Warwick Arden announced the appointment May 30.  

Hinks was born and raised in Derby, England and worked for Courtaulds Research for two years prior to attending the University of Leeds, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 1989 and a Ph.D. in colour chemistry in 1993.

Hinks moved to NC State’s College of Textiles as a postdoctoral research associate and later as a visiting assistant professor investigating the genotoxicity of dyes and pigments. In 1996 he joined Milliken & Co. in Spartanburg, South Carolina, as an R&D chemist. Two years later he returned to NC State as an assistant professor in the College of Textiles. He was promoted with tenure in 2004, becoming director of the newly created polymer and color chemistry program. He was promoted to full professor in 2009 and became the Cone Mills Professor of Textile Chemistry in 2010. He currently serves as the director of the emerging Forensic Sciences Institute and associate head and director of graduate programs in the Department of Textile Engineering, Chemistry and Science.

Hinks is a member of NC State’s Academy of Outstanding Teachers and Academy of Outstanding Faculty Engaged in Extension. He enjoys serving on the Park Scholars Advisory Committee and the North Carolina Forensic Science Advisory Board that was established by the North Carolina General Assembly in 2011.

“It is truly an honor and a privilege to be entrusted to serve the college and university as interim dean,” Hinks says. “I believe what sets the College of Textiles apart from other renowned academic programs is our passion for service to a global industry, and our faculty, staff and students’ reputation as a close-knit family that supports each other, and our outstanding alumni. Through Dean Godfrey’s leadership, we are recognized as having broad and deep national and international reach in first quality undergraduate and graduate education, research, and local and global engagement. I very much look forward to working with our outstanding community in making the college even stronger and at the same time creating a safe, creative, inspiring, impactful and enjoyable place to work and learn.”

The search for a permanent dean, which was suspended in May, will be restarted in the coming academic year, Arden said. Blanton Godfrey, who has served as dean for 14 years, will return to the faculty.

Posted July 1, 2014

Source: NC State University College of Textiles
 

ICAC: Rising Stocks, Reduced Imports Puts Downward Pressure On Price

WASHINGTON — July 1, 2014 — Higher ending stocks outside China and lower imports into China will put downward pressure on international prices in 2014/15. Additionally, world production is likely to exceed consumption in 2014/15, though by a lesser amount than in the past four seasons. As a result, world ending stocks are expected to rise by 6% to 21.4 million tons and the stock-to-use ratio would be 89%, or in other words there would be enough cotton stocks to cover consumption for nearly 11 months. This would be the fifth consecutive season of increase in ending stocks, after a 27% fall in 2009/10. China is estimated to hold nearly 60% of the world’s stocks, most of which is held in its government reserve. At the end of June, the Secretariat estimates that the Chinese government will still hold 11.7 million tons. While consumption in China is forecast to grow during next season, a strong preference exists for high quality cotton, so it is unlikely that the government will be able to quickly draw down its reserve without offering significant discounts. At the end of 2013/14, China is forecast to hold 11.5 million tons, an increase of 19% from 2012/13, and these stocks are likely to further expand in 2014/15. Additionally, ending stocks outside China are also expected to rise by 7%, to 8.7 million tons at the end of this season and are projected to reach 9.7 million tons at the end of 2014/15.

In 2014/15, world production is forecast to drop by 2% to 25.3 million tons due to reduced planting in China, where cotton production may reach only 6 million tons. Production in the rest of the world is expected to increase by 1% to 19.3 million tons. In 2013/14, production in India is estimated at a record 6.5 million tons due to higher yields and better prices, which encouraged farmers to plant more cotton in 2014/15. Assuming yield is similar to the 3-year average, Indian cotton production is projected to reach 6.3 million tons in 2014/15, but this result is highly dependent on the timing of monsoon rains. The Southwest region of the United States has received much needed rain, which could help reduce the abandonment rate and result in a higher harvested area than last season. In 2014/15, production in the United States is expected to grow by 14% to 3.2 million tons.

In 2013/14, world consumption grew by less than 1% to 23.4 million tons, but a rise of 3%, to 24.1 million tons is anticipated in 2014/15. The high price of domestic cotton in China, restrictions on imports, difficulties with financing and weak demand for cotton yarn have caused many mills in China to further reduce operations this past season. However, with the ending of China’s reserve policy, many mills are anticipating lower prices later this year, as already reflected in futures markets. Consumption in China should improve slightly and reach 7.9 million tons 2014/15. India experienced strong consumption growth in 2013/14, increasing by 5% to 5.1 million tons. In 2014/15, consumption is projected to grow by an additional 6% to 5.4 million tons.

World trade is projected to decline by 8% to 8.1 million tons, as a result of a reduction in China’s imports from 3 million to 2.2 million tons next season. Imports in the rest of the world are forecast to rise by 3% and reach 5.9 million tons. Imports into Southeast Asia have grown in line with the expansion of consumption in the region, since little cotton is grown there. In 2014/15, the Secretariat expects imports by Bangladesh to increase by 2%, to nearly 900,000 tons, and those of Vietnam to rise by 9%, to nearly 700,000 tons.
 


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MonoSol Breaks Ground on new Manufacturing Facility in Portage, Ind.

MERRILLVILLE, Ind. — June 30, 2014 — MonoSol LLC, A Kuraray Company, the world leader in water-soluble delivery systems, has broken ground for their new high-tech production facility, Duneland Site, in Portage’s Ameriplex at the Port. Mayor James E. Snyder was joined by MonoSol CEO and Division head/Kuraray WS Film Division, P. Scott Bening and Keiji Murakami, Director/Primary Executive of the Vinyl Acetate Company of Kuraray along with several other MonoSol staff members and dignitaries from the City of Portage and the State of Indiana for the brief ground breaking ceremony.
 
This new production facility will feed the growing global demand for all water-soluble film products, as MonoSol takes a large integration step as the core of the Kuraray WS Film Division.  It will be constructed in three phases with the first phase scheduled to be operational in late 2016, generating an approximate 15 percent capacity increase over MonoSol’s current global production levels. The final phase will be complete by the end of 2020. When fully operational, the plant will create at least 150 new jobs. Hiring will commence mid-2015 for the 2016 opening. The Ross Group has been retained as the general contractor for the project. 

“As a member of the global Kuraray team, we examined locations on multiple continents for this expansion,” said P. Scott Bening, CEO of MonoSol. “Portage, Indiana was chosen over several European locations and other North American locations in Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin. Our roots, natural resource availability, workforce confidence, relationships with service providers and the support from the State of Indiana and City of Portage tipped the scales. Mayor James Snyder and his team did a great job coordinating the necessary supporters. The State stepped up and assisted with a competitive incentive package as well. We are blessed with a great team of people who started in Portage in 1953, expanded to LaPorte, Indiana and to Europe and now find cause to build even more back in Portage,” said Mr. Bening. “This region is full of ‘can do’ individuals and we are proud to be a part of the community.”
 
“Portage cannot express the extent of its gratitude and honor at being chosen by MonoSol as its new growth location,” stated Portage Mayor James E. Snyder. “We truly believe this company represents the very essence of what Portage strives to bring its residents in terms of new job opportunities. Portage has the best team with Economic Development Director Fitzer and Redevelopment Commission Director John Shepherd, who worked hard to earn this opportunity for the ever-promising future of Portage.”
 
Further, Mayor Snyder said, “CEO Scott Bening and the MonoSol team are committed to participating in our youth training program in Portage schools and this project will be instrumental in helping them find quality employees and our students finding quality jobs that will keep some of our finest in Portage.”
 
“MonoSol’s humble beginnings started in Portage and we have insured that Portage will be instrumental in their incredible future. This is truly one of Portage’s finest achievements on many levels,” said Snyder.

Posted July 1, 2014

Source: Monosol
 

Applied DNA Sciences And Wakefield Inspection Services Announce Collaboration To Expand Textile And Apparel Business

STONY BROOK, N.Y., July 1, 2014 — Applied DNA Sciences, Inc. (APDN), a provider of DNA-based security and product authentication solutions, is pleased to announce that it has signed an agreement with Wakefield Inspection Services (“WIS”) for a collaboration to provide global supply chain, traceability and security-driven solutions to customers using SigNature(R) T DNA marking and DNA authentication services. Operating in over 60 countries around the world, WIS is a trusted industry leader in the textile business for providing independent quality assessments and inspections with incomparable standards for accurate, objective and quality verification and reporting services.

Applied DNA Sciences’ SigNature T DNA platform ensures traceability of textile raw materials from point of origin to finished product. The identity of textiles is thus assured throughout the supply chain. Combined with the services of WIS, textile customers will gain worldwide access to the consultation, training, documentation, and enhanced inspection services required to ensure a seamless implementation of the program.

The products and services offered by both companies will give textile customers confidence that raw materials are inspected, marked, tested and forensically authenticated from the point of origin.

“With Applied DNA Sciences, we will map out the most cost-effective processes and procedures for ensuring that the SigNature T DNA marker in fiber, yarn or fabrics can be securely obtained and authenticated throughout virtually any textile supply and logistic chain. Our international reputation in controlling textile quality and supply makes our collaboration with ADNAS a good fit,” said Greg Wakefield, Director, WIS.

The agreement establishes a cost-effective, end-to-end implementation solution that ensures traceability of SigNature T DNA marked fiber, yarn or fabric from the field to the forensic lab. It begins with proven, scalable
methods that allow ginners and wool scourers to incorporate and authenticate the SigNature T DNA marker with little impact to existing processes at the raw fiber stage of cotton and wool production. In addition, Applied DNA Sciences’ patented fiberTyping(R) testing for cotton, will ensure the identity of the feedstock. As part of this collaboration, Applied DNA Sciences and WIS will target key customers and markets for joint commercial development, with a focus on value-added, cost effective solutions.

“Consumers will continue to buy products made from trusted sources. They are acutely aware when a product does not look or feel good after one or two washings, and they are increasingly aware of the damage from “leaky” supply chains. Consumers ultimately decide if they buy from the same retail outlet, or not. It’s all about quality, integrity and trust. WIS is among the best channels for our approach to the industry,” stated Dr. James A. Hayward, President and CEO, Applied DNA Sciences.

Posted July 1, 2014

Source: Applied DNA Sciences
 

Retailers Call for Action On TPA And Smarter Enforcement Of Trade Rules

ARLINGTON, Va. — June 25, 2014 — The Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) today emphasized the need for Congress to renew Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) as quickly as possible and also highlighted the need for smarter enforcement of trade rules, as the Senate Committee on Finance held its hearing,”Trade Enforcement: Using Trade Rules to Level the Playing Field for U.S. Companies and Workers.”

“A successful trade agenda requires renewal of Trade Promotion Authority as soon as possible. TPA enables U.S. negotiators to open markets to U.S. goods and secure robust enforcement rules in our free trade agreements. Moreover, effective enforcement of trade rules depends on the United States having smarter and more timely rules to enforce,” said Stephanie Lester, vice president, international trade at RILA. “A modernized TPA will go a long way toward ensuring the best possible outcomes in pending and new U.S. trade negotiations, ensuring America remains competitive in the globalized economy.”

In addition to the passage of TPA legislation, RILA advocates for smarter enforcement of existing rules, such as more timely duty collections.  The current “retrospective” antidumping and countervailing duty (AD/CVD) assessment system regime creates a substantial lag time for duty collections of more than three years, disadvantaging U.S. companies. A “prospective” AD/ CVD assessment system in the United States would improve duty collections and enforcement, decrease supply chain uncertainty, enhance U.S. manufacturing competitiveness, and more effectively prevent unfair trade.

“It is time for the U.S. to join the rest of the world and adopt a ‘prospective’ regime for AD/CVD duty collections,” Lester continued. “The needless risk and uncertainty caused by the U.S. Government’s ‘retrospective’ regime undermines U.S. competitiveness and has allowed unfair trade to occur for years. The ‘retrospective’ system harms American businesses and jeopardizes jobs; collecting duties up front would efficiently and effectively level the playing field for U.S. companies and workers.”

A “prospective” collection of duties has repeatedly been recommended by both the Government Accountability Office (GAO) and the Commercial Operations Advisory Committee (COAC). A prospective system is less complex and uses fewer resources, and eliminates unfair trade before it occurs. Adopting this system is an efficient way of ensuring the market is fair for U.S. companies and their workers.

Posted July 1, 2014

Source: Retail Industry Leaders Assocation
 

PolyOne Wilflex Screen Printing Inks Receive Key 2014 Regulatory Certifications

KENNESAW, Ga. — July 1, 2014 — PolyOne Corp., a premier global provider of specialized polymer materials, services and solutions announced today that it has received several sustainability-related compliance and regulatory product certifications for Wilflex™ Textile Printing Inks. As part of the “PolyOne Sustainable Solutions” portfolio, Wilflex ink solutions are recognized as compliant with major non-profit, regulatory, and legislative directed requirements.

“At PolyOne, we are committed to helping customers grow their business with safe and environmentally sound solutions. We have worked very hard to develop a solutions portfolio that meets both marketplace requirements and applicable regulatory requirements to help customers succeed in today’s rigorous regulatory climate,” said Scott Craig, general manager for PolyOne Wilflex Inks.

Wilflex screen-printing inks are formulated to meet compliance standards, and are supported by an effective system of controls to ensure consistency lot after lot. PolyOne Wilflex maintains comprehensive procedures for raw material review to support compliance programs.

These certifications enable printers to meet regulatory and quality specifications, creating value for customers without sacrificing production performance. New for 2014, Wilflex has expanded testing to include full test reports for Oasis™ Waterbase ink portfolio including formaldehyde, APEOs (alkyl phenol ethoxylates), heavy metals, and other non-preferred substances. Additionally, Wilflex expanded test reports for lead and phthalate within the Epic™ non-phthalate ink portfolio. Wilflex inks have passed third party testing for 2014 product compliance and regulatory standards, including:

  • Oeko-Tex Standard 100 (Eco-Passport)
  • CPSIA 2008
  • Brand-owner driven Restricted Substance List “RSL” requirements

Posted July 1, 2014

Source: PolyOne Corp.
 

Downlite Becomes First Responsible Down Standard (RDS) Certified Company In China

MASON, Ohio — June 30, 2014 — After going through extensive audits conducted by Control Union, Downlite, a major down and feather processor and supplier of performance fills, is the first company to earn the Responsible Down Standard (RDS) certificate in China – which constitutes the largest down supply chain in the world.

RDS was developed by The North Face in partnership with Control Union, a respected global certification body, and Textile Exchange for research, writing, and stakeholder review, of which Downlite was an integral contributing party. RDS certification, which traces the entire down supply chain from farm to control standards, ensures companies that the down in their products comes from ethically treated geese.

“Responsibly-sourced down has always been part of our DNA, which is why we’ve embraced the RDS since its inception,” said Chad Altbaier, VP Sales and Business Development, Downlite. “Because 80% of the world’s down comes from China, we prioritized Control Union’s audit of our high-quality goose down supply chain here first. Downlite is positioned to offer significant volumes of RDS certified white and grey goose down with a broad spectrum of qualities for the F15 and S16 apparel and sleeping bag seasons.”

Altbaier further commented that RDS certification audits for Downlite’s European supply chain are underway and with certification expected shortly thereafter.

Posted July 1, 2014

Source: Downlite
 

ITMA ASIA + CITME 2014 Concluded On Successful Note

SHANGHAI — June 27, 2014 — The five-day ITMA ASIA + CITME 2014 concluded successfully at the Shanghai New International Exhibition Centre on 20 June 2014. It received enthusiastic response, attracting visitorship of around 100,000 from 102 economies – an increase o f 7 per cent over the attendance recorded at the 2012 show.

Some 80 per cent of the visitors were from China. Over twenty per cent of the visitors were from overseas, the top economies being India, Japan, Chinese Taiwan, South Korea, Indonesia and Turkey.

Charles Beauduin, President of CEMATEX, said: “Most of our exhibitors were delighted with the high-quality trade visitors. The success of the show reinforces the reputation of ITMA ASIA + CITME as the most effective business platform in China and indeed the whole of Asia.”

The combined show is owned by CEMATEX, together with its Chinese partners – the Sub-Council of Textile Industry, CCPIT (CCPIT-Tex), China Textile Machinery Association (CTMA) and China International Exhibition Centre Group Corporation (CIEC). It is organised by Beijing Textile Machinery International Exhibition Co Ltd and co-organised by MP Expositions Pte Ltd.

The total gross exhibition area at ITMA ASIA + CITME 2014 exceeded 150,000 square metres and spanned 13 halls, making it the largest combined show to date. There were almost 1,600 exhibitors from 28 economies taking part in the five-day show.

Mr Wang Shutian, President of CTMA, explained, “The 2014 exhibition showcased a comprehensive range of technologies from around the world. ITMA ASIA + CITME has now emerged as the must-visit event for Asian buyers sourcing a wide range of solutions to help them be more competitive. Hence, the products on display included those that boost automation and energy-saving features.”

In terms of exhibit space, Chinese exhibitors top the list, boosted by rapid increase in Chinese textile machinery manufacturing capacity and development. They were followed by participants from Germany, Japan, Italy and Switzerland. The biggest exhibit sector was spinning, followed by washing/dyeing/bleaching/printing/finishing, knitting and weaving.

Thanks to the successful staging of the 2014 exhibition, interest is high for the next show. The 2016 exhibition will be held at the new National Convention and Exhibition Centre in the Hongqiao business district of Shanghai from 24 to 28 October 2016.

Posted July 1, 2014
 
Source: CEMATEX, CCPIT-Tex, CTMA and CIEC

Cone Denim Announces VaraBlue™ – The Evolution Of Color

GREENSBORO, N.C. — June 16, 2014 — Cone Denim, a global leader in denim innovation, is excited to announce VaraBlue™ color denims. Developed under the direction of Cone’s R&D incubator, Cone® 3D, VaraBlue fabrics are engineered to achieve unlimited color options using a unique garment dyeing procedure that simulates the look of traditional denim. VaraBlue denims are produced out of Cone Denim’s historic White Oak plant in North Carolina.

“VaraBlue offers a unique color story,” says Kara Nicholas, vice president product development and marketing. “Its ‘Ready to Dye’ garment approach gives tremendous versatility in developing most any color in small quantities. It’s like a blank canvas with unlimited color and wet processing options and offers great flexibility in keeping pace with market shifts & color trends.”

Using a specially developed yarn-treatment process, the warp yarns are pre-treated so that the dyes used in the garment dye process adhere to the warp yarns only, leaving the untreated filling yarns natural and thus creating denim with yarn dye and ring dye effects. VaraBlue color denims can be laundered in similar ways that indigo denims are processed including stonewashing, hand-sanding, enzyme washing, and lasering. Another advantage is VaraBlue’s sustainable dye process that lowers energy consumption, requires less water, and reduces waste from the process, providing both eco-benefits and overall cost savings.

VaraBlue fabrics are targeted for both men’s and women’s jeans and are offered in three fabric styles that include SGene® stretch, rigid non-stretch, and comfort stretch. VaraBlue denim is currently available for sampling and can be seen at Cone Denim’s booth at Kingpins New York July 22 and 23.

“These new denims speak to the consumer on many levels and offer wide market appeal beyond its color evolution,” says Nicholas. “With VaraBlue you can achieve clean sexy modern or authentic vintage washes that mimic traditional indigo with highs and lows on seam abrasion, color chip off, fading, and ring dye effect. We’re excited to expand Cone’s sustainable denim offerings and add to our collection of Made in the USA denims.”

Posted June 24, 2014

Source: Cone Denim
 

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