World-Changing Topics & Personnel Changes – Change Colloquium At The Institute Of Textile Technology (ITA) Augsburg GmbH

AUGSBURG, Germany — November 29, 2023 — It is now official – the baton of leadership of the Institute of Textile Technology Augsburg has been passed from Prof. Dr. Stefan Schlichter to Prof. Dr. Mesut Cetin. During the festive changeover colloquium, impulses were given, extensive discussions were held, and congratulations were offered.

Congratulations on the change of leadership: Prof. Cetin, Prof. Gries, Prof. Schlichter

The event was opened by the Mayor of Augsburg, Eva Weber, and the President of Augsburg University of Applied Sciences, Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Gordon Thomas Rohrmair. Ms. Weber, who as Head of Economic Development and Deputy Mayor encouraged and always constructively supported the founding of the company at the time, praised the innovations and investments of the “new player” ITA Augsburg, which has positioned itself perfectly in the ecosystem between the Innovation Park, Technology Center, University and Augsburg University of Applied Sciences (THA). Prof. Rohrmair emphasized the close cooperation between ITA and THA and referred to the showcase project “Recycling Atelier”, which makes a relevant contribution to the establishment of sustainable textile process chains in an industry-oriented manner.

Prof. Schlichter outlined the historical development of the ITA, which has been dedicated to sustainability in the field of textile materials since 2014. He presented the three central research fields of ITA: Web Based Composites (sustainable fibre composite concepts), Recycling Atelier (recycling of apparel textiles) and Artificial Intelligence (AI to support textile production chains). The initial objective of the ITA was the reuse of carbon fibres and CFRP components produced with high energy consumption in new textile structures. The research work, which has been ongoing for almost 10 years, has been crowned with success and has led, among other things, to the establishment of this class of materials in industry and research. The increasing relevance of the textile circular economy led to the founding of the “Recycling Atelier” in 2022. The model workshop was presented as an important industrial research project that covers all process steps of textile recycling and is supported and used by industry-leading companies. The close interlinking of digitalization, artificial intelligence and sustainable process design plays an increasingly relevant role, which led to the establishment of the third research field “Artificial Intelligence”.

As the new head of the institute, Prof. Cetin brought fresh impetus and presented innovative approaches in the field of mechanical recycling of used textiles. Against the backdrop of unstable international supply chains, he emphasized the need to make the German industrial landscape more resilient. He sees the circular economy as an opportunity to secure the supply of raw materials and revitalize the textile industry in Germany. In addition, current research projects at ITA were presented, including “Design-4-Recycling” for the component production of wind turbines and “AI-supported pile optimization” in nonwoven production. The cooperation with the ITA Group and Augsburg University of Applied Sciences as well as the integration of AI in the production of nonwovens were emphasized as decisive steps for the future. In addition, the development and research work is always carried out with the involvement of the know-how and infrastructure of the entire ITA Group, emphasized Professor h.c. (MGU) Dr.-Ing. Prof. Gries, head of the ITA Group during the concluding panel discussion.

With a broad network of research and industry, we are taking big steps towards an environmentally friendly, cycle-oriented future. Interested parties, from SMEs to large corporations, are cordially invited to visit the ITA Augsburg at any time.

Posted: November 29, 2023

Source: The Institute Of Textile Technology (ITA) Augsburg gGmbH

Origify From Bosch Gives Sneakers And Other Products A Digital Fingerprint As Protection Against Counterfeiters

The label attached to the shoe shows that this pair of sneakers can be authenticated via the Origify app. ©Bosch Origify

STUTTGART, Germany — November 29, 2023 — Sneakers from various manufacturers are coveted collector’s items and investments. Certain models are even traded for five-figure sums. These expensive cult models have long been counterfeited on a massive scale – turning a supposedly good purchase into an expensive flop for some customers and damaging the image of the manufacturer. Even the authenticity features on the product or packaging are counterfeited and it can even take acknowledged experts a few minutes to authenticate a product such as a pair of rare and therefore valuable sneakers.

With Origify, Bosch offers a solution that provides luxury products with a digital fingerprint as early as the production or packaging phase. For this purpose, each individual product is optically recorded, i.e. photographed, in a standardized manner during production. The suitable areas of the product are defined when the technology is set up and are then automatically captured during production. The image is then converted into a binary and non-manipulable data record of just a few kilobytes, which is stored in a secure cloud.

Authenticity check via app

Once registered, these products, such as a pair of sneakers, can be checked in just a few seconds in future. All you need is a suitable smartphone and the Origify app or a manufacturer app that is connected to the Origify database via an interface or a software development kit. For a pair of shoes, the app provides a mask of the area to be photographed. If the cell phone is aligned accordingly, Origify’s technology can compare in a moment whether the features correspond to the data record stored during production.

The Origify app specifies the defined image section, which is compared with the data set stored by this shoe. ©Bosch Origify

This even works if small parts of the surface have changed due to storage or use. However, if a shoe or other product shows signs of heavy use that have affected the surface, the technology no longer enables reliable identification. “The core of our technology is an optical system that records unique distinguishing features that are imperceptible to the eye, even during ongoing mass production, converts them into a data set that cannot be manipulated and thus enables the identification and traceability of a product via an app. This is possible for many products from a wide range of sectors — shoes, glasses, watches, and jewelry and many more,” says Oliver Steinbis, who is responsible for the project within the Bosch Group.

Initial recording as part of quality assurance

Bosch offers its own Origify camera module for the initial recording of a product during production or packaging. Companies that already work with image-based processes in quality assurance can also use these systems for recording, depending on their requirements. It takes just a few seconds to convert the image into a binary data set, which is then automatically stored in the secure cloud. “For us as a Group, one of the development principles was that the technology can also be integrated into industrial processes in order to record products in large quantities in a cost-efficient manner.

Scan process with a sneaker: A suitable smartphone with the Origify app is all you need. ©Bosch Origify

Manufacturers benefit in several ways from the system, which does not require any intervention in the products, marking or the attachment of NFC chips. The app functionalities for authentication by retailers, customers or other authorized persons can be integrated into existing manufacturer apps for retailers or end customers via our software development kit,” says Oliver Steinbis, describing the features of Origify. The technology offers added security for end customers, retailers, and the manufacturers themselves – in addition to authentication, the supply chain or OEM producers who manufacture goods on behalf of a major brand can also be better monitored.

Posted: November 29, 2023

Source: Origify from Bosch

Ocean Lanka: Weaving a Sustainable Future Beyond Fabric

Ocean Lanka invested in installing solar power at its Malwana Facility in the Biyagama Exporter Processing Zone

MALWANA, Sri Lanka — November 29, 2023 — From a commitment to sustainable waste management, the transition to renewable energy and environmental protection, the phrase “sustainable manufacturing” is not unfamiliar to Ocean Lanka.

Founded in 1996, the Company, which has been in operation for over twenty years, is not only Sri Lanka’s largest weft-knitted fabric manufacturer but is also the first within the textile and apparel industry of Sri Lanka to enter into a system partnership with Bluesign®. Working with international brands, the Company has maintained a steadfast commitment to environmental responsibility. The rhythmic hum of looms within the facility not only symbolizes craftsmanship, but also signifies Ocean Lanka’s dedication to providing a sustainable model for many industries worldwide. Partnering with certification bodies like the Global Organic Textile Standard, Better Cotton Initiative and Global Recycled Standard, the Company has initiatives set out for water and energy management as well as biomass consumption by over 3 percent in its operations over the next five years.

Ocean Lanka’s Holistic Approach to Waste Management

In an industry that generates over 92 million tonnes of waste annually, Ocean Lanka’s journey toward circularity begins at the point of waste generation. The facility employs a comprehensive waste categorization system for eleven main areas in accordance with strict guidelines. Generating 275,00 kilogrammes of fabric waste annually, when the volume surpasses the storage capacity, the administrative team initiates an auction for registered waste fabric buyers listed with Ocean Lanka. The entire lot is then sold to the highest bidder as is excess cardboard, paper and polythene. “Before exceeding the capacity, the team needs to consider the time required for calling tenders and selling to prevent the overflow of fabric,” says Compliance Manager Anuruddha Weerasekera.  “Additionally, the team must ensure that suppliers have the necessary licenses for fabric disposal. They are also responsible for maintaining a record of waste fabric disposal within the facility, summarizing the information monthly in terms of weight in kilograms.”

Ocean Lanka’s Innovative Water Conservation Efforts

Ocean Lanka, in collaboration with the Open University of Sri Lanka, is actively working on developing eco-friendly technologies and innovative processes to reduce or recycle wastewater from dyeing operations. The facility currently consumes 7,000 cubic meters of water daily for the fabric dyeing process, posing a significant financial burden. At times, the existing effluent treatment facility struggles to adequately handle the wastewater from the dyeing department.

Effluent Treatment Plant at Ocean Lanka

Notes Weerasekera: “We are exploring practical approaches that can be employed for textile wastewater treatment and reuse, aiming to conserve water resources and minimize pollution discharged into the environment. One option we are considering is the reuse of textile pretreatment liquor or wash liquor in the scouring and bleaching of cotton fabric.”

Pioneering Sustainability Initiatives in Energy Conservation and Renewable Resources

Aligning with its goals to reduce water, electricity and biomass consumption, Ocean Lanka has also embarked on several energy conservation projects initiated in 2019, demonstrating significant progress. This includes transitioning from CFL to LED lamps and enhancing boiler systems for more efficient biomass energy production. The Company has also invested half a billion Rupees in installing solar power at its Malwana Facility in the Biyagama Exporter Processing Zone, covering 250,000 square feet and generating 3,800 units per 1 MW daily. This ambitious initiative aims not only to harness solar energy for efficient power generation but also to establish a sustainable financial model over twenty years.

Over one thousand hectares in Opatha Estate, Ratnapura dedicated to sustainable fuelwood harvesting

Efforts are also being made towards sustainable fuelwood cultivation to meet thermal energy requirements. Over one thousand hectares in Opatha Estate, Ratnapura will be dedicated to cultivating a special species of bamboo and Gliricidia Sepium to supply 100 MT of firewood annually. This will meet Ocean Lanka’s fuelwood demand. “We don’t want to depend on external sources for firewood to fuel our biomass boilers,” explains Weerasekera.  “Cultivating our own firewood not only enhances traceability in our raw material sources but also benefits the community and the environment. We collaborate with smallholders in the estate to produce bamboo and purchase it from them. So, it’s a win-win for all.”

Beyond Factory Walls: Ocean Lanka’s GHG Policy

Ocean Lanka not only invests in operational sustainability but also actively works towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions, aiming to create a prosperous and resilient low-carbon future. The Company, guided by its GHG Policy, seeks to implement short, medium, and long-term projects aligned with relevant Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) pillars. These projects involve transforming energy generation, adopting cleaner manufacturing processes, exploring wind turbine options and administering the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Policy for major processes.

Several initiatives have been launched to achieve targets, among which is the implementation of carbon-neutral agriculture within its facility. One is a reforestation programme aimed at restoring fauna and flora in select green cover. Over 16 hectares has been dedicated to developing a model forest to promote effective forest management and stewardship practices, resulting in the planting of over 25,000 saplings over the past few years. Now, over 60% of these saplings have grown into young and healthy trees with a height of over 8 feet. Additionally, the Company collaborates with the NGO “Rainforest Trust” to preserve virgin forests in several locations across the island, extending its commitment to environmental protection beyond its walls.

“Ocean Lanka is not just weaving fabric; we are weaving a sustainable future,” concludes Weerasekera. “Our commitment goes beyond our factory walls, embracing holistic initiatives from waste management to energy conservation, renewable resources and carbon neutrality. Through collaboration, innovation and a steadfast dedication to environmental responsibility, we aspire to set a model for industries worldwide, demonstrating that sustainability is not just a goal but a journey towards a better, greener future.”

Posted: November 29, 2023

Source: Ocean Lanka

ACG Nyström And The Swedish Textile Machinery Association (TMAS) Back Creative Identity In Ukraine

ACG Nyström reports solid success in embroidery machine sales with the latest Tajima TMEZ models.

STOCKHOLM, Sweden — November 29, 2023 — As a member of TMAS — the Swedish Textile Machinery Association — ACG Nyström reports solid success in embroidery machine sales with the latest Tajima TMEZ models in Denmark, Norway, Sweden — and perhaps a little surprisingly, also in Ukraine.

The Tajima TMEZ range of single and multi-head embroidery machines is rapidly introducing intelligent thread management (I-TM) to the market, enabling virtually anyone to quickly and easily become an embroidery specialist.

“With I-TM, each individual design is analyzed, with automatic detection of the fabric thickness, and exactly the right amount of thread needed is precisely supplied for the job,” explains ACG Nyström sales engineer Richard Carlsson. “This eliminates the need for manual thread tension adjustment, making it much easier for non-skilled operatives to obtain consistent results. The age-old problem of pulling on designs is also a thing of the past with the TMEZ machines, so all the operator needs to master is accurately positioning the fabric through the machine.”

A digitally controlled presser foot for secure fabric stability further reduces fabric fluttering, he adds, and is especially effective when working with very thick or thin fabrics, or folds of material. Fluttering can occur when a material is lifted up during embroidery, causing skipped stitches, mis-trimming and reduced quality stitching.

The TMEZ machines are fully enabled for ease of operation by Tajima DG by Pulse – the strongest embroidery software on the market.

Adding value

ACG Nyström, which marked its 100th anniversary in 2021, is a complete supplier of CAD/CAM solutions for adding value throughout the garment manufacturing processes – from product development, technical design and cutting, sewing and welding to refining with embroidery and textile printing. Its knowledge of technical production systems and processes, built up over many years of close collaboration with customers and partners, has given the company a unique role as the link between the world’s leading machine manufacturers and the garment assembly industry.

“Our services and products are provided to a wide range of companies, from individual traders to multi-nationals, and we commit to helping them implement the most efficient and profitable overall solution in the areas of product development, garment assembly and labelling,” says ACG Nyström CEO Thomas Arvidsson.

The latest Tajima embroidery machines, he adds, are proving a game changer – especially in today’s fast moving environment when bigger companies are changing staff regularly and need expert assistance in getting machines up and running quickly and easily.

Active in Ukraine

Despite Russia’s ongoing assault on its country, ACG Nyström Ukraine, which was founded in 2005 and is based in Lviv, 70 kilometres from the Polish border, reports that its customers are currently extremely active and a number of new embroidery machines have been installed in the west of the country over the past year.

“Some of our customers have also been forced to leave their businesses in the east of the country and have now successfully relocated in the west, where it is relatively calm, although we are still very scared,” says ACG Nyström Ukraine managing director Halya Andrushkiv. “Keeping busy also helps to keep everybody’s minds off the situation here.”

While military badges have been one growth area, there also remains much activity in branded corporate apparel and there has meanwhile been a huge revival of interest in vyshyvankas – the elaborately embroidered shirts and dresses traditionally worn in the country.

Vyshyvankas

Since Ukraine restored its independence in 1991, the wearing of vyshyvankas has greatly increased in popularity as an expression of positive national pride and identity.

New embroidery machine installations by ACG Nyström Ukraine have been boosted by the success of vyshyvanka sales around the world.

Traditionally, each region of the country established its own unique designs and vyshyvankas are adaptable enough to be worn in many styles, having been adopted by major Ukrainian brands who have successfully promoted them globally.

Vyshyvanka Day is now a national holiday held on the third Thursday of May each year, and has become a symbol of resistance against Russian aggression.

This year, many celebrities joined in to support the cause, wearing tailor-made vyshyvankas, designed by the Ukrainian embroidery brand Etnodim and others. Some of the stars wore shirts with patterns specific to the regions where their ancestors lived – Liev Schreiber’s, for instance, came from Odesa and Barbara Streisand’s from Ternopil.

“Ukrainians are now united across the country in wanting to express their national identity,” said Andrushkiv. “Vyshyvankas were traditionally associated with religious holidays such as Christmas and Easter, which were, of course, frowned upon by the USSR, as was any sign of Ukrainian identity. After 1991 they returned, and now, of course, they represent freedom for us more than ever before. And their popularity has now spread around the world.”

Supported by its parent company in Sweden, ACG Nyström Ukraine is enabling this growth worldwide, via the latest Tajima embroidery techniques and associated software.

Design possibilities

“Traditionally, all of the embroidery was by hand, and the rich designs, colours and textures have been refined over many centuries,” said Andrushkiv. “Now, with the latest Tajima technology and software solutions backed by ACG Nyström’s expert services, any traditional design – as well as new ideas for motifs reflecting today’s situation – can be recreated or further developed for mass market designs. Our expertise can streamline and ensure premium quality in the development of all finished product ideas.”

“Throughout our company, including in Ukraine, TMAS provides us with valuable support in the promotion of our services,” says Thomas Arvidsson. “There are many synergistic benefits from open discussions and co-operations with other Swedish textile technologists and TMAS members are all at the forefront of digitalisation and automation. We are happy to provide all assistance we can to Halya Andrushkiv and ACG Nyström Ukraine.”

Posted: November 29, 2023

Source: ACG Nyström / The Swedish Textile Machinery Association (TMAS)

Elkem’s Collaborative REPOS Project Awarded 2023 European Chemical Industry Council (Cefic) Circularity Commendation

OSLO Norway— November 29, 2023 — Elkem is pleased to announce that the European Chemical Industry Council (Cefic) selected the company as one of 26 companies and national associations to feature in its 2023 European Responsible Care® Awards Gallery. Elkem’s collaborative Resourcing Silicones Polymers (REPOS) project was the only initiative that received commendation in the category of Circularity. It is aimed at developing eco-designed depolymerization chemistry to reduce silicone waste. The innovative depolymerization process can be conducted at ambient pressures and low temperatures, which enables a circular lifecycle and lower environmental footprint for silicone-based polymers and oils created from post-industrial and post-consumer waste.

Innovation for such a sweeping change to the silicones value chain will require collaboration, with implications for industrial, customer and consumer users of silicones. Its success will help meet societal expectations for circularity as well as industry and regulatory objectives to increase the recycled content of products. Aside from a growing need to develop a more circular end of life management of silicone waste such a recycled silicone can reduce the carbon footprint by 60 to 70 percent compared to traditional linear process. Elkem is partnering with two labs of the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS): Catalysis, Polymerization, Process and Materials (CP2M) and Ingénierie des Matériaux Polymères (IMP), as well as two specialized local companies: Activation, Processium, on the project, along with the Axelera competitiveness cluster.

“While end-of-life silicone recovery at a massive scale is not yet achieved we believe, as part of our company commitment to shaping a more sustainable future, that Elkem must invest in innovation that develops a holistic approach to the principles of Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle for our products and our customers who use them,” said Sean Duffy, vice president sustainability. “Our collaborative research through project REPOS seeks to create a flexible, selective, and efficient process to harvest the value of silicone waste and enable development of a service offering that will become a “must have” in years to come.”

Reflective of Elkem’s three-pillar strategic climate roadmap to reduce process emissions, support the Green Transition and develop circular economies using eco-design approaches, there are two distinct recycling loops that are in-scope for project REPOS:

  1. Monomer Production Loop — to depolymerize waste silicone products to create silicone monomers that can seamlessly integrate back into the manufacturing process.
  2. Added-Value Product Loop — to transform remaining oligomers not suitable for monomer use into innovative, high-value products.

The three-year collaborative project unites the relevant stakeholders in the LPSE (Lyon Polymer Science and Engineering) consortium, and is supported by BPI France and Region Auvergne Rhone Alpes, combining forces for the required diverse expertise. The 2023 Responsible Care® award recognizes the rigorous development efforts required to successfully demonstrate the technical feasibility of depolymerizing various silicone waste streams at low temperatures. Key achievements include:

  • Submission of three patent applications for different catalytic depolymerization chemistries.
  • Publications on depolymerization chemistry enabling reversion to D4 (cyclic methyl siloxane) monomer.
  • Integration of new technologies within Elkem and the start of pilot trials for chemically recycled oils at Elkem Silicones site in Saint-Fons, France.

The next phase of REPOS will focus on piloting and scaling up these new technologies for industrialization.

“The need to transition is at its most urgent, and the obstacles have never been greater. The initiatives exhibited in this year’s Responsible Care Awards show industry’s united front and the absolute will to transform. Congratulations to all; companies and associations, large and small organisations, from all over Europe. We need leaders like these, paving the way and inspiring others on the journey.” said Marco Mensink, director general, Cefic.

Transitioning to climate neutral while staying globally competitive represents one of the biggest challenges the European chemicals industry has ever faced. Elkem is serious about doing its part to make that transition possible and expedient.

Posted: November 29, 2023

Source: Elkem ASA

Freudenberg Performance Materials Launches New Technical Textiles Website For South America

WEINHEIM, Germany — November 29, 2023 — Freudenberg Performance Materials is launching americadosul.freudenberg-pm.com, a website dedicated to the South American markets. For decision makers in the apparel, shoe and other technical industries, information on the regional presence of one of the world-leading suppliers and its portfolio of technical textiles and textile technologies is now just a few clicks away.

Every market served by Freudenberg Performance Materials in the South America region has a presence on the new website americadosul.freudenberg-pm.com with a dedicated page detailing all products and applications. Players in the apparel industry, for example, can find out more about the company’s interlining solutions for fashion, activewear and workwear. Shoe and leather goods manufacturers will also find useful information about the company’s capabilities in their sectors. The website also presents other applications for technical nonwovens, such as automotive interior and e-mobility solutions, cable tapes and battery separators for the energy market, nonwovens for fiber-reinforced composites, weed control, etc.

Information about technologies

Another important section of the website provides in-depth descriptions of the materials and technologies offered by the company, including nonwovens, wovens, knits, composites, as well as Dripstop® condensation control technology and Evolon® microfilament textile technology.

Contacting the South American team is easy

Contacting Freudenberg Performance Materials through the new website is quick and easy, either by using the contact form, or by reaching out to the local offices in Brazil and Colombia; full contact details are available on a dedicated page. The offices in Brazil and Colombia serve customers all over South America.

Posted: November 29, 2023

Source: Freudenberg Performance Materials Holding GmbH

NatureWorks Appoints Erik Ripple As New President And CEO

Erik Ripple has been appointed the new President and CEO of NatureWorks as the company is expanding the market for sustainable, biobased materials and with construction of a new 75kta Ingeo PLA biopolymer manufacturing facility underway in Thailand. – Photo: Business Wire

PLYMOUTH, Minn. — November 28, 2023 — Today NatureWorks, a manufacturer of polylactic acid (PLA) biopolymers made from renewable resources, announced the appointment of Erik Ripple as the company’s new president and CEO Ripple will succeed interim president and CEO, Jill Zullo, who has served in the role since March 2023 when former CEO, Rich Altice, retired from NatureWorks.

Ripple comes to NatureWorks from Nexeon Ltd. in the United Kingdom, a manufacturer of silicon carbide composites for electric vehicle batteries. As chief strategy officer, he led the commercial, engineering, and program teams enabling the launch of their first commercial product to battery manufacturers.

Prior to that position, Ripple was the chief growth and innovation officer with Ingevity. In this role, he successfully positioned Ingevity to accelerate their latent innovation efforts and designed several acquisition pathways for Ingevity to execute. Ripple was previously the president of Asia Pacific, and the senior vice president for Performance Materials (PM) while living in Shanghai, China.

Before joining Ingevity in 2010, Ripple spent 18 years with Eastman Chemical Co. where he served in leadership roles in innovation, business management, and corporate development including holding regional responsibilities in Europe.

Ripple received a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from the University of Tennessee and a Master of Business Administration degree from Washington University.

“We are pleased to welcome Erik as the new CEO of NatureWorks. Erik has a strong track record of global business leadership, building innovative teams, and driving growth in new markets,” said Narongsak Jivakanun, NatureWorks board chair, PTTGC. “As NatureWorks continues to drive the global adoption of sustainable, performance biomaterials, we are confident that Erik’s strategic capabilities will further build upon the company’s strong foundation.

“We also extend our full gratitude to Jill Zullo for her exceptional leadership over the past eight months to the NatureWorks team. Her input and guidance through this transition leave NatureWorks well positioned for continued success.”

“As parent companies, Cargill and GC continue to see an exciting future for the NatureWorks business. The global need for sustainable materials and technologies that will help mitigate climate change remains unabated,” continued Colleen May, NatureWorks board member and president of Cargill Bioindustrial. “We believe that Erik’s leadership will accelerate the innovation NatureWorks is known for alongside long-term growth across evolving global markets.”

“I am delighted to have been appointed to lead NatureWorks. It is a company that has been at the forefront of the low carbon, biomaterials industry for over 20 years fueled by a deeply committed, talented team and with an exciting global expansion underway in Thailand,” Ripple shared. “I’m looking forward to bringing together my background in developing nimble, creative teams and partnerships with the culture of innovation that has underscored NatureWorks’ growth and ambition in the biomaterials industry.”

Ripple joins NatureWorks as it recently announced the next phase of construction on the new fully integrated Ingeo™️ PLA manufacturing facility in Thailand. The new 75kta facility is on track to complete construction with production anticipated in 2025.

Posted: November 28, 2023

Source: NatureWorks

Genesco Names Andy Gray President Of The Journeys Group

Andy Gray, President, Journeys – Photo: Business Wire

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — November 28, 2023 — Genesco Inc., after a broad search process, today announced the appointment of Andy Gray as the new president of the Journeys Group, effective January 3, 2024. In this role, Gray will drive strategic growth for the company’s largest business, building on the foundation of Journeys’ leading position in teen fashion footwear retail and its brand mission of living life with an attitude that celebrates self-expression inspired by youth culture. He succeeds Journeys Group President Mario Gallione, whose planned retirement was announced in August.

“Andy brings invaluable expertise in the areas essential to building the Journeys business for the future, along with a passion for leading youth-focused consumer businesses,” said Genesco Board Chair, president and CEO Mimi E. Vaughn. “He is a visionary leader with extensive experience in athletic and fashion footwear. Andy’s connection to youth culture and the strong brand relationships he’s forged over his accomplished career make him the ideal person to lead the talented team we have in place at Journeys, as we work to elevate the business and unlock the tremendous potential we see ahead.”

Gray joins Genesco most recently from Foot Locker Inc. Before departing in January 2023, he served as global president, where he led and motivated teams across all regions and was responsible for Foot Locker’s largest global brand portfolio, including oversight of brand building, business innovation and all product functions. He championed a commercial offense to reach more consumers across core categories, refocused teams on the biggest brands and high ROI-potential regions and repositioned the portfolio to evolve and elevate Foot Locker globally.

“I’m incredibly excited to join the Genesco team and to lead Journeys — a retail brand I’ve long admired. I see significant runway to capitalize on its unique positioning in the market, while further leveraging the unparalleled strength of its vendor partnerships,” Gray said. “There is something really captivating about the power of Journeys’ connection with its teen consumer, and I’m looking forward to hitting the ground running with the team to evolve the business for a new era.”

Gray joins a strong and dedicated Journeys leadership team, including Journeys’ COO Mike Sypert, who was appointed in August, and has been managing the day-to-day responsibilities for Journeys, Journeys Kidz and Little Burgundy’s business, including stores and websites in the United States and Canada. Sypert is a 34-year company veteran who previously served as Journeys executive vice president of Sales and Retail Operations. Vaughn commented: “Mike has provided exceptional leadership already in his new role, and I look forward to his continued contributions in partnership with Andy.”

Gray comes to Genesco from his prior roles at Foot Locker, where he served for over two decades in several senior leadership positions, including executive vice president, global president of Foot Locker, Kids Foot Locker, Champs and Sidestep, and executive president, global chief commercial officer. During that time, he developed a multi-dimensional skill set spanning merchandising, general management, retail and digital, consumer insight, brand building and global leadership. As global chief commercial officer, he brought all consumer facing disciplines together for increased consumer, vendor and business benefit.

Posted: November 28, 2023

Source: Genesco Inc.

Canada Goose Acquires First European Manufacturing Facility — Longstanding Knitwear Supplier Paola Confectii Manufacturing

TORONTO — November 28, 2023 — Today, Canada Goose announced the acquisition of the operating assets of Paola Confectii Manufacturing. Building upon its existing network of seven facilities across Canada, this acquisition marks the company’s first European facility, and supports its Strategic Growth Plan, specifically expanding existing categories and increasing year-round relevance.

Based in Romania, Paola Confectii has been a trusted partner in manufacturing luxury knitwear for Canada Goose since its launch in 2017, producing a range of best-selling styles including the HyBridge Knit Jacket. Knitwear is one of the leading segments of the company’s growing Apparel category, which exceeded $70 million in annual sales in fiscal 2023. This closer partnership is expected to enhance product margins and supply control, while deepening in-house product expertise.

“Our vertically integrated supply chain has always been one of our core competencies. This strategic investment advances our renowned manufacturing infrastructure and validates the performance luxury brand we are today,” said Dani Reiss, chairman and CEO, Canada Goose. “It also demonstrates the confidence we have in our emerging categories and our plans to develop these categories into even more meaningful contributors to our business.”

Our core down-filled products will continue to be proudly made in Canada, while apparel production will continue to be concentrated within best-in-class European facilities. As we’ve evolved and introduced new categories, we’ve strategically welcomed new world-class partners from different parts of the globe who share our values and commitment to craftsmanship.

Paola Confectii will continue to be led by Giannino Lessi, general manager, and Paola Zaffalon, technical director, as a standalone entity, maintaining regular operations.

Posted: November 28, 2023

Source: Canada Goose

Macy’s Inc. Names Sharon Otterman Chief Marketing Officer Of Macy’s

NEW YORK CITY — November 28, 2023 — Macy’s Inc. today announced that Sharon Otterman has been named chief marketing officer of Macy’s. Sharon will begin leading the company’s marketing organization starting on Monday, December 11, reporting to Tony Spring, president and CEO-elect, Macy’s Inc.

In this role, Otterman will lead Macy’s strategic marketing, spearheading the company’s brand evolution and build awareness, engagement, and loyalty amongst all customer segments. This includes brand activation, campaign advertising and content planning, creative, visual merchandising, branded entertainment, and media strategy for the Macy’s brand. She also will be responsible for leading and building upon Macy’s iconic experiences, including the Thanksgiving Day Parade, Macy’s July 4th Fireworks and annual Spring Flower Show.

“Sharon brings a diverse background in media, entertainment, and digital transformation to Macy’s. We are excited to leverage her expertise to bring more retail theater across our shopping experiences. She is a passionate strategist and has a successful track record of evolving brands, developing creative marketing campaigns, and driving profitable growth. We look forward to having Sharon as part of our leadership team,” Spring said.

Otterman has more than 25 years of experience leading marketing and transforming brands for Fortune 500 companies across entertainment, media, and sports industries. Most recently, Otterman served as chief marketing officer at Caesars Entertainment, where she launched Caesars Sportsbook, a new sports betting brand in the United States, and enhanced the sports betting and gaming brand experience. Prior to Caesars Entertainment, she served as executive vice president and CMO at Madison Square Garden Company, was chief marketing officers for NBCUniversal’s News Division, and was also the vice president of marketing at ESPN. Earlier in Otterman’s career, she pioneered creative and media campaigns at top advertising agencies.

Otterman has a B.S. in Corporate Communications from Ithaca College and graduated from the Executive MBA Program at New York University.

Posted: November 28, 2023

Source: Macy’s, Inc

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