GREENSBORO, N.C. — July 25, 2024 — After a successful initial launch in 2022, global denim icon Wrangler® today announced the launch of the second installment of Wrangler Reborn™ — the latest collection to celebrate the upcycling of denim. The newest Wrangler Reborn sees the brand collaborate with BVH Services’ brand Beyond Retro, for the first time. BVH are one of the largest vintage retailers across Europe with a reputation for producing on-trend fashion without a hefty carbon footprint making them the perfect partner to give the collection a new dimension and even greater scale globally.
Purposefully crafted with circularity and sustainability in mind, the latest Wrangler Reborn™ Collection features a sustainable twist on some of its classic styles, including the Greensboro Straight Leg Jean, Reworked Short, Icon Jacket and Heritage Shirt that provide consumers with wardrobe staples they can wear for years to come while simultaneously diverting textile waste from landfills. To create the collection, Wrangler revived discarded denim and transformed it into apparel tough enough to stand the test of time that can be repurposed and reloved, providing consumers the opportunity to buy better.
“At Wrangler we pride ourselves on products that last and, with a pioneering spirit, we have helped define style and lifestyle trends for more than a century. The Wrangler Reborn Collection spotlights the resilience of high-quality denim and Wrangler’s commitment to crafting quality pieces that can be passed down from generation to generation. We are very excited to be launching this new collection of Reborn with BVH Services’ brand Beyond Retro, one of Europe’s largest vintage retailers who will bring new life to this sustainability initiative,” said Vivian Rivetti, Wrangler’s head of Global Design
Wrangler’s commitment to durability and long-lasting quality products has helped to keep waste out of landfills since 1947. WranglerReborn enhances that commitment and is an additional step towards the brand’s WeCare Wrangler™ goals, crafted to create a better future through its commitment to sustainability.
The limited-edition Wrangler Reborn Collection is available for purchase online at Wrangler.com, as well as in selected stores globally. Prices range from $90-180.
PRATTELN, Switzerland — July 25, 2024 — Archroma, a global supplier of specialty chemicals towards sustainable solutions, has been awarded a Gold rating by EcoVadis, the global rating agency for sustainability performance.
This consolidates Archroma’s position among the top 5 percent of the more than 130,000 companies from 180 countries and 220 industries assessed by EcoVadis against stringent criteria covering environmental performance, ethics, labor and human rights, and sustainable procurement.
“Archroma has a clear sustainability strategy that guides all of our efforts to develop and deliver innovative solutions that enhance people’s lives. This is encapsulated in the ambitious environmental operations targets we have just announced for 2030,” said Mark Garrett, Group CEO, Archroma. “Our enduring goal is to lead our industry towards a more sustainable future. By engaging with platforms like EcoVadis, we strengthen our commitment to partnership and transparency while retaining our focus on consumers and the environment.”
It extends to Archroma’s own operational targets. From 2023 to 2030, Archroma will work to reduce water intensity by 40 percent, energy intensity by 15 percent and waste intensity by 10 percent, with zero hazardous waste to landfill. It will also aim for an ambitious 20 percent reduction in absolute Scope 1 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from its own plants and processes and a 40-percent reduction in absolute Scope 2 indirect GHG emissions from the energy it consumes.
“We have been tracking our sustainability journey through the EcoVadis assessments since 2017 and it has been so motivating to chart our progress and to see how much the standard of sustainability management has also improved across industries over this time,” Martina Beitke, Group Sustainability director, Archroma, said. “At Archroma, we believe that strong leadership, shared goals and a culture that supports innovation and partnership are the keys to creating value for our stakeholders and a positive impact on people and planet.”
BRIDGWATER & SOMERSET, England — July 25, 2024 —Nonwovenn has appointed industry luminary, Silke Brand-Kirsch, as commercial director. With her career to date spent leading several businesses within the nonwoven industry, Silke will be central in spearheading the future growth and internationalization strategy.
Silke Brand-Kirsch
Brand-Kirsch joins Nonwovenn to bring her knowledge and experience of the sector at a pivotal time for the business with an ambitious goal of doubling turnover by 2028, working to build upon the businesses market leading position in niche, high value market segments. The move comes after she co-founded, grew, and successfully exited her co-owned independent consultancy firm and more recently held a senior position as vice president of Product Management at Glatfelter Corp.
Nonwovenn is already established in markets across the United Kingdom, Europe and North America, with Brand-Kirsch set to ensure the Nonwovenn expertise is delivered to a broader global audience, undertaking a review of the sales and innovation proposition, as well as business development.
Commenting on her appointment, Brand-Kirsch said: “Joining the team at Nonwovenn is the perfect next step for my career. What attracted me to the business is that even in a sector under pressure, Nonwovenn have shown that sustainable, and profitable, growth is possible. There is a very strong leadership team in place, with a clear vision and purpose, and a market leading growth strategy. I am especially looking forward to pushing further the international customer base and bringing a more market driven approach to the business.”
“There is a clear need in the market for Nonwovenn’s offering. Their ability to continually innovate, optimise and react to help customers anticipate needs, adapt quickly, and achieve objectives is unrivalled. The team has also been fantastic to work with; vibrant, enthusiastic and engaging, exactly what the industry needs.”
David Lamb, chairman of Nonwovenn, added: “Silke is joining our team during a very important time for Nonwovenn. Her extensive experience in the sector, combined with our drive and ambition, means we can take the business further than ever before. We are incredibly excited for what she is bringing to the team.”
STONY BROOK, N.Y.— July 25, 2024 — Applied DNA Sciences, Inc., a developer of PCR-based DNA technologies, today announced the signing of a five-year license and commercialization agreement for its CertainT® traceability platform with Indus Group, a multinational apparel/textile manufacturing and sourcing company with a reputation for cutting-edge fabric technology and product innovation. Indus consumes approximately 450 million pounds of cotton annually. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
CertainT is a textiles traceability platform that uses forensic, multiple-proof-point evidence to enable source and authenticity verification of materials and products at any point as they are transformed through global supply chains.
Under the terms of the agreement, Applied DNA will supply Indus with its CertainT platform for non-home, cotton-based products — apparel, footwear, and accessories — originating from Indus facilities in Pakistan, Egypt, and Jordan, utilizing cotton from multiple global sources. Indus will have exclusive use of the platform in these countries and non-exclusive use elsewhere. The platform encompasses spray systems, DNA taggant, taggant and genotyping testing services, devices and materials for on-site testing, and isotopic testing services. No rights to the CertainT platform with respect to home textiles were granted under the Agreement.
The company’s cotton tagging revenues have historically been tied to annual cotton harvests; tagging will now occur at Indus’s spinners, which operate year-round. The parties intend to implement the CertainT platform at multiple cotton spinning mills in Year 1 of the agreement with a planned subsequent broader deployment based on forecasts from Indus for tagged cotton.
Dr. James A. Hayward, president and CEO of Applied DNA, stated: “We believe this Agreement is key to reducing the lumpiness in segment revenues to create a steadier revenue stream. For the first time, we have secured a partner that can tag cotton year-round with globally sourced cotton. Furthermore, this is CertainT’s first large-scale deployment catalyzed by the implementation of the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA). We expect the UFLPA to be an important tailwind for this segment, informing our sales approach to other apparel textile manufacturers. We look forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship with Indus.”
Indus is comprised of wholly owned and joint-venture production facilities in Pakistan, Egypt, and Jordan that serve brands in North America, the European Union, Australia, and New Zealand, including big box retailers and global leaders in sportswear and premium brands.
Indus CEO Abid Hafeez added, “Innovation and product development are at the heart of our corporate ethos and are fundamental to our ambitious growth goals. CertainT brings innovation to our organization with forensic cotton traceability and supply chain security, from yarn to finished goods, and compliance with the UFLPA for shipments bound to the U.S. Such a capability creates value, sustainability, and traceability for existing customers, giving us a significant competitive advantage in global fashion and apparel. We look forward to our new partnership with Applied DNA and expanding CertainT’s footprint within our cotton supply chain in the coming years.”
ST. PAUL, Minn. — July 25, 2024 — A new video from 3M showcases the company’s technology used by athletes in the recent Everest Marathon, considered the world’s highest marathon. The race, held every May 29 since 2005, celebrates the historic ascent of Mt. Everest by Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and Sir Edmund Hillary on May 29, 1953. The intense marathon begins at Mt. Everest Base Camp at 5,364 meters (17,598 feet), descending to Namche Bazaar at 3,440 meters (11,286 feet), requiring racers to navigate steep inclines, rocky paths, and dramatic weather changes along the way. The racers were outfitted padded jackets and sleeping bags that featured 3M™ Thinsulate™ technology, while race T-shirts were designed with 3M Scotchgard™ Moisture Management technology. Racers also wore outdoors jacket with 3M Scotchgard Water Repellent technology. These features helped the athletes stay dry, comfortable, and able to focus on their race.
“We wanted to feature inspiring personal testimonies from a diverse group of runners, each with their own unique motivations and challenges, and how 3M helps make them feel comfortable and protected from the elements. We believe that 3M technology can make a significant difference,” said Melissa Blakley, 3M Thinsulate & Scotchgard™ Global Portfolio Director.
FORT SMITH, Ark. — July 24, 2024 — The ABB Baldor-Reliance EC Titanium motor has been recognized with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s 2024 ENERGY STAR Emerging Technology Award. This annual award recognizes products that meet stringent performance criteria in specific categories. By highlighting innovative solutions with the potential to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the award promotes promising technologies that may not yet fully align with the ENERGY STAR certification requirements or may be relatively more complex to properly install and operate. The EPA’s efforts to raise awareness about these products contribute to increased demand, potentially reducing costs and expanding availability. EC Titanium has received the Emerging Technology Award in the category of commercial HVAC electric motors. Thirteen EC Titanium models, from 7.5 to 20 HP (5.5 to 15 kW) meet the technical requirements for the award.
EC Titanium is a highly efficient motor that combines synchronous reluctance and permanent magnet technologies. The rotor design incorporates non-rare earth elements, resulting in a motor solution that is highly efficient, quiet, reliable and easy to operate – all in an ecofriendly package. The EC Titanium motor is designed to be paired with a variable speed drive and is optimized for energy management and sustainability and ideal for fans, pumps, blowers, compressors, vacuum pumps, HVAC systems and other variable speed applications. Available as a motor only or integrated motor drive (IMD) unit, EC Titanium provides excellent performance across a wide speed load range and above base speed conditions.
45% of the world’s electricity is used to power electric motors used in buildings and industrial applications.1 By 2030, this cost is projected to reach $900 billion annually.2 This significant energy demand presents a substantial opportunity for efficiency improvements, contingent upon favorable market conditions and advancements in motor technologies. In response to a call for product category nominations, the EPA received a proposal to recognize electric motors that adhere to the International Electrotechnical Commission’s (IEC) IE5 efficiency level, currently the IEC’s most stringent efficiency performance standard.* In addition to energy savings from increased efficiency, there are other technology improvements associated with IE5 motors that offer advantages to users that could help speed adoption of this technology, such as quieter operation, lower operating temperature and longer equipment life.
Additional EC Titanium benefits:
Improved partial load efficiencies as compared to NEMA Premium® (IE3) efficiency motors
Over-speed constant power operational range to 4,000 RPM
High power factor reduces motor full-load amps and allows for a smaller drive to be used
Lower current draw and smaller power converter
Power-dense, drop-in-replacement NEMA frames
Shaft grounding brush for extended bearing life
Class F insulation with Class B rise decreases motor thermal stress and increases motor life
IP54 motor enclosure with shaft seal
1.5 service factor design
For inverter use only per NEMA MG 1 Part 31.4.4.2
* IEC energy efficiency ratings are recognized in Europe but also in North America by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) and the Consortium for Energy Efficiency.
1. ABB, 2021. Achieving the Paris Agreement – The vital role of high-efficiency motors and drives in reducing energy consumption
2. ETC, 2021. Making Clean Electrification Possible: 30 Years to Electrify the Global Economy
EVANSVILLE, Ind. — July 24, 2024 — Berry Global Group Inc. and Glatfelter Corp. announced that the proposed merger of Berry’s Health, Hygiene and Specialties Global Nonwovens and Films (HHNF) business with Glatfelter progressed further today with the creation of the Magnera brand.
The launch of this new identity marks the next chapter in the transaction journey, emphasizing a commitment to innovation and leadership in the specialty materials industry. Magnera will leverage a broad platform of 46 global manufacturing facilities, offering its customers innovative solutions more quickly from closer locations and minimizing environmental impact.
Curt Begle, president of Berry’s Health Hygiene & Specialties Division who will lead Magnera as CEO, said: “Magnera’s purpose is to better the world with new possibilities made real. By continuously cocreating and innovating with our partners, we will develop original material solutions that make a brighter future possible. With a breadth of technologies and a passion for what we create, Magnera’s solutions will solve end-users’ problems, every day.”
With a focus on innovation, operational excellence, and strategic market penetration, Magnera will have the broadest global product offering in high-growth markets for both polymer and fiber-based product applications.
Tarun Manroa, current executive vice president and chief strategy officer for Berry, and future Magnera COO, said, “We’re truly excited about how our vibrant new brand builds upon both companies’ history and unifies diverse teams under a single identity with a focus on the future.
“With increasing demand for premium and custom products, we believe we are perfectly placed to offer our customers more choice and flexibility to meet their needs.”
Magnera will continue HHNF and Glatfelter’s unwavering commitment to providing stability to customers, especially during times of change. The merger will create an expanded portfolio of products and solutions to better serve the combined company’s customers at scale. We believe this comprehensive suite of offerings sets Magnera apart in the marketplace and will deliver unparalleled value and support. Customers can continue to expect innovation with existing technologies and products and future developments that will drive their businesses forward.
About Magnera
Magnera will be formed from the spin-off and merger of Berry’s HHNF business with Glatfelter. The combined company will serve thousands of customers worldwide, offering a wide range of products, including components for absorbent hygiene products, protective apparel, wipes, specialty building and construction products, products serving the food and beverage industry, and more.
Magnera’s purpose is to better the world with new possibilities made real. For more than 160 years, the originating companies have delivered the material solutions their partners need to thrive. Through economic upheaval, global pandemics, and changing end-user needs, they’ve consistently found ways to solve problems and exceed expectations. Bringing together these legacy companies, the distinct scale and wide portfolio of products will bring customers more materials and choices. With a combined legacy of resilience, Magnera will build personal partnerships that withstand an ever-changing world.
Magnera will begin using its name and branding immediately following the closing of the proposed merger.
The transaction is expected to close in the second half of calendar 2024 and is subject to approval by Glatfelter shareholders and completion of the remaining customary closing conditions.
Posted: July 24, 2024
Source: Berry Global Group, Inc. and Glatfelter Corporation
WILMINGTON, Del. — July 23, 2024 — The LYCRA Co., a global developer of innovative and sustainable fiber and technology solutions for the apparel and textile industry, has announced that its COOLMAX® EcoMade fiber made from 100-percent textile waste is a key ingredient in the Brazilian Volleyball team’s indoor and beach jerseys for the 2024 Summer Games in Paris. Body Work, a fitness brand from retailer Riachuelo, created the official uniforms unveiled in a stunning projection on the Christ the Redeemer statue overlooking Rio de Janeiro on June 27, Volleyball Day in Brazil.
Body Work, a fitness brand from Riachuelo, has revealed the official Brazilian Volleyball team shirts for the 2024 Summer Games. The fabric blends two technologies from The LYCRA Company: 92% COOLMAX® EcoMade fiber made from pre-consumer textile waste and 8% LYCRA® fiber to help keep athletes cool, dry, and moving freely. Photo – Business Wire
COOLMAX EcoMade fiber transports moisture away from the body to the surface of the fabric, where it evaporates. This helps athletes stay cool, dry, and comfortable so they can focus on the game. It is one of many innovative branded fibers produced by The LYCRA Co. designed to help optimize athletic performance. This technology converts preconsumer textile waste scraps from garment manufacturers into fibers offering comparable performance to virgin polyester.
“We are thrilled that Brazil’s volleyball uniforms feature 92-percent COOLMAX EcoMade fiber made from textile waste and 8-percent LYCRA fiber, so we will be rooting for them in Paris,” said Nicolas Banyols, chief commercial officer – apparel, The LYCRA Co. “The benefits of activewear and sportswear with performance fibers are not limited to elite athletes anymore. Consumers of all abilities can now buy these innovative garments at retail, ensuring that everyone can experience the enhanced comfort and performance our fibers offer, in addition to options for durable and sustainable fibers for reduced environmental impact.”
LYCRA brand fibers, now owned by The LYCRA Co., have been an integral part of the games since 1968, when the French alpine ski team dominated the medal count in Grenoble. The team’s ski suits featured LYCRA fiber, which provided a second-skin fit and greater freedom of movement. The long-standing history of performance and innovation in sports is a testament to the trust and reliability that the company’s fibers offer, instilling confidence in athletes and consumers alike.
“While the silver medal-winning 1984 Brazilian volleyball team uniform was the main inspiration for the design of this jersey, we wanted the fabric to be cutting-edge and future-focused,” said Camila de Paula Souza, Style Manager at Body Work | Riachuelo. “This fabric is designed to provide comfort and is made from textile waste — a win for athletes and a win for the planet.”
DÜSSELDORF, Germany — July 24, 2024 — Filter manufacturer MANN+HUMMEL has awarded Envalior as its top supplier for Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability during its biannual Global Supplier Event, held in Ludwigsburg, Germany, July 11, 2024.
(left to right): Tim Albert, Sales Director for Automotive at Envalior, and Ulrich Striebel, Account Manager at Envalior, receive the Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability award for Envalior.
Ulrich Striebel, account manager at Envalior, and Tim Albert, sales director for Automotive, at Envalior, attended the supplier event and received the award from Hanno Höhn, chief procurement officer, and Oliver Schmitz, vice president, Global Purchasing, for MANN+HUMMEL.
“This award is a sign of the further strengthening of a long-term strategic global customer relationship with MANN+HUMMEL and that we have proven to be a responsible and future-orientated partner,” Striebel said.
Besides MANN+HUMMEL recognizing its top suppliers for their exceptional contributions in various categories, the Global Supplier Event brought together approximately 50 companies from 17 different countries to network and discuss topics around procurement, filtration technologies and execution management. Albert participated in a roundtable discussion about sustainability with several representatives from MANN+HUMMEL and Ecovadis, a global provider of sustainability ratings and intelligence for businesses.
“It was an absolute highlight and a great pleasure to participate in the roundtable discussion with experts on sustainability from Ecovadis and MANN+HUMMEL, and to explain our activities and our commitment to this very important topic for Envalior and our customers,” said Albert.
KINGSTON UPON HULL, England — July 24, 2024 — The relentless march of miniaturization continues to transform our world. From delicate medical devices navigating the human body’s intricate pathways to revolutionary components in next-generation electric vehicles and beyond, ever-smaller, ultra-precise components are driving innovation at an unprecedented pace. At the forefront of this revolution stands Luxinar’s LXR® ultrashort pulse laser platform, a tool that shatters the boundaries of what’s possible in microfabrication.
The miniaturization revolution – Luxinar’s LXR® ultrashort pulse laser platform
The LXR ultrashort pulse laser platform isn’t just about shrinking existing technologies. It empowers the creation of entirely new micro-components, propelling advancements far beyond our current imagination. Imagine intricate microfluidic channels with minimal flow resistance, enabling groundbreaking breakthroughs in medical diagnostics and drug delivery. Picture next-generation batteries with enhanced energy density and faster charging times, thanks to revolutionary microfabricated components. This is the future that the LXR unlocks, a future where miniaturization fuels groundbreaking advancements across diverse sectors.
The secret weapon behind the capabilities of the LXR lies in its exceptional and remarkably stable beam quality, measured by a factor called M². While a perfect score of 1 represents the theoretical ideal, the LXR ultrashort pulse laser platform achieves an M² even better than 1.2. This translates to a laser beam with an incredibly tight focus and minimal divergence, even over long distances. Crucially, this exceptional quality remains unwavering throughout operation, ensuring consistent and reliable results — a hallmark of success in high-precision micromachining.
The benefits of unmatched beam quality
The exceptional beam quality of the LXR ultrashort pulse laser platform translates into a multitude of advantages for microfabrication applications:
Unmatched precision: Achieve features in the submicron range with near-perfect edges, ideal for delicate medical devices, intricate microfluidic channels, and any application demanding the utmost precision.
Sharper cuts, cleaner results: The minimal beam divergence ensures clean cuts with minimal heat-affected zones, crucial for working with sensitive materials prone to damage from excessive heat.
Material versatility unleashed: Machine a wider range of materials with confidence, including those susceptible to heat damage. The combination of the LXR®’s short pulse duration and exceptional beam quality minimizes heat transfer, allowing for precise and delicate machining.
The bedrock of robust manufacturing: The unwavering stability of the LXR®’s beam quality is a game-changer. In high-precision microfabrication, consistency reigns supreme. With a beam that maintains its exceptional characteristics throughout operation, you can achieve reliable and repeatable results, every single time. This stability minimizes production waste and ensures consistent quality control, forming the bedrock for a robust and reliable manufacturing operation.
The LXR® ultrashort pulse laser platform advantage: Where precision redefines what’s possible
While achieving a perfect M² of 1 represents the theoretical ideal, the LXR ultrashort pulse laser platform pushes the boundaries by achieving an M² even better than 1.2. This translates to an even tighter focus and the potential for creating even smaller features compared to many other commercially available lasers with a slightly higher M², typically around 1.3. Imagine the difference between wielding a standard etching tool and a nanoscale scalpel — that’s the kind of advantage the LXR ultrashort pulse laser platform offers in high-precision micromachining applications.
Real-world examples: Unleashing the power of precision
Let’s explore the tangible difference exceptional beam quality makes in microfabrication. Compared to lasers with an M² of 1.3 (which are still very capable tools), the LXR ultrashort pulse laser platform offers:
Drilling microscopic holes: The LXR ultrashort pulse laser platform can achieve hole diameters closer to 4 microns with minimal edge roughness, ideal for creating intricate microfluidic channels with minimal flow resistance. Lasers with an M² of 1.3 might achieve a slightly larger diameter (around 7 microns). This translates to a significant reduction in size and potentially improved flow characteristics for microfluidic devices.
Cutting ultra-thin metal sheets: The LXR® ultrashort pulse laser platform delivers a kerf width potentially closer to 8 microns with minimal heat distortion on the surrounding metal, perfect for delicate medical device components requiring high structural integrity. Lasers with an M² of 1.3 might produce a slightly wider kerf width (around 12 microns) and introduce a touch more heat. This translates to cleaner cuts with less material waste and minimal heat impact on the surrounding material, crucial for maintaining the structural integrity of delicate medical device components.
The takeaway: A new dawn for microfabrication
The Luxinar LXR ultrafast laser platform isn’t just another advancement in laser technology; it represents a quantum leap in microfabrication. With its unmatched precision, material versatility, and unwavering stability, the Luxinar LXR platform empowers manufacturers to push the boundaries of what’s possible. This translates to a future filled with groundbreaking innovations across various industries — from next-generation medical devices that heal the human body with unprecedented accuracy to revolutionized energy storage solutions that power our world more efficiently. The possibilities are truly limitless, and the Luxinar LXR platform is the key to unlocking them. Imagine microscopic robots performing delicate surgeries, ultra-thin solar panels seamlessly integrated into buildings, and next-generation electronics with unimaginable processing power – these are just a glimpse of the future that the Luxinar LXR platform helps usher in. The stage is set for a new era of microfabrication, and the Luxinar LXR platform stands as the conductor, orchestrating a symphony of miniaturisation that will redefine our world.
GREENSBORO, N.C. — July 25, 2024 — After a successful initial launch in 2022, global denim icon Wrangler® today announced the launch of the second installment of Wrangler Reborn™ — the latest collection to celebrate the upcycling of denim. The newest Wrangler Reborn sees the brand collaborate with BVH Services’ brand Beyond Retro, for the first time. BVH are one of the largest vintage retailers across Europe with a reputation for producing on-trend fashion without a hefty carbon footprint making them the perfect partner to give the collection a new dimension and even greater scale globally.
Purposefully crafted with circularity and sustainability in mind, the latest Wrangler Reborn™ Collection features a sustainable twist on some of its classic styles, including the Greensboro Straight Leg Jean, Reworked Short, Icon Jacket and Heritage Shirt that provide consumers with wardrobe staples they can wear for years to come while simultaneously diverting textile waste from landfills. To create the collection, Wrangler revived discarded denim and transformed it into apparel tough enough to stand the test of time that can be repurposed and reloved, providing consumers the opportunity to buy better.
