How Digitalization Is Driving Growth: Panel Discussion On The Future Viability Of The Textile Industry With Reference To Techtextil And Texprocess 2024

FRANKFURT AM MAIN, Germany — January 11, 2024 — How is digitalization affecting the textile industry in terms of innovativeness? How can digitalization be used to meet the challenges currently facing the sector? What are the latest developments? What does the digital future of the textile industry look like? In a panel discussion ahead of this year’s editions of Techtextil and Texprocess, experts considered these and other questions and previewed the trade fairs from 23 to 26 April 2024.

Digitalization has by no means carved out a place for itself in the work processes of many companies. A study conducted by the German Economic Institute in 2022 revealed that, for example, only 31 percent of companies in Germany are able to use data efficiently[1]. However, it is essential for companies to improve their digital infrastructure because legal regulations, such as the EU strategy for sustainable and circular textiles and the associated digital product passport, require a corresponding level of digitalization. At the same time, digitalization helps to meet the sustainability requirements of customers and partners, for example, by improving supply chain transparency or resource calculation. Thus, companies wanting to remain competitive and produce efficiently and flexibly, can no longer avoid digital technologies. Digitalization offers solutions to many of the challenges currently facing the industry.

Techtextil and Texprocess support companies on their journey into the digital future. At these leading international trade fairs, over 1,600 exhibitors from around 50 countries are showcasing their latest developments and innovations. There, participants can find the right business partners and digital solutions to suit their individual needs. The extensive program creates the ideal setting for discussions with the industry and experts.

“The sectors have an enormous potential for innovation, especially in the field of digitalization. We can only realize this through a joint international exchange of information. The global industry meets at Techtextil and Texprocess. Dialogue, knowledge transfer, unique innovations and multifaceted solutions strengthen companies on their journey into the future,” said Olaf Schmidt, vice president Textiles & Textile Technologies, Messe Frankfurt.

Panel talk: From yarn to smart textiles – how digitalization is driving growth

In the panel discussion, Prof. Thomas Gries, director of the Institute of Textile Technology (ITA) at RWTH Aachen University, Elgar Straub, managing director of VDMA Textile Care, Fabric & Leather Technologies, and Olaf Schmidt, vice president Textiles & Textile Technologies of Messe Frankfurt, offered insights into digitalization in the textile industry from a variety of perspectives. The discussion was chaired by Zackes Brustik.

Photo: Messe Frankfurt / Jean-Luc Valentin

Meeting challenges with digitalization

Digitalization helps companies meet the challenges currently facing their industries and remain competitive. Companies can take advantage of digital developments to counter raw material and labor shortages, energy costs or increased sustainability requirements and produce more efficiently, faster, more flexibly, more transparently and more cost-effectively.

“Constantly changing consumer and legislative requirements, as well as labor shortages and more difficult trading conditions due to geopolitical changes, are constantly posing new challenges for garment manufacturers and processors of technical textiles. The manufacturers of machines, systems and processes for processing textile materials offer the necessary solutions. Through digitalization and automation for increased flexibility, sustainability, quality and increased product potential, we help our customers in their production and at the same time ensure a boost in innovation,” explained Elgar Straub.

Research and the industry are promoting innovativeness

Although many companies have already digitalised individual stages in their process chains, it is essential that the entire textile value chain be digitalised and all gaps closed if the industry is to realize its potential to the full.

“Resilient and sustainable value chains are vital for the viability of the textile industry in the future. And the basis for this is the digitalization of all process stages. To this end, researchers and the industry must work closely together. New forms of cooperation, such as Open Innovation guarantee speed and efficiency”, said Prof. Thomas Gries.

Digitalisation opens up new potential

Digitalization offers numerous new opportunities for technologies and textile products. And the latest developments will be on show at Techtextil and Texprocess. There, international exhibitors present their latest products. The spectrum ranges from manufacturing technologies, via textile processing machines, fibers, yarns and nonwovens, to functional and smart textiles. The variety of industries in which the products are used is unique. From the medical and mobility sectors to the construction industry, they are used in all areas of application. Moreover, digitalization is significantly advancing the textile industry: not only can manufacturing and processing procedures be made more efficient, but smart products can also create new added value.

Techtextil and Texprocess 2024: Up-to-date on the subject of digitalisation

The comprehensive program gives visitors the chance to update their knowledge. For example, the lectures of the Techtextil and Texprocess Forum spotlight aspects of digitalization and production technology, as well as intelligent textiles, digital textile printing and delivery chains.

The extraordinary degree of innovativeness is also reflected by the Techtextil and Texprocess Innovation Awards. The categories of New Technologies and Digitalisation and Digitalisation and AI focus specifically on the latest developments in the field of digitalization.

The events Techtextil and Texprocess will be held from 23 to 26 April 2024.

Posted: January 11, 2024

Source: Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH

Lenzing Receives Top Sustainability Ratings From MSCI And SAC Higgs FEM

LENZING, Austria — January 11, 2024 — The Lenzing Group, a global supplier of specialty fibers for the textile and nonwovens industries, has once again been recognized for its sustainability performance and its active contribution to transforming the industry towards a circular economy. The rating agency MSCI awarded Lenzing an “AA” rating for the third time in a row, placing Lenzing among the top eight percent of rated companies in its peer group. In addition, Lenzing participated for the first time in the SAC Higgs FEM verification to assess the environmental impact of product manufacturing at its sites and achieved excellent positive results.

According to the rating agency MSCI, Lenzing continues to lead the way among global companies in terms of governance structures. In addition, MSCI highlights Lenzing’s leadership in implementing strong initiatives to mitigate the risk of environmental liabilities associated with the release of toxic pollutants and highlights its strong water stewardship program, which includes a water risk assessment. The confirmation of the “AA” rating from MSCI ESG enables Lenzing to further reduce its interest expense. In November 2019, Lenzing placed a bonded loan in the amount of around 500 million euros, which is linked to the company’s sustainability performance. In line with its commitment under the bonded loan, the company will donate the entire interest expense it saves thanks to the “AA” rating to a social-ecological project.

CEO Stephan Sielaff, Lenzing AG
– Photo: Franz Neumayr

“I am proud that Lenzing is among the top eight percent of the world’s most sustainable companies. At Lenzing, we are working hard to make our industries even more sustainable and to drive the transformation of the textile business model from a linear to a circular economy model. This approach is firmly anchored in our strategy and corporate values. I am therefore particularly pleased about the MSCI rating and that we as the Lenzing Group have also achieved excellent results in the SAC Higgs FEM,” said Stephan Sielaff, CEO of SAC is an alliance of the apparel, footwear and textile industries in which Lenzing is an active member.

Lenzing has achieved outstanding results in the Facility Environmental Module (FEM) assessment. The Higgs FEM is a revolutionary tool for assessing the environmental impact of product manufacturing in factories and provides a clear picture of the environmental impact of a facility. Every stage of the production process is captured with this tool – from water consumption and waste management to the use of chemicals and energy. This not only identifies hotspots for improvement, but also reduces redundancies, mitigates risks and creates a common language for communicating sustainability to stakeholders.

By November 2023, all Lenzing sites, with the exception of the sites in Brazil and Thailand, which are however scheduled for 2024, have completed the first external verification of the module with excellent results. With almost 20,000 participating companies from different sectors of industry, which achieved less than 50 percent in total average in 2023, Lenzing sites achieved verified scores of more than 70 percent to 95 percent.

Posted: January 11, 2024

Source: The Lenzing Group

Epson Transitions To 100% Renewable Electricity At All Group Sites Worldwide

SINGAPORE — January 10, 2024 — Seiko Epson Corp. is pleased to announce that, as of December 2023, all electricity used at Epson Group sites around the globe1 comes from renewable sources. This makes Epson the first2 in the domestic manufacturing industry to complete the transition to renewable electricity at all of its sites worldwide, according to the company. The Epson Group consumes approximately 876 GWh3 of electricity per year. By sourcing renewables to meet this demand, Epson expects to reduce its annual carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 400,000 metric tons.

Epson has publicly committed to becoming carbon negative and underground resource4 free in its Environmental Vision 2050. The use of renewable electricity is a key means by which Epson seeks to reach its goal of achieving decarbonization. In line with this, Epson has previously declared, in March 2021, that it would switch to 100-percent renewable electricity to meet the electricity needs at all Epson Group sites1 around the world by 2023. In November 2021, the switch was completed in Japan. The global switch to renewable electricity was completed on schedule in December 2023.

In addition to sourcing renewable electricity, Epson will promote the broader adoption of renewable energy which includes generating more of its own power and supporting the development of new power sources through co-creation5. Epson will reduce the amount of energy associated with production processes and products as well as pursue further advances in resource circulation to attain the goal of becoming carbon negative.

Steps taken to switch to 100 percent renewable electricity use at all Epson Group sites1

  • March 2021: Publicly committed to switching to 100 percent renewable electricity at all sites;
  • April 2021: Switch completed at all sites in its local area of Nagano Prefecture, Japan;
  • November 2021: Switch completed at all sites in Japan; and
  • December 2023: Switch completed at all global sites.

Global President Yasunori Ogawa said: “For the past eight decades, Epson has demonstrated a proactive approach to environmental action. We have maintained the founder’s commitment to preserving the cleanliness of nearby Lake Suwa and became the world’s first company to eliminate CFCs from our manufacturing processes. Now we have successfully completed the switch to 100% renewable electricity at all Epson Group sites in just two years and ten months since declaring our commitment to doing so in 2021. This will not only help us achieve our own goals but also help to facilitate a broader adoption of renewable electricity in the wider society. Realizing social sustainability is a goal fraught with difficulties but we will act with determination to address the hurdles with a spirit of creativity and challenge.”

Epson believes that its philosophy of efficient, compact and precise innovation enriches lives and helps create a better world. We will continue to engage in practices that are aligned with this purpose, thereby advancing toward the aspirational goal of achieving sustainability and uplifting communities alongside customers and partners.

1 Excludes some sales sites and leased properties where the amount of electricity consumed cannot be determined

2 Among Japanese companies that have joined the RE100. Current as of January 9, 2024, per Epson research. 


3 Results for the 2022 fiscal year ended March 2023. Includes co-generation system (CGS) electricity and privately generated electricity.


4 Free of non-renewable resources such as oil and metals


5 A project to expand the sourcing of renewable electricity in Nagano Prefecture 


Posted: January 10, 2024

Source: Seiko Epson Corporation

 

BRÜCKNER: A Wide Range Of Finishing Lines For Carpets And Textile Floor Coverings

LEONBERG, Germany — January 10, 2024 — BRÜCKNER has been known worldwide for decades for its high-quality lines for textile finishing. The company also offers a wide range of lines for the carpet industry. For more than 70 years customers around the globe have been working with BRÜCKNER lines for coating, drying and finishing a wide variety of floor coverings.

Numerous lines for the production and finishing of carpets and textile floor coverings are in operation worldwide. In recent years, a wide range of lines have been supplied for finishing tufted and woven carpets, as well as thermofusion ovens for needle felt and back coating lines for artificial turf.

BRÜCKNER lines offer the right unit for every process. Whether full bath impregnation for aqueous media, one-sided full-surface or dot application of latex and acrylate pastes, foam or paste application via various roller and knife blade systems for backing consolidation, application of laminating adhesive for a secondary backing and laminating units for wet laminating of the secondary back — BRÜCKNER has the right solution for every technology.

In addition to the application units, the portfolio naturally also includes corresponding drying systems. These include, for example, the SPLIT-FLOW dryers or the thermofusion ovens from the SUPRA-FLOW product line, which are also used for drying and heat-setting after digital printing or dyeing. The DUO-THERM dryer has been specially developed for drying coated floor coverings. It is particularly suitable for thermal treatment processes that require temperature separation between the upper and lower air.

Line with DUO-THERM dryer for back coating of artificial turf

Like all BRÜCKNER lines, the DUO-THERM dryer can be heated with different media: direct or indirect gas heating, thermal oil heating, steam heating in low- or high-pressure versions, electric heating or hybrid versions. A recently delivered BRÜCKNER line for drying recyclable floor coverings was equipped with a completely electrically heated DUO-THERM dryer. By operating the dryer with green electricity, the carpet manufacturer now has the option of CO2-neutral production of fully recyclable floor coverings.

Electrically heated DUO-THERM dryer for CO2-neutral drying of tufted carpets

The development of sustainable and efficient products is a fundamental focus for BRÜCKNER. This is primarily about minimizing the CO2 footprint, reducing resources and protecting the environment. This also includes heat recovery and exhaust air purification systems from the ECO product family, which are available in various sizes and different combinations. They can be supplied for new machines as well as retrofitted to existing lines from a wide range of manufacturers. Depending on the process and type of fabric, the ECO products contribute to a significant reduction in emissions and an increase in energy efficiency. Replacing dryers in existing lines can also contribute to a significant increase in efficiency and productivity.

Posted: January 10, 2024

Source: Brückner Trockentechnik GmbH & Co. KG

SAi Promotes From Within To Drive Sales And Enhance Customer Experience

SARASOTA, Fla. — January 10, 2024 — SA International (SAi), a provider of software solutions for the signmaking, digital printing, textile and CNC machining industries, has announced the promotion of both Bobby Cagle as its new North America sales director and of Katherine Magee to the position of senior manager of Customer Experience.

The two promotions serve to represent SAi’s commitment to providing an excellent customer experience and to drive growth and innovation in the signmaking and digital printing industries.

Bobby Cagle, SAi’s new North America Sales Director

Prior to his latest appointment, Cagle was East Coast Channel sales manager, a role he assumed upon joining SAi in October 2019. With more than 12 years of experience as an Account Manager, Cagle is well-versed in the industry. In his new position, he will be based in Charlotte, N.C., and will oversee the sales of SAi’s Flexi signmaking software and EnRoute CAD/CAM design software throughout North America. This will see him manage Channel Sales Managers and collaborate closely with resellers and manufacturers to expand SAi’s market presence.

Cagle’s main objective is to maintain both Flexi and EnRoute’s position as the preferred software solutions in the printing, cutting, and routing markets by working with manufacturers and resellers to constantly develop the software to their specific needs.

Katherine Magee, SAi Senior Manager of Customer Experience

In another positive move, Magee has been promoted to senior manager of Customer Experience for North America. Magee joined SAi in 2020, having previously accumulated more than 15 years of experience in roles including other sales positions. Her transition to SAi saw her first assume the role of Customer Service Manager, where she managed the Customer Service, Inside Sales Team, and Orders Department.

In her new position, based in Salt Lake City, Magee will oversee the Technical Support, Customer Service, Inside Sales Teams, and Orders Department for North America. Her responsibilities will include maintaining the ticketing system, handling customer escalations, and advancing customer satisfaction.

When asked what attracted her to SAi, Magee expressed her admiration for SAi: “The company has the ideal combination of being an international company with the close-knit feel of a family-run business. I have received warmth and support from the entire company – a key factor in my decision to join SAi and to continue working here.”

Magee has set several objectives for her new role, centering on enhancing systems to improve productivity and customer satisfaction: “I am fully committed to creating a better experience for SAi’s customers across all departments. This will be achieved by conducting internal quarterly training sessions, updating and maintaining internal and external help guides, and creating a cloud-based file system to share accurate and up-to-date documentation across multiple teams.

Commenting on the new appointments, Mikki Webb, President and CEO, SAi, says: “We continue to grow as a company and the promotions of both Bobby and Katherine symbolize our dedication to constantly explore ways of improving processes as well as recognize the hard work and dedication of our employees.”

Posted: January 10, 2024

Source: SA International (SAi)

 

Naia™ From Eastman Brings Circularity At Heimtextil: Naia™ Renew Staple Fiber Provides Sustainable Solutions That Begin At Home

KINGSPORT, Tenn.  — January 10, 2024 — Thanks to Naia™ from Eastman’s innovative efforts, environmentally conscious consumers will be able to sleep increasingly peaceful dreams in their beds, as bedding and fill made with Naia Renew make bedlinens, pillows and duvets sustainable from the inside out. Waking up is also not so hard if you start the day with supremely soft towels made with Naia Renew: quick drying and fresher longer, sustainable without compromising on quality.

Naia™ Loungewear Bedding

Together, we make circularity a reality.

Eastman’s Naia Renew team believes in the power of innovation. That’s why collaborators are so important to make sustainable, circular solutions possible for the home textiles industry. WestPoint Home®, North Home, Huafang, Alkaram, and Ozanteks Tekstil San. ve Tic. A.S. are just some of the worldwide partners that at Heimtextil 2024 showcase soft, quick-drying towels and sustainable bedding that’s silky and gentle on the skin, made possible through Naia Renew staple fiber and the patented molecular recycling technology behind it.

Create value from waste.

Produced from 60 percent sustainably sourced wood pulp and 40 percent certified waste materials*, Naia Renew staple fiber is available at scale and can be blended with other sustainable fibers. Eastman transforms waste materials that are difficult to recycle — which would otherwise not have an end- of-life option — into biodegradable fibers through its patented carbon renewal technology. This is one of Eastman’s molecular recycling technologies that breaks materials down into basic molecular building blocks, assuring end materials are indistinguishable from those made from traditional sources in quality, performance, or appearance. The recycling process supports a circular economy — making the most of natural resources by creating end-of-life solutions for waste to reduce, reuse and recycle materials. This keeps waste out of landfills and incinerators while reducing carbon footprints and preserving natural resources, the carbon footprint of Naia Renew fiber is measurably reduced over its life cycle**, and — even though the fibers are made with hard-to-recycle materials — Naia Renew is certified biodegradable and compostable.

Sustainability is everyone’s responsibility.

Plus, Eastman’s process prioritizes safe and environmentally sound use of chemicals and sustainable wood pulp sourcing. Naia provides its partners with full transparency and responsibility from tree to fiber, being FSC and PEFC certified, supporting the reforestation projects with SOS Mata Atlantica in Brazil, and having recently been awarded once again the Canopy Dark Green Shirt as per Canopy Hot Button 2023 with 30 buttons.

Naia Renew has always had a strong sustainability and circularity story, and Eastman’s bold sustainability goals include having 50 percent of all its product made with Naia Renew by 2025. The company also aims to lower the greenhouse gas (GHG) footprint of the current Naia portfolio by 40 percent by 2030. Circularity is the cornerstone of this mission. “With Eastman’s molecular recycling technology, we’re solving a problem with waste, plastics, stuff that cannot be mechanically recycled and that would otherwise be probably destined for landfill and incineration,” said Chad Doub, global segment market manager, casual wear & home, Eastman.

*Naia™ Renew recycled content is achieved by allocation of recycled waste material using GRS certified mass balance process.

** As compared to conventional Naia™ products. LCA third-party reviewed by Quantis. The current REC holdings for Naia™ Renew are wind.

Posted: January 10, 2024

Source: Eastman

Dimension-Polyant Launches New Tactical Pack Fabrics Made Stronger With Tyra Technology®

PUTNAM, Conn. — January 10, 2024 — Responding to increased demand among tactical operators, first responders and shooting sports enthusiasts for higher quality, performance materials to safeguard their valuable tactical equipment in transit and in the field, Dimension-Polyant — a producer of sailcloth and manufacturer of X-Pac® lightweight, durable and waterproof laminates developed for packs and bags — is set to present its new X-Pac Tactical Fabrics made with Tyra Technology® to esteemed brands in the tactical and shooting sports industry at the Supplier Showcase in booth 51441, January 22-23, 2024 during SHOT Show week in Las Vegas.

Tyra Technology by Dimension-Polyant is the pinnacle of spread filament fiber efficiency, delivering exceptionally lightweight, incredibly strong laminates. Tyra Technology expertly aligns and orients each filament, maximizing their contribution to load carrying, tear resistance, and puncture toughness. The result cuts out excess weight and increases performance, boosting tear and tensile strength over conventional materials. Whether it’s for high-performance sails, rugged outdoor equipment, or demanding tactical uses, Tyra Technology® redefines the benchmarks for weight, strength, and durability.

Born from X-Pac’s legacy on the world’s most challenging peaks and longest trails, X-Pac Tactical Fabrics are lightweight, durable, and waterproof — the ideal choice for professional operators. At the forefront of innovation, these fabrics offer peak performance in the harshest environments. Leveraging a proprietary lamination technology, X-Pac Tactical Fabrics combine trusted face fabrics and innovative fiber reinforcement; specifically designed for the demanding missions. This unique construction enhances the equipment’s functionality and longevity.

“We designed our X-Pac Tactical Fabrics for advanced operators who need to go further, faster, and more efficiently,” said Taylor North, head of Technical Fabrics, Dimension-Polyant. “Our intention with this laminate collection was to create a high-performance carrying solution that exceeds expectations — where lightweight meets durability, and innovation meets reliability.”

According to North, one of the distinct advantages of X-Pac Tactical Fabrics is that they are available in Berry Amendment compliant configurations and showcase Dimension-Polyant’s commitment to US-based sourcing and production. “This compliance not only supports domestic manufacturing but also underscores our dedication to delivering quality products that meet the stringent standards set by professionals in the field,” added North.

Highlighted at the Suppliers Showcase will be the following X-Pac Tactical Fabrics.

  • X50 Tactical: X50 Tactical combines the renowned durability of 500d Cordura coupled with gold aramid X-PLY reinforcement. The result is a tremendous strength, lightweight agility, and superior durability for the ultimate professional operator. Available in Black, Stealth Grey, Coyote Brown, Ranger Green, Khaki, and Woodland Camouflage.
  • X50 Camouflage: Our rugged X50 features a 500d Cordura face fabric in traditional Multicam® pattern for a highly abrasion-resistant, waterproof, high-performance laminate fabric. Available in Multicam® Black, Multicam® Alpine, Multicam® Tropic, and Black.
  • XPT Manta: Engineered with a 500d Cordura face fabric, Tyra Technology core and 200d backer, this fabric shifts the paradigm, providing exceptional strength and stability in a compact, thin laminate. Ideal for structural packs, plate carriers, or MOLLE panels, XPT Manta laser cuts beautifully and ensures unmatched performance in the most demanding scenarios. Available in Black, and Coyote.

“The Supplier Showcase has been a terrific show for us, and we look forward to exhibiting again this year,” said North. “We look forward to sharing our latest innovations with many brands and retailers who are passionate about shooting sports along with raising further awareness of X-Pac among attendees at the show.”

Posted: January 9, 2024

Source: Dimension-Polyant

Greentown Go Build 2023 With Saint-Gobain Announces Startup Cohort

SOMERVILLE, Mass./HOUSTON, Texas — January 9, 2024 — Greentown Labs, a climatetech incubator in North America, and Saint-Gobain, a multinational manufacturer and distributor of materials and services for the construction and industrial markets, announced six startup participants for Greentown Go Build 2023 — a Greentown Go program focused on accelerating startup-corporate partnerships to advance circularity and decarbonize the built environment.

Innovation in the building sector is critical to achieving decarbonization, as the sector is responsible for 40 percent of global greenhouse-gas emissions. To change this, we need innovations that reinvent how buildings and their materials are planned, built, sourced, and managed. That’s why Greentown and Saint-Gobain partnered to launch Go Build 2023, which specifically sought innovations to extend product life cycles, find alternative raw materials, and enable technologies for waste revalorization.

After a highly competitive selection and deliberation process that saw more than 100 applicants from 27 countries, a cohort of six cutting-edge startup participants was selected:

  • Active Surfaces, Salem, Mass., develops an ultra-lightweight, flexible solar technology for the built environment.
  • Carbon Upcycling Technologies, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, is a circular-decarbonization solution for hard-to-abate industries utilizing low-purity industrial CO2 and industrial byproducts to decarbonize cement.
  • Endeavor Composites Inc., Knoxville, Tenn., intercepts landfill-destined post-industrial fibers and sustainably repurposes them into semi-finished goods for the composite industry.
  • Hempitecture, Ketchum, Idaho, manufactures and distributes biobased building materials, including a low-embodied-carbon insulation.
  • Puro Renewables, Miami Beach, Fla., upcycles carbon-negative biowaste for use in reducing the amount of fossil-fuel-based resin and carbon footprint in typical plastic products.
  • ZS2 Technologies, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, creates magnesium-based advanced building products that can store up to one-fifth of their weight in CO2 via a proprietary carbon-capture technology.

Selected startups will work closely with Saint-Gobain over six months to explore potential collaborations, including investment opportunities, development partnerships, and commercial partnerships. Throughout the program, startups will benefit from mentorship, networking opportunities, educational workshops, and partnership-focused programming to support collaboration. Participants will also receive desk space and membership at Greentown for the duration of the program.

Saint-Gobain is a longtime, dedicated partner of Greentown and its startup community. The company has made many science-based climate commitments, including reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, eliminating its production of waste that isn’t recovered, and excising non-recyclable raw materials. This is the third Greentown Go program partnership between Greentown and Saint-Gobain, following successful buildings-focused accelerators in 2019 and 2021 — results from those programs can be found at https://greentownlabs.com/where-are-they-now-celebrating-the-innovate-2019-startups-achievements/ and https://greentownlabs.com/healthy-buildings-challenge-startups-announce-pilot-projects-demonstration-and-more-with-saint-gobain/

“At Saint-Gobain, our commitment to carbon neutrality by 2050 is rooted in a long history of reducing our environmental impact and it’s also a true demonstration of our purpose, Making the World a Better Home,” said Basma Kharrat, vice president, external venturing, Saint-Gobain. “We look forward to working collaboratively with the Go Build finalists to help move sustainable practices forward while learning about current trends and future opportunities for a more sustainable built environment.”

Greentown Labs runs Greentown Go programs across five tracks: Go Make (manufacturing), Go Move (transportation), Go Energize (energy and electricity), Go Build (buildings), and Go Grow (food and agriculture). These startup-corporate partnerships programs challenge the status quo within each key greenhouse-gas-emitting sector as they accelerate partnerships between industry giants and innovators.

“Fostering mutually beneficial partnerships between corporates and startups is an essential piece of the work we do at Greentown Labs to help deploy new climatetech solutions and accelerate our collective decarbonization efforts,” said Greentown Labs CEO and President Kevin Knobloch. “Saint-Gobain is an exemplary partner in the Greentown Labs community, and we can’t wait to see the fruitful relationships and engagements that will undoubtedly result from this program.”

The Go Build 2023 cohort will participate in continuous mentoring and three workshops with Saint-Gobain, culminating in a showcase event in spring 2024 at Greentown’s Boston location.

Posted: January 9, 2024

Source: Greentown Labs

Pure Hockey Expands Footprint With Acquisition Of Behind The Mask

Pure Hockey is the largest hockey equipment retailer in the United States, with over 70 retail locations.

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.  — January 9, 2024 — Pure Hockey — a retailer of hockey equipment, apparel, and accessories — is excited to announce its latest expansion through the acquisition of Behind the Mask, which has three locations in Arizona. This strategic move marks Pure Hockey’s first entry into the Arizona market and underscores the company’s commitment to serving the needs of hockey players across the United States.

As a recognized leader in the hockey retail industry, Pure Hockey’s acquisition of Behind the Mask represents a significant step in the company’s continued growth trajectory. With this acquisition, Pure Hockey now operates an impressive network of 77 retail locations across 25 states nationwide, further solidifying its position as the go-to destination for hockey players, coaches, and fans.

“We are thrilled to welcome Behind the Mask into the Pure Hockey family,” said David Nectow, CEO of Pure Hockey. “This expansion is not only a testament to the growing popularity of hockey but also a reflection of our unwavering commitment to providing the highest quality products and exceptional service to the hockey community. We’re excited to establish our presence in Arizona and look forward to serving the needs of the local hockey community.”

“We are very excited to find an acquisition partner in Pure Hockey. As the industry leader, Pure Hockey provides an exceptional retail experience that our customers have come to expect from Behind the Mask. This is outstanding news for our customers, and we can’t wait to begin this new journey with the Pure Hockey family,” said Randy Exelby, owner of Behind the Mask.

Behind the Mask has three locations in Arizona, with a freestanding location in the vibrant hockey community of Scottsdale, AZ, and locations within AZ Ice Peoria and AZ Ice Gilbert. Behind the Mask brings a dedicated customer base and a reputation for excellent customer service. The store’s integration into Pure Hockey’s extensive retail network will provide customers with an even broader selection of hockey equipment, training tools, apparel, and accessories, backed by Pure Hockey’s renowned expertise and dedication to the sport. Whether customers are seasoned players, beginners, or passionate fans, they can expect to find a comprehensive range of products to meet their needs, supported by Pure Hockey’s commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.

Pure Hockey’s commitment to excellence extends beyond its retail operations. The company actively supports local youth hockey programs, leagues, and teams, fostering growth and development at the grassroots level. By establishing a physical presence in Arizona, Pure Hockey aims to strengthen its community engagement efforts and contribute to the overall advancement of hockey in the state.

A Grand Opening event celebrating the newest Pure Hockey locations will be held later this year. For more information about Pure Hockey and its growing retail presence, please visit www.purehockey.com.

Posted: January 9, 2024

Source: Pure Hockey

Epson Innovation Transforms Artisan Apparel Creation With Compact, Versatile And Intelligently Designed Direct-To-Garment Printer

LOS ALAMITOS, Calif.  — January 9, 2024 — Expanding the solutions available to the printed apparel market, Epson today announced a new SureColor® F-Series direct-to-garment (DTG) printer. Designed to open new doors for garment decorators, entrepreneurs, artisan businesses, and print service providers, the versatile entry-level printer is purpose-built for a range of DTG and direct-to-film (DTFilm) printing applications. The hybrid printer combines outstanding image quality, easy operation and flexible performance in one space-saving package to allow designers to spend more time creating. It will be on display at Impressions Expo in Long Beach, Calif., from January 19-21 in Epson’s booth, #2233.

“Traditionally, DTG printers have been designed for professional print shops – larger models that are difficult for smaller, entry-level artisans to obtain and integrate into their existing workflows,” said Lily Hunter, product manager, Professional Imaging, Epson America. “Epson has taken the best of its DTG technology and distilled it into this compact, cost-effective printer, ideal for entrepreneurs and creative professionals looking to bring their unique designs to life.”

Designed to open new doors for garment decorators, entrepreneurs and artisan businesses, the SureColor F1070 direct-to-garment printer is an entry-level printer purpose-built for a range of DTG and direct-to-film (DTFilm) printing applications and expands the solutions available to the printed apparel market by combining outstanding image quality, easy operation and flexible performance in one space-saving package.

Engineered for both DTG and DTFilm printing, the hybrid SureColor printer addresses the growth of businesses that are looking to provide customized goods and t-shirts. The unit features an innovative enclosed design with transparent viewing panels to enhance the printing process, and DTFilm printing capability allows users to go beyond traditional garment printing and transfer personalized designs to a wider variety of materials, including uniquely shaped items, to further customize product offerings.

“The new compact SureColor hybrid DTG printer is designed to create new opportunities for businesses, giving them the ability to break into the garment decorating market,” Hunter said.

More about the SureColor F1070

Featuring a PrecisionCore® MicroTFP® printhead with Nozzle Verification Technology and next-generation UltraChrome® DG2 ink with CMYK+Wh, the new SureColor DTG printer reliably delivers vibrant colors and incredible detail. White ink prints on dark garments for enhanced clarity and photographic print quality, and a cartridge-free ink pack system reduces ink replacement frequency to support productivity.

Additionally, the new SureColor DTG printer features automatic garment height adjustment, with the ability to print on a variety of fabric up to 1-inch thick. Robust Epson Garment Creator 2 software supports DTG and DTFilm job creation to bring creative ideas to life and leave a lasting impression for small businesses and independent print shops. Additional features include:

  • Elegant, compact design – Inspired by award-winning designers, showcases a minimalist exterior with a captivating view of the precise printing process
  • Intuitive touchscreen menu for effortless use – Features large icons and animated instructions for user-friendly navigation
  • Low maintenance – Automated fabric head wiper system
  • Epson Garment Creator 2 software – Compatible with Windows® and macOS®, intuitive software features fast processing time and high-resolution processing for exceptionally detailed and vibrant prints
  • Epson Cloud Solution PORT®1 – Provides live production monitoring, reporting and job cost accounting
  • Purpose-built and supported by Epson – Designed for use exclusively with Epson ink packs2; includes 1-year limited warranty; extended service plans available

Availability

The SureColor F1070 (MSRP $7,495) will be available for pre-orders in February and will begin shipping to customers in May 2024 through Epson Authorized Professional Imaging Resellers. For more information on the SureColor F1070, visit https://www.epson.com/p/SCF1070SE.

1 All features of this system require an active Internet connection and the use of a supported browser.

2 This product uses only genuine Epson-brand ink packs. Other brands of ink packs and ink supplies are not compatible and, even if described as compatible, may not function properly or at all.

Posted: January 9, 2024

Source: Epson America, Inc.

1...353354355...2,629Page 354 of 2,629

Sponsors

Breaking News

Load more

Digital Issue

2026 Quarterly Issue Number I

View Latest Digital Issue

FEATURED ARTICLES

© Copyright 2017 Textile Industries Media Group, LLC.