Naia™ Renew Receives Global Recycled Standard Certification

KINGSPORT, Tennessee — December 14, 2023 — Eastman Naia™ Renew cellulosic fiber received Global Recycled Standard (GRS) certification on December 13. This certifies Naia™ Renew recycled content, chain of custody, social and environmental practices, and chemical restrictions.

Textile Exchange, a global non-profit for sustainable change in the fashion and textile industry, manages the GRS certification process. Certification is achieved through an audit from independent third-party certifying body SCS Global Services and applies to the full supply chain and addresses traceability, environmental principles, social requirements, chemical content and labeling.

“We’re honored to add GRS certification to our list of Naia certifications that support our sustainability goals,” said Claudia de Witte, sustainability leader for Eastman textiles. “Third-party certifications help us build our brand trustworthiness. It’s our goal to make sustainable textiles available to all, and we do that by building trust with our customers and collaborators. This certification adds even more credibility to our fibers and our sustainability story, which we’re proud to share.”

In June 2023, Textile Exchange made an important announcement regarding its Alternative Volume Reconciliation (VR2) policy, which broadened the range of chemical recycling technologies eligible for mass balance. Notably, this expansion now encompasses gasification, the technical description of Eastman’s molecular recycling technology known as carbon renewal technology. Eastman collaborated with Textile Exchange and other stakeholders to educate the industry about the value and contribution of its molecular recycling technology. This policy update is critical for Eastman because it allows the company’s innovative material-to-material recycling technology to be audited for GRS certification.

Molecular recycling technologies at Eastman break waste down into its molecular building blocks allowing the materials to be used in new materials that are indistinguishable from non-recycled materials. By expanding the GRS to include gasification, the global standard now allows for a broader approach to making sustainable textiles accessible to everyone.

“Collaboration is one of Eastman’s greatest strengths,” de Witte said. “That’s why we continually engage with industry leaders and associations to help shape the future of sustainable textiles. We’re thrilled Textile Exchange made the decision to expand the scope of VR2 to include gasification. This is a big win for Naia and the future of textiles sustainability.”

In recent years, the textiles industry has shifted toward circular materials to help tackle one of the largest challenges facing the planet: waste pollution, especially textile waste. Eastman molecular recycling is complementary to mechanical recycling and is a solution for hard-to-recycle waste material, including textiles, which are impacted by factors like fiber blends, chemicals and additives.

Naia Renew is produced from 60-percent sustainably sourced wood pulp and 40-percent GRS-certified* waste materials that would otherwise be destined for landfills through Eastman’s patented molecular recycling technology. The certification verifies the processes of chemical recycling, concentrating, extrusion, and spinning of the undyed yarns and fibers.

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

Posted: December 14, 2023

Source: Eastman

DeRUCCI To Unveil Innovative AIoT Sleep Health Technologies At CES 2024

DONGGUAN, China — December 14, 2023 — The DeRUCCI Group, a public company and sleep technology brand, announced today that it will be launching a new line of sleep health technologies at CES 2024, including award-winning smart mattresses, anti-snore pillows, intelligent height adjustable pillows, intelligent voice control panels, curtain tracks, and other smart IoT sleep solutions to help people have a healthier sleep and reduce health risks. The T11 Pro Smart Mattress, winner of the CES 2024 Innovation Award in two categories: Digital Health and Smart Home, and the full DeRUCCI AI IoT line will be showcased at CES 2024 from January 9-12, 2024, at the DeRUCCI Booth #52943 in the Venetian Expo, Level 2, Halls A-D.

A pioneer in the sleep industry, DeRUCCI has pushed the boundaries of innovation to create products that enhance sleep quality and good health. DeRUCCI will be a hub of activity during CES 2024, showcasing the following AI innovations:

  • Smart Mattresses: the DeRUCCI T11 Pro and MWI1 Smart Mattresses are Artificial Intelligence smart sleep IoT solutions based on extensive sleep/health research with international universities and institutions. The DeRUCCI smart mattresses are the first to actually warn users about potential health issues before they are aware of them, monitoring and instantly adjusting to the individual’s health for optimal sleep. The mattresses combine DeRUCCI’s patented AI technologies and software algorithms with sophisticated styling, employing AI sleep/health sensors that automatically track body shape and changes in sleeping position, body temperature, heart rate, and health with air support units that instantly respond to each person. The mattresses also connect to DeRUCCI and other IoT home appliances to control the bedroom’s smart thermostat, air conditioner, aromatherapy, air purifier, sleep-enhancing lighting, meditation products, sleep aids, and other IoT devices.
  • Anti-Snore Pillow: the DeRUCCI Anti-Snore Pillow is the first all-in-one smart pillow that integrates monitoring, screening, and intervention to alleviate snoring and reduce the risk of sleep apnea, which can often be a precursor to serious disease. The Anti-Snore Smart Pillow is an intelligent pillow and app solution that alleviates snoring by adjusting the position of the head for the highest effectiveness on the market, reducing snoring by up to 89% (data from an internal clinical trial).
  • Intelligent Height Adjustable Pillow: The height can be adjusted according to different individuals’ neck curves. Designed for neck support and better sleep, the Intelligent Height Adjustable Pillow monitors sleeping positions and dynamically adjusts the pillow height throughout the entire sleep cycle relieving neck fatigue and ensuring that the user wakes up feeling refreshed. The smart pillow also offers comprehensive sleep support with various sleep assistance modes to help users fall asleep more easily with detailed sleep reports to gain deep insights into sleep habits to optimize sleep quality.
  • DeRUCCI AI Tidal Algorithm: A first of its kind, the DeRUCCI patented Tidal algorithm simultaneously adapts and customizes to each user’s various individual sleeping positions and makes real-time adjustments to perfectly match height, shape, and body areas, such as shoulders, back, waist, hips, and legs. DeRUCCI leverages its research in ergonomics, AI, and big data, and analyzes factors, such as Body Mass Index (BMI), sleeping positions, pressure distribution, height, and firmness.
  • Air Support Units: Piezoelectric ceramic sensors control rubber-sensing airbags and support materials, such as springs, foam, and latex. The airbag’s height and firmness are also adjusted for position and smoothness.
  • AI Sleep Monitoring: analyzes changes in users’ physiological parameters monitoring sleep with reports on sleep quality, making it easier to reach deep sleep. Provides personalized sleep consultations and recommendations with sleep medicine and wellness companies to optimize sleep, exercise, and diet, essential for elderly care and specialized sports.
  • AI Sleep Health Warnings: analyzes users’ disease data, along with geographic location, age, and sleep monitoring metrics to provide early chronic disease warnings.
  • DeRUCCI IoT Products: Other DeRUCCI IoT home products in the new line-up include the Intelligent Switch, Intelligent Voice Control Panel, Intelligent Gateway, and Curtain Track, among others.

The DeRUCCI AIoT line of sleep health products will be available in the U.S. in 2024. DeRUCCI’s mission is to provide innovative sleep solutions that contribute to a healthier, well-rested world. For more information about DeRUCCI’s participation in CES 2024 and its innovative products, stop by the DeRUCCI Booth #52943 at the Venetian Expo at CES or visit the website at https://www.derucci.com

Posted: December 14, 2023

Source: The DeRUCCI Group

Kraig Biocraft Laboratories Announces Early Start To Production Season With Successful Small Batch Delivery Of Spider Silk

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — December 14, 2023 — Kraig Biocraft Laboratories Inc., the biotechnology company focused on the development and commercialization of spider silk, today announces the early start to the production season with the successful manufacture and delivery of the most recent batch of recombinant spider silk. Silk from this production cycle was processed into finished reeled raw silk and happily received on site by the company’s Senior management this week.

The delivery of this silk further reinforces the company’s planned production model. With this successful effort, the company is now accelerating its plans for the upcoming 2024 production season and beyond.

“I am very excited to have produced this small batch ahead of our upcoming field trials scheduled for this spring. This early production bodes very well for the pending trials, and indicates, to me, that we are well on track to meet our spider silk production targets for 2024,” said CEO and Founder Kim Thompson.

Posted: December 14, 2023

Source: Kraig Biocraft Laboratories Inc.

DOMOTEX 2024 – Floorings In All Varieties

HANNOVER, Germany— December 14, 2023 — After a successful comeback at the beginning of the year, a promising response is already emerging for the 34th edition of the trade fair for carpets and floor coverings. In addition to top exhibitors from the Carpets & Rugs sector, numerous global brands from the flooring industry will be exhibiting in January, underlining the global significance of DOMOTEX with their participation.

Domotex 2023

Well-known and long-standing exhibitors such as Area Floors, Amorim, Lamett, Li & Co., Camsan, Design Parquet, CFL Flooring, AGT, Forestry Timber, STP, SWISS KRONO, Decospan, Massive Holding, Floorify and Granorte have confirmed their participation. However, new exhibitors or those who have not participated for several years are also back in 2024 – including Kronospan and Kaindl, mFlor, Onefloor, Republic, Classen, Gerflor and MeisterWerke. From the field of application and installation technology, Neuhofer, SELIT, Välinge, Estillon, Shaper Origin, ADESIV, KLEIBERIT and i4F have also announced their participation.

For Gurjeet Singh, Managing Director of Forestry Timber, participation in the upcoming DOMOTEX is a question of fact: “For Gurjeet Singh, CEO of Forestry Timber, participation in the upcoming DOMOTEX is a matter of course: “Forestry Timber has been an exhibitor at DOMOTEX for many years. We always look forward to making our way to Hannover to meet our key buyers from Europe and around the world and make new contacts!”

Informative & inspiring – The side events of DOMOTEX 2024

In addition to the main exhibition, DOMOTEX will once again offer a variety of side events designed to provide important impulses for the day-to-day business of all trade visitors. Stephan Hermes, Managing Director of Porta Möbel, agrees: “As furniture retailers, we obtain important information about the market including evaluations and insights on current developments at DOMOTEX.”

THE GREEN COLLECTION – The touchpoint for sustainability

For the second time, THE GREEN COLLECTION in Hall 23 will highlight the latest developments in the fields of sustainability, circular economy and environmental protection in the carpet and flooring industry for visitors to experience first-hand. The special display includes current research projects by TFI Aachen, a haptic material show by raumprobe and exceptional product presentations by companies such as Uzin Utz, Classen and Gerflor.

RETAILERS‘ PARK – Everything for floors, walls and ceilings

In collaboration with DECOR-UNION and the MEGA Group, DOMOTEX will be expanding its portfolio to include the two product segments “wall” and “ceiling” for the first time. In addition to other flooring suppliers, the RETAILERS’ PARK in Hall 19/20 will feature products for holistic interior design, including paints and coatings from Südwest, Meffert and PPG Coatings as well as wallpapers from AS and Erfurt. Participants can also look forward to practical solutions for their day-to-day business, presented in the area’s own user forum through hands-on live demonstrations.

DOMOTEX on Stage – Topics that really matter

The conference program in Hall 23 features leading experts from the retail sector, associations, architecture, interior design, trade and politics, who will offer a holistic view of the topics of the future for the entire industry. On Friday, 12 January, German politician and member of the European Parliament Reinhard Bütikofer will give a presentation on the European Green Deal. Joachim Stumpp, Managing Director of raumprobe, and Chiara Rodriguez from Materially will report on sustainable materials. In addition to sustainability, topics relating to trends, new work and the shortage of skilled workers will also play a keyrole at DOMOTEX on Stage .

Food, drinks and new business contacts – Networking at DOMOTEX

Nothing is as valuable as personal exchange. This is why DOMOTEX offers numerous free networking events throughout the trade fair to get in touch with other attendees from all over the world in a relaxed atmosphere with food, drinks and entertainment. The events serve as an ideal setting to establish new business relationships and to meet some business associates that were missed during the busy day.

DOMOTEX | Home of Flooring

DOMOTEX 2024 will take place January 11-14 at the Hannover exhibition center.

Posted: December 14, 2023

Source: Deutsche Messe

The International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF): Décor (Suzhou) Co., Ltd (China) Joins ITMF As Corporate Member

ZÜRICH, Switzerland — December 14, 2023 — Décor is a global full-service apparel design and manufacturing company with award-winning sustainability practices, innovative supply chain and expert merchandising, trend, and marketing capabilities.

Christian Schindler, director general of ITMF, stated, “Décor as a global full-service apparel design and manufacturing company is further strengthening ITMF’s network.

“By becoming a Corporate Member of the Federation, Décor joins a unique platform that comprises companies from fibre to apparel and home textile producers. In today’s interwoven world understanding the entire global supply chain is key for success. ITMF is delighted to welcome Décor which is providing additional insights in the global textile industry with their network that stretches across all major textile producing continents.”

Michael Cai, director, Operations & Supply Chain of Décor, stressed that: “The reasons for Décor to join ITMF are manyfold. First, ITMF offers a wide range of important information in the form of statistics, reports, and surveys. Second, it offers an international industry platform with members from all relevant segments of the textile value chain. Third, ITMF is engaging in several multi-stakeholder initiatives representing the entire textile manufacturing industry. ITMF is offering a unique international forum by and for the global textile value chain. As we strive to be part of the leading force to drive positive impact both socially and environmentally, we feel it is critical for us to engage and collaborate with the other stakeholders in the industry.” For more information about Décor go to www.decorglobalinc.com

Posted: December 14, 2023

Source: The International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF)

VERIGRAFT To Use AI To Increase Quality Of Vascular Grafts

GOTHENBURG, Sweden — December 14, 2023 — Swedish tissue therapy company VERIGRAFT today announced that along with the University of Skövde, SciCross and RISE, it is the joint recipient of a SEK 6 million grant from Sweden’s innovation agency Vinnova to develop an AI-based method to increase quality of graft manufacturing.

VERIGRAFT has developed a pioneering technique that uses autologous components from the recipient’s blood to create personalized tissue-engineered veins (P-TEV) that can be implanted without the need for immunosuppressive drugs. The Company is currently applying these grafts in the TECVI-1 first-in-man clinical trial in patients with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI).

In the new project due to run through to October 2026, researchers will gather data about genes, cells, proteins, and other factors from the recipient’s healthy vessels and various stages of the blood vessel production. In addition, data from both prior to implantation and one year after transplantation will be collected. The datasets will then be used to train an AI-model to understand patterns in the information and help predict manufacturing quality parameters. The goal is to use the method in the future during the manufacturing process and to accelerate product release for transplantation into a patient.

“We are delighted to participate in this project since our long-term aim is develop personalized vein and artery grafts at scale and with highest quality,” says VERIGRAFT CEO Petter Björquist. “The data gathered in this project will also help us move towards 3D printing of graft scaffolds.”

“Our goal is to come up with improved AI tools that are digitalized and scalable for industrial production lines of ATMPs such as VERIGRAFTS’s tissue grafts. This will help patients gain access to new and promising treatments,” says Jane Synnergren, project leader and Professor in Bioinformatics, University of Skövde.

VERIGRAFT is a biotechnology company based in Gothenburg, Sweden. The company is rooted in the Karolinska Institute, based on groundbreaking basic science with a focus on regenerative medicine since 2014.

Posted: December 14, 2023

Source: VERIGRAFT

NCTO: National Defense Authorization Act Aims To Expand Government Procurement Of American-Made Goods In Boost For U.S. Textile Industry

WASHINGTON — December 14, 2023 — The National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO), spanning the entire spectrum of U.S. textiles from fiber to finished sewn products, commended Congress for passing the Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), legislation that will help preserve the Berry Amendment supply chain and direct the Department of Defense to expand its procurement of domestically-made textile goods for military use.

“We applaud the House and Senate for getting NDAA across the finish line and are pleased the legislation will now go to President Biden for his signature,” said NCTO President and CEO Kim Glas. “NCTO sincerely thanks Rep. Don Davis (D-NC) for sponsoring language expressing concern about offshoring textile manufacturing and highlighting the need for the DOD and Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) to procure more domestically-produced textile goods for military use. The language also requires the DOD to report on the feasibility of requiring American-made home textile goods to be used on military installations.”

“We also want to thank Rep. Joe Courtney (D-CT) who sponsored language expressing concern about economic factors impacting the capacity of the U.S. textile industry to meet DOD requirements and calling on the agency to assess labor shortages, contract forecasting and lack of investment in manufacturing capabilities and report back to Congress.”

Finally, this NDAA report language calls for DOD to report to Congress its assessment of the textile industry as it relates to labor shortages, contract forecasting and lack of investment in manufacturing capabilities.

“The domestic textile industry and supply chain are vital to the warm industrial base for the production of critical items that contribute to our nation’s health and safety. It is imperative that Congress and the administration continue to support this industry—a key contributor to our national defense that supplies over 8,000 products a year to our men and women in uniform—through expanded government procurement of American-made items. The NDAA is critical to supporting this manufacturing base,” Glas said.

Posted: December 14, 2023

Source: The National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO)

Fi-Tech Announces The Launch Of Its Newly Designed Website

RICHMOND, VA — December 13, 2023 — Fi-Tech Inc. is excited to announce the launch of its newly designed website, www.fi-tech.com. The website features a fresh modern look with updated informative content to help visitors understand our complete line of machinery and products for the synthetic fiber, nonwoven fabric, textile, converting and tobacco industries.

Key features of the new website include:

  • Secure Connection;
  • Improved Brand Recognition for our Partners;
  • Optimized Search Structure; and
  • Simplified User-Friendly Navigation.

“We are pleased to unveil our new website to our customers, partners, and the industries we serve. With updated information and photography, this site will enhance the online experience for our valued customers and partners,” said Jeffrey Bassett, managing director. “The site’s new, secure and modern design reflects our dedication to serving our customers and partners.”

Fi-Tech, with offices in Richmond, Va., and San Luis Potosi, Mexico, is a manufacturers’ representative and distribution company in North America serving the synthetic fiber, nonwoven fabric, textile, converting and tobacco industries. Working with the leading suppliers of machinery and technical components, the Fi-Tech Team connects our industries and customers to the most technologically advanced solutions to gain competitive advantages in the market today and into the future.

For more information, please contact Jeffrey Bassett at 804-794-9615 or jbassett@fi-tech.com

Posted: December 14, 2023

Source: Fi-Tech, Inc.

Paka® Releases PAKACLOUD™, An Alpaca Fiber Fleece Alternative

BOULDER, Colo. — December 14, 2023 — Paka, an innovator in alpaca apparel, today launched its latest material innovation in alpaca fiber: PAKACLOUD™. This alpaca-based fleece is the first of its kind according to the company, and outperforms standard synthetic fleece in warmth to weight ratio, testing twice as warm in CLO value tests.

The original “fleece” fabric in the 1970’s was synthetic, despite the word originating from natural animal fiber. With PAKACLOUD, Paka is bringing fleece back to its origin with a pullover crafted with fully traceable alpaca fleece. The alpaca wool in PAKACLOUD features hollow medullated air pockets, which reduce heat transfer and create an insulating buffer compared to synthetic fibers, which have a heavier, less insulating solid fiber structure. Alpaca wool also boasts exceptional moisture management, antibacterial and thermoregulating characteristics owed to alpacas’ evolution in the highly fluctuating alpine environment of the Andes.

Traditional synthetic fleece, made from oil, is the largest contributor to microplastic water contamination in the clothing industry, shedding up to 250,000 microfibers in a single wash. PAKACLOUD offers a more sustainable option for the full fleece lifecycle: Paka’s alpaca fiber is renewable and ethically-sourced and the natural fibers in the fabric blend don’t shed microplastic pollution into our waterways when washed.

“What’s crazy to me is that the word ‘fleece’ means the wooly covering of an animal,” said Kris Cody, PAKA Founder and CEO. “Yet 95 percent of fleeces currently made are from oil — polyester, acrylic, nylon. I’m so proud that we’ve re-infused nature back into fleece and made it 2x warmer in doing so.”

The PAKACLOUD fleece is made with baby alpaca fiber, named for the softness of the wool. Each pullover features a handwoven Inca ID crafted by women artisans employed at 4x the living wage in Peru, and cordlock system at the hem featuring pullers made from corn byproduct. The PAKACLOUD is available in a Unisex fit in Oat, Navy and Black for $165.

Posted December 14, 2024

Source: Paka

PVH Corp. Announces New Leadership Appointments: Sophia Hwang-Judiesch Appointed President, Tommy Hilfiger North America

NEW YORK CITY — December 13, 2023 — PVH Corp. today announced the appointment of Sophia Hwang-Judiesch as the president of Tommy Hilfiger North America. She joins the company on January 8, 2024, and will report to Stefan Larsson, CEO of PVH. The company also announced today that Amba Subrahmanyam will be promoted to chief people officer at PVH. Both leaders will join PVH’s executive leadership team and Hwang-Judiesch will also become a key member of the global TOMMY HILFIGER leadership team.

Hwang-Judiesch is a highly experienced industry leader recognized for driving brand and market growth at leading omnichannel brands including Ulta Beauty, Carter’s Oshkosh and Esprit, where she consistently delivered improved revenue performance and profitability in key global markets. Hwang-Judiesch joins PVH and TOMMY HILFIGER from Hudson’s Bay, where, as President, she was responsible for the company’s retail stores in Canada and oversaw a robust omnichannel optimization strategy to elevate the consumer experience. Before joining Hudson’s Bay, she was vice president of strategic initiatives at Ulta Beauty, where she led the partnership and launch of Ulta Beauty@Target.

Larsson said: “I am thrilled Sophia is joining us to unlock the full potential of the Tommy Hilfiger business in North America. Sophia’s proven track record of driving profitable, omnichannel growth and enhancing the brand experience at every touch point will be critical as we get closer to consumers than ever before. With Sophia leading Tommy Hilfiger North America and Donald Kohler leading Calvin Klein North America, we now have the leadership strength in place for the North America unlock of both brands.”

Hwang-Judiesch said: “I am excited to be joining this incredible team to drive long-term growth and value creation for the TOMMY HILFIGER brand in North America. The opportunity to lead this iconic brand in the region is an honor, and I look forward to working closely with the global leadership team as we make the TOMMY HILFIGER brand more desirable in the market than ever before.”

The company also announced today the promotion of Subrahmanyam to chief people officer. Subrahmanyam joined PVH in February 2022 and currently serves as executive vice president of People for PVH Americas and Calvin Klein Global. Prior to PVH, Subrahmanyam held HR leadership roles at Tapestry, Tory Burch and Coach. She succeeds Julie Fuller, who joined the company in 2020 and is leaving PVH to pursue other opportunities. This succession will be effective February 5, 2024, to allow time for a seamless transition.

Larsson said: “Amba is one of the key leaders behind the transformation of Calvin Klein and the early unlock of our North America business. She is known for combining her strong people focus, deep industry knowledge and business acumen to help grow people and brands. Amba’s proven experience supporting one of our biggest businesses, combined with the strong relationships and trust she’s built with our key global leaders, will help her hit the ground running. I want to congratulate Amba for this exciting opportunity and look forward to welcoming her to the leadership team.

“I would also like to thank Julie for her dedication to our global associates, especially when navigating the unprecedented challenges we all faced during the pandemic. I have valued her leadership and partnership in establishing and building out the PVH+ Plan, and most importantly, in helping to build the very strong leadership team and global organization to execute it. I wish her every success in her next chapter.”

Subrahmanyam commented: “I am thrilled for the opportunity to partner with Stefan and the leadership team to engage, empower and energize our talented team as we work together to execute the PVH+ Plan. We are evolving our culture to become one of the best brand builders, and we will do it in an entrepreneurial way, supported by our strengths as one of the biggest global fashion groups.”

Posted: December 13, 2023

Source: PVH Corp.

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