MOORPARK, Calif. — September 20, 2023 — When the first leaf turns red and there’s a slight nip in the air, there’s only one thing to do. Put away the sunscreen and bring out the cozy blankets for fall.
Pindler has curated two looks — Menswear and Lodge — in honor of autumn. These meticulously curated assortments pay homage to the season of cable knit sweaters and pumpkin spice with warm, cozy and substantial textiles to make you feel bundled up as the weather turns cold.
The Menswear look features timeless designs like houndstooth, tweed, herringbone, paisley and woolen check. Unassuming yet enduring, these classic, masculine fabrics lend themselves to tailored lines and add an element of durability and nostalgia to interior designs.
Practical and bold, this look combines earthy tones with elevated textures to invoke the best of what it means to be a modern gentleman.
These warm and comforting selections are available in classic color palettes like charcoal and stone, lakeland and golden and camel and stone.
These Lodge looks conjure memories of forest cabins and mountain chalets. Come in from the cold with these fabrics that are essential to any autumn retreat.
Bold colors mimic the red and orange sunset of a fall sky while geometric patterns pay homage to exquisite native textiles. Folksy prints create a warm and vibrant effect that echoes the iconic, enduring landscapes of the American West. Black and neutral selections mimic the pebbles under a crisp, clear mountain stream while the colors of saddle and denim evoke memories of morning trail rides followed by afternoons around a stone hearth with hot apple cider.
These nature-inspired designs are available in palettes ranging from clay and mink to stone and pebble. They also come in woodland and saddle or autumn and denim.
Fall is the season to come inside. Make the most of the autumn chill with the Lodge and Menswear looks.
These curated Menswear and Lodge looks are available online, as well as at Pindler’s 16 corporate showrooms and nine agent showrooms across the U.S., and two agent showrooms in Canada.
UNION, S.C. — September 20, 2023 — Today, biotechnology company MycoWorks begins production at its world-class manufacturing facility in Union, S.C. Now capable of scaling-up to meet luxury industry demand, the company is set to grow millions of square feet of its leather-alternative material produced with the company’s proprietary technology, Fine Mycelium™. This patented technology produces Reishi™, a biomaterial with unparalleled hand-feel, strength and durability — on par with calfskin leather, the industry gold standard.
With partners including Hermès and General Motors, MycoWorks’ progression into commercial-scale manufacturing is a sign of maturation for the biomaterials industry that the company continues its leadership in materials science. Per MycoWorks’ market sizing, there are serious challenges facing the $164 billion leather market and $28 billion luxury leather market such as supply chain constraints and inferior product alternatives. Since 2010, demand for luxury leather increased 251 percent, while high-end hide production declined by 22 percent due to falling beef and dairy consumption. MycoWorks, and its hallmark material Reishi, are answering these challenges with the world’s first full-scale alternative leather factory, a revolution in the production of high-quality natural materials for the luxury industry.
The opening of the 136,000 sq. ft. factory also marks the world’s largest mycelium material operation, a major step for the use of mycelium– the “root structure” of mushrooms. Starting first with leather, MycoWorks’ Fine Mycelium technology can later be expanded into other applications. The plant was made possible through a $125 million Series C funding round in 2021 from Prime Movers Lab, SK Networks, Mirabaud Lifestyle Impact & Innovation Fund, DCVC Bio, Novo Holdings and several strategic customers and investors. With construction beginning in 2022, the project was delivered on-time and on-budget, running the same tray-based mycelium growth system successfully piloted in its California plant yet scaled to 100x the volume.
“As MycoWorks continues to lead in biomaterial innovation, we are thrilled to open this first-of-its-kind facility in South Carolina. This reality is thanks to our team of experienced manufacturing leaders and engineers from the consumer goods, automotive, food, pharmaceutical, and biotechnology industries who have adapted robotic equipment and systems to handle our unique tray-based biomaterials process. In turn, they have enabled the first high-quality mycelium material product at scale, a feat which has never been accomplished until now,” says Doug Hardesty, MycoWorks COO. “We thank the city and citizens of Union for welcoming MycoWorks into its community.”
MycoWorks’ facility uses state of the art robotics, digital analytics, and AI resources to achieve high-caliber quality and supply chain systems for the company’s customers in an entirely new manufacturing process. Using automated guided robots (AGRs), the company has automated 80 percent of its process, enabling MycoWorks’ to reduce handling costs but maintain expert interactions where they are critical for quality assurance, achieving both high quality and low-cost production.
For the leather industry, MycoWorks’ Union, S.C., facility is a breakthrough in supply chain management, providing full predictability, transparency, and provenance of high-quality natural materials while also reducing waste. Grown-to-spec, Fine Mycelium can be customized for thickness, weight and mechanical properties, allowing for an unprecedented level of control of a natural material, previously impossible via traditional agriculture.
Luxury fashion and automotive brands have eagerly awaited this opening to move collection design from prototyping and capsules to full-scale adoption. To date, Fine Mycelium™ has already been applied with great success to product categories from luxury handbags and footwear to vehicle interiors and home furnishings.
For Union, S.C. — population 30,000 — MycoWorks’ investment is reshoring production from an industry that primarily sources from Europe. Union has had a long history in textile manufacturing, and as the region is already home to leading automotive manufacturers, Fine Mycelium™ will allow other industries in the area and globally to closely collaborate on development. This centralization of biotechnology and manufacturing has long been a goal of South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster, a dedicated supporter of bringing cutting-edge science and technology to the state.
“We are thrilled to welcome MycoWorks to Union and have been eagerly awaiting the start of production,” said Governor Henry McMaster. “We are already seeing the growth that this opening is bringing to the immediate and greater communities in the area, including more jobs, housing, storefronts, and overall investments. MycoWorks is a fantastic addition to our portfolio of energy-efficient plants, and we look forward to their long-term impact in South Carolina.”
To learn more about employment opportunities at MycoWorks, visit https://www.mycoworks.com/careers
WILMINGTON, N.C. — September 20, 2023 — PolyQuest Inc. announced today that it will acquire Baker Transportation Inc. (BTI) and should close on this transaction October 1, 2023.
Baker Transportation has grown dramatically since its formation in 1987 and is one of the most dependable asset-based regional carriers in the southeastern United States. Based in Lake City, S.C., Baker is uniquely positioned adjacent to the I-95, I-20, and I-26 corridors which allows seamless access to domestic US distribution routes, as well as the ports of Wilmington, N.C., Charleston, S.C., and Savannah, Ga.
“Although PolyQuest will continue buying freight services from existing freight vendors, the Baker acquisition promotes extreme flexibility in tailoring freight and logistics solutions for both PolyQuest’s and Baker Transportation’s current business partners,” advised John Marinelli, CEO of PolyQuest. “Billy and Leila Baker, along with their sons Michael and Justin, have an excellent reputation in the industry. They will continue to oversee all the transactional aspects of this business and remain fully committed to the existing Baker Transportation customer base today and into the future. Once the transaction is completed, the new entity name will be Baker Transportation, LLC.”
Michael Baker, vice president of Operations at Baker Transportation, commented: “Over the past 20 years, PolyQuest has been a loyal customer of ours at Baker Transportation. We are excited about what the future holds for our customers and employees and our continued growth in the transportation industry. Our primary focus over the last four decades has been to provide safe, dependable, and quality service. These core competencies will remain unchanged.”
SCHWARZENBACH/SAALE, Germany — September 21, 2023 — The comprehensive brand relaunch underlines the course set by the nonwovens maker for a sustainably successful future.
Shaping Sandler – under this motto, Sandler has completely revamped its brand presence in recent months. Now, the refined corporate and employer branding is celebrating its premiere, giving a new look to more than 140 years of expertise in nonwovens production. The color scheme and design elements reflect the goals, values and commitment of the nonwovens manufacturer. A newly formulated purpose positions Sandler as a partner for products that make everyday life more comfortable.
Along with the new brand, the company is also presenting a redesigned website where users can learn about the Sandler Group, career opportunities with the nonwovens manufacturer and Sandler nonwovens and solutions for their specific industries. The coming months will see a continuous refinement of the site, offering a journey into the Sandler product and brand world under the new domain www.sandler-group.com.
Sandler is also implementing the new look for its corporate and employer brand on its social media channels and is looking forward to engaging in conversation with users about the new brand identity, careers at Sandler, topics that move the industry, and about enthusiasm for products that make life more comfortable – with every single fiber.
MIRAMAR BEACH, Fla. — September 20, 2023 — BOTE today introduced the latest addition to its lineup of waterproof bags and packs — the Highwater Belt Pack. Fully waterproof and submersible, the new pack allows adventurers to keep gear and essentials dry and close at hand for quick and easy access.
Constructed from nylon seam-welded construction, this waterproof hip pack/sling features two TRU® Zip waterproof compartments for stashing phones, keys, and other accessories. Strategically placed MOLLE loops, D-Rings, and cam straps allow users to conveniently attach additional equipment to the pack’s exterior. Whether wearing it around the waist or slinging it across the back, the Highwater Belt Pack offers versatility to suit individual preference and adventure style.
Available today in four captivating color options — Black, Seafoam, Verge Camo, and Native Bombardier — the Highwater Belt Pack can be purchased online at boteboard.com, BOTE retail stores, and select specialty retail shops. MSRP: $99
This exciting addition to BOTE’s Highwater bag range complements the lineup of ultra-durable and waterproof packs, including the Backpack, Duffel, Tote, Slingpack, and the recently introduced Hitchhiker Sling.
BOTE Highwater Belt Pack Specs:
Product Dimensions: 10.5″ W x 6.5″ H x 9.75″ D
Main Compartment Dimensions: 10″ W x 6″ H x 3.5″ D
LEONBERG, Germany — September 20, 2023 — Texpasa is a family business whose roots go back to 1978. Through various historical stages such as yarn spinning, circular, and flat-bed knitting, Texpasa has evolved into a state-of-the-art company that knits, dyes, and finishes a variety of textiles for the apparel market. In addition to its first plant in Guatemala City, Texpasa completed its second plant in 2020 at the Michatoya Industrial Park in Palin incorporating knitting, dyeing, and finishing facilities. The original factory is being consolidated into the new facility and the Brückner stenters, the first of which has been in operation since 2007, are currently being moved to Palin with the support of Brückner technicians.
David Franco, maintenance manager of Texpasa, is highly satisfied with the support of the service team: “Brückner builds high-quality machines and offers excellent service. We have known this since the purchase of our first stenter. The support during the relocation of the machines from Guatemala City to Palin also shows us that Brückner is a service partner we can rely on even in the case of big challenges. The machines were carefully dismantled and packed with Brückner’s support. They arrived in good condition and are being reassembled and put into operation without any problems.”
Brückner tenter at Texpasa
A total of seven Brückner tenter frames with vertical chains will be operating in the Michatoya plant from the start of 2024. The latest POWER-FRAME stenter with 10 bays was put into operation in 2022. All Brückner tenters in the Michatoya Industrial Park are counter-construction. Thus, the heating and ventilation elements change the dryer side every 1.5 meters, which leads to an absolutely uniform air admission, i.e. a very homogeneous air quantity and temperature distribution over the entire fabric web width. They offer the highest possible drying performance and process control matched to the fabric quality thanks to the technically mature and proven split-flow ventilation system. This is extremely important for the major sports and leisure brands in which Texpasa supports. Robust and low-maintenance chains, chain bars, and pin bar carriers stand for long service life and low wear. The finishing results are exactly reproducible and overdrying of the fabric during machine standstill is excluded by the air bypass system. Minimal air pressure losses and high-quality insulation result in the lowest possible electrical and thermal energy consumption and thus in low production costs.
Sustainability is important to Texpasa in numerous aspects: The company has allocated capex into sustainable and reusable green energy, e.g. photovoltaics, and biomass, and has planted together with partners 60,000 trees in a biomass forest for the future, thus reducing the CO2 footprint. Another sustainability building block is the wastewater treatment center, with a capacity of up to 100 cubic meters of water per hour. After treatment, the water meets or exceeds all purity regulations.
From left to right: Axel Pieper and Regina Brückner (CEO Brückner), Francisco Solares (GM and Vice President of Texpasa), Juan Niemann (Brückner representative in Guatemala)
Francisco Solares, GM and Vice President of Texpasa puts it in a nutshell: “The Brückner machines perfectly fit our demanding sustainability concept. The quality of the finished fabric is excellent and the stenters impress with energy efficiency and low production costs. We appreciate very much that Brückner accompanies us as an innovative supplier of high-quality textile finishing lines and reliable service partner”. Brückner appreciates this long-standing customer, too: Regina Brückner, CEO says: “As a traditional and highly innovative family-owned company, we attach great importance to sustainability both in our production facilities and in our products. Texpasa is a very good example of how investing in the future, sustainability, and environmental protection can go hand in hand. We are very pleased about this long-standing cooperation and wish Texpasa continued success.”
DORNBIRN, Austria — September 20, 2023 — With more than 550 participants from more than 30 countries, the Dornbirn GFC 2023 was a great success. 125 presentations on the main topics of fiber innovation, recycling, circular economy, sustainability, nonwovens, technical textiles, sports and apparel were presented to the professional audience.
Organizational direction and development
The successful GFC Organisation is very lean and operational lead by Friedrich Weninger as Managing Director and operational ad well as executional driven by Sonja Spöcker.
As Friedrich Weninger gave already in the past signals to step back from his role and responsibilities the upcoming two to three years, there was the proposal made and approved by all the necessary decision- makers of the Austrian fiber institute to Start a recruitment process and look for a successor to orchestrate a soft hand-over process the upcoming years. During the search and selection process Andreas Dorner was appointed in summer 2023 by all necessary stakeholders of the Austrian fiber institute to start first as a Co- Managing Director and during the hand over process taking over lead the next two to three years
Dornbirn GFC takes up the challenges of the textile industry
Left to right: Robert van de Kerkhof, Lenzing AG, Friedrich Weninger, Austrian Fibers Institute, Andreas Dorner, Lenzing AG
“The challenges currently facing the fiber industry require fundamental changes in the value chains. We see new strategic partnerships being formed to take advantage of new opportunities around innovation, circular economy and new business models. The 62nd edition of the Dornbirn GFC shows once again that it is the perfect place for such new partnerships”, said Robert van de Kerkhof, chief sustainability officer of Lenzing AG and president of the Dornbirn GFC. Fritz Weninger, managing director of the Dornbirn GFC added: “That is why we are proud that leading representatives from politics, the energy sector, but also from many companies and start-ups from the entire fiber value chain will come together for three days to exchange ideas on how to accelerate our progress in greening our industry.”
To discuss the challenges of the textile industry in a controversial way, to be inspired by interesting expert presentations from international speakers, and to arrive at sustainable and scientifically based solutions together in the end – this is what the Dornbirn GFC has established itself as a networking platform for over decades.
“For us, it is the conference of the year, where hundreds of ideas for shaping a green future for our industry can become reality.” With this statement Andre Wissenberg, Oerlikon, confirmed the importance and task of the Dornbirn GFC in the textile network.
The opening morning plenary presentation by Dirk Vantyghem, Euratex, Brussels, entitled “The EU Sustainable Textiles Strategy – its impact on the global textile ecosystem” concerns another challenge for national and international producers and suppliers. The European institutions are making rapid progress in implementing the EU textile strategy in legislation. European textile companies are committed to investing in sustainability, developing new circular business models and producing high quality textile products as required by the new legislation. However, for this to happen, companies need a clear and coherent regulatory framework and a level playing field for all companies.
3rd Dornbirn GFC Innovation Days
“The Dornbirn GFC is a great opportunity for innovators to meet the decision makers in the fiber and textile industry. The congress with its focus on innovation and research offers an inspiring environment for high-quality contacts.” The statement from Bjol Frenkenberger, MIR could not be more apt. The young company was one of the participants of the 3rd Dornbirn GFC Innovation Days.
A total of 25 international innovators presented their company and innovations in a lecture in the 4th lecture hall of the Dornbirn GFC. The meeting point of the participants with the professional audience was the Foyer of the Dornbirn Kulturhaus. Forward-looking discussions took place at the respective “touchpoint” of the innovators and new contacts could be generated.
The Innovation Days will take place again at the 63rd Dornbirn GFC 2024. Registration for participation will be possible within the framework of a “Call for Papers” until the end of the year.
Dornbirn GFC Online on demand 2023
Technically it is again possible to offer an online on demand version of the Dornbirn GFC 2023. During the Dornbirn GFC, the presentations will be recorded and will be available online afterwards. The experiences of the last years have shown that this possibility is gladly accepted by the audience. However, the difference to visiting the Dornbirn GFC on site is obvious here. The online platform serves information only.
Personal contacts and the chance to expand one’s network cannot be covered by this format. The visitors of the Dornbirn GFC, who were present on site in Dornbirn, enjoy the access to the online version and can watch the presentations afterwards or catch up on missed opportunities during the Dornbirn GFC.
Dornbirn GFC Online-On-Demand from September 18 – September 30, 2023:
Dornbirn GFC 2023 Opening Ceremony
Awarding of the Paul Schlack Prize
Plenary lectures
Presentation of the 3rd Dornbirn Innovation Days participants
Selected lectures from industry, universities and research institutes
Discussion rounds with the speakers
Videos of the lectures
Download of lectures
For visitors of the Dornbirn GFC online on demand the ticket is bookable on: www.dornbirn-gfc.co
Paul Schlack Prize 2023 Award Ceremony
The Paul Schlack/Wilhelm Albrecht Prize 2023 was awarded to the following innovative dissertations:
Henriette Grellmann, convinced the jury with the title: “Technological development of textile-based actuator and sensor structures for complex deformable adaptive fiber-elastomer composites” resp. The dissertation deals with the development of textile-based actuator and sensor systems for adaptive fiber-elastomer composites.
The 2nd honorary prize was awarded to Tim Höhnemann, DITF (German Institutes for Textile and Fiber Research), Denkendorf. The dissertation entitled: ” Generation of monofilaments with defined cross- sectional shape from polymer melt – Correlation of die layout, polymer morphology and process parameters with the bending behavior” was selected by the expert jury.
The award ceremony was organized and conducted by Frédéric van Houte, CIRFS.
Young Scientist Award powered by Lenzing AG
A jury of experts from the fiber industry and Lenzing AG nominated the 2 winners of the Lenzing AG Young Scientist Award from numerous applications. On the opening day, the prize money of € 5,000 per winner was awarded at the gala evening at Messe Dornbirn.
“Comparing Modal with Recycled Modal”, is the title of the dissertation by Nina Sirén, student at Aalto University. The study compares pre-consumer modal with modal recycled using the Ioncell® process. It examines production methods and estimated resource consumption as well as mechanical properties, namely orientation, tensile strength, elongation and abrasion. Nina Sirén is looking for an internship as part of her studies.
Clara Davis impressed with the paper titled “Advanced Overcoming Bacterial Nanocellulose for New Applications. This study explores the potential of using bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) as a tree-free feedstock for regenerated cellulose fibers. By optimizing production conditions, purification methods, and dissolution/regeneration processes, the study addresses the challenges and highlights the unique properties of BNC with the goal of promoting its use as sustainable bio-based fibers in the textile industry.
Outlook into the future
The Managing Director of the Austrian Fibers Institute gives an insight into the future of the Dornbirn GFC, “The early focus on sustainability, circular economy and recycling made the Dornbirn GFC a very relevant idea and network generator for the fiber and textile industry. The holistic approach by integrating “startups” or even “cross-industry” is now bearing fruit.
Through cooperations and alliances the Dornbirn GFC is gaining more and more traction on a global level. One example is the Dornbirn GFC ASIA. Others will follow, and we see a bright future ahead. As a CEO of a major fiber manufacturer once said, “Come to Dornbirn, this is the best place to learn.”
Information on the 63rd Dornbirn GFC 2024
Call for Papers 2024:
Directly after the Dornbirn GFC, preparations for the 63rd Dornbirn GFC 2024 and the 4th Innovation Days will start. The core topic will continue to be the important area of fiber innovation. According to experience, the interest in the topics of circular economy, recycling and sustainability is unbroken in the submissions. Nonwovens and technical textiles will again play a role at the Dornbirn GFC 2024. The package of topics will be presented in the “Call for Papers” by the end of October. Presentations can then be submitted, as usual, until the end of the year.
Date of the 63rd Dornbirn GFC 2024:
The congress will take place in Dornbirn at the Kulturhaus from September 11 to 13, 2024. 2023 we especially thank the loyal sponsors for their cooperation and support. A special thank you goes to the city of Dornbirn and the state of Vorarlberg for the good cooperation.
STOCKHOLM, Sweden — September 20, 2023 — Key members of TMAS – the Swedish Textile Machinery Association – will be taking part in the forthcoming ITMA Asia + CITME exhibition taking place from November 19-23 2023 at the National Exhibition and Convention Centre in Shanghai, China, with back-up from TMAS representatives, local support staff and agents.
“There is no escaping the fact that China remains the Number One textile manufacturing centre worldwide,” said TMAS Secretary General Therese Premler-Andersson. “We are very optimistic about the appetite for investment now, because China’s recovery from the pandemic has been so prolonged. Despite talk of losing market share in garment production to neighbours including Vietnam and India, China has a number of advantages — a massive domestic market and a highly developed infrastructure and supply chain network. Factories in China cover every possible product needed in the garment industry — from zips to buttons, to textiles and threads. There is a wealth of domestic producers and we still see big potential for further growth.”
Weaving
In the area of weaving, for example, 93 percent of the 114,000 new looms delivered in 2022 went to Asia, according to the latest figures from the International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF), with China the top destination, followed by India.
As a result, TMAS members like Vandewiele Sweden AB (Hall 3, stand D01 in Shanghai) and Eltex (Hall 3, stand A01) have a huge market to address that has been established over many decades.
Vandewiele Sweden AB benefits from all of the synergies and accumulated know-how of the market-leading Vandewiele Group, supplying weft yarn feeding and tension control units for weaving looms to the majority of weaving machine manufacturers. It also retrofits its latest technologies to working mills to enable instant benefits in terms of productivity and control.
Yarn and sewing thread monitoring
With nearly 70 years of expertise in yarn sensor technology, Eltex of Sweden AB has consistently been at the forefront of new product development. Catering to the high-tech transformation of China’s textile manufacturing industry, Eltex has rolled out a suite of intelligent solutions built on a proven robust quality framework. Its EYE and EyETM systems are capable of accurately and efficiently monitoring the movement and tension of more than 1,000 yarns simultaneously. These systems are suitable for various applications and fibre types, including warping, winding, multiaxial weaving and new material applications.
The Eltex EyE™ monitoring yarn tension on a warping creel.
In addition, Eltex sewing tension monitors, such as the ETM422, have been increasingly well-received by customers. This high-precision device can monitor the tension of sewing threads in real time, effectively improving the quality and safety of sewn products. Particularly in China’s rapidly growing automotive manufacturing sector, the ETM422 has seen widespread use to meet the industry’s escalating demands for product safety and quality.
All of these devices and systems are smart, digitalized and capable of seamless integration with higher-level factory systems, enhancing intelligent manufacturing capabilities.
Dyeing and finishing
“Digitalisation, automation and AI have become the key enablers for sustainable gains across the entire textile industry and so much has been achieved in the past few years, especially in terms of automation,” says Premler-Andersson. “One area in which TMAS members are really making a difference right now, is in replacing water and energy-intensive technologies for the dyeing and finishing processes with new digital technologies.”
The TexCoat G4 non-contact spray technology for textile finishing and remoistening, for example, will be showcased in Shanghai by Baldwin at stand C22 in Hall 5. It not only reduces water, chemicals and energy consumption, but also provides the flexibility to adapt to a customer’s requirements in terms of single and double-sided finishing applications. The TexCoat G4 can reduce water consumption by as much as 50% compared to traditional padding application processes.
“We have already seen government policies encouraging factories to reduce their water usage and waste using tax incentives and grants and we expect more to come,” Premler-Andersson observes in conclusion. “This will take time, and China’s market in particular has been geared for many years to large volume production, but Swedish machinery innovators are there to support what is an inevitable transition. We are looking forward to fruitful discussions at ITMA Asia + CITME.”
Posted: September 20, 2023
Source: TMAS – The Swedish Textile Machinery Association
SAN FRANCISCO — September 19, 2023 — Today, nonprofit organization Apparel Impact Institute (Aii) announced its first deployment of grants from its Climate Solutions Portfolio (CSP). This registry of proven carbon reduction solutions for the fashion industry is based on effectiveness, reach, scale, and cost, and represents the first deployed capital from Aii’s catalytic Fashion Climate Fund. These grants are funded by philanthropic contributions from the Fashion Climate Fund’s lead partners including H&M Foundation, H&M Group, Lululemon, The PVH Foundation, Target and the Schmidt Family Foundation, and will provide $250 million to de-risk and accelerate proven decarbonization solutions and unlock up to $2 billion of capital, with a carbon reduction goal of 100 million metric tons by 2030.
The application was designed by the CSP Advisory Council, which is composed of industry leaders: Kurt Kipka, Aii Chief Impact Officer; Linda Greer, Scientist and Consultant; Phil Patterson, Managing Director at Colour Connections Textile Consultancy; Beth Jensen, Director, Climate+ Impact at Textile Exchange; Crispin Wong, Senior Director of Product Sustainability and Environment at Lululemon; Mallory McConnell, Vice President of Corporate Responsibility at PVH Corp.; and Abhishek Bansal, Head of Sustainability at Arvind Mills.
Aii also launched an online platform that will serve as a public, transparent resource for brands, retailers, manufacturers, industry stakeholders, and external commercial financing partners looking to accelerate decarbonization efforts. To be eligible for funding and/or inclusion in the registry, organizations are required to submit high quality, verified data or estimates that demonstrate quantifiable reductions in greenhouse gas emissions around their solutions through Aii’s rigorous, strategically developed intake application.
Climate Solutions Portfolio Grant Recipients
Precision Development’s Leaf Color Charts project uses a low-tech and low-cost methodology to reduce fertilizer application in cotton cultivation, which is the highest emission source in cotton extraction. Farmers compare the leaves of their cotton plants with the colors on the chart and are thereby able to identify the correct amount of fertilizer to apply. The grant funding will be used to deploy these charts in India with training to support their successful use.
Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) Through this project, GIZ will focus on a solar PV installation project in Bangladesh, implementing a comprehensive approach to driving renewable energy adoption in the country’s textile and apparel sector. This will increase factory knowledge, lower development risks, aid implementation, and de-risk renewable energy projects in a market where solar PV installation is currently less mature in its deployment. GIZ anticipates that through the granted project, it will conduct techno-feasibility assessment for 30 facilities over the next three years, help them connect with technical solution providers, and support them in procuring those services to install the Solar PV.
Made2Flow specializes in data gathering and validation through its software across supply chains in the fashion industry for the purpose of environmental impact measurement and reduction. The project aims to add to the functionality of its software the ability to provide automated and customized impact reduction recommendations for the facilities using its software Made2Flow. This will reduce the cost and need for in-person expert visits, thus drastically increasing the ability of energy efficiency to scale in the apparel sector.
BluWin is a high-impact climate solution provider with a mission to contribute to a better world and better quality of life by providing solutions which reduce the adverse effects of the fashion, textile, and footwear industries on our planet and the climate. The organization is taking the Clean by Design framework of best practices that greatly improve facility energy efficiency and rolling it out to Tier 1 and Tier 2 facilities in Bangladesh. It will use a direct-to-manufacturer approach by taking proven energy efficiency solutions to new markets. The CbD program has yet to be deployed at scale in Bangladesh, and implementing it using a direct-to-manufacture recruitment approach will develop learnings for how energy efficiency work can scale in Bangladesh and other regions.
PwC will be implementing its Cleaner Production System project across Tier 2 & Tier 3 suppliers in India and Bangladesh. The project will predominantly focus on Tier 3 facilities (standalone or integrated with Tier 2 and Tier 1), in which raw materials are turned into fibers and yarns, as this is a portion of the apparel supply chain that is relatively untapped and thus has a tremendous amount of energy efficiency improvement potential.
The learnings from this project will be used to scale energy efficiency in Tier 3.
In tandem with the grantee recipient announcement, Aii has launched the Climate Solutions Portfolio online platform. Developed in response to the industry’s urgent need for standardized data to enhance decision-making and supply chain solutions, the platform will serve as a central hub for brands, retailers, industry stakeholders, and external commercial financing partners looking to accelerate decarbonization efforts. The platform includes a registry of Aii-vetted impact programs and incorporates essential reporting capabilities – such as advanced analytics and ROI insights – with the goal of increasing transparency across the industry to ensure the most successful solutions are identified, funded, and scaled.
The development of the CSP platform was funded by philanthropic contributions from Farfetch, H&M Group, Lululemon, The PVH Foundation, Ralph Lauren, and Target.
“Our aim is to provide a tool for the industry to easily identify credible opportunities for carbon reduction with science-based solutions. This platform will allow for greater industry transparency and provide accurate data and metrics, resulting in funding to support these innovations on a global level,” said Kurt Kipka, Aii chief impact officer. “Beyond connecting solutions to funding, the CSP registry will also provide a mechanism for mature companies to connect with stakeholders, regardless of grant status.”
Next Call for Partners: Data-Driven Roadmaps
While the initial submissions for Climate Solutions Portfolio grants included remarkable innovations, the process also demonstrated a lack of reliable data and industry-wide knowledge in two important solution areas: thermal energy and energy storage. Filling this research gap is essential to further identify and scale decarbonization solutions successfully.
Aii’s ongoing commitment to researching and identifying solutions has continued with a call for partners to develop data-driven roadmaps focused on these key topics. Information gathered through this process will lay the groundwork needed to accelerate the investment in — and deployment of — thermal energy and energy storage solutions.
In the latter half of 2024, Aii will be seeking potential grant recipients that focus largely on thermal energy and energy storage. Additionally, solutions providers outside these areas are encouraged to apply now to be part of the registry to gain industry exposure and ease the process of applying for funding in the future.
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — September 19, 2023 — New DENIOS drum spill containment pallets catch spills, drips, and leaks to keep work areas clean and safe, making them ideal for the safe storage of oils, coolants, acids, caustics, and other corrosive liquids. They feature completely sealed, seamless processed poly construction that is 100-percent liquid tight. An innovative design redistributes the weight onto load-bearing channels, optimizing overall capacity. Rugged construction ensures durability against impacts and shocks even, in elevated temperatures, allowing their use indoors or outdoors. Easy-to-clean durable poly materials are UV resistant; they won’t rust or corrode and are resistant to most chemicals.
Sumps have the capacity to meet EPA, OSHA, NFPC, UFC, and other regulations, and are 100-percent tested and guaranteed to be leak-free. Forklift friendly design includes forklift pockets that facilitate secure transportation and loading from all four sides using drum lifters, pallet trucks, and forklifts. Available in 2- or 4-drum capacities, they can be supplied with no grating, a galvanized grate, or poly grating. Manufactured in the USA, they are stocked in DENIOS Louisville factory for immediate shipment. DENIOS drum spill containment pallets are ideal for use wherever dangerous or hazardous materials are used or stored.
MIRAMAR BEACH, Fla. — September 20, 2023 — BOTE today introduced the latest addition to its lineup of waterproof bags and packs — the Highwater Belt Pack. Fully waterproof and submersible, the new pack allows adventurers to keep gear and essentials dry and close at hand for quick and easy access.
