SPESA Hosts Successful 2024 Executive Conference In Montréal, Marking Its First Ever Event In Canada

RALEIGH, N.C. — October 24, 2024 — The Sewn Products Equipment & Suppliers of the Americas (SPESA) hosted its 2024 Executive Conference Tuesday, October 8 through Thursday, October 10, in Montréal bringing together leaders in sewn products, textiles, and technology for productive and insightful discussions on the future of the industry. The event, which was hosted at Le Mount Stephen hotel, featured attendees and speakers from three Canadian Provinces, 12 U.S. States, and eight countries.

Michael McDonald, SPESA President.

“Montréal was the perfect host city for our 2024 SPESA Executive Conference,” said Michael McDonald, SPESA President. “One of the highlights of this event being held in different markets each year is that we get the opportunity to meet new people, learn about new companies, and garner a better understanding of both local and regional efforts to support the industry. We took it one step further in Montréal by expanding our outreach to include not only sewn products equipment suppliers and manufacturers, but also experts in the spaces of textiles, energy, and mathematics. The more we learn about different industry segments — and the challenges and opportunities they face — the better we can work together as a cohesive ecosystem.”

The SPESA Executive Conference is one of the cornerstone events hosted by SPESA annually. As the global sewn products industry continues to evolve, so too does the Executive Conference and its agenda. The 2024 SPESA event was no exception, as it featured a wide array of topics, including a conversation on how to leverage nuclear energy as a new sustainable power source for manufacturing, a case study on crowdsourcing consumers to combat overproduction, and insightful exchanges with Canada-based business leaders and entrepreneurs from around the world.

Mark Hatton

“The subjects covered during the 2024 SPESA Executive Conference revealed just how complex and intricate our industry is,” said Mark Hatton, SPESA Chairman and managing director of Threads America at American & Efird. “It showcased a tangible passion to make our diverse but connected industries more efficient, more sustainable, and better equipped to tackle both current and future challenges. Seeing speaker presentations turn into engaging and productive audience dialogue was very exciting and exemplifies the need for events like this that prioritize forward-thinking learning.”

The first full day of the 2024 SPESA Executive Conference (October 9) launched with a keynote from seasoned industry advisor Krista Schreiber, an accomplished leader with 25+ years of expertise in apparel and textile development, product operations, supplier strategy, and quality production for world-renowned brands such as Nike, Lululemon, Cotton Incorporated, and Arc’teryx. It was followed by a first-of-its-kind conversation with Rickey Ruff, Founder of Global Nuclear Concepts, who shared his vision for nuclear-powered manufacturing; a fireside chat with Holli Markwald, Prairie Wear CEO, who discussed her brand story and drive to create a more versatile and sustainable bra; and, a panel of young entrepreneurs — featuring Michael Mayr, Founder of silana; Jessica Ramey, Founder of Mercantilia Consulting; and Lila Rousselet, CEO of Montloup — who shared their efforts and visions for the future of the industry.

Afternoon sessions on October 9 kicked off with a panel of local textile industry experts — including Navi Cohen, Vice President of Advanced Materials at SRTX; Carlos Agudelo, Ph.D., Co-founder at Tengiva; and Valerio Izquierdo, Vice President of Business Development and Partnerships at Groupe CTT — who offered insight into their respective industry segments, including software and digital solutions, textile engineering, and materials development. That panel was followed by a conversation on manufacturing in Canada with Bob Kirke of the Canadian Apparel Federation (CAF), and Gabe Elberg and Leslie Schachter of Montréal-based Cansew, Inc., which just celebrated its centennial milestone. SPESA members Leonard Marano, President of the Americas at Lectra, and John Robinson, Senior Strategic Account Manager of Apparel at Aptean, took to the stage next where they discussed how new technology is driving change on the factory floor and the tools needed to build competitive production capabilities.

The day wrapped with entrepreneur Diarra Bousso, the founder of fashion brand DIARRABLU, who presented on how she used her background as a creative mathematician and multidisciplinary artist to create a unique design and manufacturing process that thoughtfully merges the worlds of craftsmanship and algorithms with the goal to reduce waste in fashion.

In addition to a packed day of panels, keynotes, and conversations with industry experts, SPESA also arranged a full second day of industry tours in Montréal and the surrounding region, including stops at INNOTEX, an innovative manufacturer of turnout gear, Tech Rescue gear, Energy gear, Airflow 3D Technology, and more; the Cirque du Soleil costume workshop at its International Headquarters; and, Groupe CTT, a nonprofit organization specializing in applied research, development, and analysis in the field of technical textiles, geosynthetics, and advanced textile-based materials.

SPESA will soon announce dates for its 2025 Advancements in Manufacturing Technologies (Austin, TX) and 2025 Executive Conference (Chicago, IL). SPESA will also co-host the Texprocess Americas trade show May 6-8, 2025, in Atlanta, GA.

To learn more about SPESA and its events, visit www.SPESA.org. To learn more about Texprocess Americas, visit https://texprocess-americas.us.messefrankfurt.com/atlanta/en.html.

Posted: October 24, 2024

Source: The Sewn Products Equipment & Suppliers of the Americas (SPESA)

Dovetail Workwear Debuts New Cordura® Enforced D-Fender Pant

PORTLAND, Ore.  — October 24, 2024 — Dovetail Workwear brings to market its latest innovation featuring CORDURA® Advanced Fabrics with the all new D-Fender Pant. Addressing the unique needs of women with strong thighs, this stretchy canvas pant features reinforced protection using CORDURA fabrics in high-wear areas for superior durability and comfort for hard-working women.

“We’ve heard firsthand from women with powerhouse legs about the frustration of ‘chub rub’ in their work pants,” explained Sara DeLuca, co-founder and vice president of Product at Dovetail Workwear. “So, we took action and revamped our signature crotch gusset and reinforced high-wear areas, and put the D-Fender Pant to the test with the women who inspired its design. The response was clear — this is the solution they’ve been waiting for.”

The D-Fender pants are made with tough CORDURA fabric, bringing military-grade strength to eight high-wear areas: belt loops, reinforced front pocket, tonol loops, crotch gusset, device pocket, nested right pockets, front overlay panels, and back cuffs. Beyond durability, the D-Fender Pant brings a modern edge to workwear style. Zonal reinforcements offer striking color-blocking and texture contrasts, while the fabric’s water and stain-resistant finish keeps the pants looking fresh, even after heavy wear. With 10 pockets strategically placed for maximum functionality, these pants ensure there’s plenty of storage for tools and personal items.

“We’re excited to partner with Dovetail on the D-Fender Pant,” said Cindy McNaull, Business Development Director at CORDURA Advanced Fabrics. “Our fabrics are engineered to endure the toughest conditions while delivering flexibility and comfort – making them the perfect choice for workwear that has to perform as hard as the women who wear it.”

To bring it full circle, the D-Fender Pant isn’t just made for women – it’s made by women. In partnership with Pakistan-based Sapphire Finishing Mills, where 90% of the workforce is women, the pants are produced with a commitment to empowerment and sustainable practices.

The D-Fender Pant is now available on the Dovetail Workwear website and through select retailers nationwide. For more information please visit DovetailWorkwear.com.

Posted: October 24, 2024

Source: Dovetail Workwear

ASID NJ DESIGN EXPO Reinvents The Traditional Trade Show

HOLMDEL, N.J.  — October 24, 2024 — The New Jersey Chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) has successfully reinvented its annual trade show, now titled a Design Expo.  This year’s event on Tuesday, October 8 at Bell Works featured a DJ, a panel with LuAnn Nigara of A Well-Designed Business® and Designer and HGTV host Noel Gatts on how to attract the luxury client, a raffle and a CEU on global design trends by Sub-Zero, Wolf and Cove. The lively, interactive event drew crowds of designers and dozens of exhibitors encompassing the breadth of the design trade.

A key part of the Design Expo was the “passing of the gavel” of the ASID NJ Board where Marina V. Umali, ASID, CID, and President from 2023 to 2024, officially transferred responsibilities to incoming ASID NJ President Marilyn LaVergne, Associate ASID, and the outgoing Board of Directors welcomed the new.

“The ASID NJ Design Expo was outstanding with a wonderful chance to experience the latest in today’s products and be inspired,” said LaVergne. “The panel on how to attract the luxury consumer offered valuable insights as well, and of course, there was an abundance of networking opportunities.”

Echoing the sentiment, Umali said, “Months of thought and planning culminated in this very successful Design Expo. I commend the many volunteers who devoted their time and

efforts to make this happen and our terrific sponsors as well.”

Blinds to Go and Capitol Lighting were Gold Sponsors of the event and California Closets, Metropolitan Window Fashions and Sub-Zero, Wolf and Cove were Silver Sponsors.  Chapter Sponsors are Design NJ and Room & Board.

The setting, the ballroom at Bell Works, formerly Bell Labs, by acclaimed architect Eero Saarinen added to the appeal with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking a small lake and verdant landscape.

Posted: October 24, 2024

Source: The American Society of Interior Designers (ASID)

Recycled Bicycle From igus: Starting Signal For World Tour Has Been Given

COLOGNE, Germany — October 24, 2024 — To mark the company’s 60th anniversary, the lubrication-free and low-maintenance igus:bike will spend 12 months traveling through 16 countries to raise awareness of the “circular economy of plastics”

From Cologne to the whole world: the first stop took the igus:bike from the igus factory in Cologne Porz-Lind to Cologne Cathedral. Photo — igus GmbH

The starting signal has been given, the igus:bike® is on a world tour. To celebrate igus’s 60th birthday, the innovative, bright orange bicycle made from recycled plastic will be traveling the world for a whole year. The aim: to familiarize industry partners, media representatives and consumers with a new form of urban mobility that combines a fun ride with sustainability. The urban bike represents many of the advantages of igus products, the “motion plastics”: it does not rust, requires no oil and is virtually maintenance-free. The ball bearings, drive and freewheel also do not need lubricating as they are made from high-performance plastics. At the same time, the igus:bike is an example of how the transformation to a sustainable circular economy of plastics can succeed.

The igus factory premises in Cologne Porz-Lind, Tuesday morning, 11a.m. The igus:bike starts its birthday tour right before igus employees and representatives of the press. For one year, the plastic bicycle will be on display on the streets of 16 countries across the globe, including Germany, Italy, the US and China. The mission: to show industrial customers, recycling partners, media representatives and consumers that plastics don’t have to end up in incineration or landfill, but can be used as a raw material to shape the mobility of tomorrow. The igus:bike visits various customer applications and partners in stages. With this worldwide tour, the motion plastics specialist is once again demonstrating its pioneering spirit, bringing igus and customer stories to life at every stage.

Turning fishing nets into bicycles

“As a company that has been manufacturing industrial components for movement from plastic for 60 years, we are committed to driving forward the transformation to a sustainable circular economy for plastic. The igus:bike is a milestone on this journey,” says igus CEO Frank Blase. “On this trip, we hope to inspire many companies and end consumers to also commit to sustainable solutions when using plastics.”

Plastic waste from landfill sites around the world could become a raw material for the igus:bike in future. igus manufactures the individual components using rotational and injection molding – from the frame to the bearing to the drive. The material researchers have succeeded in gradually increasing the proportion of recycled plastic since the start of development to 50% – and the trend is rising. This makes it possible to process used fishing nets, shampoo bottles and other plastic waste into regranulate for the rotational-molding machines and turn it into a valuable resource.

A fun ride combined with easy maintenance

On the world tour of the igus:bike, interested parties can see for themselves that a bicycle made of plastic is fun to ride and particularly easy to maintain at the same time. As the bike is made almost exclusively of plastic, it is weather-resistant and corrosion-free. For example, you can hose down your bike to clean it or leave it outside overnight – not only on your own doorstep, but also at campsites, harbors, festivals and company premises. In addition, the high-performance plastics allow for low-friction dry operation without additional lubricants, which often become dirt magnets on conventional bicycles. This also eliminates the need for time-consuming relubrication and cleaning. Riding comfort is guaranteed as well as the material provides cushioning due to its damping specifications. The bicycle thus symbolizes the many advantages of igus motion plastics, which everyone can experience during the world tour.

Posted: October 24, 2024

Source: igus GmbH

Oerlikon Neumag’s BCF Systems Are Gaining Ground In The Chinese Market: Chinese Carpet Yarn Manufacturer Sitong Expands Polyester Capacities

NEUMÜNSTER, Germany — October 24, 2024 — The Chinese carpet yarn manufacturer Zhejiang Sitong New Material Technology Co. Ltd. is expanding its polyester capacities with the commissioning of an Oerlikon Neumag BCF system of the BCF S+ type. This will enable the company to ensure a balanced production of polyester, polyamide and polypropylene yarns.

The three-end BCF system BCF S+ is extremely flexible: even in the design optimized for polyester yarn
production, the system produces excellent polyamide 6 yarn.

With a total capacity of 50,000 tons per year, Sitong is one of the largest BCF yarn manufacturers in Asia. With the additional four BCF S+ positions for polyester yarn, the company from Hangzhou is responding to the trend towards polyester carpet yarns. In the future, Sitong will use them to produce balanced BCF yarns made of polyester, polyamide 6 and polypropylene. “Our strategy is a broad portfolio; this makes us more robust in the face of trends and market fluctuations,” says Tang Liang, president and owner of Sitong. The decision in favor of Neumag was based on the good experiences. “Since our foundation in 2002, we have relied on technology from Europe; for polyester production, we only consider Oerlikon Neumag plants. We have established ourselves with our quality products in both the local and international markets; this shows that we have made the right investment decisions.”

BCF S+ is flexible

The new BCF S+ Monocolor plant is designed for polyester yarn production, but it also produced excellent data during the production of polyamide 6 yarn during the commissioning process. The ability to quickly switch to the cost-effective production of high-quality PA6 yarn gives Sitong a significant competitive advantage. “Trends are becoming increasingly short-lived. However, investing in a plant is a long-term decision. So it’s a strong argument if I can spin different polymers with the same system without sacrificing the quality of the end product,” Tang Liang sums up.

Carpet market in Asia is gaining in importance

The Asian carpet market is currently experiencing noticeable growth. While the focus of carpet yarn production has been in the US and Turkey so far, Chinese BCF yarn production in particular is experiencing a real boom in the post-corona years. This is due, on the one hand, to the strengthening of the Chinese automotive sector and, on the other, to the resurgence in travel. “Many hotels are currently being renovated and new ones are being built. During the pandemic, many hotels were closed, but now there is a significant backlog demand,” says Sun Peng, Sales Director at Oerlikon Neumag in China, assessing the increased demand.

Posted: October 24, 2024

Source: Oerlikon Polymer Processing Solutions Division / Oerlikon Group

Culp Unveils Rebranding Initiative, New Logos And Expanded Year-Round Design Center At Congdon Yards

HIGH POINT, N.C.  — October 24, 2024 — Culp Inc., along with its Culp Upholstery Fabrics division, is excited to announce a comprehensive rebranding initiative that includes new logos, an updated LiveSmart® brand, and an expanded year-round design center at Congdon Yards.

This initiative highlights CULP’s dedication to innovation, design, and performance, reinforcing its role as a leader in the home furnishings fabrics industry. The CULP Innovation Center at Congdon Yards serves as a collaborative hub, uniting the expertise of both the upholstery and mattress fabric divisions.

Key elements of the rebranding include:

New Logo and Visual Identity: Culp and Culp Upholstery Fabrics have introduced redesigned logos that honor Culp’s long-standing legacy in the furniture industry while also showcasing its leadership in design. The modern fonts and color palette offer a fresh take on classic elements, with the “hero mark” featuring an abstract monogram of the letters spelling “CULP” symbolizing a contemporary interpretation of the vintage monogram concept.

Refreshed LiveSmart Brand: Culp is re-introducing its LiveSmart fabric line as a total performance line, with features ranging from specialized yarn systems to diverse protective finishes. LiveSmart meets needs in the Performance, Well Being and Sustainability categories, reflecting the evolving needs of its customers. New logos, point-of-sale materials, and marketing collateral have been developed to support the refreshed brand.

Expanded Year-Round Design Center and Permanent Executive Offices: Located at Congdon Yards, Culp’s year-round design center continues to serve as a resource for designers and merchandisers seeking inspiration or fabric selections. Now with enhanced features, the space showcases large-format fabric swatches under industrial-style ceilings with views of downtown High Point. The design center, which now also houses the company’s executive offices, is open 52 weeks a year and provides ongoing access to Culp’s latest collections and design trends.

Beth Hunsberger, president of Culp Upholstery Fabrics

These initiatives mark the next chapter in Culp’s more than 50-year history as a leader in fabric innovation. “Culp is fortunate to have both a rich legacy and a forward-thinking approach to the future. We are excited to share the next generation of our LiveSmart brand with customers and continue meeting the evolving needs of the home furnishings market,” said Mary Beth Hunsberger, president of Culp Upholstery Fabrics.

Posted: October 24, 2024

Source: Culp, Inc.

OrthoLite® Bolsters Global Operations With The Hire Of Raj Santhana As Vice President Of Operational Excellence

AMHERST, Mass. — October 23, 2024 — OrthoLite® — the global supplier of branded, high-performance, comfort footwear solutions — announced the hire of Raj Santhana as the new Vice President of Operational Excellence. As part of OrthoLite’s global operations management team, Santhana will be responsible for OrthoLite manufacturing excellence and innovation as well as automation and digital transformation. He will work closely with the company’s industry-leading Global Foam Innovation Team in a new satellite office located in Singapore to further OrthoLite’s global commitment to innovate and manufacture the world’s best and most proven footwear foams.

Raj Santhana

With more than two decades of experience in footwear and manufacturing, Santhana most recently worked at Bata as the Global Head of Quality in Singapore. Prior to that, Santhana spent seven years at Adidas where he served in director roles overseeing quality footwear and manufacturing excellence in footwear.

“In addition to his vast expertise in the footwear industry, Raj holds two engineering degrees and he will be critical to driving operational excellence programs for our global team of 3,200 people at OrthoLite’s owned manufacturing facilities around the world,” said Richard Bevan, COO of OrthoLite.

Shaw Kiat Phua

Additional personnel moves include the promotion of Shaw Kiat Phua to Vice President of Global Foaming, leading OrthoLite’s Global Foam Innovation Team. SK’s team is committed to advancing OrthoLite’s market leadership as the first and most trusted name in comfort, performance and less impactful footwear foams. In his new role, SK leads the strategic direction for OrthoLite PU material development with a focus on sustainable innovations in footwear and will continue to report to Bevan, COO at OrthoLite. SK is also based in Singapore and regularly travels to OrthoLite’s manufacturing facilities in China, Vietnam, Indonesia, Europe, India, and Brazil

Since 1997, OrthoLite continues to drive innovation and continual improvement to build excellence in foam footwear products and materials consistently, at scale and with on-time delivery to more than 550 footwear brand partners.

OrthoLite has built a rock-solid reputation for innovation, reliability, capacity and is known for its collaborative approach in development with the world’s best footwear brands to create custom insole formulations that deliver unrivaled comfort and performance. OrthoLite insoles are the key interface between how a shoe is designed to perform and the discerning consumer, and its products can be found in more than 600 million pairs of footwear a year.

Posted: October 23, 2024

Source: OrthoLite

Piana Sleep Partners With Reveille Hospitality To Bring Eco-Luxurious Rinnovo Mattress To Upscale Hotel Properties

CARTERSVILLE, Ga. — October 23, 2024 — Piana Sleep, a division of Piana Technology dedicated to pushing the mattress industry forward through sustainability and breakthrough innovation, is proud to announce it has partnered with Reveille Hospitality. Led by renowned industry leader Marco Roca Sr., Reveille Hospitality is focused on bringing Piana Sleep’s new Rinnovo mattress to upscale and luxury hotel properties. Both companies share a passion for innovation and sustainability. Together, they will focus on bringing a high-quality, more sustainable night’s sleep to some of the world’s best hotel properties.

Piana Sleep Partners With Reveille Hospitality To Bring Groundbreaking Eco-Luxurious Rinnovo Mattress To Upscale Hotel Properties

The Rinnovo mattress is elevating expectations of what sustainable luxury can look like in the hospitality industry. Piana Sleep offers a sleep solution that aligns with the growing demand for eco-conscious choices. The design delivers superior comfort, contouring, and support in firm, medium, and plush options. Available in standard sizes and custom dimensions, Rinnovo ensures a perfect fit for any hotel room, enhancing a hospitality property’s unique offering. Plus, Piana Sleep’s take-back promise extends beyond recycling its own mattresses: for every Rinnovo mattress purchased, Piana offers to take back a non-Rinnovo mattress, helping to reduce waste and promote a circular economy in the hospitality industry.

“At Reveille Hospitality, we only partner with brands that meet our highest standards for quality, innovation, and sustainability,” said Marco Roca Sr, Co-founder and CEO of Reveille Hospitality. “Piana Sleep surpasses all three, marking the most exciting advancement in hotel sleep systems since the Heavenly Bed.”

Roca Sr. revolutionized the industry 25 years ago with the release of the iconic Heavenly Bed, made for Westin Hotels and Resorts and available for consumer purchase exclusively through Westin. Led by industry luminary Roca Sr., Reveille Hospitality stands at the forefront of hospitality development, management, and consulting services. With decades of collective experience to draw upon, Reveille Hospitality ensures every venture not only meets but exceeds the highest standards of excellence.

“As a pioneer of mattress innovation in hospitality, Marco’s expertise is unmatched,” said Silvia Galasso, Executive Vice President of Piana Sleep. “Together with Reveille, Piana Sleep is poised to bring the next wave of disruption, combining advanced sleep technology with visionary leadership to redefine comfort for hotel guests worldwide while contributing to the health of our planet.”

Rinnovo highlights Piana Sleep’s devotion to sustainability, minimizing waste, and conserving energy in the bedding and hospitality industries. The Rinnovo mattress is made with Piana recycled technology, resulting in up to 46% fewer CO2 emissions than a comparable all-foam mattress, takes up to 52% less energy to make, and is up to 31% lighter than an equivalent all-foam mattress.

At the heart of Rinnovo is Piana Technology’s transformative V/SMART technology. V/SMART includes fibers that are vertically arranged in a unique high-loft nonwoven design that delivers a non-toxic, odor-free, VOC-free environment. V/SMART’s groundbreaking design includes the company’s Molecular Printing technology that infuses molecular compounds into materials tailored to deliver countless health benefits, such as active cooling, customizable aromatherapy, antimicrobial protection, sleep and mood enhancers, and much more. Piana’s SmartSilver® technology further protects the mattress by neutralizing bacteria and fungi—ensuring a cleaner, healthier sleep environment. Lastly, Piana Sleep’s CoolComfort technology, combined with V/Smart’s breathability, dissipates heat and moisture to keep sleepers cool and dry.

The Rinnovo is not just healthy for guests—it’s healthy for the planet.

Posted: October 23, 2024

Source: Piana Technology

Decolorization Method Developed By University Of Fukui Researchers Heralds A Structural Reform In The Textile Industry

FUKUI, Japan, — October 23, 2024 — In the apparel industry, approximately 60% of textile products are discarded without ever being purchased. Mass disposal of textiles has a grave impact on the environment, making the textile industry the world’s second most environmentally damaging industry due to heavy usage of toxic chemicals during dyeing, processing, and finishing. This calls for urgently adopting sustainable practices to reduce the environmental burden of textile waste. Decolorizing and reusing textiles, specifically polyester fibers, which dominate the textile market, can be a way forward.

Decolorization and redyeing of fabrics using supercritical fluids

Researchers from University of Fukui, Japan have optimized a decolorization process, known as supercritical fluid dyeing, in which supercritical carbon dioxide effectively penetrates fabric fibers to remove the dyes. The extracted dyes can be reused, and the fabrics be redyed. The study was led by Professor Kazumasa Hirogaki and Visiting Professor Teruo Hori and achieved successful optimization of the decolorization process, enabling the dye removal from clothes with minimal environmental impact. This study builds on outcomes from the NEDO Feasibility Study Program/Feasibility Study Program on New Technology and was further developed under the JST COI-NEXT Program on open innovation platforms for industry-academia co-creation (COI-NEXT).

The researchers first created supercritical carbon dioxide (CO2) fluid inside a specialized heated and pressurized vessel and mixed it with a decolorizing agent before adding it to the dyed fabric. The idea was that by adding a decolorizing agent with a solubility parameter between those of the dye and the fabric, efficient decolorization could be achieved. Based on this premise, three decolorization methods can be outlined— to be used depending on the characteristics of the textile, the dyes, and the decolorizing agent.

The first method is called solvent trapping, in which supercritical CO2 dissolves and then traps the dye in a solvent phase at the bottom of the vessel. In contrast, the solid trapping method involves re-treating a processing body with a decolorizing agent or placing an adsorbent in the vessel. The supercritical fluid extracts the dye and then traps it onto the processing body or adsorbent. Finally, in the homogenous method, the decolorizing agent is completely dissolved in the supercritical fluid and the extracted dye also dissolves in the supercritical fluid.

Using these techniques, an astounding decolorization rate of over 90-100% was achieved. Notably, this strategy was found to be effective for polyester fabrics. Moreover, the processing liquids, extracted dyes, and decolorizing agents can also be repurposed and reused effectively.

Owing to its tremendous potential in terms of sustainability, the team of researchers from University of Fukui is actively seeking to commercialize this technology, with hopes of transforming the “make, use, and dispose” model of the textile industry into a truly circular and sustainable “make, use, and reuse” model.

Reference:

Research project name:

NEDO Feasibility Study Program / Feasibility Study Program on New Technology

JST COI-NEXT Program on open innovation platforms for industry-academia co-creation (COI-NEXT). 

Researchers name: Professor Kazumasa Hirogaki, Visiting Professor and President of SUSTAINA TECH Co., Ltd. Teruo Hori.          

Affiliation: University of Fukui

Link to research project summary page: https://fukumira.hisac.u-fukui.ac.jp/ 

Posted: October 23, 2024

Source: University of Fukui

Fair Labor Association Awards Fair Labor Accreditation To BELLA+CANVAS

ISTANBUL — October 23, 2024 — The Fair Labor Association (FLA) announced today that its board of directors has voted to award Fair Labor Accreditation to BELLA+CANVAS, a leader in contemporary fashion headquartered in Los Angeles, California.

The decision by the FLA board follows a rigorous, multi-year review of BELLA+CANVAS’ business systems for compliance with international labor standards designed to protect workers in its global supply chains. BELLA+CANVAS sources from eight self-operated facilities and two contract facilities across three countries.

“From the time they joined FLA, BELLA+CANVAS has been in the vanguard of responsible purchasing practices, with company leadership taking an active role in decisions that have an impact on workers,” said FLA President and CEO Jeff Vockrodt. “We welcome BELLA+CANVAS to the ranks of Fair Labor Accredited members and congratulate them on this significant achievement.”

“In my 25 years in the apparel industry, I have found it widely recognized that FLA is the penultimate North Star regarding fair labor policies, sustainability in manufacturing, and ethical business practices,” said BELLA+CANVAS President Norm Hullinger. “I am so proud to be a part of an organization that has earned Fair Labor Accreditation and look forward to working closely with the FLA team to create a path of continuous improvement for BELLA+CANVAS.”

Since becoming an FLA member in 2019, BELLA+CANVAS has continuously improved its social compliance program and kept pace with the changes to FLA standards enacted over the intervening years. The accreditation report details FLA’s evaluation of BELLA+CANVAS’ social compliance program through September 2024.

Highlights of BELLA+CANVAS’ Fair Labor Accreditation include:

  • Company-wide commitment: BELLA+CANVAS’ commitment to ethical and sustainable business extends throughout the company, beginning with the company’s co-founders and owners, who remain involved with the key production decisions that impact workers’ lives. Company leadership is actively involved in upholding workplace standards for factory workers, receiving frequent updates from the compliance team and supporting their efforts. A cross-functional leadership team collaborates to ensure that both contract and owned production remains in line with BELLA+CANVAS’ commitment to responsible purchasing.
  • Factory monitoring: BELLA+CANVAS has developed an extensive assessor manual and audit tool that are fully aligned with FLA’s expectations for high-quality factory assessments. BELLA+CANVAS works with a qualified audit service provider and has provided extensive training to assessors on gathering and verifying information at the factory level, including using highly effective worker interviews to gain insight into factory conditions. BELLA+CANVAS’ auditing procedures, assessor manual, and audit tool are all aligned to ensure that assessments meet the company’s needs without reducing the quality of the audits or placing undue burden on assessors and factories.
  • Supplier relationships: With social compliance staff located close to key production centers in Central America, BELLA+CANVAS provides oversight and support to both contract and owned factories. Compliance staff pay frequent visits to factories to provide training, follow up on the remediation of audit findings, and understand factory management’s perspectives on compliance topics. BELLA+CANVAS’ sourcing and production leaders also emphasize in-person factory visits as a crucial element of the supplier relationship, and the company maintains stable and mutually beneficial brand-factory relationships that advance the principles of responsible sourcing.

Fair Labor Accreditation helps investors and consumers make informed choices by showing that a company is actively fulfilling the highest standards in labor rights.

It is the only comprehensive program of its kind that is based on international standards and frameworks such as the International Labour Organization, UN Guiding Principles, the OECD, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Fair Labor Accredited companies are evaluated on an ongoing basis and must demonstrate continuous improvement in addressing working conditions and protecting workers’ rights. To see a list of Fair Labor Accredited companies and to learn more, please visit www.fairlabor.org.

Posted: October 23, 2024

Source: The Fair Labor Association (FLA)

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