Hologenix Partners With Duluth Trading Co. On New Collection That Offers Shoppers Quicker Recovery And Better Rest

recovIR Jumper

LOS ANGELES — October 17, 2023 — Hologenix is teaming up with lifestyle brand Duluth Trading Company on two Duluth Trading product collections this fall that are infused with CELLIANT® infrared technology.

CELLIANT is an all-natural bioceramic blend of minerals that converts body heat to full-spectrum infrared energy, then reflects it back to the body – increasing local blood circulation and improving cellular oxygenation.

Known for their problem-solution products, Duluth Trading launched two collections this fall that feature the CELLIANT technology: Men’s Redwood Recovery Underwear and the recovIR Sleepwear Collection (available in men’s and women’s). With the help of CELLIANT, the collections aim to provide the wearer with faster recovery and more restful sleep.

“Product innovation is at the heart of what we do at Duluth Trading,” said Ricker Schlecht, senior vice president of Product, Merchandising and Inventory. “Our talented team of product developers is always looking for the latest technology to provide our customers with better, more comfortable clothing. This latest innovation in our baselayer business allows us to provide our brand fans an option to help them recover more quickly from a hard day’s work.”

“We are thrilled that Duluth Trading Company saw an opportunity to promote an advantage for men’s health. The Redwood Recovery Boxer Briefs are making self-care accessible and fun,” said Seth Casden, Hologenix CEO and co-founder. “We’ve created something unique for like-minded people that fulfills the desire for innovation through the benefits of infrared technology.”

Products in the Redwood Recovery Collection and recovIR Collection range in price from $29.50 to $89.50. Both collections are available to shop now at duluthtrading.com and Duluth Trading stores.

Posted: October 17, 2023

Source: Hologenix, LLC

Home Furnishing International Targeting Basic Bedding, Chair Pads & Accessories For Expansion

GAFFNEY, S.C. — (October 17, 2023) — Global fabric and home fashions manufacturer Home Furnishing International is planning major expansion in several product categories, including bed pillows and utility bedding as well as chair pads and accessories. To spearhead this growth, HFI is adding two well-known home fashions sales and marketing veterans to its management team: Bally Faudar joins as senior vice president, Sales; and Erin Gallagher-Brinskele joins as vice president, Kitchen Textiles. Both report to Amy Bell, executive vice president and chief merchandising officer.

“We have been enjoying double-digit growth for 2023, due to our dedicated team of merchandising experts led by Amy Bell, as well as our 1 million- square-foot modern manufacturing facilities in South Carolina,” asserted David Li, chairman and CEO of Home Furnishing International, a privately held firm with annual sales estimated in excess of $200 million. “We have been in a growth mode for the past two years, and now we are bringing on strong leadership to continue our expansion in several product categories that are closely related to our existing businesses.”

Bed pillows and mattress toppers are two areas targeted for substantial
growth, following HFI’s major penetration into the mattress and foundation
category since 2021. “We have added the capacity to produce 100,000 bed
pillows a day in South Carolina, and we felt we needed a real leader to
leverage our growth in utility bedding,” Li explained. “Bally has the
knowledge, expertise and retail relationships to take us to the next level in the basic bedding category.”

Faudar has been in the home fashions industry for more than 30 years, serving in sales and merchandising positions at industry leaders including Newport-Layton Home Fashions, Jay Franco & Sons, Excell Home Fashions and Bess Manufacturing.

Bed pillows represent a potentially-explosive growth category for the company: in 2022, worldwide sales of bed pillows were valued at an estimated $17.1 billion and are expected to reach or exceed $18.1 billion in 2024, according to a global data and business intelligence platform Statista. Mattress toppers are another growth area, with worldwide sales estimated at $919 million in 2022 and a projected compound annual growth rate of 7.2% through 2031, according to qualitative insights firm Transparency Market Research.

“As consumers become more aware of the role of high-quality bedding in producing a better night’s sleep, we see a huge and growing demand for our utility bedding products,” Bell points out. “We are making the investments in personnel and manufacturing that we believe are necessary to support this untapped segment of our business.”

Li adds that the bedding industry is intensely competitive, and therefore the company wants to provide its retail customers with a one-stop-shopping experience. “Our goal has always been — and continues to be — to provide our retail customers with superior service, rapid delivery, enhanced fashion and exceptional performance at competitive prices,” he notes.

Faudar calls his new position, “a great opportunity,” and noted, “I am excited by David’s vision and the overall strength of the company, especially with HFI’s proven ability to develop products that serve the needs of our retail customers; the penetration they already have in the bedding and home fashions market, and the company’s vertical manufacturing capabilities.” He will work out of the New York showroom and his home office, covering all categories with select accounts with an emphasis on bed pillows, mattress toppers, and mattresses.

Chair pads and kitchen accessories are another major growth opportunity, according to Li. “We have enjoyed incredible success in the outdoor chair pad and cushion category, as well as consistent growth in the fashion decorative pillow area,” he said. “Indoor kitchen and dining chair pads are therefore the next logical step in our product line growth and evolution, taking advantage of our vertical manufacturing capacity in memory foam and conventional foam, as well as our extensive library of innovative and proprietary fabrics and designs.”

The creation of a new executive position specifically targeting the chair pad category demonstrates the company’s commitment, according to Li. “We have always prided ourselves on our personal relationships with our customers, and Erin is really a category specialist,” he comments. “She is well-known and respected throughout the industry and will be a valuable addition to our team.”

Gallagher-Brinskele served as vice president of sales for 11 years at chair pad specialty supplier Klear Vu Corp., and also previously worked for the manufacturing group formed by Glenoit Mills, Excell Home Fashions and Croscill Home Fashions, focusing on the kitchen rugs, kitchen textiles and table linens categories.

“I’m looking forward to growing the indoor seat cushion business by using HFI’s impressive collection of fabrics and innovative manufacturing capabilities both in Gaffney and overseas,”

Gallagher-Brinskele asserts. “I’m excited to join HFI’s team and have the opportunity to drive sales and develop products in the chair pad category. I also look forward to identifying and developing new market opportunities for such a powerhouse company.” She will work out of the New York showroom and her home office, responsible for indoor chair pads and accessories for all accounts.

Bell pointed out: “Both Bally and Erin have very strong reputations in the industry and well-established relationships with many of our major retail customers. I believe they will bring us valuable insights and help us create and market products that will appeal to the ultimate consumer, thereby positioning us to continue our steady growth trajectory.”

HFI also is targeting the pet bed category for expansion in the future, and is currently seeking a qualified executive to manage and guide the business. “We see pet beds as a logical extension of our existing categories, given our vertical manufacturing capabilities, including our substantial selection of proprietary fabrics and our capacity for pouring customized foam formulations and generating performance fiberfill stuffing, all of which are unique advantages in the growing pet bed market,” Li explained. “We are searching for a talented team player with knowledge and expertise to help drive our pet bed increases.” In 2023, the size of the global pet bed market was valued at $4.32 billion and is forecast to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 6.6% over the next decade, reaching a value of $8.19 billion by 2033, according to data and research firm Future Market Insights.

Li believes that both Faudar and Gallagher-Brinskele can help propel HFI into new categories of business. “We see a huge amount of untapped potential in these markets,” he explains. “We believe that our vertical, global fabric and furnishings manufacturing model, our innovative product development and design, and our speed to market make us a much more valuable partner to our retail customers. Additionally, we are one of the few companies today that is continuing to invest substantially in new U.S. manufacturing capabilities.”

Home Furnishing International has invested close to $50 million in its U.S. manufacturing and distribution facilities over the past three years. The company also is a leading vertical global fabric and home furnishings supplier with superior manufacturing capabilities in China, operating more than 3 million square feet of manufacturing facilities in Rugao, Jinjiang and Hangzhou. The company’s Chinese factories currently produce more than 300 million yards of fabric every year.

Posted: October 17, 2023

Source: Home Furnishing International (HFI)

Gunze To Invest 3.5 Billion Yen In Establishing Ayabe Plants And R&D Laboratories In Kyoto, Japan For Growth Of Medical Business

OSAKA, Japan — October 16, 2023 — Gunze Ltd. is pleased to announce that Gunze has decided to invest in the construction of the third medical plant and to expand its R&D laboratory in Ayabe, Kyoto, where Gunze was founded.

Targeted to complete in February 2025, the new plant aims to increase production of “TENALEAF™”, an absorbable adhesive barrier sheet used in surgery, for which demand is growing, and to secure the efficient production system. The investment will accelerate the growth of the medical business. The first Ayabe Medical Plant began operations in 1998. As the business grew, the second plant was established in 2016. The expansion of the first plant is underway and will be completed in March 2025. The investment in medical facilities has reached 3.5 billion yen.

The main purposes of expanding the medical R&D facility are to strengthen the development capabilities of next-generation products and efficient mass production and to make the working environment more efficient, comfortable, and creative by setting up an open office for technical personnels where they can interact with others more freely and closely.

The new third plant will achieve an environmental performance rating of B+ or higher under the Comprehensive Assessment System for Built Environment Efficiency (*CASBEE) certification as striving to reduce CO2 emissions through the use of high-efficiency air conditioning and solar power generation.

Gunze promotes company-wide activities to reduce the environmental impact of its business activities, strive for environmentally friendly management, and contribute to the development of the local community by revitalizing the economy and creating new employment opportunities in Kyoto.

*CASBEE is a method for evaluating and rating the environmental performance of buildings and the built environment. CASBEE was developed by a research committee established in 2001 through the collaboration of academia, industry and national and local governments, which established the Japan Sustainable Building Consortium under the auspice of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism in Japan.

(Source: Institute for Built Environment and Carbon Neutral for SDGs)

Posted: October 17, 2023

Source: Gunze Ltd.

Greybull Stewardship Acquires Reclaimed Textile And Garment Recycling Companies

JACKSON, Wyo. — October 17, 2023 — Greybull Stewardship, a private investment firm of experienced operators dedicated to helping small, growing businesses realize their full potential, today announced its acquisition of RTCM Holdings (RTCM), a family of textile recycling and distribution companies. Financial terms were not disclosed. Additionally, Greybull has named Craig McAndrews as CEO of RTCM.

Through its operational expertise, Greybull plans to help RTCM scale by entering new markets and expand its automation capabilities across the business. RTCM has operated in the growing reclaimed textile space for over three decades and encompasses three distinct businesses including: Reclaimed Industrial Cleaning Clothes, Recycled Shoes & Clothing and World Wear Project. Together, these businesses bring new life to a range of textile products.

“We are pleased to announce our investment in RTCM, an industry leader in the highly fragmented recycled textiles market. Over its history, RTCM has helped keep millions of pounds of textiles out of landfills and we’re proud to support this environmental mission. RTCM’s rich heritage and expertise coupled with its loyal base of customers makes it a strong player in the space, and we’re looking forward to supporting the organization as it scales operations,” said Sasha Kovriga, partner at Greybull. “We’re also excited to welcome Craig McAndrews as President and CEO to the RTCM team. Craig is a seasoned executive who brings a wealth of B2B and direct to consumer experience to RTCM.”

“I am thrilled to step into the role of CEO and join a talented team that is dedicated to making the world a better place,” McAndrews said. “RTCM is strategically positioned to expand and strengthen its market presence. I look forward to collaborating with the Greybull team to harness the growth opportunities that are ahead.”

To date, Greybull has focused primarily on investing in companies within business services, franchising, education, and SaaS, though the firm also has a successful track record applying its strategy of adding operational expertise to small businesses across other sectors. The firm’s hands-on approach will help RTCM establish a dedicated sales network, increase procurement opportunities, and invest in automation.

Posted: October 17, 2023

Source: Greybull Stewardship

Westex: A Milliken Brand Announces Events, Product Highlights on display at NSC Expo

Photo: Westex: A Milliken Brand

SPARTANBURG, S.C. — October 9, 2023 — Global flame-resistant and arc-rated (FR/AR) textile manufacturer, Westex: A Milliken Brand, announced today its 2023 NSC Safety Congress & Expo schedule and booth number (booth 3437).

Innovations in Protective Garment Materials

This year, Westex will showcase some of their most popular fabrics through customer garments on display in their booth. Featuring brands like Ariat, Carhartt and Wrangler, attendees will be able to experience fabric lines favored by workers including Westex® DH Air™, Westex® Indigo® denim and the Polartec® FR Collection. New hi-vis options and stretch Indigo denim made with REPREVE® performance fiber from recycled materials are available for viewing. Westex hopes to achieve another blue-ribbon finish as “NSC Best in Show” with this denim.

In-Booth Expert Info Sessions

Building on the popularity of previous years’ presentations, Westex FR experts will give two, free-to-attend presentations in the booth. The sessions are designed for attendees responsible for building protective apparel programs within their companies. The two sessions are titled:

  • Monday, Oct. 23 at 2 p.m. EST: “Key Drivers in New FR/AR Technology”
  • Tuesday, Oct. 24 at 2 p.m. EST: “Myths and Realities of FR Protective Garments” (presented in Spanish)

Special Guest Appearances

This year, the Westex booth will include Lenzing Group and safety advocate Brandon Schroeder. In 2023, Schroeder, the founder of Believe in Safety, joined Westex at multiple regional shows sharing his arc flash survival story and the importance of proper PPE use. He will make multiple stops to the Westex booth throughout the three-day event in New Orleans.

Following their 2022 partnership announcement, Lenzing Group will also be available to meet with attendees of the Westex booth (by appointment only) to discuss the use of their popular TENCEL™ lyocell* fiber, currently used in multiple Westex fabric lines. Attendees interested in learning more about sustainable apparel programs and more environmentally responsible material choices, are encouraged to meet with the experts during show hours.

“Part of the Westex value system is to always be on the lookout for solutions to the market’s biggest challenges. Listening to our customers and identifying their needs is a point of pride for us and NSC is one of the biggest opportunities for us to hear what the industry is experiencing and take that back to our innovation team,” said Michael Langley, vice president of protective fabrics. “We’re particularly excited to share some of the sustainability and sourcing trends we’re seeing within the protective apparel market and understanding how we can help our customers apply what we’ve learned.”

All events will take place at the 2023 NSC Safety Congress & Expo in the Westex booth (3437). Walk-ups are welcome. Visit westex.com for more information.

*TENCEL is a trademark of Lenzing AG.

Posted: October 17, 2023

Source: Westex: A Milliken Brand

Sri Lankan Apparel Embracing Organic Manufacturing: GOTS

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka — October 16, 2023 — The half-a-billion dollar global organic textile market is set to grow at a compounded annual growth rate of 40 percent within the next five years and with eco-consumption on the rise, it is evident that apparel companies too, are gearing for the shift in consumer patterns. Sri Lanka, known for its ability to produce high-end niche apparel, is now focused on enhancing its capacity to produce eco-friendly clothing using organic textiles, where compliance remains a key component.

The Joint Apparel Association (JAAF) notes an increase in Sri Lankan companies obtaining the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), indicating an increased awareness within the industry of the importance of adopting international best practices and sustainable manufacturing. South Asian Representative of GOTS Ganesh Kasekar reveals a 21-percent increase in certified facilities compared to 2022 in Sri Lanka, with 74 factories currently holding certification for the period of 2023/2024. Amongst these Sri Lankan companies, local apparel giants including Hirdaramani International Exports, MAS Intimates and Brandix have also obtained GOTS certification for the sustainable production of children’s wear, ladies’ wear, men’s wear, and baby wear.

GOTS is recognized as the world’s leading processing standard for textiles manufactured using organic fibers. It defines high-level environmental criteria through the entire organic textiles supply chain and requires compliance with social criteria as well. The successful completion of GOTS certification by an approved certifier provides companies with the right to participate in the GOTS program, including using the standard and the GOTS logo on GOTS-approved goods. With the standard being renewed annually, GOTS 7.0 was launched in March 2023, with full implementation required for all certified entities by March 2024.

GOTS Key Compliance Factors

Ganesh Kasekar

Built on the three pillars of social responsibility, environmental sustainability and ethical business practices, GOTS covers the production process end to end. “Simply claiming to be sustainable is not enough,” asserts Kasekar. “GOTS has developed standards that cover the entire production process, based on the use of organic fibres, from textile processing and manufacturing up to licensing and labelling. The certification process is rigorous and requires compliance with all criteria, but ultimately leads to an internationally recognized organic certification.”

The certification demonstrates a company’s commitment to providing sustainable, ethical and high-quality products to stakeholders, partners and consumers. Therefore to earn a GOTS certification, textile products must contain a minimum of 70 percent organic fibers, reflecting a commitment to environmentally friendly materials.

Additionally, stringent criteria govern the use of chemical inputs – ensuring that dyestuffs and auxiliaries meet strict environmental and toxicological standards. Even the choice of accessories is guided by ecological considerations. Notably, a functional waste water treatment plant is mandatory for any wet-processing unit, underscoring the importance of responsible water management.

Kasekar added: “Because of the substantial impact of the textile industry, proper environmental stewardship is imperative. Emphasis on wastewater management and energy conservation is not new. Among the many inputs used in processing, GOTS only allows those with minimum or no ecological impact.”

Under GOTS, social responsibility is strictly based on the ISO, OECD and ILO conventions and stringently adhered to throughout the supply chain. GOTS 7.0 places additional emphasis on due diligence as an integral component of certification.

Worker welfare has been a core priority of all GOTS-certified Sri Lankan companies, with a commitment to preventing and opposing any form of human rights abuse within the supply chain. These companies uphold strict policies against forced and child labour and measures to combat discrimination, harassment and violence. GOTS places special emphasis on safeguarding the rights of female workers, supporting collective bargaining and ensuring occupational health and safety standards. Moreover, companies are required to address fair compensation and assess any disparities in living wages. The GOTS Human Rights and Social Criteria are firmly rooted in international labour and human rights standards, drawing from the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, OECD guidelines, International Labour Organization (ILO) Guidelines and other relevant frameworks.

Sustainability at the centre of GOTS

“Sustainability is no longer just a trendy buzzword,” emphasises Kasekar “Certified organic products offer a practical solution for retailers and consumers to make legitimate and verifiable sustainability claims for textile products. The demand for organic products is strong in the U.S. and EU markets, driven by environmentally-conscious Gen Next consumers.”

Stating that the textile industry holds promise in addressing economic challenges in Sri Lanka, he pointed out that it is crucial for local industries to align with sustainability standards, encompassing environmental, social and governance criteria.

It is evident that compliance certifications play a pivotal role in seamlessly integrating with global supply chains and international trade by adhering to globally accepted trading standards, and ideally emphasized at a time when Sri Lanka seeks export expansion, investor attraction and improved foreign exchange inflow.

These benefits include risk reduction in supply chain management, providing independent credibility as a third-party certification (as opposed to self-claims on sustainable production), ensuring quality through on-site inspection and product testing, building investor and public confidence, enhancing efficiency and productivity through wastewater management and improved eco-efficiency, reducing company costs in supply chain tracing, increasing value addition compared to conventional products, and aiding companies in adapting to increasingly stringent regulatory climates.

In a world where regulatory landscapes are evolving towards greater sustainability, certifications like GOTS help companies adapt to increasingly stringent regulations. This foresight not only ensures compliance but also positions businesses for success in markets with heightened sustainability expectations.

As Sri Lanka Apparel looks to the future, it fully acknowledges the myriad advantages offered by the GOTS certification. With a steadfast commitment to upholding GOTS standards in sustainable textile production and trade, the industry is poised to not only thrive but also serve as a beacon of responsible and ethical manufacturing, contributing positively to the global sustainability agenda.

Posted: October 17, 2023

Source: Joint Apparel Association (JAAF) on Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)

Tonello At Kingpins: From Deep White To Pure Indigo, A Show Within A Show

SARCEDO, Italy — October 17, 2023 — Yes, Tonello will be at Kingpins again this year. With a definitely “inspiring” booth, a real show within the show, divided into 3 acts:

  1. DyeMate, the ozone, THE Laser

DyeMate is Tonello’s new “patent-pending” technology that revolutionizes and reinterprets the traditional indigo garment dyeing process, taking it to a new evolutionary stage and making it automatic and repeatable, efficient and sustainable: carried out in a nitrogen atmosphere, without oxygen, with controlled reduction and oxidation, to achieve results that are perfectly comparable, in terms of charm, perceived authenticity and “aesthetic flavor,” to those of denim that fades and becomes vintage with the passage of time. With DyeMate, technology is at the service of beauty.

We will present at Kingpins a collection of garments that take the use of ozone technologies beyond known limits, with super bleach effects that were impossible to achieve until yesterday, but are now, thanks to the OBleach, EGO and O-Zone triad, finally a reality. In fact, we have totally redefined the garment bleaching process, to say goodbye forever to harmful chemicals such as chlorine and permanganate, in favor of sustainable and healthy production.

The entire collection will be embellished and finished with unique and distinctive aesthetic solutions and details: the totally natural overdyeing of Wake, the ultra-thin graphics made with THE Laser Lab, the perfect and infinitely reproducible breakages of THE Laser T and TM.

Once again, in short, we have taken the laser beyond itself.

  1. Collections, design, collaborations

The MSP – Most Sustainable Product – collection, developed together with Kingpins and Denim House, designed by Piero Turk and Serena Conti, and processed in Tonello’s Research and Development Center with the latest responsible finishing technologies, returns again this year.

Then at Kingpins we will present another project we care a great deal about: it is ONE Denim, a collection that aims to combat resource waste in the denim industry by demonstrating concretely how many new denim garments could be made from a single fabric by optimizing processes and choosing appropriate technologies and production methods. The fabrics chosen are from Sharabati Denim, the design is by Piero Turk, and the collection is processed by Tonello.

  1. SA-KE, the purpose for doing something

This project was born out of a dialogue between Tonello’s technology and the creativity of British designers Sadia Rafique and Kelly Harrington, who produced as many as 70 artworks that are partly physically present at Kingpins and partly published in a book-zine that tells the philosophy and logic of this unique and original work. A work that precisely combines technology, expressive research and all new forms of image generation, across the boundary between natural and artificial, but still totally human. And using denim fabrics as canvases on which to draw fantastic and material worlds.

With SA-KE, Tonello’s technology once again meets and supports creativity.

Posted: October 17, 2023

Source: Tonello srl

DOMOTEX 2024 Experiences Overwhelming Response: Over 500 Top Exhibitors In The Carpets & Rugs Segment Already Confirmed

HANNOVER, Germany — October 16, 2023 — After a successful comeback at the beginning of the year, a promising response is already emerging for the 34th edition of the world’s leading trade fair for carpets and floor coverings. In addition to a large number of exhibitors who have already participated in the previous event, numerous companies that were not represented in 2023 have also registered.

Well-known and long-standing top exhibitors in the field of handmade carpets such as Tisca Austria, ABC Italia, Javi Home, Jaipur Rugs, Bhadohi Carpets, Rezas, Agacan, BO tepp, Paulig and Ipek – A. Ipektchi have confirmed their participation. In the machine-made carpet segment, exhibitors such as Oriental Weavers, Merinos, Robusta, Otto Golze, Lalee, Solomon and Brink & Campman will participate.

For Yasmine Khamis, Chairwoman of Oriental Group, participation in the upcoming DOMOTEX is a matter of course: “We look forward to participating in DOMOTEX again in 2024 and will be represented with our familiar booth size to showcase our products and innovations. DOMOTEX is our most important trade show for making business connections and strengthening existing relationships. DOMOTEX, in particular, is a significant milestone in our business calendar, as it allows us to explore industry trends and present our collections to an international audience.”

DOMOTEX 2024 promises a diverse supporting program that will provide visitors with even deeper involvement and more comprehensive insights into the two worlds of “Carpets & Rugs” and “Flooring”.

THE GREEN COLLECTION – Sustainability also plays a role in the carpet sector

THE GREEN COLLECTION will return for the second time to present the latest developments in sustainability, circular economy and environmental protection in the carpet and flooring industry. In 2024, the special show will also offer carpet manufacturers in particular the opportunity to highlight how environmentally friendly approaches can change the future of the industry.

Mood Spaces – Inspiring interior design

Mood Spaces allows renowned international designers to present their designed room scenarios that reflect current living trends and inspirations. This is an invaluable source of inspiration for the carpet industry looking for innovative design ideas and trends.

Carpet Design Awards – Excellence in carpet design and craftsmanship.

DOMOTEX 2024 celebrates the 19th edition of the world-renowned “Carpet Design Awards”. This prestigious competition recognises excellence in carpet design and craftsmanship. The event offers a unique opportunity to discover the best in contemporary handmade carpets and celebrate the artistic world of carpets.

Peacock Project by Lila Valadan

Another visitor magnet for the carpet industry will be designer Lila Valadan’s Peacock Project. Under the title “Night Time in a Palace”, a museum-like installation of Persian carpets will be set up in Hall 3. Lila Valadan will exhibit an extensive selection of her Persian artworks in the middle of the museum.

INSIGHT ITALY – A country in focus

DOMOTEX 2024 is setting a new tone by introducing a country focus concept for the first time with “INSIGHT ITALY”. Italy will take centre stage in 2024. This unique special show will focus on trends, designs, colours and innovations from Italy and offer visitors an insight into the creativity and excellence of the Italian carpet and flooring industry.

Posted: October 16, 2023

Source: DOMOTEX 2024 – Deutsche Messe AG

AQUAPAK Sets University Challenge To Help Solve The Problem Of Recyling Complex Polymer Packaging

BIRMINGHAM, England — October 16, 2023 — Aquapak Polymers Ltd., which specializes in polymer-based material technologies that can deliver both performance and environmental responsibility at scale, has today announced its Newcastle University Chemistry Undergraduate award-winning Stage 3 Industry Challenge, which sets students the task of identifying new ways of recycling complex polymer packaging structures. The students then have around eight weeks to investigate possible solutions that will also contribute in a positive way to the continued development of a circular economy.

This is a problem that the plastics and polymer industry and packaging developers have been trying to tackle in response to pressing consumer demand, NGO backlash over plastic use and the increasing weight of EU and government legislation such as the packaging tax and PPWR.

The industry is responding to try and find ways to recycle these complex multi-layer polymer constructions typically found in packaging without compromising much needed functionality such as extended sHelf-life, convenience, easy peel and lightweight. Today’s packaging structures are often made up of different polymers defined by the functionality required, which is what makes them difficult to sort, separate and recycle. Students need to identify economically viable and scalable technologies and solutions which are already available or can be developed to enable the true recycling of these materials.

For example, Aquapak has successfully developed and commercialized Hydropol™, a highly functional, specialty environmental polymer that allows product design to support the circular economy by enabling recycling and delivering multiple end-of-life options. It is designed to be an alternative to traditional plastics, offering their versatility and functionality but without harming the environment.

Developed and manufactured in the UK, Hydropol is soluble, non-toxic and marine safe. Products made with Hydropol are safe for existing recycling processes and are fully biodegradable, leaving no trace or harmful plastic pollution should they enter the environment.

As an enabling technology, Hydropol can be used on its own or in combination with other materials to enhance recyclability, compostability and end-of-life options. Its material properties allow for scalability into diverse types of products and its solubility makes it easy to separate from other materials when recycling. For example, it can be extrusion coated onto paper or board giving strength and barrier properties against oxygen, oil and grease then made into a multitude of different applications.

To dispose, consumers can simply put the packaging into their household paper waste. The Hydropol layer is formulated to “wash off” or dissolve during the paper repulping process and then either biodegrades in the wastewater system or is turned into clean energy if the plant has an AD system.

Mark Lapping, CEO of Aquapak, said: “We have several active research projects in place with a number of universities to support the development of new materials like Hydropol. As a former student of Newcastle University myself it is fantastic to be able to reconnect with a new generation of Chemistry students and support their learning with a highly relevant challenge that the industry is grappling with right now. I’m confident their insights and fresh thinking will contribute to moving this important topic forward at Aquapak, as well as inspire more people to join the new plastics industry in future.”

Posted: October 16, 2023

Source: Aquapak Polymers Ltd.

Joshua Ellis Welcomes Six-Figure Investment Into New Machinery

BATLEY, England — October 16, 2023 — Yorkshire-based textile manufacturer, Joshua Ellis, has taken a significant leap forward in its pursuit of growth, with a substantial investment of £130,000 into a cutting-edge Picanol jacquard loom.

The state-of-the-art jacquard loom, installed last month, expands Joshua Ellis’s design capabilities with an increased capacity of 76 threads per inch, which weaves independently, allowing Joshua Ellis to create intricate designs and fulfill bespoke retail & wholesale orders.

This substantial upgrade in machinery also significantly improves efficiency and speed, enhancing production capacity and positions the company to adequately cater to the surging demand for traditionally woven textile products both domestically and on the international stage.

The company is still adjusting after the pandemic’s impact on the textile industry, but this strategic investment aligns with Joshua Ellis’s overarching plan for growth.  Oliver Platts, managing director at Joshua Ellis, said: “We are thrilled to introduce this advanced machinery into our production process. It not only upholds our reputation for excellence but also positions us for growth in an increasingly competitive market. Over the past couple of years, we have witnessed a surge in demand for bespoke jacquard work, and this investment ensures that we can keep up with the expectations of our premium customer base in terms of design and speed of production.”

In a nod to their rich history dating back to 1767, Joshua Ellis chose a symbolic tribute for the first weave on the new loom — an intricate image of their founder, Joshua Ellis himself.

Penny Lovatt, senior designer at Joshua Ellis, said: “Investing in this new loom is an extraordinary decision for the company. As a designer, the new loom opens up a world of creative possibilities, allowing me to experiment with designs that were previously unattainable on our older Dobby looms. It was particularly gratifying to breathe life into the image of Joshua Ellis, our founding visionary, as a fitting tribute.”

Joshua Ellis, under its parent company SIL Group, continues to invest in the future of Yorkshire’s textile industry ensuring its 21st-century relevance by meeting the demands of global retail and wholesale clients.

Posted: October 16, 2023

Source: Joshua Ellis / SIL Group

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