Grafton Apparel Ltd. Enters Into A Definitive Sale Agreement With Stern Partners Inc.

TORONTO — November 20, 2023 — Grafton Apparel Ltd. today announces that its shareholders have entered into a definitive sale agreement with an affiliate of Stern Partners Inc., a Canadian private investment company controlled by Ronald N. Stern.

Grafton will continue to independently operate and grow its retail and ecommerce businesses — Tip Top, George Richards and Mr. Big & Tall — in the Canadian market. Stern Partners is a Canadian investment firm with more than 30 years of experience investing in a diverse range of operating companies, including extensive long-term interests in the apparel industry.

“Across Tip Top and our Big & Tall stores, Grafton Apparel offers unparalleled quality, value, and style that has delivered record results,” says Lance Itkoff, President and CEO of Grafton. “We are the definitive go-to solution for men’s workplace and event apparel as well as the only nationwide chain catering exclusively to the Big & Tall customer. Stern Partners brings us the benefit of strategic Canadian investors who understand the retail landscape and we look forward to leveraging their insight and resources to help us deliver even better value to our customers and enhanced growth for Grafton.”

“The growth of the retail apparel market in Canada has been an area of interest for us. Grafton’s commitment to delivering quality and value to consumers, backed by a strong team, has created a growth trajectory that we want to support,” says Daniel Cairns of Stern Partners. “We are excited to partner with the strong team at Grafton as we turn the page into this next chapter together.”

The transaction is subject to customary regulatory approvals and is expected to be finalized over the coming weeks. National Bank Financial acted as exclusive financial advisor and Davies Ward Phillips Vineberg acted as legal advisor to the Company on the transaction. Norton Rose Fulbright acted as legal advisor to the Purchaser.

Posted: November 20, 2023

Source: Grafton Apparel Ltd.

Patagonia’s Unconventional Holiday Campaign: Alaska

VENTURA, Calif.  — November 20, 2023 — Patagonia is asking customers to “save big” this holiday season. Alaska big.

Into the sea of holiday promotions and rampant consumerism, Patagonia has launched a campaign called “Alaska Needs You.” The goal is to activate the outdoor apparel company’s community to support increased protection for three areas in Alaska: The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, the National Petroleum Reserve-Area and the Brooks Range. Specifically, Patagonia is urging its community—through a short film  (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=enkwXFFHJTY) and advertising campaign launching Nov. 22, and through its stores and Action Works platform—to ask President Biden for the holiday gift of a lifetime: protection for America’s Arctic.

This deal expires soon though: The Reserve comment period will close Dec. 7 and the Range comment period closes Dec. 22. (The comment period to protect the Refuge ended Nov. 7.) To date, concerned citizens have submitted hundreds of thousands of comments, including approximately 30,000 from the Patagonia community. Nothing says “happy holidays” like a Department of Interior comment period!

“The Biden Administration could further protect America’s Arctic and as a result, play an outsized role in saving our planet,” said Patagonia CEO Ryan Gellert. “The opportunity to enshrine protections for the Refuge, Reserve and Range is the result of a steadfast commitment from a diverse and tireless coalition comprised of outdoor recreationalists, Indigenous Peoples, local communities, activists, scientists and key government leaders. Your voice makes a difference and I hope you will submit two comments today. One to protect caribou, wolverines, bears, birds and more on 13 million acres of public land in the Western Arctic, and a second to stop a speculative road that would be disastrous for local villages and one of the largest, undeveloped parks on the planet.”

Patagonia has been supporting environmental nonprofits in Alaska for over three decades. Additionally, the company has launched journals and films, supported policy appeals, and joined lawsuits — all to protect threatened lands and waters and support communities across the state. Just this year, the newly established Holdfast Collective, which receives all profits not reinvested back into the Patagonia, donated over $4 million to various climate and conservation priorities in Alaska.

Patagonia has always avoided Black Friday sales promotions and takes an unconventional approach to holiday shopping. In 2011, the company placed an advertisement with the headline Don’t Buy This Jacket making the case that everyone needs to consume less — businesses need to make fewer things but of higher quality and customers need to think twice before they buy. In 2016, it was 100% for the Planet, when Patagonia donated all Black Friday sales ($10 million) to environmental causes, and in 2019, the company matched customers’ donations resulting in $20 million to environmental nonprofits ($10 million from customers and $10 million from the company).

Lastly, in keeping with business unusual, Patagonia will close all U.S. stores, offices and its warehouse from Christmas Day through New Year’s Day to give employees a break.

Posted: November 20, 2023

Source: Patagonia

Warroad Hockey Co. Partners With Noble Biomaterials To Increase Production Of Its Cut-Resistant, Protective TILO™ Baselayers

SCRANTON, Pa. — November 20, 2023 — Warroad Hockey Co., an innovator in cut-resistant hockey apparel co-founded by NHL All-Star TJ Oshie, today announces its strategic partnership with Noble Biomaterials, a global leader in antimicrobial technology solutions. Warroad and Noble are ramping up production to meet increased demand for Warroad’s TILO Baselayers, the most technical protective baselayer on the market.

Developed with the help of Warroad co-founder TJ Oshie, the TILO Pro Stock Neck and Wrist Top launched in September 2023 to provide players with 360-degree protection around the neck and forearms — two of the most exposed and vulnerable areas on the ice. The base layer features revolutionary cut-resistant technology, Noble’s Ionic+® silver antimicrobial technology with a micro-mesh fabric construction designed to prevent rashes and skin irritation.

TILO’s adjustable neck collar, made with Kevlar and protective foam, helps deflect and absorb the impact of skate blades, sticks, or elbows on players’ necks and clavicles. The built-in, cut-resistant wrist protection is made from flexible Cutlon® and is 15 times stronger than steel. Ionic+® antimicrobial silver technology is interwoven into the base layer, providing enhanced apparel protection against bacteria to reduce odor.

“Warroad has been on a mission to enhance the safety of hockey players across all levels since 2018,” said Jason Olden, co-founder at Warroad. “Cut-resistant protection will soon be something players wear every time they take the ice. Gear with such regular use needs exceptional antimicrobial performance, and that’s why we’ve partnered with Noble to ramp up production and continue to provide players with best-in-class protection.”

Noble Biomaterials specializes in developing advanced antimicrobial fabric solutions for healthcare infection prevention and apparel. Noble’s Ionic+® silver ions are permanently embedded into TILO’s fabric, inhibiting and eliminating growth of bacteria that cause odor.

“As a leader in antimicrobial technology, we’re excited to collaborate with Warroad to bring enhanced innovation to the TILO baselayer,” said Joel Furey, founder and chief commercial officer at Noble Biomaterials. “Our Ionic+® silver gives players advanced, long-lasting protection each time they take the ice, so they don’t have to worry about the impact of bacteria on their performance apparel.”

Warroad and Noble’s partnership comes when the demand for cut-resistant hockey protection is unprecedented. While TILO is trusted by NHL All-Stars including Brock Nelson, John Carlson, Josh Morrissey, Tom Wilson, and more, Warroad aims to give every level of the sport access to premium player safety.

Warroad’s TILO collection is available for purchase in Men’s, Women’s, and Youth sizes at www.warroad.com/collections/tilo.

Posted: November 20, 2023

Source: Noble Biomaterials, Inc. 

Record Visitor Participation And Exhibit Space At All In Print China 2023

CHICAGO — November 20, 2023 — At the recent staging of the 9th All in Print China trade fair in Shanghai, 1,003 exhibitors from the printing and packaging industry from 14 countries and regions, including China, Germany, India, Korea, and Japan, participated in the event. On more than 110,000 square meters, they represented the entire value chain of the sector, including publishing, paper packaging, flexible packaging and labeling. A total of 108,136 trade visitors from 126 nations attended the 4-day event, with 10,164 (10%) international visitors.

“This year marks the 20th anniversary of the All in Print China. This 20-year milestone holds great significance and symbolizes a fresh beginning for propelling progress forward. All in Print China 2023 met its high expectations with a record-breaking exhibition space and the highest number of visitors in the history of the event. This achievement further proves the rapid rebound of the global printing industry,” stated Evian Gu, Division director of Messe Düsseldorf (Shanghai) Co. Ltd.

International buyers came with strong intentions to make purchases. Purchasing demand from domestic companies also rebounded from the first half of the year, resulting in a good business atmosphere at All in Print China 2023, with numerous signing ceremonies, sold equipment, signed orders, established partnerships and potential deals. According to data, the trade fair generated billions of yuan in direct transactions and subsequent collaborations, serving as a significant impetus for the printing industry’s ongoing growth and expansion. Consequently, All in Print ranks among the most important  and productive trade fairs in the printing and packaging industry for networking and conducting business in Asia.

All in Print China took place in nine halls at SNIEC (Shanghai New International Expo Center), with a focus on seven main themes: Digital Printing, Prepress and Digitization, Comprehensive Printing, Intelligent Post-press, Comprehensive Packaging, Innovative Materials and Label & Flexible Packaging Industry. The show featured two specialized zones — Printing Digitization Factory and Innovation Factory, and one special display area — Display on the Achievements of Digitalization of Printing Industry in Yangtze River Delta. The event focused on the digital and intelligent transformation of the printing industry, connecting all aspects of the industry chain ecosystem and provided a platform for scientific and technological exchanges and achievements.

The exhibition halls were packed during All in Print China 2023, with a record number of visitors. This included buyer groups from over 110 domestic printing and packaging associations from multiple provinces, cities, and regions. About 40 international buyer groups attended the exhibition.

Sabine Geldermann, director of drupa, commented: “I am pleased to see that with 20 years development, All in Print China, as a member of drupa, has reached the new record with the largest scale in the exhibition space and visitor number.”

Exhibitors included renowned global brands such as Canon, Epson, Kyocera, Manroland Goss, Dupont, Tesa, DIC Corporation, Toyo Ink and APP as well as  Chinese companies such as Masterwork, Founder, Zenbo, UP Group, Zhongde, Guangming, JMD, Ounuo, Jingang, Fangbang, Shield, Inkj, Cron and Weigang.

During and prior to All in Print China, 38 programs were live-streamed, covering six topics: “Bigshots visit the Show”, Concurrent Forums, Exhibitors Presentations, New Product Launches, Technical Experts Courses, and Matchmaking Sessions for overseas buyers. These events and programs offered trade visitors in-depth technical information and product introductions. So far, the programs have received more than 200,000 views on the website and are expected to have a lasting impact beyond the show.

The 10th All in Print China is scheduled for October 28-31, 2024, at SNIEC (Shanghai New International Expo Center).

Posted: November 20, 2023

Source: Messe Düsseldorf North America

SANTONI Finalizes Acquisition Of Terrot, A Pivotal Realignment Of The Circular Knitting Machine Industry

CHEMNITZ, Germany — November 20, 2023 — Santoni Shanghai Knitting Machinery Co., Ltd., made an appearance at the ITMA Asia + CITME, and is honored to announce that it has received regulatory approval from Chinese authorities for its proposed acquisition of Terrot GmbH, a manufacturer of circular knitting machines in Germany.

The acquisition represents a pivotal step in Santoni’s strategy to advance the circular knitting machine industry. The integration of Terrot into the Santoni ecosystem is projected to increase Santoni’s production capacity and boost its market share, and in conjunction with other strategic objectives, firmly solidify Santoni’s position as the leading manufacturer in the industry, with unrivaled scale, depth of innovation and expertise.

Seeking to meet rising demand for high-end circular knitting products, Santoni has pursued an Ecosystem Strategy in recent years, aiming to unify a highly fragmented industry and enhance innovation, sustainability and digitalization to more effectively meet market needs. The deployment of both parties’ latest innovation practices, textile automation offerings, integrated enterprise services, C2M solutions, and a platform for designers “Materialliance”, will allow Santoni Shanghai and Terrot to connect and bridge demand and offer of circular knitted products, delivering substantial added value to clients.

By incorporating Terrot’s offerings, particularly in the double jersey and jacquard sector, Santoni stands to gain a competitive edge in offering high-efficiency machines known for their superior performance, low maintenance, and cost-effectiveness. Highlighting this shift, Terrot’s patented UCC 572-T will be showcased during ITMA Asia + CITME in the Santoni’s Shanghai premises. This state of the art high-feeder transfer jacquard machine for sports and leisurewear in fine gauges will offer a glimpse into the potential of future collaboration.

“I am very excited about today’s announcement,” said Gianpietro Belotti, CEO of Santoni Shanghai. The acquisition of Terrot, including the reputable Pilotelli brand, will allow us to deliver on our commitment to building a stronger, more consolidated global ecosystem capable of yielding a sustained competitive advantage in the circular knitting machine industry. Looking ahead, we aim to cultivate an even more extensive talent pool and solutions portfolio, creating synergies that empower us to deliver a superior knitting experience to our customers.”

“Today’s excellent news represents the coming together of two outstanding teams,” said Robert Czajkowski, Managing Director of Terrot GmbH. “Santoni Shanghai’s strategic acquisition broadens our global manufacturing capabilities, augments our technological expertise, and strengthens every link along the supply chain, allowing us to offer innovative textile performances to the global market more effectively.”

“We look forward to upholding Terrot’s ‘Made in Germany’ heritage while further growing its strong brand at Santoni,” said Dirk Lange, Terrot GmbH Co-Managing Director. “With our shared passion for innovation and our mutual vision for a more efficient and sustainable textile and apparel industry, we are poised to drive incredible transformation by enhancing the production of superior textile machinery and inspiring customers with fresh approaches to growth.”

Following the acquisition, Terrot will continue to operate under the leadership of managing directors Robert W. Czajkowski and Dirk Lange. Santoni plans to maintain Terrot’s headquarters in Chemnitz, Germany, along with its facilities, brands, and practices.

Posted: November 20, 2023

Source: Terrot GmbH

Orion S.A. Celebrates Opening Of Its Second Plant In China

HOUSTON — November 20, 2023 — Orion S.A., a specialty chemicals company, has celebrated the completion of its first greenfield project — a carbon black plant in eastern China that will supply fast-growing demand in Asia.

The facility in the city of Huaibei in Anhui province will produce carbon black for a variety of applications, including coatings, printing inks, rubber, polymers, fiber and rubber. The site’s two production lines have a total capacity of 70 kilotons per year.

“The Huaibei facility is a huge milestone for Orion. The state-of-the-art plant enables us to better support our Chinese customers with products that are made in China,” Orion CEO Corning Painter said at the November 17 opening ceremony. “Now we can reallocate production lines in the U.S. and Europe so that we can increase supply to customers in those markets.”

Orion’s other plant in China is in Qingdao in the eastern province of Shandong. The facility, built in 1994, produces carbon black grades for tires, mechanical rubber goods and specialty applications.

Painter commended everyone on the Huaibei project team for overcoming the extreme challenges posed by the Covid-19 virus.

“Despite the constant disruption during the worst periods of the pandemic, our employees, contractors and leadership team kept the project on track,” the CEO said. “As always, we put the safety, health and the welfare of our people first, providing nutritious meals, warm beds, testing and medical care. But still, it was the heroic dedication of our team that delivered this project under extremely trying circumstances.”

Posted: November 20, 2023

Source: Orion S.A.

Hologenix Honored Twice In ISPO Textrends Awards

CELLIANT Print

LOS ANGELES — November 20, 2023 — Twice a year ISPO recognizes innovative fibers, fabrics and components that are used to manufacture sports apparel. It should be no surprise that not one, but two innovations from materials science leader Hologenix have scored wins in the ISPO Textrends Fall/Winter 2025/2026 Awards:

CELLIANT® with REPREVE® Nylon — introduced with global textile solutions provider UNIFI®, makers of REPREVE — and CELLIANT Print.

They were both Selections in the Fibers & Insulations Category. With it being the 10th Anniversary of Textrends Awards, more applicants than ever were vying for the recognition that an ISPO Award brings.

CELLIANT with REPREVE Nylon CELLIANT with REPREVE Nylon consists of CELLIANT infrared (IR) technology embedded into REPREVE, the world’s number one brand of recycled fiber. REPREVE creates high-quality fibers made from 100% recycled materials, including post-consumer plastic bottles and pre-consumer waste.

CELLIANT with REPREVE Nylon is strong and durable with great stretch and a silky hand. It is ideal for underwear, stockings, tights/leggings, socks, seamless knits, baselayers and many other categories. With CELLIANT’s ability to convert body heat into infrared energy, improving local circulation and cellular oxygenation, it also provides performance for outdoor/sportswear, outerwear, swimwear among other categories.

This is the second carrier type for CELLIANT with REPREVE, as it was introduced in polyester last fall and won three awards. CELLIANT Print CELLIANT Print makes the natural blend of IR-generating bioceramic minerals more widely available from Hologenix as a printed coating, expanding the uses of the technology. Traditionally, CELLIANT has been embedded directly into fibers, yarns and fabrics. However, for its print applications, CELLIANT fine mineral powder can be easily adhered to many different fabric types as a topical coating, making CELLIANT Print a very versatile and cost-effective solution. Key CELLIANT partners, such as Under Armour with their UA RUSH™ line, and KT Tape with its PRO Oxygen™ kinesiology tape utilize CELLIANT Print. Safe and durable, CELLIANT Print has undergone mechanical testing for wash tests and can be confirmed to last the useful life of the product, for 50+ washes.

“We are very grateful that these important innovations have been honored in the ISPO Textrends Awards,” said Seth Casden, Hologenix CEO and Co-Founder. “CELLIANT with REPREVE Nylon helps brands create offerings that are better for us and better for the earth and CELLIANT Print expands the applications for our IR technology.”

Posted: November 20, 2023

Source: Hologenix, LLC

X-Rite Pantone Textile Color Hub Revolutionizes Digital Color Approval And Specification

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — November 20, 2023 — In fashion, apparel, and home goods, color is paramount, influencing textile aesthetics and customer satisfaction. Achieving the desired colors sustainably and efficiently across the global supply chain has long been challenging for brands and textile suppliers. Today, X-Rite Incorporated and Pantone LLC, global leaders in color science and technology, announced Textile Color Hub, a groundbreaking solution to make digital color specification more efficient, achievable, compliant and sustainable across the design to production workflow.

For most textile brands, color specification is a painstaking and subjective process. In a traditional workflow, brands and designers select colors and send a physical sample for suppliers to match. The supplier creates multiple lab dips and ships the options back to the brand for approval. This cycle can repeat multiple times, leading to unnecessary delays and excess waste that increases the carbon footprint of the textile industry.

“The future of textile color approval and production control lies in a cloud-based, data-driven, digital workflow,” said Pieter Mulder, Global Strategic Account Manager, X-Rite and Pantone. “The X-Rite Pantone Textile Color Hub transforms the way brands and suppliers communicate and collaborate to bring products to market up to five times faster. It paves the way for a modernized, digital approach to specify and approve textile designs while reducing waste and carbon footprints.”

Modern and Sustainable Textile Color Management

Textile Color Hub enables brands to combine their traditional and isolated solutions into a complete digital color workflow to securely communicate and control specified colors and designs. It is an open, cloud-based ecosystem that supports spectrophotometers from X-Rite and other manufacturers.

The brand selects a Pantone color or any private brand color for a new design, and creates a Color Specification Document using a pre-defined template that includes the spectral data for the specified colors, the required DeltaE tolerances, and the illuminants to measure against.

Selected suppliers are automatically notified of a new design through Textile Color Hub and use the Color Specification Document to begin color formulation and the lab dipping process. The platform compares the specified color against the measured best lab dip. Suppliers then submit through Textile Color Hub for digital approval by the brand.

Quantifiable Results

Textile Color Hub offers a smarter, more sustainable solution that streamlines color management. It brings measurable benefits and value to textile brands and suppliers, including:

  • Get 95% of lab dips right the first time,
  • Reduce waste with only one start up and wash up,
  • Reduce Co2 with one dip and zero physical samples, and
  • Improve time to market by 75%.

“Textile Color Hub is used by one of the world’s largest textile and furniture retailers and delivered immediate results for both the brand and its suppliers,” continued Mulder. “It is fast and easy to implement and with a digital color workflow, companies can start production in days instead of weeks.”

For more information about X-Rite Pantone Textile Color Hub, visit https://www.xrite.com/promotions/2023/2023-september/cpg-textile-color-hub-offer

Posted: November 20, 2023

Source: X-Rite Incorporated / Pantone LLC

ZEN50 Wins Gussies 2023 Trophy In Electric Production Boat Category With MEL Composites’ Technical Support And Materials

ZEN50

BARCELONA — November 20, 2023 — The ZEN50, designed and produced by ZEN Yachts, has been honored with the coveted Gussies 2023 award in the Electric Production Boat category for vessels over 8 meters (26 feet). MEL Composites is proud to announce its role in the production of the ZEN50 as the main composite material supplier and infusion technical advisor.

The ZEN50, a zero-emission solar and wind-powered blue water catamaran, represents a ground breaking leap in sustainable boating technology with advanced composites enabling the ability to sail continuously at cruising speeds of 6 to 10 knots, without requiring any fuel onboard.

MEL Composites is supplying the vinylester resins, carbon fibers and Corecell foam for the 50’ (15.7m) catamaran, whilst the two teams, MEL & ZEN, work alongside to define the critical details for the build, including mechanical testing of sample laminates, and specifying the bespoke CNC cut core kits and process set-up for infusion. During the build, MEL technicians are on site at the shipyard, monitoring the infusion strategy and assisting the ZEN team throughout. Combining MEL Composites’ in-house resin infusion expertise, customised raw materials’ treatment and exceptional technical support, ensures the ZEN50’s structure weight remains under strict control, ensuring the new yacht matches its performance and environmental targets.

The Gussies 2023 award is a testament to the innovative stride made by ZEN Yachts with the support from MEL Composites, confirming the leading position of these companies in the journey to create sustainable, high-performance watercraft.

“Winning the Gussies 2023 award in the Electric Production Boat category is a fantastic testament to the exceptional technology and engineering behind the ZEN50,” said Julien Mélot, CEO of ZEN Yachts. “We are delighted to work with MEL Composites to achieve a high-quality build, helping to create environmentally friendly, zero-emission yachts for the future.”

Posted: November 20, 2023

Source: MEL Composites

Active Apparel Group Opens Office In Milan, Italy, Expands Global Presence To Europe

Eimear McDermott, Director of Sales, Europe

MILAN, Italy — November 20, 2023 — Active Apparel Group (AAG), manufacturer of performance apparel for the outdoor lifestyle and active markets, is pleased to announce the growth of their global presence with the opening of a new office in Milan, Italy.

This move will allow AAG to more effectively offer a wide range of forward-thinking solutions to like-minded brands in an evolving European market, including innovative design, supply chain transparency, and mindful manufacturing solutions.

“As demand for more transparent manufacturing increases globally, our end-to-end sourcing, design, and manufacturing services are now more readily available in Europe,” said Paul McCloskey, founder and president of AAG. “This move underscores our dedication to providing all clients with unparalleled product development and manufacturing services, and we look forward to building lasting partnerships across Europe.”

As an ever increasing number of brands embrace social responsibility, and transparency at all levels, AAG is now better positioned to help their European partners reach their goals. AAG continually invests in third party audits, including Gold level WRAP, Sedex, and living wage audits.

AAG provides manufacturing and product development solutions for 37 partner brands, with a focus on technical outerwear, performance athleisure, golf, cycling, swim and activewear.

The Milan office adds to their current array of strategic locations in Brisbane, Los Angeles, New York, and Ningbo, China.

AAG will be attending ISPO in Munich, November 28-30, and their full line of apparel offerings will be on display in booth A1.502.

Posted: November 20, 2023

Source: Active Apparel Group (AAG)

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