NCTO Issues Statement Supporting House China Select Committee Leaders’ Letter To Homeland Security Secretary, Urging Him To Strengthen Enforcement Of UFLPA Activities

Washington, D.C. — January 22, 2024 — National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO) President and CEO Kim Glas issued the following statement today in support of a letter from the chairman and ranking member of the House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the U.S. and the CCP, to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, urging him to step up enforcement of the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA) and crack down on unfair trade practices facilitating the importation of products made with forced labor.

The letter can be viewed here. Attorney General Merrick Garland is copied on the letter.

Kim Glas

Statement by NCTO President and CEO Kim Glas:

“We sincerely thank Chairman Mike Gallagher (R-WI) and Ranking Member Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) for their letter, calling on Secretary Mayorkas to take immediate action to strengthen enforcement of the UFLPA and aggressively confront predatory trade practices employed by China that are undermining U.S. manufacturers and endangering American citizens.

The government’s failure to fully enforce the UFLPA and the de minimis loophole is devastating US textile and apparel manufacturers. Today, this vital domestic manufacturing industry is facing unparalleled demand destruction as a direct result of market forces that have been exacerbated by anemic customs and trade law enforcement. Chinese cotton from Xinjiang is flooding the global marketplace, making its way to our doorsteps and into our closets. As a result, we need a comprehensive and aggressive solution from the administration to confront these practices head on.

The concerns and steps outlined in the letter by Reps. Gallagher and Krishnamoorthi are critically important. The administration and DHS must step up enforcement of UFLPA, fraudulent origin claims and the gaping de minimis loophole that is facilitating millions of illegal and dangerous products a day to our market.

Without an immediate government solution, this strategic supply chain that produces lifesaving PPE and 8,000 different products for the U.S. military, will continue to shutter factories and lay off workers.

We cannot continue to reward China for egregious trade practices at the expense of American and regional manufacturers and workers. If these steps not taken immediately, we will fail to stop forced labor trade from entering our market and further jeopardize our vital domestic and Western Hemisphere supply chains.”

Editor’s Note – US Textile Industry Snap-Shot:

  • U.S. employment in the textile supply chain was 538,067 in 2022.
  • The value of shipments for U.S. textiles and apparel was $65.8 billion in 2022.
  • U.S. exports of fiber, textiles and apparel were $34 billion in 2022.
  • Capital expenditures for textiles and apparel production totaled $2.27 billion in 2021, the last year for which data is available.

Posted: January 22, 2024

Source: National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO)

Shape The Future Leadership Of AATCC

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. — January 19, 2024 — AATCC is currently accepting nominations for open positions on its 2025-2026 Board of Directors. As a member-led organization, serving on the AATCC Board provides a valuable opportunity to guide the direction of the association while advancing your industry knowledge and professional relationships.

Board members are elected by their peers to represent the diverse interests of AATCC’s global membership. By bringing your unique perspective to the table, you can leave a positive mark on the textile industry while gaining skills and connections to boost your own career.

AATCC members will vote by emailed ballot this Fall. The new Board members will be announced in November and serve from January 2025 through December 2026.

President-elect

The AATCC President-elect serves in this role for two years before serving as President for two years, and then serves as Immediate Past President for another two years, serving six years in total as a member of the Board of Directors. In that time, he or she is a member of multiple administrative committees and helps set the strategy for the Association. Each President brings a new passion and focus.

Interest Group Officers

Each interest group is represented by an interest group Chair. Nominees must be a voting member of the interest group they represent.

  • Chemical Applications Interest Group
  • Concept 2 Consumer Interest Group
  • Materials Interest Group
  • Rising Professionals Interest Group

If you are interested in nominating yourself or someone else to join the AATCC leadership, please submit completed nomination forms by March 31, 2024. This is a volunteer-led commitment invested in shaping the future of textile knowledge exchange, research, and testing standardization.

Get involved with AATCC and play an integral role in driving innovation for the wider industry. The organization needs engaged members who can offer their talents to further AATCC’s vision.

More Information

Do you want the opportunity to vote and help lead the direction of not only AATCC but the textile industry? Become an AATCC member now! You can get more information on membership at www.aatcc.org/join.

Posted: January 19, 2024

Source: AATCC

Mahlo Measuring, Control And Automation Systems At Colombiatex


SAAL ON THE DANUBE, Germany — January 19, 2024 — Mahlo GmbH + Co. KG — manufacturer of measuring, control and automation systems of Germany — will participate in the Colombiatex textile show, held in Medellin January 23-25. This year, Mahlo will be joining forces with Brückner Textile Technologies to present comprehensive and innovative solutions for the textile production sector at their joint booth.

Both companies appreciate the power of Colombia’s textile industry. Textile is one of the most important industrial sectors in the Latin American country with an export value of clothing of more than $600 million . The United States are also the main export destination for apparel products. At Colombiatex 2024, Mahlo’s Head of Sales, Thomas Höpfl, will be present to share insights and discuss how Mahlo’s innovative technologies can address the specific challenges faced by Colombian textile manufacturers. Sustainability of process efficiency being among the most pressing ones. “Our advanced technologies align seamlessly with the industry’s focus on sustainable practices and heightened process outcome”, says Höpfl.

Mahlo Orthopac RVMC

German world market leader Mahlo provides straightening technologies with the weft straightener Orthopac RVMC or energy saving concepts such as the stenter process control system Optipac VMC or the drum dryer control system Atmoset SMT.

Visitors of Colombiatex are welcome to visit Thomas Höpfl at the joint Mahlo/Brückner booth to discuss the individual solutions for their specific line of work.

Posted: January 19, 2024

Source: Mahlo GmbH + Co. KG

Manufacturing Solutions Center (MSC) Offers M1 Programming Training For Stoll Flatbed Knitting Machines

CONNOVER, N.C. — January 19, 2024 — The Manufacturing Solutions Center (MSC) at Catawba Valley Community College will provide M1 Programming training for Stoll Flatbed Knitting machines from February 12 through February 16 to individuals interested in learning about flatbed knitting or improving their flatbed knitting skills.

Class size is limited and is structured to the individual needs of attendees.  Core concepts covered in the program include the functions of the M1 software, stitch formation, programming of various stitch structures, and shape attributes.  The program will be held at the MSC II facility in Conover, N.C.

For more information about the program and costs, visit www.manufacturingsolutionscenter.org

Posted: January 19, 2024

Source: The Manufacturing Solutions Center (MSC)

The International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF): Giltex LLC (Azerbaijan) Joins ITMF As Corporate Member

ZÜRICH, Switzerland — January 19, 2024 — GILTEX LLC is the only company built with a vertical integration system, not only in Azerbaijan but also in the entire South Caucasus region. The company covers the textile production flow and consists of a spinning factory, two weaving factories, two dyeing factories, a garment factory, and a medical masks factory.

Christian Schindler, director general of ITMF, stated: “ITMF is delighted to welcome Giltex in ITMF. That for the first time a fully integrated company from this region of the world joins ITMF shows that the textile business is truly a global industry. The desire to join an international network like ITMF that represents the entire textile value chain is an indication that companies around the world are looking for relevant information and networks. To successfully navigate these challenging times and to prepare for the future it is indispensable to have access to relevant facts and figures about the industry and to identify potential partners to collaborate with. ITMF is offering such a platform.”

Kanan Budagov, head of Procurement Dept. of Giltex LLC, pointed out that “ITMF is a unique global organisation that brings together like-minded industry people from around the world. It provides a special environment that allows to discuss pressing issues and trends that help to better understand the ongoing and constantly changing dynamics in the global textile industry. In today’s world companies must develop long-term strategies based on reliable information. ITMF offers such information as well as provides access to a unique network of industry experts. To learn from the industry and to discuss with the entire textile value chain – from fibre producers to producers of home textiles and garments – how to overcome the challenges and turn them into opportunities is crucial.”

Posted: January 19, 2024

Source: The International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF)

Bolger & O’Hearn To Sponsor ATA Military Division Booth At Shot Show, Jan. 22 & 23, In Las Vegas

FALL RIVER, Mass. — January 18, 2024 — The team from Bolger & O’Hearn will be onsite January 22 & 23, 2024, at the annual Shot Show in Las Vegas at Booth 52133 in the show’s Supplier Showcase.

B&O is a co-sponsor of the Advanced Textiles Association’s Military Division booth at Shot, which is located on Level 5 in the Palazzo Ballroom at the Venetian Hotel/Sands Convention Center.

The Supplier Showcase offers manufacturers a two-day sneak peak of products and technologies that add valuable performance and functional characteristics to apparel and gear developed for the military, hunting, and law enforcement industries.

Kelly Murphy, co-president of Bolger & O’Hearn and Mohan Rao, B&O’s technical director for Textile Innovations, will be on hand to discuss new chemistries B&O has developed that enhance the lifespan and functional performance for hard working gear and apparel. This includes Shell-Tech Free M325 SC1 & F3 — High Performance, PFAS-free Water-Repellents, and Shell-Tech Dual Action, a Repel & Release technology that adds oil repellency, water repellency and soil release to textiles in a single application.

B&O is a member of the ATA’s Military Division and the Association’s Emerging Technologies Council.

“Our high-performance products are manufactured in the USA and have been developed to meet the technical textile industry’s growing demand for fabric finishes that offer new levels of protection and durability,” said Murphy. “Our customers are asking for both and we are committed to meeting that demand.”

Posted: January 18, 2024

Source: Bolger & O’Hearn

RefrigiWear Acquires Avaska

DAHLONEGA, Ga. — January 17, 2024 — RefrigiWear, the largest supplier of insulated work apparel for the cold chain, announced today its acquisition of Avaska. A relative newcomer to the insulated workwear industry, Avaska built a solid reputation for offering premium quality products with a more modern, European style.

“Avaska really helps us round out our brand portfolio to serve customers in the cold chain and in any environment where extreme temperatures create challenges,” explained Ryan Silberman, CEO at RefrigiWear.

“Giving customers flexibility helps us serve the ever-changing and demanding environments they face in every step of the cold chain from food production, storage and distribution to bringing it home to our kitchen tables.”

The company’s portfolio now includes three insulated workwear brands — RefrigiWear, Avaska and Samco Freezerwear — more than doubling the company’s selection of products to keep workers warm, safe and productive.

All three brands deliver insulated apparel, footwear and accessories for people working in temperature-controlled production and distribution facilities that operate at temperatures well below freezing. Their products are also widely used in outdoor work environments where wet weather and cold temperatures are major challenges to safety and productivity. With such a wide variety of styles, selection and price ranges, this 3-brand family gives businesses large and small the most diverse options to protect their employees from the dangers of working in the cold.

Posted: January 18, 2024

Source: RefrigiWear, LLC

Precision Textiles Teams With REPREVE® For Industry First Collaboration To Satisfy Consumer Demand For Eco-Friendly Mattresses

FAIRFIELD, N.J. — January 18, 2024 — As part of its ongoing commitment to reducing its carbon footprint, and to help its customers satisfy consumer demand for more eco-friendly mattresses, Precision Textiles has partnered with Unifi Inc., the makers of REPREVE® recycled performance fiber to use the company’s recycled polyester yarn in the manufacturing of all its filler cloth products. The first-of-its-kind collaboration within the industry makes Precision Textiles the only bedding component manufacturer to use REPREVE recycled performance fiber in its nonwoven products.

REPREVE is a recycled polyester fiber brand that was developed to address the growing concern related to plastic waste in the environment. Its yarns are spun from recycled plastic bottles that would otherwise end up in landfills and our oceans. The yarns provide an alternative to virgin fibers and have been proven to reduce climate change potential by repurposing discarded plastic, thereby mitigating the carbon emissions associated with producing new materials. The new partnership offers an immediate positive impact on Precision Textiles sustainability initiatives and assures that the company and its customers are part of meaningful change that will contribute to improving the world.

Bob O’Connell, executive vice president marketing and merchandising, Precision Textiles and Gerry Welkley, national sales manager, Precision Textiles

“We are extremely proud to be the first and only FR nonwoven component supplier to use REPREVE recycled performance fiber in our products,” said Gerry Welkley, national sales manager at Precision Textiles. “This technology is being used in many other industries by some of the world’s most recognized brands, so we are very excited to bring it to the mattress industry. Today’s consumers are increasingly conscious of their environmental impact with their product purchases. Because we consume millions of pounds of yarn during the manufacturing of our filler cloth products, our collaboration with Unifi showcases our dedication to meeting these consumer expectations for our customers and reaffirms our commitment to a more sustainable future.”

Every 100-yard roll of the company’s ENDURE IFR and ADVANTAGE SB non-woven products will include REPREVE recycled performance fiber that is made from 228 recycled water bottles. As a result, Precision Textiles will eliminate more than 20 million plastic water bottles from waste streams on an annual basis.

Bob O’Connell, executive vice president marketing and merchandising at Precision Textiles said, “Our customers consistently ask how we are handling sustainability and what we can do to help them improve their efforts to manufacture eco-friendly products. Our partnership with REPREVE answers the call and allows our customers to be part of this initiative.”

Precision Textiles has long supported environmental stewardship managing resources in a way that assures sustainability and benefits both present and future generations. The company produces and supplies one of the most comprehensive assortments of USDA Bio-Preferred and UL Greenguard GOLD certified FR solution product lines throughout the entire mattress industry.

As a leading supplier to mattress manufacturers, the collaboration not only illustrates Precision Textile’s fervent commitment to environmentally conscious initiatives, but it also resonates with the values of conscientious consumers who expect brands to make products responsibly.

Posted: January 18, 2024

Source: Precision Textiles

Perry Ellis International Welcomes Michael Miille As Creative Director

Perry Ellis International Welcomes Michael Miille as creative director.

MIAMI — January 17, 2024 — Perry Ellis International is thrilled to announce the newest addition to its creative team as it warmly welcomes Michael Miille as the creative director. In this role, Michael will spearhead the design and creative vision for our renowned fashion brands Perry Ellis® and Original Penguin by Munsingwear®.

With an impressive track record in the fashion industry, Michael brings a wealth of experience and a keen eye for innovation. His design prowess, technical savvy and leadership skills make him the ideal creative visionary, as we continue to propel our marquee brands into the future with focus on product and brand development. “Michael’s passion for design and his ability to capture the essence of modern style align perfectly with the values and vision of Perry Ellis International,” said Oscar Feldenkreis, CEO and president. “We are confident that his unique perspective will elevate both brands and resonate with a diverse audience.”

Prior to joining Perry Ellis International, Miille held key positions at PVH and Ralph Lauren to name a few, where he successfully led creative teams and contributed to the development of groundbreaking collections. Miille expressed his excitement about joining the organization, stating, “I am honored to represent two iconic American brands with such rich heritage by setting trends and pushing boundaries. I look forward to collaborating with the talented teams and contributing to the brands continued success.”

Perry Ellis International is eager to embark on this exciting chapter with Miille, and we are confident that his creative direction will further strengthen our position in the global fashion landscape.

Posted: January 18, 2024

Source: Perry Ellis International Inc.

Hyosung Furthers Its Certified Sustainable Denim Textile And Sourcing Solutions

SEOUL, South Korea— January 18, 2024 — Anticipating the denim industry’s focus on agile global supply chain and sourcing strategies, in addition to more diverse and certified sustainable textile offerings, Hyosung is looking forward to introducing its 2024 sustainable textile and sourcing solutions for denim at Kingpins NYC, booth #12, January 24-25 at Basketball City.

According to Hyosung, the strategic emphasis on global sourcing for the denim industry is expected to play a crucial role, emphasizing the efficient utilization of resources from different regions to acquire the best raw materials. Furthermore, the procurement of sustainable materials and the adoption of ethical production processes are considered essential. The ability to swiftly adapt to the ever-changing landscape of consumer trends is crucial.

“Sourcing is set to be a pivotal factor in defining the strategic priorities of the denim industry in 2024,” said Simon Hong, Hyosung Global Marketing Lead – Denim. “Ranging from global sourcing practices and agile supply chain strategies to sustainability considerations, these elements are anticipated to collectively shape the industry’s trajectory and achievements this year. We are fortunate to fulfill many of these requirements with a global manufacturing footprint, strong mill partner relationships, and an extensive portfolio of certified sustainable textile offerings.”

Furthering its commitment to continuous innovation and providing sustainable solutions for diverse needs across the denim value chain, Hyosung will introduce a unique offering of certified sustainable materials that make denim better at Kingpins NYC.

regen® Bio-Based spandex – for jeans made with renewable resources

Creating a more powerful, traceable sustainable story, Hyosung is expanding its regen® Bio-Based spandex offering to include options for the yarn to be made with both 70 percent and 98 percent renewable resources. Hyosung was the first company to commercially introduce USDA and SGS-certified regen Bio-Based spandex made with 30-percent renewable resources in 2021, which has been successfully adopted by leading global brands. According to an independent third party LCA, the manufacture of 1kg regen Bio-Based spandex reduces its carbon footprint by 20 percent as compared to the production 1kg of conventional spandex.

regen® Spandex – for jeans made with 100-percent recycled materials

In 2020, Hyosung introduced RCS-certified, 100 percent recycled regen spandex made from reclaimed production waste. Since then, leading denim brands and retailers have adopted the fiber to offer a completely recycled product to consumers.

CREORA® 3D Max spandex – for recyclable jeans

Circularity is top of mind and denim brands and mills are following Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s Jeans Redesign guidelines for recyclable denim. Among its guidelines is a requirement that denim be made with a minimum of 98 percent cellulosic material leaving 2 percent of the content for stretch or synthetic material – a challenge for Jeans Redesign participants as consumers are accustomed to high stretch and comfort. Hyosung’s CREORA® 3D Max spandex delivers high-performance stretch and recovery with a very small portion of spandex content uniquely allowing the garment to be recycled.

Hyosung has expanded its CREORA 3D Max spandex offering to include more sustainable and functional versions of the fiber that match the same performance and recyclability benefits as conventional CREORA 3D Max spandex. They include new USDA and SGS-certified regen Bio-Based 3D Max spandex, RCS-certified, 100-percent recycled regen 3D Max spandex made from reclaimed production waste, and CREORA Easy 3D Max spandex that provides soft power with excellent stretch and recovery.

Posted: January 18, 2024

Source: Hyosung

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