GEELONG, Australia — March 26, 2024 — Deakin University’s Recycling and Clean Energy Commercialisation Hub (REACH) is calling for expressions of interest (EOI) from businesses looking to invest in research-led innovation projects that will accelerate Australia’s clean, green manufacturing future.
Deakin’s REACH is Australia’s largest recycling and clean energy advanced manufacturing ecosystem. Supported by a $50 million grant from the Australian Government’s Trailblazer Universities Program, industry and university contributions take the total program value to $380 million.
Deakin is calling for expressions of interest from businesses ready to work with the University on research-led innovation projects valued between $2 million and $50 million. Trailblazer co-contribution funding is available for eligible projects aligning with REACH’s key focus areas of energy storage, hydrogen and carbon fiber, and recycling.
REACH is partnering with industry to accelerate cutting-edge technologies, including scaling up of manufacturing supply chain technologies.
Amy Hunter, Deakin executive director REACH said the REACH ecosystem was an exciting opportunity for Deakin to work with innovation-driven partners to accelerate clean energy and recycling technologies that will boost Australia’s sovereign advanced manufacturing capabilities.
“By combining the brightest minds from industry and world-class researchers we have the power to push the limits of technology innovation and put Australia at the forefront globally of the transition from a throughput economy to a circular economy,” Hunter said.
‘We’re looking for partners who have compelling ideas for novel solutions, who want to pilot new technologies or processes, or who want to scale-up and commercialize projects to capture new markets.”
Tom Hussey, co-founder and CEO at Xefco, an Australian company specializing in creating innovative textile and coating technologies, is one of Deakin’s founding REACH partners.
“The Trailblazer program and REACH gives much needed support to young deep-tech businesses such as Xefco through the “valley of death” that is substantially overlooked by other government programs,” Hussey said.
“This support is helping us and others to bridge the gap from early-stage research to successful commercialization of our technology.”
Expressions of interest to join Deakin’s REACH clean, green manufacturing ecosystem close at 5pm on Friday 3 May 2024.
For more information or to register visit www.deakin.edu.au/reach.
ROCKVILLE, Md. — March 26, 2024 — The Secondary Materials and Recycled Textile (SMART) Association announces its strong support for the Americas Trade and Investment Act (the Americas Act), a piece of legislation that includes over $14 billion in federal incentives for circular innovation in the fashion and textile recycling sectors. This landmark bipartisan legislation, spearheaded by Senators Bill Cassidy (R-LA) and Michael Bennet (D-CO), aims to boost domestic circularity and innovation for textiles while also addressing critical issues such as reshoring, onshoring, and the threat of forced labor in supply chains.
The Americas Act represents a significant milestone for circular textiles, which are included as part of a comprehensive strategy to expand U.S. trade in the Western Hemisphere and enhance the textile industry’s competitiveness in the global economy. It offers strategic support for circular businesses and textile manufacturing in the United States.
Key provisions of the Americas Act related to textile recycling and reuse include:
Creation of textile reuse and recycling grants/loans, with $3 billion in grants, $10 billion in loans, $1 billion for innovation R&D, and $100 million for a public education campaign against fast fashion.
A 15 percent net income exclusion for qualified textile reuse and recycling activities.
SMART President Brian London expressed strong support for the Americas Act, stating: “We applaud Senators Cassidy and Bennet for charting a comprehensive strategy that bolsters our industry’s ongoing efforts to divert textile waste from landfills. The approval of the Americas Act is crucial to accelerate our efforts for sustainable textiles, aiming for a true circular economy without waste. This legislation not only enhances SMART’s long-term mission but significantly propels the United States to the forefront of textile recycling innovation. It ensures the protection of our textile supply chains, supports the resurgence of American-based jobs in the textile industry that had unfortunately been outsourced overseas in past decades, and fosters enhanced regional collaboration with partner countries in Latin America.”
The SMART Association is the leading industry voice in promoting high standards and best practices for reusing and recycling textiles and related secondary materials which is why SMART is supporting this legislation.
London explained: “The Americas Act is a monumental step forward, offering legislative support that powers the principles and long-range mission of SMART like never before. We stand ready to guide and support this investment that would complement our current efforts “closing the loop” on the billions of pounds of textile waste our industry handles yearly, driving significant economic and environmental benefits. With support like that outlined in the ‘Americas Act’, our textile recycling industry will increasingly mitigate waste while generating jobs and investment that can become a cornerstone for a healthy economy and a sustainable future.”
Established in 1932, the Secondary Materials and Recycled Textiles Association (SMART) is an international nonprofit trade association that strengthens the economic opportunities of its diverse membership by promoting the interdependence of the for-profit textile recycling industry segments and providing a common forum for networking, education, and trade. SMART members use and convert recycled and secondary materials from used clothing, commercial laundries and non-woven, off spec material, new mill ends, and paper worldwide. SMART member companies create thousands of jobs worldwide, proving that you can make money by being socially responsible each day.
GREENVILLE, S.C. — March 26, 2024 — Sage Automotive Interiors has announced the appointment of Dan Russian as its new president and CEO. Russian succeeds Chris Heard, who retires March 31, 2024, after a 38-year career.
A University of Tennessee alumnus with a degree in Industrial Engineering, Russian’s tenure spans over 33 years. He began his career as a shift manager in 1990, demonstrating exceptional leadership and dedication to the company throughout his career.
Chairman of the Sage Automotive Interiors Board of Directors, Dirk Pieper, said about Russian: “Dan has the experience and exposure to all parts of the company to take us forward in a way that will advance the company toward its 2030 goals and beyond.”
In 2009, Dan was part of the team that created Sage Automotive Interiors from Milliken’s Automotive Division. He became vice president, Europe during a five-year Expat Assignment in Europe — living in Germany and Italy, helping to integrate new Sage acquisitions. Upon return to the United States, Dan became Vice President, Sales & Marketing (Americas).
Sage Automotive Interiors enters its 15th year since becoming independent in 2009. Currently, Sage has approximately $1 billion in annual revenue and operates on five continents with 5,000 employees globally. South Carolina hosts four manufacturing locations, and the company headquarters, employing roughly 1,000 people in Greenville, Spartanburg and Abbeville counties. Sage also has a location in Georgia. “Sage Automotive Interiors is well positioned for the future. We are strategically positioned to continue growth globally and maintain our position as the #1 preferred supplier to the automotive interior industry,” Russian said.
The board and associates of Sage Automotive Interiors warmly welcome Russian into his new role as President and CEO and look forward to a future of continued growth and innovation under his leadership. Concurrently, they bid farewell to Heard, whose incredible impact during his career at Sage Automotive Interiors is deeply acknowledged.
PARIS — March 26, 2024 — Chargeurs PCC, an interlining manufacturer, has launched Chargeurs PCC Academy, an education project with an international scope that aims to train the new talents of tomorrow through partnerships with some of the most important fashion schools.
The initiative, which will run throughout 2024, stems from the collaboration with prestigious partners such as Central Saint Martins School in London, Institut Français de la Mode in Paris, Istituto Europeo di Design in Milan and Istituto Marangoni Firenze with others to follow across the globe. Consisting of several cycles of masterclasses, which are to be led by the company’s executive experts, it aims to educate students on the interlining industry, delving into its components, techniques of use and cutting-edge technologies.
The Academy’s main goal is to share the company’s unique know-how and commitment to promoting and upholding the fundamental principles of corporate social responsibility in all its business. The intention is to raise awareness and enrich the debate on the future of the textile industry and the opportunities provided by innovation and CSR policies. Together with the new talents, it will therefore be contributing to the sustainable transformation of the sector.
Gianluca Tanzi, CEO and chairman of Chargeurs PCC, commented: “Today there are no specific courses that train the technicians and engineers working in interlinings’ field: expertise is gained in the company. With the Chargeurs PCC Academy, we want to enhance the educational program by providing in-depth knowledge on what is a key component of any garment, both in terms of performance and fit and its impact on the supply chain and sustainability. Exchanging and debating with leading academics and the students is an opportunity for Chargeurs PCC to further progress its innovation, research and development, discover new talents and pass on professional know how to the future generations.”
The masterclasses will be supplemented by visits to the Chargeurs PCC innovation studios in Paris and Milan. All training sessions are adjusted in collaboration with each school’s faculty to meet the specific needs of their students. At the end of the training cycles, the students will have the opportunity to select materials from the company’s collections to create their thesis projects and end-of-year fashion shows, as well as to receive customized training with the company’s teams of professionals.
To date, Chargeurs PCC Academy involves eight classes of students from the fashion design degree programs of the schools selected. This is the first step in a project that aims to create increasingly customized initiatives in partnership with schools and their students all over the world, to promote innovation in the sector through a trusted dialogue with top experts, talent and the new generations in the industry.
(right to left): Bcentriqe.AI. CEO Alakh Verma; Datatex CEO Ronnie Hagin; and Shannon McCarthy, vice president of Operations and Business Development at Datatex.
SANTA CLARA, Calif. — March 26, 2024 — Bcentriqe.AI, a company based in Silicon Valley, Calif., and Datatex, a global developer of ERP applications for textile and apparel manufacturing based in Italy, have announced the partnership to deliver innovative AI-driven business profitability and productivity solutions for textile and apparel manufacturing companies.
Bcentriqe is a boutique AI solutions provider in AI-driven business profitability, productivity and demand predictions solutions, and will offer integrated solutions with Datatex ERP. This strategic partnership will underscore Datatex’ commitments with its 1000+ existing customers to accelerate customer AI adoptions globally.
Bcentriqe Inc. offers ProfitEdge and VisionEdge as its cutting-edge AI-based profitability platform with various offerings for an enhanced demand prediction, production control, inventory, and profitability improvement.
The strategic partnership with Datatex has laid a solid foundation to show case Bcentriqe AI based business profitability system with industry leading ERP solutions for textile and apparel manufacturing companies. The association also solidifies commitment to serve customers globally with Bcentriqe AI powered profitability system with a robust offshore engineering, development center in India, said Alakh Verma, CEO, Bcentriqe.AI.
“We see huge potential of AI based solutions globally across our customers, Datatex has a robust ERP suite with all modules and expertise needed to implement AI-powered solutions with the ERP and Supply chain applications,” said Ronnie Hagin, CEO of Datatex AG. “The combined solution will provide customers with predictable insights and profitability, leveraging AI and Intelligent Process Automation needed for product quality control, smart manufacturing processes and effective supply chain with reliable Services.”
SCHAUMBURG, Ill. —March 26, 2024 — With two months remaining before drupa 2024 is held, INX International Ink Co. officials are getting ready for the return of the world’s leading tradeshow for print technologies and graphic communication. One of the leading global ink manufacturers, INX not only will present a broad range of inks, coatings, and color management solutions, but also demonstrate its commitment to sustainability, product innovation, and customer partnerships in Hall 3, Booth E83 at the Dusseldorf Exhibition Centre in Germany, May 28-June 7.
Renee Schouten, INX vice president of Marketing, says the company has evolved and made advancements in many key areas since the last live drupa show was held in 2016.
“With strong leadership and worldwide support from Sakata INX, our capabilities expand every year,” she commented. “New product innovation has always been a top priority, and the recent expansion of our R&D campus was paramount in our efforts to involve sustainability for every new product we have developed since the beginning of this decade. We value our customer partnerships, and drupa is the perfect environment for us to reconnect with them and others.”
Coloring a safe and sustainable future
INX has been steadfast in its development of new products and process since introducing the Coloring a Safe and Sustainable Future (CSSF) model in 2020. Delivering innovative, safe, and sustainable solutions for brand owners, customers, and consumers is a top priority. A recent priority assessment project helped identify Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives that were aligned with the CSSF model and integrated into INX’s Sustainability strategy.
“We recognize that while delivering high quality printing inks, coatings, and services, we have a responsibility to do so in alignment with environment, society, and corporate governance,” stated Schouten. “As an industry leader and a manufacturer of products that serve all of society, we are committed to enhancing and growing our ability to add sustainable value for brand owners, customers, consumers, and our employees.”
Schouten explained that INX assists brand owners and customers in making products easier to recycle and promotes the development of circular economies. This may include improving functional barriers to enable the use of mono material structures; the use of color fast washable inks such as the GenesisÔ GS washable inks that are easily removed in the recycling process; sustainably sourced natural based inks; and inks and coatings that are designed to be highly robust for multiple re-use and returnable applications.
Driving future business growth and innovation
INX’s presence at drupa 2024 will be a touch point for discussions and conversations about future trends and current solutions for the print and packaging industry.
“In order to advance print and graphic communications for a circular world, we need to work even closer together to test new ideas across the entire industry,” says Shane Bertsch, senior vice president of Strategy and Innovation for INX. “Therefore, we want to bring people together in our booth to share and develop innovative ideas to meet future packaging and printing trends.”
INX also has taken the appropriate steps to strengthen its product pipeline for the future by establishing the INX Venture Capital program in mid-2022. The program has already netted minority investments with five technology and materials science start-ups that have strategic relevance to the printing inks and coatings value chain. The deals impact both conventional and digital platforms, and developments involve a wide range of industry market segments.
Attendees who want to learn more about all the product offerings and discuss their service and color management needs can schedule a meeting in the INX booth.
HIGH POINT, N.C. — March 26, 2024 — Culp Inc. (together with its consolidated subsidiaries, CULP) today announced that it has hired Armando Alfaro as director of Business Development for Culp Home Fashions (CHF), the company’s mattress fabrics division.
Alfaro has 35 years of experience in the textile sewing industry, with 27 of those years in apparel manufacturing in the United States and Central America for major brands. He also has 8 years of experience in the cut and sewn mattress cover industry, working with a variety of large mattress manufacturing brands. Alfaro’s role will be focused on growing CHF’s cut and sewn mattress cover business and driving the expansion of capabilities across its global platform.
Tommy Bruno, president of CHF, said: “Armando’s deep knowledge of manufacturing, sales, and product development will be instrumental in elevating Culp Home Fashions’ business in the future. We are excited to have him on the team.”
“We are excited to build our second U.S. world-scale molecular recycling facility at our existing site in Texas,” said Mark Costa, Eastman Board Chair and CEO. “We have decades of history successfully operating in Longview, and this will be a great investment for the local community.”
KINGSPORT, Tenn. — March 25, 2024 — Eastman today announced significant progress towards its leadership in the circular economy.
Selected by the Department of Energy as one of 33 companies for award negotiations to support Eastman’s second U.S. molecular recycling facility
Named Longview, Texas, as the location for its facility
Finalized incentives with the State of Texas to assist with project funding
Eastman’s second U.S. molecular recycling project has been selected by the Department of Energy (DOE) to begin award negotiations for up to $375 million in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act funding as part of the Industrial Demonstrations Program (IDP). The DOE announcement led to Eastman announcing the intent to build a second U.S. molecular recycling facility at its location in Longview, Texas.
Investment in the Longview site
The company selected the Longview site due to synergies with existing infrastructure and operations, favorable energy supply and footprint, and access to western and central U.S. feedstock pools. The location also provides enough space for onsite renewable energy. The investment includes operations that will prepare mixed plastic waste for processing, Eastman’s next-generation molecular recycling unit to depolymerize waste, and a polymer facility to create virgin-quality materials for packaging and textiles. The Longview molecular recycling facility will have the capacity to recycle approximately 110,000 metric tonnes of hard-to-recycle plastic waste.
The investment is expected to bring over 200 full-time, high-paying jobs to the Longview community in addition to approximately 1,000 temporary construction jobs during site development and building of the facility. Eastman has operated in the Longview community for over 70 years and currently has over 1,500 team members at the location.
“We are excited to build our second U.S. world-scale molecular recycling facility at our existing site in Texas,” said Mark Costa, Board Chair and CEO. “The plant will remove significant waste from the region, enable true circularity and set a new benchmark for decarbonization. We have decades of history successfully operating in Longview, and this will be a great investment for the local community.”
Incentives from the U.S. Department of Energy and the State of Texas
The company was selected by the DOE to accelerate the demonstration of industry-leading low-carbon intensity recycled PET with this project. Reaching a collaborative agreement with the DOE enables expanding the project to include the deployment of thermal heat batteries and onsite solar power. This, combined with Eastman’s next-generation methanolysis technology, achieves a step-change improvement in decarbonizing PET production resulting in recycled PET with greater than 70 percent reduced carbon emissions compared to fossil virgin production, and approximately 90 percent reduced carbon emissions when including avoided emissions.
Eastman’s planned project in Longview is aligned with the DOE’s goal of catalyzing industry-wide change to a low-carbon future. Also, as part of the award from the DOE, the company plans to support the renovation of a community center to be used as a hub for community outreach, workforce training and development, and other ongoing needs of its community partners.
“We are honored to be selected by the DOE to help fund this important project,” Costa continued. “The commitment helps us to further invest in the local community with a comprehensive community benefits plan. The support of these partners is a testament to our technology and the difference we can make for future generations.”
Eastman also obtained significant state and local tax incentives in support of the project totaling approximately $70 million.
“Texas is where businesses flourish and people prosper,” said Texas Governor Greg Abbott. “With our highly skilled workforce, unmatched business climate, and reasonable regulations, it is no surprise businesses from around the globe continue to choose to grow in Texas. This additional facility by Eastman in Longview will bring hundreds of good-paying jobs to hardworking Texans and millions in capital investment to East Texas. I thank the members of the Texas Legislature and local leaders for their tireless work to attract world-class business investments to our great state. Together, we will continue to create a bigger, better Texas for generations to come.”
“We also deeply appreciate the support of Governor Abbott and the State of Texas for its continued collaboration as we announce this large investment at our Longview facility,” Costa added. ‘We are excited to work with the state and local leaders to continue our legacy in Texas for generations to come.”
Eastman can transform waste plastic into virgin quality food contact polyesters with lower greenhouse gas emissions than traditional methods.
Eastman’s proven polyester renewal technology recycles hard-to-recycle plastic waste bound for landfill or incineration today. The company’s technology allows this waste to be broken down into its molecular building blocks and then reassembled to become virgin-quality material without compromising performance. Eastman is enabling the potentially infinite use of materials by keeping these valuable molecules in production, in a material-to-material high-yield loop. Eastman can transform waste plastic into virgin quality food contact polyesters with lower greenhouse gas emissions than traditional methods.
In addition to this newly announced facility in Texas, Eastman has recently completed its first molecular recycling facility in Kingsport, Tennessee, and plans to invest in another location in France. For more on Eastman’s circular economy strategy and initiatives, visit eastman.eco.
COSTA MESA, Calif. — March 25, 2024 — Put Vans Skateboarding’s most advanced technology ever with Anthony Van Engelen’s speed and power, and what do you have? The AVE 2.0, a cutting-edge skate shoe that both talks the talk and walks the walk. “20 years ago, skate shoes just gave the appearance of tech,” says Anthony Van Engelen of his new signature model. “Now, we’re in the future, where that technical design extends to the shoe’s performance.”
With an illustrious quarter-century career, Van Engelen has remained at the forefront of Skate Culture due to the fearless nature of his skating and his willingness to always push boundaries. That mindset extends to his footwear too, and, as a result, the AVE 2.0 is designed to handle anything a skater can throw at it. The hero piece of the design is its unparalleled knit upper, made of technical textile with a zonal construction: extra stretch at the top of the foot and the collar makes for an adaptable fit, while open knit on the midfoot increase’s breathability and a more dense knit towards the heel aid with structure and durability. Combine this knit material with RapidWeld™ (A stitchless construction for improved fit and feel with a no-sew welded upper for seamless durability) suede vamps, bottom eye stays and toe boxes for enhanced flick plus an external TPU heel cage for increased lockdown, and you’ve got a shoe that can stack up to even the most grueling sessions.
“I’ve found knit material to be super comfortable, lightweight and breathable,” says AVE. “Combined with suede in the more high-use parts of the shoe, it makes for a great mixture of design and performance.”
The AVE 2.0 also has a torrent of tech below its top half thanks to an UltimateWaffle™ midsole and outsole — a combination of UltraCush™ cushioning, a TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) midfoot support and SickStick™ rubber outsoles for cushioning and board feel — packed up in a neutral yet energizing color scheme that combines cream, white and black with a hit of neon green. “Vans and I have stayed on track with innovations over three signature shoes and ten years now,” says Van Engelen. “True innovation creates both a high-performance skate shoe and excitement for what’s possible in the future.”
Accompanying the shoe’s release is a concise collection of apparel, including the Drill Chore AVE Loose Carp Denim Pant in “Pirate Black,” the AVE LS Woven in “Demitasse,” the AVE SS Tee in “Flame” and an AVE Beanie in “White.”
The AVE 2.0 and its accompanying apparel collection will be released on March 28via vans.com/skateboarding and select skate shops. To celebrate the footwear release, a Global Gallery tour titled “Commitment to Progression,” will kick off in downtown Los Angeles the same day and touch down in Shanghai and Seoul shortly thereafter—with AVE himself present at every stop. Stay tuned for more info.
BRENTWOOD, Tenn. — March 25, 2024 — Tractor Supply Company, the largest rural lifestyle retailer in the United States, announced today it is expanding its apparel offerings for women with the launch of the Martha Stewart Garden Apparel Line in collaboration with Martha Stewart, Marquee Brands and French Dressing Jeans Inc. The line, which includes eight clothing items, will initially launch exclusively at Tractor Supply beginning the week of March 25th in 50 select stores and online.
Martha Stewart in the garden chore jacket, convertible overalls and peony long sleeve T-shirt now available at Tractor Supply. Photo — Business Wire
“This new line of apparel reflects my passion for gardening and outdoor work, so I am thrilled to share it with consumers,” Martha Stewart said. “With creativity and hard work at the core of gardening, this collection embraces artistry and functionality, bringing ease to those who strive to keep a healthy, beautiful garden.”
Debut pieces include a Garden Chore Jacket, Garden Work Shirt, Short Sleeve Puffer Vest, Cargo Convertible Pants, Convertible Overalls and more. Each item creatively merges function and comfort with personal style, designed to meet the unique needs of the modern gardener living Life Out Here.
The addition of the Martha Stewart Garden Apparel Line is the latest in Tractor Supply’s ongoing efforts to bring top brands and unmatched quality to its rural neighbors.
“Women’s apparel continues to be an important product category for us at Tractor Supply, especially when it comes to gardening,” said Seth Estep, chief merchandising officer at Tractor Supply Company. “This launch with Martha Stewart is the perfect way for us to bring fashion and function to our gardening customers, with great new styles and products our customers can’t get anywhere else.”
“From seasoned cultivators to those new to the hobby, gardeners will love Martha’s Garden Apparel Collection. As a one-stop destination for everything gardening, Tractor Supply is the perfect retail partner for this launch, and we’re delighted to bring this collection to their customers,” said Helaine Peters, president of French Dressing Jeans Inc.
