Universal Fibers® Announces C2c Certified Material Health Certificate™ For Thrive® Matter

BRISTOL, Va. — January 30, 2024 — Universal Fibers® announced today that Thrive® matter nylon 6 fiber has achieved a C2C Certified Material Health Certificate™ at Silver and Gold levels, as verified by the Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute. This is the first such certificate to be issued to any fiber under the Institute’s rigorous new Version 4 standard. Across all industries and categories only 74 products have received Version 4 certification to date.

As described in the Cradle to Cradle Certified® (C2C Certified®) Product Standard Version 4.0, Material Health certification indicates that “Chemicals and materials used in the product are selected to prioritize the protection of human health and the environment, generating a positive impact on the quality of materials available for future use and cycling.”

To meet these levels of certification, 100 percent of the materials that comprise Thrive matter nylon 6 fiber have been assessed and found to be optimized for material health both in terms of optimal substances it does contain, undesirable substances it does not contain, and its emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). This assessment also serve as the foundation for a material health optimization strategy to further improve material health over time.

Anna Plumb, vice president of Universal Fibers sales and marketing for Europe celebrates “Now our customers who select Thrive® matter nylon 6 can proceed with assurance that their products can in turn pursue C2C Certified certification. And they can be proud to have made the best environmental impact possible in their choice of fiber.”

The C2C Certified Material Health Certificate™ offers a solution to growing industry and consumer interest in knowing more about the chemicals used in products across their supply chains and avoiding chemicals of concern. By using the rigorous, globally recognized material health assessment methodology of the C2C Certified Product Standard, the Material Health Certificate provides manufacturers with a trusted means of assessing, optimizing, and verifying their product chemistries for safety and the environment. The material health evaluation of Thrive® matter was executed by third-party C2C accredited assessor WAP Sustainability.

“We enthusiastically embrace the C2C Certified standard,” said M. Ranae Anderson, Global Sustainability Leader for Universal Fibers. “It is another of the many ways we work to hold ourselves accountable for the impact our fibers have both upstream—influencing the supply chains that feed us—and downstream through our customers’ products that help people thrive.”

“We are thrilled to collaborate with Universal Fibers on their first C2C Certified Material Health Certificate for Thrive matter,” said William Paddock, co-founder & managing director of WAP Sustainability. “We know how many of Universal Fibers’ customers are committed to C2C, and by obtaining a Material Health Certificate, they are communicating their commitment to transparency and extending industry leadership in Cradle to Cradle Design™.”

Posted: January 30, 2024

Source: Universal Fibers, Inc.

SEAMS Announces 2024 Board Of Directors

WAKE FOREST, N.C. — January 29, 2024 — SEAMS has announced the new membership election for the Board of Directors 2024 calendar year today.

“While the demand for “Made in America” products continues to increase, so do the challenges we face. The SEAMS 2024 Board of Directors looks to continue its support of our members by being the biggest advocate and voice for the domestic sewn products industry”, stated Britt Moore, SEAMS president. “Our driven and talented board spans all facets of the supply chain throughout the US Market and has had the honor of being led by Ron Roach for the past two years. His insightful leadership and forward thinking have been invaluable during this time, and I would like to thank him for all his devotion and support. We look forward to advancing SEAMS in 2024 as we work to grow our membership and expand on several industry-focused events and hosting our two SEAMS conferences for 2024.”

We thank our Board for all that was accomplished in 2023 and look forward to another successful year. We are honored to announce the 2024 Board of Directors – welcoming those that are new to the board (designated by*) as follows:

Executive Committee:

  • Britt Moore, Minnesota Knitting Mills, SEAMS President
  • Brent Jones, Henderson Machinery, SEAMS Vice-President
  • Jim Hopkins, Hamrick Mills, SEAMS Secretary/Treasurer
  • Ron Roach, Contempora Fabrics, SEAMS Ex-Officio

Education Director a three-year term by appointment:

  • Alex Whitley, Contempora Fabrics

Supplier Directors serving a three-year term by appointment:

  • Tanya Wade, Manufacturing Solutions Center
  • Ryan Smith, Printcraft Company
  • Stacey Bridges, Hanes Dye and Finishing
  • Xochil Herrera Scheer*, The Chicago Pattern Maker

Manufacturing/Contractor Directors serving a one-year term by appointment:

  • Anthony Marini, Heartland Manufacturing
  • Marty Bailey, TSG Apparel
  • Mindy Martell, Clothier Design Source
  • Brian Alhanati*, Custom Fab USA
  • Steven Hawkins*, America Knits

Executive Director

  • Will Duncan, Will Duncan & Associates 2017- Present

Posted: January 30, 2024

Source: SEAMS, the National Association for the U.S. Sewn Products Industry

Keel Labs Unveils First-Ever T-Shirt Made From Seaweed-Based Kelsun™ Fiber

The Kelsun T-Shirt was brought to life by climate activist and environmental educator Aditi Mayer.

MORRISVILLE, N.C. — January 29, 2024 — Today, Keel Labs announced the debut of the Kelsun T-Shirt — a sample developed in collaboration with Aditi Mayer — made from Kelsun™ fiber, the company’s flagship product made from seaweed. Created to demonstrate Kelsun’s plug-and-play potential in replacing conventional fibers used in the textile industry, this T-Shirt marks the first Kelsun garment made using industry-standard knitting machines. The Kelsun T-Shirt was created using a 70-percent Kelsun, 30-percent cotton blended yarn, showcasing Kelsun’s simple familiarity in a jersey knit — one of the most fundamental knit constructions. The Kelsun T-Shirt also features a screen print using Living Ink™’s Algae Ink, printing Keel Labs’ signature brand element, the Spun K, on the T-Shirt’s pocket.

The Kelsun T-Shirt was brought to life by climate activist and environmental educator Aditi Mayer. As a sustainable fashion thought leader, Aditi unpacks the relationships between fashion and the social threads that connect us to our clothing.

“With a brand’s material choices alone being responsible for over half its total emissions, there’s a dire need for the industry to revisit its chosen fibers. As someone who has long challenged the presence of fossil fuels in fashion and has opted for nature-based solutions instead, Kelsun’s ability to create an option that integrates a renewable source, addresses fashion’s plastics problem, while also eliminating pesticide use and agricultural land use is incredibly promising,” said Aditi Mayer.

“This launch is about so much more than creating a T-Shirt — it’s our mission come-to-life, offering the industry a product that can be produced at scale,” said Keel Labs Co-Founder and COO Aleks Gosiewski. “In partnership with Aditi Mayer, we’re demonstrating to the fashion industry and consumers alike that next-gen material solutions are here, and they’re able to be implemented in brands’ and their partners’ supply chains today.”

In an industry that produces 21 billion tons of textile waste annually, Kelsun functions as an alternative to conventional, resource-intensive materials, like cotton, that fashion and textiles has long relied on. Kelsun is able to reduce water usage by 70X and land use by 100% when compared to cotton by utilizing seaweed, one of the world’s most regenerative and renewable organisms. By translating the abundant seaweed supply chain into fiber production on industry-standard equipment, Kelsun is a drop-in solution for textile supply chains that delivers positive impacts to an industry in urgent need of mitigating its environmental impact.

Keel Labs functions as a platform for innovation, working to create new applications for Kelsun in apparel and accessories, as well as new product categories like automotive, home goods, furnishings, and interiors. The company’s work is predicated on creating an accessible and utilitarian product with Kelsun: a widely applicable fiber that looks, feels, and performs like the materials the world knows, while taking the guesswork out of sustainably-created textiles.

“The Kelsun T-Shirt is fashion’s latest proof point that biomaterials are ready to revolutionize the industry at large. We are excited to debut our first in-house garment created using Kelsun, with the Kelsun T-Shirt serving as the start of global product and brand launches to come,” said Keel Labs’ Co-Founder and CEO Tessa Callaghan.

Posted: January 29, 2024

Source: Keel Labs

Chargeurs PCC Fashion Technologies, The World Interlining, Leader Modernizes Its Historic Production Site La Lainière De Picardie

Historic production site La Lainière de Picardie

MILAN — January 29, 2024 — Chargeurs PCC Fashion Technologies, the world’s interlinings leader, is celebrating the 120th anniversary of its historic Lainière de Picardie production site in Péronne, France, with the launch of a modernisation plan that aims to enhance the performance of its production lines and the quality of its products and reduce its environmental impact through investments in cutting-edge technology.

The modernization plan, launched in parallel with the 38th edition of Milano Unica, will be completed by December 2024. The project includes the replacement of looms with state-of-the-art new machines that are more efficient in terms of quality and energy savings. With a new finishing line which will also be installed, Chargeurs PCC will be able to provide clients with naturally softer and stable fabrics.

Gianluca Tanzi

Gianluca Tanzi, Chairman and CEO of Chargeurs PCC Fashion Technologies, commented: “Lainière de Picardie has over the years built up strong expertise with each team member standing as a specialist in their field. and focusing on innovation, to offer cutting-edge solutions that meet customers’ needs. Our mission is to build on this heritage, working on R&D and seizing the opportunities offered by new technologies to achieve ambitious goals in terms of quality and reduced environmental impact. Lainière de Picardie is the last major interlining manufacturer in Europe with a surface of 50,000 sqm and an annual production of more than 25 million metres. This European headquarter is fundamental for fashion players as it provides the solution to current logistical problems linked to disruptions in supply chains. The modernisation plan aspires to transform Lainière de Picardie, now the focal point of Chargeurs PCC’s production activities in France and Europe, into a sustainable 4.0 textile plant and it forms part of the company’s broader commitment to acting as a pioneer and game changer in the sustainable transformation of the textile industry.”

The modernization project also includes the complete MES (Manufacturing Execution System) connection with all machines for bidirectional communication for maximum efficiency and quality which, directly connected to digital continuous monitoring instruments, will measure the environmental footprint of the solutions to facilitate the planning of high-efficiency and low-energy production processes. In addition to the ROI in terms of production capacity and quality, these new investments will lead to a substantial reduction in waste and CO2 emissions.

Founded in 1903, Lainière de Picardie started out producing gimp, a special weave of horsehair and cotton. During the 1960s it specialised in the production of traditional wool interlining, becoming the leading expert in the sector. Having joined the Chargeurs group in the early 1980s, today Lainière de Picardie is one of Europe’s leading and most innovative producers of interlinings, which it manufactures through five processing stages: warping, knitting, finishing, coating, and inspection.  Its R&D department is constantly working on innovative and environmentally friendly new solutions.

Posted: January 29, 2024

Source: CHARGEURS PCC Fashion Technologies

Mimaki Europe Announces Appointment Of New Managing Director

Takao Terashima has recently been appointed as the new Managing Director at Mimaki Europe

AMSTERDAM — January 29, 2024 — Mimaki Europe, a manufacturer of inkjet printers and cutting technologies, has announced the appointment of Takao Terashima as the new managing director.

Starting his career in Mimaki in 1997 as part of the R&D Department, Terashima has developed his extensive expertise in Mimaki’s technology portfolio and the surrounding market over the past 26 years. Throughout his time at the company, he has taken up various senior positions across the company. Prior to this new role, he was senior general manager of the Asia Oceania Business Unit, a position he first started in 2017. Before this, he spent six months as senior deputy general manager of Quality Management between April and October 2017.

Terashima’s career path has led him to work beyond Mimaki’s headquarters in Japan, in positions across Mimaki’s branches. He spent four years as managing director of Mimaki Singapore between 2013 and 2017, and he also worked at Mimaki USA early in his career as part of the technical support staff.

Succeeding Takahiro Hiraki as managing director of Mimaki Europe, Terashima will bring his industry expertise, analytical thinking, business and team-building skills, as well as his extensive company knowledge, to this new role.

Excited by this latest challenge, Terashima commented: “I am delighted to take on the role of managing director of Mimaki Europe, in what is a landmark year for the branch. Celebrating the 20th anniversary of the European headquarters, we can look back on the past two decades proudly, thanks to the ongoing hard-work and effort of the team.

Looking to the future, it is key to ensure our principles of innovation, collaboration, and sustainability continue to drive us to provide excellence for our customers. Being part of this company and the print industry for over 25 years, I am committed to taking Mimaki into the next 20 years of success.”

Posted: January 29, 2024

Source: Mimaki Engineering Co. Ltd.

Latco America Polymers Has Selected FiberQuest To Be Sole Distribution Partner

QUERETARO, MX — January 24, 2024 — Latco America Polymers, a recycled polyester staple fiber manufacturer with operations in Queretaro, Mexico, announced today that it had selected FiberQuest as the sole sales distribution partner for North America.

Latco America Polymer, Fiber Division, has been in operation since 2019 and produces 6,000 tons per month of recycled polyester staple fiber for sale into a variety of applications including home furnishings, apparel, consumer goods, automotive, filtration, geo textiles and automotive. Their capacity is expected to grow over the next five years as they look to expand adding additional capacity.

FiberQuest, headquartered in Florence, S.C., specializes in the sale and distribution of polyester staple fiber. FiberQuest has been in the polyester staple fiber business for more than 15 years with vast knowledge in virgin and recycled staple fiber.

Fernando Rubio, Latco America Polymer owner, stated: “This is an exciting time as we partner with FiberQuest. FiberQuest understands the polyester market as we have worked together in the past. This will allow us to concentrate on quality as their team handles all distribution. In addition, this gives our customers one point of contact to work with as we continue to grow our business.”

Brad Dutton, owner of FiberQuest, stated: “we are extremely happy to be working with Latco America Polymer Fiber Division, as they are a quality driven company. The team they have assembled and the facility they have built is second to none. This partnership will allow us to provide the best quality and service for all our customers.”

Posted: January 28, 2024

Source: FiberQuest, LLC

How Sustainable Construction Works: Bio-Based Aerogel Fibres Replace Synthetic Insulation Materials

Presentation of the certificate for 1st place in the business plan competition KEUR.NRW 2023 to the RWTH start-up SA-Dynamics; from left to right: Oliver Krischer (Minister for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Transport of the State of NRW), Sascha Schriever (SA-Dynamics); Maximilian Mohr (SA-Dynamics); Jens Hofer (SA-Dynamics); Christian Schwotzer (SA-Dynamics)

AACHEN, Germany — January 26, 2024 — The Germany-based start-up SA-Dynamics is developing sustainable, bio-based and biodegradable insulation materials made from aerogel fibres, thereby setting new standards in resource-saving construction. Dr. Sascha Schriever (Institut für Textiltechnik ITA), Maximilian Mohr (ITA), Dr. Jens Hofer (ITA Postdoc) and Dr. Christian Schwotzer (Department for Industrial Furnaces and Heat Engineering IOB), who trained at RWTH Aachen University, were awarded first place in the KUER.NRW Business Plan Competition 2023 and prize money of 6,000 euros.

NRW Environment Minister Oliver Krischer honored the winners on December 4, 2023, at the Ministry of the Environment in Düsseldorf, Germany.

Bio-based aerogel fibres – the stars in the construction sky

SA-Dynamics relies on the impressive properties of aerogel fibres: they have excellent insulating properties, are lightweight, durable, robust, versatile and can be processed very well on conventional textile machines thanks to their flexibility. This makes them comparable to polystyrene, but still sustainable, as SA Dynamics uses bio-based and biodegradable raw materials.

“We can revolutionize the construction world with bio-based aerogel fibres,” explains ITA founder Dr Sascha Schriever proudly. “If all insulation materials in construction are converted to bio-based aerogel fibres, all builders can realise their dream of a sustainable house.”

SA Dynamics has come a good deal closer to its founding goal by winning the KUER.NRW 2023 business plan competition. The spin-off from Institut für Textiltechnik (ITA) and Department for Industrial Furnaces and Heat Engineering (IOB) at RWTH Aachen University is scheduled for spring 2025.

Posted: January 26, 2024

Source: The Institut für Textiltechnik (ITA) of RWTH Aachen University

 

A Match Made For Comfort: Barrett Distribution Centers Partners With #1 Pillow Maker COOP Sleep Goods

FRANKLIN, Mass. — January 24, 2024 — Today, Barrett Distribution Centers, a pioneering name in third-party logistics (3PL) since 1941, is thrilled to announce its new partnership with the rapidly growing, direct-to-consumer (DTC) brand COOP Sleep Goods. Following a rigorous selection process, which saw several industry competitors vying for the opportunity, COOP has chosen Barrett as their 3PL provider to support their current eCommerce fulfillment needs as well as their rapid omnichannel expansion. COOP will also be taking advantage of the robust Managed Transportation solution at Barrett.

Bailey Kelly, senior director of Operations & Supply Chain, spearheaded the selection process on behalf of COOP. “We felt like Barrett had everything COOP needed in a level-up 3PL partner: extensive B2B/Retail Compliance experience, NetSuite & retail trading partner integrations along with a very competitive Managed Transportation product,” Bailey said. “We had a very successful holiday peak season with Barrett in 2023 and have been very pleased with our decision.”

COOP Sleep Goods launched out of the Memphis region this past October, where Barrett maintains a strong campus of premium eCommerce fulfillment centers powered by automated, robotics-driven pick solutions.

Mark Healy, vice president of Customer Solutions, shared his perspective: “We are thrilled to be the chosen partner of COOP Sleep Goods. The COOP brand is growing rapidly across multiple channels, which was a perfect fit for Barrett’s omnichannel fulfillment expertise. Very proud to be supporting their dynamic growth and brand awareness as the #1 rated pillow by Consumer Reports.”

COOP Sleep Goods, renowned for their innovative approach to sleep comfort, offers a range of adjustable, quality sleep products. Its flagship product, “The Original” pillow, along with others like “The Eden” and “The Original Body Pillow,” highlight COOP’s commitment to versatile, comfortable sleep solutions that cater to various sleeping styles. Emphasizing individual comfort, COOP designs products like the “Original Maternity Pillow” and the “Eden Cool+” collection, which provide targeted support and cooling features. This focus on adaptability and customer satisfaction, evident in their 100-day return policy, cements COOP’s position as a leader in enhancing sleep experiences.

Barrett’s partnership with COOP Sleep Goods highlights the logistics company’s industry reputation. With its extensive North American network, Barrett excels in blending large-scale capabilities with a personalized approach to service. This unique combination enables them to efficiently handle major demands while maintaining a deep commitment to their partners’ success, a balance that’s crucial for COOP Sleep Goods and other growing brands.

Posted: January 25, 2024

Source: Barrett Distribution Centers

Sun Chemical Pigments Obtain ECO PASSPORT By OekoTex® Certification

PARSIPPANY, N.J. — January 25, 2024 — Sun Chemical has completed the ECO PASSPORT by OEKO-TEX® certification for a selected range of pigments, achieving ZDHC (Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals) Level 3 accreditation, the highest level possible by the ZDHC Foundation, an organization committed to safeguarding the planet by ensuring hazardous chemicals are phased out in the textile/apparel value chains.

Luwigshafen Site

The ECO PASSPORT certification tests textile and leather chemicals for harmful substances and evaluates the ecological integrity of the chemical manufacturer. The process includes a CAS number screening, an analytical laboratory text, a self-assessment and an on-site visit.

“Sun Chemical is the first pigment manufacturer world-wide to achieve the ECO PASSPORT by OEKO-TEX® with ZDHC Level 3 conformance and it means that our chemical formulation would always conform with ZDHC latest standards for safer products,” said Dr. Christof Kujat, global head Industry Segment Plastics, Color Materials, Sun Chemical. “This important certification process began in 2020, demonstrating Sun Chemical’s dedication to environmental progress and representing the first of many future certifications to advance the sustainability of our products and the markets we service.”

Monthey Site

The ECO PASSPORT by OEKO-TEX® certification indicates a significant step for Sun Chemical toward achieving sustainability within the pigments for plastics industry. The certification further benefits the entire value chain by making strong advances to meet the requirements set by the EU Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles, to achieve the separate collection of textile waste by the start of 2025.

Posted: January 25, 2024

Source: Sun Chemical Corp.

ROICA™ By Asahi Kasei: The Key Ingredient For A Contemporary, Performance & Well Being Driven Smart Wardrobe

TOKYO — January 25, 2024 — In the dynamic world of fashion and textiles, ROICA™ by Asahi Kasei stands as a premium smart stretch fiber designed for the modern wardrobe. It enhances any clothing in fashion, lingerie, sport athleisure and hosiery by providing the appropriate well-being and stretch performance, transforming everyday garments into specialty items. ROICA caters to the demands of contemporary consumers by offering quality, pleasure, and confidence. ROICA’s range includes speciality yarns like ROICA Eco-Smart™ family for sustainable solutions, completed by other families catering colour, shape, resistance and odor neutralizing solutions. All key innovations to fit everyday life needs.

At ROICA by Asahi Kasei, we understand the evolving needs of the modern wardrobe. Our range of yarns is designed to cater to a variety of applications, ensuring that each garment is not only beautiful but also excels in performance. The great stretch and recovery properties of ROICA yarns make them ideal for a wide array of clothing categories, promising comfort without compromising on style and performance.

ROICA Eco-Smart™: Leading the Change in Sustainable Fashion

In our commitment to sustainability, the ROICA Eco-Smart family has sustainable yarn range that is a testament to our dedication to environmental responsibility, offering a smart choice without sacrificing quality or performance. The ROICA Eco-Smart range is a great example of how contemporary fashion can align with smart values.

ROICA EF: First ever recycled stretch innovation in ROICA™, re-made from pre-consumer materials and supporting waste reduction. By choosing fabrics or garments with ROICATM EF, you automatically re-shape your contemporary wardrobe more sustainably with smart responsible values. This yarn is Certified to OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 CLASS 1 independently specialized for recycled product.

ROICA V550: Selecting fabrics and garments with ROICA V550 means you can reconfigure the way you dress more sustainably. This yarn is a pioneer in eco-circular stretch and represents the world-first sustainable degradable yarn by Asahi Kasei decomposed to CO2 and water after degradation. ROICA V550 is rewarded with a C2C certified Material Health Certificate™**.

Embracing Innovation in Spring/Summer 25

With the onset of the SS25 season, we are excited to unveil the innovative applications of our yarns across various segments featured and interpreted by our partners latest innovations that will be presented during next round of textile fairs:

  • DENIM: Redefining the classic denim with added comfort, durability and sustainability. Partners: ARTISTIC MILLINERS, CANDIANI, PROSPERITY.
  • ESSENTIALS: Experience the next level of luxury with ROICA™ in lingerie, shapewear, and intimates, offering a quality fit and luxe finishing. Partners: MAGLIFICIO RIPA, DRESDNER SPITZEN, ILUNA GROUP, TESSITURA COLOMBO ANTONIO, CIFRA, LAUMA FABRIC.
  • STYLE#FIT: From casual to occasion wear, ROICATM brings comfort, flexibility, and smart fit to dresses, tailoring, shirting, and knitwear. Partners: BRUGNOLI, CIFRA, INNOVA FABRICS, MAGLIFICIO RIPA, PENN TEXTILE SOLUTIONS, SITIP, SOFILETA.
  • ACTIVATION: Perfect for gym, yoga, cycling, and athleisure, ROICATM offers freedom and high performance for every moment. Partners: BRUGNOLI, CIFRA, INNOVA FABRICS, MAGLIFICIO RIPA, PENN TEXTILE, SITIP, SOFILETA.

ROICA by Asahi Kasei continues to redefine the standards of contemporary fashion, intertwining elegance with responsible consciousness. Join us in embracing a future where fashion and sustainability coexist in harmony.

Last but not least, ROICA by Asahi Kasei commitment to sustainability as a company is demonstrated by the “Sustainability Facts”. This document not only showcases the environmental profile of our responsible and innovative yarns but also includes comprehensive company and production responsibility information. We believe in the power of showing the real journey – both of our company and our products. It’s more than just a practice; it’s our commitment to a sustainable future, offering a competitive edge and adding value to businesses.

** This certificate verifies that chemicals and materials used in the product have been selected to prioritize the protection of human health and the environment, generating a positive impact on the quality of materials available for future use and cycling. Based on the assessment methodology set out in the Cradle to Cradle Certified Product standard for the Material Health category, this certificate verifies that chemicals and materials used in the product are selected to prioritize the protection of human health and the environment, generating a positive impact on the quality of materials available for future use and cycling.

Posted: January 25, 2024

Source: ROICA™ by Asahi Kasei

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