Vitamin A Debuts New Swimwear Collection Made With Certified Sustainable Material From Hyosung And Hung Yen Knitting & Dyeing

SEOUL, South Korea — February 5, 2024 — Vitamin A, a California-based swimwear brand that combines feminine design with sustainable innovation, is the first company to launch a swimwear collection made with a new 100% recycled fabric developed by Hyosung and Hung Yen Knitting & Dyeing. The new sustainable swimwear collection called ReLux launched January 29, 2024.

Hyosung and Hung Yen introduced their successful sustainable textile innovation — a swimwear fabric made from an 80/20 blend of Hyosung GRS-certified regen Ocean 100 percent post-consumer nylon made from discarded fishing nets, and RCS-certified 100 percent recycled regen Spandex — during Interfilière Paris last summer.

According to an independent 3rd party Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), the manufacture of 1 kg regen Ocean nylon reduces CO2 emissions by 73 percent and water consumption by 98 percent as compared to production of 1 kilogram of conventional nylon.

“We wanted to support the development of this new material and we thought that the Vitamin A customer would be most likely to understand why it was important,” said Mark Sunderland, vice president of product innovation at Swim USA, parent company of Vitamin A. “Our customers want to know that their swimwear is not harming the planet — and with our ReLux line, we’re offering them a product that actively improves the health of our oceans.”

Founded in 2000 by California native Amahlia Stevens, all Vitamin A bikinis and bodysuits are designed and produced locally in California from plant-based and recycled materials. As a proud member of 1 percent for the Planet, the company gives back to organizations who work to protect the oceans.

“Vitamin A has ranked among the top five sustainable swimwear brands for the past three years,” said Claudia Anselmi, Hung Yen General Director. “Given its commitment to sustainable production and the protection of our oceans, we are glad Vitamin A has attentively selected our fabric — N850 FishTale — that is entirely focused on marine preservation for its new ReLux collection.”

“Vitamin A exemplifies the fusion of sustainability and style, demonstrating that eco-friendly fashion can effortlessly inspire and enable positive environmental choices among consumers” said Laura Nilo, Hyosung US marketing manager – West Coast Lead.  “It’s an ideal brand for commercializing our 100 percent recycled fabric for swimwear, and we look forward to furthering our collaboration with regards to sustainable textile solutions.”

More information about the new Vitamin A ReLux collection of bikinis and one-piece swimsuits can be found online https://www.vitaminaswim.com/pages/relux

Posted: February 5, 2024

Source: Hyosung

 

 

Nominations Open For 2024 AATCC Awards

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. — February 5, 2024 — AATCC presents several prestigious awards each year, along with thousands of dollars in honoraria. Some awards were established to recognize outstanding achievers in the textile sciences, whose discoveries influenced the world. Others recognize AATCC members for service to the Association that has strengthened and promoted its purpose and mission to the world.

Nominate a deserving colleague, mentor, or protégé to acknowledge hard work and innovation. Nominations for all awards are due March 31, 2024. Selected recipients will be recognized at the AATCC Textile Discovery Summit October 6 – 8,2024. Awards include complimentary registration for the Summit, and several include cash prizes.

Olney Medal

Established in 1944 in honor of Louis Atwell Olney, the founder and first president of AATCC, the Olney Medal recognizes outstanding achievements in textile or polymer chemistry or other fields of major importance to textile science. Recognize achievement in textile science with a nomination for the Olney Medal. https://www.aatcc.org/olney/

Chapin Award

The Chapin Award was established in 1958 in honor of Harold C. Chapin, professor of chemistry at Lowell Textile School, who served as national secretary of AATCC for nearly 25 years. Senior members who have dedicated 20 or more years of continuous service to the Association are eligible for nomination. The award is presented as a beautifully illustrated scroll. Nominate a dedicated colleague today. https://www.aatcc.org/chapin/

AATCC Technical Committee on Research (TCR) Service Award

The award recognizes up to two senior members, with at least five years of continuous membership in AATCC, who have contributed outstanding technical service to the Association through activity in a research committee. Celebrate a committee member’s effort with a nomination for the TCR Service Award. https://www.aatcc.org/tcr/

AATCC Future Leaders Award

This award recognizes promising young professionals in the fields of textiles, apparel, and related material sciences. Nominees must be members of AATCC, 39 years of age or younger, and exhibit leadership skills. Encourage young professionals by nominating them for the AATCC Future Leaders Award. https://www.aatcc.org/leaders/

AATCC Education Award

This award was created to recognize those members who have contributed extensively to the educational activities of AATCC. https://www.aatcc.org/educationaward/

AATCC Faculty Advisor Award

This award recognizes and promotes the work of AATCC student chapter faculty advisors who actively work to ensure their AATCC student chapters are active and growing. Nominate an AATCC student chapter advisor for the important work of leading emerging textile professionals. https://www.aatcc.org/facultyaward/

AATCC Millson Award

Henry E. Millson was a renowned inventor and head of dye research for American Cyanamid. He provided an award endowment in 1979, and the Association named the award in his honor. The Millson Award for Invention recognizes inventions in the textile field. This award was created to recognize those members who have contributed extensively to the educational activities of AATCC. https://www.aatcc.org/educationaward/

Posted: February 5, 2024

Source: AATCC

Tajima Software Solutions And Coloreel: Innovative Personalization Software Unveiled At Salon C!Print In Lyon

STOCKHOLM, Sweden — February 5, 2024 — Tajima Software Solutions and Coloreel will launch a software that will be a significant advancement for personalization of embroidery designs. Designed to cater to both in-store and online shopping experiences, the new software Pulse ID allows users to customize their embroidery. It offers the flexibility to edit text, add effects, and colors.

This collaboration marks a full integration of the Coloreel technology with Pulse ID and Tajima’s embroidery machines. The result is a seamless and efficient solution, ideal for in-store embroidery services or for enhancing the offerings of online shops.

Pulse ID

At the Salon C!Print expo in Lyon Februray 6-8, attendees will have the unique opportunity to experience this solution firsthand. Tajima Europe’s booth, numbered 2P20, will feature a demonstration where visitors can personalize caps with their choice of flag and name.

“This is a major step forward in automated personalization. Not only for us, but for the embroidery industry. It shows what kind of technological advancement you can make when you collaborate with other players in our industry.This software will be a huge leap forward in the way we work with personalized embroidery, both in physical stores and for e-commerce and other online marketplaces”, says Mattias Nordin, senior vice president, Product Management at Coloreel.

Posted: February 5, 2024

Source: Coloreel

INDA, The Association Of The Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, Announces Advocacy And Fly-In Summit

CARY, NC  — February 5, 2024 — INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, will join the ISSA – The Worldwide Cleaning Industry Association to host the 2024 Clean Advocacy Summit, April 10-11, in Washington, D.C. This advocacy and fly-in summit will offer participants the “inside scoop” on the key public policy issues facing their business and industry, including labor and supply chain challenges, cleaning product regulations, promoting healthy workplaces, ending period poverty, and more.

“INDA is delighted to be partnering with ISSA to co-host the annual Clean Advocacy Summit,” stated Wes Fisher, director of Government Affairs at INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, “As an association representing the manufacturers of many cleaning products, such as wipes, and many other personal care products, we look forwarding to leveraging our partnership with ISSA to make this the most successful cleaning and nonwovens industry fly-in event to date.”

The summit will include networking opportunities and scheduled meetings with members of Congress and their staff to discuss key policies and legislation pertaining to the nonwovens industry. Attendees will have the chance to advocate for their businesses to support innovation, growth, and sustainability within the industry, while also highlighting their contributions to economic development and job creation.

The registration fee for INDA members and non-members is $250. To register for the event, visit https://www.inda.org/2024-issa-clean-advocacy-summit/.

Posted: February 5, 2024

Source: INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry,

ITMF Global Textile Industry Survey: Business Situation And Order Intake Improved In January 2024

ZÜRICH, Switzerland — February 5, 2024 — The last ITMF Global Textile Industry Survey (GTIS) was conducted in January 2024. It revealed a significant improvement in the business climate, signaling a potential turning point driven by better inflation rates, increased real wages, and consumer sentiment in the USA, alongside expectations of interest rate cuts. Business expectations for July 2024 reached a peak unmet since late 2021, fueled by improved order intakes and a more optimistic consumer demand outlook, despite ongoing cost concerns. Order intake began showing recovery signs, with notable increases across regions except East Asia, particularly in North & Central America and South America.

The average order backlog has stabilized around 2 months since July 2023, with no change in January 2024, while capacity utilization remained at the lowest level recorded (67 percent), reflecting a cautious production outlook. Concerns over weakening demand in the global textile value chain have decreased, with a drop in respondents citing it as a main concern to 67 percent in January 2024, the lowest since May 2023. Despite this weakening demand, the phase has led to reduced rather than cancelled orders, a departure from early pandemic responses. Inventories in the textile value chain are deemed average by 57% of participants, with South Americans reporting higher levels and garment producers noting the lowest inventories, indicating a nuanced view of the current market conditions.

Posted: February 5, 2024

Source: The International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF)

SRTX Announces New Fully Vertical Global Headquarters In Montreal

MONTREAL — February 1, 2024 — SRTX, best known for its first technology, the patent-pending Sheertex® Rip-Resist knit, proudly announces the inauguration of its new global headquarters. The state-of-the-art facility, now fully vertical, marks a significant milestone in SRTX’s unwavering commitment to durability, sustainability, and technological innovation.

SRTX Announces New Fully Vertical Global Headquarters in Montreal Canada

Founded in 2017 by Katherine Homuth, SRTX has made it its mission to build textiles with materials designed for longevity and environmental responsibility. The new global headquarters, now spanning an impressive 300,000 square feet — more than double the size of the first 120,000-square-foot facility, marks a pivotal move in SRTX’s commitment to vertical integration. This expansion positions SRTX to oversee the entirety of the production process, including the in-house extrusion of the high performance polymer ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). This polymer is a key part of what makes Sheertex tights practically unbreakable. SRTX’s goal is to take this polymer and make it available outside its traditional industries of bullet-proof vests, fishing line, and climbing equipment through apparel grade quality and mass market pricing. With SRTX’s new facility you can expect UHMWPE to begin entering all aspects of apparel, enabling stronger, lighter weight, hydrophobic, and traceable garments that will make nylon and teflon a thing of the past. SRTX will not only be using its extruded fibers for Sheertex tights, but will begin introducing new ingredient technologies to the apparel industry like membranes, and fabrics using UHMWPE.

The strategic shift towards end-to-end integration focuses on vertically enabled cost reduction and production of apparel grade UHMWPE, ensuring comprehensive control over product quality and solidifying SRTX’s position as an industry leader in the pursuit of vertical excellence.

SRTX is B-corp certified, aligning the brand’s commitment to technological innovation with the highest standards of social and environmental responsibility. A global pioneer, SRTX stands among very few companies worldwide achieving such vertical integration, especially in the domain of UHMWPE. In terms of financial investment, the new facility underscores SRTX’s dedication to creating a world-class production hub and is a major milestone in the company’s journey, having raised over $200 million in both equity and debt to achieve vertical integration. Coinciding seamlessly with SRTX’s sustainability goals, the new global headquarters incorporates eco-conscious practices in every aspect of the brand’s operations.

Despite achieving success throughout North America, the decision for the headquarters to stay in Montreal was paramount to the brand. Hamouth emphasized that this choice transcends mere business strategy; it represents a heartfelt commitment to bringing manufacturing back to North America.

Hamouth shared: “Keeping our global headquarters in Montreal is more than a strategic decision. It is an effort to produce a North American factory that is a beacon for others looking for a roadmap to bring manufacturing back to North America through vertical integration and best in class automation. Montreal’s rich textile history is not only a backdrop for our operations, but it is woven into the very fabric of SRTX’s identity. This city has inspired us, nurtured our growth, and provided a home for our innovative spirit.”

Beyond technological advancements, Hamouth asserted that “the expansion of our global headquarters has already generated an additional 100 jobs, with plans to increase employment to nearly 500 in the next few years. This not only contributes to local economic growth but also aligns with our commitment to making a positive impact on a global scale.”

Posted: February 2, 2024

Source: SRTX

Solesis To Open First Manufacturing Site In Costa Rica Dedicated To Custom Polymer And Textile Healthcare Solutions

TELFORD, Pa. — February 1, 2024 — Solesis — a custom designer, developer, and manufacturer of textile- and polymer-based healthcare solutions for the medical device and biopharmaceutical industries — has announced plans to build a new manufacturing site in Costa Rica. This is the first site dedicated to producing implantable textile components, polymer-based devices and components, and single-use technologies. The Solesis family of companies is comprised of Secant Group, Polyzen, Charter Medical and SanaVita Medical, who together enable technologies and therapies for next-generation patient care.

“Expanding into Costa Rica will significantly increase our global capacity, enabling us to rapidly expand and optimize our resources to provide our customers with comprehensive business continuity avenues that mitigate supply chain risks,” said Jeff Robertson, COO of Solesis. “Costa Rica is a global medical device hub and a prime location for expanding the production of our critical healthcare solutions. In fact, many of our customers already have established manufacturing operations in this region and we look forward to continued collaboration with them.”

The world-class facility is scheduled to begin operations in the spring of 2025 in the Greenpark Free Trade Zone, the first industrial park and Free Trade Zone in Latin America that is environmentally sustainable. The new site will encompass cleanrooms to produce high-quality healthcare solutions that are critical to customers, and ultimately to the patients they serve.

“This expansion is a significant milestone for Solesis and we are looking forward to being part of the San Jose community,” said Lindsay Walker, vice president of Human Resources of Solesis. “We are excited to work with the strong talent pool that lives in Costa Rica and plan to announce which roles we will be recruiting for in the latter half of 2024.”

“We extend a warm welcome to Solesis as a significant contributor to the rapidly expanding medical devices industry in our country. Our leadership, talent pool, extensive experience, and sterling reputation in the precision and medical equipment sector (constituting 42 percent of the country’s exports in 2023) have inspired confidence, leading companies such as Solesis to choose Costa Rica as the location for establishing their facility,” said Manuel Tovar, Minister of Foreign Trade in Costa Rica.

Posted: February 2, 2024

Source: Solesis

UNIFI®, Makers Of REPREVE®, Announces Profitability Improvement Plan And Leadership Promotions

GREENSBORO, N.C. — January 31, 2024 — UNIFI Inc. (together with its consolidated subsidiaries, UNIFI), makers of REPREVE and an innovator in recycled and synthetic yarns, today announced that it has begun the implementation of a new Profitability Improvement Plan, focused on further reducing the company’s costs, streamlining operations, and investing in innovation. The company also announced new executive officer appointments to critical roles.

Highlights:

  • Profitability Improvement Plan includes:
    • Cost reset and headcount reductions that are expected to lower expenses by $10 million to $15 million annually
    • Sales transformation initiatives focused on improving efficiencies and processes expected to bolster operating margins by $6 million annually
  • Savings are expected to be invested into margin accretive opportunities and product innovation for REPREVE and will be used to strengthen the Company’s financial profile beyond actions taken to date
  • A.J. Eaker promoted to executive vice president and CFO
  • Meredith S. Boyd promoted to executive vice president and chief product officer
  • Brian D. Moore promoted to executive vice president and president of Unifi Manufacturing Inc.
  • Gregory K. Sigmon promoted to executive vice president, general counsel and corporate secretary, with expanded leadership responsibilities over Sustainability and Government Affairs functions.

“In recognition of the current operating environment, we recently implemented an extensive Profitability Improvement Plan to optimize our resources,” said Eddie Ingle, CEO of Unifi Inc. “While this Plan came with difficult decisions, these measures will significantly improve profitability, helping to ensure UNIFI has a robust foundation to foster growth and innovation, core tenets of the company’s strategy. Additionally, the transformation of our sales processes will serve as a direct catalyst to improve gross margins and operational efficiencies. Savings from these initiatives will be reinvested in the business, first in areas that should help us accelerate growth as demand levels reach the expected rebound across our industry in calendar 2024, and then to bolster the our balance sheet and already strong financial profile.”

Ingle continued: “We have streamlined our organization and realigned our Leadership Team to support a more efficient and responsive go-to-market structure. Collectively these actions will better prepare the business to deliver stronger results as our industry pivots to growth in calendar 2024. Over the last decade we have focused on leadership development within our organization, and we are therefore very proud to announce promotions of talented leaders like A.J., Meredith, Brian, and Greg. Each has extensive experience and proven track records at UNIFI that have been invaluable to the organization and our customers. The Board and I are thrilled to complete the leadership appointments and promotions, as they will make strong impacts on their respective teams and help drive the future growth of our company.”

Profitability Improvement Plan

UNIFI began the implementation of an extensive Profitability Improvement Plan in December 2023. The first part of this strategy realigned resources, reduced headcount and further reset costs, which lowers the company’s variable operating expenses in both production and administrative activities in the United States. These actions have been completed and are expected to reduce expenses by $2.5 million per quarter at the start of fiscal 2025. The company recorded a severance charge of $2.4 million during the December 31, 2023 quarter as a result.

The second part of the Profitability Improvement Plan is focused on gross margin expansion initiatives through a transformation of the company’s sales process. This transformation includes actions designed to streamline processes, improve inventory management, and realign resources to maximize efficiencies in the current and future operating environment.

The total reduction in costs and anticipated profitability improvement as a result of the execution of this Plan is expected to reach $20 million on an annual run-rate basis at the start of fiscal 2025. The company plans to reinvest these savings into areas of the business that will create additional revenue and margin accretive opportunities beyond the traditional apparel market it serves today.

Leadership Appointments

A.J. Eaker has been appointed executive vice president and CFO. Eaker served as Interim CFO of UNIFI since August 2023, as treasurer since December 2022, and as vice president of UNIFI’s primary domestic operating subsidiary since June 2017. Eaker has held various positions with increasing leadership and functional responsibilities since joining the company in March 2014, including vice president of Finance, corporate finance manager, and assistant controller, following more than five years in public accounting.

Meredith S. Boyd has been appointed executive vice president and chief product officer. Boyd previously served as senior vice president of Sustainability, Technology & Innovation for the last three years and joined UNIFI in 2007. She has been instrumental in driving international growth and product differentiation, particularly in sustainable practices. Her expertise spans multiple roles, including Global Business Development and Brand Sales, and she has been a prominent figure at industry conferences and in publications.

Brian D. Moore has been appointed executive vice president and president of Unifi Manufacturing Inc., the company’s primary operating subsidiary in the United States. Moore previously served as senior vice president of Direct Sales & Operations, leading various aspects of the United States sales team for the past year, after serving as vice president of Global Brand Sales from 2020 to 2023. Moore first joined UNIFI in 1993, eventually leading UNIFI’s Asian market and gaining extensive experience in various sectors of the textile industry through transforming sales and operations for global fashion and apparel companies before returning to UNIFI in 2020. His leadership and experience underscores his capability to steer the manufacturing division effectively.

Posted: February 2, 2024

Source: Unifi, Inc.

Sun Chemical Implements Freight Surcharges In Light Of Red Sea Crisis

SOUTH NORMANTON, England — February 2, 2024 — Sun Chemical will implement selected freight surcharges impacted by the Red Sea crisis globally.

Against the backdrop of geopolitical instabilities, maritime transportation through the Suez Canal and Red Sea has been especially severely impacted since November. With around 30 percent of the world’s container trade shipped via this route, many shipments are facing delays and some are being rerouted via the Cape of Good Hope, significantly increasing the distance travelled and adding further costs and time. Cargo air freight is also seeing a spike in demand to avoid such longer diversions.

Vessels departing from China, India, and the rest of the Far East are being affected by safety measures, shipments delays, rotation of containers, as well as ports’ congestion, causing journey extensions of at least 20 days on the outward and 20 days on their return. Several forces majeures have been invoked already, while the situation is also causing significant cost increases and could soon start to impact the availability of raw materials.

As a proactive response to these challenges, Sun Chemical is actively monitoring the evolving situation through its extensive global network of partners. The primary objective remains ensuring the continued supply of high-quality products and services to customers. In light of the dynamic nature of the crisis, Sun Chemical is taking necessary steps to secure raw materials and minimize transportation delays.

Sun Chemical is committed to mitigating rising costs whenever possible, however, the rapid escalation in freight cost pressures has made the introduction of some freight surcharges unavoidable. Sun Chemical will communicate specific adjustments directly with its customers, underscoring its dedication to transparency and collaboration in navigating the challenges posed by the Red Sea crisis. This strategic approach ensures that Sun Chemical continues to provide reliable and innovative solutions to its valued customers in the face of unprecedented global disruptions.

Posted: February 2, 2024

Source: Sun Chemical, a member of the DIC Group

Indorama Ventures Awarded Platinum Medal From EcoVadis For Sustainability Performance In Supply Chain Management

BANGKOK, Thailand — February 2, 2024 — Indorama Ventures Public Co. Ltd., a global sustainable chemical company, has been awarded the prestigious ‘Platinum Medal’ by EcoVadis Sustainability Assessment, underscoring the company’s unwavering commitment to sustainability.

Indorama Ventures actively participates in the annual EcoVadis assessment to measure its sustainable practices, ensuring alignment with the diverse requirements of key customers across various business segments and operations. In the latest evaluation for 2024, the company achieved a Platinum Medal, the highest award for sustainability performance, with an outstanding score of 80, surpassing last year’s score of 77. Indorama Ventures is ranked in the top 1 percent of all companies assessed within the primary industries of basic chemicals, outperforming companies worldwide. The company demonstrated above industry-average performance in all four assessment areas: environment, labor human rights, ethics, and sustainable procurement.

Yash Lohia

Yash Lohia, chairman of the ESG Council at Indorama Ventures, said, “Recognition by EcoVadis is a key achievement in Indorama Ventures’ sustainability journey and best-in-class performance. Our commitment to sustainability extends across our business and the entire supply chain. We are proud to be recognized for our collaboration with suppliers to enhance sustainable practices and efforts to help our customers reach their sustainability goals. This award demonstrates our operational excellence and ability to bring to life our vision of being a world-class sustainable chemical company making great products for society.”

EcoVadis, a renowned provider of business sustainability ratings, evaluates companies across more than 200 purchasing categories in 175 countries worldwide.

Posted: February 2, 2024

Source: Indorama Ventures Public Company Limited

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