The Istanbul Apparel Exporters’ Association (IHKIB) And WRAP Have Signed A Collaboration Agreement To Boost Turkish Apparel Exports To The USA

ISTANBUL — March 18, 2024 — In a move to enhance the global competitiveness of the Turkish apparel industry, the Istanbul Apparel Exporters’ Association (IHKIB) has entered into a collaborative agreement with the Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production (WRAP). IHKIB, representing 80 percent of Türkiye’s apparel exports, aims to facilitate and guide its members in navigating new markets and staying abreast of sectoral developments.

IHKIB actively engages with its members, providing support through partnerships and initiatives with various ministries to further promote and streamline export activities. With the majority of Turkish apparel exports being conducted by IHKIB members, the association holds a pivotal role in both national and international ecosystem.

“WRAP-certified facilities reduce audit fatigue and enhance their competitiveness in the global market.”

The significance of WRAP certification in global market competitiveness was highlighted in the joint announcement. WRAP, a US-based non-profit organization, focuses on promoting safe, lawful, humane, and ethical working conditions within the textile and apparel industry. Suppliers with WRAP certification demonstrate a commitment to workers’ rights, occupational health and safety, environmental sustainability, and compliance with local laws. The certification not only reduces audit fatigue for the more than 3,500 WRAP-certified facilities worldwide but also enhances their competitiveness in the global market, meeting the expectations of leading brands and retailers.

“IHKIB – WRAP signed a Good-Will Agreement to support business relations between Türkiye and the USA”

In a milestone collaboration, Selcuk Mehmet Kaya, Chairman of the International Relations and Sustainability Committee of IHKIB, and Mr. Avedis Seferian, President and CEO of WRAP, officially inked a collaboration agreement on March 8, 2024, marking a significant step towards fostering business relations between Türkiye and the USA. The agreement focuses on a pilot project developed by IHKIB and WRAP, aiming to identify leading Turkish apparel companies exporting to the USA and encouraging these facilities to attain WRAP certification. In return, WRAP will provide in-person and virtual training at no charge to guide these facilities through the certification process. The project seeks to strengthen business ties between Türkiye and the USA, creating additional opportunities for mutual cooperation between the parties in both countries.

Selcuk Mehmet Kaya expressed his enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating: “This partnership with WRAP aligns seamlessly with our mission to guide IHKIB members towards excellence, sustainability, and global competitiveness, ultimately contributing to our goal of increasing Turkish apparel exports in the lucrative U.S. market.”

Avedis Seferian shared his insights, said: “WRAP is committed to promoting responsible and ethical practices in the global textile and apparel industry. Partnering with organizations like IHKIB allows us to extend our reach and contribute to the success of Turkish exporters, reinforcing our shared values.”

Posted: March 19, 2024

Source: The Istanbul Apparel Exporters’ Association (IHKIB)

Techtextil Frankfurt 2024: DIENES Apparatebau GmbH — “Your Experts In Fibre Processing”

MÜHLHEIM AM MAIN, Germany  — March 15, 2024 — The current accelerated growing demand for technical textile demands a more proactive approach which includes implementing frameworks and technologies for recycling and a broad use of biobased materials as an alternative to conventional polymers. Research work in this field is characterized by a high degree of adaptation needs, hence demanding an efficient, systematic and, in part, self-optimizing experimental working system, which must be intelligent in gathering data from the process and flexible in enabling its rearrangement.

DIENES wet spinning line

Innovative technical textiles like precursor yarns for carbon fibers made from renewable raw materials are produced and improved with DIENES spinning systems. Growing demands on the varying quality of recycled feedstock, the implementation of biobased materials and ensuring fibre performance require a continuous development and optimization of both technology and production parameters. A reliable development of textile and technical filament yarns demands an efficient, systematic and, in part, self-optimizing experimental working system which must be intelligent and flexible. At Techtextil, DIENES will present its approach towards digitalization which is called MultiMode®. In a MultiMode plant, each process step is represented by a module which can be individually adapted to customer-specific requirements and has its own decentralized control. Thus, DIENES production lines consist of several intelligent modular units which can be easily exchanged and rearranged at any time with a reduced programming effort. Moreover, all production parameters can be permanently visualized and recorded, enabling a complete traceability of the process.

DIENES’s passion is the design of special equipment and fully engineered solutions. At Techtextil, DIENES will show how the company is supporting its customers in shaping a more sustainable future for technical textiles and how its solutions are helping research teams on their way from the first laboratory tests to the modular construction of production lines.

DIENES team are “your experts in fibre processing” and will be awaiting many visitors and interesting technical discussions at the VDMA Group Stand in Hall 12 Stand C55C (organised by VDMA Textile Machinery Association).

Posted: March 15, 2024

Source: DIENES Apparatebau GmbH

Lenzing: Negative Market Environment Strongly Impacts 2023 Earnings – Implementation Of Performance Program Exceeds Plan

LENZING, Austria  — March 15, 2024 — Very subdued demand on the one hand and the continued rise in raw material and energy costs on the other exerted a strongly negative impact on the earnings of the Lenzing Group, a leading global producer of regenerated cellulosic fibers for the textile and nonwovens industries, in the 2023 financial year. The largely absent recovery in the textile and clothing industry had a negative impact across the entire sector.

Taking persistently low fiber prices into consideration, revenue remained comparatively stable at EUR 2.52 bn (compared with EUR 2.57 bn in 2022). Prices for wood-based specialty fibers were also down slightly due to weaker demand, particularly from brands and retailers, as well as additional market capacity. The price premium commanded by the TENCEL™, LENZING™ ECOVERO™, and VEOCEL™ brands proved to be resilient. Revenues generated with dissolving wood pulp as well as biorefinery and co-products grew during the reporting year.

Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) rose by 25.4 percent year-on-year to reach EUR 303.3 mn in the reporting year. Earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) stood at minus EUR 476.4 mn (compared with EUR 16.5 mn in 2022) due to non-cash impairment losses of EUR 464.9 mn as a consequence of the ongoing uncertainties in the economic environment and higher discount rates in line with the change in the interest rate environment. Earnings after tax amounted to minus EUR 593 mn (compared with minus EUR 37.2 mn in 2022) and earnings per share to minus EUR 20.02 (compared with minus EUR 2.75 in 2022).

“The anticipated recovery of markets relevant to the Lenzing Group has failed to materialize to date. Subdued demand and the still sharply increased raw material and energy costs have led to a result in 2023 that we are not satisfied with,” notes Stephan Sielaff, Chief Executive Officer of the Lenzing Group. “This makes the measures we have taken decisively and at an early stage to keep Lenzing on track and further boost its resilience to crises all the more significant.”

The implementation of the performance program is exceeding plan. The program initiatives are primarily aimed at improving EBITDA and at generating free cash flow through stronger revenue and margin growth, as well as sustainable cost excellence. In addition to the clearly positive effects at the revenue level, the Managing Board expects annual cost savings in excess of EUR 100 mn, of which well over 50 percent will be effective from the current financial year onwards.

Nico Reiner, Lenzing Group CFO, adds: “This performance program is a powerful instrument to tackle the current economic challenges and enhance Lenzing’s resilience to crises. We are very satisfied with how the program has unfolded so far. The cash flow trend in the second half of the year shows that these measures are taking effect.”

In the third and fourth quarters of 2023, Lenzing generated positive free cash flow of EUR 27.3 mn and EUR 15.4 mn respectively (compared with minus EUR 132.3 mn in the first quarter and minus EUR 33.1 mn in the second quarter of 2023).

Capital expenditure on intangible assets, property, plant and equipment, and on biological assets (CAPEX) amounted to EUR 283.6 mn in the reporting year (compared with EUR 698.9 mn in 2022). Compared with December 31, 2022, the liquidity position was up by 61.3 percent to EUR 731 mn as of December 31, 2023, reflecting the capital increase and the extension of the loan terms.

Further progress achieved with “Better Growth”

The implementation of the “Better Growth” corporate strategy continued in the reporting year. This strategy aims to better serve the structurally growing demand for environmentally responsible and high-quality specialty fibers under the TENCEL™, LENZING™ ECOVERO™, and VEOCEL™ brands, among other objectives.

Following the successful conversion of a production line in Nanjing (China) in the first quarter, Lenzing also completed its conversion and modernization measures in Purwakarta (Indonesia) in the third quarter of the reporting year, with the aim of re-equipping for specialty viscose and of significantly reducing specific emissions. The viscose fibers produced at the site under the LENZING™ ECOVERO™ brand, including the innovative

LENZING™ ECOVERO™ Black fibers, and VEOCEL™, are labeled with the EU Ecolabel,1 an internationally recognized eco label for environmentally responsible products and services.

This enables Lenzing to generate 100 percent of its fiber revenue with specialty fibers under the TENCEL™, LENZING™ ECOVERO™, and VEOCEL™ brands.

“Sustainability champion”

In 2023, Lenzing was once again recognized by the most renowned rating agencies and organizations for its achievements in the sustainability area, and the high degree of transparency in its reporting. For the third consecutive year, Lenzing was ranked in all categories on the annual “A list” compiled and published by CDP, a global non-profit environmental organization. As a consequence, Lenzing is one of only ten companies worldwide to receive a triple “A” ranking – out of over 21,000 companies rated. Lenzing was again awarded Platinum Status in the EcoVadis CSR rating. Lenzing thereby ranks in the top one percent of companies worldwide rated by EcoVadis. MSCI awarded Lenzing a “AA” rating for the third consecutive time, placing the company among the top eight percent of rated companies in its peer group.

Lenzing also enhanced its brands’ visibility in 2023 through targeted marketing measures. In the global awareness ranking, the TENCEL™ brand once again achieved a strong leading position among Ingredient Brands in the textile and clothing industry.

Outlook

Although the IMF has upgraded its growth forecast for 2024 from 2.9 percent to 3.1 percent, a number of risks for the global economy continue to exist: potential geopolitical shocks, persistently higher inflation, and higher key interest rates, as well as market risks emanating from the Chinese real estate market are currently considered to be the most relevant.

Many consumers are continuing to suffer from general inflation and diminishing incomes in real terms, which is having a negative impact on consumer sentiment. A recovery in the consumer clothing market, which is important for Lenzing, will also depend on a further normalization of stock levels.

The currency environment is expected to remain volatile in the regions relevant to Lenzing.

In the trend-setting market for cotton, the current 2023/2024 crop season is signaling a further 0.8 mn tonnes of stock build-up, according to preliminary estimates, following 1.3 mn tonnes of stock build-up in the previous season.

Earnings visibility remains limited overall.

Lenzing is ahead of schedule with the implementation of its performance program focused on positive free cash flow, strengthened revenue and margin growth, as well as sustainable cost excellence. The overarching goal is to position Lenzing on an even stronger foundation, and to further enhance its crisis resilience.

Structurally, Lenzing continues to anticipate growth in demand for environmentally responsible fibers for the textile and clothing industry as well as for the hygiene and medical sectors. As a consequence, Lenzing is very well positioned with its “Better Growth” strategy and plans to continue driving growth with specialty fibers as well as its sustainability goals, including the transformation from a linear to a circular economy model.

Taking the aforementioned factors into account, the Lenzing Group expects EBITDA for the 2024 financial year to be higher than in the previous year.

1 The EU Ecolabel is recognized by all member states of the European Union as well as Norway, Liechtenstein, and Iceland. Introduced in 1992 by EU Regulation (EEC) No. 880/92, the voluntary label has gradually developed into a reference point for consumers who wish to contribute to a reduced environmental impact by purchasing more environmentally responsible products and services.

Posted: March 15, 2024

Source: Lenzing Group

Sympatex Presents Innovations And Strategic Partnerships At Performance Days

UNTERFÖHRING, Germany — March 15, 2024 — From March 20-21, 2024, membrane manufacturer Sympatex invites to Performance Days Munich (Apparel booth: P17 / Hall C2 ; Footwear Booth: FW07 / Hall C1). Sympatex will showcase its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and strategic collaboration within the industry in different ways.

Cooperation with e.dye

At the apparel booth P17 / Hall C2 Sympatex is set to unveil three new products, a plain weave, a dobby and a twill, all sourced from e.dye®.

e.dye® is a solution dyed polyester color system with over 5,000 colors and a sophisticated color-matching process for garment textiles. Solution dyeing consumes up to 60% less water, uses up to 90% less chemicals and produces fewer CO2 emissions.

“Working together with e.dye® is a paradigm shift in textile dyeing”, said Kim Scholze, CSO Sympatex.

“Solution dyeing has become a prominent topic in the textile sector, driven by multiple compelling factors. To reduce environmental impacts during production, the advent of the new dyeing process signals a promising shift for the industry at large. In the quest for a more eco-friendly planet, solution dyeing exemplifies how technology can offer innovative solutions to meet the demand for leaving less traces on the planet. Therefore, we are very proud of our cooperation with e.dye®”, added Scholze.

“Because e.dye® actually puts the color inside the yarn, adding the new products to our portfolio gives us three major advantages. Saving water, producing less CO2, using less chemicals. Moreover, since the pigment becomes an inherent component of the yarn (in contrast to traditional processes where the yarn is produced and then colored), solution dyeing yields fibers with exceptional color fastness. These fibers resist bleeding or fading even with prolonged use or exposure to sunlight. Since there is no dyeing process, which has many different influencing factors on colour accuracy, reproducibility is guaranteed with dope dyed goods when reordering”, said Anja Palic, Product Management Sympatex.

Tokyo Fiber2Fiber Spring AS

The new Sympatex laminate is selected for the trend forum fabrics at Performance Days Munich. This years’ focus topis is called „Beyond bottles – the future of Polyester“.

By 2027, the European Commission is expected to introduce minimum quotas for the use of recycled plastic components in new products. These quotas would be mandatory for the plastics processing industry and are likely to be between 15 and 30 percent. The introduction of such quotas will lead to the plastics processing industry having to adapt its production in order to use more recycled fibers. As a result, the demand for high-quality recycled plastic will increase significantly. As a result, fabric manufacturers need to come up with alternatives to polyester derived from plastic bottles up until now.

Sympatexs’ alternative to conventional bottle recycling is called fiber2fiber. The selected item, Tokyo Fiber2Fiber Spring AS is composed of a 100% Fiber2Fiber first layer fabric. This innovative F2F yarn is made from chemically recycled pre- and post-consumer waste using old garments and cutting waste. The development of this laminate amongst others is an initiative aiming to close the textile loop. It is suitable for functional garments in the outdoor and sportswear industry.

Footwear Pecha Kuchas

Sympatex supports the Footwear Pecha Kuchas in the Expert Talk Area on Thursday 21st of March 2024, 9.30-10.15 a.m. CET. Sharp presentations are awaiting all guests to gain valuable insights from industry leaders.

“I am very much looking forward to immersing myself in the fantastic possibilities of sustainability in the shoe segment with everyone interested in. If you take a closer look at shoes, there are a lot of sustainability parameters to discover.”, said Helena Gillerblad, Marketing & Communications Sympatex.

Sustainability Impact Program

The “Sustainability Impact Program” from Sympatex is a training program aimed at young designers from the outdoor industry. In the first module, which starts at the Performance Days in fall 2024, Sympatex offers 20 selected designers a platform for knowledge exchange, workshops and lectures on the topic of “Responsible Design”. During the current Performance Days Sympatex is raffling off one place in the competition. The company invites you to come along and take part in the draw.

“The aim of the program is to appeal to the decision-making power of the designer. Their impact within the value chain is of enormous importance in bringing sustainable and recyclable products into circulation. A designer who understands the steps to the material and the process after sampling is able to design responsibly, develop new effective ideas and make the right decisions. This is an important building block in the value chain and can only work through teamwork and interdisciplinary approaches. As an ingredient brand, Sympatex is strongly networked and wants to use this advantage to push forward the circular economy in the textile sector with the “Sustainability Impact Program”, among other initiatives.” Says Lisa Polk, Circularity Expert Sympatex.

Cooperation with DMIX

DMIx drives product development and enables real-time collaboration between brands and suppliers in one digital platform.

“At Sympatex, we believe in harnessing the power of technology and collaboration to drive sustainable innovation forward. Therefore, we would like to highlight our cooperation with DMIx. DMIx enables us to be a prioneer in digital product development, speeding-up processes while at the same time reducing costs and saving valuable resources. We look forward to sharing our vision with the industry and working together towards a more sustainable future. We invite everyone to explore the fantastic benefits for you as a Sympatex customer at our booth and to meet DMIx at Performance Days TECH HUB”, says Carmen Keim, Color Management Sympatex.

Invitation to Happy Hour

Sympatex cordially invites customers, journalists, and industry insiders to visit its booth at Performance Days in Munich and join the brand for an evening of celebration and networking at the happy hour event.

Sympatex will host an exclusive happy hour event in the evening, together with its partners e.dye and DMIx. This gathering will provide an opportunity for attendees to mingle, network, and engage in meaningful conversations about the latest trends and developments shaping the future of performance textiles.

Posted: March 15, 2024

Source: Sympatex Technologies GmbH

High Tech Meets High Fashion: Epson Partners With ASEAN Fashion Designers Showcase (AFDS) To Produce Sustainable Fashion Collection With Innovative Technology

SINGAPORE — February 19, 2024 — Epson has announced its collaboration with ASEAN Fashion Designers Showcase (AFDS) to raise awareness on sustainable fashion through innovative technology.

Epson SureColor SC-F10030

As part of the collaboration, Epson partnered with seven local designers from different ASEAN markets to create a unique fashion collection with a sustainability theme that ties in with the cultural roots of their respective countries. The full “Sustainability in Asia” collection will be unveiled during Epson’s LFP Innovation Day in Bangkok on 21 March 2024. Leading up to the main event, part of the collection will be showcased at Epson Solution Center across the region.

The seven designers from AFDS are:

  1. Singapore – Terry Yeo
  2. Indonesia – Lisa Fitria
  3. Malaysia – Even Ong
  4. Philippines – Dave Ocampo
  5. Thailand – Pitnapat Yotinratanachai
  6. Vietnam – Nicky Vu
  7. Laos – Bandid Lasavong

The designers are leveraging Epson’s line of dye sublimation printers including SureColor SC-F6430, SureColor SC-F9430H and SureColor SC-F10030 to produce bright and sharp colour apparel pieces for these unique collections.

Singaporean designer Terry Yeo working on his collection, A Tiny Garden in the Big City

“My collection “A Tiny Garden in the Big City” draws inspiration from Singapore’s Garden by the Bay, reflecting the balance between nature and urban life. The creative process involves incorporating the landmark into fabric design and garment silhouettes, capturing colours from the rainforest dome and daily light shows. Sustainability is woven into the collection by using fabrics from previous collections and upcycling suitable outfits while newly printed fabrics using Epson printers aim for zero waste,” shares Terry Yeo.

Sublimation transfer is an easy printing method in which the design is first printed on a dye sublimation transfer media. Using only a combination of heat and pressure, the design on this media will then be transferred directly onto the fabric. With this method, the ink will be bonded to the fabric, resulting in permanent, vibrant prints that are fade resistant.

Unlike conventional printing which requires a substantial amount of water for fabric preparation, dyeing and rinsing, digital textile printing that uses dye sublimation is a more environmentally conscious approach for apparel companies as it produces less waste. It also minimises over-production as designers can produce printed fabric as required. This ensures fashion designers will be able to maintain a sustainable textile printing business while significantly reducing the cost as well as environmental impact.

Additionally, going digital enables designers to have full creative freedom to print anything imaginable and on-demand. The technology allows them to create and produce complex designs, giving designers endless variations and options that suit their respective tastes.

Derek Tan, Head of Sales and Marketing, Epson Singapore shared, “We are thrilled to collaborate with AFDS to raise awareness on sustainable digital textile printing through a creative showcase on apparels with these established and aspiring ASEAN designers. Guided by our brand message, “Engineered for Good”, Epson is continuously exploring different ways to co-create sustainability technology solutions that truly enrich our communities and address issues surrounding the environment. It is part of our long term mission to improve the sustainability standards across different industries including the textile industry”.

Hayden Ng, Premier Founder/Singapore Fashion Ambassador, ASEAN Fashion Designers Showcase added, “The team of designers with AFDS are excited to participate in this unique partnership with Epson, aligning with their shared vision for the future of fashion and technology. The collaborative designs crafted for this venture embody a vibrant fusion of fun, youthfulness, fashion-forward sensibilities, and practical wearability. Each of the seven designers has ingeniously translated their unique narratives, rooted in the cultural tapestry of their respective countries, and has artfully woven in their perspectives on sustainability and zero wastage in the production of these styles.”

Posted: March 15, 2024

Source: Epson

UNDER ARMOUR Announces Leadership Transition: Kevin Plank To Become Chief Executive Officer; Mohamed A. El-Erian, Under Armour’s Lead Director, Named Chair Of The Board

BALTIMORE — March 13, 2024 — Under Armour Inc. has announced that Kevin Plank will become president and CEO, effective April 1, 2024. Plank will succeed Stephanie Linnartz, who will be stepping down as president & CEO and member of the board. In connection with Plank’s appointment, Dr. Mohamed A. El-Erian, an independent director since 2018 and lead director since 2020, will become the non-executive chair of the board. Plank, who will transition from executive chair of the Board, will remain a director. Linnartz will remain an advisor to the company through April 30, 2024.

“On behalf of the full team, I want to thank Stephanie for her contributions to Under Armour. We deeply appreciate her hard work and dedication,” Plank said. “During her tenure, she strengthened the leadership team with executive hires in critical areas, including product, design, supply chain, consumer connectivity, and regional management. Her prior experience leading major brands was instrumental in focusing our consumer strategy, including the launch of the U.S. loyalty program, UA Rewards. Her efforts have helped set us on the right path, and we wish her success in her future endeavors.”

“I feel honored to have served as Under Armour’s President & CEO and worked with many incredible teammates who care deeply about the company’s purpose and mission,” said Linnartz. “I am proud of our progress against our strategic plan, including strengthening our team, evolving our products and marketing, and increasing our focus on profitability. We have a strong foundation in place for future growth and the company’s potential is limitless. I will continue to root for Under Armour’s success.”

Reflecting on his appointment, Plank said: “For nearly 30 years, Under Armour has focused on inspiring athletes with industry-leading, performance solutions they never knew they needed and once they’ve tried them, can’t imagine living without. As the company continues to navigate several post-pandemic consumer, industry, and brand-specific factors, we are working hard to reconstitute our strengths and make thoughtful, balanced business decisions to drive enduring success for athletes, customers, and shareholders. I am energized about the team we have put into place and look forward to seizing the opportunities ahead.”

“On behalf of the Board, I want to thank Stephanie for her many valuable contributions to Under Armour,” said incoming Board Chair Dr. El-Erian. “With Kevin’s vision and drive serving as critical components, Board members and I look forward to working closely with him and the Under Armour leadership team to unleash shareholder value and drive the company forward.”

Plank founded Under Armour in 1996, and since then, he has been the driving force behind its innovative products and brand. From 1996 to 2019, he served as Under Armour’s CEO and chair of the board of directors. In January 2020, Plank was appointed executive chair and brand chief.

Dr. Mohamed A. El-Erian is the president of Queens’ College, University of Cambridge. Since 2014, he has served as chief economic advisor at Allianz, the corporate parent of PIMCO, where he was chief executive and co-chief investment officer (2007-2014). He is chair of Gramercy Fund Management, a columnist for Bloomberg Opinion, and a contributing editor at the Financial Times. He is a professor of practice at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and a Senior Global Fellow at the Lauder Institute there. Before PIMCO, Dr. El-Erian was a managing director at Solomon Smith Barney/Citigroup in London, and before that, he spent 15 years at the International Monetary Fund in Washington, D.C., where he served as Deputy Director before moving to the private sector. Dr. El-Erian holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Cambridge University and a master’s and doctorate from Oxford University.

Posted: March 14, 2024

Source: Under Armour, Inc. 

Hanes Adds SuperSoft Styles To Originals Collection, Its Softest Innovation In More Than A Century

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — March 14, 2024 — Hanes, No. 1 brand of basic apparel1with products in 9 out of 10 homes in the U.S., is expanding on the success of its largest cross-category launch ever by introducing Hanes® Originals with SuperSoft fabrics. The line builds upon Hanes Originals, a bold and youthful collection of body basics that delivers modern styles without sacrificing comfort. The new styles go a step further with updated pieces, injecting luxurious colors and, most importantly, the absolute softest fabrics, made from luxe viscose from bamboo.

Hanes, No. 1 brand of basic apparel(1) with products in 9 out of 10 homes in the U.S., is expanding on the success of its largest cross-category launch ever by introducing Hanes® Originals with SuperSoft fabrics. The line builds upon Hanes Originals, a bold and youthful collection of body basics that delivers modern styles without sacrificing comfort. Photo — Business Wire

“We are thrilled to introduce Hanes Originals with SuperSoft fabrics, the latest addition to our comfort-driven lineup,” said Jane Newman, Chief Design Officer, Global Innerwear HanesBrands. “We are leveraging our global design expertise to develop pieces that tick all the boxes for our consumers. Unmatched softness, driven by transformative fabrics that have truly redefined comfort, is what the new styles are all about.”

A part of the iconic Hanes Originals collection, these essentials celebrate strength through softness. With new tonal designs and luxurious fabrics, Hanes’ new SuperSoft styles capture the essence of what has always made Hanes synonymous with feeling comfortable and true to yourself.

The full array of Hanes Originals with SuperSoft styles is a comprehensive selection of luxe basics for men, women and kids and includes underwear, bras, socks and comfywear ranging in prices from $10 – $34. These products deliver supreme softness with elevated fabrics, ensuring consumers have access to high quality pieces at affordable prices.

Hanes Originals SuperSoft styles are now available on Hanes.com, and consumers can experience the revolutionary softness by visiting Hanes retail stores and authorized retailers nationwide, including Amazon, Target, Walmart and Kohl’s.

“The Great Softening”

The launch of Hanes Originals with SuperSoft fabrics will kick off with a creative campaign. “The Great Softening”, developed by The Martin Agency, takes viewers on a journey to the Wild West, where the rugged turn soft. Hanes’ legacy begins in 1901, when the creation of the iconic brand would begin its journey to becoming the No. 1 brand of underwear2 in the U.S. that it is today. “The Great Softening” juxtaposes the tough landscape of the early 1900’s with the unmatched softness of Hanes in 2024.

“This is the sequel to last year’s Hanes Originals anthemic spot, so we decided to continue to push the needle. But this time on a different narrative—one that takes place in the rough and tough Wild West — a time when living was every shade of uncomfortable,” said Rushil Nadkarni, Associate Creative Director, The Martin Agency.

The campaign commercial and supporting creative was directed by Joseph Kahn, a Grammy-award winning commercial, music video and feature film director, whose videos have been commissioned by some of the greatest artists in the industry.

“The clip helps differentiate Hanes from competitors with an easy humor that defines how accessible the brand is,” said Kahn. “Underwear can be a tricky product to sell, and we break through the awkwardness by embracing and celebrating it. Yet the ad takes the product seriously through high production value and aesthetics. The commercial reflects the product: relatable, stylish, and state of the art.”

The ads launch during college basketball playoffs on CBS, Tru, TBS and TNT. The full campaign is supported with social and digital media as well as through organic social and influencer marketing.

The “Great Softening” campaign debuts on March 17th and commercials can be viewed www.youtube.com/hanes.

1Source: Circana, Consumer Tracking Service, U.S., unit sales, 12 Months Ending December 2023

2Source: Circana, Consumer Tracking Service, U.S., brand sales, 12 Months Ending December 2023

Posted: March 14, 2024

Source: HanesBrands

Walmart And unspun Collaborate On 3D Fabric Weaving Technology, Aiming To Reduce Apparel Manufacturing Waste And Drive US-Based Manufacturing

BENTONVILLE, Ark. & SAN FRANCISCO— March 14, 2024 — Walmart, an omnichannel retailer, today announced a pilot project with unspun, a pioneering fashion tech company using the world’s first 3D weaving technology, a collaboration that, if successful, could help reduce the environmental impact of garment production, offer a more sustainable process for meeting apparel demand and support the companies’ shared commitment to shift more textile manufacturing back to the U.S. Out of its micro factory in Oakland, California, unspun’s first-of-its-kind technology promises to more quickly and efficiently transform yarn into garments.

Walmart and unspun work together to reduce the environmental impact of garment production. Photo — Business Wire

The pilot project directly addresses concerns about waste in the apparel industry — a significant global challenge — driven primarily by fabric loss from traditional flat weaving, cutting and garment assembly, and from discarded extra inventory built to meet growing consumer demand and fashion trends. These issues, combined with the emissions generated from transporting garments and fabrics supplied offshore, have created demand for more sustainable apparel manufacturing supply chain solutions.

“At Walmart, we are laser-focused on bringing innovation to our supply chain to better serve our customers and solve industry challenges, and unspun has the potential to do just that,” said Andrea Albright, executive vice president, Sourcing, Walmart. “The technology we are piloting with unspun has the potential to unlock more skilled job creation in the U.S., meet consumer demand for locally made garments and deliver on our commitment for greater transparency and sustainability in our apparel supply chain.”

Pilot Will Examine 3D Weaving for Pants

In the pilot project, the two companies will explore how unspun’s 3D weaving machines can be used to make workwear style pants under a Walmart house brand. With 3D weaving, yarn is spun directly into completed garments. This is an innovative and new approach to garment manufacturing. Traditionally, yarn is woven into one-dimensional fabrics, which are then cut and assembled into garments – creating waste and taking significant time and multiple manufacturing steps. The 3D weaving process is different from commonly known 3D printing, which creates a physical object from a digital design by laying down thin layers of liquid or powdered plastic, metal or cement.

The two companies aspire to deepen the collaboration into later phases should the pilot prove successful. unspun, in collaboration with a manufacturing partner, hopes to ultimately deploy additional microsites around the U.S. for on- and near-shored manufacturing, with locations to be determined. unspun has an ambition to have 350 machines in the U.S. by 2030.

“The pressing need to address ongoing climate change, reduce carbonization and drive to more transparent and localized apparel manufacturing practices is at the heart of our mission,” said Beth Esponnette, co-founder of unspun. “We have been running low-volume production of commercial products at our first micro factory with proven third-party life cycle assessments to back the impact of this new type of production. Now, together with Walmart, we see an enormous opportunity to take our innovations to scale, with the potential to disrupt the garment manufacturing industry, bring jobs to the USA and drastically reduce waste in apparel.”

“unspun’s technology aims to be the fastest, highest quality and most economical way to make woven garments period. Innovative industry leaders like Walmart are beginning to see the future potential impact, and we expect there to be continued interest as the unspun team builds the future of manufacturing,” said Shuo Yang, Lowercarbon Capital.

Shaping the Future of Retail

Today’s announcement closely follows a series of innovative tech initiatives unveiled by Walmart in recent months. On Jan. 9, 2024, at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Walmart showcased tech-powered enhancements, including expanded drone delivery in the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) metroplex; computer vision exit technology at Sam’s Clubs; AI, GenAI and AR enhancements for customers, members and associates; along with ambitious commitments to clean energy. In July 2023, Walmart announced a pilot for innovative carbon capture and conversion technology also for the apparel manufacturing supply chain.

A long-time leader on sustainability, Walmart has worked with suppliers, NGOs and climate action leaders to inspire positive change across global value chains since 2005. In its own operations, Walmart has set a goal to be powered 50% by renewable energy by 2025 and 100% by 2035. More than 5,900 suppliers globally are engaged in Project Gigaton™, and as of February 21, suppliers have now reported projects that are expected to exceed the 1 billion metric ton mark, helping Walmart reach their goal six years early.

Posted: March 14, 2024

Source: Walmart Inc.

Functional Fabric Fair Unveils Expert Talks Lineup And Introduces ‘Day 0 (Zero) – Behind The Seams: Sustainability Workshop’ And AATCC Testing And Standards Exhibition 

NORWALK, Conn. — March 14, 2024 — Functional Fabric Fair, powered by PERFORMANCE DAYS®, is thrilled to announce its Expert Talks programming which runs from April 17-18, 2024, at the Oregon Convention Center in Portland. Additionally, the fair will introduce the all-new Day 0 (Zero) – Behind the Seams: Sustainability Workshop taking place on April 16, the day before the fair opens. The American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC) Testing and Standards Exhibition will also open on April 16 and run throughout the fair.

Known for its curated programming, the two-day fair will feature over 240 textile suppliers offering high performance functional fabrics for the apparel industry’s Spring 2026/2027 seasons. The event will also feature a notable conference program covering various topics such as trends and the latest textile developments, presented by industry experts. The Expert Talks taking place on the show floor is complimentary for all registered attendees and exhibitors. See the conference schedule and list of speakers.

For the first time, Functional Fabric Fair will host Day 0 (Zero) – Behind the Seams: Sustainability Workshop in a seminar and workshop format the day before the exhibit hall opens on April 16. This paid conference will showcase sustainability practitioners offering practical insights into foundational sustainability-driven topics such as supply chain dynamics, transparency, traceability, restrictions, banned substances, human rights in global supply chain and more. Attendees and Exhibitors will engage in roundtable conversations and participate in interactive and individual activities. The conference will be facilitated by Jill Dumain, Founding Partner of Fractal CSOs; Kevin Myette, Director of Global Brand Services Bluesign Technologies; Todd Copeland, Founder and Owner Copeland Consultancy; Marco Weichert, CEO at Performance Days and Weichert Agencies; and Steve McCullough, Event Director of Functional Fabric Fair.

“Our goal for Day 0 (Zero) is to bring leading brands, manufacturers and industry experts together in one room for an interactive workshop that establishes a foundational level of understanding on what truly matters when approaching the sustainability of your products and materials,” says Steve McCullough, the Event Director of Functional Fabric Fair. “Our intention is for the industry to leave with new knowledge and resources to start implementing for the first day of the fair and beyond.”

Also new to the fair is the AATCC Testing & Standards Exhibition which will feature apparatus and educational displays in five key topic areas, including Visual Color Evaluation, Fiber Fragment Testing, Appearance & Laundering, Water Resistance, and Control Fabrics. This display is open to everyone, with no additional registration needed, but attendees must present show badges to enter. Room Details To Be Announced.

Functional Fabric Fair opens its Exhibit Hall doors on Wednesday, April 17 from 9:00 am – 6:00 pm, and Thursday, April 18 from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm. The fair is open, free of charge, to verified designers, product, purchasing, material, sustainability managers and others in the industry looking to source fabrics and accessories for outdoor, sportive performance and lifestyle apparel. The Day 0 (Zero) – Behind the Seams: Sustainability Workshop will take place on Tuesday, April 16 from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm. Space is limited, and a paid ticket is required, with complimentary breakfast and lunch provided.

Posted: March 14, 2024

Source: Functional Fabric Fair, powered by PERFORMANCE DAYS®

Techtextil Frankfurt 2024: Freudenberg Performance Materials Showcasing Solutions For The Automotive, Building, Apparel, Filtration And Packaging Industries

WEINHEIM, Germany — March 14, 2024 — Freudenberg Performance Materials (Freudenberg) is showcasing pioneering and sustainable solutions for the automotive, building, apparel, filtration and packaging industries at Stand C29, Hall 12.2 of this year’s Techtextil in Frankfurt am Main April 23-26. The materials developed by Freudenberg’s experienced specialists score in terms of recycling and circularity.

Sustainable nonwoven for car seats

As one of the world’s leading manufacturers of technical textiles, innovative solutions from Freudenberg help the automotive industry become more sustainable. One innovation highlight at Techtextil is a novel Polyester nonwoven material for car seat padding. Also available as a nonwoven composite with PU foam, it is not only easier for car seat manufacturers to handle during the mounting process, but also ensures better dimensional stability as well as providing soft and flexible padding. The material is single origin and has low volatile organic compounds (VOC), ensuring a lower environmental impact. It also has a minimum 25 percent recycled content, for example, by reusing nonwoven clippings and waste, and is fully recyclable. Full supply chain transparency enables customers to easily trace and verify the content of the nonwoven and thus ensures a responsible production process. The Freudenberg experts will also be presenting several other nonwoven solutions made of up to 80 percent recycled materials that can be used in car seat manufacturing.

Biocarrier for green roofs

Freudenberg´s sustainable carrier material for green roofs on urban buildings is made from renewable resources.
Source: ©Freudenberg Performance Materials

As part of its commitment to sustainable building concepts, Freudenberg is showcasing a sustainable carrier material for green roofs on urban buildings at the trade fair. The carrier is made from polylactide, i.e. from renewable resources. When filled with soil, it provides a strong foothold to root systems, enabling the growth of lightweight sedum blankets that can be rolled out to provide instant green roofs. These roofs not only help counter urban heat, they also improve stormwater management and regulate indoor temperatures.

From textile waste to padding

Freudenberg continues to promote the circular economy in the textile industry with several new solutions. For example, the company extended its circular thermal wadding product range with the release of comfortemp® HO 80xR circular, a wadding made from 70 percent recycled polyamide from discarded fishing nets, carpet flooring and industrial plastic. Because polyamide 6, also known as nylon, retains its performance characteristics after multiple recycling processes, the fibers can be used again and again to manufacture performance sporting apparel, leisurewear and luxury garments. Just recently, Freudenberg contributed another innovative thermal insulation to the first parka made from 100 percent recycled used clothing. This was made possible by loopamid®, a new nylon fiber developed by BASF that simplifies textile-to-textile recycling for nylon garments.

Packaging solutions with various sustainability benefits

Durable packaging solutions from Evolon® are suitable for the transportation of sensitive industrial items, for example for automotive parts.
Source: ©Freudenberg Performance Materials

Freudenberg is also showcasing pioneering products for sustainable packaging and filtration solutions. The long-lasting Evolon® technical packaging series is a substitute for disposable packaging used in the transport of sensitive industrial items such as automotive parts. The material is made from up to 85 percent recycled PET. A further highlight at Techtextil are Freudenberg’s fully bio-based solutions for manufacturing dessicant bags. The binder-free material based on bio-fibers is also industrially compostable.

In addition, the experts will be giving trade fair visitors an insight into Freudenberg’s Filtura® portfolio. The innovative Air Pollution Control (APC) filtration bags made from hydroentangled microfilament material for industrial filtration are not only lightweight, but also offer customers a high filtration performance and trouble-free filter cleaning.

CO2-neutral trade fair stand

As at the last Techtextil, Freudenberg’s presence at this year’s trade fair will be CO2-neutral. The CO2 emissions of materials and activities at the trade fair will be calculated and then offset by planting trees.

Posted: March 14, 2024 – amended March 18, 2024

Source: Freudenberg Performance Materials

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